Whispering Souls

by Jackie M. Smith

  “Anyone home?”

  Julia walked into her father’s study and opened the top drawer of his oak desk. There, she pulled out some banknotes. She knew Dad wouldn’t mind. She wrote her parents a quick note about her predicament, but for their security—in case Nigel came there—she didn’t tell them where she was going. Then she hurried outside and climbed back into the cab.

  “Here’s some money.” She counted the amount needed. “Could you take me to the train station, please?”

  “Straight away!”

  Julia counted the remaining money in her hand and knew she had enough to get her to her destination, and for food and a change of clothing. She closed her eyes and prayed her family would find her soon. Ragnvald, she called out in silence. One thing she knew for sure—Nigel would pay. One way or another, he would pay.

  Chapter 9

  As the train rolled through the English countryside, Julia inhaled a deep, soothing breath and then another. She knew that Nigel would never quit looking for her—nor would Ragnvald, she hoped with all her heart. But who would find her first?

  Christ! What did you get yourself into?

  Julia closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the seat. Ragnvald’s face appeared. She prayed he hadn’t given up on her. She hoped he cared enough to search for her. Part of her believed in him, and that’s what she focused on. If she gave into her doubts and fears, all would be lost to her.

  Ragnvald, she whispered in silence as she opened her eyes and stared at the golden scenery outside the train window. Would anyone know where to look for her? Deep down, she hoped Ragnvald had already sought out Colin’s help, and that her brother thought about the estate and realized she would be there.

  She chewed on her bottom lip until she tasted blood. Maybe I should go to the authorities and tell them about Nigel? But without proof, would they really believe she’d been kidnapped? She wrapped her hands around her arms and knew it was best for her to flee far away. Hopefully, her brother would know to search for her at their ancestral home in Scotland. Only the family knew about this place.

  She thanked the heavens above for Lochlannach. It meant Vikings in Gaelic, her father had told her. She smiled. Even as a gentle Englishman, he had never forgotten his Nordic heritage. After her parents bought the modest sixteenth-century castle near Edinburg, the family traveled there every year during their Christmas vacation.

  Loving memories rushed to the surface. Julia loved the peace and quiet of the castle, and the times shared there with her family. The family’s last Christmas was her last visit to Lochlannach. She hadn’t enjoyed her visit so much with Nigel’s betrayal weighing upon her.

  With her chilled hands, Julia rubbed her face and blew out a breath. She needed a drink.

  Standing, she headed toward the restaurant car at the back of the train. Passengers filled the bar and dining area. Would someone recognize her? Did Nigel send any of his friends to look for her? Keeping her head down, Julia stepped inside with a steady foot. She didn’t stop until she reached the table furthest to the back. She sat and scanned her surroundings.

  “What can I get you?” a male voice asked with a clean Manchester accent.

  Looking up, Julia answered, “A glass of scotch whiskey. Neat, please.”

  The white-haired waiter wrote her order on his notepad and offered her a kind smile. “Coming right up.”

  Julia glanced outside. The late afternoon sun pierced through the clouds, making for a clear evening ahead. She hoped they would arrive in Edinburgh soon. For now, she needed to hide from any suspicious eyes until they made it to their destination.

  The waiter returned and set her drink on the table in front of her. “Will there be anything else, miss?”

  Julia shook her head. “No, thank you.” She pulled out some money from her pocket and handed it to him.

  “Thank you.” He smiled at her before stepping away.

  The glass shook in her trembling fingers. She chided her nerves. After another sip, Julia felt her woes make way for reason. She knew she had to keep her wits.

  Inhaling a deep breath, Julia stared out into the rolling scenery and let her thoughts flow to Ragnvald. If she never saw him again, she took comfort in the moments spent with him. The memories she tucked within the depths of her heart. In the short time she’d known him, he had changed her life forever. He had given her hope that she hadn’t died inside when Nigel betrayed her. No longer able to hold back the tears, they flowed down her cheeks.

  “Are you all right, miss?”

  A breath caught in her throat. With the back of her hand, Julia wiped her face. She nodded. “Yes, thank you.” She looked at the kind waiter and gave him a reassuring smile.

