Closer to the Heart (The Heart Trilogy Book 3) Read online

  I felt motionless faced with her grief but I didn't want her to feel alone and unloved like I had when my world had cracked. Sitting down on the duvet next to her I rubbed her back and her sobs subsided to a sniff.

  “Mum, what can we do” she hiccupped. Sitting up she allowed me to wrap my arms around her, her head resting on my chest.

  “I don't know Charlie. I just don't know but believe me if James thinks the best thing to do is to wait and inform the police then that's what we need to do. I can't help but think she is behind all this but I also know that a confrontation will only provoke her wrath”

  She looked up into my eyes; hers were so puffed up that I could hardly see the green.

  “Now how about you take a shower and come and try some of Uncle Chris' delicious omelettes” I persuaded.

  “Ok, but I don't think I'm going to be very festive today”

  “I don't think any of us will, but let's try our best”

  She nodded and I squeezed her even tighter for a few minutes before she shrugged me off.

  “Thanks Mum”

  Back in the kitchen all eyes turned to me.

  “It's ok she's calmed down and is going to have a shower before trying your world renown cooking Chris”

  Sweeping into a bow with spatula in hand he grinned at me, it was infectious and caught Sarah and James. The beat on the radio must have felt the change in atmosphere as “Rocking around the Christmas Tree” started to play. By the time Charlotte appeared the plates were loaded with food.

  By eleven Darren, Sophie, Pam and Peter had joined us and we sat down to open the presents under the tree. Charlie took it upon herself to hand them around, avoiding the small pile that were for Mitchell. I watched Pam wrap her new scarf around her neck. Peter stuck his head in the first book that he opened. Chris and Sarah pulled their fun Christmas sweaters on and then I watched as Charlie opened hers. It was a full length midnight blue velvet coat that she had admired earlier in the year.

  “Thanks Mum, James it’s beautiful” she said, trying it on and giving us a twirl “I'm sure Mitch.....” She never finished the sentence as a single tear balanced on her eyelash.

  James picked up an envelope and passed it to me.

  “For you” he whispered. I opened it up to find plane tickets to New Zealand for the two of us, flying out on the 16th February.

  “This really starts to make it feel real” I breathed, turning to brush his cheek with my lips. He then handed me a small jewellery box, opening it I found a necklace and matching ear-rings with mesmerising blue tear-drop sapphires. I held them up in the light and they shone.

  “They're breath-taking” I exclaimed, fumbling to fasten the clasp.

  “Allow me” James said, doing the honours.

  He dropped a quick kiss on my upturned lips before I gave him the couple of presents from me. He laughed out loud at the festive boxer shorts.

  “Shall I model them for you now” he joked.

  “Hell no” Charlie laughed as she caught Sophie's eye and saw her giggling. His next present was the 25th Anniversary copy of Top Gun on DVD.

  “I think both of our copies are worn out now” I said.

  “Especially as the one wascurtesy of the old video shop where I used to work” Chris said. My final present to James was also in an envelope, he opened it to reveal a pair of tickets to go swimming with Dolphins when we were over in New Zealand.

  With the present pile depleted Darren and Sophie left to have Christmas Dinner with her parents and Pam slipped into the kitchen to take a look at the roasting turkey.

  “So what's on the television this afternoon, apart from the Queen's Speech” James asked.

  “Not much” I said “Perhaps we should watch Top Gun”

  Everyone apart from James let out a collective groan.

  “When are you going to ring Rob?” Charlotte asked. He looked at his watch and stood up.

  “I'll do it now” he said, leaving the room.

  “Anyone for another cup of tea or coffee”

  “Beer more like” Chris said, standing up.

  “Here, here” chimed in Peter “I think they're all in the fridge”

  “G and T for me” Sarah said, looking at me.

  “Of course I'll make that two or three?” Chris enquired, glancing at Charlie.

  “I'll just have a shandy” Charlie replied, her face still pale and her eyes tired. I could see she was trying not to look at all the small presents she had bought for Mitchell. Instead she kept them trained on the lounge door, waiting for James to return.

  I intercepted him in the hallway.

  “You know that Charlie is waiting for you, hoping for good news”

  “I know, but I don't really have any. Rob says they can only attempt a search if there is any sign of an accident or if we still can't get an answer after three days. No bike accidents have been reported at the moment”

  James hung his head and waited for me to say something, but I had no words. Instead I held open my arms so that his bulk filled my frame, it felt strange to be the strong one.

  “Come on, lets tell her and then perhaps we can try and have a normal Christmas” I murmured, taking the opportunity to plant a light kiss on his cheek. His grip tightened around my waist as he pulled me closer and his lips grazed mine. Then he straightened up and we both wandered back into the lounge in time for Chris handing round the drinks.

  “So” Charlotte piped up.

  “Rob told me that until either an accident is reported or between us we haven't heard from Mitchell in three days then we can get back in touch and the Police will launch a missing person report” James said, trying to keep his tone light.

  Charlie nodded and reached for her phone.

  “Well I'll keep trying to reach him” she said, her fingers moving quickly over the keys to type a message.

