The Shadow Box: Paranormal Suspense and Dark Fantasy Thriller Novels

by Travis Luedke

  ‘I know, I know,’ Janet said in a whiny tone, ‘but she really wants to see you again. People can change, Nick.’

  He believed people could change. Sometimes—usually when he felt low—he wondered if Kerra had been his soulmate, if he’d never meet the perfect woman because he’d already had his chance with her. That’s stupid. But after all the good and bad times he’d been through with Kerra, he was certain he could love her again. But she’s not Juliet. Stop! I fancy Juliet, that’s all. She’s just a good-looking woman I’ll never see again. Full stop.

  ‘Alright. Tell Kerra I’d like to see her, maybe go to the pub for a drink first and see how it goes?’

  ‘I knew you’d come around. Oh, Nick! You won’t regret it.’ Janet spoke with him for a while longer, and towards the end of the conversation, Nick was surprised at how anxious and excited he felt about seeing his ex. Maybe she really had changed.

  Before the end of the shift, Michael came over to congratulate Nick on his extended hours, then he expressed how much he’d miss Tom at college, because Tom had decided to drop out.

  When Nick arrived home, he checked his bruises in the mirror. They were less swollen already, but still vivid. In bed, as he tried to doze off, he made an effort to recall the good experiences he’d shared with Kerra. He managed to fall asleep with a calm smile on his face.

  Having Thursdays off of work to see his counsellor might have to change now, Nick realised the next morning. With his new contract, he’d be working more of a Monday-to-Friday, nine-to-five pattern. He made a decision.

  He drove to the nearest corner shop and bought a thank-you card and a box of chocolates. He didn’t even grumble at handing over the money.

  After returning home, he hunted for a pen and wrote in the card:

  Caroline,

  I know you’re not supposed to accept gifts from clients, but I won’t tell anyone if you don’t! I’ve decided I’m not going to attend our sessions anymore. You’ve helped me to understand myself better than I used to, and I think things with my dad are going to improve from now on.

  I’m not upset as often as I used to be and I think it’s time I try to face my problems alone.

  Thank you for everything. I wish you the best for the future.

  Nicolas Crystan.

  At the surgery, he entered the appointment at the usual time and handed over the card and chocolates. He let Caroline know it would be his last session.

  ‘I trust your decision, Nicolas.’ She sat across from him and nodded understandingly. ‘I’m going to have to sneak these chocolates out of here, or they won’t let me keep them.’ She tittered. ‘If you feel like you want to see me again in the future, then call the reception and we’ll sort out an appointment. There may be a waiting list, though.’

  ‘Thank you, Caroline.’

  Caroline had the rest of the hour before the next client was due, so she and Nick chatted like friends until the time was up. They parted with a handshake and warm smiles.

  On his way out, he hoped he wouldn’t regret the decision. He could see that he’d been living a stunted life, not quite an adult, since moving out of his dad’s house. So now it was time to sort himself out.

  The afternoon passed by with Nick in a happy state. He did some food shopping, spending a little more than usual, and when evening arrived, he realised something. I’m not bothered about seeing the future. At least not now.

  It had occurred to him that he could try to use his ability at will and maybe even direct it to see if he’d ever meet Juliet again, if things with Kerra would go well, and to discover if and how Ryan would cover up the death of Aldrich.

  No. Just let things unfold as they should for the time being. Although he was certain he’d use his ability again at some point, and that he wanted to, it just didn’t feel right at the moment.

  The evening came. It was time. Nick drove away from Maw Street and around the corner, going over the plan in his head. He would tell his dad about Aldrich’s ability, but not about Juliet’s or his own. He’d lie and say Juliet had searched him out, telling him that she remembered Samantha Crystan pulling over to ask her for directions to Grendel Manor on the day Samantha disappeared. It was a different fabrication from the one he’d told his brothers on the day they went to the manor, but he hoped they wouldn’t realise that.

