Finding Forever Page 9

  “I’m so sorry Sarah,” I cried. “I didn’t mean it, I love you.”

  My body was wracked with grief as I tried to escape my memories. I couldn’t do this, not now, now yet. I had to be strong. I had to be strong for Sarah.

  Shaking my head and clearing my throat, I looked up to the sky as I made my vow, my promise.

  “I will make them pay.”

  I felt better. I had focus again and that was exactly what I needed if my plan was going to work.

  A clicking sound caught my attention and I looked up. It was him. The man in black. The clicking sound was his cigarette lighter. I watched as he placed the cigarette to his lips. The smell of smoke filled the air. There were no circles this time just a long stream of smoke leaving his mouth. I felt my blood boil. How dare he come here? This was my place, mine. I stood ready for a fight.

  “What the hell do you think you’re doing? I shouted.

  He didn’t move, didn’t even flinch.

  “I said, what are you doing?”

  “And I heard you, I just chose not to answer.”

  His voice was soft but masculine. I found it calming and sultry and I had to shake my head.

  “This is my place; you’re not welcome here.”

  He looked straight at me now and his eyes found mine, deep pools of blue connecting with my brown pits of despair. I took in a deep breath. His eyes were mesmerizing like they could see through me into my very soul.

  “It’s an alleyway. I don’t think you can own an alleyway,” he smirked.

  I gulped. I couldn’t think straight.

  “Yes, well I do,” I managed to spit out.

  “Hmm, I see,” he smiled taking another long drag out of his cigarette before tossing to the ground and squashing it with his boot.

  My eyes followed his movements then back up to his face. He nodded at me then turned and left.

  “Wait, hold on. What were you doing here? Did Merlin send you?” I shouted after him.

  He didn’t stop. He didn’t look behind. He just walked around the corner.

  “Shit,” I shouted as I ran to follow him.

  I turned the corner, but he was gone, vanished, no trace of him, just like last time. This was a little freaky, but I shrugged it off. He’s a fast mover I told myself as dread filled me. Maybe he was spying on me? Maybe he was working for Merlin and they knew exactly what I was up to? I had to make sure my Intel was safe and I had to do it now.

  I headed for home, watching, keeping my eyes peeled for any followers. My life depended on making sure that the evidence I’d collected over the last 9 months was safe. It was my payback. It was going to put Merlin’s men in prison and give me the chance to take my revenge on Merlin and that involved a lot of blood.

  ***

  Coming in Summer 2017

  MISTLETOE MAGIC

  A Christmas Short Story

  Cassie Blake stood outside Ivy House debating with herself. A mammoth task lay waiting for her inside and she didn’t want to face it.

  “Hey Cass, you set for tonight?”

  Stephanie’s cheery voice interrupted her thoughts, and she jumped as she turned to see her friend making her way up the driveway.

  Cassie shrugged her shoulders, “Still debating,” she sighed.

  “Oh, no you don’t Cassie Blake, the whole town is counting on you. It’s tradition, and it’s your turn.”

  “I know Steph, but I can’t do it. I hate Christmas. You know that.”

  “That’s bull,” Stephanie snapped. “And besides, it’s not Christmas you hate, it’s Ben and you need to snap out of it. It’s been two years Cass, and a good party is just what you need. Oh, and did I mention Jake’s coming home especially?”

  Cassie glared at her friend. She was in no mood for her matchmaking.

  “He’s bringing his new girlfriend,” Stephanie added with a smirk. “I’ll be back in an hour to help with the decorating, got to pop into the office.”

  Cassie went to object but Stephanie turned and marched down the driveway.

  “One hour and you better be ready,” she called over her shoulder.

  Cassie sighed and made her way into the house and the box of decorations waiting for her on the dining room table.

  The Christmas party was something the residents in Summerfield looked forward to and if she was honest, she’d always enjoyed them too. Each year the party was held in a different house. The last time she’d been the host was five years ago.

  “Well, it’s now or never,” Cassie muttered pulling open the box and peering inside. She couldn’t help but smile as she pulled garlands and lights out onto the table. The ornaments had been in her family for generations and she lined them up ready to be placed in their appointed locations. Each had its own special place, just the way they had for her grandmother and mother before her.

