‘They look yummy,’ Ingrid said, as she helped herself to a slice of meringue and fruit. The sugar rush was instant when she ate the first mouthful.
‘Jenson and Susanna are so in love,’ Carmen said, her eyes on the couple on dance floor.
They were the lucky ones. Rumour had it they would be getting married soon.
Carmen turned to Ingrid. ‘You haven’t found anyone yet, have you, Ingrid? I would have thought that with your looks and personality you would have been snatched a long time ago.’
Even though she knew that Carmen meant well, it was still hard to listen to the usual advice. In a small place like this, married women were always on a mission to match up the single ones. What really stung was the condescending way in which they always reminded her that in time she would find the right one, as if they would know. The saddest part was that there was nothing she wished more than to know they were right. It would remove a huge weight off her shoulders when she could put Steven out of her mind for good.
She put on a brave face and replied, ‘I’m just enjoying the life of a single woman.’
‘But, surely you must want to settle down?’ Carmen insisted, her dark brown eyes serious, insistent.
‘Eventually, I’ve got a lot of time on my hands.’
‘I guess you’re right,’ Carmen replied, as she sipped her water. ‘Although we might not have as much time as we thought since Jeff and Judith passed away.’
Ian gave her an annoyed glance.
‘I’m sorry for your loss. I always admired your parents.’ Ingrid met Ian’s eyes. ‘Is someone going to go to check they were buried properly? You really should see whether the house has been left in a good condition.’
‘We are dealing with it.’
‘I loved spending time there with my family last year. It was such a lovely place. Just think what would have happened if I had not told you about Steven.’ Ingrid left the sentence hanging.
‘Hmmm,’ he murmured.
‘It was difficult to know what to do, but I’m glad I told you the truth. We really did love it there,’ she hinted, more aggressive this time.
His eyes met hers.
‘Did you want to go and check on the house, Ingrid? It would give us peace of mind to know that everything at the house was left accordingly,’ Carmen said.
Carmen was going with the suggestion, perhaps she felt sorry for her after all.
Ian raised his eyebrows and glanced at Carmen as if she had spoken out of line. ‘One of us is already going,’ he snapped.
‘Of course, but Ingrid could be a great help.’ Carmen insisted.
‘Maybe,’ he paused. Turning to Ingrid, he asked, ‘Would you go back to England again?’
‘If you need me to,’ she said, as she withheld a smile.
‘I’ll think about it. Talk to your father, if he says he needs you then you can go. He’s leaving tomorrow.’
It took everything she had to restrain the smug feeling that threatened to burst free. It was time to tell her dad she was coming along for the ride.
***
Ian picked up the clothes from the floor and threw them on the bed. At the corner of the room, he sat on a chair and read the monthly bulletin for the tenth time. His parent’s death had shaken him to the core and all the latest developments were unsettling. Steven was with someone else and he had Emily. How could his family, one that was so united, be broken to pieces? It was all Emily’s fault. The deep resentment that had slowly built up towards her was taking a grip. He doubted he would be able to stop himself from killing her when he saw her again. He did not want to think it, but he felt let down. His parents had let him down, just when he needed them the most.
The move was something to be excited about. Regardless, it was a huge responsibility. A lot of decisions still had to be made. Who would go, when they would go, how they would go? The whole thing was giving him a bad headache. Worst of it all, he was convinced someone would expose them. It was all too much. The cherry on the cake was the acidic response to the idea by most of the Santos Family, apart from his wife, Carmen, who tried her best to support him.
As if sensing his unease, Carmen came in with their toddler, Joaquin. She half-smiled and tilted her head to the side. ‘Are you still fretting? Come here.’ She made her way over and started to massage his shoulder and neck muscles.
Ian let himself go, his wife had magic hands. ‘Thank you.’
At that, Joaquin toddled up to him and called out one of the only words he knew, ‘Dada.’
