Finally Home (Chapter Three)

Finally Home

D. A. Ratliff

Chapter Three

Lia concentrated on the monotone voice from the GPS, following directions to the Ellisons, when her phone beeped, breaking her focus. Tapping the screen, she heard Perry’s muffled voice.

“Lia, can you hear me? We’re at the dock about to board the dinner boat, and it’s windy.”

“I can hear you, barely.”

“Wanted to tell you I had a chance to look over the papers. Everything’s fine. I like the way Ellison handled the estate and recommend you sign.”

“That’s good. I’ll tell him tonight.”

“Now you remember what I said. Enjoy your evening, and don’t worry about anything. Gotta go, honey. Boarding has started. Mom says hi, have fun, and we love you.”

“You have fun, too. Love you.”

She dropped her phone back in the cupholder as she passed the Beaufort hospital, which meant she wasn’t far from where she needed to turn. She followed the tree-lined road which led from historic downtown Beaufort down the peninsula to a larger residential area. Spotting the discount store Sadie mentioned, she turned left onto a narrow street that curved around the shoreline.

The homes she first passed were spacious ranch-style houses, but as she drove further into the neighborhood, the homes became more impressive. By the time she arrived at her destination, the houses were what she would call stately. She turned into a driveway framed by a brick entry and a low brick wall surrounding the property. The driveway curved to the right, and the thick moss-laden trees nearly shielded the house from view. As she emerged from the trees, Lia discovered a wide circular drive that looped around an elegant stone fountain in front of an imposing house.

Lia pulled in behind a black Mercedes, the last in a line of cars parked on the drive, and stared at the beautiful house. Many of the homes in Beaufort resembled the antebellum-style, white wood exteriors and wide verandas around the main level and second story, and the Ellison house was no exception. However, she suspected that Jasper and his wife had recently built this house, which was larger than her grandmother’s. From her parking spot, she could see the bay sparkling in the early evening light and imagined the view from the rear yard must be spectacular.

She was nervous. Her hands trembled as they gripped the steering wheel. While dressing, she admitted that Magdalene’s visit had disturbed her more than she wanted to think. She didn’t belong here. This wasn’t her home. Yet. She shuddered, yet what? What was she feeling? Lia scolded herself once again. She didn’t know what she was thinking, but she did know twenty-four hours was not enough to make any decisions. Taking a deep breath, she grabbed her purse, the gift she’d brought, and stepped onto the driveway—time to meet the good citizens of Beaufort. Despite Sadie Lee’s words, Lia seriously doubted that she would dazzle them.

Walking up to the broad steps, she smoothed down the skirt of the hot pink cotton sundress, glad she also bought a cotton sweater as the cooling breeze off the bay swept over her. Steeling herself, she climbed the steps onto the wide veranda and pressed the doorbell.

Jasper was smiling as he entered the foyer from the rear of the house. Opening the door, he swept his right arm toward the entry hall. “Lia, good to see you. Please come in.”

“Good to see you as well, Jasper.”

“Everyone’s in the family room. Let’s join them.”

The family room was a large kitchen/den combination stretched across the back of the house. An enormous black marble-topped island separated the kitchen from a spacious family room, with a massive fireplace on the opposite wall. As beautiful as the room was, the wall of windows and French doors leading to the back veranda drew Lia’s attention. The view of the bay was breathtaking.

Two couples sat on stools next to the island, the men rising as she and Jasper entered. A slender dark-haired woman dressed in black tapered slacks and a pale blue high-necked silk blouse was in the kitchen talking to two women dressed in server attire. She walked over to them.

“You must be Amelia. I’m Tillie. I am so happy you agreed to come to dinner. Everyone here was very fond of your grandmother, and we wanted to ensure you received a warm welcome to Beaufort.”

“Thank you, and please call me Lia.” She handed Tillie a gold tin tied with a chocolate bow. “I appreciate the invitation. I know this isn’t much, but I thought you might like a little chocolate.”

