The Pact

by Brenna Darcy

  “I kiss all my tenants, it’s part of the terms and conditions, or it will be—you’re my first.”

  When she didn’t respond Dave laughed. “I’m teasing you, look Flic if my kissing you makes you uncomfortable about living here, it won’t happen again.”

  Flic was trying to take it all in, but Dave’s fast pace saw her headache return. There was no disputing the cottage was everything she wanted, but was Dave part of the deal? Even if she had a choice and decided she wasn’t ready for a relationship, did she want to witness another woman indulging in what she’d merely taste tested, like a fine wine beyond her budget, but atop her wish list all the same.

  She was being ridiculous. So big deal, he kissed her a few times, and she liked it. Now he offered the opportunity to solve her rental crisis. Every excuse she came up with had a rational answer. She glanced around the room. It was perfect.

  Dave stepped closer to her, cupped her face in his hands and gently tilted her head up, giving her no choice but to look at him.

  “What do you think?”

  “Do you have a lease agreement?”

  “If you want papers, I can have my lawyer draw them up, but I thought a deal between friends would suffice.”

  “Is that what we are, friends?”

  “I’d like us to be.” Dave’s gaze was more intense than his kiss, as though he could read every thought she’d ever had.

  “Maybe you could write up the terms and I could take some time to think, if that’s okay.”

  “Okay. Can I kiss you again in the meantime?”

  “If you want to.”

  “Ah huh.”

  Chapter Eight

  FLIC NEEDED TIME. DAVE’S offer was generous, and so much more than just a place to stay. The chance to be independent again was a huge step, but one she was ready for. The cottage came fully furnished, and the cost of one-week rent was equivalent to a single night at the hotel.

  Her mother was delighted when she phoned to share the news, and impressed by her new landlord.

  “You’ll have to get his autograph for me, I’ve read all of his books. He’s a fantastic author.”

  “I’m not asking him for his autograph, if you want, when you come down to visit you can ask him for it yourself. I’ll even invite him over for dinner to make it easy for you.”

  “Is he as lovely as he looks in his photograph?”

  “Lovely wouldn’t be a word I’d use to describe Dave, but he’s okay.”

  The conversation didn’t last long, which wasn’t uncommon anymore.

  Having paid in advance, Flic was determined to stay the full four weeks at the hotel before moving into the cottage. Dave had already given her the key, allowing her to start shifting her few bags at her own leisure. Even though she had few belongings, she took advantage of the opportunity to move in an orderly fashion. She hung clothes in the wardrobe or folded them away in draws, and stacked her linen neatly in the cupboard. The only new additions she added to the décor were the few handmade candles she bought at a local gift store. Other than toiletries and a few items of clothing she’d need over the next few days, the cottage was ready for her to move in. Given time she’d accumulate bits and pieces to make it place she recognised as her home, but she was in no hurry.

  Despite the hotel being close to work, she couldn’t wait to move. The privacy of the cottage was worth the few extra kilometres she’d have to travel each day.

  She’d not seen Dave since the night of his offer and hoped he didn’t regret his decision for her to move in.

  After work, at The Fairy Realm, Flic walked to the cottage to pick up the outfit she wore to meditation, having taken it there by mistake. The walk wouldn’t take long and she needed the exercise after being cooped up in the shop all day.

  Letting herself in she went to the chest of draws, the most obvious place to put them. Sifting through and making a mess of her neatly stacked piles, only to discover the pants and top weren’t there. Flic sat back on her heels having searched the last draw and tried to think where she put them. Definitely not in the wardrobe.

  A knock at the door startled her. “Sorry, the front door was open and I didn’t see your car.” Dave frowned.

  “Oh no, I walked.”

  The creases deepened. “You’re as bad as Lacey, do you not realise how risky it is walking around alone at all hours of the day and night. It may be relaxed around here, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe you know.”

  Flic figured that because he lived in the world of crime most of the time, his suspicious nature was understandable. “Is this lecture going to go on much longer? I’m kind of in a hurry.”

