Shadow of Suspicion (Haunted by the Past)

by Danielle Rose-West

  Callie shrugged. “I don’t know. I have a lot to consider.”

  She bit her lip, her mind on the photo hidden inside her handbag. Someone meant her real harm. It could even be Mitch. Trish and Max would soon lose their friendliness towards her if their son landed up in trouble because of her. Could she take the chance and stay, knowing that her life could be at risk? Was it worth it?

  “I think you owe it to yourself to ferret out the answers you need from Sandra. She has no right withholding them from you.” Trish gazed at her with sympathy and understanding reflected in her eyes. “I would want to know so much if I was in your position.”

  “I do have a lot of questions. Most of all, who my father is.” Callie paused. She tried to hold the hope fluttering in her heart in check. “I don’t suppose you know?”

  Trish shook her head sadly. “I wish I could help you, dear, but I don’t know. It’s not something Sandra has ever told me and Max hasn’t either.” She shrugged. “You’ll have to persist with them, if you want the answer to that particular question. Believe me, if I knew, I would tell you. I do think you have the right to know.”

  Callie smiled. “Thanks. That actually means a lot.”

  “Well, if you still want to speak to Jason, his flat is just over the road.” Trish pointed to a large building with pretty gardens spread out in front of it. “His flat is number 1323 on the third floor.”

  “You’ve been so kind. Thank you.” Callie pulled her arm from Trish’s.

  “I hope you change your mind, dear. It would be so lovely to have the opportunity to get to know you.” Trish grasped her hand and squeezed her fingers gently.

  “I’ll think about it,” Callie promised.

  She waved farewell and stepped onto the kerb. Callie checked both ways for traffic and started to cross the road. Her gaze landed on the small figure of a familiar child standing on the pavement in front of her. The girl’s arms waved frantically, her eyes wide with terror. Callie frowned.

  A loud revving filled her ears and the screech of tires howled through the air. Callie turned her head and froze in shock. A car sped towards her at a deadly speed. The sun glinted off the windscreen and blocked the face of the driver from her gaze. All she could see was the bright glare of sunlight in her eyes as it bounced off the glass.

  Callie’s heart pounded in her chest so hard, she was sure it would burst right out of her body. She flung up her arms as if she could stop the oncoming vehicle by her will alone. Her mind screamed at her to move, but it was as if someone had bolted her feet to the tarmac.

  Screaming echoed all around her, but she couldn’t tell if it was hers or someone else’s. Everything seemed to flow in slow motion. The car drew closer and closer. The whole world narrowed down to that one vehicle as it hurtled towards her.

  Suddenly, just when she was sure the car would hit her, strong arms grabbed her around her waist and flung her to the side. Callie flew through the air and landed on a solid, warm body. Pain lanced through her sprained arm and ribs. She hissed out the agony in her chest and tears sprang to her eyes. A grunt burst from her rescuer and arms tightened around her. The car that had been headed straight for her, zoomed past and roared down the street. It turned the corner with loud screeching tires.

  Callie struggled to draw breath. She gripped tightly to her rescuer’s broad shoulders. A loud ringing persisted in her ears and her eyes refused to focus. Hands gripped her and pulled her into a sitting position.

  “Are you okay?” Trish’s shaken voice penetrated the fog surrounding Callie, but she couldn’t seem to reply. Hands ran over her body and she could hear people’s murmured voices that buzzed around her head like a swarm of insects. Still, she couldn’t seem to break the spell that held her immobile.

  “What the hell were you doing just standing there? Were you playing chicken with the lunatic or are you just plain stupid?” The words were as effective as a slap. Callie knew that voice. Her head snapped round and her eyes narrowed onto Jason. He sat next to her, brushing down his jeans and rubbing his back with one hand.

  “Of course not!” She curled her fingers into fists. He smiled at her, further igniting her ire. She punched his arm.

  “There you go. She’s back.” Jason addressed the crowd around them. He grinned wickedly at her and rubbed at the spot she’d just hit. “No need to worry, folks. She’s relatively unharmed.”