“Oh, my, I love this toffee, and you just made a hit with my son and Jasper. They practically inhale this toffee when it’s around. Thank you, dear. Now, what are you drinking? I’m having a martini. Would you like one, or can we get you something else?”

“A martini would be fine.”

“Jasper, get this lovely thing a martini. Charles, stick your head out the door and tell Cade and the others our guest is here. We’ll make introductions once everyone’s inside.”

Lia stood by the island, martini glass in hand, as a group of people entered from the veranda. There were three women and two men she could see well, but one of the men was extraordinarily tall and blocked her view of the last man who entered.

Jasper clinked his glass. “Okay, everyone, gather round, I like for you to meet Amelia Sinclair, Josephine’s granddaughter, and she goes by Lia.” A chorus of hellos greeted her. Then Jasper introduced the others. “That mean-looking man is Charles Watson, and next to him is his lovely and long-suffering wife, Rita.”

Charles interrupted. “Don’t you listen to him, Lia. I’m a good guy.”

“He’s a banker. Enough said.”

Charles laughed. “And you’re a lawyer—I rest my case.”

With a playful grin on his face, Jasper continued. “The redhead is Carrie Ford and her husband, Will. Will was your grandmother’s CPA. The bow tie belongs to Craig Monroe, the Beaufort Art’s Council director, and his wife Janine, who teaches art at the USC branch. Mira Reynolds is Beaufort’s current artist-in-residence, and her extremely tall husband Eric there teaches music at USC.”’

Mira walked over to her and grabbed her hand. “I am so excited to have the chance to meet you. Your grandmother told me you were a curator at the Louvre. I can’t wait to hear what it’s like to work there. I understand you are an artist as well.”

Lia’s hand trembled, the word Louvre jarring her fragile nerves. She managed to set her martini on the island before she spilled it. She attempted to keep her voice steady. “I dabble in painting, make a little jewelry, that’s all.”

The blonde woman cocked her head. “Did you make the necklace you’re wearing?”

Instinctively, Lia’s fingers touched the necklace of genuine amber intermixed with pink crystals. She chose the pink sundress because she brought the necklace with her. “Yes, I did.”

The blonde raised an eyebrow. “It’s quite lovely. I’m Veronica Gibson.”

Jasper stepped in. “Veronica is a member of the Arts Council. Lastly, that man hiding in the corner is our son Caden, who prefers to be called Cade.” Jasper then turned to Tillie. “My love, when is dinner? Starved here.”

Lia turned slightly to her right to say hello. Cade Ellison was walking toward her, dressed in a suit with a blue tie stuck in the jacket pocket. He walked with the loose-limbed gait of a man who was at ease with himself.

He stopped in front of her, a slight half-grin on his face. “Welcome.” Reaching around her, he set his empty tumbler on the island, then whispered. “When I moved back to Beaufort, they made me go through this ritual as well, but I promise they’re harmless.”

Lia couldn’t breathe, distracted by his olive-green eyes and his deep voice tinged with a slight southern drawl. She managed a smile. “Is there an escape plan?”

Cade dropped his head, chuckling. “I’ll drive the getaway car.”

Tillie joined them. “Cade, honey, can you get more ice from the freezer in the pantry? The ice bucket on the bar is low.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He kissed his mother on the cheek and gave Lia a long look before he headed toward the pantry.

“If you’re hungry, my dear, there are snacks down there,” Tillie pointed toward a series of dishes that looked more elaborate than simple snacks. “We’ll have dinner in a bit. I hope you like shrimp and grits, sort of my specialty.” She leaned closer. “Between you and me, probably the only thing I can cook well.”

Lia shook her head. “Not what I’ve heard. Sadie Lee said you were a wonderful cook.”

Tillie preened. “She did? Oh, my, Sadie Lee is the best cook in Beaufort, so that is high praise. Now mingle. They won’t bite, I promise.”

