“It’s just ... there’s something about this house,” I said, but I wasn’t entirely sure if I was speaking to Claire or myself.
“Well, like I said, it IS haunted. We could see if Helen would give us a tour,” Claire said, her voice sounding doubtful. “She’s pretty much a recluse.”
I couldn’t stop staring. Until that moment, I had doubted it even existed. Sure, it had been calling to me back in New York, and yes, part of the purpose of my road trip had been to find it. But I never really thought I would.
Mostly, I had assumed the dreams were my subconscious’s way of getting me out of New York and as far away from Alan as possible. I figured my mind was trying to communicate the very real danger I was in if I stayed.
I never actually considered the house could be so absolutely real.
Did that mean everything else was, too? I craned my neck, looking for injured white rabbits or a black cat skulking by the porch. But I didn’t see anything.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Claire asked.
I was about to answer her when a movement on the second floor caught my eye. A curtain twitched back.
“There,” I pointed. “I think someone is watching us!”
Claire shaded her eyes with her hand. “I’m sure someone is watching us, and her name is Helen,” she said. “Although I don’t see her. I told you, she’s a recluse. She only leaves the house maybe once a week for errands and groceries.”
I held my breath, expecting the front door to crash open and a girl looking like Holly Hobby to come storming out, screaming at me to leave now. Forget my car, just go.
But no one came out. The front door remained firmly closed. There wasn’t even a flutter of curtains.
“We should probably go,” Claire said uneasily.
“Okay,” I said, but I didn’t move. It felt like the house was beckoning me. So nice to finally meet you! Come in! Stay awhile. Or maybe forever.
We were at a standstill, Claire and the house, waiting for me to make a move.
“Charlie?”
Finally, I turned to her. My movements felt sluggish, like I was trapped in a bubble and unable to break free. “Sorry. Let’s go.”
She gave me a strange look before getting back into the car. I followed her, even though it was painful, like there was a rope around my waist pulling me toward the house, stretching and squeezing me.
Claire started the car. “What was that about?” Her voice was casual, but I caught the same strange look in her eyes in the sideways glance she threw at me.
I wasn’t sure how to answer her. Telling her the truth didn’t seem to be an option. But what believable lie could I possibly come up with for my reaction?
“The house ... well ...” I laughed subconsciously. “It just seemed so ... familiar, somehow. I sort of felt like I should be living there.” I laughed again, knowing I sounded like an idiot. “Don’t mind me. This has been a really strange week. I don’t know what I’m saying.”
Claire didn’t smile back. In fact, her face held an almost grim expression. Oh man, had I somehow offended her? Was she trying to figure out a way to take me back to the hotel without seeming rude?
“I don’t think Helen will sell,” she said, her tone serious.
I blinked at her in surprise. “I wasn’t really expecting her to,” I said. “It was just a flight of fancy or something. I can’t explain it. But, no, I didn’t mean I was going to make her an offer or anything like that.” Or did I? Even as I said the words, they didn’t feel true. It was as if I had a subconscious intention of trying to buy that house.
That’s ridiculous, I told myself. How could I even consider moving here? Alan would track me down in no time. I had no choice but to leave.
Claire also didn’t look convinced. “I told you, the town called you,” she said. “I know how strange that sounds, but I ... well, let’s just say I get feelings about things.” She gave me a crooked smile, and it struck me that maybe I wasn’t the only one failing to be completely honest. “If the town wants you here, and wants you in that house ... well, I guess we’ll see what happens. I for one am hoping Helen is willing to sell it.”
“I guess if she’s not, there’s no chance of me staying in Redemption,” I responded.
Claire narrowed her eyes. “Don’t bet on it,” she said darkly.
I didn’t know what to say. On the surface, it felt like such a ridiculous conversation. There was no way a town could choose who stays and who goes, much less be able to “summon” me. Everyone was acting like Redemption was alive.
But then, on the other side, there were my dreams. Not to mention the house itself. How it seemed to beckon me. Deep down inside, it felt like what Claire was saying was somehow true. After all, how many things had to fall into place for me to even be there in the first place?
No, I was being silly. This was all one big coincidence.
Right?
Chapter 10
And so it begins.
The black cat sat on the bottom porch step, its tail twitching.
“Shut up,” the Holly Hobby girl snapped before turning her attention to me. “It’s not too late,” she begged. “You don’t have to take the job. Just call them and tell them you changed your mind. You can do this.”
“I still don’t have a car,” I reminded her.
“Forget the car,” she shrieked. “Just go!”
“How? Do you want me to hitchhike? Walk?”
“I don’t care how, just leave. Please just leave.” She covered her face with her hands and her shoulders started shaking.
You know she can’t, the black cat said in a sad tone. This is her destiny. You and I both know it. She has to see it through. No matter how painful.
“There’s still time,” she said, her voice thick with tears. “There’s still time.”
Bewildered, I looked from one to the other. “I don’t understand,” I said. “Nothing has changed. I’m going to leave. Even if I wanted to, I can’t stay here. Alan will find me.”
