Blood of the Rainbow Read online

  Blood of the Rainbow

  By Shelia Chapman

  Hexham 2011

  Sheila Chapman has asserted her right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.

  This book is a work of fiction and, except in the case of historical fact, any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

  Copyright © 2011 Shelia Chapman

  All rights reserved under International and Pan-American

  Copyright Conventions.

  Paper version - ISBN 13: 978-1467963107 & ISBN-10: 1467963100

  Although this book uses some characters from our ‘A Vested Interest’ series of book, it does not form a numbered book in that series. ‘Blood of the Rainbow’ is a stand-alone novel. In the timeline, ‘Blood of the Rainbow’ would be set about seven years before ‘A Vested Interest’. If you would like to read more about Jared, he re-appears in ‘Regret and Retribution’.

  ‘Blood of the Rainbow’ is a fictional, paranormal romance novel, which unlike the other ‘A Vested Interest’ books, was written entirely by Shelia.

  John Chapman

  Also by John and Shelia Chapman

  -----

  A Vested Interest (A Vested Interest book 1)

  Dark Secrets (A vested Interest book 2)

  No Secrets (A Vested Interest book 3)

  Stones, Stars and Solutions (A Vested Interest book 4)

  Leap of Faith (A Vested Interest book 5)

  Regret and Retribution (A Vested Interest book 6)

  Websites

  http://www.avestedinterest.info

  http://avestedinterest.blogspot.com

  My grateful thanks go out to my husband and Connie Deavers for all their help, and patience.

  Chapter 1

  Sara Foster tried to explain her reasons for leaving Crooked Creek, but of course, her mother wouldn’t listen. James, Sara’s father knew and understood. Kaye, her mother, never tried to understand. Too old fashioned, and set in her ways; Kay expected Sara to marry a local boy, and spend the rest of her life driving a dilapidated old pickup down dirt roads. Oh, and grandkids - mustn’t forget those - had to pass on the Foster genes.

  Adventure was something better left to the movies, and Internet was for perverts and axe murders. Sara didn’t want that kind of life. She wanted to be somebody, make a difference, and be remembered after she was gone. The rest of the world was too big and too beautiful to be ignored.

  Sara’s Aunt Lucy, Kaye’s younger sister, lived in a town about a hundred miles north called Shreveport. When possible, Sara spent her summer breaks with Lucy. It gave Lucy a chance to catch up, and Sara a chance to breathe. At least that had been the arrangement until three years ago, when Lucy joined a country and western band called ‘Raging Storm’.

  Kaye hated musicians and bands, almost as much as she hated Native Americans. Why Kaye was so prejudiced toward them was a mystery to Sara, but Kaye hated everything about them. Once Kaye learned Lucy was part of the band - that was it - Sara was no longer allowed to communicate with Lucy, let along visit during her summer breaks.

  Kaye felt Lucy was a bad influence, and she didn’t want Sara exposed to Lucy’s wanton ways. Musicians travelled from town to town, living off crumbs from someone else’s table, and by selling their bodies. As far as Kaye was concerned, another name for musician was gigolo, or in Lucy’s case, a whore.

  Until Sara turned eighteen, and graduated high school, she had little choice but to abide by her mother’s rigid small town rules. If Kaye had known James had been mailing Sara’s letters to Lucy for the last three years, Kaye would have thrown a fit. If she’d ever found out James had bought Sara a cell phone, so she could keep in touch with Lucy, Kaye would have thrown him out and divorced him.

  James didn’t care. Sara was his world, and he would do whatever it took to see she was happy. Sara was a musician. She wrote her own music and sang her own songs, and she was good at it. James knew one day his daughter would be a star. He knew that was Sara’s dream, and the only way to make that happen was to let her chase her rainbows. She had to break free from her mother. Unfortunately, that would mean breaking free from him as well, but to James, that was all part of being a father – allowing your children to grow.

  Lucy told Sara as soon as she’d finished school, she could come and live with her. She’d promised to show Sara life in the big city. With a population of about three-hundred thousand, Shreveport might not qualify as ‘the big city’, but it certainly beat her little hick hometown. After all, how many famous musicians came from a place called Crooked Creek.

