Whispering Souls

by Jackie M. Smith

  He wanted to believe her, but his instinct was to protect Julia. He hated the idea of Nigel in the same room as the woman he loved. He gulped the contents of his glass.

  “May I?” He stood and pointed toward the bottle on the counter.

  “Be my guest.”

  He poured another glass of whiskey and drank its soothing contents. He stared out the window, watching the twirling snowflakes. The evening sky settled early. They weren’t going anywhere tonight, even if he wished they could leave this place.

  “Tell me, how did you meet my beautiful sister-in-law?”

  He smiled at the thought of Julia sitting in the airplane, her hair done up into a messy bun. “We met during the flight from London. The moment I saw her I knew I had to ask her out.”

  “Very bold and courageous. I like that. Julia doesn’t usually like it when a strange man approaches her—outside a pub that is.” She chuckled.

  “I guess she couldn’t resist my charm.”

  Fiona lifted her glass. “I can see that.”

  He blushed and sat beside Fiona. “Do you think Julia will go back to Nigel?”

  “Oh, my goodness, no. Never. Not after what that horrible man did to her. If I had known how he’d treated her, I would have kicked his ass myself.”

  Confusion filled his head. “Why is he here?” The question was blunt, but he needed to know.

  “To stir up trouble I think.” Fiona sipped her drink. “When you showed up here, I understood that Julia had finally moved on with her life.” Fiona laid a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry. Colin will handle this. Nigel will not be here for much longer.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Julia’s happiness is important to us. She’s like my sister. And I can see how much you care for her. You have put a smile on her face. For that, I thank you.”

  He stared out the window again. “She’s unlike any woman I’ve ever known.” His heart swelled with love for Julia. “I hope we spend more time together.”

  “You will.”

  A slamming door startled him. He turned. “What the hell happened?” All his senses went on alert.

  Colin walked into the kitchen with Julia in tow. She went toward him and fell into his arms. He held her tight.

  Nigel entered the room and glared at them. “Good luck with that bitch!”

  Before Nigel said another word, Ragnvald grabbed the man’s collar and his fist connected with Nigel’s jaw. Nigel fell to the floor.

  “Bastard! You will pay for this,” Nigel said as he struggled to stand. “Mark my word,” he added before storming out.

  “He’s never going to bother our family again,” Colin declared, pouring himself a glass of whiskey.

  Relief filled Ragnvald. “Tell me what happened.” He gently sat Julia at the table. Her body shook. “Did he hurt you?”

  Colin answered, “Nigel has hurt her. And I was a fool for not seeing it or doing anything about it.” He kneeled at her feet. “Please forgive me for not protecting you.”

  Julia touched her brother’s cheek. “I should’ve told you the whole story, but I thought I could handle him without anyone’s help.”

  “Stubborn girl!” Colin pulled her into his arms in a tight hug.

  “Where did he go?” Ragnvald wanted to kick Nigel’s ass.

  “I demanded he leave this house and never show his face around my family ever again.”

  Ragnvald was reassured...somewhat. He didn’t trust Nigel. His gut told him to remain on his guard. Julia needed his protection at all costs.

  “I hope he doesn’t come back,” Fiona said.

  “He won’t,” Colin said. “I told him he could stay in the loft above the garage until the snowstorm subsides. Then I’ll make sure he leaves as soon as the roads are clear.”

  “I need some time alone.” Julia stood. “Forgive me.”

  Ragnvald wanted to follow her upstairs. He wanted to wrap his arms around her. Sadness and anger filled him. He raked a hand through his hair. Damn Nigel! He poured another glass of whiskey, hoping the liquid would soothe his nerves. The need to hold the woman he loved overtook him. He glanced at the oak staircase and imagined her crying until her eyes turned red.

  “She’s a tough cookie,” Colin said, breaking into his thoughts.

  Ragnvald plopped into the chair beside the hearth. Confusion filled his head. He didn’t understand how Nigel thought he could show up there and not cause such pain for Julia. “Forgive me for asking, but why didn’t Julia ever talk to you about her relationship with Nigel?”

