Ghosts from the Past: The Solitude Series, #2

By Lainy Bradshaw

The follow-up novel to Lead Me from Solitude sees Jacob struggle to recover from his ordeal when he begins to show a darker side to his personality. The voice from his past is haunting him. Is this a by-product of his head injury or something much more sinister? As Sally wonders, if this is an irreversible change in Jacob, she turns to an old friend and former lover for support. Much to Sally's dismay, Jacob's change isn't all she's confronted with when her old flame Rain wants back into the picture. However, he's not alone as he brings a new friend too, and Sally's less than happy about it, especially when it conspires that this friend has not only designs on Rain but has her sights set on Jacob too. Will Sally & Jacob be able to reconcile their love, conquer the obstacles in their path or will Shadows Past prove too much and drive them apart?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lainy Bradshaw
• Release date: Nov 16, 2018
• ISBN: 9781516364138

Book preview

Chapter 1

Jacob lay, unresponsive . Asleep,  tubes and wires attached, keeping him in that state, while his body healed. Sally never left his side. She washed his face, the bits she could reach, around the tube that fed his lungs oxygen. Being careful not to knock or move the half dozen or so lines attached to the veins in his neck, pumping who knew what drugs into his body. She held his hand, spoke softly to him, brushed the hair from his peaceful face. All the while, her heart was slowly breaking. She had no idea how he would react to her when he finally awoke. There was a chance he would have no memory, at least for the time being, of her. Or he may flinch and look at her with the hatred that filled his beautiful green eyes the last time she saw them. She didn’t know what was worse. However, She had decided to stay by him, nurse him, up to the point he remembered her and drove her away.

She busied herself with caring for Jacob. Not the medical side, of course,  but the personal stuff. She gave him bed baths. Cleansing his healing body, tracing every line and contour. Committing it to memory. She gently washed his face. The bits she could reach around the hideous tube in his mouth and throat. She wanted to shave him, but the tube was in the way. She noted, sadly, that she had never seen Jacob with stubble. His skin looked even more pale against the shadow on his chin.

She had finished her ministrations for that day and was sitting at her usual place near Jacobs head. His lips looked dry and parched, she had just reached for a small sponge to moisten them, when she heard the door open.

Hello,  can I come in? Lindsey had entered the room.

Sally looked up. Lindsey had entered the room. Hi, Linds. Of course,

He loves you, he'll remember that. He'll see you when he wakes up and know that he needs you Her hazel eyes full of worry for her friend.

What if he doesn't? What if he hates me? Lindsey, you didn't see the look in his eyes, the venom in his voice. I can't see how we can get over this. But, can I ask you and Ryan a favour?

Of course, anything. What do you need?

Promise me that, whatever happens, Jacob will have a place to stay. His home, if you could call it that,  has been destroyed and he has no one else. Please? Her voice was close to breaking and Lindsey gripped her shoulder, looking down on the distraught girl.

I'm sure there’s no need, but, of course, he can stay with either me or Ryan as long as he wants. I promise, but won't that be awkward, having him so close?

I'm going away with Rain. As soon as Jacob remembers, I'm going, I don't want to wait for him to send  me away, that would be even worse.

you're leaving? You can't, not now Lindsey's voice was full of panic this time. Her friend was going? Sally shook her head in remorse but Lindsey could see that she wasn't going to be swayed easily

How long for?

I'm not sure, I called Sgt. Reynolds and he has agreed that I can take an extended, unpaid, leave of absence. I have six months to start with. I may decide to transfer or I might leave. I really don't know. I haven't thought that far yet.

I can understand why and I know Rain will take care of you. Of course I will look after Jacob, for you, of course I will but, there's something I want to tell you. I was going to wait until Jacob was better..but... Sally looked at her friend. She looked..different.

Ryan asked me to marry him and she thrust her left hand into Sally's face, displaying the sparkling emerald and diamond ring.

