Placing an arm around her, Rowan snuggled closer. “Did dad say anything else?”
“He gave me some ideas for the garden, and asked me to keep some rosemary by the front, and back door,” she laughed.
Again, something in the request suggested her father had a specific purpose, or reason in mind. What that was, Rowan couldn’t be sure. “We can pick up some rosemary from the garden centre if you like?”
Her mother clapped her hands together. “That’s a wonderful idea. Shall we grab lunch out too? Your brother can sort the shopping since he has eaten the last of the food.”
“Sounds like a plan. Give me an hour. I should hopefully finish then.”
“I don’t know what I would do without you.” Giving Rowan a quick hug, she retreated inside.
The promise of lunch and her mother’s good mood gave Rowan the incentive she needed. She swiftly drained the last contents of the glass and turned back to the task in hand. Picking up the brush, Rowan swept with a little more enthusiasm, determined to finish within the hour as promised. Head bent and absorbed in her work, she didn’t see anyone approach.
“Need a hand with that?”
Her gaze lifted slowly, not quite believing what she had heard. The colour instantly drained from her cheeks. Brush clattering to the ground, Rowan stumbled backwards and shook her head, her mind swimming in a fog of confusion.
“It’s not possible,” she whispered.
He smiled, and her knees buckled beneath her. Before she hit the ground, he was there, sweeping her into his arms. Rowan breathed in his scent as he held her close to his chest and carried her to the doorstep. Gently he placed her down, and sat next to her, his eyes full of concern as he took her hand in his.
Rowan stuttered for the words, “I… I…”
He squeezed her hand. “I know.”
“But how?”
“I told you that I would find you.”
“You’re real?”
“Yes.”
“I honestly believed I was going crazy.”
He hugged her close. “Never.”
“I don’t even know your name.”
He kissed her forehead, and her heart exploded. “Finn, and yours?”
“Rowan.”
“Of course, that makes sense.”
Rowan pulled back and searched his face. “What does?”
Finn released her from his embrace and stood. Sliding his hand gently underneath her arm, he lifted her to her feet. “Another time. Right now, we need to go.”
“Go where? You still haven’t explained how it is that you are here.”
Finn frowned. “Do you trust me?”
Rowan took a moment to study him. “I shouldn’t. We hardly know each other.”
“But do you?”
“Yes, I believe I do.”
“Then come with me now,” he insisted, taking hold of her hand.
Rowan freed herself gently from his grip and cringed as she noted the flicker of hurt passing over his face. Her head and her heart locked horns once more.
“Are you completely nuts?” her head scolded. “You know nothing of this man. He could be a total psychopath.” Her heart immediately leapt to his defence. “You need to trust your feelings. You know the truth.”
Rowan rubbed her temples slowly, an attempt to relieve the pressure building as the argument continued and pulled her in opposite directions. “I’m sorry,” she said.
“I don’t understand.”
“I need time to think about this.”
Finn looked away, his gaze in search of, she wasn’t entirely sure, but something instinctively told her it wasn’t good.
“I’m afraid time is a commodity that we don’t have. We need to leave, and now.”
“Why? What’s the urgency?”
Finn met her eyes. “It’s not safe here for you.”
The vision from last night reared its ugly head again. Ice crept across Rowan’s skin, and she shivered involuntarily. “What do you mean, it’s not safe?”
Finn sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “I mean that others are looking for you, right now.”
“Who?”
Finn searched her face. “Somehow, I think you already know.”
“Then why?”
“To stop the prophecy from being fulfilled.”
“What are you talking about? What prophecy?”
“It foretells of a woman born in your world who is destined to save mine.”
“And you think that woman is me?”
“I know that woman is you.”
“You’re wrong.”
“Am I?”
“Even if I were to believe you, my mother and brother are here. What about them? I can’t just go. They’ll be worried.”
“If we leave now, they’ll be safe, I promise you. I can’t make the same promise though if the others find you here. Whether you believe me or not about the prophecy, you know they’re coming for you.”
“I’m not leaving my mother without so much as an explanation. She will be worried sick, and believe me when I say that she, and my brother, will come looking for me. They’d still be in danger,” she argued.
Finn closed his eyes and fell silent for a few moments.
Rowan pressed her point further. “Please, at least let me do this my way and keep my family safe. If I don’t, I’ll never forgive myself, or you. Plus, I need to pack a bag. I assume we won’t be coming back tonight?”
He opened his eyes, his expression serious. “Not for a while at least.”
Nausea churned in Rowan’s stomach. This can’t be happening.
Calling out for Charles, she almost sobbed in relief when a firm hand took her shoulder.
“I take it this is him?” Charles said calmly.
“Yes,” she responded silently.
Finn, oblivious to Charles presence, continued to search Rowan’s face for a response.
She nodded slowly as Charles enveloped her in his energy. “What does he want?”
“He told me that I’m part of some prophecy and others are looking for me. Is he lying?”
“Wait a minute,” Charles instructed.
Finn flinched and looked nervously around. “What was that?”
