Hannah laughed. "Like you don't have twenty swimsuits already," she teased.
Cassie retorted, "I like swimsuits, what can I say?"
"I suppose you're one of those girls who have to wear a different suit to the beach every day."
"Why, yes, doesn't everyone?"
Hannah snorted. "Okay, let's go. Let me change my clothes."
The mall was crowded with the mid-July sales. Cassie bought two new bathing suits, while Hannah opted for a new peach colored, floral sundress and a pair of shorts with a cute top to match.
They stopped off for a quick bite in the food court. A girl they knew from school stopped by their table. "Oh, Hannah, Cassie, I saw you sitting here and had to come over. Thank God, the two of you are okay. I saw on the news what happened."
"Thank you, Celia, it's nice of you to stop by," Cassie said.
"It was terrifying, but it's all over now, that horrible man is dead, and we are moving on from it," Hannah said.
"Good, good, I've got to run, but I'll see you when classes start back up. We'll plan something fun."
"Sounds great, later, Celia," Hannah said as she waved goodbye.
"You know she meant well, but we are going to have to deal with that a lot when classes start back up," Cassie remarked.
"I know. I just want to forget the whole thing ever happened."
"So do I," Cassie replied glumly.
Hannah's parents had visited as soon as they returned from Tennessee, making sure she was doing all right, as she and Chad both assured them she was. Cassie's came a few days later.
They dealt with everyone they knew, and now, they just wanted to forget it.
"I doubt that people will let us forget it for a while," Hannah remarked. "I hoped, once my parents were sure I was okay, that would be it. I forgot about everyone at work and school."
They finished eating and went back home. The days were lazy for them since they had both taken the summer off work. There really wasn't much to do, except get ready for their beach trip.
"We have got to get a life," Cassie said the next day. "I thought I would love having the summer off, but aside from the three trips we planned, I am as bored as all get out."
"I know the feeling. I've tried to write and attempted to read, but that only goes so far, you know."
"What do you want to do?"
"Let's go to a movie."
"Okay, we may as well enjoy our free time while it lasts."
And that was how they spent their days, reading, movies, swimming, walking, shopping and getting ready for another trip, although this time, they chose to fly to their destination, rather than drive.
Cassie and Hannah had saved their money for over a year so they could have the summer of their dreams before they started their last year of school. Neither of the girls was sure what the future held, so before they possibly parted ways after graduation, it seemed only logical to both of them to make it a summer to remember. So far, it had been memorable in ways they never imagined it would be.
In fact, never in their wildest dreams did they expect things to turn out the way they had. Becoming involved in unsolved murder mysteries had definitely not been on the agenda. And the fact that it had happened not once, but twice, had both of them feeling a bit skittish about taking another trip. They had made the plans well in advance, however, and they had paid upfront for the flights and hotel, so they were determined to go through with it. At least, Chad and Alan were flying out with them, which was one consolation.
"This trip has got to be calmer," Hannah said as she was looking through her wardrobe one day, trying to decide what to pack.
"From your lips to God's ears," Cassie replied as she vetoed another outfit Hannah chose.
"Really," Hannah agreed.
"Just tell the ghosts to leave you alone. Let them know you are on vacation."
"If only it were that simple," Hannah said with a groan.
"Does it scare you when they appear to you?" Cassie inquired with interest.
"You know, that's the strange thing. It really doesn't frighten me, per se. It can be annoying, especially if I am trying to sleep. I try to stay uninvolved, but I just can't. For some reason, I feel compelled to help them. Although, in the mountains, I tried my darndest to avoid it, but trouble found me anyway."
"That was horrible," Cassie said with a shudder. "I don't think I will ever forget that terrible man and the way he tied me up. I had no idea what he was doing to you."
"I know. Poor Chad was sure a stray bullet had hit me when I passed out. And I guess Alan was frantic, not knowing if you were dead or alive."
