Pieces of You

By XuanSon Nguyen

Ten years after the tragedy that struck her family and hometown, Verity Dawson still seeks to make amends, convinced the deaths were her fault. She had believed that with time and her good deeds, Willow Creek would come to forgive her. At home for the summer, Verity accepts to help renovate the old Kinsley House ; however, when she inadvertently discovers the dark secret of the heir to the house, she finds herself trapped into the Kinsley family’s gruesome and tragic history. Damien Kinsley is sent to Willow Creek on a mission to retrieve the only salvation for the Alcaeus Clan under the pretense of restoring his great-grandparents’ house. After Verity uncovers what he really is, he has no choice but to keep an eye on her to insure that she keeps her word. He never expects that in the process, her own secret might be the key to his past. Before Verity can attempt to save Damien from his own nature, she will first need to thaw out his frozen heart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jan 3, 2013
• ISBN: 9781300595038

Book preview

Pieces of You

Pieces of You

First Edition

Copyright © 2013 XuanSon Nguyen

All rights reserved

ISBN: 978-1-300-59503-8

This work is licensed under the Standard Copyright Licensed

This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real locales are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

1. Routine

The last few minutes left of prep time before the kitchen opens for the dinner rush could always be felt. Knives hitting the cutting boards faster, the expert hands swiftly sliding the chopped herbs and vegetables into the pots and pans. Then the sizzling of the hot cooking utensils would drone out the usual chatter of the kitchen. Gentle footsteps would increase to rapid bustle. Everything adding to the buzzing electricity confined in such a small place.

Glancing at the clock, I waited approximately a minute before I heard the bell hanging over the front door ring. Then five seconds passed before the door swung close, ringing the bell one more time. Within those seconds, I had begun to clean up my station, then proceeded to hang up my apron and wash my hands. All the while, getting out of the way of the boiling water pots, the fiery stove, and the sharp knives. Carefully, I navigated away from my usual spot in the back door of Charlotte’s kitchen.

Thanks again for helping us out, Verity! I turned around to smile at Amy, the actual granddaughter of the lady who started this bistro. She was tasting one of the saucepans on the cooling counter, her blonde hair tied into a loose ponytail. A little more salt, she instructed Henry, who quickly grabbed the salt shaker and threw it at her. We’ll see you soon! she told me, before hurrying to the stew pots.

A hot and dry gust of wind blew past me as I pushed open the door to step out into the  evening streets of Willow Creek. I had come back from school for over a week now, but I’d spent most of my time at the bistro, helping Amy out with the busy work: refilling spices and condiments, folding napkins, washing dishes, and whatever else needs to be done. Her sister was on maternity leave and was coming back some time next week. It wasn’t exactly how I had wanted to spend my summer, but it was what it was. You owe them, Verity. I sighed mentally at my inner voice. I did owe them. This whole town, and I wasn’t sure how or even if I would be able to repay that debt.

As I fell back into the routine of my evenings after leaving Charlotte’s, I let my mind wander through the paved roads of my small town. Across the street, Mr. Peterson was walking his golden retriever, as he did every day around this time. Max barked happily when he spotted me, and I offered them a wave. Right on schedule, the (now dim) neon lights over the shops and boutiques flickered on, one by one down Main Street. I passed by the dress shop that every girl goes to during Homecoming and Prom season, seeing Mrs. Bridgeport close down for the night; her cat Buttons curled up by the shop window. Like a well-oiled machine, everything I’d seen happen for the past twenty years unfolded once more. Things didn’t change much in Willow Creek. Including the potholes and crumbling old walls. They’d been in that state ever since I could remember.

It was nice to fall back into the routine of a small town. I relished in the expected, where things were safer in a way. Having to go away for college, I’d miss that aspect of my life. I’d miss Willow Creek and its people and familiarity. One thing about the town that I wasn’t sure whether to miss or be glad that it was only contained within the city limit, was its tendency to believe in magical occurrences and to blame mythical creatures.

It wasn’t to say that the whole town was delusional. Just that, whenever something disappeared for no apparent reason, the first thought to cross people’s minds would be that an imp or goblin took it. And unless a reasonable explanation could be provided, they’d stick to that conclusion. Although most of the time the culprit of the case of the missing keys would be a toddler or the dog, I’d seen enough in my life to understand why people continued to believe in magic and creatures of legends.

So engrossed in my thoughts, I didn’t even realize a car was following me until its headlights hit my back and cast a shadow in front of me. It slowly drove up and stalled. I let out a sigh of relief when I recognized the CR-V and the driver behind the wheel to be my brother. Sean unlocked the door then waited for me to climb in.

How long have you been tailing me? I wondered as I clicked the seat belt in place. He made a U-turn and headed for the library.

A couple streets, he shrugged. New arrivals just came.

I groaned internally. He and I knew what those words meant. Our mother had been a paleontologist before she was forced to retire early. Now she managed the library, books and science magazines the only way she could feel close to her passion nowadays. As such, new arrivals for her meant new things to read and explore. Which translated to Sean and I waiting outside the building for at least half an hour after official closing time. Then I’d be the one to go inside and remind her of the outside world. I didn’t blame her, though. The reason why she lost her career was partially my fault.

Sean parked in his usual spot, ours being the only car left on the lot. I checked the time, doing the mental math for when I would have to go reclaim our mother. Sean cut the engine and rolled the windows down, letting the slightly cooler breeze blow through the car. The skies were darker now, only a few remaining orange strokes still lingered behind the low buildings. Another summer evening in Willow Creek. Nothing changes. Something I was grateful for. I’d had enough of changes to know  how scary they can be.

I glanced at my brother as he fidgeted with the radio, then settled back against his seat, closing his eyes. Sean and I couldn’t look more different if we had wanted to. He was two years older than me, with short, light blonde hair, green eyes, an angular jaw, a lean and tall frame. In contrast, I barely reached his shoulders in height, with long, brown hair, and brown eyes. We didn’t even share the same last name. But then again, we weren’t blood-related.

