Dangerous Temptations

by Kelly Elliott

Love,

  Grandpa

  Behind the letter was another envelope, which was worn with age. It looked like it had been cut open with precision.

  Wesley watched raptly as I inspected the envelope. I was about to open it when Margaret’s voice came over the intercom and almost scared the bejesus out of me.

  “Mr. Youngsten, your one o’clock is here.”

  I gathered my things. I’d read the note later when I wasn’t interfering with my friend’s schedule. “Thanks for fitting me in, Wesley. We need to do dinner sometime to catch up.”

  He stood and buttoned his suit jacket. “I’m looking forward to it. It’s been too damn long since we hung out.”

  “I agree. Let me know when you’re free.”

  “I’ll text you later.”

  After hugging and exchanging good-byes, I made my way to my car. Another task down, a few more to go.

  Sydney

  I was filled with jittery excitement at the prospects of what was written in the letter as I drove across town. It helped push away the sadness.

  An adventure I found for you…

  First, I needed to meet Peggy at the house Grandpa had bought. She had the keys. When Wesley had told me the address as I drove over to his office this morning, I’d nearly run off the road. My entire life, I’d loved the house at 26 Charter Street. It was in the most historic part of Salem. On Charter Street, there was the Burying Point, the first hospital, and the Pickman House. I loved this part of town. The Salem Witch trials happened only a block away.

  There was something magical about the house. I sensed it.

  Many a scavenger hunt had occurred in that area when I was growing up. That was one of the ways Grandpa had taught me about the history of Salem.

  I put the car into Park when I pulled up in front of the house. It was only then it sank in that the red-bricked, three-story building with white trim was mine. When I was young, Grandpa used to bring me down to this part of town at night and weave tales of history.

  Peggy Murdock had lived in the house for as long as I could remember. It was the place she had been born. After exploring the downtown with Grandpa, we used to stop by her place to eat milk and cookies with her and her late husband, Wilbur. Those were special memories I would treasure always.

  Peggy came out of the front door, walking with a cane. Some time ago, she’d fallen down the steps in her house and broken her hip. Afterward, she’d moved to the first floor because stairs were too difficult to manage. I had no idea she’d sold the house to Grandpa. When did they do this?

  Peggy appeared to be getting around better, but I imagined steps still gave her trouble.

  “Sydney! My word, you get prettier and prettier every day.”

  “Thank you, Peggy. How are you doing?”

  “Well, I miss our dear Virg. But I bet he and Wilbur are discussing the best way to grow tomatoes now. They always got along like peas and carrots.”

  “Yes, they did.” I looked up at the house. “I can’t believe he bought this house.”

  I felt her hand on mine. “He wanted to give this to you when you moved here. I told him I wanted to sell, so he bought it.”

  “I have always loved this house.” I was still in awe that it was mine.

  “I know. It’s why I turned down the big corporation’s offer of nearly five times what Virg and I agreed to.”

  Gaping at Peggy, I tried to imagine what that amount could possibly be. No doubt it was more than a couple million. “Peggy…”

  She waved her hand in the air. “Fiddle-faddle. I have more than enough to live on with what my dear Wilbur left me. I cut Virg a deal. Anyway, Wilbur and I always wanted a family to live here. I had such a wonderful childhood here myself. Wilbur would have wanted you to have the place.”

  Peggy and Wilbur had never been able to have children, which was a shame. They would have been great parents.

  “I promise I will make this a home. It may take me some time to establish a family in it but… one day, that’s my dream.”

  And it had been one of my dreams—to get married and raise children in Salem with a doting husband. The first problem was finding a doting husband who was looking for an ambitious, adventurous wife who wanted to live each day with no regrets. I’d dated some men over the years. The problem was they always wanted to change me. I wanted someone who accepted all of me.

  “Oh fiddle-faddle. You’ll have a family someday. You’re only twenty-seven, my dear. Don’t settle. Find the right man. And Lou called me. She said that an Officer Murphy was over at your place?”