  “Good then you won’t object to me driving you back to the hotel.”

  “Actually, that’d be fantastic because I’m going to be so late.”

  “Do you want a cup of tea?”

  Flic pointed to her wrist as though reminding him she had limited time.

  Dave shrugged. “Let me know when you’re ready to leave.”

  “Okay.”

  She felt awkward around him, not knowing if she should go up to him and greet him with a kiss, or wait for him to make the first move. She was sticking with the second option for now. Besides that one night, their relationship was friendlier, but not familiar. He still gave off the vibe of unapproachable and grumpy.

  Thursday nights still stirred mixed emotions for her, but was the highlight of her week. An opportunity to be with Ellie, even if she did nothing more than sit silently by her in the garden, or watch her run and laugh in the fields of coloured flowers. It was special, but saying goodbye felt like losing Ellie all over again.

  She hadn’t shared these encounters with anyone. How could she? They wouldn’t understand.

  Finding what she was looking for in the only bag she hadn’t yet unpacked, she slung the clothes over her arm and went out to see if Dave was in the lounge room waiting for her. He wasn’t there, nor was he in the kitchen. Flic didn’t have time to play hide-and-seek with him, so she wandered through the garden to the huge French doors they’d walked through almost two weeks ago. She was not surprised to find them locked, so she knocked and waited. When he didn’t respond, and not wanting to disturb him if he was busy, Flic decided to head back to the hotel as planned—she really didn’t have time to wait around.

  With less than half an hour before she was due at the shop, Flic had a quick shower. As for dinner, that would have to wait until after she got home. Lacey liked everyone to arrive early to get the chat out of their system before the seven o’clock start.

  Fifteen minutes later she was unlocking her car door, only to realise she had left her blanket. Silently cursing herself, she raced back inside to get it.

  Everyone would be waiting on her, which would’ve been okay if she had a family at home to organise, but no, these days she couldn’t even look after herself and make it on time. Opening the door to the shop she saw Dave leaning on the doorframe to the back room, and smiled.

  He didn’t smile back. “Do you have any idea how worried I’ve been?”

  “About what?” Only ten minutes late was hardly reason to send out a search party.

  “About what? Honestly, don’t you ever think of anyone but yourself? I was meant to give you a lift, you were going to come and get me, remember. When you didn’t show I went looking for you, but you were gone.”

  “I knocked, but thought you were busy so I didn’t want to disturb you.”

  “Really, Miss Considerate? What do you think would be more disturbing, you keeping to your word and coming in to get me, or the police rocking up on my door step to tell me you’re in a body bag because some arsehole drunk driver lost control around a corner and killed you? This is a wine region, people visit with the intention to drink.”

  Recognition ignited a chill within Flic’s body and she began to shake as he continued. Dizzy, the room began to spin and her stomach churned. Flic gasped for air as panic sucked the supply from her lungs. Confused and not knowin
g whether to sit, to stop her self from falling, or escape back the way she’d come in, Flic fumbled for the handle of the door behind her, but couldn’t find it.

  She’d been a fool to think she was fine and in control of her life, but clearly she wasn’t. Her need to get away from him increased.

  “That’s right Flic run, third time lucky, first from home, then Mim’s the other night, and now here, where everyone’s been waiting for you. The big test is to see if you actually do turn up to move in on Sunday.”

  The room spun faster and Flic knew she wouldn’t be standing for long if it didn’t stop.

  “Dave that’s enough.” Lacey appeared from the back room.

  The main reason Flic left her mother’s was to remove such humiliation from her life, only to have the ladies in the back room overhear Dave telling her off like a teacher would his pupil.

  Dave spun on Lacey. “Stay out of this.”

  “It’s not often I say you’re wrong, but today you are, so quit whilst it’s possible to salvage the mess you’re making.”

  Flic didn’t want them to fight. She didn’t want Dave to be angry. She wanted to meditate and see her little girl. Why was he ruining this for her? The room blurred.

