The Fire In Ice

By Ceilidh Fraser

Fire and Ice are a successful Country Rock duo. In the middle of a national tour, one by one Aislinn and Jayden are targeted by a stalker who seems intent on destroying their careers. Jimmy, their manager, hires a brother and sister security company to protect them for the remainder of the tour. From there their problems only multiply. Infuriated by the increased security the stalker increases the pressure on the duo.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ceilidh Fraser
• Release date: Apr 5, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311766014

Ceilidh Fraser

Hi! I'm Ceilidh, I live in rural Australia with my sister and our tribe of chickens, dogs, cats, sheep and possums. Oh! I musn't forget the equine family members. I'm currently studying a Bachelor of Creative Industries and spend all my time writing. When I'm not writing I like to handspin fleece (currently working on Alpaca), reinvent recipes from the 1940's and dabble in my other love, photography.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Standing in the center of the wide stage, Aislinn gazed out into the artificial darkness that surrounded her. The screams and calls of more than twenty thousand people that waited in the shadows had paid to see her perform. Her fans. It always sent a nervous shiver down her spine to think that anyone would want to see her sing, let alone pay good money for the privilege.

Flicking her long blonde hair back over her shoulder, her tongue darted out to trace her pink glossy lips nervously, her wide blue eyes ringed by mascara thickened lashes blinking quickly as her eyes adjusted to darkness of the auditorium. The shadows broken only by dim blue track lighting as it cast its pale light across the stage. Her fingers toyed nervously with the lace edging on the cuffs of her pale blue satin blouse, before she dragged her trembling hands to the front of her heavy black brocade vest, her fingers teasing the rich brocade.

The crushed black velvet of her voluminous gypsy skirt swirled around her legs as she took a deep breath and walked across the stage towards her singing partner. Her cowboy boots tapped against the rubberized floor, barely audible above the rising chants of the fans, and as usual her jittery nerves faded as she watched Jayden walking towards her, one arm resting across the top of his guitar, the other extended towards her. His eyes searched her face, a smile curving his perfect lips as he winked and nodded his head to their lead guitarist. Counting them in softly, the crowd cheered in anticipation as the band began to play.

Without Jayden, Fire and Ice certainly wouldn’t exist, and she probably wouldn’t have made it as far as she had. She would have been just another pretty blonde with a nice voice singing cabaret. His warm ginger hair and her icy Nordic blonde was where their name had sprung from.

For eight years they had shared their professional lives. As far as the media machine that surrounded them was concerned, they were a loving couple. It didn’t matter that their manager was Jayden’s long term partner; the public only saw what they wanted to. In a way their publicity was right, she did deeply love Jayden and she knew that love was reciprocated fully. In their hearts they were siblings, nothing more, nothing less.

Jayden was her best friend in the world. He had been since their first meeting when his family had purchased the farm adjoining her families. Fourteen years of understanding friendship meant that each night he eased her nerves with a gentle touch and a glance before they performed another flawless concert.

As the music that had been swelling behind them reached its building crescendo, the light show that accompanied their performance started, throwing them into a blazing white shroud of bright light and Jayden’s lilting Irish tenor resounded through the stadium. As his words filled the air Aislinn’s smile widened, tilting her head slightly and adjusting the headset microphone she wore she let her own husky voice join his.

Chapter 2

More than two hours and three encores later, Aislinn stood on the side of the stage, exhausted, but satisfied, watching their fans slowly exiting the auditorium when a fluffy white towel hit her in the back of the head.

Linnie, me darling, Jayden’s voice called. Ye gonna come wit us for a bite ta eat?

Aislinn turned to face her singing partner, smiling as she saw him neatly ensconced under their manager Jimmy’s arm. No, it’s fine. She replied. I’m just going to go home, see if I can’t get some sleep.

Still having trouble sleeping? Jimmy asked, stepping forward, taking Aislinn’s chin in his hand and looking into her eyes. I told you this tour is too heavy for you. We’ll sit down tomorrow and find a couple of shows we can postpone.

The tour is fine, Jimmy, I’ve just been too wound up. Aislinn shrugged her shoulders in what she hoped was a nonchalant gesture. Tonight will be different.

Why don’t you leave the bike here, get one of the crew to drop it home for you and we’ll drop you home on our way to dinner. Jimmy suggested.

Oi, Jimmy my love, ye surely don’t expect her ta leave her beloved Hog unattended and all alone? Jayden moved to stand behind Jimmy, sliding his arms around his lover’s waist, resting his chin on Jimmy’s shoulder. Ye sure ye’re alright Linnie? his brows furrowed as he studied her.

