Destiny
Chapter 23
Matt glanced at Lucas as they were driving at break neck speed down the highway heading away from Trinity. "Do you really think he would try to perform an abortion on Dara?"
Lucas glanced at him acidly, "Don't you?"
Matt shrugged "I don't know, but with all the enemies you have why are you so sure that he's the one who has her?"
Ben leaned forward and spoke up, "Look, Matt. If you saw his bedroom you wouldn't ask that, he's been after her for ten years. He's obsessed with her, plus we found a copy of her medical file and date book in his office with more photos. I'm like Lucas, why else would he take the equipment that he did?"
Matt nodded his concession to their statements, "All right, but where did he take her?"
Lucas continued watching the road as he stated grimly, "I think I know." Turning off the main road onto a dirt path and stopping the car, he stated, "We'll have to walk the rest of the way in it isn't far."
Hiking the short distance in the woods till they came upon a small cabin, Lucas held up his hand to indicate silence, and then glancing at the other two men inquired, "Do you hear that?"
Both nodded, as they listened to the muffled sound of a motor running like that of a generator.
Lucas glanced at Matt, "That machine does require electricity to make it work, right?" At Matt's nod of agreement, Lucas instructed, "Ben, you circle around back, I'll take the front.
Once Lucas was certain that Matt and Ben were in position he kicked the door in and came face to face with Landrum, who was standing over an unconscious Dara.
Lucas felt the rage welling inside of himself as he saw the man grab a gun from his waistband and threaten, "Give it up! You've lost her, she's mine now, so it's your choice she can either be divorced or a widow."
Lucas narrowed his gaze at the man and focused his energy on the gun to send it flying across the floor. "I'm not in the habit of giving up what's mine."
Landrum's eyes widened with fear, but determination was stronger than fear. Quickly pulling another hypodermic needle from the table he grabbed Dara's arm and threatened, "There's enough in this one needle to overdose, she's already had one injection so this will definitely kill her. If I can't have her, no one can."
Lucas glanced at the needle and sent it flying as well then watched as Landrum turned to flee, but tripped instead as he was startled by Matt and Ben's entrance, landing on the needle lying on the floor.
The look of horror was evident in his eyes as he watched the plunger on the needle depress itself, sending the contents into his body. After a second his eyes closed and he slumped over.
Matt rushed over to check his pulse, then shaking his head he stated, "He's dead."
Lucas nodded then glanced at Ben, "Go radio this in."
As Ben was leaving, Matt checked the equipment, "We got here in time, he didn't use this." Then searching the table he found the a vial and shook his head, "No wonder he's dead, if what was in that needle is what is in here, he shot himself up with morphine."
Lucas, who had gathered his wife close to him, inquired, "Is that what he gave her?"
Matt nodded, "That would be my guess, and as small as she is it wouldn't take much to knock her out."
Lucas glanced down and gently placed his hand on his wife's face, turning it to the other side he sucked in a sharp breath as he stated in hatred, "That bastard better be glad he's dead."
Matt looked up from checking her pulse to see what he was referring to. The right side of Dara's face was swollen and severely bruised, as well as her lower lip being split and covered with dried blood. Matt could see that her arms were also severely bruised.
Lucas placed his hand gently on her cheek with his thumb on her jaw. Gently, he moved her head from side to side, "Dara, baby come on, wake up darlin, it's over. Honey, wake up, please. Baby, open your eyes."
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Dara was trying hard to fight her way towards the familiar voice she was hearing, but not certain whether she was dreaming or not, she wasn't sure if she wanted to even open her eyes. She had dreamed and prayed since the beginning of this nightmare that whenever she awoke Lucas would be there, but so fare that desire hadn't been fulfilled. Trying to fight her way through the haze of drugs she tried to orient herself without much success. Knowing whom she would find standing over her she began regaining consciousness fighting.
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Lucas looked at Matt in concern as he asked, "You don't think that he gave her an overdose, do you?"
Matt shook his head, "No, her pulse and heart beat are too strong. Look, she's starting to come around."
Lucas looked down into her face, she was starting to move slightly and he could hear her whimpering. Placing his hand once more on her cheek he was shocked to see her eyes fly open as she began screaming in panic and flailing her arms, trying to strike out at unseen demons.
"LEAVE ME ALONE, GET AWAY FROM ME!"
Lucas pulled her close to him and caught her one wrist in his hand, holding it gently, yet firmly. "Dara, come on baby, calm down. It's me, Landrum's not here, he can't hurt you anymore." Pushing her slightly away from him he looked into her eyes and instructed sternly, "Dara, look at me honey, it's me, not Landrum."
Dara stopped moving and looked at him in uncertainty, trying to decide whether her mind was playing a trick on her or not. Then, easing her hand from his grasp she timidly reached up and touched his face, not sure she wasn't dreaming.
Lucas recaptured her hand and brought it to his lips, "It's really me, I swear."
Dara realizing she wasn't dreaming or hallucinating began sobbing with relief. "I almost gave up hope." Then, looking at the equipment Landrum had placed nearby she looked at Lucas with panic and horror in her eyes.
Seeing her rising hysteria he shook his head, "It's all right, you're still pregnant. We stopped him in time."
Dara continued sobbing in relief when Ben came in and motioned to Landrum's body as he quietly explained, "The coroner is on his way." Looking in the same direction that Dara had, he asked, "Is she still, you know?"
Matt nodded his head in affirmation of the question.
Ben sighed with relief, then looking once more at the body on the floor he asked Lucas, "Don't you think we should get her to the hospital?"
Lucas, seeing Ben's meaning as he glanced towards the body on the floor nodded, then grabbing a still sobbing Dara in his arms, he headed towards the door, careful to shield her from the sight of the body on the floor.
Once outside, Floyd arrived, followed closely by the coroner. Motioning to the cabin, Lucas continued to the car, Dara had refused to let him go when he attempted to settle her inside so Lucas looked at Matt imploringly, "You'll have to drive."
Matt nodded as he stated, "All right, let's take her to the hospital and examine her."
Dara looked up, still crying. "Just take me home, please."
Lucas, who had settled her in his lap, tilted her chin to look in her eyes, "Honey, we need to get you checked out and make sure that there isn't any kind of damage."
Dara shook her head and muttering so quietly that Lucas had to ask her repeat it, stated, "He didn't rape me, he said that he wouldn't touch me until after he had...had." With that she buried her head in her hands and began crying again.
Matt glanced at Lucas and offered quietly, "The baby seems okay and I think that she needs some rest, plus I don't think the hospital is exactly the best idea at the moment."
Lucas, catching his meaning, nodded his head, "Just take us home and I'll put her to bed."
Caleb and Lucilla threw open the door when they heard the car pull up. Seeing Dara held tightly in Lucas' arms, both sighed with relief.
Lucas, seeing that both were about to start asking questions, shook his head as he headed up the staircase, still holding Dara. Once upstairs he attempted to lay her on the bed so that he could search for a gown to make her more comfortable, but she refused to relax her grip as she beseeched, "Please, just hold me, don't leave me."
Sitting on the side of the bed he continued to hold her as he rocked back and forth trying to comfort her, finally he held her away a bit to inquire softly, "Better now?" Dara nodded silently. Lucas inquired, "Would a nice hot bath help?"
Dara looked at him fearfully, "Will you stay with me?"
