Chapter 5

Seth met her at the airport, and she fell into his arms, surprising them both.

"There now," he crooned softly as he rubbed her back. "You're home, Jess. You're home." And I've got you, he added silently.

She nodded against his shoulder, unwilling to leave the safety of his embrace just yet. "I've missed this, Seth." She drew back slightly. "I've missed you."

Seth stared into those brilliant blue eyes. Could he trust what he saw there? "I've missed you too, woman."

They stood for a long moment as people milled about them, lost in a private world they were just beginning to build, when Seth started. It was plain foolish to have her exposed like this. It was as if he hadn't spoken with Ron at all. He dropped his arms and moved to grasp her elbow. "Let's collect your bags and get home, Jess."

She turned with him smoothly. "I'd like that."

It had begun with little things. Small things. Things that only Jessica would notice. A frame on the mantle moved just slightly. Curtains that had been drawn were open. An inexpensive, rather tasteless piece of jewelry—a piece she'd always loathed—unexpectedly disappeared from her jewelry box. Little things. Small things. Inconsistencies that she could hardly report to the authorities, yet left her with a sense of unease. Perhaps she'd mention them to Seth. Perhaps.

Jessica had been home only a few days before she began to notice certain…irregularities. She couldn't be quite certain that she hadn't moved or disposed of those items herself. She knew what Seth's reaction would be…an immediate explosion followed by his insistence that she leave the house. She was not going to leave her home. Not without a fight.

She sighed. Seth had been right about the doors and windows. She did have a bad habit of leaving the back door open, and on mild days she was prone to opening windows all over the house. It had been unseasonably warm lately and she loved having fresh air circulating through the house. She chastised herself for not taking the situation more seriously. It was difficult to believe that David could actually want to harm her. He was a flirt and certainly he had carried things too far, but dangerous? He'd seemed so sweet, so charming and respectful in Seattle. It was hard to reconcile that polite young man with this brash, overbearing…the word stalker came to mind, but she hesitated to use it. She'd read about such cases, of course she had, but she'd never considered that she might be the object of an unbalanced person's affection, if one could call it that.

She shook herself. None of this woolgathering was getting her any closer to accomplishing her errands. She'd planned to visit the library today. Jane had ordered a few books on her behalf and had called this morning to let her know they were in.

"I'll just bike over there and pick them up. Even Seth couldn't complain about that." She laughed, but there was no warmth to it. She knew that he could and would complain. If he ever found out.

"Beverly, is Seth in?"

"He's with a patient, dear. Can this wait?"

"Is he…how long will he be?"

"Well," Beverly trilled, "he did tell me to interrupt any time you called. Let me tell him you're on the line."

Jessica paced nervously as she waited for Seth to come on the line.

"What is it, woman?"

"Seth," and she willed herself not to cry. "It's my bird. Gillie. My bird."

"Jessica, take a breath and tell me what's going on."

"My bird is dead, Seth. The bird is dead."

Seth swore quietly. "Stay right there. I'm on my way."

Seth hung up the phone and hollered for Beverly. "Beverly, I've got to leave. Cancel everything. And tell Caleb to put his pants back on. I've got to go!"

Jessica was waiting for him in the kitchen, her arms wrapped tightly around her. Seth wanted to swear again when he saw her pale, tearstained face. Frank had given her that bird. He opened his arms as he walked towards her. "Jess, I'm so sorry," he murmured as she buried her face in his neck and sobbed.

"How could he be so cruel?" she asked as they sat drinking tea that Seth had fixed for them.

"I don't know, sweetheart," he said absently. His mind was elsewhere. How was he to protect Jess if David was here and able to get into the house? He needed Ron. He needed someone. And all they had was him. Jessica was looking at him oddly. "We're not dealing with a boy scout here," he said unnecessarily. "Jessica, you've got to leave. You can't stay here any longer."

Her face got that stubborn set that he secretly loved. "No. No, I am not leaving, Seth, and before you say anything, he's taken so much from me already. He can't take my home."

