A Winter's Tale: The Poppy Garden, #2

By Claire L Brown

Retired Special Forces Captain Charles Wren thought his battles were over, but when he takes charge of security for superstar singer Will Roberts, he plunges into a world where the brightest star harbors the deepest terrors.

As Roberts prepares for a triumphant return home after a decade, Wren anticipates a routine protection job for the singer's loved ones. But the glitz and glamour of the spotlight quickly fade, revealing a realm of hidden agendas and lurking shadows.

In the midst of the chaos, an unexpected adversary emerges: Simon Hudson, a rogue journalist hell-bent on destruction. Wren's instincts sharpen as he uncovers a chilling truth - it's not the megastar Hudson seeks, but someone much closer to Wren's heart. Winter Kent, a close family friend and stylist, is ensnared in Hudson's web of relentless obsession following her husband's tragic passing. Hudson's obsession escalates to a deadly crescendo, and Wren races against time to shield his cherished ones from the sinister machinations of a disturbed mind.

A Winter's Tale follows Wren as he battles the dark underbelly of fame, confronting a nemesis driven by madness. Will he unravel the twisted motives in time to rescue those he holds dear, or will they be consumed by the shadows that lurk behind brilliance?

This heart-pounding thriller explores the depths of fear, the bonds of friendship, and the resilience of a battle-hardened hero against a nightmarish adversary.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Claire L Brown
• Release date: Jan 31, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224288748

Claire L Brown

Claire L Brown was born Sunderland, England.  Claire is a BA Hons. Graduate in Media with American History, from Sunderland University.   She has spent several years working as a personal assistant in her native North East while writing.   Claire concentrates mostly on romance, fantasy and thriller genres.  Follow Claire on Twitter  @CLBrown_author

Book preview

Prologue

W e were kids, just kids messing around, if only we knew then what life would have in store for us.  I was thinking the other day how crazy it was really, two young boys, playing out on hot summer days in the fields behind our houses.  Left to our own devices we felt like giants, we were giants.  I was a King, I had an ego even then and he, he was my best knight, fighting with valour, protecting my kingdom, saving my life.  We never forgot those roles, he definitely never forgot his.  No matter where life took us, how far apart we were, the differences in the paths we chose, he never forgot to be the best and most valiant knight in the land.  He saved my life more than once, he was a man I looked up to, even though we walked side by side, he taught me how to be a man, how to have a heart, how to be strong, how to be a friend and how to be a husband.  You saved my life and I will never forget and always remember, you will live on in my heart in and everything I do.  I will honour Thomas Kent in my heart and keep his memory everyday. 

The church was silent, save for the quiet sobs of the broken hearted as Will Roberts stepped back from the pulpit and moved slowly towards the dark wood coffin of his childhood companion and life long friend.  Placing his hand on the cold polished wood he closed his eyes and bit back tears.  Taking from his pocket a small cast iron knight on horse back holding a St. George flag, he placed it to his lips then stood it proudly on the wood casket and whispered a final promise to the best friend taken too soon. 

Slowly descending the red carpeted steps he kept his eyes on Thomas’ wife, Winter, she was broken.  Her pale skin made sallow and red from the tears she silently shed.  Her honey blonde hair scrapped back lifelessly, missing the wavy curls that Thomas loved so much.  Her bright blue eyes, grey and dark, gone the life and sparkle that enchanted Thomas from the moment he laid eyes on her that first day at school.  Taking the seat next to her Will took her cold shaking hand in his, he had to be strong, he’d promised after all and it wasn’t the kind of promise you could ever break.  He felt warmth radiating from his wife as she sat on his other side slipping her hand in to his hoping her strength would steady him.  She wasn’t wrong, she never was, Thomas had been right about Lilly too, he was barely ever wrong, save for his awful taste in comedy socks. Will half smiled to himself, there had to be light in remembering the good, even in the darkest moment.

