Still, Forever, Promise

by D. L. Merritt

No longer in the mood for spirit theatrics, she stood up straighter and shouted, “Please, go away and leave me alone!”

  Silence.

  After today, she was certain Sarah wouldn’t hurt her. She’d had plenty of chances, and she could’ve let Charlene finish the job instead of helping her.

  In a softer voice, she asked, “Sarah?”

  Still no answer. Was she crazy to try to communicate with the dead? She still didn’t know why they were here or what they wanted from her.

  “Sarah, if it’s you, turn the lights back on.” The lights flickered and illuminated the room in blinding intensity.

  Speechless, Brianna backed out of the apartment. She couldn’t handle anymore drama. Not tonight. Her instincts told her to get as far away from this house as she could. She needed time to process what she’d discovered today before helping the restless spirits living in the manor to move on.

  She stopped on the bottom riser when she spied Ben walking into the reception area, his shoulders drooped, a haunted look in his eyes. He set his suitcase down next to the foyer table. He must have sensed her presence, because he glanced up.

  “The officer in charge asked that I go downtown to give them a statement. They had no reason to keep me, so they let me go,” he said with a shrug.

  She didn’t respond.

  “They told me what happened. It has to be a mistake.”

  She shook her head.

  “Why would Charlene want to kill you?”

  “For the same reason she killed my parents,” she answered, her voice flat, emotionless. “Money.”

  “Is it true she admitted to killing our parents too?”

  She nodded.

  “I never suspected she was capable of . . . hurting anyone. How could she have fooled me all these years?”

  She had wondered the same thing. Brianna remained silent, determined not to make it easy on him.

  “I didn’t know what she . . . you have to know I’d never hurt you.” His voice dropped to a whisper. “You believe me, don’t you?”

  Brianna couldn’t give him the answer he wanted. She skirted past him without speaking, slamming the door behind her.

  Chapter 37

  Riley leaned against the register, tapping his fingers on the counter. He hated being confined indoors. He preferred fresh air and the freedom to go wherever he wanted, whenever he chose.

  In his youth, he’d resented having to spend every day after school and most Saturdays working in his father’s store. He’d enjoyed waiting on the regular customers who knew him and were always friendly, but he hated the rude, obnoxious ones. When he’d complained to his father, all he’d gotten was a lecture.

  He could hear his father’s voice in his head even now. “You don’t know what that person is going through. They might be dying or they’ve lost a loved one. Unless you’ve walked in their shoes, you can’t judge another.” Eventually, he grew up and saw the wisdom in those words.

  The steady tick, tick, tick of the clock behind the counter was a constant reminder that he’d rather be anywhere else but here. He’d had two customers in the last three hours, including the old gray-haired coot in denim overalls who’d been meandering up and down the aisles for the past twenty minutes. The man approached the counter to ask where they kept the hex nuts. Riley escorted him to aisle four in an attempt to get the man what he needed so he would leave.

  As Riley headed back toward the front of the store, his cell phone rang.

  “Hey, George. Thank God you called. I was so bored I was about to commit hari-kari.”

  “You didn’t hear the sirens?”

  “When?” Pacing, Riley glanced at the clock on the wall. Seven forty-five. Another fifteen minutes and he could leave.

  “About an hour ago. Half a dozen squad cars were dispatched to—”

  “I was in the back cutting chain for a customer. Bad accident?”

  “They went to Monroe Manor.”

  Riley stopped pacing and ran a hand through his hair. “Is Anya hurt?”

  “I don’t have all the details yet, but I don’t think so.”

  Riley grabbed his keys from under the counter. “I’ve got to go.”

  George chuckled. “I guess I don’t need to ask where you’re going. Make sure you don’t get another speeding ticket. I can’t fix another one. You’re at your limit.”