  Colin sat in the chair across from him. “We had no idea. She kept everything inside. My sister is a proud woman. Too proud sometimes.”

  He could see that. Yet he wondered how her family didn’t see that something was wrong.

  Colin sipped his drink. “I’ll forever take the blame for letting that man hurt Julia.” He looked at Ragnvald. “I’m happy she has you in her life. She told me how much she loves spending time with you. And I can see in her eyes that she has feelings for you.”

  “She does?”

  “Oh, yes,” Colin answered. “I’ve never seen her so happy.”

  He felt his heart sing. “I care for her very much.”

  “I know.” Colin lifted his glass.

  Glancing at the staircase, Ragnvald’s lips curled upward. A need for Julia overtook him. “I should see if she’s all right.”

  Before Colin could give him his blessing, he crossed the room and climbed the stairs.

  Chapter 6

  Distant mountains rolled by as Julia and Ragnvald drove back to Copenhagen. She thanked him in silence for taking her away. She couldn’t spend another day at the cabin. She loved Colin and Fiona and their children, but Nigel’s presence had ruined her time with her family. He had to have known that showing up unannounced would bother her. Indeed, he had unsettled her. She thanked the heavens above she’d spent at least one day with her family and Ragnvald without Nigel’s presence. Julia glanced at Ragnvald’s handsome face. Her heart fluttered, and her lips curled into a smile.

  When he looked at her, she melted. His icy blue eyes pierced through her. His tempting mouth beckoned. She remembered every moment he’d kissed her. Heaven help me! She wanted his lips all over her skin. She loved the way his beard covered his lower jaw and his square chin. She loved the tattoos on his forearms. She admired the intricate design of each drawing on his skin. What story did each one hold?

  “I meant to ask you about these tattoos. What does this one mean?” She glided her fingers along his forearm. The Celtic-like design captured her attention. Each line curved, creating circles and waves, and ended with a dragon head.

  “It’s my Viking dragon. It means power, insight, and wisdom.”

  “I like it.”

  He smiled. “I noticed you also have a tattoo on your neck.”

  She blushed. “Oh, that one? The two entwined hearts just represent the romantic in me.”

  “I like yours too.” He brought her fingers against his lips.

  Heat infused her body. His soft lips left their mark on her hand. As they drove down the road, he held onto her fingers. Julia felt safe, protected, and dare she hope...loved. Never in her life had she felt this way. He respected her thoughts and her needs.

  Julia inhaled a breath, relaxing her body. She couldn’t ask for a better travel companion. Even the weather smiled upon them, the morning sun shone amidst the azure sky. After days of snow, a nice day was welcomed.

  “Thank you for going with me back to the city,” he said, kissing her hand.

  “I’m happy we finally left the cabin.”

  “Me too. Do you think your brother likes me?”

  She smiled. “I think so. I’m just glad he got rid of that horrible man.”

  Within a few hours of the snowstorm ending, a tow truck delivered Nigel’s car to the house, and Colin had shown Nigel the door and made sure he left. Colin couldn’t believe how much that man had betrayed her and their fam
ily. He had fooled everyone, especially her. Love had blinded her. Or the idea of love. She feared the cracks in her heart would never fully heal. Months of plunging into her work had helped, but the betrayal still stung.

  “If you don’t mind my asking, how long did your relationship with Nigel last?”

  “Four years,” she replied while the memories flooded her head. “We were friends first, and then one day he asked me to marry him.” She swallowed back a lump in her throat. “Everything was a lie.”

  Ragnvald gave her hand a light squeeze. “It’s all over now.”

  Julia took comfort in his touch and understanding. Could she ever love again after what had happened? She squeezed her eyes shut, chasing away memories of the past.

  “What kind of music do you like?” he asked as he turned on the radio.

  “You’ll laugh if I tell you.”

  He shook his head and crossed his heart.

  “I love music from the nineteen eighties, especially Duran Duran.”

  “I like them too.”

  His response surprised her. “Really?”

  He nodded. “I saw them in concert a few times.”

