by Katt Rose
Elayna’s eyes grew wide. “Are you serious?”
I nodded. “It has a kitchen, a bathroom and heat, right?”
“Well, yeah of course.”
“So, yay or nay?”
Elayna sighed. “I’m all for it but I foresee another option for you.”
“I know but I’m trying to rebuild my life. Baby steps.”
Elayna stood and grabbed me with her. “C’mon, I’ll help you haul your things over.”
It didn’t take long for me to settle in, I didn’t have much to begin with. Despite the cold, I left the window open a crack to allow fresh air to circulate. The heaters hadn’t been used in awhile and the smell of burning dust filtrated the small space. I sat on the edge of the bed and stared at the white world outside. The crunching of tires stole my attention as Chase’s truck pulled into the drive. I disappeared down the backstairs and met him below.
“Hi,” I said brightly.
He slammed his truck door behind him and warily met me. “Hey.” He looked at the garage behind me. “So, this is it.”
I took his hand and led him inside, up the stairs. “It’s not so bad.”
He scanned the four hundred square foot space and winced. “Em, is this really necessary?”
“It is.” I stepped into him and threw my arms around his waist. “Besides, I always did love a sleepover.”
Chase rolled his eyes and embraced me. “The sleepovers you speak of will be at my place,” he muttered.
“I’d hope so.”
“Are you hungry?”
“Famished.”
“Good, grab your coat. It’s BBQ night at the pub tonight.”
I gave Chase a light shove. “Be right back.”
I tossed on a warm jacket, toque and gloves. I scrambled around the room looking for my purse. I strapped it over my shoulder and grabbed my cell. My eyes glanced at a pile of mail on the counter with a sticky note. These came in the mail for you, Elayna.
I rifled through the mail when familiar script writing caused my body to grow cold. I stared at the cursive writing and as usual, there was no return address. The color left my body. How did they find me?
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
I tossed the envelope in my pocket and ran down to meet Chase in the warmth of his truck. I hopped in and he smiled. “All good? I’m starving.”
I fumbled a smile. “Sounds good.”
Chase began the drive and glanced at me curiously. “What’s wrong? Regretting your decision to live in a box already?”
I found myself smiling a little. “No, I believe the term used is cozy and quaint.”
Chase wrinkled his nose. “It’s a dog kennel.”
I laughed. “Stop.” I placed my hand in my pocket and grasped the envelope. I pulled it out and ripped it open. My eyes scanned the script wearily.
The day is almost here. As the years pass, this day always manages to sneak up on me. I don’t know how that’s possible. How could you forget the day your world changed? How is life treating you, Emmy? Does your scar still throb and possess a life of its own? Do you still wake up at night, screaming? I must say, you surprised me. I never thought in a million years you’d come home.
“Oh my god,” I gasped. “Oh my god.”
Chase tore his eyes off the road and glanced at my shaking hands. “What’s that? Em, you alright?”
“Can you pull over?”
“Hang on.” Chase pulled over quickly and leaned close. “What is that?”
“My yearly letter.” I whispered and handed it over. “Whoever wrote this is watching me. How in the hell would they know that I came back home? “
Chase put the letter down. “How long has this been going on?”
“They started a month after that night. Every year since then, nearly to the day I’ve gotten one.”
“I don’t like this one bit. What kind of mind game is this? Who would do something like that?”
“I don’t know. I’ve been trying to figure it out for awhile now. Whoever it is obviously knows what happened.”
“That could be anybody…” Chase said slowly. “It could be someone from town, someone who saw it on the news…”
“It must be someone who knows me.”
Chase looked at me sharply. “Why do you think that?”
“They know about my scar and my nightmares.”
“That could be nothing more than an assumption.” His voice sounded weak, unconvinced.
I shook my head. “No, someone knows.”
Chase put the truck in drive and pulled a sharp turn. “I’m sorry, Em. I don’t feel comfortable with you being on your own. Let’s grab your stuff and go back to my place.”
“Hey, wait a minute here. We had plans tonight.”