My parents got divorced when I was around three, and my father got custody. I didn’t have that many memories with my birth mother, apart for the occasional birthday cards and Christmas presents. I remembered her short phone calls for a while, before they, along with anything from her, disappeared. Dad told me she got remarried and moved across the country. I was around four at the time. When I reached first grade, my father met Sean’s mom. The only  real mother I actually knew. She had her own familial problems with Sean’s father. He later told me that his father ran off with some other woman since Mom was always off in some foreign country, excavating dinosaur bones and whatnot. In second grade, she and Dad got married and they moved in with us. For the longest time, I was sure Sean hated me, although Mom always assured me that it wasn’t it. Over the years, I’ve learned to read Sean; however, sometimes he still appeared a complete mystery.

The first time I realized that he didn’t hate me was in third grade. Lindsay Collins, Jamie Dent and I were playing in a corner of the courtyard when an older group of boys came over. They wanted the spot, so we quickly left. Even in third grade we knew of the school hierarchy to understand that if we didn’t want trouble, we’d better get out of there. But I realized that I had forgotten my jacket, so I went back, hoping to get it. But they were already tearing at it when I got there, finding it fun to hear the material rip. Aside from the fact that I liked that jacket, I knew that my parents had to work hard to even afford it for me the previous Christmas. Business had been slow that year. Anyway, it must have been the adrenaline or something, because I ran up and tried to grab my jacket from their grasp. Needless to say, I lost. They only had to tug hard for me to fall over, scrapping my hands and knees on the concrete. The memory gets a little fuzzy after that because all I could remember was crying and the sting of the cuts. I didn’t know it at that time, but Lindsay had gone to tell Sean what happened, which he didn’t appreciate very much. Even as a kid, Sean had been taller than most. So when he came over and the fight broke out, he didn’t leave as the loser. Teachers came, broke it up and took everyone to the nurse’s office. Mom was called in that afternoon. Afterward, Sean’s punishment was to apologize for hitting the guy. All because Sean was a good kid, smart student, and not a troublemaker. I also liked to think that it was because of the evidence on my  hands and knees that proved the bully started it.

The episode was a rather intense and epic way of breaking the ice between Sean and me.  But it worked. To thank him, I’d saved up my allowance and bought him one of those gigantic tubs of jelly beans. In retrospect, I might have chosen jelly beans because of my own personal preferences, but he accepted the tub anyway. Dad called him a hero, which worried Mom that with the reinforcement, Sean would go out and beat everyone up. Of course, her fear never manifested. Home was calm and happy for a while.

Until something I did caused my father’s death and my mother’s career loss. Followed by my debt to Willow Creek. Everything changed after that particular year.

So unlike most of the younger generation here, I didn’t want change.

As I stared at the flowers on the green lawn in front of the library, the street lights began to flicker on. I turned around to check the time, the soft rock song playing quietly through the radio was the only sound. By dint of daydreaming, I was five minutes late.

Sean was staring out the window, too, his fingers drumming softly after the beat of the song. Do you want me to go in? he asked, glancing at me. His green eyes were watching me, as if trying to see something on my face.

No, it’s fine, I’ll go. It was a little strange for him to offer. He had little patience with our mother when she gets into one of her overexcited moods. Why?

Shrugging, he returned his gaze on the street. You seemed kind of lost for a moment.

I’ll go get her, I said, sliding out of the car. Taking the steps two at a time, I pulled back the heavy door and walked into the chilled building.

I walked through the reading area and turned toward the back rooms where her office was located. The door was open, and I poked my head inside. Her large desk and every other empty space were now occupied by books and boxes containing books. On the floor alone were at least five large cartons. In front of her was about ten volumes, not including the one she had her nose buried in.

Emma Dawson had the same fair hair as Sean, but with warm brown eyes. It was easy for people to mistake Sean and I to be related when they saw her. Today, she left her curls loose, which touched lightly the pages of the book. We were similar in size and height, but her face was heart-shaped. It took her a minute, but finally she noticed that someone was here. When she looked up and found me, she smiled, slightly surprised, the dimple on her right cheek showing.

Hi, honey! What are you doing here?

It’s forty minutes after closing, Mom. Sean’s waiting in the car. Time to go home, I laughed softly as she blinked, then checked the clock on her desk.

Oh, my! Where has the time gone? Quickly, she began to gather her things, stacking the books back. I walked over and helped her clean up, putting away the volumes that she would take home to start cataloguing. Which would've been a lot less if she had spent her time inputting the data rather than read them.

I bet you wish your mother wasn’t such a bookworm, she said as she tried to find the lid of the boxes.

"You’re not too bad," I kid, and she laughed.

She settled for two boxes to bring home, promising that she will get to work right after dinner. After she locked the library and we made our way to the car, Sean stepped out to help us stack the cartons into the trunk. We both knew she’d probably get through three volumes before going back to whatever she had been reading when I interrupted her.

Are you guys hungry? she asked as she got in the backseat. What did I have set out for dinner? she mused as Sean put the car in drive.

I grabbed a granola bar earlier, Sean said.

I wish we didn’t have to carpool like this. You could have already been home by now instead of having to wait for me. The CR-V was her car. Sean’s pickup truck was currently being used by his garage to transport heavy parts.

Turning in my seat to see her, I commented, If you had a free car, I doubt we’d see you on time for dinner. The only reason you’re even coming home now is because we’re here. I heard Sean chuckle, while Mom nodded in agreement.

You might be right. Then she grinned ruefully.

