Darkness of Night

Oh my God, Dr. Emma Wilson sobbed as she dropped the receiver of her phone onto its resting place. Her tears flowed freely as the droplets hit the papers stacked neatly on her desk. She grabbed a tissue and haphazardly wiped her eyes, smearing what was left of her eye make-up. Her emotions were in turmoil as she wrestled with the realization that one of her patients had committed suicide.

Waves of nausea radiated in her stomach as she remembered her last meeting with the girl. Confused, Emma opened her file cabinet, reached for Karee Taylor’s file, and began to read through it. The girl had given no signs of suicidal tendencies. There had to be something she had missed? Something she had failed to recognize in the girl’s demeanor.

Her eyes focused back on her notes as she remembered Karee had been her first patient on that particular weekend. She was rushed in after she had been found beaten and raped in one of the base parking lots. The military police had found her lying in between her car and another vehicle outside her post around two am.

Karee had told the officers that she walked to her car around midnight and a man had rushed out at her from behind some bushes next to her car. She had tried without success to run away from him, but he had easily overpowered her, grabbed her from behind and threw her to the hard concrete.

She said she couldn’t identify her attacker, but she recalled he had worn a dark colored facemask. Her assailant had told her if she remained silent he would let her live. Emma cringed as she remembered the handprints around the girl’s throat that were a grotesque shade of blue. It was a miracle she hadn’t been strangled to death.

Confusion set in as she scanned the case file, searching for clues that would have led to the girl’s suicide. There was really no indication that Karee was emotionally unstable. She would have put her on a suicide watch immediately.

As Psych officer on duty that weekend, Emma had talked with her for several hours after the attack. Through their conversation, Karee had come to realize her attack was not a personal act. She felt she just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Emma remembered holding the girl’s hand as the nurse administered the rape kit. She had been so brave. Now she was dead.

The ringing of her office phone interrupted her thoughts. Placing the phone to her ear, she heard a familiar voice, Emma this is Marcus. After a deep pause he continued, I understand you were contacted about Karee Taylor.

Marcus what happened? she asked as a sob escaped her throat.

A friend found her dead in her apartment. Apparently, she had overdosed on sleeping pills and wine. We won’t know for sure until the autopsy and the toxicology reports are in. He waited for her response, Emma, are you alright?

Yes, she replied as her voice began to crack. Taking a deep breath she composed herself, Marcus, I just spoke to her a few days ago. I just don’t understand what happened. She seemed to be dealing with the rape. Never for a minute did I have any indication she was suicidal. I would have taken the appropriate measures.

I understand, Emma; you’re not at fault here. Please don’t blame yourself.

I should have seen the signs, Marcus. I…I’m just upset, she replied as another deep sob escaped from her throat.

Look, why don’t we talk over dinner? I know you have things you need to get off your chest, he encouraged softly.

She hesitated for a few moments then replied, I guess we can meet for dinner.

Why don’t I pick you up at seven? Will that give you enough time?

I’d rather meet you at the restaurant. It’ll be easier for me, she quickly responded. She wanted to reinforce the fact that this was a business meeting and not a date. She just didn’t feel as if she could muster up enough energy to get into it with him again.

If that works best for you; we can meet at LaRocca. Do you know where it is?

Yes, Marcus.

Then I will see you at seven? he asked, almost as if he needed to be reassured.

Okay, I’ll meet you at seven. As the phone hit the receiver, a feeling of tightness spread throughout her chest. She felt trapped. She didn’t want to have dinner with him. Damn! Why didn’t she just come out and tell him.

Releasing a deep sigh, Emma shut down her laptop and shoved it into her computer bag along with her paperwork. She headed for the door, unable to shake that feeling of heaviness that was radiating throughout her chest.

Chapter Two

I’m so glad you could make it Emma, Marcus Weber stated as he gingerly grabbed her hand and led her to the table. Pulling her into a warm embrace, he whispered in her ear, You look ravishing tonight, Emma.

Sorry I’m late Marcus, Emma said, stiffening in his arms. She pulled away and gave him with a weak smile as she sat down. She waited as he moved around the table and swiftly took his seat.

Would you care for a glass of wine? he asked as he motioned for the waiter.

Thank you, Marcus, she replied as she attempted to dodge his intense gaze.

