Deadly Awakening by Melissa Willingham (free e books to read .txt) 📕

particulars of my case. At certain points, it appeared that Nicholson was pointing the finger of suspicion at Dalton. I felt annoyed by this and told him so. He explained it was a necessary part of his job; to check out all angles.

Suddenly, there was another knock on the door. The officer indicated that my fiancé wanted to visit with me. I couldn’t recall him, but with Nicholson’s approval, agreed to see him. A tall, well-built man entered the room and rushed over to me.

“Emily, it is you!” he exclaimed. “I saw your picture in the newspaper this morning. It said you were attacked and had been brought to the hospital with amnesia. So, I hurried over after work.”

I stared at him blankly; nothing registered in my mind. “Who are you, sir?” I asked.

He peered at me uncertainly. Then he glanced around the room at the two detectives and Dalton. Finally, his gaze refocused on me. “Why Emily, I’m Gregory Swanson! We’re engaged to be married in two weeks.”

I shook my head. “I’m sorry, but I don’t remember you. Do you have any proof of what you say or who I am?”

“Yes, of course,” Gregory mumbled. He dug into his pockets and produced some photos. There I was, smiling into the camera. There were also a couple of shots of me with him.

“Do you believe what I’m telling you now? You disappeared two nights ago and I’ve been worried sick about you.”

“I guess it must be true,” I admitted. “You said my name is Emily, right?”

“Yes, Emily Blevins. You have no known relatives, just me.”

“I don’t know, Gregory. I feel so confused. My memory hasn’t come back yet.”

He eyed me fervently. “Do you remember what happened to you?”

“No, but the doctor said I will eventually.”

Nicholson interrupted, clearly impatient. “Mr. Swanson, I need to question you about your whereabouts on the night in question.”

“Sure, ask away. I was home, in my study, going over some paperwork.” He took a seat near the detectives.

***

During the interview, Dr. Blakely entered the room, informing me that I was being released. He stated that I’d suffered no apparent ill effects from the attack. He suggested I go someplace quiet, to relax and recuperate for a few days.

I sighed in relief, happy to be able to leave the hospital. The only problem was, I didn’t know exactly where I’d be going. If I had no family in the area, who would I stay with? I decided to voice this concern. “Well, I’m glad I can go home. But just where is home?”

Gregory stepped forward instantly. “You’ve been living with me for the last six months. You can come with me and I’ll look after you.” Something in his eyes made me wary.

Dalton stood and rushed to my bedside. “I know we barely know each other, Emily; however, I’d be happy to take you to my cabin. It would be a peaceful retreat where you could rest.”

“I don’t know what I should do,” I responded uncertainly.

Nicholson spoke up, “Seeing as how Mr. Swanson is your fiancé, perhaps you’d be more comfortable with him.”

Colby, who hadn’t said ten words in his two visits, added, “Yeah, Miss Blevins. Mr. Henley is just a stranger to you. You shouldn’t leave with him.”

I suddenly felt irritated at the detectives. “But Dalton saved my life. He came along and rescued me when I needed help,” I protested.

Gregory smirked, giving a derisive chuckle. “Mighty funny how this guy happens to show up at the right time,” he surmised, jerking a finger toward him.

Dalton bristled, glaring at Gregory. He snapped, “It’s also kind of suspicious how you appear today, claiming to be her fiancé.”

“I am her fiancé, you idiot!” Gregory roared. “She’s coming with me. You have nothing to say about it. She’s mine; not yours. You’ll never lay a hand on her again!”

Dalton blanched, clearly surprised by the accusation. “I never touched her, man. If I’d wanted to harm her, I certainly wouldn’t have brought her to the hospital.”

I couldn’t believe the two men were ready to face-off over me. I chose that moment to interrupt the argument. “Gregory, stop it! I’ve made up my mind and I’m going with Dalton.”

My so-called betrothed turned to regard me with a menacing scowl. “You’re choosing him over me? For all you know, he’s the one who bashed you over the head with a fire poker and buried you in a secluded field.”

I gasped as a feeling of shock overwhelmed me. “My God, how could you know which weapon was used, unless you did it?” I asked.

Gregory’s eyes narrowed into thin slits of insanity. He seemed to forget where he was. “You spurned my marriage proposal, you little fool. No one does that to me and lives. I wish I’d killed you the other night!” he screamed.

Suddenly, he pounced on me, wrapping his hands around my neck. I squirmed, trying to get away. Dalton smashed his fist against the side of Gregory’s face and pelted him with blows, but he wouldn’t let go.

Nicholson and Colby ordered the madman to release me, yet he refused to turn loose. All three men tried to wrench him off of me. Just as I was about to lose consciousness, they finally pried his fingers from my throat. I gulped in fresh bursts of air, grateful to be alive.

As the detectives led the lunatic from the room, I felt so disillusioned by the events. I could feel my memory slowly returning, yet it would take time for everything to fall into place. Dalton gathered me tenderly into his arms and I collapsed against him; my hero, my protector, my future.

***

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Text: Melissa Monroe
Publication Date: 04-24-2012

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