As the curtains closed swallowing Thomas on the final part of the journey which he had to take alone, Will felt Winter falter, torn between the sorrow the rooted her to the spot and all consuming grief that pulled her towards following his coffin in to darkness.  Will squeezed her hand tightly and pressed his lips to space just above her ear, Remember his smile, don’t let it go.  His words seeped in to her sadness he heard the hitching of her cry in her throat and saw the tremble of her lips, His smile, remember how he smiled, he continued, His smile Winter, he’s not there, he’s here with us, still smiling, he’s always beside you.  Lilly gripped his arm, reminding him they were waiting, Thomas’ mother and father, the rest of his family and friends, waiting for Winter.  Winter, it’s time.  I’m with you, we can do this. Slowly he felt her gripping his hand, she wasn’t ready, how could she be but she would do this, she had no choice. 

Outside the church, in the small town where they had grown up, far away from the lives of the men they had become, Will stood by his best friend’s wife and his parents, shaking hands with those wanting to pay their respects, their sympathy well meant but hard to take when all they wanted to do was break down and crawl in to the smallest space where they could push the world and the pain away. 

In the sea of faces, Will marked one out, there was something different in his manner, in his grief, it was anger more than sorrow, his pain burning like a wildfire.  Will could feel the anger behind his eyes as they shook hands.  He tried to place the face of the man in the dark suit with his short black hair and grey eyes.  He didn’t utter a word, instead he focused on Winter, softening with her but still bristling with anger as he whispered words of condolence.  Winter barely saw his face, this was a day she would remember and not all at the same time. 

As the last of the mourners passed and the family finished looking at the flowers they headed back to the cars, the drivers and security waiting patiently. Lilly had been right Will’s management had managed to keep the event away from the press, after all this wasn’t about Will the pop star, it was about Thomas who was a hero who had never craved the spot light, he watched Will bask in it, applauded him for it and called him on it when it went to his head, but it wasn’t somewhere Thomas ever wanted to be.  Slipping in to the car Will noticed the man standing by the flowers, his eyes fixed on the car, glaring at them until the door closed as the wheels crunched in to motion. 

Focusing on what was important Will turned back to his wife, who was holding Winter as tightly as she dared, pressing the pieces of their broken friend back together as though letting go would let her shatter in to a thousand pieces. 

Chapter 1

Ten years later

Shitting, Arse, Will spat turning away from the microphone in the private Californian recording Studio.  Inside the tanned wood panelled room with rich Chinese rugs in faded oranges and golds he was alone with his earphones and microphone, all other instruments standing expectantly waiting for their chance to shine.  Will, the former baby of hot shot boy band District Lights turned solo artist after a stint in rehab in his early twenties, now  one of the highest paid late thirty something entertainers in the United Kingdom had fluffed his lines for the hundredth time. 

He nipped the bridge of his tanned nose, squeezing his grey eyes shut  Come on, pull it together he muttered to himself, pushing his black hair back away from his face,  it wasn’t that he didn’t know the words, he’d sung this song thousands of times, but right now the last time he sang the words was playing on his mind. 

The door from the sound booth squeaked open, his wife, Lilly stepped up behind him, she was in her late thirties with straw coloured blonde hair that was frizzy in the humidity, slim and toned she wore a loose fitting beach dress that gave her a floating bohemian look.  She hung her arms around his shoulders, resting her chin in the dip, You can do this, Will wasn’t convinced, Cheer up, she cajoled No one likes a crying pop star. He chuckled weakly as she slipped away pressing something on to the music stand as she left. 

Shaking his arms and hands vigorously he turned back , his eyes were drawn to the photo she had left.  Four smiling faces beamed back at him, his own somewhat younger with less of a receding hair line. Lilly with wild strawberry blonde hair and bright eyes draped over his shoulder her head resting against, Winter with her pale blonde hair and smiling blue eyes. Her arms round the strong shoulders of Thomas, weathered skin glowing with health, his dark hair in his trade mark army crop.  Will stared at Thomas, he was the only one of them frozen in time, while they had all aged and weathered his loss he was a shining memory of youth.  They weren’t aware that this would be their last holiday together, Will had flown them out to his place in California to celebrate their wedding anniversary, they had spent two wonderful weeks making memories.  Memories were all that remained. 

