 
Copyright © 2014 Penelope Greene

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This work has been asserted to her in accordance with the

Copyright, Designs and Patents act 1988

This is a work of fiction, names, characters and incidents are used

Fictitiously.

Any resemblance to actual events or persons living or dead are

Entirely coincidental

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Book One - The D'Silva Brothers

Chapter One

The Man's phone made a thundering vibration against the table. He found the noise irritating to say the least but less so than the myriad of tones you could use to let you know that you had a message. He supposed he could just turn the phone off but needed to be reached easily, especially now.

He put down his beer, glanced around the gloomy bar, just to check nobody was watching him, or more to the point, pretending not to watch him. It was a subtle difference but one he could spot a mile away. He also checked that he had easy access to both of the exits; the main one opposite the bar and the one at the back of the run-down building, used only in the event of a fire or an impromptu exit if needed.

A quick glance told him that he was okay for the time being. The bar was only a couple of miles from Vegas so mostly the people here were drinking to numb the pain of losing everything they had. Gloomy music played in the background as if to highlight the underlying sadness of the whole place, It wasn't really the kind of place he frequented, for someone born as handsome as he was, it was hard to blend in.

He picked up his phone.

He's here.

Two words that made him smile. It was just the text he had been waiting for. He knew if he waited long enough that he would receive this message. What do they always say about returning to the scene of the crime?

He drained the last of his drink, put his phone in his back pocket and started to make his way out.

He was almost to the door when a large guy with far too many tattoos and facial hair, bumped into him. He knew the score, knew what was coming, felt the atmosphere of the place start to crackle with anticipation as conversations stopped mid-sentence and everyone turned to look.

'Hey asshole,' Beardy said, slightly slurring his words. The handsome man turned to face him. 'You wanna apologise?'

This bearded man was singling him out because he wasn't like everyone else. He had the confidence and looks of someone who was playing the game of life and winning. In other words he stood out like a sore thumb. Maybe, he thought that was why he picked such places to pass the time, maybe on some level, he liked confrontation as much as the next guy?

He held no bad feeling towards this tattooed man who just wanted to fight, wanted to feel like a man because the blackjack table had stolen what little dignity he had left.

Beardy had about a hundred pounds on him but it was from too much beer and junk food. Maybe that was why the two men sat with him stood to back him up. Maybe it was simply mob mentality. Either way this Man, who only wanted to be on his way, wasn't worried.

He could see the barman inching towards his left, toward the phone so he could easily call the police when it all kicked off. The man could do without being arrested. Not now, he had a long journey ahead of him, although, he'd waited a long time for that message, what was another few days? He was itching to teach this loser a lesson he wouldn't soon forget. A couple of days in hospital would make him think twice before picking a fight with a stranger in future.

'I don't want any trouble Travis.' The barman spoke up finally. He must have had his hand on the phone. Felt a little braver now he could be connected to the cavalry in moments. The barman wasn't worried about anyone's well-being, especially some idiot from out of town who had ventured into the wrong bar. No he was worried about broken furniture, lost inventory and the very real possibility of having to clean blood off the floor when everyone had left.

Travis jabbed the Handsome Man's solid chest with two fingers just as the jukebox started to play an old country song that His mother used to sing to him when he was young.

'You deaf Asshole?' Travis asked.

One of the men who stood next to Travis cracked his knuckles.

'I said-' Travis raised his arm, ready to jab him again but The Man grabbed his wrist with one hand and with his other bent his fingers back at an impossible angle. For the second time that night the sound of bones cracking filled the air.

Travis cried out in pain, falling to his knees, his eyes widening in surprise.

'You picked the wrong guy to screw with Travis.' He advised, speaking for the first time. One of the supporters stepped forward but The Man was ready for his next assailant. He raised his fists and smiled widely. The supporter was hesitant seeing what had happened to his buddy. The balance of power had shifted and he was wrong footed.

'Come on, don't be shy.' The Man teased.

This second fighter couldn't back down now, not with everyone's eyes on him and his friend writhing in agony on the floor. He threw out a fist in a vicious right hook that might have knocked anyone else out cold but this Stranger wasn't just anyone else, he had been trained well to handle himself.

Anticipating the punch he grabbed the man's arm lifting it up whist driving his other, bent arm down between the elbow and the wrist. He didn't use enough force to break bone but the second fighter wouldn't be doing any heavy lifting for a while. Beardy's supporter also cried out but came back punching with his uninjured arm, it was obviously his non-dominant side so missed by a mile. The Man delivered a right hook straight to the temple and seconds later he was sprawled out cold on the floor.

Travis' third supporter stared at his buddies with bewilderment. This was definitely not how things usually played out.

'Third time lucky?' The Man said to him but knew he wouldn't rise to the bait, only an idiot would see two men fail miserably and think he could do better. He didn't relax completely though, there was no accounting for some people's stupidity.

'That's what I thought.' He said when it was obviously over. He knelt down to Travis who was sitting on the floor cradling his now swollen hand, his back against the bar. 'You might want to put some ice on that.' He advised and winked relishing his victory and the look on Travis' face.

The Man stood and stepped over the man on the floor, ignoring everyone's stunned silence as he left, he hummed along to the end of the old country song he remembered from his childhood. He left the bar and walked out into the warm night.

Chapter Two

Alison really didn't mind her job at The Grill but tonight there were barely any customers and there was only so much cleaning you could do. It was mind-numbingly boring but worse than that; no tips.

It was nights like this that you wished the customers would stay and chat some more however tedious their stories were.

At the moment there were six people in total in the whole place and not one of them was sitting at the bar.

'Hi Ruby.' Alison greeted her colleague with more enthusiasm that usual as she was so grateful to be actually talking to someone.

'I just need two beers, I can do it if-'

'No, I'll do it!' Alison answered cheerfully, opening the fridge, getting two cold bottles of beer and flipping the tops off with the opener clipped to a loop on the waistband of her skirt. She set them on Ruby's tray and added two frosted glasses. 'Anything else?' She asked hopefully.

'That's all for now.' Ruby said merrily and walked over to a table by the window, where a middle-aged couple looked intently at their menus.

Alison sighed and looked at her watch, only five minutes had passed since she had checked the time but it felt like it had been twenty.

'I don't know why we bothered opening.' Her Manager Steve said as he barged through from the kitchen adjacent to the end of the bar. 'I thought the warmer weather would bring people out.' He said surveying the whole eating area and pushing his glasses further up his nose.

'I guess...' Replied Alison who was willing a customer to appear out of thin air, she hated making small talk with Steve who always gave the weekends off to the girls who flirted with him. He loved it a little too much for someone with a wife and small child at home. 'It's still early though so...' She tucked a strand of hair that had escaped from her pony-tail behind her ear not knowing what else to say.

Moments later, Alison's prayers were answered and a young man she hadn't seen before walked through the door. She would have remembered his wavy fair hair and Slavic cheekbones. He walked in like he owned the place.

The stranger stopped by the steps up to the bar area and looked around The Grill, seemingly drinking in every detail. A small smile played on his lips and Alison willed him to walk in her direction.

Please save me from having to chit chat with my Manager. As if he could read her thoughts he started towards her.

'Hello, what can I get for you?' Alison asked as he approached the bar. He was gorgeous up close and although she could now see his nose had been broken at some point it only added to his rugged good looks. Alison could feel herself blush and had to be careful not to gush, it had been a long while since she'd had a steady boyfriend and was out of practise talking to the opposite sex.

The stranger smiled and hesitated slightly before he spoke, the smile reached all the way to his moss green eyes and Alison had the most overwhelming feeling of Deja vu. Maybe she had known him in a past life?

'I'll have a whiskey straight please.' He ordered without taking his eyes off her.

'Coming right up.' She said matching his smile. He was dressed like the kind of customer that favoured the more expensive malt so she reached up to the top shelf and brought one of Scotland's finest exports down to pour a measure in his glass.

She was thrilled to see this newcomer settle onto one of the stools and was even more so when Steve got the hint and sloped off.

Alison placed the drink down on the bar and wished she could be more like her friend Carolina who would know exactly what to say when a more than average looking guy had your full attention.

She flustered as her mind went completely blank but it didn't matter as he spoke first.

Chapter Three

The Grill was an unimaginative name for a bar and restaurant but it summed the place up well. As the main bar in Willow Grove it had nobody to compete with and as a consequence hadn't changed a bit since the last time he had been there.

The atmosphere was relaxed, the staff friendly and the low level lighting and rustic design gave the place a real sense of warmth and intimacy.

The food that was being served smelled gorgeous, fresh off the grill (hence the name of the place) and sizzling all the way to the table but he hadn't come here to eat, not tonight.

When he had entered he had glanced round at the small crowd of people, out of habit more than anything. There was a couple, just about old enough to drink, or maybe not, playing pool, he could tell by the way they inter-acted with each other they were on a date.

A group of women sat by the large fireplace in the corner, drinking wine, leaning in towards each other chatting and laughing and there was an older couple by the window, silent but relaxed in each other's company, drinking beer.

He made his way straight to the bar and there she was; he had asked around and knew this is where she worked. Seeing her again hit him like a truck, the emotions he had felt all those years ago rushed back at him all at once. He had been stupid to think that he wouldn't still feel that way about her.

The mandatory black shirt and black trousers she wore fit her curvy figure perfectly but she didn't flaunt her curves, making him think she didn't want any unsought attention. Her honey eyes had greeted him warmly but she had no idea who he was and he wasn't surprised. He hardly recognised himself these days.

'Hello, what can I get for you?' She asked him and he was that young boy again noticing for the first time how her figure had started to change, slight swellings in her t-shirt that had stirred something in him he never imagined he could feel. How he'd spent days since dreaming about her full lips on his.

'I'll have a Whiskey please.' He answered, waiting for the penny to drop, for recognition to creep into her features.

'Coming right up.' She told him and smiled. God she was beautiful. He thought of all the letters he'd written her, all the apologies he'd put down on paper over the years but never sent.

He sat on one of the bar stools as she busied herself with his drink. When she placed it before him, she blushed slightly and looked as if she wanted to say something but couldn't find the words.

'You don't remember me do you?' He asked her.

She looked at him blankly. He could tell she didn't want to hurt his feelings by saying no.

'Ethan.' He stated finally, putting her out of her misery.

'Oh my God...' she said slowly as it dawned on her. He didn't know what her reaction would be and for a few beats she just stood there staring.

She started to walk to the end of the bar and his worst fears were realised, she hadn't forgiven him, even after all this time and he couldn't blame her. But wait, she wasn't walking away she was walking around the bar to where he sat. She came to him her arms open and he slid off the stool as she enveloped him in her arms. He melted into her, drinking in her familiar vanilla scent.

He wanted to kiss her so badly but knew this would be the most inappropriate thing he could do so pulled away from the hug to find her smiling up at him.

'It's good to see you.' He told her and it was probably the most under stated thing he had ever uttered.

'When did you get so hot?' She asked moving her hands down his lightweight jacket, feeling his toned arms underneath. 'Are you taller?' Suddenly she blushed furiously snapping her hands back to her side. She turned away and pulled up a stool, hauled herself onto it.

'The last time I saw you we were-'

'Seventeen.' Ethan replied for her and she nodded suddenly unable to look at him. He knew why and had prepared himself, rehearsed hundreds of apologies on his way here.

'I'm so sorry Alison, I owe you an explanation.' She waved his apology away but he could see she was still hurt by what he had done.

'Honestly don't worry, water under the bridge.' She said and her smile returned, lighting up her face. 'So, come on then, what have you been up to?'

'Oh, I don't want to bore you...' He said deflecting the question. Where would he begin? Instead he changed the subject.

'I heard about your parents Alison, I'm so sorry.' The truth was he had been devastated when he had discovered the news of Alison's parents. They had taken him in, treated him like a son when things had escalated with his step-father.

Alison nodded solemnly. 'I thought you might come, you know, to the funeral...' She said, he took her hand in his.

'I didn't know until long after.' He said which was a lie, he could have come back in time for the funeral and he'd wanted to desperately but he hadn't been allowed.