  If his dad asked why Juliet never went to the police, Nick would say she was young at the time, only seventeen, and didn’t know what to do. Also, he’d point out that it wouldn’t have helped; Samantha would have been dead by the time Juliet said anything. And if Juliet had said anything, then the police would have visited Grendel Manor and Aldrich would have killed them, wiped their memories, or brainwashed them into thinking he was innocent. So it turned out best that Juliet hadn’t alerted the police, or Nick and his brothers would never have discovered the truth.

  He would omit what he knew about the missing children. His dad and brothers didn’t need to know, and none of them could do a thing about it anyway, not without a way to the Otherworld. But the rest of the story was the same as the twins had witnessed. Nick would only alter one more part: He’d tell his dad that Tommy had killed Aldrich in self-defence, not in anger or confusion.

  When he arrived, he remained in his car for a moment. How could he go from having next to zero heart-to-hearts with his dad for eight years to jumping in the deep end and talking about the actual event that had created the distance between them?

  With the fingers of his right hand together, he tapped the centre of his left palm. I’m calm, I’m focused, I’m calm, I’m ... SCREW IT! He flung his arms in the air, releasing a low chortle of resignation. If he was going to be his own therapist from now on, then he didn’t want to rely on relaxation techniques every time he got nervous.

  He tilted the rear-view mirror to face his own reflection. The green-brown eyes looked back at him as he pointed at his duplicate and said, ‘It’s normal to get nervous sometimes.’ After nodding at himself in agreement, he got out and approached the door, admittedly anxious.

  Tom let him in, and the two of them hustled up the stairs to discuss the conversation plan with Tommy, who protested on some terms, saying he felt ‘in the dark’ about certain matters and that not everything matched up, but after some persuasion he agreed.

  Nick led the way downstairs. His shaky hands pulled out a dining table chair. He sat. Tom and Tommy plonked down on the same side with Nick in the middle. Tom had already asked their dad to join them, making clear that it was important.

  Sitting across from them, John waited with a slumped posture, his grey hair looking matted from a long day’s work. His mouth was set in a subtle frown. His heavy green eyes were curious.

  Call it a presentiment, but Nick just knew everything was going to be okay.

  He’ll be able to move on now.

  Finally.

  He can stop waiting.

  The dining room clock ticked, highlighting the silence that waited to be filled. ‘Dad,’ said Nick, with nervous dry lips.

  John seemed to sense the weight in his tone. ‘Yes, Nicolas.’

  ‘We, uhhh, we have something to tell you,’ he stuttered. ‘It’s about Mum.’

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  LILLIAN HAD BOOKED herself in at Tilly House, a hotel lucky enough to have a great view of the hills and the sea together. Juliet had considered letting her gran stay over on Monday night, but in the end she didn’t mention it and offered to walk Lillian to the hotel instead.

  On the way back, she regretted that offer. It was dark, and when someone came around a corner, Juliet jumped with fright. She wondered if she’d ever feel safe, knowing people like Aldrich could exist in this world. Could someone make her disappear the way Harry Cracknel had vanished from Kim’s life?

  That night, she attempted to process the day’s events, but her mind shielded most of it out. Before going to her bedroom, she made certain that every window and door was locked tight, that all blinds were drawn shut. Although s
he was terrified to be home alone and worried that the police would come knocking, she fell asleep from exhaustion.

  She woke in the dark, her body soaked in cold sweat. A nightmare? She couldn’t recall, but was too fatigued to think. After rolling to the other side of the bed, she let sleep take her again.

  On Tuesday she met with her gran, and they reminisced over Juliet’s childhood. They stayed in Juliet’s home to talk at first, but later went for lunch and then a walk along the cliff edge and up to the hills.

  Lillian didn’t appear to lack energy; she had a cautious, elderly walk about her, but kept good pace and performed each action with vigour. With her mind on the subject of good health, Juliet moved her injured shoulder in circles. It didn’t hurt half as much as the day before. Has it healed already?

  On their walk back along the cliff edge, Juliet became certain for a moment that she would go to the police. She would turn Tommy in. Even though she felt awful for the Crystan family, the law was in place for a reason.

  I can’t, though—she shook her head—because of all the weird circumstances … Also, she hated the idea of being linked to a murder case.

