She jumped down as soon as she could, landing on the ground like a cat. She stood up, slowly. She should cross the road and see what it looked like. A whole month’s work was finally over. A tingle of excitement shuddered through her.
The traffic was fierce. She waited for a gap before she sprinted across. She slowly turned to face the wall. The excitement that she had just felt dissipated suddenly, and fear took its place. What if she hadn’t gotten the dimensions quite right? What if she stared at it and noticed that it wasn’t balanced properly? She had worked so hard to get it right, but she wasn’t experienced with this at all.
She screwed her eyes shut. And then, she flung them open, staring at it. She gasped.
It was perfect. The power of it hit her in the face—and with it the knowledge that she had made the right choice. This was her calling. It was what she had been meant to do with her life. She had finally found her purpose.
There was a park bench just behind her. She walked over to it and sat down, still mesmerised by the mural. A young woman walked past her, pushing a pram. She slowed down to stare at the wall across the street. Then she turned to Tess, staring at her paint-splattered clothes.
“Did you paint that?” she gasped.
A grin split Tess’s face. “I did,” she said, her voice full of pride. “What do you think?”
The young woman turned back to the mural, her eyes wide. “It’s…beautiful,” she said in wonder. “I recognise that quote from somewhere.”
Tess nodded, pleased. “To Kill a Mockingbird,” she softly said. “It’s from the book.”
“That’s right,” said the woman, nodding. “I studied it at school. It seems like a lifetime ago now! I really liked that book.” She kept studying the mural. “And that is the mockingbird in the centre, right?”
Tess nodded again. She followed the young woman’s gaze. She had placed a mockingbird at the centre of the work, its wings stretched as in flight. And encircled it with a banner, on which she had painted the quote.
The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.
“It’s true,” the young woman suddenly said. “I believe in that.” Her baby started to cry in the pram. The woman leaned over and spoke to it gently, soothing it. She turned back to Tess. “And it’s something that I am going to teach my son to live by.”
Tess felt a lump form in her throat. “I’m glad,” she said, smiling.
“Well, I’d better get this one home for his lunch,” the young woman said, rolling her eyes. “Or else he’ll never stop! You are very talented.”
“Thank you,” said Tess.
The woman smiled again, and then walked away.
Tess watched her walk away, still talking to her baby. She smiled, slightly. Well, she had one good critical review so far. The mural had spoken to that woman. And even if only one person was touched by her work, then that made it all worth it.
She leaned back in the park bench, checking her watch. It was getting late. She had told him that she wouldn’t be finished for another hour, but he had promised to be here before then. He was as excited as she was to see the finished product.
And suddenly, she heard it. The roar of his motorcycle, turning into the street.
Shay. He found a park and stood his bike. She could see the bedroll at the back of it, and his backpack, all tied securely in place. She felt another stab of excitement. Today was the day. An ending, but another new beginning.
He walked over to the wall, staring up at the mural. She could see him slowly smile as he gazed at it for a moment. And then, he turned around, searching for her.
Their eyes met across the busy street and held fast. Tess felt her heart constrict.
He ran across the road, dodging traffic. And then he was before her, staring down at her as if he hadn’t ever seen anything as wonderful in his life.
“What do you think?” she breathlessly asked.
He nodded. “I think you have created something amazing. But I always knew that you would.”
Shay sat down beside her, taking her hand. “How do you feel, now that it’s finally done?”
Tess tilted her head to the side, thinking. “Proud, but sad, as well. It’s over, and I will never get to do this particular piece of work again.”
He smiled. “But there are other walls lined up, aren’t there?”
She smiled back at him. “There are! But this is my first mural, and it’s hard to let it go.” She took a deep breath. “Knowing that we are about to hit the open road makes it better, however.”
He grinned. “I’m all packed. Are we going to have something to eat before we head off? I’m starving.”
“When aren’t you?” said Tess, rolling her eyes. But she nodded. “Yeah, we can do that. The road isn’t going anywhere. Did you manage to get everything into your backpack you needed?”
“Most,” he said, stroking her hand. “I was better than you. Why do you need to bring so much stuff? Don’t answer that.”
They turned to each other, and kissed, lingeringly. Tess felt her heartbeat quicken. For the thousandth time, she thanked the universe for him.
Shay. Her one true love. The man who had always been her love, not that she had realised. They were together, at long last. And about to embark on the ride of a lifetime. They were doing the famous Tail of the Dragon, on the US 129. It would take them a while to get there, but they had time. Shay wasn’t due to start law school for another couple of months, and she had made sure that her next mural didn’t start until then.
It would be just them and the open road. And their bikes, of course. The wind against them, skirting the Smoky Mountains. She couldn’t wait.
“No regrets?” he asked, staring at her. “You aren’t missing the FBI at all?”
Tess shook her head. “Absolutely none. They called again today, trying to convince me to come back. But I told them they could go take a hike.” She had been politer than that, of course, but the result was the same. She didn’t want to return to the Bureau. Her destiny lay elsewhere, and she knew it.
“Frank Walker’s trial starts today,” said Shay, staring at her carefully. “I read it in this morning’s paper.”