I hope I can manage to cheer you up a bit, he stated as his lips curved into a soft smile and his deep green eyes watched her intently. He had a medium build along with light brown wavy hair and a kind smile. As always, he was impeccably dressed.

May I present you with your menu? the waiter asked as he snapped open her napkin and carefully placed it on her lap.

Emma quickly glanced through the menu noting the high prices of the entrees, then closed it and placed it on the table.

Do you know what you would like?

I’d like the grilled salmon, please. The waiter nodded and filled her glass with the wine Marcus had chosen.

I’ll have the veal scaloppini, Marcus said, returning his menu to the waiter. With a nod, the waiter moved away from the table.

Quickly Emma spoke as her dark mood seeped out through her sad eyes, Marcus, I just can’t believe this has happened. I never thought … I mean, had no indication Karee was suicidal. I’ve worked with rape victims for over ten years and I … I’ve never lost anyone.

He reached out and patted her hand. I know it was quite a shock to everyone, including me. She rebounded so quickly. Apparently everyone felt she was taking the attack quite well. He watched her intently as she used her free hand to reach in her pocket for a tissue. Emma wiped the tears that escaped down her cheeks.

I don’t understand what pushed her over the edge. I met with her on Monday and she told me she was having sleep problems, but I never would have thought she would haven taken her own life.

Emma, you can’t blame yourself, he said in his soft, fluid voice. You know, she had come to me several weeks prior to the rape.

That’s odd; she never told me she had spoken with you.

Well, she was upset because she’d had behavioral counseling a few days prior to our appointment. She was reprimanded by her commanding officer, who felt she was too ‘promiscuous’, he said stopping only long enough for the waiter to place their salads in front of them and refill their wine glasses.

She probably pranced around the wrong person in her halter top and shorts that exposed half of her bottom.

Emma grasped the tissue tightly in her hand as she focused her attention back on her fellow officer, Marcus, it doesn’t really matter if a rape victim is promiscuous. The point is somebody on that base raped her. That’s what’s important here. Bringing up her past and dragging it through the mud only puts the blame on her. Somewhere on that base is a rapist, and he’s running around free to hurt another woman. You – of all people – should know that!

Emma’s attention was drawn to his hand, still on hers. The gentle patting had turned into a light, sensuous massage. She quickly pulled her hand away, covering the movement by picking up her napkin and repositioning it on her lap.

I’m sorry Emma; I didn’t mean to upset you. I just thought maybe she had been raped by a jilted boyfriend or someone who had a thing for her.

Her attention jetted back up to meet his eyes, Marcus, you know rape is a violent crime not a crime of passion. Whether it was a husband, lover or ex boyfriend, it is still a rape. Besides, she told me she didn’t know him. I had every reason to believe her. She was an intelligent young woman with career goals.

She told us he had a face mask on. Emma, it could have been someone she knew, he retorted.

Does it really matter? A rape is a rape! She snapped as she pushed her salad aside and looked around in search of the waiter. She was ready for their meals to arrive. For some reason Marcus was acting strangely this evening and she wasn’t sure she could stand his company. She just wanted to eat and leave. Confusion filled her mind; she knew this man was a psychologist who worked with rape victims almost everyday. She couldn’t understand where his judgmental statements were coming from.

Well, I guess it is up to the MPs to sort this all out now, if they even try, now that she is dead.

Anger filled her eyes as she pounded the elegant table with her fist. You mean to tell me they will just let this guy run around the base? Just because she is dead they won’t pursue the investigation? That’s crap. They need to find out who raped this girl so it won’t happen again.

Emma, we need to focus on the living right now. She is gone. Let her rest in peace. He looked deep into her eyes as he continued, I think this situation has pushed some of your buttons. Do you want to talk about it?

No, Marcus. I don’t want to talk about it. And it just upsets me that a beautiful young girl is dead and nobody seems to care. She took a deep breath as the waiter approached with their dinners.

Silence hung heavily in the air as they ate their meals. After several minutes of stillness, he began, I am sorry. I hope you don’t think I sounded insensitive. We just see so much promiscuity on the base. It seems the younger generation thrives on sleeping around. No wonder these rapes take place.

You know, Marcus, you are beginning to sound like that ignorant Fox News commentator Trot something or another. Can you believe she said that women want ‘to be warriors and victims at the same time’? She thinks that military sexual assault counselors and victim’s advocates are a result of pressure from ‘feminists’. Is this woman completely out of her mind? Emma spat.

