Volume 1: Bailex, #1

by Erin Everleigh

  She really is serious about this game.

  Kieran let out a small chuckle.

  “What’s so funny?” Riya questioned.

  “You’re taking this very seriously,” Kieran explained.

  “Why shouldn’t I? This is serious business. I have a reputation to uphold.”

  Riya continued to scan their surroundings, searching for that ‘something round’ Kieran had spied. Her head jerked to a stop, landing on the sign above the doorway to a pharmacy that they were standing beside. The sign was round and outlined in red with a plus symbol in its centre. She didn’t say anything. She just stared at the sign and then turned her gaze back to Kieran, with a knowing look in her eyes.

  “I think you’re the one with some kind of psychic power,” Kieran exclaimed, and they both broke out in laughter.

  Kieran gave Riya’s hand a squeeze, and this time Riya squeezed back.

  “This was a good idea,” Kieran admitted.

  ***

  Kieran and Riya continued their game of “I spy” as they rounded the corner to the bus stop, and then throughout the ten-minute bus ride—both of them grateful for the distraction. It was Riya’s turn to spy. They had already exhausted most items on the bus and there wasn’t much going on outside. All they could see were fields of green out one side of the bus, and forests of trees out the other side. Not much material for a challenging spy.

  “I spy with my little eye, something that is red.”

  Kieran looked out the window across the aisle from them, seeing only the empty green fields—not even an animal grazing. He twisted in his seat and leaned forward so that he could see past Riya, out their side of the bus, and looked up the road in the direction they were heading. There it was. The sun reflected off its metallic surface, making it shine like a red beacon in an expanse of green.

  “There, I see it…that red mailbox.”

  “You got it! What is it now? Twelve to one?” Riya joked, and they both started to laugh.

  “You totally gave that one to me.”

  “It’s not polite, or sportsman-like, to annihilate your opponent,” Riya’s words mixed with her laughter.

  “You’re so generous.” Kieran nudged her shoulder with his.

  As the bus coasted by the mailbox, their eyes widened and their laughs faltered.

  1 Forest Ridge Lane was written across the side of the mailbox in white block letters.

  “Did you see that?” Riya asked rhetorically, whipping her head back to get another look at the mailbox.

  Kieran slowly nodded his head and swallowed the lump that had lodged itself in his throat.

  Riya rose to her knees and twisted her body to face the back of the bus—her eyes never leaving the shiny red box. “Looks like we found where we’re going.”

  Fifteen

  Number One Forest Ridge Lane

  THE BUS CAME TO a stop a couple of blocks down the road in the parking lot of a supermarket that seemed to be situated in the middle of nowhere. Riya and Kieran climbed down the steps of the bus as the driver wished them a good day. “The last bus back to the town-centre leaves here at four o’clock,” the driver reminded them.

  Kieran looked at his watch. Three hours was plenty of time.

  “Mind if I make a bathroom stop?” Kieran asked Riya, while pointing toward the supermarket doors.

  “Go ahead. I’ll wait out here.” Riya looked up to the clear sky and flipped her sunglasses down from on top of her head to cover her eyes. “The sun feels nice after being trapped on those buses for so long.”

  “Be right back.” Kieran adjusted his backpack on his shoulders and headed through the sliding doors of the supermarket. He stopped to read a sign that stood prominently in the entranceway of the store.

  Open Daily 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.

  “First time here?” A woman who looked to be in her mid-thirties, wearing a blue apron embroidered with the supermarket logo, sidled up next to him.

  “It is,” Kieran answered and shifted his body to face her.

  “Welcome to FarmHill Market. My name is Lucille.” She moved her dark long hair behind her shoulder to reveal her nametag.

  “Nice to meet you. I’m Kieran.”

  “So, are you and your family up here for the summer, or for a shorter stay?”

  “Actually, just the day,” Kieran clarified.

