Surrounded by Darkness

by Rachel Dylan

  “Would you even be able to do that?”

  He looked away. “It would require a lot of asset consolidation and some major bank financing. But now that this ringer has been brought in, the fear is that if we go to trial the amount could be even more, and that could completely destroy me.”

  “Do you actually think a settlement offer is on the table?” Olivia asked.

  “Yeah. They made it clear at the mediation.”

  “Maybe because they thought you’d turn it down. Layton’s endgame is to break you—both mentally and financially. He would want a trial.”

  Grant hadn’t fully figured that out. It showed he was not on the top of his game right now. “You might be right.”

  Olivia looked up at him. “If you’d take that deal, I think you need to act quickly before they can weasel out of it. And I know you’ll say no, but if you need my help in securing funds, all you have to do is ask. My sizable salary from the BCR would whet the appetite of any bank.”

  “You know I wouldn’t have you do that,” Grant said softly.

  “And you know I would do it for you in a heartbeat.”

  Once again, they stood staring into each other’s eyes, but he couldn’t will himself to look away.

  “I love you, Grant. Please know I would do anything and everything for you.”

  And that’s exactly why his heart was breaking.

  Eliza paced around her kitchen waiting for Stacey to arrive. After the party at Layton’s house, Eliza realized she needed to get the full download from Stacey to understand what she was dealing with.

  Eliza had never believed there could be such powerful spiritual forces. Yes, she was a practicing Wiccan, but she saw that more as harnessing energy and using it for good. But what she had experienced literally felt like it was from another world—and it definitely didn’t seem to be what she understood as good magic. The question was, what was she going to do about it?

  According to Stacey, Eliza had already opened a door she couldn’t close. She couldn’t help but think that Stacey had some agenda. A big agenda. Layton hadn’t been what she was expecting at all. He’d been charming. There was a magnetism about him. Something that made her want to know him better. It had been a long time since she’d felt attraction like that. Could it possibly be that a man like him could actually be interested in her?

  First, she had to handle Stacey, so when the doorbell chimed, Eliza stood up from her chair and walked to the front door. She opened it fully expecting to see Stacey on the other side, but she sucked in a breath when she saw it was Layton instead. She was kicking herself for not putting on more makeup and a cuter outfit instead of the ultra-casual sundress she had bought from the thrift shop.

  “Layton, what’re you doing here?”

  He gave her a warm smile. “I’m sorry to show up unannounced. Can I come in?”

  She stepped aside. “Of course, but I should warn you that my house is small and not fancy at all. It won’t be like what you’re accustomed to.” She felt her cheeks flush as she spoke, and embarrassment flooded through her. What was this high-society guy going to think of her little home?

  Layton patted her shoulder. “Don’t give that a second thought. It’s actually quite charming.”

  She found that hard to believe, but she knew he was being polite. “Would you like some tea? I also just made some cookies.”

  He followed her into the kitchen. “Cookies sound delicious.”

  Baking was something she was good at. Thankfully, she had goodies to offer him. “Is Stacey okay?”

  Layton nodded. “She’s perfectly fine. She mentioned that she was coming to talk to you about Optimism, and I thought, why not have the conversation with you myself. Go straight to the source.”

  She fumbled around the kitchen. “Please, have a seat. I know you’re busy. You didn’t have to do this. I’m sorry if I caused any inconvenience.”

  Layton surprised her by grabbing onto her hand. His touch sent a jolt of electricity through her.

  “You are not an inconvenience. I knew from the moment we met that you were special.”

  “Really?” Her heartbeat sped up.

  He squeezed her hand. “Absolutely.”

  “Can I tell you something?” she asked quietly.

  “Sure.”

  She placed a few cookies on the blue pastel plate and placed it in front of him. “You are nothing like what I expected.”

  “How so?”

  She decided to be transparent with him. “Frankly, I’d heard some not-so-flattering things about you, but I haven’t seen any of that.”

  “Like what have you heard?” He picked up a chocolate chip cookie.

  “That you are cold and calculating and don’t care about your members. You’re just power hungry and in it for yourself.” As the words came out, she couldn’t believe she was saying it to his face, but for some reason, she felt oddly comfortable with him.

  Layton laughed. “It’s funny how that works, right? You become successful and then everyone tries to come at you and spread foul rumors. Nothing could be further from the truth. Optimism and its members mean everything to me.”

  His sincerity showed through his words and, more importantly, how he had treated her. “I’m glad I’ve gotten an opportunity to judge for myself. Given some of the things that people say about us, I can empathize.”

  “That you’re a bunch of crazy women who think they’re witches, right?”

  Now it was her turn to laugh. “Yeah, that about sums it up. Throw in a few black cats and we’re the perfect caricature—especially around Halloween. But we’re not like that. Just like I can see you don’t match the rumors either.” She placed a few more cookies in front of him and poured the tea.

  “I’m an open book. What would you like to know? You can ask me anything.” He took another bite of the chocolate chip cookie. “Mmm. These are amazing.”

