Page 13 of Wandering Souls

In her pocket, her phone vibrated. Pulling it out, she checked the caller ID and smiled. “Marco! It’s so nice to hear from you.”

The familiar deep rumble of his laugh carried down the line. “My darling, Abi. Are you well?”

“I’m fine,” she lied, hoping her only friend in the world believed her. “Although it’s very cold here.”

“Well, I did warn you. Victoria is too far south for you. You’re not suited to the cold weather.”

He wasn’t wrong but he had encouraged her to follow her heart and find out as much information as she could about her father. Her mother could only tell her so much, considering she’d never even met the man, which was why this place appealed. Healing in the care of medical professionals would have sufficed had she never learned of theSanctuary, but when she discovered Hollywood’s link to her father, she couldn’t resist the opportunity presented to her.

“You know me well, Marco, but this place isn’t so bad.”

“When did you arrive?”

“Yesterday. A good night’s sleep did me wonders.”

Quiet answered her and she knew he didn’t believe her. “You’ll be back in January, yes?”

A year since her brush with mortality. “You know it.”

“It’ll be weird without you here at Christmas.”

She didn’t know why. Christmas at the base wasn’t exactly a festive occasion, and she’d spent the last two in Kandahar. “You’ll cope. Send everyone my regards.”

“Take care, little one. Don’t be a stranger.”

Abi said her farewell and ended the call. A bittersweet sensation filled her heart as she thought about the man she’d come to affectionately refer as herbrother from another mother. Marco, also a pilot, was closest to her in age and had taken her under his wing. Her protector, her confidant and her number one fan, he helped her through a dark time. Of all the cadets she’d trained alongside, he was the one she’d trusted with her story. She only wished they’d had a chance to serve together. Maybe then she wouldn’t have felt so alone.

Why she’d gravitated to the Italian was a mystery. They didn’t share an ounce of commonality, other than their love for flying. With her blond hair, blue eyes and fair skin, she stood in complete contrast to his olive skin, black curly hair and dark, brooding eyes, but the affinity she felt in his presence refused to be ignored.

The sound of an engine pulled her out of her thoughts and she glanced around to see a red sportscar pull up at the main house. The driver’s door swung open and a tall, red-head stepped out of the low-slung car, quickening her heartrate.

Ray Wells.

He walked around the front of the car and opened the passenger door. Bruce jumped down from the seat, his attention instantly focusing on her. Without hesitation, he broke into a run, heading straight for her. Ray threw his hands in the air and shook his head before his gaze connected with hers. A smile brightened his face and he waved.

Abi felt her breath catch as she waved back, but she had to focus on the animal bounding toward her. She stood, preparing to take evasive action if necessary because if he didn’t slow down, Bruce was going to take them both out.

~

Of course, she’s ex-Army.

Ray watched the dog gallop toward her. For a moment he feared Bruce would bowl her over in his enthusiasm to greet her, but in the nick of time, the animal skidded to a halt. He might lick her to death, but it seemed both were happy enough in each other’s company. She crouched down to pat the Shepherd’s coat, her awkward movement suggesting her left leg still gave her trouble. He remembered the way she limped away from the station.

A door squeaked and he looked up to see Hollywood step out onto the veranda of the sprawling country home. It really did look like something out of a movie, with its decorative shutters and wide veranda. Despite its size, there was a quaintness about it that made it feel like a home rather than a mansion. As for its owners, Ray couldn’t think of two more deserving people than Hollywood and his fiancé Mia. The former soldier, dressed in coveralls and looking ready to carry out some chores, smiled and jogged down the steps to shake Ray’s hand.

“We’re not in trouble, I hope?”

Ray chuckled, glancing back toward the woman talking to his dog. “No.”

Hollywood turned to see what had his attention. “Oh, that’s right. She found Bruce this morning.”

“That dog is going to drive me crazy,” Ray sighed. “Would you believe he ran away during obedience training? The old bird, Mavis, and the ten-year-old boy can control their animals better than I can.”

They both laughed before Hollywood turned to him. “She’s mysterious, that one. I’d go gentle if I were you.”

“Do you know her story?”

Hollywood shook his head. “Not yet. See if you can’t get her to open up a little.”

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