Remember Yesterday

By Kelly A. Purcell

Anna let Brad go years ago, telling herself that it was for his own good. Now he's back, washed up on the same shore where she'd last seen him, and convinced that his wife is trying to kill him. Brad's life may be in danger and so is the secret that Anna has cherished and nurtured, believing that it would always be her own to keep. Will Brad chose the woman of his past over the woman he has vowed to love? Can Anna finally move on with her life or will she allow Brad to break her heart again? And most importantly, who wants Brad dead?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kelly A. Purcell
• Release date: Jun 23, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310530517

Kelly A. Purcell

A Christian writer, musician, optimist and blogger from the Caribbean island of Grenada.

Book preview

Remember Yesterday

By Kelly A. Purcell

Published by Kelly A. Purcell at Smashwords

Copyright 2014 Kelly A. Purcell

Cover photo © 2004-2014 All rights reserved - Big stock

Thank you for downloading this ebook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favourite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Scripture in this book has been taken from the New International Version.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973,1278,1984,2011 by Biblica Inc.™ Used by permission All rights reserved worldwide.

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

About the Author

Prologue

Anna remained in bed until she heard her brother’s truck pull out from the front yard and skid onto the stony road outside their house, then she tossed the covers off and ran to the window. Her brother was long gone. The view from her window was a beautiful one, she had the pleasure of waking up to one of island’s prized possessions; the rich, frothy blue green ocean, hitting against the rocks, which hid one of her favourite spots. Today however, she couldn’t enjoy it; she couldn’t even see it, not through the tears welling up in her eyes again. She took a deep breath and swiped the back of her hand angrily against her eyes, clearing her vision just in time to see her close friend from church hurrying up the stony, dusty road that led to her house. Anna gritted her teeth, turned from the window and dashed down the stairs.

She yanked the door open just as Becky lifted her hand to knock on it. The girl regarded her with obvious confusion.

Monty said you were sick, she said flatly.

Anna took a deep breath and motioned for her to come inside the house. The house that she cared for as her own and rightly so, now that both her parents were gone from her life forever. It was just her and her older brother Monty now and at least for the next seven months or so.

What’s going on? You faked sick so you could miss church? Becky glared at her accusingly.

Anna shook her head, it’s more than that.

Becky took both her hands and pulled her to the couch in that sisterly way she had, Anna what’s going on? You’ve been acting strange since…since the fire, she sighed, is this about Raj?

Anna rolled her eyes, of course it was about Raj, it was always about Raj. The boy who had been turning her life upside down since he came into it, there were some good times, but she couldn’t say they outweighed the torment, that comes from persistently worrying about the person she loved. Of course she wasn’t about to share that with Becky, she was her friend but she didn’t tolerate much, especially Anna’s wild boyfriend Raj. Not when Becky had it together, at seventeen she was already teaching Sunday school and giving relationship advice to the young women in their church. Who could blame her though, she’d managed to snag the Pastor’s son, Greg Pascal, the oldest son of the man that came riding into their community shortly after Anna’s father passed away, to take his place.

It’s nothing, Anna finally replied, her eyes quickly going to the clock above the archway to the kitchen, I’m really not feeling well.

Becky regarded her with blatant disbelief, she released her hands and stood up, fine then. I’m going to church. I’ll say a prayer for you, you clearly need it.

The moment Becky was out the door Anna was on her feet, she had just about fifteen minutes to make it to the beach. She quickly changed into something more appropriate, something bright and hopeful, she wanted Raj’s last image of her to be a good one. As she was about to scurry out the back, she heard a low thud in the living room, she wasn’t afraid, there was only one person bold enough to leap through that particular window of her house.

Raj! she exclaimed, going to the devilishly handsome boy.

She clung to his bare chest like she hadn’t just seen him yesterday, he always insisted on walking around in shorts and slippers with his boney chest exposed and a dirty t-shirt slung over his shoulder. Raj was as stiff as a board and when she stepped away and looked into his face, his somber expression sunk her attempt to be jovial.

Tell me Anna, he said in his thick country accent, that all her friends at school made fun of.

Tell you what?

That you don’t want me to go…

She sighed, lowering her gaze, I want you to be safe.

I’m sorry, he croaked.

Anna hugged him again, let me walk with you, I want to see you off.

