Disclaimer: I don't own Mutant X or the X Men. The kids, Evie and other characters are all mine.
Note: Hi! I'm back! As promised we are moving closer to that future we saw before the double wedding of Mulwrays and Kilmartins. This story has advanced to the end of 2010. Without giving away anything there are a few items of interest I should mention. The kids are as follows. Go slow and follow along. Try and remember the jump everyone made into the future when these kids were forced to defend their home. See "Discoveries" for a refresher.
Thomas Summers is 7, Nadene Kane is 6, Bryan Kilmartin is 5, Shawna Mulwray and Mikey and Hannah Logan are all 4 headed to 5. Jimmy LeBeau and Chrissy Summers just turned 4, Anna LeBeau and Katie Drake are 3, Erik Kane is just 3, Tracy Kilmartin is 9 months, and RJ Drake is 8 months.
Important!
In the past I have used italics and wiggly lines to indicate telepathy. Without giving away the plot too soon, I need to explain that I had to change the way I usually differentiate. In this story italics was needed for another reason…you'll see soon…so I have to use (…)for personal thoughts and bold for telepathic communication. I hate to use bold like that but I can't get anything else to carry over properly. I am sorry for this confusion but it is necessary.
I will explain more at the beginning of Chapter 2.
In the interest of understanding and not having all of you think I've lost it, this first chapter will be long compared to my usual 10 pages. Fear not. It is not most of the story. There is much more to come.
Thank you, in advance, for coming back to join me on our adventure. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do.
Redhead2
Impossible
Chapter 1
Adam kisses his wife as he leaves the dinner table. The room is noisy with 5 children ranging from 9 months to 6 years. Content and contemplating, he walks to his office, aware with each step how the noise fades to his back and the quiet calm of his own private thoughts and space welcome him for a respite from the hectic life of leader, husband and father. Pouring himself a Scotch and settling behind his desk, he sorts his thoughts. After a few sips and a few deep breaths he begins.
"Sanctuary, record my private log dated April, 18th, 2011. I'm continuing my entry from last week. The mission outcome was a success. Celia Marks and her son, Jason, are settled in the underground. Jason is being tutored in the use of his mutant abilities by Samuel Jones, one of the best with his gift. I don't foresee any difficulties.
The Kilmartins are all safe and healthy. Tracy's ear infection is cleared up and her overall health is excellent. For as petite as she is, she crawls fast and gets into everything. She got away from me this afternoon. All I did was turn around to get a file. (chuckle) When I turned back she was out the door and half way down the hall. Bryan's reading is coming along. It seems he's got his father's computer savvy, too. I was watching him play a game, yesterday. His hand-eye coordination is exceptional. He maneuvered his character out of a very difficult spot, seeming to anticipate the computer's moves. I think I'm going to try and up his level for tomorrow and see what happens. Jesse and Kitty are healthy. Jesse's DNA has settled after the mutation last month. He's much more comfortable coming out of a longer phase. His lungs don't seem to strain as much.
The Mulwrays are coming back to normal. They'll always feel the loss they suffered…We all will. (bottoms up his drink) Physically, Shalimar is fine, now. The only scars left are the emotional ones. The miscarriage took a long time to get over for her. Being a feral she felt it more deeply than any of us could but…that didn't stop us from feeling it right along with her. The fact that the attack last year caused the miscarriage was heartbreaking enough, but to realize that the beating she took caused her to not be able to conceive again was more than she could handle. I couldn't blame her. We all thought we were going to lose her. Brennan was slowly turning in on himself and pulling further and further away from us. If she hadn't made it…I really think we'd have lost him, too. (deep breath) But, thank God. That's all turned around. They're all active and healthy and happy for the most part.
Nadene and Erik are very healthy as well. Thanks to Jesse's link to the mansion, Nadene and Thomas speak to each other everyday and do homework together. Jesse made it possible for her to attend some classes with him at the mansion in real time, via the computer link. She's only 6. Each time I look at them together, I can't help seeing the young man who came to us right after she was born and told me he'd just asked to marry her. They're inseparable as kids. What am I going to do when they can both drive and fly? (shakes head) Evie is the best thing that's ever happened to me. It's over 10 years and I still look at her, sometimes, and feel as if I'm in a dream. Our 11th anniversary is coming up in 2 months. I have to find out where she'd like to go to celebrate.
