Once Upon a Remembrance

  "I have prayed every night to the good Lord to deliver us from this life, for the sake of my daughter. Perhaps you have been sent to us for this purpose."

  Isabeau was disconcerted by her faith. "You saved me. I want to help you in return. No one should be homeless," she finished quietly, thinking of the homeless in her own time.

  Lila touched her arm lightly. "Please know that no matter the outcome, I thank you for your efforts."

  They reached the hotel a short time later. Isabeau gazed up at the imposing structure, swallowing nervously, thinking of her flight of the night before.

  "Well," she put on a brave smile, "let's go."

  They entered the building and a uniformed doorman stepped forward to usher them into the foyer, a smile on his face.

  Calmly, Isabeau approached the main desk. The clerk was new and his brows rose inquiringly and haughtily.

  "Has Mr. Morgan in suite ninety-two checked out yet?"

  "No, Ma'am," the man replied, frowning. "May I inquire your business --"

  "Thank you, but I'll speak to him personally." With a smile, Isabeau nodded and turned away.

  "Oh, but miss," the clerk called after her in some urgency, "Mr. Morgan is extremely busy today. He is not to be disturbed."

  Inclining her head in acknowledgment, Isabeau scanned the expensive furnishings in the lobby. During her work as a photographer, Isabeau had become accustomed to inhabiting and working in all types of surroundings. She largely took them for granted.

  Lila, however, was clearly ill at ease, repeatedly glancing toward the entranceway. It wasn't hard to discern her thoughts were clearly on escape.

  "Come and sit down a moment," Isabeau urged her softly, indicating a quiet corner at the far end of the lobby. "I have to go speak with Hawk. I need you to wait until I return." Isabeau could see Lila's indecision. Reaching forward, she enfolded the other woman's nervously twining fingers, trying to quell her fears.

  "Please," Isabeau beseeched, "stay while I go upstairs.  I know he can help you."

  Lila looked at Isabeau, then her daughter. "I will do as you wish," she promised quietly.

  Patting her arm reassuringly, Isabeau walked quickly across the lobby and up the grand staircase before she lost her nerve. She wasn't sure of the reception awaiting her.

  Pausing at the top of the stairs, Isabeau gripped the smooth wood of the balustrade. Turning, she then moved along the lushly carpeted corridor, staring at the toes of her boots as she stopped outside door number ninety two.

  She stood a moment. Her palms were sweating and her mouth felt dry.

  What look would be in his eyes? Would he be glad to see her, or --

  She grasped the cold brass knob firmly, then stepped back hurriedly as the door opened from within. Three men in dark suits stepped out of the room, each of them in turn tipping their hat and murmuring a polite good day to her.

  The door partially closed, but not before Isabeau observed the flurry of activity going on inside Hawk's suite.

  Perplexed, she pushed the door open and stood in the aperture, eyes curiously skimming the room wherein stood half a dozen men.

  Hawk stood with his back to her, but she recognized him immediately . . . the width and breath of his shoulders stood out from the others.

  She felt her breath catch somewhere between her rib cage and her throat, making her feel faint as a wash of memory engulfed her and she recalled the time they had spent together in his bed. Memories trickled through her like warm honey.

  "Excuse me, Ma'am." Grasping the door frame for support, Isabeau moved aside as another man exited the room.

  Hawk wore dark trousers and a white shirt, sleeves carelessly rolled up, jacket and tie discarded. His long dark hair was askew, as if he'd run his hands through it repeatedly.

  He was deep in conversation with several men, his words rapid, brusque and businesslike. As if sensing he was being observed, he jerked his head up, eyes passing briefly over her, then snapping back.

  Later, upon reflection, Isabeau realized it was amazing he did recognize her, clad as she was, with her hair darkened and drawn severely back.

  Across the width of the room, dark eyes blazed with relief followed by the unmistakable heat of anger.

  Isabeau's chin jerked up. Defiantly, she glared at him, a thin breath quivering through her as she took an involuntary step back. All hell looked ready to break loose!

  Chapter Thirteen

  "Isabeau!" Hawk barked.

  A hush fell on the room and every pair of eyes turned to her. Isabeau gnawed her lip, her eyes never leaving his face. He looked furious, his mouth compressed to a white line.

