Bloodstone Betrayal - The Family Jewels Collection Book Four

By Mara Reitsma

The last couple of months had been hell for Fallyn. Her husband was a lying, cheating, bastard, and one of her friends is still missing. The first of her problems, she could deal with, if only to help solve the other. She needed Laurence, or rather his resources to find her, despite how disgusted she was with the man.
But life wasn't all bad, in fact that gorgeous man, with that amazing voice, had not once taken his wicked eyes or devilish hands off of her. Things with Hayden had gotten intense, and Fallyn was loving every minute of it, just as things at home had reached a level of the same extreme and yet of a different nature.
Can Fallyn hold on to her newest secret long enough to learn the truth and find her friend? Will she be able to handle what she finds?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: May 30, 2015
• ISBN: 9781329160088

Book preview

Bloodstone Betrayal - The Family Jewels Collection Book Four

BLOODSTONE BETRAYALS

BOOK FOUR OF THE FAMILY

JEWELS COLLECTION.

MARA  REITSMA

© 2015 Mara Reitsma. All Rights Reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-329-16008-8

For you,

To that one person that just won't let me quit! The look on your face when you've read the next chapter... Priceless!

Thanks my friend.

PROLOGUE.

The lights were dim, and an eerie silence filled the hazy void. There were no windows to the outside world, and no doors to be seen, but the smell of salt water was enough to make one vomit.

Please?...Anyone?...I’m sorry… 

But no one answered. How long were they going to keep her there? Where was she?

A masked man had come and gone, bringing her food, or to throw a thick sheet over her head so she could not see where she was, while they took her to relieve herself. She had been in the same clothes for days, and no one would talk to her at all.

Hello?....Please?...Don’t leave me alone again…HELLLOOOO?

But it was no use. It was as if no one was there, they had just  thrown her back in here and left her to die. The tears ran down her face, and her throat was sore and dry from all the screaming she had tried, but in the end, no one had come.

Please let me out of here? She whimpered as she hunkered back down in the corner that had become her new home.

You can’t do this to me… She cried, rocking herself back and forth, until eventually she fell asleep.

Her eyes darted wide open as she heard the lock outside being turned. Someone was coming. The metal door swung open, and two figures entered and stood there, watching her.

Get her ready! One man said, and the other, rather large, monstrous looking man came towards her.

No!...What do you want?....No don’t touch me…Please…Just let me go…. She screamed, as the beast pulled the sheet down over her head.

She could feel herself being lifted, dragged towards the metal door, and then she heard it crashing closed behind them. Where were they taking her? What was going on? She was terrified. Until now, they had never bothered with her, keeping her locked in a cage like a pet, and she tried to scream as they carried her away.

Shut her up! Another voice said, it was a woman’s voice this time. I don’t want her makin a racket inside.

Yes Kat. The one who held her replied. Where do you want her?

In here for now… Then the voice paused, We’ll keep her here until we here from the boss…They’re bringing him in now….

She tried to fight the big burly man, but in the end her struggles failed, and she lay there, slung over his shoulder unconscious. When she awoke she had no idea where she was, the sheet still over her head, but she wasn’t being carried, he had put her down. She could hear voices, faint at first, but getting louder, and then as if they had entered her room and stood right over her.

Doesn’t look like she’s awake yet… The woman’s voice implied, though she could hear everything they said.

Is he here yet? The woman asked whoever she was with.

Just got him in and upstairs…One of the boys got carried away…But he’s alright…

What do you mean carried away?...How? The woman asked, raising her voice.

The man he brought with him took a few bullets…Non vital areas…Just enough to slow him down. The man replied.

What the hell were they talking about? She wondered. Who were they talking about? Who had they just brought in? Why was she here? She tried hard to fight back the tears; she knew that if she made a sound, they’d know she was awake.

Idiots!...What about the ransom? The woman went on.

The call has been made…When she has the money….We’ll make the deal. The man told her.

What ransom? For who? Was it for her? She wondered. No one had told her anything, and she wished to God she hadn’t seen those files! She had tried to hide it and avoid him, but they had shown up and just taken her. Now she was here. Wherever here was!

