Brace Yourself

By Bridgitte Lesley

It had been four years since Tessa had left Adam without any contact whatsoever. Adam was so lonely and missed her terribly. He had met Tessa at the stationer five years ago. They had a whirlwind romance and he had married her after two months. A year later she had walked out without a trace. She had simply vanished. He had hounded her parents on her whereabouts. They weren’t helpful at all. Adam had lost his heart to Tessa. There was no one else for him. After all this time he was still madly in love with her and he hadn’t given up on them. They were still married. After Tessa had left Adam her life had changed. She was part of an elite team who assisted the SWAT team. A secret which she kept to herself. To her family and others she was a very sought after model. Always away on an assignment. She yearned for Adam. But it would never work. She was always on call and most often away on assignment. Her life had changed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bridgitte Lesley
• Release date: Sep 2, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301249879

Bridgitte Lesley

Hello from Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa!Having survived an attempt at being murdered, I have plunged myself in to my writing. After my gruesome ordeal, I live life from day to day. Appreciating every minute and moment. Yes, I have the scars from an axe being driven in to my head repeatedly. I suffer from PTSD and OCD. But, I am here to tell the tale. And I have a lot to tell!I am currently revamping my older titles and will be adding a few. In a nutshell, you will find a mix of romance, adventure, lots of witty banter and a happy ever after. All round, expect a feel-good read.Thank you for reading and for your support!Bridgitte

Book preview

Brace Yourself

By

Bridgitte Lesley

Version 1

Published by

Bridgitte Lesley on Smashwords

Brace Yourself

Copyright © 2011 Bridgitte Lesley

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only and may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Your support and respect for the property of this author is appreciated.

This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or locations is purely coincidental. The characters are a production of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously.

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Brace Yourself

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CHAPTER 1

Adam Harrison sat in the corner of his lounge where he had his home office set up. He stared at his laptop with his forehead leaning in to his hand and his elbow on the desk. He opened up the internet and typed in ‘Tessa Harrison’. Adam sat and waited. He scrolled down. There was no entry on Tessa. He shook his head and closed his eyes. Impossible. She has always been an entrepreneur. There should be an entry. Something. Anything! It had been four years since Tessa had left Adam without any contact whatsoever. Adam was so lonely. He had met Tessa at the stationer five years ago. She was collecting copy paper. Tessa had moved to town and had opened up her own recruitment agency. Adam stared into space and smiled. They had a whirlwind romance and he had married her after two months. A year later she had walked out without a trace. She had vanished. He had hounded her parents on her whereabouts. They weren’t helpful at all. Adam had lost his heart to Tessa. There was no one else for him. After all this time he was still in love with her and he hadn’t given up on them. They were still married.

Adam had recruited a friend of his to find her. He wasn’t able to track her down either. Adam smiled. He knew Tessa would have gone home but no one would tell him for sure. Adam picked up his cell phone and dialed. I’d like the number of Harrison, R. Hold the line please Sir. Adam waited. The number you are looking for will follow shortly. He smiled as he waited for the number to be read over the phone. He wrote each number as he listened.

Adam cut the call and dialed the number. He waited for three rings before someone answered. May I speak to Tessa please? Oh, she’s out of the country for a while Sir. When are you expecting her? Sir, she didn’t say. Mrs. Harrison is expected on arrival. Can I put you through to either of her parents? No thank you. Who am I speaking with? This is Stella, the housekeeper. Oh, thank you Stella. Adam smiled as he put the phone down. Mmmmmmhhh. Mrs. Harrison is expected on arrival. Adam grinned and repeated. Mrs. Harrison. He put his hands above his head and stretched. He smiled. He lowered his arms and grinned. Mrs. Harrison. Out of the country. Expected on arrival. What a crazy answer. He smiled. He had found her in a matter of seconds after so many years.

Adam turned around and looked at his parents. Mum, Dad, how would you feel about moving? Jane nodded. Max smiled. There is nothing holding us back. You can do your work anywhere. And I am pretty much tired of this town. There isn’t anything here for us. Jane nodded. We’re rather lonely. Since Tessa left. She shrugged her shoulders. Adam sighed. That’s why I want to leave. I need her back in my life. I can’t live without her. Jane and Max both looked at Adam. Max whispered. You’re serious. You found her? Adam nodded. It’s been four years. I don’t have any interest in anyone else. Never have had. I think I need to get on my knees and beg. Jane smiled and nodded. Grovel. She looked over at Max. He nodded and smiled. Do we know where we are going? Adam nodded. Yeah. Pretty much. Tessa went home. Jane smiled. How do you know for sure? Adam shook his head. I know. I just spoke to the housekeeper. Jane looked at Adam. The housekeeper? Adam nodded and chuckled. I knew she would have gone to her folks. They were always pretty close. Jane nodded. She was very quiet. We’re fine with any decision you make son.