They sat silently, laughter and the sound of pool balls being hit floated over them as they were temporarily struck dumb by the weight of Alison's tragedy.

'Come on, we should be celebrating.' Alison said, taking a deep breath. She leaned over the bar and grabbed an empty glass. 'Cheers.' She said and raised the glass towards him. He raised his and they met with a satisfying clink.

'Cheers.' Ethan said and took a sip of his whiskey, a single malt, his favourite.

'So how long are you back for? We need to catch up properly.' Alison asked.

'Actually, I'm moving back.'

'Are you serious?' She asked and looked pleased, he thought or maybe he just wanted her to so badly he had imagined it.

'Yes I'm serious.' He said and laughed.

'That's great-'

'Alison, I know we're quiet but if you could at least look as if you're working that would be great.' Ethan turned towards this man who had interrupted Alison and took in the over styled hair and t-shirt that was a little too tight. He looked in good shape but Ethan knew that he could snap him in half without even trying.

'Oh, yeah, sorry I was just...'

'You were just slacking.' He said. 'Honestly Alison, what's the Matter with you?' Flustered, Alison quickly scurried back to the other side of the bar.

'I'm sorry, that was my fault.' Ethan said and extended his hand. 'Ethan D'Silva.' He said introducing himself with a firm handshake.

'Steve McArthur.' The man said. 'I'm the manager here at The Grill.'

'Well you see Steve, I just hate to drink alone so Alison was kind enough to come and sit with me so that I would feel as if I had some company.'

'Oh well, I didn't realise-'

'So if you want to admonish anyone Steve then admonish me.' Ethan continued looking the manager dead in the eye. He was challenging him and he knew it but seemingly Steve knew when to pick his battles.

'As I said, I didn't realise, sorry Alison... in fact why don't you get yourself off home.' Steve said.

'Are you sure?' Alison asked hesitantly.

'Yeah, it's so quiet, I can finish up here.' Steve said and made his way around the bar to prove his point.

Ethan drained his glass and slipped a few bills underneath it as Alison grabbed her jacket and bag.

'Why don't I walk you home?' Ethan suggested.

Chapter Four

Ethan D'Silva was walking her home and Alison could barely believe it. Firstly because the never thought she would see him again and secondly because he was no longer the shy, skinny kid she remembered from way back, he was gorgeous and from what she had just witnessed he was extremely confident.

The way he had spoken to her boss like that, he had done that for her and it made Alison feel giddy. She had never thought of him in a romantic way before, he was just a friend and one she had only made through circumstance really. They certainly never hung out at school that was for sure.

Alison had thought of him a lot the summer he had vanished, she had thought they were close, he was like part of the family for goodness sake and then he was just gone.

'You didn't have to do that.' Alison said, even though she was thrilled he had.

'Do what?'

'Steve is a bit of a sleaze but mostly he's harmless.'

'I'll bear that in mind.' Ethan said and smiled. God that smile, Alison was nearly on the floor. How could she not have noticed his dimples, his perfectly straight teeth? 'What?' Ethan asked.

God, she was staring! Could she be more obvious? The way she had pawed all over him at the bar?

'Nothing.' She said focusing now on the houses they were passing. 'I was just wondering about your mom, is she still with, Erm...' She didn't know how to finish the sentence. The whole town knew back then that Ethan's no good Step-Dad beat on his mom, that was why her parents had taken him in.

'Ed?' Ethan finished for her. 'No, he split not long after we left.'

'Oh okay.' Alison didn't know how to ask her next question but decided to launch straight into it. 'Why did you leave?'

'Ed got a job out of state so he just bundled us all up one night and off we went.'

'I see.' Alison had her explanation after all this time but it still didn't explain why he hadn't called or written in all the time he had been away. She decided for tonight she wouldn't push it. For now she was just happy that he was back. He would tell her everything in his own time.

They stopped at the end of the path leading up to Alison's porch steps.

'Thank you for walking me home.' Alison said but made no move towards the house.

'You can't be too careful these days.' He pointed out, his eyes on hers.

He's going to kiss me! Alison thought and her heart started to race but her excitement was short lived. He leaned in but only to hug her.

'It's really good to see you.' She said. 'See you soon.' She added hoping she didn't sound too desperate and walked to her front door. She waved as she went inside and he started to walk back the way they had just come.

Alison locked the door behind her, and walked through the kitchen into the den. The television was still on but her older sister, Gemma lay on the sofa asleep, still in her nurses scrubs. Gently, Alison placed a blanket over her and turned the television off.

She tiptoed upstairs and poked her head into her brother's room. Several gothic band members stared back from posters on the wall but George's bed, still unmade from that morning, was empty.

Alison sighed, took her phone out of her back pocket, the high she felt after seeing Ethan was ebbing away as she started to fret about her younger sibling. She texted him, tapping the screen harder than she needed as if this would be conveyed in the message.

Where the hell are you!!?

She might as well have this sentence saved as a template because it was the only thing she ever texted. She didn't expect a reply any time soon.

Alison went through her nightly regime of cleaning, brushing and moisturising then undressed and got into bed where she thought some more about Ethan. She was sure he'd had an older brother but wouldn't she have met him if he had? She made a mental note to ask him next time she saw him.

As Alison drifted off to sleep she idly wondered where in town he was living and why stupidly, she hadn't taken his number before he'd hugged her goodbye.

Alison didn't know how long she'd been asleep when a commotion downstairs woke her. Someone was banging on the door. She knew this would be something to do with George, it had to be.

'I'm coming.' Gemma shouted from the den. Alison grabbed her night gown on her way out of her room and tied the belt round her as she descended the stairs.

She joined Gemma at the open front door, both of them squinting against the light in the hall.

George was standing by the side of a police officer looking pale and a lot younger than his years but defiance radiated off him in waves none the less.

'Sorry to wake you.' The officer said leaving out the word 'again.' If Alison had to guess she would say this was the third time this month that this particular officer had woken them up in the early hours of the morning.

Their father had been the deputy sheriff before he died and because of that they cut George an enormous amount of slack. Sometimes Alison wished they wouldn't as it only made him worse.

'What the hell George?' Gemma asked, having slipped into the role of parent by virtue of being the eldest. He wouldn't answer, just kept looking at the welcome mat as if the secrets of the universe were held there.

'I caught him and a pal, drinking up at the Lake.' The officer told them, Alison was sure his name was Doug.

'What were you doing in the woods?' Alison asked.

'What's it to you?' George answered indignantly, shrugging the policeman's hand off his shoulder and barging past his sisters up the stairs.

'Come back here.' Gemma shouted after him but was answered by the slamming of his door.

'Thank you so much for bringing him home Doug.' Gemma thanked the officer and he said his goodbyes, giving them both an understanding look.

'I'm gonna kill him.' Gemma stated as she locked the door but Alison grabbed her arm before she reached the stairs.

'Let me talk to him.' She said.

'Fine.' Gemma agreed, walking into the kitchen and switching on the light. She muttered something else but Alison didn't hear it.

Up in his bedroom, George was sat at his desk, the internet was up, he had his earphones in and his head was bobbing slightly to the music. He didn't hear Alison come into the room.

Alison smacked the back of his head, not hard, just to get his attention.

'Oh my God, what now?' He demanded, pulling his earphones out. Alison sat on the edge of the desk, facing him.

'What the hell is wrong with you?' She asked.

'Nothing. I just had a few beers, big deal.' He replied and shrugged, turning his attention back to his computer screen, scrolling down the page with his mouse.

'It is a big deal when the police have to escort you home every other week George. You're so lucky they don't arrest you.'

'Whatever.' He said huffily. He looked exactly like their father had in his teens, so handsome, Alison knew he was going to break a few hearts when he was older but tonight she could see his dark brown eyes were bloodshot and there were underlined by dark circles, she'd been working at The Grill long enough to know that they were the result of more than just a "few beers".

'Listen George, this has to stop...'

'Or what?' He challenged. 'You and Gemma aren't my parents, newsflash, I don't have any.' Alison ignored his spiteful comment even though it was like a knife in her heart.

'Gemma and I lost our parents too you know? Do you really think she wanted to move back here and play parent to you and me?' George had nothing to say to this. 'You think that I wanted to leave college?'

'I never asked either of you do those things.' He mumbled.

'No but we did them anyway.' Alison replied 'Look, I know in your own way you're trying to deal with losing mom and dad and I get that, but enough is enough.' They'd given him more than enough time to grieve; it was time to start moving forward however difficult.

'Spare me the psycho analyst bull Alison,' He spat and put his earphones back in before she could reply.

Alison sat staring at her brother for a moment, this boy filled with such hate and she wanted to shake him until he saw sense, he had been the perfect brother, annoying yes, brothers were but she knew that boy was still there somewhere if she could just get through to him.

She didn't shake him, just stood up and left before she did or said something she wasn't able to take back.

Chapter Five

He had been found not guilty and he honestly thought that was the end of it. People would see that he had been wrongly accused, that he was the victim here and not that angelic looking deceiver, squeezing a few tears out in the witness box.

He had lost everything and that just wasn't right, surely she should be held accountable for the lies she had told? Not that it really mattered because you know what they say; you can't un-ring a bell.

She got to stay in the town where she had family and friends and he was made to leave, how was that fair? Not that he wanted to stay after everyone turned against him, even his best friend; 'You can tell me, did you do it, be honest?' His one and only mistake had been to be alone with her.

They were all the same, stupid young girls, he had to teach them all a lesson, you don't tell lies, not if you want to stay out of trouble.

Chapter Six

Alison hadn't slept well after everything with George and as a result she was tired at work which made her Lunch shift drag.

She was unreasonably frustrated as well that Ethan hadn't shown up to see her. Every time the entrance doors had swung open her eyes flicked over, only to be disappointed. Maybe she had miss-read him being pleased to see her again?

Don't get your hopes up; she told herself, you'll only be let down, again. She had to admit though; she was enjoying the feeling of butterflies in her tummy at the thought of seeing him again. Maybe she would get her hopes up just a tiny bit.

Eventually, her shift finished and she walked home wishing she had Ethan by her side as she had the night before. As soon as she entered the house her first thought was going up the stairs and throwing herself into her bed to catch up on the sleep that had eluded her the night before.

Unfortunately though Gemma called her into the kitchen for a chat the minute she took off her jacket so her nap would have to wait.

'What did you say to George last night?' She asked pouring Alison and herself some strong coffee.

'Nothing he hasn't heard already.' Alison stifled a yaw.

'What are we going to do?' Gemma asked, she looked tired to but then she always did. Everyone always commented on how alike she and her sister looked but she couldn't see it herself, apart from the same brown, wavy hair.

'I honestly haven't got a clue.'

'I can't help but feel I've failed him in some way.' Gemma said defeated.

'It's not anybody's fault, we're both winging it, doing the best we can.' Alison urged and felt her throat tightening with emotion. She hated seeing her sister shouldering the blame for George's short comings.

'How was work?' Gemma asked, Alison suspected she was changing the subject before she started to cry.

'Okay.' She couldn't help but smile thinking about seeing Ethan the night before.

'What?' Her sister asked, her mood lifting.

'Do you remember Ethan D'Silva?' Alison asked, she didn't think her sister would as she hadn't been around that much in those days. She was in Winchester training to be a nurse when Ethan had started coming round but she had come home in the holidays so she just might.

'Little Ethan, yeah I remember, didn't he have a crush on you?' Alison smiled; this was the first she'd heard but it pleased her no end.

'Well he came into The Grill last night and he's not so little anymore.'

'Oh?'

'No he's really hot.' Alison gushed, unashamed. 'He walked me home.'

'Are you sure that's all he did?' Gemma asked and winked.

'Yeah, I did think he was going to kiss me but...'

'Sounds like the perfect gentleman to me.' Gemma said.

'I know right.' Alison agreed beaming.

'So when are you seeing him again?'

'Oh, well we didn't really make any plans.' Alison admitted.

'Jesus you've been out of the game too long.' Her sister teased.

'You can talk!' Alison laughed.

They both sipped their coffee and Alison yawned again.

'You should go for a nap.' Gemma suggested. Alison didn't need any more encouragement. She nodded, left the rest of her coffee and went upstairs.