Our house was rather far away from town. It took me about half an hour to walk from there to Charlotte’s on days where Sean woke up at the crack of dawn and left before I even got out of bed. Driving, it took about ten minutes, depending. The land the house sat on used to be a farm back in the day. Now it was just a piece of land surrounded by trees and our house. There was a barn on the property, too, but now it served as our oversized storage unit and Sean’s studio.

Living out here had its perks: it was calm and secluded from the town’s activities without being too far. But it also came with wild animals roaming around. Mostly bunnies and squirrels, and from time to time, we’d have a deer or two, coming to snack on Mom’s plants. In fact, as the headlights swept the dirt path, a couple cotton tails hopped into the bushes.

The car parked, Mom and Sean went to grab the boxes and went inside right away. I lingered on the porch a moment. I had set up some seedlings on the thick wooden railing. With this heat, they were usually parched by late afternoon. Reaching to turn on the porch light, I leaned over the small plants and felt the dirt. As expected, it was bone dry. I grabbed the water bottle I kept nearby and sprinkled water over the three pots. Heavy footsteps and movements in the shrubs made me stop to listen. It was just me out here, though. The light overhead buzzed quietly as I stood inside the circle of light.

Even when I told myself that it must be a deer or a stray dog, my heart began to pump faster, and the hair on the back of my neck rose as goose bumps formed on my skin at the invisible threat. Standing in the light made it easy for whatever it was to see me without me seeing it. My hand reached for the flip, but then stopped, my body tensed up. I stared at the movements in the trees, seeing the branches sway. Something crushed a branch, the sound preceding a feral and guttural growl, echoing through the quiet evening. I froze. A chill shot down my spine like ice. Whatever let out that snarl was no dog. It was something much bigger. The branches moved. Two bright, yellow eyes stared out from the bush, locking on mine.

A yelp escaped my lips as I whirled around to run. I smacked into Sean.

What’s wrong? he asked, glancing behind me.

Relief flooded into my veins as I breathed. He released my upper arms, still waiting for me to say something. There’s something in the bushes. It growled at me.

Go inside, he said firmly. I didn’t want to question him, but at the same time I didn’t want my brother to get eaten by whatever was out there. I stayed in place, watching him grab a flashlight in one hand and his baseball bat in the other. He crossed the porch.

Sean, wait!

Verity. Go inside, he insisted until I headed for the door. Then he jumped over the railing and turned toward the trees behind the house.

Thinking fast, I ran inside and stood by the window facing the side of the house, trying to catch a glimpse of him. All the time, my heart was still beating like drums in my ears. It was too dark, I couldn’t see anything. Suddenly, the backdoor of the kitchen opened and shut.

My breathing didn’t calm down until I heard his voice. Verity might have seen a coyote out there. I couldn’t find it, but you better not go outside tonight.

Oh, Mom stopped her work to glance outside through the window, I assumed. Hopefully it’s gone. Are you okay? she asked him, then turned her question at me when I came into the kitchen.

We both nodded. I went to wash my hands, and he went to put the flashlight and bat on the porch again. Whatever Sean said, though, I couldn’t quite believe that it had only been a coyote. It sounded much bigger than one. And the eyes weren’t ones of a canine.

I was still thinking about it much throughout dinner, until Mom mentioned something about a summer job for me.

Wait--What did you say about a job?

Oh, you know Olivia Rochester, don’t you? I nodded. Her nephew is coming to town, and he’s thinking of repairing the old Kinsley house.

I didn’t know she had a nephew, Sean commented around a sip of water.

And why would anyone want to repair that old house? I wondered. Plus, it’s haunted.

It is not haunted, she gave me a look. I’ve been in there plenty of times, and I’ve never seen anything remotely close to a ghost.

Among the very rare skeptics were my family. Coming from a science background, it was hard to come to believe in goblins and fairies. And obviously, ghosts as well. That was the reason why my mother was the one person who volunteered to act as tour guide during tourist season. That house has a horrible history, and just thinking about it made me flinch. However, like most haunted ‘anything’, it attracted tourists interested in a good scare during Halloween. And tourists meant more business for Willow Creek. Nothing scarier than a house where murders were committed, including the mystery of the missing baby during the gory crime.

Before it became somewhat of a Halloween attraction, people had tried to make the house more hospitable, in order to sell it. But no one was able to live there for more than a few weeks before having to move away; ‘strange events occurred.’

No offense, Mom, but you used to dig up bones for a living, I said. And then spent most of your life working with creepy artifacts in a museum full of dead things. You’re not exactly a good judge of what’s creepy and scary.

Shaking his head lightly, Sean tried not to laugh.

Museums are not haunted, and neither is the Kinsley house, she emphasized. If it were, I’d never had agreed to let you help them out with the renovation.

You did what? I cried. Even if it wasn’t a creepy house, I wasn’t exactly known for upper body strength.

Weren’t you the one who asked me if there was any community service you could do once Amy’s sister came back from maternity leave? she questioned me.

Yeah, but... I don’t think I could do much when it comes to home repairs.

They only need an extra set of hands to clean up, to help pick up materials at the stores. That sort of thing. I was still not convinced, so she added. And it’s only during the daytime. She put her hand over mine. They need the help, Verity. Her nephew is a direct Kinsley descendant.

My eyes widened, and Sean almost chocked on his drink. You mean... His family is the one who got murdered?

2. Silence is Golden

In the late 1920s, Kendrick Kinsley and his wife Lydia moved into the house on the Camden hill. They say the couple was very reserved, not quite fitting in with the townspeople. Lydia taught third graders, while Kendrick had a small shop in town, working as a carpenter. About a year after they had their first baby, they received a guest at their house. The next morning, it is said that Lydia aimlessly walked into town, covered in blood, carrying an ax, muttering that it was all her fault. At the house, the authorities found the bodies of her husband and the male guest mangled in the living room. No one was able to find the baby, either alive or dead. Lydia wouldn’t say anything other that she was responsible for what had happened. People say she committed suicide shortly after they arrested her. She was never officially convicted of the murders, but there was no doubt in the town’s mind that she was guilty. Some have questioned how she could have carried out such a gory crime, physically at least. Lydia Kinsley was a petite woman; her attack would have easily been stopped by either man. How could she even swing an ax and hack both of them with such force? That, along with too little evidence, made it hard to convict her. The guest was never identified, so his family and background couldn’t be looked into. With her death, the truth of what happened that night was buried along with her.

