The tower : A New start

The cottage

Sapphire woke the next morning to her phone going crazy. Groggily she picks it up and glances at it. Ten calls and umpteen messages. Mostly from Mace and Deacon.

Where are you?

Whats with all the construction?

What happened last night?

Are you hurt?

Do you need help?

“Wow,” she murmured, “Seems a few people are a bit worried.” Then she closed her eyes and inhaled the wonderful aroma of coffee coming from the kitchen. She slips out of bed amazed at how comfortable Alex's cot actually is. Aware of the scars on her chest and upper arms she pulled the light top closed and headed to the kitchen with her phone in hand.

Alex looked up and smiled, “Good morning, Did you sleep well?”

“Actually yes. That cot was amazingly comfortable. However, I think Mace and Deacon are on panic mode. They practically blew up my phone with calls and messages. I'm gonna have to let them know everything's OK.” She replied.

Alex nodded and noticed her attire was a bit too warm for the season, but he doesn't say anything instead he continues to work on fixing breakfast. Sapphire fixed herself a cup of coffee as she called Mace.

“Hello.” Mace answered on the first ring.

“Hey Mace, it's Sapphire.” She replied.

“Thank God, We've been going crazy trying to find out what the h*** happened last night. There's a construction crew at the house and the both of you are no where to be found. We can't even get inside. Even the Sheriff has been obstinately vague about everything. He said something about an accident. We thought maybe The Butcher caught up with you.” He spoke rapidly revealing his anxiety over everything.

“Everything is fine. It wasn't The Butcher. Some random i***t crashed into the house late last night. If Alex hadn't acted when he did we both would have been hurt. We had to move into the old caretakers cottage on the property temporarily until the damage is repaired and they've made certain the house won't collapse or burn down from the damage.” Sapphire assured him.

Mace heaved a sigh of relief, “I'm glad you two are OK and even more glad Mr. Drewe was with you. If he is alright with it I'd like to stop by just to see for my self and find out more about your adventure last night.”

Alex was intently listening to their conversation as she had the speaker phone on in case he wanted to speak which he now did, “Sure thing. There is a small slightly over grown road off the back drive that leads to the cottage or we can just meet up by the house since Sapphire and I need to check the mail and see if we can pick up some more clothes and any other items we need. I also have a couple of air conditioners being brought up and installed and have ordered groceries for the cottage.” He answered.

“We can meet you at the main house.” Mace said, “By the way, did the police catch the driver of the car that hit the house?”

“Not that we know of, but the Sheriff said he'd keep us informed.” Alex answered, “We will be at the house in about an hour.”

“Sounds good. See ya then.” Mace replied and hung up. Alex picked up two plates he had loaded up with eggs, bacon, hash browns, and toast then set then on the table where he'd already laid out silverware and the fixings for hot coffee. Sapphire joins him with two fresh steaming cups of coffee.

“I didn't know you cooked.” she commented then took a bite and moaned in delight. “This is delicious.”

“Well, when you live alone you have to develop some new skills unless you want to be doomed to eat TV dinners the rest of your life and even those take a small amount of cooking skill.” Alex replied, “Thanks by the way. I had hoped you'd like it.”

I do. This is really good.” Sapphire said as she popped another mouthful in to her mouth. They ate in silence for a few minutes then Alex decided to broach the subject of her clothes.

“It's summer you know and you're going to cook in that top and jeans. Maybe you should put on something a little cooler.” He suggest in concern.

“I don't know. I have scars, bad scars. I don't like the questions I get when I dress comfortably and they can be seen.” She says uncomfortable with the topic.

“Let me see.” Alex said as he moved the front of the over shirt to take a look. Small scars from the stab wounds criss crossed what he could see of her chest. Longer scars from where The Butcher sliced her ran up her arms. Sapphire ducked her head in embarrassment and waited for the questions she knew would come next. But Alex didn't ask anything, instead he removed his shirt and turned to face her. Her eyes widened at what she saw. Like her scars criss crossed his chest and even longer scars ran up his arms. Many were defensive wounds like hers. She could tell those scars were the work of The Butcher. He had refined his work since then, but the basic pattern was there. The scars ran all the way down his stomach as did hers. How either of them survived was beyond her.

“I look at these scars as battle scars earned in the heat of battle. The battle for my life. That I survived to tell the tale and managed to even save his intended victim were victories that I've won. If he comes back I plan to see to it he never hurts another soul.” Alex stated with pride and deadly calm.

“I may have survived the attack, but I didn't save anyone else in the process the way you did so I'm not certain I can call them battle scars or even claim a victory.” Sapphire said unhappily as she began to turn away.