"It was definitely a dangerous situation. Thank God, the guys had the foresight to alert the police. By them following Chad and Alan back to the cabin and the chief sending back up, it saved us all from what could have been a very different ending."
It was Hannah's turn to shudder. "At least, Chad realized that, unlike Iowa, what happened in Tennessee really wasn't my fault. I knowingly searched for a murder weapon at the Blackhawk Manor, but at the cabin, I did nothing to cause the murderer to find us."
"It is weird, though, that of all the people staying there that week, it was the two of us he chose to take hostage."
"Two women alone, he had to have been watching us all along."
"And to think Alan is the one who actually gave him the rope."
"Well, he didn't do it on purpose," Hannah reminded her.
"Let's quit rehashing it and start packing," Cassie suggested.
"Good idea," Hannah agreed as she pulled a pair of sandals out of the closet.
An hour later, the two friends had successfully chosen Hannah's beach wardrobe. Sundresses, shorts, tops, two swimsuits and three pairs of shoes filled her suitcase. She rummaged through her jewelry box and found the perfect accessories.
"My turn," Cassie said as they moved to her room next. By the time they had packed her numerous bikinis, along with similar articles of clothing they had chosen for Hannah, they were beat.
"At least that chore is finished, except for the last minute things," Hannah said as she handed a can of cola to Cassie.
"I am supposed to help Alan pack after dinner tonight," Cassie said, accepting the drink and taking a long, slow swig.
"Chad is working, so he said he'll pack in the morning. Our flight doesn't leave until the afternoon, so we should be good. He is pretty good at taking care of things like that for himself."
"So, are you going to be okay alone here for a while tonight?" Cassie asked. "You can always join us for dinner and packing, if you like."
"I have to get used to being alone at some point. One killer is behind bars, and the other one is dead. I have neighbors around, if I need them. You go on and have a good time."
"I promise not to be late. I am meeting Alan at the pizza place around the corner from his place in an hour."
"You'd better get a move on then. Traffic might be bad at that time."
Cassie hurriedly changed her clothes and said goodbye, leaving Hannah to face the evening by herself. She went to her laptop and began to write. She kept a journal about the happenings of the summer. It was always her intention to do so, but now, there was so much more to write about. She had been reluctant to relive the events in the Smokies, but tonight was as good as any to get some work done on it. Hopefully, when she returned from Myrtle Beach, she could write a happy accounting of that trip.
She was so engrossed in the story that it startled her when she heard Cassie's key in the lock a few hours later. She jumped up and turned around, after grabbing a letter opener from the desk.
"Whoa, it's only me, calm down," Cassie said as she hurriedly closed the door and latched the deadbolt.
Breathing a huge sigh of relief, she said, "I'm sorry. I guess I was so caught up in what I was doing that I didn't realize how long you'd been gone."
"It's okay. Are you writing, finally?" Cassie asked as she looked at the open laptop on the desk.
Hannah nodded.
"I was. It's all there. The whole, gruesome, unbelievable story about what happened to us in the Smoky Mountains."
"You finished it?"
"Yes, now, I can forget about it. Let's watch a movie before we turn in. Tomorrow is a big day. Our last big adventure before we begin our senior year."
Cassie plopped down on the couch and picked up the remote. Hannah sighed deeply and joined her, a weight lifted from her shoulders at last.
Chapter Fourteen
Chad picked up Alan first, before going on to the girls' apartment. When all their bags were securely loaded into the trunk, he got back in the driver's seat and began the drive across town to the airport. The foursome arrived in plenty of time to check their baggage and go through the security gate, with time to spare. Boarding wouldn't start for another thirty minutes, so they loaded up on coffee at Starbucks while they waited patiently.
"Ah, it feels good to know I don't have to be back at the hospital for an entire week," Chad said as took the lid off his cup and sipped his coffee.
"I know what you mean," Alan agreed, slipping an arm casually around Cassie's shoulder. "A week of sun and fun, as long as the ghosts leave us alone."