  “I’ll get you another drink,” he said and then left before she had a chance to protest.

  Julia brought the glass of whiskey to her lips and drank the contents. And when the waiter brought her another glass, she pulled out some money.

  “This one is on me,” he said.

  She lifted her drink and said, “Cheers!”

  “My pleasure.” He walked away and tended to other passengers.

  The older waiter had showed her kindness and she appreciated it. Julia took a sip of her new drink and let the smooth alcohol warm her. She felt her nerves finally relax. Yet she’d wager it would take a few more drinks to numb her mind from the worries plaguing her. Christ! She wished the train would go faster. She wished for the security of her parents’ Scottish estate. Would they ever get there?

  What if Nigel knew where she was headed and waited for her there? She shook her head. It was impossible. Over the years Nigel had heard them talk about the estate, but he’d never been there, and he didn’t know exactly where it was—only that it was somewhere in Scotland. So she felt like she would be safe there.

  She closed her eyes for a moment. Ragnvald’s handsome face haunted her. She wanted to believe he would find her somehow. But she had to face the possibility that he had abandoned her. The thought caused her heart to sink. With a deep breath, Julia willed her mind to find a solution. She couldn’t wait on her family nor on Ragnvald to save her from Nigel.

  Once the train approached Edinburgh, Julia knew her first destination in the Scottish city. The police station. A plan formed in her head—seek help, then take refuge at her family’s Scottish home until the authorities captured Nigel.

  It was her only chance to be rid of Nigel. Let them handle him. They had to believe her story. They had to protect her. Julia remained in her seat and felt her courage returning. If she knew Nigel, he would certainly have spoken to her parents by now. He would have told them his own pitiful version of the facts. Part of her wanted to return to England and fight him off. But Julia knew contacting the police would be her best chance. Nigel had a tremendous reputation and power in London. And her only chance of surviving his wrath was to remain hidden in Scotland until he was stopped, once and for all.

  “Edinburg Station!” the intercom announced.

  Her heart thundered with anticipation. Outside, the city of Edinburgh appeared. Rows of buildings lined the rails. The train entered the city. Some passengers stretched while others grabbed their bags from overhead compartments. Julia felt her body buzz. She could barely wait to step off the train and head to the police station.

  The train gave a jerk and then slowed down until it stopped in the crowded train station. With a determined step, Julia walked out of the train and headed toward the exit. She willed her legs to walk faster up some stairs and through the main station area. She didn’t stop until she reached the doors that led outside. There, taxis awaited passengers. Julia opened the door to the first cab and climbed inside.

  “The police station, please.”

  “Right away,” the man replied with a thick Scottish brogue.

  Julia inhaled some air into her lungs as the driver pulled away from the train station. She prayed for this mess to be over soon.

  * * * *

  Ragnvald thought he
would never set foot in England again. But there he stood in front of the Williamson’s house in St. James Park with Julia’s brother at his side.

  “Come in, old boy.” Colin looked at him from up the steps. “My parents are waiting for us.”

  With a thumping heart, Ragnvald climbed the stone steps of the nineteenth-century townhouse. Inside, warmth surrounded him and melted the chill in his bones. Hope had carried him there. Yet he somehow knew Julia wouldn’t be there. With a heavy heart, he followed Colin into the house.

  “Father! Mother!”

  Within a moment, both parents appeared from a room down the corridor. He recognized the familial features, for Julia carried the same ones. A twinge pinched his heart. He missed her.

  “I’d like you to meet Ragnvald Hallvardson,” Colin told his parents. “He’s Julia’s friend I told you about.” Colin turned to Ragnvald. “These are my parents, Edmund and Henriet Williamson.”

  Ragnvald offered his hand to Edmund. “Nice to meet you both.”

  Edmund stepped forward and accepted his proffered hand. And so did Henriet. “Nice to meet you, Ragnvald. That’s quite a Norse name,” Edmund pointed out.

  “Yes, it is, sir.” He blushed.

  Henriet took his hand. “Come, sit with us.”