Alex grasped her shoulders to prevent her from turning away from him. “Yes, you can claim a victory. You can because you survived. You refused to let him kill you and fought back every inch of the way. Even critically injured your tenacious will to live refuse to let you just slip away. He couldn't win if you lived through that attack. So yes you can claim a victory and yes they are battle scars. You beat him in more ways than one because you chose not only to survive but to take your life back and rebuild what he took. That takes guts and courage.” Alex said firmly, “Don't ever be embarrassed of your scars or be afraid to show them. People may ask questions and stare at first but eventually they will look passed those scars to the wonderful person you are.”

Sapphire smiled then and removed the button down blouse she'd worn over her tank top. She kept the jeans though. She was too used to wearing jeans all year round. Alex smiled at her bravery.

“You're beautiful Sapphire, scars and all.” He said appreciatively. They finished breakfast and cleaned up the kitchen. Then spent a little time unpacking some of the boxes they hadn't touched last night. It wasn't long before they had to run to the house to meet Mace and Deacon. Sapphire and Alex hopped into the jeep and drove to the main house. They found the workmen already working to repair the damage. It looked worse in the light of day, almost as if a giant hand tried to knock the house down.

A few minutes later the AC units for the cottage arrived and were loaded in to the jeep. The Groceries followed suit as well as extra clothes for both of them, Alex's easel, several canvases, paints, Sapphire's sketch book and journal, both computers and a hot spot for internet access, toiletries, and anything else they might need. Both Alex and Sapphire felt they needed to prepare for a long stay since they didn't know exactly how long repairs would take. They had just finished loading everything into the jeep when the Marshals arrived. They had even checked the mail and spoken with the mailman who was glad to deliver their mail to the mailbox for the cottage until they could return to the main house.

“What exactly happened?” Mace demanded as Deacon simply looked them over as if expecting injuries. Alex filled the Marshals in on their harrowing night including a description of the man who'd driven the car.

“You didn't mention you had access to the basement from the tower.” Deacon snapped obviously upset at that particular detail being left out of previous conversations.

“You didn't ask besides nowhere was it written down that I had to tell you anything. It is my house she's renting and no one mentioned there was two US Marshals accompanying my tenant to her home or that she was the target of a serial killer. So I believe we are even.” Alex stated with a deadly calm, his gaze daring Deacon to continue this topic of conversation. Obviously, Alex could continue listing the omitions that had been made amongst other things he had a right to be angry over. Luckily, Deacon took the hint and refrained from further argument.

Mace gave Deacon a what the H*** is wrong with you look and then said with reprimand, “Whether or not he has a basement access is not something we should be focusing on here. Our witness we are supposed to protect almost got killed last night in what could have been a related accident. We don't have all the details to know for sure exactly why any of this is happening. Her safety is paramount since the DA is planning on using her testimony when they catch him. That's why we've been ordered to keep a close watch on her. You of all people know that, Deacon.”

Deacon did not respond but judging from the look on his face he was rather pissed at his partner chiding him in front of their witness and a group of onlookers. Alex noticed the workmen staring at them due to the raised voices.

“Perhaps we should continue this conversation somewhere a little more private.” Alex suggested suddenly, “Follow us to the cottage. We can talk there.” He then walked over to the foreman and Mr. Dean and chatted with them for a moment.

Alex and Sapphire got into the jeep and headed to the cottage. Mace and Deacon followed in their vehicle. When they arrived a few minutes later, the four of them unloaded the jeep as quickly as they could. The groceries were put away and everyone took their glasses of iced tea out to the porch. They sat on several lawn chairs Alex had found at the main house in a storage shed.

“Now, I believe we were having a conversation.” Alex started out, “Would you like to continue where we left off.”

Mace nodded, “We couldn't tell you about her past or any of it when we arrived. However, because of recent events you deserve to know everything even if it gets us in trouble. Since you already know about Sapphires past through means I don't understand completely, you deserve the rest. When she woke up she was terrified and confused. The police were questioning her and strangers popped in and out of her room regularly. Her family was lead to believe she died of her injuries. This was so that The Butcher wouldn't know she survived and make another attempt on her life.” When he paused Deacon took up the tale.

“It took some doing, but the DA and our boss convinced her to testify against The Butcher when they caught him. They did so by placing her in Witness Protection, faking her death so that to the rest of the World she was his latest victim. They gave her a new identity, job, and home all to protect her from The Butcher in hopes he wouldn't realize she survived and try to kill her again.” Deacon finished, “That's why we are here.”