“Plans change.”
“No, turn around. Let’s have a night out, please. Please.”
Chase gripped the steering wheel tightly and let out a frustrated breath. “Fine, but you’re spending the night with me.”
“Sounds like a deal.” I settled back into my seat and my mind ran a million miles a minute. The letters had never been so personal before. They were usually short and to the point. The day your world fell apart is approaching. It’s also the day my world changed forever. I’m sorry.
This one had an air of a threat intertwined in its words. Whoever this was had been watching me for quite some time. The question was, why? What did they want from me?
The pub was packed. We wriggled our way inside and found an empty seat, and placed our order quickly. Chase was wired on high alert and I placed a hand on his leg, patting him soothingly. “Lighten up.”
He forced himself to smile. “Sorry, I’ll do my best. The idea of this whole thing makes my skin crawl. I swear, if I find out who’s been doing this…”
I gave him another comforting pat. “I know. It’s okay. Everything will be okay.”
The waitress arrived and placed our drinks before us. I sipped my whisky hungrily, while Chase swigged back his beer. Our eyes began to scan the crowd and I knew we were asking ourselves the same question. Is it someone in this room? A figure caught my eye. I recognized the frame and perfect posture. I squinted my eyes and leaned forward. The silhouette turned to the side and his profile came into view. I shot up like a rocket.
“Em?”
“Holy shit. He’s here. What the hell?”
Chase stood beside me. “Who? Who’s here?”
“Sean.” I whispered.
Chase straightened up. “Your ex boyfriend, Sean? The rich asshole?”
“That’s the one.” Is it a coincidence? It can’t be him. It can’t be. It doesn’t make sense.
The strength from my legs dissipated. I sank into my seat and covered my face with my hair. “Maybe we should head out.” I was met with silence and quickly looked up. Chase was no longer beside me. I stood up quickly. “Chase?” I scanned the room hurriedly and saw him face to face with Sean. “Aw, crap!” I elbowed my way through the crowd, toward the heated voices that were quickly becoming the centre of attention.
“What is this? Do you own the town now?” Sean seethed.
“This doesn’t look like the type of place you normally frequent. What are doing here?” Chase shot back.
“Passing through on business if it’s any of your concern. I remember this was the only decent place in this hole of a town.”
I stepped into view and Sean’s eyes landed on me like an eagle spotting its prey. “I see you found yourself settling into old habits. Didn’t take you long.”
His words cut like knives. Hurt was present in his eyes as well as disgust. He studied me from head to toe. “What a waste of time.”
Chase tossed the first blow and it connected with a jarring sound of flesh on flesh. Sean faltered backwards and steadied himself. Hoots and bellows broke out as the crowd fed on the energy. I got shoved backwards in a sea of people and desperately tried to fight my way to the center of the action. I begged Chase to walk away but my voice was lost amongst the noise. I s
crambled out of the warm bodies that surrounded me, and ploughed my way to the outer edge. Sean ran toward Chase like a bull and tossed him back, followed by a quick shot of his fist. Chase recovered quickly and shook his head. A trickle of blood ran down his face as he stepped in for more.
“Stop!” I hollered. “Somebody stop them!” Again, I was ignored. The disgust I felt for humanity in that moment nearly blinded me. I ran toward the men and hoped I wouldn’t be accidently pummelled as I slid between them. My back was to Chase and I pressed my hands against Sean’s chest. “Stop!”
I felt Chase freeze behind me. I bored my gaze into Sean’s bloody face and for a moment I thought he was going to hit me. His fist was raised and aimed my way. In a split second he reached for a nearby glass and tossed it at my feet. I jumped back in surprise and Chase plucked me up and scooted me behind him. I almost let out a sigh in relief until I realized Chase was pursing him. I gripped his arm and dug my nails into his skin.
“He’s not worth it, Chase. Take me home, please. Let’s go.”
Sean snarled. “Listen to her, Chase. Walk away.”
“Chase, please let’s go.”
