The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 60) Early Morning Air
All night long Lyla has been tossing and turning. She is very restless and cannot get comfortable as she rolls from her side to her back and to her side again. She cannot shake the image of the man she bumped into on the sidewalk. Laying there, facing up, she looks at the white plaster ceiling and its swirling intertwined design. Frantically searching through the tangled memories of her mind, she tries to recall the events that led up to the night of the tornado.
“Why can’t I remember?” she whispers to herself as she glances over at the night table. “Five O’clock. I might as well get up, it’s not like I’m getting any sleep anyway.” She sits up in bed and looks over at the balcony doors. Standing up she pulls her robe on and heads in that direction. Brushing aside the many layers of sheer curtains, she steps out into the chilly early morning air. Instantly she feels a sense of peace as she curls up on the little chair and tips her head back.
Looking up at the stars overhead she remembers peering through the damaged roof of her house shortly after the severe weather passed. She clearly recalls that moment and how strange she felt when she saw stars instead of storm clouds after the destruction. It all seemed very odd and she wishes she could remember more. Her phone rings in her room and she goes to answer it.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 59) In His Arms
Softly, Lyla runs her hand across Crispin’s cheek and then in one fluid motion, lifts the blanket. Lying down facing him, she pulls the cover around them both as he draws her into a gentle embrace. Neither Lyla nor Crispin say a word as they hold tight and look into each other’s eyes.
He can smell the sweet scent of her perfume as she reaches up. With a light touch, she very gently runs her fingers across his brow and down the side of his face. Closing her eyes, she lies there next to him content and at ease in his arms. Her fingers glide along his jaw to his ear as if she is trying to read his features with her hands. She leans in and they kiss.
Warm and intense joy comes over Crispin as his lips meet hers. He has longed for this reunion but months ago had given up on the chance that it might ever happen. Yet, she is here, in his arms and he could not be happier. As he opens his eyes to look at the woman he thought he lost, he is shocked back to reality. There is no flame in the fireplace or the sweet scent of perfume in the air. Instead, the room is dark, empty, cold and lifeless. Crispin lies there alone as he looks down at his empty arms.
Frustrated and angry at this hurtful illusion he punches at the pillow and lays his head back down. Pulling on the blanket, he wraps it up around his shoulders to warm himself from this frigid intensity of loss. Staring out at the vacant room, he realizes this was nothing more than a cruel hallucination. As he closes his eyes once again in an attempt to sleep his grief away, a tear slowly trickles down his cheek.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 58) Next To Him
Crispin continues to lie there on the sofa, without saying a word. He is surprised and shocked that Lyla is here. Did she follow him? If she did, he certainly did not hear her come in and he cannot imagine Quinn going after her. Or did he? Maybe Quinn realizes how much pain losing Lyla caused and felt the need to set things straight. Is it possible Quinn spoke with her inviting her here?
Glancing around to find a clock, Crispin wonders how long he has been asleep, what time is it? Unable to find the answer to his question, he looks back at the fireplace. Still a bit shocked, he continues to stare at Lyla in silence. She moves in such a graceful fluid manner, he wants to reach out to her.
As the fire takes and she adds the large pieces of wood to it, little sparks begin to pop and crackle. The logs hiss as if trying to quiet the sounds. Crispin thinks Lyla must remember the good things for she does not seem to be afraid to be here. Is it truly possible that she is here in the same room, within reach?
As he tries to make sense of it all he continues to gaze at her. She is stunning, sitting there with the firelight warming her skin and twinkling in her eyes. Small strands of hair catch the brightness like streamers of silk cascading down past her shoulders. Slowly looking in Crispin’s direction, Lyla realizes he is awake. A smile forms on her face as she stands up and walks over to where he is. Reaching out, he takes her hand as she sits down next to him.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 57) White Light
Sitting on the hearth of the fireplace, wearing an emerald green dress, is Lyla. Crispin blinks and adjust his head slightly to bring the details into focus, he realizes it is the same dress she wore to dinner when he invited her to the cottage many months earlier. Her silky brown hair is draped to one side in lose curls and waves.
She strikes a match, watches the flare for a few seconds, and gently leans in the direction of the fireplace. With a quick touch of the flame to paper, she lights fresh kindling that now fills the grate. Instantly the worn and dreary brick of the firebox comes to life in a golden flickering glow.
Grinning slightly, he realizes the sound that stirred him from his slumber must have been Lyla pushing the old spent coals into the pile of gray ash below. Still unaware that he is awake, she leans forward gently blowing at the small flame. This causes it to expand and grow as the thin pieces of wood catch fire.