Looking at the glass partition he could see Winter standing by Lilly as she sat next to the producer at the mixing desk, she gave him the thumbs up.  Her eyes didn’t sparkle as much as they used to, her skin barely touched by the rays of the sun, to him she had become something fragile and he hated that because that wasn’t the women he knew. Will took a breath, he was about to make them all cry, but it had to be done there was a point to this there was a cause and a hope and he had to sing it the way he had sung it that night in a run down karaoke bar on the side of a beach where no one cared who he was.  The night that photo was taken, he’d sung with heart and passion and with his best friend by his side. 

With a slight nod of his head he belted out the song.  In that moment as he focused on his wife and his best friend’s wife, just as his eyes clouded with tears he could have sworn  he could see Thomas there with them, thumbs up smiling at him. 

Stepping out of the recording studio Winter had to get some air, Will was an amazing singer, he could brings tears to the harshest critic, but right now that song it really pulled at her heart strings.  Winter sat on the edge of a wall which ran along side the steps leading to the garden and swimming pool beyond.  The hot Californian sun warmed the stone slabs even those in the shade. The heavy branches of green bushes shaded her spot, and the private entry in to the studio. 

Here in private seclusion Winter could try to catch her breath, she felt the all too familiar vice twisting around her lungs, squeezing so hard she felt like she was close to passing out.  The pain ran deep, after all this time she still felt it as keenly as those initial moments when that sickening realisation had landed heavy like a cannonball ripping in to her insides.

Thomas had loved Will singing old school swing music, they had both loved Sinatra and Dean Martin.  Thomas had wanted Will to do a swing album for years, Will had flirted with it every few years but never committed to a full album until now.  Winter couldn’t complain, it had been her idea, this was to be Will’s Christmas album, the pinnacle of his come back and a celebration of returning home.  Home, somewhere Winter wondered if she would ever be able to go back to.  She had visited of course, it had taken a year for her to go back the first time slowly she had increased her trips.  As yet she’d never gone back to the house she bought with Thomas, it was locked up and monitored by the alarm company.  It had blown in to such a huge hurdle Winter felt she would never be able to vault it. 

Will had bought land last year and had  a private country house built to his own design and security plans.  He had also kept a London town house but with security becoming an increasing concern they had rarely used it.  This would be the first time Winter was home for an extended period, three months had been the longest stint, now they were heading back for six months to a year maybe longer if things went well for Will.

If he wasn’t waiting for them, she felt a chill as she thought about the man who had for he last ten years terrorised her preventing her from moving on with her life.  He was a ghost, a nightmare like figure who showed up just at the moments when she felt she could move on, when she could breathe.  She had tried several times to start dating again but each time he knew where she would be, he would be there scaring her back behind high walls while any companion ran for the hills.  No matter where she went, she was never safe, the spectre was waiting like guilt wrapping her body in heavy chains holding her rooted to the spot while the world moved on around her. 

A shadow fell over her face and a bottle of water waggled in front of her, Small sips the voice was deep and monotone Winter reached up and took the bottle from the deeply tanned hand.  As she cracked it open the figure moved to sit beside her, Torrens didn’t usually do social calls but he was setting up Will’s security for their return home and wanted to run through the final details in person.  Winter knew a lot of the special treatment was down to Will’s philanthropic interest in The Poppy Garden,  a project close to Torren’s heart.  He looked uncomfortable sitting on the small wall his muscular frame too imposing to be soft and relaxed, he rubbed his hands together as he studied her through his sunglasses, You ready for this? He asked his voice low to keep their conversation private.  Winter couldn’t answer, how could she explain that the place she had wanted to be as far away from as possible since Thomas ’s death was the only place now that could help her hang on to her memories. 

Over the last two years her memories has started to fade, it was’t that she was forgetting Thomas, more like the periphery was becoming blurred.  Small details were slipping away from her, the sound of his voice wasn’t as clear, his laugh which had echoed so strongly in her mind was now dull and it took all her effort to bring it to mind.  How was she supposed to explain that the torture of going home and seeing all the places that she shared with Thomas reliving all the pain that came with it was the only way she could think of to keep her memories alive. 

