Fragments - Book One of the Missing

Chapter 21 - Taniel

Every morning he headed to Edie's to work. It had been several weeks now that she helped Taniel with his technique, and his vision. Occasionally she allowed him to help with commissioned work, but mostly she gave him the freedom to pursue his own art. There wasn't a lot of money flowing in, but when she had extra she shared it. The money was much needed, as he would prefer to rely less on stealing.

When Taniel got to her brownstone, he plopped down in the kitchen to await the Lobelia tea inevitably waiting for him. And every day it conjured up another vision. There were almost two score now—a journal, a cabin in the woods, a knife zooming through the air towards Twitch. This last one always made him feel sick to his stomach. And then there was the painting of Rowan, being attacked by a monster Official. The painting was horrific and wracked him with shudders. He sprinted from the brownstone as soon as he came to, not bothering to explain to Edie.

Most of the paintings or charcoal drawings were of Rowan. It was embarrassing actually, how his world seemed to revolve around her, even in the dreams. It would be a blessing if she never saw them, never knew how much he cared. Edie had the grace to hide these paintings. All of them, really. Almost as if she was building a private collection. "For both your protection," she always said.

Her carefulness set him on edge. He was appreciative, of course, but he didn't know who she was before this. Who she was now. But he didn't bother asking her—she was always so vague.

It had been a few days since Rowan's attack, and she had barely gotten out of bed. The grieving and fear must be unbearable, particularly without her family to console her. She wasn't in the business of acting weak, after all those years of taking care of her sisters. He didn't know how to approach her, or what to say. But she needed to focus on something else.

On his way out to Edie's that day, he stopped by her bed. They let her keep her alcove, and he took Scooter's. Scooter moved in with his computers and monitors, becoming ever more protective of them. Taniel sat awkwardly on the edge of her bed, reaching out as if to smooth back her hair. He thought better of it and awkwardly pulled his hand back to his lap.

"Rowan? Do you want to come with me to Edie's? I could teach you to draw, or paint. You would love Edie, she could really help you take your mind off things, too."

She rolled over away from him, pulling the blanket over her head. Positive.

"Well, if you came with me we could stop at the Market on the way home, incognito of course, and pick you up some of your favorites?" He prayed she didn't hear the false cheeriness in his voice.

She lowered the blanket marginally. Maybe the tide was turning.

No. It wasn't. Maybe he had said something wrong.

She glared at him. "No. I need to figure this one out on my own."

Right. He don't know what came over him, but he did reach out this time. He let his hand cup her cheek and he looked into those beautiful but haunting green eyes. "Please feel better, Rowan."

****

The world was quiet as he jogged on his way to Edie's, giving him time to think. The blood pounded in his ears and pulsed through his legs, waking him up. After all that has happened, he knew he would have to start training harder than his typical morning lift and run routine if he wanted to protect Rowan, protect both of them.

Protect her. He didn't know when he stopped thinking about himself and Scooter. She was inexplicably part of his life now. And that kiss. It was perfect. And so stupid of him. How could he have feelings for her when he knew her sister could go Missing any day. What would Rowan think of him then, for keeping such a secret?