“It’s okay,” Rowan reassured, “something I can explain, but as you said, let’s keep it for another time.”
“It would seem that there is much we need to learn about each other,” Finn answered.
“Then you understand why I need to think about this?”
The expression on Finn’s face indicated he did. “I know I am asking a lot turning up like this, but please, you have to trust me. There isn’t time to debate this. We need to leave, and soon.”
Rowan turned her attention back to the man that had guided her since birth. “Charles?”
“I do believe the threat is real, and until we know more about what happened the other night, I suggest that you do what he asks, at least for now,” Charles said.
Rowan nodded. “I’ll leave with you, but first I need you to follow my lead and play along.”
“Play along?” Finn asked.
“Act? Do you have a theatre where you come from?”
“Theatre?”
“Storytellers, playwrights, a show, performance?” Rowan took a deep breath.
“We call them fable keepers. The ones who recreate stories of the past, present and future,” Finn said.
“Close enough, just watch what I do and then follow me.”
“As long as we are quick. Some of the fable keepers I know take an entire day.”
Rowan hurried inside the house, Finn following behind. She found her mother sitting at the kitchen table, nursing a glass of water. Her eyes looked lost, although the hint of a smile formed on her lips.
“Mum, is everything alright?”
The spell of the daydream broke as her mother’s eyes drew towards her voice and immediately fell on Finn. She frowned. “I didn’t know we were expecting visitors.”
Rowan pulled a chair free from the table and sat. She indicated for Finn to do the same. Here goes, I hope he understands the concept of work wherever it is that he comes from or I’m in serious trouble. Rowan steeled herself for the lie to come.
“This is Finn. We work together. Finn, this is my mother, Christine.”
“Oh, you’ve never mentioned him before.”
Finn flashed her a smile. “Lovely to meet you, Christine.”
So far, so good. If I keep the word work in there, we might have a chance of pulling this off. Rowan considered her next words.
Her mother’s posture visibly relaxed. “It’s nice to meet you too.”
“I haven’t mentioned him before as he is fairly new to the company. Finn’s only been working with us for about a couple of weeks.” The lie sat uneasily in Rowan’s stomach.
“Are you enjoying it, Finn?”
“Oh yes, people are very friendly, and Rowan has been amazing, such great support to me while I’ve been here.” Finn turned and gave her a wink.
Rowan could feel the sting of heat in her cheeks, as her mother’s mouth twitched with amusement.
“Really? Well, she is a brilliant assistant. It’s such a shame that boss of hers doesn’t truly appreciate her worth.”
Finn beamed. “Well, please be assured that I certainly do appreciate her.”
Rowan’s face burned furiously as his gaze met hers.
“I see. That’s good to know. Although not to be rude, but this is Saturday and Rowan’s day off. Was there a particular reason for your visit?”
“Yes, my apologies, I appreciate this is your day off, but I need to leave today, and wondered whether you had thought any more on my offer?”
Rowan took his cue. “I’m flattered that you thought of me. As I already explained, I’m just not sure I can go right now.”
“Oh, what’s this?” her mother asked.
Rowan intervened before Finn could speak. “They need some help developing their London branch. It’s one of the reasons they brought him in. Finn’s travelling down there this evening to complete an initial survey and pull together a development plan. He asked me to assist him, but I said I couldn’t go. As you can see, he doesn’t seem to take no for an answer. I guess that’s why the company hired him.”
Her mother’s eyes lit with excitement. “You never said anything?”
“How could I leave you and Jake? Besides, I didn’t think Finn was serious. There are others in the company far more skilled than me.” Please let him understand and not blow this.
Finn studied her face for a moment and after what felt like the longest minute spoke. “I’m perfectly serious, and as Christine has quite rightly stated, you are the company’s best assistant. I need you.” Their eyes locked, and the kitchen fell into silence.
Her mother cleared her throat. “This is amazing. Of course, you must go.”
“Are you sure? I could be gone for a few weeks. There’s quite a lot that needs sorting down there,” Rowan said.
“Jake and I will manage. He can take me to the garden centre tomorrow. Oh, Rowan, opportunities like this don’t come that often. You have to seize them when you get the chance.” Her mother’s eyes sparkled. “This is what your father meant when he told me to let you go.”
“I promise you, I’ll take good care of her. Your daughter is important to the company, and to me,” Finn reassured.
“You damn well better. She’s my world.”
Rowan heaved a sigh. It had worked. “I guess that’s settled then. I’d better pack.”
Her mother stood. “I’ll get you a case. I think I still have one in the spare room. Excuse me, Finn.” She gave Rowan a quick thumbs up and left the kitchen.
As soon as they were alone, Finn reached for her hand.
“I hate lying to her.”
“I can see that. But it’s a necessary lie, and one that will keep your family safe.”
“Jake doesn’t even know that I’m leaving.”
“Christine will explain it to him.”
“You’re sure about this? There’s no other way?”
Finn shook his head. “We need to get away from this village before the sun sets.”
“They’re real? Those things that live in the darkness?”
“Yes. How is it that you know of the Fallen?”