Lia liked Tillie Ellison at once, thinking how much her mother would enjoy talking with her. She wondered if they had met many years ago at her birthday party. There were other children there. Perhaps one of the boys who came was Cade Ellison. She’d have to ask Sadie.

She walked to the end of the island and took a bruschetta from a silver tray. Jasper and Charles, arguing about local politics, stopped and turned their attention to her.

Jasper smiled. “I hope we didn’t overwhelm you with the introductions.”

“Not at all,” she lied, not wanting anyone to realize how apprehensive she was. “I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone.”

Charles interjected. “Have you decided to stay?”

Jasper took a deep breath, his tone annoyed. “I thought we agreed not to ask that question.”

Lia compressed her lips. “It’s all right. No reason people shouldn’t ask.” She turned to Charles. “I’ve only been here a bit over twenty-four hours and have no idea what I am going to do.”

“Well, we’d love for you to stay. Keeps Josephine with us. You look a lot like she did when she was younger, according to the pictures of her when she was your age. Lovely, lovely woman.”

Lia turned her attention to Jasper. “I spoke with Perry. He reviewed the documents and recommended I sign them. Whenever you want, I can stop by your office.”

“Great, now Cade and I both will be out of the office tomorrow. We have to be in Columbia for a Senate hearing. Why don’t you plan on coming by Friday morning around ten?”

“Oh, your son is an attorney?”

“Yes. I finally got him to leave Chicago and come home. Friday, okay?”

“Yes, I’ll be there.” She turned to Charles. “I’d like to visit the bank after I leave Jasper’s office. Will that be all right?”

“Absolutely. I’ll have all the documents waiting for you.”

Lia spoke with Janine Monroe and Mira Reynolds for the next fifteen minutes while others came in and out of their conversations. She was thankful everyone kept their questions to her impressions of Beaufort, regaling her with stories of her grandmother, who had served on the Arts Council. At one point, she noticed Cade refresh his drink and head toward them, only to be side-tracked by the beautiful Veronica Gibson.

Tillie called them into the spacious, airy dining room. A dark cherry dining table large enough to seat all of them occupied the center of the room. Elegant cream-colored china and gold-rimmed crystal glittered with reflected light from a multi-tiered crystal chandelier hung above the table.

Tillie pointed to the far side of the table. “Lia, my dear, why don’t you sit on that side near the center.”

Lia nodded and headed toward the chair indicated, surprised to find Cade behind her. He held out her chair. “You’re in for a treat. My mom’s an excellent cook.”

“I’ve heard. Sadie Lee told me your mother’s shrimp and grits are delicious.”

He sat next to her. “You like grits?”

“Yes, I do. See, there’s a little Southern Belle in me.”

He gazed at her with the faintest of smiles. “More than a little, I think. There appears to be a….”

Veronica Gibson interrupted. “Cade, I thought you were sitting by me.” She was sitting directly across the table and patted the place setting next to her.

His jaw clenched ever so slightly. “I’m seeing to our guest.”

The blonde’s eyebrow raised. “Well, aren’t you the gallant gentleman?”

The server saved Cade from responding as she finished pouring wine for everyone, and Jasper stood up. “I think before we eat, a toast is in order. Most of us sitting around this table became enriched by knowing Josephine Sinclair. She was a demanding woman who expected perfection but forgave our human frailties. She had a sharp tongue and an incredible wit but a heart of gold. She will be missed.” He raised his glass. “To Josephine.”

The diners echoed Jasper’s words. Lia looked around the room. The people dining with her knew the woman she had never had the opportunity to know. Yet, they had welcomed her as if she belonged. She rose. “I didn’t know my grandmother. The last time I saw her, I was five years old, and she was wearing a violet dress. I remember her smile as I blew out the candles on a birthday cake that was bigger than I was. Circumstances prevented me from seeing her again, but I feel as if I am beginning to know her through your eyes, and I am grateful.”

