The Tenth House

by Ashley R Scott

  “Tell me about your new friend down there.” Jocelyn winks at me, a devilish grin on her face. “He’s cute. I guess you had a good night.”

  “Hardly. Aidan saved me last night. I may even owe him my life.” The grin slips from Jocelyn’s face. I take a deep breath and tell her everything that happened after leaving the casino.

  “Holy shit. Are you serious?” I nod, close to tears, and she leans forward, throwing her arms around my neck. I relax into her, glad to have my friend back so soon.

  “You know what you need? Breakfast.”

  I groan. “I’m not hungry. I just want to go back to sleep.”

  Jocelyn stands, her hands firmly on her hips. “Let me make it up to you. I’m going to go downstairs and wait for you. You should take a shower, and when you’re ready, I want to buy you breakfast.” She leaves without waiting for an answer.

  I drag myself into the bathroom and wince at my reflection in the mirror. My hair is matted and stuck to my face; mystery smudges mark my cheek. I examine the bruises on my arms, knowing I’ll find more once I peel off my pants.

  A quick shower has me feeling better as I slip into a fresh pair of jeans and my favorite lime green sweater. With dry hair and a little bit of makeup, I slip on my fur-lined boots and head downstairs to the tune of my loudly rumbling stomach.

  Jocelyn and Aidan sit at the kitchen table, making a feeble attempt at awkward conversation. I enter the room, breathing in the smell of freshly brewing coffee.

  Aidan stands, smiling warmly. “Good morning. How do you feel?”

  “I feel like I was hit by a truck last night but better now, thanks to your help. If it wasn’t for you…” I trail off, not knowing what else to say. My gratitude for this stranger is beyond anything I can put into words.

  Aidan nods, understanding my unspoken thoughts. I twist the hem of my sweater, my mouth suddenly dry. “We’re going to breakfast. You can come if you like.”

  “Thanks, but I think I should go. I have some things to tend to this morning. I just wanted to make sure you were alright.” Aidan picks up his coat from the back of the chair and slides it over his broad shoulders.

  I put on a quick smile to hide my disappointment. “Well, thanks then.”

  Aidan crosses the kitchen, stopping right in front of me. He stares down at me as I struggle to breathe, that warm smile on his face again. “I’ll see you later.”

  “Watch out for that weird guy out there.” Jocelyn watches us, drumming her pink manicured nails lightly on the table.

  Aidan turns around, eyebrows raised. “What weird guy?”

  “The stranger who was at your door yesterday. I saw him walking down the sidewalk.” Jocelyn shivers. “Don’t like him. His eyes give me the creeps.”

  Aidan whirls back on me, grabbing my shoulders. “Did he talk to you? Who was it?”

  I shake my head, reaching into my memory. “He wasn’t here long. Kyrell, I think.”

  “What did he want?” Aidan’s tight grip makes me squirm.

  “Ow.” I shake my shoulders free. “He just wanted to know if this was my house. I told him, yeah, and he shook my hand then left, saying he’d made a mistake.”

  “He touched you?” Aidan asks.

  “Do you know this guy?” I rub my shoulders, still feeling the pressure from his grip.

  “Maybe you two should just have breakfast here. Stay inside.” Aidan pulls my hands from my shoulders, holding them gently.

  “Is he dangerous? Should I call the cops?” The secrecy makes me grumpy.

  “That would make things worse.” Aidan steps in close, holding my gaze. “Be careful out there.” He drops my hands and steps around me, disappearing out the front door.

  “Isn’t that interesting.” Jocelyn giggles from the kitchen table.

  “What?” I tilt my head back, staring at the ceiling.

  “Nothing.” She snickers again, getting up from the table. “You’ve always been the last to know. Grab your coat. I’m starving!”

  I pull a brown leather coat from the closet and slip it on, buttoning it all the way to my chin. “Whatever you think is so funny, you can forget it. And I’m driving this time.”

  Jocelyn snorts. “Fine.”

  CHAPTER THREE

  I shield my eyes from the winter sun glittering on the fresh snow from the night’s storm and carefully navigate into the parking lot of Steak and Eggs, the only place I’m ever interested in eating breakfast. Only two other vehicles sit in the half-plowed parking lot.

