The Shadows Trilogy Box Set: A Christian Romance

by Juliette Duncan

  Even though her room was on the third floor, the rumble of traffic below was enough to waken Lizzy the following morning. Peering out the window, the grey clouds that filled the sky made her thankful for the lovely day she’d had yesterday. She sat up straight and grabbed her Bible. She needed to stay close to God. Daniel was constantly on her mind, and she longed to know where he was. Had she done the right thing? How easy it would be to forget the reasons for leaving now she was away from him. ‘God, please help me stay strong. It’s less than two days, and already I want to go back. I know that would be foolish, so please give me strength and wisdom, and please work in Daniel’s life.’

  She read a few chapters, and then spent some more time in prayer before taking a shower and preparing for the day. As she brushed her hair, she glanced at the telephone beside the bed. Her chest tightened. Why was it so hard to make this call? If only Sal was home. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply. Maybe it’d be better just to turn up and tell them face to face.

  With that decided, she went to the dining room for a quick breakfast before checking out.

  Chapter Three

  Daniel couldn’t believe it. Who did she think she was? Telling him to sort himself out. How dare she! She’s the one who needs sorting. He slammed the door as he left and thumped the wall of the staircase. He’d show her. He found the car and sped off. Maybe Johnno would still be at the pub.

  He checked his watch and thumped the steering wheel. Too late. He’d have to wait until the next session. He’d go to Johnno’s place instead.

  Pulling up outside the run down semi-detached several minutes later, Daniel turned the ignition off and leaned back in his seat. He lit a cigarette and turned the radio up. What was she up to? Would she really leave him? He took a long, slow drag and held his breath before exhaling. It was that bitch. If she hadn’t dobbed him in, he’d still have his job, and everything would still be sweet with Lizzy. He held his head in his hand. The throbbing was getting worse… his head felt like it would explode any minute. He needed a drink.

  Daniel opened the car door and headed inside. He poked his head into the living room, drawn there by the haze drifting out into the hallway. “Danny, brother, come on in.” Johnno sat with four, maybe five others, some on the floor, others sprawled on the couch. Bob Dylan played in the background.

  “Whad’ya do with your missus?” Johnno clapped his arm around Daniel and handed him the bong.

  Daniel lit the cone and inhaled deeply, allowing the magic weed to calm his head before he answered. “She kicked me out. No. Not true. She said she was leaving, so I left first.” He snickered and leaned back on the couch. “Have you got a drink, Johnno?”

  “I’ll get you one, Danny. We’ll drink to your freedom, hey boys?”

  Daniel grinned at his mate, but his heart was heavy.

  Nessa raced to the door when Riley turned his key in the latch late Monday afternoon. She was still in her pyjamas but she didn’t care. She’d been pacing and praying all day, ever since Lizzy’s call that morning. Several times during the day she’d considered looking for Daniel herself, but then better judgment stopped her, and she returned to pacing. But now Riley was home, they could take action.

  Immediately he walked in, she grabbed his arm.

  “We’ve got a problem, Riley. Lizzy’s left.”

  Riley stood still and tilted his head, eyebrows raised. “She’s left? What do you mean? Where’s she gone?”

  Nessa sighed heavily as she shook her head. “I don’t know. She wouldn’t say. But she asked us to look out for Daniel.” Nessa grabbed Riley’s arm tighter. “I feel so bad. We should have warned her about him. It’s our fault, Riley. What are we going to do?”

  Riley hung his coat on the hook and loosened his tie. “Calm down, Ness. Do you know what made her leave?”

  “She said Daniel lost his job two weeks ago but didn’t tell her. I think she had enough. She said she needed to go away so he could sort himself out.”

  “Well, that’s not such a bad thing then, if it makes him wake up to himself. Depends on how much he wants her.” Riley stepped around her and headed towards the living room. “Let me have some dinner then I’ll go look for him.” He fell onto the couch as two noisy toddlers jumped on top of him.

