Tainted Souls

by Alice J Black

  I shook my head. “It’s not your fault, Vaughn.”

  When I looked at him, his lips were pressed into a grim line.

  “I never thought he’d be the sort of person to do that.”

  “I guess we never really know what sort of people are in our lives.” I shook my head.

  I had experienced my fair share of deception, and it wasn’t pretty. Sometimes I still wondered how I managed to work so well with Sheila when she had lied to me about my dad.

  “I would never lie to you, Ruby.”

  I met his gaze, and his eyes burned with intensity. I thought he might kiss me, but then he looked down.

  “You’re one of the good guys.” I stopped at the bottom of the steps at St. Helen’s.

  Vaughn paused just inches away from me.

  “I’m glad you think so.” He took a step closer.

  My heart thudded. He was so close that I could smell his aftershave. I looked up into his eyes. The sun had set behind us, and his face was shadowed. Only his eyes were on display as he watched me. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking. His gaze flicked to my lips and back again. My heart sped up. Was he going to kiss me? He took another step forward, closing the gap between us, and I felt the change in atmosphere as his hand moved up. It rested on my hip, and a tingle ran through my body. His tongue darted out and wet his lips. I sucked in a breath. This was it. He was going to kiss me.

  My phone vibrated in my bag.

  Vaughn took a step back. Cursing under my breath, I rummaged through my bag and picked up the phone. Becca’s name was on the screen.

  “Sorry, I’ve got to go.”

  “That’s okay.” Vaughn rubbed the back of his neck.

  “See you in the morning.”

  “Night, Ruby.”

  I watched him walk away, into the dusk. Questions burned my mind.

  Chapter Thirteen

  My alarm startled me out of my sleep at 5:00 a.m. I hit sleep and lay back down, eyes drifting shut. It was way too early to contemplate doing anything. I was just at that nice fuzzy moment between awake and sleep, when my phone went off again. This time I switched it off, with a deep sigh and rubbed my eyes. I forced myself to stay upright. A few minutes later, as I swung my legs from the bed, I saw that Becca was watching me from across the room.

  “Sorry, didn’t mean to wake you,” I said, with a sympathetic smile. “Go back to sleep,”

  “What am I going to do while you’re away?” she asked. Her voice was thick with sleep, but I sensed the tremble.

  This whole time I had been fussing and preparing for my departure and hadn’t given Becca any thought. My best friend was still in as much turmoil as the night when Jake broke up with her, and here I was going off on a case and leaving her to it. Yes, she had been out with Jenny, and I knew the blonde would be more than happy to fill in and pretend to be the best friend, but I wasn’t going to be there for Becca. What did that make me?

  I padded across the room, to her bed and perched on the edge. Becca scooted her legs beneath the blanket to make room for me.

  “Becca, I know it feels like a long time, but I’ll be back before you know it.”

  “I don’t have anything to do or anywhere to go,” she whined.

  My chin wilted as I stared at her. I reached over and pulled her in for a hug. “I’ll text you every day and ring you every night, if you like.”

  “That would be nice.”

  “But I’m sure Jenny would love to hang out with you.”

  “She would, you’re right. But all she’s interested in is guys. She thinks that throwing me in at the deep end will work wonders and I’ll just forget about Jake, but it doesn’t work like that. She doesn’t get it like you do.”

  My heart swelled. Here I was thinking I hadn’t been doing the best job as a friend, when it turned out I was giving Becca exactly what she needed. And all it took was a keen ear and a sympathetic attitude.

  “If I didn’t have to go, I wouldn’t. I’d be spending the entire holiday with you, but I have no choice. It’s work.” I shrugged.

  “I bet it doesn’t hurt that you’re spending it with Vaughn?”

  I bit my lip and considered how I should answer. Would it be right to brag about spending time with the hottest guy while getting paid for it? No. I wouldn’t brag, but I wouldn’t lie either.

  “Not one bit.”

  “I don’t think I ever told you how proud I am of you.”

  My mouth opened and closed.