Lia sat down, slightly embarrassed, as Jasper offered a toast in her honor. Cade’s long fingers squeezed her hand, and he leaned over, his lips against her ear. “Nicely done. I didn’t know her well as an adult either. I was gone after college, but she was a wonderful lady.”

She smiled at him, and as she tore her eyes away from his, she saw Veronica Gibson glaring at her. To her surprise, Veronica’s reaction disturbed her. Lia felt a pang of jealousy for a brief moment, and it frightened her. She couldn’t allow any man to hurt her again.

After a dinner of shrimp and grits as good as she expected, Tillie sent them to the family room. During dessert, the conversation turned to Lia’s career.

Mira Reynolds broached the subject. “Lia, I simply have to know, how did you get hired at the Louvre? I have a friend who was born in Paris, an art major, and she tried several times to get a job there.”

Lia’s fingers tightened around her coffee cup as bile rose in her throat. Forcing herself to remember Perry’s words, she swallowed and answered. “I was very fortunate. After graduating from college, I attended NYU graduate school and then did a post-Bac in conservation and an internship in museology at SACI in Florence. My internship led to a job offer as a very lowly assistant curator in the museum where I interned. The contacts I made helped me with a position at the British Museum and then at the Louvre, where I concentrated on nineteenth-century French artists.”

Janine Monroe nodded. “Impressive. Where did you do your undergraduate studies?”

“UCLA.”

“Ooh,” Janine reacted, “their art program is amazing. Can you chat with my class while you’re here?”

“I—I don’t know. I’ll see.”

Janine’s husband, Craig, interjected. “I would love to spend some time with you. We have some programs we’d like to start here, and your input would be great.”

“Thanks. If I have time, I will enjoy that.”

Veronica had gotten up to pour herself a drink. As she retook her chair, she asked the one question Lia dreaded. “I don’t understand. If you had such a great position at the Louvre, why give it up?”

Lia’s eyes darted to Jasper, and she could tell from the look on his face he realized her panic. Looking back at Veronica, she knew she had to face this question sometime. Now was not the time.

“If you don’t mind, it’s personal, and I rather not go into the reasons I left.”

Jasper stood, raising his glass. “Can I get anyone a drink?”

Some people said yes, giving Lia cover to flee, at least to the powder room. By the time she closed the door, she was shaking violently. Gripping the sink, she fought back nausea that was overwhelming her. When the shaking finally stopped, she sank to the toilet and dropped her head in her hands. Taking a few deep breaths, she forced herself to regain control. She stood up, grabbed a guest paper towel, wet it, and rubbed the cool towel across the back of her neck.

She loathed looking in the mirror. She used her fingers to smooth the long layers framing her face. She was extremely pale, and her deep green eyes appeared neon against her translucent skin. She needed some sun on her face, too many months of a French jail cell and house confinement in Paris, then rarely going out once she returned to Seattle. She took a deep breath. She needed a life.

She couldn’t hide forever, so Lia opened the door. The kitchen lights were dim. She could see the guests watching something on the widescreen in the den. Across from the powder room was a door to the veranda and fresh air. She darted across the kitchen and slipped out the door.

The salty breeze was cooler than usual for this time of year, and Lia tugged her sweater closer around her. The moon had not risen yet, but the soft landscape lights cast a glow around the veranda. Several white wood rockers with thick cushions offered seating that overlooked the bay, but instead of sitting down, she walked to the banister, leaning against a column. She wanted a quiet moment before she returned to the party. The day was coming when she had to face the truth of the last year publicly, but for now, she craved a few more days of anonymity. Her thoughts lost in the beautiful setting, Cade’s unexpected arrival startled her.

“You okay?”

Heat flushed her cheeks as she whirled around to face him. She took a deep breath. “You’re very sneaky.”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“I’m fine. I suppose all of this has been overwhelming. Not tonight, but finding out my grandmother was dead, and she left her estate to me, then coming here just a few weeks later. I…”

“It’s a lot to deal with at once. Not sure I’d want all those surprises. Look, I know Veronica’s question upset you.”