  I felt my cheeks grow warm at the memory of Mike and the complete and utter fool I’d been. “Yes, he was keeping an eye on it since I was out of town. He seems nice.”

  “Yeah, he’s from Chicago. He’s not used to us small-town folk yet. But he will be. He’s a nice-looking man.”

  Oh, dear.

  It was time for a subject change. “How’s your hip?”

  Really, let’s bring up the reason she had to sell the place.

  Peggy winked. “I get you don’t want to talk about it. But man, he’s a good-looking tyke.”

  Tyke? He was anything but a tyke. He was… wowzer.

  “I’ll spare you this time.” She pointed her cane at the front door. “Shall we go see your new home?”

  Thank goodness the conversation had moved on. “Yes. I still can’t believe it.”

  My new home. The concept still hadn’t fully sunk in.

  We entered the house, and for the second time that day, I gasped. The entire house had received a makeover. There was fresh paint on the walls. The wood floors had been refinished. The metal light fixtures gleamed with a fresh coat of polish.

  “Peggy, I’m speechless.”

  “Virg wanted to restore the house to its original glory for you while keeping everything as authentic as possible. The only updates were in the kitchen. He planned to give it to you on your next trip from the city.”

  And I would have moved here and practiced with Grandpa. If only I’d come sooner.

  Off to the right was the kitchen, which was my first stop. The room was bright in the afternoon sun, and the state-of-the-art, stainless-steel appliances gleamed at me. “I don’t know how he kept this a secret.”

  “I don’t either. Virg was a terrible secret-keeper.”

  I giggled as I thought about the countless times Grandpa had let my surprises slip. As a graduation gift, he’d bought me a ticket to explore Europe for a month. I’d had the time of my life. However, he’d let it slip within twenty-four hours of buying the tickets, nearly four months before I graduated.

  The rest of the house had been carefully restored. It was ready for me to move into as soon as my stuff arrived from New York. “I will treasure this place forever.”

  “I know you will. That’s why it was an easy decision to sell to Virg.” She checked her watch. “I’ve got to run. My bingo match starts in thirty minutes. I need to show those other whippersnappers a thing or two.”

  I hugged Peggy tightly. “Beat ’em all, Peggy. Show them who’s boss.”

  “You bet your ass I will. Here’s the keys. Have me over for dinner sometime when you’re settled so I can see the place.”

  “Of course. I’ll make Grandpa’s famous pot roast.”

  “Now you’re talking. And your fudge.”

  “You bet.”

  Peggy handed me the keys, and the closing of the door signified I was alone. In my house. My house. The words still felt odd. In New York, I’d rented a small, one-bedroom apartment that was barely larger than the living room here. Now I had a three-story house all to myself. My dream house.

  “Thank you, Grandpa. I love it. I wish you were here to hug.”

  Thinking about Grandpa, I remembered the note he’d left for me. I dug it out of my purse, walked to the old stone fireplace, and sat on the hearth. From the time I’d spent over here with Peggy and Wilbur, I knew the fireplace was part of the original house, which was built in 18
66. The stone had been worn smooth over time, and every chip and imperfection had its own story to tell.

  As I pulled out the letter, the coin fell out into my hand. What’s the significance? Alchemist. I needed to research the word, see if there had been any coins crafted for alchemists as a group.

  I opened the letter.

  My Dearest Ayana,

  Our lives are in danger. I implore you for help at once, my old friend. My beloved has taken ill. I fear if we do not move on soon, we will surely be found. I would never forgive myself if the truth were taken with us. For surely if discovered, they will bury us without regret.

  The one who eliminates for them follows closely behind us. So close I can almost hear his breathing at night. It is with great need and urgency I beg for your help. I need the medallion. It is the only thing that will save us.

  To find us, you must follow my path. But know in doing so, you will discover things that are unimaginable. Things that have haunted my days and my nights. Truths we thought we knew are nothing but lies woven together to make us think we see what is truly not there.

  You must go to the stone hearth flanked by the two brass lights Mother received from her father. Start the fire and look to your right, for hidden in the pecan bookcase is what you seek. You must find someone you trust, my brave, dear friend. Only someone you trust. Your life will depend on it. My life will depend on it.

