“About four and a half hours.” Gabe’s attempt to sound casual was futile.
Gemma slipped on her last piece of clothing and cleared her throat, watching them both whip around to ogle her. She studied their stark skin and wrinkled expressions and was unable to deny the guilt she had been ignoring.
“I’m sorry I took so long, but it was totally worth it.” Her eyes glittered as she reached for Harrison’s hand. “Come on, get me something to eat and I’ll tell you every last detail.”
She scoffed down one of Gabe’s double decker sandwiches, a bran muffin and a full glass of milk as she recounted her time away. They peppered her with questions, which she managed to answer with a smile until they wore her nerves raw. By the time she was done she felt frazzled and the weight of her trip caught up to her like a bullet train.
“You’re gonna need some shut eye before you face anyone. They’ll see straight through you otherwise.” Jumping up from the table, Gabe pulled the clothes from his bed and smoothed down the blanket. “Come on, even if it’s just an hour.”
Gemma couldn’t have declined if she’d wanted to. Her body saw the mattress and dove for it like it was made of million dollar bills. A pleasure filled sigh escaped her lips as her aching body enjoyed the sheer delight of modern day padding. Closing her eyes, she nestled into the comfortable blackness and lost all track of time.
* * * *
Soft lips brushed her cheekbone then worked their way down her neck, lingering over her collarbone before ascending back up to her earlobe.
“Babe, it’s time to wake up.” Harrison’s voice was so delicious, she thought she was dreaming.
Squeezing her eyes tight, she willed the fantasy to continue, afraid that once she fully woke, his voice would vanish and she’d be lying alone on a cold, forest floor.
“Sweetie, you’ve got to get home before your parents start asking questions.”
Her eyes flew open and her head jerked to the side. Harrison’s lips were less than an inch from her own. She gazed into his pale brown orbs and felt the comfort of his presence.
“I wasn’t just dreaming.” Running her hands over his cheeks, she threaded her fingers through his hair. “You’re really here.”
Fire raced through her veins as she enjoyed the softness of his lips and the warmth of his tongue welcoming her home. Wrapping her arms around his neck she pulled him on top of her and got lost in the feel of his body melding with hers.
“Not on my bed you don’t!”
A sharp slap on her upper thigh had Gemma pushing Harrison away with a reluctant groan.
“He was only welcoming me home.”
Gemma’s feigned innocence earned a very droll look from her real father. Sitting up with blushing cheeks, she shot him a look of insincere remorse. He rolled his eyes in response, before spitting a black glare at Harrison and ushering them out of the caravan.
Her boyfriend looked embarrassed as he fumbled for his keys, but Gemma knew he didn’t regret a second of their ardent interlude. She certainly didn’t.
Clearing her throat, she donned her jacket and turned back to Gabe.
“Thanks for your help. Hopefully it’s worked.”
“I guess you’ll find out tomorrow… after school.”
“But…”
“If Helen’s waited over 18 years, another day ain’t gonna kill her.” Gabe’s head dipped with a stern expression. “Promise me you’ll go to school first.”
Gemma rolled her eyes and let out a sigh. “Fine. I promise.”
She watched his lips twitch with a smile before he grabbed her head in his hands and planted a kiss in her hair. “Thank you.”
“I’ll be by to tell you all about it on the weekend.”
“See ya then, kid.”
Gabe waited by the door to wave. Harrison cruised behind her bike all the way to Lions Bridge, where he jumped out to gift her one more kiss before leaving her for the night.
She felt her heart hammer as she watched him pull away. He’d only gone four and a half hours without her, she’d had to last eleven days and she was feeling highly ripped off. She vowed to make up for it over the weekend, formulating plausible excuses in her head as she meandered home.
The house was quiet when she arrived. It was more than tempting to head straight to her room and pretend she lived alone, but she wanted to be in her parents' good books for the rest of the week, so decided to seek them out.
The kitchen, dining room and lounge all sat silent. Rather than hollering through the house like she used to, she began a systematic search. It wasn’t until she reached her father’s office that she picked up on the murmur of conversation.
Resting her ear against the wood, she ignored the discourtesies of eavesdropping and listened in.
“I’m telling you it’s changed. When I looked at my notes this morning I had a plan fully mapped out. We could have gone tomorrow, but now my pages are blank.”
“Which means someone’s gone back and changed something.”
“It also means all the research I’ve been doing for the last few months has been a waste of time!”
Gemma flinched at the anger in her father’s voice.
“We’re running out of time.”
“Don’t you think I know that?”
“How could it have changed, Alistair? History doesn’t do that unless we say so.”
“We’re not the only ones out there who can travel, Pen.”
“Do you think it was one of the patronus?”
“Could be, although I thought they were pretty scarce these days.”
“Maybe one has resurfaced.”
Alistair sighed. Gemma could picture him behind the wood, rubbing his temple as if the weight of the world was resting on his shoulders.
“We’re going to need to do some investigating… and I’m going to need to start my search again.”
She heard pages being balled up and thrown across the room.
