A Masterpiece Unraveled (The Masterpiece Trilogy Book 2)

by Nikki Lynn Barrett

  Becca stirred, alarming both of them. Hunter was afraid if Becca woke up right now, Rissi wouldn't tell him the rest of this story, and obviously Becca didn't want him to know. But she just turned the other way, still sleeping. He sighed with relief. "What happened?" he asked softly, fearing the worst.

  "They threatened her. Said if she didn't snap out of it, they'd have her admitted to a mental hospital."

  Anger surged through his veins. How much more could he dislike these people?

  "That's when Vince was brought into the picture. They wanted someone to take care of her because they felt she couldn't handle anything on her own. All three of them warned her she'd better get over her fixation with you and the idea that you would ever come back to her life." Rissi covered her face with her hands. "It was horrible. Becca was just coming out of her shell, but that whole thing pushed her right back. At least she got better by the time the school year started. I think their threats really shook her up, and she never fully processed your disappearance from her life."

  This made him sick with regret and pain. "I didn't know." His voice was hoarse. Why didn't Becca tell him any of this? So they'd brought Vince into her life because he hadn't shown up to the island?

  "I never liked Vince. I always had good feelings about you. I wasn't happy that you vanished the way you did, but I'm hoping the best for you and Becca."

  "Trust me, Rissi. I regret those four years apart more than I could ever express. I hate how I abandoned her like that. She said she understood, but I can't imagine how I'd feel if I were in her shoes. And now I don't know how to help her. She's reserved, she's scared to death and she's always looking for Carrie. Tonight's incident was the second major one in a few weeks. I'm scared for her!" This would probably be a good time to ask. "Hey, I know this is last minute, but do you think you can come down and stay for a few days? Maybe you can reach her. Being here with you tonight, she looked better." Well, before going outside, that is.

  "Well..." Rissi stared back at the hallway. "My mom is coming for Jade tomorrow for their annual summer visit. Yeah. I'd love to."

  Hunter nodded. Good. Maybe Becca would feel calmer having a friend there. "Great. I think it'll be good for her."

  "I'll talk to Chad in the morning and let him know then."

  "Her grandparents couldn't really do anything like that, could they?" And he had to face these people in the next few days? Hunter didn't know how he'd control himself from saying what he wanted to say.

  "At the time, yeah. Becca never changed her medical power of attorney. It wasn't something she thought about. After she got over the initial shock of their threats, she made the right changes, but the emotional damage to her had already been done. She added her aunt instead. I'm not sure who it is now that her aunt died."

  "I don't understand them," he muttered. "You'd think since Becca's on her own now and if they didn't want her around in the first place they'd leave her alone."

  "Neither do I. They're decent to each other and to most other people but when it comes to Becca and her friends, they're cold as ice. I don't get it. I wish they would leave her alone. She's better off without them."

  So he wasn't the only one who noticed. "It's always been that way. I wonder if there was bad blood between the family. Something must have happened since they knew nothing about Becca and she was eight when they took her in."

  "I don't know, but something has always been off with that family. The only one I ever trusted was her aunt Debbie." Rissi held back a yawn. "I should probably get some rest." She gathered a pillow and sheet and handed them to Hunter before she bowed out for the evening.

  He let his mind wander, even more curious about Becca and what she'd gone through during the four years he'd been so stupid.

  *****

  Becca was eager to get in her apartment and make sure for herself that everything was okay. Hunter and Rissi followed behind her. Rissi's husband Chad went off to work and Jade ran off to play with some of the neighbors. How strange to be in here after a few weeks. Looking around at all her surroundings, she knew this wasn't home anymore. The time had come to move forward. A pile of folded boxes rested against the wall in the tiny hallway. She'd have to sort through what she wanted to take right away and what could wait. They'd already been to the office and dealt with the remaining months of the lease and she'd paid the rent for the two and a half months left. Hunter interpreted for her. The looks she got once again annoyed her, but she brushed it off. She'd never had to deal with the office staff when mute. Struggling daily with no voice sucked. It had only been a few weeks, but to Becca it felt felt like an eternity. Then she had to face her grandparents and Vince. She wasn't looking forward to that. Not in her condition.