The black cat gave me an almost pitying look while the girl seemed to cry harder.
Alan isn’t the problem.
I frowned. “Of course he is. He’s the reason I left.”
It’s true he set things in motion. The moment he pushed you down the stairs, he began a chain reaction that will eventually lead to his doom. But he’s not the real issue.
“Then what is?”
Everything around me plunged into darkness. A cold wind blew against my neck.
Despite how dark it was, I could still see the black cat. Its tail had stopped twitching. The girl slowly lifted her head from her hands, an expression of fear frozen on her face.
A storm is coming, murmured the cat. Beware.
“What?”
Nothing will be what it seems. What will save you will also destroy you. Wrong is right and right is wrong. Nothing is black and white, but all shades of grey. Your biggest mistakes will lead to your greatest achievement.
“What does that even mean?” I asked in frustration.
“It means,” the girl said darkly, “that you should leave. Now. While you still can.”
The cat picked up a paw and delicately began to groom itself. No, she can’t.
“She can,” the girl insisted, her voice increasingly desperate.
The cat stopped licking itself and fixed its unblinking gaze on me, its jade-green eyes stared directly into mine. It’s time to wake up.
I opened my eyes. The sun was just peeking through the cheery-red and yellow curtains, warming up the hardwood floor and rough, log-hewn walls. For a moment, I was disoriented. Where was I? What happened to my sleek and elegant white-and-black bedroom, complete with a polished marble floor?
Then it all came back in a rush.
How I ended up in Redemption.
The house that haunted my dreams.
A storm is coming.
I wondered what my dream was trying to tell me. On one hand, I was definitely getting a clear message to leave, even if I couldn’t right then. And I agreed with that message. I needed to leave for all sorts of reasons, not the least of which was that I was a sitting duck for Alan.
But, on the other hand, I felt such a pull to stay. To make that house my home. To make a stand in this strange little town in the middle of the nowhere.
I already had friends, and a job. I could build a life in this community—a life in which I would be accepted as who I was rather than for who my family was.
Of course, it was silly to even go there. No matter what my heart whispered to me or what the cat said to me in my dreams, it wasn’t practical or safe to stay. I didn’t have a choice.
Even if it broke my heart.
I glanced at the clock and started. I was going to be late. I threw back the covers and rushed into the bathroom to hastily pull myself together for my first shift at Aunt May’s.
As I furiously brushed my hair and pulled it back into a ponytail, I realized I was actually pretty excited about working. After Alan had proposed, he encouraged me to quit my job. “Sweetheart, you already have so much to do to get ready for the wedding and our life together,” he said. “And it’s not like you’ll be working once we’re married. So, why not just do it now?”
I didn’t really want to. I had liked working in a small-but-prestigious art gallery. I had always loved art. Even as a child, I wanted to become an artist, but the older I got, the more I realized I didn’t really have the talent or the drive, so I majored in art history, instead. That job was really perfect for me, as it allowed me to socialize with people while appreciating art.
But Alan wouldn’t take no for an answer. Even when I pointed out I would have no salary to support myself, he quickly explained how he’d be happy to pay my bills. It would be his wedding present to me—the time and space to plan the perfect wedding.
So, I finally agreed. After all, maybe he was right. And it wasn’t like I wouldn’t be around art at all. I could certainly find some boards and volunteer opportunities supporting local artists.
Looking back, I could see how uncomfortable I felt, and how I deliberately tamped down the little warning bells that were already sounding inside me.
But, I thought I was in love. I thought it was what I was supposed to do.
I was so wrong.
Well, at least I was out now. I could be grateful for that.
I finished getting ready, then hurried downstairs to grab a cup of coffee and muffin to munch on as I walked. The day would be long, and even though I would get a meal later, it never hurt to start off on the right foot with a little breakfast.
As I nibbled and sipped, I thought about what the work would be like. Claire had reassured me it wouldn’t be difficult, and I would catch on quickly. I sincerely hoped she was right. The last thing I wanted to do was slow anyone down.
Claire and I had ended up talking and laughing long into the night. Over a bottle of White Zinfandel, we shared funny stories about growing up in Redemption and New York.
It was only near the end of the night that things got a little weird. “What time is it?” Claire asked, stretching her neck to glance at the living room clock. “Oh! I didn’t realize it was so late. I better take you home. Doug will be here soon.”
I stayed where I was on the green plaid couch, still holding my empty wine glass. “We don’t have to rush,” I said. “I’d love to meet your husband.”
Claire was awkwardly bending over trying to fish out her shoes from under the coffee table. “It’s late,” she said, her voice muffled. “And we both have to work tomorrow.”
“A few minutes won’t hurt,” I pressed. I wanted to get a look at the man Claire married. Especially considering how I saw Jesse look at her the night we were all at the bar. Doug would have to be something to steal Claire away from a guy as gorgeous as Jesse.
Claire didn’t look at me. Instead, she paid very close attention to putting her shoes on. “Seriously, Charlie, we need to go.”