Dria called today. She's invited us for dinner next week. It's Charles' birthday. I haven't seen either of them since the holidays. I didn't realize how much I've missed her until I heard her voice.
John is busy setting up the pediatric clinic here in town. He and Evie have worked for a long time to get all the red tape taken care of. Now that all the approvals are through, I know they'll make short work of the construction and opening process.
My work's been all consuming lately. I just finished the modifications to the generator, today. With everything going on in Sanctuary and the need for expanding into the caverns, the generator needed refit. I was able to boost energy output by 68 percent. Now that that's done, additional units can be ordered and they'll be able to work smoothly together. I also checked the back ups. They're functioning properly. I hope they don't get tested tonight. There's a terrible storm brewing off the coast. My notes for my next experiment are all logged and ready. I think I'll begin in the morning after our meeting.
End. Sanctuary, save and back up file."
Darling, I'm sorry to bother you. Erik's been begging for you. I told him he had to wait for you to finish.
It's alright, Sweetheart. I'll be right there. Adam went to tuck his son into bed; an immense feeling of joy and completion filling his soul and spreading a smile on his lips.
After all the kids were settled and tucked soundly and safely in bed for the night, the adults began their evening. "Do you have anything planned for the evening?" Adam asked Evie as they stepped out of Erik's room.
"I was going to make us some tea. I can bring it to you in the lab."
"Actually, I won't be in the lab. I have all my notes ready for tomorrow. I thought I'd spend the evening with you." Adam pulled her into his arms as he watched her surprise.
"Well, that's the best news I've gotten in a long time." She gazed back into his deep dark eyes. The shadows in the hall making them look all the more sensual.
"Really? I thought you were excited about the final approval on the clinic plans." Adam dared as he pulled her closer, lowered his head and kissed her neck.
Evie dropped her head back to give her husband the access he needed to continue his attentions as she responded breathily, "I was…but…spending hours with you…listening to a wild thunderstorm…and the wilder beating of your heart…tops that."
"Don't you think the thunder will drown out my heartbeat?" he pulled back and smiled.
"Not once I start kissing you." Evie dropped her chin and looked seductively back, daring him to dispute the issue. Turning quickly, she grabbed his hand and began pulling him toward the steps. "First, I want my cup of tea."
Adam chuckled at her sudden change of demeanor, and allowed himself to be pulled along.
Kitty and Jesse were mulling over the movie choice for the evening when Brennan came in. "What's on tap for tonight?"
"We're not sure yet," Kitty turned with a smile. "Isn't Shalimar coming? Don't tell me she's left me stuck with the both of you, tonight."
"I'm afraid that's the way it's worked out." Brennan sat in the lounger and extended it to its full recline, a silly grin upon his face. "No. She just went for a quick run outside before the storm hits. She'll be back to rescue you, soon enough." He tossed a small pillow at her, catching it deftly on its return flight.
Evie carried in a serving tray with tea for everyone as she and Adam joined the others in the rec room. After about 45 minutes into the movie the storm had begun and built to its fury. Though they couldn't see the lightning, they could hear the thunder; the last two times it struck very loudly. Deep in their mountain home, with all the equipment running, thunder usually passed unnoticed. Only very loud crashes penetrated safe haven. Another loud crash, louder than the others made Evie and Kitty jump and the men turn a wary eye to one another. As if by some silent agreement all attention turned from the movie. Jesse reached for the remote and muted the sound as Brennan raised his ring to his lips.
"Shal, Baby…aren't you wet enough yet?" His eyes bounced from Jesse's to Adam's when he didn't get an answer. "Shalimar?"
They all sighed in relief when she called back over the storm around her. "Very funny. I was at the top when the storm hit. I'm working my way down. I'll be in soon."
He smiled at the thought of his wife coming in looking like a drenched cat. "I'll have a blanket ready." Relief spread with chuckles as everyone returned to the movie.
