The Air You Breathe (HEARTFIRE Book 3)

by Jave Kavfi

  "I hope not. If it is, how am I meant to stop it happening? I can't say to the parents – 'watch out for your kid. I saw him drowned', can I? And I don't get premonitions, precognition, or anything like that, so don't know where it came from. All the stuff about Evangeline drowning made my mind go in that direction? But this was ... so real."

  "You do get something like that, though, don't you? Remember pulling me away from the falling masonry just before it happened? Other things. It may be your powers are changing. You stopped that dog in mid-attack – it was like it was hypnotised. And the gunshot wound. You recovered from that in days. I'm beginning to think you have powers you don't even know about yet, or they might be developing."

  "I don't have 'powers'. I'm just a regular person who got caught up in something I don't understand. I don't want any of this. I'm not responsible enough, for a start. I'll admit it. I'm immature at times and I'm not exactly a mastermind when it comes to making the right decisions. I mess up. Now I'm wondering if it wasn't Evangeline I'm meant to be helping, but the kid." He slugs back the last of his coffee and goes to the fridge. "I'm having a beer – no lectures."

  "Did I say a word? But listen, Gabriela said your powers were in their infancy – that may be why things are changing for you. You might want to be an ordinary man, but you're not. Whatever happened when you survived that plane crash could have changed everything for you. You left 'normal' behind and stepped into a way of existing you can't yet fathom. First the dreams of the dead, and then they appear when you're not sleeping. The premonitions could be part of it all, and the situation in a constant state of change. I'm slightly worried about Gabriela, though – Gideon said he didn't know if we could trust her. Why was she so concerned about my baby?"

  "Just being protective of a pregnant woman, the way most people would be? See – that's you worried again, when we said we would take one thing at a time and not let anything pull us down. You know what's weird? I was meant to protect you, but it's not like that. More you supporting me and–" He throws up his hands. "There I go whining again. I swore to myself I'd be stronger and handle all this better."

  "It's not 'whining'. You've went from a relatively normal life – not that you talk about it so much – to being hit by one thing after another. Of course you're going to be confused and anxious about it. Don't put on an act for me – you don't have to. Could you do me a favour?"

  "Anything."

  "Stop pacing – you're making me dizzy."

  He laughs and sits down. "Weird about us, don't you think?"

  "Well, you're weird..."

  "I mean that we've only known each other the matter of weeks, but it's like we've been friends for a lifetime. We fight and squabble – and you are unbearably bossy at times – but we get on okay, don't we?"

  Ana slaps a hand on his shoulder. "That's because I've got a high tolerance level. But talking about relationships – watch out for Holly. Her feelings. She might be getting serious about you."

  "Nah, don't worry about that – she knows where we stand."

  "Does she? I wouldn't bet on that."

  "Really, Ana – it's just ... you know. We don't even talk. Today – when she was telling me about her uncle – that's the longest time we've been together when only talking was taking place. We both know it's not serious. What's with the look? She hasn't said anything, has she?"

  "Girl code prevents me from saying any more, and I'm keeping out of it. Just be careful she's not reading more into it than you think, that's all."

  "Don't worry about it. That creep George will snap his fingers – or open his wallet – and Holly will go shooting back to him, you'll see. I'm merely a convenience for now. No, I'm more concerned about what I'm going to do about that business at the lake. If it means a child is going to drown, and how I can prevent it."

  Chapter 32

  "Aunt Evangeline looked just like you, Mummy," Kenzie is saying.

  "Yes she did, but I'd say she was prettier."

  "She wasn't. And that man was my Grandpa, wasn't he? But I didn't ever see him, did I, because he died before I was born?"

  "Yes, that's right."

  "Who's the lady next to you? She's pretty too. Like a princess." Kenzie snuggles closer to her mother.

  "That was Madeline, my father's second wife."

  "And she's dead and my grandfather is dead and my real grandmother and aunt Evangeline? All dead."

  "Yes, but I don't like to think of them that way. See how happy they are? All laughing. That's the best way to remember them. I haven't looked at these in years..."

