In Death I Am With you
Evelyn Reed grabbed the handle of the frying pan and gave a quick flick of her wrist. The pancake flipped and landed perfectly into the pan. Settling it back on the stove she turned back to the island with the only sink and counter space in the kitchen, washed the remaining dishes and put them away to dry. Atop the shelf next to the refrigerator the alarm went off. Pulling the plug in the water she turned off the stove and the alarm, raced up the stairs and down to her sisters door.
"Cat wake up!" She opened the door and shook her sister awake, " Come on honey, time for school." Dashing into the washroom that connected their rooms, she closed her door.
Quickly pulling out her uniform and into her school clothes. Working the graveyard shift at the restaurant wasn't as hard as people thought. It only meant she slept at different times from everyone else. From eleven in the evening until seven am she worked at Blue Ocean dance club and eatery. From nine until noon she went to class. Then she came home did her studies until two and went to bed. Waking up at eight o'clock in the evening she would make Cat her dinner and then go to work. Cat was old enough now to look after herself and wasn't stupid enough to go out alone after dark. Both of them were all too aware of what happened after dark in the city of Toronto.
There was a knock on her door while Eve was brushing out her earth brown hair. " Yes?"
"Thanks for breakfast," Cat poked her head in and smiled. Her long brown hair was loose and she wore complete black. A loose set of hipster pants and short T-shirt. " Veronica is on her way over with Matt, is that okay?"
"Are you getting a ride with Matt?" Eve stood up from her dressing table and shooed her sister down the hall.
"Yeah, his college is near by and so he offered." Cat paused and glanced at her, " He really likes you, you know that? Maybe you should give the guy a chance?" They walked together down the wide stairs and to the kitchen where Cat finished eating.
"Cat stop trying to hook me up with people." Eve was sharp when she spoke. This was an old argument for them. " For one, I have no interest in day people and for two I have no time for them."
"Day people..."Cat shook her head, " For crying out loud Eve you make it sound like your not human. I am sure there are some nice guys out there who are night dwellers like you."
"Nice people don't work my kind of hours and live my kind of life. Now please stop it and just leave me alone. I respect you and I would hope you would do the same for me."
Cat shrugged, " I just thing you would be happy with someone to share your life with."
Eve paused as she was washing the pan and looked at her sister. " What did you say that for?"
"I know you work the late- late hours because it's your way of hiding. You refuse the daylight because you are afraid of being normal." Cat watched her sister with serious gray-blue eyes. " You blame yourself for mom's death, even after five years."
Pushing her hands into the water to hide the clench fists, Eve took a few deep breaths and told herself to relax. " Matt should be here any minute, finished getting ready."
Cat went to the living room that was only five paces from the kitchen. Their loft was spacious and old with brick walls and a ceiling full of windows. The original stairs and floor were still in the place, with an undated kitchen and bathroom. Eve watched as her sister crouched down in front of the DVD system and took out Matt's disc. He had loaned them his collection of Disney DVD films. They owned a high-end system because their mother had known people, but Eve refused to buy things to watch in it. She hated even looking at the system and wished she could throw it out. But it was all Cat had to keep herself occupied in the evenings and it made her sister happy.
Two sharp knocks came on the door jarring Eve out of her thoughts. She wiped her hands on a towel a she crossed the floor to the door. Looking through the peep hole she saw Matt and sighed. He was raven haired and blue eyed with a decent personality and a wonderful charm. He was a generally nice guy with a good head on his shoulders. Opening the door would mean she would have to smile and act pleasant while looking at his Gucci clothes. If there was one thing she didn't like about Mathew and Veronica Rock it was their wealth. Generally they were very good about not flaunting it. But there were moments when it showed through like a diamond bright flare. She had a feeling that this morning would be one of those flares.
Pulling herself into a welcoming deamnor she opened the door and smiled. Matt was handsome and even somewhat likable, he was just too glossy for her. " Morning Matt."
"Hello Eve" He asked in that smooth voice that all private education boys have. " How's school?"
"Good." She smiled and waved him in, "Cat's almost ready."
Matt stood just inside the loft and put his hands in his coat. Casting his eyes around in a familiar gesture. " Those are new," He nodded to the black drapes Eve had had installed over the windows. " A bit dark though."
Eve shrugged, " They are retractable." She forced her tone to stay level and polite.
Cat sprang to her feet and ran over, throwing herself into his arms and shouting for joy. Eve shook her head as she returned to the kitchen, while she cleared the table Cat chatted brightly. As she passed by the alarm clock she caught sight of the time and cursed softly. Leaving the dishes in the sink she hurried up to her room, grabbed her bag and ran back down.
