You Are Mine

By Sylvia Patzold

You Are Mine is a Christian based thriller. Traumatic situations arise every day in people's lives. How people handle situations will either press them closer to God or it may turn them away.

"Hickory dickory dock.  The mouse ran up the clock."  The long, slender fingers ran up Rebecca's warm back.  She

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sylvia Patzold
• Release date: Nov 2, 2018
• ISBN: 9780692195185

Book preview

Chapter 1

"The integrity of the upright guides them,

but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity." Proverbs 11:3

---

Lahaina, Maui, Early September, 2010

Hickory dickory dock. The mouse ran up the clock. The long, slender fingers ran up Rebecca’s warm back. She was lying face down on a bed. She shivered as the fingers ran up her spine. Her eyes widened as she knew what would be coming next and she closed her eyes.

The clock struck one, the mouse ran down. Hickory dickory dock. The fingers slowly scratched down her spine and Rebecca flinched as the fingernails dug into her skin. She broke out into a sweat and squeezed her eyes shut. No, she thought. no.

---

Rebecca Collins pressed her hands to her temples and shook her head. Why was this memory interrupting her thoughts? She looked down at the keyboard of her laptop. She had been focused on her assignment. But this unwanted memory had invaded her attention. She raked her long, blonde hair with her fingers to the back of her head. She stretched her legs and arched her back while sitting in the patio chair. Her back was stiff and sore from being on her feet during her nursing shift at the clinic in Lahaina, Maui. She squinted up at the sun from under the protection of the patio umbrella, her eyes twitching with the effort.

After a few moments, she sighed and powered off her laptop. She brought a hand up to her glistening forehead then pushed herself out of the patio chair. She shook her head and whispered, It’s too hot. Carefully Rebecca slid her feet into the leather sandals that were scattered under the patio table.

It was an unseasonably blistering hot and sunny day at the beginning of September for Maui. The type of day where the sun felt heavy on the body and the humidity seemed to rise with each step a person took. Rebecca had wanted to work on an assignment before the arrival of her husband. She was currently working on a Master’s degree for a Clinical Nurse. Her husband had been on a business trip for the last five days and the family always missed him when he was gone. The intensity of the sun and the humidity made her wishes of sitting outside impossible.

She turned and gazed at the brilliant azure, softly undulating ocean which was her daily view. She lifted her face to the very slight teasing breeze and drank in the surrounding luscious beauty. Never would she tire of this magnificent view. The ever changing blue sky spotted with cotton ball clouds. In the distance, she could see the beckoning lap of the waves on the clean, beige and brown speckled white sands. The vibrant green trees and lush green grass which lined the roadways. The bursting display of flowers which almost hurt the eyes with their riot of colors were rampant in flower beds and grew in the wild. The softly blending odors of orchids from the flower beds floated in the air. Rebecca took in a deep breath, letting the sweet fragrances of the orchids wash through her. Her tranquil home. She would never tire of this place. Never. Rebecca gave a prayer of thanks.

It was tranquil and peaceful here. Rebecca had only dreamed about such peace and happiness with a man but she had never thought it could happen. She inhaled deeply and slowly breathed out. Now that it had, she was at rest and she thanked God in her daily prayers. She once again looked up to the sky, wondering at the beauty of her world around her. The soft chattering of birds around her gave Rebecca peace. She loved the sounds.

She picked up her laptop and opened the sliding glass doors to the family room and smiled at the large, white cat which daintily ran into the house behind her. Rebecca picked Snowflake up with one hand. Hello precious. Rebecca buried her face into the cat’s soft fur and hugged her before setting her down on the ground.

Walking into the kitchen, she picked up a peeled carrot from the wooden cutting board and popped it into her mouth. Where are the children, Mary?

They’re all in Benjamin’s room, Mrs. C. Mary Robinson, the Collins’s devoted housekeeper, was a petite yet robust woman who ran the household with a loving but assertive hand.

I’ll go check up on them. Has Benjamin finished his homework?

He wanted to work in his room. He said David and Angela would be fine with him. He didn't have much to finish up. That boy loves his younger brother and sister.

Rebecca smiled as she walked up the wide, wooden staircase located at the front of the house, turned and walked down the spacious hall towards her eldest son’s bedroom. Rebecca gently rapped on the door and then walked into the room. Benjamin? How’s the homework going?

Almost done, Mom. The youth dipped his head in one motion towards his chest. Rebecca felt a sharp ache in her heart at the movement.

Rebecca’s eyes glowed when she saw Angela and David playing on the floor beside Benjamin’s desk. How are you able to do your homework with your brother and sister? You should have let me know and I would have taken them.

We’ve been puttin’ together a puzzle, Mom. David, an energetic six-year-old informed his mother solemnly.