Holding her close, Lucas stated, "Yes, I promise I wont leave you, but let me go and run some water and get something for that bruise." Indicating the dark coloring on her face. With that he shifted her from his lap and went to run a tub of water for her, after he was satisfied that their was enough in the tub, he went back to help her undress.
Pulling her to her feet he began unfastening her dress, undressing her as though she were a small child. When he pushed the dress off of her shoulders he was the black bruises across her arms and shoulders, where she had obviously been grabbed much too roughly.
Anger flared anew deep inside of Lucas at the gall the man had possessed to abuse her in such a manner, then regret fro his failure to protect her from this. Pulling her to him he placed his hand across her back and felt her flinch.
Looking down into her eyes he read several things at once in them; sorrow, shame, embarrassment, and pain. Turning her around, Lucas swore aloud, "What the hell!"
Her back was covered with not only bruises but also welts, some of which looked as though were on the verge of bleeding, she didn't seem to have an inch of flesh on her back that wasn't either covered with a bruise or a welt.
Turning her around to face him, he placed his hands on her lower arms, careful of the bruises there as well. Bending down to look in her eyes he inquired softly, "Dara, what the hell did that monster do to you?" Dara lowered her head, reluctant to disclose the events.
Lucas tilted her head u0p to meet his gaze and stated softly, "Darlin, I swear I don't blame you for this it's not your fault. Whatever it is I wont be angry with you I promise, but I want to know what happened." Lucas could see the tears begin to slide down her face, unchecked as she explained.
"He said he wanted me but that he didn't want the baby, and that he wasn't going to wait seven months to take me. He told me he was planning on performing an abortion, I told him he was an insane monster, it must have hit a very sensitive nerve with him. That's when he did this, I curled up to keep him from hitting me in the stomach. That seemed to make him even angrier, I don't know what he made the welts with I didn't care by then."
Lucas, careful of her fragile state, pulled her to him, "Baby, I'm so sorry, God you have no idea how sorry I am."
Dara pulled back and shook her head, "It's not your fault, and we didn't know that he would go this far. Lucas, I don't want you to feel guilty its not either of our faults." With that she smiled sadly, "Could you help me take a bath? And please burn these clothes, I don't want to be reminded of this or of his hands on me."
Lucas nodded and helped her to the tub, then carefully helped her scrub her back, careful of the damage there. Once he had helped her wash her hair and get out of the tub he started drying her off.
Shaking he head at the condition of her back he looked at her somberly, "Darlin, we need to let mama look at this and put something on it, all right?"
Dara nodded, "Anything to avoid going to the hospital."
After Lucas had helped her to dry off he helped her to the bed and instructed her to lie face down. Going downstairs he found Matt still waiting for word. Looking at him he grudgingly thanked him. "Thank you Harvard. I appreciate all you've done for her."
Matt nodded, "Anything I can do, let me know. I want to see her in a couple of days so that we can run a couple of tests and I think it would be a good idea if she took some time away from the hospital."
Lucas agreed, "I was just thinking that myself." Looking at Caleb he offered, "I know you're worried, but she'll be fine and the baby seems to be too. As soon as she's settled you can go see her and I know tomorrow is a school day, but under the circumstances you can skip if you like."
Caleb nodded his acceptance of his father's statement and ventured to the living room.
After Matt had left, Lucas looked at his grandmother, "Mama, I need you to come with me." With that he retraced his steps to his bedroom explaining on the way, he opened the door for her, going over to the bed where Dara lying face down with a sheet across her back.
Sitting on the edge of the mattress, Lucilla drew the sheet back and exclaimed as she saw the girl's back, "Good God child, what did that monster do to you?" Seeing Lucas shaking his head, Lucilla gently patted Dara's shoulder, "It's all right sweetie, we'll get you fixed up in a hurry."
Motioning for Lucas to follow her to her room so that she could gather what she would need, she led the way. Looking up at him she asked, "Is that what that man did to her?"
Lucas nodded, "Among trying to do other things"
Lucilla offered, "You don't need to tell me, Dr. Matt told me everything." Going back to their bedroom, Lucilla instructed, "Lucas, go get a couple of towels, a wash cloth and some peroxide"
Lucilla pushed Dara's long hair away from her face as she asked, "Honey, do you think that you could sit up for me?"
Dara nodded and attempted to maneuver to a sitting position, finally she accomplished the feat albeit with some difficulty, sitting on the side of the bed with the sheet held up to her chest, but leaving her back exposed.
Lucilla took a basin and poured the peroxide in it, then taking the cloth she leaned forward and stated, "I'm sorry Dara, but his will sting, but we need to make sure these welts don't get infected."
Dara nodded, "Do what you have to."
Lucilla dipped the cloth into the basin and gently squeezed the liquid onto one of the open welts.
Lucas took Dara's hand when he saw her eyes widen and noticed how she clenched her jaw tightly to avoid yelling from the pain.
Lucilla sighed as she observed, "I'm sorry hon, but you've got a little infection back here, so it's going to sting." Finally, Lucilla took the towel and patted her back, "There, I think it's all gone now. I'm going to put a little ointment on these places. There isn't much that I can do for the bruises though, I'm sorry."
Dara breathed a sigh of relief when she had finally finished.
As she was clearing away the debris, Lucilla instructed, "I know it's not your habit, but you don't need to wear a gown tonight and try to sleep on your side or stomach, let the air at those places."
Dara nodded and took the old woman's hand, "Thank you, mama."
Lucilla nodded and patted her hand in response, unaccustomed to being show appreciation. Leaving her grandson to care for his wife, Lucilla closed the door behind her. After she was sure she was out of earshot she muttered, "Thank you lord for letting him find her in time."
At Dara's insistence Lucas found a loose robe for her to wear. He had tried to get her to get into the bed but she had insisted that she wanted to see her children, not having been able to for two days.
As soon as she came close to their cribs both babies' eyes opened, knowing instinctively that their mother was near.
Settling herself in the rocker she waited as Lucas handed her first Riesa, then Alex. Holding hem close and placing kissed on both babies she began crying.
Lucas knelt down, concerned, about to take both children.
Dara shook her head, "It's not what you think, they're tears of joy. I just realized how close I came to never seeing my children again."
Lucas placed his hand on her cheek, " That, would never have happened. I would have searched past the gates of hell until I found you."
Dara smiled lovingly at him, "I know, deep down I knew you wouldn't stop until you found me. Thank God it was in time."
Once both were satisfied that their mother was with them once more they were content to simply play until they fell asleep.
Carefully making her way down stairs Dara stuck her head in the doorway of the living room to find Caleb watching a movie. "Any chance I could have a hug?"
Caleb turned around quickly and bolted out of his chair to wrap his arms around her tightly. Pulling back, he smiled till her bruised face, "Are you okay?"
Dara smiled lovingly at him, "I am now that I'm home with my family."
Caleb smiled at her; "I sure hated the idea of losing a mama now that I finally got one." Dara held him close, despite the pain in her back. Embarrassed by his show of emotions, he ran back to the living room muttering about missing his movie.
Dara looked to Lucas who shook his head. Heading to the kitchen she surprised Lucilla who admonished sternly, "Girl, you and that baby need your rest, you should be in the bed."
Dara shook her head, "Mama I just want to enjoy being home and safe and the last thing I want right now is sleep."
Lucilla placed her hands on her hips stubbornly, and then deciding she wasn't going to win gave up and asked her when she had eaten last.
Dara, realizing she hadn't had anything since lunch the day before admitted to being hungry. Lucilla fixed her bowl of the stew she had just finished making. Lucas was relieved to see her finish two bowls of stew.