Alison was just settling into her nap when she was woken up by a loud thumping beat and singing that sounded more like screaming.

'Seriously?' Alison mumbled as she wiped her eyes and looked at her clock. She'd slept for just under an hour which wasn't nearly enough.

She padded out into the hall in her now crumpled uniform and knocked on her brother's door before entering.

'Can you turn that down a bit?' She had to shout to be heard.

'What?' George shouted back, turning the music down with a remote. If looks could kill she wouldn't have stood a chance.

'I said can you turn it down a bit.' She didn't mention that he had woken her, he would love that and she didn't want to give him the satisfaction.

'What are you doing?' She asked him as she noticed clean clothes laid out on his bed.

'What does it look like; I'm deciding what to wear later?' George replied, picking up his phone as it vibrated on his desk.

'Do you really think you're going out tonight?' Alison said, readying herself for the argument she was so keen to avoid when she'd knocked on his door.

'Whatever.' He said flatly, not taking his eyes off his phone. 'Do you really think you can stop me?' He said as he sat on the edge of his bed looking at his message.

'You're going nowhere after last night?' Alison said, hating that she sounded more like his mother than his sister. 'I mean it George, if you dare leave this house I swear I'll-'

'What?' He challenged looking up from his texting.

'Just do as you're told.'

George picked his remote up with his free hand and turned his music back to the wall shaking volume it had been signifying that the conversation was over.

Resisting the urge to take her brother's phone and smash it under foot, Alison settled for slamming his door shut but doubted he would hear it over the damn racket.

Shaking with rage she returned to her bedroom to change into her pyjamas and robe for the remainder of the day. Her phone pinged at her and feeling stupidly hopeful because Ethan didn't even have her number she picked it up to see who was messaging her.

It was Carolina reminding her that it was the Spring Lake Party later in the evening.

'Damn it.' She said out loud, she really just wanted to have a quiet night but then again Ethan might be there.

After another coffee, Alison showered and spent a little longer than usual doing her hair and make-up, Alison checked her wardrobe for something to wear. Sure it was spring but it wasn't quite that warm yet and she had to wear something that would look good in flats as she wasn't about to wear heels to the lake, it would be suicide in the wooded terrain surrounding the water.

In the end she settled for a sturdy pair of ballet shoes, her skinny jeans and a long sleeved, red flowing top which flattered her figure without showing too much flesh.

When she was absolutely certain that she looked perfect, Alison found Gemma in the den and asked her what she thought.

'You look amazing.' She said. 'I'm sure Ethan will think so too.' She said with a grin.

'What? I don't even know if he'll be there.' Alison said feeling herself go red. 'I'm sorry to leave you with George-'

'It's fine honestly, enjoy yourself.'

She grabbed her bag in the hall and checked she had her keys.

'Bye Gemma!' Alison bellowed and opened the front door, walking straight into Ethan.

Chapter Seven

Ethan was dressed casually in dark jeans with a white shirt and black dress jacket. He knew he looked good, it was a classic look. Maybe though it was a bit much for the party by the lake? Would Alison think him stuffy and old fashioned?

As he approached the door it opened and Alison stood before him, her hair was down around her shoulders and she was wearing jeans that hugged her figure. She looked gorgeous but then Ethan would think she looked amazing wearing an old sack.

He cursed himself for not taking her number the night before; he could have saved himself this awkward encounter.

'Hi.' He said and smiled, he had surprised her he could tell.

'I wasn't expecting you.' She said turning almost as red as the top she was wearing.

'No, I wondered if I could take you to the party by the lake but if you've already made plans with someone-'

'No, there's nobody else-' Alison paused. 'I mean, I was just on my way there but on my own, so if you wanted to come with me then that's fine.'

'Oh I see, okay then let's go.' Had she just said there was nobody else for his benefit? God he hoped so. He opened the passenger door to his Jeep Renegade and waited for Alison to get in before he closed it again like a chauffeur.

They were silent as Ethan drove out of her road but as they headed up towards the town Alison asked the first question. He knew he couldn't avoid them and would endeavour to be as honest as he could.

'Are you going to tell me what you've been up to then or is it a State secret? I mean this is an expensive vehicle, it must be something well paid?' Alison asked.

'Well, I didn't go to college, there was no money so I joined the army.'

'Oh my God, really?' Alison said.

'Yes really.' He said and laughed softly. 'Is that so hard to believe?' He asked taking a quick sideways glance at her. She was blushing.

'No, I just mean that it's the last thing I would have thought you'd do I mean... You weren't even really that sporty or anything.'

'I was skinny and shy.' He admitted. 'It's okay, I know what you mean.'

'I'm sorry I didn't mean to sound so shocked...' Ethan laughed at her faux pas to show he wasn't offended.

'So, do you like working at The Grill?' He asked to change the subject. He was on the outskirts of town now, it wouldn't be long until they hit the woods.

'Yeah it's alright.' Alison answered with very little enthusiasm.

'You don't sound too convinced.'

'Well, I had to leave college because of my parents, you know when they...' Alison let the sentence trail and he nodded not knowing if she was looking at him. 'I could have gone back but I just didn't want to leave Gemma with George, it didn't seem fair.'

'How so?' Ethan asked.

'He didn't exactly take it well, what happened. He started acting out, missing school, staying out all night.'

'I see.' Ethan said although he had a hard time imaging George doing any of those things. Grief can change you though.

'Anyway, I go to community college at the moment. Just three nights a week at the school but I'm enjoying it. I don't want to work at The Grill forever that's for sure.'

Ethan nodded as he turned into the dirt road that would lead them to the old lake house and the party that was held there every Spring. This would be the first Ethan had attended as he had never been deemed popular enough to be invited before.

They parked behind a long line of cars, they would have to walk the rest of the way, the light was fading fast and with it what little warmth the early spring day had held.

He wanted to hold her hand but refrained.

'So if you're in the army, are you between tours right now? Does that mean you'll be leaving again?' Alison asked as the smells and sounds of the party became more obvious.

'Oh, no... I left the army. I was picked to join a special team.' Ethan had to be careful here, he was skirting around the truth.

'Doing what?' Alison asked.

'I can't really talk about it.'

'So it is a State secret then?' Alison said and poked him playfully in the ribs.

The old lake house was the hub of the party, fairy lights covered the dilapidated porch and spilled out into the surrounding trees, there was a barbecue, about twenty kegs and an old bath tub filled with melting ice and bottles of beer.

The house should have been torn down years ago and it was a mystery why it hadn't fallen down by now. Still every year there was a party and only the bravest or drunkest of the young town folk ventured up to the second floor.

'Hey, Ali!' Someone yelled at her and she was promptly enveloped in an embrace. Ethan felt a twinge of jealousy as he recognised Alison's old high school boyfriend Mark. 'It's good to see you.' He said to her, not even looking in Ethan's general direction. He still had his strawberry blonde curls and large upper body of a jock.

'Hi Mark.' Alison said awkwardly. 'This is Ethan, from school I don't know if you'd remember him?' She said and Mark nodded in his direction not a trace of recognition in his blue eyes.

Ethan nodded back.

'How are you Alison, I haven't seen you for ages.'

'I'm good, how are you?' Alison asked.

'Yeah can't complain.' He looked meaningfully at Ethan and an awkward silence followed. 'Well, I should probably check my sister is okay.' He said and left them before Alison could say anything else.

'You remember Mark Donahue?' Alison asked.

'How could I forget?' Ethan said, he'd been so jealous of Mark and spent a long time wishing the guy would just disappear from the face of the earth.

'He took our breakup badly, I think he thought we would grow old together you know...'

'People change.'

'Exactly that's what I said to-'

Someone bumped into Alison, stopping her mid-sentence. It looked like she was going to trip so Ethan grabbed her and held her close to him.

'Watch it.' He snapped to the young lad who didn't even pause to say sorry.

'Thanks.' She whispered, looking up into his concerned face.

'Are you Okay?' He asked softly, aware that he was still holding her and that she was making no effort to move away. He wanted to kiss her, he should have done last night but he had lost his nerve at the last minute. He leaned in to her.

'Alison!' Someone yelled and they both turned, the moment lost. 'You made it.'

'Hi Carolina.' Her friend flung her arms around her. Ethan remembered her too. Head cheerleader a gossip and all round bitch. As far as the sheriff's daughter was concerned he hadn't existed.

'I haven't seen you for ages; we have so much to catch up on...' Carolina trailed off; suddenly noticing her friend was not alone. She flirtatiously flicked her blonde curls behind her shoulder and smiled, flashing her perfectly straight, white teeth.

'I don't believe we've met.' She purred extending her hand towards Ethan.

'Hello.' He said.

'Carolina, you remember Ethan D'Silva don't you?'

'Ethan D'Silva!' Carolina exclaimed as he gently shook her hand. 'Oh my God!' She was as bad at hiding her surprise as Alison had been the night before.

'You remember me?' Ethan asked genuinely surprised.

'Of course I do.' Carolina said, composing herself. 'I had the biggest crush on your brother.' Ethan tensed at the mention of Marcus. He was sure Alison had forgotten he had a brother and he had wanted it to stay that way.

'My God, those beautiful eyes of his, they made me weak at the knees... Is he here tonight?' she said glancing around them.

'No, he's not here. We're not in touch.' Ethan said flatly and hoped Carolina would take the hint that the conversation was well and truly over.

'I don't know what you've been up to but it definitely suits you.' Carolina's focus was back on him.

'Thank you Carolina, what about you. What have you been up to?' He asked quickly hoping to avoid any further questioning.

'You mean Alison hasn't told you?' Carolina asked, faking a shocked look.

'Funnily enough it hasn't come up in conversation.' Alison said pointedly.

'I'm the owner of the new coffee shop that will soon be opening in town.' She said looking extremely pleased with herself.

'I heard about that.' He lied.

'It's been a struggle and I had to move back in with my mother to raise the funds but it has all been worth it.'

'When do you open?' Ethan asked.

'Well, at this rate not any time soon.' Carolina laughed demurely and put her hand on Ethan's arm. 'What I really need is a big strong man to help me.' She said and then frowned as she looked at Alison. 'What?' She asked her innocently.

Ethan turned to Alison. 'I'll grab us a drink.' He said.

'Relax Alison, I was not flirting.' He heard Carolina say as he melted into the crowd.

He managed to grab the last two drinks from the old bath tub and on his way back to Alison spotted a few more people he knew from school. Nobody recognised him.

As he approached the two girls, he heard Alison telling Carolina that she was mistaken about something.

'Here you go.' Ethan handed her one of the bottles.

'Well, I suppose I'd better go and mingle. I'll catch up with you later.' Carolina said to Ethan and sashayed away.

Alison and Ethan stood awkwardly for a moment or two, neither of them wanting to be the first to say something.

'Do you want to sit by the lake?' Alison asked finally.

'Sure.' Ethan agreed.

They weaved their way through the boisterous crowd and passed the house, down a few stone steps to a large flat rock, its far end dipping below the water, forming a natural paddling pool. The lights from the party shone out from between the trees, their reflections twinkling on the lake.

'Do you remember when we rode our bikes up here? She asked when they had sat down. 'We got so lost on the way back; we didn't get home till it was dark.'

'We sat here and watched the sun go down.' Ethan said, he remembered it well.

'That's right, my parents were so angry; they grounded me for the rest of my life.' Alison laughed at the memory.

'I really wanted to kiss you that night.' Ethan admitted after a moment of silence.

'Really?' Alison asked, 'Why didn't you?'

'Mainly because Mark would have killed me if he found out.' He said Alison laughed and nodded.

Ethan stared up at the night sky and Alison watched the water gently lapping at the stone they sat on.

'I forgot you had a brother.' Alison said. 'I suppose it was difficult, to keep in touch, with you being in the army.' Ethan said nothing, just drank some more of his beer.

'Something like that.' Ethan said.

'So Carolina was properly flirting with you back there-' Ethan cut her off by kissing her, just gently, their lips barely touching. He wanted her to know that he wasn't interested in anyone else but her.

'I've waited such a long time to do that.' He whispered and she responded by pulling him towards her and kissing him properly, her tongue finding his and after all the longing and anticipation it was better than he had ever expected.