  “Thank you.” She tried to sort out her thoughts. “I’m not sure where to begin. Stacey said I didn’t have the background knowledge or understanding of the Optimism world-view because I wasn’t raised in the church and didn’t know how it all worked.”

  “There are pluses and minuses to that. At least you weren’t indoctrinated in some of their insanity, but Stacey is right that you might be lacking in some of the ideas that shape who we are and why we do what we do.”

  She wanted to go down this path and see what happened. “All right. I’m ready to hear what you have to say.”

  And she did. For the next hour, she got a tutorial in the biblical battle of good and evil. She was certain Layton was putting his own spin on it, but she also knew enough to know that he was giving her a lot of good information.

  Now she had some questions. “But I struggle with understanding why you have turned to the dark side. It doesn’t seem to match up with the man sitting here in my kitchen right now.”

  “Because evil gets a bad rap since it’s viewed through the Christian lens. Once you view it through a different lens, you see that evil is just what we’ve been called to justify our oppression and subjugation to those who believe differently.”

  “You’re losing me a little bit here.”

  Layton had finished the initial offering of cookies, and she provided him with a few more, which he eagerly took before continuing the discussion. “God didn’t like Lucifer because Lucifer threatened him. He didn’t want to be challenged. He wants blind acceptance. We aren’t about that. We are about independence and making our own choices. Using the powers of darkness to maximize our time on this earth. Yes, we dedicate our lives to the Prince of Darkness, but he gives us everything in return, and he doesn’t ask for blind acceptance. He appreciates those of us who are shrewd individuals who can think for ourselves. At the end of the day, our lifestyle and beliefs are about self, autonomy, and living in the now. Not planning for some absurd afterlife. This is it.”

  “But you can still use these powers for ill, right? Not just for good.”

 
“The whole point is that what is ill may be different for you and me. And, I’m not going to hide it from you. We are in a battle. So, yes, if we have to use our powers to inflict harm or gain a tactical advantage on those who would try to destroy us and our way of life, then yes, we fully embrace that.”

  She sipped her tea as she reflected on his words. “This is all fascinating. I’m not sure where I fit into this.”

  Layton leaned forward. “And that’s one of the reasons why I’m here. Like I told you before, I sense something special in you. Stacey told me what happened the other week. The fact you had that experience let me know you were one to watch. Then when I met you myself, I could feel your spirit energy.” Layton paused. “Now it’s time for me to be brutally honest with you. One of the reasons why no one has told you that is because the women you surround yourself with are rank amateurs. I’m not one to mince words. I’m telling you the truth. They want to believe they’re real witches, casting feel-good spells, and putting positive energy into the world, but they’re fooling themselves. They’re not the real deal. They don’t have the ability to be the real deal, either. And that’s all well and good, but we can’t take them seriously in the realm we work in.”

  “You really think we’re all delusional?” her voice squeaked.

  Layton shook his head. “Not all. But many, yes. Not you, though. That’s why I’d love to give you the opportunity for more, but you have to want it. Have to embrace it. If you’re happy going about it with your friends and your little coven, then you can keep doing that and never have to be subjected to me again.”

  She bit her bottom lip as her mind swam with conflicting thoughts. “Hypothetically, if I wanted to be a part of Optimism, what would that look like?”

  “We’re not dabblers, Eliza. We’re an all-or-nothing, take-it-or-leave-it group.”

  That sounded exciting and daunting at the same time.

  “You don’t have to decide today. I want you to fully consider what it would be like to join us.”

  “Thanks for spending the time and being so kind to me.”

  He placed his hand on top of hers. “You could add a lot to Optimism.”

  She had to keep bubbling romantic feelings in check. He probably didn’t see her in the same way she saw him. “You’re too nice.”

  “Only for people I like.” He grinned. “I mentioned our battle against those in town who believe differently. We’re in a struggle, that’s for sure. We could use you and any other like-minded women in your group that you think would be interested, but only if they could accept our ways. The last thing we want is friction between our groups, especially if you decide not to join us. That would never be my intention.”

  “I think some of our members don’t have the highest opinion of Optimism or Astral Tech—although, I guess that group is now defunct, I hear.”

  “Yes, it is. We have obtained the members who have potential from there, and the rest of the group has dissolved.”

  “You’ve given me a lot to think about. Thank you for coming over.”

  “I should be the one thanking you for such hospitality. I think I ate almost a dozen of these cookies. You have a real gift for baking.”

  Her cheeks burned at his compliment. “I love baking. I’d do it as a job if I could.”

  “Next time we have an event, you’re going to have to bring some for the group. People will go crazy over them.” He stood up. “I think I’ve taken enough of your day.”

  “No, I appreciate it.” She rose to meet him. “I feel like all we did was talk about me. How are things with you?”

  “I’ve had an unexpected development happen with a legal clinic that opened near our office.”

  “Oh, is that the domestic violence clinic?” She remembered meeting the woman at the festival.

  His eyes narrowed. “Yes, how do you know about it?”

  “I met the lawyer running it at the summer festival. She was going around telling people about it. She seemed very nice.” She thought for a minute. “Why would you have an issue with the clinic?”