"Oh, don't even go there," Hannah said as she enjoyed her mocha latte.
Chad merely shook his head. Cassie said nothing.
Alan quickly changed the subject, and before they knew it, it was time to board their flight to South Carolina. They settled into their seats and stowed their carry-on bags, waiting for the plane to take off.
The girls had chosen a non-stop flight, and two hours later, they arrived at their destination. Chad rented a car, and they soon found themselves in the lobby of the hotel. The girls were in awe as they realized they were right on the beach.
"You booked this hotel, how can you not know it was on the beach?" Alan asked with a chuckle.
"I know it said waterfront, I just didn't know it meant right on the beach," Cassie said in their defense.
Chad and Alan both shook their heads. "Well, you did fine, anyway. This looks like a great place," Chad said.
Taking the keys from the desk clerk and making sure the bellhop had the luggage ready to deliver to them, Chad turned to the others. He handed a set of keys to Alan and said, "We are right next door to each other. Let's go up and get settled, and we can decide what to do after that."
"Sounds like a plan," Alan replied, taking the keys. He took Cassie's hand, and the two of them headed for the elevator, Hannah and Chad right behind them.
When Chad closed the door to their room behind him, he placed both hands on Hannah's shoulders. "Now, young lady, we need to have a little chat about what will and will not happen on this trip. Agreed?"
"Whatever do you mean?" she asked innocently. "Come, let's look at the view. We have a balcony."
"We can look at the view; we can check out the room. When our luggage arrives, we can unpack, but we're still going to have that discussion. I've been too busy at work this past week, or I would have done it before we left home. You need a gentle reminder before you get into trouble here, the way you have all summer long."
"Chad, you do know it's not my fault these things happen to me, don't you? I can't control it."
"I do know that. But I also know that you don't always use your head when they do happen."
Hannah sighed, turned and walked over to the balcony doors. Opening them, she stepped out and breathed in the salty scent of the ocean. She watched as families and couples strolled and played along the beach. A few were in the water. Everyone looked happy and relaxed.
There was a knock on the door, and she heard Chad thanking the bellhop as he tipped him. Soon, she felt strong arms circling her waist. He whispered in her ear, "It's breathtaking, isn't it?"
"Oh, it's just gorgeous. I love it, and to think we have a whole week in this paradise."
They stood, locked together in an embrace for several minutes, taking in the sights, sounds and smells around them. Finally, he suggested they go in and unpack. Reluctantly, Hannah agreed.
She picked up her suitcase, laid it on the bed and unzipped it. Carefully hanging her dresses and placing the other things in a couple of the dresser drawers, she soon had her things organized. Chad was already finished, and he picked up her suitcase with his and shoved them both into a corner.
Hannah looked around the room. "It's so…beachy," she said.
"Yes, I guess it is," he agreed as he, too, scoped out their digs for the week. The furniture in the room was wicker, sea green and peach colored drapes matched the spread on the bed. The carpeting was also sea green. A king-sized bed, dresser, desk and chair, along with two other chairs and a small table furnished the bedroom. A rather good-sized television set graced the wall, and a small microwave and mini-fridge were at their disposal. The ceiling fan was blowing gently, emitting a cool breeze in the room.
Hannah moved to the large adjoining bathroom, where she was amazed to see marble counters, double sinks and a bigger than normal shower stall. All the fixtures were gold rather than silver. A Jacuzzi tub was on the opposite side from the shower, and the commode was in a separate little room. The floor was white ceramic tile and felt cool to her bare feet, as she had shed her shoes earlier.
"Hannah," Chad commanded softly.
She sighed, might as well get this over and out of the way. She answered, "You have to see this bathroom, Chad."
"Later, Hannah," he replied. "Come on now, quit stalling."
She walked back into the bedroom to find him seated in one of the chairs. He held his hand out to her, gesturing for her to join him.