All three were still sitting around the table talking when someone rang the doorbell, Caleb ran to the door to open it and came up the hallway informing them, "It's just Ben."
Ben entered the kitchen, sheepishly holding his hat in his hands. Motioning to a chair Lucas offered, "Have a seat, Ben. Want some coffee?"
Lucilla sat a cup in front of him as Ben inquired, "How are you feeling, Dara?"
Dara shrugged, "A little sore and extremely glad to be home."
Pinning Ben with his eyes, Lucas came to the point. "What gives Ben? You didn't come by just to see Dara, did you?"
Ben shook his head, and then looking at Dara he apologized, "I hate doing this but I have to ask you some questions to finish up all of the paperwork."
Lucas looked at him in disbelief, "Ben we know what happened, you're not putting her through this again. Let her forget it."
Dara placed her hand on his arm to restrain his temper, speaking softly she stated, "Its all right honey. Let him ask his questions so that we can get it behind us that much faster, I don't want this lingering over our heads. I want it over with."
Lucas placed his hand over hers, "Are you sure?"
Dara smiled ruefully, "No, but I don't want to have to relive this over and over again." Looking over at Ben, "Will there be any sort of a trial?"
Ben, assuming that Lucas had already told her, glanced at him now expectantly.
Lucas, taking his cue, stated, "Darlin, there wont be a trial, Landrum injected himself with an overdose of morphine, he's dead."
Dara nodded in quiet acceptance. Although she was saddened by the loss of a human life, she was relieved that she wouldn't have to continue looking over her shoulder for the rest of her life.
Looking at Ben, she inquired, "What do you want to ask me?"
Ben took out his notebook, and flipping it to the right page began, "We figured out when we searched his apartment and office that he was obsessed with you and I did some checking, we know that he was one of your teachers. Did you know who he was?"
Dara shook her head, "No, not until he told me after he had abducted me, I thought that he reminded me of someone I knew a long time ago, but I dismissed it because of his name and the fact that to be honest I never paid that much attention to him even ten years ago. I only remember trying to avoid him."
Ben nodded, "We know he pre-planned this, we found a copy of your appointment book in his office, plus your medical file. That's how he knew you were pregnant. By the way, how did he get you into his car."
Dara sighed in self-disgust, "My stupidity. I ran out of gas and it was so hot, plus I was nauseous, I knew I couldn't walk a mile in that heat, but I was going to try. He pulled up and explained that he had re-booked to a later flight for Atlanta. I almost didn't fall for it, but he told me he knew that I was pregnant and I didn't need to walk in the heat, plus he apologized for his past behavior and I believed him, like an idiot. So I agreed, he missed the turn for the center and when I said something he pulled over, like he was going to turn around, before I knew it he had snatched my arm and given me an injection. The next thing that I remembered was waking up on a cot in that cabin."
Ben nodded, "He rigged your car to run out of gas, he punched holes in the fuel line. By the way, Ted said he'd have it ready for you in a couple of days. And we searched the cabin and logged everything he had been planning this for a while by the looks of it."
Dara shook her head and looked at her husband, "I didn't know he had been keeping track of me for ten years."
Lucas shook his head, "Don't blame your self I underestimated him too. I didn't think he would go this either. Although when you disappeared I knew he did it."
Dara nodded, "He thought that he had it all figured out, despite the fact that I kept telling him I wouldn't ever want him."
Ben closed his notebook, "That's all I need, Dara. I'm sorry to put you through this but like you said I wanted to put all of this to bed and get it done with."
Dara nodded, "That's all right, Ben. You have a job to do and I understand."
After Ben had left, Dara, with Lucas' help, tended the needs of the twins for the night. After they were asleep Dara decided that she needed to spend some quality time with Caleb, so she called for him from the stairs. When he appeared she asked, "Want to pick a movie and watch it up here with me? I don't think I could handle those stairs again."
Caleb nodded eagerly and went in search of a tape, returning a few minutes later he handed it to her.
"Urban Legend, huh? Well, why not, go ahead and put it in."
With that he opened the cabinet in the corner that held the television and VCR. Coming back he plopped on the bed next to Dara, who had made herself comfortable for the night. Caleb was content to simply sit next to her and enjoy her company while watching the movie. Finally, when it was over Lucas poked his head in the door.
"Movie over with?"
Caleb nodded, putting his finger to his lips to indicate silence, motioning to Dara he whispered, "She fell asleep half way through it."
Lucas nodded, "You can stay up and watch some more if you want or go to bed just don't stay up too late."
Caleb leaned over and kissed his stepmother's cheek, Lucas looked at him disbelievingly, "What was that for?"
Caleb shrugged, "Aint that what you're supposed to do, kiss your mama goodnight?"
Lucas looked at him as he nodded, "Yeah, I just didn't realize that you considered her your mama."
Caleb nodded, "I'd like to, do you think she would mind?"
Lucas shook his head and smiled, "I think that she would be happy about it." With that he ushered Caleb out after bidding him goodnight. Going over and repositioning Dara so that she would be more comfortable, he removed her robe, remembering his grandmother's earlier advice. Satisfied that she would be more comfortable he undressed and climbed into bed next to her. Careful of her back, he gently pulled her close to him and placed a kiss on her cheek, grateful to have her in his arms again.
Dara was running, trying to get away from him again; he was close on her heels holding a scalpel yelling obscenities at her. She could see the door when she tripped and fell, trying to crawl towards the door she couldn't reach; she felt his hand on her back. Turning over and seeing the light gleaming off of the scalpel as he brought it down into her stomach, she started screaming.
Lucas came instantly awake as she sat bolt upright in the bed screaming for all that she was worth.
Quickly grabbing her to him, he shook her a little to wake her up. "Dara, wake up, it's just a nightmare. It isn't real. He can't hurt you baby, wake up." Dara's eyes opened to look into his.
He saw the look of panic and confusion, then recognition and relief. Putting her hands over her face she began sobbing.
Lucas heard the footsteps approach their door, as he pulled the covers over her.
Opening it carefully both Lucilla and Caleb poked their heads in seeing Lucas holding Dara as she sobbed, Lucilla asked, "Did she have a nightmare?"
Lucas nodded his head as he continued stroking her hair while she cried.
Caleb motioned towards her, "She all right?"
Lucas stated, "She will be when she gets this all behind her." Hearing the twins beginning to cry, he looked at his grandmother hopefully.
Lucilla nodded, "You take care of her, Caleb and I will take care of the babies." With that they shut the door.
Lucas sat holding Dara a while longer until she had quieted down. Pulling away from her a little he asked, "You feel a little better now?"
Dara looked at him embarrassed, and then lowered her head.
Lucas hooked his finger under her chin and gently lifted her eyes to his. "You have nothing to be embarrassed about. You've just been through hell and it's normal for you to have a nightmare. So don't feel ashamed. Understand?"
Dara nodded her head and giving up her inner battle, let the tears fall unchecked as she simply laid her head against his chest as he continued holding her.
Letting her get her tears under control, he asked softly, "You want to tell me?"
Dara looked up at him, "I was trying to run and the more I did the farther away the door got, he was right behind me, holding a scalpel. I tripped and couldn't get up, when he turned me over he buried it in my stomach." With that she started crying again.
Lucas held her close and crooned, "Let it out, go ahead you deserve to. I promise I'm not going to give anyone else the chance to ever hurt you again. I'm right here."
