Obsession

By Patricia Gayle

At the conclusion of Blow Dart: The Abduction, Trish Dawson thought her three-year nightmare was finally over except for two things: her untimely pregnancy and a secret she decided to keep from her husband and the authorities.

She withheld it because she had to seek revenge for the deaths of her two best friends, Pam Forrester and Shea Connors, and all the suffering that she, Roger, Carlye, and Jake had endured. But that it was over couldn't be further from the truth.

In Obsession, the sequel to Blow Dart and conclusion of this two-part story, Trish not only has to determine who the father of her child is but hope that her husband, Roger, will accept the result if the child isn't his.

She soon discovers that she must survive and escape the obsessions of two men: one, the love-based obsession of Dr. Ben Robbins, who is determined to have her; the other, the hate-based obsession of Dr. Bradley Forrester, who is hell bent on exacting revenge—and ultimately ensuring her death—for his incarceration in solitary awaiting execution. Both situations force her to reveal her secret and deal with the backlash.

Will she and her unborn child survive a last attempt on her life?

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Apr 16, 2018
• ISBN: 9781543930429

Book preview

Face

Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.

~ Confucius

Florence, Colorado—ADX Supermax Prison

Watching Trish Dawson walk away holding his fate in her hands, Bradley Forrester was still trying to digest everything she had told him. After he was returned to his cell in solitary confinement, he studied his surroundings as he did every day. Gray concrete furniture with drab green trim built into the sterile white walls, steel doors, one barred and the other solid. This steel and concrete cage prohibited any communication with anyone but his own repetitive voice and an occasional guard.

He admitted, though only to himself, that after three years with only minimal contact to another human being, he had been driven to near madness. The thought of getting revenge on Trish Dawson was the only thing that kept him going.

His anxiety attacks and problems with impulse control had heightened and become substantially worse over the years. That’s not to say that this particular problem wasn’t already part of his life before he landed here. It was just worse now, much worse.

The more Bradley allowed his mind to replay his conversation with Trish Dawson, his recent and only visitor other than his attorney, the more sense everything made.

Bradley had felt a need to separate himself completely from James, his twin brother, who had been convicted of manslaughter and sent to prison. Therefore he had moved to Vail, Colorado, where he managed to hide everything to do with his family from everyone, including his wife. But his deceit had finally backfired and landed him in his present hell.

During Brad’s trial, he believed that his brother was still incarcerated back East. All he knew was that he had been set up, but he didn’t have a clue as to why or by whom. To even mention his brother, well, that would have opened a whole new can of worms—something he wasn’t willing to risk. He had deluded himself into thinking that his status and position in the community would help him to beat this rap.

There has to be a way out of this seven-by-twelve concrete hellhole with that narrow slit they call a damn window!

He was now pacing and yelling. I should’ve never been put in here. That bitch knows I’m innocent! He wrapped his fingers around the bars, violently jerking at them, yelling at the top of his lungs. Guard, guard! But silence prevailed except for the echo of his own voice.

Nothing could divert his thoughts from Trish Dawson and their conversation. Her words began to echo in his brain over and over and over again until his anger could no longer be controlled and finally erupted. His words came thundering out of his mouth, like hot molten lava exploding from a volcano.

"When I get out of here, Dawson, you bitch—and I will get out—I’m going to make your life a living nightmare! You’ll damn well rue the day you ever screwed with Bradley J. Forrester!"

He plopped down on his bed, clasped his hands behind his head, and let his mind begin to construct its diabolical plan for revenge.

Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!

~ Sir Walter Scott (1771 – 1832) Scottish author and novelist

As Trish Dawson and Carlye Baylor continued their drive back to Vail, Colorado, from ADX Prison, Trish’s announcement that she was pregnant took Carlye by surprise.

Pregnant? I can’t believe it! Carlye blurted out in her usual exuberant manner, despite the lack of affect she had heard in Trish’s voice. This is so great, Trish. Oh my gosh, a baby! Guess it’s my turn to be an aunt, huh? Jake will have a cousin, so to speak. Have you told Roger yet? her eyes shining with bright anticipation.

Trish said nothing. She just shook her head and continued driving. Her total lack of enthusiasm forced Carlye’s excitement to a grinding halt.

Why not?

Trish thought for a moment before answering. It’s complicated, Carlye. I don’t know what else to tell you at this point.

But this is your chance to start your life over and start a family for you and Roger. I don’t understand why you’re not on top of the world.

You’re right; you don’t understand! Trish grimaced.

Then why don’t you explain it to me so I can.