  “Why did you waste your time coming out here then? You should be at the beach with the rest of the day-trippers. It’s a beautiful day out there today.” Lucille’s eyes lit up. Kieran smiled—Lucille had a positive aura about her and he couldn’t help but respond.

  “Well we, my friend and I,” Kieran gestured to where Riya was sitting, just outside the sliding doors, “are headed to number one Forest Ridge Lane. At the red mailbox—just a few blocks back.”

  Lucille’s expression fell. “I’m sorry, Kieran. There isn’t really a number one Forest Ridge Lane anymore. All that’s left of it is that mailbox.” Her eyes turned quizzical. “I don’t know why it was never removed. But, it’s been there for so long now, it’s become like a landmark of sorts.”

  Kieran’s heart sank.

  Lucille went on to explain. “There used to be some small cottages in the wooded area many years ago—the occupants tended to the crop fields across the road. It was before my time,” she snickered. “One spring, a violent storm passed through the region. The cottages were destroyed and all of the crops were ripped from the ground. Luckily, no one was injured. However, most were left with almost nothing to their names. The cost to rebuild and re-harvest the land was too high, so the families were forced to relocate. It was a dire situation.

  “A corporation, I think its name was Diamondbrush Industries, stepped in and purchased all the land—giving those families a second chance. Some settled in the town or on its outskirts. Others moved away. The land was never redeveloped. Well, aside from building FarmHill Market.”

  They had come all this way… Kieran had no words.

  But it didn’t seem like he needed any, as Lucille continued on with her history lesson. “We are the only supermarket in a 15-kilometre radius.” She flourished her arms toward the interior of the store. Kieran’s eyes followed, scanning the rows of colourful produce flanked by aisles of grocery items, and the fish, meat and deli counters that lined the back of the store.

  “If you want the staples—bread, fruit, vegetables, or milk—you can find those in the few fruit shops in town. But if you’re looking for more, this is where you come.” Lucille explained.

  Kieran raised his eyebrows.

  “A by-law was passed, about ten years ago now, that prohibits any major developments in the town-centre and the surrounding area. It was right about the time that tourism in this area starting taking off. More people were retiring up here, and families were building vacation homes. The town council wanted to preserve the small town culture—ensure it maintained its appeal and charm. They didn’t want it to be taken over by large businesses. However, the small food shops couldn’t keep up with the growing demand, so an exception was made to build this supermarket. But only at a specified distance from the centre of town. Food is an essential commodity, you know,” she winked at Kieran.

  “Makes sense,” Kieran tried to feign interest, but his voice came out flat.

  Our one lead just came to a screeching halt.

  He pointed to the vending machine, “I guess I’ll just get us a couple bottles of water and we’ll be on our way. Maybe we’ll check out the beach after all.”

  “Sorry to have been the bearer of bad news,” Lucille’s tone was sympathetic.

  “It’s not your fault,” Kieran declared. “Thanks for letting me know.” He waved goodbye to Lucille and followed the signs to the restroom before getting the waters.

  ***

  The sliding doors opened, and Kieran pulled his sunglasses out of his backpack to shield his eyes.

  “Got this for you.” He handed Riya
a bottle of water and slumped down onto the bench beside her.

  “Thanks.” Riya twisted the cap and chugged half of the bottle. “I needed that.” She replaced the cap and popped the bottle into her backpack.

  “Should we get going?” Riya stood and looked down to Kieran, who was staring at the ground.

  “Why so glum? Let’s go find some answers.” She pulled at his hand, but he didn’t budge.

  “There’s nothing there, Riya.”

  She raised her sunglasses back to the top of her head. “What do you mean? We saw the mailbox with the address on it.”

  “That’s all that’s left,” he clarified and pulled Riya back down to the bench. Kieran went on to explain all he had learned from Lucille.

  “No.” Riya’s shoulders sagged.

  They both sat there, silently staring out at the barren fields, defeated.

  “Wait!” Riya shot up. “If what Lucille said is true—if the timing was as she said it was—the cottage wouldn’t have been there when your mom wrote you the letter.” Riya stood and this time Kieran rose with her—hope blooming.

