by Wendy Hudson
Lori took a breath and joined the others as they sat along one of the larger logs in the dam. She was in awe, taking it all in, while Lola and Gail acted out the log scene from Dirty Dancing to Jess’s coaching and everyone else’s amusement.
Alex pointed to a jagged path cut up through the cliff. “That’s a stairway of sorts. We’ll carry on from here through to the waterfalls, but on the way back, we’ll climb up there and follow the path back to where we started to get the view from above.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Jess hopped off the log, back into the water. “Shall we make a move?”
“Sure.” Alex jumped down after her, holding out a hand to help Lori.
Lori couldn’t help but note Susie’s dramatic sigh at Alex’s gesture and, petty though it might be, she kept hold of Alex’s hand and allowed her to lead her back into the deeper water.
Alex smiled back at Lori, obviously happy she hadn’t let go of her hand. As they travelled further upstream Lori’s excitement at seeing the waterfalls built. She glanced back at the others, Jess was beaming and gave her a wink, but one look at Susie soured the moment.
Suddenly her leg was knocked out from under her and she shrieked before falling under the water, letting go of Alex’s hand.
Her life jacket quickly forced her back to the surface but, wincing with pain as she tried to stand, she lost her footing again and went back under. The icy cold water stabbed at her face and she gasped for air as someone grabbed the front of her life jacket and pulled her back up.
It was Alex, and she attempted to keep her on her feet while wiping the water from her face. “Shush you’re okay. I’ve got you.”
The others splashed their way over to her, apart from Susie who Lori noticed made no move to help. She simply leaned against the gorge wall watching the commotion.
“What happened, are you all right?” Alex placed an arm around her waist to help her stand, letting Lori’s arm drape across her shoulders for support. Gail took her other hand.
“I don’t know.” She winced again trying to put weight on her left foot. “Something caught my ankle and then my other foot slipped and kicked out against a rock. Even with the cold it hurts. Is there shallower water soon so I can check it out?”
“We should probably just head back, take a look at the dam quickly and then get you up the steps and back to the car.”
“No, no,” Lori protested. “I really want to see the waterfalls. I can make it.” She tried to take a step, but her face must have said it all.
“Oh no you don’t. Whatever damage you’ve done, you’re not making it worse. The only direction we are going is back. We’ll come see the waterfalls next time.”
Lori smiled down at her. “Next time? You mean, I’m getting a return invite?”
“Sure, I spoke to Frank last night. He’s allowing it.”
Jess chuckled. “C’mon you two. Let’s get going before we all freeze and are good for nothing.” She looked pointedly at Susie, who was still showing no signs of concern or intent to help.
Lori saw her shoot Jess a filthy look before huffing out a breath and turning back.
Lori couldn’t help the smile stuck on her face at the thought of another weekend at the farm with Alex and Frank despite her disappointment of not making it to the waterfalls and the pain in her foot.
She gritted her teeth against the pain and with an arm around both Alex and Gail, they started the slow journey back to the car.
Chapter 26
John pushed his dinner away as the front door slammed closed. Why was the mashed potato always cold? The neighbour who had put it in front of him was friendly enough, but he didn’t trust her. She only appeared when his son was away, and he was sure she only meant to spy on him. Besides, she’d gotten him in trouble before; he knew she wouldn’t hesitate to do it again.
At least she was gone now and he was free in the house. His son didn’t give her the key to his room, instead only a warning came his way to behave or there would be consequences. He’d made the mistake of asking if his son was leaving to help the girl. A backhanded crack had been his answer. Now every time he looked in the mirror, he saw the livid bruise, and remembered never to speak of her again. Every time he opened his mouth, his jaw ached, and he remembered he needed to do it himself. He needed to help her. To make sure she was all right.
He slipped a piece of paper from his dressing gown pocket and glanced at the kitchen clock. He listened to it tick and noted the time next to the others he had. He read the line along the top.
My name is John Murray. I have to help the girl named Beth.
He knew the neighbour wouldn’t be back. The times for the past few days matched the ones he had written that day. He was on his own now and had hours to find her. He left the table and put his plate next to the sink like the neighbour had told him. He collected his glass and poured more water as he’d watched her do earlier. He sipped it and looked out across the unkempt garden, remembering a time when his wife had kept it pristine with lush green grass and colours galore.
The radio played a familiar song and he took a moment to enjoy the memory that went with it. He was sitting out on a chair with the radio balanced on the kitchen windowsill, a toddler at his feet in a sand bucket. Sean had been such a content child, occupying himself for hours, he went wherever his mother was.
John held a newspaper but didn’t read it. Instead, he watched as his wife pruned and weeded, the sun beating down on the top of her head, making her blonde hair glow like a halo. He’d been happy then, content. But only a few short years later, it would all be ripped away from him.
He had bonded with Sean when the same had happened to him. Drinking away their pain together, travelling, working, and hunting; they’d survived. But whereas John had eventually accepted his situation, the darkness had got hold of Sean. He could see it in his son’s eyes from the first time at the farm and it had never quite disappeared. John wondered again where Sean went on his trips.
The farm.
