Chapter 3

Julian spotted Eve’s car when he pulled in front of the house. She was home. Why hadn’t she called him? There was a light on in the living room. Maybe she was still talking to TC. There certainly was no easy way to break this news to him and knowing the man’s temper…. Julian winced. He was all too familiar with TC’s rage, and this would send him completely over the edge.

A horrible thought entered his head and just as quickly he dismissed it. TC was not his favorite person, but the man did love Eve, and she wasn’t afraid of him. No, he wouldn’t hurt her, he couldn’t. Julian anxiously combed his fingers through his hair. God, why wasn’t he reassured?

The not knowing was driving him insane. Coming face to face with TC’s fists would be well worth it to see that Eve was okay. Julian reached for the door handle at the same time his cell phone rang. Eve’s number lit up the caller ID display. He sighed in relief. “Eve, sweetheart, I’ve been so worried.”

“I’m sorry, Julian. I intended to call sooner but….”

She sounded off. Her voice was strained, and shaky. “Eve, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“Don’t tell me nothing!” He took a breath to calm his racing heart. “I’ve been worried sick for hours, and hearing you sound so upset does not help. I’m outside your house right now, and I’m about to come in.”

“No! Julian, don’t. I’m not in there.”

He shook his head. “What do you mean you’re not in there? I see your car. I see a light on in the living room.”

“It’s probably TC. He knows about us, and he’s not happy.”

“Well, I knew he wouldn’t be happy --” Julian’s heart lurched in his chest. “What happened?”

She was quiet for a long moment before saying, “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“I do. Eve, where are you? I don’t like the way you sound.”

“Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine,” she said, making an attempt to sound upbeat but failing miserably, thus causing him to worry even more. “I just, uh, I need to alone.”

“Alone? Eve, are you intentionally trying to scare me to death?”

“No, not at all.” She released a drawn out sigh. “Just, uh, so much has happened today, and I need to figure out how to deal with everything. Know, Julian, that I do love you. I just can’t be in Harmony right now.”

“You can’t be in Harmony?” He heard sniffling on her end. “Eve, my darling, why are crying?”

“I’ve taken an extended leave of absence from the hospital, and I’ll be away for a while. It’s for the best.”

“Whose best? Certainly not mine! And it doesn’t seem to be doing you a whole hell of a lot of good, either.” His worry had grown to full-scale panic. Tears filled his eyes. “Eve, please tell me where you are. Let me come to you.”

“No! Julian, I can’t see you right now.”

She can’t see him? “You know I’ll find you.”

“No, you won’t. Do not try to find me, and please, please, stay away from TC. If you love me, if you ever loved me, you will do this.”

“If I ever loved you?” He almost choked on emotion. “Eve, you’re my heart. What’s wrong? Why are you in so much pain?”

“Flight number 2455 to --”

The sound of the flight call was muffled. Julian sat up with a start. “You’re at the airport?”

“I have to go,” she said through her sobs. “I love you, Julian. Goodbye.”

“Go --” he stammered. The anguish in his heart threatened to consume him. “Eve? Eve?!!” He threw the phone to the floor. “Damn it!” His eyes flew to the house. “What the hell happened in there?”

Julian dashed out the car, nearly stumbling a few times as he raced to the front door. He pounded the wooden structure and rang the bell simultaneously. “TC Russell! Open this damn door!!!!”

In the next moment, the door flung open. Seeing TC’s angry face was nothing new, but the cuts and scratches on it were definitely new. “What the hell?” Julian mumbled. He cast his gaze from the man’s face to his hand. Eve’s shirt. He snatched it from TC’s clutches. It was torn. Julian’s heart pounded furiously as Eve’s upset and TC appearance painted a hideous picture in his head. Tears filled his eyes. “Oh, God! You son of a bitch!!”

Julian’s hands latched securely around TC’s neck as he squeezed and squeezed with all his might. “I’m going to kill you!” he swore. “I’m going to kill you!!!”