What would I do without you Mar?... The woman said, pausing for a kiss, Now let’s get her ready for the trip…When he’s ready upstairs we’ll head to the boat… The woman told him.

CHAPTER ONE.

Laurence’s flight had just taken off, and Fallyn was more than excited to spend some quality time alone with her phone and a certain person’s messages, as she climbed into the back seat of Roger’s car.

So my friend…How was your trip? She asked, as they started away from the runway.

It was eventful that’s for sure. He replied.

Oh!...How so? She asked, as she sat back in her seat.

Well I found her mother… Roger told her.

Really? Fallyn said, getting more excited.

Yes!…But you need to know Fallyn…She’s not all there… Roger replied.

I don’t understand….What do you mean not all there? Fallyn inquired, a puzzled look set upon her face.

She was in an accident a few months back…

Oh no!....What happened?

Her car spun out of control and went down the embankment forty five feet…They say she’s lucky to be alive….If you consider being stuck in an old folks home under constant supervision…cause you can’t even feed yourself let alone talk to anyone…being lucky! Roger explained. She cannot provide for herself at all….

How did it happen?....Bridgette never said anything to me about it…It would explain her up and leaving though…

Except that Bridgette doesn’t know… He told her.

WHAT?!?!?! Fallyn couldn’t believe what she was hearing. It didn’t make sense.

The home says they have never met a Bridgette…Or even knew that Mary even had a daughter…She’s never visited and no speaking means no phone calls… Roger added. Actually only one person has ever visited her…a man about thirty something…medium height and build…dark hair…they have security feeds everywhere around there…apparently some of their residents have dementia and the likes and wander off from time to time…they’re checking it now and will let us know when they find him. Roger told her, parking the car.

The two of them got out and made their way towards the front doors of the training house. Roger had been surprised when he was told where he was taking her, but he didn’t question his orders, not to Laurence at least.

So we just wait? She asked, stopping just outside.

Unfortunately yes…Without knowing where to look next…it would be like searching for a non- existent needle in a ginormous haystack… Roger said.

Well then who is paying for her care?...Those places aren’t cheap Roger… She told him.

They said the payments are deposited every month from the same account…but there is no listing of a name or contact info…the money just arrives…I have one of my friends checking up on it as we speak.

Your friends hey! She laughed. You seem to have a lot of them...

What can I say?…Everyone likes me. He chuckled.

Could it be Bridgette paying for her mother’s care?… She could be sending a close family friend to check up on her!…It would explain her 'financial' troubles…If she was sending money there she wouldn’t have been able to pay the mortgage on the Coffee Bar…

Financial troubles?...Where did you hear that? He asked, puzzled.

Laurence…Why? Fallyn asked quietly, stepping back towards one of the fountains.

There were people coming and going through the main doors, some she had met before and she nodded and smiled as they passed by, others she had never seen and avoided eye contact all together.

Well her bank statements didn’t show any financial problems…in fact prior to her disappearance she had gained quite a bit…and she wasn’t spending it…

That doesn’t sound right!…Matthew said she was so far behind in her payments on the coffee bar that his father was going to have to sell it just to break even… Fallyn explained, So Laurence wanted to know if I would agree to purchase it and said that if she came back he would gladly hand it back over…or else she would lose it!…I didn’t want that to happen and he said she was going bankrupt…But then how did she get all that money?

Fallyn’s phone began to ring and upon glancing at the display, she knew she had to answer it.

Just a minute Roger… She told him, as she put her phone to her ear, Hello?

Fallyn?...Have you been to the training house yet? Laurence asked.

I am here now but I haven’t started though…I’m chatting with Roger…He’s telling me about his trip. She replied.

I see…Well Darcy called and said that he has a meeting today…He won’t be able to spar with you… Laurence explained.

Awwwww…I was ready for a good fight. She laughed into the phone. Is there anyone else who could spar with me?

No! He replied.

Really…I’m already standing outside and there are tons of people here…One of them could…

I said No Fallyn!…I don’t trust them to be careful enough…I don’t want you hurt… His voice grew louder.

Don’t yell at me!…I get it…geeez!….I’m not a baby you know…I kicked your ass last time… She reminded him.

Because  I let you… He replied with a deeper, more erotic tone.