Dara looked up at him, "I trust you." Placing her hand on his cheek she stated, "I love you."
Lucas smiled at her and kissed her, careful of her injured mouth, "I love you too. More than you could ever imagine." With that he settled her against him and switched the light off. Holding her close he fought sleep until he was sure she was resting as well.
Lucas had assumed that once she realized that she was safe and at home that she would stop having the nightmares, but after a week of the same routine of Dara waking up screaming, he knew that there was something more to it. It had gotten to the point that she had begun avoiding sleep altogether, which wasn't doing the baby or her any good.
Finally, out of exasperation Lucas became aggravated with the situation. Waking up to find her gone once more, he glanced at the clock and seeing the glowing red lines indicating 1:25 a.m. he swore, "Damn!"
Grabbing his robe out of the closet he headed downstairs after making certain that the twins were still asleep. He knew by the glow from the television that she was in the living room. Coming around the corner her found her curled up in her rocking chair, watching some old movie. Standing next to her chair he knelt down and looked into her darkly shadowed eyes. "Honey, it's 1:30 in the morning, don't you think that you should get some rest?"
Dara looked at him and responded automatically, "I'm not sleepy."
Finally, losing his patience he asked her sarcastically as he nodded towards her appearance, "Oh really, I take it that's just black eye shadow around your eyes then."
Dara looked up at him in surprise, "I haven't been sleeping well."
Lucas shook his head, "No darlin, you haven't been sleeping, period."
Dara looked at him in agitation, "I can't sleep, all right. I can't stand it anymore. Every time I close my eyes he's there with that damn scalpel, I'm sick of seeing him."
Lucas was instantly sorry for his loss of patience, "Baby, he's dead he cant hurt you, ever again."
Dara looked at him sadly, "Don't you think I know that? I keep telling myself that, but every time I close my eyes he's there. You think I like this, I feel like a zombie anymore, functioning on autopilot. I know its bad for the baby and I try to sleep, but he's always there." With that she began crying quietly.
Lucas put his arms around her, tilting her face so that her eyes met his; he decided that if she were ever to find peace he would have to help her the only way he knew how. "Listen to me, all right? Let me help you."
Dara looked at him in surprise, "How?"
He noted the skepticism in her voice but he could also hear the hope there as well. Looking at her solemnly he asked, "Do you trust me?"
Dara nodded, "Yes, but why?"
Lucas shook his head, "No questions, do you trust me implicitly?"
Dara looked at him strangely, "Yes, I always have."
Lucas nodded, "All right then, no questions, just trust me, okay?"
Dara nodded her head, "All right."
Lucas pulled her from her chair and led her to the sofa. Motioning for her to lie down and make herself comfortable he sat on the edge next to her. "Are you comfortable?"
Dara nodded, "Yes. What do you want me to do?"
Lucas held his hands open to her, "Give me your hands and just relax. I'll do the rest."
Dara looked at him in uncertainty, but finally sighed with resignation as she did as he instructed. Once she felt her small hands engulfed in his larger ones she felt instantly secure.
Lucas could sense her relaxing as he asked, "Feeling better?" Dara nodded silently.
Lucas expressed, "Good, now, look at me."
Dara did as instructed, feeling herself being drawn into his gaze; she instinctively tried to fight it.
Lucas tightened his grip on her hands, "No, don't fight me, just go with it. I promise it will be all right."
Believing his words she did as he told her and let go of her resistance, allowing herself to fall further under his influence until she felt as though she were floating in no particular direction.
Finally, she became aware of her surroundings, she was back in the room of her nightmares. Beginning to panic she called, "Lucas, please. I don't want to be here." Searching, she couldn't see him at first, and then finally he was beside her holding her hand.
"It's all right, I'm right here." Turning her in the direction of the door he instructed, "Now watch."
Silently she watched as the door burst open and saw everything that had taken place when she had been found, including Landrum's death. Turing to her husband, she asked, "I don't understand."
Lucas motioned towards Landrum, "Now you know he is dead, he can't ever hurt you again either in life or in your dreams. He doesn't hold any power over you or our baby any more. Do you understand now?"
Dara nodded and turned, watching as Matt pronounced him dead. Understanding that he was now truly dead, she began feeling free once more. Feeling herself being drawn back through the mist she opened her eyes to look into her husbands.
"Do you feel better now?"
Dara nodded, not questioning what had just transpired. She had long ago accepted the fact that she had married a man who possessed many abilities and she never questioned or cared to know about them, she simply accepted them as being a part of what made him who he was.
Looking into his eyes she responded, "Thank you, I feel much better." Then, yawning with fatigue she added, "And very tired."
Lucas nodded and reaching over hit the power on the remote control to turn the television off, then taking her in his arms he lifted her off the couch and made his way upstairs.
Proof of her statement was evident in the fact that she was sound asleep in his arms before he had finished climbing the stairs.
Dara never referred to what had happened between her and Lucas, but she was infinitely grateful for it every time she closed her eyes and was able to find rest without nightmares.
Dara had made the decision that although she would miss her counseling, she wouldn't renew her contract with the hospital. She had discussed it thoroughly wit Lucas and reasoning that with four children, three of who would be in diapers, she needed to devote more of her attention at home. She would still be very active with the outreach center, but for the most part she would concentrate her attention on her family.
Lucas was thrilled with her decision. He had always expressed his opinion that he would prefer her to remain at home, but understanding how much she enjoyed her work, he found that he couldn't deprive her of it.
Lucilla had decided to remain as long as she was allowed, and although Mrs. Carlton was going to miss seeing the children everyday, she was eager for the opportunity to volunteer her free time to the center, which was now up and running.
Dara was in her office packing her things away when Matt stopped in to offer her a hand. "Running out on us, huh?"
Dara looked at him accusingly, "Now don't you start, I'm not running out. I'll still be counseling at the center, but I need to be at home with my family. I have a twelve year old, two babies and one on the way." Touching her swollen abdomen as she referred to the latest addition, "Besides, I want to spend more time with my kids and husband. I have a lot to learn about Caleb, and do you realize the twins are already eight months old? I want their first words to be Mama, not nanny."
Matt smiled, he and Loris had watched in wonderment over the past two years as this woman had worked miracles in Trinity. People were still leery of her husband, but they knew that he had more than a little to do with the change in his disposition, he was still a dangerous, cold, hard man, but he had acquired more compassion and sympathy, something that he had never had before.
They were also grateful for the changes that she had brought in Caleb, they still adored him and he still slept over at their house occasionally, but he now referred to Dara and Lucas as mama and daddy.
Loris admitted to a little sorrow and feeling like she had lost a child, but she had admitted to also being thankful that the child now had a stable family life, thanks to this woman.
Matt nodded, "Well, I'll still get to see you, but the administrator asked me to let you know that your contract can always be picked back up."
Dara nodded, it felt good to know that she had done a good enough job that she was considered such an asset.
Lucas knocked on the door and asked, "Am I interrupting anything?"
Dara shook her head, "No, Matt was just trying to talk me out of retiring."
Lucas shook his head as he addressed Matt, "Not a chance, Harvard. She's going to be a full time wife and mother."
Matt nodded, "I know, I just had to give it a try. Conversations around here are going to be pretty boring without you around." With that he gave her a hug, "I'll see you next week for your ultrasound." With that he left.
Dara shook her head and looked at her husband, "Well, its nice to be wanted,"
Lucas pulled her to him, "You are most definitely that." Grabbing the box she had finished packing he let her lead the way to the car.
