Forgotten but Not Gone

By Jude Liebermann

Jessica Forrest had the unimaginable happen to her as a teenager, and she withdrew within herself. Dakota Norris is determined to help her come back to reality as well as finding out what happened to her and why. Can these total opposites help each other find the truth as well as love along the way? Can Jessica remember what was forgotten and move on with her life? Will the men responsible be punished? Find out in Forgotten but not Gone by Jude Liebermann.

Though this is the sequel to Passion's Price, Forgotten but not Gone is meant to be read first. Only then can you appreciate and understand the mystery surrounding the truth of why Jessica was assaulted. Though this novel is not as graphically sexual as the prequel, it does contain sex as well as violent sexual flashbacks, so it is not appropriate for anyone under the age of 18 or those who might find those situations offensive.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jude Liebermann
• Release date: Jul 18, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301304660

Jude Liebermann

Jude is an adult and YA romance novelist. Be sure to look through the whole list of books, since there are 4 free titles.

Book preview

Forgotten

but not

Gone

Jude Liebermann

Published by Lee Books

Austin, TX 78717

leebooks.judesplace.com

All Rights Reserved

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2013 by Jude Liebermann

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Sneak Peak – Passion’s Price

Chapter One

The two men walked briskly down the crowded sidewalk. Only the cool breeze made the hot summer day bearable. To look at their extreme opposite appearances, no one would assume they were best friends.

Justin Forrest stood a muscular 5 feet 11 inches in height, went to the gym five times a week and had short wavy blond hair with sky blue eyes. He wore a short-sleeved yellow Polo shirt and tan slacks. His friend of two years stood at just over 6 feet tall, had a slim build, black shoulder length hair and chocolate brown eyes. Favoring the color black, he sported a T-shirt and snug jeans of that color.

Dakota Norris was a half-breed mix of Caucasian and Cherokee Indian. The two men made quite a spectacle walking side by side, and they drew many second looks. Although so different, both were extremely handsome men.

Dakota had only been back to San Diego for about a week, having spent the last six months in Texas. His parents weren’t married and never had been. His mother, a full-blooded Cherokee, lived in Nacogdoches County, Texas. Dakota had been what anyone would call a mistake. His parents had engaged in a fling, and Lane Sanders had been shocked to learn he would soon be a father. There were plenty of hard feelings between his parents, but they never tried to poison Dakota against the other. His mother had been only seventeen when she met the much older, wealthy Lane. The self-made millionaire had just become a widower, when the beautiful young Brooke Norris visited San Diego and had intrigued him. Lane found her a place to live, bought her gifts and flowers and treated her so nice, she felt certain that he loved her.

Brooke gave her virginity to him, but he turned against her when he found out about the pregnancy. He told her he would never be trapped into marriage. He refused to help her out financially, saying it probably wasn’t even his child. Not knowing where else to turn, Brooke took Lane to court. Dakota reached two years of age before his father acknowledged him as his son. They settled out of court, and Lane set up a trust fund for Dakota. A monthly allotment went for his care until he turned 21, and then the rest of the money transferred directly to him. Brooke agreed that nothing should go to her. She left California with her son and returned to Texas to be close to her family that lived in the Piney Woods. They were once among the displaced Cherokee Indians who had joined with the Hasinai Indians of the area and hadn’t wanted to leave when they had abandoned their last settlement in 1840. The money Lane sent allowed his son a proper education, Brooke herself having been home schooled.

Lane eventually decided he liked having a son and wanted visitation. They agreed to Lane having him for the summer until he graduated from high school and then let Dakota decide how much time he wanted to spend with either parent. He never could understand why his parents hadn’t gotten married, but he loved them both. After high school he spent six months with each parent. He had attended two colleges, one in Texas and one in California. He was currently 24 years old and back with his father. Dakota knew he could never have a stable job as long as he continued to move back and forth. Although he loved Texas, he decided to make San Diego his home. The weather was so much more bearable, and he also liked the ocean. He told his mother that he would stay in California, even though he knew she wanted to stay in Texas, so he promised to visit often.  Deciding he was too old to live with his father, he and Justin went apartment hunting.