Sighing, I leaned over to put my glass on the coffee table before searching for my own shoes. “Are you embarrassed to be seen with me?” I asked jokingly.
Claire muttered something under her breath.
“What?” I asked.
“Nothing,” she said. “Come on. We both have a long day tomorrow. We need our beauty rest.”
I silently finished putting my shoes on and went to find my purse. Claire was already impatiently standing by the door, keys in hand. “Hurry up, slow poke,” she said teasingly.
I half-smiled in return, but my mind was still turning over what I was sure I heard her say.
More like embarrassed to be seen with him.
Was she in an unhappy relationship, too? If she was, would she maybe be understanding of what happened to me?
Claire had prodded, gently, a few times over dinner, wanting more details as to why I left, but I brushed past her inquiries, artfully changing the subject. Even though none of it would likely matter since I would be gone in a week’s time, I was still hesitant to reveal much. This way, even if Alan did show up after tracing my footsteps, Claire wouldn’t have any idea where I was going.
Plus, I felt unsure of what people would think of me if I told them the truth. Would they assume I was stupid for getting involved with a guy like Alan? Or would they agree with Annabelle and encourage me to go back to him?
The less people knew about my personal life, the better. That was the way to keep everything clean and simple.
I tripped on a crack in the sidewalk, bringing my thoughts abruptly back to the present while spilling my coffee over the front of my tee shirt. I swore to myself as I surveyed the damage. Well, it probably wouldn’t be the only food stains I got today. Hopefully, I could spend a few minutes in the bathroom mopping it up before my shift started.
I turned the corner onto Main Street. I could see Aunt May’s up ahead, the lights already on. A few cars drove by, and shop owners were already up, washing the front door windows and watering plants. They waved as I passed them.
A rusted blue VW bug pulled into the parking lot of Aunt May’s and the driver got out. He stood for a moment next to the driver’s side door, adjusting his mirrored sunglasses, and I felt goosebumps start to rise on the back of my neck. There was something about how he stood there, something familiar ... I squinted to get a better look.
Abruptly, he moved, walking to the door, swinging his sinewy arms, his hair cropped close to his head. I sucked in my breath.
It was Alan.
I was sure of it, even without getting a good look at his face.
I stopped, wanting to flee, but afraid my movement would get his attention. He strode into Aunt May’s, flinging the door open.
I stood there on the sidewalk, frozen, my hands squeezing my coffee cup and muffin, which was reduced to crumbs in my palm.
How did he find me? Did he know I was working at Aunt May’s? How could he possibly have found out, seeing as how I was just hired yesterday afternoon? Or was it just a frightening coincidence?
My mind spun out of control as I started to hyperventilate. Sharp pains cut into my side, causing me to nearly double over in pain. I should have listened to the girl in my dreams. I should have left while I could. Now, it was too late. I had no car, no way to disappear.
Every part of me wanted to run back to the hotel and hide in my room, but I knew it was futile. It was too late. If he already knew where I was, it certainly wouldn’t take him long to track me down at the hotel. Then what? Alone in my room, I would be completely vulnerable.
There was nothing I could do. No good choices.
I was trapped.
“Hey,” a voice in my ear startled me so badly I yelped,
spilling the rest of my coffee all over me.
“Oh my God, Charlie. Are you okay?” It was Claire. I had been so deep in thought that I hadn’t even noticed her approach. What if that had been Alan? I had to pull myself together.
She looked at me worriedly. “Did something happen?”
“I ... um.” I wasn’t sure what to tell her.
She gently took my arm. “Let’s get you inside and clean you up. Good thing we have some time before our shift starts.”
It took everything inside me to keep myself from wrenching my arm away and running as fast as I could away from Aunt May’s. Instead, I gritted my teeth and let her lead me to the door.
What choice did I have? If he was there, he would find me. Maybe it was for the best that our first encounter be in public.
Still, despite my resolve, the closer I got to the door, the tenser I became. My stomach was balled up so tightly in a knot, I thought I might throw up.
Claire shook my arm playfully. “Hey. Everyone is super excited for you to be here. Even if you mess up a little, having an extra body to help is really going to make a difference.”
I forced myself to smile, although I was sure I must look more like some sort of deranged clown. “I know. It’s been awhile since I had a job.”
She smiled back. “You’ll be fine. Trust me.”
We made it the door. I was doing everything in my power to breathe deeply and keep myself from hyperventilating. I had to be strong, and not show any weakness. Alan would take advantage if he knew how terrified I was.
Claire reached out to open the door but paused to study me. Her eyebrows knit in confusion. “Are you sure this is just first-day nerves?” she asked. “You seem awfully tense. Is there anything else going on?”
I almost blurted out that Alan was inside, but at the last moment, pressed my lips together instead. That would lead to more questions, and I needed to concentrate on nothing else besides being strong. I could figure out how to explain everything to her later.
I straightened my shoulders and sucked in a deep breath. “I’m fine,” I said. “I just had a disturbing dream last night, but I’m good now. Let’s go.”
The Summoning: A gripping psychological thriller (Secrets of Redemption Book 4) Page 9