Torrens as always seemed to read her mind, The house will be the worst, I’ve had people check on it but it’s pretty much how it was, Winter nodded slowly taking a sip of water which she had to choke down passed the lump in her throat.  I can still have it cleared, sold if you want? he was pretending to look straight ahead but she knew he was studying her from the corner of his eye.  He was a great judge of people, he watched for the slightest unconscious movement just like he was watching Winter now, judging her struggle, a struggle he unfortunately wasn’t a stranger to.

No, I need to do it, don’t I Winter asked looking at him, he didn’t move, still facing forward, his jaw set.  The nod that followed was barely perceptible, Yes you do. he agreed, he stood slowly, In your own time though. He lifted his glasses and fixed her with a steely gaze, Grief is individual, there’s no right way, no time scale, don’t let anyone tell you different okay? Winter nodded he was satisfied with that, replacing his glasses he turned and disappeared inside leaving Winter to her thoughts.

The plane is on time, they will be coming in to land in five minutes. Have the cars waiting, I don’t want to waste time.  Tom I want you to keep your eyes on the children, and their parents get them off the plane and in to the car quickly, there are some photographers around and the family would prefer the children not be subjected to that.  Tom was ready, in his mid forties with greying temples to his jet black hair, his brown eyes focused and aware of everything around him in the hanger of the private airfield.  Three black range rovers were waiting behind them as the briefing  continued, this was a new detail for the core team of six, it wasn’t the first time they’d worked together but they left nothing to chance, they knew being comfortable was not a safe place to be. 

Giving the orders Charles Wren had command of the unit, having left the kaki of his uniform behind, he had adopted the black suit of a private protection officer easily.  His black hair was pushed back smartly, his skin still tanned from a summer spent working over seas, his deep brown eyes fixing on each member of his team as he delivered their orders for the extraction.  The last of his checks done he noted the time, hearing the sound of the engines coming closer.  Standing in the door way to the hanger he watched as the private jet cut through the air and started it’s decent.  His eye was drawn across the air field to the perimeter fence where several people were hanging around. One stood out to him, a journalist definitely but there was something else, a gut instinct that had never let him down before.  Radioing his perimeter team Wren had them head over and check out the audience.  He watched as the journalist seemed to melt away as they approached.  Wren observed one of his men head after the retreating figure who hastily climbed in to a battered old yellow coloured range rover and roared away in to the distance. 

Get the reg? Wren asked in to his microphone  attached to the lapel of his jacket, the negative response crackled in his ear.  Wren frowned, but had to shake off the feeling as the plane touched down and rolled to a stop.  The engines of the three waiting cars hummed into life.  Wren moved forward as the door to the plane slowly opened and the steps were set in place.  He climbed up and ducked inside the plane. Waiting for him was a young slender woman in her mid twenties.  Her uniform of black dress and red scarf were worn to their best advantage.  She offered him a cheeky wink but Wren just nodded at her, his expression blank, she beamed at him and waggled slightly as she walked in front of him in to the main area of the plane.  Wren could never get over the luxury some of his clients enjoyed.  Sitting at what could have been mistaken for a coffee table in some stately home was his new client. 

Will was dressed casually in black jogging bottoms a white t-shirt and a loose grandad style grey cardigan, his sleeves pushed up revealing some of the many tattoos he had collected over the years, to his arms and neck, Wren noted a number of military inspired inks. Will stood and held out his hand, Wren right? he had never lost his English accent Wren noted as he took the offered hand and shook it firmly, Sir. Will smiled and shrugged Just call me Will, this is my wife Lilly, he gestured to a woman sitting one leg curled under her on the plush cream chair.  She was dressed all in black with a white baseball cap sitting atop her mass of curls.

And this is Winter, Will gestured to another woman,  sitting to his left, Wren studied her, Will seemed to continue speaking, Wren couldn’t hear the words as he focused on the woman she was surrounded by a halo of sparkling light as she sun peaked through the window of the plane.  Winter was gazing out over the tarmac until Will said her name, she turned and smiled softly at Wren, her skin was pale despite her time in the sun, her hair a soft pale blonde, her eyes pale blue with a sadness that her smile could not remove.  She was dressed casually in a white shirt and pale blue jeans, a scarf folded across her knee.  This is Wren, he’s our new head of security. 

