Lost In The Rain

By Harold Dennis King

Ginny longed for the day where she had peace, was healthy, and in love. But, looking at the broken figure staring back at her from a faded mirror she couldn't accept it was her refection. Who is this person, surely not me, but it was her. Frail from a drug habit introduced by her boyfriend who liked nothing better than keeping her high. The long ago beauty queen from Texas, the most popular, and most likely to succeed had disappeared after meeting this man in New York. This day she finally could see the image that made her sick to her stomach. She decided to make changes in her life by leaving him and New York. She worked for months regaining her strength and adding the lost weight. She slowly dropped her drug habit by pretending, and she stole money from dealers any where she could to be able to vanish and buy a plane ticket out of town. It was going as planned the day she took the opportunity to start a new life, but along the way in the wind and rain she became disoriented. She was running to catch a cab when she crossed the fatal exit from an office building. There her old life ended and a new one began the same day. Her past had been erased, and her new life of a best selling author began until the drug dealers spotted her face on the back of her book. They had been searching her for almost two years thinking she had od'd. She had taken vital records the FBI needed to put the dealers behind bars. She was now a target and doesn't know it, but soon will.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Harold Dennis King
• Release date: Jan 21, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310486067

Harold Dennis King

Born in Dallas, Texas with a degree in business and a major in accounting. Began writing at a later stage in life when I should have been thinking about retiring. In sales for the past...years was becoming boring eating alone several days of the week being away from the office. I was always reading someone's work when I had an idea for a novel. Deciding I would try my hand at a novel I found it fun and entertaining. Most of my writing has been sitting at a table around lunch time working in long hand. The background noise never bothers me, so I continued the experience until I had a 330 page novel on my hands. This is where I developed my character's, but the funny thing is I have not edited this book for publishing. I went on the next one and then the next one, and etc. I have it sitting on my desk, and I made myself promise it would be the next project to complete. It has been typed into the computer, so the hard part is done, and now the dreaded editing will begin.

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Lost In The Rain

Harold King

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2014 by Harold King

All Rights Reserved

Prologue

Victims of amnesia roam our streets every day. They have no idea who they are, where they came from or where they have been. Think of waking up from an afternoon nap, and have a complete black out as to where you are, and how you got there. You do not do know your name or the person lying beside you. Think how scared and angry you would be from this living nightmare.

Literally volumes of articles and theories have been published and the one thing in common with most victims is time seems to be the best cure. There is no pill to take to get your memory back. Yes, many do find their way back home, and remember their past, but also many do not and they are still out there lost and searching for an identity.

In my teens during football practice one sunny day, we were going through drills where I bumped heads with a large lineman. That is all I remember for the rest of the afternoon. We finished running plays and running sprints, but I was totally unaware of what I was doing and where I was in regard to my life. When I sat down to take off my pads my memory returned and I asked my best friend what happened and how did we get in the Field House. He was just as confused with my question as I was being in the room, and not knowing how I got there. He did tell me I acted very strange during practice.

It is a very scary thing losing your memory and not knowing how to cope. I was very fortunate my loss of memory only lasted a few hours. I’m sure some of you may have experienced the same thing, but your memory returned as mine did. However, some have not been so fortunate.

As Vickie Britton wrote on September 4, 2008 about the world famous novelist Agatha Christie, who has written over eighty detective novels, concerning her disappearance for eleven days. While living in Sunningdale in Berkshire on the eighth of December 1926. Her abandoned car was found near a lake in Newland’s Corner, Surrey, causing the start of a police investigation and much speculation on the part of the press. Agatha was found three weeks later in the Hydropathic spa hotel in Harrowgate where she had checked in under a different name and stayed during the duration of her disappearance.

"She was recognized by another guest as bearing a striking resemblance to Agatha. When Archie Christie came to identify his wife, she did not deny being Agatha Christie, but she claimed to be suffering from amnesia and she had no idea how she came to living under an assumed name in a spa in Harrowgate. Some say it was a hoax due to a bad marriage, but that is all speculation."

There are three forms of amnesia, and this novel refers to one regarded as Retrograde amnesia. This form we have seen as a loss of one’s past memory. Although this novel is fiction, amnesia is not.

