The Disappearance of Emily: Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic Series Book 2

by Elizabeth Pantley

  “Have you ever been on the ferry? Where does it go?” I asked.

  “Various islands around here,” she said.

  “What islands would those be?”

  “Hmm. It’s been a while, and they may have changed, and the routes change too.” She tapped her chin with her finger. “There’s quite a cluster of islands around us. Some of the small islands are privately owned, so I don’t know their names. You need reservations well in advance. Even then, you might not get on. Tickets are hard to come by. It’s a selective process.”

  She still wasn’t giving me any names, which, for Olivia the chatterbox, seemed out of character.

  “What about Gladstone?” I asked. “Is that one of them?”

  She looked up, startled. “It’s better if you don’t speak of Gladstone.”

  “Why?” I asked.

  “It’s forbidden to travel there, and better that you don’t even discuss it.”

  But she said it in a halting voice like she really wanted to say more. Then she shook her head. “Hmmm. No. Probably not something we should talk about. More lemonade?”

  Olivia loved to talk and she loved to share new information, so it was disconcerting that Gladstone was a topic she wanted to avoid. Yet another person being vague about the ferry and changing the topic. I knew I should let it go, but now I was more curious than ever. It made me decide to meet with Nakita. What better place for information about the ferry than the captain herself? I was looking forward to it.

  I spotted a photo album on the table and I gestured to it.

  “Have you been reminiscing?” I asked Olivia.

  “I have. No sense in having photo albums if you never look at them, right?” She stood up and brought it over to the table and pulled up a chair next to me. “Want to take a peek?”

  She opened it up, and we flipped through the pages. There were many of her dog, of course. And lots of Twin Falls Park across the street from her home, the lake, and the one waterfall that most people saw.

  I was one of the rare, lucky few who got a glimpse of the usually hidden second falls. It was enchanted and it offered me a glimpse of my future. I think. As of now, I hadn’t been able to uncover any information to verify this, but that’s what it seemed to be.

  In the vision, I saw myself as a mother with two young children and a man approaching us. Sadly, I’d had a bit of a mishap and didn’t get to inspect the vision. But the man I saw was wearing a hiking backpack, with two trekking poles attached to the side. He was wearing a hat, and I think he had sunglasses on, but I can’t be sure. It gave me goosebumps, and I wondered if the enigmatic vision was really telling my future. It seemed as if the experience was a rare one, and I’d yet to hear anyone else talk about it, so I kept quiet on the subject.

  As I flipped to the next page, I gasped. It was a photo of my brother’s friend, the town sheriff, Jaxson Redford. Oooo, he’s a dreamboat! I don’t know if people still use that word, but, man, oh, man, it fit this guy. He’s tall, with an athletic frame, a smooth, deep voice, and a sexy smile. And even better, he’s smart and polite. There were some sparks between us I had yet to pursue since I hadn’t been sure how long I’d be in Destiny Falls. Plus, we’d been involved in solving a murder together. I’d rather block out that memory.

  Anyhow, the photo was of Jaxson. Standing on a trail in the park. He was carrying a hiking pack, with two trekking poles on the side. He was wearing a hat and sunglasses and smiling into the camera.

  “How long ago was this taken?” I asked Olivia.

  “Oh, maybe a year or so. I’ve known Jax since he was a tot, and once in a while he joins us on a hike.”

  I knew by '“us” she meant her and Hercules. I looked at the photo for a few minutes and wondered. Was this him? Was Jaxson my destiny? Oh, now that inspired me to pursue those sparks to see where they led. Especially since it appeared I was here to stay in Destiny Falls.

  Olivia and I finished up looking through the photo album. I helped her clean up the dishes from our cookies and lemonade. Then we had our goodbye hug, and I walked towards home. I needed some time to think.

  I pondered the Destiny Falls ferry and my instructions from Nakita. Wild horses wouldn’t keep me away from that appointment. If I were wise, I’d bring someone with me. But she said, ‘Tell no one’ and specifically said it was ‘life or death.’ I would have to think this through before I told anyone about our encounter. The day after tomorrow. I’d be cautious, but it was my opportunity to learn more.