He put his hand through her hair, holding her in the embrace; he couldn't believe that she felt the same way. Her scent filled his head and he wanted to stay like this by the lake forever.

Someone yelled, startling them, it was then followed by an almighty splash as a boy, far too young to be drunk fell, or more likely was pushed into the lake. 'Ahhhhhh! It's FREEZING!' they heard raucous laughter from the shore and suddenly Alison's face was full of murder.

'I don't believe it.' She said.

'What's wrong?' Ethan asked as she got up and bounced away.

'Nothing... I'll be right back.' She called over her shoulder and disappeared into the crowd.

Chapter Eight

Right by where the boy had gone into the lake and simultaneously interrupted the most amazing kiss she'd had in her life, Alison had been sure she'd seen her brother, whom, if she wasn't mistaken was forbidden from going out tonight.

Please don't be drunk. She thought as she squeezed past a couple not so much dancing as just leaning against each other and swaying.

'What the hell George?' She said as she grabbed his arm. His face fell as he turned round and saw that it was his sister but he soon recovered.

'What?' He spat defensively. 'I told you I was going out.'

'And I told you that you were grounded. What is the Matter with you? Why can't you just do as you're told?' Alison was aware that his friends had started to watch and hated that she was making a scene.

'Get lost Alison, you're not my Mom.' He looked at her then with such hatred she felt as if she had been slapped. 'You're embarrassing yourself.' Her brother jerked his arm out of her grasp and walked towards the lake with his friends in tow, a pretty girl wound her arm around George's and gave Alison a malicious look over her shoulder.

'Get back here George I'm not finished with you.' She yelled after him and feared he had been right, that she was embarrassing herself. God this was typical, she was enjoying herself for the first time in ages and her brother had to ruin it.

'Have you seen Ronnie?' Alison spun round, face to face with Mark.

'God you made me jump.' She said her hand flying to her chest.

'I'm sorry, Ali, have you seen my sister?' He asked again.

'Er, come to think of it, no I haven't seen her all night. Are you sure she hasn't just gone home?' Alison asked but knowing Veronica Donahue she was probably half naked in the back of some car somewhere with a random jock.

'Her phone is switched off, I'm worried about her.' Alison really wanted to get back to Ethan to see if she could salvage the rest of the night but she agreed to look anyway. Mark would do the same for her if it was George they were looking for.

She glanced quickly through the trees at where she had sat with Ethan only moments ago but there was no sign of him.

'Come on, let's start asking round but I'm sure she's fine.' Alison said.

They set out back towards the lake house, where people were gathered around the kegs. Mark asked around by the porch while Alison questioned a few people at the camp fire. She was a little distracted trying to catch Ethan in the crowd, where would he have gone?

When it was clear nobody had seen Veronica for a while, a strange feeling crept over Alison making her shiver. Something didn't feel right...

'Hey Carolina,' Alison grabbed her friend as she was walking past. 'Have you seen Mark's sister anywhere?'

'Veronica? Yeah actually I think I saw her going off into the woods with some guy.'

'Who?' Alison asked.

'No idea.'

'Which way?' Mark asked frantically, appearing suddenly beside them both.

'I saw her disappear behind the house...' Mark started sprinting in that direction before Carolina could finish her sentence. 'Is everything alright?' She asked Alison who shook her head.

'I'm not sure, come on.' They both followed after Mark into the dense forest. It was slow going as the darkness was thicker here. Carolina cursed every now and again as her kitten heels tripped her up in the undergrowth.

Who the hell wore kitten heels in the woods? Alison thought.

The only sounds were the music in the background and Mark calling out his sister's name.

'Are you sure you didn't see who it was she was with?' Alison asked Carolina.

'I really didn't take that much notice, maybe I should have but you know what she's like.' Carolina whispered the last part, not that Mark would have heard her; he was too far ahead of them.

Alison was about to suggest that maybe Veronica had returned to the party as there was clearly no sign of her when they heard her calling out to Mark.

Her voice sounded ragged and desperate and the three of them hurried towards it.

Veronica came stumbling towards them, one hand on her throat and the other trying to pull down her short skirt further than it would go. She was sobbing as she reached for her brother and fell into his arms.

'It's okay, I've got you.' Mark soothed holding her close as she cried into his shoulder.

'What the hell happened?' Carolina gently took the young girl's hand away from her throat. Even in the dim light you could see it was red raw.

'Tell me who did this to you.' Mark demanded looking round them into the dark.

Alison felt sick at the thought they might've found her too late.

'I want to go home.' Veronica whispered coarsely and buried her face in her brother's shoulder.

'So help me, I'm gonna kill them.'

'I think you should go to the hospital.' Carolina said. 'Come on, I'll drive.' She said and snaked her arm around Veronica's waist, helping her to walk on her shaking legs.

All Alison could do was trail behind them feeling useless. She shivered and tried not to think about someone following them.

'Call me if you need anything.' Alison said as they made their way down the dirt road towards Carolina's car. Mark nodded and she watched them drive away.

The music had been turned off and people were starting to leave, talking in hushed tones about the girl in the woods.

'What happened?' Alison turned and Ethan was standing next to her.

'Mark's sister was attacked in the woods.' Alison explained, the odd feeling she had felt earlier had returned.

'Is she alright?' He asked and maybe it was Alison's imagination but he didn't seem in the least bit surprised.

'Not really.' Alison said and Ethan nodded. He looked flushed like he had been running and his breathing was slightly laboured.

'Where were you?' She asked.

'I was looking for you.' He said after a slight hesitation.

They turned as someone ran up to them.

'Alison are you okay?' It was George, he looked pale. 'I heard someone was attacked.'

'I'm fine.' She told her brother, he really cared for her; in spite of everything he did and said he cared. 'Let's go home.' She said and started to walk towards where Ethan had parked his car.

Chapter Nine

How could he have been so stupid to do such a thing at a party? With a crowd of people not a hundred yards away? He had promised himself he would be more careful but she such a silly little thing in her short skirt, she was virtually asking for it.

She had gone with him easy enough, even though she'd never met him before. Then as soon as he started running his hand up her leg, up under her clothes she'd changed her mind, screaming. He had to silence her, had to silence them all so they would never tell lies again. She was just about to lose consciousness when he'd heard someone.

Better to leave her alive than risk being caught. The only thing he had to worry about was being recognised but it had been dark that far out in the woods and a lot of the time people don't recognise you out of context. He hoped against hope that she would just block the whole thing from her memory. It had happened before; there was no reason why it couldn't happen again.

Chapter Ten

Alison hadn't slept all night, she couldn't stop thinking about what had happened at the party the night before. Veronica could have been killed and it was a frightening thought.

There was also the fact that Ethan had disappeared at the exact same time that someone was attacked not that far from where they had been sitting by the lake.

She thought about that kiss and couldn't believe Ethan capable of such a thing but why then couldn't she find him?

The ride home the last night had been made in silence, Alison had thanked him politely for dropping her and her brother home but that was the only conversation that had taken place.

Carolina had texted her in the early hours to say that they were keeping Veronica in the hospital over-night. She was in shock which wasn't in the least bit surprising.

She sat up in bed and grabbed her phone off the night table and dialled Mark's number.

'Hey Alison.' Mark said thickly, he clearly hadn't slept all night either.

'How is she?' Alison asked.

'She's a lot better now, she should be discharged later.'

'What the hell happened Mark?'

'Somebody took her into the woods and then started to... Force themselves on her.' This was difficult for Mark to talk about, it was his little sister after all. 'She cried for help and he...' His voice caught. 'He tried to strangle her.'

'Oh my God.' Alison said.

'Then, I guess we startled him, looking for her... If we hadn't...'

'Mark, if there is anything I can do just let me know okay.' She heard him composing himself on the other end of the phone, taking a couple of deep breaths.

'How well do you know Ethan D'silva?' Mark asked, the question caught her off guard.

'What do you mean?'

'Hell of a coincidence isn't it?' He said and Alison's stomach lurched. Mark had jumped to the same conclusion she had.

'You can't seriously think he had anything to do with this?' She asked. 'Did Veronica say who-'

'She said it was dark.'

'It wasn't Ethan.' Alison said.

'Yeah well, if you see him, tell him I'm on to him.' Mark hung up and Alison wondered why she was defending Ethan when she herself had doubts.

Alison had to speak to Ethan as soon as possible but there was a slight hitch to her plan; she didn't have his number and had no idea where he was living now that he was back in town.

Alison went to the kitchen, poured herself a bowl of cereal and had a brain wave, she picked up the house phone from beside the coffee machine and dialled Carolina's number off by heart.

'Oh Alison I haven't slept a wink.' Carolina said gravely. 'Last night was crazy right?'

'Yeah, I've spoken to Mark, Veronica is doing much better. You were so good with her last night.' Alison told her friend.

'Yeah, well you don't have a sheriff for a mother and not pick up a few things up.'

'Listen, Carolina I don't suppose your mom would know where Ethan lives would she?' Alison asked knowing it was a long shot.

'I'm not sure... why?'

'Oh, I think I lost my bracelet in Ethan's jeep last night so I was going to drop by and look for it.' She lied.

'Why don't you just call him?' Carolina asked.

'I have, he's not answering his phone, so...' More lies. Alison didn't want Carolina to pick up on how little she actually knew about the guy she had virtually thrown herself at the previous night. The last thing she wanted was for Carolina to jump to the same conclusion Mark had. It wouldn't take long for the whole town to think Ethan was responsible for the attack.

'I'll call her now and ask if you like.' Carolina offered.

'Would you mind?' Alison hated herself; Sheriff Flood should be investigating what happened at the lake last night not looking up an address for her daughter's friend.

'I'll call you right back.' Carolina hung up and Alison poured milk over her cereal and sat down at the breakfast bar. She wasn't really that hungry but slowly ate her breakfast none the less.

When she was putting the bowl and spoon in the dishwasher, the phone rang and she snatched it up.

'Sorry it took so long.' Carolina apologised. 'My Mom said that she had no idea where Ethan lives but a few days ago someone moved in up at the old farm house, she was driving past and happened to see furniture being hauled in. It could have been him.' Carolina sounded doubtful and Alison knew why.

The old farm house was practically a ruin until recently when it had been renovated from top to bottom. That would have cost a small fortune... Ethan couldn't afford that could he?

What had he said last night about joining a special team? Maybe he had plenty of money; he did drive a top of the range Jeep and dress like a model.

Alison thanked her friend and decided to go and check it out.

Chapter Eleven

The Old Farm house, built at the turn of the last century had been abandoned for longer than Alison had been alive but now looked quite inviting. She drove up the dirt road leading up to the house and through the ruins of the old gateway that was almost obliterated by ivy. The house loomed up ahead, the forest crept round the building and the grounds making it incredibly isolated. The dirt road changed into gravel and her tyres crunched on the new terrain.

The only modern addition to the house was a double garage but this stood alone adjacent to the main building and must have been built when the house was renovated. It was impossible to tell whether Ethan was there or if he had simply put his car away when he returned the night before, if in fact this was his new residence.

Alison parked in the circular driveway and took a deep breath, she almost hoped she had it all wrong and a stranger would answer the door. If Ethan was there she was more or less about to accuse him of being a monster.

The front door was solid oak and there was a large brass knocker which Alison used now to loudly bang on the door. She contemplated running back to her car and driving the hell away. What was she doing? The house was totally secluded, if anything happened...

She heard movement on the other side of the door and held her breath as it slowly opened.

The man who opened the door stood with only a towel around his waist. His hair was wet and fell in waves around his face and was possibly the most beautiful man Alison had ever seen in her life. God, did he know it though, standing half naked, showing off his toned torso... his towel wrapped ever so low down on his waist...

'May I help you?' the man said and Alison quickly took her gaze away from his towel and found him smiling down at her, obviously amused by her sudden lack of speech.

His eyes were drinking her in; they were the colour of the sky on a crisp winter morning. They had met before, Alison was sure of it. The remnants of a memory floated in her mind but the more she tried to focus on it, the more it faded.