Dedication:

Along the path, I found a way to complete this work. To my wife who gave me the determination, and forgave me for the times I used my laptop in bed

A special thank you to Glenda Monk.

There is nothing better than a schoolteacher with a red pencil.

Chapter 1

Samantha observed Victoria was standing alone, and staring at her latest work. She appeared bemused and unaware of the party going on around and the fact that the party was for her benefit.

Victoria, unaware of Samantha’s concern was gazing at her own reflection in one of the many sidewalk windows and not at the book she held in her hands. She wondered, "Who are you? Victoria Sterling is not even my real name… I don’t know this person I see reflecting back in the window. Who is she and how did I get here writing a best seller? How ironic that I write a best seller and I don’t even know who I am nor does anyone really know me. Where did I come from, and was I going that awful day?"

Sam quietly walked over to Vicky and said, "I would use the old cliché A penny for your thoughts, but the look on your face says I can’t afford the price."

Victoria turned to answer and was glad to see it was her friend standing behind her. Hi Sam… sorry… I was in my own little world wherever that might be.

Confusing, isn’t it? Vicky reflected. Yes you were out there, but that’s Okay because I understand. It is a big night for you so enjoy! replied Samantha who happened to be not only her roommate, best friend, but her agent as well.

Sam took her friend by the hand and said as she gently nudged her to return to the party, After all this is another best seller from Victoria Sterling. The New York critics love you and your book has already made the top ten.

"Yes, they do like me, but only thanks to you." Victoria noted.

I’m so proud of you Vickie! Sam remarked.

Thank you, but I would not be here if it were not for you. I know that and I will always be grateful. Victoria explained from deep within her soul.

Oh, don’t give me that Victoria Sterling… you would have made it without my help or anyone’s help for that matter. You are that talented and respected.

I’m not the one who wrote this book Vicky…it was you, and only your talent. Sam beamed with pride as she looked at her friend. Sam could read Vicky like a book, so she knew Vicky was thinking that she was not so certain, but kept it to herself.

"You are a terrific writer! So I know a few people so what? You did the writing… no one helped you with that and you know it, so give yourself the credit you deserve and come on back to the party" as Sam tried to take little credit for Vicky’s success.

You also took me in when I needed it the most, Vicky reminded Sam.

Okay! If it makes you feel better I’ll take full credit for knowing how to pick a winner...deal girlfriend? They both laughed as Sam put her arm out and the two women walked back arm in arm and to the reception with smiles of genuine respect and admiration for each other on their faces.

You know it all seems so surreal. Vicky related. "I feel like a newborn baby in this world. The only people I know are the ones at this party and only a few of them at best are acquaintances not friends that share a past with me. Vicky had a valid point and Sam was well aware of the fact. She could only try to comprehend what Vicky must be feeling and how insecure that feeling would make anyone think in the same way Vicky felt about her life. Her condition is a situation you have to experience to be able to relate. It had to be terribly frustrating for Victoria Sterling alias Whoever Victoria Sterling had been. It has been almost two years when they had shared tears and still no clue as to my friend’s true identity.

Just give it time and try to be patient so not to stress out. It could possibly delay the process of remembering. After all, the doctors have told you that in time your memory will return. Enjoy…. think of all the things you may have to worry about that you are oblivious to girl…. count your blessings and enjoy them one by one. Live in the present because each passing day you are making memories and building a past. You have a chance to make it the way you want it to be…. you are in charge of your destiny right now. Who knows, you could have been a cabbie, and who wants to remember that? Sam said laughing with Vicky. Sam was always the optimistic one and very good at cheering up anyone in a funk.

I know what the doctors say, Sam…but it has been almost two years already? My memory may never return I need to accept it. Vicky was depressed and bewildered.

Victoria, the doctors believe you have buried your past so deep that it will take a very long time for you to remember what happened to you. All I am doing is supporting your doctor’s request that you reduce stress so that your memory will return to you. Sam sincerely felt for her dear friend.

I know, I know, but I really want to remember, Vicky continued ignoring Sam’s good advice.

Where was I born? What is my real name? Who are my parents? Did I have siblings? Do I have a husband and children? Do I have Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and cousins that I adore? Or at least do I have a boyfriend, friends that are looking for me and wonder what has happened?