Five minutes later their mountain home shook with the force of the next attack of Mother Nature. Evie and Kitty both jumped and instinctively curled in the arms of their husbands; arms which, with equal instinct, closed around them in fierce protectiveness. The men all switched from comfortable relaxation to high alert. After what seemed like an endless few seconds, the crackling ended. The lights went out. Sanctuary was completely…silent.
Maternal to the core, Kitty gasped, her breath sounding equally as loud as the thunder that had just passed. "The babies…"
Blinded in the complete blackness around them, Adam heard her move. "Kitty, wait. Evie's with them." After the initial shock had worn off, he could feel his wife's attentions move to the 5 little ones upstairs.
Everyone sat still in the waiting moments as Evie finished and returned to them. "They all stayed asleep except Shawna. She was about to cry out when I soothed her. It took a little extra effort to calm her feral side but she's asleep again."
"Thank you," breathed a very concerned father. Brennan had been ready to jump to his feet the moment he'd heard his daughter was frightened.
It was that moment the back up generators kicked on. "I was wondering when they would start," Jesse stood bringing his wife to her feet with him.
"I just checked those today. I guess the darkness made it seem like they were taking a while but they actually are working perfectly." Adam also stood and moved toward the door. "We've never needed them to know what the wait's like."
"Thank God," Kitty breathed. "I've never been in a place so black." She leaned her head against Jesse's shoulder.
"I don't know about that," Jesse teased. "I seem to remember a very dark cave someone ran into and needed a lot of help getting out of after a cave in." He chuckled as Kitty humpfed and smacked at his arm.
"Let's check everything out," Adam moved into the hall with everyone close behind. The back up generators only powered essential equipment and enough lights to get around.
"Darling, you don't think the mains overloaded after all that work you put in to them, do you?" Evie asked gently as she held his hand and followed close behind.
"They shouldn't have. It's more likely that lightning struck too close, maybe hit one of the generator vent fans. That would've tripped automatic shut offs. I'll go out in the morning and see if I can find the exact strike, but for now the back ups will give us everything we need."
"Shal?" Brennan activated his ring. "Shalimar, can you hear me?" His face turned darker in the dimness as everyone turned to face him. "Shal," he called a little louder.
"Coms could be out," Jesse offered as he moved to his computer. Tapping keys he sadly negated his thought.
Brennan looked at Adam directly. "She said she was coming down from the top. That would put her right about where the generator vents are." Jesse's key tapping took his attention.
"I can't get a lock on her signal. It's not reading at all." Jesse turned and noticed Evie holding her head. "Evie?" He redirected everyone's attention behind them.
Adam moved to his wife, immediately, when he saw her holding her head as if in pain. "What is it?"
Evie opened her eyes and looked back at the concerned faces before her. "I tried to reach her. I think I found her but…"
"But?" Brennan interrupted her. "Is she hurt? Was that her pain?"
"No, no," she answered quickly to calm him and the rest. "It was mine. Somehow, all I'm getting is…I don't know…It's like static. I thought I had her but then all I could feel was this…whatever, giving me a headache." She looked at the concern in her husband's eyes. "I'm ok, now. I've broken the connection."
"I'm going out there," Brennan turned and bolted for the exit.
An emergency signal caused Jesse to spin around in his chair. "It's reading an intruder…in the caves."
"It must be Shalimar," Kitty breathed in relief only to frown when she saw her husband shaking his head.
"Couldn't be her."
"Why?"
Adam moved to the computer beside Jesse's as he answered. "Because Sanctuary knows all of us; even the kids. It wouldn't read any of us as intruders. Systems are checking out. Jesse, see if you can pull up visuals. Those cameras have a night vision lens. We should be able to see whoever it is."
"I got it."
Everyone moved to stand around him. In the monitor they saw a very wet and bedraggled looking feral, wearily stumbling through the dark cave.
"It is Shalimar," Kitty smiled as she pushed Jesse's shoulder lightly.
"It is," he admitted sheepishly, "but why isn't Sanctuary recognizing her?"
"I don't know," Adam answered as he turned off the repeating intruder alert.
"A power surge problem?" Evie offered.
"Not likely. There are safeguards against it. Add it to the list to check and repair." Adam moved off. "I'm going to check the lab."