  Ragnvald smiled in gratitude. He followed Julia’s parents into the study. Rows and rows of books covered all the walls but one. Behind the grand cherry oak desk, a high window illuminated the room. On the wall near the door, a stone hearth warmed the study. In front of it, a loveseat and two club chairs welcomed them. Julia’s parents sat on the sofa while Colin took the other club chair.

  “Please, sit,” Edmund said.

  Ragnvald did so, feeling their gazes on him. “Thank you for welcoming me into your lovely home.”

  “Of course. Colin and Julia have said very kind words about you.”

  Ragnvald glanced at Colin, wondering what he had told them. But he especially wondered what Julia had said about him.

  “Julia left us a letter before she disappeared,” Henriet said. “She told us how kind you were to her and how much you care for her.”

  Ragnvald blushed. “I do care for your daughter very much. She’s very special to me.” His heart fluttered with love for Julia.

  “Do you know where she has gone?” Colin asked his parents.

  Edmund nodded. “I do. But first, tell us what the hell happened with Nigel. He’s told us that Julia went back to him. I’m sure that’s not the case. Is it?”

  “The man is a liar,” Colin said, reflecting Ragnvald’s thoughts.

  “Why would he tell such lies to us?” Henriet inquired with concern. “I thought they had both decided to no longer be together. That’s what Julia told us.”

  “That’s not exactly what happened.” Colin raked a hand through his hair and stood. “Julia caught him in bed with another woman.” He poured himself a glass of whiskey and turned. “Now that Julia has found someone who makes her happy...well, let’s just say that Nigel didn’t take it like a man. He kidnapped Julia.”

  “She’s not with him,” Edmund declared.

  A breath stuck in Ragnvald’s throat. “Did Julia say that?” he dared ask.

  Edmund nodded, then stood and walked to his desk. There, he took out a piece of paper and handed it to Ragnvald.

  “How did she manage to escape Nigel?” Ragnvald wondered as he read Julia’s elegant handwritten note.

  “My sister is a very resourceful woman,” Colin said with pride.

  Ragnvald smiled. He had no doubt about Julia’s ability to defend herself. And he knew for sure her heart belonged to no other man. Could he dare hope again for a life with Julia?

  “She doesn’t say anything in this letter about where she might have gone,” Ragnvald said.

  “No, but I know my daughter,” Edmund said. “She’s gone to the safest place she knows.”

  “Lochlannach,” Colin muttered.

  “Where?” Ragnvald asked, curious.

  “Scotland. She’s gone to our home near Edinburgh,” Colin replied.

  Ragnvald stood. “We must find her.” He felt his body ignite with anticipation.

  Edmund placed a hand on his shoulder. “First, we must make sure Nigel hasn’t followed her there. He cannot know her whereabouts.”

  Ragnvald nodded.

  “Did you alert Scotland Yard?” Colin asked his parents.

  “This morning,” Henriet replied. “They have put an alert out for Nigel here in London.”

  “I need to find Julia,” Ragnvald said, pleading with Julia’s parents.

  After a moment’s hesitation, Edmund nodded. He walked to his desk and took out another piece of paper. Ragnvald watched him scribble some words. Then he pulled out a key from the top drawer.

  Edmund placed the key in an envelope and handed it to Ragnvald. “Here is the key just in case you need it.” He patted Ragnvald’s arm. “Bring back our girl.”

  “On my honor, you have my word.”

  Edmund clasped Ragnvald’s shoulder. Then Henriet wrapped her arms around him. Tears filled her eyes. “Keep my daughter safe.”

  “I will.”

  Henriet kissed his cheek.

  “Come,” Colin said. “I’ll take you to the airport.”

  Ragnvald nodded.

  “Thank you, my boy.” Edmund shook Ragnvald’s hand once more.

  “It’s my honor, sir.”

  As Ragnvald walked out of the room with Colin, he felt his heart lighten. Yet he knew all the heaviness wouldn’t leave until he found Julia and she was in his arms. He prayed the rift between them had faded. The last moment he’d spent with her had burned a hole in his gut. The hurt in her eyes had caused him pain, but not as much as her absence.