Roger listened in, not because he was nosey, but because she was right next to him, and it was hard not to overhear what they were saying.

That’s cheap Laurence!…I want a rematch then… She said to him.

Well it won’t be today I’m sorry my dear…Perhaps tomorrow? He paused a moment, riffling through what sounds like paperwork.   I have to go now but I’ll be home in a few days and we can have that sparring match then O.K?…I love you!

FINE!....I love you too and I'll see you when you get home. She replied, and listened as he hung up the phone.

She turned to Roger and noticed the smirk on his face. He let you win didn’t he? And then he burst out laughing. You didn’t tell me you had started sparring.

Only just recently after that incident with Marley…I figured I needed some skills…and it felt so good to fight with him…like actually get the aggression out…I think I liked it too much!…So I’ve been trying out a few moves with Darcy but he’s busy now…and there is no one else Laurence says that he trusts with my safety…blah blah blah!

So…No training house then? Roger asked, Maybe Sheenah’s?…or shopping?

He said I couldn’t spar…He didn’t say that I had to leave. She giggled, but when she saw the big burly beast walk right past them, smiling at her as he continued on inside, she changed her mind.     That man scares me Roger...

He’s an asshole that’s for sure!…One of the bigger Hammond boys...Just like Laurence's uncle from what I gather... Roger told her,    His wife Catherine is just as cold too…she puts on a good show but watch out for her.

Well then let’s go visit Sheenah. She said, turning back towards the car.

Good Idea! Roger replied.

He followed behind her, then sped up to open her door. He was literally the perfect gentleman, and one of her most trusted friends, but how was he going to react when he found out about 'them'? About her and Hayden? She knew she’d have to tell him eventually, who else was going to help her? Sheenah could only do so much.

Roger started the car and pulled away from the curb as her phone started to beep.

HAYDEN: Hello Beautiful

Her heart fluttered and her cheeks blushed, she felt like a giddy school girl crushing on her man, every time she read one of his messages.

FALLYN: Hello again.

HAYDEN: I have a problem.

Her heart stopped for a moment and she typed out her reply.

FALLYN: What’s wrong?

HAYDEN: My heart hurts...

FALLYN: What? Why?

There was a pause before he messaged her back, but it felt like an eternity.

HAYDEN: It misses you.

She melted all over again. She had thought there was actually something wrong with him. Well there was, he was insane.

FALLYN: You jerk...I thought you were serious...

Fallyn giggled as she wrote her message, looking up from time to time to see if Roger had noticed. They were almost there, to Sheenah’s salon, and normally Fallyn would have an excuse to go see her, a chipped nail or frizzy hair, but not this time, this was a social visit.

HAYDEN: But it’s true  I do miss you!

FALLYN: Well I might be able to ...sneak out tonight, but where do I go?

She felt devilish for thinking about it. It filled her with excitement, knowing somehow by the end of tonight she would be in his arms. It didn’t matter where.

Roger turned the corner, and pulled the car up against the curb,   We’re here! He told her and got out of his seat, closing the door  behind him.

HAYDEN: Where do you want to go?

She had no idea where. A bar? A night club? His house? No they couldn’t go to his house. Davyn would be there, and then he’d find out, and besides it might hurt him. Make him miss Bridgette even more. She couldn’t imagine what Davyn must be going through because from what Fallyn was seeing, he really cared for her friend, and her disappearance was torturing him.

FALLYN: Let me think about it...

Roger opened her door and held his hand out to help her. So she's expecting you?

No I haven't spoken with her yet…Why? Fallyn asked.

Oh…I thought that’s who you were talking to while enjoying your giggle fest in the back seat. He teased.

No…that wasn’t Sheenah…It was Alloryn!…She’s coming down for a week or two… Fallyn half lied. Alloryn was coming down, but that’s not who she was giggling with.

I see! He chuckled, How are her and Don doing? He asked, as they walked towards the salon doors.

Good!…They finished in Toronto a few days ago…and now they are in Nova Scotia. Fallyn replied. When they’re done they’re coming here.

Sounds exciting. He laughed, opening the door.

Fallyn!!!! Sheenah said, in her loud welcoming voice. Oh and Roger too!...When did you get back? She teased him.