White light reflects off her skin outlining her features much like the silver lining of a cloud. Little bits of glitter sparkle on her cheeks like dew on the petals of a delicate flower. She is smiling as she turns to gather larger pieces of wood from the wood box.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 56) Recollections
Pulling the blanket up to his shoulders, Crispin decides to try to fall asleep. Turning his head to the side, he looks at the cold unused fireplace. The dark gray soot surrounding the edges of the opening makes it appear depressed and decrepit and in need of a washing. Dry black coals have been left on the grate from the last fire that was made, which must have been months ago.
Actually, he does not recall the last time it was used nor does he care to think it through enough to pick a date and time. He must stop his thoughts and rest but how? He is flooded with memories and what ifs that cut at him like a sharp razor. Not only does he feel spent from the activities of the day, Crispin now finds himself exhausted from the memories that have rapidly come back into his mind. It feels like torture.
His head hurts, he has a thick and heavy pain in his chest, and he wants nothing more than to forget about everything. Yet, he holds close to those recollections, especially the ones where he and Lyla were happy.
The room is very quiet and he feels himself drifting off to sleep. He is in that odd place, when not asleep, nor fully awake and not coherent to either. He believes himself to be asleep but he can hear the sounds around him. A rustling in the room causes him to open his eyes to see what might be moving about.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 55) Weary And Angry
Slowly turning, Crispin takes his tie and suit jacket off and hangs them on the coat rack near the front door. As he walks across the room to the sofa, he loosens his shirt from around his neck and pulls his shirt tail from his trousers. He is exhausted.
The events of the day have drained him and he does not want to take another step. Due to his lack of vigor, he decides to sleep there in the living room on the sofa. After taking his shoes off and placing them neatly under the end table, he grabs the chenille throw that is lying across the back of the sofa and drapes it over his legs.
Lying there, with his head resting on a thick pillow, he looks up at the ceiling to the broad wooden cross beams. With his eyes, he follows the heavy timbers until they meet at the peak of the roof, a dark contrast to the light-colored ceiling. He closes his eyes and rubs his hand across his forehead before looking back up at the lines of the ceiling.
It has been a very long and difficult day. Just now, as his head sinks deeper into the pillow, he realizes how weary and angry he feels about so many things. Closing his eyes for just a moment, he feels a depletion of energy as it leaves his body and mind. He needs sleep in order to recover.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 54) Brooding
Without taking even one sip of his drink, Crispin sets it on the table next to him. For a long time he stands at the window, looking out at the murky night not focused on anything in particular. He is deep in thought but if asked, would not be able to tell you what it is that consumes his mind.
He now begins to focuses on his own reflection. With his brow furrowed, he thinks about Lyla and the varied events that took place so many months ago. His eyes are gloomy and appear to be shadowed and brooding with no color or expression. He so very desperately wanted Lyla to understand him, to give him a chance to explain, to be given time to set things right.
It was such a shock to see her tonight, to touch her, to be that close to one another. She was just standing there on the street, the same street that he has walked every night for the past month. He wonders if she recognized him. When she turned to look back, was she piecing it all together? Is that why soon after she seemed to be running in the other direction? She is as beautiful as he remembers, maybe even more so.
He wanted so badly to turn around and embrace her. Would she have been frightened? He wonders if she remembers anything about him at all.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 53) Weighty Silence
“Might I remind you that our focus is the vineyard and Arrosa Valente,” explains Quinn as he steps back toward the small bar and away from Crispin. “No Quinn, you need not remind me,” he replies sharply. “And I finalized the task this evening!” Crispin lowers his voice as he continues. “The final step to gain control of the vineyard is complete.”
“Ah, very good!” Quinn says happily in a loud tone. Following this buoyancy is a short moment of silence as Quinn walks toward the back of the room. Both men know each other very well and each can feel the thickness that is building in the air between them. Quinn raises his glass to Crispin who continues to keep his back turned.
“A toast to you,” Quinn says in a cheery manner. Crispin does not waver from his position at the window and the quietness of the room is profound. “Why didn’t you tell me she was here?” Crispin asks in a low tone. His handsome face now covered with a deep sullen expression as he turns his head to the side. He watches Quinn out of the corner of his eye as he waits for a reply. There is a short pause in the conversation before the answer comes.
“She only recently arrived. . . yesterday to be exact.” Quinn states as he turns around in the middle of the room to look in Crispin’s direction. “What were the chances you two would cross paths?” He pauses for a moment and can tell Crispin is not yet satisfied with his answer.