  She envied him. “I never had the chance. My father thought I was too young to attend a rock concert, and my brother would never come with me. Maybe one day I’ll see them.”

  “Next concert, I will go with you.”

  She smiled. “What kind of music do you like?”

  “Classic rock. Some heavy metal rock too.”

  When she thought she couldn’t like him more, Julia felt her heart tumble again. They shared common interests, and she liked that. Her lips curled upward. Her body warmed.

  As they continued on their way toward the city, Julia discovered his likes and dislikes. And she made a mental note of every detail.

  “Are you hungry?” he asked as they approached a winding road.

  “Sure. I can eat a bite.”

  He smiled. “I was thinking maybe I could cook for you if you don’t mind.”

  “That would be lovely.”

  He kissed her fingers. Julia noticed his boyish grin and the sparkle in his blue eyes. She was curious what he would prepare for her. Was he a good cook? If he showed as much passion in the kitchen as he did with her, Julia knew she would be in for a culinary treat. She couldn’t wait to find out.

  As she looked at the road, Julia wondered if they were close to their destination. Then they exited the highway and traveled down another road. Her heart thumped with excitement and anticipation as they slowed down. On the horizon, a breathtaking log cabin came into view. The midday sun pierced the returning clouds long enough to show her the golden hue of the wood. Behind the cabin, thick pine trees provided some intimacy.

  “Here we are,” Ragnvald declared.

  Julia admired the beautiful architecture. The cabin stood two stories with a winding front staircase. A fresh blanket of snow covered the front yard and surrounded the house. She noted every detail and burned the scenery in her mind.

  “It’s magnificent.”

  “I’m happy you like it,” he replied, turning off the engine and opening his door.

  Julia smiled at him when he opened her car door and offered his hand. She joined her fingers with his and stepped out. Chilled air met her cheeks and froze her nostrils.

  “Come, let’s get you warm.”

  Hand in hand, Julia followed him inside. A hint of cinnamon reached her nose. They shared another common interest. She also liked the scent in her home. As she scanned the interior, Julia admired the open area. Despite the grand space, the warm wood and luxurious rug made her feel comfortable.

  “Make yourself at home,” he said, stepping behind her. “Let me take your coat.”

  Once Julia unbuttoned her coat, his hands lingered on her shoulders. His warm lips touched the sensitive skin beside her ear. She stilled in anticipation and closed her eyes, savoring his touch, his presence. He gently turned her around. She opened her eyes. His delicious lips kissed her forehead and then her cheeks. Kiss me, she silently wished. He read her mind.

  As his lips connected to hers, a low moan escaped her throat. She loved the way his mouth moved across hers in a slow dance. He pushed her coat off, letting it drop to the floor, and brought her closer. Her body trembled with delight. Afraid her knees would buckle, she anchored her fingers on his waist. Her head spun with desire. Their surroundings faded. Christ! She was falling for him.

  The tip of his tongue teased her lips. He wanted in and she let him. Their tongues twirled in a dance she never wanted to end. She pulled him closer, wrapping her hands behind his neck. She kissed him back with equal passion, letting him know how much she liked him, his kisses, his touch.

  Knock. Knock. Knock.

  * * * *

  Ragnvald grunted. With regret, he pulled away from Julia. He kissed her brow before opening the door. A tall, wiry man stood on the other side with a stern expression on his face.

  “Mr. Hallvardson?”

  “Yes. How can I help you?”

  Julia stepped beside Ragnvald. He wrapped his arm around her.

  “My name is Inspector Danielson.” He showed his badge. “I have some questions for you about Nigel Smythe.”

  “What about?” Ragnvald inquired.

  “May I come in?” The man raked a hand through his short, light blond hair.

  Ragnvald stepped aside. “Please.” When the inspector passed them, Ragnvald gently grabbed Julia’s hand. “I’m sure everything is all right.” He saw the concern in her eyes and he didn’t like that.

  “Please, sit, inspector,” Ragnvald offered the man a chair near the hearth he had built when he constructed the house all those years ago. “Would you like some coffee?”