Sipping at my lemonade, I stared up the road and glimpsed at the outline of the Kinsley home. I was sitting at one of the tables set out on the sidewalk of the Forget Me Not ice cream shop on Main Street. As I continued to contemplate the house on the hill, I realized how isolated it was from the rest of the town. The road leading to the house winded treacherously through a patch of woods, hidden from view. From here, I could see the iron gates, keeping the rest of the world out, keeping the Kinsley secrets in.

Despite the many repairs and obligatory maintenance, the house remained forlorn and abandoned, visible through the gray exterior and wild vegetation surrounding it. It was odd how you can pass by something everyday, but never actually see it.

It had been two days since my mother mentioned the arrival of the nephew. Sean had been wary, cautioning our mother to look further into the affair. For as long as we’ve known Ms. Rochester, she had never mentioned once having any siblings, nor any other family relations for that matter. Furthermore, she had been one of the people who wanted the least to do with the house. Why did this nephew suddenly want to show up to repair such an old house?

I’ll admit it is strange, Mom had agreed, But it’s not exactly any of our business. I was simply asked by the Mayor to talk to them, then make sure they signed the papers to release the house back into Mr. Kinsley’s hands. Whatever he decides to do with it is no longer Willow Creek’s concern. Moreover, I don’t see any problem with Verity helping out; it’s a historical landmark, almost. If he wants to make it nicer, I say he should go for it.

The subject was dropped then, and Sean had refrained from making further comments on the matter. I stayed quiet, too, but I couldn’t help but think about it. To tell the truth, it was most likely sheer curiosity that kept me interested in the guy’s background. It wasn’t like it concerned me any more than giving him a few hours of my time in cleaning the place up. But if he’s willing to renovate the place, why not have professionals do it? No doubt it would go faster than doing it himself with the help of his aunt and a (semi-unwilling) volunteer.

My musing came to a stop when a shadow fell over my shoulder. I turned around to see a familiar pretty brunette. Lindsay Collins leaned her bike to the side where it wouldn’t be in anyone’s way before taking a seat across from me.

It is so hot today, she sighed, fanning herself with a napkin.

Not more than usual, I commented with a smile. I thought you had deliveries today.

Roughly, Linds ran her hands through her wavy hair and gathered it into a ponytail. I did, but I finished early. The day was just too perfect, weather-wise, to stay inside.

The Collins family had a peach orchard on the fringe of town. Linds’ unofficial job since she could ride a bike had been to make small deliveries to the stores in town, and occasionally  home deliveries. Unlike me, she lived in Willow Creek year-round, taking courses at the local community college in the town over. The career path she’s chosen for herself couldn’t be more different from her personality; she was working to be an accountant for her family’s farm. There was nothing wrong with accountants; everyone needs one once in a while. It just wasn’t what anyone would see Linds doing. While her job demanded order and patience, not to mention attention to detail, she was impulsive and loud.

So I hear we’re gonna have a new kid in town, she said, resting her elbows on the small table. Arching an eyebrow in question, I waited for her to tell me more. I passed by the mercantile, and I heard of the renovation plans.

Ah, good ol’ Mrs. Rogers, I chuckled, shaking my head. That lady hears all and tells all.

No kidding. So when is he coming?

Shrugging, I sipped my drink. Some time this week, I think. My mom still has to schedule a meeting for all the paper signing, and probably a tour of the house.

It’s so creepy to think about it, she shivered. Like, I wonder how he grew up and learned of his family’s gory past.

Yeah. I hadn’t even thought of that. Must have been tough. Distracted, I moved my gaze back to the lonely hill, where the house stood behind the black fence.

He’s not gonna have an easy time here, either, she mused.

What do you mean? I turned my attention to her.

Lindsay met my gaze evenly. The town isn’t exactly forgiving. From the way Mrs. Rogers was talking to the women in the store, they won’t throw him a Welcome Party. She didn’t have to remind me of how difficult it was for the town to forget a tragedy, especially when they had someone to blame. I knew that only too well.

But if his name is Kinsley, then he must be from Kendrick’s side of the family, not Lydia’s, I replied.

I don’t think people care. He might as well be the one who hacked them up.

We stayed quiet for a minute. The occasional cars passed by, hitting the potholes almost rhythmically. A bumblebee buzzed around the potted flowers hanging on the decorative fence. I resumed the conversation after it flew away.

Most of them forgave what I did. It’s hard to believe they would still hold a grudge against him for something done more than a century ago, when he is completely innocent, I commented, then added, except for the unfortunate event of being a Kinsley.

Sighing, Lindsay shook her head. "People have forgiven you, Verity. It’s you who’s not willing to let go."

I stared at her. The McGowans haven’t, I muttered.

Oh, Ryan McGowan can go fu-- She stopped when I glared at her. Another thing about Lindsay: she can make a sailor blush when she wanted to. He can go screw himself, she spit out.

Rolling my eyes, I gave a small smile. He has plenty of reasons to hate me, you know. Besides, you’re too biased.

Ryan is a dumbass, she insisted. Even if we weren’t friends, I would still think so. I won’t have a problem saying it to his face.

You have said it to his face, I reminded her gently, which made her laugh once.

Right, so I rest my case. It had nothing to do with you that one time, she recalled. Just because his uncle is the Mayor doesn’t make him King. I had the right of way, and he cut me off.