  “I told you Lacey, stay out of it.”

  “And I’m telling you this is my store and I’ll throw you out or have you removed if you don’t stop.”

  Finding the door behind her Flic leaned against it and slid to the floor, propped against the cool glass. The temperature inside increased, her breath became a pant. Then came the sobs. Quiet gut wrenching sobs that tore her raw on the inside.

  Not able to reach her, or do anything from the other side of the room, Lacey’s hand flew to her mouth in shock. Dave turned around as Flic hit the ground, shaking under the blanket still clutched to her chest.

  “Flic, I’m sorry, I was just so worried about you.” He was beside her in a few long strides, dropping to his knees in front of her. He reached out to wipe the tears from her cheeks. She cowered away from him. He looked to Lacey for help, she too was crying. “I don’t understand.”

  “No you don’t, and you don’t listen, but right now you can’t help her.” Lacey rushed over to Flic and sat along side her, easing her head to her shoulder. “Go get Mim and then make the ladies a cup of tea will you, please.”

  Dave did as he was told. “Ahh—Mim—would you mind.” He sounded uncomfortable and a little dazed.

  The room slowly returned to focus, a deep throb behind her eyes taking its place and she knew she was in for a terrible migraine.

  Flic saw Mim emerge from the back room. The look of concern on her face increased when she saw them huddled on the floor. She glanced sideways to glare up at Dave, a look even Medusa would’ve been envious of. “What do you want me to do?” She was beside Lacey stroking Flics hair away from her face.

  “Can you drive her home, we’ll wait for you to get back, but she needs to rest.”

  “I’ll take her.” Dave volunteered.

  Mim glared again. “You’ve done enough for one night.”

  “I’m sorry, Flic—I’m so sorry.” He sounded worried, sincere, but Flic couldn’t think of anything to say to him.

  “Dave, go to the kitchen and make yourself useful.” Lacey was clearly getting impatient. “Let’s get her to your car. Flic, can you walk? Mim’s going to take you home, okay?”

  “Ellie,” Flic whispered.

  “Who’s—?” Mim began, but stopped when Lacey shook her head.

  “She’ll be fine Flic, trust me.” Tears spilled down Lacey’s cheeks as she nodded to Mim. Together they helped her to stand and guide her out to Mim’s car.

  “Flic, leave me your keys, I’ll bring your car to you tomorrow morning. It might not be safe to leave it in the car park overnight.”

  Flic reached into her bag and produced a single key, symbolic of how little there was in her life.

  Once in the passenger seat, Lacey leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. “Get some rest.”

  “I’m sorry I ruined your night,” Flic whispered, too weak to manage anything louder. Her head pounded.

  “You didn’t, I’m sorry Dave ruined yours.”

  “He doesn’t understand.”

  “Maybe not, but still, he was out of line. Have two paracetamol and then straight to bed.”

  Lacey turned to Mim and lowered her voice. “She’s exhausted, can you make sure she takes the tablets, and hide the rest will you?”

  Mim nodded, but said nothing.

  “Thanks, Mim.” Lacey closed Flic’s door and waved goodbye.

  So far from home and even here her new friends thought she was crazy if they believed she’d over dose on painkillers. Flic didn’t speak on the drive over to the hotel.

  How could she explain her behaviour without sharing the story of the one night she wished she could forget? She knew Mim would accept as much or as little as she offered. Flic felt she owed her an explanation, but she struggled to find the right words. Instead she remained silent.

  Dave, she’d been wary of since the first time they met. As attracted to him as she was, Flic wasn’t ready to get involved. It wasn’t fair for her to be angry with him. He’d been worried, which was sweet, but he was too over protective for comfort.

  In her hotel room Flic changed into her nightie, whilst Mim folded back the blankets on the bed, and then retrieved the tablets from the bathroom cupboard. Popping two from the foil wrapper she carried them, and a glass of water to Flic who was curled up on the bed gazing at the photos on the window ledge.

  “Here you go, take these. Doctor’s orders.”