  Isabeau tightened her hand on the doorknob, feeling the shiver start at the back of her neck, zigzagging a path down her back. Dammit! No man should look so good when he hadn't shaved!

  "All right, everyone, you can leave." The command was issued to the room at large, although Hawk's eyes never wavered from her face. "Johnson --"

  A short man in a dark suit stepped forward, pushing dark rimmed glasses up on his nose as they slid downward.

  "Yes, sir?"

  "Take names and see that everyone is paid whatever amounts are due."

  "I'll take care of it, Mr. Morgan." 

  Bemused, Isabeau watched the man Johnson leave, then noticed Malry standing across the crowded room. Malry, surprisingly, wore a striped three-piece double breasted suit that to her eye looked tailor-made. His dark grizzled hair and beard were neatly trimmed and his boots polished. As he walked out the door he threw her a wink. "Glad to see you back, lass."

  Isabeau stepped aside self-consciously as the rest of the men began to file out the door.

  She closed the door and Hawk seemed galvanized into action. With mixed feelings of awe and anticipation she waited as he strode to her, not sure what to expect.

  "I don't want you to yell at me." She swallowed. "I want you to hold me."

  Roughly, he pulled her into his arms. Isabeau collapsed into him. Clinging breathlessly, she reached around and squeezed him harder and harder. Moisture gathered in her eyes as she let her fingers tangle in his rich, dark hair.

  "I’m so glad to be back. I wasn't sure I'd see you again."

  Shamelessly, she burrowed into the haven of his arms.

  The euphoria lasted a mere moment.

  Pushing her from him with hands clamped tightly upon her shoulders, Hawk showed her a face livid with rage. "Now, tell me --" he began harshly, then paused, obviously fighting for control. "Do you mind telling me what the hell's going on? I've been out of my mind wondering what had happened to you, and you just meander back in here like you had gone out for a stroll."

  With a sigh, Isabeau twisted away from him. Tossing back her head, she challenged him with her own anger. "Damn it! What was I supposed to do -- hang around while you and Malry duke it out over my honor? For God's sakes, did you have to tell him everything?"

  "I don't know what you're --" he stopped, comprehension dawning. "You think I told Malry about the other night?" Hawk shook his head. "God! That seems like a long time ago, after the hell I went through turning the city upside down to find you. I didn't tell him we'd made love --" he lowered his voice, "as much as I wanted to shout it from the top of the hotel."

  Some of her ire receded.

  "Malry jumped to conclusions. Incidentally, the rooms were booked several months ago. He had no idea you were actually in the bedroom."

  "Fulfilling his suspicions," Isabeau added.

  "Listen, it doesn't matter what he thinks or thinks he knows." Hawk ran a hand through his hair. "Christ, he was ready to tear me apart if I'd hurt you."

  That touched her to think Malry was looking out for her. Her next thought brought her up short. "Well, there's still Amelia," she reminded him.

  "Listen, Isabeau, we do have to talk about Amelia. I have some explaining to do -- and I'll be the first to admit things are really mixed up. Is Amelia the reason you took off last night?"

  Isabe
au turned away, her fingers biting into the cushiony softness of a loveseat. "Everything seemed so perfect, so right," she admitted gruffly. "When I heard you and Malry arguing, suddenly I was just another woman sleeping with someone else's fiancée."

  He groaned. Moving closer, he gently cupped her chin. "Isabeau, tell me something, do you think I'm the type of man to cheat on a woman I care about?"

  "No, but I saw red for a few minutes. The man I think you are -- I couldn't believe you'd be engaged to someone and go behind her back. Usually, I don't act so impulsively."

  Except, of course, lately.

  "Well, that's what we have to talk about, my, er, engagement to Amelia." Hawk moved away from her. He didn't look guilty, but almost confused. "First, though, I can't impress on you enough how dangerous the streets can be, especially for a woman on her own."

  "I know, I know. I went for a walk to clear my head and was on my way back to the hotel, only --" she paused, gnawing her lip as his face darkened again.

  Only?" He prompted softly, teeth bared in a dangerous smile.

  "Listen --" Isabeau began in a rush, swinging away, "I was kidnapped --"

  "What!"