Okay, I placated her. Let’s not anger you further.

Oh, shut up, she laughed, giving me a playful shove. Okay, let’s get serious for a moment. I also heard the Gossip Committee say that you ended up volunteering for the restoration? she wondered, checking the facts. Like all gossip, at times what the ladies discussed was far from the truth. This time, though, it was true.

Yeah, me and my big mouth. I asked my mom for something else to do once Jackie’s back from maternity leave. I guess that’s the first thing that opened up.

Smiling warmly, she patted my hand. She’s living out her fascination with the house vicariously through you.

When she put it that way, I couldn’t be annoyed at my mother anymore. It was because of me she lost the opportunity to go out into the fields and dig up the secrets of the past through fossils. Yeah, I nodded. Then wanting to lighten the mood, I offered a disclaimer, I just hope I won’t get killed by the ghosts.

My dear, she teased, You would have to make it through the woods first. You’d probably get kidnapped by goblins.

Go ahead and laugh now, I shot back. "You weren’t exactly laughing last summer when that thing ran out in front of your car, before your car mysteriously broke down."

Blanching, she looked over both shoulders as if whatever ruined her car was within hearing distance. Like most of the town’s younger population, on the outside Lindsay refused to acknowledge those creatures. On the inside, though...

Yeah, well... she stammered. "It was scary."

I gave her a sympathetic smile. Reaching behind her, she grabbed a small pack of cookies from the bike basket. She offered me one, then glanced at something over my head.

Uh-oh. Something wicked this way comes, she sang under her breath, biting into the cookie. Discretely, I looked back to see what she was talking about.

Wearing a green miniskirt and baby pink top, Amanda Everard walked up the paved sidewalk, her nose high in the air. Her highlighted curls were pinned back behind her head. A group of high school boys across the street gaped at her. As she neared us, she unzipped the tiny bag on her shoulder and pulled out her phone. She pushed a couple buttons, then pressed the cell against her face as she passed by.

That was totally uncalled for, Lindsay commented as she continued to eat her snack. She doesn’t have to take a call in order to not talk to you.

Shrugging, I finished my lemonade. "Unless Sean is within hearing distance, she won’t even acknowledge my presence, much less talk to me."

I still can’t believe he’s dating her. She’s a witch!

Yeah, well. To each his own, I guess. I knew ‘witch’ wasn’t the word Linds wanted to use, but one very close. One letter away, in fact.

Ever thought about telling him of the horrible way she treats you? It might change his mind.

I’m not gonna be the pesky little sister, I said. As long as she makes him happy, I’m happy. In retrospect, I had no idea how she even caught his eye. Amanda, Linds, and I were in the same class in high school. She and I didn’t exactly run in the same social circle, so it couldn’t be that he saw her with me. It was even less likely that she would somehow run in his social circle. Unless she had stalked him for a while and feigned interest in what he likes long enough to get him to like her. Now he was in too deep to see reason and come to his senses. At least, that was my theory.

Sighing dramatically, Linds shook her head. And to think... Sean used to save you from bullies at school. Now you’re not even willing to get him out of her clutches.

I doubt he’ll want to be saved, I mumbled. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll be lucky enough to have the honor to call her my sister-in-law.

Ew, Linds wrinkled her nose, and I laughed. She balled the wrapper and tossed it into the trash can. Come on, let’s go. My mom has been making peach cobblers, and there’s one with our names on it. 

We left the café, Lindsay walking her bike at her side. Since I didn’t have a car, we had to resort to go to her house on foot. It wasn’t around the next corner, but the walk was relatively shorter than to Sean’s garage to get the car. Besides, I didn’t want to run into his girlfriend. So after a few minutes, we got to the Collins’ neighborhood. The low and small brick houses looked adorable among the flowers growing in all the front lawns. Although at first glance, they all appeared the same, with closer inspection, each house had its own charm, mirroring its owner’s tastes.

Lindsay parked her bike on the side of the house, then we went inside. The smell of freshly baked goods greeted us inside. Mrs. Collins was pulling another batch of pies from the oven. On her counter, there were already four sitting out to cool. Now the count amounted to six.

Hello, Verity! she smiled at me. How are you doing?

Hi, Mrs. Collins. I’m doing okay. These smell amazing, I commented as Linds and I came to stand by to stare at them, trying not to drool.

She laughed. This one’s for you, she indicated to the one in the right corner. It should be cool by now.

Thank you! we said at the same time, then laughed.

After washing her hands and making sure we hadn’t burned off our taste buds, she went out to do some errands. I was chewing the first few bites when I noticed Lindsay sneaking around the kitchen windows, as if looking for something.

What are you doing? I wanted to know, curious.

Seeing if James is home.

I swallowed my bite. Who?

James Dent. You know, Jamie.

Oh. I thought a second. Since when do you call him James? We had been friends with him since elementary school, but then his parents moved him to Wilbur Prep his sophomore year of high school. I hadn’t seen him much after that. Since he and Lindsay were neighbors, they remained in contact. I just never heard her call him James before.

Since we’re all adults now, she replied to my question. ‘Jamie’ only works when you’re a cute little kid running around. A few adults named Jamie popped into my mind, but I refrained from commenting. I think I see him.

You’re spying on him? I asked with a laugh.

No, I’ve observed my surroundings and noticed that he was home around this time of the day.

So you’ve been stalking him, I suggested.

No! Okay, let’s call him over to have some pie. My eyebrows pulled together in slight surprise, but I shrugged it off. While I had more pie. she got busy texting him over, I assumed. Follow me, she put away her phone and grabbed my arm, pulling me toward the sliding glass door that led to the backyard.

Where? Can’t we stay inside? It’s hot out there.

