He recommenced stroking Red’s head. “I was bad through school, bad as a younger man.”
“I can’t imagine it-”
“I was, don’t doubt it.” His face was thoughtful as he switched his attention to Ginger, who pushed his head into Jason’s hand. “I was a real mongrel, and so was my brother. Dad beat us, beat Mum.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It happens.”
“Is your Dad here? In the city?”
“Nah. He’s back in the town I was born in. Back there with my brother.”
Ginger purred while Red rolled onto his other side in an attempt to regain Jason’s attention.
“My brother turned out like my Dad. I won’t go into it but something really bad happened, bad enough to shake me up, wake me up, show me what I was slowly turning into. Woke Mum up, too.” Turning, he leaned his hips back against the counter and folded his arms. “We left. We were both hurting bad, not just physically but mentally as well. Uncle Harris took us in, sorted us out. I was still a little wild, held grudges, suspected the worst of everyone. Luke, Blue and Aaron took me in hand along with Uncle Harris. Kind of hard to stay wild when you had four other blokes, three of them cousins, all pulling for the other team.”
“I imagine it would be hard to stay angry all the time.”
“At first it was easy, but I tried to shove it down because I didn’t want to be like my Dad and brother. I didn’t want to be like that. I wanted to make Mum proud of me, make Uncle Harris proud. Even Aaron, Blue and Luke, I wanted them to like me even as I kept myself aloof. They wouldn’t let me. Aaron was there to talk to when things got the better of me, Luke and Blue showed me that fun could be had without hurting people or getting drunk. Uncle Harris had me working for his business, teaching me everything about being a handyman and the building industry. Women became people I respected.”
“You met Izzy.”
“That was some years later. By then I had my life under control. Thanks to Uncle Harris and my cousins, Mum was happy, had her confidence back, even got a boyfriend, Jim.” He winced a little. “Anyway, I learned to love life, to appreciate those things that came my way and not to resent things I couldn’t have. I was finally happy, I knew what I wanted out of life. Then, yeah, I met Izzy and her idiot cat, and my life was complete.” His eyes softened. “Love Izzy with all my heart. Have a great family.”
“You’re lucky,” Shea agreed.
His eyes cut to her. “I was lucky I had good family to help me.”
“Definitely. I’m lucky to have Cole.”
“Know why I’m here telling you all this?”
“Well…”
“Because I had a second chance, Mum had a second chance. We took it, we built on it, and we’ve never regretted it. Second chances come when you need them. You and Cole have a second chance, Shea. Take it. Take the friendships offered to get you through this and beyond, accept help from honest people.”
She flushed. “You know.”
Jason nodded.
“I’m not a real clairvoyant.”
“You stood up for what you believed in, got shafted and spiralled into conning. It’s not the worst thing that could happen.”
“You think?”
“I know. I’ve done things I’m not proud of but I can’t change the past. I do, however, have a great present and a promising future.” He cocked his head slightly. “Trusting people after what you went through isn’t easy, yet you trust Aaron.”
“Aaron is…” She fluttered her hands helplessly. “You know. Aaron.”
“I know.”
“He knew what I was, accepted me anyway.”
“Aaron’s a good bloke.”
“So is your uncle, your mum. Luke.” Shea searched for the words, couldn’t find what she wanted, settled for, “You’ve got a good family.”
“And they’re your friends. True friends who won’t let you down, just like they didn’t let me and Mum down when we needed them. Don’t let worry about other people and what they think destroy this opportunity.”
“I’m not. I’ve already closed the shop.”
A faint twinkle appeared in his eyes. “I bet you had a second thought even if it was just for a few minutes.”
She blushed.
His lips quirked at the corners.
“I wouldn’t do it, though,” she hastened to add.
“Good.” He pushed away from the counter. “Well, I’ve had my say so I’m going to get going.” At the door he glanced back at her. “Ball’s in your court, Shea. Don’t fumble it.”
Locking the door behind him, she watched him climb into his old work ute and drive off. Okay, that was unexpected. Also nice. Nice that he cared enough to share his own experience.