Trish pulled the car over at the first safe spot she found, cut the engine and got out of the car with Carlye following suit. They spotted a large boulder just a few yards from the car and sauntered over to it as if they were on a Sunday afternoon stroll. Trish perched on the large rock first, resting her arms on her knees with her hands clasped and head hung down.

Carlye slowly nestled in beside her. Talk to me, Trish. Please. she softly coaxed.

Trish’s voice was low and defeated. I don’t know what I’m going to do.

About what, the baby?

It’s not just the baby. It’s about everything. My entire life as well as Roger’s has been changed forever.

I’m sure it has, Carlye agreed, her eyes soft and her voice consoling.

There’s something else I haven’t told you. I’ve barely been able to get my mind around it myself, let alone say the words. Discussing it would make it more real, somehow, so I’ve tried to ignore it but it just won’t go away.

Trish hesitated for a long moment before speaking again. Roger was— she paused, her mind searching for the right words that would make it less devastating to her own ears. He was involved with someone. There, I’ve said it.

Carlye’s eyes grew large. He’s not still…?

No. Of course not! But that doesn’t mean that his feelings for her have suddenly evaporated, Carlye. Brad Forrester’s actions set in motion an evil that upended our lives, and the repercussions seem to just keep coming, like aftershocks. Trish shifted her weight before continuing. I’m not the same person I used to be.

I know that’s how you feel right now, but it’s going to take some time, Trish. You have to know that.

Carlye, do you remember telling me that a person’s core never changes?

I remember the conversation very well, and I still believe that.

Well you’re dead wrong! her defeated tone made an instant transformation into anger. Mine changed the moment my memory returned and I realized what Roger and I had lost, what you and Jake had to suffer through, and Shea and Pam. All of the people I love have suffered such horror at the hands of those two Neanderthals. And for what? A bad case of sibling rivalry?!

Look, I agree that Bradley Forrester deserves whatever befalls him, but don’t let him do this to you in the process. I know I said I’d agree with whatever you decided, but this pregnancy changes everything. Carlye’s green eyes were wide and pleading. You really do need to tell the authorities the truth about Brad, Ange. She caught herself and threw up her hands in a gesture of defense. Sorry; I mean Trish. It’s clearly the right thing to do. Let Forrester serve his time for the right murder, she urged. You can’t keep this charade up much longer. You do know that, don’t you?

Trish didn’t respond.

The authorities and your husband have to be told the truth about everything.

And do what? Let him get off for time served? she snapped back. I just got through looking into the eyes of the devil himself. He’s right where he belongs!

No! You were looking into James’s eyes, not Bradley’s. And you know what I mean.

Same thing.

No it’s not, damn it! Listen to me, please, Carlye begged. If you don’t go to Roger with the truth very soon, the situation is only going to get worse and we’re all going to be in a lot of trouble.

Every horrifying thing I’ve been trying to bury for the past weeks flooded back full force. I felt like I had ice water flowing through my veins when I looked at him. She went silent for a brief moment. That’s when I knew.

Knew what? Carlye asked with hesitant skepticism. She wasn’t sure she was ready for what Trish might say.

Trish shook her head and gave a long sigh. "I want blood. I want his blood! I want to make him pay for all of it! For all of us!"

And you think I don’t? Carlye quickly countered. Just listen to yourself. This is so not like you. You’re very angry and emotional right now. I get it, okay? We all are. I want him to pay as much as you do, but to what end and at what cost? It has to be in the right way. These feelings will subside in time for all of us, God willing.

Trish’s eyes darted over to Carlye. They were filled with pure disgust and contempt for the whole situation. You have no clue to just how angry I really am and how badly I long for Bradley Forrester to rot on death row until they put that needle in his arm! Hell, I’d hit the button myself if they’d let me!

Carlye was seeing a cold bitterness unfold in Trish—a dark side she had not seen before, and it unsettled her. She didn’t know what to say, so she just let Trish vent.

That desire, Carlye, it’s overwhelming and it’s overshadowing the part of me that knows leaving Brad Forrester in prison is not the right thing to do. I can remember how I used to be, but I’m not sure I can go back.

Maybe you can, and maybe not. But you can still do what you know is right.

My mind feels fractured. The nightmares have gotten so bad that I’m actually scared to go to sleep. I constantly feel like someone is watching me. Gives me the creeps.

I can relate to the nightmares. Jake and I both have our fair share. Don’t think we don’t. As for the other, sounds a bit like paranoia, not that you haven’t got reason for it.

Trish’s icy blue eyes and demeanor softened. "How is little brother doing really?"

