His grandmother had a hell of a lot to answer for. He knew that deep down, for his own sake, he shouldn’t hold grudges, but God it was hard. She’d always called him the ‘devil’s spawn’, and threatened him with the fires of hell.
Well, wherever she was, Flynn hoped that she was nice and toasty warm next to her own private hellfire.
He rolled his shoulders and glanced over to the clock on the dresser: 11.37 pm. Great, he’d been asleep less than half an hour and he had to get up in four and a half hours. It was useless even thinking about going back to bed now; he needed to blow away the last vestiges of the nightmare first.
Flynn couldn’t count the times his grandmother had locked him in the cupboard, but it stopped by the time he reached twelve. A slight smile touched the corner of his lips as he remembered the day he was finally able to shake off the old bitch’s hold. There had been a sense of relief and, he supposed, a touch of power when he spun around and faced her and saw the glimmer of fear in her pale eyes. In that moment the rules had changed and so did his world in some ways. The punishments and beatings stopped but the harsh words, criticism and undermining continued to the day she died. No matter how old he was, somehow Edith Hartley had the ability to get inside his head and screw with it.
Eventually Flynn had turned to humour to deflect each of her savage barbs. Sometimes he managed to brush them off but every now and then one would stick. He used humour both as a weapon and, on more than one occasion, to defuse a situation. Better he say something outrageous or do something stupid than let it turn into an ugly scene. Besides, when he acted like a fool it annoyed the crap out of his grandmother, which in Flynn’s opinion was always a win.
He opened the window and let the warm night air blow over him. It was soft and comforting, and it eased the jittery feeling that still tied his stomach up in knots. No point dwelling on the past, it was dead and gone. His time would be better spent looking to the future he could have with Lily.
His grandmother was gone and she didn’t have the power to hurt him anymore. No matter how much poison she’d tried to pour into his brain, Flynn now knew that he deserved to find happiness and love.
No point going back to bed yet; his head was still spinning and his mouth was dry. Might as well head to the kitchen for a drink. But as he started to turn away from the window, he swore he caught a hint of smoke in the air. He opened the window wider and scanned the bush outside; all seemed as it should. Flynn strained his ears but all he could hear was the soft trickle of water at the bottom of the gully.
He sniffed the air again; the smoky taint was still there. Flynn strode out of the bedroom and over to the narrow Victorian windows on the landing. Peering into the darkness, he glimpsed a soft orangey glow from the hayshed.
‘Shit!’
He whirled back to the bedroom, dragging on jeans and a t-shirt as quick as he could before ramming his feet into his workboots. Grabbing his phone from the dresser, Flynn was dialling triple zero as he ran down the stairs.
Chapter 25
Lily took her foot off the pedal of the sewing machine, the whirl of the engine instantly dying. With a sigh, she raised her arms and stretched against the chair. A series of little cracks ran down her spine – that can’t be good. She’d spent too many hours hunched over this sea of pale pink tulle and lace.
Lily rolled her shoulders and moved her neck from side to side. What she needed was a break. Pushing back the chair she stood up and glanced at the wall. To her surprise the clock had just clicked past midnight.
‘How did that happen?’ she mumbled beneath her breath. Last time she’d looked it had only been coming up to 9 pm. It was obvious that she didn’t just need a break – she needed her bed. The dress would have to wait until tomorrow.
The house was so quiet. She supposed she’d become used to sharing the space with Violet and Holly. The only sound were her footsteps as she walked across the wooden floors. The silence was beginning to give her the chills, and she hadn’t even watched one of those horror movies that Flynn loved so much. Lily picked up the remote and turned on the radio, the soft music instantly flowing through the quiet void – better. She stood for a second and listened to the familiar song before tossing the remote on the couch and heading to the kitchen. Halfway down the hall she heard a siren off in the distance. Lily frowned and prayed that it wasn’t another fire.
Just as she was about to enter the kitchen there was a loud knock on the front door. It made Lily jump and suck in a breath.
‘What the hell . . ?’ Sighing heavily, she tried to shake off the creepy feeling and walked quickly back up the hall. Lily flicked on the outside light and attempted to ignore the prickling sensation at the back of her neck.