Alex nodded as he listened to their tale. “Thank you for trusting me. Don't worry about the construction crew I made it worth their while to keep their mouths shut. I was very clear that if anyone of them took it upon himself to share what they heard they'd lose their very lucrative bonus.”

The Marshals and Sapphire let out a collective sigh of relief. “Thank you.” Deacon and Mace said simultaneously.

“Would you care to enlighten us to how you knew about Sapphire's past before we ever arrived?” Mace asked quietly.

Alex eyed Deacon suspiciously uncertain if he should trust him with this secret as it was also Sapphire's as well. Not to mention that bizarre phone call they received. He also glanced at her to see what she was thinking.

“That's a strange tale.” He began, “I'm not certain I completely believe it myself and it happened to me.”

Mace leaned forward with interest while Deacon stared at Alex with suspicion.

“About a year ago,” He continued, “I had a dream that was entirely too real. I was watching a man torture and cut up a young woman. I could hear her screams and feel her fear. No matter how much I wanted to stop that bastard I couldn't. Nothing I did or tried stopped him. I knew she was going to die, could feel her slipping away. Suddenly, he stopped and fled as flashing lights filled the windows of the room. I reached out to her. She was so weak and slowly slipping further and further away. I saw the medics working on her and I could feel their desperation as they tried to save her. I did the first thing I could think of. I latched on and held her to me. She just couldn't die if there was only one thing I could do in in the dream it was to keep her with me until she was strong enough to stay on her own and that is what I did. I held her, comforted her.” Alex said sadly his pain showing in his eyes, “It wasn't until you arrived and I saw Sapphire that I realized what I thought was a dream was actually a connection the two of us somehow made. I don't understand it exactly, but that is the only way I can explain it. Especially since I know without the shadow of a doubt that the young woman in my dream is Sapphire.”

Deacon cast a look of disbelief at Alex as if he thought Alex had lost his mind, “Are you expecting us to believe that load of S*** you are shoveling.” He exclaimed angrily.

“He's not lying, Deacon.” Sapphire stepped in, “I remember the connection myself, but I didn't realize until after the attack that someone else had been there. It wasn't until I was recovering in the hospital that I realized another person had made a connection with me and then I didn't want to believe it. I didn't either until I thought of something that was directed at him and he responded.”

“Really!?” Deacon snapped in irritation, “You too. Boy aren't we a walking side show!” Sapphire ducked her head at Deacons derogatory tone. Alex's jaw ticked as anger pricked him. The man was a walking headache and contradiction. First he showed concern, then he burst out in anger absolutely refusing the possibility of anything beyond the normal. And to add insult to injury he made Sapphire feel like a freak.

Mace intervened before Alex could step in on Sapphire's behalf, “Actually Deacon, It's not that far fetched. There are other people out there who've experienced the same thing. There's nothing wrong with having an open mind you know.”

Deacon cast a glare in Maces direction, but refrained from further comment. That was the only thing that saved him from meeting Alex's fist. Mace on the other hand looked thoughtful.

“You are a Celestial, aren't you?” He asked via the connection he was forging with Alex, “Sapphire is too. Right?”

“Yes, but how...” Alex began confused and wary.

“I know because I am a Celestial, too. It's the only logical explanation.” Mace answered completely calm, “Don't worry about Deacon. I can handle him. He won't remember this conversation. As far as he will know the boss contacted you and asked if you'd assist us in guarding Sapphire. In order to do that you were filled in on the situation.”

They were all quiet for a while. Sapphire took a sip of her drink while Alex and Deacon glared at each other. Mace on the other hand seemed focused intently on his partner. Suddenly, Deacons glared seemed to fade and was replaced with a relaxed smile as if nothing out of the ordinary happened. He relaxed in his chair and glanced at Alex while taking a sip of his tea.

“So the Director asked you for your help in protecting Sapphire since you'd be at the house most of the time?” Deacon asked the earlier conversation completely forgotten.

Alex nodded not trusting his voice for the moment as he struggled to get his temper under control. He had to take a few deep breaths to calm down.

“That explains a lot.” Deacon murmured.

Alex decided to make a change of topic. He reached out mentally to Mace to see what he revealed about the weird phone call Sapphire received where the caller had claimed to be Deacon.

“He denied knowing anything about it. He thinks it was a prank call. Someone trying to cast doubt.” Mace answered, “You can bring it up. Maybe he'll let something slip.” Alex nodded subtly.

“So, Deacon did Mace fill you in on the weird phone call Sapphire received?” Alex asked throwing a line to get a feel for Deacon's reaction.