  She couldn't stop thinking about what happened last night. Hunter hadn't mentioned it. Maybe he was waiting for her to bring it up, considering the way she'd walked away from him last night. In hindsight, she shouldn't have snapped at him.

  "Does anything look out of place to you, angel?" Hunter gently touched her shoulder, standing behind her.

  Without turning to face him, Becca shook her head.

  "Good. I'm glad I was right, but I couldn't be too sure," Rissi said. "Hey, I'm going to grab some tape. I forgot it." She darted out the door.

  "Where do you want to start?" Hunter moved so he could face her. If he had any nightmares last night, she never heard them. For once, sleep had found her. He looked like he had better rest too.

  "I think my room. That's where the most personal things are that I'd love to get packed. We're not going to have room to fit much in the car."

  Hunter shrugged. "We'll rent a small trailer and take it back with us. We'll get as much of your stuff home as we can fit."

  Home.

  She loved the word and what it represented. Home was now in Virginia with Hunter. Now if they could just get past the way stress put a strain on their relationship, things would be good.

  A beeping sound killed the silence. Hunter pulled his phone from his pocket. "Damn. I forgot to charge it last night. I'm going to go to the car and grab the charger. By the time I get back, Rissi should have the tape and we can start filling those boxes." He planted a quick kiss on her forehead before leaving her alone in the apartment.

  Becca was just about to head to the room when she heard footsteps. She figured it was Rissi and turned to greet her. Instead, she stood face to face with a man she didn't recognize. Her pulse quickened, and she reached for her phone instinctively. The man's deep gray eyes were curious as he studied her. Something about the intensity of his gaze gave Becca goosebumps. What did he want?

  "I'm sorry. I think I have the wrong apartment. I'm looking for Everett. Does he live here?" His voice was warm and kind, but she noticed a hesitation when he said the name. He was muscular, well built with tan skin and short, dark hair. Seemed harmless enough, but she never knew any more.

  Becca shook her head no, hoping he wouldn't ask any more questions she wouldn't be able to answer. Why did he continue to stare at her like that?

  Hurry back, Hunter or Rissi.

  "Okay, thanks. You have a good day." The man spun around, then disappeared.

  Odd. Way too odd. Becca slammed the door, then leaned against it, trying to stay calm. With Rissi's words about someone lurking around, that just seemed way too coincidental. And the way he stared at her! He never even asked if she knew where the person's- Everett?- apartment was.

  She wanted to get out of here as quick as possible.

  Someone tried to open the door and Becca froze as her body tensed before she realized this time it had to be Hunter or Rissi.

  "Bec? Let me in."

  Hunter.

  She relaxed, then opened the door. The look on his face was a mix of worry confusion. He dropped his charger on the nearby table and took her in his arms.

  "What's going on? Are you having another panic attack?"

  She leaned against him until she was calm enough to explain. Finally stepping back, she fo
rced her slightly shaky hands to work with her. "Someone was at the door asking for an Everett, but he kept watching me. I was nervous when I shook my head about the wrong apartment and then he was gone. I might be paranoid, but it really scared me."

  "Someone was just here? What did he say?" Hunter raised his voice.

  "That was pretty much it. I heard footsteps and thought it was Rissi, so I turned around."

  "And he said he had the wrong apartment, then took off?"

  Becca nodded.

  "What did he look like? I want to go find him." Hunter's eyes darkened, his expression grim.

  "Find who?" Rissi rushed inside, stopping in her tracks.

  Hunter kept Becca close to him as he explained. "Someone was just here looking for a guy named Everett, but he made Becca nervous. She said he kept staring at her."

  Having Hunter and Rissi back made Becca feel a little safer. The tension in her shoulders dissipated some.

  "Angel, I'm going to look around," Hunter insisted. "I don't like this."

  She wished he wouldn't but Becca knew he needed answers for himself too.