She’d just reached the door when the knock sounded again, louder this time and more demanding. For the second time Lily almost jumped out of her skin.
‘Shit!’
She peered through the peephole and saw the verandah was illuminated in a comforting pool of light, and that a familiar figure stood waiting. With a sigh of relief she unlocked the door and pulled it open.
‘Jeez, Hailey, you scared the crap out of me!’ Lily said with a nervous laugh. ‘What are you doing here at this time of night?’
Hailey gave her a bright smile. ‘Sorry, I hope I didn’t wake you? I was coming back from Bendigo and my bloody car broke down. It didn’t even make it all the way to your place,’ she said as she pointed up the road. ‘You don’t mind if I crash here for a minute, do you?’
Lily was about to step back and let Hailey into the house when the sound of the siren blared closer – it was a fire-engine – and it was speeding out of town.
‘I wonder where that’s going.’
‘Don’t know,’ Hailey said as she turned in the direction of the siren. ‘I didn’t see any smoke when I was driving back. Surely it can’t be another bushfire already. So Violet’s still on her honeymoon, I guess? How is it being on your own again?’
Lily smiled. ‘I like it, but I have to admit I miss Violet and Holly.’
‘So, you’re definitely staying here now that Violet and Holly will be moving out to McKellan’s Run?’
‘Yep, that’s the plan,’ Lily nodded.
Hailey linked arms with Lily. ‘Hey, don’t suppose I can mooch a coffee off you before I head across town?
‘Of course, but I can drive you back to your place if you want?’
‘Thanks but it’s not that far. I was just going to head straight there but I saw your lights on and I thought I could grab a drink and whinge about my stupid car breaking down.’
Lily went to shut the door but lingered for a minute as she tried to work out where the fire might be. ‘I’ll put the kettle on. You’re officially my very first guest since Violet’s been away. I think I’m a hermit.’
Hailey gave her a smile. ‘Great. But what about Flynn? Hasn’t he been here?’
‘Sure, but my boyfriend doesn’t count as a guest as I figure he’ll be spending almost as much of his time here as I will be at his place.’
‘Right, so I’m the first?’
‘Like I said,’ Lily smiled as she stepped inside. ‘Can you smell that?’
‘What?’
‘I don’t know – it kind of smells like petrol with a touch of smoke.’
‘Ah, the fire must be closer than we think.’
‘Maybe.’ Lily glanced up at the tree in the front yard. Its leaves oscillated and swayed in the night air. ‘I suppose the wind has picked up a bit. Come through to the kitchen and I’ll make you a coffee.’
‘Thanks, Lily, I appreciate it,’ Hailey said as she trailed behind Lily. ‘So, how’s the shop going? Has Johnno finished everything?’
‘Yep, he sure has, and it looks amazing. He did a great job – you’ll have to come by and check it out.’
‘I will. What have you been up to tonight?’ Hailey asked. She pushed a strand of brown hair behind her ear as she sat down at the skinny marble-topped counter.
‘Oh, not much. I’ve been sewing all night,’ Lily answered as she went to fill up the kettle. ‘Everything’s pretty much set for the opening but I wanted to try to finish the pink silk dress.’
‘Is that the one I saw the design for a couple of weeks ago?’
‘Yep, that’s it.’
‘I love it, it’s so beautiful.’
‘Thanks. I just need to finish the beading and that’s about it,’ Lily said with a smile. ‘Now, would you like coffee or tea?’
‘Actually, I think I’ll have a tea, thanks. So anything exciting happening other than sewing?’
‘Not really, and I’d hardly call sewing exciting. Although I did have an interesting phone call earlier on.’
‘Oh?’
‘Yeah, my old boss called to offer me a position at Edwina Partell’s.’
‘Ooh, wow – that’s great.’
‘It was certainly a surprise.’ Lily grabbed the kettle and started to fill it under the tap. ‘She saw the article that Mandy wrote about me.’
‘That’s a huge opportunity for you, isn’t it? I mean, it could make your dresses famous, couldn’t it?’