  Before he left, Riley stood in front of Nessa and gazed into her eyes. How lucky he was to have her. If it hadn’t been for her, he could well be where Daniel was today. Yes, they probably should have warned Lizzy. Now it was their duty to help them. First, he needed to find Daniel.

  He brushed Nessa’s hair with his hand. “I don’t know how much luck I’ll have, even if I find him. But I’ll do my best. I promise.” He leaned forward and kissed her gently before opening the door and leaving.

  “Lord God, You need to direct me. I need your wisdom. Please forgive us for not warning Lizzy. Be with her and give her Your strength. Comfort her, Lord Jesus. She must be really hurting right now. And Lord, be with Daniel, wherever he is. Please work in his life and bring him to Yourself. And use me in whatever way you will, Lord. You know I’m your servant. I’m sorry for failing You so often, but Lord, I’m Yours. You know that. Thank you for saving me, and for bringing Nessa into my life. I’m forever grateful. Thank you Lord.”

  Riley turned the key in the ignition and drove to ‘The Hairy Hog’. As he pulled into the car park, he kept an eye out for Lizzy and Daniel’s Ford Escort. He assumed Lizzy had taken it, but didn’t know for sure. No, not there. He climbed out of the car and walked around to the front door. What was it about old pubs? They all smelled the same. How many years had it been now? And yet, if he had even one drink, he’d be a goner. He steeled himself and pushed the door open.

  Being a Monday night, the bar was quiet. Only a few regulars by the look of it. An old joker who looked like he lived there, poor old sod. A couple of workers on their way home, another one or two in the corner. No Daniel.

  He sat on a stool and ordered a squash, not caring what they thought. It was unlikely the young bar maid who’d served him would know, but no harm in asking.

  “Looking for a friend of mine. Irishman. Dark hair. Laughs a lot. Seen him lately?” She continued drying glasses, but looked up at him. Her long dark hair made her pale face look even paler. What was a good looking girl like her doing in a joint like this? Surely she could find herself a better job. Riley sighed inwardly.

  “Maybe. Think he was here yesterday.” She stopped wiping and leaned on the counter. “I think the guy you’re talking about got hauled out by his lady.”

  “Mmm. So, he hasn’t been here today?”

  “No, sorry. Haven’t seen him, or his mate Johnno. He’s normally a regular. Surprised he’s not here.”

  Johnno. Of course.

  “Thanks Love.” Riley skulled the rest of his squash and gave her a tip as he jumped off his stool.

  Riley climbed back into his car and sat for a moment, trying to remember where Johnno lived. He’d only been there once when he’d dropped Daniel off not long after Daniel had arrived in town. Riley knew the area, so he started the car and drove, praying he’d find the place.

  He turned his lights on, and headed slowly along Wellington Parade, peering down each street as he passed, but they all looked the same. He turned down Bradley Street and drove slowly between the cars parked on either side. None of the houses stood out. He stopped at the next intersection and peered both ways. More of the same, but maybe this was it. Indicating right, he turned into Kingston Street. The Chippy on the corner looked familiar. And there’s the Escort. Yes, this is it.

  The first available spot to park was fifty yards away. After squeezing into it, Riley stood on the pavement and looked around, thankful he and Nessa had been able to settle in a better area. The houses were tiny, and on the whole, run down, with front gardens overgrown with weeds taller than any of the plants that were hardy enough to survive. He walked back along the pavement towards the Escort, checking each house as he passed.

  The semi-d
etached the Escort was parked in front of looked familiar. Nothing really distinctive to make it stand out, but surely it was the one. He paused before entering, taking a moment to pray, both for himself and for Daniel. What state would he be in?

  Riley walked to the front door and knocked. No answer. He knocked again, this time a little louder. The door opened slowly, and Johnno poked his head out. His long straggly hair looked like it could do with a wash, and dressed in faded baggy jeans and an off white T-Shirt with a peace sign on the front, he looked like a left over hippy.

  Johnno stood and peered at Riley, a confused look on his face.

