Oak & Mistletoe

by McCauley, J. Z. N.

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters and events in this book are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to real persons living or dead is coincidental and not intended by the author.

  Published by White Moon Press Copyright © 2016 by J.Z.N. McCauley All rights reserved. Neither this book, nor any parts within it may be sold or reproduced in any form without permission.

  Illustration by Mélanie Delon | www.melaniedelon.com

  Edited by Kiele Raymond

  ISBN: 9781619845312

  eISBN: 9781619845329

  Library of Congress Control Number: 2016953022

  Printed in the United States of America

  To The Lily of the Valley–Thank you for your pure fragrance and graceful beauty.

  To my husband and children–My best friends, soulmates, and loves of my life.

  CONTENTS

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Acknowledgements

  About The Author

  PROLOGUE

  CATHERINE WAS ABOUT to tell Kathleen to shut up when the pilot announced that the plane was about to land. Her sister had been pestering her nonstop for the last hour about their plans.

  “Kathleen! Please!”

  “I don’t understand why you’re getting so riled up!” huffed Kathleen as she sat back, invading Catherine’s personal space.

  Danny made it back to his seat just as the stewardesses walked down the aisles for a last check.

  “You took an awful long time,” Catherine said as he buckled his seat belt.

  “I wasn’t gone that long, geez,” he pouted and slumped in his seat.

  “Who were you flirting with this time?” Kathleen rolled up her fashion magazine and jabbed him ruthlessly.

  Danny slapped it away. “That girl with the purple hair in the back corner. She’s from New York,” he said, as though being from New York meant something to him. He gave his sisters a crooked smile and they glared back. “Hey, she’s really nice, okay?”

  “What’s her name?” asked Catherine, still frowning.

  “It’s . . . Danielle,” he replied.

  “Right,” the girls said in unison, turning their gaze back forward.

  Danny shrugged.

  The three siblings were on their way to Dublin for a summer in Ireland. It was a college graduation trip. Catherine was glad she could spend her summer on her beloved Emerald Isle, rather than roaming the large empty rooms of her family’s estate. Her love first began when traveling with her grandparents as a child to connect with distant Irish relatives, and explore her heritage. As an adult, she hoped she would at least have some time to herself for the duration of the trip to unwind while she worked on completing the next step after graduation: getting a job. Catherine’s thoughts were interrupted just then when Danny bumped her arm as he craned to look over his shoulder down the aisle. She loved her older brother and twin sister, but she found them rather irritating at times. Catherine was not looking forward to doing everything together. It had already begun to seem like a headache to her.

  When the plane landed, the siblings made their way out of the airport to wait for their bus, luggage placed in front of them on the ground. It was hot, and Catherine’s natural red hair glowed in the blazing sun, a rarity in Ireland.

  Catherine looked around at the many busy people about them. While Kathleen complained of the heat causing her hair to stick to her neck, she just put her hair in a disheveled bun. Out of the corner of her eye, Catherine thought she saw a man with curly brown hair staring their way. When she twisted around to look at him, he was gone. Just then, a few buses pulled up and there was a rush of people and bags. The man was quickly forgotten as she hurried along.

  The bus ride to their hostel only lasted a short time, and they checked in easily. Catherine and Danny had set up hostels instead of hotels for a “more authentic” experience. However, Kathleen wanted to be pampered instead. She didn’t want to share anything with anybody, especially strangers. Both hoped the lodging would be good for Kathleen’s development. Only Catherine knew her sister would simply vow to never do it again. Still, Kathleen didn’t complain until later in the day when she had to use the hostel’s public restroom.

  “I shouldn’t have to share a bathroom!” Kathleen scowled. “It’s fine for you,” she flicked her hand towards Catherine, “since you chose this place instead of a hotel, but not me.”

  Danny sighed as Catherine threatened to punch her.

  Kathleen tossed her hair back and sat on her bed. “What is there to do here?”

  Danny laughed. “What do you mean? It’s Ireland, there’s tons to see!”

  “Well of course, but I mean at this hostel . . .” she reiterated with disgust.

  “You saw the list of activities,” Catherine said.

  “They have a BBQ!” Danny could hardly wait to sink his teeth into a burger.

  “Right, well you know I’ve decided to go off meat,” Kathleen wrinkled her nose.

  Catherine didn’t respond. It was just another one of Kathleen’s phases. Danny looked at himself in the mirror, brushing his light brown hair with his hands to make it look just right before walking towards the door.

  “Well, I’m going to go get something to eat, be back later,” he said, shutting the door behind him.

  When Catherine finished unpacking she sat down and looked through her phone to check their plans for the next few days. “Uncle Mickey wants us to visit as soon as we can,” she said.

  “Where does he live?” Kathleen asked.

  “I don’t remember, but it’s in my address book. I’ll figure out if we need to take a bus or a train.”

  “Can we wait until tomorrow? I don’t want to go out for the rest of the day,” Kathleen said as she peered through the windows at the sudden downpour of rain.

  “It’s Ireland, Kathleen; you’ll have to get used to the weather.”