He nodded, not trusting himself to speak again.

They went out the back together, hand in hand. Raj with his head held low, Anna with her head held high, in an effort to stall the tears that threatened to fall, but she had to be strong, she had to be strong for him and for herself.

She watched him run to the waiting speedboat bobbing in the surf . Two other boys around his age had just climbed in and were waving at him. Anna took a deep breath, his kiss still lingered on her lips, her love for him still bursting from her heart.

He turned and waved to her and she lifted a hand above her head in farewell, using the other to shield her eyes from the sun that had come out strong and bright behind him. As the boat sped away, she lowered her hand to her stomach and released a sob, feeling her body tremble. Somehow the secret within her knew that someone important was now gone from their life for good. Anna took a deep breath, it was good for him, it was good for them both that he would never know.

Chapter 1

That’s enough! cried Mara, as another boot landed against her husband’s rib cage. Brad groaned and rolled unto his side and looked up at his horrified wife, his eyes and lips were bloody and bruised.

Please just stop now, you’re going to kill him she pleaded, trying her best to not sound as concerned as she was.

Trent looked up at her with a sneer, I think that’s the whole idea, Mara he said.

She looked down at her husband and shook her head, Brad was out of it by now; he could not make out a word they were saying. He laid sprawled on his back, gasping through the pain his head lolling like a sponge bodied doll.

It doesn’t make sense, and you know it. You don’t want a murder on your hands, do you?

Trent chuckled, don’t you mean ‘we’? he replied as he dropped the baseball bat he was holding.

Watch him, he commanded to the burly man standing nearby.

Trent motioned for Mara to join him in the cabin; making his way there with the confidence and authority of a man in control.

It doesn’t make any sense, Mara reasoned, as she descended onto the lower deck after him.

Trent sighed and pulled up a seat, he withdrew a cigarette from his pocket and put it to his lips; he did not light it though, being mindful of Mara’s aversion to it. He remembered how snappy it used to make her.

Then what do you suggest we do, miss know-it-all?

There’s an island not far from here, he’s already in pretty bad shape, we could drop him off, and he wouldn’t know what’s going on.

Trent looked thoughtful, what if the bastard survives the night? Can we risk that?

Mara bit her lip, she was hoping he did, she could not bear the thought of him dying, more so, dying by her hands.

He’s so drugged out; I doubt he’ll remember what happened. Besides, Brad never travels to the Caribbean, he wouldn’t know anyone there.

She knew she was going out on a limb to save him. Trent was a ruthless man and if he thought Brad was best dead, he’d see to it that that’s what happened.

Mara stood looking at him, awaiting his response with as much neutrality as possible. Trent just sat there, glaring up at her with those cold, glassy blue eyes, his stringy blonde hair hanging over them. Brad had disapproved of him the moment he saw him; he thought he looked dangerous and he was right. He would have never let him on board if Mara had not intervened, in the best way she knew how; distracting beauty and honey laced words.

Trent looked up at her again and shrugged, alright if you think that’s best, that’s what we’ll do. But we can’t wait until morning, we’ve got to clean up this mess tonight and be back to California as soon as possible, he was jabbing his unlit cigarette at her for emphasis, now get outta here so I can have myself a smoke! he ordered.

Mara turned and flew up the ladder, she needed to take one last look at her husband, the chances that she would probably never see him again were especially high and if she did, she was pretty sure he wouldn’t want to see her.

The sun hovered above the horizon in its morning splendour, the trees rustled musically as they danced to the rhythm of the cool breeze coursing through them, like the morning alarm. Brad awoke with the warmth of the sun on his back, the cold wetness of his bed of stones pressing against his stomach and the taste of salt in his mouth; grains of sand clung to his lips and tongue and he sputtered as he turned sluggishly onto his back. He lifted a trembling hand to his throbbing head, touching his blood matted hair, and traced his hands to his lips, flinching as his salty fingers singed his busted, swollen lips. He struggled to sit up. Dizziness overwhelmed him and he gasped as a sharp pain shot up his stiff back – every muscle, every joint felt like a broken hinge. But even in his immobilizing pain he knew that he couldn’t stay here, the harshness of the ocean breeze was that voice of reason.

