Her Guardians: Her Guardians Trilogy Book 1

  “Because I really want to do some good. I wanted to tell you and ask that this goes no further. What I have said here doesn’t leave this room. Please.”

  “Of course.”

  I saw the way he looked at me and I knew then that I could trust him. “I have information on Mark Richards that may prove useful. You see, one of the reasons I was looking was because I saw an address in his head. I was wondering whether it was his actual address, or if it is another of which you are not aware. I just wanted to make sure before I said anything.”

  “What address did you see?”

  “It was on Bronsart Road, number one hundred ten. I think he may be storing things in there. Drugs mainly. It’s not listed under his name so he has been getting away with it. I’m not sure if his normal house has been searched, but you will never find anything there. He’s clever like that.”

  Simon frowned a little. “It is true that nothing has ever been found. This other address doesn’t sound familiar.”

  “I think he’s done well to keep it hidden from you.”

  Sitting back in his chair, Simon gave me a long, lingering stare. I wasn’t sure what he was thinking about until he suddenly spoke again. “I must say that, under the circumstances, what you’re doing now is pretty poor.”

  I could feel the panic starting to rise. “Excuse me?”

  “After what’s happened to you, why on earth would you come in here and feed me a story like this? Do you think I’m crazy? Where’s the hidden camera? Is it prank day today or something? Have I got ‘Mug’ written across my forehead?” He emphasised the fact with a sweep of his forehead with his finger.

  “Please, sir, I can prove it. I’m telling you the truth. Why would I come in here and tell you this if it wasn’t? I have no reason to make this up.”

  He looked at me, pausing for a moment. I took the opportunity to carry on, “Look, I can show you. Give me your hand.”

  “What? This is ridiculous.”

  “This is the only way I can show you that what I’m saying is the truth. I won’t tell you anything bad I find, if you don’t want me to. I just want to prove to you that it’s not a lie.”

  Resting his elbows on the chair for a moment, he placed his hand on his chin. He looked conflicted, but I know he wouldn’t be able to resist.

  “Okay.” He paused. “I can’t believe I’m doing this.”

  He held his hand out to me and I took it. It didn’t take long for the visions to come. “I won’t tell you what I already know. Everyone knows just how much you have achieved in your short life. What I can tell you is that when you became Chief Superintendent, your father gave you a very old family heirloom. A purple broach that has been passed down from generation to generation. He told you that he specifically kept it until the day you were given your biggest promotion. He said he knew you could do it. He had every faith in you. Your whole family did, especially your uncle, Terrance.” I paused for a moment, frowning. “But there is sadness in your family. You all lost someone very dear to you and no one ever talks about her. She was abducted many years ago. Molly.”

  Simon immediately jerked his hand away. “How do you know about her? No one knows about her.”

  “She is the reason you became a police officer. She is the reason you strive to gain justice for people that hurt other people.”

  He rose out of his chair and faced the window. I didn’t know if he was angry, sad, or both. He had to know, though. It was the only way I could get him to see.

  He sighed sadly. “She was my twin.”

  “I know she was, and I also know you have felt there has always been a part of you missing.”

  “I don’t feel that she is gone. I never have.”

  “If that is what you feel, that is what you have to cling on to.”

  “Could you see her? Can you see if I will find her again?” Turning, he looked at me with sadness in his eyes. I could see now that he believed me, no matter how absurd it all sounded.

  “I’m not sure. You pulled your hand away too soon. I would need to hold your hand for a while to get a bigger picture.”

  Simon didn’t waste any time. He swiftly sat back in his seat and held out his hand. As soon I touched him again, something new came to me.

  “You suspect your wife is cheating on you?” I was somewhat surprised at this.

  He snorted a little. “Yes.”

  “I don’t like doing this, but your suspicions seem unfounded. She is planning a big birthday surprise for you…and she would kill me if she found out I told you.”

  His laughter immediately filled the air. “Yes, she would. I must say, that is a relief. Being in this line of work, I naturally get suspicious of anything different. She has been sneaking around a lot lately.”

  “I can see your relief when she shows you what she has in store.”

  I could see a big party full of family and friends. I could also see a holiday to Jamaica. He hasn’t been there in years and misses it. He will be thrilled when he learns of this. Of course, I wasn’t going to tell him. There was only so much I could give away.

  I knew I had to double my efforts, so I held his hand with both of mine. I closed my eyes and concentrated on his sister. It wasn’t long before something came to me.

  “A house.” My voice was loud with excitement. “I can see a house in the Cheltenham area. It’s in the middle of nowhere so it’s hard to pinpoint. Looks like it’s somewhere off of Fosse Way. The house is like a cottage. It’s brick with a little arch that leads up to it. I can see a lot of dense trees and bushes. It has a blue Range Rover parked outside. I can’t make out the license plate.”

  “What does this have to do with my sister?” He sounded baffled.

  I opened my eyes. “I don’t know. I feel you being there and I feel this is where the answer lies. I can’t see anything else, but I certainly see you going there at some point.”

  “If this has something to do with Molly, I have to find out. Is there anything else you can give me? Part of a license plate, perhaps?”