  The bell rings as we step inside the tiny restaurant. Sizzling steaks and frying potatoes perfectly blend with espresso to greet my nose, making my mouth water. The restaurant, converted years ago from an old diner, is brightly lit with sparkling red booths.

  We walk up to the podium as Sarah looks up from her notepad, flashing us a motherly smile. “Hey, what are you girls doing out on a day like this?”

  Sarah Jackson, a middle-aged woman with soft features, has a pretty face that would be easy to lose in a crowd. A mother to anyone and the owner of the diner. She blows a strand of mousy brown hair out of her face.

  “Why else would we come out on a day like this? We came for the best breakfast in town.” I laugh, finally feeling some of the stress from last night melt away. “How’s Hannah? I haven’t seen her in a while.”

  Sarah hesitates, a tiny frown creasing her brow. “Where would you like to sit?” Sarah glances around the place, empty except for one other couple.

  “My corner booth if it’s in your section today. Is Hannah coming home for Christmas?”

  Sarah grabs a couple of menus and leads the way to my favorite table. “Honey, everything is my section today. I’m the only one that made it in this weather other than the cook. Hannah will be around.”

  We sit down, but Jocelyn and I don’t even bother to open our menus.

  Sarah pulls out her notepad. “Mochas for you girls?” We both nod.

  “And the usual?” We nod again, and she puts her paper away without writing anything down.

  “Be right back.” She grabs our menus and heads for the counter.

  We sit quietly, both staring out the window. The clouds had sewn back together, and small, lazy flakes fall again. Sarah returns with two large mugs of steaming mochas, dropping them off without a word.

  Jocelyn leans forward, taking a small sip and wincing as it burns her tongue. “Tell me about Aidan.”

  “There’s nothing to tell. He just appeared. Everything happened so fast.” I lean back as Sarah arrives with our breakfast. She sets down two large plates heaping with steak, eggs, and country potatoes covered with gravy. My mouth immediately starts watering. “This looks amazing, Sarah, thank you.”

  “You girls need anything else?” We shake our heads. “Yell if you do.”

  I waste no time diving into my plate, starving after all the running and stress of last night. I glance up from my meal at the sound of the bell ringing over the door.

  “What?” My voice is muffled thanks to cheeks stuffed full of steak and potatoes.

  Jocelyn stares over my shoulder, a bite of steak hanging from her fork halfway to her mouth. She sucks in a sharp breath.

  “He’s here,” she whispers.

  I set my fork down and twist in the booth, almost choking on the food in my mouth. Just inside the front door stands Bos, the rigid man I recognize from the casino floor last night, and Walter Gresham, who’s currently in charge of the Reno police force.

  Walter Gresham is a man of reputation, known for ruling the Reno Police Department with an iron fist. People whisper of his cold and often cruel actions. His hand hovers just above the holstered pistol hugging his waist as his steel gray eyes scan the restaurant.

  I turn back around and stare at my plate, my appetite suddenly missing. My shoulders slump at the clicking sound of approaching footsteps, followed by the earthy scent that I recognize from the casino.

  “Good morning, ladies.” I tense in my seat, refusing to look up f
rom my food.

  “Ciara, you left early last night. Did you have a good evening?”

  I glare at our unwelcome intruder. “I was tired. My night was good.” I stab at my steak, my knuckles turning white from squeezing my fork.

  “I’m afraid we got off on the wrong foot. Allow me to make it up to you.”

  “It’s fine. I don’t want anything from you.” I look over at Jocelyn to find her staring at me with a slightly guilty look.

  “What did you have in mind, Bos?” Jocelyn gives me a slight shrug of her shoulders.

  “Allow me to treat you ladies to lunch. At my casino, this afternoon. We can talk. Get to know each other.” I feel the weight of his eyes on me, but I turn my attention back to stabbing my breakfast.

  “We’ll be there.” Jocelyn smiles dreamily up at Bos.

