House of Shadows Read online

  Yawning, I changed into yoga pants and a t-shirt. I unloaded my shopping bags and began removing tags, loving the new clothes. It was so long since I’d been shopping, so long since I could afford to. We shopped at Hollister, and Aeropostale, and so many other places that used to be favorites before Dad lost his job, and we ended up practically homeless. My family was doing great now, and steadily getting back on their feet. I had my full scholarship, and it was a good feeling to no longer have to pinch every penny.

  I loaded the washer, and set it to run. It was late, and I was tired, but I wanted to wear some of my new clothes tomorrow!

  While I waited for the wash cycle to end, I straightened up the small guest house that I called home. It didn’t take long. As I removed the pillows to make the bed, which I hadn’t bothered to do before racing out to see Miles that morning, I saw his black and white photo under my pillow, where it resided during the month and a half that I thought I’d never see him again. I picked it up, along with the letter he wrote me, and held them for a moment. Then I picked up my iPhone, and looked at the photos of Miles that I took over the past two days, and the texts he sent me. I smiled, and tucked the letter and photo safely away in a drawer. With a prayer of thanks, I realized anew that instead of dreading a future without Miles, I could joyfully look forward to a future with him. Every time it dawned on me, my heart was flooded with gratitude.

  I moved the now clean clothing from the washer to the drier, and started another load with the new jeans I bought. As I turned away, movement outside the window caught my eye.

  I swiftly shut the door behind me, blocking out the light from the kitchen, and plunging the small laundry room into complete darkness. I turned back to the window, searching, determined to figure out what was out there.

  As the moon peered out from behind a cloud, a dark shape drifted to the edge of the forest surrounding the grounds of the estate. It stopped, and slowly turned. It was covered in a dark hooded cloak. I couldn’t see a face, and surely, oh surely it couldn’t see me in here, in the dark—but it looked straight at me.

  Cold chills traveled down my spine, and I clamped my hands over my mouth, holding my breath, utterly motionless, staring into the dark.

  It turned away slowly, and entered the forest.

  My heart pounding, I let out the breath I held, and strained to reach over the washer and dryer for the cord to the blinds. I latched onto it, and closed them. I fumbled for the door knob, moving closer to panic with every second it took to get the door open. Completely freaked out, I joined Chip, who lay sound asleep on my bed.

  Reassured by his presence, I tried to figure out an explanation for what I saw.

  I didn’t like any of the ones I came up with. A stranger, wandering the woods… in a dark hooded cloak? Something… supernatural? I could no longer entirely discount that possibility, after my experiences over the past year.

  I looked at my iPhone, and considered the late hour.

  Calling Miles would only wake him, and what if he decided to investigate? No way did I want him out in the forest searching for that hooded figure, whatever it was! I wanted him safe, in the castle. The very idea of putting him in danger, made me feel sick.

  I slid my phone under my pillow.

  I had no trouble staying awake to finish my laundry! I wasn’t certain I’d ever sleep again, and more than half convinced I never would. After everything was neatly put away in drawers and closet, I shoved over my big dog, and curled up next to him. Slightly comforted by his peaceful snoring, and utterly exhausted, I fell asleep hoping I’d seen the last of whatever that was.

  But instinct told me… this was only the beginning.

  Chapter 2

  In the light of day, I was able to convince myself there was a very rational and reasonable and non-threatening explanation for what I saw the night before. I had no idea what. But there was one. There had to be.

  Maybe it was a bear. Not that that would be a particularly good thing… but better than a creepy person, or supernatural occurrence.

  I put on a pair of my new jeans and a fitted t-shirt, then spun in front of the mirror. I almost forgot what it was like to have new clothes! Next, I sat and pulled on a pair of new cross trainers, and admired those. I wanted to wear the sandals, but it was too cool in the mornings for that just yet, unless I wanted my feet to freeze. It wasn’t quite cool enough for the boots, they’d have to wait for fall. The fitted jacket, however, was just right.

  As I took one last turn in front of the mirror, I thought with satisfaction that in the clothing department, I was totally ready for college to start.

