Page 58 of Villainous Mind
I felt the same ease radiating from Rhys. As if he felt stronger here and not so vulnerable. It was as if we left the fear and threats in the city. He pulled up in the circular drive, parking, and we got out of the car. A note was taped to the door of the caravan. He pulled it off and read it, handing it to me. “It’s from the superintendent. He wants to meet with you tomorrow morning,” he said, rolling his eyes.
“I never told him I was leaving town. He could have texted me. I gave him my card.”
The sun sat low in the sky, dusting the sky in shades of pinks and purples and shadowing Rhys’ face. “We’ll tend to it tomorrow. Will you walk with me?”
“Of course.”
“Let me change.” He went into the trailer. I leaned against the car as I waited for him, wondering how bonds could be formed and tested this quickly. I liked Rhys and would go as far as saying I was falling in love with him. I knew he felt the same, which scared me because I knew love went as quickly as it came.
He came out of the caravan wearing jeans and a tattered blue fisherman’s sweater, carrying a blanket. I preferred this look to his tailored suits. It spoke more to his character. He took my hand, and we walked down the trail leading to the beach. The woods were alive with life. Choughs, skylarks, and stonechat squabbled in the trees and heathland, vying for insects and grubs to sustain their evening meal. Up ahead, the ocean sat still and clear, the only movement the soft rolling waves as they moved toward the shore. It was completely different from the violent passion of the morning tide before a storm. Rhys spread the blanket on the sand, and he sat down, motioning for me to sit between his legs. I did as he put his arms around me. The sun kissed the horizon. It would be dark soon, but for now, at this moment, time ceased to exist.
“I love you,” he whispered softly in my ear. “You don’t need to say it back, but I needed you to know I love you.”
I leaned against him, relishing the feeling of his strength. The sun was almost gone. The day’s dying embers would soon be extinguished. “Watch,” Rhys said. “Keep your eyes on the top rim of the sun.”
I did, and then I saw a bright green flash of light. The sun’s final goodbye to the day until it returned tomorrow. It was beautiful. “I love you too,” I said. It seemed right. Natural in this moment.
He kissed my cheek and helped me up. “There has to be some significance to it. The green light. Everything is steeped in superstition here.”
He turned somber and gave me a tight smile. “Most would say it’s good luck.”
“But?”
“Mariners believe it means a soul has returned from the dead.”
My mind went to the missing girls. It was easy to forget. We shook out the blanket, and I took his hand. He stopped at the shack and grabbed a torch from inside, and we continued up the trail in the dimming light. The forest had grown quiet as the small birds had returned to their nest for the night.
We walked silently, content with each other’s company and recent declarations. A bird swooped down, landing in front of us and letting out a loud caw. I jumped back, caught off guard. It was a raven. Rhys didn’t need to tell me the superstition associated with the bird. I already knew it. They were a sign of death, especially if one crossed your path.
ChapterEighteen
NAVY
Rhys sat at the small kitchenette table the next day, working on his computer. “What time are you supposed to meet the superintendent?” he asked, looking up.
“I texted him and told him noon at the pub.” I finished lacing up my boots. We had slept late, enjoying the novelty of our new relationship and the pleasures that came with it. Though we held off having sex, Rhys insisted on holding me instead. “Sorry, you didn’t get to surf.”
“There’s a storm coming in late afternoon. The tide will be up. Fifteen-foot swells. I’ll go then.”
I gave him a smile. “Adrenaline junkie. That’s what you are.” On the way home from London yesterday, he sat in the cockpit, filling in as the copilot. Apparently, one of the many skills he acquired along with his license years ago when he was traveling the world.
“Not so much anymore, but I was when I was younger,” he said, closing his computer. “I’m going to check the property, and then we can leave.”
I was going to suggest I walk, but I knew he would shoot down my idea. “Okay.”
“Stay in the caravan and lock the door until I get back. Don’t open it for any reason.”
“Yes, sir,” I mocked, giving him a salute.
He pulled me into an embrace, smacking me on my bottom. “You jest, but I quite like you calling me sir. It means you respect my authority.”
I pushed away from him. “Don’t get used to it.”
“Seriously though, Please listen to me. Don’t answer the door for anyone but me.”
“I won’t.”
He reached out and brushed my cheek, nodding. “Thank you.”