  Riley ushered the old man out the door, flipped the closed sign around, and locked the door. He maneuvered out of the parking lot, ignoring George’s warning, and sped toward Monroe Manor. For the first time in a long time, he was afraid. He’d face death many times in the war-torn countries he’d traveled to on assignment, where the threat of death was around every corner, but this was different. This was Anya who was in danger, and it scared the hell out of him. If she needed him, he wouldn’t fail her. Not this time. He’d lost her once. He swore he wouldn’t lose her again.

  Ignoring the wisps of fog hovering above the road, Riley maneuvered through the streets, frantically shifting gears to get through the abnormal amount of traffic. People are always interested in tragedy, wanting to drive by and get a glimpse of the blood and gore.

  His thoughts focused on Anya, and he floored the gas pedal. The traffic had cleared by the time he approached the driveway to the manor. The headlights splayed across the front of the house, dark except for one light radiating from inside.

  He sprang from the car, bounded up the veranda steps, and banged the knocker. All was quiet.

  “Anya! Anya, open the door!” he yelled, pummeling the door with his fist.

  When the door opened, it was Ben standing there, disheveled with bloodshot eyes.

  Riley skewered him with a glare. “Where’s Anya?”

  Ben raised his eyebrows. “I don’t know, and even if I did, I wouldn’t tell you,” he said, his tone curt.

  Riley fought hard to keep his anger in check. “Your sister almost killed her tonight, and you’re not worried about her?”

  Not waiting for a reply, Riley whirled around and ran back to his car. “How long ago did she leave?” he yelled over his shoulder.

  “Maybe twenty minutes.”

  Riley clambered behind the wheel and revved the engine. He knew exactly where she’d gone.

  Chapter 38

  Brianna had escaped to the river, where the sycamore tree offered her much-needed solace. It had endured years of wars and natural disasters. Its mere existence provided her hope that she could survive as well.

  The flaky texture of its grayish-brown bark felt rough against her hand as she traced her index finger around the heart that contained the words Riley loves Anya. She longed for the innocence of that time when life was less complicated and held so much promise.

  Why can’t it last, that youthful feeling that nothing is impossible and the future is yours for the taking?

  She trailed her hand over the heart carved by Sarah and James so long ago, barely visible now, but just as touching. Their story was a classic tragedy. Somehow, her life didn’t seem so dire in comparison.

  Losing her parents had changed her life, but after barely escaping death herself, Brianna knew she’d never be the same. She vowed to never take life for granted again. She wouldn’t waste one precious moment or let anger keep her from telling those close to her how much she loved them.

  If only she’d realized sooner how fragile life is, that someone you loved could get ill or die unexpectedly, then she would have told her parents she loved them the day they were murdered, and she wouldn't have to live with the regret. She’d been so defiant, telling her father to stay out of her life, that she would marry Ben with or without his blessing. He was only trying to protect her as he had her entire life.

  Her mother had been right when she swore Brianna was as stubborn as her father. Neither of them could ever admit defeat. She could’ve given in and made peace that morning when they came to tell her they were taking the yacht out for the weekend. It would have been so easy to reach out and hug him. Instead, s
he’d held on to her anger, refusing to give an inch. Now it was too late to make amends. How could she ever forgive herself? Her father died thinking she hated him. She’d have to carry that burden with her for the rest of her life. If only she could tell them she was sorry.

  Her legs gave out and she slid to the ground, her back scraping against the tree trunk. No tears, only a vague numbness held her in its grip.

  The Monongahela River rushed past on its way downstream. If only her heartbreak could flow away as easily. Gazing at the light from the full moon as it shimmered across the surface of the black water, she thought of all the wonderful nights she’d spent sitting under this tree, wrapped in Riley’s arms. Life was so perfect then.

  A branch snapped behind her. Her nerves raw, Brianna jumped to her feet, ready to run.

  “Anya, it’s me,” Riley said as he reached out to halt her escape.

  “Riley?

  “I knew I’d find you here. I came as soon as I heard what happened.”

  “How—”

  “George.”