"Cat I have to go, dinner is in the fridge so just throw it in the microwave. Make sure you have your laundry ready for tomorrow." Shrugging on her coat she grabbed her keys for the holder by the door and paused. " Have a good day."
Throwing open the door she hurried out, " Eve wait!"
She turned and saw Matt come out holding her bag, " Can I offer you a ride?"
Thinking of her beat up old Toyota made Eve shudder, it had been giving her a lot of trouble these last few days.
"We are going to the same place after all." Matt came forward holding her bag out as if it would protect him. " Please?"
Eve was about to say no but caught sight of her sister. Cat was looking at her with gray-blue eyes full of hope. If she said no, what type of impression would that leave on her? "Sure I guess."
Taking the elevator down to the main floor allowed Cat to continue her one sided discussion. Matt nodded and smiled while he gave his attention to Eve. She tried her best to ignore him and refused to acknowledge the stirrings in her gut. There was nothing between them and she would keep it that way.
Stepping out into the early morning light of Toronto rocked Eve to her socks. She rarely saw daylight and was always taken back by its glare. As she followed her sister and Matt to the street her attention was caught by how many people were around. They all looked fresh and happy, like flowers. She felt like a rock; sluggish, gray and totally cold. There was no way her body was made to function in the daytime hours.
"WOW!" Cat exclaimed bringing her sister back to the present. "Is that what I think it is?"
Matt chuckled softly, " It was a birthday present." He glanced at Eve as she eyed his sparkling new Mercedes Benz. She had read about them in the auto digest magazines; the latest and best in the line, for sale in a limited number and the price tag hurt just to think about. A shudder was working its way up her spine as she gazed at the flashy car.
"Nice," was all she said as he opened the doors, one for her and one for Cat. Her sister climbed into the leather of the backseat and grinned happily. Veronica peeked out from the back seat and waved at her.
"Morning Eve."
Eve clenched her teeth and sat in the front seat. "Hi Ronnie."
They drove to Cat's school with Ronnie and Cat constantly sharing stories. It would have been okay had she not been so angry. Getting in this car had broken her one unbreakable rule. Eve clutched her bag to keep herself from going hysterical. Too many memories came at her all at once from every side and she was drowning in them. Pulling in deep breaths kept her from passing out from the tension in her body as she sat next to Matt.
"So are you ready for the exams?" He asked lightly as they pulled to a stop behind a minivan.
Eve nodded keeping quiet.
Matt glanced at her once. " Something the matter?"
She shook her head and stared hard out the window. Cat's school was an average public school with a large field behind a building constructed in the 1950's. There had been updates like a computer lab and a state of the art security to keep the kids safe. But from the outside it looked old and weary, just like she felt. There were kids getting off the bus or talking with their friends. It was a regular junior high scene on a regular Monday morning. So why did she feel so queasy about letting Cat go? Matt pulled up behind the bus and turned in his seat looking at the two girls.
"Now listen, I will be here to pick the both of you up at three o'clock sharp. So Ronnie, Cat, what does that mean?"
Ronnie rolled her eyes, "We stay inside the building until you arrive. Matt we know all that stuff now just relax."
Eve watched her sister get out of the car and run up to her friends. They were glancing at the car and whispering, no doubt about her. Ronnie joined them and the girls trooped off to join a larger circle of girls. Eve had hated junior high, she had never fit in and then for her mother to get murdered didn't help the matter. Kids had teased her about it until she had resorted to the only course she could. Eve had attacked them and beaten the words out of them. Her actions would have sent her to juvenile court accept that the lawyer and plead temporary insanity. Which was entirely understandable. She had witnessed the brutal murder of her mother by her sugar daddy pimp/boyfriend. Still the dark clouds of her younger days lingered like heavy weights. Pulling her eyes off the scene she breathed in deeply and shook her head.
"Evelyn?"
Looking over at Matt she was surprised to find them at the college already. She moved to get out when he touched her arm. Anger went through her but she controlled it. "Yes Matt?"
" I know that....Can I do anything to make things easier for you?" He asked in a slightly stiff tone. " I can see the stress that living this kind of life has on you. Perhaps I can speak to my father about working out your record."
Eve turned back in her seat and stared at him. " You mean whitewashing the fact that I crippled two boys because I went crazy?" her tone was hot with anger and he flinched a little. " Matt I don't need people to pity anymore then they do already."
"It's not pity." He said and looked into her eyes. " I have feelings for you Eve and I want to look after you and Cat." He paused again. " I know how you feel about rich people but I can't help who I am or what I come from. I worry about you."