  I closed my eyes again and tried to concentrate even more. The problem was that my head was starting to get a little fuzzy. I could feel a headache coming on, but I pushed past it, though, because I wanted to help. I could feel his desperation

  “It’s so hard. It’s almost as though what I told you has led you here, not because of anything you have learned. I can see a name now, though. Baggins.”

  “Baggins?”

  “Yes. I don’t know if that’s the name of the people or the place. Everything seems a little fuzzy.” I looked towards the Range Rover again to see if I could make out the plate. It was no use, but I did see something that might be useful.

  “I can see a yellow sticker on the car. It has ‘Cotswolds Riding School’ written on it. Maybe that will help narrow it down.”

  I opened my eyes again and released his hand. It was an instant relief, but now I felt exhausted.

  Simon was in obvious shock. “I don’t know what to say,” he whispered.

  Now that I had done this, I had to know. “I would like to ask you something?”

  “What?”

  “Do you believe me now?”

  “Yes.” His shocked expression turned into a smile. “I believe you.”

  “So what happens now?”

  “I will look into everything you’ve just told me, including getting someone to check out this address in Bronsart Road.”

  “What about me? Am I still in trouble?”

  “You were never in trouble to begin with, Cassie. I knew there must have been a reasonable explanation for this. I took the responsibility.”

  “What?” It was my turn to be shocked.

  “When I was asked by the Deputy Assistant Commissioner why a traffic girl was in the archives room, I told them that it was because I had sent you. I wanted you to search for some files for me as I knew you would be able to do it quickly and efficiently. I think very highly of you around here. I think you’re a very hard
worker.”

  I didn’t know what to say. I was shocked. I had never thought he felt that way about me. He stuck his neck out for me when he didn’t have to. “Thank you.” And I meant it, wholeheartedly.

  “No, thank you. I have been searching for my sister for over nineteen years, then you come along and give me more information in five minutes than I have ever had in that time. At least now I have something to go on.”

  “Well, if you need any more help, please feel free to ask. It would be my pleasure.”

  “Sure, sure. Let’s consider this matter resolved and get on with our work, shall we?”

  I nodded and got up from my chair.

  “Are you sure you’re okay to continue working today? You actually look a little pale. Go home if need be.”

  “No, I’m fine. Honestly. I would only be alone at home. I don’t want that right now.”

  “I understand, but if it gets to be too much, then go. I really don’t want you collapsing.”

  I nodded again and smiled as I reached for the door. I hesitated slightly, wondering whether I should say anything to him. I turned. “Simon?”

  “Yes?” He looked up from the paperwork on his desk.

  “Buy your wife some rock candy on your way home today. I think she will really appreciate that.”

  The confused face was back again. “I don’t understand.”

  “Oh, you will soon.” I opened the door and left, a smile on my face.

  So what I thought about Simon Bradley was true. He was a very nice man, one who deserved to finally get to the truth. He needed peace and he certainly needed closure. I must admit. I felt a little bit miffed that he didn’t remember me, though. Mind you, what happened took place nineteen years ago. It would be a day I would never forget, but I could understand why he did.

  With a sigh, I ran to the toilets to try and calm myself a bit before the day really started. I began thinking about what I had learned and it was a lot to take in. I could still feel the betrayal of Michael and Stephen coursing through me. I didn’t know why they never told me they were brothers, and I also didn’t know why they never told me about Elizabeth. Well, I can guess why Stephen didn’t, but why didn’t Michael tell me? I couldn’t understand that.

  I composed myself and got ready to get back to work. Once I sat down at my desk, Kali was staring at me and smiling.

  “You’re a dark horse.” She crossed her legs and waved her hands in the air.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Cassie, you have to learn that this is a police station full of people. Nothing gets past anybody here.”

  I started to panic a little, wondering if the Chief Superintendent had blabbed. I quickly pushed that thought out of my head. He agreed that whatever I said wouldn’t leave the office and I believed him. It had to be something else.

  “What’s happened?”

  “Ted said he saw you go down to the gym area. A couple of people did. Raised voices were heard, then you were seen racing up the stairs, crying. An angry Michael and a beat up Stephen followed after. Now everyone thinks you’re stringing two men along.”

  “What? No, of course not.” Oh god, who am I kidding? That’s exactly what I was doing. I sagged my shoulders and put my head in my hands. My headache was suddenly getting worse.

  “Sorry, Cass. I didn’t mean for it to upset you. You can’t take the gossip around here seriously, you know. It’s not anyone else’s business.”

  “You don’t understand, Kali,” I whispered. “I keep my head down here for months and then, all of a sudden, I’m attacked by a man who says I wanted to be handcuffed and violated in the archives room. Then it looks like I’m going out with two policemen at the same time. How do you think that might look?”

  Kali frowned, obviously taking in what I said. “I didn’t see it like that.” She paused a moment, then shook her head. “It doesn’t matter what people think.”

  “Well, it does when you have to work with them every day.”

  I looked around and, sure enough, everyone was staring at me. If I thought my headache couldn’t get any worse, I was wrong. I needed to get away for a few minutes.

  Grabbing my bag, I headed for the door. “Where are you going?” Kali frowned, her mouth open slightly.