“The Fallen? Is that what you call them? I sensed them in the village.” Rowan noted the confused look on Finn’s face. “Again, something for me to explain later. Are they hunting me? Why?”
“They travel with the one who is. They do his bidding. He serves another. That’s why we don’t have time to delay. The fact that you’ve sensed them means they are close to finding you.”
“I’ll be quick, I promise,” she reassured.
Finn released her hand.
Rowan hurried from the kitchen, her heart pounding as she sprinted up the stairs, Finn’s words ringing loudly in her ears.
Moving swiftly around her bedroom, she gathered both casual and work clothing from her drawers and tossed them onto the bed. Toiletries could always be bought once they had set off, and were away from the village, although she would pack her toothbrush at least. Staring at the random selection in front of her, Rowan bit down on her bottom lip. What do you pack when you have no idea where you are going, or how long for?
Her mother entered the room quietly and handed her a suitcase. “Have you got everything you need? He’s not given you much time.”
“I think so, and anything else I can always buy. Are you sure you’re alright with this? I could tell him no.”
“Yes, I’m sure and your father is right. As much as I know I will miss you, I need to let you go.”
The timing of her father’s message was indeed far too much of a coincidence.
“It’s only for a few weeks. I’m sure Jake and I will cope without you.”
Rowan’s eyes slid to the bedroom door. What would Jake say about all this? Would he understand, try to stop me? Perhaps I should wake him and at least tell him that I’m leaving.
As if she had read Rowan’s mind, her mother shook her head. “Don’t you be worried about Jake. I can explain once he surfaces, and you can always give him a call later. Besides which, I don’t think that young man downstairs is quite ready for a grilling. Although it strikes me that he could easily charm the honey from a bee.” She perched on the end of the bed and grinned impishly.
Rowan eyed her suspiciously. “What are you grinning at?”
“Finn’s extremely good looking too, did you not notice?” she teased.
Rowan concentrated on folding the last of her clothing into the suitcase. “I would be lying if I said I didn’t.”
“I can tell that he likes you, and judging by your reaction downstairs, I’m betting that the feeling is mutual.”
Rowan banged the case firmly shut. “It’s early days so please don’t go getting ahead of yourself.”
Her mother’s eyes were dreamy. “I remember how I first felt when I met your father. Every time he looked at me, he took my breath away.”
Rowan sighed. “It scares me how strongly I do feel.”
“I know, darling, but if you allow your fear to rule, you’ll never find happiness. Is that why you didn’t tell me about the trip? Why you didn’t want to go?”
“I guess. At first, I thought it wasn’t real, that I imagined it. But he’s here, and no matter how much I try, I can’t deny how he makes me feel.” Not quite the truth, but it was close enough.
“Then go on this trip with him. Take a chance, what have you got to lose?”
Rowan kissed her softly on the cheek. “Will you tell Finn I’ll be down in a minute? I need to get changed out of these clothes.”
“I will, and I’m glad for you. It’s about time you found someone who makes you as happy as your father made me.”
The bedroom door closed gently behind her, leaving Rowan alone with her guilt. A necessary lie to keep her family safe, Finn had told he
r. It still didn’t sit well, yet she understood that the alternative would be far worse. Dumping her clothes into the laundry hamper, Rowan changed swiftly into a fresh set of clothing. Reaching for her handbag she retrieved her mobile phone and quickly fired an email to her manager, tendering her resignation with immediate effect due to unforeseeable personal circumstances. Sighing, she collected her handbag and the suitcase from the bed, and taking one last look around, said goodbye.
Her mother was laughing as she entered the kitchen.
“What’s so funny?”
“Let’s just say Miserable George won’t be making a nuisance of himself. Look…” Her mother pointed over to the window.
Rowan stared in disbelief as George waved a hand in greeting before lifting the fence panel back into position. Their parasol, she noted, was returned and lying on the lawn. Eyes wide, she turned to Finn who merely grinned at her.
“As I said before, he could charm the honey from a bee,” her mother giggled.
“He knocked while you were both upstairs,” Finn explained.
“But how?”
“I have my ways,” he said.
Composure regained, her mother turned and beamed. “Thank you again. I haven’t laughed this much for ages.”
“You’re welcome and you should do it more often. It suits you.”
“Oh Finn, you can encroach on our weekend any time.”
Rowan smiled. “Mum, would you mind grabbing my car keys. I think they’re in the living room.”
“No problem, I won’t be a minute.” She patted Finn’s arm affectionately and left the two of them alone.
Any doubts that Rowan had were gone in that moment.
“Are you alright?” Finn asked, searching her face.
“I am now. What you did with George was pretty amazing. My mum too. It’s been a long time since she truly laughed.”
“I can see how important she is to you and believe me when I say that I understand how difficult it is for you to leave. Anything I can do to ease that for you, I will.”
“So, you do care about me?” Rowan’s breath quickened as Finn drew her into his arms.
Lowering his lips to hers, he kissed her softly. “More than you know.”
She pulled away, desperately trying to hide the effects of his kiss.
The Veils of Valoria Page 8