This is worth it, she insisted. I put down my half eaten piece of dessert and followed her out. As predicted, it was a scorcher out there. Good thing the sprinklers had just gone off and the grass was still wet. I took off my sandals and treaded across the green lawn. The Collins still kept their kids’ old swing seats attached to the huge oak tree, even when the youngest, Oliver, was in high school. Leading the way, Linds climbed the worn ladder to the top of the tree. I went up after her and sat down on a branch, looking around for what she claimed was worth the heat.

Crouch down, she motioned for me to lower myself and hide behind the thicker leaves.

What am I supposed to see? Why are you spying on people?

It’s not spying. It’s observing. I followed her eyes to the house adjacent to hers, then the pieces fell into place. I should’ve guessed it sooner. From this height, we had a perfect view of the bedroom window on the second floor. But with it ajar, I could only glimpse at a silhouette moving inside.

You are such a creeper, I laughed, Ow! I laughed harder as she swatted my arm.

Wait once you see him. You’ll understand, she said. Right now, he’s doing a work tryout at the Sheriff’s office. And man, does he look good in uniform.

You say that about just any guy in uniform, I replied, moving away from my spying position. But that’s cool, though. Is he pursuing a career in law enforcement? That didn’t really register with the mental images I had of Jamie when we were in school together. He had been the nice and sweet kind of guy, quiet most of the time. And boy, was he smart. I’d always thought he’d go into the sciences, something not requiring much physical activity. I couldn’t even start to imagine quiet Jamie holding a gun, much less fire it.

Yeah, he’s thinking about it, Lindsay answered. About the same time that my car got busted, he was driving through the woods when he heard this really weird and scary growl.

Her mentioning Jamie’s encounter made my blood run cold for a second. Could it be somehow related to what I heard just a couple nights ago? I still hadn’t mentioned it to her, so I stayed quiet and listened for the rest of the story.

So he went to investigate—this was before he went to work for the Sheriff—and he found a blood trail. Ugh! she shivered. Lindsay was queasy when it came to gore. Anyway, he called Sheriff Mathias. They couldn’t find anything, but now he’s kind of into the whole crime solving business. To him, it’s probably like trying to solve a physics or calculus problem.

Yeah, I agreed absentmindedly. Now that she mentioned it, the incident at my house came to the front of my mind. Sean hadn’t found anything, either. And thank goodness, whatever it was hadn’t found Sean.

Her motion reminded me that we better get down from here before Jamie came over and realized what we’ve been up to. Back on solid ground, I claimed the beat-up swinging seat, swaying this way and that. It didn’t take long afterward for us to hear the front door to his house opening and closing. Very unconvincingly, Lindsay moved casually toward her front door to wait for him to knock. I chuckled to myself.

Chatter and quiet laughs from inside the house made me look up from my inspection of the droplets of dew on the grass. Lindsay came out, followed by a young man I barely recognized. He was laughing softly at something she had said. Jamie Dent was now a fit and tall individual, his childhood features hidden under the angular jaw and high cheekbones. He cut his hair shorter; the shaggy sandy blonde locks were now neatly trimmed, showing his high forehead. I was still staring at him when he turned his brown eyes toward me.

You remember Verity, right? Linds asked, beaming.

Sure, he smiled. Long time no see.

Right, I agreed with a laugh. Hi, Jamie. Or... do you prefer James now?

He laughed, glancing at Lindsay. Either is fine. How have you been?

Not bad. So you’re working with the Sheriff now, I motioned toward his dark khakis and tan, tucked in dress shirt.

Glancing down as if only conscious of what he was wearing until I mentioned it, he nodded. Unofficially, yes. It’s been mostly patrol, though.

"Well, you can’t expect it to be exciting all the time, right?" I kid, and he grinned.

While I do prefer some action to keep me awake during the graveyard shift, it usually translates to unfortunate events, he reflected.

You have to work nights? I wondered.

Jamie nodded. As do all rookies. It’s alright, though. Gives me a chance to feel like Batman, he joked, and we laughed.

At that moment, Jamie’s phone beeped angrily. Quickly, he checked the ID, then replaced it on his belt. I really gotta get to work, he apologized. But it was nice to see you again, Verity.

Smiling, I nodded. You, too.

Halfway to the glass door, he turned around. I’ll see you tomorrow night.

Since he was looking right at me, I had to assume he was talking to me. You will? I glanced at Lindsay curiously to see her shrug.

Aren’t you going to the meeting at the Kinsley House?

Oh. Right, I nodded. Of course, I’ll see you there. Thanks for telling me it was tomorrow, Mom.

Alright, take care, Jamie addressed us both, then left. Lindsay accompanied him to the door.

Doesn’t he just look yummy? Lindsay sighed dreamily once she came back out.

Hmm? Oh, sure, I nodded absently.

You know, if that meeting had been anywhere else, I would have asked to tag along.

Why? So you can ogle at him some more? I kid. She laughed, batting her eyelashes dramatically. As if stalking him at home isn’t enough. Which worries me that you’ll get caught one of these days.

Shrugging, she sat down in the other swing. If he’s the one doing the arrest, I’ll go willingly.

Rolling my eyes, I gave her a push, causing both of us to swing slightly. You’re incorrigible.

The two of us spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out at her house. Sean picked me up right before dinner time, and we dropped by the library for our mother. That night, I learned that the meeting at the Kinsley House wasn’t the only thing that was going on tomorrow.

Amanda wants to go camping for your two-year anniversary? I repeated, making sure I heard him right.

Yeah, surprised me, too, Sean replied as he dove into his plate. I was afraid she might want some extravagant weekend in the Pyrénées or something, so I’m not complaining.

Where are you going then? Mom asked.

Lake Hardwick.

That’s a lot of driving, I commented. The lake was more than five hours away. If he wanted to make it there by Friday afternoon, he’d have to leave at around nine. For Sean, it was no problem, but I wasn’t so sure about his girlfriend.