  Then I thought about the peek at my destiny and the photo of Jaxson. If he was the mystery man, that would be great, since he was one of my brother’s best friends. I could imagine us together, blending into the Caldwell family with our two little children. The four of us hiking and camping together. Was he my future? If he was, there was no reason to rush it, but I wanted to spend more time with him to determine if we were the match that the falls predicted.

  I continued my walk, pondering my possible future. As I walked past the hiking trailhead, a man was coming out of the woods to the parking area.

  He was carrying a hiking backpack, with two trekking poles attached to the side. He was wearing a hat and sunglasses. Hmm. Okay, then. So much for Jaxson being the only one to fit the vision.

  As he came closer, I realized the man ahead of me was none other than Han Chow.

  Was he another possibility of my foretold future? I hoped so. He was special, and I was drawn to him. Han is a close Caldwell family friend and an investigator who helped solve the murder a few weeks ago.

  I was always comfortable with Han, and that was such a pleasant change, as usually I felt awkward around new guys. But Han was warm and easy to be around. He was a funny, clever, interesting guy. And oh my. Handsome. He reminded me of Henry Golding, the British actor from Crazy Rich Asians who also played Tom, the dreamy lead in the romantic comedy Last Christmas. Except he was an edgy, James Bond-ish version of the actor, but with the same wide, sexy smile and easygoing appeal.

  As I walked his way, I spotted two other guys unloading their cars for a hike. They both were putting on hiking backpacks with trekking poles, and they both had on hats and sunglasses.

  I laughed at myself. So much for figuring out the future father of my future children.

  Han approached just then. “What’s so funny, Hayden? Inside joke?”

  “Was just thinking of something I saw. How are you, Han?”

  “Happy, but tired. Just finished a hike up to the falls. Ever been up there?”

  Funny he should ask. “Yes, I have! It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. Maybe even the most beautiful. I’ve hiked up there with Olivia a few times. It’s a challenging hike, but so worth it.”

  “Agree,” he said. “What are you up to today?”

  “I was in town at Vessie’s café, and then hung out with Olivia. My day got away from me, and I’m finally heading home.”

  Home. Wow, how easily I said that. I’d been in Destiny Falls for a month, but it felt like this was the home of my heart. It seemed like the place had waited for me and had welcomed me with open arms. The people here were related to me, but what made them family was far deeper than a blood connection. It seemed like I was the missing part of their puzzle, that I was an important part of the whole. I felt happy here.

  “Are you okay, Hayden?” Han asked.

  “Oh, sorry. Just lost in thought for a moment. It’s really nice to see you, Han.”

  He gifted me with one of his gorgeous smiles. “Want some company on your walk home?”

  “That would be lovely,” I said. (But what I meant was, “Ohhh, yes!”)

  I started to walk, but was so smitten by his smile, his nearness, and the idea that he might be my mystery man, that I nearly walked into a tree. He grabbed my arm just in time to save me. My hero.

  “You okay there, Bambi?” he chuckled.

  “Ha ha, my comical hero.”

  “Hero, eh? I like that.” He put his arm around my should
er and gave it a quick squeeze, then fell into step next to me as we walked together.

  “So, Vessie’s Hideaway Café? Have you ever seen so much pink in your life?” he asked.

  “Maybe at the flamingo exhibit at the zoo,” I said. “But I loved it, you know? Somehow it all works. And it seems to suit her personality.”

  “I agree. She’s a sweetheart, so pink is appropriate. And she makes great coffee. What’s on your agenda for the rest of the day?”

  “I have an article I need to finish and I need to touch base with my business partner. Then family dinner tonight.”

  “Will that be fun?” he asked.

  “Yes, it really will be! I never had a big family before. It’s a touch overwhelming sometimes, but mostly, yeah, fun. Tomorrow will be special, though. I’m going to Sapphire’s house for a girls’ night with my two sisters.”

  “Nice to have sisters?” he asked.