Momma. Angela’s slender arms reached up for her mother. She was a quiet child for a two year old but as all two year olds, had sudden streaks of stubbornness.

It’s okay Mom. Benjamin answered, I knew you were working on your assignment and my homework wasn’t much.

Well thank you Ben. Rebecca swung her youngest child onto her hip. Your father should be home soon. Can you boys watch Angela for me please? I’d like to take a quick shower.

Okey, dokey, Mom. We’re gonna head outside when Ben is finished. David offered.

Great. Rebecca planted a kiss on top of Angela’s golden curls and placed her back on the floor. You listen to the boys, sweetheart, okay?

Hmm, hmmm. Angela nodded in reply.

Rebecca smiled contentedly as she walked to the study and placed her laptop on her desk. She walked to the back of the house and then down the spiral wooden staircase into the luxurious master bedroom. She kicked off her sandals and stripped off her clothes. They had become damp during the short time she had spent on the deck.

Rebecca walked into the roomy connecting bathroom and efficiently pinned her hair into a bun, then climbed into the cream-tiled shower stall and let herself relax as the warm water played over her slender body. Rebecca’s fingers ran over two small scars, which were faintly etched into the skin on her right shoulder.

---

Michael! Stop! Please. Rebecca screamed at the pain and the fear.

Ya’ve ruined my life! That’s what ya’ve done. Ya’ve ruined it all! Ya knew how much I wanna be a doctor. Someone’s gotta save my mother. No one cares about her. Michael shrieked hysterically. He lunged down at Rebecca, punching her wherever his hands could find a connection.

Blood flowed freely into Rebecca’s mouth now. Michael. Stop. Please. Michael. Please. She managed to scream as she covered her face with her hands.

No. I won’t stop. Ya’ve ruined me. No one wants to help my mother. I’ve got to help her. I’ve got to get to her. He yelled at her.

---

Rebecca shuddered and closed her eyes. She shook her head. Why were these thoughts bothering her today? She grabbed the bottle of her favorite coconut lime shower gel, soaped herself generously then rinsed off.

She stepped out of the shower stall and patted herself dry, then paused to briefly glance at her face in the large bathroom mirror. The face was pear shaped with soft contours. Dark hazel eyes stared back. Her fair skin had been tanned a soft, golden brown.

She walked into the kitchen to see if help was needed with dinner preparations. Mary cocked her head towards the front door. Mr. C is home now, she announced. I have everything done here. You might as well go greet Mr. C.

Mary took her job as housekeeper to the Collins family seriously. She consistently wore a blue or green uniform to the house every day. Mary could, at times, be abrupt with Dan and Rebecca, but her love for their children showed when she would forget herself and get down on the floor to play games with them. Mary was an excellent cook and would spoil the family with elaborate meals on occasion.

Perfect timing. Rebecca ran to the front door and smiled when she saw that the children were already greeting their father as he climbed out of his BMW. Her eyes never left the happy group and she walked slowly towards them, drinking in the love she felt emanating from them. Her eyes fastened on her tall, handsome husband.

Dan Collins looked up from his children and his clear, lime green eyes locked with his wife’s. A smile increased the dimples on his tanned face and he held a hand out to her.

We missed you. Rebecca wrapped her arms around Dan’s neck. She stood on tiptoe and kissed the top of his nose, then the edges of his brown mustache.

He hugged her tightly. I missed you too. The trip was successful. I landed a fairly large contract for the firm starting in November. I will have to go on one more trip to finalize everything but that should only take a few days.

Well, I’m happy for you.

Dan turned and pulled out a suitcase and a leather briefcase from the passenger seat of the car. Rebecca grabbed the briefcase and they deposited the items in the front entrance way on the way to the kitchen. By the way, Randy’s invited us over for a drink tonight. There will probably be a few others. Do you want to go?

Rebecca took one of Dan’s hands into hers as they stopped in the kitchen. Only if it's okay with Mary. She turned to look at the housekeeper. Would it be okay if Dan and I went out for a bit tonight, Mary?

Not a problem, Mrs. C. What time would you be leaving?

We should get there around 7:30, Dan responded. I don’t want to be out late. I need to get into the office early tomorrow. Then I want to spend the rest of the day with the kids.

Fine by me, Mr. C. Mary nodded her head.

After dinner, Rebecca and Dan took the children for a walk to a nearby playground. They lived on the outskirts of Lahaina on Maui. A developer had taken a tract of land nestled close to the now extinct volcano on the north side of the island. The developer had sectioned off one to two acre lots for those who wanted a little more of a country lifestyle, but with the city close at hand. A well-equipped playground and tennis court were part of this land development.

Rebecca and Dan joined into the activities as the three children played. A soft ocean breeze had finally crept up and teasingly lifted Rebecca’s hair before dancing towards the trees which edged the playground.