Adam nodded and smiled. My company is sold. All we have to do is sell this place and we can leave. Max nodded. I’ll give the estate agent a call. Jane nodded and smiled. She was getting excited. She knew there was a lot of heartache to come but it would be worth it in the end. Jane flipped her cell phone open and gazed at a few photos that Tessa had sent her. They had always kept in touch. As regular as clockwork Tessa would send her an SMS or a photograph on a Monday morning. Jane smiled as she looked at the photographs. She was sworn to secrecy. However close she was to Adam, she had made a promise to Tessa that she would keep their relationship private. Every detail that Tessa shared with Jane was for her information alone. However difficult it was for Jane. She understood. Tessa had been hurt when she had left Adam. The breakup had torn her apart.

Jane looked at Adam. You need to prepare yourself Adam. There might be things that are going to hurt. Adam nodded. I know Mum. Jane looked at Adam. She might have someone else. Adam shook his head. I know Mum. Adam. You might get hurt. Adam nodded. I’ll take the hurt. I can’t hurt any more than this. Jane looked at Adam. What if she has her own family? Adam nodded. I’ll take that too. Jane nodded. Prepare yourself for the worst Adam. Adam nodded and sighed. I already have.

Adam smiled as his cell phone rang. Sam the man! Sam roared with laughter. Hey Adam my boy. How’s it hanging? Adam shook his head. Same. Sam chuckled. Just been away for a while. Business trip. Tell me. When are you going to hook up with that fine little wife of yours? Adam shook his head. It’s been four years. Yeah. I know. Harry has been our leader for three years. Shook us up when we all got a new leader. But boy does she get our adrenalin pumping. I bet. Did you have a good tour? Pretty much. Get this. On the way back we had to stop and buy a teddy bear. Adam roared with laughter. You what? Sam chuckled. In the Hummer. On the way back to the airport. Harry stops. Runs across the road. And buys this massive teddy bear for her son. You’re kidding. Serious. She’s married? Yeah. And her son is four. Just turned four the other day. But she is separated. He hasn’t been on the scene for years. And he doesn’t know about the little guy. Hell. Yeah. What would you do if you suddenly found out you had a son? Adam grinned. If it was Tessa I would forgive her and try and be the best Dad ever. Sam chuckled. That’s what I thought.

Adam was quiet. This Harry person. She leaves her son at home? Yeah. Pretty close family. The parents don’t even know she’s on the force though. Jees. Yeah. Explain that one. Only the team knows. Adam shook his head. That’s a difficult one. Sam chuckled. I was just saying to my folks it’s about time I sell up. You going to try and hook up with her? Adam smiled. Going to try. I found her. Sam roared with laughter. You’re in for a rough ride. Adam nodded. Why do you say that? Sam spoke quietly. Adam. It’s been four years. She might have changed. Yeah Sam. But it’s worth a try. Sam chuckled. I’m on your side. Adam smiled as he put down the phone. One thing in their conversation triggered him. Their team leader was a woman. Named Harry? Adam shook his head and smiled.

Adam smiled as he looked up at his folks. I am going to take a flight tomorrow. Buy a nice property. And then when this is sold I am going to come and fetch you. Jane chuckled. We will sell it. Have everything put in storage or in a container. Then we will fly out to you. Max grinned. Always fancied myself as a jet setter. Adam grinned and nodded. He got straight on to the internet and booked his flight.

Jane looked at Adam. Adam. What would you do if Tessa had a child and you never knew? Adam smiled. I’d be so happy Mum. So happy. I would forgive her. Because I know she was hurt. Badly. Jane nodded. Just remember. She’s not the same young girl. And there may be a lot more that you are going to come up against. Adam nodded. I know Mum. She probably has changed. And if she has a boyfriend I will have to give it my best shot. Honestly. I need to try. Jane smiled and nodded. I know son. And I agree with your decision. But there might be a lot of heart ache involved. I’m just preparing you. Adam nodded and smiled. I can’t believe I found her. This is the best day of my life! Max and Jane looked at Adam. Max hugged Jane. Yes, it certainly is. Adam nodded and smiled.