  “You’ve got it all worked out. You work hard at your job, and it has you set for life. You deserve to be happy, Red.”

  Heat spread from my neck, into my cheeks, and my throat tightened. I fought against the sob threatening to break out and took a deep breath.

  “Thanks, Becca. That really means a lot. I had it easy in some ways. I just kind of walked into it. But I know you. You’re going to go far in life. You’ll be snapped up by a solicitor sooner than you think.”

  “Maybe once I’ve been studying law a few years. Still a long way to go yet.”

  “It’s way too early in the morning to be contemplating your life plan right now. Go back to sleep and text me when you get up.” I leaned down and pecked her on the forehead, then pulled the covers up close as she lay on her pillow.

  She closed her eyes, and I hesitated. Maybe I should cancel the case. Maybe she was hurting more than she let on. But I knew I couldn’t. It was my job, and I couldn’t put my life on hold. I would be back in a few days and everything would be fine.

  I hustled to get dressed, grabbed my hold-all, which I had packed and re-packed a dozen times, with as many outfits as I could manage, and after one last scan to make sure I had everything, I left the room. Downstairs, I made a coffee and a slice of toast. It was about all I could stomach at that time in the morning. I sat in the common room, with the TV volume on low. There was no way I’d risk the wrath of Barbara if I woke anyone up at this early hour. I checked my TAT as I sipped the coffee and saw that Deidre had sent through my cover story complete with a conference itinerary. I let out a sigh of relief. It was late, but at least it was there.

  After fiddling around for some time, I managed to email it to Barbara and hoped that it would be enough. I ate my toast swathed in butter, drank my coffee, and then brushed my teeth in the kitchen sink. I glanced at my watch. It was almost six. They would be outside soon. I hoisted the bag into my arms and hustled out of the kitchen, towards the front door. As it opened, I was hit with a blast of the chilly air. I shivered and started to turn around to grab another layer but stopped when Vaughn greeted me with a wide smile. He was standing just outside the door, hands stuffed in his pockets, looking good. He grabbed my bag and walked beside me down the steps. The door clicked shut and I knew this was it. Vaughn dropped my bag into the boot amongst the others, and then we climbed into the backseat.

  “Morning,” I said to Delta and Luka.

  “Hi, Ruby.” Delta glanced at me in the rearview mirror as he pulled the car away from the curb.

  “Morning, princess,” Luka said. “How are you?”

  “Tired. Could we maybe leave a little later next time?” I yawned.

  Luka grinned. “You’ll get used to it.”

  “I’m not so sure.” I shook my head.

  I was a morning person, but 5:00 a.m. wasn’t a normal hour for anyone to be awake.

  “How’s Becca?” Vaughn said as the car turned off the street.

  “Well, I didn’t tell her anything, if that’s what you mean.” I sighed. “I hate that I know about Jake and she doesn’t. I mean, it’s going to kill her if she finds out. She woke up when my alarm went off and got upset about me going away. I didn’t realise how much she needs me right now, and I feel guilty about leaving her.”

  “Hey, you can still be there for her,” Vaughn said, “but you can’t stop your life.”

  “I know.” I nodded. “And that’s why I’m here. This is my job, and it’s important. I said I would stay in regular conta
ct, text and call, that sort of thing.”

  “She’ll be okay, you know. Becca is strong, and she knows that you can’t always be there. Maybe she needs this push to get her back on her feet.”

  “Maybe.” I shrugged.

  I met Vaughn’s gaze, and his blue eyes lingered on mine, lips tight as if he wanted to say something, then thought better of it and looked out the window.

  The car was quiet, with the hum of the radio in the background. Luka sipped from a cardboard coffee cup and then set it back down.

  God, I wish I had one of those, I said.

  “Did you read the case manifesto for the case?” Vaughn asked me.

  “I read through it last night.”

  It’s actually what sent me to sleep. Most of the information had been given to us at the briefing, but it was always good to cover all bases.

  “Me, too,” Vaughn said. “From what I can tell, this is going to be a pretty big case.”