God those beautiful eyes of his, they made me weak at the knees.

Carolina's words in her head... Was this... it couldn't be Ethan's brother, could it? Not after Ethan made it very clear they were no longer in touch? She struggled to find the right words.

'Are you alright?' he asked, a crooked grin emerging on his lips. He was enjoying her fluster.

'Yes, fine... is Ethan here?' She finally managed wishing he had come to answer his front door in something more appropriate.

'Ethan?' He said, furrowing his brow. 'Now, why would a pretty girl like you be asking after Ethan?' He asked.

'I... Just... Is he here, I really need to talk to him?' Alison could feel herself flushing, how was he having this effect on her?

'He's out I'm afraid, but you're more than welcome to come in and wait for him?' He smiled broadly. 'I'm sure we could find something to do to pass the time...' He offered.

'Oh, no it's fine. I can come back honestly, it's fine.' Why did he look like he was enjoying himself so much at her expense? 'Can you tell him I stopped by?'

'Well that's going to be a little tricky.'

'Oh?'

'Unless you tell me your name.' He said.

'Oh, yes, yes of course, tell him Alison came by.'

'Alison... Wait, Alison Williams?' He said and Alison had the distinct impression that already knew who she was.

'Yep that's me.' She said not liking the way he was looking at her, almost hungrily...

'Well, well, look at you all grown up.'

'Yeah... anyway, I don't want to keep you...' Alison let the sentence trail, turned and walked back to her car.

'It's nice to see you again Alison.' He called after her and he stood watching her as she got back into her car and drove away.

Chapter Twelve

Ethan walked out of the Police Station into the early morning sun, it wasn't quite warm yet but he didn't feel cold.

He was just acting like a concerned citizen of Willow Grove; did they have a suspect, had anyone seen anything or come forward with information? Sheriff Flood was pleased to see Ethan and asked after his mother, which was awkward as he hadn't any contact with her for a long time.

He hadn't made the trip to town for a social visit but that's all it ended up being as Elaine wouldn't give up any information regarding the attack in the woods.

He hadn't been sure when he had seen a young girl going off into the woods with a man last night that it was the person he had been tracking. It could have been just a love struck young couple looking for some privacy. Hadn't he and Alison been doing the same thing?

There was something about the guy though, he was keeping to the shadows too much and seemed in a hurry to be away from the crowd.

Ethan was glad he had followed them despite what Alison no doubt thought of him now. If he hadn't spooked this man then he would be adding another victim to his list.

That could surely be called a success right?

To anyone else perhaps, but not him, this man, whoever he was should have been stopped last night for good. He should have taken his gun to the Lake but had been terrified of Alison finding it before he had chance to explain. Given how close they had become by the lake he was pleased with the decision he had made but later, maybe not so much.

Ethan had to remember the reason he had come back to Willow Grove. He was being sloppy, letting Alison distract him and he knew better than that. God that kiss though, he'd waited for so long to hold her like that.

He had wanted to speak to Veronica in the hospital while the memory of her assailant was fresh in her mind but had thought better of it. Alison had been distant on the ride home, she had jumped to the wrong conclusion about where he had been when the attack happened and it only stood to reason that Mark would jump to that same conclusion too.

On the way home from town he had gone to see Alison to explain, as much as he could, but she wasn't home. He understood her concern and he wanted to explain himself, even if that meant telling her everything from the very beginning.

As he walked into his house he could hear movement upstairs. Ethan padded over to the table adjacent to the door; he took out a small gun from the false bottom of the drawer as quietly as he could and slowly started up the first step with it down by his side. Any noise he might have made on the stairs was muffled by the thick carpeting he'd just had lain.

Once at the top he stopped and listened again. The sound was coming from the front bedroom across from his room. The door was slightly ajar and the familiar scent of his brother's bespoke patchouli aftershave washed over him.

Sighing heavily with annoyance he tucked his gun into the back waistband of his jeans, this was the last thing he needed.

'What are you doing here?' Ethan said as he entered the room to find Marcus unpacking a small suitcase. The last time he had seen his brother he had threatened to kill him and Ethan knew better than to under-estimate him. Dressed casually he looked exactly the same apart from his damp hair was a little longer.

'That's no way to welcome your brother is it?' Marcus said pulling a shirt out of his bag and slipping it on a hanger.

'You can't stay here. 'Ethan told him but Marcus opened the closet and hung the shirt on the rail.

'I think you'll find that I can stay here, seeing as I own half of this house.' Marcus replied. 'I must say it's a little selfish of you to take the room with the balcony without discussing it with me first.' Marcus walked past him towards the chest of drawers with an arm full of underwear. 'I do have the bigger en-suite though so I guess I'll let it go.' Marcus continued as if Ethan hadn't spoken.

Ethan was getting angrier by the second and he knew that was what his brother intended. He went to the chest of drawers and slammed the drawer shut just as Marcus' hands were clear. That got his attention at last.

'What are you doing here?' Ethan demanded and Marcus had no choice but to address him.

'You know what I'm doing here.' He said darkly, his forced spirits vanishing.

'Elizabeth.' Ethan said, running his hand through his hair. This wasn't good, he had hoped that his brother had let it go after all this time.

'Betrayed by my own brother, my own flesh and blood-'

'I can't help you.'

'-the person I trusted most in the world.'

Ethan sat on the edge of the bed, resigned to the fact his brother was here to stay, at least he was being passive aggressive instead of homicidal, that was an improvement to the last time he had seen him.

'How did you know I was here?' He asked feeling a headache coming on.

'I still know some rubes in these parts.' Ethan nodded, he understood how it went. 'Oh, that reminds me' Marcus said a twinkle in his eye, his dark mood lifting as swiftly as it had come.

'What?'

'You had a visitor this morning, what was her name again.' Marcus feigned trying to remember. 'Oh yes that's right Alison Williams came to see you.' Perfect, that was all Ethan needed.

'What did you say to her?'

'Don't tell me you still have a crush on her brother, after all these years?'

'What did you say to her?' He asked again.

'Don't worry; your secret is still safe... for now.'

'Stay away from her Marcus.' Ethan ordered.

'Well I guess that just depends.' He said a grin on his face as he returned to his half empty suitcase. 'On how much you're willing to help me, now doesn't it?'

Chapter Thirteen

It was a busy at The Grill but Alison had managed to slip away from the crowded bar so she could speak to her friend Constance. She was the polar opposite of Carolina having inherited her dark skin and hair from her African-American father and her green eyes and grounded personality from her pale skinned, Irish mother.

Constance worked in a trendy salon a couple of towns over. The commute was a nightmare she had once told Alison but couldn't risk bumping into someone in town whose hair she had butchered.

She was eager to find out what had happened at the lake party the night before. Alison had slid into her friend's booth when she had seen her boyfriend Alex leaving to take a phone call.

'I was on the phone to Carolina for an hour this morning. She said that you guys found Veronica.' That was typical of Carolina, exaggerating everything as per usual.

'Not quite.' Alison corrected. 'Mark found her but we weren't far behind, Connie she was terrified.'

'Who would do such a thing Alison? Do you think it's someone we know?' Connie asked glancing round at the other patrons at The Grill, her straightened black hair falling over her face. 'You may even have served them tonight.' She added and shivered.

'I know right.' Alison agreed, glancing round too but only to see if her boss was around. She didn't want to be caught slacking again.

'I miss one lake party...' Connie said and let the sentence trail.

'How are things going with Alex?' Alison asked as it was time they changed the subject.

'Really well.' Connie said, her mood instantly lightening. 'He's organised a trip to Vermont.'

'That sounds lovely.' Alison said with a grin. She loved seeing her friend so happy.

'What about you? Carolina tells me Ethan D'Silva is back in town and you're already an item.'

Alison felt herself go red. 'I wouldn't say that-'

'Sorry about that... Oh hi Ali.' Alex appeared from the throng and Alison slid out of the booth, eager to avoid any further conversation about Ethan.

'Hi Alex, don't worry I'm not going to intrude on your evening.' Alison said wondering whether or not to tell him she hated being called Ali.

'Don't be silly.' Alex said. He wasn't typical of the men Connie usually went out with, he was a little bookish but she supposed he was cute enough.

'No, I should get back to work anyway.' Alison said and quickly made her way back to the bar.

For the next few hours the bar was heaving, Alison made sure she served everyone with a big smile to ensure a nice tip. It was hard work feigning interest in people and laughing at their attempts at humour but if it meant more money in her pocket at home time, she was more than willing to do it.

Some guy attempted to flirt with her despite slurring his words and Alison tried to politely decline without offending him. He was oblivious to the crowd of people around him who were trying to get their drinks.

Alison diplomatically said she would think about his invitation to dinner and moved on to her next customer, putting on her best smile.

'Hi, what can I get you?' She asked on automatic pilot but she had realised it was Ethan before she had finished her sentence.

'Alison we need to talk.' He said oblivious to the crowd around him too.

'Not now Ethan I'm working.' She urged him to understand.

'I need to explain...' He continued and she could tell he had already had a few drinks.

'Not now Ethan, please. If you don't want a drink then plenty of people here do so either order a drink or go.'

'I'll have a beer.' He said.

Alison got Ethan's drink and went straight to the next eager customer without another word.

It was busy for a good while but eventually things started to slow down, Alison saw Connie waving goodbye and regretted that she hadn't had chance to go over and chat again.

'Well I guess you can't avoid me now.' She heard Ethan say as she cleared a few glasses from the bar.

'Who says I'm avoiding you?' Alison said as he sat on one of the stools.

'You are and I don't blame you.'

'Ethan-'

'I can't imagine what you must be thinking but if you would just give me a chance to-'

'I'm thinking that I don't even know who you are any more. Or maybe I never knew you at all.' Alison said surprising herself. She had defended him on the phone to Mark but she wasn't sure why. He had lied to her about his brother, estranged indeed when he lived in the same house? What else was he lying about?

'Alison...'

'Can I get you anything else because we're about to call last orders.' She said as if he was just any old customer. She hadn't meant to come across so cold and wanted to apologise instantly but she stood her ground.

'I'm good.' Ethan said gravely and got up to leave.

She was about to stop him to tell him that she wanted him to stay. She did know him, they had become close all those years ago and she knew in her bones that he would never hurt anyone and that was why she had defended him. She couldn't say any of this though because she also knew he was hiding something so she just watched as he walked out of The Grill and into the night.

Chapter Fourteen

Going to see Alison at work had been a mistake, he was stupid to think he could have even a few minutes alone with her but he just couldn't wait any longer to explain himself.

He had to speak to her before his brother did, it was paramount she hear his side of everything before Marcus made him out to be a monster.

Ethan started to make his way across the town square, a landscaped area with benches and a statue of some long forgotten town founder in the middle. He sat on one of the benches to wait for Alison to leave The Grill.

He'd had every intention of going straight home but he didn't want to leave it like this. He had made it worse and needed to apologise.

He had waited for a good while when he saw the man that was hitting on Alison at the bar. He was saying goodnight to his friends and started walking in Ethan's direction.

'She's not interested.' Ethan said to him as he walked past.

'Excuse me?' The man turned and Ethan stood to face him. He a little taller and slightly better built but this didn't faze Ethan.

'The girl at the bar you were harassing tonight. She's not interested.' Ethan said already thinking about how he was going to fight this man.

'Oh yeah?' The man asked squaring up to Ethan. 'Who the hell asked you?'

'Stay away from her.' Ethan said his hands curling into fists.

'Or what?' He challenged.

'Or you will regret it.' Ethan said.

'Are you seriously threatening me right now?' The man said as if he honestly couldn't believe it. He had sized Ethan up and was thinking he could take him. People did it all the time; Ethan recognised the look.

'I can assure you, it's a promise.'

The first punch took Ethan by surprise. There was usually a little bit of shoving back and forth before fists became involved. Alcohol had dulled his reaction slightly and he felt a shock of pain to the left eye socket and saw tiny pin pricks of light.

He recovered quickly. 'Is that the best you got?' He taunted, feeling adrenaline coursing through his blood stream, the fight or flight reaction kicking in. Most people thought adrenaline helped you in this situation but the opposite was true. It made you shaky and therefore less affective.