Chapter 23
Matt glanced at Lucas as they were driving at break neck speed down the highway heading away from Trinity. "Do you really think he would try to perform an abortion on Dara?"
Lucas glanced at him acidly, "Don't you?"
Matt shrugged "I don't know, but with all the enemies you have why are you so sure that he's the one who has her?"
Ben leaned forward and spoke up, "Look, Matt. If you saw his bedroom you wouldn't ask that, he's been after her for ten years. He's obsessed with her, plus we found a copy of her medical file and date book in his office with more photos. I'm like Lucas, why else would he take the equipment that he did?"
Matt nodded his concession to their statements, "All right, but where did he take her?"
Lucas continued watching the road as he stated grimly, "I think I know." Turning off the main road onto a dirt path and stopping the car, he stated, "We'll have to walk the rest of the way in it isn't far."
Hiking the short distance in the woods till they came upon a small cabin, Lucas held up his hand to indicate silence, and then glancing at the other two men inquired, "Do you hear that?"
Both nodded, as they listened to the muffled sound of a motor running like that of a generator.
Lucas glanced at Matt, "That machine does require electricity to make it work, right?" At Matt's nod of agreement, Lucas instructed, "Ben, you circle around back, I'll take the front.
Once Lucas was certain that Matt and Ben were in position he kicked the door in and came face to face with Landrum, who was standing over an unconscious Dara.
Lucas felt the rage welling inside of himself as he saw the man grab a gun from his waistband and threaten, "Give it up! You've lost her, she's mine now, so it's your choice she can either be divorced or a widow."
Lucas narrowed his gaze at the man and focused his energy on the gun to send it flying across the floor. "I'm not in the habit of giving up what's mine."
Landrum's eyes widened with fear, but determination was stronger than fear. Quickly pulling another hypodermic needle from the table he grabbed Dara's arm and threatened, "There's enough in this one needle to overdose, she's already had one injection so this will definitely kill her. If I can't have her, no one can."
Lucas glanced at the needle and sent it flying as well then watched as Landrum turned to flee, but tripped instead as he was startled by Matt and Ben's entrance, landing on the needle lying on the floor.
The look of horror was evident in his eyes as he watched the plunger on the needle depress itself, sending the contents into his body. After a second his eyes closed and he slumped over.
Matt rushed over to check his pulse, then shaking his head he stated, "He's dead."
Lucas nodded then glanced at Ben, "Go radio this in."
As Ben was leaving, Matt checked the equipment, "We got here in time, he didn't use this." Then searching the table he found the a vial and shook his head, "No wonder he's dead, if what was in that needle is what is in here, he shot himself up with morphine."
Lucas, who had gathered his wife close to him, inquired, "Is that what he gave her?"
Matt nodded, "That would be my guess, and as small as she is it wouldn't take much to knock her out."
Lucas glanced down and gently placed his hand on his wife's face, turning it to the other side he sucked in a sharp breath as he stated in hatred, "That bastard better be glad he's dead."
Matt looked up from checking her pulse to see what he was referring to. The right side of Dara's face was swollen and severely bruised, as well as her lower lip being split and covered with dried blood. Matt could see that her arms were also severely bruised.
Lucas placed his hand gently on her cheek with his thumb on her jaw. Gently, he moved her head from side to side, "Dara, baby come on, wake up darlin, it's over. Honey, wake up, please. Baby, open your eyes."
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Dara was trying hard to fight her way towards the familiar voice she was hearing, but not certain whether she was dreaming or not, she wasn't sure if she wanted to even open her eyes. She had dreamed and prayed since the beginning of this nightmare that whenever she awoke Lucas would be there, but so fare that desire hadn't been fulfilled. Trying to fight her way through the haze of drugs she tried to orient herself without much success. Knowing whom she would find standing over her she began regaining consciousness fighting.
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Lucas looked at Matt in concern as he asked, "You don't think that he gave her an overdose, do you?"
Matt shook his head, "No, her pulse and heart beat are too strong. Look, she's starting to come around."
Lucas looked down into her face, she was starting to move slightly and he could hear her whimpering. Placing his hand once more on her cheek he was shocked to see her eyes fly open as she began screaming in panic and flailing her arms, trying to strike out at unseen demons.
"LEAVE ME ALONE, GET AWAY FROM ME!"
Lucas pulled her close to him and caught her one wrist in his hand, holding it gently, yet firmly. "Dara, come on baby, calm down. It's me, Landrum's not here, he can't hurt you anymore." Pushing her slightly away from him he looked into her eyes and instructed sternly, "Dara, look at me honey, it's me, not Landrum."
Dara stopped moving and looked at him in uncertainty, trying to decide whether her mind was playing a trick on her or not. Then, easing her hand from his grasp she timidly reached up and touched his face, not sure she wasn't dreaming.
Lucas recaptured her hand and brought it to his lips, "It's really me, I swear."
Dara realizing she wasn't dreaming or hallucinating began sobbing with relief. "I almost gave up hope." Then, looking at the equipment Landrum had placed nearby she looked at Lucas with panic and horror in her eyes.
Seeing her rising hysteria he shook his head, "It's all right, you're still pregnant. We stopped him in time."
Dara continued sobbing in relief when Ben came in and motioned to Landrum's body as he quietly explained, "The coroner is on his way." Looking in the same direction that Dara had, he asked, "Is she still, you know?"
Matt nodded his head in affirmation of the question.
Ben sighed with relief, then looking once more at the body on the floor he asked Lucas, "Don't you think we should get her to the hospital?"
Lucas, seeing Ben's meaning as he glanced towards the body on the floor nodded, then grabbing a still sobbing Dara in his arms, he headed towards the door, careful to shield her from the sight of the body on the floor.
Once outside, Floyd arrived, followed closely by the coroner. Motioning to the cabin, Lucas continued to the car, Dara had refused to let him go when he attempted to settle her inside so Lucas looked at Matt imploringly, "You'll have to drive."
Matt nodded as he stated, "All right, let's take her to the hospital and examine her."
Dara looked up, still crying. "Just take me home, please."
Lucas, who had settled her in his lap, tilted her chin to look in her eyes, "Honey, we need to get you checked out and make sure that there isn't any kind of damage."
Dara shook her head and muttering so quietly that Lucas had to ask her repeat it, stated, "He didn't rape me, he said that he wouldn't touch me until after he had...had." With that she buried her head in her hands and began crying again.
Matt glanced at Lucas and offered quietly, "The baby seems okay and I think that she needs some rest, plus I don't think the hospital is exactly the best idea at the moment."
Lucas, catching his meaning, nodded his head, "Just take us home and I'll put her to bed."
Caleb and Lucilla threw open the door when they heard the car pull up. Seeing Dara held tightly in Lucas' arms, both sighed with relief.
Lucas, seeing that both were about to start asking questions, shook his head as he headed up the staircase, still holding Dara. Once upstairs he attempted to lay her on the bed so that he could search for a gown to make her more comfortable, but she refused to relax her grip as she beseeched, "Please, just hold me, don't leave me."
Sitting on the side of the bed he continued to hold her as he rocked back and forth trying to comfort her, finally he held her away a bit to inquire softly, "Better now?" Dara nodded silently. Lucas inquired, "Would a nice hot bath help?"
Dara looked at him fearfully, "Will you stay with me?"
Holding her close, Lucas stated, "Yes, I promise I wont leave you, but let me go and run some water and get something for that bruise." Indicating the dark coloring on her face. With that he shifted her from his lap and went to run a tub of water for her, after he was satisfied that their was enough in the tub, he went back to help her undress.