She felt her lips curl into a cold smile. " Why?"
"Because I love you." He reached into his coat and pulled out a box. The ring that was inside was brilliant and clear with a million rainbows in each of the three diamonds. The platinum band shone with fresh radiance. "Marry me?"
Surprise sparked through her body and she found herself at a loss for words. Taking a very deep breath she found herself partially unable to speak. " Matt...I appreciate the thought but really I don't....It wouldn't be good."
"Why not?" He asked honestly, " Cat would have a family and you would have security."
Shaking her head, " We are totally different people. You are full of daylight and school and golden dreams. I am a night person, I work the graveyard shift and know what the shadows hold. Black plus white would not make a good gray in this case. Besides, you deserve someone who can accept and fully love you."
"You can't do that?" He asked, his tone was tight as if he were going to cry.
Eve stared into his eyes, " No I can't."
Getting out of the car she closed the door and ran across the street. She told herself the tears were not because of him but because of the non-existent wind. Running into her classes she found her desk and closed her eyes. Insider her was a battle that caused physical pain. Half of her wanted to run back to him and say yes and let him take care of her. The other half knew it was impossible. She was not capable of ever loving Matt the way he deserved. She could not give him what a wife was expected to give. There was just absolutely no way her heart would ever be touched by anyone, let alone give herself over to one person for the rest of time.
**
Arriving at work at just after half past ten Eve stashed her stuff in her locker and pulled back her hair. Reaching in she pulled on her work shirt and let out a sigh. Her mind had been tripping over its self all afternoon and she hadn't slept well. Why had he done that to her? Had she ever indicated that she was interested? Hell they hadn't even gone on a single date and he had popped the question. Damn it. Her hand slammed her locker shut and she stalked into the clock in area.
"Hey there Eve, you look a little paler then usual." Remarked Brent, the night line cook. He watched her closely as she grabbed her card. " Something happen at school?"
"Yeah, a multi-millionaire proposed to me and I turned him down." She stuffed her card into the machine until it made a heavy crunch sound. Yanking her card out she jammed into back into the right place and glared at next week's schedule.
Brent gaped at her, " You turned him down? What the hell is wrong with you?"
"I know what it's like to live as a slave to someone one. Had I accepted I would have been subjecting myself to that life." Eve ran her fingers over the buttons on her chef's coat. "I have enough to worry about Brent. I didn't want to be miserable for the rest of my life, just to have money."
He blinked once and shrugged, " Okay, but I still think you are a bit crazed."
She watched him as Brent went back on shift, " You aren't the only one." She muttered and shook her head. Eleven o'clock had come and it was time to work. For the next eight hours she would not think about Matt what he had done to her.
Blue Ocean was by no means an easy place to work; there were two types of chef's at this club. The food cooks and the drink makers. One was in front where the customers could watch their drinks being whipped together like something out of Cocktail. The second worked in a massive kitchen at the back, their work was by no means fancy but it was extremely fast paced. You had to be able to balance and complete nine or ten different orders at the same time. Then you had to stay out of the way of those around her. There were times when she was first starting three years ago, when she had forgotten that rule. Burn and cut scars were reminders never to forget again. When you work in a fast, sometimes crowded space, with flames and knives in the open, things happen. All the chef's carried marks of their first lessons. Sometimes they would gather together and show off their battle wounds. That wasn't exactly her scene so she couldn't say that it was fun or not.
Eve let her mind shut down into work mode as her hands moved and worked. Around her came shouts, calls and orders as they worked together.
"I need five double cheese and eight fries, two Caesar salads, four house mixes and two single bacon backs." Came from the left while. " Three orders of rings with extra wings, two soups with no salad and extra bread." Came from the right.
It wasn't until roughly three am that things cooled off. The bars were closed and most the of the night clubbers had headed home to rest before the office. Eve sat down in the private 'employees only' section of the club with water and a salad in front of her. Staring out at the permanent blue coloring over the club reflected the ocean feeling that the owner worked to keep up. When the crowds were on the floor below her it literally looked like a blue ocean.
She had taken her first bite of the salad when the owner appeared. He looked upset and she wondered what had happened. That was when she spotted the two blonde cops at his back. One was a tall broad shouldered male with bright blue eyes and a regal, yet sad air to him. The other was a woman who had hard, yet curious blue eyes. She was definitely a cop but her partner appeared to be more like a mourning knight pining the loss of his princess. Eve wondered vaguely he was a ballet dancer in his spare time.