He was ready for the next swing, ducked just in time. Momentum swung the bigger man round and Ethan was able to elbow him hard on the side of his face. He stumbled but didn't go down.

A crowd had gathered now, people watched not wanting to wade in and get hurt themselves.

The guy threw another punch and Ethan grabbed the guys wrist and punched him hard in the stomach. He fell to his knees with a loud groan.

'What the hell are you doing?' He turned as he heard Alison's voice.

Just a moment's pause but it cost him. The man whom moments before was on his knees was quickly back up on his feet and took advantage of Ethan's momentary lapse of concentration.

The punch was enormous and in a split second Ethan was on his back, he felt as if his nose had been broken again but a tentative touch with his finger told him that although it was bleeding it was still in one piece.

'That's enough. It's over, go home.' He heard Alison say and then her face was gazing down at him. Ethan had to blink a few times to focus, she didn't look happy.

'Alison... I'

'C'mon, let's get you on your feet.' She said and helped him up and onto the bench he'd been sitting on only moments ago. The crowd was dispersing now there was nothing to see.

'I'm sorry.'

'What is wrong with you Ethan?' Her voice had softened a little; there was nothing but concern in her eyes now. 'Talk to me.' She said and took a tissue out of her pocket and gave it to him

'It's all going wrong.' He said, taking the tissue and pressing it to his nose, it was starting to swell, he would probably get a couple of black eyes. 'I'm supposed to be protecting you.'

'By brawling in the streets?'

'You don't understand Alison, I saw Veronica being taken into the woods and I knew what was going to happen. I should have stopped the guy for good but I failed.'

'Ethan it's not your job to-'

'Yes it is Alison, that's what I do, that's who I am.'

'You're not to blame for what happened to Veronica.' Alison said and smiled, she didn't get it, he was trying to explain everything to her and she wasn't listening to him. 'You couldn't possibly have known what was going to happen-'

'I killed my step-father.' He said bluntly. He hadn't meant to blurt it out like that but he couldn't seem to get her to really listen to what he was saying. It felt good to say it out loud; he'd never told a living soul until now.

Alison stopped mid-sentence and stared at him for what seemed like a very long time.

'No... no you didn't.' She laughed nervously, searching his face for evidence that this was some kind of sick joke.

'That's why I left, why I couldn't say goodbye...'

'I don't believe you.' She said but her face said differently.

'I knew eventually that he would kill my mom-'

'Stop talking-'

'I just snapped Alison-'

'Stop it!' Alison stood suddenly and backed away from him as if he might just as easily try and kill her too. 'I don't want to hear it. Jesus Ethan, why would you tell me this?'

'I need you to understand.' Ethan said.

'I don't want to understand. I don't want anything to do with this Ethan.'

'Alison-' Ethan stood, there was so much more to tell her.

'No, you stay away from me!' She put her hand up to signal he wasn't to follow her.

Ethan stayed where he was and watched her turn and run into the dark night.

Chapter Fifteen

Alison hadn't slept at all for the second night in a row. What Ethan had confessed last night wasn't going to be easy to forget. She had almost convinced herself that he had made the whole thing up but why would he lie about something like that?

It made some kind of sense to her, the whole town knew what a nasty piece of work his step-father was and anyone could snap watching a loved one being abused. It would also explain why he had to leave town so suddenly.

There was just one thing that didn't fit; Ethan wasn't a killer.

At six thirty Alison was tired of going over and over the same questions in her head. It didn't even matter anyway. It was no longer anything to do with her and she had let Ethan know as much the night before.

When her parents had died, the only respite Alison had from her own thoughts was when she went for a run. So she put on her running gear now and headed out hoping it would clear her head the way it always had.

She ran until the only thing she could think about was the pain in her chest and legs, until she knew she would be so exhausted when she returned that she could dive straight into bed to sleep and not have to think for hours.

Letting herself in, still trying to catch her breath she could hear her sister in the kitchen with someone.

'Keep still, I need to check its definitely not broken.' She was telling someone.

'I'm sure it's fine.' Alison's heart sank at the sound of Ethan's voice but it was quickly accompanied by small butterflies in her tummy and she was angry that he still had this effect on her.

'Yeah, I think you'll be okay. You should take some arnica for those shiners though... Oh, Hi Alison,' Gemma said suddenly noticing her sister. 'Look who came to see you.' She said trying for nonchalance but failing.

'Hi.' Ethan said meekly. He had an angry bruise around his eyes and his nose was swollen.

'Hello.' Alison said coldly, she didn't want him in her home.

'Well, I was just heading off to work so...' Gemma let the sentence trail, sensing the atmosphere.

Alison waited until her sister was out of the house before she spoke. 'What do you want?' She asked.

'Just to talk.' He said simply.

'I asked you to stay away from me.' Alison reminded him.

'I know.' He replied softly, with a look that almost broke Alison's heart.

With a heavy sigh she felt her resolve fading away. 'I need to take a shower.' She stated.

'That's okay,' Ethan answered. 'I'll wait.'

Alison came down having showered and dressed casually in jeans and a long sleeved top. Her wet hair was pulled back in a ponytail and she hadn't put on any make-up. She wanted to get this over with as quickly as possible so she could be done with him and get on with her life.

Ethan sat tensely in the den, waiting for her as he said he would, she joined him but sat in the adjacent chair, not wanting to get too close.

'I'm listening.' She said.

'I really don't know where to start.'

'Start at the beginning.' Alison said but she said it in a way that it was clear she wasn't trying to be helpful.

'You know how it was for me, growing up?' Ethan asked and Alison nodded. It was the reason they had taken him in.

'One day, I came home and my Mom and my Step Dad where in the middle of an argument, they didn't even see me come in. I just stood there frozen as he hit her... she fell and hit her head on the kitchen table...' Ethan stood and walked over to the patio doors, gazing out into the garden, the memories were causing him so much pain.

'She was out cold and my step dad just stood there... Like I said, something in me snapped.' He paused, taking a breath 'I don't remember picking up the knife, it was just in my hand...'

'Stop...' Alison didn't want to hear this, wasn't it enough that he'd told her what he had done? She didn't need a blow by blow account. Then something occurred to her. 'Wait, if all this is true then how am I just hearing about it? Wouldn't the police have been called? Somebody must have found his body.'

'Marcus helped me.'

'Helped you? What do you mean, helped you?'

'He came home... he saw what I'd done and knew what it meant, not just for me but for all of us, so he helped me bury the body in the woods.'

'Oh my God. ' This was too much, way too much. Alison regretted not throwing him out the moment she had seen him in her kitchen with her sister. Ethan took a step towards her but she moved away, putting the couch between them.

'I think you should leave.' She said firmly. He looked at the floor not moving, he had more to say, she could sense it. 'What?' She asked. Whatever it was, how could it be worse that what he had just told her? 'He wasn't the only one was he?' Alison guessed, hoping against all hope that she was wrong.

He shook his head not able to look at her.

'Well this just keeps getting better doesn't it.' Alison said angrily. How dare he come back into her life and pretend that he was someone she could fall in love with. 'How many?' She asked.

'It doesn't matter.' He said his voice barely a whisper.

'It matters to me.' Alison shouted.

'If you would just let me explain.' Ethan pleaded.

Alison didn't want any more explanations. She just wanted him gone. 'Fine.' She spat, knowing that if he didn't have his say then she would never be rid of him.

'I told you about the elite team I joined.' Ethan said and Alison nodded. 'This team was... I was trained to kill specific individuals without getting caught.'

'Who?' Alison asked incredulously. 'Who have you killed?'

'Bad people. People like the guy who tried to kill Veronica.' He said.

This wasn't the shy boy who she had become close to all those years ago, he was a killer, a god damn murderer.

There was silence while Alison took all of this in, there were so many questions she wanted to ask, they crowded her thoughts and she couldn't get a hold on just one.

'I can't believe this.' She said softly. She knew that whatever she asked now the answer would be too much to bear. 'You should go.'

'If that's what you want.' Ethan said but made no movement.

'I mean leave town Ethan, you shouldn't have come back here.'

'I came back for you.' He said and Alison saw tears in his eyes. He loved her so much but how could she ever love him now?

'You shouldn't have.' She said coldly.

They stood there quietly for a moment, both unable to speak until reluctantly Ethan left without another word.

She ran to the door when he had gone and locked it. She took a few wobbly steps then sat on the stairs as her heart broke.

Chapter Sixteen

Ethan slammed the front door as he returned home. He went straight into the lounge and made a beeline for the collection of decanters sitting on an antique mahogany table.

He poured himself a large, expensive whiskey and knocked it back. The liquid stung his throat and he welcomed it. He poured himself another and sat down.

What the hell had he been thinking? That Alison would just accept his past, accept him into her life? He was fooling himself, he'd never be with her, never be with anyone for that matter; how could he have a normal life?

He didn't think he would ever forget the look of revulsion that had crossed her face when he had told her the truth.

'Drinking so early in the morning? My, my, we are in a bad way.' Marcus said as he sloped into the lounge wearing a dark silk robe and carrying a mug of what could only be strong black coffee.

'I thought I told you to leave.' Ethan snapped.

'And I told you I wasn't going anywhere.' Marcus replied sitting opposite his brother. They both sipped on their drinks until Marcus spoke again 'What happened to your face?' He asked setting down his now empty mug on the coffee table between them.

'I got into a fight.' Ethan said simply, wishing that Marcus would take the hint and go.

'That was careless of you.' He quipped. 'Care to elaborate?' Marcus pushed.

'Like I said, I got into a fight, end of story.'

'Oh, I don't mean that, I mean what has driven you to drink so early in the day. Don't tell me, it had something to do with the lovely Alison Williams? Did you ask her out on a date and she said no.' Marcus mocked, sticking out his bottom lip in a childish pout.

'I told her...' Ethan couldn't finish the sentence, he didn't want to tell his brother anything but he was the only person in the world who would understand.

'Told her what?' Marcus asked, suddenly serious.

'I told her everything.' Ethan could feel his brother's gaze boring into him.

'Have you completely lost your mind?' He roared. 'What were you thinking?'

'I didn't want any secrets between us.' Ethan said and it sounded feeble on his lips, a shadow of an excuse.

'Well how gallant of you! Remind me, what did Alison's father do for a living before he died?' Marcus was on his feet and pacing.

'She won't tell anyone.' Ethan said with conviction, of this he was certain. Yes her father had been a policeman but that didn't automatically mean she felt a sense of duty to report everything to the current Sheriff.

'How can you possibly know that?' Marcus stopped pacing and stood still rubbing his face with his hands. 'We'll have to leave. God damn it Ethan I've just unpacked.'

'I'm not going anywhere.' Ethan said, he couldn't contemplate leaving until he knew Alison was safe.

'Do you want to go to prison?' Marcus asked standing directly in front of Ethan. 'Do you?'

'I'm not leaving Marcus, you can feel free if that's what you want but I'm staying here.'

Defeated Marcus sat back down.

'You don't get rid of me that easy.'

'I'll talk to Alison-'

'No, you stay away from her. Do you hear me Ethan? I'm going to have to sort this.'

'Sort it how?' Ethan asked.

'I've got no idea.' Marcus admitted. 'Why Ethan? Why would you tell her anything?'

'I love her.' He said and although it was the first time he had said it out loud, he'd known he loved her from the minute he'd laid eyes on her all those years ago.

Chapter Seventeen

She was walking home through the town after a night out with friends when he'd found her. He presumed she'd been with friends anyway; surely a date would have walked her home, although, men weren't what they used to be these days.

He wouldn't normally be looking to teach another girl a valuable lesson so quickly after the last, especially as it hadn't gone as he had planned but there was something about this one.

Pretty with short auburn hair that would have looked so much nicer if it were blonde. Two perfect dimples when she smiled and she had smiled at him until she realised what he wanted, until he had pulled her behind the bridal shop and forced his lips on hers.

She hadn't screamed, just whimpered and begged him to let her go; he couldn't stomach it when they whined.

Now he had a body to get rid of, he couldn't leave her where she had crumpled to the ground, glassy eyes, staring up at him; she would be found too quickly. He'd take her to the woods. With any luck the animals would find her and destroy any evidence.