He glanced down at his slippers and listened as rain battered the grim streaked kitchen window, washing the happy memory away. No, his slippers wouldn’t do. He needed real clothes and shoes. He headed for the stairs feeling confident that this was the night. He felt clear in what he needed to do.
One misstep and the confidence crashed out of him as his chin connected with the stairs. He tasted blood in his mouth as his body crumpled onto the cold tile of the hallway floor. Pain shot through his left arm and he whimpered at it and his own foolishness. He fought the stars swimming in his head but it was no use, the darkness took him.
* * *
He woke with a start, the dull ache in his arm kept him momentarily still on the floor. His neck ached and he slowly turned his head to the side, testing it for injury. A streetlight cast its glow through the small window in the front door and he noticed a slipper lying next to a small fold of paper. He wiped at his mouth, the dried blood cracked over his lips and his tongue throbbed against the damaged cheek. Under his chin he found more dried blood that brought with it the memory of cracking it on the stair.
He used his good arm to push up against the hallway wall, stealing himself against the pain, he clawed the piece of paper towards him. He knew it was important. Opening it, he looked around for a clock, listened for the ticking. He had no idea how long he lay there but guessed there wasn’t much time to waste. He looked up the stairs, daunted by the climb, then back to the front door. He unfolded the note and read the top line.
My name is John Murray. I have to help the girl named Beth.
He had to go. He’d figure it out along the way. He braced himself and stretched out his arm, the pain radiated down his side but was bearable. He was sure it was no more than bruised. He steadied himself on the banister and tucked his foot back inside the rogue slipper.
With the note safely back in his pocket, he thought of the poor girl. She needed help more than he did. With that in his mind, he was through the front door and on h
is way.
Chapter 27
A few hours after their waterfall adventure, Lori was packed and ready to leave. The guys had already headed off with Lola and Gail, leaving Jess and Susie to begin the tidy-up after their late lunch, while Alex fussed over her. Lori had tried to help, but hobbling around with a big toe turning all sorts of black and purple had been difficult, and Alex had soon ushered her back to the sofa to rest.
She limped to the car, and with darkness fast approaching, she felt a heaviness on her shoulders at the thought of the long drive home to her lonely apartment.
“Lori, it was brilliant to meet you,” Jess said as she pulled her into a tight squeeze. “I’m sure we’ll see you back here soon, but don’t forget my invite down to the big smoke.”
Susie stood off to one side and Lori caught her eye roll. “Aye, I’ll be sure and not look out for mine.”
Jess swatted her arm. “You just can’t help yourself, can you?” She grabbed Susie’s shoulders and spun her on the spot before nudging her back toward the house. “C’mon, it’s time we got ourselves packed and out of here too.”
Alex shook her head and smiled Lori’s way. “So how did you like your first visit to the crazy farm?”
The events of the weekend ran through Lori’s mind and she couldn’t help but smile back. “It was wonderful, Alex. I haven’t enjoyed myself so much in a very long time.”
Alex grinned. “So you think you might come back then?”
“I don’t think I’ll take much persuading. But how about you? Think the country girl could survive down in the big city for a weekend?”
“Oh, I think I’d manage with Lady Hunter looking out for me.”
“Oi,” Lori swatted her arm. “That was not funny.”
“You’re right. It was hilarious.”
Lori pouted. “Okay, okay. I’ve had enough abuse from Susie. Don’t make me leave in a huff with you.”
Alex’s smile fell at her words. “You sure you should be driving with your toe in that state? I mean, surely your work would understand if you took a day off, and you’re welcome to stay another night.”
Lori smiled and took her hands. “I wish I didn’t have to leave yet either.”
Alex glanced back at the house, just in time to see Jess and Susie quickly duck out of view. “It seems we have an audience.” She nodded toward the dining room window.
They both laughed, breaking the tension. “Okay, well, we can’t stand here all night, I guess.” Alex pulled her in for a tight hug and Lori felt an instant pull in her stomach as she stepped into Alex’s arms. She closed her eyes and allowed her body to meld to the other woman as she breathed in the scent of coconut shampoo.
It’s just a hug, an innocent show of affection between friends. But the heat building inside betrayed her thoughts. This wasn’t just a hug.
She heard a small sigh escape Alex’s lips and as the heat travelled down to her toes, all the questions she had about what was happening between them left her mind. She still didn’t have all the answers but, in this moment, she knew she didn’t want to let Alex go, and that fact was going to change her life.
Her arm prickled with goose bumps as Alex’s hand slid up her spine to the back of her neck, her thumb stroking gently behind her ear. She felt her face flush, and knowing the thump in her chest was about to give her away, Lori gave her a final squeeze before stepping away.
Staring at one another, no words were needed. Something had just passed between them and it wasn’t just heat.
With a smile, Alex reached up and brushed a stray lock of hair back from Lori’s face. “See you later.”
Lori climbed into her car, lowered the window, and reached out to give Alex’s hand one last squeeze. “Adiós, Alex.”
Chapter 28
His slippers were cumbersome and heavy with rain. They scuffed the uneven surface of the country lane as John charged on, determined to find the farm. The wind whipped across the fields, but he didn’t feel it anymore. His head was down and he jumped as brambles clawed at him from the side of the road.