  Maybe it won’t be so bad. After all, Christmas used to be fun.

  Reaching into the bottom of the box Cassie pulled out a small piece of velvet cloth. She dropped it. She knew what it was. The mistletoe, her grandmother’s favorite piece and the cause of her misery.

  ‘You’ll meet the man of your dreams under this mistletoe,’ her grandmother had said. That’s how she met grandpa and how mom met dad. Cassie smiled as she remembered her grandmother’s tales of love and the magic mistletoe. They’d always been so special and real until she met Ben. She’d kissed him under that very same mistletoe five years ago and all she’d gotten was a broken heart and a mountain of debt.

  “Not this year, grandma,” she said as she closed the box. “No more magic for me.”

  The next hour flew by as Cassie placed ornaments and decorations around the house. True to her word Stephanie arrived to help, and the day passed in laughter, music, and the odd glass of wine. When Stephanie asked about grandma’s magic mistletoe Cassie lied and said she couldn’t find it.

  At 5pm the caterers arrived to set up the food. The decorating was almost complete, and the house looked amazing. Cassie caught Stephanie looking at the blank space above the living room door where the mistletoe hung each year. She saw the disappointment on her face but refused to budge. There would be no mistletoe this year.

  “I’m just going to put this box upstairs then I’m off to beautify myself,” Stephanie called out as she grabbed the empty decorations box from the dining room.

  “Thanks, Steph, don’t know what I would’ve done without you today,” Cassie said looking at up at her friend as she placed the last bauble on the tree and switched on the lights. She couldn’t help but smile. Everything looked amazing, and she was looking forward to the party.

  “I’ll be back at seven,” Stephanie said as she opened the front door. “Be ready.”

  “I will,” Cassie smiled.

  The house was filled with the scent of mince pies and mulled wine.

  “I’m going to have fun tonight,” she whispered to herself as she made her way upstairs to change.

  Dressed and ready as she would ever be, Cassie took a deep breath and made her way downstairs. The blank space over the dining room door caught her eye. Normally the mistletoe hung there to catch any unsuspecting guests. Of course, everyone in Summerfield knew about her grandmother’s mistletoe and the stories that came with it. Cassie chewed on her bottom lip, a nervous habit, and sighed. What would she tell everyone? I could just put it up and tell Stephanie I found it she thought, but then shrugged her shoulders.

  “No, not this year. I don’t want any more of that mistletoe magic in my life.”

  Cassie made her way to the kitchen and filled a large glass with mulled wine before making her way to the living room to set up the music playlist for the evening. Before long festive favorites were playing and Cassie began to relax.

  At seven neighbors and friends started to arrive and Cassie spent the next hour chatting and mingling. Her house was open to everyone and people came and went as they pleased. It’s the way it was every year. No one noticed the missing mistletoe. Stephanie arrived
at eight, later than promised, but she looked stunning.

  “Hey Cass, sorry I’m late. I was waiting for Jake and Melissa.”

  With that, Jake pushed his way around her and smothered Cassie in a hug. He was like her own little brother too and she couldn’t help but laugh as he swung her in the air.

  “Looking great Cass,” he smiled.

  “You too,” she beamed, “and I hear you brought a guest.”

  “Yep, this is Mel,” he said pulling a petite brunette from behind Stephanie. “Mel, this is Cassie, my surrogate big sis.”

  “Pleased to meet you, I hope you enjoy your stay here in Summerfield,” Cassie said extending her hand to Mel in greeting.

  “Thanks for letting me crash your party. Jake’s told me lots of stories about the three of you.” Mel said shaking her hand.

  “Hopefully all good,” Cassie said as she smiled. She liked this girl and from the look on Jake’s face, she knew he really liked her too.

  “You didn’t find the mistletoe then?” Stephanie interrupted looking at the blank space above the door.

  Cassie felt her face blush, but she stuck to her lie. “No sign of it,” she said.

  “Right,” Stephanie smirked.