“It’s just thinking about my life in Paris. It’s difficult right now.”

“Veronica’s never been known for her tact. I’m sorry.”

“Nothing for you to be sorry about, Cade. We should go back in. I’m a bad guest.”

Once again, he gave her a half-grin. “You’re far from a bad guest, but let’s go inside.”

As Lia and Cade entered the house, Tillie smiled and waved them in. “Come here, you two. Eric’s been working with underprivileged kids to get them interested in music. He has a delightful video of them playing an impromptu concert.”

As Lia took a seat on the large sectional, she noticed Veronica watching her angrily, followed by a furious glance at Cade. She appeared annoyed that he sat on the opposite side of the room, not taking the empty seat next to her.

Lia found the video of Eric’s students to be highly entertaining and relaxed as she enjoyed the performances. When the video ended, she noted it was a few minutes before ten o’clock and decided the others likely had early mornings—time to go.

She rose. “Jasper, Tillie, thank you so much for such a wonderful evening. I have enjoyed meeting all of you, getting to know you, and learning more about my grandmother. If you don’t mind, I’m going to call it a night. I am still recovering from the long flight yesterday.”

Everyone stood, and most of the guests rushed to her, imploring her to stay in touch or call so they could chat. They offered invitations to lunch and dinner, and Lia found it all a bit overwhelming. Tillie stepped in and rescued her.

“Now, everyone, Lia might look like a little doll, but she is not a toy. You all can call the house and get her social calendar all filled up. Now all of you, scoot. Time to go home.”

Lia sighed. “I didn’t mean to end the evening.”

“My goodness, this group? You have to run them off. They love to talk. I’d love for you to come by some afternoon. We’ll have tea or something stronger and talk about Josephine. I served on a lot of committees with her over the years, and I adored her. I’d love to tell you about her.”

“I’d like that.”

“Good, now Jasper will walk you out. Let’s talk in a couple of days and set up a time to visit.”

“That sounds wonderful.” She hugged Tillie. “Thanks again. Dinner was delicious, and the company even better.”

She walked with Jasper to the front door and onto the porch. “Lia, I’m glad you came.”

“Thanks to you and Tillie for the invitation. I enjoyed everything.”

“Let me walk you to your car.”

Cade emerged from the shadows. “I’ll do that, Dad.”

“Good, then I’ll say goodnight.” Jasper gave her a peck on the cheek, said he’d see her Friday morning, and then turned back into the house.

Lia looked at Cade, head cocked. “I’m all grown up. You don’t need to walk me to my car.”

He chewed on his bottom lip as his eyes roamed over her body. “No argument about you being grown up, but who knows what boogeyman could lurk in the bushes.” Cade held out his arm. “So come on, let me play knight in shining armor.”

She shook her head, still dealing with the look he had given her. She linked her arm to his. “If you insist.”

They crossed the drive to her rental, and after she unlocked the door, he opened it. Before she got into the car, he stopped her.

“Here,” he handed her his business card, “my personal cell number’s on the back. If you need anything, call me, please.”

She took the card, realizing once again her hand was trembling. “I… thank you.”

He smiled. “I mean anything. I’m a pretty good tour guide….” Before he could finish, Veronica emerged from the house and called out Cade’s name.

Joining them, she slid her arm through Cade’s, her voice dripping with honey. “Don’t you think it’s time you take me home?” She turned to Lia. “So lovely to meet you. I sure hope we get a chance to see you again before you leave.”

“Nice to meet you.” Lia got into the car. “Nice to meet you as well, Cade.”

He smiled, never taking his eyes from hers. “A pleasure to meet you, goodnight.”

Lia drove through deserted streets on her way home, passing only an ambulance turning into the hospital, lights flashing. Bay Street was quiet, except for several cars parked near the restaurant where she’d picked up lunch. The bartender said it was a great place for dinner, so she thought she might check it out.