Dakota met Justin his last semester of college. They were the same age and although didn’t have much in common, they had become best friends. Horseback riding was one of the few things they did have in common, which they planned on doing later that day when it cooled off. Justin glanced at his watch.

Shit, it’s almost 2:00.

Dakota shrugged. Yeah, so?

I’ve got an appointment with someone.

Who?

Justin stopped walking and turned toward Dakota. Dakota, we’re best friends, right?

Last time I checked. What’s up, pal?

I’ll tell you on the way. We gotta hurry. Do you mind driving me there?

Of course not. What’s wrong, Justin? Why the big rush? What are you late for?

Justin began walking so fast, Dakota had to run to catch up.

We’ve been in such a rush all day, I can’t believe I forgot the time... I have to see, he paused for a few steps before finishing, my sister.

Sister? I didn’t know you had a sister.

Yeah, I know. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. You were always moving from one place to another. I never told anyone before. It’s just one of my family’s secrets.

Your sister is a family secret?...Justin, will you slow down? If I had known this was going to be a workout, I would have worn my sweats.

Sorry. He slowed down his stride just a tad. Though Dakota had no problem keeping up, he didn’t understand the urgency. It troubled him that Justin had kept something like this away from him.

Why is your sister a family secret?

A few blocks of silence followed the question. Dakota could tell by Justin’s expression that he struggled with trying to figure out what to say, so he remained silent. They finally reached Dakota’s car, which had been a present from Lane on his 21st birthday. Once seated inside the red sports car, Justin turned toward Dakota, who turned the ignition and shifted into gear. After he pulled out of the spot, Dakota expectantly glanced at his friend. Justin sighed before beginning to speak, first telling him the address of where they needed to go.

My sister’s name is Jessica, but we all call her Jessie. She’s four years younger than I am...Dakota, my sister was, Justin leaned closer to Dakota, she was brutally raped and beaten when she was fifteen. He then sat up straight, almost rigid. Dakota could only stare in stunned disbelief.

Do you know who did it?

Justin shook his head in anger. I looked everywhere. I didn’t know of any enemies she might have. Everyone loved her. The police finally came to the conclusion that it was just a fluke that it happened to her. It could have been anyone. I would still love to get my hands on the person or people.

Dakota looked down at Justin’s hands, which were clenched into fists. You mean they never caught who did it?

No, but I will never give up looking.

Justin directed them to a parking lot, and they got out of the car. Dakota looked at the large building, before glancing at the plaque on the wall. He frowned in confusion.

Why are we here? This is an old folks’ home.

Yes, I know. This is where Jessie has been for the past five years.

Justin looked toward the building, as if not wanting to face his best friend. He gestured toward the door and walked in, leaving Dakota no choice but to follow. When he caught up with him, he grabbed his arm and swung him around.

Why has she been here?

Let’s sit down. I don’t want to discuss this in front of her, just in case she can understand.

Huh?

After they were seated, Justin finally looked Dakota in the eyes.

Ok, Dakota, again, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you this before. It’s just something you don’t tell someone in idle conversation. It’s very hard on me…and my entire family. I love my sister. Jessie was a great kid…nice to everyone. She’s the youngest and was allowed to do pretty much what she wanted. As you know, I have an older brother. He moved out, got married and has his own life. Jessie was a joy to us all. When I started college, I wanted to be independent. When I turned 19, I moved in with 2 of the guys I went to college with. I couldn’t keep tabs on Jessie as well as I used to. She was a sophomore in high school. Just discovering boys. She had a lot of friends and was always going out and doing something. I guess my parents should have been a little stricter with her, but no one likes to throw stones. Justin could feel the tears forming behind his eyes, but he fought them off. Men weren’t supposed to cry. Jessie had just turned 15 when it happened. She was raped, beaten and left for dead. The cops found her in a ditch off the highway on the outskirts of town. There were no witnesses. The only other person who knows what happened is Jessie, and she’s not talking.