Well, that is her opinion, Emma. Everyone has a right to voice their feelings.

Oh, my God! Such ignorance can’t be tolerated in the military. These women are serving our country – they need to be protected.

I guess you’re right, Emma. Marcus said, staring deeply into her blue eyes.

I’m ready to go, Marcus, Emma said flatly, somewhat unnerved by his gaze.

Quickly, he reached over and gently grasped her hand, Emma, I’ve really enjoyed our date tonight. I’d like it if you would accompany me to the Navy Ball next month.

I’m not interested in attending the ball, she spat as she yanked her hand from his grasp.

The captainr expects his officers to attend. Marcus encouraged.

I don’t give a damn what the captain expects; I have no interest in hob knobbing with the higher echelon of the Navy. I serve in this unit only to help the enlisted women. You know, the women who should expect to be raped!

Holding back his next comment he responded, I don’t want to argue with you, Emma. He said as he downed the remainder of his wine. If you don’t want to go the ball then just have dinner with me again, he encouraged.

She took a deep breath before she spoke. Marcus, we have been over this before. I don’t date men in the military. I like you as a friend, but that is as far as my feelings will ever go.

Emma, you know how I feel about you, he insisted.

I understand, Marcus, but I don’t feel the same way. I’m sorry, she stated firmly as she sat back in her chair.

I can help you raise your daughter. Farran needs a father figure in her life. She needs someone to help guide her, to help her make good choices.

I’m raising my daughter and teaching her good, solid values, Marcus. The last thing she needs is her mother to marry a man she doesn’t love just to help ‘guide her,’ Emma said sarcastically as she stood and tossed her napkin on the table.

He signaled for the check as he pulled his wallet out of his perfectly tailored pants. Handing the waiter his credit card he tried in vain to make small talk.

I’ll meet you up front, Marcus; I need to use the ladies room, she stated as she stepped away from the table and moved quickly toward the ladies’ lounge. She had to get away from him. Never before had she seen this side of him and it sent waves of shock through her. In the three years of working with him, she had never heard a negative remark.

She saw him waiting patiently near the door as she made her way out of the ladies’ lounge. Silently they left the restaurant. When they reached her car and she was safely inside, he shut the door and said, I’m sorry I managed to upset you tonight, Emma.

I’m just upset about losing Karee. I feel ineffective as a doctor. I’m probably taking it out on the people around me. She gave him a slight smile and said, Thank you for dinner. I’ll see you next month.

Emma drove into her Honda Civic into attached garage and slid out of her seat. She entered the house and closed the door and quickly reset the security alarm. Making her way to her bedroom, she glanced at the clock, which read 10 p.m. She picked up her phone and called her daughter to wish her a good night.

Hello, Mom, her daughter answered sarcastically.

I just wanted to say good night, Emma said, as she walked over and turned down her bed. I was just making sure you were at Karen’s house. Are her parents home?

Yes, they are, so good-night, Mom, the young girl said with a huff.

I love you, Farran, Emma said meekly.

Me too, Mom.

Emma set the phone back on the charger. She knew that her concern annoyed her daughter, but she had her reasons.

Chapter Three

I look like a French whore, Hannah, Caitlyn Masters said in annoyance as she eyed herself in the mirror. Her round face was dramatically overdone with a heavy coat of make-up and her blue eyes were highlighted by gobs of dark blue eye shadow and liner.

You look beautiful, Hannah replied, as she diligently fluffed her friend’s hair and saturated it with a heavy dose of hairspray as the bride-to-be sat at her vanity table.

Raising her hand in an attempt to stop the makeup artists, Caitlyn blurted out, Don’t even think you’re putting that red lipstick on these lips! Although her attempt to distract the woman was fruitless, she still complained. Emma chuckled as she stood in Hannah D’Palma’s bedroom, watching the other women primp and dress for Caitlyn’s wedding. She smiled as she listening to Caitlyn’s comments.

Caitlyn, we have to hurry up and get you ready. The limo driver is outside waiting, her mother warned in her thick Korean accent as she raced over to keep the bridal veil from dragging on the floor.

Where is the photographer? He needs to get a shot of us helping Caitlyn with her veil, shouted Amanda, the third bridesmaid, as she scurried to the bedroom door, almost tripping in her five-inch heels. Shit! That’s all I need, a broken foot before I even get down the aisle, commented the tall dark haired woman with deep green eyes.

