“You’ll never understand what it’s like to be a single mother trying to make it in the world.” Vicki swiped at her eyes as if she were crying.
“You’ve told me time and again what it’s like. That’s why you abandoned me here in Raven except you didn’t think how hard it’d be for an elderly woman to raise a young child. Thankfully, she gave me all the love I could ever want.”
“Are you saying you were glad I dropped you off?”
“I’m saying I realize you didn’t want to be a single mother. That it was too difficult. And you made the best decision allowing someone else to step in and take over.” Holly didn’t say the words to hurt her mother. With her grandma buried now, Holly was alone. Grandma always said a person should never be ashamed in standing up for what they believed in. In the letter, her words had encouraged Holly to be strong.
“I didn’t come here to be harassed or put down.” Vicki got up and started toward the door. “I don’t know what’s come over you but I think your grandmother’s death has put a strain on you. Or maybe it’s that Liam boy. He’s turned you into his whore.”
Holly felt another layer of tolerance melt. She caught up with her mother before she opened the door and grabbed her elbow in a loose hold, only enough to keep her steady. “Mother, Liam had nothing to do with anything I’ve ever done. In fact, he was more family to me than you’ve ever been. You act innocent, but you made me the way I was. If I was bad it was because of you.” Taking another step forward, she could smell her mother’s expensive perfume that always made Holly’s eyes water. “I had a reputation because I was your daughter.”
Holly knew it was coming but didn’t have time to keep it from happening. Vicki raised a hand and slapped Holly’s cheek. The sound vibrated off the white wall and the sting made her wince. Lifting her hand, she held her face.
“How dare you speak to me that way! I’m your mother.”
Anger rose through Holly like a tide. “You’re not my mother. My mother was just buried.” All of the past hurt came to head. Holly knew she’d reached a limit of no return. And it felt good to unleash. “You came here today to convince me to give you the house, didn’t you?”
“Do you think I want this place?” She glanced around and her nose turned up. “I hated it. Growing up here was like imprisonment. I want the house sold.”
“I’m not selling.” In that moment, she was free. “Thanks for convincing me even more than I was before. I’m going to open a bed and breakfast here. I’m going to restore this old place to what it used to be.”
“You and your pathetic dreams. Face the fact, sweetheart. You’re just like me. My blood runs through your veins. You’re out for one thing too, my dear. Liam doesn’t have enough money to make you happy.”
Holly clenched her hands at her sides. “I’ve never been out for money.”
Vicki lifted one brow. “Oh really? I know about the men you’ve dated. The last one didn’t buy you a Mercedes as a gift of friendship.”
She was ready to take her mother on, eye for an eye, but that’s what Vicki wanted. Holly wouldn’t sink to her level, ever. “He gave me the car because I did a favor for him. It’s called appreciation. Ever heard of it?”
“Yes, a favor. Exactly.” Vicki chuckled.
“The man was dying and I took care of him. I don’t care what you believe.” No matter what Holly said, she knew her mother would believe what she wanted. Without another word, Vicki stormed out.
Holly’s cell phone rang. She’d hoped to see Liam’s name come up on screen. Instead, it was a restricted number. Starting to push the phone back into her pocket, something told her she needed to answer. “Hello?”
“Hi, is this Holly?”
“Yes, it is. Who is this?”
“I’m Danielle—from the diner. I’m a server.”
“Yes, I remember you. But, how did you get my number?”
“I’m sorry. I asked Chief Ryan for it. I told him you’d left something and I needed to get it back to you,” she said in a whisper.
“I don’t understand. I didn’t leave anything.” At least, nothing of importance, she thought.
“No, you didn’t. I lied.” The girl admitted.
“Then why are you calling?” There was a long hesitation followed by a shrill static sound. “Danielle? Are you still there?” Holly asked.
“Yes, I am. I just needed to find a private place to talk. I know something I think you’ll want to hear.”
Holly had to strain to hear the other woman. “Did you say that you have something to tell me?”
“Yes.”
Her fingers pressed into the plastic of her phone. “What is it? Is this about Liam? Or the past?”
“This has nothing to do with Liam. Can you meet me tonight at nine in the parking lot of the old school house?”
“I don’t think—”
“Either you do or you don’t. I have to go. I’ll be there waiting.”
The line went dead.
What was going on? What did Danielle have to say that had anything to do with Holly? She dialed Liam’s number. After the third ring, his greeting picked up. Clicking end on her phone, she checked the time. Eight-thirty.
What other choice did she have? She must meet Danielle. If the young girl needed help, maybe Holly was the only one she could reach. Having been in trouble herself, Holly knew how isolated one could feel.
CHAPTER NINE
THE DARKNESS MAKES the parking lot seem eerier than ever, Holly thought as she pulled into one of the spaces. Switching off her lights and killing the engine, she noticed the small car parked next to the building. No one else would be here. The building had been empty for years.
Holly got out and walked over to the car—it was empty. She inspected the area again. The door of the building was open.
Making her way up the beaten and cracked concrete steps, she stopped just outside the entrance. “Danielle? Are you in there?”