Chase hesitated and glanced my way. His face softened and he nodded. He was about to turn on his heel, when like the coward Sean was, he sucker punched him. Chase stumbled and went down. I fell to my knees and cradled his head to soften the landing.
I glared up at Sean. “You fucking coward. How typical of you to take the cheap shot.”
Sean straightened his jacket. “I always win, Em. Always.”
Just before Sean broke into a triumphant grin, a fist came out of the crowd and knocked him sideways. Sean stumbled and fell to his knees.
“3,2,1. Knock out.” Craig Brooks stood amongst the crowd, shaking his reddened fist. “We stand by our own in this town.”
I stared up at him in disbelief. Craig bent over and helped me drag Chase to his feet. Chase groaned and I winced in sympathy. “I’m so sorry.”
“Let’s get him out in the fresh air.”
As we stumbled toward the exit the police entered. They took one look at us and shook their heads. Craig pointed back toward Sean. “He started it.”
“Mr. Brooks and Mr. Havens, why am I not surprised.”
Craig pulled out his most charming smile. “I swear officers, I was in the right place at the wrong time, honest.”
“That’s not how the saying goes,” I mumbled.
The officer looked my way. “Are you okay ma’am?”
“Fine, thanks.”
They nodded and proceeded inside, letting us go. Craig nodded. “Keep going, lets get him in his truck. Can you drive?”
“Yes.” I began to fish through Chase’s pocket, finding his keys. I unlocked the passenger door and we positioned Chase inside. He flickered his eyes open and winced. “That fucker.”
“Do you need to go to the hospital?”
Chase shook his head “no” and Craig laughed. “We’ve had worse. Are you okay getting him home?”
“Yeah. Thanks Craig, you’re not such a bad guy after all.”
Craig shrugged his shoulders. “It was a cheap shot, I hate when a fights not fair.”
I smiled my thanks and squeezed his hand in passing. Who knew Craig Brooks had a human side to him. I hopped in the truck and started the engine, driving very cautiously home. I was careful to avoid the potholes as best as I could as to not jostle Chase’s already shaken head. I pulled up in front of Chase’s home, getting as close to the front porch as I could. I hurried over to the passenger side to help Chase, who was already groaning and holding his head.
“Come on, lean on me.” Chase nearly fell out of the truck and dropped one of his arms around me. I unlocked the front door and guided him to the couch. I rummaged through the freezer and wrapped up a bag of frozen veggies with a dish towel. I kneeled in front of him and gently placed it on his swollen cheek. He winced but didn’t pull away.
“Can you hold it up yourself?”
“Yeah.”
“I’ll be right back.” I found a washcloth in a drawer and wet it with water. I balanced a bottle of whisky and a shot glass under my arm. I sat beside him and began to blot away the dried blood. His eyes watched me carefully. I set down the rag and tossed back a shot of whisky. I poured another and gave it to Chase. He tossed it back. “One more.” I poured him another, which he drank quickly.
“Your ex is a son of a bitch.”
“I know. You didn’t have to hit him.”
“I did. I don’t regret it one bit.”
I shook my head in disapproval. “Are you okay?” I leaned forward to study him. “Oh, Chase. This isn’t high school.” I touched his face gingerly, and to my surprise he leaned in toward my touch.
“I know, but he deserved every hit he got. The first hit was for you, and after that I got carried away.”
I snuggled into him. “I shouldn’t be touched by such a barbaric move, but thank you.”
Chase stood up and held out his hand. “Can you take me to bed?”
I laughed and linked my fingers through his. “Of course.”
I helped lie him down and placed the covers over him. He shifted onto his side and his breathing deepened and slowed as he settled to sleep. I brushed a lock of hair from his eyes. “Oh, Chase. What have you done to yourself?”
His left cheek was swollen, and his bottom lip had a slight split. His knuckles were red and bloody. I ran my finger over them gently and he didn’t stir. “You’re going to feel that tomorrow,” I whispered.