Seth sighed. It would be more than useless, trying to talk her out of staying here. He stood. "Then let's go, woman."

"I told you I'm not leaving, Seth Hazlitt!"

"I heard you the first few times! Do you expect me to stay here without any clothes?" Jessica flushed. "I didn't think you could turn that shade of red, woman. Get up. We're going to my place so I can pack a bag."

"Alright," she said, almost meekly. Seth grunted. It would make for a change if she gave in like that even one out of every ten times. But he wouldn't have her any other way.

On the way home from his place, they stopped at the market and bought enough food to last for a few days. "It's a disgrace, what you keep in your cupboards, woman."

"I've been out on tour for weeks now, Seth!" she protested, albeit weakly. They both appreciated the pretense of normalcy that his teasing provided.

Seth pulled the car around back and walked in first, carrying his overnight case and a bag of groceries. Jessica followed with the last two bags.

"Hungry, Jess?"

"Not particularly. You?"

"No, no. I'm not particularly hungry. I could set up the board and we could have a game?"

Jessica shook her head. "I don't think so, Seth. My mind's too addled for chess tonight." She suppressed a yawn.

"Why don't we just call it a night, then? You go on up and get ready for bed. I'll lock up down here."

"You'll stay in the guestroom, won't you?"

"A-yuh. I'll be right there in case you need me." The smile she gave him had him almost rooted to the spot. He flapped his hand at her. "Go on up, woman. You can get some rest tonight."

"Alright, Seth." She turned as she walked on the stairs. "Thank you. Thank you for being here."

Seth nodded. "Good night."

"Good night."

Seth locked the front door, then methodically checked all of the downstairs windows before locking the back door. He was certain he wouldn't sleep a wink tonight.

Seth fumbled his way to the side of her bed and switched on her lamp.

"Jessica! Jess," Seth shook her shoulder as he called her name. "Jessica, wake up. You're having a nightmare."

Jessica jolted awake, arms flailing, but Seth held her firmly by the shoulders as the fog cleared. "Oh, Seth," she said, and reached for him. He sat on the bed clumsily as she pulled him into a fierce embrace.

"Are you alright?"

Jessica nodded. "It was just a dream, but it seemed so real."

Seth rubbed her back in soothing circles. "Wanna tell me about it?"

"Not especially." She burrowed her head more firmly into the crook of his neck, and she felt his arms tighten around her. She turned and pressed her lips against the hollow of his jaw.

"Jessica," he murmured hoarsely.

She drew back a little so she could see his face. She saw the fear, the uncertainty, the love and lust in his eyes. She placed tender kisses on his jaw and cheek, but as soon as their lips met, it became passionate. Seth groaned against her lips at the silky feel of her tongue in his mouth. He gently pushed her from him.

"You love me."

"You know that I do, Jessica."

"You want me," said Jessica boldly.

"Of course I do, Jess. But not like this."

"Like what?" They both froze as David's voice rang out in the gloom outside the bed lamp. "I don't understand what you mean by that, Dr. Hazlitt. If Jessica Fletcher is willing to make love with you, why hesitate?" He paused for a strategic moment. "I wouldn't," he said cheerfully.

David walked further into the bedroom and Seth turned to place himself firmly in front of Jessica. "That's sweet. Would you give your life for hers, doctor?"

"Yes," said Seth with an outer calm that belied his inner turmoil.

David studied his fingernails. "You know," he said idly, "I actually believe you would." He fixed Jessica with a stare. "Would you?"

"Would I what?"

"Don't play coy with me, Jess. We know each other too well." He brightened at the look of shock on Seth's face. "Now don't be prurient, doctor. There are many types of love. Jessica and I share a..well, a sort of soul love, I think."