  From experience, and reading Sara’s letters, Lucy knew Sara couldn’t take much more of Kaye’s badgering. She was smothering Sara, and if it continued, Kaye would destroy Sara’s dreams. One of the reasons Lucy joined the band was to help Sara. Lucy knew she’d blown her chance at stardom, but for Sara, the door was still wide-open.

  A week before graduation, Sara’s bags were already packed and ready to go. She didn’t have much; just her clothes, guitar, laptop and some cardboard boxes full of books and memories. Kaye wouldn’t let her take a lot. It was part of her plan to hold on to Sara. But this time, Sara didn’t care. She could get new things, when she found a job.

  The day after graduation, Sara loaded her things in the trunk of her car, as she prepared her departure. With tears in her eyes, Kaye hugged Sara, and made her promise to call, the minute she got to Lucy’s house. Sara made a quick trip to the gas station, filled her tank, and hit the highway. She turned her music up loud and left her old life behind. Sara had never felt so free. She had a strong feeling her life was about to be turned around. Everything was different - even the leaves on the trees, and the smell of the misting rain as it spattered on her windshield. She was seeing her world for the first time through new eyes.

  ------------

  Jared glanced across the street as he reached for the door handle on his black BMW. He was curious. A strange car had pulled into Lucy’s drive.

  Lucy stood by the side of the car, anxiously waiting. She just let Sara get out, before she grabbed her.

  Jared did a double-take.

  Sara laughed. “Hi Luce,” she smiled, hugging her. “Do you think you could let me breathe now?”

  Jared narrowed his eyes and listened intently. The stranger looked so familiar he couldn’t help but stare. “Who are you?” he mused. “Where have I seen you before? You can’t be her – can you?” He continued to eavesdrop.

  “Oh sorry! I’m so glad you made it.” Lucy’s voice rose an octave higher with excitement as she put her arm around Sara’s shoulder. “We are going to have so much fun!” They walked behind the car. Sara unlocked the trunk and handed Lucy a carryall.

  Jared walked a few steps to get a closer look. He grinned slightly as he folded his arms across his chest and leaned against the back of his car.

  Lucy slung a carryall over her shoulder and reached for Sara’s laptop. “This isn’t very heavy Sara. Surely this can’t be all of your stuff?”

  Sara sighed. “I didn’t bring a lot. Mother wouldn’t let me. It’s all part of her plan to lure me back.” She grunted as she sat a box of books on the pavement and reached for her guitar. “Besides, I figured once I got a job, I could buy what I needed then.” She leaned her guitar against the bumper.

  Lucy sighed heavily. “Which reminds me. As soon as we get your stuff in you get on your cell and call your mother. Kaye has already called twice. For some reason, she seemed to think you should have been here fifteen minutes ago.”

  Sara shook her head in dismay and groaned. “Lucy, as many times as Mama has been to your house, you would think she would remember how long it takes to get he
re. Why she insists on worrying, is beyond me.”

  Jared chuckled a little too loudly. Sara glanced across the street and held his gaze for a few seconds. Jared crouched as though he was looking for something. He didn’t want to seem rude, but he couldn’t keep his eyes off her.

  Lucy laughed. “Don’t knock it Kid. I guess it’s her way of showing she loves you.”

  “No it isn’t. It’s her way of making sure I didn’t do something stupid - like speeding.”

  Lucy glanced up at the cloud covered sky. “Probably,” she laughed again.

  Sara grabbed Lucy’s arm, whispering. “Who’s the guy across the street by that black BMW?”

  Jared opened his trunk, took out a bottle of cleaner and a rag, and pretended to polish his hubcaps.

  Lucy glanced across the street and sighed deeply. “A dream! His name is Jared Thundercloud.”

  Sara glanced at him out the corner of her eye, slightly blushing. “He’s Native American?”

  Lucy chuckled. “You noticed?”

  Sara sighed. “Well duh!”

  “Come on, let’s get this stuff in. It looks like it’s going to rain.” Lucy turned to leave.

  Jared shook his head. “You know this is stupid,” he mused. “It can’t be her!” He stood in thought a few more seconds. Finally, his curiosity got the best of him, and he started across the street.