  Kathleen sighed and nodded irritably as she looked through her bags. Pulling out her compact mirror, she pouted at the already damaged ends of her long hair. She had recently dyed it black.

  Catherine glanced over. “I told you not to dye it.”

  “Well, I’m not quite as set on our natural look,” Kathleen huffed.

  Catherine frowned, then clicked through to Uncle Mickey’s address. It looked like it would be an early start in the morning.

  Later that evening, Catherine settled in for the night, leaving her siblings to themselves. Huddling in her bed under the covers, she listened to the sound of the rain. She was happy to be in Ireland again. She always felt like it was another home to her. Knowing the excited butterflies in her stomach would eventually dissipate, she reveled in the feeling for a while before allowing the pattering raindrops to lull her to sleep.

  *

  When the alarm on Catherine’s phone went off the next morning, the three stumbled out of the hostel with grunts and grumbles. It was an hour and a half bus ride and they used it to sleep off their jet lag. Catherine occasionally opened her eyes to see the green passing by her window.

  Finally arriving in the town of Baltinglass, the siblings made their way through the cattle mart and explored a bit of the town centre. Danny and Kathleen had fun shopping but Catherine preferred exploring the ruins of Baltinglass Abbey, where the arches loomed above her. Kathleen found ruins creepy and she hung onto Catherine’s arm. Danny dragged his feet until they got to the gravestones. After a few hours, it was finally time to go see their uncle.

  The three walked a
long the road leading to his house. Catherine found the sound of their steps comforting as the gravel crunched under her shoes. A small white bungalow came into view, and Catherine picked up her pace. Reaching the edge of the well-kept green lawn, she heard a dog barking from inside, and a lock click as her uncle opened the front door. His eyes lit up as he pulled them into hugs and his Wicklow Terrier lapped at their feet.

  “Oh it’s great to see you three,” he said happily, ushering them inside. “I only just saw your graduation pictures yesterday. We’re mighty proud of you here, aren’t we Brighton?” he said to his dog as he led them to the living room.

  Kathleen smiled, but Catherine knew she secretly wanted to run back outside and away from the shaggy gray animal now sniffing her knees. Though the small thing was harmless, Kathleen’s fears had always been irrational. Catherine reached down and picked up Brighton. Kathleen mouthed a silent Thank you as she settled into a nearby armchair.

  “Ah, Brighton really takes to you, Caty,” remarked Uncle Mickey.

  Catherine cringed at the nickname. She had never liked it, even in childhood.

  Mickey was quite the cook, the siblings found, and they were grateful for the delicious Irish stew made up of lamb, potatoes, carrots, onions and parsley. They savored the blend of different flavors drawn out to perfection.

  After dinner was over, and they had caught up on all the family news, Mickey turned to his usual talk of folklore. Catherine had always been fascinated by his tales. Now it was apparent that his interest spread to every room of his small home, with ancient tapestries hanging on one wall and relic weapons on another. He was retired now after consulting with museums and schools around the country, and in the States. Catherine too, enjoyed ancient studies, archeology, and the like. It was what she had just finished studying at school. Since his retirement some years before, Uncle Mickey had continued to solve what small archeological mysteries he could, however steeped in superstition they were.

  “I’m going to tell you something, Caty,” he gestured for her to come closer. He had just finished recounting a lecture on ancient druids of Ireland. It must have sparked a memory in him, for Catherine could see his eyes light up as she inched closer. “‘I’ve come across many people in my time, and I think you’ve got something special, Caty,” he said with a smile.

  “What do you mean?” Catherine asked, confused. She gave him a hesitant smile.

  He looked over to make sure Kathleen and Danny weren’t listening. Kathleen was busy on her phone, and Danny had gone to the bathroom. When he felt assured he wasn’t being overheard he continued. “I think you’re a special girl, of course, but I think you have that tinge of magic some seek. Aligned in your stars,” he said matter of fact.

  Catherine laughed and waved off the idea. Uncle Mickey’s kind face turned serious.

  “This is no joke, Caty. I’ve always felt you’re connected more than the others to this land. And on more than one instance I’ve been led to think of you during my work.”

  Catherine shook her head, taken aback. “But that doesn’t make sense to me.”

  “I think you feel it too. Don’t ignore it, it may be your undoing. It could even bring harm to others,” he said sternly.

  Catherine listened, without realizing how keenly. Just then, Danny returned from the bathroom. Uncle Mickey quickly sat up and asked Danny about his plans in business, leaving Catherine to her thoughts. The evening crept in and it was soon time to leave, much to Catherine’s unexpected relief. Brighton barked rapid goodbyes, and Uncle Mickey hugged them profusely until they were literally out the door. He would have followed them to catch the bus, but the three insisted they could manage fine.

  Uncle Mickey had left Catherine unsettled. His superstitions were certainly entertaining, but they were always just that, superstitions. Still, he seemed to truly believe. It seemed harder to shrug him off this time. By the time the three siblings arrived back at the hostel just an hour short of midnight, they were all spent. Catherine laid her head down and went straight to sleep. Her dreams were fraught with folklore, ruins, and druids, yet she woke up with no thought of them or her uncle’s rantings.

