Page 4 of Coming Home

On the drive to Uncle Ray’s house, or now, my new home, I am happy. Uncle Ray tried to connect as often as he could over the past year, but it was difficult at times as I moved around a lot to protect my safety and was never allowed to tell him or anyone else where I was, even though he asked all the time.

I missed them all, but I didn’t want to run straight to them. The memories were just too painful. That, and I thought the danger for them was too real. Masked men had killed my family, so they could easily come after Uncle Ray as well. I had to protect them from the people stalking me over my family’s death. But now, with the threat lessened, I am ready to be consumed by family again.

The same emotion I felt in the car with Stephen is triggered in me again as we arrive at the house when I see Uncle Ray. He is out the door and near the car before I can even get my seatbelt off.

"Hi, Uncle Ray!" I squeal as I jump out of the car, that’s just parked at the front of their amazing mansion.

"Scarlett, my darling, it is so good to see you!"

We hug, laugh, cry, and then laugh again. We make our way inside the expansive, luxurious mansion that is the family home. I have been here a few times over the years with my family, and it is just as magnificent to me now as it was back then. Soft, cushioned, carpeted floors, marble accents, and walls adorned with stunning artwork fill the space; I am sure this house is one of the best in the city. Uncle Ray leads me into the dining room where Aunt Emily is waiting.

“Scarlett, darling, so good to have you here.” She saunters across the room and engulfs me in a big hug. Her hair is pulled back neatly in a French roll, her makeup is immaculate, and she is wearing a finely tailored pair of pants and a red satin blouse. I have had more body contact in these past few hours than I have for an entire 12 months; it feels strange but also comforting.

I have arrived in time for a late dinner, and we all take our places around the large twelve-seater table, which is decorated like a five-star restaurant, with both flowers and candles taking place in the center of the table. Each place setting is set out formally with cloth napkins and a variety of cutlery, enough to keep any seasoned restaurateur guessing.

The food smells amazing, and it is not until I start eating the fresh salad and seared fish that I realize how hungry I am. Even though I am tired and in desperate need of a shower, I don’t want to break the connection I am having with everyone, so I stifle a yawn. The conversation flows, mainly between Stephen and I, and while it is a whirlwind of emotions, it is so good to be among family again. Throughout dinner, Aunt Emily continually dotes on me, and Uncle Ray grills me about my arrival into Boston—asking me so many questions about Australia, which I would just rather forget.

I change the topic to work, and we start to discuss my new role and how I can have a positive impact on the business. Aunt Emily chimes in and reminds us all of the family gala which takes place soon here at the house. The Heatherstone charity gala is a large event, and the entire family wants me to be there. The thought of being in a room with so many people does make me feel uneasy, but Aunt Emily said she would take me shopping for a gown, and hairdressers and makeup artists have already been booked.

I don’t like a lot of attention, and I haven’t been to these types of events in a very long time. I like the idea of parading around a room full of people even less since being under protection in Australia; however, I remind myself that I am now safe and secure and need to start living my life again. So, I agree to go along. Plus, Stephen is going to be my date for the evening, not that his girlfriend appreciates that too much. But he is a playboy, so I am sure there will be other women at the party for him to admire. I may have lost my touch in the dating scene, but I know I will be a great wing woman for him.

Before I retire to my room for the night, Uncle Ray calls me into his office. Him and Stephen start talking to me about the business and new projects. The three of us are in deep conversation, and before too long, three hours have passed. I am just about to say goodnight when Uncle Ray speaks.

"There is something I need to talk to you about,” Uncle Ray starts, taking time to look into my eyes. Is it shame or guilt I see in his gaze? I am not sure, but now I am intrigued.

“Scarlett, when the incident happened last year, you asked me to look after the business and do what I thought was best, while the police had you locked away for your safety—do you remember that?" I thought about it for a minute. The entire event was overwhelming; I thought our stakeholders had managed the business and sold it, but I do vaguely remember Uncle Ray coming in, and I was relieved at the time because I just couldn't cope with everything back then.

"Yes, I remember little bits from that time." Stephen looks at me and holds my hand. Uncle Ray continues proudly, “Due to being the Power of Attorney for both you and your father, I made the decision to sell the business, and I have invested the money for you. I thought that would be best dear.”

"This is a lot to take in." I am shocked, confused, and overwhelmed. I have so many emotions running through my body. Even though it has been a year, the grief I feel stirs through me. Stephen squeezes my hand, letting me know that he is here with me.

As if he can tell I need it, Uncle Ray passes me a glass of scotch to help calm my nerves. “Now, the money is invested tightly and not easily accessible, so I am happy to manage it for you until you are ready to access it. I can see that you are tired, but before you go to bed, remember, it is only the three of us that know how our business is managed. Everything we have discussed tonight, especially about the business, is confidential. I want no one on the outside hearing of this. Especially, Shaun Marshall." Uncle Ray looks directly at Stephen, and his eyes look pure evil, like he is overcome with anger just thinking about Shaun. I have never seen such a look from Uncle Ray, and it sends a shiver down my spine.

Uncle Ray must notice this as his face softens. "Stay away from him, sweetheart, he and his family are bad news."

"Shaun is a good guy, Dad," Stephen protests.

"His father wasn't a good man, Stephen, and the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, in my opinion," Uncle Ray spits out, putting a sharp end to the conversation.

My head is whirling with information. I have money? A lot of money? I don’t know anything about the assets he sold, or even how the business was sold, or to whom. That time is all a blur to me. I vaguely remember signing paperwork a few weeks after the incident from a lawyer working with Uncle Ray. I think hard back to that time, and I try to pull all the pieces together, but I can’t. I feared for my own life and was grieving so much during those first few months after the murders that everything is a blur. I am grateful that I have some money, so I will need to get a firm understanding of it all and see how it is invested and how I can access it.

I can feel a headache coming on, whether from stress, the whiskey, or jet lag or quite possibly all three, so I say goodnight and go to my room, aching for sleep. After a fantastically long, hot shower to wash away hours of travel, I lie in bed gathering my thoughts. Thinking about my family and my dad’s business. I am glad the business didn’t just run into the ground after my family was murdered. I was sure I asked for the staff to be paid out, and I wanted any remaining money to go to charity? Did any of that happen?

I try to relax as I toss and turn in my bed, the sheets encasing me like a soft cloud. I think about the man from the plane tonight and his handsome good looks and strong hands. Just thinking about him sets my body on fire.

Watching him with those flight attendants, I am positive I am not his type. He looks like he has a lot of money, power, and women in his life, but I will admit, there was a current of electricity that went through me when we touched. The need is undeniable.

It has been so long since I have been with a man, and if I ever run into him again, I am not sure I will have the will power to deny him. As I fall to sleep, I dream of strong arms wrapped around me and hot breath on my cheeks.

6

Scarlett

I wake up to the sounds of giggling and my eyes flick open. Rubbing them, I take a moment to look around and remember that I am in my new bedroom, in my new house, in my new home in the city of Boston. But better than that, I have my two closest friends by my bedside.

“What are you guys doing here!” I scream in excitement and shock to see them here.

“Surprise!” they shout in unison.

---