  “Riley. Come in, man.” Johnno opened the door wider and extended his arm. “Guess you’re looking for Danny. He’s in here.”

  Johnno led Riley into the living room where Daniel lay on the couch, hands behind his head and eyes closed. A bong sitting on the coffee table looked like it’d been used recently.

  Riley stood in the doorway and sighed despondently. At least he’s not drunk. He walked over to the couch and leaned down and gently shook him. “Hey Daniel. Wake up.”

  Daniel sat slowly and steadied his bloodshot eyes on Riley. “Hey man. What are you doing here? Sit down.” He indicated the spot beside him. A grubby throw covered the couch, and an array of assorted cushions and pillows were scattered both on the couch and on the floor. Riley sat, but declined the offer of a cone.

  “So Daniel … I believe Lizzy’s gone.”

  Daniel hung his head.

  “Yeah. I stuffed up big time.”

  “Don’t you want her back?”

  “She won’t come back.” Daniel lifted his head and found Riley’s eyes. “I’m no good for the likes of her.”

  “You’re right on the ball there, mate, with the state you’re in. Look at yourself.” Riley shook his head and sighed heavily. “Ness and I had hoped you were past all of this.” He glanced at the bong and then back at Daniel, who smelt like he hadn’t washed in days.

  “I’m sorry, Rilo. I’m a failure.” Daniel turned to Johnno. “Can you get us some food, man? I’ve got the munchies big time.” He looked back at Riley. “Do you want something to eat?”

  “No thanks, mate.” Riley stood up. “Come back with me, Daniel. Ness and I will help get you sorted. It’s not too late to get Lizzy back.”

  Daniel slumped and shook his head despondently. “Nuh. She’s gone.” His stare was directed at the pile of records sitting on the floor opposite him.

  “Well, let me know if you change your mind. I’ll drop by again later in the week, and we can talk about it more then. Try to stay off the weed, man. It’s no good for you.”

  Riley walked back out to his car with a heavy heart. It was going to be a long road home.

  Chapter Four

  Lizzy hailed a cab to take her to Paddington Station. If only another Scott would appear on the scene to help with her bags, but everyone seemed to be in a hurry and took no notice of her. After buying her ticket, she checked the board. Fifteen minutes before the train was due to leave. Not long really. Not long enough to grab a coffee, especially with more stairs to tackle. Her chest was heaving by the time she arrived on the platform, and she headed straight for a seat where she rubbed her back and took some slow, deep breaths. If only Daniel hadn’t taken the car.

  She looked up as the train came into view. Only a few more hours and she’d be standing on her parents’ door step. Lizzy stood and looked for her carriage. Relieved it was only a short walk, she picked up her bags and headed slowly towards the door.

  “Here, let me help you with that.” She turned and looked at the tall, dark haired gentleman dressed in a navy suit carrying a brief case reaching out for her bag.

  “Thank you very much.” Lizzy smiled warmly at the man and accepted the offer of help gratefully.

  “My pleasure. Let me put it on the rack for you as well.”

  God had once again provided for her, and she was thankful.

  Lizzy tried to read, but with every station the train passed bringing her closer to her destination, there was no way she could concentrate. She really didn’t want to face her parents, particularly her father. A heavy knot took residence in her stomach, weighing her down.

  She looked out the window at the all too familiar scenery. Clusters of houses, and horses grazing happily despite the damp weather, dotted the green rolling fields that resembled home-made patchwork quilts. Small villages centred around churches with steeples visible before anything else came into view. Grand old manor homes perched on hillsides, displaying the prosperity of their owners.

  Too quickly the train slowed for her stop. Lizzy stood, and was relieved when the same gentleman once again offered to help. A pity he wasn’t getting off here.

  Standing on the platform a few moments later on her own, Lizzy determined to carry her own bags the rest of the way. There didn’t appear to be as many steps, and besides, she couldn’t rely upon strangers all the time. She could do this. It would help build the courage needed to face her parents.

  She pulled her shoulders back and stood as straight as she could before making her way down the stairs and through the subway. A young girl with long straggly hair playing a guitar caught her attention, and she dropped a few coins into the girl’s hat as she passed.