Oh, Lindsey, I'm so happy for you. she said, holding her friends hand closer to examine the ring. The stone sparkled in the florescent light. The stone was the same colour as Jacobs eyes. A sob caught in her throat

Its beautiful, You are so lucky. You and Ryan are perfect together. she sniffed. When is the big day

We did want to get married soon, but we need to save up, and no, she exclaimed before Sally could speak, You WONT pay for it. Besides, we can't until... and Lindsey nodded towards the bed and the figure laying in it. We can't get married without our best friends there.  And we want you to be our bridesmaid and best man. If you both want to, of course Sally grinned, despite her pain, she was thrilled for Lindsey.

Damn right I do, I can't speak for him though. He might not want to even be in the same room as me once he's awake, Sally smiled a little too brightly

Thank you. I need to know he’s safe and cared for. And she sniffed into the tissue she was clutching in her hand.

Hows he doing anyway? Lindsey asked, more to break the mood than anything else. She had walked into a calm scene, so the chances of any major change were unlikely.

He's OK, they're still keeping him asleep, and they're still breathing for him. His back is nowhere near as bad as they first thought, so that’s nearly healed already, which is good. He looks so young, so fragile.  On the plus side, at least while he's in a coma, I can pretend he will still want me She felt tears start to form and quickly sniffed them back.  Oh, Lindsey, how can I live without him?"

He'll come around, He loves you, he'll realise that. He'll remember everything you've done for him. How could he not love you? And she held Sally close. Her heart breaking too, Sally was leaving her. She and Sally had been together, first as friends, then lovers, and then friends again, since they were children. How was she going to cope without her rock? The two girls just stood and held each other, neither wanting to break the hold.

I need to go and change, I've got the evening shift Lindsey's voice broke the moment and they split apart. Ryan's coming over to sit with you as I’m guessing your staying here again? She sounded almost scolding as she watched Sally take up her now usual position, sitting by the head of Jacobs bed, so she could stroke his face.

Yes, I can't leave him,  not yet. It will be hard enough when the time comes. But I need to know he'll be OK And she added as an after thought, that’s kind of Ryan

Well, he likes Jacob, I told him everything by the way, and I mean Everything, Rain, the assault, the witchy thing. The lot, he needed to understand, sorry"

Sally sighed. It's fine, its good,  it needs to be out in the open. Maybe that was my mistake with Jacob. Or maybe his demons were just too much for me to handle alone. Oh, god, Lindsey, what am I going to do? And she collapsed into tears again. Her head on her arm, which in turn was on the white sheet near Jacobs head, her other hand was holding his, gently, so as not to disturb the cannula in there.

LINDSEY! She exclaimed suddenly. Get a nurse

What? Why? Lindsey was surprised, there was no reason for panic, none of the alerts or alarms were sounding, what had happened?

He squeezed my hand, I felt it, very gently, quick, fetch someone! And Lindsey bolted out of the room to find a nurse.

A few minutes later, Lindsey returned with a  nurse, who looked, sceptical to say the least.

Apparently he squeezed your hand? Its most unlikely, he is still in a controlled coma

But it IS possible? Sally sounded a little annoyed, she knew he had moved. And wanted something done

Well, let me go and page one of the house doctors, and get their opinion The nurse knew Sally wasn't going to accept platitudes, only action, so decided to try and give her some answers. Even if they were  not the ones she wanted to hear. I'll be back in a while And she bustled out in search of a doctor.

Lovely, I really need to go Lindsey sounded apologetic But let me know if there’s any news. Please?

I will. When will Ryan get here?

About 8:30 I think, as soon as he's finished work.

Sally sniffed and nodded as Lindsey opened the door and disappeared down the corridor.

Hey, Sweetheart. Can you hear me? Squeeze my hand again, let me know you're still in there, I need to know that you can hear me And she was rewarded by another, very light squeeze. Sally couldn't speak, she leant over and softly kissed his forehead.

The door opened and the nurse returned with a young, tired looking houseman. You say he squeezed your hand? Well, it isn't entirely unheard of And he strode over to the bed and leant over Jacob with a pen light in his hand, he examined Jacobs eyes, and then took his hand

Jacob? I'm Dr Bartholomew, if you can hear me, squeeze my hand There was no response and the doctor gave her an apologetic look, as if to say, sorry.

Let Me talk to him? Sally wasn't about to let the young Doctor give up on him so quickly, she leant over and stroked his face

Jacob, Sweetheart, its Sally, please, squeeze my hand again the doctor jumped.