  “Thanks to you! You were amazing!” Trish patted his shoulder. She turned to Callie. “What a knight in shining armour. If he hadn’t appeared, I can’t bear to think what might have happened.”

  Callie gazed at Jason. It slowly dawned on her that he was her rescuer. Her heart constricted in her chest and she licked her dry lips. “You saved my life,” she breathed out. Her insides turned to mush in one heart stopping second.

  Jason climbed to his feet and held his hand out to help her up. She grabbed hold and let him pull her up beside him. He gripped her chin with one strong palm and stared deep into her eyes. Callie couldn’t breathe.

  “You’re not going to phase out on me again, are you? You gave everyone quite a fright.”

  Callie touched his hand with her fingertips. “I’m okay. Just a little shaken up.”

  “We need to contact the police about this. Did anyone see the driver or get the licence plate?” Jason turned to the group of people standing around them. Several heads shook as everyone looked to others to supply the answers.

  “I got the number plate,” a small voice piped up. An elderly lady shuffled forward and offered a piece of paper to Jason.

  “That’s great. Thanks.” He shoved the paper into his pocket.

  “I’ve called the police.” A man called out, shaking his phone in their direction.

  Callie felt completely humbled as the crowd surged forward, and offered their comfort and support. Her body began to tremble. She grabbed hold of Jason to steady herself. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, his warmth penetrating her chilled body. She breathed in his masculine scent, and allowed his presence to drive away the remains of the terror that had held her in its grip.

  Over and over, Callie played the incident in her mind’s eye. Who had been in the car? It had to be the same person that had pushed her down the stairs. She had no idea why anyone would want to harm her, but the situation had become critical.

  The sooner she could leave for home the better. A small nagging voice whispered in the back of her mind. What if the person didn’t just want to run her out of town? Would she be safe, even in her own flat with Jade? Callie closed her eyes, terrified at the thought. If the person responsible for these incidents really wanted her dead, was she safe anywhere?

  Chapter Sixteen

  “So, Lucinda Green issued a threat against Miss Price a couple of days ago?” The officer scribbled notes in his little book. He glanced up at Jason.

  “I’m not sure ‘threat’ would be completely accurate.” Jason shrugged. “She was pretty mad and blew off some steam. I doubt she would actually follow through with action against Callie. Lucinda isn’t violent.”

  Sue crept into his mind. He couldn’t be sure that Lucinda’s friend wouldn’t have planted an idea like this into her head. He knew from bitter experience how much influence Sue had on Lucinda.

  “But you can’t say for sure that she wasn’t driving the car?” The officer persisted.

  “No, I can’t be sure that she wasn’t. I didn’t see the driver. It all happened so fast.” Jason shook his head.

  He’d been on his way back to the flat when he’d spotted Callie over the road. Even now, he couldn’t believe what he’d seen. The car had definitely been driven directly at Callie. If he hadn’t reacted so fast, she could have been killed.

  He glanced over to where she stood talking to a second officer. Her face was still deathly white. She’d really worried him after the car had sped off down the road. Her expression had been completely blank. He’d never seen anyone so totally unaware of their surroundings before. Jason hadn�
�t known what to do. Thankfully, his attempt to provoke her temper had snapped her out of her shock. He’d been relieved to see the fire back in her eyes.

  “Is there anything else you can tell me that might help the investigation?” Jason turned back to the officer. The man studied him intently.

  “Not that I can think of. I’ll contact the station if anything springs to mind.”

  “Thank you for your time, Mr Hawkes.” The man smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. He stepped away from Jason and approached a group of bystanders that had witnessed the scene.

  Jason glanced back to Callie. She smiled and nodded to the policeman she was talking to. She pulled something out of her bag and handed it to the officer. Jason couldn’t help but notice the strain on her features. He frowned. What on Earth had she had hidden in her bag? Was it the reason she was nearly hit by a car? Curiosity nearly overwhelmed him.