Now in a more defensive tone, Quinn continues. “I didn’t think it was necessary since we are leaving soon.” He steps over to the small bar and wipes down the counter top with a white cloth. After several minutes of weighty silence, Quinn asks, “Is there anything else you need?”
“No, I’d like to be left alone,” replies Crispin coldly as he looks back at the window. “Very well, good evening,” Quinn steps into the hall and retires to his room.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 52) Quinn’s Reflection
The sky is black as coal and it blends in with the tall dark buildings creating a foreboding image. The lighting on this back street is low and very sparse and the area appears to be deserted and quiet. Crispin watches Quinn’s reflection in the glass as he steps out of the hallway and over to a small bar located on the right side of the room.
“We worked very hard to erase the memories from those you had contact with those many months ago.” Says Quinn as he places two glasses on the counter. He stands at the small bar, glancing up at Crispin as he fixes them both a mixed drink.
“I know what you are thinking and in your best interest I must advise that you dismiss it.” He persists as he brings the drink to Crispin. “You cannot go back and change the past, nor can you expect a different outcome. Things need to be left as they are.”
Crispin continues to stand in front of the window, staring out at nothing as he takes the drink from Quinn in silence. Again, he follows Quinn’s reflection in the dark glass, his white hair tidy and perfectly combed in place, collar snug at his neck. He has much respect for the elderly man, but right now, he is enraged by Quinn’s presence.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 51) His Memories
“Good evening, Sir,” says Quinn, his white hair neatly combed adding to his elderly yet stately appearance. In his arms, he is holding a stack of folded towels as he walks from the washroom into the living room.
“Quinn,” replies Crispin Duff in an irritated tone as he enters the room firmly closing the door behind him. There is a lamp in the corner emitting a diffused glow but for the most part, the lighting is practically nonexistent. He flips the collar of his overcoat down and begins to unbutton it.
Six months have passed since the horrible event that nearly took the sight out of Crispin’s gleaming green eyes. Remarkably, the only physical reminder of the violence is one small noticeable scar above his right eye. Not only did he agonize over the attack from Lyla’s cat the night of the tornado, but also over the loss of how intimate the relationship between he and Lyla had become.
As is the normal protocol, Quinn made sure the memories of those involved were erased or skewed, Lyla’s recollections included. However, for Crispin the entire span of time is still very real and to him, devastating. His memories and ill actions haunt him to this day. Quinn watches Crispin carefully and then smirks as he looks down.
“You saw her, didn’t you?” Quinn asks in a nonchalant tone as he carries the towels to the linen closet. Crispin turns and glares at him, but does not say a word. He walks over to the large window near the front door and looks out at the darkened street.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 50) Orange Door
Looking up at her reflection in the bathroom mirror, Lyla tries to stare deep into her own eyes as she lightly dabs her face dry with a soft towel. There was something very familiar about that man. When they touched, it was as if she received a light jolt or a vibration of energy and his eyes, they were so unusual.
She feels as if she knows him, but how could that be? She has never been to Madrid before and surely she would have recognized him if he was from her small town. Her mind is frantically trying to piece things together. Who is he? Why did he stop to watch her? Was he really even focusing on her or was it coincidence? Most of all, why did the whole thing make her feel desperate enough to run away and why is she now crying?
Several blocks from the hotel where Lyla is staying, the tapping rhythm of footsteps are coming closer. From a long dark and damp alleyway, the man with the green eyes emerges and walks down a narrow paved path.
As he passes through this residential area of the city, he keeps his hands stuffed firmly in his pockets and his head down as if trying to conceal his face. At the next corner, he stops and hesitates before crossing the street then enters into a house with a dark orange door.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 49) What Just Happened
The lights from the hotel lobby are spilling their golden color out onto the walk and as soon as Lyla reaches it, she feels much better. The night attendant welcomes her warmly and holds the door open for her. She quickly thanks him and swiftly enters the building.
The bright lighting hurts her eyes as she heads straight for the elevator and pushes the button for the fourth floor. The four walls of the cubical make her feel claustrophobic, even though she has never suffered from it in her entire life. Stepping out into the hall Lyla immediately walks to her suite, swipes the room key, and promptly enters, closing the door snuggly behind her.
“What just happened?” she says to herself as she kicks off her shoes and hangs her jacket on the chair.
