Wicked Forest (DeBeers 2)

"I know you're engaged and all, but you've got more in common with someone like me. I think like you do. I'm interested in the same things. You got engaged too fast. My mother says that your mother-inlaw even says so."

"I don't like that. Holden. I don't think it's anyone's business, and your mother has no right to say such a thing."

"Yes, she does. She's right. You need to, to wait... to meet someone else... to kiss someone else..."

Before I could respond, he grabbed my shoulders and squeezed so hard. I started to cry out in pain. He smothered my cry with his lips. I struggled to break free, but he was incredibly strong, much stronger than I'd imagined him to be. His lust and desire had given him power.

"Think about me!" he cried. "If you just think about me--" I squirmed to get out of his grip.

"Stop it. Holden!" I shouted,

He leaned forward to kiss me again, opening his mouth so wide that he covered my mouth and jetted his tongue into it. I thought I would asphyxiate when, suddenly. I felt him torn away from me and looked around to see Linden, his camera on a strap around his neck.

Before Holden could catch his balance. Linden swung his forearm out and caught him square in the mouth, driving him back. Holden stumbled and fell over into the water, sitting down quite

unceremoniously and, for a moment, looking absolutely stupid.

Linden appeared to swell in size between Holden and me.

"How dare you?" he spit at him. "Get the hell off our property before I bury you in it!"

Holden struggled to his feet and then shot away, his clothing soaked, the sand kicking up behind him. As soon as he was out of sight. Linden turned to me.

"Are you all right?"

"Yes," I said. "I don't know what came over him. He's been such a shy, withdrawn person."

"You shouldn't have gone for a walk alone with him," Linden chastised,

"I had no idea he would behave like that. I just thought--" "You've got to be more suspicious of the men you meet."

He looked in the direction of Holden's flight for a moment, then back at me.

"Thank you for helping me. Linden. I was lucky you were nearby"

"I told you I would be." he said, his eyes still filled with anger. He held up the camera. "I've got a picture of him accosting you if you want to press charges against him."

"No, that won't be necessary. Thanks. I'd better get back to the house. What a terrible finish to a nice afternoon," I muttered, and repeated. "Just lucky you were here."

He stepped closer.

"It wasn't a matter of luck.' he said assuredly. "I'll always be here for you. Willow. Even when Thatcher is not. Especially when Thatcher is not" he added, his shoulders back proudly. "-You can depend on that." He started toward the house, then paused when I hadn't moved. "Coming?"

"What? Oh, yes, yes," I said, and hurried to join him and get inside.

Later. I wasn't sure whether I should tell Thatcher about the incident. I was afraid he would get very angry and might do something like press charges against Holden, but then I decided keeping things from one another wasn't a good way to begin a relationship. His reaction surprised me.

He shook his head and smiled, "What is so funny?"

"The way you describe him reminds me of Boo Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird-- you know, the disturbed man who protects the young girl, who comes out of the shadows to kill her assailant and saves her life. Linden is our own Boo Radley."

"Oh, Thatcher, don't ever say anything like that to Linden."

"I won't. But I can't help thinking it," he said, and laughed again. "And I can see from your expression that you can't help it either."

I shook my head.

I wasn't thinking that. was I? I wondered.