Killing Me Softly, page 19
Billy nodded. ‘You noticed that? I thought so, too.’ He clapped his hands together. ‘This is great. So much to try. Something’s bound to break through.’
Lexi stood and gripped his shoulder. ‘I think you’re right. Let’s give the horses a go today and then tomorrow you can bring her down to sit in on a recording session. One thing at a time for now.’
Billy nodded and pushed away from the table, making his way around to where Cat was sitting, having polished off her breakfast while they were talking. ‘I’ll just go and get us both ready.’
‘I’ll give you a hand with Cat, shall I?’ Bev offered.
Together they herded Cat out of the kitchen.
Lexi turned to Daemon, realising they were suddenly alone again. ‘I’ll just go and get changed,’ she managed, stepping away from the table.
‘I need to change, too,’ Daemon said, pushing out of his chair and walking over to her.
She stepped into his arms as he reached for her. Their lips met, followed by their bodies, chest to chest, stomach to stomach, her leg slipping between his, hands splayed, feeling warmth and tensile strength under cloth, longing to feel so much more.
Breathless, he pulled away. ‘I’ll see you down at the stable.’
She grinned up at him, lips puffy and glistening from the kiss. ‘I’m looking forward to seeing what you can do.’
‘I bet you are.’ His grin was cocky and made her laugh.
With some difficulty, she pulled out of his arms and hurried upstairs to get changed. She felt more lighthearted than she had for a very long time. Actually, she couldn’t remember when she’d last felt this good. She was happy. Cat had shown good progress; the recordings the band had done so far were coming along and, for the first time ever, there was the promise of a lover if she wanted one – someone who didn’t want more of her than she felt capable of giving.
It could be perfect.
Singing lightly under her breath she brushed her teeth and hair, threw some clothes on and practically skipped down the stairs and outside to the stables. For the first time in eleven years, Lexi was looking forward to what the future would bring.
Chapter 18
Melissa swore as the Rover’s tyres spun in the mud. The back of the car fishtailed out behind her as she turned from the lane that led to StormHaven Manor and out onto the narrow road. Nervously, she clutched at the wheel. The rain they’d had in the past two days made the lane impassable for her little Audi, so AJ had lent her the four-wheel drive. The Range Rover was great at dealing with the mud and crater-sized potholes, but Melissa wasn’t. A New Yorker through and through, she knew how to drive but rarely did so.
She was relieved to be off the lane – not that the road was much better. At least on a road this narrow, she didn’t have to worry about remembering to drive on the left until she got to a proper, two-lane road.
Taking in a deep breath, she exhaled slowly. ‘Relax,’ she told herself, loosening her death grip on the wheel. ‘Try to enjoy the drive.’
After the rains, the grass in the fields was deeply green. Heather and tiny white daisies grew along the roadside and right up to the stone wall that lined the road.
If she had time after visiting Carlisle, she might go and look at Hadrian’s Wall. Phil said it was worth a look.
Melissa wound down the window, feeling her tension dissolve the further she drove. This was the first time Phil had agreed to let her go on a little shopping and sightseeing jaunt by herself.
He was so protective. But as she’d said to him over and over, she was pregnant, not sick! He’d finally got that through his thick skull and realised she needed to go into town. By herself. AJ had volunteered to come with her, but she really needed some time alone. She was making a point to Phil, after all. She needed to blow off the cobwebs that had been growing on her through lack of activity. She loved him dearly and didn’t mind living wherever he was, but if she had to spend one more day on the farm doing nothing, she was going to lose her mind.
Besides, she wanted to buy a few things for the baby. She touched her stomach, a smile blooming on her lips.
An old Elvis Presley number flowed out of the speakers and she began to sing along, enjoying the drive and the stunning countryside. She didn’t notice the other car until it slammed into her.
He couldn’t believe his luck when the shiny black Range Rover sped past. He couldn’t see clearly through the darkened windows, but he was sure only one person sat inside the Rover and the shape was too slight to be Billy. That meant one thing.