I’m fine Jay. She sighed, Really, you know I can’t lie to you. I’m fine. I’m just tired. I’m going to ride Daisy home and have a hot bath and go to bed, maybe even curl up with some ice cream and CMT before I sleep. Honestly.

Make sure it’s vanilla. Chocolate will only keep you awake. We’ve both got our cell phones darlin. Jimmy leaned forward to press a kiss on her forehead. If you need us we’re only a phone call away.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Using all her strength, Aislinn rocked her classic 1984 Harley Davidson Blockhead sportster off it’s kick stand. As it settled onto it’s wheels, she let her tiny hands gently stroke the custom lavender paint job and white leather saddle on her beloved hog, before she lifted one leg kicked the bike into roaring life. Standing astride it, she carefully pulled the matching lilac helmet onto her head and pulled the long hair free of the tight confines. Smiling as the weight of her hair brushed against the small of her back she leaned forward and gunned the bike forward, riding towards her house.

When the first Fire and Ice album had sold double platinum the first thing Aislinn had done was to buy herself a home. It had taken her months to find the perfect property, even with Jayden and Jimmy’s help. A large open plan building, built into the side of a mountain, one side surrounded by an orchard, just one side open to the roadside, but only accessible by a two mile long driveway. It was secluded and natural it suited her perfectly. Surrounded now by lush green foliage and even a trickling brook that ran past the front of the house like a moat, it was her ideal home.

Pulling into the small parking area to the side of her drive way she pulled the helmet from her head and shook her tousled locks free. Setting her helmet on Daisy’s white leather seat, Aislinn jammed her hands into her jean’s pockets. Looking up at her home a frown furrowed her brow. Her heavy oak double entry door stood wide open. Pausing mid stride, Aislinn’s eyes quickly scanned the front of her house. Seeing nothing she didn’t expect, except the wide open door, she stood on the bottom step, her sharp white teeth worried her bottom lip nervously. Pushing her hand into her hip pocket, Aislinn pulled out her cell phone, her thumb stabbing at the redial button, her eyes never leaving the house.

Linnie? Jayden’s voice crackled in her ear, Are ye hungry? D’ye wanna come and nosh with us?

Jay, you haven’t eaten yet? Aislinn asked quickly, second guessing her first instinct to call them, nibbling on her bottom lip.

Nay, not yet sweetheart, we got jest a wee bit sidetracked. Jayden chuckled, "Ye ken Jimmy’s roaming hands are irresistible ta me.

Get back on Daisy and come down here, we’ll even get pizza. Jayden tried to convince her.

Don’t worry about it, Jay, you two go and have fun. You deserve some time together.

Did you change your mind about dinner? Jimmy’s voice sounded miles away.

No, it’s okay, you go. Aislinn shook her head as she walked along her property line, her eyes scouring the front of the house.

Why did ye call Linnie? Jayden questioned her.

I hate to do this to you two; I know how little time you get together. Aislinn started to apologize.

Linnie, Ah ken that voice, what’s troubling my best lass. There’s no need for ye to be brave wit me Jay cajoled her gently.

Jay, I think I’m scared. Aislinn murmured, unable to hide the tremor in her voice.

You think? What’s happened? Are you alright? Jimmy asked. The cell phone was balanced on Jayden’s shoulder, Jimmy’s head pressed in tightly so he could hear Aislinn’s voice.

I’m okay, but when I got here my front door was wide open. It was locked when I left. I’m sure of it.

Aislinn listened as there appeared to be a short scuffle over the phone before Jimmy’s worried voice spoke.

"Dammit Linnie. What have I told you? Jesus, woman you’re an international recording artist. You’re a god damned multi-millionaire, start behaving like one. You don’t even have a fucking fence. You need goddamned security. First thing in the morning I’m going to start looking for a bodyguard for you, and you will do what you’re told, do you hear me?

Jimmy. Jayden’s voice of reason filtered through to her. Linnie dinnae need a lecture. She needs us you great pillock. Linnie, Ah need ye ta end this call, and then call the police. Can ye do that fa meh?"

Jay? Aislinn’s voice was quiet.

Aye Linnie?

Please hurry? I’m an idiot I know but I don’t want to be scared, not here in my own home.

You’re no eejit, ma dahlin. We’ll be quick as we can. Jayden murmured Hold tight lassie.

Linnie, do something for me? she could hear the worry in Jimmy’s voice as he spoke. Get back on that godforsaken thing you ride and go back out to the main road, wait for us there, preferably under street lighting. In fact why don’t you go down to that all night gas station. I don’t like you being alone at the house with whatever nutjob is inside and you haven’t even got a car to lock yourself in.

Dammit Jimmy, stop scaring the poor wee lassie, she’s scared enough.