Dakota sat with his mouth agape. Why the hell not!?

Justin’s eyes had wandered away from Dakota and had settled on the ceiling. At Dakota’s outburst, they swung back to him. Justin half smiled. He shrugged and the smile left his face.

Jessie almost died. She was in a coma for a couple months. When she finally came out of it, she wouldn’t talk or cry or do anything. She just sat there. She has been catatonic for 5 years; never uttered a sound. She has had numerous tests throughout the years. She’s healthy. She has fully recovered physically. She will walk with help, eat with help, go to the bathroom with help, but she won’t look at you, she won’t talk; she has totally withdrawn within herself...My baby sister is now almost 20 years old but never had the chance to grow up and become the woman she should be. Justin looked down at his hands. Dakota knew he struggled to hold to his emotions. I visit her once a week and just sit with her. I talk about things I’ve done all week. It doesn’t seem to help, but I won’t give up. We all come to see her, but we vary the days so someone will be here every day. Justin glanced at his watch again. I need to get in there.

Let me go in with you.

Dakota, only family has seen her. I don’t know how she would react to a stranger.

Maybe that is what she needs. Please, after knowing that you have had a sister all the time we’ve been friends, I want to see her.

Justin fought with his decision for a few minutes. All right. Maybe she does need something new. Come on.

After Justin signed them both in, Dakota followed him down the corridor. Stopping in front of a closed door, he knocked lightly and then opened the door.

Hi, Jessie, it’s me. Justin called out as Dakota followed him in. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the dim lighting. The curtains were drawn, but he could make out a figure sitting in a chair next to the window. He noticed her blonde hair flowing down her back before letting his eyes sweep across the room. It looked like a typical teenage girl’s room. A white lace comforter covered the bed, several dolls leaned against the headboard, and posters hung on the walls. The flowers on the dresser, the end table and the windowsills were the only reminders that they stood in a nursing home. A nurse walked out of the bathroom and looked over at Justin with no surprise on her face. Glancing at her watch, she admonished. Why Justin, you are twenty minutes late, shame on you.

Justin smiled. Yeah I know, June, it won’t happen again.

June laughed and walked over to the window to open the drapes. Jessie just had a bath. It was lucky you were late, since I was running behind a little. You two might have walked in on us. And who is this you have with you? She asked, finally settling her gaze on Dakota with a soft smile.

Oh, June, this is my best friend, Dakota Norris. He just got back into town. I thought it might be nice for Jessie to see a new face.

Maybe...well, if I had known you were bringing someone along, I would have dressed her up.

Dakota just stood there, and Justin glanced up at June. Oh, he’s practically family. She looks just fine, anyway.

Ok, well then, I will leave the three of you alone. Just buzz if you need some help.

Thanks, June. Justin glanced at Dakota before walking over to his sister. He knelt down next to her chair and kissed her cheek. Hi, Hon, how are you today? This is my friend, Dakota. He gestured to Dakota, who slowly walked around to the other side of the chair and stood behind Justin. He almost gasped as he looked down at Jessica Forrest’s beautiful face. She had wavy hair like Justin’s but a darker shade of blonde, and it fell to below her shoulders in one layer except for short fluffy bangs. Her blue eyes had faint traces of green and would have been extraordinary except for the dull vacancy in them. As he stared into her eyes, he noticed that he blinked about three times before she even blinked once. She breathed slower as well. He glanced down at her chest to see the slow but steady rise and fall of her breasts with each breath.

Jessie had a small and delicate nose, full sensuous lips, high cheekbones, and a triangular shaped face. Her flawless skin had no need of makeup. She wore an aqua T-shirt, which accentuated her eyes, and white pull-on shorts. Dakota glanced down at her thin but shapely legs. He couldn’t guess her height since she sat, but he could tell she was a small, delicate woman. How could anyone have wanted to do her harm? The thought of it angered him more than he expected.

