Page 63 of Shiver

“You’re so pale,” Riley said, pulling her into his arms and rubbing her back.

But it was no use. She couldn’t feel him. She could only feel the sensation of ice-cold water rolling over her skin, could only see a large puddle of blood spreading slowly across a golden floor, could only hear the simple tune from a child’s music box playing over and over in her mind.

“Devra you’re scaring me. What is it?”

His tone, his rough shake pulled her from the last vestiges of her dream. She stared at him, her eyes locking onto his. “I don’t know,” she whispered.

“Bad dream?”

She nodded and could see that he wanted more. But she couldn’t give it to him. She didn’t know how. “I…I think I’m going to drown.”

Alarm filled his face. “Why?”

“I don’t know. I’m just so cold. I can feel the water, can taste it.”

“Okay,” he said and pulled her close. “It’s going to be all right. You’re going to be all right.” After a few minutes the warmth returned to her skin.

“Can you tell me anything more?”

She shook her head. “Nothing that makes any sense, sorry.”

“It’s okay. I’m here now. You don’t have to face this alone. We’ll get through this thing.”

She nodded, though she could see the lie in his eyes. He was scared, and not just of her devil. He was worried her father was right about her. He was looking at her as if she might have to go back to the sanitarium and that he would have to be the one to send her there.

“You think you’re up to seeing Chief Marshall?”

She shook her head. She would never be up to facing the chief, to looking into those cold, hate-filled eyes. But she knew she couldn’t avoid him, she knew she’d have to face him if she wanted to live. Because one thing was certain—her time was almost up.

“No, but I will.” She changed into a chambray peasant skirt that flared around her legs and a long-sleeved white blouse.

“Feeling better?” Riley asked when she was dressed and ready to go.

She nodded, though she couldn’t shake the trepidation squeezing her heart. Even though Riley was by her side, she felt very alone. She wouldn’t be facing the chief with her lover, she’d be facing him with another cop. And even though the chief didn’t have anything to hold her on, the irrational fear that once she walked through his doors she wouldn’t walk out again, was overwhelming.

She shook it off and got into the car next to Riley. She had to make the most of this visit, because finding out who killed Tommy was her only hope. Within minutes, Riley parked the car in front of the small courthouse building. “I’ll be right by your side,” he whispered and squeezed her hand.

She smiled as she looked at him and wished she could count on that, but something inside her whispered his support would be short-lived. He was a cop after all, and they were walking into cop territory—into Chief Marshall’s territory.

The few people sitting here and there in large vinyl chairs looked up as they walked into the station. The reception area was pleasant, with lots of windows, ferns, and comfy chairs. Unfortunately, the decor was lost on her.

A woman Devra’s age sat behind the large counter. “Hello, can I help you?”

“That’s all right, Mandy,” Chief Marshall said as he walked into the room. “They’re here to see me.”

Startled by his voice, Devra looked up.

“Heard you were back, I was just getting ready to hunt you down.”

She stared at the man who’d haunted too many of her sleepless nights. On the surface, he had a kind face with a hint of gray at his temples and soft gray eyes. But she knew looks could be deceiving. She knew how that face could darken with hate. “I’ve forgotten how fast news spreads in a small town.”

He grunted. “I’m sure you have.”

Riley held out his hand. “Chief Marshall? I’m Detective Riley MacIntyre from the New Orleans Police Department.”

The chief showed only a second of surprise before the aloof veneer dropped back over his face. He studied Riley for a minute, then took his hand. “Why don’t the two of you come on into my office? We have some things we need to discuss.”

Devra followed him, trying not to let the panic rising within her gain hold. She glanced back behind her at the few people sitting in the reception area. They were staring at her with curiosity alive in the eyes. Soon they’d be whispering about how they saw the woman who’d killed the chief’s son.

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