  I picked up my keys, whistled for Chip, and stepped out the door and locked it behind me. I turned just as Miles and Trixie came around the tall hedge of roses.

  “Thank you, Trixie, for bringing him back,” I smiled, and she looked cheerful.

  I looked at Miles, and smiled.

  “Don’t you look sharp!” I said, admiring him in one of the t-shirts and jeans he bought at the mall the day before. They looked like they were made for him. “You totally win the cutest-boyfriend-ever contest!”

  Miles laughed.

  “Thanks,” he said. He kissed my forehead and put his arm around me, then we walked to the castle for breakfast. “You’re an absolute knock-out, yourself.”

  “Thank you,” I smiled, blushing.

  “You are by far the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen. And in all my years, I’ve seen a lot.”

  I blushed even more.

  “What is this, you won’t be satisfied until you’ve made my cheeks match the crimson roses?”

  Miles laughed.

  “They’re getting close.”

  I couldn’t help laughing, and he smiled as he caught my hand in his, before I could play-punch him in the ribs for that observation.

  Breakfast was in the sunroom this morning. I glanced out the windows overlooking the grounds of the estate, as we passed by. The view was amazing, and growing even more so, by the day. Roses of every color filled the garden with their beauty and fragrance. At its center, the fountain bubbled peacefully, while hummingbirds feasted on the abundant flowers that filled the beds lining the many walkways.

  Miles pulled out a chair for me at the round table, but before I could be seated, Polly entered the room.

  “Well hello, dears!” she smiled brightly.

  “Good morning, Polly,” I said, returning her smile, as she gave me a hug.

  “Good morning, Grandma Polly,” Miles said, as she hugged him and kissed his cheek.

  “And how are you this morning, Anika dear?” she asked, as we took our places the table. “You don’t so closely resemble a shadow as you did the last time I saw you.”

  “I’m doing great,” I replied, picking up my napkin and placing it on my lap.

  “Wonderful,” she said, patting my arm.

  One of Polly’s staff filled our coffee mugs, and I added plenty of cream and sugar to mine. I took a sip of the coffee. It was absolutely amazing.

  “So I see that you two have met,” Polly said, as if she had no idea we spent every minute of the past two days together.

  “Yes, as a matter of fact we have,” Miles smiled, reaching for my hand.

  “You seem to be getting along wonderfully,” Polly said. She didn’t even try to hide how pleased she was.

  “We found we have a lot in common,” Miles replied, smiling at me as I smiled back.

  “That’s just wonderful,” Polly said, patting my arm with one hand, and Miles’ with the other.

  Another member of the staff entered and set plates of food on the table, then left. I took a bite of the delectable Eggs Benedict, and marveled at how different life at the House of Bannerman was, compared to what I was used to.

  “So what are your plans for the day, dear?” Polly asked, turning to Miles. “Do you have physical therapy, today?”

  “I have a PT appointment in Glen Haven next Monday,” Miles said, as he set down his coffee mug. �
��None this week. Anika and I talked yesterday about driving in to Glen Haven, though. I’d like to meet her family.”

  “Well, good for you! The two of you were made for each other, there’s no doubt whatsoever,” Polly beamed, as she clapped her hands together softly, then turned her attention to the omelet in front of her.

  I couldn’t look at Miles or I’d laugh. Was it even possible for anyone to look more pleased than Polly did right now? We weren’t capable of moving fast enough to shock her.

  After breakfast, Miles and I took a walk in the garden.

  “That went well,” Miles commented, looking back toward the castle.

  “I have a feeling Polly is booking a church and picking out china patterns right now,” I said.

  “No kidding. I don’t think we could possibly move fast enough to suit her.”

  “It’s not going to be that way with my Dad,” I said hesitantly.

  Miles glanced at me as we followed a path near the fountain.

  “I don’t expect it to be. Your Dad wants what’s best for you, and I’ll have to prove myself. I respect that. It’s okay, Anika, don’t stress over it.”

  “Okay,” I said, linking my arm through his.

  Miles and I sat on the swing after lunch, enjoying the spring weather.