  Sitting up Flic took the tablets and water, swallowing both in one gulp and placing the glass on her bedside table. She lay back down and Mim covered her with the blankets, leaned over and kissed her goodnight, as Flic would’ve done to Ellie.

  “Sleep now, it’ll all be better in the morning.” Mim turned to leave.

  “No it won’t,” Flic whispered.

  Mim stopped and turned back to face her.

  “Dave was right, it does happen so easy.”

  “Dave was being over protective because he cares. Sometimes he goes too far, as you saw tonight. He should never have said what he did, it was wrong.”

  “No, that’s how he killed her.” Flic continued to stare at the photographs.

  “Who’d he kill?”

  “My baby girl.” Flic’s voice broke as she spoke. “Ellie.”

  “Oh sweetheart.” Mim sat on the bed beside her and rubbed her arm.

  “He was drunk and I trusted him.”

  “Who was?”

  “My husband, Ellie’s dad. She was only four years old.” Tears wet her face. “Tonight wasn’t Dave’s fault. He doesn’t understand—but I can’t tell him.”

  “Give it time.” Mim stroked her hair, and kissed the top of her head.

  “Thank you for being so kind to me,” Flic whispered.

  “Thank you for making it easy. Do you want me to stay a while?”

  Flic shook her head. She knew that Mim looked forward to her weekly meditation. “Lacey was right, I’m exhausted, you go and join the ladies—please tell them I’m sorry.”

  “Will do.” Mim got up and left, closing the door behind her.

  Mim deserved to know she hadn’t hired a complete crackpot.

  It was true, she was tired, and before long Flic drifted into a tormented sleep. Ellie was searching for her in the garden

  It was true, she was tired, and before long she drifted into a tormented sleep. Ellie was searching for her in the garden, as darkness drew near, she was scared.

  Chapter Nine

  FLIC WOKE TO THE SOUND of someone pounding on her door. She groaned. Her head was sore despite the painkillers she’d taken the night before. She didn’t want to get up, but the head splitting knock didn’t stop. Even a pillow held over her head wasn’t enough to drown out the noise. Not bothering to cover the satin scrap of a nightie, or smooth her bed
hair, she flung open the door.

  “What do you want that couldn’t have waited until I was awake?” Flic had expected it to be Dave.

  “Can I come in?”

  “If that’s the only way to shut you up then I guess so.” Flic left the door open and walked to her bathroom. She didn’t care that he had a full view through the glass divider. Splashing her face with cool water to wake herself properly, and then squeezed toothpaste on her toothbrush, she brushed her teeth.

  Drying her mouth on the small hand towel, she walked out and leaned against the glass wall of the bathroom. Dave was looking at her photos and frowned. He turned, perhaps sensed her watching him. “Cute kid.”

  Flic nodded.

  “What’s her name?”

  “Ellie. What are you doing here Dave?”

  “I wanted to see you. To make sure you are okay.”

  “I’m fine.” Flic didn’t smile, or encourage the conversation.

  “I also wanted to apologise. I overreacted and I’m sorry.”

  Flic nodded, again. Exhausted already, she wished he’d make his apology a quick one and leave.

  “I don’t understand your reaction and I guess you’re not going to explain it to me.”

  Flic shook her head to indicate she wouldn’t.

  “How can I get to know you if you won’t talk to me?” He raked his fingers through his hair. She noticed he did so whenever he was frustrated.

  “I don’t trust you.”

  The hurt on Dave’s face was evident. Her words couldn’t have been simpler, but explained so much.

  “I’d like the chance to change your mind.”

  “I’d like to go back to bed.” She shrugged.

  “Ok-ay, can I order us coffee?”

  She shrugged again.

  “Please, Flic, I want us to try.”

  “Fine, order coffee, order breakfast if they offer room service, I don’t care.” She hadn’t used those last three words since she left Perth, and wasn’t pleased they’d followed her here. The truth was she cared too much, which was the reason despair lingered beneath the surface and appeared so often.