Wasn't it meant to rain? Yes, he would take her to the woods and hope like hell she wouldn't be found for days.

Chapter Eighteen

Alison felt like she could sleep for a week when she woke on Monday morning. Could it really be that in the space of a weekend her whole life had been turned upside down?

Remembering her kiss with Ethan repulsed her now she knew the truth about him so why did she still feel like she still wanted to be with him?

He had confessed to not one but who knew how many murders. Alison's blood ran cold just thinking about it. She should be making a statement at the police station not sitting around feeling sorry for herself.

She looked in the mirror after dressing and although she had cried for most of yesterday, her eyes didn't look too puffy after she'd applied copious amounts of make-up.

She had the house to herself for the morning, Gemma was at work and with any luck at all, George was doing something other than getting himself into trouble. She hadn't really spoken to him properly since the party at the lake so made a mental note to catch up with him soon, especially because she wanted to know about the girl he was with, or did she?

Maybe she was better off not knowing, there was a lot to be said for blissful ignorance. Look at how happy she had been on Friday kissing Ethan by the lake, before he confessed to being a murderer... There she was again, thinking about that kiss.

There was a knock at the door and Alison's heart started to race. What if it was Ethan? She had already decided that if he came to the house again she would call the sheriff; just to say he was harassing her, she had given her word not to divulge his secret and although she hadn't known the full story when she'd made that promise, she was going to keep it.

Tentatively she went to the door, took a deep breath and opened it.

Leaning against the door post was Marcus, a large grin on his face, 'Good morning.' He said, drinking her in.

'Can I help you?' She asked coolly, clearly Ethan had sent his brother as an emissary.

'How would you like to go on a road trip?' He asked as if they were close friends that often spent time together.

'With you? Not at all.' She stated and started to close the door, he put his arm out stopping it from closing.

'I'm afraid I'm going to have to insist.' He said, still smiling, the cheek of him! Clearly, Alison thought, he had used his striking looks to get whatever he wanted his whole life, well not today.

'And I'm afraid if you don't leave I'm going to call the Sheriff.' Alison countered.

'To tell her what? That a tall, dark, handsome man wants to take you out for the day?' He laughed at this with a twinkle in his pale eyes.

'How about for accessory after the fact?' She crossed her arms, her body language matching her determination not to fall for his charm.

'Well, well, looks like someone has been watching old re-runs of Law and Order.' He wasn't fazed a bit by her threat. 'Now, go get a jacket and let's hit the road. We've got a long drive ahead of us.'

He was unbelievable, such arrogance. 'Like I said, I'm not going. Even if I wanted to which I clearly don't, I have work later.'

'No you don't.' He told her. 'I spoke to your boss, turns out,' He said as if he were divulging a tasty piece of gossip. 'He's having an affair and doesn't want his wife to find out, so he was more than happy to cover your shift today.'

Alison stared at him wide eyed. 'How can you possibly know that?' She asked.

'Just think of me as all knowing.' He grinned again, flashing perfectly straight white teeth.

Alison sighed. 'If I go with you now, will you and Ethan leave me alone for good.' Alison asked.

'Cross my heart and hope to die.' Marcus said tracing a cross over his chest with his finger.

'I mean it.'

'What do you have to lose?' He said and although she could think of many answers to that question her resolve was fading.

'Let me grab my phone.' She said and went into the kitchen where she'd plugged it in to charge. She thought briefly about calling for help but Marcus had been right, what the hell would she say? She grabbed her jacket from the back of the sofa in the den and met Marcus on the porch.

'Let's get this over with.' She said as she locked the door behind her and slipped into her jacket.

'That's the spirit.' Marcus replied and smiled.

Marcus' car was beautiful, black shiny paintwork and black padded leather seats. Even as someone who could care less about cars, Alison found herself appreciating the round side mirrors and vintage dials. It was a fitting car for Marcus who was obviously a born show off.

'It's a Pontiac Firebird, sixty seven.' Marcus commented even though she hadn't asked. 'They don't make then like this anymore, drives like a dream, would you like me to put the top down?'

'No, you're alright.' Alison replied trying to inject indifference into her voice to hide how impressed she was with the vehicle. 'Are you going to tell me where we are going or shall I just guess?' She asked.

'And ruin the surprise?' He mocked.

'Can you at least tell me how far away we are going?' they had only been driving for ten minutes but something told Alison she was in for a long ride.

'Not far, I promise.'

'Somehow I don't believe you.' She crossed her arms and shifted so her gaze to look out the side window. She no longer wanted to engage in conversation so she took out her phone and texted Gemma to say she would be out all day.

'So, Ethan told you about our Step Father.' Marcus asked casually after about twenty minutes of silence.

'He did.' Alison replied, not wanting to talk about it.

'He also told you what he does for a living.' The last thing she wanted was to talk to Marcus about it.

'Yes.' She said.

'I take it you're not too thrilled about it?'

'You could say that, anyway what's it to you?' She asked suddenly on the defence, her relationship or lack thereof was nothing to do with him.

'Look, I don't care whether you and Ethan are together or not but he doesn't deserve to go to prison.'

'I said I wouldn't tell...'

'I know but your conscience might get the better of you eventually.'

'He does deserve to go to prison Marcus, so do you for that Matter. You're making me feel like I'm the one in the wrong here.'

'All I'm asking is that you reserve judgement for the end of the day.'

'It's not a case of judgment, it's right or wrong and what he's done is wrong.' Marcus said nothing, Alison sighed. 'Fine, we'll have this conversation again at the end of the day. Happy?'

Marcus didn't reply but she saw him smile.

It didn't matter one bit where they were going, nothing would ever change her mind.

Chapter Nineteen

When the Ethan had had the old farm house renovated he had decided to have the fifth room upstairs turned into a gym.

He was grateful now as he pounded out his frustrations on the punch bag hanging from the middle of the room on a strong chain. Sweat poured out of him as he punched harder and harder, trying to tire himself so that he wouldn't have to keep thinking of Marcus and wondering what he had planned for Alison that day.

Marcus had already left by the time Ethan had woken and although he had left an urgent message on his brother's cell phone, he knew that Marcus wouldn't be returning the call.

After showering, Ethan decided to go into town, it was as good a distraction as he could think of, he couldn't very well stay in the gym the whole day. Anyway he might be able to gather some much needed information if he was to continue looking into the attack at the lake.

Once in town he looked casually in some of the shop windows; but he wasn't interested in purchasing anything today.

He crossed the square, remembering vividly his altercation there and his subsequent confession to Alison. He was about to take out his phone and try Marcus again but he saw Carolina parking her red convertible in the street opposite to where he stood.

She got out of the car and took a large box from the back seat, all the while talking on her phone which was wedged in between her shoulder and her chin. Quickly Ethan headed over, she was the perfect person for him to bump into, she was always such a gossip in High School, if anyone knew anything it would be her.

'I don't care!' Ethan heard Carolina snap at whoever was on the other end of her phone. 'You said you would be here.'

As Ethan approached, her hand slipped from under the box she was carrying and it was about to crash to the ground when Ethan grabbed it from her. It was very heavy; she shouldn't have been trying to lift it herself.

'Well thanks for nothing.' She said angrily into the phone.

'Are you okay?' Ethan asked.

'No, I'm not okay, I have less than a week to get this place ready and the person I hired to help me do it has totally bailed on me. "Something came up."' She said running a hand through her blonde hair, curls bouncing around her face. 'Oh... Thank you.' She said suddenly noticing that Ethan was standing there holding her heavy box. She went to take it off him.

'Let me help you.' Ethan said and Carolina smiled with relief.

'You, Ethan D'Silva, are a life saver.' She gushed. 'What happened to your face?' She added.

'Oh er, nothing.' He answered simply, she probably knew all about it anyway.

Carolina unlocked the coffee shop and Ethan put down his load on the nearest table. The place looked great in spite of all the un-packed boxes covering more than half the small area. The exposed brick walls, tiled floor, mismatched chairs at painted wooden tables gave the place a very relaxed, informal vibe. There were also a few leather couches for those customers who wanted to settle in for a while. The counter took up the whole back wall, and behind it sat the most elaborate coffee machine Ethan had ever seen.

'This will be full of cakes.' She said gesturing to the glass case under the counter, 'I have a few artsy black and white pictures of the town square arriving soon that will go up here.' She gestured to the right wall. 'Try to imagine it without all these boxes cluttering the place up.'

'It looks great Carolina, very welcoming.'

She opened the box that Ethan had brought in and took out some plates covered in bubble wrap. 'My glass jars should have been delivered today, I hope they come by Friday or I'll have nothing to put my cookies in.'

'I'm sure it will be fine Carolina.' He said, hoping that she would stop stressing long enough to help him.

'I just hope it works, I've put so much money into this.' She sighed. 'Do you want to know a secret?' Carolina asked.

The irony of the situation was not lost on Ethan, in school Carolina had been the bitchy head cheerleader, if she didn't know who you were, you didn't exist.

He had been invisible to her for all those years and now she was standing in front of him, wanting to divulge a secret, wanting to be understood and validated.

Part of him itched to remind Carolina what a self-centred bitch she had been when they were younger but that was a long time ago, he had changed and if he could make a change for the better then surely so could she? In any case, Carolina was one of Alison's best friends so it wouldn't hurt to make an effort.

'Sure.' He replied gently.

'I hate coffee.' She admitted her blue eyes glazing over with tears.

'Are you kidding?' Ethan couldn't help but laugh and for a moment he thought perhaps he should have been a little more understanding but soon Carolina was laughing along with him.

'Come on, I'll give you a crash course.' Ethan said and soon they had turned on the giant beverage maker, unpacked several mugs and glass cups, poured milk into large metal cups for steaming and after grinding a few coffee beans Carolina opened a large notebook full of hand written scribbles and diagrams and started steaming some milk.

'Alison is so lucky to have you as a boyfriend.' Carolina said as she sat down next to him and handed him a tall glass mug with milky coffee in it.

'Oh, we're not really -'

'Oh come on.' She interrupted him, giving his arm a gentle slap. 'I saw the two of you on Friday; you could practically feel the electricity between you.' She turned serious for a moment. 'It's just awful what happened, to Veronica I mean, you don't expect it on your own doorstep.'

'Yeah I know, is she okay? Does she know who it was?' Ethan asked concerned. Carolina shrugged.

'I haven't really spoken to her or Mark, I've been so busy but I'm seeing them later. Do you know he moved back in with Veronica and his Mom so that they would feel safe? He's such a sweetie.'

'Do you think it might have been someone local?' Ethan asked getting her back on topic, he didn't need to hear what a hero Mark Donahue was being.

'Like I said, I don't really know that much.' Carolina shrugged.

'It's awful to think that someone in town would be capable of such a thing unless...'

'Unless what?' Carolina encouraged.

'Well, unless there's someone new in town?'

'You're the only new guy in town.' Carolina cooed. 'How's the drink?'

'It looks great.' Ethan enthused and took a sip; it wasn't that hot but tasted alright. 'I think you need to steam the milk for longer.' He said.

'Okay, let me try a Cappuccino.' She said and bounded off once more and Ethan took the opportunity to call his brother again. When the answer message clicked in again he resisted the urge to throw his phone across the room and watch it smash against the stone wall in a million pieces.

'Okay, this one is super-hot so you may want to leave it for a minute.' She warned him as she sat down again, a serious look on her face. 'You know, you got me thinking, and there is someone that is new in town, you remember Connie right? Well she has a new boyfriend, Alex; only moved to town about a month ago.'

Bingo.

'Have you met him?' Ethan asked casually.

'Yes, a few times, he's an accountant, said he would help me with my paperwork which is sweet... I can't really see him, lurking in the woods attacking girls...' She let the sentence trail. 'Try your drink; I think you'll be impressed by this one.' She encouraged.

Ethan wanted to go, he finally had some helpful information and he wanted to look into it but he couldn't just up and leave, it might look suspicious. Also although he hated to admit it, he was enjoying himself. He took a sip of the beverage in front of him; it was much nicer than the last one.