Jessica looked almost sick. "I don't think—"

"That's just it, Jess. You don't think. Not in the way you should. Don't try to lecture me." He looked at her appraisingly. "Though I can't deny being hot for teacher." Seth positioned himself even more firmly in front of Jessica. "You know, Doctor, I must say I admire you." Seth grunted. "No, really! I've met very few men as…I was thinking to say honorable, but I believe what I really mean is right-minded, principled. Take what happened just a few moments ago, Doctor. Most men wouldn't hesitate in a similar situation," he said delicately. "I find that most intriguing." He looked at Seth for a moment. "Yes, I find you most intriguing. I can see why she's in love with you."

Seth and Jessica both protested, albeit weakly, and David put up his hand. "It's no use denying it, Jess. You as much as admitted it to me on the telephone. Don't forget." He pointed at her. "I know you. I can't say I'm not disappointed. I was hoping you would fall in love with me." He walked closer to her bed, and Seth instinctively drew closer to Jessica.

"Now David—"

"Don't now David me, Jessica. I tried wooing you. I tried chasing you. I tried reasoning with you. You've left me no choice."

"Just exactly what do you mean, young man?" thundered Seth.

David sauntered ever closer. "I mean that I'm done being reasonable," he said in a voice so devoid of emotion that it chilled Seth to the bone. He was no match for this athletic young man. How was he going to protect Jessica? He watched dumbly as David advanced on them, slipping a slim coil of rope from the waistband of his jeans. "This is for you, Doc," he smiled.

"What about Jessica? What are you going to do with her?"

"Oh, Doc…don't worry. You'll be here the whole time. I'm just going to tie you up so you can't cause any trouble."

Seth felt Jessica grasp his arm. "David, you can't do this. I'll do whatever you want, go wherever you want, just don't hurt Seth. Please."

David stopped for a moment. "Now that does surprise me. I knew he would sacrifice himself for you, but where's the fun in that? But you? You who are so self-absorbed, so single-minded, so disinterested in me that you could try to ignore me, to patronize me? You who couldn't recognize what I have? What I can offer you? You would willingly go with me right now in order to save his life?"

"Jessica—"

"Yes," and she disentangled herself from Seth and rose from the bed awkwardly.

Seth stumbled to his feet and tried to reach for her. "Jessica, no!"

"I'll still have to tie up the doctor. We can't have him ruining our head start." As he advanced on Seth, they heard a crash downstairs. David turned to look and Seth jerked Jessica's nightstand lamp from the wall and threw it at David as hard as he could. Before David could react, Ron burst through the door pointing a gun at David, and Amos was close on his heels, followed by Deputy Andy Broom.

"That's enough, David," said Ron calmly.

"Son, I'm arresting you for the attempted kidnapping of Jessica Fletcher and whatever else I can come up with on the way to the station. You have the right to remain silent," began Amos as he placed David in handcuffs.

"Tell them, Jessica! Tell them you were going with me! Tell them we belong together. Tell them!" Andy grabbed David and hustled him out of the room and down the stairs.

"You all right, Miz Fletcher?"

Jessica nodded. "I'm alright, Amos. Thank you. And you," she said to Ron.

"Jessica, this is my friend Ron. Ron Masak from Portland."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, ma'am, but I think further niceties can wait. Sheriff, you need to get downstairs and help your deputy. If you don't mind, I'll follow you to the station."

"Right you are." Amos tipped his hat and hurried through the door. "Come by tomorrow and give me your statement, Miz Fletcher. And I'll need yours too, Doc!" he yelled as he hurried down the stairs.

Ron watched him go. "I'd better be on my way as well. Seth," he said as he extended his hand.

Seth grabbed his hand and shook it hard. "Thank you, Ron. Thank you," he choked.

"Good night, ma'am. I expect I'll see you tomorrow."

Jessica nodded as she watched Ron leave her bedroom. Seth was by her side in a moment, and she leaned heavily into him. "Oh, Seth," she murmured. "I thought he was going to kill you." She turned her face into his neck and he felt her tears dampen the collar of his pajama top.