As she turned off Bay onto Carteret, thoughts of the evening crowded into her memory, and she pushed them aside. She wasn’t ready to think about the evening but concentrated on not missing her turn. Feeling relieved, she found the house with ease. The gate stood open. She pulled into the drive and parked beside the ground floor side entrance.

The night was still. The moon peeked over the marsh, and the fragrance of honeysuckle filled her senses. She locked the car, the beep reverberating through the trees. She walked toward the door, then stopped as she heard a noise—the sound of footsteps nearby, the definitive sound of leather on asphalt. The hair on the nape of her neck bristled. Someone was coming closer to her. She fumbled for the key to the side door as she heard a twig break. Fear washed over her, and she dropped the keys. Bending to pick them up, she realized someone was standing behind her. She froze.

“Miss Lia, you okay?”

“Danny… oh… I…” She picked up the keys as adrenaline flooded through her. “I couldn’t find the key to the side door, and I dropped them. I thought I heard someone, but I guess it was you.”

“Sorry, ma’am. Didn’t mean to scare you. My friend dropped me off at the intersection, and I was walking home. Here let me get the door.”

He took her keychain and found the key. “It’s this one.” He unlocked the door and disarmed the alarm system. “You gonna be okay? Want me to come in with you?”

“No, I’m fine… thanks. Good night, Danny.”

The young man said goodnight, and she closed the door, reset the alarm, and headed for the back stairs. She found Rhett sitting in the center of the kitchen.

“Waiting up for me?”

The cat stared at her for a moment, mewed softly, and walked off, heading toward the main foyer. She laughed. She must have been out too late to suit the cat. Lia followed and found that Rhett had taken up residence in a chair in her room.

She undressed, washed her face, and slipped on a nightgown, then sat on the bed to text her mother about the evening. When done, she rummaged in her purse for the phone charger, finding Cade’s card instead. She sat staring at his handwritten cell number for a moment, wondering if he truly meant for her to call. Deciding that was a thought she didn’t need to have, she slipped the card into her billfold and grabbed the charger