"Eve these are two detectives from the Toronto P.D. they have a few questions." Her boss glanced at her a moment then moved back to give them some space.
"Miss Glassman?" The women asked in a sharp tone, she flashed a badge. "I am Tracy Vedar and this is my partner Nick Knight. We have a few questions about Matthew Rock."
She frowned, "What about him?" Looking at the two of them she had a sinking feeling in her stomach. " What happened?"
"We are sorry to tell you but he was killed early this afternoon." The man said in a gentle tone.
The bottom of the world dropped and she fell into darkness while her eyes stared at blue eyes and blonde hair. "How?"
"A car accident." The man at down across from her, " Can you tell us-"
"What about my sister?" Eve looked down at her hands and saw them shaking. " Matt was supposed to pick her and a friend up from school."
The man blinked and looked away, " She died in the hospital while they were performing surgery."
Her heart stopped as cold disbelief and anger closed around it like a fist. Pain made her cough and she felt her eyes water. The fist squeezed tighter and tighter around her heart until she moaned and put her arms around herself. Gently rocking back and forth as if Cat were in her arms. She felt someone touch her and jumped enough to hit her knees on the table. Looking up wildly she thought it might be Matt, but it wasn't. It was the blonde detective, from this close up his bright blue eyes held an age she had missed before. It was like staring into a thousand years of knowledge and know that there was still more to find. But more then that his expression held agony, true heartfelt pain. As if he knew what it was like and wanted to really help her.
"Miss Glassman," the female detective said in a slightly softer tone. " We think that Mr. Rock might have driving under the influence of alcohol or some kind of relaxant. Can you think of any reason why he would do that?"
She blinked and looked away from those eyes. " What?"
"Why would Mr. Rock drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs?" She asked again, note pad in hand and pen ready.
Swallowing a few times she reached for her water and found she couldn't lift it. The glass was much to heavy and her limbs felt like rubber. " I don't...." She stopped as the thoughts sank into her mind. " Oh god, please not that."
"What is it Miss Glassman?" Nick asked gently. " Are you alright?"
"I never saw him in class today and I never saw Cat at home. I thought the messages on the machine were from her, telling me she was staying at Ronnie's." Tears blurred the scene and she pressed her palms into her face. " It was probably the hospital telling me she was there."
"I hate to ask this Miss Glassman, but do you know why he would upset?"
"This morning, just before class Matt asked me to marry him." She found the words came out empty and cold like winter wind. " I refused him and left the car."
Nick sat back a little removing his hand from her arm. Tracey and him exchanged a glance and he shook his head. " Can we offer you a ride home?"
Mutely she nodded and let them guide her away. As they made their way to the front door, she caught sight of Brent. He wouldn't meet her eyes as he handed her things to her. He stepped back and the detectives walked her out into the early morning. The sun was a few hours from rising and for once she didn't care if it did or not. Her world was black anyway and had narrowed down to a simple thing. The diamond ring with its millions of rainbows. Now no one would ever make him happy and it was all her fault.
**
"Miss Glassman, do you have a key?" Nick asked softly as he stood beside her.
Eve shuddered as she came out of her trance, they were standing at the entrance way of her building. Her fingers didn't seem able to move as she dug around her purse for the key. Finally she found it but couldn't manage to put it in the lock. He offered and the door opened magically. To her surprise he walked her to the elevator and then to her front door. It was as if he knew exactly where she lived and was totally familiar with the building.
"Is there anyone I can call for you Miss Glassman?" He asked softly as she stood in front of her loft door.
She shook her head, " There is no one left except me." Her arms were locked around her body again.
"Please don't blame yourself," His tone was softly accented as he spoke.
Eve looked up at him, " French right?"
For a moment looked confused then nodded. " Yes."
"I'd say twelfth century lower region probably a knight or page boy." Eve didn't think to stop herself as she talked to him.
He was quiet for a moment. " How can you tell?"
"My father taught history and linguistics at the University until he ran off with one of his research assistants." Eve smiled and found herself slightly comfortable in this mans presence. There was something old and sad as well as mysterious and strong about his entire being. It danced along her skin and tumbled through her mind like a soft hand through water.
"My partner is waiting in the car," He held out a card to her, "But if you ever need anything or think of anything that could help us, give me a call."
He turned and went down the hall to the elevator, " Thank you Detective." She called as the doors closed and he disappeared from sight.
For a few seconds she stood there and stared at the plain white card with address, name and phone number for this mystery man. Again she found herself smiling and wondering about him, however the thoughts didn't take hold and she fell away into black. Not knowing or caring about anything that happened from that moment on.