Not too long ago….How are you Sheenah?...Keeping our girl out of trouble I hope? Roger chuckled.

Fallyn glared at Sheenah when Roger wasn’t looking and shook her head. If Sheenah spilled the beans about Hayden before Fallyn had summoned the balls to do it herself, that would be bad. Roger was already suspicious of Hayden, because he had no background in the system what so ever. But didn’t that generally mean he was a good guy with no criminal past? Either way, she had to be the one to tell Roger, on her own terms.

She’s been a very good girl. Sheenah replied, as she gave him a hug. And she didn’t need that… She whispered in his ear.

Perfect! He whispered back.

So what brings you both here? Sheenah asked, eyeing Fallyn, somewhat trying to get her attention.

We were in the neighborhood?.... Roger teased.

My sparing match was canceled!…So we came to visit… Fallyn told her, shaking her head at Roger.

Well you have arrived at an odd time…I was just… She started, but it was too late.

Hi….Hayden! She called out as the man walked through her front door. You’re early!…I was just setting up.

Fallyn’s mouth dropped to the floor. What was he doing here? Oh no, this was really bad!

Awesome!…Hey Fallyn!...How are you? He said to her, as he walked past and sat in one of the styling chairs. And you brought Roger…How ya doing man?

Never better! Roger replied, eyeing the man up and down.

I’m good thanks!….And yourself? She asked, trying not to stare at him. She couldn’t help it though.

Same old…Have you heard anything on Bridgette?...Davyn is a mess back home… He told them.

She was glad he wasn’t making any advances, or sending her any suggestive messages, Roger would have flipped. She’d have to work on him, she thought to herself, when she saw the look in his eyes. Roger didn’t trust Hayden, that much was clear, but he’d have to learn to get along. Fallyn had no intentions of giving up that which she had just obtained.

Not yet. Roger told him. We’re still looking.

The poor man doesn’t even leave the apartment anymore…It’s sad really…

Fallyn?...Can you help me with the towels please? Sheenah called out to her, and she rushed to the back room, leaving Hayden and Roger to talk.

What is he doing here? She asked Sheenah, the moment they were out of ear shot.

The man needed a hair cut!…What do you think? Sheenah laughed.

You didn’t tell me he was gonna be here!

You didn’t call!…You just showed up…How was I supposed to tell you? Sheenah spat back, trying to keep it quiet.

Oh that’s right!…I’m sorry….I just…

Almost got caught?...Roger don’t know…Does he? Sheenah asked, giving Fallyn the ‘Are you serious?’ look.

No…He doesn’t!…I don’t even know how I’m gonna tell him. Fallyn admitted. She knew it was inevitable though. She’d have to tell him, or stop seeing Hayden, and there was no way she was choosing option B. She had never felt so wanted and alive, the thrill of it all kept her wanting more.

Well I could help…Maybe lighten the mood a bit? Sheenah offered.

Sheenah?!?!...Really? Fallyn giggled. Roger? Fallyn asked.

She could hardly contain herself. Did she hear her right? Did Sheenah have some sort of crush on Roger? He was dastardly handsome, but he was old! At least to Fallyn.

He is rather charming… Sheenah admitted, a grin upon her darkened face.

But what about Damien….and Maurice?...And the others whose names I can’t remember? Fallyn giggled.

Damien is getting boring!…And Maurice I don’t know…the drugs are a bit much!…As for the rest…they only come around when I call…If I don’t call they would just find someone else!…But Roger…he’s different…And I like different.

Roger?...Really Wow!...I thought he was married?...He has a daughter… Fallyn replied.

He may have a daughter…but he’s not with the mother…I asked…

When?...Where was I?

I don’t know!…But Roger and I chat all the time…He’s bored…I’m not busy…he brings me coffee and we visit. Sheenah told her.

I just never thought…I was under the impression he was married…And he visits here?

Mmmmm….Hmmmmm! Sheenah replied, batting her eyelashes. I could always go and take Mr. Yummy off your hands for you?

Don’t you dare Sheenah… Fallyn blurted out.

Then let me help you and help myself. Sheenah giggled. Now here take these and follow me.