Deacon's face clouded with anger, “Who ever made that call obviously wanted to scare Sapphire and cast doubt amongst us. As well as get the local police involved.” They could hear the barely controlled rage in his voice. “Thats all we need right now with all the s*** that keeps happening. We can't do our jobs if we are doubting each other.” His reaction actually surprised Alex. He might be a walking contradiction, but anyone could see he was sincere in his answer.

Alex read anger, frustration, sincerity and concern all mixed in Deacon's voice and expression. Reading people was one of Alex's gifts. Unfortunately, Deacon was hard to read most of the time so it was surprising to be able to read him so clearly this time. He must feel strongly about the topic of conversation. Mace was easier to read, but Alex wondered if he was broadcasting much of what he felt to hide something else.

“You're right, but it does make me wonder exactly what is going on. Could we have misjudged The Butcher? Maybe he decided to change things up to keep us from figuring out his real plans. We need to keep an extra vigil because the way I see it he could be right under our noses and we wouldn't even know it.” Alex said decisively. Mace and Deacon agreed with him. Even Sapphire couldn't find fault with his reasoning. “By the way, when you to stop up call ahead of time. My brand of security can be deadly if it's set off. We wouldn't want any one to get hurt.”

Deacon glanced at Alex curiously. Alex glanced back and a sort of understanding passed between them. Mace on the other hand simply nodded. “We need to report back to the director. Let him know it was a false alarm. Call if you need us.” Mace said and both of the Marshals stood up to leave. Sapphire took the glasses to the kitchen and washed them up while Alex walked the Marshals out. She'd already locked the back door when he returned. She watched Alex set his booby traps on the doors and windows. They spent the evening cleaning and unpacking the remaining items.

When they finished, Alex took Sapphire into the kitchen. She noticed the window shades were pulled and looked at Alex questioningly. In answer, Alex bent down and lifted the kitchen rug to reveal a trap door. He opened it and they descended a ladder that seemed newer than the rest of the little house into a root cellar it was bare dirt all around and the trap door seemed to be the only entrance to it. He lead her over to a single four foot tall by four foot wide piece of plywood that leaned against the wall. This he moved aside to reveal a secret tunnel held up by large support beams.

“What is this?” She asked curiously.

“This is the hidden tunnel that was built in to the main house. I've been looking for it for a while. I didn't tell the Marshals because We need some secrets just in case of trouble. I'd like to check it out to see for certain where it comes out if you don't mind.” Alex explained, “The entrance in the main house is very well concealed if I haven't been able to locate it and I lived in that house for a very long time.”

“Of course, I'll go with you but we are going to need some flashlights.” Sapphire said enthusiastically. In response to her comment about the flashlights, Alex pulled out some head lamps he'd retrieved from the main house. After they had donned the head lamps, they entered the tunnel. They could walk for the most part if a little hunched over, but about thirty feet in the tunnel got shorter and they had to crawl on their hands and knees the rest of the way. It was so dark they couldn't see their hand in front of their face without the lights. Ten feet past where they had to begin to crawl the tunnel branched off to the right. They found out when they followed it that the tunnel came out in the woods near the east side of the bluff. When they returned to the main tunnel the followed it all the way to the main house where it opened into another room not in the plans at all.

Even Alex was surprised. The room looked to be a old bomb shelter of sorts. Like Alex's emergency shelter it had several cots, a table and some chairs. One wall held nothing but supplies such as food, blankets, medical kits, and a variety of other necessities. There was a counter with various cooking utensils and what looked to be a stove of some kind along with a sink. There was a curtain covering the last wall. When Alex moved it, they found a small bathroom next to which was a door that didn't quite belong.

When he tried it the door, opened if a little stiffly. They found themselves in the basement of the main house. The way it was designed the door was hidden by the furnace and blended into the wall. There was no handle to open on this side of the door. It took Alex a few minutes to figure out how to open it from the basement side. There was a hidden knob that when pushed opened the door. It was cleverly designed to blend into the wall and shadows cast by the furnace. Someone who didn't know what to look for would be searching forever. Alex discovered it by shear luck.

They made their way back through the hidden tunnel to the little cottage where they locked the trap door and hid it under the rug once more. Then Alex and Sapphire popped a couple of TV dinners in the oven to cook. Sapphire moved the mini dressers into the Living room for them to use for clothing while Alex installed the AC Units which helped cool the house nicely. They ate supper and then settled into bed worn out from the day. Sapphire fell asleep thinking about the new discoveries and more than a little confused where the Marshals were concerned.