  Maybe it was the mailbox all along.

  “I know what you’re thinking,” Kieran interjected. “We came all this way. We might as well check it out.”

  They began backtracking the bus route. At only 100 metres from the entrance to the parking lot, they were already alone, save for the odd car that would pass them, with its tires kicking up dust from the road.

  The hot June sun beat down on the back of their necks, creating beads of sweat that trickled down their spines. Yet, a shiver coursed through Kieran's body more than once. After the third time, he froze and whipped his head around—was somebody there?

  “What’s wrong?” Riya asked.

  Kieran’s eyes narrowed, and he swept his head in the opposite direction. “Nothing, apparently.” He started walking again. “I just got this feeling like someone was following us. Just ignore me.” He waved it off.

  “There it is,” Riya exclaimed about a dozen steps later, quickening her pace.

  And again, Kieran twisted his head backward to verify they were alone.

  “No, there,” Riya repeated herself, pointing to the mailbox with one hand and pulling at Kieran with the other.

  “I know. I saw it. I just…”

  A large black crow swooped past them from behind; flying so low that it almost knocked them over.

  “Whoa. Looks like something was behind us,” Riya said, gaining her balance. “That bird was huge. Glad it didn’t think we were lunch.”

  “It’s just a crow.” Relief flowed through Kieran, relaxing each muscle it passed. “Did you know that crows are one of the most intelligent animals? They never forget a face,” Kieran explained.

  Riya gawked at him. “Where do you come up with all of these random facts?”

  “The nature channel. It’s pretty interesting and informative. You should try it sometime. You may learn a thing or two,” Kieran mocked.

  “Thanks. But I think I’ll stick with Entertainment Hour. I’ve learned a lot watching that too,” Riya smiled, holding her lips tightly together and trying to contain her laugh; but when laughter bubbled from Kieran’s lips, she couldn’t hold it back any longer.

  “What? There’s nothing wrong with some pure entertainment, is there?” She raised her hands to her sides in question.

  “No, nothing at all.”

  They came to a stop once they reached the mailbox. As expected, there was nothing around but trees that looked like they went on forever. Kieran and Riya stood to the side of the red metal box, staring at it as if it had just fallen down from outer space.

  “Are you going to open it?” Riya asked.

  Kieran nodded and took a step closer to the mailbox. It was a classic looking mailbox—long and narrow, reflecting the sun’s rays off its curved top. He slowly moved his hand toward the front of the box. He let his hand hover next to the hinged door as he leaned forward and eyed the small handle. He made sure to keep his body a safe distance from it and whatever may be inside. He placed the tips of his index and middle fingers on the handle and quickly flicked his wrist downwards, swiftly leaping back to where Riya was waiting. The door to the mailbox fell open. They waited a moment, shoulder-to-shoulder, unmoving. Nothing flew out, except for a slightly musty scent—evidence that it hadn’t been opened in some time. The two of them crept closer to the opening and leaned down to peer inside.

  Nothing.

  It was empty.

  Kieran straightened his body. “There’s nothing there,” disbelief hijacked his voice. “I really thought we were going to find something. Why would she tell me…”

  SWOOSH.

  Another crow flew by, forcing both of them to duck.

  “You sure that show didn’t say anything about what crows eat for lunch?” Riya joked.

  “Ha, ha, ha,” Kieran retorted, failing at his light-hearted attempt to quench his disappointment.

  “Let’s look around a bit. Don’t give up yet. I’ll go this way, you look over there.”

  Kieran didn’t pay attention to Riya’s instructions. He was fixated on the mailbox—he had an idea. He took a step closer, squared his body and puffed out his chest as if he was in a standoff with the inanimate object. He placed his left hand on the curved top and closed his eyes. He let all of his thoughts fall from his mind, concentrating only on the mailbox and what he was hoping he would have found inside it. He focused on his mother’s words.