CHAPTER 2

Switch it on. Tessa fiddled with the new light fitting she was installing. She adjusted it slightly. Okay. Let’s head upstairs. Mark waited at the bottom of the ladder. Tessa climbed down. Mark took one side of the ladder. Tessa took the other and they walked up the stairs. Mark opened the ladder. Tessa climbed up. Hand me that fitting Mark. Just keep handing them. There are going to be eight of these in the ceiling. Down lighters. Mark nodded. He handed the first to Tessa. Tessa screwed it in and tightened it. She leaned over and did the next. She hopped down the ladder and moved it. She hopped up again and worked on the next. Tessa heard voices. She stayed where she was as she listened.

It’s just been renovated. They are busy with the lights at the moment but it will be finished today. Adam walked around and smiled. He approved of the light fittings. They suited the cozy home. Adam nodded as he looked around. Gladys smiled. There are two bedrooms downstairs and the lounge, dining room and kitchen. Upstairs there are another two bedrooms and an office. And the entertainment room which has a bar and a small kitchen area. Adam nodded as he looked around. The owner has just had the fireplace installed upstairs. The one downstairs is still the original.

Tessa climbed down the ladder again. She moved it. Mark passed the fitting to Tessa. Gladys and Adam walked up the stairs. Tessa heard Adam as he spoke. Tessa closed her eyes and groaned. She whispered to herself. No. Please God no. Don’t let it be him. Please God no. I’m not ready. Tessa clutched on to the step ladder. Her heart suddenly lurched. Her whole body started to tingle. Tessa groaned as she straightened up. She whispered to herself. Oh God. It is him. Adam walked up the stairs with Gladys. Adam smiled. He looked at every single room. He walked around and nodded. He headed in to the office and nodded. The office looked over onto the front of the house, on to the road.

Tessa quickly moved the ladder. Last one. She climbed the ladder and put the fitting in. Okay Mark. Switch it on. Mark switched the light on. One of the lights didn’t go on. Tessa looked up and moved the ladder over to the light. Switch it off. Tessa climbed up again. She took the fitting out and put it back again. Checking the wires. She put the light bulb back in. Put it on. Mark switched it on. Tessa smiled. Right. Mark nodded. All done for the day? Tessa nodded. Yeah. Let’s get going. Quick. Mark packed everything in to Tessa’s toolbox.

Adam stood staring out of the office. He looked down and watched as the electrician packed the toolbox in to the van. He looked at the other man. Only it wasn’t a man. Gladys smiled. They’re done. Adam stood and rubbed his chin. He pointed. Who was that? The electrician. He nodded. Yes, but who? T J’s Electrical. T J’s? Gladys nodded. What does T J stand for? Gladys smiled. It’s just T J. Adam nodded and smiled. I’ll take it. Where do I sign? Gladys smiled. You going to put in an offer? Adam nodded. I am. Gladys nodded and smiled. I’ll draw up the papers. Can you meet me in my office this afternoon? Adam nodded. Can do. Gladys smiled as they walked around the house. Adam smiled. He knew the house well. This was where Tessa had grown up. He had been in this house so many times when they had come home for a holiday or a quick visit.

Adam sighed. He took another walk around. The house had been freshly painted. New light fittings put in. The geyser? Gladys smiled. Oh, you have solar panels throughout. T J’s took care of it. Adam smiled and nodded. T J’s. Gladys nodded. Very big in town. Well known. Reliable. Adam nodded. Does Tommy run T J’s? Gladys nodded. Yeah. He’s away for the week though. Got someone standing in for him. His sister? Gladys shrugged her shoulder. No that wasn’t his sister. He doesn’t have a sister. But Mark is his brother. He was here. Do you know the family? Adam nodded. I met them a few times. Gladys nodded. Oh. Gladys smiled. She knew Tessa was helping out today. But she wasn’t Tommy’s sister. She wasn’t in a position to blurt out who did what in town. Gladys preferred to mind her own business.

Adam and Gladys walked through the house again. Adam smiled as he looked over the back yard. The yard was enormous with huge apple trees in the back yard. There was one orange tree in the corner of the yard. A Granadilla creeper crept up the orange tree. Adam smiled as he looked at it. Now why would anyone do that? Gladys looked out. What? Adam smiled. Oh. Nothing really. It is beautiful. Gladys nodded. When the apple tree and granadilla bloom it is beautiful. She pointed. Do you see how thick it has covered the trunk of the orange tree? Adam nodded and looked. You should see when they bloom. They bloom together and it is an array of color. Adam