Fallyn did as she was told, following Sheenah out to the shelves and piling the clean towels up, then took a seat in a chair across from Hayden. She watched as he tried to carry on a conversation with the man Fallyn considered her bodyguard, but he wasn’t doing a very good job at all! Maybe now would be a good time for Sheenah to start her plan. Whatever that plan was!

Is there any chance you’re free tonight Hayden? Sheenah asked.

What was she doing? Fallyn wondered, What the hell?

I’ve got some plans with a friend…Why what’s up? He asked, curiously.

I have tickets to a movie tonight…Is that new Burlesque one…Maybe you’d like to go? She asked.

Fallyn watched as Hayden thought about it, and could hear Roger grinding his teeth. He was not happy about it.

I’d love to…But I do already have other plans…

Oh!...Well what about you Roger? Sheenah turned to face him, as she pulled the black cover up around Hayden’s shoulders.

Me?...I…Don’t know about that!…I may need to drive Fallyn somewhere…I’m on duty…

Nonsense Roger!…I don’t need to go anywhere tonight…I’ll be at home!…So go out and enjoy yourself. Fallyn told him.

If Roger was out on a date, then he wouldn’t be able to watch her. It was the perfect plan, for tonight. But what about any other time she wanted to go out? What ideas would she use then? She asked herself.

Come on Roger…Take me to a movie…Please? Sheenah added, as she began to snip away at Hayden’s hair.

Fallyn didn’t know if it was the fact she asked so innocently, or the fact she held scissors so close to some of Hayden’s vital organs, but Roger caved with a smile. Alright…When would you like to go?

CHAPTER TWO.

HAYDEN: Has he left yet?

FALLYN: No!  Be patient.

Fallyn giggled as she sat snuggled on the couch, wrapped in a blanket. Her favorite show was on, and her hot chocolate was the perfect temperature, the marshmallows nicely melted.

I’ll be back some time around midnight! Roger called out, as he walked towards her bedroom door.

Take your time Roger…I’m not going anywhere!...I’ll be fine and I have my phone. Fallyn replied.

Daniella is on her way over!…She said something about picking up her fur lined coat…it’s in some closet somewhere…I think she has a date. Roger went on, And Winston said he was done for the evening…He’s retired to his room with a sleeping pill…His headaches are back!…He got hit pretty hard that night.

Fallyn remembered the night the manor had been broken into. It was dark, and she had hidden behind the couch, listening to the voices as they trashed Laurence’s office. Whoever it was had snuck up on Winston and smacked him over the head with a frying pan, the poor guy had had headaches ever since.

The voices! She remembered. Alice had been there, but there was a man too, a giant man with a deep voice. It was familiar somehow, but she couldn’t quite place it.

I’ll be watching my movies so I won’t be too noisy…And Daniella can get her whatever and go again!…I probably won’t even be awake… Fallyn laughed, pretending to fall asleep.

Alright then...Well I’ll message you later to check in!…Be safe Fallyn. Roger said, as he pulled on his coat.

I will Roger…And have Fun. Fallyn replied, sinking back into her blankets.

As soon as the door was closed, she pulled out her phone, and began to read the messages that had piled up.

HAYDEN: We could go to Sheenah’s?

HAYDEN: Or how about 9 Oh 5?

HAYDEN: HELLO!!!!!!!!!

HAYDEN: Are you ignoring me?

HAYDEN: Did he leave yet?

The man was on fire! She laughed, as she typed away.

FALLYN: I am here...And yes he is gone

HAYDEN: Finally!

FALLYN: But I still have to wait ...my in law is stopping by to pick

up some coat

HAYDEN: NOOOOOOO I’m coming over!...Right now!

What? No, he can’t. Her heart started to race. If she left now, she might be able to make it look like she had gone to bed, and be gone before Daniella even showed up.

FALLYN: You can’t She’ll see you!!

HAYDEN: No she won’t! I can be a ninja LOL

FALLYN: Please wait ....Just a little longer...

HAYDEN: I don’t know if I can

FALLYN: If she sees you she’ll go right to Laurence

She cringed at the thought as she waited. Why hadn’t he texted back yet? Was he really coming over? Fallyn sprang up off the couch, leaving her blanket laying on the floor and her popcorn sitting on the table.