He did it! Gently, but I felt it Sally felt a little smug.

See, I told you, what happens now? The doctor was already writing something on the chart at the foot of the bed I'm going to call the consultant neurosurgeon and ask him. I'm guessing an MRI or CAT scan first, and more tests, maybe even bring him out of sedation

Sally gasped. Wake him up? So soon? panic washed over her, if he woke up, he might remember and send her away. Is he ready?

The doctor nodded. Maybe, its been  five days We'll know more after we have performed more tests. We have given him time to start the healing process, hopefully he will wake up fairly quickly once we reduce the medication . There is also the breathing tube, the sooner we get him breathing for himself the lower risk of his developing a chest infection. We've also started him on a course of vaccinations. But not all in one. His body has enough to cope with without adding too much else to the mix. But he’s now had the mumps vaccine. That’s  the most dangerous disease for a young man. Especially if you two were planning to start a family Sally blushed and looked away. I'm sorry, I've embarrassed you The doctor also looked slightly pink. Anyway, back to now. We'll send him for a scan as soon as we can fit him in. It will probably be today though, and I'll get the consultant up to have a look at him too. Sally nodded, Of course, when do you think you will try and wake him?"

Maybe later this evening or more likely tomorrow morning. It depends on when we can get him booked into the scanner. Why not go home for now? When the consultants been, he'll be sent down for more tests. Any change, we'll call you

Sally sighed, the doctor was right, she had been here for five days now, in the same clothes.  A shower would feel good, she had to admit. And decent coffee. Yeah, I'll be a couple of hours, his friend Ryan is coming over to sit with him, but, please call if anything happens? The doctor agreed and Sally kissed Jacobs forehead and left.

Back at her flat, She found Rain up on the roof, mediating, unwilling to disturb him, she went down and made some tea. She was just drinking it when Rain appeared, descending the spiral staircase. Hey, what's happened? Is it Jacob? Rain sounded genuinely concerned, Sally never stopped marvelling at the love and compassion in his heart. She often wondered, in her pre-Jacob days if she had made a mistake in choosing her career over Rain. He was a constant source of comfort and guidance. He loved her completely and unconditionally. He was happy to be whatever she needed, whether that be a counsellor, mentor or, as he always hoped, lover again.

Yes, sort of. He squeezed my hand. Twice. They want to do some more tests, and they're on about waking him up, I should be glad but....

You're scared that he'll wake up and send you away? Rain was as intuitive as ever.

Yes, kind of, although I'm not going to give him the chance, as soon as I see recognition in his eyes, I'm leaving, I can't hear those words again, he hurt me so much. But I love him. I don’t know if I can live without him. Even now

You still want to leave? I know your boss has given you extended leave. Want to go over to Europe? Maybe travel through France and Italy? You will still miss Jacob but at least you can top up your tan.. And they both laughed. Rain had a knack of lightening the most tense of situations. Sally often thought he could have been a great faith leader if he had the inclination and the ego. But Rain didn’t like the idea of telling people how and what they should believe in. How unlike the Riley men. Sally slipped back into her reverie.

Hey, cheer up. He'll come round, I know he will. He loves you, he just has no concept of faith other than what his damned parents 'taught' him. He needs to realise that he was lied to. Are you sure you don’t want me to talk to him?

No, not yet. He thinks I’m evil, who knows WHAT he'd make of you. No offence

Non taken. I’m used to it, remember? He does need to realise that the world isn't black and white as he has been told. Or that the God he was beaten in the name of. At the very least he should speak to a man of the cloth, a vicar perhaps, I could put him in touch with one.  He needs to know that what he was taught was wrong

How do you know a vicar? Sally was genuinely surprised.

It doesn't matter Rain answered a little too quickly, piquing her curiosity, as open as Rain was, he rarely mentioned his life before he and Sally met.