Evelyn Reed grabbed the handle of the frying pan and gave a quick flick of her wrist. The pancake flipped and landed perfectly into the pan. Settling it back on the stove she turned back to the island with the only sink and counter space in the kitchen, washed the remaining dishes and put them away to dry. Atop the shelf next to the refrigerator the alarm went off. Pulling the plug in the water she turned off the stove and the alarm, raced up the stairs and down to her sisters door.
"Cat wake up!" She opened the door and shook her sister awake, " Come on honey, time for school." Dashing into the washroom that connected their rooms, she closed her door.
Quickly pulling out her uniform and into her school clothes. Working the graveyard shift at the restaurant wasn't as hard as people thought. It only meant she slept at different times from everyone else. From eleven in the evening until seven am she worked at Blue Ocean dance club and eatery. From nine until noon she went to class. Then she came home did her studies until two and went to bed. Waking up at eight o'clock in the evening she would make Cat her dinner and then go to work. Cat was old enough now to look after herself and wasn't stupid enough to go out alone after dark. Both of them were all too aware of what happened after dark in the city of Toronto.
There was a knock on her door while Eve was brushing out her earth brown hair. " Yes?"
"Thanks for breakfast," Cat poked her head in and smiled. Her long brown hair was loose and she wore complete black. A loose set of hipster pants and short T-shirt. " Veronica is on her way over with Matt, is that okay?"
"Are you getting a ride with Matt?" Eve stood up from her dressing table and shooed her sister down the hall.
"Yeah, his college is near by and so he offered." Cat paused and glanced at her, " He really likes you, you know that? Maybe you should give the guy a chance?" They walked together down the wide stairs and to the kitchen where Cat finished eating.
"Cat stop trying to hook me up with people." Eve was sharp when she spoke. This was an old argument for them. " For one, I have no interest in day people and for two I have no time for them."
"Day people..."Cat shook her head, " For crying out loud Eve you make it sound like your not human. I am sure there are some nice guys out there who are night dwellers like you."
"Nice people don't work my kind of hours and live my kind of life. Now please stop it and just leave me alone. I respect you and I would hope you would do the same for me."
Cat shrugged, " I just thing you would be happy with someone to share your life with."
Eve paused as she was washing the pan and looked at her sister. " What did you say that for?"
"I know you work the late- late hours because it's your way of hiding. You refuse the daylight because you are afraid of being normal." Cat watched her sister with serious gray-blue eyes. " You blame yourself for mom's death, even after five years."
Pushing her hands into the water to hide the clench fists, Eve took a few deep breaths and told herself to relax. " Matt should be here any minute, finished getting ready."
Cat went to the living room that was only five paces from the kitchen. Their loft was spacious and old with brick walls and a ceiling full of windows. The original stairs and floor were still in the place, with an undated kitchen and bathroom. Eve watched as her sister crouched down in front of the DVD system and took out Matt's disc. He had loaned them his collection of Disney DVD films. They owned a high-end system because their mother had known people, but Eve refused to buy things to watch in it. She hated even looking at the system and wished she could throw it out. But it was all Cat had to keep herself occupied in the evenings and it made her sister happy.
Two sharp knocks came on the door jarring Eve out of her thoughts. She wiped her hands on a towel a she crossed the floor to the door. Looking through the peep hole she saw Matt and sighed. He was raven haired and blue eyed with a decent personality and a wonderful charm. He was a generally nice guy with a good head on his shoulders. Opening the door would mean she would have to smile and act pleasant while looking at his Gucci clothes. If there was one thing she didn't like about Mathew and Veronica Rock it was their wealth. Generally they were very good about not flaunting it. But there were moments when it showed through like a diamond bright flare. She had a feeling that this morning would be one of those flares.
Pulling herself into a welcoming deamnor she opened the door and smiled. Matt was handsome and even somewhat likable, he was just too glossy for her. " Morning Matt."
"Hello Eve" He asked in that smooth voice that all private education boys have. " How's school?"
"Good." She smiled and waved him in, "Cat's almost ready."
Matt stood just inside the loft and put his hands in his coat. Casting his eyes around in a familiar gesture. " Those are new," He nodded to the black drapes Eve had had installed over the windows. " A bit dark though."
Eve shrugged, " They are retractable." She forced her tone to stay level and polite.
Cat sprang to her feet and ran over, throwing herself into his arms and shouting for joy. Eve shook her head as she returned to the kitchen, while she cleared the table Cat chatted brightly. As she passed by the alarm clock she caught sight of the time and cursed softly. Leaving the dishes in the sink she hurried up to her room, grabbed her bag and ran back down.