Pulling her to her feet he began unfastening her dress, undressing her as though she were a small child. When he pushed the dress off of her shoulders he was the black bruises across her arms and shoulders, where she had obviously been grabbed much too roughly.
Anger flared anew deep inside of Lucas at the gall the man had possessed to abuse her in such a manner, then regret fro his failure to protect her from this. Pulling her to him he placed his hand across her back and felt her flinch.
Looking down into her eyes he read several things at once in them; sorrow, shame, embarrassment, and pain. Turning her around, Lucas swore aloud, "What the hell!"
Her back was covered with not only bruises but also welts, some of which looked as though were on the verge of bleeding, she didn't seem to have an inch of flesh on her back that wasn't either covered with a bruise or a welt.
Turning her around to face him, he placed his hands on her lower arms, careful of the bruises there as well. Bending down to look in her eyes he inquired softly, "Dara, what the hell did that monster do to you?" Dara lowered her head, reluctant to disclose the events.
Lucas tilted her head u0p to meet his gaze and stated softly, "Darlin, I swear I don't blame you for this it's not your fault. Whatever it is I wont be angry with you I promise, but I want to know what happened." Lucas could see the tears begin to slide down her face, unchecked as she explained.
"He said he wanted me but that he didn't want the baby, and that he wasn't going to wait seven months to take me. He told me he was planning on performing an abortion, I told him he was an insane monster, it must have hit a very sensitive nerve with him. That's when he did this, I curled up to keep him from hitting me in the stomach. That seemed to make him even angrier, I don't know what he made the welts with I didn't care by then."
Lucas, careful of her fragile state, pulled her to him, "Baby, I'm so sorry, God you have no idea how sorry I am."
Dara pulled back and shook her head, "It's not your fault, and we didn't know that he would go this far. Lucas, I don't want you to feel guilty its not either of our faults." With that she smiled sadly, "Could you help me take a bath? And please burn these clothes, I don't want to be reminded of this or of his hands on me."
Lucas nodded and helped her to the tub, then carefully helped her scrub her back, careful of the damage there. Once he had helped her wash her hair and get out of the tub he started drying her off.
Shaking he head at the condition of her back he looked at her somberly, "Darlin, we need to let mama look at this and put something on it, all right?"
Dara nodded, "Anything to avoid going to the hospital."
After Lucas had helped her to dry off he helped her to the bed and instructed her to lie face down. Going downstairs he found Matt still waiting for word. Looking at him he grudgingly thanked him. "Thank you Harvard. I appreciate all you've done for her."
Matt nodded, "Anything I can do, let me know. I want to see her in a couple of days so that we can run a couple of tests and I think it would be a good idea if she took some time away from the hospital."
Lucas agreed, "I was just thinking that myself." Looking at Caleb he offered, "I know you're worried, but she'll be fine and the baby seems to be too. As soon as she's settled you can go see her and I know tomorrow is a school day, but under the circumstances you can skip if you like."
Caleb nodded his acceptance of his father's statement and ventured to the living room.
After Matt had left, Lucas looked at his grandmother, "Mama, I need you to come with me." With that he retraced his steps to his bedroom explaining on the way, he opened the door for her, going over to the bed where Dara lying face down with a sheet across her back.
Sitting on the edge of the mattress, Lucilla drew the sheet back and exclaimed as she saw the girl's back, "Good God child, what did that monster do to you?" Seeing Lucas shaking his head, Lucilla gently patted Dara's shoulder, "It's all right sweetie, we'll get you fixed up in a hurry."
Motioning for Lucas to follow her to her room so that she could gather what she would need, she led the way. Looking up at him she asked, "Is that what that man did to her?"
Lucas nodded, "Among trying to do other things"
Lucilla offered, "You don't need to tell me, Dr. Matt told me everything." Going back to their bedroom, Lucilla instructed, "Lucas, go get a couple of towels, a wash cloth and some peroxide"
Lucilla pushed Dara's long hair away from her face as she asked, "Honey, do you think that you could sit up for me?"
Dara nodded and attempted to maneuver to a sitting position, finally she accomplished the feat albeit with some difficulty, sitting on the side of the bed with the sheet held up to her chest, but leaving her back exposed.
Lucilla took a basin and poured the peroxide in it, then taking the cloth she leaned forward and stated, "I'm sorry Dara, but his will sting, but we need to make sure these welts don't get infected."
Dara nodded, "Do what you have to."
Lucilla dipped the cloth into the basin and gently squeezed the liquid onto one of the open welts.
Lucas took Dara's hand when he saw her eyes widen and noticed how she clenched her jaw tightly to avoid yelling from the pain.
Lucilla sighed as she observed, "I'm sorry hon, but you've got a little infection back here, so it's going to sting." Finally, Lucilla took the towel and patted her back, "There, I think it's all gone now. I'm going to put a little ointment on these places. There isn't much that I can do for the bruises though, I'm sorry."
Dara breathed a sigh of relief when she had finally finished.
As she was clearing away the debris, Lucilla instructed, "I know it's not your habit, but you don't need to wear a gown tonight and try to sleep on your side or stomach, let the air at those places."
Dara nodded and took the old woman's hand, "Thank you, mama."
Lucilla nodded and patted her hand in response, unaccustomed to being show appreciation. Leaving her grandson to care for his wife, Lucilla closed the door behind her. After she was sure she was out of earshot she muttered, "Thank you lord for letting him find her in time."
At Dara's insistence Lucas found a loose robe for her to wear. He had tried to get her to get into the bed but she had insisted that she wanted to see her children, not having been able to for two days.
As soon as she came close to their cribs both babies' eyes opened, knowing instinctively that their mother was near.
Settling herself in the rocker she waited as Lucas handed her first Riesa, then Alex. Holding hem close and placing kissed on both babies she began crying.
Lucas knelt down, concerned, about to take both children.
Dara shook her head, "It's not what you think, they're tears of joy. I just realized how close I came to never seeing my children again."
Lucas placed his hand on her cheek, " That, would never have happened. I would have searched past the gates of hell until I found you."
Dara smiled lovingly at him, "I know, deep down I knew you wouldn't stop until you found me. Thank God it was in time."
Once both were satisfied that their mother was with them once more they were content to simply play until they fell asleep.
Carefully making her way down stairs Dara stuck her head in the doorway of the living room to find Caleb watching a movie. "Any chance I could have a hug?"
Caleb turned around quickly and bolted out of his chair to wrap his arms around her tightly. Pulling back, he smiled till her bruised face, "Are you okay?"
Dara smiled lovingly at him, "I am now that I'm home with my family."
Caleb smiled at her; "I sure hated the idea of losing a mama now that I finally got one." Dara held him close, despite the pain in her back. Embarrassed by his show of emotions, he ran back to the living room muttering about missing his movie.
Dara looked to Lucas who shook his head. Heading to the kitchen she surprised Lucilla who admonished sternly, "Girl, you and that baby need your rest, you should be in the bed."
Dara shook her head, "Mama I just want to enjoy being home and safe and the last thing I want right now is sleep."
Lucilla placed her hands on her hips stubbornly, and then deciding she wasn't going to win gave up and asked her when she had eaten last.
Dara, realizing she hadn't had anything since lunch the day before admitted to being hungry. Lucilla fixed her bowl of the stew she had just finished making. Lucas was relieved to see her finish two bowls of stew.