  “Dinner's ready” Pam announced.

  The rest of the afternoon passed in usual fashion, digesting too much food in front of the fire and television. Charlie grabbed Jester's lead and he followed her to the door.

  “Don't be too long, they're talking about more snow later” I said. She nodded and shrugged her warm coat, hat, gloves and scarf on.

  In the park Charlie gave way to all the tears she had been holding in during dinner. She let Jester run and burrow his nose through the snow in a dance of doggy delight as she stumbled along, not noticing another walker heading in her direction until she banged straight into a firm chest.

  “Charlie, I thought it was you” Zach said, as she looked up at him startled and confused.

  “Zach, sorry” she stuttered, trying to wipe the tears away.

  “I can't think of anyone I'd rather bump into”

  “I'm not good company today” she stammered, very aware of the heat radiating from his body.

  A silence stretched between them as Charlie contemplated stepping back.

  “So what are you doing in the park?”

  “My flat is on the far side but my friends live just round the corner from your place” he said “I promised I would go over for dinner this evening”

  “Oh”

  “So why are you in the park alone?”

  Charlie pointed to Jester, running in her direction, wet fur flying.

  “Dog walking, I needed to escape the house, it’s no fun when you're the only single person there” she stuttered out the last couple of words, her heart pounding for Mitchell.

  “Shelley did mention something about you and Mitchell”

  “It’s all my fault and now he's living with his hateful mother” she replied “I thought he was coming home yesterday but he didn't and now I know she must have sent the message just to build my hopes up and crush them all over again”

  Her tears started to flow once more and Zach pulled her tighter into his arms.

  “Sssh, sssh” he soothed; his voice deep and close to her ear. His breath tickled her skin in a way she hadn't felt since she was last in Mitchell's arms. Alth
ough he wasn't as tall as Mitch his strong arms and broad frame reminded her as he cocooned her slim figure.

  The sky was turning dark with a soft flurry of snowflakes starting to fall once more. Zach could hardly believe his luck at bumping into Charlotte and now just holding her in his arms felt like his every Christmas wish had come true. He could feel his heart hammering in his chest as the heat of her skin made her perfume waft into his nostrils. He moved his head slightly and bestowed a soft kiss on her frozen cheek; it tasted salty from her tears. She remained in his arms so he got bolder and moved his lips closer to hers, his pressure a little stronger on her skin.

  Charlotte sighed at the feel of his warm soft lips and turned her head so that her mouth could find his. If she closed her eyes tight she could imagine it was Mitchell there with her. Zach put his finger on the tiny cleft in her chin and tilted her face upwards so that he could gaze at her face before he parted her lips. She felt his tongue tango against hers and she lost herself in the feeling it ignited deep in her belly, a fluttering sensation that was almost the same as the flame that Mitchell always lit.

  She moaned as he pressed against her body, his grip felt sure and firm on the small of her back. In her mind Santa had bought Mitchell back to her on Christmas Day as she stood in the snow and let Zach bruise her mouth with his, graze her skin with his stubble and try to erase a million memories. Jester barked as a bright light flashed in the distance and jolted her into reality. Pushing Zach away she stumbled and fell into the snow.

  Scrambling onto her feet she ignored his outstretched hand and instead clipped the lead back onto Jester.

  “I have to go now”

  “Merry Christmas my sweet, innocent Charlotte”

  He watched her walk back towards the house, the swing of her hips still tempting him to chase after her and catch her back into his arms. Lay her down on the soft blanket of snow and defrost her feelings for him. He had felt her respond and with Mitchell out of the picture perhaps she would be his.

  A mix of confused emotions travelled through Charlotte's head. One minute it had been Mitch kissing her, the next it had turned into Zach and into the mix was the soft touch of her best friend Shelley.

  From the edge of the park Keith put his camera away and took the short walk back to the warmth of his car. Felicity had been right to suggest a little stakeout on Christmas Day. With this clip Mitchell would realise Charlotte was not just fooling around with her best friend but also the club owner. He watched Zach stride confidently towards the corner and then he disappeared from sight as Charlotte opened the door and pulled a wet dog inside.

  Chapter 4

  Mitchell woke with a start and stared up through the roof window to see blue sky dotted with falling snow. He must have slept although he didn't remember in his drugged state. His limbs still felt heavy as he walked to the bathroom. Under the hot water he thought of Charlotte and just hoped that his text had reached her and that maybe his none arrival would have set off alarm bells.

  He made a coffee and then sat and waited, he had no idea what time it was since he had thrown his watch at Charlotte. Striding over to the window he gazed down onto the white ground, the driveway evident from the fresh tyre tracks of the party guests leaving at some point in the early hours. The sun was still low in the sky so he pulled on his practice clothes and went downstairs. Letting the music play on random he settled into his usual warm up before a song caught him and he glided effortlessly around the floor.