Lilly slid out of her seat gracefully and greeted him with a peck on the cheek and swift hug, Welcome to our mad family  she turned as two children came towards them from the back of the plane, a boy and a girl, both with chocolate brown hair and bright eyes.  Lilly scooped up her little girl while her son clung to his father’s side.  The cars are waiting Sir, Wren offered as the little boy tugged at his father’s cardigan, Don’t forget Scout he whispered, Winter smiled I’ll get him, don’t worry she reassured.  She slipped for her seat and moved to the back of the plane.  Charlie, this is Wren he’s going to be taking care of us while we’re home. Will explained to his curious little boy.  Charlie was an inquisitive six year old, he chewed the inside of his cheek as he considered the man in front of him, Do you like dogs? Charlie asked Wren crouched down and winked at the little boy They are by far my favourite my animal  Charlie seemed pleased with the response and stepped from his father’s shadow a little more.  I love dogs, we have one right now but Dad says we can get another one now we’re home.  Wren smiled as warmly as he could putting the little boy at ease. 

He glanced at the little girl, Holly,  cradled in her mother’s arms, she was around three and sucked her thumb diligently she used her remaining fingers to wave at him slightly.  He noticed the movement behind them as Winter reappeared a soft coated golden retriever by her side.  Come on then, let's go home Will encouraged, Wren took the order and escorted them to the front of the plane. The cars rolled into position, waiting for them at the base of the steps.  Wren watched Will and Lilly descend their children in their arms, Tom opened the door to the second car and secured them inside, Wren nodded as the lead car and the second moved slowly off.  He waited for Winter with the dog, Scout, by her side to descend before following close behind, she slipped in to the back of the third car Scout joining her.  Wren closed the door and joined the driver in the front. 

The extraction went just as he planned, but he couldn’t relax yet as they passed through the airfield gates and out on to the country roads.  He listened intently to the messages on the radio.  Looking in the rearview mirror he’d had added to passenger side he observed as Winter sat quietly in the back of the car, Scout lying across the back seat his head resting on her knee as she stroked his ears soothingly.  Soon have you home Miss the driver Kevin ‘Bear Otterson, so named for his resemblance to the brown bear, especially when he neglected to shave. Wren watched as Winter smiled, Thank you," she responded politely. 

The gates to the country estate, rolled opened as the first car pulled up, the convoy moved through without incident Wren checked his rearview as the gates closed behind them, he focused on the battered range rover parked across the road from the gates.  When you’ve dropped us, do a sweep outside will you? he ordered Bear who had noted the same thing.  Bear’s nod was barely perceptible.  The car slowed and Wren exited opening the rear door for Winter and Scout.  Climbing out Winter smiled and thanked him, Wren followed her and her companion as the family entered the main house via the three steps to the arched doorway.  Charlie was already running around inside the large hallway as Wren closed the door.  Winter let Scout off his lead and he joined Charlie in his jovial canter round the tiled entryway.  Wren’s eyes roamed the hallway, he had checked the building over several times before they left and a member of his team was in the security office, nothing had changed the house was secure. 

The family migrated naturally to the large kitchen and family room with its large arch windows looking out across the manicured gardens.  The house had little staff, Will and Lilly preferred to do most things themselves.  There was  a cleaner who took care of the main house and the two wings which made up the ‘U’ shape of the building.  The kitchen was the heart of the house, it took up the greater part of the ground floor of the main house and was were the family would spent the majority of their time.  The East wing housed Winter’s apartments the office and rooms for the security team, the West Wing had rooms for guests and for the house manager and any temporary staff. 

Each of his six man close protection  team had memorised the layout of the house and all guests would be vetted before entering.  Will had given specific instructions, lots of instructions, Wren did wonder if there was a reason for the litany he had been presented with, there would be time he supposed to discuss them later once everyone was settled.  Wren listened to the chatter in his earpiece, Bear had checked the perimeter  the range rover driver had become spooked and took off, Bear had a a partial plate and was on his way back.  Wren turned back to the room, he noticed Winter disappearing through the door to the east wing Will too watched her go, he looked to Wren and motioned for him to follow him.  Be right back darling, he kissed Lilly’s cheek before Wren followed him to his private office on the other side of the house. 