  “I obviously support a domestic violence clinic, but my fear is that Olivia has an ulterior motive and that she wants to use the clinic as a front for her own religious agenda.”

  Ah. Now that made sense. “Oh, yes. She and I actually had a conversation at the festival about it.”

  He took a step toward her. “Really?”

  “Yes. Why do I feel like I’m missing something here?”

  “Olivia Murray is basically our number one enemy.”

  She found that hard to believe. “Her? She didn’t seem very threatening to me.”

  He placed his hands on her shoulders. “You cannot underestimate her. She has something that I’ve never seen or experienced before.”

  “Wow. I would’ve never known.”

  Layton frowned. “That’s one of the reasons she’s so dangerous.”

  “And what do you think she’s doing now?”

  “Hopefully nothing but her legal work, but we’ve been through a few rounds together, and I know her better than to think that she’s just acting as a lawyer. She’s never just a lawyer. I don’t want her polluting the minds of women who are already vulnerable.”

  She bit her bottom lip. “Come to think of it, she did warn me about Optimism.”

  Now that made him smile. “What did she say?”

  “Basically to stay away from you guys. I told her I was a practicing Wiccan. She didn’t push, but she left the door open for conversation.”

  Layton’s jaw locked.

  “What’s your big beef with Olivia?”

  He looked her in the eyes. “That she wants to destroy Optimism, and even more than that. Me.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Olivia and Jess sat at the clinic having finished up a full day of consultations. Olivia was starting to feel like they were making a difference. And while she and Jess didn’t see eye to eye on some things, they were a good team advocating for these women.

  But when she heard the bell on the clinic door, Olivia’s heart dropped. She could only hope that it wasn’t Layton paying her another visit. She really didn’t need that especially with Jess there.

  When she went to meet the visitor though, her heart actually warmed.

  “Nina Marie, what a pleasant surprise.” She hugged Nina Marie but was careful not to grasp too tightly.

  Nina Marie gave her a slight smile. “I’ve wanted to come down sooner, but honestly, some days I have a hard time even getting out of the bed. Thankfully, I’ve been feeling better lately.”

  Layton had taken away so much from Nina Marie, but at least she still had her life. “Nina Marie, this is Jess. She’s a law student helping me out here.”

  Jess took her hand and gave her a smile before turning to Olivia. “I’m going to head out unless you need something.”

  “No. I’m all set. Great work today.”

  Jess beamed. “It was a good day.” Jess grabbed up her bag and laptop. “Nice meeting you, Nina Marie.”

  Once they were alone, Olivia couldn’t help but give Nina Marie another quick hug. “I’m so happy to see you.”

  “I know I don’t look it, but I’m actually getting physically stronger. Mentally, well, that’s still a work in progress. Abe has to be the most patient and kind man in the world.”

  “I’m glad the two of you are together. He’s not going to let you down.” As she said those words she couldn’t help but think of Grant.

  “Have you talked to Grant?”

  “Yeah. But nothing has changed.”

  Nina Marie looked at her. “Just give him time. I believe he’ll come back around.”

  “I hope so,” she said softly.

  “How are things going here?” Nina Marie asked.

  “Really well. We’ve already been able to get almost a dozen protective orders.”

  Nina Marie looked out the window. “It’s sad that there are so many cases. You know how important this cause is to me. Maybe
one day when I’m in a better place mentally, I could be of some use.”

  “Absolutely.” An idea popped into her head. “You know it could be very therapeutic for you to help others. You’d be an invaluable asset. Unfortunately, that’s because you’ve lived this yourself.”

  Nina Marie nodded. “Something I’ll never be able to forget.”

  “You’re stronger than you realize.”

  “Speaking of that, I have started volunteering at the church. I’ve only done it once so far, but I plan on going back.”

  Olivia loved to hear that news. “That’s wonderful, Nina Marie.”

  “Thanks. I enjoyed it, and I think it will be good to force myself to get out more. I can’t live shut up for the rest of my life.” Nina Marie turned to face her. “A little close to Optimism here, aren’t you?”

  Olivia sighed. “Yeah. That wasn’t by design. Layton has already been here threatening me to mind my business.”

  Nina Marie quirked an eyebrow. “And are you?”

  “Honestly, right now I have my hands full with the legal issues and getting these women the practical help they need, but if God opens a door for me to walk through, I’ll do it.”

  Nina Marie smiled. “I have no doubts about that.” She took a seat on the small sofa. “There’s actually another reason I came by too in addition to wanting to check out the place.”

  Olivia joined her on the couch. “What is it?”

  “I heard an interesting rumor that I thought might be of interest to you.”

  “Tell me.”

  “I don’t know how familiar you are with the Wiccan presence in town?”

  “Not very. I met a woman at the summer festival who said she was a Wiccan, but that didn’t surprise me given who that festival targets.”

  “Well, I think Layton might be making a play for some of their members.”

  “Really? Why?”

  Nina Marie tucked an auburn strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m not sure, but the de facto leader of the group is being courted. A woman named Eliza.”