"Cat I have to go, dinner is in the fridge so just throw it in the microwave. Make sure you have your laundry ready for tomorrow." Shrugging on her coat she grabbed her keys for the holder by the door and paused. " Have a good day."
Throwing open the door she hurried out, " Eve wait!"
She turned and saw Matt come out holding her bag, " Can I offer you a ride?"
Thinking of her beat up old Toyota made Eve shudder, it had been giving her a lot of trouble these last few days.
"We are going to the same place after all." Matt came forward holding her bag out as if it would protect him. " Please?"
Eve was about to say no but caught sight of her sister. Cat was looking at her with gray-blue eyes full of hope. If she said no, what type of impression would that leave on her? "Sure I guess."
Taking the elevator down to the main floor allowed Cat to continue her one sided discussion. Matt nodded and smiled while he gave his attention to Eve. She tried her best to ignore him and refused to acknowledge the stirrings in her gut. There was nothing between them and she would keep it that way.
Stepping out into the early morning light of Toronto rocked Eve to her socks. She rarely saw daylight and was always taken back by its glare. As she followed her sister and Matt to the street her attention was caught by how many people were around. They all looked fresh and happy, like flowers. She felt like a rock; sluggish, gray and totally cold. There was no way her body was made to function in the daytime hours.
"WOW!" Cat exclaimed bringing her sister back to the present. "Is that what I think it is?"
Matt chuckled softly, " It was a birthday present." He glanced at Eve as she eyed his sparkling new Mercedes Benz. She had read about them in the auto digest magazines; the latest and best in the line, for sale in a limited number and the price tag hurt just to think about. A shudder was working its way up her spine as she gazed at the flashy car.
"Nice," was all she said as he opened the doors, one for her and one for Cat. Her sister climbed into the leather of the backseat and grinned happily. Veronica peeked out from the back seat and waved at her.
"Morning Eve."
Eve clenched her teeth and sat in the front seat. "Hi Ronnie."
They drove to Cat's school with Ronnie and Cat constantly sharing stories. It would have been okay had she not been so angry. Getting in this car had broken her one unbreakable rule. Eve clutched her bag to keep herself from going hysterical. Too many memories came at her all at once from every side and she was drowning in them. Pulling in deep breaths kept her from passing out from the tension in her body as she sat next to Matt.
"So are you ready for the exams?" He asked lightly as they pulled to a stop behind a minivan.
Eve nodded keeping quiet.
Matt glanced at her once. " Something the matter?"
She shook her head and stared hard out the window. Cat's school was an average public school with a large field behind a building constructed in the 1950's. There had been updates like a computer lab and a state of the art security to keep the kids safe. But from the outside it looked old and weary, just like she felt. There were kids getting off the bus or talking with their friends. It was a regular junior high scene on a regular Monday morning. So why did she feel so queasy about letting Cat go? Matt pulled up behind the bus and turned in his seat looking at the two girls.
"Now listen, I will be here to pick the both of you up at three o'clock sharp. So Ronnie, Cat, what does that mean?"
Ronnie rolled her eyes, "We stay inside the building until you arrive. Matt we know all that stuff now just relax."
Eve watched her sister get out of the car and run up to her friends. They were glancing at the car and whispering, no doubt about her. Ronnie joined them and the girls trooped off to join a larger circle of girls. Eve had hated junior high, she had never fit in and then for her mother to get murdered didn't help the matter. Kids had teased her about it until she had resorted to the only course she could. Eve had attacked them and beaten the words out of them. Her actions would have sent her to juvenile court accept that the lawyer and plead temporary insanity. Which was entirely understandable. She had witnessed the brutal murder of her mother by her sugar daddy pimp/boyfriend. Still the dark clouds of her younger days lingered like heavy weights. Pulling her eyes off the scene she breathed in deeply and shook her head.
"Evelyn?"
Looking over at Matt she was surprised to find them at the college already. She moved to get out when he touched her arm. Anger went through her but she controlled it. "Yes Matt?"
" I know that....Can I do anything to make things easier for you?" He asked in a slightly stiff tone. " I can see the stress that living this kind of life has on you. Perhaps I can speak to my father about working out your record."
Eve turned back in her seat and stared at him. " You mean whitewashing the fact that I crippled two boys because I went crazy?" her tone was hot with anger and he flinched a little. " Matt I don't need people to pity anymore then they do already."
"It's not pity." He said and looked into her eyes. " I have feelings for you Eve and I want to look after you and Cat." He paused again. " I know how you feel about rich people but I can't help who I am or what I come from. I worry about you."