  The letter will start you on your path to us… to me.

  Be sure to hide the medallion on your person and do not show it to anyone.

  God speed, my dearest beloved friend.

  Q

  I read the letter again. And again.

  Who is Q? A path to who? Why hide the medallion?

  Is the coin I’m holding the medallion?

  I turned it over and looked at it closely. A million questions flitted through my head. There were no details except a location within a house. I looked at the envelope again. The writing had all but faded except the last part of Massachusetts.

  So this was in the right state, at least. I read Grandpa’s note again. It said he’d found the letter. But where?

  From my purse, I grabbed the compass Grandpa had given me when I was a child. It was a symbol to remind me to never lose my way in any adventure, whether it be life or a scavenger hunt.

  The familiar excitement of finding something sizzled beneath the surface—an ultimate scavenger hunt.

  Sydney

  I needed coffee. I’d forgotten to get caramel creamer the day before. That, combined with the fact that I’d stayed up too late researching the damn letter and the coin, made me very, very tired.

  I hadn’t found out anything except that Ayana meant “beautiful blossom.” By the way the letter had been signed, I thought it might be a nickname. But the letter gave me little to go on.

  No names.

  No address.

  No date.

  The only thing I had was a description of a hearth, which sounded upscale for the time period. From the wording of the letter, I assumed it was late nineteenth or early twentieth century.

  But with regard to the coin, I had nothing. It was like there were no records of a coin or medallion like it ever being made.

  Clear it from your mind.

  I needed to focus on the clinic.

  The moving company confirmed my things would arrive the next day. It was perfect timing to move into the house. I had to go through all of Grandpa’s things and decide what to do with everything. It all seemed too quick. Maybe for now, it would be fine to leave everything as is until it was time for the clinic remodel.

  I unlocked the front door to the clinic and turned on the OPEN sign, letting out a bittersweet sigh. My first day in my own practice. A dream come true. I hated that the day was tinged with sadness because my grandpa should have been there.

  In the tank along the wall, the Oscar fish swam back and forth. “Morning, Ragnor.”

  I took a few pellets from the food bag and dropped them into the tank. Nearly three years old, Ragnor measured almost fifteen inches long. One summer morning, we’d found him on the front porch of the clinic, which happened from time to time when people wanted rid of their pets. Grandpa had taken him in, and Ragnor became our office mascot, of sorts.

  The door chimed as Marie walked in with a basket of goodies. “Morning, Sydney. I made some chocolate chip cookies.”

  The sweet smell of chocolate filled the air. “Morning, Marie. Thanks for holding down the fort while I was out.”

  “Oh, pish posh. It’s my job. Are you sure you don’t need a little more time off?” Marie was in her late fifties and kept the clinic in perfect running order.

  I took my white coat with the paw print above the left pocket off the hook and put it on. “I need the distraction. It will be good to get back into a routine.”

  Seemingly satisfied with my response, Marie moved on to business. “I kept the schedule light for the next week while you get situated and moved in.”

  “Perfect. That will help. Thanks, Marie.” Halfway to the kitchen to get a plate for cookies, I asked, “Did you know about the house on Charter Street?”

  Marie put a hand on her curvy hip and gave me a wink. “Nothing gets past me in this office. Virg tried to hide it, but he was too damned excited. The whole town knew. Now let’s have a cookie for breakfast and celebrate.”

  “Sounds like the breakfast of champions to me.”

  The door chimed again, halting my quest for a plate. A puppy came running in.

  “Well, aren’t you adorable.” I crouched down as the cute little boxer puppy ran to me. “Yes, you are. What are you doing here? Are you here for your shots?”

  I looked at Marie, who shrugged. “I don’t have a boxer puppy on the books today.”

  “I found her on the side of the road.”

  That voice. Smooth as sex yet rough. Don’t look up. I couldn’t look at the floor the entire time. I had to look up. Stay strong. No mental meltdowns.