  Sara struggled to reach some books that had slid to the back of her trunk.

  Jared grinned and softly cleared his throat. Sara didn’t respond. Didn’t she hear me? He furrowed his brow. I guess not. Now what am I supposed to say? He groaned inwardly, remembering.

  Sara kept talking away. “It could easily rain. It started sprinkling on me, just before I got to the turn-off,” she grunted again, stretching, but she could only touch the book with her fingertips. “Now I remember why I didn’t want this monster of a car!” she grumbled, crawling in the trunk. “It’s so hard to reach the back of the – gotcha!” She started backing out.

  She thinks Lucy is still there. Jared smiled and leaned closer. “You – ah – you look like you could use a hand,” he chuckled; his voice soft, deep, and smooth as melted chocolate.

  Sara whirled and jerked her head up at the same time. Forgetting where she was she knocked herself silly on the trunk lid, and almost lost her balance.

  Jared grabbed her arm. “Easy there! Are you all right?”

  Sara timidly lifted her eyes to see the face that went with the deep, sexy voice. Oh God it’s him! Her mouth gaped as her face turned every possible shade of red. Sara couldn’t find her voice. Great first impression Sara! He thinks you’re a clumsy idiot now!

  Jared spoke without thinking. “No I don’t!” You moron! Scare her half to death – why don’t you?

  Sara was dazed. “Huh?” She gingerly touched the top of her head. “I… think so.” She glanced at her hand, and her knees started to collapse.

  Jared grabbed her, put her arm around his shoulder, and wrapped his arm around her waist, steadying her. “Lean against me. I’ve got you!” He frowned, agitated with himself for frightening her.

  Jared produced a white folded handkerchief from his back pocket, and placed it over her wound, as he led her under the carport. “Here, use your free hand - apply pressure. I’m really sorry for scaring you like that. You banged your head pretty hard. I honestly thought you heard me, but I guess you didn’t,” he sighed, exasperated.

  Sara swallowed the bile that had crawled up the back of her throat. She smiled weakly. “I’m all right. I just get queasy when I see my own blood.”

  Jared opened the kitchen door with his free hand and helped Sara to a dining chair. “Luce! I need a first-aid kit!”

  Lucy appeared at the end of the short hall. “Sara!” she gasped. “What happened?” Blood had trickled down the side of Sara’s neck.

  Sara groaned at being fussed over. “It’s not as bad as it looks. I bumped my head on the trunk lid.”

  Jared gently removed the blood-soaked cloth. Bumped? She half knocked herself out! He took a penlight from his pocket. “Let me be the judge of that.”

  As he checked her eyes, she made an assumption. “You’re a doctor….”

  Jared smiled and studied her eyes. He grinned. “It must have been the cold hands that gave me away.”

  “Actually, it was the - ah – the thing around your neck,” Sara sighed, embarrassed that she’d forgotten its name.

  Jared furrowed his brow. Then he realized she was talking about his stethoscope. He grinned, lightly brushing the back of his index finger down her cheek.

  Lucy slid a small clear plastic box, across the table to Jared. “Here you go.”

  Out of the corner of his eye, Jared glanced over the contents of the box and rolled his eyes. “Lucy, this is pathetic,” he grumbled. “What I need is a small bowl with some hydrogen peroxide in it, and some cotton balls. I need to clean the wound. I assume you have those?”

  Lucy frowned as if she’d just been scolded by her big brother. “Sure,” she scoffed. “I’ll be right back.”

  Sara could see Lucy was upset. She frowned. He’s being rude! He didn’t need to be so harsh!

  With a pair of tweezers, Jared began separating Sara’s hair from the wound. “When was your last tetanus?”

  Sara’s mind was still fuzzy. She tried to unscramble her thoughts. Wait a minute! Did he just say tetanus? I hate shots! Bile started rising to the back of her throat again. She felt nauseous. Sara’s blood pressure jumped a couple of notches. “Um… gosh… I don’t know. Four, five, maybe six years ago. Why?”

  “Just to be safe, I might need to give you a booster.”

  Lucy sat the supplies on the table next to the first-aid kit. She sat in a chair beside them. “How did this happen?”