  ‘What’s on your mind, sweetheart?’ Lillian looked quizzically at Juliet, the wind flicking her silvery-grey hair about. It was a good time to be heading back, as the sky steadily darkened.

  ‘I’m just thinking about Mum and Dad.’ Juliet hated lying, but what other choice was there that she hadn’t already considered?

  ‘I understand. You take your time.’ Lillian nodded appropriately, and the rest of the walk was in a gentle silence.

  When it was early evening and black outside, Juliet asked her gran to join her for dinner again. After eating, she suggested Lillian stay for a while, at least for the rest of the week. It would be nice to have someone in the house. Maybe she’d feel safer.

  ‘Are you sure, sweetheart? I don’t want to be in the way.’ Lillian beamed a smile like she’d already gotten the answer she hoped for.

  ‘Yes, I’m sure, Gran. There’s plenty of room, and this home deserves to be used more.’

  ‘Thank you. I have my bag at the hotel. I’ve only packed a couple of days’ worth, though, because I wasn’t even sure if you still lived in Chanton.’

  Juliet smiled. ‘Don’t worry about that. We’ll go shopping tomorrow.’

  Having slept a lot the night before, she had difficulty this night. She lay awake for a long while, her sense of time off, and found her mind going into dazes. The images of Aldrich’s blood-soaked body were out of reach. Have I blocked them out? Her restless mind kept her awake until it couldn’t any longer.

  This time she remembered her nightmares. She dreamt of warm, sticky blood on her hands, of Aldrich with a terrified face, dragging himself along the floor away from her. Stab wounds covered his body. Then the nightmare jumped ahead to Juliet’s incarceration. In a filthy cell, she was startled by a noise. She turned to face the spirit of Aldrich. At that point, she woke. Luckily it was morning, so she didn’t have to attempt falling back asleep.

  After a pleasant breakfast with her gran, she spent the day shopping in Amiton, taking care to avoid Creaky Crystals. The last thing she wanted was to bump into Nicolas Crystan. She’d begun to relax by now. The police hadn’t visited and there’d been no news of Aldrich’s murder in the media. Ryan seemed to have kept to his word.

  She couldn’t stand the thought of her parents and made a decision not to contact them. If they even cared enough to notice she was ignoring them, then they could make the effort to reach her.

  In Amiton, she found volumes of clothes she wanted to buy for her gran. Lillian protested at first but eventually gave in. She seemed to have what Juliet considered an old-fashioned view on money; she almost cringed at the sight of it, as if it was the root of all evil, and as if it was only honourable to spend money that had been earned through a hard day’s work. Maybe it was the root of all evil, but Juliet didn’t think so; she appreciated everything money allowed her to enjoy. And with her wealth, she could afford to help others on a regular basis, donating large amounts to charity each month. The only way she could afford to continue giving was to ensure she stayed financially well-off.

  While shopping, she received a text from Roy, asking her to come to Chanton Hillview tomorrow. The new décor was complete.

  With Lillian’s help, Juliet scoured the shops for thank-you presents for her staff. For Roy and Sandra, she bought a bottle of champagne and a box of chocolates each. For the underage Ashleigh, a box of chocolates and a bracelet. As gifts to share, she purchased a cake and a variety of vouchers for popular brands. For presentation purposes, she hunted for a large wicker basket and ribbon. The last bits she added were a bouquet of flowers and a selection of sweets.

  With their bags and bags of shopping, they had to book a taxi home. Back at The Haven, Lillian helped label the gifts and then put them all into the basket with a big thank-you card. The ribbon was tied into a fancy bow around the handle.

  Juliet stayed up late that night, talking with her gran in the hope if tiring. When she went up to bed, she fell asleep excited for the next day.

  Thursday morning. She stayed in bed to think. Blocking out what she’d experienced wasn’t something she could do forever; she knew that. Soon she’d have to face her emotions. As much as she wanted to ignore it and get on with her life, she couldn’t see a gored body and not be affected in some way. The horror was still there inside her, and the worry. But right now, if she could just focus on her excitement, then those problems would stay away for a while.