She was in the car.
Alone.
He’d been trying to think of a way to get her on her own the whole drive back from London. He should be tired, after driving all day yesterday, breaking into the Irish bastard’s home last night, trashing the place and then driving back so no-one would be suspicious. But he wasn’t tired. Not now. He was exhilarated.
The timing was perfect. He’d never been able to get her alone before. She was always surrounded by people on the blasted farm. Now, here she was, handing him the opportunity on a silver platter – a big, shiny, black, hulking, Rover-shaped platter.
He turned into the narrow road behind the Rover and sped up. If he rammed her, he could force her to stop, or better yet, have an accident. Unconscious, she would be easy pickings. He could do what he liked with her.
Licking his lips, he hit the accelerator.
Her scream flew back at him as his grey jeep smashed into the back of her Rover. He smiled, excited. Ignoring the tightness of his erection thickening against the wool of his pants, he sped up, laughing as she tried wildly to avoid the collision. The grinding of metal on metal combined with the sound of her screams almost made him come in his pants. But he held on.
He had something far better to do with his seed.
He sped up again, hitting the Rover, thankful he’d bought this refurbished ex-army jeep. The wet roads and the power of the jeep made the whole thing too easy. He rammed into her again.
The Rover skidded sideways, lost traction on the muddy grass verge, hit the stone wall and flipped, rolling through the field, leaving a muddy groove in its wake. He slammed on his breaks just as the Rover smashed into a tumble of rocks in the middle of the field. The sound of tearing metal and broken glass sang in the air as the car came to a final, groaning stop.
He jumped out of his jeep and walked across the field to revel in the glory of what he had done. His pleasure when he’d taken that slut up against the tree last weekend felt like nothing compared to this.
They said in the newspapers he had killed her. He couldn’t exactly remember killing her, but she was dead, so it must be true. But they’d made him sound like the bad one. She was the one who opened her legs to him without even knowing his name. Slut! A better end than she deserved.
His erection was almost painful now. He’d drag his brother’s whore out of the car and make her relieve him of the pressure immediately. The least she could do.
The car was upside down, cradled by the tumbling outcropping of stone. She didn’t deserve the beauty of such an image.
A hank of strawberry-blond hair hid her profile as he looked through the frame of the window. A feeling of dread settled over him.
Oh sweet Lord. No.
He reached out and shoved the hair aside.
Blood was oozing from the large gash on her forehead plastering her hair to her face. Her eye and cheek were swelling where she had hit her head against the steering wheel. Even so, her sweet face was recognisable.
Melissa!
What was she doing in her car? He had never meant to hurt Melissa. He liked her. Besides, she was pregnant! She was the bearer of one of God’s most sacred duties.
Panic rose in him.
What was he to do? If she was dead he had committed a horrific sin. He touched her neck, feeling for a pulse.
She groaned.
Thank the Messiah! She was alive.
He couldn’t leave her here though. He became aware of the squawking voice coming somewhere from inside the car. ‘Can you hear me? What happened? Are you all right?’
A mobile phone! She had rung someone. The police! He had to get out of here but not before he made sure she would be taken care of. He reached in and grabbed the phone.
‘Send an ambulance. There’s been an accident.’
‘Who am I speaking to?’
‘Send an ambulance.’
He gave the location before cutting the connection, wiped the phone over with a handkerchief then ran back across the field. He would have liked to stay, pretend he’d come across the wreckage, but the damage on the army jeep would be a dead giveaway. He’d have to get rid of it. If he was caught now, he could not complete the work.
The work was everything.
He swung into the jeep, adrenaline rushing through him. Was that the sound of a siren he could hear in the distance? The wheels squealed as he took to the narrow road. The police would be coming from Fellhaven. He was heading in the opposite direction. He would be safe.
His heart thudded sickeningly.