"Brennan," Jesse called. "I found Shalimar. She's in the original cave, southern quadrant." (Note: Assuming an East Coast location, Stormking Mountain would have the water and rocks to the east, sand and beach to the north, plateaus on the mountainside leveling out to lead toward town on the west and forest and timberland on the south side.)
"Right. Thanks." Brennan's voice carried along with the sound of the rain around him.
OnceShalimar picked herself up from the place she'd been thrown by the force of the surge of lightning, she headed for shelter from the storm. Her feral eyesight allowed her to get to her destination with little trouble beyond the fear of another lightning strike. As she rushed into the cave she tripped and stumbled her way to… "What?" Standing still, she scanned the back wall. Moving slowly toward it she cautiously put her hand over where she knew an opening to be.
"Shalimar! Thank God." Brennan, drenched from the rain and panting from the sprint he'd just done to make the cave entrance, bent and braced his hands on his knees to catch his breath and steady his pounding heart rate.
Spinning at the sound of his voice, panic gripped her heart as Shalimar stumbled and fell back against the wall. "No! You can't be here! How could you have followed me?"
Brennan furrowed his brow and stood tall as his breathing returned to normal. He began to walk toward her. "Shal, what…" he stopped as she began screaming. Wide-eyed with fear and confusion of his own he stood staring, unable to form a single thought much less words.
"No! Get away!" Desperately looking for an escape, Shalimar searched for the opening she knew had to be there. In her frenzy, she stepped on a stone and twisted her ankle, falling against the wall with another scream.
Seeing her fall snapped his mind into action. Brennan rushed to her side. He tried to help her and check for injury but was only kicked at and scratched as his wife frantically fought his aid.
"What's she doing?" Jesse watched in amazement at the scene on the monitor. "Brennan?"
Hearing his voice around her, Shalimar began screaming, "JESSE! JESSE, HELP ME. HELP!"
Jesse turned a deeply concerned look toward his wife. Without another word or thought he was running. (That's the old construction entrance we closed up years ago,) he thought as he ran toward the wall behind the waterfall.
"Adam, come quick!" Kitty called as she sat in the seat Jesse just vacated. Her eyes were glued to the monitor in disbelief as Adam and Evie ran up to her side.
"What's wrong?" Adam noticed her concern and followed her stare.
"I…I don't know. She started screaming. Jesse took off."
Adam realized the location at once and stepped around the computer stations just in time to see Jesse dematerialize. He quickly moved back to the monitor and saw him rematerialize at Shalimar's side.
Brennan was trying to calm his wife when Jesse appeared beside them. He couldn't understand what had her so upset. All his attempts to reach her were met with counter attacks for no reason.
Shalimar was begging the man before her to leave her alone and at the same time screaming for Jesse to help her. When another set of hands grabbed her from the side she reeled and kicked as she turned to see her new assailant. Realizing who it was, she scrambled toward him ignoring the pain from her injured ankle. "Jesse, thank God. Jesse, I'm sorry," she was speaking almost too quickly to understand. "I'm sorry. I don't know how he followed me. I tried to be careful. Really, I did. I…I…"
Seeing Shalimar wasn't fighting Jesse, Brennan stepped back and wrapped his arm around himself to ease the pain he felt from her attacks. "What the hell's going on?" his voice carrying the full strength of his frustration.
Shalimar instantly reacted in fear to his anger. Grabbing Jesse and trying to hide behind him, she began begging again; this time in a whisper so he couldn't hear. "Please, Jesse. Phase us out of here. Call the others. Let them get him. Please get me away from him."
Jesse turned and looked into her eyes. Whether he understood or not, didn't matter. All he knew was that she was beyond frightened and begging him to help her. He turned to Brennan and saw almost the same amount of fear in his eyes. He stood and helped Shalimar to her feet. Turning back he held up a hand toward Brennan. "Stay here. I'll come back for you after I get her inside."
Shalimar's eyes widened in shock. Could she have just heard what she thought she heard? Could Jesse really turn on her like that? It can't be. No. You wouldn't turn on me. "No! What are you saying?" She pulled away from Jesse and began to step backwards, her eyes darting wildly between the two men. Her heart wrenched at the thought. "You…you can't… you wouldn't…" Just then her heel caught on a jutting stone and she fell backward. Unable to catch and balance herself in the fall, Shalimar struck her head against the wall.