  “How did you know I’d—”

  “You always came here when you needed to think. Why would tonight be any different?” he said, brushing a strand of hair from her eyes.

  A wisp of a smile lifted the corners of her mouth. He knew her so well.

  Riley inched closer, staring at her full, tempting lips. He opened his arms wide—the arms that had always made her feel safe and warm. She rushed into his embrace, needing the consolation he offered. The length of him pressed against her, and the heat of his body helped to dispel the chill of the night. All was quiet except for the whoosh of the river as it rushed over the rocks. She was aware when Riley’s desire rose, hard, almost pulsating. On its own volition, her body edged closer.

  Riley’s breath brushed against her cheek in a soft sigh. With gentle fingers, he lifted her chin, cupping her face between his hands, and kissed her.

  She met his lips, and all her pent-up emotions bubbled to the surface. All the unfulfilled longing she’d reserved for him so long ago spilled out in that kiss.

  He lowered her to the ground and unbuttoned her silky blouse. His hands explored every inch of her velvety, smooth skin, kissing where his fingers had touched. His hands moved downward to unzip her pants.

  She yielded to his desire, relishing his touch. She yearned to give in to him. With unrestrained hunger, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled his lips to hers. He shifted to lie on his side, his arm resting along her hip. Frantic to get closer, to feel his skin against hers again, she ripped his shirt open to expose the chiseled muscles of his chest. She buried her face in his neck, nibbling her way to his ear. He tilted his head back to give her a wider range to explore.

  His voice hoarse with emotion, Riley murmured, “Oh, Anya. I love you. I always have. Run away with me, and you can forget this night ever happened.”

  Startled, she sat up and stared into his eyes. “What?”

  “My agency called today. I have another assignment, in Budapest, and I want you to come with me. I’ll show you places most people only dream of seeing.”

  As she stared at Riley, Ben’s face flashed before her eyes, and she was flooded with emotions, alternating between waves of ecstasy and shame. She placed a hand against Riley’s chest and pushed to put distance between them. If he continued with his lovemaking, she would give in. She had to end this before it went too far.

  His mouth was inches from her bruised lips. “What’s wrong, Anya?” he whispered. “I thought you wanted me as much as I want you.”

  “I do . . . I did, but this isn’t just about what I want or what you want. I have Ben to consider.”

  “Why even think about him? How can you trust him after what his sister did? Are you a hundred percent certain he wasn’t involved? Because I’m not.”

  She clambered to her feet, buttoning her shirt at the same time. “I don’t know. I don’t know anything right now. I’m so confused. All I know is this doesn’t feel right.”

  He joined her, but kept his distance. “I won’t pressure you. I’ve told you how I feel. If it’s not clear, I love you. I want you to marry me.”

  Brianna stumbled back. “You what?”

  “I want you to marry me. I'm ready to settle down and have a family. Traveling to exotic places isn’t the same when you have no one to share it with. I want to share it with you. It’ll be fun, you and me together again, just like we planned.”

  Brianna studied the man she’d loved so long ago. Her first love. He still had the same handsome features and dashing charm that had made him so appealing in high school. Strength and determination were evident in the planes of his face, along with a trace of reckless abandon. She knew he would always seek adventure, even at the expense of his own life. Could she live with that uncertainty, never knowing if he’d come home from an assignment in one piece or at all?

  She stood on tiptoe, kissed his cheek, and stepped away before he had a chance to pull her into his arms again. She had to retain a tight control over her emotions. It would be so easy to let go and give in to desire.

  She took a deep breath to steady her nerves, and ran her hands up and down her arms to dispel the sudden chill that had come over her. “Before I can give you an answer, I need to speak to Ben. I have to know the truth.”

  “And what makes you think he’ll give it to you?” Riley’s eyes narrowed a fraction.

  She shook her head. Could she trust her instincts? They’d never been wrong before. She prayed they wouldn’t fail her now. “He might not, but I have to try.”