  Pip has been playing with his toys but is now staring at the film. He gets up, peers closer, and puts his hand on the screen.

  "What's that?" Jonny says, as he comes into the room.

  "It's all Mummy's family and this house," Kenzie says, without taking her eyes off the screen. "All old-fashioned, because it was ages ago and they're all dead."

  Jonny switches the film off. "Way past your bedtime. Both of you. Go upstairs for your baths. I'll be up soon."

  "I was watching that." Kenzie squeals.

  "Upstairs."

  Lucinda gets up from the sofa after the children leave. "Really, did you have to switch it off like that? We were in the middle of–"

  "I'm surprised you kept them up so late. You know we're trying to get them into a routine – they start their new school soon."

  "I know. It was just a little treat for them. Me too – but bittersweet," she says as she begins to pack the films away. "So much went on here. I'm trying to forget the bad times and focus on the good. We were a funny lot back then. Evangeline and I weren't such nice children, to be honest. We did some terrible things. But we were children – our upbringing was ... different. I've made up for it now, and I'm a better person. And if Evangeline had lived, it would be the same for her. Children change, don't they? I mean, you can do dreadful things in childhood, but turn out to be a perfectly normal adult, can't you? Jonny?"

  "Sorry... Yes, of course." He gives her a smile.

  "But some people here don't forget. You know the man I introduced you to – the doctor? Well, I honestly think we need to register with another practice. His wife, Ruby, you saw her reaction to me at the surgery. We were not very kind to her. Cruel. I'm afraid we bullied her awfully."

  "Why do you keep going on about the past? It's dead and buried. This is our new start. It's no longer your father's house, but ours." He picks up one of the films and waves it in front of her face. "All this going on about your childhood and showing the children these movies – it's unhealthy. It needs to stop."

  Lucinda draws away from him. "But I haven't. It's only natural there will be something of the past here, but I've hardly mentioned it."

  "Well, I would have thought you wouldn't even want to think about it. Let's face it, there must be a good reason you didn't come back and visit your father after you left – why Ryden remained empty for all those years after his death."

  "Yes, but I'm surprised you brought that up. I've just said ... my childhood wasn't easy. If I had my way, I wouldn't have come back here at all. Evangeline was only dead the matter of weeks when my father shipped me off to relatives in the States. He had no interest in me at all. And how do you know I didn't visit? I don't recall telling you that."

  "Don't you? Well, you did. One night when we were talking about moving here."

  "Yes, I suppose I did. This past year has been such a confusing time..."

  "I shouldn't have mentioned it. Sorry. I'm just under a great deal of pressure just now."

  "I understand. Pip having been ill. All the gossip back home about us marrying so soon after his mother's death. I still think we should get him some help. I worry about him."

  "There you go again – bringing all that up. Leanne was ill for years. What was I supposed to do – live like a monk? And I wouldn't be surprised if you keeping on about Pip's 'health' is making him worse. Wrapped in that damn coat all the time... And 'help' – you want him
to get into the system, do you? A psychiatric case before the age of six?" His eyes are blazing and spittle has formed at the corners of his mouth.

  "Jonny – what's wrong? I've never seen you like this."

  He rubs his hands over his face. "I apologise. Really. I didn't mean to blow up at you. It's just all the problems I've had with the business. You know it's not going well..."

  "I understand, but it will pick up. You've got the tower all to yourself, so you'll get peace to concentrate and get on with business matters. Don't worry – it will all work out. Oh, I meant to ask about the dog."

  "Dog? Oh, don't concern yourself about that. The old man has got rid of it and he's moving out. Doesn't want to pay rent and said it wouldn't be the same here with children hanging around. Yes, he's one less problem to worry about."

  Chapter 33

  The children are fighting. The girl pulling at the boy's arm and him attempting to stand his ground by holding on to the trunk of a tree.

  Caden dumps the stone he's been moving and goes over. "Hey, kids." He stops. Doesn't want to tell them off – there's probably some rule about that kind of thing. Doesn't have to say anything more, because the girl has let rip. Hands on her hips, stating her case.