"Shalimar!" Brennan yelled as he ran toward her.
Jesse checked her neck and head by the time Brennan reached them. "She's unconscious. You can pick her up. I'll phase us back." Without another word, they were materializing on the other side, just behind the fountain.
Kitty was rushing toward them. "Take her right into the lab. Adam's already there."
As Adam ran a full series of tests and scans, Evie noticed that Brennan had begun wincing with every breath. "Brennan," she came to his side. "You're hurt. Let me check you."
"I'm fine. Just help Shalimar." He looked down at her and saw the determination in her eyes. Wincing with his next breath he didn't argue as she pointed, insistently,…and silently…to the scan chair.
"Man, she got you good," Jesse commented as he read the scan results, "Two broken ribs and a laceration on your left lung."
"Shalimar only broke his ribs. The laceration he caused himself." Evie shook her head as she moved to his side. "I'm willing to bet you knew your ribs were broken. You picked her up and carried her in here anyway."
"If you weren't already hurt, I'd punch you for being so stupid. I could've carried her in." Jesse moved to his side.
Brennan looked at Jesse for only a second then turned to Adam, intentionally ignoring his friend. "Adam, how is she?"
"Resting now. Evie healed her ankle and the bruise on her head. Physically, she's healthy but her readings are…I don't know…off somehow. I need more time to study them." Adam walked to the scan, Jesse had read. "For now she's asleep and won't wake till morning." Shaking his head he moved closer to Brennan. "I have to agree with Jesse. If Evie weren't here, I'd have a lot of work to do for you and you'd be off duty and in pain for at least 2 weeks. You've made better decisions." Adam put his hand to Brennan's shoulder as the younger man just looked down without defense. "Let her heal you now, then go to bed…in your own bed. You can come back down in the morning. Shal's fine and she won't be going anywhere." He looked around at the faces of the rest of his family. "We'll have a lot of repair work tomorrow. Let's get some sleep and wait out the rest of this storm."
Jesse and Kitty waited as Evie worked her magic on Brennan's injuries. When he was healed, they walked out leaving Shalimar to the quiet of the lab.
Evie moved to her husband's side. "Ok, out with it." She shook her head when he turned to her with raised brow. "I know that look. There's something more than what you're saying."
Nodding he moved to the computers and brought up the test results. "I'm actually surprised the guys didn't call me on it."
"I think maybe they're afraid to. What's wrong?"
"I don't know. She's showing healthy now, except for the residual effects of the concussion. She'll be fine when she wakes up, but…"
"But?"
"Her readings are really off. I tried to match them with her physical from two months ago. They just don't match. Her DNA is different…weaker and I don't know why. I'm going to stay here and run some more tests while she's asleep. You know how antsy she gets when I try to keep her in here." Adam leaned over and kissed Evie's forehead. "You go to bed. I'll see you in the morning."
While all this happened here, something else was happening there.
Shalimar was roused by the rain which continued to fall on her. (Uh, what happened?) The storm still raged though she didn't know how long she'd been out. Quickly, she moved to get back inside. Coming around the trees on a path she knew very well, she stopped short. With a furrowed brow and pursed lips she stared at the sheer rock face that stretched up into the driving rain. (This is crazy. I can't have missed it.) Raising her ring close to her lips she called out to her husband, but got nothing in response. Again, she tried. Again…nothing. She stepped back and let her eyes turn feral to better see in the dim of the storm. At that moment the heaven's opened even more and torrents of rain began to pour. With thought only of getting out of the rain she turned and made her way down and around the mountain. Slipping and sliding, she picked her way around rocks and trees, which seemed determined to rip her to shreds, until she reached the cave. Heading into the opening, she thought of how upset Brennan would be to see her, drenched and cut. (The original construction cave still has surveillance in it.)Once inside she shook out her hair and tried to wipe her face. Instantly, her senses went on high alert and her eyes turned. Stepping back against the walls, into the shadows she watched as two men walked out from a further cave. (This cave was sealed. I was in here last month.) Assured of her right to be there and their trespassing, she boldly stepped out into the open before them. "Who are you, people and what's going on here?"