I’ll meet you at the diner. Aislinn murmured into the phone.

We won’t be long Linnie. Jimmy stated. Call the police and then call us straight back, that way you won’t be alone, no matter where you are, right?

Aislinn whispered her thanks and disconnected the call. Calling 911, she informed the local police of the events that had transpired before nodding at their assurances that someone would be out to investigate her concerns shortly. Advising them that she would be waiting at the local diner, she slid her leg over Daisy’s seat, kicked the stand away, and watching her home nervously as she started the bike and rode smoothly out of her driveway.

In her haste to escape her home, Aislinn had forgotten to push her helmet back on her head. As she rounded the first bend, it toppled off the seat behind her and fell unnoticed by her into the shrubbery. At the end of the driveway, Aislinn gunned the engines of the powerful bike and sped away from her house, her long blonde hair flowing in the wind behind her.

Parking Daisy under a streetlight in front of the gas station, Aislinn paced back and forth on the cracked pavement, waiting. What seemed like hours later, Jimmy’s small silver car pulled up to the curb behind her bike, Aislinn wrapped her arms around herself, her pacing concluded. Jayden sprang from the car before it had even stopped, drawing Aislinn into his arms and hugging her tightly.

Are you alright? He asked quickly, his hands caressing her arms gently as he pulled her into a tight embrace.

I’m fine, I’m just being silly. Aislinn spoke, burrowing into his embrace.

Better safe than sorry right, love? Jimmy mused, leaning against the side of the car, watching them, his brow furrowed in concern.

I know I locked the door. I remember it clearly. I dropped the keys and had to pick them up. Aislinn assured them.

C’mon, we’d best get this over with. Jimmy said, holding the door open for Aislinn.

Chapter 3

Aislinn left Daisy parked in front of the gas station and climbed into Jimmy’s hybrid. Jay flicked the driver’s seat forward and climbed into the small back seat. Pulling the seat back into place, Jimmy slid into his seat. Reaching over to clasp Aislinn’s knee, he immediately regretted his impulsive gesture. Aislinn squealed in fright and recoiled back into the seat, startled and momentarily terrified.

Jesus! I’m sorry Linnie. I didn’t think. I’m so sorry.

It’s okay, Jimmy. Aislinn murmured, one hand pressed against her chest as she struggled to calm her racing heartbeat, the other reaching across to grasp Jimmy’s in her chilled fingers.

Jayden watched the exchange from the back seat and leaned forward to press his hands to both their shoulders. I think we all need ta be takin a deep breath, he stated softly, We don’t know jest what has happened yet do we? he continued his fingers softly stroking both shoulders. It might not be anything at all.

You’re absolutely right. Jimmy smiled at Aislinn, and then tilted his head to brush his lips across Jayden’s fingers.

What would I do without you two? Aislinn leaned back into the car seat; Jayden’s fingers had found her tense shoulders and had begun to knead the knots of tension from them slowly.

Make an obscene amount of money with your sexy voice and gorgeous body? Jimmy suggested.

Aye, but she wouldn’t have half the fun doing it. Jayden added with a grin.

Thank you for running to my rescue. She turned in her seat to look Jayden in the eye. She knew how hard it was for him to spend time with Jimmy away from prying eyes. I’ve spoiled your night.

Any night we can all be together is a good night, Jimmy winked at her suggestively.

I’ve already told you, you impossible flirt, Aislinn closed her eyes and leaned back into Jayden’s touch, a small smile flitting across her face. It would be like shagging my brothers. She laughed at the mental images that her mind had supplied.

I keep telling him that. Jayden’s eyes met his lovers affectionately, thanking him silently for distracting Aislinn’s attention. But you know how he is.

I know. Aislinn sighed.

Listen Linnie, Jimmy spoke softly as he started the car. No matter what happens, I think we should have a sleepover at Jay’s place. All three of us in his big bed, with a pile of DVD’s and a bowl of popcorn. I even think he’s got some of that awful peanut toffee you’re so nuts about.

You’d do that for me?

Absolutely, but I’m actually doing it for Jay. You know how he is. If you’re not with us, neither you nor I will get any sleep, he’ll be phoning you every ten minutes, checking on you. You know, and I know that you and I will cope fine, but Nervous Nellie back there will sleep better if you’re close.

Then it’s probably better if I stay with you then isn’t it? Aislinn smiled, knowing perfectly well that the sleep over was for her benefit, but she appreciated the gesture.

It’s all settled then, Jimmy smiled as he accelerated away from the curb. Popcorn and cheerleaders in bed with us tonight.

They all laughed as he drove towards Aislinn’s home. The drive was short and