I think of this every waking moment Sam no matter how many pep talks you and the doctors give me…. all these unanswered questions remain and are replayed over and over in my head whether I am awake or asleep. Is anyone looking for me? Vicky related realizing that this had to be a broken record for Sam to hear over and over and over and over but Sam was a true friend if ever a person with amnesia could have found one she was the best blessing God could have sent…. an angel on this earth to help her through her troubled time.

Well on this evening, Ms. Sterling I do believe you have an admirer, Samantha said in a long slow Southern drawl as her big beautiful eyes gleamed. He’s been watching your every move and staring only at you since he walked into the room and spotted you from afar darling.

No way Sam.

You of all people know I have no love life or any prospect of one on the horizon. Vicky moaned wishing with all her heart that a fabulous hunk were about to sweep her off her feet and make her forget she grieved over not knowing about her past. The right man may make her look only to her future!

Be that as it may the guy bought your book, and he’s not bad at all…take a look for yourself he’s right over there…

Sam pointed him out nonchalantly as Victoria Sterling glanced over her right shoulder across the room with a quick comeback at Sam, Probably wants me to autograph the book he’s holding.

Vicky was saying in her own slow Southern drawl when Sam interrupted with… You’re about to find out he’s coming over here don’t turn around! Sam exclaimed in a dramatic whisper. Madeleine Peyroux was softly playing in the background as they looked at the stranger.

The distinguished stranger was six feet tall and from his muscular build,… it was obvious that he took pride in his appearance both from the expensive suit he was wearing to the fact he was not just born with that great body he worked at having it. But those dreamy eyes were the most beautiful deep blue she was certain she would ever see and the seconds it took him to walk over seemed an eternity to Victoria Sterling. She could not wait to look up at his beautiful face and gaze into those dynamite eyes. The sandy blonde hair trimmed to perfection as if he might be an executive. He appeared to be approximately the same age as Vicky maybe thirty-two or less but the way her heart was pounding she could care less, and was glad he was coming her way.

Sam continued to whisper as she said, Ruggedly handsome and definitely has your attention. He gave her a broad friendly smile as Vicky could not stand the wait and turned to look at him once more.

You’re right Sam, he’s perfect! Vicky exclaimed meaning it to come out in a low whisper hoping he did not hear but Sam did hear as she did a class act of disappearing making room for her friend to have Mr. Baby Blue’s undivided attention without wasting time being polite to her.

No don’t leave me! Victoria pleaded but as she turned back, Sam had already walked away and did not hear Vicky’s desperate plea.

Reluctantly, the stranger approached Victoria Sterling and said, I’m sorry if I’ve been boorish by staring, but haven’t we met before?

Well Mr. Blue Eyes, can’t you be more original than that? she said extending her hand while greeting the stranger with a warm and welcoming smile. I know its lame, but honestly I believe it’s been around twelve years since I’ve seen you! But, now that I’m standing this close, I’m certain.

He sheepishly admitted, and totally bewildered by what a moment ago seemed so positive to him, but now with Vickie’s reluctance was confused.

You have an unforgettable face, you are a little older than I remember maybe… but the same expressions and mannerisms, the stranger continued with his observation. Your hair is different.

Didn’t your mother teach you any manners? Vicky said smiling. A gentleman never refers to a lady with regard to age. Her eyes had a devilish twinkle as she taunted the stranger.

You know what I meant. The stranger staggered for words, I didn’t mean old in age. he reassured her, knowing she was probably kidding himor she was being very sensitive. Besides we’re almost the same age, the stranger confessed. I do know you, he said grinning.

Yes, I was kidding. Vicky wondered if this guy could possibly know her as she searched his eyes that she would certainly never be able to forget even with amnesia. So, how do you happen to be here tonight? she probed the handsome face looking up at her with those incredible eyes.

I am staying at the hotel next door and was just taking a walk when I passed by the window with your book on display. Fortunately there was a large picture of you and a little about your appearance tonight. Now, the name is different but that face is not one I would easily forget he said as he gazed down upon her look of bewilderment.

You are fast, and smooth I’ll give you that much Vicky commented. Could this be the one person who really knows me and my past? Do I really want to know? Yes I do she answered inside.

Tell me more.

What can I say? I don’t like wasting minutes, and it’s been a long time since I’ve seen you, He grinned as he commented.