His exhilaration fled in the face of his shame. He would never have knowingly hurt Melissa and her baby. But he hadn’t known. How could he? She had tricked him. The blame lay at her feet! She couldn’t get away with being responsible for hurting another innocent. He would have vengeance – for this and for so much more.
He was the Angel of Death sent to strike down the unrighteous.
The thought made him smile.
Chapter 19
Lexi laughed as they thundered to a stop outside the barn.
‘Christ, that horse is fast,’ Daemon said, pulling up beside her.
‘I told you I’d win.’
He slipped from his horse and swaggered over to her. ‘No. I think I won.’
‘But you came in second.’
‘Yeah, but I got to watch your fine arse in front of me for the last mile. I couldn’t think of a better prize if I came in first.’
‘Then you don’t have much of an imagination, son,’ Karl said as he came up behind them on Jimbo.
Lexi blushed – she’d forgotten for a moment that they weren’t alone. She covered her embarrassment by sliding off Viking and leading him into the barn to unsaddle and rub him down. Daemon and Karl followed.
‘You did good work out there today, son. Although I shouldn’t be surprised. A man with calluses like you have didn’t get them just strumming a guitar.’
‘His da owns a pub in County Clare and Daemon earned extra money when he was young helping out on the farms.’
‘Is that so?’ Karl asked, glancing between them, his gaze staying on Daemon. ‘I’m thinking though, you’ve done that kind of work on and off over the years to keep those calluses fresh – am I right?’
‘You’d be right. There’s something marvellously grounding about working the land.’ Daemon hefted the saddle off Old Sarge and carted it over to the saddle rack and so didn’t see Lexi’s startled look.
She’d never imagined he still did that kind of work when he went back to visit his da. He was full of surprises and hidden depths. And while she didn’t really like surprises, she was liking his hidden depths more and more.
‘Oh, good. You’re all back.’
Lexi turned to face Bev as she ran into the barn. ‘What’s wrong?’ she asked, noting Bev’s pale face.
‘Constable Creeson is here. There’s been an accident.’
Daemon and Karl came forward, Karl to take Bev’s hand in a steadying grip. ‘What do you need, love?’
‘We have to find Phil. It’s Melissa. She’s been in a car crash.’
Lexi gasped, hand over her mouth, and looked at Daemon, who’d gone suddenly pale.
‘Is she. . . ?’
‘No. No. They’ve taken her to hospital. He said something about an operation but wouldn’t tell me anything else until we’ve found Phil. I tried the Dower House and the studio, but he’s not answering.’
Daemon cursed. ‘I turned the ringer down on the intercom last night when I was working and must have forgotten to turn it back up. Phil and Craig were going to go to the studio to jam.’ He gripped Lexi’s hand as he spoke and turned to Karl.
Karl waved him off. ‘It’s all right, lad. I’ll finish with the horses. You go and find Phil.’
Damon nodded his thanks. Lexi squeezed his hand and he glanced at her, his face grim. She and Bev followed him as he ran outside to find Constable Creeson waiting.
‘I think they might be in the studio,’ he said, not breaking stride. The constable nodded and followed, a look in his eyes that made Lexi’s heart go out to him. He was so young – he shouldn’t have to deal with death and terrible accidents.
They heard the music from the studio upstairs as soon as they opened the door. Daemon didn’t let go of Lexi’s hand as he ascended the stairs and stopped outside the open studio door.
She understood his hesitation. Nobody ever liked to be the bearer of bad news.
The music stopped as they walked in, Phil and Craig turning to look at them, their gazes taking in the constable and Bev and then snapping back to Daemon.
‘Dae? What’s going on?’ Craig asked, putting his guitar aside.
Constable Creeson entered, clearing his throat. ‘I need to speak to Mr Paris.’
‘Melissa?’ Phil said, wildfire panic in his eyes.
‘Your wife’s been in an accident. She’s been taken to the hospital in a serious condition. They’re operating now.’
The Constable had taken his hat off, shifting it from one hand to the other. Phil took a step back, shaking his head. ‘And the baby?’