I stood up and tip toed out of the bedroom, closing the door softly behind me. I added what was left of the wood to the fire and stood motionless as I let the rich heat seep into my bones. The temperatures would be dipping well below seasonable for the next few days. I rifled through one of the drawers until I found a headlamp and secured it on my forehead. I flicked on the porch light and stepped outside. I kept my head low from the whirling wind and blowing snow as I marched to the nearby woodshed. I pulled on the lamp string and a soft glow illuminated the near full wood shed. I filled an empty rubber maid bin full of wood and kindling then began the trek from the shed to the house, and got busy stacking the wood neatly under the covered porch by the front door.
As I began my second trip to the woodshed I took a moment to admire the near full moon half hidden behind the clouds. It shone brightly and partially illuminated a path. I began tossing wood inside the bin when the back of my neck hairs stood. I shot upright and peeked out of the shed, my eyes scanning the night. I could see nothing out of the ordinary but I got the distinct feeling I was being watched. I flicked off my headlamp and the shed light. The world went dim around me and I fought the sensation of claustrophobia that nipped at my heels. My mind began to imagine large spiders crawling from the confines of wood heading for me as I took away their home. Breathe in. Breathe out. I forced myself to concentrate as I continued to scan the landscape. Nothing was out of place in the open fields. The long treed driveway looked as it should. The east side of the property was heavily treed with forest and a trail system. I held my breath and continued my assessment. A loud crunch followed by a grunt sounded behind me. I held my breath and stood stalk still. Noisy, laboured like breathing continued along the side of the shed followed by heavy footsteps. I held my breath and forced a peek around the corner. Oh, fuck. A large shiny black coat appeared. The bear raised it’s massive head and looked picture perfect under the silken moon. Shouldn’t you be in hibernation? I began judging the distance from myself to the house and wondered if I could make it.
The bear lowered its long snout and began following a scent, coming closer to where I hid. This is what I get. All I wanted was a warm house and this is how it will end. I extended my arm behind me and felt along the darkness. I wrapped my hands around the firm handle of my prize; the axe and drew it close, praying I wouldn’t need to use it.
The rumbling and bumping of tires forced my attention away from my fears. The bear looked up and le
aned back on its well-muscled haunches, propelling itself into a run. I watched as the bear disappeared amongst the trees. With one concern out of the way I turned my attention back to the night visitor. It was a car, with its headlights off. It parked half way down the long driveway and the engine went quiet. A lone figure stepped out of the car and jogged quickly toward the house. My eyes went wide as I watched the silhouette scan the house and avoid the lighted areas. What the hell is going on here?
I tossed the axe over my shoulder and waited. Stupidity or curiosity got the best of me and I ran toward the car, careful to stay out of the open areas. Once I was near the car, I bent down in the bush and waited. The coast looked clear so I continued toward the car. It was nothing special, a black Honda. I didn’t recognize it and I made a mental note of the license plate. I peered into the windows, hoping for a clue on the driver. Behind me, footsteps sounded followed by quickened breathing. I stood up slowly and saw the reflection of another behind me. I took a deep gulp and in one swift motion, I turned around and used the axe handle as a hammer into the intruder’s stomach. I held onto the axe head and allowed the cool metal to burn into my hands.
“Who are you and what do you want?” I yelled.
The intruder was on their hands and knees, with one hand wrapped around the torso. “Emmy, it’s me.”
“Mom?”
“Yes,” she croaked.
I dropped the axe. “Oh no! You scared the bejesus out of me. Are you okay? I’m so sorry.”
“This is what I get for night creeping.”
“Why didn’t you just knock on the door?”
Audrey dusted the snow off herself. “I did. No one answered so I went around the back.”
I held on to my mom. “Is your stomach okay?”
She shrugged me off. “It’ll be fine. What was that anyways? A broom handle?”
“No, an axe handle.”
Audrey’s eyes grew wide. “Oh dear. This could have ended up a bloody mess.”
I sighed in dismay and picked up the axe. “Come on, let’s go inside.”
We stomped our boots off and settled by the fire. I handed my mom a mug of tea. “So, are you going to tell me what you’re doing here in the middle of the night? And driving might I add?”