  If you are reading this, you are vulnerable.

  You will get the protection you need there.

  And he waited.

  His hand warmed from the heated metal.

  And he waited.

  “Argh,” Kieran roared and forcefully flipped the door back into the closed position. “Why does it never work when I want it to?”

  He looked around and spotted Riya’s bright blue backpack weaving through the edge of the trees. He let out a calming breath and headed in the opposite direction to commence his own, likely futile, search. Kieran dragged his feet through the earth at the base of the trees, taking care not to stumble over any of the thick raised roots that protruded from the ground. He hopped up and balanced on one long root, carefully placing one foot in front of the other, as if he was on a tightrope. He followed its path further into the trees as they became denser, creating the beginning of a forest. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

  “Anything?” Riya called out.

  “No. You?”

  “Nothing here either.”

  The thick root buried itself back into the earth, landing Kieran on the otherwise bare ground. A bright burst of light appeared with Kieran’s next step. As the light dimmed, Kieran began to see the outline of a cottage, only steps from where he stood.

  “Riya, I think I found something. Come over this way,” Kieran called, but there was no response.

  “Riya,” he called again.

  Nothing.

  Kieran turned around, tracing his steps back to where he last recalled seeing Riya—he was not interested in going any further alone. Just then, another burst of light appeared. When it dimmed, Riya was standing right there, less than 5 metres away.

  “Didn’t you hear me calling you?” Kieran asked, jogging toward her to close the distance.

  “No. I just saw a bright light in the direction from where I heard your voice, so I came running.” Riya’s eyes were wide and bewildered. Kieran followed her gaze as it descended from the top of his head down to the tip of his toes.

  “What?” He held out his arms looking down at himself.

  “It was you. You were glowing.” She extended a finger and gently touched the front of Kieran’s shoulder. “You were just glowing as you walked through those trees,” she repeated, pointing her finger to the trees behind him. “But it only lasted a few seconds.” She was dumbfounded.

  A surge of adrenaline coursed through Kieran’s body, caus
ing a pounding in his head.

  What’s happening?

  He wanted to run—hide from whatever, or whoever, made him light up like a beacon.

  Be brave, sweet boy. His mother’s words echoed in his mind.

  He swallowed his fear and stood taller; he remembered what he saw. “There’s a cottage through those trees.”

  “Did you check it out?”

  “I wasn’t about to do that on my own,” Kieran admitted. “Come, I’ll show you.”

  Kieran and Riya walked side by side in silence, following Kieran’s prior path along the raised root until it returned into the ground. “It was just over here, I think.” Kieran raised his head and stopped in his tracks. “Wow, I didn't notice this before.” He and Riya looked to the right and then to the left. It was subtle, but deliberate. Kieran followed the scattered branches of the trees down to their trunks—it was more evident without the disguise of the thick evergreen foliage. The trees ahead of them stood like soldiers in a perfectly distinct line.

  “Let’s go,” Kieran waved for Riya to follow as he began walking past the tree line. He was scared that he would lose his nerve if he waited any longer. The light appeared again and then faded. Kieran spotted the cottage nestled within the trees. “See, there it is,” he said, turning to Riya.

  Riya…?

  She wasn’t there.

  Kieran turned in circles, calling out her name. He took a few steps backward into the line of trees. Through the light, he saw Riya—she was calling for him. “Kieran. Kieran, where did you go?”

  “I’m here.” Kieran was next to Riya again.

  “You just disappeared on me, Kieran. There was that glow again, and then you were gone.”

  “So you didn’t see the cottage?”

  “All I could see were trees. Trees that went on forever.” She waved her arms around. From this side of the distinct tree line, Kieran could see those same trees and no cottage in sight. But once he crossed to the other side of those trees, it was a different story.

  “This tree line. I think this is it. Come back here. Hold my hand this time,” Kieran instructed Riya. His trepidations were gone. His sole focus was on bringing Riya with him.