It was quiet. Something wasn’t right, Holly felt it. The hairs on the back of her neck stood straight up and the claws of fear meandered slowly through her veins.
With phone in hand, she texted Liam.
“I’m at the old school house. Where are you?”
Watching the screen, she didn’t get a response. Staring into the darkness past the double doors, she swallowed the tightness building in her throat. She shouldn’t be here. Turning on heel, she started toward her car but a noise from inside the school stopped her.
Going back to the door, she waited and listened.
Holly had never considered herself a brave person, but she couldn’t leave without making sure Danielle was okay.
Her senses were on high alert as she walked into the shadowed corridor of the old building. She clicked on the light from her phone but it didn’t do much good.
“Danielle? Hello?” Holly’s voice bounced off the dingy walls. The smell of mold burned her nostrils.
Holly realized walking into the condemned building was ludicrous. She couldn’t see further than two feet in front of her and the place was unsafe. Danielle wouldn’t be here. She would tell Liam about the call and let him handle it.
A loud crashing sound made Holly jump. Frozen in her spot, she was afraid to move. A scream vibrated from down the darkened hall. Holly’s breath stilled and her heart thumped in her chest. Someone was hurt.
With trembling hand, Holly shone the light in front of her and started moving as fast as she could, not knowing where she’d search. She continued to peer into rooms, but she couldn’t find anything. Most were locked. Others were empty.
Coming to the end of the passageway, the metal doors leading into the lunchroom were wide open. A sliver of moonlight streamed in through the row of narrow windows but instead of aiding her, it cast an eerie blue haze over the room. Moving through the maze of tables and upside down chairs, broken glass crunched under her feet. Graffiti marked each tiled wall. Tramp. Slut. Peter licks Tracey.
Holly grimaced. Her sinuses we
re attacked by the scent of mildew and something else that she couldn’t identify.
Darkness returned, turning the room black. Through the window, she saw the clouds moving, covering the moon.
Snap. Crash. Someone else was in the large room. Shadows seemed to move as noise echoed off the walls. “Who’s there?” Holly yelled.
She guessed she was standing in the middle of the room. Vulnerability made her skin crawl. The odor grew stronger, and with the combination of her fear, she grew nauseous. Her steps were careful as she walked through debris. Paper crumbled and tin cans crackled. She kicked several bottles that rolled across the floor. The only safety she had was her hearing; her eyes were of no use and her nose seared from the smells.
Scanning a few feet around her, all Holly could see was the trash.
Pop-pop!
Metal crushing under foot.
Holly shut off the light of her cell and stood motionless. Covering her mouth with her palm, she calmed her breathing, and wished she could relax the thumping of her heart that deafened her. A whimper escaped her as heavy breathing grew closer. The urge to scream became overwhelming. Her fingers bit into her cheeks as she forced her body to remain quiet.
The footsteps pounded like drumbeats. She listened but couldn’t decipher where they were because every sound echoed off of the bare walls.
Brrrr…brrr.
Holly jumped from her phone’s vibration, her grip loosened on the phone and it fell from her hand. She heard dull thuds as the cell skidded across the cement floor.
Damn! Without her phone, she had no light. And no protection. Dropping to her knees, she felt the coolness of the floor seep through her jeans as shards of glass cut into her skin. Blindly searching, she slid forward, feeling and pushing through the debris. Her hand encountered something smooth and hard. Gliding her fingers upward, she felt shoestrings.
“Shit!” The word fell from her lips. Holly hopped backward and slid across her bottom. Someone stood inches in front of her.
An unexpected, hard thwack to her left shoulder sent her sprawling onto her side, landing on something sharp that sent pain through her chest. She opened her mouth to scream, but she snapped her lips tight as terror made her stay silent. She didn’t know how he could he see her when she couldn’t see him? Realizing she was breathing heavy and loud, she forced even breaths.
Slowly lifting herself to her feet, she wanted to run but she denied the urge. Instead, she crept across the floor, hoping to miss any debris. As she moved, her only thought was to get away from the manic lurking in the shadows.
Boots thumped across the floor, the clanking of cans resonated, and more sounds came from several directions. There could be two people! Her knees shook but her mind was strong. She’d fight if needed. In total concentration, she listened and concentrated on any sound from the stranger. Scuffling sounded to her right. Closing her eyes, she allowed her senses to take over. His breathing quieted, but she knew he lingered nearby. His musk scent penetrated the moldy air.
Her phone lit up, followed by a popular song from the ‘90’s. Liam’s ringtone. A bottle hit her foot. Without thought or hesitation, Holly dashed toward her cell, and fell to her stomach as she grabbed the phone. With trembling hands, she tried hitting the talk button, but she couldn’t get her fingers to function. The ringing stopped. Turning it outward, the light pierced the dark. A shadowed figure scurried out of sight. Heavy footsteps faded down the hall. Could it be possible? He’d left and she was alive?
Holly climbed back to her feet. The moon’s purple haze crawled back through the darkness. Without hesitation, Holly rushed toward the door but she tripped over something and fell to the floor. She kept her phone clutched in one hand.