  "He's being annoying. I'm stuck looking after him because Mummy and Jonny are doing business stuff and he keeps wandering off and I have to find him and I was busy trying to read my magazine."

  "I've lost Mitty," the boy says through tears. "Kenzie won't help me look."

  Mitty? "That your cat?"

  The girl is falling over in giggles. "Not a cat. His stupid blankie. He's such a baby. Pip the moany baby. Wouldn't go to sleep last night because he couldn't find it. It's a toy rabbit – and he's nearly six, so too old for stuff like that."

  "It was in my bed and it was gone," the boy says with a sniff.

  "That happens, but it will turn up," Caden says, not having a clue about these kind of things.

  "He was going to the lake to look for it," the girl says.

  Caden's heart does a flip. "No, no – you don't go to the lake. You stay away from there. It will be in the house – the house."

  Kenzie gives Pip a push. "See, I told you. Why would your stupid rabbit be at the lake? You're not allowed to go there on your own. Mummy's sister drowned there. She probably tried to row out to Gull Island but tipped the boat and fell in. You want that? To fall in and be drowned and your face will be all puffed-up and green?"

  "Gull Island?" Caden says.

  "That stupid little island in the middle of the lake. It's sometimes covered and sometimes not. Not even a real island. Mummy told me she and aunt Evangeline used to go out there. I don't know why – it's boring and just has a useless tree and a bunch of birds. I should let Pipsqueak go there and then he'll drown and I won't have to listen to his moaning voice."

  Caden gets on his haunches beside the boy. "Tell you what – I'll keep my eye out for ... Mitty. And I'll bring him right back to you if I find him. He definitely won't be in the lake. Rabbits hate lakes. He'll be in the house and you'll find him soon, okay?" Jesus – he wishes he never took this thing on. Evangeline, Lucinda, the entire family, this whole place – it's taking up all his time and the swing dream seems to be blocking out the dreams that actually lead to him making a decent amount of money.

  All contact with Jarek has ceased too, which means his hopes for information on Mia are on hold. And that was the deal – he looks after Ana in this world and Jarek finds Mia in the Otherworld. The kid face-down in the lake is the worst of all, though – what if it is a premonition? Can't just walk away from this. "So, no looking near the lake, because, like you sister says, it's dangerous for little kids on their own and the rabbit won't be there," he adds, paranoid he didn't get the message across.

  The boy is nodding and wiping his tears away with his sleeve, but the girl jumps in.

  "I'm not his sister and I'm sick of him. He keeps seeing things. First a young lady and an old lady and now another old lady and he says she's his grandmother. But he can't see his grandmother, because she's dead. If he saw her, she must be a ghost but he's a liar, because he said she wasn't a ghost."

  "It was her," Pip shouts. "I remember her face. And it was her face but not old then."

  "Ha-ha, your room is filled with ghosts. You freak."

  "Not in my room – on the film. The movie your mummy was watching."

  "What movie was that?" Caden says.

  Kenzie is kicking her feet into a fallen tree branch. "The movie Mummy has in her room. About all the family and the picnics. Now we're going into town and he'll try to go on about it in car and I don't want him to, because it will make Mummy stressed and stress can kill. Jonny says."

  Caden watches as the children walk back towards the house. A home movie of the summer Evangeline died might be there – maybe even one of that final picnic. In the mother's room? Looks like some breaking and entering might be in order. No time like the present, because he can hear their car starting up.

  Chapter 34

  "You broke into their house?" Ana says.

  "Yeah, but it was a waste of time. Gave Lucinda's bedroom a good search and had a hunt around the rest of their living quarters. Zilch."

  "You do that much, do you – the breaking-in?"

  "I had to, in the beginning. Empty houses, though, for a place to stay. It was winter – I was freezing my nuts off. I would have loved to get my hands on those films. It's not just about Evangeline now – I'm worried about that kid – something isn't right. I had thought of staging a meeting with Lucinda and mentioning about her husband having lived locally in the past, but I'm holding off on that. She's already said this is the first time he's been to the UK, so he's lying, if Sarah has got her facts right. Why would he lie about that? So, I'm thinking he has something to hide and it's important enough for him to give a fake story to his wife."