Walking to the side window, she looked through the lace curtain at Wells Security next door.
Aaron. He wasn’t far from her thoughts, the memory of his words still warming her. You’ll always be my Shea, no category needed. The expression in his eyes more than intensity, more than interest, more than sexual heat and attraction. She was more than just his friend, girlfriend, lover. It had been in his eyes, in his kiss.
“Well, Mr Aaron Wells,” she murmured, “you’re much more than my boyfriend and lover, too.”
Yeah, she’d come to that realisation, had known deep down inside that he was so much more, she’d never responded to a man as she did to him. The sparks between them were undeniable, sparks she’d never before experienced. It certainly explained why she looked forward to seeing him, why just the sight of him was enough to make her heart pick up pace and her blood sizzle, why she loved making him laugh, seeing the amusement in his eyes, the heat when he rose above her, the intimacy of them being together, his attention no matter how intense or light-hearted. The way he treated Cole like a younger brother, his acceptance of her cats who shed their hair on his black jacket and demanded his attention when he was in their vicinity.
Why just the thought of never seeing him again had the power to rip her heart in half.
I’m falling in love with him. There, she’d thought it, said it aloud. “I’m falling in love with you, Aaron Wells.”
Oh yeah, no doubting it. Her head accepted what her heart knew. Dreamily, she smiled. Starting a new life had been the plan that had eventuated. Falling in love was unexpected. Wonderful.
But he hadn’t said the words, had he? Was he waiting for her to say something first? He’d just thrown the hint. Thoughtfully, she fiddled with the blue velvet curtain, adjusted the lace curtain behind it. Why was he waiting, and for what?
Aaron, the mystery man. Only revealing what he chose, playing his cards close to his chest as always. Leaving her teetering on the brink of something wonderful, something scary, something that had her wiggle her toes in pleasure and scrunch her nose up.
But he hadn’t said the words and that made her pause, made her doubt, made her wonder if she’d misread him.
But she knew she hadn’t. Had she?
With a sigh, she stepped back. Aaron was Aaron, he had his reasons, he’d say what he would when he felt it was the right time. Whatever it was, whenever it was. Pondering it wouldn’t do any good. She’d simply hug all that love to her heart and see what would happen. Meanwhile…
With renewed determination, she surveyed the shop. There were plans to make. In the lounge she curled up on the sofa, chewing the end of the pen as she studied the figures on which she’d been working.
When she’d sold her home she’d struck the market while prices were high, so she’d managed to pay off the mortgage and have enough money left over to buy this place and stash some in the bank. She hadn’t counted on spending that little nest egg, and buying other products as well as everything else required when starting a new business would bite into it deeply. But if she was careful, really careful, she should be able to swing it.
Doing research on the computer, she winced at the cost of things - fridges, freezers, warmers - if she went for a deli. And she’d have to a
pply for licenses and - “Argh!” Tossing the pen onto the sofa, she flopped back against the backrest. “Maybe I should just sell stuff like now, the crystals, cards…” Her eyes brightened.
Why not? People liked candles, trinkets, cards, crystals, jewellery - she could just incorporate other things as well, maybe turn it into a gift shop of some kind. Just no readings. Bring in more retail stock.
Sitting up straighter, she picked up the pen and started jotting down things. She could buy from other places, bring it to the store, maybe-
The phone rang from the kitchen. Reluctant to get up and leave her plans, she let it ring out. It started ringing again almost immediately.
With a sigh, she finally went into the kitchen and answered. “Hello. Shea speaking.”
“About bloody time,” Mikki said. “We’re at your front door. Are you going to open it?”
“Depends,” she answered cautiously.
“On what?”
“How mad are you?”
There was silence for a few seconds, then, “I’m shitty, but not enough to - look, I’m not going to stand out here banging my gums together. Let us in.”
‘Us’ included Izzy and Elspeth as well. Shea tensed as they entered. She busied herself locking the door before turning to face them.