He grabbed her in a rough hug. "It's alright, Jess," he soothed. "I'm here." He rubbed her back as she cried harder and harder. He wished he'd brought his medical bag with him to her room. He thought a sedative might do her some good tonight. "Hold on, woman. Let me get my bag."

She drew back a little. "No! Don't leave me, Seth. Do not leave me."

"My bag is in the guest room, Jess. Just let me get it. I'll be right—"

"I'll go with you." She looked around, wiping tears from her eyes. "I don't particularly want to sleep here tonight."

Seth's eyebrows disappeared into his hairline. "Where are you planning to sleep, woman?"

"With you," she said simply, and drew her arm through his.

"I'm not sure—" he blustered.

She squeezed his arm. "I am," she said gently, and Seth covered her hand with his.

"Alright, woman," he said softly. "Happens I don't want to leave you, either."

They smiled at one another as they made their way across the landing to the guest room.

Jessica was bleary-eyed as she came downstairs. Seth had started on an omelet as soon as he heard her stirring. "Morning," he said quietly as she came through the kitchen. "How did you sleep?"

"Like the dead. Good morning, Seth." He gave her a look. "Forgive me," she said tiredly. "I still feel heavy from that sedative."

"I'm sorry, Jess. I just wanted you to sleep through the night. What was left of it, anyway."

She glanced at him as she poured a cup of coffee. "I did. No dreams."

"I'm glad. You were a little restless from time to time."

"Was I? Oh, Seth. Did you get any sleep?"

"Enough," he said gruffly. He plated her omelet and gestured for her to sit down. He placed her meal in front of her. "Food will make you feel better."

"Seth, I—"

"Eat, woman." He sat down across from her with his cup of coffee.

"Aren't you going to eat anything?"

"I ate already. I've been up for awhile now."

"What have you been doing?"

"Writing down my statement," he admitted sheepishly. "I didn't want to forget anything."

Jessica reached for his hand, and he turned his palm up to grasp hers. "Thank you," she said softly. "You saved my life."

Seth scoffed. "I only wish I had! Ron was the real hero."

"Nonsense, Seth. You were with me every step of the way. I should have listened to you more carefully from the beginning."

"You listened plenty, woman. You did everything right. You're here, aren't you? And I thank God for that," he said quietly, then squeezed her hand and released it. "Now eat."

He noticed her chin was wobbling, but she managed to eat a few bites of omelet. "I suppose I should get ready to go to the police station." She pushed back from the table, then stopped abruptly. "You won't leave, will you?"

"How would you get to the station if I left you here?"

"I could bicycle over," she said, and Seth laughed.

"That's my girl."

She smiled at him over her shoulder as she walked out of the kitchen. Seth smiled back, but as soon as she left, he frowned in concentration. It would take time for them to return to normal, if they even could. He sighed as he scraped the remainder of her omelet in the trash.

Jessica was subdued as they left the police station. Seth cupped her elbow and was rewarded with a small smile. "Are you hungry, Jess? We could stop by the diner on the way home."

She was surprised by how right it felt for Seth to refer to Candlewood Lane as home. She wasn't particularly hungry, but she knew Seth could eat, and, absurd though it was, the thought of eating those groceries they'd purchased yesterday turned her stomach. "Yes, but could we get it to go, Seth? I'm not up to seeing anyone else today."

"Agreed, woman. I'll pick something up for us and we'll eat at home."

That word again. Home. Jessica wasn't sure she could ever feel safe there again, but she was sure that, of all the people in her life, Seth was the one she truly felt at home with.

Dinner was a quiet affair. Seth took care of the dishes, then invited Jess to sit down for a match, but her heart wasn't in it.

"I know it's early, Jess, but why don't you go in and get ready for bed?"

She glanced at the clock. "7:30? That's awful even for Cabot Cove, but I think you're right." She looked at him shyly. "Can I sleep with you again tonight?"

Seth swallowed. She didn't know what she was asking, he was sure of it. "A-yuh," he said gruffly.

She smiled. "I'll have a bath and get ready for bed. See you in a bit."