Rebecca and Dan herded the children home once they saw Angela begin to yawn. Angela clung to her father’s neck tightly as he held her against his athletic chest. Her small head leaned unwillingly into the crook of his neck as she desperately fought off sleep. Angela was tall for her age of two years. Dan moved as smoothly as possible, his many hours of physical exercise reflected in his fluid motions.

Once they were back at the house and the children had been readied for bed, Dan nestled beside Angela in her bed. He loved being able to read to his children at bedtime. It was a calming, peaceful time for him as well. Angela’s deep green eyes were fixed onto her father’s eyes as she calmly sucked her index finger. Reluctantly, her eyelids fluttered shut. With a sigh, Angela rolled onto her side, clutching her favorite cotton doll. Mr. Sandman was taking her on a peaceful journey.

Rebecca quietly crept up to her husband and wrapped her arms around his neck. Dan was a considerate and caring father who spent as much time as possible with his children. The demands at the architectural firm he and his friend, Randy Zimmer, owned, sometimes required him to be away from his family more than he liked, but Rebecca and the children appreciated his efforts in spending time with his family.

---

The party was already in progress as Rebecca and Dan made their way through the front door of Randy’s large house which opened into the living room. Randy’s habitual spot at every party was in a corner of the living room, close to food and drink so that he could keep an eye on the service his guests received. As Rebecca and Dan nudged their way closer to their host, Randy spotted them and exuberantly waved his hand. He met them halfway.

Hey, Dan. Rebecca. He gave her a kiss on the cheek. Randy was much like a father to Dan. The older man, while not in the best of physical condition, managed to maintain his youthful vigor through mental diversions. He was not much shorter than Dan and his bright blue eyes admiringly swept over Rebecca. You look great, Rebecca.

Thank you, Randy. Rebecca smiled and nodded at a woman she recognized who waved a hand at her. Cigarette smoke wound carelessly to the ceiling. Where is Cathy?

In the kitchen. She seems to live in that kitchen now that we renovated it. She says it’s her dream kitchen and she loves it. Randy smiled. I am glad for that since it cost me a pretty penny.

Are Larry and Jane here? Dan glanced around the room.

Yah. Larry and Jane were in the kitchen the last time I saw them. Randy peered around the room. What’ll you have to drink? He headed toward the bar.

I’ll just have a beer, Randy. What about you, hon?

A glass of white wine. Rebecca tapped Dan’s arm. I think I see them, Dan. They are with Cathy. I want to see this new kitchen.

I’ll catch you guys later. Randy gave them their drinks. Just mix and mingle. You know my motto.

Rebecca and Dan started towards the kitchen. Rebecca thought she had seen Larry and his wife, Jane, just around the corner. She glanced about herself again. Something flickered in the corner of the room just beyond her line of sight. Something that made her feel uncomfortable. She turned towards the motion. A man swiveled his head abruptly from her.

Dan felt her pull against his arm. What’s the matter, hon?

Hmm? Oh, nothing, I think. I don’t know. Rebecca nodded her head towards the kitchen. I think they’re just over there. She threw another glance over her shoulder.

Something in the way the man held his head reminded her of someone. But who was it? She peered at the man again. Unfortunately, he had turned his back to her and she could see he was participating in a conversation with someone unfamiliar. She gnawed on her bottom lip, trying to remember who it was that she was reminded of. She was having such a strong sense of déjà vu. They continued pressing their way to the kitchen.

Fortunately, Dan and Rebecca found the objects of their hunt and were greeted by their close friends, Larry and Jane Newsom. Larry and Dan played racquetball together two or three times every week. The couples would have dinner dates together at least once per month. Jane and Rebecca had Cathy show them all the new features of her kitchen. Both women were impressed with the modern touches. After an hour of lighthearted discussions, Rebecca excused herself to use the bathroom.

As Rebecca walked towards the guest bathroom, a man in her line of sight, shifted his back towards her and Rebecca stopped suddenly and stared wide-eyed. A slow blush crawled up her throat and burned her cheeks. A memory irritatingly nudged her consciousness. Her ears began to feel warm. She raised a hand to her lips, then tapped a finger against them.

No. It couldn’t be. Her breathing stopped. It couldn’t be. It just couldn’t be. She tried to get a better look at the man who had provoked the memories but he seemed to deliberately keep his back to her. Rebecca found it difficult to swallow properly. She needed to get to the bathroom and calm her nerves. The man’s head suddenly twitched as he turned to face her. He looked directly at her and smiled.

Rebecca gasped. The walls of her throat began to tighten. No. It can’t be, she thought.

The man moved towards her and stopped directly in front of her. Well, well, well. If it isn’t Rebecca Becker. I thought I would never see you again. You look more beautiful than ever. He leaned over to brush his lips against hers.