  She hoped her own guitar would still be in one piece when she returned. If Daniel got really angry, that might be the one possession he’d take revenge on. She sighed and continued walking. There was nothing she could do but pray. It was only a guitar when all was said and done, and could easily be replaced.

  Two taxis waited at the rank. She gulped and fought the fluttery feeling in her stomach. This was it. The final leg of the journey.

  “Where to Ma’am?” The jollier of the two cab drivers walked towards her and reached for her bag.

  “Wiveliscombe. Do you go that far?”

  “Yes Ma’am. No problem. To a hotel there? Or visiting friends or family?”

  Lizzy winced inwardly. Just her luck to get a happy chatty driver again. “Family. My parents own Wiveliscombe Manor.” The driver lowered his head and raised his brow just enough for Lizzy to notice. She was sure he would have whistled if it wasn’t inappropriate.

  Sitting in the back of the cab, Lizzy clutched her handbag the whole way. The closer she got, the faster her heart raced.

  As they reached the gates to the manor, Lizzy leaned forward and instructed the driver to go through and drive right to the house.

  Had it only been a month since she and Daniel had driven up this same driveway? It seemed so much longer. She shivered at the memory of that night. The night he beat her. Maybe it was good to have that memory. Although she’d forgiven him, it helped justify her decision to leave, and to remain resolute in her decision not to return until he addressed his issues.

  The few seconds it took to reach the house weren’t long enough. Lizzy wanted to tell the driver to turn around and take her back, but before she could, he’d jumped out and opened the door and that option was gone. She breathed deeply and stepped onto the gravel which crunched under foot. The driver lifted her bag out of the boot, and placed it under the portico in front of the double wooden doors. She thanked and paid him. Her mouth went dry as he drove away.

  The rose gardens either side of the driveway caught her attention. The bushes, heavy with blooms of gold and crimson and salmon were putting on a dramatic display in defiance of the winter chill threatening to extinguish their flame. Lizzy breathed in the heady scent and tried to calm her pounding heart.

  The click of the door made her jump. With her hand to her chest, Lizzy turned and looked straight into the eyes of her mother.

  “Elizabeth! What are you doing here?” Gwyneth hurried towards Lizzy and threw her arms around her daughter.

  Tears streamed down Lizzy’s face. She couldn’t help it. All that pent up emotion flowed out of her uncontrollably as she was comforted by her mother.

  Gwyneth helped Lizzy into the house, and led her to t
he summer drawing room. Seated in front of the bay windows with a view of the rose gardens, Lizzy composed herself. She had to explain her unexpected appearance and uncontrolled emotion. It wouldn’t be easy, but at least her mother was on her own.

  Lizzy breathed deeply and clenched her hands.

  “I suppose you might have guessed already, Mother.” Lizzy looked up and held her mother’s gaze as she fiddled with her wedding ring. “I’ve left Daniel.” The words she’d never wanted to say to her parents stabbed at her heart. Lizzy forced back the tears that threatened to flow again.

  “Oh darling.” Gwyneth stood and moved quickly to Lizzy, placing her arm around Lizzy’s shoulders. “I had hoped this would never happen.”

  Lizzy sobbed, her heart at breaking point. “I hope it won’t be for long, Mother. Only until Daniel sorts himself out.”

  “Oh my poor girl. Do you really think he will, Elizabeth?” Gwyneth stroked Lizzy’s hair with her free hand, as Lizzy tried to control herself.

  “I hope so, Mother.”

  “I know your father would be pleased if you just forgot about him.”

  Lizzy pulled back, “Oh Mother, no, I can’t do that. I love him. And he’s the father of this baby.” She looked down and hugged her stomach. “I couldn’t do that to him. I’m confident he’ll sort himself out. I just don’t know how long it will take.” She jumped a little and moved her hand to the side of her stomach, and then smiled shyly at her mother.

  “The baby just moved. Would you like to feel it?”