‘Well, it would certainly boost my career and put me on the right path in the fashion world. Edwina’s fashion house is gaining some interest overseas, so yes, I guess it’s a big deal.’
‘So when do you leave?’ Hailey said with a widening grin. ‘Come on, you’re going to do it, aren’t you?’
‘I admit I thought about it for a few minutes. It’s really tempting, but I know I’m where I’m meant to be. I thought I was, but I wasn’t a hundred per cent sure until another option suddenly arrived. I suppose I still harboured the tiniest doubt about Flynn’s willingness to commit, which was wrong. But now … well, let’s just say that everything became crystal clear a few hours ago, and now I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else,’ Lily said as she glanced up and saw the frown on Hailey’s face. ‘Oh, don’t mind me – I’m rambling, sorry.’
‘Seriously, you’re not going to take the job?’
Lily shook her head. ‘No, I’m not. I’ve found too many things to keep me here.’
‘You’re so very lucky, aren’t you?’
Lily had just reached up to grab the tea canister out of the cupboard. She glanced over her shoulder at Hailey.
‘I don’t know what you mean.’
‘Of course you do. You’re talented and have your own business. Everyone wants you, everyone loves you,’ Hailey said with a smirk.
Lily started making the tea. She shook her head and let out a soft chuckle. ‘Yeah, well, Grandad might have left me the shop but in a little over a week I’ll have risked all I have on a business, one which is only going to survive on a wing and a prayer. I’ve got everything riding on this and if it nosedives into a disaster, I will have pretty much lost it all.’
‘Maybe, but you still managed to pull everything together.’
‘It wasn’t easy, and I did have help,’ Lily said as she placed the cup in front of Hailey. ‘I couldn’t have got this far with the shop without Violet, Mac, the tradies and, of course, Flynn.’
Hailey took a sip of the tea. ‘Of course they helped you, they love you.’
‘Even Johnno and his crew?’ Lily laughed. ‘Well, maybe he loved the big fat cheque I handed him the other day.’
‘You know what I mean. Besides, as I said, you’re lucky, people care about you and you’re beautiful and—’
‘Will you stop already? You know that I’ve never seen myself like that. Ever since school I’ve been struggling with my self-image. You know that I don’t have some perfect, charmed life – none of us do. You work with what you’re given and get on with it.’
‘Maybe, but you’re pretty, you know. Otherwise, what would Flynn see in you?’
If Jill or Violet had said it, Lily would have just laughed the comment off, but there was a look in Hailey’s eyes that sent a chill through her.
Lily stared at Hailey for a second. Something felt off and for a moment Lily was uncomfortable. Normally Jill was always with them, but without her here to cushion Hailey’s comments, Lily noticed for the first time just how intense she could be. Lily picked up her mug and leant against the far bench, the kitchen island forming a buffer between them.
‘That’s a really weird thing to say.’ She tried to sound upbeat and pretend that Hailey’s behaviour wasn’t sending up more than a few red flags.
‘Oh, I didn’t mean it to be. Sometimes I’m not as articulate as you and Jill. Say, you wouldn’t have a biscuit would you?’
Lily nodded and grabbed the biscuit barrel, placing it in front of Hailey. ‘Help yourself.’
‘Thanks,’ Hailey said as she peered into the jar. ‘Hmm, chocky-chip, my favourite. So, don’t you think it would be better for you, for your career, to take the offer and go back to Melbourne?’
‘I’ve put a load of time and money into getting the shop ready. I need to see it through. Besides, I’ve discovered that I do fit into this town. When I was younger I never seemed to, but it’s different now.’
‘Why? Because of Flynn?’ Hailey looked up and caught her gaze.
‘Yes, partly. And also because my family is here and so are my friends.’
‘I guess, although now the shop is renovated you could always sell it or rent it out.’
‘Yeah, call me sentimental but I can’t sell it. After all, it’s been in the family for so long, I’d feel like I was letting everyone down,’ Lily said before she took a sip of her coffee.
‘Rent it out then.’
‘Hell, Hailey, I’m beginning to think that you want to get rid of me.’
***
‘At least let me give you a ride home,’ Lily said as she opened the front door.