What are you doing here? She swallowed several times before she could force the words through clenched teeth.

Is that any way to greet an old friend? His left eyebrow shot up quizzically. Actually, is that any way to greet an old boyfriend? How many years has it been? Eleven? Twelve?

What are you doing here? I thought you were in Canada. In Saskatchewan to be exact.

I am. I mean, I was. I’m here on vacation. But I’m thinking of relocating here to Maui. An old friend of mine, who is a friend of Randy’s by the way, wants to open up a clinic and has asked me to become partners with him. What a coincidence. I’m really glad I came to this party. Who would have thought we would meet again after all these years?

Enjoy your vacation. Rebecca tried to turn and walk away from him. He grabbed her arm roughly and pulled her towards him.

I still want to talk to you.

Well, I don’t have anything else to say to you, Michael. I really don’t want anything to do with you. Rebecca winced. Let go of my arm. You are hurting me.

Michael raised an eyebrow. You walked out of my life without ever saying a word to me. You just disappeared. I had no idea why you left. You were just gone. No explanations. Nothing. We really do have a lot to talk about.

Well, I don’t want to talk to you. I left you for a very good reason. Let me go. I need to find my husband. She tried to pull her arm from his grasp. Rebecca could feel herself begin to panic.

But I need to talk to you, Becca, he hissed as he leaned towards her.

Rebecca’s face instantly heated into red anger. She swayed, then laughed. It had a sharp edge to the laugh. No one had ever contracted her name like Michael had. I don’t want to talk to you, Michael. I had nothing to say to you then and I have nothing to say to you now. I think after what you did to me, you would understand why I left.

I tried to apologize for that but you wouldn’t let me. We have a lot to talk about. Michael pulled her closer to him. I know about Benjamin.

Rebecca's heart leaped into her throat. What are you talking about?

Sweetheart? Dan lightly touched her shoulder as he came up behind her.

Rebecca jumped at Dan's touch and the sound of his voice. Her chin trembled and she tried to control the movement. Dan! she squeaked out rather hoarsely. Michael immediately dropped her arm.

Honey? What’s wrong? Dan’s voice held concern. Rebecca’s face had gone white and her deep hazel eyes had almost glazed over. He took a step towards Michael with narrowed eyes.

Allow me to introduce myself, Michael pushed his chest out. I’m Michael Phillips. Dr. Michael Phillips. An old friend of Rebecca’s. We go back quite a few years, don’t we Becca? She must have mentioned my name to you at some point. Can’t imagine she wouldn’t mention me. Imagine us bumping into each other like this.

Rebecca bit her bottom lip. She tried to pull Dan away from the circle they had made. We are leaving now, Michael.

Dan grabbed Rebecca’s hand and he shook his head. What is going on here Rebecca?

Can we leave, Dan, please? I can’t do this right now. Rebecca’s eyes pleaded with Dan.

Dan took another look at Michael, then he once again narrowed his eyes. Fine, Rebecca. Let’s go. Dan pulled Rebecca towards the front door and they managed to ignore Michael’s calls for them to stay.

Dan waited until they were seated in the car. He eyed Rebecca’s shaking hand as she tried to calmly brush away a strand of hair from her eyes. Do you want to talk about it? Was that who I think it was? His voice became hard.

Rebecca tried to swallow but found her throat had gone quite dry. Slowly, she turned towards him. That was unbelievable. I can’t believe it. She laughed a little hysterically.

Sweetheart? Dan gently touched her hand.

Rebecca gulped. That was Michael Phillips. He’s the one who caused all my nightmares. The one I have been hiding from. She looked out the window. That is Benjamin’s father, she paused and took a very deep but tremulous breath.

That was Benjamin’s father? Dan could feel the anger rise in him and it took all his effort not to get out of the car and head back inside the house.

Rebecca placed a hand on Dan’s arm. Please don’t go in there now. Can we go home? She waited for Dan to put the car in motion.

Dan was silent as he drove. Are you okay, Rebecca?

She shook her head. He said he knows about Benjamin. How can he know about Benjamin? What can he know about him? She looked into Dan’s eyes, and tears started to run down her cheeks. He said we have a lot to talk about. I thought he was out of my life forever. I thought,…

Sweetheart, let’s not worry about that. Let’s just get home and we can talk about it. Dan patted Rebecca’s hand.

Rebecca sat back in her car seat and pressed her face against the window. She closed her eyes and the memory of meeting Michael for the first time jarred painfully.

---

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, September, 1997

Okay girls, I think I’m outta here. Everyone is wasted and looks just,…. Rebecca shook her head and rolled her eyes. She did not care for bar scenes at all. She couldn't believe she let her friend, Sharon Nelson, talk her into this.

I thought you said I’d meet an intelligent man. She swung her long blonde hair behind her and