  The drugs had worn off enough for him to gather momentum as he endeavoured to dance off all the pent up rage he felt inside. It slowly bubbled and churned like a toxic cauldron that he wished he could pour over his mother. Taking a short breather the music changed to “She's like the wind” its simple melody floored him completely as he crumpled onto the hard, wooden surface. His vision was filled with images of Charlie, as she had breathed these words into his ears not that long ago. Christ, he wanted her, no he needed her so badly right now. She had been right all along about how awful his mother was, she had seen through the clever, beautiful facade she always wore to hide the evil inside.

  Crawling towards the stereo he skipped to the next track and wiping his tears he stood up and stared out of the large windows that ran the length of the room. He saw the backdoor open and Felicity appeared, swathed in her fur coat. He watched as she sauntered to the door and his mind wondered if he should just barge past her and try to escape. Then he realised that he had no shoes on so he wouldn't get far in this weather. Slumping back down against the wall he waited for her to enter.

  “Oh Mitchell, you're awake on this beautiful Christmas morning” she gushed, as if nothing unusual had happened.

  “Why, Mum?” Was all he could muster.

  “Why, what dear? Being here with me is the best thing for you. I couldn't just let you run back to that little whore”

  He winced at her words but remained silent, head bowed into submission.

  “Aren't you going to wish me a Merry Christmas” she chirped.

  “No” Mitch replied, he stood up and dragged his feet upstairs.

  “Dinner's at two, I'll send Daniel over to fetch you and please dress smartly, you know I hate casual”

  She walked away and locked the door behind her. With his mind racing Mitch hit the shower again and then made some toast and another coffee. With no phone and no laptop he had no hope of making contact with anyone. He also knew that even if he could get away from Daniel the security men at the end of the drive would no doubt halt his escape. Looking out the back windows all he could see was woodland, he had no idea what was beyond or if it was fenced. He just needed to have patience and at the same time find out where his bike had gone.

  With his grey suit trousers on he chose his pale pink jumper, one of Charlotte's favourites. Then he splashed on some aftershave and waited, he felt like a prisoner in what was supposed to be his home. The snow had stopped falling as he watched Daniel appear through the back door and gingerly walk through the slush on the courtyard. He fumbled with the lock and Mitchell almost decided that perhaps he should take a risk and try to floor him and run. He took another look outside and saw his mother in the door way, watching and he knew that this was not the right time.

  He followed Daniel over to the house and sat down with the two of them for Christmas dinner. Felicity sat at the head of the large table, Daniel to her left, Mitch on her right. The only thing missing was waiting staff so Daniel had to keep getting up to do the honours. A first course of Scallops was served in silence. Mitch pushed his around the plate and ate a couple. The main course had clearly been plated up by the staff from the party. In a brief flash Mitchell remembered the wonderful aromas that always accompanied his Nan's turkey. He squeezed back a tear, afraid to show despair in front of the cruel woman beside him.

  “This is delicious” Felicity broke the silence, as she poured them all a glass of pinot noir.

  “Merry Christmas and it’s so lovely to be sharing it with my favourite men” she trilled, holding her glass aloft. Daniel tapped his glass to hers but Mitchell remained motionless.

  “Come now, darling. Please join in”

  Wearily he did as he was asked, his anger now simmering very close to the surface, the red wine curdled on contact. A traditional Christmas pudding followed which Mitch forced down before a coffee.

  “I think we should adjourn to the lounge and open some presents” Felicity declared, as Daniel offered his hand. Mitch trailed along behind and sat down in the farthest chair. The painting of his father dominated the room and he couldn't help but stare at it and scowl. He never wanted all this? All he wanted were parents that loved and supported him, now he endured a jailer.

  “Daniel can choose a present first, then Mitchell and while you're there you can find one for me” she said, lounging back against the soft cushions, champagne in hand.

  Mitch watched as Daniel pulled out a parcel and then another from the pile. He handed the one to Felicity who tried to fak
e excitement, although he eyes remained impassive. It amused Mitchell, as obviously all the presents for his mother has been purchased with her money, she had probably even chosen them. Daniel exclaimed over the expensive Saville Row suits, shirts, assorted ties and cufflinks.

  “Come on and join in, I didn't forget you” his mother said, staring over at him.

  “I don't need anything if you're keeping me prisoner here” his words echoed in the cavernous room.

  “Prisoner....prisoner, is that what you think of your dear mother” Felicity replied, venom dripped from each syllable.

  “This is for the best, for your future which is going to be so much better than your past”

  “How” Mitch questioned, hoping that his mother would reveal her plans.

  “Does he need to know?” Daniel asked.

  “Oh I can't see why not, I'll need his full co-operation for it to work” she replied, waving her empty glass in Daniel's direction. He took the hint and refilled it, along with his own. He took a brief glance in Mitchell's direction but saw that the champagne flute in his hand was untouched.

  “So Mitchell, my son here is the plan” she giggled, taking a sip.

  “For the next few months you will have to keep hidden, the barn is very secure and I can close the large doors that are still in place over the big windows. If anyone needs to take a look Daniel will be there with you and can conceal you in the small cellar beneath. I bet you haven't even found the hidden door for that have you?” She laughed again at the shock in his eyes.

  “You might be good at cyber snooping but I designed that building's interior as your father needed a wine cellar. It’s the perfect hiding place”