Elspeth was looking around, assessing everything from the carpet to the blue drapes and merchandise.
Mikki had her lips pursed.
Hands in the pockets of her work uniform, Izzy’s expression was friendly. “How you doing?”
“Okay. I’m really sorry, Izzy, Mikki. Cripes, it seems that’s all I’m saying lately.”
“Write it on your forehead,” Mikki suggested. “That way you can see it every time you look in the mirror.”
Ouch. “Fair enough. I deserve that.”
“You actually deserve a kick up the arse, but luckily for you we’re all about forgiveness.”
“Mikki,” Izzy said reprovingly
“It’s okay.” Shea held up a hand. “She has every right to be mad. You have every right to be mad. Everyone has a right to be mad.”
“That’s a whole lot of rights.” Mikki paused. “Luke told us what happened. Man, that was some crappy stuff done to you. So, you know, I do kind of understand when taking everything into consideration.”
“Sucks lemons that doing the right thing cost you your career,” Izzy added. “Doesn’t really give you the right to scam others, but after talking to Uncle Harris and Aunt Lora, I understand why you reacted the way you did. When it seems like everyone has turned their backs on you, you don’t feel you owe them anything.”
“Thank you.” Shea was relieved. “Though now, with time having passed, I can see it wasn’t the right path to choose.”
“Mind you,” Mikki wandered across to the counter where Ginger was sitting eyeing her out of narrowed eyes, “there’re two things that saved your hide.”
“And they are?”
“One - you closed shop, stopped doing fake readings, and are looking for an honest business. Two - there’s no way I could make these three adorable cats orphans.” She tickled him under his chin. “Aw, who’s a cute little kitty?”
“Saved by cats,” Izzy observed. “You forgot to add that Cole is too young to be without his sister.”
“Yeah, well, that too.”
Realising just how much it had worried her that she’d lose the friendship of these two women and their family, Shea felt like a weight was lifting off her shoulders.
That brought her attention to Elspeth who was fingering the velvet cover on the little table.
“Right, now down to business.” Hands on slim hips, she appraised the room once more before bringing her gaze to a stop on Shea. “Plans?”
“Um…” Geez, it wasn’t really Elspeth’s business, was it?
Elspeth’s eyes narrowed a little in warning. The steely glint was far removed from the flowing, flowery dress she wore, the strappy gold sandals, the dainty little shoulder bag and the upswept do which left graceful curls bobbing around her ears. That glint was all businesswoman. It was also the glint of a woman who was basically saying, ‘don’t cross me, you won’t like the consequences’.
Figuring that crossing Elspeth Arkwell was like taking a sledge hammer to the second chance, Shea replied, “Cole and I talked a lot last night, made a bit of a list.”
“Where is it?”
“Before we go down that route, I had another idea.”
“What?”
“I’m thinking of turning this into a gift shop, selling trinkets such as the crystals and tarot cards and things. No readings,” she added hastily when Elspeth raised an eyebrow. “Just merchandise. I was thinking of turning this into a curio shop kind of thing, gifts that are unusual along with the things that many people believe in.”
“Such as crystals and tarot cards.”
“Yes.” Shea faced her staunchly. “Just because I’m a fake - was a fake - doesn’t mean everything is. I know some people truly have clairvoyant powers, can see and sense things. People still have a right to believe what they will, be it cards or crystals or other things. I don’t have to advise them of anything, just have the stuff they want along with the information that comes with it. Buyers can make up their own minds.”
“Hmm.” Thoughtfully, Elspeth rubbed what looked to be a pure jade earring hanging from her ear.
“Sounds interesting,” Izzy offered.
Now holding Red, who flopped back in her arms in ecstasy while she rubbed his belly, Mikki nodded. “I like it. It also means you don’t have to change much, do you?”
“No, and that’s even better. I won’t have to apply for other permits because I already have the shop permit. I can get shelves put in, locked-glass cabinets so the more expensive stuff can be seen but secured safely.”
“Get Aaron to put in some cameras,” Izzy suggested.