Maybe, perhaps Lindsey could work on him. Which reminds me. Ryan popped the question. They're getting married. Lindsey asked me to be her bridesmaid. I guess, she's found a way to keep me here. Or at least make sure I come back. Oh, Rain, I don't know what to do

Rain sat her down, and held her hands. You know whatever you decide, I'm right with you. But why not wait till you know what sort of state Jacob is in when he wakes up. Either way, he will be confused and if you go, he'll be alone. Again. Sally thought back to the pitiful creature she had first encountered. Felt the loneliness and misery pouring off him. Thought of how afraid he was. Rain, of course, had hit the nail right on the head, as usual. If she went, he would only have Lindsey and Ryan and they were planning a life together. Was it fair to expect them to take in an invalid?" Sally looked up.

Why do you always make perfect sense? Rain gave her a doleful little smile.

It's a gift. So. We're staying. At least for now then?

Yeah. I think so. I'm still going to make a contingency plan, just in case though. I'm buying a camper van, so I can make a quick getaway. Anyway, I'm going to have a quick shower, change my clothes and head back to the hospital. Are you OK here?" Rain nodded and Sally disappeared into her bedroom, trying to avoid looking at Jacobs swim shorts, still lying on the bedroom floor.

Half hour later, her hair still damp, Sally was back in the mini, driving to the hospital. Fearful of what she would find.

Jacob Riley, Any news? Sally almost ran up to the nurses station.  He went for tests Sally was so out of breath she could barely speak.

He's off, having tests, please, go and wait in the relatives room, the doctor will speak to you

Panic filled Sally. why, what has happened? As her mind ran through various scenarios, non of them good.

Please, the doctor will explain, now if you would like to wait on here, he will be with you soon

Sally reluctantly went and sat down on the slightly tatty sofa in the overly cheerful little room. Sally felt a wave of sadness when she thought of all the bad news delivered to loved ones in here and wondered if she would be the next in a long line of grieving partners. She jumped when the door opened and Dr Bartholomew walked in and sat in an armchair facing Sally.

Ms Baker, I've had the neurosurgeon look at Jacob, and we've examined him at length. The good news is, he's responding more, so we're going to take him off the ventilator and start bringing him out of his coma in the morning. He' should make a full recovery. It will take a while though, and there's a chance he could have some sort memory loss, and he may have problems with mobility, or coordination.  He does have brain damage, so there may be mood swings or depression, maybe confusion.  Even changes in behaviour. Hopefully, if any of these symptoms materialize they won't be permanent. But there's no reason to think he wont make a good or full recovery. He’s also going to be very sleepy and tire easily for a good while. Maybe even going into months. The doctor saw the worry on Sally's face. Don't worry, He’s going to be fine, with a little TLC." Relief followed by anxiety washed over Sally. He was going to be OK..but he would also then tell her he hated her before sending her away. But perhaps not yet. There was  the possibility that he wouldn't remember the events leading him here. Squaring her shoulders, she walked back out to await his return and saw the warm, friendly face of Lindsey's boyfriend, Ryan.

Hey gorgeous, how's he doing?

Really well, they're going to try and wake him up in the morning Sally sighed heavily,

Ryan put his arm round Sally's shoulder

Lindsey tells me you're leaving? Are you sure that's what you want?

No, its not what I want, but, Lindsey told me your news. Congratulations. I'm really happy for you, and you can tell Lindsey that her plan has worked. I'll stay. For now, at least Ryan grinned.

You will make Lindsey's day. But don't stay if its not what you want to do, I know Lindsey can be very persuasive. You must do what is right for you. Do what you want. OK?

What I want is for him to wake up and kiss me and everything to be OK. But that's probably not going to happen. If I go, it'll be for self-preservation. Pure and simple.

Hey, it may not come to that. There's a good chance he'll come around and realize that you're still the girl he fell in love with. The girl who saved him from a miserable existence. Ryan hoped his words would make her reconsider her plans to disappear. Lindsey was distraught at the thought her best friend might go and never come back. Sally, however simply sighed

There were too many what ifs and maybes in that last statement for me. You didn't see the hate and....fear in his eyes. You never heard him yelling about how a witch should not be allowed to live, like he actually wished me dead. No, Ryan, I know you're looking out for Lindsey, I understand, I love her too, but I need to look after me this time, I will stay for as long as I can. OR,  I promise, I'll come back for the wedding. It's the best I can offer right now.