I wanted to make sure I wouldn’t make a fool of myself before approaching a famous author.

Famous, I don’t think so.

"And now, are you convinced?

He looked directly into Victoria’s pretty eyes as he continued with a sincerity that could only add to Vicky’s confusion, The last time I saw you, you were leaving our apartment with a suitcase in your hand.

Our apartment, I believe I would remember that if it were to be the case, don’t you? Your looks and the way you carry yourself tells me that your ego would make certain a woman would not forget you. Am I right about my observation? Playing along with his tactics Vicky continued.

You don’t seem to remember me at all which is puzzling. I can tell by the way you look into my eyes that you don’t remember me, so now I am not so sure Ms. Sterling. I may have made a mistake. I guess actually I’ve made a bad first impression, haven’t I? The stranger admitted.

Not a very good impression but certainly a lasting one so far Mr. TDH. She answered with all honesty and he could see she was being honest with him.

Tell me about it he said embarrassed, Most people recall something about me even if it is bad. His grin was now serious.

Well to someone that likes to get right to the point, who are you? Victoria Sterling had a backbone after all and demanded this man make himself known.

Will you let me buy you dinner? I promise to tell you all I know and answer any questions you have as you ask. I’ll even tell you about the scar you have on your left thigh, if you have one. The stranger was bold and he had Victoria Sterling’s undivided attention especially with that last comment…. how could this guy know she had a scar on her left thigh since she was wearing pants…. he truly knows who I am? She was silent for what seemed to be an extended amount of time, and was at a loss for words. My past stands before me. Can I trust this man?

I see that remark took you back a bit. I apologize, because either you have a scar, or you wonder how I know thinking I must be a stalker, or just socially unacceptable. Which is it? His inquiring eyes wanted to know and he hoped for a positive response to his dinner invitation.

No, no, it’s okay I’ll meet you for dinner at eight at your hotel. Angelo’s is the name. I’ll reserve a table in my name so just ask and they will seat you if I am detained. Her mind was spinning and it was like another person talking outside her body to this total stranger standing before her. She could hear herself speaking but she was not certain she was breathing. Could he be for real?

Until tomorrow, and the mysterious stranger turned and walked away. Halfway to the door he could not help but turn and look once more at the woman he believes Victoria Sterling to be. Ginny was her name. She was only eighteen when they met. He was nineteen. Each was a freshman in college. Young and so innocent Ginny was at the time. No question she was the most beautiful girl in school, and homecoming queen even in college. Her striking features turned all the heads with her long blond hair. Nevertheless, on this night what Michael saw was still a beautiful woman. To be kind a little older, and worldlier, where had the innocence gone? She stood there in a daze staring at him but he was not certain she saw him, as she did not respond to his wave as he walked through the exit door. It was obvious that her friend had returned and was having trouble getting a response from her also.

What in Heaven’s name was that all about Vicky? Sam demanded to know. What was wrong that had sent her into another deep state of thought?

"Be careful what you wish for Sam. You will not believe it but Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome says he knows me. From what he said, he must know me very well. He said the last time he saw me I was leaving our apartment. She could still hear her voice but it was as if it was coming from a person standing next to her talking to Sam and not from her at all.

It’s like I’m having an out of the body experience Sam.

Interesting, did you believe him? Sam questioned.

What’s not to believe Sam? I don’t know. There was something very familiar about him as we stood there talking. It was as if I trusted him, a total stranger. What have I got to lose?

He wants to meet me for dinner tomorrow night so I suggested his hotel just in case he is a flake, and I can just run out the door. You know? Vicky continued to be in a state of shock and disbelief. After all this time it does make perfect sense. Everyone is a stranger to me, she thought silently.

Vicky, this was bound to happened sooner or later. After all your face is being advertised on the back of your book, and it is a best seller. If any of your old friends can read, they would obviously recognize you, and try to contact you. I’m not surprised at all, and I’m grateful if this stranger can help fill in the blanks.

You know that means you will have to answer his questions too. Sam was saying. You may have to open up and tell him what you know and what has happened in order for him to be able to fill in the missing pieces to your life, and maybe that will stimulate your memory to return. Sam advised cautiously not knowing how she felt about a stranger walking up to her friend so boldly. He did seem caring and kind,