Will’s office come play room was a mashup of old and new styles, the desk and book cases were traditional walnut wood ornate befitting of a country manor, then there were the posters and gold records adoring the walls, the art work was predominately movie posters, the shelves adorned with musical accolades and by the fire the leather hard back chair kept company with a stylish acoustic guitar. Will took one of the fireside armchairs and offered Wren the other.  Wren sat unbuttoning his jacket, he wasn’t relaxed he was attentive and aware of his position.  Will smiled at him, We’re going to be spending a lot of time together, you can chill out when you want to, Wren half smiled and nodded and please call me Will, and Lilly is Lilly, we don’t stand on ceremony.  Wren agreed after all it was up to Will to set the boundaries, Wren simply had to respect them.  I know Torren’s briefed you about what’s happening but there’s something we need to discuss that stays between us.  In the moments that followed Wren became very aware that his instincts were on point and there was definitely something to be worried about.

They started around nine years ago, don’t get me wrong I’ve had my fair share of hate mail over the years but this is different.  You have to understand, we’re a family, Winter is pretty much my sister and I will do whatever it takes to protect her.  Will was rattled, the turn of events were playing in to Wren’s already inquisitive perspective when it came to his new job.  You have the file, you know all about us, Will offered trying to read Wren’s face, he was having little luck, Wren was the type of person he wouldn’t want to play poker against.  I know what you wanted me to know. Wren played his card, Will took a breath, it was a snap decision did he trust this man?  He moved from his chair to the desk, he unlocked a draw and withdrew a file.  Returning to his chair he held the file tightly for a moment weighing up the move he was about to make.  Wren waited patiently, his new boss had to trust him, he needed to come to this decision himself. 

Finally Will held out the file, Wren took it and with a nod from Will he opened the cover and looked at the stack of letters inside.  Each one was typed and printed on everyday paper, nothing remarkable or notable until he read the words.  The vitriol dripped from the page, the writer made no bones about their dislike for Will.  They hated him, truly hated him to the bone.  Wren had never read anything so vicious and threatening, it made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.  He could see why Will was so nervous.  As he flipped through the letters the cause of the hated became more apparent, the writer thought Will was keeping Winter away from them.  You know who wrote these? Wren asked closing the folder, Will chewed the inside of his mouth he confessed he believed  the author was a journalist named Simon Hudson.

What do you need me to do? Wren asked the direct question which Will had been longing to hear.  The sigh of relief was audible, Will suddenly looked ten years younger he finally had someone to help him with something which was playing on his mind.  I need you to take care of Winter, keep her safe for me, I cant break my promise. Mentally Wren was taking notes of every conscious and unconscious response Will made, right now Will was on the verge of some kind of breakdown.  He blinked back tears and his hands trembled the moment he mentioned the promise, it meant something to him, something deep and rooted to his core, Wren could understand that deep rooted loyalty that fear of not coming through for someone, he had made a few of those promises during his years of service and he never broke one.  I promise you I’ll protect you and your family including Ms Kent to the best of my ability.  What I need from you is all the facts so I know what I’m dealing with Wren waited a beat while Will deliberated and then slowly filled him in on their current situation. 

Bear had swept the roads outside the house, the yellow range rover was nowhere in sight.  He made his way back to the gate checking his mirror intermittently but there was nothing.  He waited for the gate to open and drove inside.  The tree lined road opposite was dense and damp even in the heat of the sun.  the cracking of branches was muffled from the roadside as the yellow range rover made it’s way along a dirt track it had made on its previous visits.  stopping far enough back from the road not to be seen, the driver climbed out of the vehicle and moved a wood gate that formed part of a disguised den before moving the car inside.  Replacing the branch and brush covered door, he shouldered a rucksack and picked his way through the tree line, his clothes chosen to camouflage him in his environment. 

