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None of them spoke as they followed the path that led to a small open area. There was a cluster of rustic cinderblock buildings, barely the size of small garages back home. Metal lay across the roof of most the buildings and some had stone chimneys leaning lopsided as they climbed up the side of the cinderblocks. Ben had not grown up in a large home, and it was often in disrepair, but these couldn’t really be called homes. They were more like square stone huts at best.
After a moment of taking it all in, a figure emerged from one of the cabins, a woman with a confident stride. She looked perfectly at home here, as if Cinderhill was a glorious destination and she was the keeper of its wonderful secrets. Where King had a rugged, weathered appearance, the woman exuded a light about her. Something welcoming even in the late hour.
King greeted the woman with a kiss and a tight hug. A look of relief washed across her face and Ben realized King’s trip out to get them late at night was likely unsettling.
"Welcome to Cinderhill. I'm Bailey. I hope the ride in wasn’t too tough.” She extended her hand to each of them. “I know it probably feels like you’ve traveled to the end of the earth, but we have everything you need here.”
Paisley offered a small smile, her gratitude evident but had tears ready to fall if she’d let them. "The ride in was fine. We appreciate King coming to get us. This isn’t the kind of place anyone could find if they didn’t know what they were looking for."
Bailey nodded, her voice soft and empathetic. "It’s very remote. Cinderhill is intentionally secluded. It's a sanctuary, a place where you can find respite from whatever you’re dealing with. We understand it's a lot to take in, but please know that you're not alone. A lot of the people here have chosen Cinderhill as their home so they would feel safe. We’ve had our challenges, but you’re coming at a very stable time."
Paisley's eyes met Bailey's, a glimmer of hope shining through her weariness. "I appreciate that. I really do. It's just... overwhelming. My friend Doug, he’s in the hospital. I’m worried about him and I was not ready to step out of my life. And I didn’t know that step would be into the wilderness."
Bailey reached out, her hand gently resting on Paisley's arm. "I understand more than you can know. It was Gloria Kinross herself who came and got me. She’s not with us anymore, cancer took her. But Carmen is a part of her legacy. I know exactly what it’s like to have that conversation and have to walk away from your life with nothing.”
“They brought you here too?” Paisley asked, her breath seeming to catch in her throat. “How long have you been living here? Have you ever wanted to go back to your old life?”
“They didn’t bring me here to keep me safe. It’s a long story, but they took me from here. Cinderhill wasn’t always the place it is today. It was the place I had to escape to save my life. My father had some very twisted beliefs and a lot of control. Luckily, I was able to leave and do what needed to be done to get rid of him. Then King was here to help me make sure Cinderhill could reach its full potential. Now, it’s home. It’s everything I always hoped it would be, and I get to be back. Just like you’ll be able to get back to your life someday.”
Ben felt uneasy with that promise. They were in no position to guarantee Paisley that she’d be able to return safely to her high-profile life. It wasn’t remotely the same as what Bailey had been through. She was recognizable. The threat against her spread wide and was incredibly dangerous.
King drew in a deep breath as if he came to the same conclusion as Ben. "Strength is found in the most unexpected places, Paisley. I’d never lived anywhere like Cinderhill before. It doesn’t exactly have all the creature comforts I used to have in the city, but it is rich in a lot of other things. The people here are resilient. Kind in ways I didn’t know was possible. It’ll take time to adjust, but it’s worth it.”
As Bailey and King led them toward one of the small cinderblock buildings, Ben took in the surrounding landscape; the whisper of the wind through the trees created a haunting kind of noise that made his hair stand on end. This was like a different planet from where he was accustomed to spending a night out. And he half expected an alien to jump out from behind the closest bush.
“We only have one unit available right now,” Bailey apologized. “We’ve put two beds in and the moment we can arrange something else we will. King has his eyes set on modernizing Cinderhill without ruining the charm and sustainability. It’s the debate of our life now. We have lists. Endless lists with pros and cons.”
Ben stepped in to the small dwelling before Paisley, trying to formulate some silver lining comments about the space. Something that might keep her from being too overwhelmed. There was only one thing he could see that made it in any way redeemable. The flickering flames in the fireplace cast a warm glow, creating an atmosphere of comfort amidst the rustic surroundings. The scent of wood smoke mingled with the crisp night air that blew through the window screen. This little space was cozy. Maybe that would be something Paisley could hang onto.
Ben surveyed the rest of the room, his eyes lingering on the small beds and the limited furnishings. A tiny little space with the bare necessities. Or maybe more accurately, some necessities were actually missing.
Bailey's voice broke the silence. "I understand that this may be quite a shock. Our way of life here is humble, but it's rooted in a deep sense of community and protection. Many people find it can be a grounding experience to scale back and get in touch with the basics of life.”
“I appreciate all you’ve done,” Paisley replied, though her voice shaking gave away the emotion she was trying to hold back.
Bailey nodded. “We’re here to help with anything you need. You’ve traveled a lot today. May we bring you something to eat?”
“I’m going to try to get some sleep if that’s okay,” Paisley said quickly, wrapping her arms tightly around herself. “I’m exhausted.”
“Of course,” King answered, looking to Ben to make sure he didn’t feel differently. He was hungry but he waved him off, knowing their best bet was to call it a night and hope everything looked better in the morning. His mother used to say that. The morning brought a new day, new chances for things to go right. And they could certainly use a win right now.
King and Bailey quietly stepped out, leaving the two of them to climb silently into their beds. In the dimly lit cabin, Paisley and Ben lay motionless. The heaviness of the situation hung in the air, amplifying the sound of Paisley's stifled sobs. She was trying not to let on that she was crying, but there was not enough space between them to hide the noise. Ben was a sucker for tears. He hated to see anyone in that kind of pain. There was only one way to stop it. One way to get her back home. Figure out who the asshole was threatening her life and end the game he was playing.
CHAPTER4
PAISLEY
The morning light filtered through the small square window as Paisley stirred awake. She was momentarily disoriented by her surroundings, that same feeling she’d had as a child at a sleepover when she’d wake and realize with a shock she wasn’t in her own bed. This was like a sleepover but without all the silly jokes and late-night snacks. She stared at the ceiling and listened to the wild noises of the woods at night.
Rolling to her side, she rubbed at her tired eyes as Ben came into focus. He was still asleep, his face unshaven, his arm draped casually up over his head. She was going to let him sleep. He deserved the rest. But one tiny buzzing insect zipping by her head ended that quickly.
She let out a startled scream, her heart pounding in her chest. After months of being threatened, followed, and nearly killed, her nerves were shot and the dive-bombing bug was too much this early in the morning.
Ben's eyes flew open, and he immediately sprang to his feet, ready to defend her against any potential threat, his protective instincts on high alert. “What the—” Blinking the sleep out of his eyes, his hands balled into fists, ready to strike. That was comforting at least.
"I'm sorry, Ben. I... there was a bug. Maybe a bee. I don’t know.”
He looked around for it but saw nothing. “Where?”