“Yeah, good idea.” Warming up to the theme, Shea nodded. “I can get posters of New Age themes. Antique-looking things. Locally-made jewellery and even locally-done artwork. I can offer on-line sales, Cole can do me up a great website, he’s a whiz at the computer.”
Mikki looked at Elspeth. As one, Izzy and Shea did the same.
“You know,” Elspeth said slowly, “I think that’s a great idea.”
“You do?” Shea smiled widely.
“In fact, being a gift-slash-curio shop in a back street will make you stand-out all the more, as long as you’re clever with your advertising. The backstreet curio shop. It has a mysterious ring to it, exotic.”
“So does ‘The Mystic Shop’.”
“True. But ‘The Curio Shop’ makes one think of curiosity.”
“The Mystic Shop makes one think of mystery.”
Elspeth eyed her.
Not about to be overridden on this - geez, it was still her business - Shea refused to back down.
“Interesting stand-off,” commented Mikki. “Let’s have a little wager, Iz.”
“Let’s not.” Izzy was dangling the feather duster for Red, who leaped and grabbed and tugged at it. “Why not advertise it as ‘The Mystic Shop’, with underneath in smaller print, ‘Curios and Unusual Gifts’, or something like that?”
“I like it,” Elspeth said immediately. “Make sure Cole puts ‘curio’, ‘unusual’, ‘mystical’, ‘unique’ and other thing to enable it to be easily searched on the internet.” Picking up the cards beside the cash register, Elspeth fanned through them. “You’ll need new cards and flyers.”
Excitement growing at the thought of this promising new venture, Shea nodded.
“You could have an exhibition at the Willock Mansion Hotel,” Elspeth decided. “Bring your best pieces of jewellery and curios, set it up in a room along with your cards. Good advertising and a good chance to have your shop’s reputation spread further.”
Reputation spread? Shea stilled suddenly, a little bit of dread eating at her.
Noticing it, the three woman looked at her.
“What if word gets around of who I am?” Shea asked. “If my name does spread further someone could find out about me being a whistleblower and-”
“You don’t need to put your full name on the cards or website,” Elspeth said. “Besides, you’d be surprised how, after all this time, your name won’t be that well known. No offence.”
“But if it did? What if, by some crap chance, it did come out?”
“You forget, other more recent horrendous stories have swept that away. Besides, that happened in NSW. You’re in WA, time has passed, you’ve set up your own business working for yourself. You’re not a threat to anyone. Trust me, Shea, if the worst happens you keep your head down, smile, act a little mysterious and keep working. The reputation you build as an honest business owner will over take the past. People have short memories, they’ll soon forget.”
Another horrible thought hit Shea. “Honest business owner? Oh Lord, what if someone finds out about my readings being fake?” She started chewing her nails.
Elspeth just sighed. “Child, the only ones who know are people who won’t speak.”
“But when people know who I am-”
“Are you serious? How many real clairvoyants get waved off as fakes? How many ridgy-didge mediums are brushed off as con artists? If anyone says you’re fake, what proof do they have? Really? What proof?”
“Aaron…”
“Yes, he knows,” Elspeth agreed. “But he doesn’t have proof of that. His company knows, but they don’t have proof of it. In fact, Shea, if you hadn’t revealed it to him, you could have simply told all of us that you stopped doing readings for whatever reason and decided to just run a shop and we wouldn’t have been any the wiser.”
Stunned, Shea stared at her.
Well, hells bloody bells, that was so true. There was no proof that Shea was a con-artist, a fake. The one who had told had been, for God’s sake, herself. After all the agonising she’d done, all the nail-biting, she could have avoided everything if she’d simply kept her mouth shut. Aaron would never have dobbed her in. She’d done it all herself.
She was still staring in shock at Elspeth when Mikki started laughing.
“Geez,” Mikki guffawed. “You told Aaron because he always gets the truth from people no matter what! He knows things, freak that he is, but he still got you to admit it! And then your own guilty conscience got in the way and you - oh, this is priceless!”
The Wells Brothers: Aaron Page 31