There wasn’t much time to relax for Winter or the family, Will was working on his album and the promotions while also taking on the role of panel judge on the hit TV talent show Star for a Night.  Lilly would also be busy, she had worked with Winter as a guest designer for Mortimer Blake, the top high street store for their Christmas campaign.  Winter had picked out several designs and now they were back in town they would have to focus on completing the collection.  Winter also had several high profile clients to catch up with in preparation for movie premiers, society events and product launches.  She had made sure her diary would be full, it gave her less time to dwell on the past.  She paused looking around her work room.  It was a large rectangular room, that bordered the garden, as she opened the soft voile curtains from across the large arch windows she could see across to the kitchen and family room where Lilly and the children were. 

She turned back to her room, her space, it was clean with white panelled walls, silver framed pictures hung here and there.  There were three large rugs across the floor softening the walnut wood flooring.  where several of the bags had been brought and placed awaiting her attention.  She knelt on the rug and pulled off her shoes before opening the bags and starting to unpack and hang the clothes on to the rails that were waiting opposite, her drawing table and desk were to the left with a large easel which she used to mount her mood boards when working. As she worked she could hear music coming from the kitchen, Lilly had opened the doors and the children were playing on the stone patio, one of the new security team watching over them. 

In the last ten years having observers on the periphery of their lives had become second nature, some even became close like Torrens, Winter wondered if any of this new team would be like family they would eventually have to say goodbye to, she hated goodbyes.  She pushed the dark thoughts away and continued with her work.  She focused instead on the happy sounds of the family playing outside, she could feel Lilly watching over her form a distance, mother in every sense she worried about Winter, a lot.  Winter felt guilty Will and Lilly spent so much time worrying about her, she knew it must be exhausting for them. 

Winter tired to shake off the sadness that hung around her like a thick shroud. She had times when she was, as some would say better, to her it was more like good days and bad. People had expectations and a lot of them felt compelled to tell her how she should be living now, surprisingly none had been through what she had but they of course knew best.  Luckily her family, Will and Lilly never demeaned her pain that way.  They nudged and cajoled when they felt it appropriate, most of all they reassured her when she needed it.  She looked up as a shadow passed her window, one of the new security team watching over the children.  Will had upped their level of security this time, something was bothering him, something he hadn’t confided to her or to Lilly. 

Standing Winter watched the children play from the window, Lilly’s waving arm caught her eye she held up a mug. Opening one of the large arch windowed doors Winter headed across the carefully manicured grass feeling the coolness and sharpness of the grass against her skin, slipping and slicing between her toes.  Charlie ran towards her, his arms outstretched Winter smiled and scooped him up swinging him round, he giggled and screamed with delight.  She kissed his chubby cool cheek softly and set him back on the grass as he ran off to play with Holly spinning round and round until they both fell over giggling and screaming with delight. 

Ah to be so innocent Lilly commented as she stepped on to the patio and handed winter a mug of tea before they both curled up of the soft cushions of the couch on the patio.  they were almost flanked by two suited bodyguards keeping one eye on them one on the children.  How do you feel now we’re back? Lilly asked over the top of her mug disturbing the steam as it rose.  Winter shrugged as she watched the children play, I don’t know really, it’s time I suppose I couldn’t stay on the run forever.

You’re not on the run! Lilly scoffed Winter raised an eyebrow as her friend chewed her lips and seemed to come to the same conclusion, I think we’ve all avoided coming back haven’t we?  Easier in a way to be so transient and not really face, well you know. Winter nodded her mind drifting, We had good times here too, though didn’t we?  All of us?  There has to be enough good to balance the bad right? Lilly scooted over to Winters side and cuddled in to her Of course there is, more than enough. 

Observing from the kitchen Wren held back as Will moved to join them outside.  He observed the family dynamic, he wasn’t quite sure yet how the pieces fitted and most of all how it all worked but in a way it did work.  He turned and walked through the house, with all the new information Will had confessed he had a lot to think about and his security plan would have to change.  Knowing the family was secure with his team Wren retreated to his suite of rooms in the same part of the house as Winter, which now made more sense to him. 

His suite comprised of a small living area with a fire place, green leather heritage style couch, coffee table with stout wood legs and wood top with a glass insert.  The walls were panelled and painted grey while above the panelling a navy wallpaper with a damask pattern circled the room.  The windows were trimmed with deep navy velvet curtains, shading the walnut wood desk and its large leather back chair.  A decorative arch separated the living area from the sleeping area, in