Dark Flame (Flame 3)

He asked the logical question. What are you doing here?

She shrugged and smiled some more. Thought you might need me.

Can you heal me?

She shook her head. Sorry, I don’t have those kinds of powers. Wish I did, and I also wish I’d survived the alter serum. When I passed, along with our children, I knew your solitude wouldn’t be good for you. Robert, you were always the kind of man who needed a family. You need one now.

He snorted, or at least that was the sound he was trying for. Not in this rathole.

You mean Five Bridges?

Of course. His gaze shifted involuntarily to Juliet. She stood up from her seat and snapped her fingers. The birds all scattered into the air. He wondered why she’d disturbed them until a yellow-striped cat jumped up on the narrow railing, lithe and ready for a quick meal. He stopped and stared at her then jumped into the patio.

Juliet smiled as she spoke to the cat. “You’ve ruined my biggest afternoon pleasure.” The cat meowed in response and rubbed up against a nearby plant stand.

Brann smiled as Juliet sat down once more then patted her lap. “Fine. Then come over here and I’ll give you a pet.”

Brannick sighed. He knew Juliet had a relationship with her neighbor’s cat. The feline was already purring as it leaped into her lap, took a complete circuit in order to find the best curling-up position, then settled in.

If cats could smile, this one did as he stared up at her. She looked down at him with an equal amount of affection and pushed her hand over his head, forcing his ears back. She ran her fingers in a slow sweep all the way down to the cat’s tail.

She petted the cat the way she made love to Brannick, as though there was no greater pleasure.

You love that about her, don’t you?

Olivia’s voice startled him. He should have felt embarrassed that he was enjoying the qualities of one woman while chatting with another who had once been his wife.

But he wasn’t really doing that, was he? Another indication consciousness had little to do with his present condition.

He fixed his attention on Olivia, wondering why she was here. She had a considering expression on her face as though she was trying to understand him. Why haven’t you remarried, Brann? It’s been thirteen long years.

I’ve already told you, because of Five Bridges.

Is it that bad?

It is. Corruption and murder, the trafficking of young women, drug-running and the cartels here are intent on expansion. That’s why you and the children died. Remember?

Of course. She wore tight black pants and ballet flats, a clinging blue top. Her clothes had always hugged her body, the opposite of Juliet.

He wondered if he was delirious. Where is this place that I can talk to you, yet still be here on Juliet’s sofa?

Right at the edge of paradise where you’re hovering. Apparently, you can’t decide to leave this world permanently, though you’re trying like crazy to do so. What’s hounding you toward death?

He shifted his gaze once more to Juliet. I couldn’t bear to lose her.

Is that the reason you’re trying to leave your body? You’re afraid of hurting again should Juliet, or anyone else you care about, die on you?

Was that what he was doing? He didn’t feel at all like he was trying to leave. But he could tell he wasn’t making an effort to stay, either.

The next moment, Olivia moved off the tall, wicker chair and knelt in front of Brannick. She took his face in her hands. How was that possible?

Brann, you’ve never let me and the kids go. That’s why I’m here. You’ve kept all of us on the edge of paradise, and I need you to move on so we can, too.

Olivia and the kids.

A feeling like fire burned hot in his chest, searing his heart. Grief flooded him, a profound agony a thousand times worse than his current sword cut, or any other battle wound he’d suffered over the years.

But how could he make a ghost understand his suffering? Olivia had perished with one child dying in her belly and the other already cold as ice and gone from the world. He’d been left behind to bear the weight of their lost lives, something Olivia had never experienced. So, how could she understand?