  “This has been such a shock.” Trish touched his arm. He jumped slightly. She’d crept up on him without the slightest sound.

  Jason glanced down at her. “It’s certainly unexpected in such a small town. We’ve never had anything worse than a break in or two.”

  “Who would have done such a terrible thing?” Trish clasped a hand to her face. “Poor Callie hasn’t looked quite right since it happened. Do you think we should take her to the doctor?”

  “That won’t be necessary, but thank you.” Callie joined them, her hand clasped to her ribs. “I’m fine really.”

  “You sure?” Jason pointed to where she clutched her injury. “You seem to be nursing that quite a bit. We could get you checked over…..just to be safe.”

  Callie shook her head. “No. I really don’t feel like being poked and prodded right now.” She gazed at him, her eyes filled with gratitude. “You cushioned my fall. I hurt my arm a little and knocked my ribs, but when I think what could have happened.” She broke off, her voice thick with tears.

  “It was nothing. Anyone would have done the same,” Jason said awkwardly and glanced away from her.

  He didn’t feel comfortable with all the praise everyone kept heaping on him. After all, if Lucinda was responsible, Callie would have been in danger because of him. That thought left a bitter taste in his mouth. He wished he could dismiss the idea that Lucinda was behind this, but he couldn’t.

  “I really think you need to sit down or something, dear.” Trish patted Callie’s hand. “You’ve had quite a shock.”

  Callie glanced around her. She looked like a lost little girl. Jason’s heart constricted in his chest and he swallowed hard.

  “If you want, my place is just across the road. I can get you a brandy or something. It would ease the shock.” He cleared his throat and scratched the back of his head.

  Her large golden eyes rested back on him. She smiled faintly. “That’s very kind, but I don’t want to put you out.”

  “It’s no problem. I think we could both do with something after this.” Jason turned to Trish. “Do you want to join us?”

  “That’s kind of you, dear, but I must be going. I have a million things still to do this morning and I’m already late for an appointment.” She smiled at Callie. “I hope you feel better, Callie. Jason will take care of you. I’ll see you again soon, I’m sure.”

  She waved at them both, then turned and hurried up the street. Jason grasped Callie’s elbow and steered her across the road.

  “Are you sure you don’t mind? I can just head home.” Callie trotted beside him. Her breathing sounded strange. He slowed his steps down when he realised that she was having trouble keeping up with his long strides.

  “I would prefer to keep an eye on you for a while. I need to see that you are as fine as you say you are.” He slid her a side long glance. She flicked her gaze to his and just as quickly diverted her attention elsewhere.

  “This looks like a nice building to live in. The gardens are very pretty.” She sounded nervous.

  Jason grinned at her, noting the slight colour on her cheeks. “You’re not worried about being alone with me in my flat are you, Miss Price?” He wiggled his eyebrows at her. “You don’t think that I have wicked intentions, do you?”

  Callie flushed a deeper shade of red. “Don’t be ridiculous!” She licked her lips and hastily turned her gaze towards the block of flats they were approaching.

  “Just checking. I wouldn’t want to make you uncomfortable or anything.” He grabbed the door and pulled it open, waving her in ahead of him.

  Callie stuck her nose in the air and sailed past him. “As if you could!”

  Jason chuckled and led her to the lift. He pressed the button. The doors rattled open and the stuffy smell of stale air washed over him. He waited for Callie to step in, then followed her. The cramped space didn’t leave them much room. Jason could feel Callie’s body heat penetrating through his jeans. The light scent of her perfume tickled his nose. He began to sweat. Was it his imagination or was the damn lift smaller than he remembered?

  Jason pressed the button and the doors slid shut. The familiar whirring and clanking filled his ears as the lift rose upwards to the third floor. It seemed an eternity until the doors reopened. Jason burst into the hallway, glad to be away from the confining contraption.

  “This way,” he said gruffly and led the way down the corridor to his front door.

  Jason didn’t bother to see if Callie was following him. He could feel her presence behind him. He was sure if he turned around, he’d find her large golden eyes right on his back. He ignored the insane urge to scratch the back of his head.