Coop and a few others are coming with, he elaborated. We’ll take turns if needed. Cooper Fiori was his best friend since fifth grade. Now they worked together at the garage, much to Dr. and Mrs. Fiori’s chagrin, who had hoped that their eldest son would go off to college and follow his father’s footsteps. Cooper had other plans, though.

When are you leaving and coming back? Mom wanted to know.

Around ten tomorrow, and we should be back here late Sunday night.

That’s perfect then, Mom commented. I’m assuming with that many people, you’ll be taking Cooper’s SUV. You can give your sister and I a ride to town, then hand her the keys to the car. The meeting’s in the afternoon, late evening.

I hadn’t even realized until then that with Sean gone, I would be the one to drive us through the woods to the house. When it came down to it, I was an okay driver, but it was still the woods.

"Can you drive up the Camden hill?" Sean turned to me. It was hard to determine whether he was kidding, or seriously wondering about my driving abilities.

I guess. I’ll just be more careful than usual, I tried to play it cool.

Or I could drive, Mom proposed, to which both Sean and I refused. Okay, okay, she relented. While I was an average driver, our mother was not. Let’s just say that after a while, even Sean had a hard time fixing all the dings on her car. So it was settled: after Sean dropped Mom off at the library, he’d meet up with his friends at the garage and hand me the keys. Later in the afternoon, I’d take Mom and I to the Kinsley House.

The next morning, Sean drove the CR-V into the lot behind his garage. There were already a couple cars there, including Cooper’s navy blue Dodge. The campers were slowly putting their gears into the Dodge when Sean parked next to them.

Yo, Jelly Beans! You coming, too? Cooper came over. Jelly Beans, the nickname I won after that tub of candy I gave my brother. Somehow, after more than a decade, it still stuck to me.

Shaking my head, I smiled at the tall and lanky goofball. I really couldn’t see him as a doctor. What with his black, bushy hair and clumsy limbs. Most of the accidents that happened at the garage had to do with him either dropping car parts on his foot or getting his sleeve caught on something and getting stuck, or even simply getting cut by various objects on different parts of his body. If he weren’t Sean’s best friend, he’d probably be fired the minute he stumbled into the building and tripped over the cords, sending a tower of wheels rolling all over the floor. Which actually happened, by the way.

I’m just getting the car key, I told him now.

The two guys and the girl who had been putting their stuff into the Dodge finished, and moved to the side for Sean to start doing the same. As he popped open the trunk to take out his sleeping bag and various duffles over, Cooper continued to talk to me.

Oh, yeah! You’re spending your afternoon in the haunted house! That should be fun. He sat on the back bumper of his car, right as Sean carried his things over.

Coop, Sean called evenly. Do you mind?

Oh, sorry! he jumped out of the way, banging his head on the open trunk. Goddamnit! he hissed, rubbing the spot.

Sean merely shook his head, continuing to stack the bags.

You okay? I asked, flinching a little. He hit it pretty hard.

Fine, fine. He made sure it didn’t puncture the skin, then shook it off. Nothing too bad. We heard another car drive into the lot.

Amanda’s red Infitini skidded to a stop hardly ten feet away from us. She cut the engine and stepped out.

Are you sure she knows you’re going camping? I muttered under my breath as Sean came to stand by my side. I saw him smile slightly as he kept his gaze on her. She was wearing a pair of short denim shorts with a tank top, Nine West sunglasses, a Coach purse on her shoulder, and wedges. Seriously, wedges? I guessed the rest of her outfit would be okay for the trip. But how the heck was she going to hike through the dirt roads until they reached their camp site? Unless she was counting on having Sean carry her or something, in which case I rather not think about it.

Apparently the redhead who got here early was friends with her because they began to buzz like wasps. Amanda popped open her trunk and they, along with the brown haired guy, moved her things into Cooper’s car.

Come here, Sean took my elbow gently and led me back toward the CR-V.

Aren’t you gonna help her? I wondered, looking back at them.

She’s got enough hands to do it, he answered, waving the issue away. Then he faced me. Listen, I put the numbers for the tow truck and insurance company in the glove compartment. The roads in the woods are all dirt paths, you never know what might happen. I gazed at his face, seeing the worry in his green eyes. He had been so relaxed at the dinner table last night, but now I could hear the anxiety in his voice as he talked to me.

Thanks, I smiled.

Mom said Sheriff Mathias and Jamie Dent are going to be there, too. I nodded. If the meeting drags out, and it gets too dark for you to be comfortable driving, ask one of them to drive you back.

Smiling, I agreed, but added, It’ll be fine. Don’t worry too much. I can take care of myself, you know.

He returned my smile, but he wasn’t all that convinced. "If something does happen, call me, alright?"

I will, not that it will. This is Willow Creek after all.

Right. With a smirk on his face, he mussed my hair and laughed softly when I protested.

Hey! I chuckled, getting the brown strands out of my face. In that one second, it was like we were little kids again.

The gentle but sharp car horn made us look back. His friends were already in the car, the passenger seat open and waiting for him. Even through the window of the back seat, I could feel Amanda’s cold glare toward me for delaying the trip. I held myself back from sticking my tongue out at her in the most childish manner.

You better go. The queen awaits! I called out, slightly louder for her to hear me. She turned away, facing the front instead.

Chuckling, Sean glanced at the car.

Have fun this weekend! I grinned, and he laughed softly.

Thanks. In a very un-Sean-like fashion, he leaned down and hugged me tightly. Surprised, it took me a second to wrap my arms around him. Be careful, and stay safe, he whispered against my ear.

Even after the Dodge pulled out of the lot, and I stayed behind for a while in the quiet morning, Sean’s words still rung out in my ears. What was that about?

* * *

Hey! Glad you finally made it. Jamie waited for me to drive  past the gate before he closed it loosely in place again.