Ian looked into his angelic deep brown eyes, picked him up and tossed him up in the air. Immediately, his son squealed with joy. He held him up in the air for a minute, then cuddled him and gave him several kisses on his head before his son protested and called out his favourite word, ‘Mama.’ With a sigh, Ian handed him to Carmen and broke into a smile. There was something the young would never have to understand, responsibility – to be a child again.
***
The journey was long and tedious. It was always difficult to be confined to the cramped space provided by a plane, and the food proved short of diabolical. Relief washed over Catherine as the plane came to a standstill – they had reached English soil. As soon as the seat belt fastening sign was switched off the people came to life, as everyone reached for coats, jackets, hand luggage, books and any relevant children. Finally, the slow exit began and like rats they scuttled out.
The queue for passport control was long and winding. Catherine glanced at Isaac and raised her eyebrows. They would have to be just a little bit more patient. Eilif was the first to reach the counter. The man aged in his fifties looked completely bored. He scrutinised the passport and went to scan it. Just before he did, Eilif leant over and whispered something. Catherine knew he was using his persuasion.
Immediately, the man handed back the passport and waved him through.
The man smiled at Ingrid, who followed Eilif. He glanced at her passport and handed it back.
Catherine was not sure she had made the right decision in letting Ingrid come. Eilif was a good idea – he was capable of manipulating the human mind in a way neither Isaac nor she had mastered. The fact Ingrid knew the lay of the land meant she could help Eilif, but Catherine remained suspicious. There had to be a reason why Ian approved. She had a feeling he owed her for something she had done. If her memory was correct, she thought Ingrid had told Ian about Steven. It could be the reason.
When Catherine saw the sun shining through the huge glass windows she nodded in approval. The sky was blue, with not a cloud in sight. She did not think the sun existed in England.
Once in the rental car, Ingrid handed over one of the CD’s she’d purchased in the airport to Catherine. A minute later, the sound of Whitney Houston filled the car.
‘This was always one of my favourites,’ Catherine contemplated, she glanced back at Ingrid.
Ingrid smiled. ‘It’s also one of mine.’
‘Lucky, we bought a few different ones. We have to drive for a few hours yet.’
‘Yes,’ Ingrid replied. She looked as though she’d remembered something.
‘Anything wrong?’
‘No, no, just wondering what we’re going to find. I’m sure Steven buried Jeff correctly. I just can’t help thinking about the fact there might be two of them.’
Eilif interrupted, ‘And I’m pretty sure Emily and Steven don’t get on. It’s strange don’t you think?’
‘We’ll find out soon enough.’
The sight of green pastures dotted with sheep seemed to distract Ingrid, as she closed her eyes and dozed off.
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Chapter 6
The House
An image of Steven floated through Ingrid’s head. She remembered the first time she had kissed him and smiled. It was the only moment she ever stood a chance and it would stay with her forever. The memory was quickly clouded by his rejection, ‘I’m not available, and even if I was, I would not want to be with you.’
The words still stung and her lower lip wobbled. She instinctively tried to curl up into a ball.
‘Ingrid? Ingrid, wake up.’
It was her dad. It was just another pathetic dream. She opened her eyes and yawned, feigning ignorance.
‘Bad dream?’ he asked.
‘I think so, I can’t remember.’ She was a bad liar.
It took everything she had to ignore how she felt, even though it hurt. There was nothing she could do about it. She still wanted to be with Steven. The idea was foolish –Steven hated her.
The drive back into Southampton brought back mixed memories. The last trip had not taught her anything useful. Heartache was not her favourite lesson. Ingrid wished she could change so many things. Perhaps, if Steven had been brought back when they first found him everything would have been different. He would not have rejected her so easily since he had not fallen in love yet. But then, she had got so close to seducing him back in the community until Kayla, her stupid cousin, put a stop to it. Another opportunity missed.
Hindsight – a bitter pill to swallow or a way to remember the way fate plays its hand.
As Eilif pulled into the service station, Ingrid welcomed the opportunity to refuel.
Catherine and Isaac made their way to the restaurant, whilst Ingrid convinced her dad to join her for an unhealthy burger. They found a small table and tucked in. It was an indulgence they could afford.