  She got up and ready, then insisted Lillian come with her to see the café. Roy, Sandra, and Ashleigh were all standing outside when Juliet arrived with her gran.

  ‘Juliet. Cover your eyes!’ Roy shouted, seeing her approach. He added a friendly rumble of a laugh.

  Juliet averted her gaze so she wouldn’t see inside the café. She walked up to her staff and handed the heavy basket of gifts to Roy. ‘These are for you three. Thank you so much.’

  Sandra’s face lit up. ‘Awh, Juliet. That’s so sweet. You didn’t have to.’

  ‘I would not thank us too soon,’ Roy teased in his accent. ‘You have not yet seen the state we left your café in.’

  Even though she knew he was joking, she panicked slightly in anticipation.

  Ashleigh must have noticed, because she chimed in with, ‘Oi, Roy!’ She paused to laugh at her accidental rhyme before continuing. ‘Don’t worry, Juliet. You’re going to love it.’ She jiggled on the spot and squealed giddily. Ashleigh could cheer anyone up.

  ‘Who is the beautiful young lady with you?’ Roy asked Juliet.

  Lillian laughed instantly, then replied, ‘Young? I think I like you.’

  ‘This is Lillian, my grandmother.’

  ‘Oh,’ said Roy, then he gave his eyes to Lillian. ‘Yes … I remember your lovely face. You came by here, looking for Juliet.’

  All three staff members exchanged greetings with Lillian. Roy gave Juliet a confused stare when no one was looking. He’d spoken with her about her family before and knew all her grandparents were supposed to have passed on. Juliet leaned closer and whispered in his ear, ‘I’ll explain another time.’

  Roy nodded.

  ‘Juliet,’ Sandra said in her hard, brassy voice, ‘your hair looks fantastic! Have you had highlights put in?’

  ‘No, it’s the same as always …’ That was two people now who’d noticed a difference. She’d marked the change herself; her hair was brighter, more lustrous than ever. And another strange thing was that when she’d checked her shoulder a couple of nights ago, the bruising was gone—completely healed, as if she’d never injured it.

  ‘Come on, ladies,’ said Roy, ‘let’s take her inside.’

  Sandra reminded Juliet, ‘Cover your eyes.’

  So she did. She heard the café door open, then felt hands at her elbows and back, guiding her inside. She laughed at her own lack of coordination.

  Someone tugged at her
to stop walking. ‘You can look now.’

  She lowered her hands. Her eyes almost didn’t want to open, but she slowly forced them to.

  The walls were painted a pale tan colour. Roy had purchased the exact furniture Juliet had shown him: chrome coffee tables, and chairs a shade darker than the walls. Near the glass wall with the hill view there were low, square indoor benches with red tables protruding from the walls. The floor was unchanged: a medium brown hardwood that Juliet was pleased to see matched the new décor better than the old.

  Getting the redecorating done in just over a week was impressive. Juliet wasn’t sure how they’d managed it, but she did know Roy could be extremely efficient when he wanted to be. Also, Sandra was the hardest-working person Juliet knew; if you gave her a list of tasks, she’d have the first done and be on to the second before there was time to blink. The only problem Juliet had with Sandra was that her diligent style sometimes transferred into bossiness when she spoke to others.

  Looking up, Juliet saw that lighting had even been fitted. There were red light shades, each a warped square shape, positioned to spilt the artificial light across the ceiling unobtrusively. The daylight from the glass wall made electrical lighting less necessary, but towards the entrance, where the natural sunlight couldn’t fully reach, there were a couple of red table lamps.

  From the front door, the first thing Juliet’s eyes picked up on was the view of the hills. Exactly as she had wanted. She was drawn straight to it and knew the customers would be too. The neutral tan, brown, and chrome scheme set the mood, and the dashes of red were optional distractions that weren’t officious enough to be jarring.

  She hadn’t realised that while she took it all in, everyone else was waiting for her to say something. Her hands were pulled up together, partially covering her mouth, her fingertips gently on her lips. ‘It’s perfect.’