Tess shrugged. “Good,” she said. “I hope they lock him away indefinitely.” She shuddered. “I still can’t believe it, Shay. What Eric did.”
Shay paled. “Neither can I,” he replied. “Not only saving us but making sure that the truth about it all was disseminated even before he came to the woods.”
Tess took a deep breath. “I’ve thought about it a lot,” she said. “And the only explanation is you, Shay. He remembered your friendship, and it hit him hard. What his mom said about the two of you…it must have shaken him to the core, for him to suddenly change his mind like that.”
Shay blinked back tears. “Yeah, I think you’re right. And you know what? I’m glad. Eric knew that he had to die. He realised the monster he was. He could never be human again, but there was still humanity left in him.” He took a deep breath. “My friend came back, just for a little while.”
Tess squeezed his hand. It had been so hard for Shay, since that awful night. He battled feelings of guilt, still, even though he knew Eric had sacrificed himself—in more ways than one.
He had exonerated Shay, sending information to the FBI that he wasn’t involved. And he had offered the truth to them on a platter, including the proof that Frank Walker had been involved. The newspapers had been full of the story of the billionaire recluse, Ivan Davies, and his massive art forgery ring.
And all those masterpieces he had hidden in his basement had been sent back to their rightful homes. In the galleries of the world. The people could view them again, just as they were always meant to.
“How is Mrs. Thurston doing?” she asked. “You went and saw her today, didn’t you?”
Shay sighed. “She’s grieving, of course. But her confusion is maybe a blessing in disguise with it all. She forgot completely today that Eric was eve
n gone. She said that he was going to drop in to see her tonight.”
Tess nodded. “It’s probably for the best,” she said. “And she’s comfortable. He left that huge mansion to her, didn’t he?”
Shay nodded, too. “Yeah, she’s a very wealthy woman now. But all the money in the world won’t bring her son back.” He was silent for a minute. “I’ve paid a visit to the father, too. Just so he knows that just because Eric is gone, he can’t crawl out of the woodwork and try to take her money off her. His demon son might be gone, but there is a wolf on his tail.”
Tess glanced at him admiringly. “You are such a good person,” she said. “Looking after her interests, just like Eric did. Especially after all that he did to you…”
Shay smiled sadly. “I kind of understand why he made that choice,” he said. “He saw it as a way out of a sad life. The way to gain power and control. I don’t condone it, but Eric showed in the end that he was still there, deep down inside. He could have killed us, but he didn’t.”
“No, he didn’t,” she agreed.
She still had flashbacks to that awful night. Running through the woods, scared that the flames would engulf her. Scared as to what had happened to the wolf. She had been half out of her mind with fear, picturing him surrounded by flames. Or injured somewhere in the woods….
But Shay had survived. After it was all over, he had found her at her house in Mallion Cove. She still remembered the joy of walking to her front door and seeing him there. He had walked in and kissed her so hard she had thought that she would die. He had carried her to her bedroom…
And the rest was history.
“Tess,” he began. “I know that we’ve been through a lot. So much. But I would do it all over again, so that we could be together now. Like this.” He took her hand and kissed it. “All of it has been worth it to have you, Tess. The love of my life.”
She nodded, a lump in her throat. “So worth it, Shay Sullivan.” Her eyes raked over him. “I would run through ten fires to be by your side. I love you so much.”
He stood up, holding out his hand to her. “The afternoon is getting away from us,” he said, pulling her to her feet, and kissing her gently on the nose. “Let’s hit the road. We can stop to eat somewhere on the way.”
They got on their motorcycles, putting on their helmets.
“Ready?” he asked, grinning at her before he dropped his visor.
“Ready,” she agreed.
And then they pulled out into the traffic, heading towards the highway and the new adventures that awaited them. Together, at long last. Just the way it was always meant to be.
Book Four
Chapter One
The boat rocked softly against the pier, sending a lulling motion through the small room. All was silent, save for the distant cry of seagulls on the horizon. The hanging light swayed gently on the ceiling, back and forth. To Sienna’s tired eyes, it looked like a wan spotlight, focusing on every feature of the room.
The ornate, gilded armoire standing in the corner. A precious antique, apparently; not that she knew anything about such things. A bookcase, stuffed with leather bound books. A red and gold oriental rug on the floor. Luxury beyond anything that she had ever grown up with. It still amazed her that people lived like this. That they had so much disposable cash to waste on such frivolities. To be able to deck out a parlour on a luxurious boat like this, let alone a house.
And she knew that every other room on this boat was furnished in a similar fashion. She had seen them all by now. He hadn’t skimped on anything. A rich man’s toy that he had primped to the utmost.
A frission of unease shuddered through her. What was he planning, now? Why had he brought her here, on this dark night? For something, of course. He always demanded something.
The door opened. Sienna gazed up, expecting that this would be the moment. It would either be him or one of his minions. She took a deep breath and set her features in their usual neutral expression. It was never wise to give anything away of what she was truly thinking or feeling. She had learned that the hard way.