  “No, thank you.” The inspector pulled out a notepad from his coat pocket. “I won’t take too much of your time.”

  “What happened to Nigel?” Julia asked.

  “How do you know him, miss?” The inspector looked at her.

  Julia glanced at Ragnvald and then at the inspector. “I was engaged to him.”

  The inspector pushed his eyeglasses up his nose and then wrote on his pad. “When was the last time you both saw him?”

  “Two days ago,” Ragnvald replied. “We both saw him leave Colin’s home. Colin is Julia’s brother. What is this all about?”

  “Mr. Smythe has accused you, Mr. Hallvardson, of causing his automobile accident. He claims you tampered with his brakes.”

  “Is he all right?” Julia asked.

  Ragnvald was surprised Nigel had an accident and was accusing him of causing it. How dare he! He glanced at Julia. Her concern for her ex-fiancé puzzled him, but he knew deep down, it was simply her kind nature.

  “He suffered nothing life-threatening, but he remains at the hospital under observation,” the inspector replied matter-of-factly. “He lost control of the vehicle, went off the road, and landed in a ditch. His accusations are, however, serious, and he has shown us some evidence of his claims. And he states Ms. Williamson had recently driven his car. If we find either of you have tampered with the vehicle somehow, there will be an arrest.”

  “Have you come here to arrest me now?” Ragnvald asked. He squared his shoulders. He hadn’t harmed anyone.

  “No, not at the moment. Can anyone vouch for your presence the morning of two days ago?”

  Ragnvald looked at Julia. Fear veiled her eyes. He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “We were both with Julia’s family at the cabin. Nigel left early that morning.”

  The inspector jotted some words down in his notepad, then closed it. “I think that’s enough for now. Please stay in town. We might have more questions for you—both of you.” He pulled out a small card and handed it to Ragnvald. “This is my contact information if you have anything else to tell me. I will be in touch.”

  Ragnvald nodded.

  “Have a nice day,” the inspector said before leaving.

  When Ragnvald closed the front door, he raked
a nervous hand through his hair. He had never been accused of harming another person. And he didn’t like it one bit. He hated unfounded accusations. How would he prove his innocence?

  “I don’t understand how Nigel could accuse you of this.” Julia chewed on her bottom lip.

  He gathered her in his arms and kissed her brow. “Don’t worry, love.”

  “You don’t know him like I do. He’s a very vengeful man, especially when he wants something or someone.”

  “I can handle him,” he said with confidence.

  “You must be careful, please,” she murmured.

  He held her tight. Part of him feared Nigel’s false accusations would tear Julia away from him. His body trembled with anger and fear. Julia pressed against him.

  “Are you hungry?” he asked.

  She shook her head. “I need a strong drink.”

  He kissed her brow. “How about some vodka?”

  “Sounds lovely. Thank you.”

  “My pleasure.”

  He walked into the kitchen and pulled out a bottle of vodka from the freezer. Then he took out two shot glasses from the cupboard while anger boiled within his gut. Why the hell would Nigel accuse him of something as serious as causing a car accident?

  The last time someone had accused him of wrong-doing was a lifetime ago. He was almost hanged for fancying a woman in the village he lived in at the time. He thought himself in love with Katrina and had considered marrying her. What a foolish notion! The whole population had chased him out of the village, but he’d managed to escape whatever punishment they had in store for him. All of that because of her jealous suitor who wouldn’t accept her decision. In the end, her father had sent her away to a convent.

  “Here you go.” He joined Julia on the sofa facing the hearth. Her sweet face showed signs of fatigue and sadness. He hated seeing her so distraught. What could he do? “Julia?”

  She looked at him with tears in her eyes. He drew her into his arms.

  “Why does Nigel hate me so much? What have I done wrong?” she asked.

  “It’s not you, sweetheart. He’s an angry man. A jealous one, I think.” He rubbed her back with one hand and cradled her head with the other. Part of him wanted to find Nigel and pummel him. But that would only serve the other man’s purpose. Not his.