Cautiously, she slid off the soft lump that had broken some of her fall. Warmth oozed against her skin and her clothes were wet. The scent of flowers mixed with iron clung in the air.
Every muscle in her body tightened.
Bringing the light alive on the phone again, she did what she had to do…not what she wanted to do. She knew what she’d find before the light reached the object.
A scream tore out of Holly’s mouth. She scrambled but slipped and slid through the puddle of blood. Her shoulder struck something hard and knocked her sideways. He’d come back for her. She started to scream for help when light blinded her. Fright bombarded her reasoning. Her death was near, like the girl lying on the floor. Holly wanted to move. She tried, but her body wouldn’t abide by her brain’s commands. Fear paralyzed her.
“Holly?” The familiar voice was like a beacon into the depths of hell.
“Liam? There’s blood. Lots of it. I think it’s Danielle…her body!” Her throat hurt as she spoke. The beam of light swirled around the ceiling and walls then she felt his arms come around her waist, lifting her off the floor.
“Are you okay?” he whispered next to her ear.
“Is she dead?” Holly gripped his shirt for support and buried her face against his chest. “There’s blood,” Holly murmured.
“Let’s get you out of here.” Liam supported her weight as he led her toward the hallway.
“Did you see him?” she asked through a broken sob.
“Him? Who, sweetheart?”
“The man. He was here. The person that did this.” Her body burned and hurt to walk.
“I didn’t see anyone. Come on, let’s get outside.” He moved her through the door.
Holly stayed close to Liam’s side as they made their way toward his car. He took her to the passenger side of his cruiser, opened the door and helped her in. He knelt close to her and used the flashlight to examine her. “Are you hurt? Is this your blood?”
She pushed away the flashlight and shook her head. “No. It’s Danielle’s. She’s dead—I think. You’ve got to find out.”
“Okay.” He stood up, took out his radio and gave instructions that Holly couldn’t quite comprehend. He stooped down again, holding her gaze. “You said you saw a man, right?” he asked.
His comforting hand on hers made it easier to explain. “Yes, I mean, I saw someone.”
“Did you recognize him?” Liam asked.
“It was too dark. Didn’t you see him? Anything?”
“No, I didn’t.” he answered, pinching the bridge of his nose.
“But he was there.” Holly looked down at her blood-covered hands, now drying and caking into her skin. The smell was strong. Death?
“Holly, close the door and lock it. I’m going in,” he said and pulled his gun from the case on his belt.
A part of her wanted him to stay, but he had a job to do, so she did as he asked. He disappeared into the dark building and she kept her eyes glued to the door until he came back out. She unlocked the door and pushed it open. “She’s dead, right?” she asked.
“Yes, she is,” he answered.
“How?”
He opened his mouth but didn’t finish because red and blue lights lit the parking lot as two police cars skidded to a halt in front of Liam’s cruiser. “We’ll talk, later,” he said to Holly then left her as he turned his attention to his men.
* * * *
The electric company got the power turned on at the schoolhouse. While the officers and forensic team scoured the premises for evidence, Liam went back to Holly where she still sat in his cruiser. Her trembling had subsided, but the shocked look in her eyes remained. Her disheveled blonde hair was red with the victim’s blood. Her clothes were damp and her tennis shoes were dirty.
His heart ached for her. He wanted to console her, to take her home and hold her. He couldn’t. This was an investigation and she was the only witness. “I’m going to drive you to the hospital and let the doc take a look at you.”
He watched her drop her gaze to look at her hands. “I’d like to get this off me.” She held her palms up, turning them.
Liam had seen many people in shock and she was definitely one. Once the blow wore off, she’d break down and cry, he knew it. “Don’t worry, sweethear
t. We’ll get you taken care of.”
He closed the passenger door, went around to the driver’s side and climbed in. He glanced across the cab at Holly’s profile. There had to be something he could say, but he couldn’t think of anything, not at the moment.
The drive to the hospital was in silence.
* * * *
While Holly took a shower, Liam waited for her downstairs in the living room.
After a thorough examination on her by the doctor at the emergency room, she had only cuts and bruises, no broken bones or lacerations in need of stitching.
He heard her soft footsteps on the stairs and he turned just as she came into view. Dressed in pajamas and with hair damp, she looked vulnerable. She came around to sit with him on the couch.
“I made you a cup of tea.” He handed her the mug.
“Thanks, Lem.”
He could breathe easier since her color was coming back and she seemed less shaky. “Do you mind if I ask you some questions while the facts are fresh in your mind? I hate to do it, but it’s for the best.”
“Okay.”
“Why were you at the old school house?” he asked.
Her knuckles turned white from where she held her mug. “Danielle, from the diner, called. She needed to tell me something and asked that I meet her there. I didn’t see her, until…”
“I understand this can’t be easy, but I need to know the details.” She nodded and he continued. “She didn’t tell you what she wanted to talk to you about?”
“No.”
“Not even a clue?” He only hoped there was something. She shook her head and his thoughts crashed. “She told me you left your purse in the restaurant. I didn’t think—” He swallowed the pain in his throat. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault. She would have gotten my number somehow.”
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