  “Oh, so nice! I never knew that I had a hole in my life until they filled it. There’s just something different about a relationship when it carries that label.”

  I thought about it for a few minutes, trying to figure out how to explain my feelings. It was comforting that Han just walked quietly beside me as if he knew I was sorting it out and waiting patiently for me to finish my thought.

  “Our relationship is new, but it’s already powerful. It’s like, you know, the connection will be there for the rest of your life, no matter what. It’s a safe space where you can be yourself. Where you’ll be accepted even when you aren’t at your best. It makes you want to cherish the specialness of it. It will build into a strong, unbreakable bond. I feel it.”

  “That sounds about right. I have younger two sisters, you know?” Han said. “I know exactly what you mean. They’re mine, for good times and bad, happy and sad. We can be serious or we can be goofy, but we always get each other. We have each other’s backs. It’s a profound connection that’s bundled up in a tender exterior. Makes you want to shelter it from the world and keep it protected.”

  I smiled at Han. There was clearly so much more to him than his amazing smile and his incredibly sexy James Bond swagger.

  5

  Returning from my day in town, I found a note tacked to my bedroom door. On crisp white paper it said:

  Tonight’s dinner will take place in the garden.

  The theme will be Family Game Night.

  Please wear casual attire.

  “Well, would you look at this?” I said to Latifa.

  “How am I supposed to look, Sugar Cookie, when you’re holding the paper waaay up there above my little head?”

  “It’s an invitation to family game night tonight.” I held the paper out toward her. “That seems out of character for the Caldwell bunch. Casual attire? Since when? What games will they be playing, do you suppose?”

  “Honey, there will be no lawn darts or water balloon toss, I guarantee it. So, don’t you dare pull out shorts and a tank top.”

  She jumped down off the bed and made her way to the closet. A moment later she poked her head around the corner. “Hellooo, Missy. Are you coming? It’s fashion time.”

  I joined Latifa in the closet, where she always enjoyed selecting my outfits. I could tell she’d been taking a break from the movie channel to watch Project Runway again, since she kept trying to overdo it, adding scarves and hats and trying to pull together unusual items. I finally got her focused, so she was pacing the closet, thinking aloud.

  “Sporty, not sloppy. Basic, not boring. Chic and classy, but casual. Hmmmm. Think, girl.”

  “I am thinking,” I said.

  “I’m not talking to you, dear.”

  I knew she was talking to herself and not me, but I couldn’t resist. I pulled a floral-patterned T-shirt from the rack and waved it in front of her for inspection.

  “Oh, goodness, no,” she said. “Fun, not frumpy, Mrs. Doubtfire. Tsk. What do you have in nautical colors? Stripes, perhaps?”

  She stretched out her neck and tried to nudge through my hanging clothes, but she was a little too short. I could tell this was going to take forever. I had an idea and went out to the bedroom and brought back the bench from the end of my bed.

  “Well done! Now you’re using that noggin’ of yours,” she said, jumping up onto the bench.

  Now that she had a close-up look at my wardrobe, she made noises that sounded suspiciously like groans of despair.

  “How am I to create the best possible outfit restricted by these selections?”

  Yep. She’d been watching Project Runway again. She ordered me around and had me try on various options that caught her eye. I was slightly annoyed, but I had to admit she had a good eye, so I held back on any snarkiness.

  Soon, I was attired in a perfectly suitable outfit, according to Latifa. Sleeveless striped top with a sunny yellow summer jacket. She paired this with crisp white skinny jeans and flats. Her first choice was a pair of linen pants, but she suspected that I’d look wrinkled within an hour. (I would. How do women wear linen pants and not look wrinkled?)

  We spent the next half hour sorting jewelry and accessories. (So much for not taking forever.)

  “I must admit, this look is perfect,” I said, putting on earrings for the final touch.

  Latifa took a bow. “Thank you, thank you. My work here is done.” With that, she proudly lifted her tail in the air and sauntered off to her alcove for a nap.

  Latifa was cozied up asleep, which allowed me to catch up on my work and touch base with Luna.

