While You Were Dead (39 page)

“I will give you the device, if you agree to contact Princess Margareta.”

Taking a deep breath, she decided she would find out if her dreams were correct or if they were nothing more than the musings of a sexually repressed female mind. Rolling her eyes at her thoughts, she reached for the phone he handed her.

“Fine, I’ll call Mom.” As she groped for the plug, she never took her eyes off him.

Losing his patience with her fumbling efforts, he took it from her, plugged it in and handed it back. “Call her.” His confidence was disturbing.

“I can’t, you broke the damn thing.” She yelled at him her patience worn thin from the adrenaline flowing through her veins. Dropping the phone to the floor, she said, “I’ll have to use my cell. You wait outside. I’ll let you know what she says, and then you can leave.” As soon as he leaves, I’m calling the police.

“No,” he said as if he could read her mind. “I’ll wait right here. My mission is too important to play. Call her. Now. I give you my oath as Coridian, Captain of the Dragoneara and Lord Protector of the Throne of Sunaru, I won’t move.”

“Fine.” She found her cell in her purse and dialed the number. “Mom’s going to think I’m crazy for letting you talk me into calling her.”

“We will see, Princess.” He smiled. “We will see.”

There was something about him, more than the fact he was a stranger in her bedroom that left her feeling uneasy. Unsettled. Dread, maybe. Fear that he might be telling the truth.

“Hello. Mom?” Audra remained facing Coridian, never turning her back to him.

Her mother answered. “Audra? This is early for you to be up on a Saturday, Sweetheart. I didn’t expect you to call today. Aren’t you coming for dinner tomorrow?”

“Mom,” she tried to keep her voice under control by taking a deep breath. “There’s a man here named Coridian who keeps calling me ‘Princess’ and says that you can explain.”

The sharp intake of breath heard through the receiver surprised Audra, telling her that indeed the man, Coridian, might be telling the truth. Audra’s palms grew clammy. Her heart stalled. “Mom? What’s wrong? Talk to me.”

Her mother’s reply sounded strained, a little shaky. “What did you say his name was?”

“Coridian. He said his name is Coridian.”

“Oh, Lord,” her mother gasped. “Audra, bring that man with you and come home right now. I’ll explain when you get here. I love you, dear.” The phone receiver went dead. Her mother had hung up on her!

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