But it wasn’t him, or anyone of the many faceless men that worked for him. Sienna cried out in delight, her neutral expression sliding away. A woman stood there, her eyes wide, taking in the room.
“Lola!” Sienna jumped to her feet, rushing over to the other woman.
The woman’s face crumpled with joy. She grabbed Sienna, squeezing her arm hard in her excitement.
“What are you doing here?” Lola yelped. “I haven’t seen you in so long!”
The two women embraced, hugging each other tightly. Sienna’s eyes filled with tears. Lola was the last person she had been expecting. It made the whole tedious day worth it. It made the whole tedious week worth it.
Sienna stepped back, gazing at her. Her eyes raked over the other woman, taking in every detail. The heavy makeup, with the extraordinary long false eyelashes. The long, luxurious blonde wig. The red satin dress, hugging her so tightly it was a wonder she could breathe. Black stilettos. And a luxurious leopard print fake fur coat that scratched slightly against her hands resting on the woman’s shoulders.
“You look tired,” said Sienna. “Have you had a busy day?”
Lola rolled her eyes. “You could say that. This is the last appointment of the day, thank God. Hopefully I can wrap it up quickly and get some shut eye.”
Sienna smiled softly. “I hope so, too, for your sake.” She studied the other woman. “You work too hard. You always have.”
Lola walked to the French upholstered sofa, taking off her coat and tossing it over the arm. She turned back to Sienna, smiling softly in return.
“What choice do I have?” The smile faded, just a little. “What choice do any of us have?”
Sienna nodded, acknowledging the truth of the question. It didn’t require an answer. They both knew that they were chained to this life; choice was something that existed in other people’s worlds. They both made the best of it, in the only way they knew how.
Lola sighed, her eyes darting around the room. “He must be delayed. Is there any alcohol in this room? I’d kill for a whiskey.”
Sienna walked to the cabinet in the corner, making her a drink and passing it to her. Lola threw it down her throat, her blonde wig shimmering down her back. “I needed that. It’s been a long day, like I said. And I thought it was over. This was a last minute call.”
Sienna frowned slightly. “I wasn’t expecting to come here, either. I was bundled up a half hour ago and placed in this room.”
Lola raised an eyebrow. “He’s capricious. You of all people should know that by now.”
Sienna nodded, another frission of unease spreading through her. It prickled slightly, behind her neck. She didn’t want to be reminded of him, and what he demanded of her. What he demanded of all of them. His needs were different with everyone, but he was consistent in his demands. They were all just puppets dancing on the ends of his strings.
Sienna took a deep breath. “Let’s not talk about him. I hardly ever see you anymore. How are things at the house?”
Lola smiled sardonically, collapsing onto the sofa. “Business as usual. A couple of new girls have started. Not much changes, Sienna. You know that. Sometimes it’s the same faces, sometimes it’s different ones.” She closed her eyes briefly. “But they all start to blur together after a while.”
Sienna swallowed painfully. “You deserve better. All of you deserve better.”
Lola shrugged. “It is what it is. And I’m used to it. Just like you are.” She suddenly opened her eyes. “At least you have something different to offer. Something that makes you stand out from the crowd.”
“Tricks are tricks,” said Sienna drily. “Regardless of what guise they come in. My tricks just come in a different package.”
Lola sighed. “How are you coping with it? I know how much it takes out of you. I remember when you were living at the house how drained you were by it.”
Sienna stared at the w
all. She didn’t want to talk about it. Not even with Lola. It was bad enough that she had to live with it, but she didn’t want to analyse it as well. She had always tried to keep it in a distant spot in her mind. Tied up with the toughest of ropes.
She tore her eyes away from the wall, staring at her friend. Lola. She flashed like a brilliant diamond, but Sienna knew the brittle quality of that shine. They had known each other for such a long time now. Shared much the same journey. But Sienna still remembered when Lola had once been Jenny, a girl quaking with fear and trepidation. Exactly as she had been.
That girl was long gone now. Lola was never called Jenny anymore and got angry with anyone who did so. Jenny had been tied up with the same rope Sienna used and tossed into the back of Lola’s mind. And would probably never see the light of day again.
But Sienna remembered her. And always would.
She missed her. She missed her old life, back at the house. It hadn’t been the best, but they had always had each other. Now, she was adrift. Alone. His pet that he kept locked away from everyone and everything.
The adjoining door to the room opened suddenly. A man stood there, gazing at them both.
“He’s ready for you,” he said slowly, staring at Lola.
Lola closed her eyes again briefly then jumped up from the sofa, grabbing her coat. She threw back her shoulders and smiled brilliantly at the man.
“Lead the way,” she said in a husky voice.
Sienna stared as her friend walked to the doorway.
“It was good seeing you, Lola,” she said abruptly. She couldn’t stop tears prickling behind her eyes.
Lola gazed back at Sienna. “Chin up, soldier,” she said. Then she flashed another brilliant smile at the man.
They walked into the next room together. The door was closed firmly behind them.
Sienna sank down into the sofa, wondering again why she had been brought here. There was nothing to do but wait. Sometimes, she thought that the whole of her life was simply waiting.
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