All three were still sitting around the table talking when someone rang the doorbell, Caleb ran to the door to open it and came up the hallway informing them, "It's just Ben."
Ben entered the kitchen, sheepishly holding his hat in his hands. Motioning to a chair Lucas offered, "Have a seat, Ben. Want some coffee?"
Lucilla sat a cup in front of him as Ben inquired, "How are you feeling, Dara?"
Dara shrugged, "A little sore and extremely glad to be home."
Pinning Ben with his eyes, Lucas came to the point. "What gives Ben? You didn't come by just to see Dara, did you?"
Ben shook his head, and then looking at Dara he apologized, "I hate doing this but I have to ask you some questions to finish up all of the paperwork."
Lucas looked at him in disbelief, "Ben we know what happened, you're not putting her through this again. Let her forget it."
Dara placed her hand on his arm to restrain his temper, speaking softly she stated, "Its all right honey. Let him ask his questions so that we can get it behind us that much faster, I don't want this lingering over our heads. I want it over with."
Lucas placed his hand over hers, "Are you sure?"
Dara smiled ruefully, "No, but I don't want to have to relive this over and over again." Looking over at Ben, "Will there be any sort of a trial?"
Ben, assuming that Lucas had already told her, glanced at him now expectantly.
Lucas, taking his cue, stated, "Darlin, there wont be a trial, Landrum injected himself with an overdose of morphine, he's dead."
Dara nodded in quiet acceptance. Although she was saddened by the loss of a human life, she was relieved that she wouldn't have to continue looking over her shoulder for the rest of her life.
Looking at Ben, she inquired, "What do you want to ask me?"
Ben took out his notebook, and flipping it to the right page began, "We figured out when we searched his apartment and office that he was obsessed with you and I did some checking, we know that he was one of your teachers. Did you know who he was?"
Dara shook her head, "No, not until he told me after he had abducted me, I thought that he reminded me of someone I knew a long time ago, but I dismissed it because of his name and the fact that to be honest I never paid that much attention to him even ten years ago. I only remember trying to avoid him."
Ben nodded, "We know he pre-planned this, we found a copy of your appointment book in his office, plus your medical file. That's how he knew you were pregnant. By the way, how did he get you into his car."
Dara sighed in self-disgust, "My stupidity. I ran out of gas and it was so hot, plus I was nauseous, I knew I couldn't walk a mile in that heat, but I was going to try. He pulled up and explained that he had re-booked to a later flight for Atlanta. I almost didn't fall for it, but he told me he knew that I was pregnant and I didn't need to walk in the heat, plus he apologized for his past behavior and I believed him, like an idiot. So I agreed, he missed the turn for the center and when I said something he pulled over, like he was going to turn around, before I knew it he had snatched my arm and given me an injection. The next thing that I remembered was waking up on a cot in that cabin."
Ben nodded, "He rigged your car to run out of gas, he punched holes in the fuel line. By the way, Ted said he'd have it ready for you in a couple of days. And we searched the cabin and logged everything he had been planning this for a while by the looks of it."
Dara shook her head and looked at her husband, "I didn't know he had been keeping track of me for ten years."
Lucas shook his head, "Don't blame your self I underestimated him too. I didn't think he would go this either. Although when you disappeared I knew he did it."
Dara nodded, "He thought that he had it all figured out, despite the fact that I kept telling him I wouldn't ever want him."
Ben closed his notebook, "That's all I need, Dara. I'm sorry to put you through this but like you said I wanted to put all of this to bed and get it done with."
Dara nodded, "That's all right, Ben. You have a job to do and I understand."
After Ben had left, Dara, with Lucas' help, tended the needs of the twins for the night. After they were asleep Dara decided that she needed to spend some quality time with Caleb, so she called for him from the stairs. When he appeared she asked, "Want to pick a movie and watch it up here with me? I don't think I could handle those stairs again."
Caleb nodded eagerly and went in search of a tape, returning a few minutes later he handed it to her.
"Urban Legend, huh? Well, why not, go ahead and put it in."
With that he opened the cabinet in the corner that held the television and VCR. Coming back he plopped on the bed next to Dara, who had made herself comfortable for the night. Caleb was content to simply sit next to her and enjoy her company while watching the movie. Finally, when it was over Lucas poked his head in the door.
"Movie over with?"
Caleb nodded, putting his finger to his lips to indicate silence, motioning to Dara he whispered, "She fell asleep half way through it."
Lucas nodded, "You can stay up and watch some more if you want or go to bed just don't stay up too late."
Caleb leaned over and kissed his stepmother's cheek, Lucas looked at him disbelievingly, "What was that for?"
Caleb shrugged, "Aint that what you're supposed to do, kiss your mama goodnight?"
Lucas looked at him as he nodded, "Yeah, I just didn't realize that you considered her your mama."
Caleb nodded, "I'd like to, do you think she would mind?"
Lucas shook his head and smiled, "I think that she would be happy about it." With that he ushered Caleb out after bidding him goodnight. Going over and repositioning Dara so that she would be more comfortable, he removed her robe, remembering his grandmother's earlier advice. Satisfied that she would be more comfortable he undressed and climbed into bed next to her. Careful of her back, he gently pulled her close to him and placed a kiss on her cheek, grateful to have her in his arms again.
Dara was running, trying to get away from him again; he was close on her heels holding a scalpel yelling obscenities at her. She could see the door when she tripped and fell, trying to crawl towards the door she couldn't reach; she felt his hand on her back. Turning over and seeing the light gleaming off of the scalpel as he brought it down into her stomach, she started screaming.
Lucas came instantly awake as she sat bolt upright in the bed screaming for all that she was worth.
Quickly grabbing her to him, he shook her a little to wake her up. "Dara, wake up, it's just a nightmare. It isn't real. He can't hurt you baby, wake up." Dara's eyes opened to look into his.
He saw the look of panic and confusion, then recognition and relief. Putting her hands over her face she began sobbing.
Lucas heard the footsteps approach their door, as he pulled the covers over her.
Opening it carefully both Lucilla and Caleb poked their heads in seeing Lucas holding Dara as she sobbed, Lucilla asked, "Did she have a nightmare?"
Lucas nodded his head as he continued stroking her hair while she cried.
Caleb motioned towards her, "She all right?"
Lucas stated, "She will be when she gets this all behind her." Hearing the twins beginning to cry, he looked at his grandmother hopefully.
Lucilla nodded, "You take care of her, Caleb and I will take care of the babies." With that they shut the door.
Lucas sat holding Dara a while longer until she had quieted down. Pulling away from her a little he asked, "You feel a little better now?"
Dara looked at him embarrassed, and then lowered her head.
Lucas hooked his finger under her chin and gently lifted her eyes to his. "You have nothing to be embarrassed about. You've just been through hell and it's normal for you to have a nightmare. So don't feel ashamed. Understand?"
Dara nodded her head and giving up her inner battle, let the tears fall unchecked as she simply laid her head against his chest as he continued holding her.
Letting her get her tears under control, he asked softly, "You want to tell me?"
Dara looked up at him, "I was trying to run and the more I did the farther away the door got, he was right behind me, holding a scalpel. I tripped and couldn't get up, when he turned me over he buried it in my stomach." With that she started crying again.
Lucas held her close and crooned, "Let it out, go ahead you deserve to. I promise I'm not going to give anyone else the chance to ever hurt you again. I'm right here."