Seth had the awkward feeling of preparing for his wedding night. He hadn't even told her how he felt, much less kissed her on his own! This whole thing had them both at sixes and sevens. Tread lightly, he admonished himself.

Seth readied himself for bed and waited for her in the guest bedroom. As she walked in, he rose awkwardly from the bed. She looked so lovely; this was a bad idea, Hazlitt. He pulled the covers back and waited awkwardly while Jessica removed her robe and laid it across the bottom of the bed. She slipped in the bed and Seth settled the covers around her before walking to the other side and getting in bed.

Jessica switched off the lamp, then turned to face him. "I know this is uncomfortable for you. Thank you, Seth."

"Nonsense, woman!" he boomed, then grimaced. "I understand," he said quietly and patted her arm.

She looked shyly at him. "Will you…would it be alright if we…could you," she exhaled in frustration.

"How do you want to sleep, Jess?"

She smiled grateful and turned on her side facing away from him. "Like this."

Seth scooted towards her and placed a careful arm over her. He nearly groaned aloud as she settled herself closer into him. She was so warm and soft, and she smelled so delicious. Deep breaths. Take deep breaths and think unpleasant thoughts, he repeated to himself.

Jessica stroked his hand rhythmically. "Good night, Seth," she murmured.

"Good night, woman," he breathed as he tried to subtly maneuver his hips away from her.

He'd never had such a realistic dream. It felt as though he was actually lying underneath Jessica, that he was kissing her, running his hands up and down the thin, silky material of her pajamas…he jerked awake abruptly when he felt Jessica's tongue in his mouth. He scrambled to pull away from her. "We have to stop, Jess," he choked.

"Why? I thought you wanted to make love with me."

"I do, Jess." You'll never know how much. "I just want to be sure that it's me you really want."

"It is," she said and leaned in to kiss him again.

"Wait a minute, Jess." He grasped her shoulders. "You've been through a shock. It's normal to want to feel in control of something."

"Seth Hazlitt, don't you dare psychoanalyze me!"

"I'm not, woman. I just don't think you're thinking very clearly right now." She pulled away from him as her shoulders began to shake. "Oh now sweetheart," he rumbled as he gathered her in his arms.

She pulled out of his embrace and dried her eyes with the sleeve of her pajama top. "Oh, Seth. I'm so embarrassed."

"Don't be," said Seth. "I've wanted to tell you how I feel for the longest time. I love you, Jess. I'm in love with you, and a part of that is obviously physical attraction." He took her hands in his. "But you've been the target of something ugly, something frightening, and you need to understand how you feel about that. David has made you afraid. Understandably so," he added quickly. He raised her hands to his lips and kissed them gently. "I'll be here, Jessica. I'm not going anywhere. But I think you should take some time to think about how you really feel." He stared at her for a long moment. "I think you want to remember that you're alive. No one could blame you for that. But I wouldn't want to feel as though I'd taken advantage of this situation, of you. And I would never want you to think that of me," he finished softly.

Jessica stared at him for a long moment, then loosened her hands from his grasp and folded herself against him. He wrapped his arms around her in a comforting hug. "I understand what you're saying, Seth."

"I want what's best for you, Jessica. Only what's best for you." He rubbed her back in soothing circles. "It might help to see a counselor." He felt her stiffen in his arms. "Sometimes it's helpful to get advice from an objective third party."

"A stranger!"

"Until he isn't."

"Or she," murmured Jessica and Seth laughed and squeezed her tighter. He took it as a good sign that she relaxed even further into his embrace. He wanted to drop kisses on her neck and cheek, but he kept himself in check. He meant what he said. He loved Jessica completely. He knew she would one day regret making love with him under such circumstances and come to think less of him as a result. And she'd be right. He could admit his own selfish motives. He wanted everything with Jessica, and he was willing to wait for as long as it took.

A/N: TBC next Sunday. Thank you for all of your kind reviews. I hope you'll continue to read and review as the story unfolds.