  Chapter Five

  That evening, Hunter helped Becca face the inevitable. A visit with her grandparents. He hadn't seen them in years, not since before Becca was emancipated. Was Vince going to be there as well? He dreaded the whole thing and wished it was done and over with already.

  Today turned out to be a mix of feelings. Helping Becca pack, seeing the things he'd missed and some that he hadn't took a toll on them both, not to mention the curiosity about the visitor that he never found. Talk about timing. Both he and Rissi leave the apartment and all of a sudden this guy shows up? Becca had a right to be paranoid. That didn't add up to Hunter, either.

  Possible coincidence? Maybe. Somehow, he doubted it. But if the man was there to hurt her, he never acted on it. Sounds like someone wanted information and the man was the messenger. Who was he working for?

  They stood hand in hand in front of the door at her grandparents, waiting for someone to answer. Becca's fingers gripped his tight. This wasn't easy for her. It never was, but right now had to be the worst because of the way they'd always reacted to her when she couldn't verbally talk. If he could whisk her away from all of this right now and make her feel safe again, he would. But that was nearly impossible with everything going on.

  I miss us, Bec.

  Hunter almost said the words out loud, but bit his tongue to keep quiet. This was not the place or time.

  The wrought iron door opened. Out stepped Becca's grandfather. His gaze swept over the two of them, lips pressed in a thin line. He stood stiffly, wearing khakis and a dark green shirt. He had a head full of white hair and didn't look much different than the last time Hunter saw him. Still just as intimidating.

  "Hello sir," Hunter said, hoping to break the intense silence. It wasn't often people intimidated him, but Becca's grandparents had that effect.

  "Evening," the man grunted in response, stepping aside to let them in. No hugs for Becca. No smile. Nothing friendly. Hunter hoped this visit wouldn't last long at all. He couldn't stand the coldness from the elder Langes.

  If Becca was nervous, she hid it well. Other than the tight grip on his hand, she acted calm. No wonder she talked about how she didn't want to be weak. She had to be strong for so long. Anything beneath that had to be a foreign concept for her. One thing Hunter learned recently, one could only be strong for so long before the world crumpled around them. He'd done it himself. Now if only he could show Becca it was okay to fall apart before putting herself back together again. He'd be right there the whole way.

  Hunter took in his surroundings. He'd never been in this house before. This wasn't the kind of house he'd picture for grandparents. Nothing open and inviting. The colors on the wall were dreary. The light gray color scheme reminded him of a prison cell. He did notice a few photos on the wall of a young boy, which he'd guess was Rusty. But nothing recent before his death. There were also a few of Becca's aunt. Some seemed to be just a few years old. No family pictures with Rusty, Anne, Ellie and Becca. Nothing to show how proud they were of family. The lack of it made him dislike them even more. Maybe, just maybe, he could chalk it up to that's how they dealt with Rusty's death, but somehow he doubted it. They didn't even have pictures up of Becca growing up.

  When he'd visited Becca throughout the years, it had always been at her aunt's house. Never here. Looking around now, he knew it was better that way.

  "Rebecca, you look terrible." Her grandmother marched into the living room, giving them the same hard-edged glare her grandfather had.

  Becca let go of his hand. Hunter waited with baited breath wondering what her response would be.

  "I feel better than I look."

  A lie, but Hunter wasn't going to say anything. Inside and out, Becca struggled. He had a feeling no matter what she said, her grandparents were going to have negative comments either way.

  "I sure hope so. You should have just come back. We could have had you back to normal in no time." The woman's cold eyes gave Hunter a chill as she now glared at him. Was that an accusation at him? The comment about 'back to normal' made his blood boil. These people should be supportive, not judgmental and harsh!

  "I didn't come here for this." Becca moved her hands in furious motions.

  "What exactly did you come for? Since your friend is here, I can only assume you haven't come to your senses about you and Vince and your life here." What the hell was the emphasis on friend all about? Yep, they weren't happy at all about his more than friendly relationship with Becca. Too bad.

