Touched (ePub)

Part 1 of 'The Linked Saga', was just the beginning...

Inside every heart and soul is a story waiting to be told...

So, this is my story...

And all I need to do is stay safe, so I live long enough to tell it...

Easier said than done...

Time heals no wounds, when the only truth you have, is a lie...

Who do you trust, when there's no one left?

'I didn't realise that my time, my decisions, my life, were at the hands of something far worse than I could ever have imagined. Her life had been in danger since the day I met her, and instinctively I knew that it was only a matter of time, until I was part of that danger too...'

"Mel, don't do this."

"You've left me no choice. I'm not helping you at all. If anything it seems as though you are only getting worse, even after all this time. I mean, maybe I have to let someone else help you through this. Maybe someone who is a little stronger than I am."

I looked at her, shocked by her words. She was right, she had been here for me the whole time, but she was good for me. I couldn't lose her now.

I paused and then searched her face. "You want me to forget about him?" The words slipped quietly from my mouth.

And then the regret in her expression was enough to make me cry myself."No, of course not." Uneasiness overcame her at this very moment. "But, it's been a long time. I mean, if he was alive, then surely you would have found out by now. You're a cop after all. You need to find a way to say goodbye to him. He's gone. You have to make a decision now about whether you think you can do that. I just can't watch you in pain like this anymore..."

I breathed in and then said the words she knew I was going to say.

"You're the only friend, the only person who I have left that I love and trust completely, so if I could choose you then I would. But, I can't."

She lowered her head in admittance.

"But, you knew that already didn't you?" I quickly realised.

"Please. Let me help you. Let them help you."

"No, Mel. Please don't let them sway you into thinking that I'm crazy. You have to believe that I'm right about him. I mean, if it was you in his place, would you want me to give up on you?"

My voice seemed to penetrate the air between us and I lowered my tone. "After all of the heartache, the murders, the deaths, the pain..." I paused for a moment. "After everything we've been through, how could you say these things to me?"

Then, I pleaded with her silently as my eyes searched hers, but it was to no avail.

"I'm sorry..."

Time heals no wounds when the only truth you have, is a lie