‘No, I’ll be fine,’ Hailey said as she stepped up to Lily and gave her an awkward hug. ‘Everything will be fine. See you.’ ‘Bye.’
Lily stood by the front door and watched as Hailey hurried down the steps and along the drive. She turned just as she reached the footpath and waved. Lily raised her hand and then went back inside, locking the door behind her. She sighed as she walked down the hallway and back into the kitchen.
Grabbing her coffee mug, she sat down on the nearest stool and wondered if Hailey was all right. She’d said some weird things and Lily had to admit the whole visit had creeped her out. Hailey’s behaviour had been odd and part of Lily was kind of glad that she’d left.
But another part of her was now wondering how she could have just let her childhood friend walk out of here in the middle of the night. Jeez, what had she been thinking? Admittedly, there wasn’t a lot of crime in Violet Falls, but there was still a loony vandal, or maybe even a gang about. What would happen if Hailey accidently ran into him or them?
The more Lily thought about it, the more agitated she became.
‘I can’t let her walk by herself,’ she muttered as she got off the stool, grabbed her keys and stuck her phone into her jeans pocket. ‘She can’t have got far.’
Lily hurried out of the house and jumped into her car. Pulling out of the driveway, she headed in the direction Hailey had walked off in. To get home, she’d follow this road right along to the main street and then turn right just before the supermarket. It wasn’t that far, but it would take her a good ten minutes.
Lily drove along slowly, scanning both sides of the road, but there was no sign of her. She kept going until she hit the streetlights of the town centre and still Hailey was nowhere to be found. With a sigh she pulled up outside her shop. Hailey must have run up Fletcher’s Lane, it was the only other option. It shaved off about half a block but it wasn’t as well lit. Lily sat there for a second and wondered if she should keep driving around. Maybe Hailey had decided to drop into Jill’s place as well. It was odd that she couldn’t find her, as if she’d just vanished into thin air.
But as she was here, she may as well grab the vintage crystal brooch she was going to use as a final touch to the dress she was wor
king on. At least then it wouldn’t have been a wasted trip.
Lily got out of the car and listened for a moment. Everything was quiet except for the wind whipping the leaves in the nearby trees. A car was driving somewhere in the distance but Lily couldn’t pinpoint it. There were no footsteps or voices; the town appeared to be dead. Lily hurried across the footpath and slipped in the front door of the shop. She didn’t bother turning on the shop light as the light at the top of the stairs was always left on.
Lily walked up both flights of stairs to the attic, the glow from the streetlights below shining through the uncurtained window. She walked over to the desk and flicked on her work lamp. The attic was a work in progress. It had been scrubbed, painted white and a couple of ready-made shelving units had been installed, but that was pretty much it. Lily hadn’t brought all her supplies over yet; they were still boxed up and vying for room among the bolts of fabric and completed dresses in her small workroom at home. Although, just to give herself enough space to actually sew, Lily had dragged over a few boxes of trimming and several armloads of material a couple of days ago. And of course, somehow the tin of vintage Aurora Borealis crystal jewellery she’d been collecting for years had managed to get mixed up in it.
An old wooden barrel stood by the tiny walk-in cupboard at the other end of the attic. Lily had found it when she’d been cleaning up the attic months ago. It was old, interesting and she’d been loath to part with it. So she had put it to use and it now held bolts of colourful fabrics.
Lily scanned the shelves near her desk looking for the small tin of jewellery but it wasn’t there. She picked up a bolt of mauve silk taffeta that was propped against the shelf – heaven only knows how it ended up there, it should have been in the barrel with the rest of the material. She tucked it under her arm as she continued her search.
Damn it, where the hell did she put it? She placed the lid back on a plastic storage tub by her desk chair and scanned the room.
She blew out a breath and closed her eyes for a second to focus. ‘Oh, I’m an idiot,’ she whispered, remembering that she’d stacked a pile of boxes in the walk-in cupboard. She hurried across the floor and poked the mauve taffeta into the barrel as she went. But just as she stepped into the cupboard there was a crash behind her. Lily whirled around just in time to see the barrel tipping over and the cupboard door slamming shut.
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