For several seconds she stands in the middle of the room as she tries to gather her senses. She is a nervous wreck, is shaking violently, and there is a thickness in her throat as she attempts to fight back tears. Quickly stepping into the bathroom, she splashes cold water on her face as she struggles to calm herself down.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 48) Trace Of Fear
Lyla continues to stare at him, his tall collar up around his lower jaw and his head tucked down so only his eyes are in view. It looks as if his gaze is fixed on her but she cannot be sure. His features seem to be shadowed and hidden and even though this frightens her, it intrigues her just the same. Who is he?
Standing there for a minute longer still looking in his direction, she almost starts to walk toward him. As quickly as that thought comes into her mind, as does a trace of fear. Without further delay, she turns and proceeds to walk in the opposite direction toward the hotel.
Now an anxious and worrisome feeling begins to hit her causing her to increase the pace. She is only one block from the hotel entrance that she now cannot wait to reach. At this point, she is practically in a complete state of panic and feels that this mysterious man is rushing upon her quickly. The intensity swells to such a severe level that she quickly turns around to confront him! To her surprise, no one is there.
The man who was standing at the corner is gone. Lyla looks across the street and down the sidewalk trying to figure out where he may have gotten off too. However, amongst all the gloom and shadows of nightfall, he has simply vanished. The street is quiet except for a handful of people gathering in front of a nearby restaurant.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 47) Gaze Directed At Her
Without any hesitation or by uttering a single word, the man continues on his way while Lyla falters for a moment as if all of her vigor has drained from her body. Slowly she takes a step and is then finally able to proceed along her path. She cannot shake the odd and dazed feeling that is consuming her.
“Green eyes,” she says in a murmur, “that man has beautiful green eyes.”
As she takes her steps, the sounds around her continue to be hushed and a flash of dancing firelight pops into her mind. It is so vivid that it blocks her vision to the point that she must stop moving. She stands there on the sidewalk for a moment as she tries to gain her composure and see what is physically around her.
She cannot help but think this strange vision is from the period of time she is missing. The events that transpired around her return to the small town where she grew up are lost to her, but somehow she knows this image of firelight is connected.
Standing very still, she finds herself confused as she lets the images she is seeing in her mind fade. Abruptly a strong sense comes over her to turn around. As she does, she looks back in the direction the man was heading and sees him standing there, at the corner of the street. His hands casually tucked in his pockets and his gaze directed at her.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 46) Echoing Tones
Lyla stands there staring at the display for several minutes, as if trying to recall a memory or specific moment in her past. She feels like she has a connection to the items somehow. In the corner, she notices a table lamp that looks identical to the stained-glass chandelier hanging in her foyer.
Is it possible this comparison brings out a sense of familiarity? Smiling, warmth and happiness comes over her but she has no idea why she is filling up with such sentiment. Deep in thought while trying to pinpoint her reasoning, Lyla slowly steps back and turns to continue down the sidewalk.
As she starts walking, she glances back at the window display and accidentally bumps into a man who is going in the opposite direction. He is wearing a dark colored jacket with the collar pulled up high around his neck practically covering the lower half of his face.
As Lyla’s shoulder hits the top portion of his arm, not only does it startle her, but she also feels a light tingling sensation that travels through her body. This man and Lyla both turn to look at each other and when their eyes meet; there is a pause to the air.
It is as if everything is flowing in slow motion. All the sounds around them are now muffled and lengthy as if drawn out in long echoing tones. Even the slightest movement of her hair is caught up and captured in this lingering span of time.
The expression on the face of the man changes from pure focused determination to a look of surprise and astonishment. His bright yet deep green eyes seem to penetrate through her somehow as if reading her thoughts.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 45) Red And Low
The sun is red and low as the evening begins to overtake the day. The top of the buildings are aglow, as the last bright rays of light radiate out, touching them before sinking into the western horizon. Many people are on the street as they make their way home from work or venture out to meet with friends.
As different individuals pass by they say hello or smile and Lyla feels very safe and relaxed as she slowly strolls along. She is taking in the many sights and smells of the various shops and restaurants she passes along the way. Turning a corner, an intense smell of freshly baked bread fills the air. As she passes the bakery, several people are stepping out carrying loaves and biscuits in bags. She very much likes the atmosphere and happiness she feels as she makes her way in the direction of the hotel.
Surprisingly fast, Lyla now finds herself to be only two blocks away from her destination when she comes to a store that has closed for the night. The shop window is all aglow with sparkling stained glass lamps, mirrors and candle holders. Each multicolored item is dazzling and brightly lit by bulbs that flicker like real flames. She is fascinated at how beautiful the items are and wishes she had reached this point while the owner was still present.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 44) Call It A Night
“Actually I think the time zone change has caught up with me.” Lyla uses this as her excuse to leave the exhibit hall early. “I’ll probably grab a cab and call it a night.” She does not intend to hail a taxi, she wants to stroll and window-shop on her way back to the hotel. However, she knows if she tells Marcus the truth, he will end up worrying about her, and she wants to alleviate all chances of him focusing on something other than himself.