  “Tell me about it.” I glanced at the two men in the front seats. “I mean, I know the reason Sheila sends me out with you and your dad is because I’m new at this, but have you ever been on a case with four Hunters?”

  “Never.” Vaughn shook his head. “My dad has once. A long time ago.”

  “Luka has, too,” I said.

  It was the reason he had stopped Hunting.

  “I’m sure it’ll be fine. I mean, my dad and Luka have been doing this for years, and even though we’re both newer to it, I think we’re pretty good.”

  “Right. It’s just about being alert.”

  “I think after a few more cases like this, with the four of us together, they might partner us up.”

  “You and me?”

  The thought of being partnered with Vaughn sent shivers down my spine. Just me and him on cases, alone in hotels. I snatched my bottom lip in my teeth and shoved the thought away. I couldn’t dwell on that now. Had to stay focused.

  “Yeah.” He nodded. “I’ve been working with my dad while still doing my training, but they don’t really like family working together.”

  “Why?” I frowned.

  “Sheila says it clouds judgement.”

  “Ah.” I nodded.

  I could see that. But then again, I could see my judgement being severely clouded if I was paired with Vaughn.

  “Plus, if Luka really is back from Hunting retirement, then there’s no need for me to Hunt with my dad.”

  We lapsed into a comfortable silence, and as the scenery changed from cityscape to greenery, I leaned back and watched the world go by.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “Ruby,” Vaughn whispered. He shook me, his hand soft on my arm.

  When I opened my eyes, I saw his baby-blues just inches from mine and I smiled. So this is what it would feel like to wake up next to Vaughn every morning. Bliss.

  I blinked, slowly bringing myself to life as his face receded from mine, and I was brought back to reality with a hard thump as Delta jammed the breaks on the car.

  “Sorry, folks!” he called back and continued driving.

  “Where are we?” I roused myself from a stupor, smacked my lips, and rubbed my eyes.

  I hope to god I hadn’t been drooling.

  “We’re almost there,” Delta said. “Travelling through the town will give us a good first scope.”

  I nodded and sat up, looking out of the window to my right. I smacked my lips again, realising I had nap-mouth. After scrounging through my bag, I came up with a pack of mints and shoved a couple in my mouth for good measure. I offered the packet to Vaughn and then thrust it between the front seats. At least if I hadn’t looked good sleeping, I could retain my decency.

  My gaze drifted back to the window. This was going to be my first glimpse of Bridgendale, and I wanted to see it properly. It was good to get a feel for the place, see the people, and figure out how it all worked. The country roads gave way to painted streets, lampposts, and hedges. I began to see houses, and the further we drove, the more I saw. Terraced rows of homes lined narrow streets. Cars were bumped up on the pavements, and the last of the early morning condensation was leaving the windscreens as the sun peeked over the rooftops ahead. A few people strolled along paths, walking dogs or heading out with shopping bags. As they encountered one another, they greeted in passing or stopped to have a chat. I got the feeling that this was a sleepy town.

  We reached what must’ve been the town centre. I saw cafes and small shops filled with trinkets. The shop signs were bright, and outside one of the cafes were several tables and chairs complete with oversized umbrellas. All were vacant. Flowers were set outside of an old craft shop. Balls of yarn filled the window, and I glimpsed an older lady as she rearranged the stock. Then I saw several charity shops with books in the window and one with a mannequin in a floral dress.

  The car slowed as it came to a roundabout, and when it pulled forward again, I saw that the traffic control measure was so much more than that. An enormous old building stood in the centre of the roundabout. A church. Its spires reached high, and I caught the glint of red in a stained-glass window. On the topmost spire I saw a clock and didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. My doings with clocks had been tempestuous in the past few weeks, and I wasn’t keen to see another. Behind the church were several trees with vibrant green leaves wafting in a breeze. It all came together to provide a sense of something. Something I couldn’t quite put my finger on.

  “Did you see that?” Vaughn said.