Eilif opened his burger box. ‘You know, it’s nice to spend time with my daughter. How are you feeling about being back here? You’ve barely talked to me about what happened with Steven,’ Eilif paused. He always did that before broaching a tricky subject. ‘Did you fall in love with him?’ He picked up the burger and took a bite.
Ingrid fiddled with the chicken burger wrapper, then started to unfold it. ‘I love you, Dad, you know I do. But, sharing my private thoughts is not something I’m about to do.’ Honesty had to count for something. She took a bite and relished the taste. Sometimes processed food was exactly what she needed and, right now, this was one of those times.
Eilif picked up his drink. As he put it down, he shook his head. ‘Why not?’ I’m offended. You forget that I saw the way you were with Steven when you met. Do you think I’ve never suffered a broken heart?’ He took another bite, ketchup staining the side of his mouth.
‘Have you?’ This was a revelation. Ingrid passed him a napkin.
Eilif wiped his mouth and then chuckled. ‘Of course, before I got to know your mother.’
‘Too much information,’ Ingrid scoffed. She grabbed a handful of chips, dipped them in the ketchup pot and chewed.
Eilif picked up his burger again. ‘When I met your mum I discovered the real thing. It’ll happen to you one day.’
‘Spare me.’
Eilif laughed as he chewed. After another sip of Coke, he continued, ‘Anyway, we’ve diverged, talk to me. Recently, I don’t know…you look lost. I worry about you. So does your mother.’
The change in his tone started to break down her defences. ‘I know,’ she paused, ‘but, look, we’re here to help. I promise I’ll do everything I can to do just that, but you know how I felt about Steven.’ She had to make it sound like it was in the past. ‘I don’t know why I fell in love with him. It was not a rational or, should I say, conscious choice. I know I have to put it behind me. It doesn’t even matter anyway, he hates me.’
‘Love never makes sense,’ Eilif huffed, ‘besides, he can’t hate you.’
‘Yes he can. Nothing helps. I can’t help how I felt?’ She fought to keep it together.
‘I can’t understand why he would reject you, my beautiful girl,’ Eilif held out his hand and placed it on her shoulder. ‘You’ll see. Your Mr Right is out there somewhere. I promise.’
Ingrid nodded. ‘The problem is I thought Steven was my Mr Right.’
‘We don’t always get who we think are the right one. You’re stronger than this. I never took you for the type to fall so hard.’
‘I’m strong, nothing could be worse than how he’s rejected me already.’ She continued to eat her burger. That conversation was over.
***
An hour later, as they took the turn into the road that led back to the house Catherine started to get apprehensive. Steven was not expecting Eilif and Ingrid. She wondered if he would mind.
When the car came to a standstill, Catherine got out. ‘We should look for the gravestones.’
‘Now?’ Ingrid glanced in the direction of the house.
Isaac held Catherine’s hand. ‘It’s as good a time as any. It might not be easy when we talk to Steven. He must know we’re here anyway. He can come out.’
They walked to the back of the house, and up the hill. As the hill seemed to plateau the trees formed a natural wall around the site. On the ground, two simple memorials lay side by side. A cross made out of wood and an inscribed stone marked the spots. Jeff’s was not as neatly written as Judith’s.
‘Steven did bury Jeff,’ Catherine said, she knelt down on the floor. She made the sign of the cross over her chest and leant her head on her clasped hands in prayer. Eilif knelt down beside her.
The others followed suit.
Catherine felt a light drizzle on her head. She looked up and saw black, dense clouds overhead. She knew the blue sky could not possibly last.
A few minutes later, they all started to make their way towards the house.
Catherine moved to open the door, but it was locked. She took out her key, unlocked the door and stepped in. It was dark, but her vision adapted immediately. ‘Hello. Is anyone home?’
Eilif turned on the lights, the sight was an improvement on their less effective night vision, and Ingrid helped Isaac bring in the bags.
‘What do you think?’ Isaac looked at Eilif.
Eilif concentrated, his eyes followed the staircase. ‘Someone’s upstairs.’