He stared out at the bare expanse of frothing water and stifled a sob, where was Mara? He wrapped his black, cashmere car coat tighter around him; it still smelled of Mara’s flowery perfume; he hadn’t bothered to remove it that night on the yacht. Much of that night was a blur, but it couldn’t ease the panic and sheer worry of not knowing where his wife was. He looked down at the angry waves below him and the horrid thought of her being beneath it undid him. He welcomed the warmth of the tears that had begun coursing down his cheeks, her being captured by their attackers didn’t seem so terrible now, at least she would be alive, but for how long? With tears in his eyes he looked up at the beautiful blue sky they were admiring only yesterday and he groaned.

What did I ever do to deserve this, why the hell won’t you help me! he cried, not knowing to whom he cried or what he really considered to be help. He just felt like someone had to be blamed, someone had to hear and someone had to protect her.

He looked down at his hands upon which he wore two gold rings, on his right he wore a large gold ring with a huge stone, it was a gift from an old friend from the days when he carried boxes for a living, and on his left was his plain, gold wedding band.

Mara had made a thing out of getting it, knowing how he liked everything simple, for once she chose to think of him instead of herself. Brad smiled as he thought of their wedding day when she explained the reason for her choice he remembered laughing, he remembered being so happy but it had only lasted for the first year of their marriage. Mara started being difficult, she was hardly ever home but was either partying, shopping, or hanging with friends. Brad started feeling left out, he tried convincing her to act and dress more like a wife and she threw a tantrum, arguing that he was becoming controlling, and before long they couldn’t have a conversation without fighting.

Their marriage was falling apart on them and the trip was another attempt to save it and it was going great too, up until the previous night. Brad grimaced and pulled the ring off his long dark slender finger and sat staring at it, he wondered what would have happened if they hadn’t been interrupted, could they have saved their marriage? An image of her hovering over him flashed before him, and a look of confusion came upon his face.

She was there? He whispered in disbelief, suddenly uncertain of his own account of that night.

He was still sorting through his murky memory when he felt and heard a bird swoop past his ear; he looked up to find a terrified flock of gulls fly over him, their cries echoing in the hollow of the bay. Brad was turning away from them, about to ease back into his state of self pity when he heard a child like cry rise up after them.

He struggled to his feet, ignoring the shooting pain and tightness in his legs, and looked about him frantically; he could now hear the sound of laughter thrilling like a siren. With his jaw set, he made a bold step forward, feeling his legs tremble and jerk underneath him he paused, took a deep breath and with a determined set of his jaw, dropped to his knees and proceeded to clamber down the side of the rock. Just mere inches from the surf, he threw himself into the roaring water and started to swim toward the shore.

Tommy was still doubled over with laughter, causing Casey to roll her eyes and pout.

That’s not funny! she exclaimed, lifting her hands and dropping them to her sides with a sigh.

What? Tom asked in his usual whiny voice, his big grin had suddenly turned into a frown.

Casey was still staring up at the sky, don’t act like you don’t know, she turned angry eyes on him.

Tom shrugged, sorry, it’s not like you would’ve caught any.

Casey groaned in exasperation and marched angrily past him. Tommy followed her.

Hey where are you going? Just give up Case you can’t catch a sea gull, it’s stupid. Isn’t this illegal?

Tommy stopped at the edge of the rock and looked down at the curly haired girl below, Casey had drew closer to the edge of the rock they were standing on and was looking over at something on the other side; she wore a disappointed frown.

What are you doing? You know we’re not supposed to be out on the beach this early, Case. Let’s just go, he pleaded, not making a move to join her.

Don’t worry Tom, we’ll be back in time, she assured him.

Tommy shook his head, I knew I shouldn’t have come out here, and he sat down with a sigh.

Yeah maybe you shouldn’t have, she said nonchalantly, still scanning the beach so she wouldn’t have to see Tommy’s insulted frown. It was the most beautiful site she’d ever had the pleasure of seeing, and even though she lived close enough to be able to see it every day and could ride her bike and take in the beauty of the sea from her favourite rock as often as she wished, it always left her amazed.

She turned around and walked back to where Tommy was now stooping, and regarded her surroundings absently; beads of sweat had already formed on her brow.

We won’t have a chance today Casey, let’s forget it, he muttered.

Wait a minute what is that? she cried, the blank look on her face completely erased.

Tommy shrugged, who cares.