  Riley stepped closer. “I don’t trust him. I don’t want you to be alone with him. Let me come with you.”

  “No,” she said with a vehement shake of her head. “I have to do this alone.”

  He grabbed her hand and held it to his lips before letting her go. “I don’t like it, but I know I can’t stop you. There’s a flight leaving Charleston for Budapest tomorrow. Meet me here at nine in the morning. Pack light. We can buy whatever you need when we get there. If you don’t show up, I’ll have you answer, and I’ll leave you alone.” Riley’s gaze held hers for an instant, and then he stepped back, giving her access to the trail.

  Brianna accepted his terms, and left the sheltering sycamore tree and the arms of the man who’d had a huge impact on her life.

  Chapter 39

  The heavy paneled door was cracked opened enough that Brianna could see Ben’s suitcase next to the foyer table where he’d dropped it earlier, and a second one beside it. Nervous and uncertain about what was about to take place, she paused before entering Eve’s Eden.

  Ben sat on the sofa in the reception area, his head in his hands. He hadn’t heard her come in. She cleared her throat, and he looked up.

  He’s been crying.

  Determined to have an answer, she walked across the vestibule to stand in front of him.

  “I packed the rest of my things,” he said as he got to his feet. “I had planned to leave before you got back, but I decided I owed you the truth before I left, so here I am.”

  Alarm bells clamored in her head. She clamped her mouth shut and listened.

  “I can’t believe Charlene . . . I don’t know what I would’ve done if she’d hurt you. If I’d known she—”

  “You would have come back sooner? You did. Why?” So you could bury me.

  He hesitated, scanning her face.

  She forced her expression to remain blank.

  “Your birthday. I wanted to surprise you.” He reached out for her hand, but Brianna took a step back. “I know there’s nothing I can say that will change what happened.” His eyes filled with tears. “How could she—”

  The ice around her heart melted. “She was mentally ill, must’ve been for a long time. Twelve-year-olds don’t normally kill their parents and not feel any remorse.”

  “Why didn’t I see she needed help? Maybe if I—”

  Brianna cut him off again. “She was good at covering her tracks.
I was with her almost every day, and I never suspected she could do any of the horrible things she did.”

  He sat back down on the sofa and leaned back into the shadows where she couldn’t see his face to read his expression.

  “She took care of me after our parents died. She worked two jobs so I could go to a good college.”

  “She loved you, in her own way. She just loved herself more.” She was done talking about Charlene. She needed him to look her in the eyes and explain if and how he was involved. “You said you wanted me to know the truth.” She took a step closer to the door in case she needed a quick escape. She would never be caught unaware again.

  “I didn’t want your money, Bree. I wanted you. I’ve loved you since the night you stumbled into Charlene’s apartment with your arms full of wine and French bread.” He leaned forward into the light, and she saw a trace of a smile cross his face before his expression turned serious again. “I met with Mr. Caro a week before I proposed to you. I had him draw up a prenuptial agreement. I won’t get a penny if you die, under any circumstance, or if we get divorced. I also had him change my will and insurance policy to make you my beneficiary. I wanted it to be a surprise on our honeymoon. I hadn’t even told Charlene.”

  Charlene didn’t know she was no longer Ben’s beneficiary. She still thought she would get the money if Ben died. I hope you’re listening in hell, Charlene. You wouldn’t have gotten a dime!

  “I know you think we were in it together.”

  She opened her mouth to deny it.

  “You don’t have to say anything. I can see it in your eyes, and I don’t know what to say to convince you I wasn’t. If you don’t know by now that I’d never hurt you, you never will. That’s why I’m leaving, to make it easier for you. I’ll have to stay in town until I can make funeral arrangements. I’d like to have Charlene’s body flown back to San Francisco so I can bury her in the family plot. I’m not sure how long that will take. I’ll leave as soon as I can. If you want to break off the engagement, I understand. If you decide you want to give us a chance, you know how to reach me.”