  “To get some water. I have a bad headache. I just need somewhere quiet to sit for a bit. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

  I raced out the door before she could answer. I got to a water cooler and filled the paper cup right to the top. I quickly ran to the television room, a hundred pairs of eyes following me. I couldn’t seem to get away quickly enough. I was hoping it would be too early in the day for anyone to be in the TV room and luck was with me. I had the room all to myself.

  Sitting down in the seat, I proceeded to retrieve some tablets from my bag. I took them down with one big gulp of water, then slouched down to close my eyes.

  I tried to think about anything except this whole mess, but it was hard. Everything seemed to be hitting me from all angles now and I couldn’t see a way out. I could feel the tears brimming in my eyes, but I couldn’t help it. I felt more desperate and alone now than I have ever felt.

  Suddenly, I felt a breeze hit my face. I opened my eyes to see Paul staring down at me. I jumped, holding my hand to my heart. It felt like it would escape my chest if I didn’t hold onto it.

  “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. You just looked so lost sitting there. It was hard to say anything for a moment.”

  “It’s okay, Paul. I guess I’m still a little jumpy.”

  “That’s perfectly understandable.” He smiled and took a seat next to me.

  “I guess you heard about what happened earlier?”

  He looked away. “News travels fast around here, Cassie. I kind of came to the conclusion that you and Stephen were together. Where does Michael fit into all of this?”

  I sighed a little. “It’s complicated.”

  Paul smiled brightly and nudged my shoulder. “Try me.”

  Smiling back, I found myself relaxing a bit. “I’ve just gotten very close to both of them. I’m not officially tied down to either of them, but I like them both. Very much.”

  “I see.” He looked away, frowning.

  All of a sudden, I felt horrible. “I’m sorry.”

  “What for?” He looked back at me, confused.

  “It didn’t look like something you wanted to hear.”

  “Look.” He placed his hand on my shoulder. “I will not deny that I have feelings for you, Cassie. I think you have known that from the start. Just because you don’t reciprocate them doesn’t mean I still don’t want to be your friend. I truly want to help you.”

  “Thanks.” I paused, smiling again. “That means a lot.”

  “So, what are you going to do?”

  “There’s only one thing I can do.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Avoid them like the plague.”

  “That’s a bit drastic, isn’t it? You can’t run and hide from what you feel, Cassie. I’m sure you will make a choice soon. Whoever it is will be one lucky bastard, I can tell you that.”

  We both started laughing and it eased my head a little bit. It still didn’t stop the pain in my heart, though.

  “I don’t think it’s fair to make a choice, Paul. Who am I to make a decision like that? I don’t deserve either of them.”

  “Well, I know that’s not true. If anything, after the way they behaved this morning, it’s the other way around. Mind you, I think you’re worth fighting over. I think I’d probably do exactly the same if it were me.”

  Unfortunately, I knew that was true from reading his head.

  “I just know in my heart of hearts that I couldn’t do it to either of them.”

  “That’s because you’re an unselfish person, Cassie. It’s one of the many qualities I like about you.”

  “But I am selfish.” I was refusing to believe him. “How can I not be after the way things have turned out? It
’s my actions that have led to this, and now I guess they’re both in trouble?”

  Paul shook his head. “No one is telling anyone important. No matter what, we don’t snitch on each other here. It’s just gossip that people like to spread around the place because they’ve got nothing better to do with their lives. Something else will happen that will make everyone forget about today.”

  “Yes, and I can bet you it will be centred around me again. It always is lately.” I sighed, instantly regretting what I said. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.”

  “A lot has happened in the last few days. It’s no wonder you feel that way.” He paused for a moment. “Why didn’t you tell me you were a virgin?”

  I laughed. “I can’t see that making a difference.”

  “I don’t know. I think I would have handled things differently—made a more gentle approach, perhaps.”

  I laughed again. “There’s nothing gentle about you, Paul.” I realised my mistake and covered my mouth. “Sorry. That came out wrong. I didn’t mean it like that.”

  “That’s okay.” He chuckled and patted my arm. “Maybe I’m more transparent than I thought.” He looked at me for a little while, pausing before his next sentence. “Listen, I don’t know your reasons for still being a virgin at twenty-five, but I’m guessing it’s because you haven’t found the right one yet. You have been denying yourself this all these years and when the opportunity arises, you deny yourself again. Maybe it’s time you were a little selfish and thought about your own happiness above others. Only you can make a choice and only you can follow your own destiny.”

  I reared my head back a little, regarding Paul with a sense of appreciation. “That was quite poetic.”

  “I know I’m a bit rough around the edges, but it doesn’t mean I’m a bad person.”

  “I know it doesn’t, and I know you’re not.” I placed my hand on his arm and he placed his hand on mine. When he does, I brace myself. It is then that I see something that completely baffles and shocks the hell out of me.

  Through Paul’s eyes, I saw that he was with me. I was crying and I looked completely heartbroken. Paul lingered on my face and leaned in. I could feel how deeply he cared for me, but I could also feel how much he wanted me. He leaned in and kissed me, and I wasn’t pulling away. The minute I saw him touch my lips, I jolted out of my seat.