  I snap my head up. “No, we won’t.” I grit my teeth, staring at my friend, not even bothering to hide my frustration.

  “Good. I’ll see you at one. Go to the front, and security will escort you to my private dining room.” Bos walks away before I can protest any further.

  I lean forward, banging my hands on the table, furious with Jocelyn.

  “What the hell do you think you’re doing? Why would you agree to that and drag me with you? After what happened last night? You’re supposed to be my friend.” My shrill voice sounds all too loud in the almost empty diner, but I don’t care.

  “I am your friend. Best friend. Give him a chance?” Jocelyn raises her eyebrows at me as she shovels a huge bite of steak in her mouth.

  “He sent those guys after me to do who knows what and you want me to give him a chance? You’re unbelievable.” I lean back in the booth, glaring across the table.

  “You don’t know that he sent those guys. Maybe you’re overreacting,” Jocelyn says.

  I can’t believe what I’m hearing. “I’m not going.”

  “Please, Ciara. Just come with me. Everything will be fine. You’ll see.” Jocelyn smiles sweetly as she raises her mug to her lips, draining her mocha.

  “Why is this so important to you?” I stab at a piece of steak, shoving it forcefully into my mouth and almost choking.

  “I just feel like I have to.” Jocelyn pauses as Sarah walks up to the table, fidgeting with her white apron.

  “I… I’m sorry, girls, but I need you to leave.”

  “What? Seriously?” I push my plate forward. “You’ve never made us leave before.”

  Sarah shakes her head as if to clear it. “Never mind, finish your breakfast.”

  She turns to leave the table, her eyes meeting Bos’s from across the diner. Her face relaxes as her eyes glaze over, a thin film of sweat forming on her forehead. Sarah’s face tightens as if she’s fighting her own private battle. Without turning back around, her voice comes out cold and flat. “Your meal is paid for, and you need to go.”

  We grab our coats, shoving our way out of the booth. I brush against her unmoving form, and a glance at her face shows tears pooling in her eyes. As we head for the door, I scowl over my shoulder to find Bos and his companions watching us.

  I slam the door so hard, the bell doesn’t ring, with Jocelyn following right behind me.

  “What the hell?” I march through the snow, fists clenched tightly by my side, and jump into my Jeep. “I’m taking you back to your car.”

  Jocelyn slides into the passenger seat. “What’re you going to do? You want me to come with?” She fastens her belt, staring down at her hands.

  “No, I’m going to see my mother. I need to tell her that I’m moving. I don't want to be here anymore.” I turn the key in the ignition.

  “You’re going to be there for lunch, right?” Jocelyn tugs at her seatbelt, pulling it down away from her neck. “I’m sorry you’re upset. There’s just something about him. It’s like I don’t have control of myself.” She hangs her head sheepishly.

  “And why is that?” I back my car out of the lot with white knuckles, gripping the wheel so hard, it’s difficult to steer.

  “I don’t know.” Jocelyn’s voice is so soft, I almost can’t hear her over the crunching of the tires.

  “Are you that attracted to him? Because frankly, I don’t see it. He’s manipulative. Slimy. I think he’s up to something.”

  “You don’t know him.” Jocelyn stares at me, her jaw clenching.

  “And you do?” I steal a quick glance at her as I turn into my neighborhood.

  “Not yet. When he’s around, I feel different. He has this intoxicating scent, and all I want to do is be near him. He’s magnetic.”

  I snort. “Magnetic? Maybe he’s drugging you with that smell. It’s like he’s a walking herb garden.”

  “He’s different.”

  “You’re right about that.” I stop next to her car in my driveway, and Jocelyn slips out of the Jeep without another word. Her gaze is fixed a million miles away.

  I have a death grip on the steering wheel as I watch her slip inside her SUV. Why is she doing this? It’s not like her to betray me. I bite my lip, hoping that everything will be okay.

  I park my car at the curb in front of my mother’s house, careful to avoid the mountain of snow piled high on the edge of the street.

  The mint green of her home looks festive beneath the sparkling, multicolored Christmas lights hanging from her porch. Her car sits in the driveway, buried under several inches of powder.