  “You’ll have to excuse the place. I haven’t been in the best of states lately and I wasn’t expecting company.”

  He twisted his key in the door and winced at the sight that met his eyes. He hadn’t realised he’d left that much rubbish lying around the room. He should never have invited Mitch over last night, but he hadn’t been thinking straight. The guy could eat and drink his own body weight without batting an eyelash, and often passed out afterwards.

  As a result, the sofa was buried under a stack of pillows and blankets. Jason was sure he could hear the table groaning under the weight of plates, cans and empty take out cartons. He’d thought about clearing up this morning before he went out, but had decided to leave it until later. Big mistake! What was it his mother had always said? ‘Never put off to tomorrow, what you can do today.’ He’d always hated that saying, but maybe she’d had a point.

  “I’m sure it’s fine.” Callie tapped his shoulder. He realised he’d left her stuck behind him, while his horrified gaze skittered over the mess. What he wouldn’t do for a magic wand right now! Still, there was no hiding it. What had he been thinking when he’d invited her to his place? He must have rocks in his head!

  Jason darted in and quickly picked up several cans of beer that lay on the floor. He carried them into his small kitchen and dumped them in the recycling bin. He’d forgotten he’d left a stack of washing up in the sink. The whole place was starting to smell somewhat rank.

  Jason leaned forwards and opened the window, hoping the smell would drift out before Callie could notice. He turned to see her surveying the mess, her nose wrinkled up. He sighed and placed his hands on his hips.

  “I can run you back to the Lazy Boy if you want. I know this place needs fumigating right now.”

  Callie laughed softly. “It’s fine. You’ve seen the Lazy Boy. This little bit of mess can’t compare to the years of neglect in that place.” She whipped off her coat. “I could help you tidy up if you want.”

  “No. I’ll do it later. Just take a seat………..if you can find one.” He shook his head. “Do you want a brandy?”

  “Actually, I’d prefer a sweet tea, if you don’t mind.”

  Jason picked up the kettle and filled it with fresh water. He clicked it on and placed two clean mugs on the only small space on the kitchen counter that wasn’t covered with clutter. Jason rummaged in the cupboard and found the tea bags. He added one to each mug. A clatter be
hind him drew his attention. Jason turned to find Callie struggling into the kitchen with an armful of cans. She dumped them in the bin.

  “Just leave it, really. I’ll do it later.” Jason felt rather uncomfortable with her clearing up after him. It was too intimate………….something a girlfriend would do.

  Callie glanced up at him. “I’m sorry. I just wanted to help. I kind of feel responsible.” She broke off and waved a hand around the area. “I’m guessing this was all because of the other day.”

  Relief surged through him. He hadn’t really believed Lucinda’s accusation that Callie had wanted him for herself. Still it was good to know that she’d been motivated by guilt and not romantic notions about him. He wasn’t sure his heart was on the market again. It was simply too soon.

  “It wasn’t your fault.” He stared into her eyes. The sound of water rumbling towards boiling point filled the room. “I’m glad you told me about Lucinda. I wouldn’t have wanted to keep living a lie with her.”

  He sighed as the kettle clicked and he poured the boiled water into the mugs. He swished the tea bags around and removed them before adding milk and sugar. Jason handed one to Callie. She murmured her thanks and wrapped her hands around the mug, her gaze on the floor.

  “Did you tell the police about Lucinda’s threats?” She asked hesitantly.

  “Of course. Did you think I would keep it quiet?” Jason was shocked. Did she really think he’d cover up for Lucinda?

  “I wasn’t sure if you would back me up or deny it. After all, she was your girlfriend and you must still care about her. You can’t just turn feelings off after a couple of days.” She peeked up at him from under her thick lashes.

  “I do still care about her, to a degree.” Jason admitted. He cocked his head in silent invitation towards the table and chairs that sat along one wall. They sank down on the cushioned seats after Jason hastily cleared the mess occupying the space. He made mental note to spring clean the flat at the first opportunity.