  My eyes drifted up as the theme to Jaws played in my head. Shit. He had on ripped jeans. Those thighs held the fabric perfectly. Please don’t let him have a tight T-shirt on. My eyes roamed a little higher. Double shit. He had on a tight gray Salem PD shirt.

  A man of the law. Sigh. I knew this, but the reality of seeing him dressed as a causal lawman sizzled my bacon. Sizzled my bacon? Oh hell, my IQ dropped and my brain turned to mush around this man.

  “Sydney?”

  Have I been slowly checking him out? Oh no, no, no! I’d spaced out not once, not twice, but three times around this man. My eyes jerked to meet his baby blues. The dimples were out in full force. Something short-circuited in my brain, and I lost my balance, face-planting on the hard tile. The boxer puppy barely escaped being squished. Pain shot through my face before a rush of warm liquid filled my nose.

  “Ouch!” I rolled to my back and held my hands over my face.

  Voices and noises overlapped each other. Footsteps ran to me. I was quickly hoisted into his strong arms. It took everything in me not to nuzzle into his chest.

  “Take her to exam room one. I’ll get some towels,” Marie called.

  I tried to mumble that I was okay, but the angle only made me sound like a strangled cat. My back gently met the cold metal of the exam table. Mike looked at me, concern evident on his face.

  “Let me take a look.” Warm pressure brought my hands away from my face. “It doesn’t look like your nose is broken.”

  That was a plus. Having a purple, swollen nose sounded miserable.

  Marie walked in. “My word, Sydney. What happened?”

  Oh, just Mr. Sexy Pants sizzling my bacon.

  Again with the bacon?

  I had lost my damn mind. “My arms were tired?” Remembering I had already used such winning reasons as “a tired mind” and then “tired feet,” my eyes grew wide. “I mean, I lost my balance?” Why am I asking questions? “I lost my balance.”

  I chanced a glance at Marie, and her mouth tur
ned up in a devilish grin. Oh hell. Mike took the towels from Marie. “It’s not bleeding too bad. Hold your head back and put some pressure on your nose.” I followed his instructions. “How are you feeling?”

  “Like a klutz. You catch me at very inopportune moments.”

  His face broke out in a full grin. “Or maybe they’re the perfect moments.”

  “Maybe.”

  Behind me, Marie sighed, and my heart followed suit.

  Our eyes searched each other’s. “When we get the bleeding to stop, you can have the caramel coffee I brought you.”

  He’d brought me coffee. Caramel coffee—my favorite. Through the towel, I said, “Thank you. That was really sweet.”

  Marie gave another sigh, and I think I let one slip, too. Now we‘re sighing at his every word? Hell, even Marie went a little cuckoo around this man. Marie handed me a new towel then discreetly helped me out of my white coat. As I took it off, Marie stood in front of Mike and mouthed, “It’s not very sexy with blood on it.” I gaped at Marie as she left.

  “You doing okay?”

  “Yes. I think you need one of those warning bells to let me know when you’re in the vicinity.”

  “What?”

  Oh, shit. Did I say that out loud? What is wrong with me?

  I glanced at him and his flirty smirk. “No way am I repeating that.” I needed to change the subject. “Wait… did you mention coffee?” Before Mike could answer, I jerked to an upright position. “Double wait… you had a dog. Is he or she okay?”

  Light pressure on my shoulders pushed me back down. “Marie has her. She’s fine. Let’s make sure the bleeding has stopped first.”

  Two nosebleeds in one day would not have been good. “Where’d you find her?”

  “Outside the coffee shop on the side of the road. Figured since I knew the vet, I’d bring her in. It might win me some brownie points.”

  Heat quickly spread to my cheeks. “Saving a dog definitely gets brownie points. The coffee is a bonus.”

  “That’s what I hoped.”

  He hoped? Wow.

  Something started to shift between us, and the intensity increased. If I wasn’t careful, I’d fall off the exam table and blurt out how he was buttering my bread. Oh hell, I needed to focus. I pulled back the towel and dabbed my nose with a fresh spot—no more blood.