We’re in therapy once a week and the nightmares are happening less and less often. Jake is going to be fine. Not to worry. But like I said, it’s going to take time, honey. Things will get better. You’ll see.

My bouts with depression and nausea are almost unbearable, Trish lamented. I swear, sometimes I feel like I’m coming apart at the seams. When I went to the doctor to get something for the depression and nausea and maybe something to help me sleep, they wouldn’t give me anything without a thorough physical. That’s when they informed me I was pregnant.

Carlye pondered for a moment before responding. She wanted to divert Trish’s thoughts from Forrester, and quickly. They could deal with that later. Why haven’t you told Roger about the baby yet?

Trish closed her eyes and slowly shook her head, shrugging.

Why not? Carlye repeated, softly.

I don’t know. I’ve always been able to talk about anything with Roger. But this—this is different.

How so?

Because, she spoke as though ashamed. I don’t know who the father is.

Carlye grew silent, her mind racing for answers, for something positive to say, but her practice at dealing wisely with problems was with teenagers, certainly not anything like this. Finally she offered the only thing she could come up with that would make any sense.

Think about it, Trish. You should be able to mark James Forrester off the list. That possibility was eliminated when we were taken to the hospital after being rescued, right?

Trish hesitated before answering her. Not exactly, she said reluctantly.

What’s that supposed to mean? Carlye’s tone tensed. That’s a customary and standard treatment for rape victims. Are you saying that you didn’t take the morning-after pills?

A single tear trickled down her face as she slowly nodded.

Do you want to tell me why the hell not? Carlye was now on her feet.

Honestly? she sniffed, as she wiped her cheek with the back of her hand. "I thought about the fact that Ben and I had made love the night before my rape, and if I was already pregnant from having sex with him, I was afraid that the morning-after pills might cause harm to the baby.

Carlye remained silent and just listened.

Trish went on, Look, maybe Ben didn’t do right. Yes, he made some bad choices, and even though he says it was out of love, I abhor the fact that he kept my true identity a secret from me. For that, I can never forgive him. But it was not wrong enough for me to risk the possibility of ending the life of an unborn child. At that moment, in my mind, that was the only choice I thought I had.

You’re right, of course, Carlye conceded apologetically.

On the night I was first abducted three years ago, it was our fifth anniversary. I was planning a special dinner and to surprise Roger with the news that I had been to the doctor that day and found out I was finally going to give him the child he so desperately wanted—that we both wanted. Her eyes became sad as she looked pleadingly at Carlye, like a lost little girl looking for help to find her way home. It was going to be the perfect night. And then … she trailed off. Our baby was taken from us. Horribly and brutally! I’ve never told Roger.

Why not?

"His knowing won’t bring our child back, so why put him through that pain?! He’s had enough, Carlye. And now this? I just can’t tell him about this baby yet. I need some time to figure everything out."

Well you’re going to have to tell him soon, sweetie. It’s not something you can hide for very long. She thought for another minute. How far along are you?

Dr. Gates said that since he had to estimate my ovulation time because of my irregular menstrual cycle, he couldn’t be specific. A few weeks tops, possibly even less. Trish shook her head in disbelief. Jesus, Carlye, I don’t even know who the father of my baby is. What does that make me? she asked disgustedly.

It makes you a victim of circumstance. You couldn’t help what happened to you. I’m not trying to pry, hon, but is it possible that the baby could be Roger’s?

After being so hurt by Ben and then the horrible experience with James Forrester, I didn’t think I could or would ever want to make love to anyone again. But when my memory returned, all the love and feelings I had for Roger returned as though we had never been apart.

That’s a good thing though, right?

Trish nodded. A couple of weeks after my return home, we were taking an after-dinner walk through the woods where we used to spend a lot of close time together. It was so perfect. The moon was full and the night sky was sparkled with stars. When he took me in his arms, every bad memory I had faded and I found myself consumed with eagerness for him to make love to me. It felt so right, so natural. And for just a brief moment, everything was forgotten but the love and closeness we shared with each other that night. So to answer your question, yes, it could be Roger’s baby. You see, any one of the three could be the father.

Listen to me. James Forrester is dead. He’s no threat.

Trish gave her a sidelong glance; her eyes sharpened. No, just his genes! She fired back. "What if this is James’s baby, Carlye? That would mean that he took the life of Roger’s and replaced it with his?! What could I have done in my past to breed such irony? I thought when we were rescued, this nightmare would be over, but it’s far from that."

"You’re forgetting that this child is carrying your genes too, Trish.