  Cassie looked away. She knew Stephanie was on to her. She always knew when Cassie lied.

  “Well, have a great time you two, food and drink is in the kitchen” she said to Jake and Mel while grabbing Stephanie by the arm and pulling her aside.

  “What’s with the smirk?” she asked.

  “Oh, nothing. I’m going to get a drink you want one?”

  Cassie shook her head, “Fine I’ll have a glass of mulled wine.”

  The evening was going well. Friends and neighbors were chatting, and the food was going down a treat. Cassie was deep in conversation with Margaret Tyrell, the local real estate agent when a stranger caught her attention. He was tall with dark hair.

  “That’s Agnes’ nephew in from the city for a couple of days,” Margaret informed her. “Come on I’ll introduce you. He’s quite the catch.”

  “Oh, there’s no need,” Cassie exclaimed embarrassed that she’d been caught staring at him.

  “Nonsense dear, you’ve been single far too long.”

  Cassie took in a deep breath. She knew there was no way of getting out of it. She followed Margaret across the room.

  “Yoo-hoo David, I want you to meet our host Cassie Blake,” she called as they crossed the room.

  Cassie watched the handsome stranger turn and smile at them. He was really something, deep blue eyes and dark hair that fell over his forehead. As if feeling her gaze, he ran his fingers through his hair. Cassie sighed. She’d sworn off men. She was still trying to fix the mess Ben left her with and she’d lost faith in the opposite sex.

  “David, this is Cassie,” Margaret beamed.

  “Pleasure to meet you, Cassie,” he said extending his hand.

  “Tut, tut, David, it’s Christmas and you know here in Summerfield we don’t extend our hand, give her a kiss on the cheek, she doesn’t bite, I promise,” Margaret butted in.

  Cassie felt her cheeks blush and if she wasn’t mistaken, there was a slight redness to David’s too as he leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek.

  “Pleasure to meet you,” he whispered against her ear as he pulled away.

  “You too,” was all Cassie could manage. His sultry voice had gotten to her.

  “Well, I’ll leave you two to chat,” Margaret announced calling out to Sarah Pearson who’d just passed by.

  “She’s something else, isn’t she?” Cassie asked breaking the silence.

  David gazed into her eyes. “That’s what I love about this place, everyone’s so friendly.”

  “I haven’t seen you around before,” Cassie said knowing she’d never forget his face.

  “It’s been a while,” he sighed. “Can I get you a drink?”

  “Sure, everything’s in the kitchen,” Cassie said.

  David looked towards the kitchen and then back at Cassie. “I’ll meet you back here, don’t go anywhere.”

  He smiled and Cassie felt her face blush again. He was gorgeous and that voice, she could listen to it forever. A few minutes later David arrived back with two glasses of wine.

  “It’s a lovely place you’ve got here Cassie.”

  “Thanks, it’s always been in the family. What about you, where do you live?”

  The conversation flowed and Cassie found herself laughing and smiling. She’d caught Stephanie watching them a couple of times but she was having too much fun to pay her any attention. David worked in finance in the city. He was single, and he spent most of his time working. He was in Summerfield to help his aunt Agnes while his uncle Philip was in the hospital.

  “Hey you,” Stephanie interrupted tapping Cassie on the shoulder. “Dancing is about to start in the living room.”

  “Is it that time already?” Cassie asked looking around.

  “Time flies when you’re having fun,” Stephanie grinned before turning to David. “Hi David, how’s Philip doing, when’s he coming home?”

  “He’s good Stephanie, should be home next week.”

  Cassie frowned at the two of them. How did Stephanie know David?

  “Time to dance, you two ready?” Stephanie asked.

  Cassie looked at David and smiled. “Would you like to dance?”

  “Sure, I’d love to,” he replied, and they made their way towards to the living room.

  “You coming?” Cassie asked Stephanie over her shoulder.

  “Be there in a minute, I’ve something I need to do first.”

  Stephanie was up to something. Cassie knew it but the prospect of dancing with David made her drop the subject. The music was soft and inviting as they stepped into the living room. Couples were arm in arm, shuffling around the floor. Wham’s Last Christmas began playing and David turned to Cassie.