  “Are you planning to let your parents know we’re coming, or were you hoping to take them by surprise?” Miles asked. He sounded serious, but he looked like he thought something was funny.

  I rolled my eyes at him, which made him smile.

  “I’ll call my Mom right now.”

  I took out my phone.

  I took a deep breath.

  I dialed.

  “Hi honey,” Mom answered. “How are you?”

  “I’m doing really good, Mom. I was wondering… is it okay if I come over this afternoon?”

  “That would be wonderful! Of course you can come over. We haven’t seen you in so long!”

  “Yeah, I just… have been so busy.”

  Grieving, that’s what I’d been busy doing. Hiding it from family was the most difficult, so I limited how frequently I saw them.

  “I’m bringing someone with me that I’d like to introduce to you and Dad.”

  There was silence for several long seconds.

  “Well—sure, that will be just fine.”

  “Okay, great. We’ll be there around three o’ clock.”

  “Um, honey, who is the other half of we?” asked Mom.

  “It’s Miles Bannerman.”

  More silence. Yes, Mom, I’m bringing over a guy.

  “Polly’s grandson?”

  “Yes.”

  “I had no idea he was out of the hospital,” said Mom.

  “Yes, he was released, and he and Polly are living at the castle again.”

  Mom had to think about that for a minute.

  “So… is Miles a… special friend of yours?”

  I almost laughed, the way Mom phrased the question was so funny.

  “We’re dating, Mom, and he’d like to meet you and Dad.”

  Silence.

  “Well okay, then. I’ll let your Dad know. I’m sure he’ll take the afternoon off, since you’re coming.”

  “Okay, thanks, Mom.”

  My stomach felt like it was filled with butterflies now.

  “Why don’t you plan on staying for dinner,” Mom added.

  “That sounds great, Mom.”

  “We’re staying for dinner,” I said, turning to Miles as I hung up with Mom.

  “That sounds great,” he smiled. “I can’t wait to really meet your family. I’ve seen most of them, when they were at the castle, but it’s not the same.”

  “I better get ready,” I said, as I stood and pulled Miles up with me.

  Miles told Polly we were leaving, and wouldn’t be back for dinner. I went to the guest house, and retrieved my keys and purse.

  By the time I got to the vehicle, Miles was there waiting for me. We hopped in, and were on our way.

  “I love this Highlander, by the way,” I told Miles, as we drove through the mountains toward Glen Haven on the way to my parents’ house. “Just wait until you get a chance to drive it. You’ll love it, too.”

  “I’m looking forward to it,” Miles said. “Doing anything tomorrow?”

  “I am now. I’m going to teach you how to drive,” I smiled, and he smiled back.

  We drove down the mountains, past the elevation where the pines grow. The road wound through scrub brush and low growing trees, then climbed back up into the pines again and on to Glen Haven. We talked the whole way there, and the hour and a half drive passed quickly.

  I parked in the driveway, and looked at Miles. I guess I looked tense.

  “It’ll be fine,” Miles said reassuringly. “The sooner I meet them, the sooner they’ll realize I’m a decent guy with honorable intentions toward their daughter, who I happen to love very much. That’s important.”

  “Okay,” I nodded. “You’re right. And you’ve got to meet them sometime anyway… might as well be now.”

  “It’s either that, or turn around and leave,” Miles smiled, and I laughed. “That wouldn’t seem strange at all, would it?”

  “Not even a little,” I said, still laughing.

  We got out of the vehicle, and walked up the front steps to the house. Opening the front door, Miles and I stepped inside.

  “We’re here! Anybody home?” I called out.

  Mom hurried in, Dad right behind her.

  “Mom, Dad, this is Miles Bannerman. Miles, this is my Mom and Dad.”

  “It’s good to meet you, Mr. Riley,” Miles smiled, as he shook hands with Dad. “And you too, Mrs. Riley.”

  “It’s good to meet you, Miles,” said Dad.

  “It’s very nice to meet you,” Mom said, brushing back her short blond curls. “Come on in, and have a seat.”

  Miles and I sat on the couch, and Mom and Dad sat in the nearby recliners.

