Dreams~Shadows of the Night Read Online Free Page A

and had slowly developed into a disturbing dream.
    The details were too vague for her to understand much, but she did know it concerned Josh and he appeared to be surrounded by a group of armed men. Catherine assumed these were the security people hired to keep him safe, so it didn’t make sense when fear conti nued to scrape at her nerves.
    Setting the TV on mute, she closed her eyes hoping to block out the unwanted intrusion when three sharp r aps at the door broke into her thoughts . Her eyes snapped open and her heart jerked in uneven thumps. She sat up and glanced at her watch. It was late for unannounced visitors. She slid off the sofa and walked warily toward the door.
    When she saw Josh’s close friend Tom Wolden through the peephole the strange feeling that had plagued her all day instantly developed into full blown distress. A cold shiver that shouldn’t have been there in the warm room trembled through her, as she fumbled with the latch before flinging the door open to stare at him with anxious eyes.
    “Something’s happened to Josh. That’s why you’re here isn’t it?”
    He blinked in surprise. “Huh? No. As far as I know he’s fine. I just came from a movie and was in the neighborhood, so I thought I’d stop by.” He peered at her more closely. “But maybe this isn’t a good time. Are you all right? Did I wake you up?”
    “I’m fine and I wasn’t asleep.” She smiled at him feeling relief sink in, soothing her uneasiness. “ I’m so rry for being a drama queen. It’s been a weird day. Would you like a glass of iced tea? I’d offer you a beer, but I don’t keep it unless Josh is here.”
    “Tea would be good,” he said, as he entered and she motioned him to a chair.
    She went into the kitchen for a moment, returning shortly with two tall glasses and handed him one before settlin g on the sofa with her legs tuck ed under her.
    “What have you been up to besides going to the movies?”
    He shrugged.
    “Not much – working mostly. How about you?”
    “The same, but it’s not enough. I can’t help missing Josh.”
    “Yeah, I know what you mean. His absence does tend to leave a big blank spot.”
    “He told me you’ve been friends since you were kids. Do you ever get a sense you might lose him when he takes off like this – that he’ll want to stay away for good?”
    “Nope. I believe he’s like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz . One of these days he’ll realize everything he needs is right in his own backyard.”
    She wondered if Josh realized how wise his friend was. “Maybe you ought to remind him of that fact.”
    “I have plenty of times, but I’ve seen Josh take off on too many escapades to know I could n’t stop him from going to play Tarzan B elieve me I did try.”
    “So did I. It’s so frustrating that we can’t have any contact with him.”
    “I don’t like it either. It’s like having him drop off the face of the earth. But I bet he’s counting the days until he can get back to you. Just think about the great reunion you’ll have. You’re his soul mate.”
    “Am I? Men and women often have different interpretations on what that means.”
    “I don’t know much about women, but I'm right about Josh’s feelings for you. He’s kind of hard to understand sometimes, but if you’re patient it’ll be worth the wait.”
    “ I’m trying.” She took a sip of tea. “ Josh told me you’re shy around girls.”
    His face reddened and he shifted uneasily on his chair. “Josh has a big mouth.”
    She chuckled softly . “Have you ever had a steady girlfriend, Tom?”
    “Not really. I kind of came close a couple of times, but they didn’t work out.”
    “I’m sorry to hear that.”
    “Don’t be – they weren’t any big deal. One treated her cat better than me , and the other one baked me fruitcakes. What kind of a girl gives a guy fruitcake for Pete’s sake?”
    “Maybe one who likes to bake?” she said, smothering another laugh.
    She studied him from