  “You ready?” he asked.

  “Yes,” she said placing her hand in his.

  The touch of his skin sent shockwaves through her body. She hadn’t felt this kind of attraction in a long time. Not since Ben, she thought and quickly chastised herself. She wasn’t going to let him ruin tonight.

  David pulled her in close and together they began to move to the music. They were both silent, caught up in their own little worlds. Cassie smiled. She felt happy and at peace. Stephanie was right, the party was just what she needed. She watched her neighbors and friends smiling and laughing, and she realized that she’d always loved this time of the year. It was magical and everyone embraced the good tidings and Christmas cheer. As they twirled around her living room Cassie allowed her head to rest on David’s shoulder. The soft scent of citrus body wash mixed with the scent of mince pies and pine needles filled her nostrils. The music stopped too soon, and she felt herself sigh.

  “Thanks for the dance,” she whispered as they moved apart.

  “It was my pleasure,” David smiled, “and I’d love the chance to do it again.”

  Cassie smiled back. “I’d like that too.”

  She spotted Stephanie waving to them across the hallway and excused herself.

  “You look like you’re having a good time,” Stephanie beamed.

  “I am, thank you, and you were right, this party was just what I needed.”

  “I’m always right,” Stephanie replied handing Cassie a glass of wine. “So, what’s he like, David?”

  “He’s really nice and,” Cassie paused.

  “Drop dead gorgeous,” Stephanie finished, and they both laughed.

  “Pity you never found your grandmother’s mistletoe, you could have found out a lot more.” Stephanie winked at Cassie before excusing herself to go and find Jake and Melissa.

  Cassie stood and thought about the mistletoe in the bottom of the decorations box. She could retrieve it, but how would she hang it without anyone seeing? She shrugged her shoulders. There was no way to do it. She had missed her chance because of Ben. She cursed hi
m under her breath. He’d taken everything from her and now he’d taken her chance to kiss David too.

  Cassie mingled for the next little while catching up on town news and playing the perfect hostess. She had to admit, the house looked amazing. The lights shone, and the ornaments created the perfect atmosphere. Ivy House was perfect. She’d caught David’s eyes a few times and smiled. He was gorgeous.

  “There you are,” Stephanie exclaimed tapping her on the shoulder. “It’s time for the Christmas toast.”

  “Already?” Cassie said looking at her watch. “God, the time flew.”

  “Yes, everyone’s gathering in the living room, so come on.”

  They made their way through the crowd and Cassie stood in front of the large, glowing Christmas tree ready to thank her guests and wish them a merry Christmas. It was a tradition. Each year the party host toasted the town and wished for a prosperous holiday season and forthcoming year.

  Cassie cleared her throat and asked everyone to raise their glasses.

  “Thank you all for coming to Ivy House this year. It’s been my pleasure to be your host and I wish every one of you a happy Christmas and prosperous New Year. To us all,” she said as she raised her glass.

  “To us all,” the guests cheered.

  She didn’t see David in the crowd. In fact, she hadn’t seen him in a while. She hoped he hadn’t left. She looked around and spotted him standing with Jack and Melissa at the entrance hall. She started to make her way over. She wanted to say goodbye before he left.

  “Where are you going?” Stephanie asked smirking at Cassie. “I think someone’s caught your attention.”

  Cassie blushed, “I want to say goodbye to Jake and Melissa before they leave,” she lied.

  “Cassie Blake, you always were a bad liar,” Stephanie laughed. “Come on,” she said linking their arms and guiding Cassie across the room. “I’ve a surprise for you.”

  Cassie looked at Stephanie. Her surprises never went well.

  “What are you up to?”

  “You’ll see,” Stephanie replied tapping the side of her nose. The sign for Cassie to mind her own business.

  As they approached Jake and Melissa Cassie’s gaze met David’s and she smiled. She’d only met him a couple of hours ago but there was something about him, a charm, and a magnetic pull that she hadn’t felt in a long time. If she was honest, she didn’t want the night to end. She’d enjoyed chatting with him and laughing. He was so easy to talk to.