“Well, if anyone’s going to find it, it’s you.”
Gemma imagined her mother standing behind her father’s chair and kneading his shoulders.
“How are we going with the...?”
“Fine.”
“Suitable?”
“Pretty perfect, I think. I guess we’ll find out soon.”
“I better get on with it then. I’d like to make the trip beforehand.”
Gemma’s brow creased. What were they talking about? What was soon? And what did they need to find before then?
A huge part of her wanted to creep away from the door and process everything she had just heard, but the wiser part rapped on the wood and burst into the room with a breezy smile.
“Hey Mom. Hi Dad. I’m home.”
“Oh hello, sweetie. How was school?”
She kept her expression bored and shrugged. “Same as always.”
“Well, I suppose you better get on with your homework then.”
“Yep,” Gemma nodded with a smile, managing to hide the shock at being dismissed without the usual interrogation. Maybe they were saving it up for later. “I’ll see you at dinner.”
Shutting the door quietly, she ran to her room and locked herself inside. The conversation she had just swallowed tasted bitter and she couldn’t quite figure out why until a revelation hit her. The shocking arrow of reason pierced her middle and she crumpled to the floor like a rag doll.
Someone changed history today and her father had noticed. Someone had wiped his research pages blank and it was most likely that that someone was her.
Chapter Thirteen
St Augustine, Florida – 2011AD
Harrison had barely slept a wink. His whole body was geared for the afternoon treasure hunt. With boxes piling up around his home, he was more than ready to produce a letter from his father.
His knee bobbed under the breakfast table driving Rosie to distraction. After a yelling scuffle the family was split and sent off to school. Tensions had been seismic as the move to DC grew near. The only one
who had packed anything was his mother. Rosie was flat out refusing, Justin had “not gotten around to it” and Sam was torn on loyalties so hadn’t done anything. Bryan was spending extra hours at work trying to avoid the growing acrimony. So the house remained in a state of chaos that no one seemed able to fight their way out of.
Harrison felt a swell of guilt as he pulled out of the driveway. His mother was probably feeling very lonely, but he couldn’t support her decision. He wasn’t moving! His lips began to mutter a silent prayer as he drove north, his heart begging for a goody box containing everything his mother would need to remain put.
He found Gemma at her locker. She looked to be reading through her homework, but not absorbing any of it. Her brow was wrinkled and her lips were curved south. Softening his approach, he glided his arm around her middle and kissed her neck.
“Hey.” She smiled and turned.
“You okay?”
“Yeah, I just…” she faltered over her words, took a breath then started again. “I overheard a conversation with my parents last night and it’s…”
“So, the love birds are back.” Darren’s voice was dry.
“Hey man,” Harrison fought to hide his irritation at being interrupted.
“How was your make out day?”
“Make out day?”
“Okay, you guys aren’t seriously expecting me to believe that you two just happened to be away on the same day.”
“I was sick.” Gemma’s eyes rounded with innocence.
“Yeah, you look sick.”
Gemma couldn’t help a smile. She blushed and dropped her head. Darren rolled his eyes, mumbling about the unfairness of it all.
“Courtney won’t even skip one class for a little,” he whistled, “behind the bleachers.”
“She’s a good girl.” Harrison slapped Darren’s shoulder.
The bell echoed through the hallway. He turned to Gemma with regret.
“It’s okay.” She kissed him. “I’ll tell you later.”
The day seemed to drag. Now he had two things to worry about. Questions had been swirling in his head like a tornado all morning.
What does Gemma want to tell me? She looked pretty worried. What are her parents up to now?
His thoughts turned black then veered left as they collided with the second twister.
Will the box be there? Will Mom even buy it? What if she thinks I’ve forged the letter somehow?
The final bell rang clear and Harrison jumped from his seat, listening to his classmates snicker as he fumbled with his books.
Gemma was right on his heels as they made a beeline for the exit. He’d already arranged for Rosie to get a ride home. She was a little peeved, but when he explained he needed some quality time with his girlfriend she forgave him. Sweet Rosie, she was a sucker for romance.
They took both the car and the bike, knowing Gemma would have to ride double time to get home without too many questions. She didn’t have any fake excuses for Thursdays and was expected at home on time.
The cemetery was near empty as they approached. Gemma’s relief was palpable.
“I was worried we’d have to come back another day and with you guys moving so soon, we’re running out of time.”
“Well, let’s not waste any more.”
She squeezed his hand and led him to a back corner, out of sight of the basilica. Nestled beneath a clump of trees was a tiny headstone that was impossibly hard to see. Dropping to her knees, Gemma brushed away the earthy debris then turned to him and smiled.
The plaque was bare, barring a tiny N carved into the corner.
“This is it.” Gemma produced a small trowel from her bag.
He tipped his head doubtfully and she just smiled.
“I told him to make it as inconspicuous as possible… and also as shallow as was safe.”
“Well, he’s certainly taken inconspicuous to heart. How did you know this hiding spot would even be here?”