  "There is no Vince and I." Becca's cheeks were a fiery red now. "My life here is done. I'm moving on. I'm going home to Virginia with Hunter."

  "Need I remind you of the last time Hunter left you behind?" This time her grandfather spoke, now standing next to his wife. "What happens when he does it again? He's certainly not the most stable person, which is why you're in the position you are now."

  Becca gasped as Hunter finally had to say something. "Now wait just a minute-" he started before he was interrupted.

  "No, you stop! You keep messing with this girl's life and she's no better for it," her grandmother snapped.

  Becca kept looking from him back to her grandparents in shock.

  "I made one hell of a mistake," Hunter shouted, "but my feelings and my love for Becca have never changed! I've always tried to have her best interest at heart. I don't think I can say the same for either of you. I might be a screw up, but I'm trying to be better." How dare they!

  "Look at her! She's frail, not sleeping, banged up, and can't even speak for herself!" Becca's grandmother snapped, anger flashing in her eyes. "You should have just stayed away! She would have forgotten you eventually. We could have dealt with that psychopath on our own!"

  The room grew eerily quiet as everyone stared at the older woman.

  What did she mean by that?

  "Now you've done it," Becca's grandfather said gravely.

  "You know something about Carrie?" Color drained from Becca's face. Hunter reached for her as she stumbled, her entire body trembling. "Is that who you're referring to?"

  The words soaked in Hunter's brain. Did she just admit she knew about Carrie? That meant the crazy woman did have a connection! Holy shit! It still didn't explain why she was on the plane the night it crashed, if she really was. Even with sketchy memories, it was hard to believe another person was there and he didn't remember.

  This revelation was something to work with.

  "I was protecting my son," she snapped at Becca.

  "Francine, don't say another word! We said we would never bring it up!" Becca's grandfather shouted, slamming his fist on the table. "You two get out of here! If you leave Rebecca, don't expect to waltz back in. We've taken you in believing you aren't blood related, but we won't be picking you up and putting you back together when this man shatters you again. We're washing our hands clean."

  "Not blood related?" At least
, that's what he thought Becca questioned. He couldn't tell. She was so upset.

  As much as he wanted to say something, Hunter kept his mouth shut. No reason to make matters worse for Becca right now, but wow. Just wow. He hadn't expected this one!

  "Now look who can't keep his mouth shut!"

  If Hunter didn't get Becca out of here now, he feared an all out war. Becca already looked like she was going to freeze up and go into panic mode. The news even stunned Hunter. He knew though that no matter how much begging for the truth either would do, her grandparents weren't going to say any more.

  "Becca, we should go," Hunter said softly, holding her close. She kept staring at her grandparents. "We'll find the truth, angel. We have something more to work with." Damn right. He'd do whatever it took to get the answers.

  She whirled on him. "I have to know!" The pain was in her eyes, which ripped a new hole in his already torn up heart. He hated seeing her in so much emotional pain.

  "The only thing you need to know is if you dredge up the past, you can't undo what you've learned."

  "How could you say that? How could she have ever brought shame to you? You people make me sick!" Hunter yelled. That startled Becca. She gaped at him as she took a step back. He needed to calm down. He was scaring her, and himself. So much for staying out of it. Damn!

  "I never asked for any of this!" Becca signed in a furious frenzy. "I didn't ask for my parents and sister to die in a crash and to have to live with you. I don't understand what I've done to make you hate me, but I have no problem walking out of here and never coming back. I'm sorry I'm such a burden for reasons unknown. You don't have to worry about me any more."

  Despite how hurt this must have made her, Hunter was damn proud that Becca released some of the anger she'd carried. She whirled on him next, which caught him completely off guard.

  "And you! You might have been there for me, but you won't ever realize how bad it hurt when you disappeared. You made a promise to me and broke it. No matter how much I don't want to be angry at you, I am. I should have let it all out the first time I saw you, but I didn't want to lose you again." She bolted toward the door and yanked it open, turning around one last time. She burst outside and slammed the door.