  “Let’s get you to the airport.” Colin placed a hand on his shoulder.

  “Godspeed,” Edmund said from behind him.

  Henriet gave him a reassuring grin while she held back her tears. Ragnvald’s heart tugged.

  Outside, he followed Colin to his car parked in the street. They drove through the city until they reached Heathrow Airport. Only a short while ago he had taken an airplane from this busy airport. This time, it was to find Julia. He prayed he’d find her where her brother said she’d be hiding. The thought of her alone and afraid tore his guts apart. He should’ve never let her leave that morning. He raked a nervous hand through his hair and blew out a breath.

  “You’ll find her.” Colin’s words pierced through his reverie.

  Ragnvald tried a convincing grin. He wanted to believe Julia’s brother. But until the woman he loved returned, he could only hold his breath.

  “It shouldn’t take you too long to reach the family estate,” Colin declared. “Once you purchase your ticket, text me your arrival time, and I’ll make arrangements to have a driver waiting for you at the Edinburgh airport.”

  Ragnvald nodded, making a mental note of Colin’s instructions. But his head filled with thoughts of Julia. He loved her. By all the gods in Valhalla, he loved Julia. He smiled, realizing what his heart had shouted at him since the moment he laid eyes on Julia Williamson during the flight from London to Copenhagen.

  “I’m coming, sweetheart,” he whispered.

  * * * *

  “It’s very nice to see ye again, Miss Julia,” Mrs. Ferguson greeted her at the front door to Lochlannach.

  Julia glanced over her shoulder, making sure no one had followed her. A police officer had escorted her safely. Yet she remained on alert. There was no guarantee that Nigel hadn’t hired someone to follow her here.

  “Are ye all right, dear?”

  Mrs. Ferguson’s Scottish brogue pierced Julia’s reverie. She looked at the older woman. Julia nodded and gave her a reassuring grin.

  “Let’s get ye a nice cup of tea to warm ye up.”

  Julia followed the caretaker inside the house. Warmth and the scent of cinnamon surrounded her like an old friend. She loved this house. Her mother had kept the décor as it loo
ked in the sixteenth century. But she’d added a modern touch with electrical lighting fixtures. As Julia followed Mrs. Ferguson, she glided her fingers along the intricate tapestries hanging on the stone walls. Her mother would chide her for sure if she saw her touching the tapestries. Julia missed her parents. She hoped to see them soon. But for now, she knew she must wait. She couldn’t—wouldn’t—bring danger to her family.

  “What brings ye here?” Mrs. Ferguson inquired. “Are yer parents joining ye?”

  Julia shook her head. “Just me. I needed to get away for a while. Sorry I didn’t give you much notice about my coming here.”

  “No worries, dear. I’m happy to see ye.”

  “And I you, Mrs. Ferguson.”

  While Julia took a chair at the wooden kitchen table, Mrs. Ferguson prepared some Earl Grey tea. Julia’s favorite. For the first time since leaving London, Julia felt her body relax somewhat. The local police assured her full protection until they caught Nigel. She took some comfort in the thought that an unmarked police car waited nearby if needed. They’d also alerted her parents.

  As Mrs. Ferguson poured the steaming tea into Julia’s cup, she wondered if her parents would come to her. The police officer reassured her that he would caution them against doing that. Her life and theirs was in great peril. Until the authorities caught Nigel, everyone she loved was in danger—including Ragnvald.

  Heaven help me! I love him! The thought warmed her heart and radiated into her soul. Until that moment, she hadn’t fully realized her love for him. She never expected it. But there she sat in a silent kitchen, thinking of the man who had managed to pierce through the barrier around her heart. Did he love her too? Julia wondered as she sipped the delicious brew in her cup.

  “Are ye here for long?” Mrs. Ferguson inquired.

  Julia took another sip before answering. “Not sure.”

  Mrs. Ferguson patted Julia’s hand. “I’ll get what ye need in town.”

  “Don’t trouble yourself on my account. I’ll manage with whatever is here.”

  Mrs. Ferguson stood. “No trouble at all, dear.”