  I bang on the door, wringing my hands while I wait. Knocking again, I peer through the frosted glass windows, just as a shadow slips passed. I take a deep breath as the door cracks open, and my mother cautiously peeks out. “Ciara. What are you doing out in this weather?”

  “I need to talk to you.” I shove my hands in the pockets of my jacket, my stomach knotting with the thought of telling her my plans.

  “It’s not the best time.” She glances back over her shoulder, shifting her feet.

  “It won’t take long. It’s important.”

  “Are you sure it can’t wait?” My mom sighs as I shake my head.

  “Alright.” She steps to the side, opening the door just wide enough for me to get inside. She leans forward, scanning the street, then closes the door, twisting the lock with a loud click.

  I follow her through the dimly lit entry, my wet boots squeaking on the tile floor, all the way into the living room. The smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies perfumes the air.

  I slip my coat from my shoulders, freezing as my eyes land on the two strange men sitting on my mother’s couch. “I didn’t know you had company.”

  The man to my left is exceptionally tall, even from a seated position. A steel-gray tuft of hair hangs from his broad chin. His posture, stiff but impeccable, gives him an air of royalty.

  The man to the right is much shorter; his head barely reaches the other’s shoulders. So still, it would be easy to mistake him for a statue. He stares at me with eyes as green as my own. Both men feel familiar, even if I’ve never met either of them before now.

  The two men stand, their expressions flat as stone. The giant dips his head, the tuft of his goatee brushing against his chest. “You may call me Cap.” Leaving his eyes locked on mine, he nods toward his companion. “You may call him Donnelly.”

  “What do you want with my mother?” Cap and Donnelly return to the couch. I edge around the glass coffee table, perching on the front of my favorite leaf-patterned chair.

  “We have important business to discuss with Tara.” Cap stares at me, unflinching at my abrupt question.

  “Business? What kind of business?” I sit up straight, squaring my shoulders.

  Frowning slightly, Cap clasps his hands in his lap. “Important.”

  “Ciara? You said you had something to tell me?” Mother stands near the entry, arms folded across her chest.

  “I thought we could talk.” I keep my eyes locked on Cap, pushing my mind for any memory of this man. “Just the two of us.”

  “It can wait, girl,” Cap says.

  I
bristle. “Girl?” I’m about to let him have it when I see the green and gold swirl in his eyes, gasping as a shiver runs through my body.

  Cap calmly holds my stare. “She still doesn’t know?”

  “Know what?” My hands clench in my lap.

  “It’s nothing, Ciara, really.” Mom’s eyes dart back and forth between the three of us, her fingers tightly twisting the hem of her shirt.

  “You call this nothing?” Cap’s voice thunders through the room, causing me to scoot back in my chair. “You lied to me.”

  Mother ducks her head. “I didn’t lie.”

  “What is nothing? Or apparently something? What lie?” My body trembles, on the verge of exploding. “Will somebody tell me what’s happening?”

  “Fill the girl in, tell her everything so we can move on. Time is of the essence. We have three days.” Cap levels a stern gaze at my mother, my mind whirling as fast as the colors in his eyes.

  I open my mouth to speak but trip over my thoughts as Cap’s words sink in.

  “Three days?” I look at my mom, her chin trembling. “What happens on my birthday?”

  My mom rushes forward, shoving my coat into my shaking arms and pulling me to my feet.

  “It’s time to go. You can stop by later, and we’ll talk then.” Mom tries to smile through her nervousness.

  I struggle against her as she walks me toward the door.

  “You’re kicking me out? Tell me what? Who are they?” My face burns over a clenched jaw, and it's suddenly me against a world gone crazy.

  Mom opens the door, giving me one final push. “I’m sorry. Really. We’ll talk later.”

  I shove my arms into my coat, the fabric tearing slightly.

  “I’m not coming back. I’m leaving town if you care.” My quick breath rises like steam from a train as I fight back the tears that threaten to spill down my face.

  She hesitates, a sad smile barely touching her lips.

  “I hope you stay. Be safe out there.” She closes the door with a soft click.

  CHAPTER FOUR