  I had decided not to tell Latifa or Axel about the odd conversation with Nakita, the ferry captain, or that I was planning to meet up with her. I knew it wasn’t wise to slip away for that, but she had said not to tell anyone with that dire life or death warning. Plus, Vessie seemed to know her well, and she was the town’s ferry captain. I decided it would be fine.

  Before I knew it, the afternoon had slipped away and it was time for dinner with the family.

  I wasn’t sure what to expect for a Caldwell Family Game Night. I knew it wouldn’t be horseshoes and a hot dog roast for this formal group, but I suspected something boring like cards, Bridge maybe. However, the backyard layout delighted my senses in a refreshing and unexpected way.

  Do you know that scene in Alice in Wonderland where they play croquet with the Queen of Hearts? And the Mad Hatter’s tea party? (If you’re not sure, I’ll wait while you Google it.) Yep. That’s what the yard was set up to be. This was hysterically appropriate, given the falling through the mirror thing. They had to see the connection, right?

  I stepped out of the door of the house through an archway made up of enormous-sized playing cards that were arranged to look like flowers.

  The grassy section of the lawn was laid out with a croquet set. Not your ordinary backyard set. The mallets looked like upside-down pink flamingoes and the wire arches were made of folded playing cards. The balls were painted to resemble hedgehogs, just like in the original scene.

  Off to the side, a white party tent was set up with tables for dinner. The color scheme was a burst of playful pastels: blues, pinks, and greens. Chairs were adorned with large green bows, and the tables were covered in layered tablecloths: green, angled over the top of sunny yellow. Each place setting contained a fanciful, patterned plate and an oversized teacup and saucer, many in polka dots and swirly patterns.

  The tent was lined with tiny fairy lights and garlands hung with decorations: white rabbits, clock faces, and smiling Cheshire cats.

  Once I absorbed the imaginative setting, I scanned the yard to see who was there. I was happy to see the entire family here, plus a few extras, so I set out to touch base with everyone. This family was new to me, yet I felt a connection with them. And since I’d been to several events in this yard, it was becoming more comfortable for me to be here. One of these days, and I hoped it was soon, I’d bring Nana and Gran to one of these events. Oh, my! They would have an absolute blast.

  I spotted my half-sister Indigo. I felt a ru
sh of warmth at the sight of her. I was still reeling from the news that I had two previously hidden sisters. They were so kind, and they embraced our relationship with joyful enthusiasm. They were a blessing. And even more, I enjoyed their company.

  Indigo and her husband Omar were standing with another tall, Black man who looked so much like Omar I had to guess that they were related. Their little son, Ian, was sitting in the grass next to them, playing with a girl who I assumed was the man’s daughter. I went over and joined their group.

  “Hi, Hayden! Great to see you,” Indigo called as I walked up.

  She immediately drew me into a big hug. Ian’s tiny arms wrapped around my leg. It always brought me great joy when he did that. I had never been around that many kids in my life, so I never knew what to expect. He was a little charmer with his wide smile and his affectionate embraces.

  “Hello, Hayden,” said Omar. “I’d like you to meet my brother, Dante.”

  I shook hands with Omar’s look-alike brother. Then Dante introduced me to his daughter, Tiana. She seemed to be a little older than Ian, who was nearly five. I crouched down to the kid’s level and said hello to Tiana.

  “Your braids are so pretty! The beads look like they match the party decorations.”

  “Thank you,” she said, ducking her head shyly. But I could see she was wearing a big grin.

  “What are you creating?” I asked the kids. “I used to braid flowers. It’s fun, isn’t it?”

  For the next few minutes, they showed me their creations; they were braiding flower stems into long chains. I hoped that Grandmother wouldn’t be upset about the kids pulling flowers out of her perfect garden. I said as much, and the other adults laughed.

  “Oh, you’ll see,” said Indigo. “She’s fine with the children being creative.”

  I stood up and visited with the adults for a bit. Soon, my other sister Sapphire joined us. There was more hugging, more warm sisterly feelings, and more laughter.