Dara looked up at him, "I trust you." Placing her hand on his cheek she stated, "I love you."
Lucas smiled at her and kissed her, careful of her injured mouth, "I love you too. More than you could ever imagine." With that he settled her against him and switched the light off. Holding her close he fought sleep until he was sure she was resting as well.
Lucas had assumed that once she realized that she was safe and at home that she would stop having the nightmares, but after a week of the same routine of Dara waking up screaming, he knew that there was something more to it. It had gotten to the point that she had begun avoiding sleep altogether, which wasn't doing the baby or her any good.
Finally, out of exasperation Lucas became aggravated with the situation. Waking up to find her gone once more, he glanced at the clock and seeing the glowing red lines indicating 1:25 a.m. he swore, "Damn!"
Grabbing his robe out of the closet he headed downstairs after making certain that the twins were still asleep. He knew by the glow from the television that she was in the living room. Coming around the corner her found her curled up in her rocking chair, watching some old movie. Standing next to her chair he knelt down and looked into her darkly shadowed eyes. "Honey, it's 1:30 in the morning, don't you think that you should get some rest?"
Dara looked at him and responded automatically, "I'm not sleepy."
Finally, losing his patience he asked her sarcastically as he nodded towards her appearance, "Oh really, I take it that's just black eye shadow around your eyes then."
Dara looked up at him in surprise, "I haven't been sleeping well."
Lucas shook his head, "No darlin, you haven't been sleeping, period."
Dara looked at him in agitation, "I can't sleep, all right. I can't stand it anymore. Every time I close my eyes he's there with that damn scalpel, I'm sick of seeing him."
Lucas was instantly sorry for his loss of patience, "Baby, he's dead he cant hurt you, ever again."
Dara looked at him sadly, "Don't you think I know that? I keep telling myself that, but every time I close my eyes he's there. You think I like this, I feel like a zombie anymore, functioning on autopilot. I know its bad for the baby and I try to sleep, but he's always there." With that she began crying quietly.
Lucas put his arms around her, tilting her face so that her eyes met his; he decided that if she were ever to find peace he would have to help her the only way he knew how. "Listen to me, all right? Let me help you."
Dara looked at him in surprise, "How?"
He noted the skepticism in her voice but he could also hear the hope there as well. Looking at her solemnly he asked, "Do you trust me?"
Dara nodded, "Yes, but why?"
Lucas shook his head, "No questions, do you trust me implicitly?"
Dara looked at him strangely, "Yes, I always have."
Lucas nodded, "All right then, no questions, just trust me, okay?"
Dara nodded her head, "All right."
Lucas pulled her from her chair and led her to the sofa. Motioning for her to lie down and make herself comfortable he sat on the edge next to her. "Are you comfortable?"
Dara nodded, "Yes. What do you want me to do?"
Lucas held his hands open to her, "Give me your hands and just relax. I'll do the rest."
Dara looked at him in uncertainty, but finally sighed with resignation as she did as he instructed. Once she felt her small hands engulfed in his larger ones she felt instantly secure.
Lucas could sense her relaxing as he asked, "Feeling better?" Dara nodded silently.
Lucas expressed, "Good, now, look at me."
Dara did as instructed, feeling herself being drawn into his gaze; she instinctively tried to fight it.
Lucas tightened his grip on her hands, "No, don't fight me, just go with it. I promise it will be all right."
Believing his words she did as he told her and let go of her resistance, allowing herself to fall further under his influence until she felt as though she were floating in no particular direction.
Finally, she became aware of her surroundings, she was back in the room of her nightmares. Beginning to panic she called, "Lucas, please. I don't want to be here." Searching, she couldn't see him at first, and then finally he was beside her holding her hand.
"It's all right, I'm right here." Turning her in the direction of the door he instructed, "Now watch."
Silently she watched as the door burst open and saw everything that had taken place when she had been found, including Landrum's death. Turing to her husband, she asked, "I don't understand."
Lucas motioned towards Landrum, "Now you know he is dead, he can't ever hurt you again either in life or in your dreams. He doesn't hold any power over you or our baby any more. Do you understand now?"
Dara nodded and turned, watching as Matt pronounced him dead. Understanding that he was now truly dead, she began feeling free once more. Feeling herself being drawn back through the mist she opened her eyes to look into her husbands.
"Do you feel better now?"
Dara nodded, not questioning what had just transpired. She had long ago accepted the fact that she had married a man who possessed many abilities and she never questioned or cared to know about them, she simply accepted them as being a part of what made him who he was.
Looking into his eyes she responded, "Thank you, I feel much better." Then, yawning with fatigue she added, "And very tired."
Lucas nodded and reaching over hit the power on the remote control to turn the television off, then taking her in his arms he lifted her off the couch and made his way upstairs.
Proof of her statement was evident in the fact that she was sound asleep in his arms before he had finished climbing the stairs.
Dara never referred to what had happened between her and Lucas, but she was infinitely grateful for it every time she closed her eyes and was able to find rest without nightmares.
Dara had made the decision that although she would miss her counseling, she wouldn't renew her contract with the hospital. She had discussed it thoroughly wit Lucas and reasoning that with four children, three of who would be in diapers, she needed to devote more of her attention at home. She would still be very active with the outreach center, but for the most part she would concentrate her attention on her family.
Lucas was thrilled with her decision. He had always expressed his opinion that he would prefer her to remain at home, but understanding how much she enjoyed her work, he found that he couldn't deprive her of it.
Lucilla had decided to remain as long as she was allowed, and although Mrs. Carlton was going to miss seeing the children everyday, she was eager for the opportunity to volunteer her free time to the center, which was now up and running.
Dara was in her office packing her things away when Matt stopped in to offer her a hand. "Running out on us, huh?"
Dara looked at him accusingly, "Now don't you start, I'm not running out. I'll still be counseling at the center, but I need to be at home with my family. I have a twelve year old, two babies and one on the way." Touching her swollen abdomen as she referred to the latest addition, "Besides, I want to spend more time with my kids and husband. I have a lot to learn about Caleb, and do you realize the twins are already eight months old? I want their first words to be Mama, not nanny."
Matt smiled, he and Loris had watched in wonderment over the past two years as this woman had worked miracles in Trinity. People were still leery of her husband, but they knew that he had more than a little to do with the change in his disposition, he was still a dangerous, cold, hard man, but he had acquired more compassion and sympathy, something that he had never had before.
They were also grateful for the changes that she had brought in Caleb, they still adored him and he still slept over at their house occasionally, but he now referred to Dara and Lucas as mama and daddy.
Loris admitted to a little sorrow and feeling like she had lost a child, but she had admitted to also being thankful that the child now had a stable family life, thanks to this woman.
Matt nodded, "Well, I'll still get to see you, but the administrator asked me to let you know that your contract can always be picked back up."
Dara nodded, it felt good to know that she had done a good enough job that she was considered such an asset.
Lucas knocked on the door and asked, "Am I interrupting anything?"
Dara shook her head, "No, Matt was just trying to talk me out of retiring."
Lucas shook his head as he addressed Matt, "Not a chance, Harvard. She's going to be a full time wife and mother."
Matt nodded, "I know, I just had to give it a try. Conversations around here are going to be pretty boring without you around." With that he gave her a hug, "I'll see you next week for your ultrasound." With that he left.
Dara shook her head and looked at her husband, "Well, its nice to be wanted,"
Lucas pulled her to him, "You are most definitely that." Grabbing the box she had finished packing he let her lead the way to the car.