Page 42 of Leafpoint Lighthouse

Cale skedaddled backwards, panting wildly.

“William, we want him gone. Reverse the hands,” I said tiredly. They disappeared, and Cale raced for the door and opened it. He yelped as fingers reached for him and fled through it, not bothering to shut it behind him.

“Just let the cold in, why don’t you,” I muttered. William slammed the door. I got to my feet and headed upstairs to the living room. Not saying a word, I sat down and stared at the walls. Had that really happened? Part of me wondered how Cale had the barefaced cheek, but I knew him.

The world revolved around him, according to Cale. He was scrabbling to cover his ass after messing up massively. I bet that Mark had instructed Cale to get me to drop the lawsuit, and he’d keep his job. Unfortunately for Cale, I’d grown a spine in our time apart. Perhaps the money had given me more confidence. That was sad, but if it helped me stand up against Cale, that was no bad thing.

A scratching noise made me look up.

Seriously? Why wouldn’t William give me a break, especially as he’d just chased Cale away. The sound turned into taps, and I blew out a breath. I shook my head and curled up on the sofa, lying down on a cushion. I wasn’t sure I liked the idea that Cale found out where I lived. It felt like I was exposed, and I was slightly worried.

Cale had never shown himself to be violent, but mental games? Oh, Cale excelled at them and at being manipulative. It was only now that I was starting to realise the damage Cale caused me. William decided the taps and scratching weren’t enough; he amped up to a low whistle.

“William, stop,” I snapped and got up. I needed to get some air.

The cold bit into my lungs, and I welcomed it. As I walked along the cliff path, I could feel the snow in the air even though it wasn’t falling. Below me, the waves crashed against the rocks, creating music, with the wind howling softly in accompaniment. The noise allowed me to clear my mind and think.

Despite having my back several times, William didn’t want me here. He’d warned me he would drive me out by any means necessary. While steps were available, I was reluctant to resort to extremes. Ignoring him was a problem. William could be incredibly distracting. He was gorgeous, even if he was dead. If William walked past me in the street or if I’d seen him at a pub, I’d certainly be attracted.

God, was I some sort of freak? William passed away long ago, and we couldn’t have a relationship. Holy hell, why was I thinking of being romantic with him? That was so wrong! Disgust welled up inside. William had suffered. He’d been murdered, had no understanding why, how or who by, and there’s me perving on him.

Maybe it was best that I moved away. William was a temptation I didn’t need. Another fruitless relationship. Did I have no self-respect? Was I so damn desperate for love that even a dead guy seemed appealing? Wow! How sad!

“Hello,” a voice startled me, and I looked up.

“Mrs Penrose! I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”

“No, I expect not. I came here to think.” She smiled. “There is an excellent rock to sit on and watch the sea.” Mrs Penrose motioned to her left, and I followed her. “You seem to have a lot on your mind.”

“Yes and no. My ex appeared today. It brought back some terrible memories.”

“It was a bitter break-up?”

“Totally! It’s a long story,” I replied.

“We’re both wrapped up warmly, and your lighthouse isn’t far should we need hot cocoa. Why don’t you tell me about it?” Mrs Penrose patted my knee.

Without a second thought, I shared everything that Cale had done. Mrs Penrose listened intently, nodding and making soothing noises in all the right places.

“This Cale sounds dreadful,” Mrs Penrose finally said.

“Yes. I completely agree. I think I’m more annoyed at myself for loving him so much when he was such a mean person.”

“We all make mistakes, my dear, especially when young.” Mrs Penrose smiled at the sea.

“Did you?” I asked.

“No. I married my husband and had a happy life with him. But I was lucky, or perhaps too stubborn to allow things to fester,” she replied.

Had I done that? Let problems build up and then turn to poison? Should I have tackled Cale’s behaviour earlier and saved myself a load of pain?

“I’m weak.”

“No. You’re young, Lyra; that makes a world of difference. Maybe one day in thirty years, you’ll find a girl sitting here and will be able to impart your wisdom. You might even possibly save her the distress and delusion you experienced.”

That rankled a little. It wasn’t as if I’d deliberately turned a blind eye to Cale.

“May I?” Mrs Penrose asked.