  I nodded. As the car passed the church, I turned my head to stay with it, mesmerized by the unique placement of the building.

  “Can’t say I’ve ever seen a church in the middle of a roundabout before.” Luka turned his head, too.

  All four of us were watching the building, of which I had no doubt was the town’s centrepiece.

  Delta drove on, and it wasn’t long before the church was out of view. As I twisted back around in my seat, we passed under a huge bridge with old metalwork, and I figured it connected the town’s residences to the other side. An easy journey for commuters. On we drove, passing narrow streets and winding roads. I saw corner shops and clothes shops, bakeries, and fast food places. People moved back and forth, ambling at a slow gait which made me certain this was a quiet town. Women were carrying grocery bags, and men with their morning papers stuffed under their arm as they meandered home.

  Idyllic. Tranquil. And still stuck in a time loop of decades past when men and women had specific gender roles. I wondered how I was going to fit into such a place, surrounded by three men on a dangerous job.

  At the end of the road, we paused at a light, and an old couple shambled past. They held hands, arms swinging with each shuffle. It was sweet. Love personified, yet I knew that something dark bothered this town. Delta took a left after the light turned green and then slowed to a stop. When I glanced out of my window and up at the building, I saw our accommodation. The Traveller’s Rest. Three stories high and set amidst a row of terraced houses. The windows boasted flower boxes in full bloom, and the doorway had hanging baskets.

  As I stepped out of the car, staring up at the old brick building, I knew that whoever owned this place was going to be warm and welcoming. I stretched, working the kinks out of my muscles. My legs ached, and my backside was numb. It felt good to move, and the four of us paced the pavement. Then Delta popped the boot, and we all made towards it. Bags were doled out until it was empty. I glanced down at my duffel bag and hoped that I had enough to last me. I hoisted my backpack onto my shoulder, the weight heavy on my muscles. There was a gun laying on the top of the pile, and that was the first time I’d travelled with one. It felt like I was doing something wrong.

  “We all ready?” Delta asked as he slung his backpack over his shoulder.

  He wore a grey tank top and a black hoody over it, the zipper left open. He carried his duffle bag with ease. Without waiting for an answer, he strode towards the door and headed into the darkness. I followed him through the doorway, the green paint
shimmering in the early morning light, and entered a foyer. As my eyes adjusted to the light, I saw that it was dim, lit only by a single bulb on a wooden counter in front of us. The walls were parted with a dado rail. The bottom half chocolate brown and the top cream. There was a table with a small vase and fresh flowers, and to my right was a set of stairs that led to the rooms. Looking past the counter, I saw a doorway, and as a woman bustled through it with a shocked expression, I smelled frying bacon. I had found the kitchen.

  “Good morning,” she said, hands coming together on top of a register on the counter. “Can I help you?”

  She was shorter than me by a few inches and larger, but she carried her weight well. Her hair was curly and set on top of her hair in a knot, ringlets spilling out of its constraints. Her face was tanned and eyes dark as they swept across us.

  “We’re here to check in,” Delta said. “Booking under The Agency.”

  “Check-ins aren’t usually until later on, but I’ll take a look.”

  She shook her head as she tapped a perfectly manicured fingernail on the paper, and her lips moved while she looked for the booking. She frowned and then shrugged, turned out her lip, and scribbled something next to The Agency.

  “Okay, it looks like there are special circumstances declared and your rooms are ready. Marco must have organised it. I’ll just get the keys and take you up.”

  After fishing under the desk for a minute, she came up with two key cards, then skirted around the desk and led us upstairs.

  “I’m Mary-Anne, and I run The Traveller’s Rest with my husband, Marco. If you need anything during your stay, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

  “Thank you,” Delta said.

  Despite her size, she made it to the top of the stairs with ease and marched along the length of the corridor.

  “I’m afraid there won’t be any breakfast for you this morning. We took orders last night and I didn’t count on having extra guests.”

  “Don’t worry,” Luka said. “We plan to head straight out today, anyway.”

  “In town for anything nice?” She glanced back at us.