  Jared dipped a cotton ball in the bowl, and started dabbing it on Sara’s head.

  Sara winced and clenched her teeth. “That stings!”

  Jared’s voice was soothing, caring. “Sorry, I’ll try to be more gentle.”

  Strange… he practically yelled at Lucy. Why is he being so nice to me? Lucy is more attractive, and she’s closer to his age too. He’s at least five or six years older than me.

  Jared picked up another cotton ball, dampened it, and continued cleaning Sara’s wound. “It was my fault. I was trying to be a gentleman, but I scared the daylights out of her.”

  Envy bubbled to the surface of Sara’s carefully composed poker face. “You two know each other?”

  Lucy half smiled. “Yeah, we do.”

  Just my luck. “Oh.” Sara’s voice sounded pitiful.

  Jared smiled knowingly. She’s jealous. She thinks me and Lucy are….

  “Sara, this is Jared Thundercloud. He owns ‘Raging Storm’ – the band I told you about - and he plays keyboard for us. Jared, this is my niece, Sara Foster. Oh, and Sara, as you might have guessed, Jared’s a doctor.”

  Sara rolled her eyes. No joke. The stethoscope around his neck was a dead giveaway – really Lucy!

  Jared smiled, and briefly shook Sara’s hand. “Nice to meet you Sara.”

  Their eyes met, and Sara forgot about everything. She took a deep shaky breath, still utterly dazzled by his handsome features and deep, husky voice. “Nice to meet you too, Jared – Oh I mean Dr. Thundercloud.”

  “Just Jared, Sara. I think you can get by without stitches,” he smiled, slowly stroking the full length of her hair against her back.

  Sara shivered.

  Jared continued. “I would feel more comfortable if you had a tetanus booster, though. I’ll give it to you myself. I can make a quick trip to my office and bring it back. Will you let me do that?” he prompted, as he studied her eyes.

  Sara could feel her face flushing.

  Lucy smiled and tucked her head. She knew how much Sara hated hospitals and needles. Jared must have sensed Sara’s apprehension. “I’ll be gentle,” he added, waiting.

  Sara drew in a deep sigh. No matter how much she wanted to tell hi
m no – she couldn’t. “I guess so,” she responded reluctantly.

  “Thank you,” he whispered in her ear as he stood. His hot breath made her tingle.

  Jared turned his attention to Lucy. “Speaking of ‘Raging Storm’. We’re still on for practice tonight – aren’t we? Unless you and Sara want to spend some time with each other,” he smiled.

  Jared sat in the chair beside Sara, took her hand, and turned it over. “That’s your head clean. Let’s see if I can get rid of the blood off your hand before you throw up on me.” He grinned and wiped it with an alcohol swab.

  Sara thought her heart was going to jump out of her chest. Jared was so handsome. She couldn’t help but stare at his copper-toned skin, and his long black hair that hung just below his shoulder blades. He had it tied back at the base of his neck.

  Lucy winked at Sara. “Actually, I was thinking about bringing her with me. You see, the Kid here plays guitar, and sings pretty good too. I taught her everything I know. I was hoping Raging Storm could use another female vocalist….”

  Now he’ll want me to play and sing for him. Sara sighed and rolled her eyes. Her voice full of sarcasm. “Thanks Luce!” Even if I wasn’t scared to death to be on stage, if he’s anywhere near me, I’ll have trouble remembering my name, let along song lyrics. Breathe Sara! Breathe!

  Jared grinned. “Yeah, I saw the guitar. Sara, in that case, would you like me to teach you to play?” he joked.

  Lucy punched him in the arm – hard. “You rat!”

  “Damn Luce!” Jared complained, glaring at her, and rubbing his arm. He turned his attention back to Sara, and his tone changed. “I’ll look forward to tonight. That is, if you’re feeling up to it. If not, we can put it off until next week. You might have a slight headache from your head butting session,” he teased.

  If you want to spend time with me, I’m not letting a headache stop me. “No! I’m fine,” she blurted out too quickly. Jared turned the full force of his dark, piercing eyes on her. I think. He stood. Oh no – he’s leaving! She groaned inwardly.