  "And if she confronts him and he's dangerous..."

  "Exactly. And we don't have much to go on – half of it is just what we've pieced together, but I don't want to take that risk. Especially when there are two kids involved."

  "You think the boy's in danger?"

  "Maybe. Nothing specific."

  "You've got the shifty look again."

  "Ana, it's not shifty – it's confused. I hardly know what I'm doing half the time. Can we leave this for now? I'm overdosing on the Mortimer family."

  "Okay. What were you and Holly arguing about earlier?"

  "Nothing." He gets up, looks in the fridge and takes out a carton of orange juice. "Where's all the food?"

  "You ate it. And I wish you wouldn't do that."

  "What? Oh, right, sorry. Might as well finish it now." He gulps the remaining juice and lobs the carton into the bin. "I'll go stock up, won't be long. Get all the boring healthy things you like and then some real food. How you feeling, by the way? How's Bud? You know that 'Bud' thing's going to stick, right? Girl or boy ... still Bud." He ducks as she flicks a dishtowel at him.

  "It wasn't 'nothing'. You and Holly. Enough for her to slap you – there are still marks across your face. She's scratched your cheek."

  He puts his hand up to his face. "Just ... when I got in – something she said. I wanted to make it clear where we stand. Already have, but it felt like I had to again. Didn't go down that well."

  "Caden – don't hurt her."

  "That's what I'm trying not to do. Back in ten minutes."

  "Is he gone?" Holly is sticking her head around the kitchen door.

  "Yes, but he won't be long. Just going to stock up on food. I should have went with him – he buys me an excessive amount of vegetables, for some reason. Nice thought, but I'm hoping he doesn't come back with half a ton of broccoli again."

  "I'm so upset, Ana. To hell with the diet – this is like an emergency and only chocolate will help. Please say there's some ice cream left – yes!" She grabs a tub of Ben and Jerrys and is pulling a packet of biscuits out of the cupboard. "I'm sorry to tell you this
, Ana, but your cousin is a total prick."

  "I heard you two fighting. Look, maybe I should stay out of–"

  "It's not like he's such a big deal, is it?" Holly is already spooning Cookie Dough into her mouth. "His car's a wreck, he's always broke – does he even have a real job? I don't actually know what he does, apart from helping Henry. He doesn't buy me stuff – George bought me gifts all the time. And he gives me constant compliments. Tells me I'm the prettiest girl in the world. You know what your jerk of a cousin said to me? He said he wasn't my boyfriend. That we should 'cool it' or something like that. He actually refused to have sex with me, unbelievable as that sounds. I don't think it was because he was tired after work, because he's never too tired for sex. And who could be – with me?"

  "Maybe he–"

  "You know what he said then, do you?" Holly is waving the spoon around and ice cream shoots on to Ana's top. "He said we would have to 'talk', so we both knew where we stood. And then he said something like 'we have fun – but it's not like it's serious'. And I said, well, it's serious enough for you to be all over me every chance you get and he said it was a mistake and it shouldn't have started up again and–"

  "Look, Holly, I should really stay out of this..."

  "...I said, well, you were the one that had sex with me right after I got here and he said yeah, well, you were grabbing my dick at the time."

  "Way too much information..."

  "He could have said no – admittedly we were both naked, but that's not the point. I might have started it, but how does that explain why he kept doing it? He even stopped to get condoms, so he must have feelings for me. So, I told him he was a useless loser who has no career and at least I have a real job and he said that's because you're banging the boss. I called him every name I could think of and he tried to walk away, so I grabbed him and reminded him that George appreciated me enough to buy me a car, and he said some terrible things – called me shallow and super ... superficial. Said we never talk. We don't, but when you're in love there's no need for words, is there? Anyway, I gave him a good slap and he stood there holding his cheek, saying 'you finished?' Then he said, 'I am'. Then he said could I leave him in peace, and he walked out the room." She throws herself down on a chair. "What's wrong with me? Why is he pushing me away?"