  "I'll make you a deal. I-I'll tell you everything, but later. There's something -- someone -- more important right now."

  Staring out the window at the city below, Isabeau quickly told him about Lila and Megan.

  Several moments ticked by. When no comment was forthcoming, she looked over her shoulder at Hawk's impassive face.

  "How did you meet up with this woman?" he asked.

  Isabeau set her jaw. "I can tell you all of that later."

  "I can make inquiries," he finally conceded. "It may take a few days. Don't get too caught up in this," he warned her. "There's a possibility nothing may turn up."

  Delighted, she ran to him, impulsively throwing her arms about his neck. "I knew I could trust you to help. I knew you'd come through."

  "Really? You can't seem to make up your mind on that account."

  Guilty heat flamed into her face, guilt that for a short time the night before she hadn't trusted him to do the right thing. "You're right," she admitted, "but I won't make that mistake again." 

  With a deep growl, Hawk crushed her to him. His fingers splayed gently across her throat and he pulled her chin up and drew her mouth to his.

  Heat seared them, intense, instant heat, stirring to life the still smoldering memory of their encounter from the night before. Isabeau wanted nothing more than a repeat performance.

  The hard, gentle caress of lips and hands shivered a multitude of sensation along her sensitive skin, until all she wanted to do was drown in feeling.

  Reluctantly, he stepped back and released her. They still had to clear the air about certain things.

  Opening her eyes in disappointment, Isabeau dropped down to stand flat on her feet.

  She tried to calm herself but all she saw was Hawk . . . strong, dark Hawk. The man she loved. A future together seemed so uncertain and perhaps unattainable. A wave of sadness and loss shook Isabeau, making the tears start to her eyes.

  She watched Hawk reach around her and pick up his jacket. Pulling it on, he jerked his arms into the sleeves, the gesture somehow indicating to Isabeau that something was bothering him.

  In the next instant, muttering an oath, Hawk stepped close again. "I missed you, Isabeau," he whispered, his voice dark and gravelly as he dropped his forehead to hers. "I was really worried." Dark blue eyes held green.

  Isabeau's throat felt tight, her lips quivering with similar emotion. Lifting her gaze, she touched her mouth to the warmth of his neck, nuzzling the skin and breathing his scent as she enjoyed the roughness of the whiskers along his jaw.

  Carefully, she pushed her hands under his jacket, curving her hands and arms around his ribs and behind his back. "What was going on when I arrived?" she murmured.

  "I hired investigators to find you." His voice was terse. "They've been combing the city. Little did I realize you would arrive back on your own." He snorted. "So when am I to meet Lila and Megan?"

  "They're in the lobby."

  "Now?"

  "Well," she said defensively, "I could hardly leave them in that place. They did save my -- " she stopped. "Never mind that, you can talk to them now." Hurriedly, she turned and walked to the door.

  Hawk gave her a narrow-eyed glance. "This conversation is not through. Be warned that before the day is over, I'll have the whole story."

  "It's a deal."

  Stealing a glance sideways at the grimness of his features, Isabeau hoped she had not raised Lila's hopes to have them crushed. As they walked into the lobby, she ruefully admitted that sometimes her emotions got too involved when she wanted to help someone.

  She indicated Lila and Megan as they waited at the far end of the lobby. Lila sat straight in a high-backed chair with her daughter asleep in her arms.

  Lila spotted them approaching and shifted her daughter in an attempt to rise. An emotion akin to fear flitted across her face as she sank back into the chair and stared up at Hawk.

  Isabeau was puzzled, then recalled her own initial reaction upon her first meeting with Hawk. At the time, his fierce scowl had caused her no little disquiet. At the moment, however, she didn't see anything frightening or overbearing in his manner. She couldn't understand Lila's intimidation.

  Clearly sensing the woman's disquiet, Hawk spoke gently, trying to put Lila at ease. After several moments, he strode back across the lobby to the main desk to speak at length with the clerk. When he returned, he took Isabeau aside.

  "Some rooms have become available. I've secured them for Lila and her daughter, at least until we can gather some information."