She crept slowly towards him, her feet scooting across the deep plush carpet soundlessly.
Although he was quiet, he gave her a look that said, "Hurry it up."
When she finally reached him, he pulled her onto his lap and began to rub her back with his hand. "You know that I love you, right?" he asked.
"Yes, I love you, too, Chad."
"You also know that I worry about you. The visions that you have, they sometimes lead you to trouble. They lead you to take chances you really should not take, right?"
"Now, Chad, I'll admit I did some crazy things in Iowa. When we were in Tennessee…"
"I know, I know, you tried to ignore the spirit's requests. And Jim, or whatever his name was, staked out the cabin, and that wasn't your fault. I do realize that. But, we are on another vacation. These…spirits…only seem to seek you out when we are away from home. I hope it doesn't happen here, of all places. I really don't want to get caught up in another murder mystery. But, just in case it does, I feel you should have a little reminder to keep you from doing anything rash or risky. If the need arises, I want you to promise me that you'll seek help from the proper authorities, and that you'll keep Alan and me informed."
"So, you're not saying I can't help, if a g-ghost asks m-me to?"
"I am not saying you can't help, just that you don't go off all half cocked and get into a dangerous situation. Get help. Lord, I can't even believe I am saying this."
"I know. It's not a gift I asked to be blessed with, or cursed with, however you want to view it. But it seems I have no choice in the matter."
"That being said, a reminder is still a good idea." He leaned over to kiss her gently before flipping her over so that she was now across his lap instead of on it. How did he do that so smoothly?
Slowly, he pulled her shorts and panties down, letting them stop at her knees. Gently, he caressed her back, moving down to her bare buttocks. As he drew circles on the creamy white globes that hadn't felt the palm of his hand for several days, he sighed. "You are so beautiful, Hannah. When I think of what could have happened to you…"
And then, in the next second, she felt it, a sharp, burning pain as his hand came crashing down on her left cheek, making an angry red print where his hand had been. Not slighting the other cheek, he immediately smacked it too. Hannah jumped.
"It's okay, calm down. Just a few more," he said as he proceeded
to follow through. Two more hard swats to both cheeks and another to the tops of her thighs had her in tears.
"I-I promise…I won't get into trouble," she said between sobs.
His reply was another set of smacks to both cheeks, which were now no longer creamy white.
She was near the breaking point. This was supposed to be a gentle reminder. To her, it seemed like a full out punishment for something she hadn't yet done.
"Chad, please, stop now," she said in a quiet, pleading voice.
"I don't want to have to do this again. I want this to last you for the week. Just a few more," he said.
And the hard smacks continued to rain down on her poor bottom. He certainly was making his point. By the time a total of ten whacks connected with both cheeks and a few more to the tops of her thighs, he let her up. Pulling her into his arms, he cuddled her as she cried into his shirt.
"There goes my beach time," she said forlornly. "I won't be able to go out in public in my suit."
"I can take care of that," he said. He stood up, with her still in his arms, and carried her over to the bed. Taking a tube of something from the night table, he put a generous dollop of the green gel-like substance in his right hand.
"Aloe Vera," he explained as he rubbed it into her reddened, recently spanked areas. It was cool and soothing to her. She sighed and relaxed as she enjoyed the sensations she felt as he rubbed it into her skin.
"That feels good," she said.
"This is good for burns and sunburns, so I think it should ease your burning as well as help with the redness. You don't bruise easily. I don't think I have ever left bruises on your bottom, have I?"
"I don't recall any."
When he finished with his aftercare, he leaned over and kissed the top of her head. "Why don't you rest for a bit? I'll call Alan to see what they want to do for dinner. A nice, cool bath will help you before we go out."
He lifted her up so that he could pull the covers down. Tucking her in, he went back to the chair and sat down. She could hear his conversation as she drifted off. "Yes, how about you?" he said.
Hannah's Horror: A Romantic Mystery Page 12