No seriously Tommy look, she pointed in the direction they’d come from, at the cluster of trees that stood between this secluded beach and the rest of civilization. They usually had to go through it in order to get onto the rocks, it was a dry sandy area, with sharp sticks, thorns and poison plants.

I just saw something moving through there.

Tommy’s head shot upward and he jumped to his feet, What? Where? he asked frantically, looking with wide eyes in the direction she pointed.

I don’t know, it was there a while ago, she said, frowning.

Jesus! Run Casey, run! Tommy cried, hopping on one leg like he was fire dancing.

Casey looked about her, her eyes wide with excitement and fear, what is it Tom?

Tommy dashed behind her and shoved his hand over her shoulder to motion to the dirty wet man stumbling weakly toward them.

Casey tensed, it’s just a man, she said.

Exactly, Tommy sputtered, and he’s heading right for us.

Casey took a step back despite herself and took a deep calming breath, so what?

Tommy jerked her shoulder and she turned to face him, are you seriously not getting this? Me, you, young vulnerable children, out in a secluded area early in the morning, none of our parents know where we are, there’s a horrible looking zombie approaching us and you say, so what!

Please… help me! the stranger cried as he made two more shaky steps toward them, before he stumbled to his hands and knees.

His weak plea got to Casey and she found herself taking a step toward him. Tommy gripped the tail of her shirt frantically.

Don’t do it, he warned.

Can’t you see he’s hurt, she said as she shook him off.

Casey hurried toward the motionless man, now sprawled out on the ground before her and she knelt at his side. She turned him over, and found herself looking down at a dark, badly beaten man. He was well built, with lots of curly black hair, now wet and dirty with sand, she imagined he wasn’t very bad looking underneath the red swollen bumps and cuts. She laid a hand on his chest and felt the slight rise and fall of his breathing. She didn’t know this man; he was definitely not from around here.

Tommy made his way to her side cautiously and looked down at the lifeless man at their feet warily, maybe he’s an escaped slave from Guyana or something.

Casey looked over at him, Why didn’t you pass common entrance again?

Oh shut up.

He walked around the man and nudged him with his foot, look he’s dead, let’s just go, there’s nothing we could do, he said.

Casey stooped down and shook his shoulder gently, wake up, she prodded.

Don’t touch him! cried Tommy as he threw himself forward to stop her.

Casey saw him coming and leaned backward; the boy stumbled and fell across the man’s chest. The stranger jerked upward. Tommy started screaming, and didn’t stop until he was a good distance away from the man.

Casey tumbled back on her haunches as she howled with laughter. She stopped when she noticed the man was stirring, his eyelids were fluttering slightly and he was making a throaty groaning sound. Casey crept over to him and leaned over his face; his eyes fluttered open and squeezed shut again against the morning sunlight, the girl smiled.

Brad opened his eyes and tried to rise but he was too weak; he felt he would break into a thousand pieces. He found himself staring up at a smiling girl, who was staring down at him with genuine concern in her bold brown eyes, she leaned closer and a lock of curly black hair tumbled from behind her ears and touched his cheek.

What’s your name mister? she asked.

Brad tried to answer, struggling with the tight hoarseness in his throat.

Brad, he croaked.

He could not help wondering who this dirty little girl was who had injected a bit of hope into his dark situation. It suddenly occurred to him that he might have died and was in heaven and that she was an angel, but one look at her dirty face wild hair and stained clothes was enough to convince him otherwise.

A chubby faced boy leaned over him now, is he alive asked the scared looking boy.

Yeah she whispered without turning away from the man before her.

Hi Brad, she said cheerfully, grinning from ear to ear, my name’s Casey.

She motioned to the boy next to her and this is Tom she smiled.

Brad thought it was the most beautiful one he had ever seen, it was genuine and kind and so familiar, he tried to give her one of his own but his bruised lips would not allow much strain. Suddenly Casey’s smile vanished and was replaced with a look of horror.

Oh no, Mister you’re bleeding! she exclaimed and she moved away from his line of sight. Brad heard a tearing sound, someone cried out and she returned to his side pressing the cloth against his bleeding forehead. Brad sighed with relief, he was afraid she would run away. A short dark boy with puffy cheeks appeared beside her, he was shirtless and mad.

Humph, why didn’t you take your shirt off, what’s my mom gonna say huh?