Page 43 of Elemental Love
Marks chuckled. “It is indeed. I should explain. I recently sold my business and I’ve invested in this place as a retirement project. I need something to occupy me now I have time on my hands.”
“It could be a really great place once it’s renovated.” Dominic could see the potential.
“It is a glorious spot and it will be a fantastic home for when I relocate from Seattle. I have a construction crew lined up but I want the surrounding land cleared for them before they start work. That’s where you come in.”
“I confess, sir, I’m a little surprised. Your crew could bulldoze the land in a couple of days.” Dominic crossed his fingers and hoped that his potential client had more vision than that but he preferred to be honest.
“They could, that’s true. I considered it, but I have photographs of how the gardens here were set out before they fell into this neglected state and I want to restore them. I’m hoping that there are traces of the original design under the jungle.”
“Oh, there are, sir. I can clearly see hints. There may still be paths and edging stones under there.” Dominic didn’t hide his enthusiasm.
“So you’re interested in the job?”
“Absolutely. I can tot up some figures tonight and have a quote in the mail for you tomorrow. At a rough guess, I’d estimate four weeks’ work.”
“That sounds great. I’d be looking for you to start as soon as possible. Do you have many other…commitments?”
Dominic wondered for a moment about the emphasis Marks had put on that word, as if it had a double meaning. “I have a fair number of regular local clients but I can fit those jobs around this one. I would keep a detailed log of the hours I spend here.”
Marks’ eyes glittered. “I’m sure you would, you have an excellent reputation. If I’m pleased with the clearance job, there will likely be a future opportunity to restore the garden.”
They shook hands again. Dominic fancied that Marks’ hand lingered a fraction too long. He shook off his vague sense of disquiet and accompanied Marks back to his vehicle. After a final goodbye, Marks drove away. Dominic had a last glance around. Dusk had arrived and it was getting difficult to see, so he went back to his own vehicle. He started up the engine to get some heat going, then rang Evrain.
“I was about to send out a search party,” Evrain said as soon as he answered the call.
“Not necessary. I’m all done. It could be a really great job too.”
“What was the client like?”
“Rich.” Dominic chuckled. “He seemed okay, though. Told me that it was his retirement project. He’s going to move here from Seattle when the place is all finished.”
“Anything odd about him?” Evrain sounded dubious.
“He moved quietly, snuck up behind me and I didn’t even notice.” Dominic thought about the man he’d just met. He was unremarkable in many ways. “The only other thing I noticed were his hands. Young hands on an older man. He’s probablyspent his working life in an office. Other than that, he was nice enough.”
“Hmm. I want you home where I can see you’re okay.”
Dominic almost made a comment about Evrain’s mile-wide overprotective streak, but resisted. “I’m leaving now. Give me half an hour.” He rang off then tossed his phone onto the passenger seat. He clicked his seat belt into place and put the truck in drive. There were no monsters in the back seat, no strange objects in the road, no evil flying monkeys swooping down from the sky. He shook his head. Evrain had turned him into a nervous wreck. He switched on the radio to a country music station and bopped in his seat as he drove. A happy glow of anticipation filled him at the thought of seeing Evrain again.
Bright lights appeared in his rear-view mirror. Dominic checked his speed to make sure he was within the limit. The local cops didn’t tolerate speeding on the back roads. The lights got closer. He couldn’t make out the size of the vehicle but the driver had his high beams on.
“Idiot. Dip your lights.” Dominic tilted his mirror to reduce the glare. He slowed down—there was plenty of room for another vehicle to pass him. He breathed a sigh of relief as the other vehicle pulled out. He kept his eyes on the road, silently urging the other driver to get on with it and pass. Without warning he was rammed from the side. His relief turned to shock. He struggled to control the truck, which careered across the road. He was hit again, this time from behind. Panicked, Dominic misjudged a bend and the truck plummeted down an embankment. Frantically, he attempted to steer but the wheel locked up. All he could do was cover his face with his arms and pray. When the impact came, it jarred his entire body. The airbag deployed, smacking him in the face. The seat belt dug deep into his body.
Gradually the noise of splintering wood and screeching metal faded to quiet, leaving the hiss of what had to be a broken radiator.
“What the hell?” Dominic groaned. He couldn’t decide what hurt most, his face or his midsection. He groped for his phone, but the passenger seat was empty. “Where is it?”Must be in the foot well.He struggled to release his seat belt. The clasp was jammed but gave way after a few sharp tugs. He shoved at the door. It creaked and moved a couple of inches. Dominic growled his frustration. He swiveled sideways so that he could kick it and he finally managed to get it open, pain shooting through his body. He half climbed, half fell from the truck. He scrambled to his feet, trying to keep his balance on the steep terrain. He ached everywhere but didn’t seem to have any major injuries. The coppery taste of blood filled his mouth but he didn’t know whether it came from a split lip or if he’d bitten his tongue. It was pitch black.
The sounds of someone scrambling down the bank had Dominic struggling to take a few steps. A bright beam of light struck his eyes and he was forced to squeeze them shut.
“Sorry!”
The light dropped and Dominic was able to focus on the owner of the voice. Upslope from him stood a dark-haired, pale-skinned young man. He had to be quite short, several inches shorter than Dominic, because even with the slope advantage Dominic could meet his pale eyes.
“Hi, I’m Damon…” The introduction was accompanied by a cocky grin.
Dominic’s eyes widened as he recognized the name. He was still staring into Damon’s strange eyes, trying to decide what to say when a sharp pain to the back of his head made him fall to his knees. Then the darkness took him.
Chapter fourteen