She felt her lips curl into a cold smile. " Why?"
"Because I love you." He reached into his coat and pulled out a box. The ring that was inside was brilliant and clear with a million rainbows in each of the three diamonds. The platinum band shone with fresh radiance. "Marry me?"
Surprise sparked through her body and she found herself at a loss for words. Taking a very deep breath she found herself partially unable to speak. " Matt...I appreciate the thought but really I don't....It wouldn't be good."
"Why not?" He asked honestly, " Cat would have a family and you would have security."
Shaking her head, " We are totally different people. You are full of daylight and school and golden dreams. I am a night person, I work the graveyard shift and know what the shadows hold. Black plus white would not make a good gray in this case. Besides, you deserve someone who can accept and fully love you."
"You can't do that?" He asked, his tone was tight as if he were going to cry.
Eve stared into his eyes, " No I can't."
Getting out of the car she closed the door and ran across the street. She told herself the tears were not because of him but because of the non-existent wind. Running into her classes she found her desk and closed her eyes. Insider her was a battle that caused physical pain. Half of her wanted to run back to him and say yes and let him take care of her. The other half knew it was impossible. She was not capable of ever loving Matt the way he deserved. She could not give him what a wife was expected to give. There was just absolutely no way her heart would ever be touched by anyone, let alone give herself over to one person for the rest of time.
**
Arriving at work at just after half past ten Eve stashed her stuff in her locker and pulled back her hair. Reaching in she pulled on her work shirt and let out a sigh. Her mind had been tripping over its self all afternoon and she hadn't slept well. Why had he done that to her? Had she ever indicated that she was interested? Hell they hadn't even gone on a single date and he had popped the question. Damn it. Her hand slammed her locker shut and she stalked into the clock in area.
"Hey there Eve, you look a little paler then usual." Remarked Brent, the night line cook. He watched her closely as she grabbed her card. " Something happen at school?"
"Yeah, a multi-millionaire proposed to me and I turned him down." She stuffed her card into the machine until it made a heavy crunch sound. Yanking her card out she jammed into back into the right place and glared at next week's schedule.
Brent gaped at her, " You turned him down? What the hell is wrong with you?"
"I know what it's like to live as a slave to someone one. Had I accepted I would have been subjecting myself to that life." Eve ran her fingers over the buttons on her chef's coat. "I have enough to worry about Brent. I didn't want to be miserable for the rest of my life, just to have money."
He blinked once and shrugged, " Okay, but I still think you are a bit crazed."
She watched him as Brent went back on shift, " You aren't the only one." She muttered and shook her head. Eleven o'clock had come and it was time to work. For the next eight hours she would not think about Matt what he had done to her.
Blue Ocean was by no means an easy place to work; there were two types of chef's at this club. The food cooks and the drink makers. One was in front where the customers could watch their drinks being whipped together like something out of Cocktail. The second worked in a massive kitchen at the back, their work was by no means fancy but it was extremely fast paced. You had to be able to balance and complete nine or ten different orders at the same time. Then you had to stay out of the way of those around her. There were times when she was first starting three years ago, when she had forgotten that rule. Burn and cut scars were reminders never to forget again. When you work in a fast, sometimes crowded space, with flames and knives in the open, things happen. All the chef's carried marks of their first lessons. Sometimes they would gather together and show off their battle wounds. That wasn't exactly her scene so she couldn't say that it was fun or not.
Eve let her mind shut down into work mode as her hands moved and worked. Around her came shouts, calls and orders as they worked together.
"I need five double cheese and eight fries, two Caesar salads, four house mixes and two single bacon backs." Came from the left while. " Three orders of rings with extra wings, two soups with no salad and extra bread." Came from the right.
It wasn't until roughly three am that things cooled off. The bars were closed and most the of the night clubbers had headed home to rest before the office. Eve sat down in the private 'employees only' section of the club with water and a salad in front of her. Staring out at the permanent blue coloring over the club reflected the ocean feeling that the owner worked to keep up. When the crowds were on the floor below her it literally looked like a blue ocean.
She had taken her first bite of the salad when the owner appeared. He looked upset and she wondered what had happened. That was when she spotted the two blonde cops at his back. One was a tall broad shouldered male with bright blue eyes and a regal, yet sad air to him. The other was a woman who had hard, yet curious blue eyes. She was definitely a cop but her partner appeared to be more like a mourning knight pining the loss of his princess. Eve wondered vaguely he was a ballet dancer in his spare time.