Exhausted, she turned the lamp off and stretched out under the smooth, cool sheets feeling the light pressure of Rhett jumping onto the bed. As the cat settled next to her, her thoughts turned to the intriguing man she had just met. As she became drowsy, the image of Cade morphed into Nigel, and once again, she cried herself to sleep.

~~~

Lia was up once again before Sadie Lee arrived. She fixed breakfast for Rhett, and along with her new colored pencils and drawing pad, she placed a carafe of coffee, two mugs, and the sweet rolls onto a tray and headed to the deck. She had just sketched in the fence full of azaleas when Sadie climbed the back steps.

“Good morning, Lia.”

“Good morning to you. Come sit down. I have a pot of coffee, and I wonder where these delightful cinnamon rolls came from?”

“The grocery store….”

Lia gave Sadie a side-eyed glance. “Don’t believe that for a moment. Sit with me, please.”

“All right.”

Lia poured Sadie a coffee cup, handed her a sweet roll, then took one for herself. “You were right. Tillie served shrimp and grits, baby lima beans, a tomato salad, and bacon-cheese cornbread. Her shrimp and grits lived up to expectations.”

“So, you had a good time?”

“Yes….” Her answer was a bit shaky, so she took a breath and didn’t continue.

“Someone asked you about Paris?”

“Mira Reynolds knew I was an art curator and that I worked at the Louvre, so she had a thousand questions. But no one pried, well—almost no one pried. Someone did ask why I left such a terrific job. I suspect she knew why.”

“Who asked you that?”

“Veronica Gibson.”

“Hah. Was that woman there? I thought better of Tillie Ellison than to let that woman in her house.”

“She was there with Cade.”

Sadie scoffed. “Honey, Cade Ellison isn’t that hard up for a woman that he’d have anything to do with Veronica Gibson. Ronnie, as folks called her until she married Chet Gibson—Doctor Chet Gibson.”

“She’s married?”

“Not anymore. The good doctor caught her once too often with the tennis pro or whoever was the flavor of the moment. He divorced her about two years ago, gave her lots of money to end the marriage, and even offered her a huge sum if she’d stop using his name, but she refused. She likes being the ex-Mrs. Doctor Gibson. You say she was there with Cade?”

“He was taking her home.”

“Well, he’s always been a good boy, probably just giving her a ride.”

“He gave me his cell number and told me to call him if I needed anything.”

Sadie’s eyebrow raised. “He did, did he?”

“Now, don’t go getting all interested. He was nice.”

Sadie took a sip of coffee. “He’s a good man. Left for college but always came back in the summer. He did some work around here for Miss Josie, and she adored him. Well, he was such a pretty boy then, with all that thick dark hair and that killer grin. He went to law school in Chicago and met a girl there. Her daddy had a big law firm and offered him a position in the firm. Liked to killed Miss Tillie, but Jasper encouraged him to take the offer. I know he wanted his only son to join his firm, but this is a small town, and he didn’t want to stand in Cade’s way.”

“Cade said something to me about coming home. What happened?”

“Well, he married the girl… Parker was her name. Lawzy, who names a girl Parker? Anyway, she was also an attorney and quite the social climber. Gossip has it she wanted him to be more engaged in her society events, and he wanted to practice law.”

“Gossip?” Lia raised her eyebrows. “Everyone seems to know about everybody’s business.”

“Welcome to a small southern town. According to Lynne Marie….”

“The Lynne Marie who works here?”

“Yes… she works for the Ellison’s in the morning and here in the afternoon… has for twenty years. We’ve been friends for so long. We talk, but never outside these doors.”

“I didn’t mean….”

“I know… just wanted to say it. According to what Lynne Marie knows, Cade learned she had an affair and walked out. Left the firm and returned to Beaufort about a year ago. He hasn’t seen anyone since he got back, although the women have been pursuing him. Mostly, he works, does some charity stuff, always at the Habitat for Humanity events.” She leaned back. “I can assure you. He’s not involved with Veronica Gibson.”

Lia knew the look on Sadie’s face. Sadie thought she was interested in Cade. She had seen the same face on her mother's every time she talked about men or boys since she was ten. She started to tell Sadie she wasn’t interested in Cade Ellison, but that would be a lie. It was also something she didn’t want to consider. She changed the subject.

“I saw Danny last night. He was walking home. I’d heard footsteps and didn’t know it was him. He unlocked the side door for me. Idiot that I am, I couldn’t remember which key opened it.”

“You heard the boy? I swear I always get on him since he bought those new sports shoes last week. They don’t make a sound, and he loves them so much he won’t wear anything else. He’s scared the life out of me a couple of times, sneaking up on me.”

A chill slid along Lia’s spine. “I know I heard footsteps—sounded like leather-soled shoes. Maybe I just heard things.”

“Couldn’t have heard any from Danny’s shoes. They don’t make a sound.”

“Maybe someone else was out for a walk? I….” Lia stopped as her phone beeped with a text message. As she read it, heat rushed through her body.

Sadie leaned forward. “Child, you okay? You are pale as a ghost.”

“I… I—look.” Lia turned the phone so that Sadie could read her screen.

Leave Beaufort now, you don’t belong here, and nothing here belongs to you. If you don’t leave, you’ll be sorry.

~~~~~~~~~~

Coming up in Chapter Four: Lia downplays the warning she received but turns to a new friend and the police when the threats continue.

____________________

Finally Home is a mystery romance novel being serialized on Vocal.media.

Link to Chapter One: https://todaysurvey.today/fiction/finally-home-j41pad0zyc%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cstyle data-emotion-css="1x3zcuc-StoryContent">.css-1x3zcuc-StoryContent{pointer-events:none;}