Finally making it to the door, she yanked it open and moved into the hallway. She looked down over the balcony, to the family room. She screamed in shock, Oh my God, what are you guys doing here? Why aren’t you at the church?

Luke D’Palma glanced up at the woman standing on the balcony and replied, We had to stop over and pick up Kevin’s tux. He forgot it last night.

Amanda yelled back down, Kevin can’t see her before the ceremony. It is bad luck. So you guys need to go, now! And where is the photographer? He needs to get up here and get some pictures of Caitlyn getting dressed, Amanda ordered as she glared down at the group of men.

Is she naked? asked Ayden Grant with a sly smile. If she is I’ll come up and take the pictures.

And I’ll kick your ass, stated Kevin, giving his friend a dirty look.

I was just trying to be helpful, Ayden replied with a smirk.

Be helpful and get the photographer up here and the guys to the church, she yelled down over the balcony. She then watched as a little man with thick glasses scurried up the staircase. He carried a large camera with a huge flash. It looked like a camera from the 1950s.

He ran into the perfectly decorated bedroom just in time to get a shot of Caitlyn adjusting her pantyhose with her dress pulled up around her waist. She turned to him and with threatening eyes said, That photo will be destroyed.

The little man nodded nervously and replied, Sorry … I didn’t mean to take that particular shot.

Kim encouraged the three bridesmaids to gather around Caitlyn and help with her daughter’s veil. As the little man with the beet red face finished taking the dressing room shots, Emma looked at her watch and informed the women, We really have to go ladies.

Hannah turned away from Caitlyn and replied, Will you go downstairs and make sure Luke has gotten the guys out of the house?

Emma nodded as she turned to exit the room and she caught a glimpse of herself in the full-length mirror hanging on the bedroom door. She felt a little awkward as she looked at her abundant cleavage in the bodice of the deep teal, strapless dress they had picked out earlier that year. Her blonde hair had been put up in a fancy up-do with small tendrils falling around her narrow face. Her deep blue eyes were accented with excessive eye make-up.

She had argued about her eyes with the makeup artist, but to no avail.

Honey, Caitlyn is only getting married once, and you are going to look beautiful so just stop arguing with me. She winked at Emma as she looked down on her left hand. Besides, this might be your day to meet that special someone and you want to look beautiful don’t you?

Emma knew she had been bested, so she just let the woman place gobs of makeup on her face and around her blue eyes. She finished off with a rosy red lipstick. The woman placed the tube of lipstick in Emma’s hand and said, Keep it, it’s your color.

Remembering her assigned task, she ran down the stairs, high-heels in hand. When she reached the bottom of the stairs she glanced up and saw Kevin standing in the kitchen eating a donut. He looked very handsome in his black tux and white shirt. His wavy blond hair had been neatly trimmed.

Emma, feeling a little bit like a mother hen walked up to him, grabbed the donut out of his hand and reprimanded him. You have to go – now! You can eat after you’re married.

But I’m hungry now, he complained.

I guess you should have thought about that earlier, Kevin. Now, get moving!

He shrugged at her and said, Okay I’m going. I just don’t know what the big deal is. We live together.

It is a tradition, so just deal with it. And where are the rest of the guys? she asked in an aggravated tone. Hearing the blasting of a car horn, she turned and glanced out the window spotting Luke standing near the car door motioning for Kevin to hurry up. She slipped on her shoes and turned back to Kevin. Look, Kevin. You have powdered sugar all over your tux. She grabbed a clean dishtowel, dampened it and quickly used it to wipe the white substance from his black jacket. Gently she pushed him toward the door. We’ll see you in an hour or so. She watched him dash down the perfectly landscaped walkway and slide into the front seat of Luke’s black Lexus. Laughing to herself, she decided he was one of the funniest characters she knew.

She waited until she saw Luke’s car pull out of the driveway and make its way down the street. She walked over to the intercom she stared in confusion at all the buttons. She pushed the one that was marked master, and said, I think they’re finally gone. It’s safe to bring her down. She laughed as she heard her voice echo throughout the house.

The three women escorted Caitlyn down the stairs in a flurry of activity. They hustled her out the front door with Hannah holding up her train so it wouldn’t get dirty or caught on the steps. Following closely behind, Emma shut the door, and made sure it was locked.

