Previously on The Legacy Files...

"Yes, she certainly might," the weakened man finally said. His features remained calm, and Vincent let out quiet breath of relief. "I think it's time you and your men pay this Hillary Dean a visit."

And now, Dreams and Memories, Part 3...

Suggested soundtrack:  Late at Night by Buffalo Tom

Colleen came down the stairs and into the kitchen, dressed in dark jeans, black Doc Marten boots, and a burgundy corduroy jacket she found on a trip to Goodwill with Katherine.  Hillary was unloading boxes of inventory onto the kitchen table.  She stopped to admire Colleen’s appearance.

“I do love that jacket!” she said.  

“Thank you,” Colleen smiled.  “I won’t be out too late.”

“You’ll miss E.R.,” she teased.  “What would Mr. Clooney think?”

“He’ll never know if you tape it for me,” Colleen grinned slyly.  

“Alright,” she relented. “But I’m going to watch it tonight. You’ll have to catch up on your own time.”

Colleen grabbed her purse.

“Couldn’t you catch a ride with a friend? I don’t like you walking around at night by yourself.”

“We live in a safe part of town. I’ve always walked. What’s the big deal?”

“I don’t know. Maybe those news stories I saw. Do you have some change in your purse for the payphone?”

“Yes.”

“And your pager?”

“Yes. Don’t worry. I do this all the time. I’ll be fine. Remember, I’m not defenseless either, you know. If someone bugs me, I’ll just blast them.”

“Don’t blast them. Just run away. Blasting is a last resort.”

“Okay, blasting is a last resort. Can I go now?”

She sighed. “Yes. Give me a hug.”

Colleen gave her aunt a quick hug and ran out the door. 

“And pay attention to your surroundings!” Hillary called after her.  

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Bailey’s Pub was one of North Mancel City’s oldest drinking establishments.  Still decorated with its original dark wood trim and stained-glass windows, it had hunter green walls that made it reminiscent of something someone might find in London. It had been through eight owners, and was closed for a brief period in the 70s, but still managed to stay alive.  And alive it was, with dart boards, pool tables, live music at times, and a hefty serving of regulars who made it their own and kept it going.  

Tonight, it seemed that all of those regulars must have been in attendance, and at least half of them had been in the line for the ladies’ room, or at least that’s how it felt to Colleen as she dodged people left and right, heading back to the table where Katherine and Robert, and her other friends were seated.  Simone had come.  And Jerry and his brother Eric were there, as well as Joe and Sherry.  Katherine had made sure that Colleen had the seat next to Robert, and had been working all night to fill her brother full of enough beer to test her theory.  So far, no great confessions, but they had been enjoying each other’s company.

She could see Robert across the room, laughing with Joe. He had a great smile. It really lit up a room. 

Distracted, she felt myself crash into someone, and realized it was a guy carrying four beers by their mug handles. He did not look pleased. She gave an apology, and when she turned her head, she saw him.

Caramel-colored skin, dark almond-shaped eyes, short-cropped dark hair. He was seated alone at a table in the corner, wearing a black leather jacket. He was looking down at a menu. 

Colleen sucked in her breath.  Her veins felt cold, and there were goosebumps all over her body.  She stood, frozen on the spot, as people bumped into her and struggled to go around.  He looked up, and their eyes connected, and for a moment, everything around her ground to a halt. She could hear her breath in her ears and the muffled sounds of the world around her.  She opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out.  

She felt a hand on her shoulder and she turned to find Katherine standing there.  “There you are!  I was wondering —,” the Katherine saw her face.  “Are you okay?  You look like you’ve seen a ghost or something.”

Colleen turned back to the table in the corner, but he was no longer there.  A couple was moving into the spot and setting down their drinks.

“I…I’m fine.  I just don’t feel so well.”  It wasn’t a lie.  She felt dizzy.  All of a sudden, the place seemed way too crowded, as if every person was steadily sucking up all of the oxygen in the room through their movements and conversations.  She didn’t feel like explaining.  She didn’t even think she could.  She just wanted to get out of there.  “I think it might be that time, if you know what I mean,” she said, and made the you know face.  She sometimes had trouble with her time of the month, so it made for a handy excuse.  She tried to look apologetic, but she felt weird and not herself.  “I’m sorry.  I think I need to go home.”

By that time, Katherine had already walked her back to the table.  Colleen, in her distraction, only just noticed when they had been moving.  “It’s okay.  I totally get it,” Katherine whispered.  

Colleen went to retrieve her purse from the chair next to Robert, while Katherine announced to the group, “Colleen’s got to head out.  She’s got stuff to do early tomorrow.”  

Everyone waved and some complained, but Robert touched her arm.  “I’ll walk you out.”  Katherine gestured for Colleen to call her, as Colleen and Robert headed for the door.  

Colleen felt like she was just moving with the flow of the world around her, with no control, no direction. Is this what shock felt like? She made a quick scan of the room with her eyes as they exited. The man from her dreams was nowhere to be seen.