The two men raised their weapons and took aim only to recognize the feral and stand down, smiling at her. "Shalimar, we weren't expecting you. Go ahead in."
Taken completely unawares by their recognition of her and worried by their lack of fear, she cautiously decided to play along and find out what was happening. Watchfully, she eyed them as she passed to make sure it wasn't a trick. She was thankful that they just went back to their conversation, no longer seeming aware of her presence. As she walked into another cave; one she would have sworn wasn't there, yesterday, she saw a small group of people around a table playing cards. (This is too weird.) Furtherinto the caves she noticed many other tunnels leading in all directions under the mountain. Careful to mentally mark her way, she noticed many of the caves held what looked like supplies, while others seemed to be living quarters. Following the sound of many voices and a few machines, Shalimar wound through and found a larger cavern. Suddenly, a familiar voice called her name.
"Shalimar!"
She turned to face the person she was almost relieved to find…"Jesse?" (But?…it is Jesse. I can feel it…I think. I've got to be dreaming. I must have hit my head.)
Jesse ran up to her and quickly wrapped his arms solidly around her. "Shal, oh Baby."
Shalimar's eyes opened wide as a handsomely long-haired and bearded Jesse kissed her full on the lips. Her mind seemed to go on overload and just shut down. She couldn't think, couldn't speak, couldn't move.
"I can't believe you're here." He released her lips and pulled her head to his shoulder. "Are you ok? The last report I got was awful. What did he do to you?" He moved her back to look at her. Seeing the blood drip from small cuts on her arms and face, he reached to move the clumps of wet hair back so he could better assess the injuries. He quickly thanked a young man who handed him a blanket, which he wrapped around her wet body. "Come near the fire. You must be freezing. Warm up and we'll get you changed. I want to see those cuts."
Mute from the shock and only slightly registering all he was saying, Shalimar just followed along as Jesse led her toward an inviting pit fire in the middle of the cavern. After she sat where he'd indicated, she watched him go off into an adjoining cave, her mind still stuck as she watched his back. When he came out he had a clean towel and a first aid kit. It wasn't until he sat beside her that she was able to barely whisper. "Jesse, what's happened? Where's Sanctuary?"
"Sanctuary?" Jesse was really paying more attention to cleaning the large cut on her face than what she was saying at the moment. "Well, I guess after all you've been through this is a sanctuary for you. Don't worry. You know you're safe here. This cut isn't too bad. After what I'd heard he had planned for you I expected a lot worse."
"What? Who?" She wasn't doing very well in this dream. (I'd better get a grip. If this were a mission, Adam would hand me over to the enemy on a silver platter for losing this much control.)
"Who?" Jesse finally stopped his attentions to her wounds and looked her in the eye. When he spoke next it was low and hard. "I swear if it weren't for your son, I'd never allow you to go back to Mulwray. I go crazy thinking about what he might be doing to you when you're with him."
Shalimar paled as she heard this pure venom coming from his lips.
Jesse met her eyes for only a moment then looked down, ashamed of himself for letting her hear his hatred of the man. He forced a softer tone as he applied a bandage. "Now that you're pregnant, I can't keep doing this. We have to find another way."
"What?" (This is too much. A son? Pregnant? He knows I can't… And he sounds like he hates Brennan. What's wrong with him? What happened?) "Jesse, where's Adam? I need to see Adam."
Jesse sat back and looked at her for a moment then turned and called out, "Hey, Pete."
A young man of about 14, dressed in rags, ran up to them. "Yes, sir."
"Pete, when will Dr. Adam be back?"
Shalimar furrowed her brow at the address.
"I think he said he'd be here next week. I could go out and try to get him here sooner, if you want." The eager young man offered.
Jesse put his hand kindly to the young man's arm. "No, thank you, Pete. That won't be necessary. I'll let you know if I need him."
"Yes, sir." Pete turned and ran back to the game he'd been playing with some friends.
Jesse smiled as he turned back. "He's a good kid."
"Jesse?" Shalimar began but stopped when she saw the sadness cross her friend's … somewhat familiar face.
"Come on. You need to change and get some rest." With a lantern he led her through a side tunnel and into a small cave. Letting the curtain fall over the opening, he placed the lantern in the middle of a table and turned to a small dresser against one wall.