OK, I know when I'm beat. Just promise me one thing. Don't disappear completely. Check in occasionally, even if its a postcard or a five minute hello from a call box

She nodded in agreement OK, I can promise that much, besides, I'll need to sort out wedding clothes with Lindsey. If you're planning on staying here a while, do you mind if I go home and try to get a few hours sleep? Tomorrow will be challenging at best, so I really should try to rest at least Ryan nodded his intent and Sally went into Jacobs room, kissed him lightly on the forehead before heading home again.

Rain was meditating again, when Sally walked in. Unwilling to disturb his reverie, she went into her bedroom, and undressed, pulling on one of Jacobs tee shirts, she climbed into the huge bed and clung onto his pillow while the tears flowed.

Sally felt the bed move as Rain laid beside her and held her till the tears stopped and sleep took over.

Chapter 2

Sally woke with a start , wide eyed and confused. She felt Jacobs weight next to her and smiling, turned over to find not Jacobs young, beautiful face, but Rains older, concerned, but still attractive one.

Morning Beautiful. Blessed be Sally smiled at the greeting, though she felt far from blessed.You were crying, so I climbed on next to you and held you till you slept. I was about to head up to the roof, It's midsummer, I was going to go and welcome the sunrise. Did you want to join me? I'll completely understand if you say no.

Really? I've lost all sense of what the date is. Can you believe its only been about six weeks since I found Jacob? It seems so much longer. Yes. I think it would be good. I need to feel grounded and I haven't performed a ritual with someone else since. Well, since we parted. You'll find everything in the alter room

I don't think time matters with you and Jacob. He's the missing part of you. A day, a month, a year. You never had a choice. But, yes I  think you're right. It will be good for you.  I will keep my clothes on though if you prefer though. He half smiled. There was no rule saying any ritual in his faith system needed to be performed naked or sky-clad as they called it but some preferred the feel of the air on their skin when convenient.

Please, I have no issue with seeing you naked. You should know that. I will be naked too, if that helps

Sally sat up, still hugging Jacobs now tear-stained pillow. Sniffing, she asked Rain if he would like anything to eat or drink before they went up to the roof. He replied that he would like apple juice before they ascended the staircase, wearing just bathrobes, a little before sunrise. Stripping off, Sally dropped her robe and stood with Rain, who lead the  ritual, quietly and distractedly, his eyes kept roving over to the sad, naked girl he would always adore, even though he knew her heart belonged elsewhere.

Once they had finished, Rain made breakfast while Sally showered and dressed before they headed back to the hospital and her impending misery.

Once she had headed up to the room where Jacob lay, peacefully unaware of the pain around him. The young doctor was already there, along with a nurse, they were fiddling with the drip that was pumping drugs into Jacobs body.

Morning, you're just in time the doctor announced. We're reducing the sedatives and are just about to remove the breathing tube to see if Jacob can breath unaided yet. Sally held Rains hand tightly. This was it. The moment of truth. Rain let go her hand and put his arm around her, holding her close, his emotions as tumultuous as hers. If the young man in the bed woke up and accepted her, he knew he would have to let her be with her soul mate, he brushed aside the wish that rose inside him, the one that wished Jacob would wake and send her away and into his own arms. But Rain also knew that while Sally loved him, she was not in love with him and he would always know that he was her consolation prize.

Their attention was drawn back to the young doctor who was preparing to remove Jacobs breathing tube.

Please, if you would like to wait outside. This can look a little distressing.  I'll call you back in when we know how its going Sally reluctantly stepped outside. And waited.

After what seemed to Sally like an,eternity, but in reality was probably around ten minutes, Dr Bartholomew appeared back in the corridor.

Everything is going well, Jacob is breathing unassisted and we've reduced his sedatives. Hopefully he'll wake up soon the doctor beamed at being the bearer of such news. Now, I'm sure you want to be there when he wakes up? Sally nodded and followed the Doctor back into the stark, white room.

Talk to him, he can hear you. But please be careful that,  when he does wake that he doesn't talk too much, his vocal cords are still a little swollen, and he'll be very drowsy the doctor spoke in a very low voice and urged Sally towards Jacobs bed. She gasped when she saw him without the tubes and