“I found this spot when we first moved here. I used to skateboard down here and hide when I wanted to get away from... everything. It’s such a good spot, don’t you think?”
Harrison nodded, watching her scrape around the edges of the plaque.
“These trees have been here for centuries. They may not have been this big when Nathaniel hid the stuff here, but they would have been sizable.”
Harrison drummed his fingers as he took in the monstrous roots that were popping free of the earth. He imagined Nathaniel stealing here under the cover of darkness and burying his treasure with a small prayer.
“Do you want me to have a go for a while?”
“No it’s okay.” Gemma grunted as she dug a little deeper. “Just keep an eye out for me.”
Reluctantly Harrison turned away to make sure they were still alone. A young couple with tourist backpacks were ambling through the gardens taking photos of everything. They looked to be coming this way, but veered down the path and headed towards the large cross on the water’s edge. He turned back and released his breath.
Gemma had dug quickly; the edge of a small wooden box was now exposed.
“Here, help me lift it.”
Dropping to his haunches, he joined Gemma in wiggling and pulling the box free. They both landed on their backsides with a huff, each clinging to an iron handle.
Gemma’s eyes danced as she scrambled to her knees. Studying the lock briefly, she lifted her trowel and brought it down with a forceful thwack! The lock fell away. She pushed the box towards him.
His heart was thundering as he lifted the lid. Inside was a leather pouch. Loosening the tie, he pulled out a thick bundle of letters. Helena was written in perfect calligraphy on each of them. Respectfully he laid them on the earth and gazed at the smaller bundle in his hands. His heart stopped as he read the name inscribed.
“What does it say?”
Gemma moved to look over his shoulder.
“Harrison.”
“He wrote you?” Her eyes danced. “Well, open one!”
He shakily unfastened the bundle and tore open the first letter.
My dear son, Harrison,
It does seem odd writing to you, when we have never met, but from the stories I’ve heard, I’m sure we would get along just fine. My gratitude towards the young woman who saved me is unfathomable. To have this chance to write to you is more than I could ever hope for.
My heart will forever remain broken that I never got to hold you or raise you as my own, but I take comfort in knowing that I may in fact be able to teach you a few things I have learned throughout my years. May these letters be a blessing to you, son.
My progress to New York is going smoothly. No sickness has befallen our ship and so we gratefully head across these oceans to a new life of promise. I will continue to diary my journey for you and include as much history of my life with Helena as I deem appropriate.
And so I end this first letter with a piece of advice my grandfather once told me. ‘Love your woman as if she was a precious jewel and you will forever have a happy home.’
Farewell for now, I will write again when I reach American shores.
Though I will never see you, I feel confident ending my correspondence this way, because if I had but one chance to glimpse your face, I’d know it to be true.
I love you, Harrison.
Your father,
Nathaniel
Tears were inching their way down his face by the time he had finished. Gemma squeezed his shoulder.
“He was such an amazing man. I wish you could have met him.”
“I just did.” He sniffed then quirked a smile, feeling a lightness he couldn’t describe.
“Well.” Gemma cleared her throat. “I loathe saying this, but I have to go.” She pouted then rose to her feet.
Jumping up with a smile, he rubbed her arms, trying to decimate her grey mood.
“We’ll be seeing each other again in less than 24 hours.”
“Yeah.” Gemma forced a smile. “Hey, good
luck with your mom. I hope she takes it well.”
“Me too.” He glanced back down at her mammoth stack of letters then shot a look at Gemma, sudden guilt gripping him. “You needed to tell me something this morning. I forgot to ask again, I’m so sorry.”
“It’s okay.” She waved her hand. “Some other time. We need to make sure you don’t go anywhere first.”
She forced a smile and his eyes narrowed.
“No, seriously Harrison, it’s fine. Later. I’ve really got to go.”
He let her leave after a little more assurance. As he bent to clear away the evidence, his worries for Gemma ebbed and his mind built with anticipation. Gathering up the letters, he placed them in the leather pouch.
“This is it.”
Swerving into the driveway, he yanked up the parking brake and strode into the house. Jumping around a stack of boxes he walked through the kitchen hollering for his mother.
“I’m in your room!” she called back, her voice sounding worn and irritated.
Harrison took the stairs two at a time and paused in his doorway. His mother was systematically packing away his belongings. His shelves were clear and she was now working on dismantling his computer.
“Mom. Stop. Please stop.” He kept his voice gentle, trying to quell his vexation.
“Well, someone needs to pack up your room before Sunday and you’ve made it abundantly clear that you’re not going to, so I guess that just leaves me.”
She yanked a cable from the back of his screen, making Harrison wince. Stepping forward he stilled his mother’s frantic fingers as she tried to ravel the cord.
“Mom, we need to talk.”
“What do you want to say to me now, Harrison? That I’m a selfish mother? That I’m an inconsiderate wife?” She sighed and rubbed her forehead.
“No.” He stepped back from her. “I just want to give you something.” Reaching into his bag, he produced the leather pouch.
Pure Blood (Time Spirit Trilogy, #3) Page 7