How did you know I’d arrived to let me in? I wondered once I got out of the car. The dirt ground felt soft under my sneakers. The dried leaves and sticks from previous seasons still littered the large yard.

I’ve been waiting here for an hour before you finally showed up.

Really? I’m sorry, I got—

Laughing, he cut me off. I’m just kidding. Sheriff Mathias asked me to grab a few things from the cruiser. I saw the headlights, and I figured it had to be you.

Oh. Well, that certainly made me feel better knowing he hadn’t been waiting all this time. Thanks.

No problem. He walked the few feet with me to the front door. Go in, and take a left.

Thanking him again, I made my way inside while he moved toward the back of the house, his flashlight chasing away the shadows.

At first, the plan had been for me to drive my mom up here in the afternoon, but around noon, I got her call telling me that she was going at the same time as Sheriff Mathias. Consequently, I’d only have to come pick her up. Knowing I’d no doubt get confused and lost on the way, I’d left rather early to insure that I’d be here on time. Obviously, it hadn’t been enough. Who knew you could get lost on a one-way road? Mostly, the turns and zig zags on the way made me queasy. Apart from that, it hadn’t been nearly as bad. But perhaps, it was due to the fact that it had been daytime. Now, though, the sun was beginning to set behind the thick trees.

Quite contrary to what I imagined the inside of the house to look like, it was almost... welcoming. Except for everything being covered in dust and mold, and the light bulb in the foyer blinking in a very annoying manner, it was just like any other home. To the right was the living room, which led through to the dining room and kitchen. To the side was the staircase to go to the upper floor and attic. Just from the first glance, the wallpaper would have to come off for a new layer, the floorboards will either be changed or at the very least, nailed back in place. Now they squeaked with every step I took. Finally without a doubt, a mop, a duster, and a vacuum will have to work overtime. This was going such a fun summer.

Mom? I called softly as I followed Jamie’s instruction and kept to the left.

In here, honey!

I found her one room over, sitting at another large table. I hadn’t realized how big this house must be. The entire side of the room faced the outside, a row of windows (mostly covered in grime) extended almost from floor to ceiling. Someone had roughly dusted the table for the time being in order for the papers to be laid out. Overhead, the chandelier glowed in an amber shade, probably due to the encrusted dust.

Where is everybody? I wondered as I took a seat next to her.

There were four other cups besides her own on the table, so I had to assume that they were still around. Besides, Jamie had just said he needed to get something from the car for the Sheriff.

Ms. Rochester and Damien just stepped outside for bit, exploring the estate with the Sheriff and Jamie. They just want to make sure everything is alright around here, she explained. In front of her were piles of documents. Apparently, half of them were already signed.

Are you almost done, then?

Yes, just a few more things to tie up and then we’ll go. She sat back, pushing her reading glasses over her hair. Did you find your way okay?

It wasn’t too bad, I shrugged. Took me a while to get here, but at least I made it alive.

Chuckling softly, she nodded. I’m glad you didn’t get kidnapped by the woodland trolls.

Funny, Mom. But despite the joke, I smiled.

The back door opened and closed, followed my Sheriff’s Mathias’ gruffy voice and Jamie’s younger response. In the midst was also a soft female voice, which I assumed was Ms. Rochester. Their footsteps quickly got closer to where we were.

Oh, shoot!

What is it? I turned around to ask Mom. She was looking behind her chair and at the one on her other side.

My purse, she sighed. I must have left it outside by the basement. I’m gonna go grab it really quick.

Letting her go outside alone now that it was night didn’t fill me up with joy. Can’t we get it on our way out to the car? I doubt anyone would steal it.

I need my agenda. There’s a note I made about the ID numbers for these forms. She tapped the top of the half-filled forms with her pen.

The group was crossing the threshold into the room now, so I nodded. Fine. I’ll be back. As I left, I saw the Sheriff, looking exactly like he did every time I saw him: mid-fifties, light brown hair with silver streaks, clean-shaven, sharp eyes, a pair of Levis, a tucked-in dress shirt, and a corduroy jacket to complete the ensemble. Behind him, I caught a glimpse of Ms. Rochester. She was mom’s age, but probably half the size, with dark hair. As they resumed from the break, I slipped away unnoticed.

Mom said she probably left it near the doors that led to the basement, so it had to be somewhere on either side of the house, right? With the night setting in, and the wild growing trees, it was a miracle I made it down the path without twisting my ankle. Fishing my keys out of my jeans, I clicked on the small flashlight attached to the chain and began my search. The faster I got her purse, the faster we would go home.

Old, dried leaves crunched under my soles as I navigated slowly around the house, leaving behind the dim light on the porch. I’d just made it past a bush of what smelled like rosemary when I reached the back corner of the house. Guess it was on the other side then. It only took a few more steps for me to hear it.

The same feral and guttural growl from my house that night. Only louder. But it was too late; I’d already taken the extra step around the corner.

Frozen in place, I stared at the glowing eyes in the darkness. They threw back the light of my flashlight like reflective tape, now narrowing as the beast glared at me. In my fright, the keychain had dropped out of my hand, the beam of light now casting across the ground provided only a feeble glow in this terrible dark. The beast was crouched over the torn body of a deer. The poor animal’s breath was labored, its soft eyes seemingly imploring me to do something as its life faded. The salty and rusty smell of blood suddenly became overwhelming, and I realized I’d interrupted dinner. The beast rose to its full height, reaching over six feet. Slowly, keeping its eyes locked on mine, it crossed over the body of the dead animal. The movements were caught in the light beam, and I stopped breathing.

With blood dripping from his chin, a few drops landed on his jeans, his shadow loomed over me. Continuing to advance toward me, he wiped the blood away from his face with the back of his hand. Another growl escaped through the razor sharp teeth.

Finally able to feel my legs,