Shalimar looked around suspiciously. This particular alcove seemed to be…his bedroom. A few personal items scattered over the dresser and tables reminded her of his room in Sanctuary. (Before Kitty moved in and cleaned up for him,)was a flash of a thought in the back of her mind. She watched as he reached into a drawer and turned with a dry outfit…one of hers.
"Here. Change into these and we'll get those clothes cleaned and mended." He laid the outfit on the bed and moved off to the side.
When Shalimar saw him begin to unbutton his shirt, her breath caught in her throat. It wasn't that she hadn't seen Jesse undress in front of her before. It was more of the air in the room. For him…this was natural in a very private way. Clearing her throat, her voice almost squeaked. "Um, Jess?" she asked hesitantly, "where's Kitty?"
"Kitty?" Jesse threw his shirt onto a chair and stepped closer to her; only a few steps in such a small space. "There isn't anyone here named Kitty. Katrina is with her family…probably putting her kids to sleep." He gently put his left hand on her shoulder while his right moved further to push fallen hair back away from her eyes.
Shalimar turned her head slightly, having no where, really, to step away. "No. Kitty. Your…your…wife."
With a chuckle, Jesse followed her. "Stop fooling around." He moved his hands around her back and began pulling her closer. "You know there isn't anyone else for me…" he lowered his head, his lips mere inches from hers. "…but you." Sealing his lips against hers he kissed her, holding her solidly against him.
Shalimar knew she had to be dreaming, but why would she dream about Jesse kissing her. She'd kissed him before; playfully, teasingly but never with a full beard and mustache. This was definitely, strange. (Wake up…wake up…Come on…Brennan's not going to think this dream is at all funny.)
Jesse moved his lips to her cheek…along her jaw…then to her neck. "Take these wet clothes off," he whispered his voice deep with desire. "I'll warm you up."
Shalimar almost shrieked as she pushed Jesse away. The embarrassment she felt at that moment she was sure was clearly glowing on her face. "No," she couldn't do more than breathe the word. "This…this can't be. I've got to get out of here." She pushed passed him and quickly ran through the tunnels back to the main cavern. Eyes darting like a feral trapped, she spotted another familiar face. Running up, Shalimar grabbed the woman by the shoulders and pulled her into a hug. "Evie, thank God. I'm so glad to see you."
"Shalimar!" Jesse called as he ran up to them.
Controlled panic setting in, Shal spun, pulling Evie to block Jesse's approach. Ignoring Jesse's pleas, she stared into Evie's eyes. "Evie, what's going on here? Where're Adam and all the kids?"
Evie, shocked at the sudden but friendly attack, glanced back at Jesse then toward the woman holding her arms. "I'm not sure where Dr. Adam is. I…uh…I haven't seen him since last week."
"Dr. Adam? Last week? Evie, the last time you and Adam spent a week apart you were so miserable you locked yourself in your room." Shalimar relayed automatically.
Evie's stance became rigid and she blushed bright red in front of Jesse and the others, close enough to hear. Stammering her defense, she tried to pull away. "What? I…I don't know what you're talking about. I…I…" Working with Jesse in the underground had given her the opportunity to meet and work with the mild mannered scientist on a few occasions. Being truthful with herself but never with anyone else, she had to admit that she did find him very attractive, but that was a secret she kept only with her heart.
Shalimar's senses were on full alert and working perfectly, though her judgment was being severely affected. She could hear and sense the truth in what the woman said but it just didn't make sense. Desperation began to take hold as she tightened her grasp on Evie's arms. "The kids, Evie? Your kids, Jesse's kids, my daughter, where are they?"
"Daughter? Shalimar, I saw your son, yesterday, for his check-up. He's" she glanced sorrowfully at Jesse then whispered, "with…his father…I'd expect."
"Son? No. This isn't right. This isn't right!" Feeling the full force of desperation Shalimar pushed Evie back into Jesse and ran for the cave and the outside of the mountain. The more she heard Jesse calling her back the faster she ran. The storm still raged outside but all she could think of was getting out and…waking up. Racing to another spot she hoped was still there, she made her way to a small shelter to wait out the rain.
TBC
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