The photographer’s camera clicked furiously as he made sure he got the last shots of Caitlyn sliding into the limo. The driver shut the door and off they sped to the church.

Chapter Four

Butterflies fluttered in her stomach as Emma stood in the back of the ornate church. Nervously, she watched Amanda, then Hannah begin their formal strolls down the red-carpeted aisle. Glancing up, she spotted Kevin standing proudly at the altar grinning, waiting anxiously for his bride. So, this was what a happy ending looked like. She had yet to find out.

She focused her attention on the wedding planner, who signaled her to begin her walk down the red carpet. She knew the drill. This was the fifth wedding she had been invited to participate in. She smiled when she thought of the old adage, Always a bridesmaid, never a bride. Well, that sure fit for her.

Slowly and gracefully, she walked down the seemingly never-ending aisle and concentrated on not tripping. Her attention was drawn to an elderly woman sitting on the left side of the church. The woman wore a huge pink hat, probably left over from a wedding she had participated in forty years ago. The hat was so large that the man in the pew in front of her had to maneuver to get a better view of the wedding procession.

As she approached the lady in the ridiculous oversized hat, she got a glimpse of the man behind her and her heart skipped a beat. He had dark skin and dark eyes and hair with just a wisp of gray around his temples. He looked quite tall from where he sat, not tall enough to be able to see over the lady’s goofy hat, but tall enough. He was nicely dressed, in a dark gray suit and a lighter gray shirt.

Their eyes meet for a flitting moment, and she almost felt as if she knew him. God, he was one of the most handsome men she had ever seen. Of course, he was probably married. As she got closer to him she craned to see who was sitting with him. He seemed to be alone. The couple seated next to him was Asian and looked to be in their sixties.

She glanced at him for the last time and gave him a smile. He quickly nodded to her and smiled back. God, she felt like she was going to go down face first on the red carpet. Feeling a little bit like a schoolgirl who had just discovered her first crush, she couldn’t breathe.

Emma made it up to the front of the church and smoothly took her place next to Hannah. The organist signaled the beginning of the bride’s march and all eyes were on Caitlyn, except for Emma’s. Hers were still fixed on the dark haired man. She quietly leaned over to Hannah and asked, Who’s the dark-haired guy in front of the woman with the big, goofy hat?

Hannah stared into the crowd and then replied without turning her head, That’s Greg Sanderman, the reporter.

Emma knew who he was; Caitlyn had told her about him. He was the ex-Special Forces guy, the sniper. He was the man who had saved Caitlyn and Kevin’s lives when they were investigating a vigilante group last year.

God, he was gorgeous and a hero to boot! She leaned over to Hannah one more time and inquired, Where’s his girlfriend?

Hannah kept her eyes on Caitlyn and smiled as she answered her friend. I don’t think he has one. She quickly turned to Emma and said, Yet.

Emma watched as Caitlyn and her mother slowly made their way up the aisle. After they passed Sanderman, Emma noticed he turned back to look at her. Again they made eye contact. Emma couldn’t breathe; it was as though he was sucking the breath out of her lungs. She had to stop this. She was actually pining over a guy she didn’t even know. This was ridiculous. She was a grown woman with a teenage daughter. Emma tore her attention away from Greg and turned to watch Kevin kiss the mother of the bride on the cheek, before taking Caitlyn’s hand and guiding her to the altar.

Emma shifted her weight from side to side as the ceremony seemed to go on for hours. She stood next to her friends as they swore their love for each other. Every now and then, she would peer out into the pews of guests and search for the dark haired man. Every time she looked, he was staring back at her. Emma prayed she could make it back down the aisle without tripping and making a fool of herself in front of this guy.

She breathed a sigh of relief as Kevin finally lifted Caitlyn’s veil and kissed her. Warmth filled Emma’s heart as she heard him say to her, I love you, Cait. The minister then instructed the newlyweds to turn as he introduced them to the guests as Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Stewart.

As the happy couple made their way back down the aisle, Kevin’s brother, Mike held out his arm for Emma. She smiled at him and said quietly, Hold on tight, I might faint.

With concern he asked, Are you all right?

I just need some air, she replied as he held her arm and they began their walk to the back of the church.

As she walked by, Greg Sanderman noticed she was