"Eve these are two detectives from the Toronto P.D. they have a few questions." Her boss glanced at her a moment then moved back to give them some space.
"Miss Glassman?" The women asked in a sharp tone, she flashed a badge. "I am Tracy Vedar and this is my partner Nick Knight. We have a few questions about Matthew Rock."
She frowned, "What about him?" Looking at the two of them she had a sinking feeling in her stomach. " What happened?"
"We are sorry to tell you but he was killed early this afternoon." The man said in a gentle tone.
The bottom of the world dropped and she fell into darkness while her eyes stared at blue eyes and blonde hair. "How?"
"A car accident." The man at down across from her, " Can you tell us-"
"What about my sister?" Eve looked down at her hands and saw them shaking. " Matt was supposed to pick her and a friend up from school."
The man blinked and looked away, " She died in the hospital while they were performing surgery."
Her heart stopped as cold disbelief and anger closed around it like a fist. Pain made her cough and she felt her eyes water. The fist squeezed tighter and tighter around her heart until she moaned and put her arms around herself. Gently rocking back and forth as if Cat were in her arms. She felt someone touch her and jumped enough to hit her knees on the table. Looking up wildly she thought it might be Matt, but it wasn't. It was the blonde detective, from this close up his bright blue eyes held an age she had missed before. It was like staring into a thousand years of knowledge and know that there was still more to find. But more then that his expression held agony, true heartfelt pain. As if he knew what it was like and wanted to really help her.
"Miss Glassman," the female detective said in a slightly softer tone. " We think that Mr. Rock might have driving under the influence of alcohol or some kind of relaxant. Can you think of any reason why he would do that?"
She blinked and looked away from those eyes. " What?"
"Why would Mr. Rock drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs?" She asked again, note pad in hand and pen ready.
Swallowing a few times she reached for her water and found she couldn't lift it. The glass was much to heavy and her limbs felt like rubber. " I don't...." She stopped as the thoughts sank into her mind. " Oh god, please not that."
"What is it Miss Glassman?" Nick asked gently. " Are you alright?"
"I never saw him in class today and I never saw Cat at home. I thought the messages on the machine were from her, telling me she was staying at Ronnie's." Tears blurred the scene and she pressed her palms into her face. " It was probably the hospital telling me she was there."
"I hate to ask this Miss Glassman, but do you know why he would upset?"
"This morning, just before class Matt asked me to marry him." She found the words came out empty and cold like winter wind. " I refused him and left the car."
Nick sat back a little removing his hand from her arm. Tracey and him exchanged a glance and he shook his head. " Can we offer you a ride home?"
Mutely she nodded and let them guide her away. As they made their way to the front door, she caught sight of Brent. He wouldn't meet her eyes as he handed her things to her. He stepped back and the detectives walked her out into the early morning. The sun was a few hours from rising and for once she didn't care if it did or not. Her world was black anyway and had narrowed down to a simple thing. The diamond ring with its millions of rainbows. Now no one would ever make him happy and it was all her fault.
**
"Miss Glassman, do you have a key?" Nick asked softly as he stood beside her.
Eve shuddered as she came out of her trance, they were standing at the entrance way of her building. Her fingers didn't seem able to move as she dug around her purse for the key. Finally she found it but couldn't manage to put it in the lock. He offered and the door opened magically. To her surprise he walked her to the elevator and then to her front door. It was as if he knew exactly where she lived and was totally familiar with the building.
"Is there anyone I can call for you Miss Glassman?" He asked softly as she stood in front of her loft door.
She shook her head, " There is no one left except me." Her arms were locked around her body again.
"Please don't blame yourself," His tone was softly accented as he spoke.
Eve looked up at him, " French right?"
For a moment looked confused then nodded. " Yes."
"I'd say twelfth century lower region probably a knight or page boy." Eve didn't think to stop herself as she talked to him.
He was quiet for a moment. " How can you tell?"
"My father taught history and linguistics at the University until he ran off with one of his research assistants." Eve smiled and found herself slightly comfortable in this mans presence. There was something old and sad as well as mysterious and strong about his entire being. It danced along her skin and tumbled through her mind like a soft hand through water.
"My partner is waiting in the car," He held out a card to her, "But if you ever need anything or think of anything that could help us, give me a call."
He turned and went down the hall to the elevator, " Thank you Detective." She called as the doors closed and he disappeared from sight.
For a few seconds she stood there and stared at the plain white card with address, name and phone number for this mystery man. Again she found herself smiling and wondering about him, however the thoughts didn't take hold and she fell away into black. Not knowing or caring about anything that happened from that moment on.