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My heart leaps, and I cautiously lift my eyes to meet his. “Yes, please.”
Maybe if he lets me go downstairs, I won’t have to risk my life climbing down with bedsheets. Maybe I can slip out a side door when he isn’t looking and run like a house on fire.
“I’ve prepared a nice dinner.” He’s watching me. “It would be nice to have someone to share it with.”
“Thank you.” I stand, keeping my hands clasped as I walk slowly to where he waits on the stairs.
He turns, and I follow him down, past the small bathroom, to another flight of stairs until we enter an open space with a large living room that flows into the kitchen and dining area. It’s all brilliant white with navy ticking, and the view of the shore is breathtaking. The scent of grilled steak and buttery potatoes in the air makes my mouth water.
“Don’t I have a beautiful home?” He lifts his chin proudly.
I want to say no, but he’ll see I’m lying. So I opt for a true question. “How can someone like you afford a house like this?”
“I have my ways.” His smug grin intensifies my hatred. How dare he live in luxury after he destroyed my family?
He strolls to the kitchen and opens a bottle of red wine. “Your mother must not love you. She’s not cooperating.”
“My mother will never smear my father’s name. She loved him too much.”
“More than she loves you?” He drives the knife into my chest so casually as he hands me a glass of wine.
Maybe?I sip the dark red liquid, unsure how to answer his question. It tastes like cherries and pepper with a slight metallic undertone.
“Do you like the wine?” Again, he’s fishing for compliments.
“I don’t know much about wine.”
“This is a 1998 Barolo from the Monfortino region.”
Shrugging, I turn away from him, walking to the glass doors facing the beach. My posture is casual, but I scan every inch of the outdoors, making mental notes of potential escape routes. I strain my eyes to where his blue Ford is parked, but I don’t see what I’d hoped to find. I don’t see a three-wheel ATV.
“Kiawah isn’t the prettiest beach I’ve ever visited, but it’s secluded, private.” He walks up beside me, and I take a step away. “Nobody comes here without an invitation, and if they do… alligators.”
He cuts his eyes at me, and they’re dancing with an evil glee.
I curl my nose in disgust. “Alligators don’t attack humans. They’re usually afraid of them unless they’ve been fed human food. You’re thinking of crocodiles, which are aggressive and will attack.”
“Aren’t you the expert?” He’s sarcastic, and my head is dizzy.
I think I’ve had too much red wine on an empty stomach. “I don’t like things being accused unfairly.”
“Like your lying dad?”
“You’re the liar!” My voice rises, and I’m definitely a little tipsy. “You’re a murderer and a criminal, and you’re going to get what you deserve.”
“Shut your mouth, stupid girl.” He’s on the ropes, and the fire in my chest roars hotter.
“My dad was younger and better looking, and he had more stamina. He could do the tricks you were too old or too scared to try.”
At that he snatches my jaw in his fingers painfully, lowering his face so his nose touches mine. “Shut up, or I’ll put you in a weighted box and drop it in the middle of the ocean. If they ever find you, there won’t be anything left to identify.”
Fear tightens my lungs, and I remember what Mom said about Dad having dreams and premonitions. I think of my own dreams of drowning. Were they premonitions or my subconscious longing to be with my dad?
Satisfaction gleams in Stan’s eyes when he sees he’s frightened me.
He releases my face with a flick of his wrist, and I walk to the couch and sit, heaviness pulling me down. Reaching out, I place my wine glass on the coffee table, where I see a large amethyst crystal the size of my fist.
Amethyst is a protection stone. It represents reunion and connection to spiritual beings. Reunion, spiritual beings… I could be reunited with Aiden. My dad’s spirit could be protecting me. It’s only a hope, but it strengthens my resolve. I imagine a voice telling me,You’re not going to die here.