Hi, Jessie. He finally stammered. Of course, she made no response and continued to stare into space.

Dakota leaned up against the wall as Justin talked to Jessie. He could tell that Justin was crazy about his sister, as he acted like he had a normal conversation. He even answered his own questions.

Dakota smiled from a joke Justin had just told, when the door opened and June walked in with two trays.

Well, I guess you and your friend will have to share. Don’t have an extra dinner to spare.

Dakota glanced at his watch and noted the time at already 4:00. He hadn’t realized how much time had passed, having been mesmerized watching Jessie. It’s OK, we don’t mind sharing.

June smiled at Dakota. Great... Justin, do you want me to help? She always asked the question and always received the same answer.

No thanks, June. I can handle it. Justin moved the table over to where Jessie sat, and Dakota placed the trays on the table."

Well, I gotta go down the hall and get the drinks. Will you be all right with her?

Dakota glanced first at Justin and then at Jessie. Yeah, man, we’ll be fine.

I’ll be right back.

Take your time.

When the door closed behind him, Dakota glanced over at Jessie, who still sat in the same exact position she had been when they arrived. Dakota walked over to her and knelt in front of her.

Jessie, you don’t know me, but I’ve known your brother for about two years. Justin just told me about you. I wish I could have prevented what happened. I really do.

Jessie’s eyes were fixed on something over his right shoulder. Dakota reached out and caressed her cheek with his index finger. Her eyes slowly moved and focused on his face, the vacant look disappeared, and he could see his face reflected in her eyes. An instant later they went out of focus and again were fixed over his right shoulder. Had he just imagined that? No, she had looked at him. He frowned, wondering if it could have been just a reflex action. No need to tell Justin and get his hopes up if it had been nothing.

You can hear me, can’t you, Jessie? Come back to your family. They need you...And for some strange reason, I think I need you, too.

Chapter Two

June stopped Justin on his way back to the room.

Justin, do you think it was wise to leave Jessie alone with your friend?

He shrugged. Dakota has always had a way with people. I figure any change would be better than the state she is in. How much worse could she get? Something has to bring her out of it.

June looked anxious. She had come to care for Jessie a great deal. She had only been at the nursing home for two months when Jessica Forrest had been brought in. It tore at her heart to see the state the girl was in. She had another nightmare last night.

Justin eyes lit up. Did she say anything?

No. She just moaned and thrashed around. Got caught up in her sheets, she was so active. Finally she screamed and woke up.

Well, that’s her third one in the last month. That must mean something...I keep hoping that one of these dreams will snap her out of it. Did she seem at all coherent when she woke up?

No, I’m sorry, Justin. The same dull expression; then she fell back to sleep.

Thanks, June. Keep me informed. I gotta get back in there.

When Justin entered the room, Dakota looked up from the spoon full of rice in his hand. He was directing it towards Jessie’s mouth, which was open and ready to receive it.

I hope you don’t mind. I just...Oh, I don’t know. He started to lower the spoon when Justin stopped him.

No, go ahead. She seems to be hungry. She isn’t always.

Dakota nodded and raised the spoon. Jessie’s lips closed around the spoon, and he slid it back. He watched as she chewed and swallowed.

She had eaten just over half of her meal, when she would accept no more of it.

"Well, she did pretty well. She ate more than she normally does. Maybe you are a good influence on her. Justin said, smiling at his friend. Justin had finished half of the other meal and pushed it in front of Dakota. Well, there is your half."

He shook his head. Nah, I’m not hungry. He glanced back at Jessie, who sat with her hands crossed in her lap. He again marveled at her sweet little face. He just wanted to cup her cheeks in his hands and stare at her all day. He shook himself of the thought and again wondered at her height. Does she go for walks?

Oh, definitely. She’ll walk until someone stops her. It keeps her in shape. We can go for a walk with her, if you’d like.

Dakota nodded and stood, stepping back so he and Justin could move the table aside. Justin then stood in front of his sister.

"Come on,