  Isabeau sat down, then Hawk followed suit, taking the chair next to Lila. "I've explained to Isabeau it may take several days to make the necessary inquiries about your husband's family." Hawk rose to his feet. "I have several matters to attend to, so if you ladies will excuse me for the remainder of the afternoon, I'll proceed with this immediately."

  Lila nodded timidly, but did not speak. A quick glance told Isabeau the woman appeared on the verge of tears.

  Hawk handed Isabeau a key. "Perhaps you can help Lila and Megan get settled," he said. Clearing his throat, he seemed to be almost ill at ease. "I took the liberty of explaining that you two were family members and to be treated accordingly. I have no wish for your reputations to suffer." His words were directed at Isabeau, though she sensed it was to put the other woman at ease.

  Nodding in silent agreement, Isabeau pocketed the key and guided Lila from the lobby. Throwing one last look over her shoulder, she saw Hawk go out the main door onto the street. Isabeau swelled with pride. She had known Hawk would help. His heart was also easily involved.

  Turning her attention back to her two companions, she said brightly, "I think you'll feel better after a hot bath and something to eat." 

  When they reached the top of the stairs, Isabeau lifted a hand to smooth her hair. Grimacing, she decided the sooner she could take a hot bath the better she would like it.

  Still looking incredibly miserable, Lila preceded Isabeau into the airy suite of rooms. 

  After settling the still-drowsy child on the large bed, Lila sank down into a plush, rose colored tapestry chair, hands to her mouth as tears rolled slowly down her pale cheeks.

  "Lila!" Isabeau exclaimed, moving to sit beside her, "what's the matter?"

  Trying to wipe away the tears, Lila's eyes met hers. "All this," she finally blurted, throwing her arms wide. "I'm so afraid. No one gives all this without exacting payment of some kind."

  Light dawning, Isabeau sought to reassure her. "I suppose you're right," she admitted slowly, "in most cases. However, Hawk is an honorable man. Without getting into a life history, not too long ago I found myself with something of a problem. I, er . . . kind of stowed away on one of his ships. They found me and could have turned me over to the authorities or dumped me anywhere." She thought it pru
dent to only give the bare details.

  "Mr. Morgan allowed you to stay in his home while you searched for your friend?" Lila asked incredulously.

  Isabeau grinned, nodding. "Yes."

  "It is so incredible!" Lila exclaimed. "We find you by a mere stroke of luck, and events are moving like a whirlwind. I am afraid I shall wake up and find this didn't happen at all." Her lips started to tremble. "I am afraid I will find myself back in that shanty down by the river."

  "This is real," Isabeau said softly, squeezing her hand.

  "I don't wish to be a burden to Mr. Morgan," Lila choked out, bending her head. "For my daughter's sake, I pray we yet have a future to look forward to."

  Isabeau persuaded the other woman to have a hot bath, then left the suite with the promise to return in time to share dinner with them.

  She owed Hawk an explanation, so she hurried to his suite on the next floor, anxious now to get it out of the way. She had no doubt he would be furious all over again.

  When Isabeau arrived, the suite was unoccupied and the door unlocked. She supposed locks were not a necessity, but in her own time she was used to chains and locks as a necessary evil.

  Deciding she had the perfect opportunity to get herself cleaned up, Isabeau went to her room and drew a hot bath, pleased with the fairly modern plumbing.

  Several washings later, it was an immense relief to feel her hair clean once more. Rising from the cooling water she stepped from the tub, rubbing the heel of her palms over her eyes and across her face. Reaching for the towel on the warming rack, Isabeau wrapped herself in a large towel.

  One moment she thought she was alone, the next Isabeau saw a figure rush toward her in a blur of motion. Frightened, she turned to run, but the intruder grabbed her from behind, encircling her neck with his arm. He pulled her back against him. Her shriek of rage and fear was cut short as her mouth was quickly covered with a gloved hand.

  Terrified, Isabeau turned her head, briefly saw brown eyes, but a scarf concealed the lower part of his face.

  Desperately, she twisted sideways and loosened her grip on the towel. As it fell to the floor her captor's eyes widened incredulously. She felt a vicious pleasure as, taking advantage of his momentary surprise, she brought her knee up hard and fast, satisfied when she connected with his groin. Her assailant doubled over in pain and Isabeau fled the room.