Facing Reality

Chapter 2

    "Luke!" I yelled through my cafe's back door before turning back to the man. "Don't worry. Just stay still, okay?" I didn't wait for the man's answer as I yelled back at the kitchen again. "Luke!"

    Moments later, Luke and Riley appeared in the doorway. I watched as their expression changed from curiosity to concern. Luke was by my side in an instant.

    "Can you stay still for a moment?" he asked the man. The man nodded, though clearly in pain. With his permission, Luke ran his hand down the man's spine. I realized with fear that Luke was checking to make sure the man's back was intact. The way the man was lying, it could well be a possibility.

    With a sigh of relief, Luke's expression relaxed slightly. "You're back is fine," he told the man, helping him carefully sit up. The man winced, but seemed to be fine with the upright position.

    When he turned his confused gaze from Luke to me, I found myself staring at a strange and beautiful sight. The man had Heterochromia iridium- one of his eyes was a bright startling blue and the other was a deep chocolate brown.

    "Are you alright?" Riley asked, joining the three of us on the porch.

    The man frowned, one of his hands reaching up to rub the rope burn on his throat. "I'm not all too sure." He had a Mississippi farm boy accent.

    Luke's eyes narrowed, and he hesitated. "I know you."

    The man blinked blankly. "You sure? Cause I don't know you."

    Riley's eyes widened as she also seemed to recognize the stranger. "Wait! You're that politician! John Knot."

    The man- John- continued to stare at her.

    Now that Riley had said his name, I remembered. He was running for the state election.

    "You're running for state election against Tyler Stevenson!" I exclaimed then frowned. "But aren't you supposed to be having a fundraiser tomorrow over in Orlando? What are you doing here?" Also, what was up with his accent? I didn't remember him having a Mississippi accent. He always had this refined, uptight way of talking.

    John opened and closed his mouth. After a moment, he sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "I'm sorry, but I don't remember."

    Riley tilted her head to the side and narrowed her eyes. "You don't remember what you're doing here?"

    John licked his lips and shook his head. "Yes and no."

    "What is that supposed to mean?" A bad feeling settled in my gut.

    "I don't remember anything."

***

    Riley pulled me aside after Luke and I had helped John into the kitchen and I had gotten him a glass of water. "We should take him to the hospital to get checked out."

    I shook my head. "He would have asked if he wanted that. I think he should stay here. I can help him get his strength back, see if he remembers anything when given time." I glanced back at the kitchen. "Plus, it seems like someone may have wanted him dead. Didn't you see those bruises and that rope burn? It might not be wise to take him to the hospital."

    Riley nodded her head slowly. "And we probably don't want to draw any media attention. If he doesn't remember anything like he says, then we don't want to overwhelm him."

    I dipped my head in agreement.

    With that settled, I quickly packed up Luke and Riley's cake pieces to go and followed them out the door.

    "If anything happens, call us, okay?" Luke said, a frown etched into his forehead.

    I raised an eyebrow and smirked. "You think I can't take care of myself, soldier boy?"

    Luke rolled his eyes. "Goodbye, Sarah."

    I laughed as they turned away and headed for Riley's car.

    Once they were gone, I went back to the kitchen and sat across the from John at the kitchen island. "Are you hungry?"

    He gave me a half smile. "Starving."

    A grin made its way to my lips. "Well, you pick the right place to lose your memory at. Welcome to my cafe!"

    John's smile widened slightly at my attempt for humor. "Thanks."

    I jumped out of my seat and grabbed him one of my famous grill cheese sandwiches. "No problem. Bon appetit."