  *

  The next day was filled with the regular tourist attractions of Dublin, starting early in the morning. They went to Dublin Castle, St. Stephen’s Green, and Oscar Wilde’s home. They enjoyed seeing the many musicians and artists who roamed the streets. Even the sunny weather held out without interruption. Lastly, Catherine convinced Danny to take a tour of Trinity College to finish out the afternoon as Kathleen went back to the hostel for a nap.

  In the later evening, after a meal of rice and chicken they cooked together in the hostel’s community kitchen, they went out for some night life. At Temple Bar, the three siblings decided to have a drink and people watch. Catherine enjoyed her first and last Guinness for the remainder of their stay.

  Of course the pub was full of tourists now, being the peak season. There was hardly an Irish person in sight. Such it was for them wherever they went in Dublin. Many foreigners also lived and worked there, to save money. One couple from Hungary shared that they were there for a few years to save up enough to move to a new country and raise a family. A man from Spain and a woman from Germany were renting a house together, but only for a time. Soon after drinks and conversation were over, the threesome continued on their walk.

  They ambled down O’Connell Street as the Spire of Dublin loomed high above them. It was chilly now as the wind whipped around, and the sky was overcast. Catherine and Kathleen brushed their hair from their faces as Danny wrapped his jacket tighter around him.

  Afar in the shadows the figure of a man lurked, his green eyes watching them. The girls and their brother didn’t see him. They continued on their way without fear or concern for anything but getting back to the hostel.

  *

  The next day, Catherine went to fetch laundry detergent from reception downstairs. One of the men behind the counter said she had a visitor waiting outside. “A visitor?” she asked, confused.

  “Yes, the Garda standing there,” he pointed discreetly towards the entrance where there was a shadow of a man in uniform through one of the windows. “He said he needed to speak with you right away.”

  “Did he say why? How long has he been waiting?”

  He shook his head, “No. He just arrived, I was about to come to your room to see if you were in,” he answered.

  Catherine furrowed her brow.“Thank you,” she said to the receptionist without looking back, forgetting the detergent completely.

  Walking up to the door she felt a certain tingle on her arms as she often felt when something ominous was looming in the air. Taking a deep breath, she approached the man in uniform who turned to her with a stern face. She could see why the hostel asked him to wait outside. He made an alarming first impression.

  “Are you Catherine Green?” he asked in a heavy accent.

  “Yes?” she answered a bit timidly.

  “Are you Michael Shannon’s niece?” he asked flatly.

  “I’m his great niece, one of them . . . what is it?”

  “I’m afraid he’s passed away, Miss,” he paused, “And we believe his death was not due to natural causes . . .”

  Catherine shook her head slowly.

  The Garda cleared his throat, “I believe he was murdered, Miss. I’m sorry to be the one to deliver the news.”

  Catherine was shocked, the blood draining from her face. She felt like she was going to be sick. “But-I don’t understand . . . How did this happen? We were just there the day before yesterday . . .”

  “We know, the locals mentioned he had relatives visiting. I’m afraid I can’t release any of the details right now, for investigative purposes.” He reached out a hand out of courtesy, but Catherine didn’t notice and stayed perfectly still. “I’m sorry again, Miss. If you have any information that you think may be helpful—someone threatening him, if he owed money, anything at all—please do contact us,” he nodde
d, his mouth curved grimly as he left.

  Catherine walked back to the room and explained what had happened to her siblings. Kathleen started to cry and held onto Danny as his mouth gaped open. He managed to comfort Kathleen with his arms wrapped around her shivering shoulders. Catherine felt like crying, but didn’t let the tears stream freely until some hours had passed when she was alone in the room for a while.

  The rest of the week flew by in a blur. All they could think about was their last visit with their uncle, and what must have happened thereafter. There was a small funeral service, attended by friends, colleagues and former students, all expressing their condolences to Catherine, Danny, and Kathleen, since no closer family member was able to come.

  After the service was over, and they were back at the hostel, Catherine felt the whole trip was now tainted. She didn’t know if she could have fun again. Somehow it would be wrong. Danny and Kathleen seemed to have the same outlook, and they laid low for a while. After a few days Danny seemed to perk back up when a group of girls from Paris were in for the weekend and he received a smile from one of them that sent him on the chase. Kathleen agreed to see more tourist sites but on more than one occasion huffed that she would have rather gone to Italy.

  Catherine found herself stuck. She wasn’t close to Uncle Mickey, but couldn’t seem to shake her gloomy mood. She decided to sit in the lobby and watch some football to get her mind off things. She settled in a seat at one of the big table benches amidst a rowdy crowd but didn’t join in on the cheering.

  “You’re not a football fan?” a girl’s voice piped up next to her.

  Catherine, slightly startled, looked over and saw a girl of twenty-two with curly long blonde hair.

  “I’m not really a sports fan,” she replied kindly.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to bother you. My name’s Bella,” the girl said with a smile that brought out the sparkle in her brown eyes.

  “Catherine,” she smiled back.

  “Lovely to meet you. Listen, do you have a paracetamol?”