Bev took Phil’s hand in hers. ‘They don’t know anything more right now.’
‘I knew I shouldn’t have let her go alone. I knew it.’
‘Phil. That won’t help.’
He nodded, face pale. ‘Just take me to her.’
‘You can come with me in the patrol car, Mr Paris.’ Constable Creeson stepped back and gestured to the stairs.
Phil looked like he was sleepwalking as he headed down the stairs, his eyes wide and dazed.
‘Shouldn’t someone go with him?’ Lexi asked.
Daemon rubbed his hand over his face, nodding slowly. ‘You’re right. I’ll go.’ He looked at her. ‘Will you come with me?’
Lexi nodded, eyes filling with tears at the look on his face. ‘Of course I will.’
He took her hand and said to Craig and Bev, ‘I’ll call you when I know more.’
Craig gripped Daemon’s shoulder. ‘Look after him, mate.’ His eyes were full of emotion; filled with all the things that tied the three men, and Phil’s wife, together. Lexi swallowed and looked away.
Craig continued, ‘I’ll call Nigel to let him know and follow in a little while. I’ll also grab some stuff for Lis and Phil to have at the hospital.’
‘Good idea.’
Bev said. ‘I’ll get some food together and come in with Craig.’
‘Thanks.’ With that, his lips pressed tight, Daemon pulled Lexi out the door and down the stairs.
They rushed outside and saw that Phil and the constable were already at the police car. Daemon called out to them, told him they would follow in his car. The constable waved his understanding, but Phil didn’t even seem to register. He just opened the door and hopped into the police car, head bowed, face pale.
Lexi’s heart went out to him. Sorrow was a familiar cloak. She’d worn it for so many years; she was desperately sorry to see it on someone else.
Daemon pulled her to the garage behind the Dower House where he kept his car, and a moment later they were following the police car down the long drive out of StormHaven’s park and out on to the main, narrow road that led into Fellhaven.
Fifteen minutes down the road they passed the car wreck.
Lexi flinched as she saw the skid marks on the road, the damage to the stone wall, the path of the vehicle as it rolled to a crashing stop against the rocks clearly delineated on the grass and soil of the field.
How had Melissa and the baby survived? It had to be a miracle.
Lexi prayed for another one that would see Melissa and the baby through surgery and on the road to recovery soon.
Daemon’s fists tightened on the wheel and he said through gritted teeth. ‘It looks like she was forced off the road.’
‘I hope Phil doesn’t look up and see it.’
‘Fucking oath. I hope you’re right.’
She put her hand on his leg and squeezed. He took one hand off the wheel and placed it over her hand, holding it there against him.
When they got to the hospital, a nurse ushered them into the waiting area and told them that Melissa had sustained a broken leg and arm and multiple bruises and contusions but the most dangerous injury was the one sustained when her head hit the window. She’d gone into surgery to release the pressure on her brain from fluid build-up. The baby was miraculously fine. The doctors were trying to make sure the baby stayed nestled safely inside her until its due date.
‘Oh, thank Christ.’ Phil sank down on to the off-pink sofa.
Daemon sat beside him, saying nothing, just putting his hand on Phil’s back, holding it there as Phil sobbed into his hands.
Lexi stood next to the sofa, uncertain what to do. Should she sit? She looked down at the sofa next to Daemon. The food and coffee stains on it were a history of all the others who had spent endless hours waiting to hear about their loved ones. It was very like the sofa Lexi had once waited on with her parents; then once more, when she’d waited alone. Her stomach lurched at the memory. She wished with everything in her that the news Phil received after the surgery would be far better than the news she’d received the day her parents had died.
Phil glanced up, his face pale, eyes red-rimmed and brimming with tears. He looked shocked and lost. She wondered if she should be here, intruding. Then he held his hand out to her. She took it, and then sat down next to him on the other side of the sofa.
‘What if she doesn’t survive? What am I going to do?’ His voice was barely a rough whisper, the grief tangible.