“Okay, I can understand you being tired and I’m glad you’ll get a ride,” Marcus replies quietly. “Be careful and I’ll see you in the morning.” Lyla nods at Marcus then turns to Destry. “Take care of this guy, Destry,” says Lyla as she gives her a hug. “I’m heading back to the room, thank you for everything, it’s fantastic and you are wonderful.”
“Thank you, Lyla. I’ll keep my eye on Marcus.” Destry says with a slight wink.
Lyla walks toward the exit and along the way, she hears several people making positive comments about the art. As she gets to the door and starts to open it, there is a roar of applause and music starts playing. With a wide grin and a tear rolling down her cheek, Lyla steps out onto the street.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 43) Fantastic
Destry pulls Marcus over to one corner and begins the introduction to the crowd. Lyla stands in the back of the room smiling as she watches her dear friend receive praise and complements from complete strangers. She is so happy for him that her emotions once again take over, causing her to become teary eyed.
“You did it Marcus, your hard work has paid off.” Lyla says to herself as she gets in the long line to shake the hand of the artist. As it snakes along, she hears many comments from the people around her. As in any grouping, you take the good with the bad but as expected, most are positive tonight. The line slowly progresses closer to Marcus until Lyla is standing in front of him.
“You are doing fantastic handsome,” she says as she grabs Marcus by the hand. He did not realize she was the next person in the procession eager to meet him. Marcus smiles and gives her a hug. “I couldn’t have done it without all your support, Lyla.” Says Marcus as he holds her.
“I’m going to head out.” She replies as she steps back to look at him. Once again, she finds herself trying to contain the tears of joy that continue to swell in her eyes. She chokes them back as she attempts to hold it all in.
“No, you should stay,” Marcus says. He is worried that she will leave and end up walking back to the hotel alone.
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 42) Nervous
Without much conversation, Lyla, Marcus and Destry ride to the exhibit hall. As they pull up to the door, Destry once again explains the timeline of how this event and the others will go. The most important part for Marcus is to be present on opening night for introductions. After that, the show runs itself for however many days is allotted, he can then sightsee or appear at the gallery at his leisure. Destry also assures Marcus she will stay by his side all evening.
After an hour and a half, they leave the hall and grab a late lunch. This gives them just enough time to go back to their rooms to freshen up and change into evening attire. Destry then rides with them to the event.
“I hate stuff like this.” Says Marcus to Lyla as they walk into the large old building. Destry walks ahead and starts a conversation with one of the assistants. The large hall where his art is displayed echoes with voices and the tapping of shoes as individuals walk throughout the area.
“I know you are nervous but just remember this, people are not here to only see or talk to you. They are here to view and discuss your art.” This is Lyla’s attempt at calming his nerves. “You’re a pro at that plus you can let Destry do much of the talking for you. I don’t think she will put you in an uncomfortable situation.” Marcus clears his throat as Destry comes closer. “I’m nervous.” He says to her abruptly, which causes Destry to smile and grab his hand.
“Don’t be, you’re already doing great and the first fifteen minutes is the hardest part. I’ll be doing most of the talking anyhow, no worries.” Marcus looks at Lyla who smiles and raises her hands as if to say, “See, I told you so.”
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The Eyes Of A Fetch (Excerpt 41) Personal Conversation
“So how did your call go? Is everything okay with your Grandmother?” Marcus asks. “Actually, I’m more worried about her now than I was days ago. She doesn’t sound like herself and I don’t understand why all of a sudden in the last few weeks she decided to sell the family vineyard.” Destry hands money to the waiter as she continues.
“Unfortunately, I do not believe my family has enough funds to compete with the offer she’s been given. Looks like we will be losing what has been in our family for many years.” Lyla is very quiet as she looks from Destry to Marcus. “I don’t know why, but your story sounds so familiar to me.” She says a bit confused as she tries to recall the past.
“It sounds like a hostile takeover if you ask me.” States Marcus as he takes one last drink of his coffee. “Yes, I agree, but Grandmother does not sound right either. It is her tone of voice, I almost do not recognize her and she is very confused. I fear she may be seriously ill.” Destry stands up ending the personal conversation. “For now, let’s get you over to the exhibit hall for one final walk-through before the show tonight.”
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