‘I’ll go,’ Catherine said. ‘Let me go alone, please?’
‘If you’re sure,’ Isaac said. He put his hand on her shoulder. She appreciated the sentiment.
On the walk up the stairs, she glanced at the photos on the wall. Her family, her past. What they had become was crazy, which reminded her. They would need to feed soon. The irrational hunger developed and it had been a long journey. She listened once she reached the top step. A faint sound at the end of the corridor drew her towards it. She turned on the hall light.
‘Anyone there?’
A faint voice replied.
She walked faster and opened the door.
The scene shocked her. Emily lay flat on the bed. Her skin was pale, practically translucent. Her black hair lacklustre, it had started to grey. Her face was gaunt and shrivelled, her eyes shut. Even after everything Emily had done, she did not deserve this. It broke Catherine’s heart. She rushed to her side and held her hand. It felt paper thin, fragile – she was scared to put any pressure on it. ‘Emily.’
Catherine felt a little pressure on her hand, and then saw Emily’s eyes flutter.
Emily groaned, and her amber eyes came into view. She turned her head slightly and her lips turned up just a little. A croaky voice acknowledged Catherine, ‘It’s you.’
Catherine picked up the glass of water on the bedside table, put her hand behind Emily’s head and gently eased it up.
Emily drank, and then spluttered, ‘It doesn’t help. There is only one thing that can help me. I’m paralysed, by my own son.’ She gave a throaty chuckle. ‘I deserved it.’
‘What happened? Did you kill Steven’s stepmother?’
Emily nodded.
Catherine let go of her hand. ‘Why? Why would you do such a thing? You know Steven loved her. What were you thinking?’
Emily stared at the ceiling. ‘The woman had my Paul.’
‘Paul?’
‘Steven’s dad,’ Emily snapped, she flashed Catherine a set of sharp canine teeth.
Emily looked like a vampire, one that had been dead for a long time.
‘Why
are your teeth extended?’ Catherine asked. She knew the answer, but she just wanted to hear it.
‘I’m thirsty,’ Emily rasped, ‘really, really thirsty. I need blood. Bring me blood, Catherine. Please?’ Her voice now angelic, it was always the same when she wanted something.
‘I’m not sure that’s a good idea. I’ll speak to Steven first. Where is he?’
‘With his bitch!’
The malice in Emily’s tone, and evil laugh that followed, made Catherine wince. Emily sounded deranged.
‘He changed the girl, Catherine! After all these years I found out the truth. I knew Mum and Dad lied. Mum was changed! They never admitted it to any of us, but they told Steven how to do it. They lied to us. Steven changed the girl – it is possible. I could have changed Paul, I could have been happy...’ Emily’s anger was replaced by a tormented grimace.
Catherine was confused, none of it made sense and yet, maybe it did. ‘What are you saying Emily? You must be mistaken. Mum was not changed, she never…’ she said, the thought left hanging in the air.
Yet, it all made sense. Her mum had been so scared. She never shared their confused excitement, and her bite was different to everyone else’s. Catherine did not want to acknowledge the truth, but now she could not ignore what had been obvious from the beginning. It explained why Mum never wanted to leave the community or became sad when someone changed. ‘Oh, Emily, I’m so sorry.’
Emily coughed. ‘Sorry! Not half as sorry as me, get me some blood. I have suffered enough.’
Catherine nodded, ‘I’ll bring you some food.’
‘Can’t stomach it, although, maybe some soup? Emily closed her eyes again.
Catherine made her way down the stairs with a heavy heart. Emily was probably more dangerous than she had ever been in her entire life, and that was saying something. Blood was the last thing they would give her.
***
Isaac watched Catherine falter for a moment before she moved to the suitcase, now on a mission. She talked quickly, ‘First, we’ll unpack, and then we’ll check out the university. We might find a lead there. You know, he might be staying at the apartment. At this time of day, the university is our best bet. It would be nice to catch him unawares.’
The Evolution Trilogy: Hybrid, Complications & Return Page 67