  “Where are Doreen and Tryon?” I asked, a little surprised that they didn’t meet us at the door.

  “It’s Tryon’s naptime,” Mom answered. “Doreen is asleep, too. I didn’t tell them you were coming, or they’d still be awake.”

  “It’s just as well,” Dad said. “This way we have a chance to talk and get acquainted.”

  Mom turned to Miles.

  “I’d say Anika’s told us all about you, but…”

  I groaned inside, but Miles smiled.

  “Well she’s certainly told me all about each of you. She thinks an awful lot of her family.”

  That seemed to please Mom.

  “So tell us something about yourself, Miles,” said Dad.

  “Alright,” Miles replied. “I’m twenty years old. I recently moved back to Cedar Oaks with my only remaining family, my Grandma Polly. Although I was badly injured in an accident which resulted in a lengthy hospital stay, I’m doing very well now. Other than having no memory of some things, I’m expected to recover fully. I was sort of out of it for a while, due to my injuries, and haven’t yet rediscovered what interests or hobbies I might have. I’m financially independent, but I do love learning, and want to do the best I can with the life that was restored to me. In the fall, I’m planning to attend college here in Glen Haven. I’ll be starting as a freshman, since I was unable to attend last year.”

  Mom and Dad looked properly sympathetic. They knew all about what happened to Second-Miles—and of course, they thought Miles was Second-Miles.

  “It’s just terrible what happened,” said Mom, glancing at his knee brace. “We were so glad to hear you’d come out of the coma.”

  Miles nodded.

  “I’m thankful to be alive. I’ll be in physical therapy for a while, but I’ve been assured that if I put in the work, I’ll make a full recovery.”

  “It’s nothing short of amazing that you’re doing so well,” said Dad. “I’m no expert, but to suffer a brain injury like you did and to be in a coma for almost a year, it’s ju
st… really something, that you came out of it relatively unscathed.”

  “It took a miracle,” Miles said.

  “Yes, it did,” I said, squeezing his hand.

  “And how is your grandmother?” asked Mom.

  “She’s doing wonderful. Grandma Polly and I are both glad to be home again. We’re very thankful for Anika, she did an excellent job caring for the estate in our absence,” Miles said as he smiled at me, and I smiled back. “It’s nothing short of amazing that she solved our family mystery, too. Anika is the only person outside the Bannerman family, who didn’t accept the story that circulated for years, and she worked tirelessly to prove it false.”

  “She certainly did,” agreed Mom. “I had no idea what she was up to until after she told us what she accomplished, then I understood why we hardly ever saw her last fall and winter.”

  “I’m forever in Anika’s debt for what she did for me and my family,” Miles said sincerely.

  “You don’t owe me anything,” I replied. “I’m just—so glad that everything turned out the way that it did.”

  “Me too,” Miles said softly, and I had to remind myself my parents were in the room.

  “So you two are dating, Anika tells us,” said Dad.

  “Yes sir,” Miles confirmed. He turned back to me and said, “Do you mind if I speak with your Dad alone, for a few minutes?”

  Mom’s eyes popped, and I think mine did too.

  “Um—sure,” I replied.

  “You can help me in the kitchen,” Mom said, her eyes wide, as we both stood.

  I looked back at Miles on my way out of the room, as he began to speak to Dad.

  If he’s doing what he said the day he came back—meet my parents, talk to my Dad—it’s going to backfire! Dad thinks we just met. Ack!

  Maybe he isn’t having that talk. But if he isn’t, then what are they talking about?

  Once we reached the kitchen, Mom gave me a look. “Anything you want to tell me?”

  “Well… Miles and I are dating, is that what you mean?”

  I think Mom’s mind was also on Miles and Dad talking in the other room, and she didn’t know what to ask next. She’d recover any second though, I knew from experience.

  “When Miles came out of the coma, Polly told him all about me, and how I solved the mystery and located the missing heirloom jewelry. She showed him the news articles, and the news program I was on. Polly apparently has a knack for matchmaking. By the time she was through, he wanted to meet me.”