Branches swayed all around him and he expected one of them to grab him any minute now. A shadow moved to his left, and he swerved from its reach, picking up the pace when a creature darted out from the darkness, skittering into the hedge opposite.
As he rounded a corner, headlights blinded him and he stood still, hoping not to be seen. The car slowed but passed him by and he took off again, pleased there was no one to stop him this time. His son was away on another one of his trips. He normally came back from them in a good mood but John couldn’t remember the last good mood, only the key turning in the lock of his bedroom door, and the sting of his cheek from another beating. He didn’t forget those.
He heard the car turn and froze for a moment but didn’t look back. “Damn it.” He pushed on, ignored the slow approach of the car and focused on the next corner. He knew it had to be close. The farm was nearby; he was sure of it.
The car cruised alongside him, but he blanked it, even when a girl’s voice called out to him. She wasn’t going to stop him.
“Sir, are you okay?”
He kept walking, not daring to look towards the window. The wind howled louder and with it, the rain began again, quickly soaking through his thin bathrobe and pyjamas. He heard her swear, before calling out to him again.
“Sir, do you need my help? I’m a police officer.”
He stopped at that. Maybe she could help. He reached for the piece of paper in his pocket but it was sodden. Looking around, he tried to think what direction he had come from, was the farm just around that corner?
“What’s your name, sir? Where are you going?” The girl called out again.
He looked down at the pulp in his hand. The answer was within reach, on the tip of his tongue. He hung his head, defeated. He had lost again.
He bent to the window and saw the concern on the girl’s face. “Do you know the way to the farm? I was out there yesterday, but I can’t remember how to get back.”
“What farm is that, sir? There are quite a few out this way around the villages, which one do you live on?”
He rubbed the bristles on his face and plucked at his hair irritably. “Please, you have to help me find it.”
The sun had long set and the lane was dark, the moon hidden behind clouds bursting with rain. He felt her study him and he avoided her eyes.
“It’s okay, like I said, I’m a police officer.” He watched as she removed her ID from her bag and held it up to him. “Would you like to get in the car and maybe I can help you find it?”
His shoulders sagged and he scanned all around in exasperation before looking at her properly for the first time. He believed her when she said she could help. She was young with a gentle look about her. Bright blonde hair and rosy cheeks, just like his sister when they were teenagers. He looked down at his bedraggled appearance, noticing for the first time his bathrobe was hung open and his skin had taken on a blue tinge. He didn’t recognise himself, his body. It didn’t belong to the man he knew. “I don’t know where I am.”
The girl jumped out of the car and jogged around to the passenger side, opening the door. He felt a gentle hand on his shoulder and didn’t fight it as she guided him into the car. “Let me help you find out.”
He got in, fidgeting with the belt of his robe while the policewoman pulled the seatbelt across him and draped a blanket from the back seat around his shoulders.
“My name is Hannah, PC Hannah Wallace. I’m just going to make a call to my police friends, see if they can help too. Is that okay?”
He continued to fidget, not looking her way and pulling the blanket tighter. “Please don’t get me in trouble. He’ll be very mad.”
She stopped dialling. “Why would you be in trouble? Who with? Have you done something wrong?”
He tried to unclick the belt, but she covered his hand with her own.
“You can talk to me. Tell me what’s wrong. What have you done?”
&nb
sp; He started rocking, pulling at his hair again. He was a fool to trust her. She was going to take him back to his son. Oh, he would pay for it this time. He’d been away so long; he was sure this time the door would be locked forever. “I don’t know. I don’t remember. He told me I shouldn’t remember, but I have to help. I know I have to help. Please don’t take me back, please.”
“Okay, okay. Calm down, sir.” She rubbed a soothing hand up and down his back. “I’m going to call my friend and then we’re going to go somewhere where they can help. Is that all right with you?”
He sank back into the seat, resigned. Tears filled his eyes and he looked at her again. “Please help her. You have to help her.”
“Help who? Who’s in trouble? Is someone hurt?”
“You just need to find the farm. We can help if we can find the farm.”
He heard her sigh, muttering under her breath about a hot bath and a glass of wine. She picked up her phone again and he didn’t object, waiting for his son’s voice. Instead, it was one he didn’t recognise although muffled by her ear.
“That was just the control room,” she said, and he believed her. He liked her smile.
She turned the car around and he hung onto the door handle. Why was she going this way? He looked across at her and she smiled again. He felt himself relax and she patted his arm.
“Don’t worry, sir. I’m here to help.”
Chapter 29
“Who was that?”
Stella placed the phone back in its cradle as strong arms wrapped around her waist from behind, and eager lips began pulling at her earlobe. She squirmed at the whiskers tickling her neck, then spun herself around in the embrace, stealing a kiss before answering.
“Lori. She’s asked me to meet her for dinner Friday night.”
“Well, I hope you said no because you already have a hot date.”
She looked up into mischievous brown eyes and wished she could lock the doors and hide in her apartment all weekend, getting up to all kinds of badness in the bedroom. But no matter how tempting the offer in front of her was, she had her priorities straight.