'Better.' He said and smiled when he saw Carolina's face light up.

Chapter Twenty

Marcus pulled into a long dirt road in the middle of vast fields an hour after crossing the state line of Pennsylvania. The track curved slightly and led them to a small farm house, it badly needed a lick of paint but this seemed to add to the charm of the place.

Built on the side was a ramshackle car port that housed an old truck which had seen better days.

Several chickens squawked and scuttled out of their way and an old collie plodded along beside them with a welcome bark as they slowed to a stop.

'This is it?' Alison asked feeling underwhelmed. 'Where the hell are we?' She asked.

'If you get out of the car and join me, you'll find out.'

Alison hated the way he was manipulating her, he knew very well that she must be dying to get out of the car after a seemingly endless journey.

The collie went straight to Marcus as he got out of the car and he bent to give him a scratch behind the ear. 'Hey Buddy.' He cooed and the dog wagged his tail in response.

They went up the porch steps and Marcus tapped lightly on the front door. Hesitantly she followed him.

When there was no answer he walked right in 'Hello.' He called, looking first towards the kitchen doorway ahead and then up the stairs to his right. 'Is anyone home?'

Alison was still on the porch, not sure if she should be barging in to a stranger's house. 'There's nobody here.' She said through the door, glancing at the muddy boots on the porch.

'Of course there is, the door is open.' Marcus said. 'C'mon.' he grabbed her wrist and pulled her into the small entrance which smelled like freshly baked apple pie.

'Maybe they know they have nothing worth stealing.' Alison said, glancing into the lounge area where a few old sofas were covered in old crocheted blankets. In the corner where a television would sit in any other household, there stood a large fish tank housing two large goldfish.

'Hello?' Marcus continued into the kitchen which was larger than the first room and like the rest of the house was basic but not unpleasant. On the oak table in the middle of the room sat a pot of yellow chrysanthemums, each flower bursting with petals. There was a large range on the adjacent wall so whoever lived here it looked like they spent most of their time here. Even the dog had a well-worn bed in the corner.

Marcus was looking out of the window and Alison followed his gaze. There was an enormous amount of land at the back of the property and in the distance she could make out a couple digging up a patch of soil. Marcus walked out of the back door and Alison followed.

She still couldn't fathom why he had brought her here? Maybe these people were going to hypnotise her into forgetting what she knew? Or maybe they were growing mind altering drugs that would make her think she had dreamt the past few days? Neither scenario seemed likely but that was all she could come up with.

Outside there were more chickens and Alison saw a large coop next to a small barn, the fields she had seen driving up here rose up in the distance so it was impossible to tell where the small farm ended and private land began.

The view was spectacular and Alison couldn't take her eyes off it, it was any wonder they had no television and her earlier comment about having nothing worth stealing felt overly vicious in light of how rich they were in other ways.

Somebody squealed and it drew Alison's attention back to Marcus who had walked up ahead to the couple she had seen through the window. The woman was flinging her arms around Marcus and the man was rubbing his back from bending for so long, a large smile on his face.

Alison walked over all of her trepidation vanishing.

'Ma, I can't breathe.' Marcus said and Alison thought she must have miss-heard. This woman couldn't be Marcus and Ethan's mother and if she was, she had changed an awful lot since Alison had last seen her.

She had always been pale with dark smudges under her eyes, her hair always tied back making her look gaunt. There was seldom a smile on her face and everyone in town knew why.

The woman embracing Marcus was radiant. Long wavy auburn hair with grey streaks fell down her back; she wore a white slip dress that highlighted her sun kissed skin. If this was in fact Helen D'Silva she looked ten years younger.

His mother started kissing Marcus's face, up on her tiptoes. 'Is it really you?' She said as she pulled away, overcome by emotion. 'My boy!' Helen gripped his arms, not quite ready to let go. Alison felt as if she was intruding.

Marcus' mother took a step back allowing the man to greet Marcus with a shake of the hand and a hearty pat on the back. He was fully grey and had a dark tan that only came from spending a lifetime in the sun.

'Ma, you remember Alison.' Marcus said turning towards her.

'Alison Williams.' The woman recognised her and in an instant, had her in a strong hug. 'You're just as beautiful as I remember.' She said.

'Hi Helen.' Was all Alison could say and felt her face flush from the compliment.

'Gosh, I haven't seen you since...' She let the sentence trail her eyes suddenly filled with the sadness that Alison had remembered from long ago.

'Lovely to meet you Alison, I'm Roger.' The grey haired man said and Alison found herself in another tight embrace.

'Hi Roger.' Alison said.

'Well, let's get you inside and sort you both a drink.' Roger suggested and Helen looped her arm in Marcus' as they all made their way up to the house.

Alison and Marcus sat next to each other at the kitchen table on miss-matched chairs while Marcus', mother got out a plate and started to put homemade cookies on it. 'You must be hungry after your drive.' She stated.

'Ma, sit down and relax, I can get the drinks if you like.' Marcus said. Alison was surprised to see such a caring side to him. The cocky arrogance had completely disappeared.

'Nonsense, you know what, we should celebrate. Roger, Grab the Elderflower wine from the basement.' She said and Roger dutifully walked into the hall and disappeared into a doorway under the stairs.

Helen placed the cookies on the table and then opened one of the cupboards and brought over four glass tumblers. Alison was starving so helped herself to a cookie.

'It's so good to see you Marcus, you too Alison.' She said beaming. 'I take it you two are er... what do they say these days... it is dating? Courting?'

Alison nearly choked on her mouthful of chocolate chip cookie but managed to compose herself and swallowed before she replied. 'Oh, no, we're just friends.' Alison quickly corrected her and then realised that they were barely even that. She glanced at Marcus who looked amused.

'There was no wine Honey but I did find a bottle of sloe gin.' Roger said emerging from the below the house, a plain glass bottle with a dark liquid in his hands. He handed it to Helen who opened the swing top with her thumbs and poured a few inches in each glass.

Everyone took one and Roger raised his towards his guests, an arm around Helen's waist.

'To family.' He said.

'May they visit more often.' Helen added looking pointedly at her son and smiling. Everybody took a sip of their drink.

'Jeez, Ma, you know I'm driving right.' Marcus coughed. The gin was very strong. Alison liked it though and took another long sip.

'I'm sorry, yes it's a bit strong; let me get you some juice. Or do you want coffee, or I have some nice herbal tea?' She asked her son giddily.

'Coffee would be great.' Marcus said.

'You'll join us for lunch won't you.' Roger asked but it wasn't really a question.

'We'd love to.' Alison replied. Helen kissed the top of his Marcus' head and then lit a hob on the range underneath a kettle.

She watched him smile as his mother heaped instant coffee into a mug and Roger started to set the table for their meal.

Alison found herself smiling too but her smile faded a little as she realised just how much she missed the bustle of her own parents in the kitchen, preparing food for the family.

'Are you okay?' Marcus asked frowning with genuine concern.

'I'm fine.' She said and for the first time he smiled at her sincerely, no bravado or charm, just a heartfelt smile that reached all the way to his eyes.

Chapter Twenty-One

It wasn't difficult to find out where Veronica Donahue lived. Ethan could have asked Carolina but he wanted to keep his visit on the down low for as long as he possibly could.

He had grown up in the same area as the Donahue's and he felt odd there, as if his life now was an illusion and it was time to go back where he belonged.

He shook the feeling off as he tapped on the door. After a few moments it opened and Ethan was face to face with Mark who eyed him suspiciously.

'What are you doing here?' He asked his blue eyes flashing distrust.

'Hi Mark, I was just passing, thought I'd see how Veronica was holding up.'

'I don't think so.' He stated, folding his arms over his broad chest.

'Who is it Mark?' Someone shouted and then Mark's Mother appeared at the door, with the same blue eyes and strawberry blonde curls as her son. She looked tired and it wasn't hard to imagine why.

'Nobody.' Mark said and tried to close the door on his unwanted visitor, his mother looked out at Ethan. It had been a while since he had seen her but she looked exactly the same as he remembered.

'I know you... Ethan? Oh, I haven't seen you for years, is that really you?' She said ushering him in the house. 'Pay Mark no mind, he's just so protective of his sister.'

'I understand.' Ethan said.

'Veronica will be pleased to see you; she's bored senseless in the house all day long, it'll be nice for her to see someone other than her Mom and her brother.'

They all went into the small lounge where Veronica sat, small and pale opposite the television, a blanket draped over her. Cards from well-wishers covered the small fireplace and there was a large vase of flowers on the coffee table.

'You have a visitor.' Veronica's mother told her and she seemed to perk up a little.

'Hello.' She said to Ethan, but it was clear she didn't have a clue who he was.

'Hi Veronica, I'm Ethan, a friend of Alison's.' He clarified.

'Oh, okay.'

'Well, let me get you a drink, coffee?'

'No.' Ethan said a little too fast, he'd had more than enough for the day. 'I'm fine.' He said and took a seat next to Veronica as her mother made herself scarce. Ethan was hoping Mark would leave them too but he sat down opposite them.

'How are you feeling?' He asked.

'Much better.' Veronica said and forced a smile, she flicked her long straight hair behind her shoulder and Ethan saw the marks on her neck, she'd had a lucky escape.

'Do you have any idea who did this?' Ethan asked but Veronica shook her head.

'It was dark... I didn't really see his face, he was wearing a cap.'

'Did he know you?' He asked wishing Mark wasn't glaring at him from across the room.

'I don't think so...' She let the sentence trail.

'What?' Ethan asked.

'It was weird, he was really nice and then, he started saying that I was a liar and that I had to pay for the damage I'd done.' Tears sprung into her eyes. 'I think he thought I was someone else.'

'That's enough.' Mark said standing up. 'You can see you're upsetting her.'

'I'm sorry...' Ethan apologised hastily.

'It's fine Mark.' Veronica said, 'I need to talk about it, I want to-'

'What good can come of raking over everything? It's bad enough you had to tell the cops everything over and over but I won't have this...'

'Mark!' His mother appeared at the door. 'What's going on?'

'He's upsetting her...'

'No, Mom it's fine.' Veronica protested. 'Mark, can you just leave us for a few minutes?' She asked.

'Come on Mark.' His mother ordered and reluctantly he left, giving Ethan a look which said he was far from happy.

'I'm so sorry.' Veronica said blushing. 'Mark blames himself for what happened.'

'I really didn't mean to upset you...' Ethan said.

'That's the thing though... Mark just keeps saying "forget it, move on." but I feel like I want to get it all out of my system.'

'I get that.' Ethan agreed, he'd made a living out of keeping things to himself, so he knew how they could eat you up inside.

'I still can't shake the feeling that it's my fault.' Veronica admitted.

'Don't think like that.' Ethan said, placing a reassuring hand on her arm.

'But I was flirting with him a little, you know, I'd had a few beers...' Veronica paused, 'Like I said I can't really remember what he looked like, he was shy to start with...'

'Was he your age?' Ethan asked.

'No, he was older, not much older though, I didn't even realise he was leading me into the woods, away from everyone.'

Ethan nodded, he didn't want to push her much further, it wasn't his intention to distress this poor girl after everything she'd been through.

'Then, like I said he got all upset and I swear, I didn't do anything... He said he'd make me pay for telling lies about him and then...'

Ethan put his arm around Veronica's shoulders and she leant against him, tears spilling down her cheeks. There was nothing he could say to make those memories go away but talking about it was always better than keeping everything in.

Someone entered the room. 'I think you should go.' Mark said standing over him.

Ethan pulled away from Veronica, who took a few deep breaths and wiped her eyes. 'Thank you.' She whispered to him.

'Take care.' He said and Mark ushered him out into the small hall way and opened the front door for him.

'Don't think I don't know why you're here?' Mark told Ethan as he stepped outside.

'I was just passing.' Ethan said.

'You wanted to find out if she remembered it was you that night.'

'You're mistaken.' Ethan said and turned to leave.

'I ought to call Sheriff Flood.' Mark shouted after him.

Ethan didn't rise to the bait; he just kept walking down the cracked drive to his jeep. Mark was just trying to right an injustice that had happened to his flesh and blood and was putting two and two together to make five.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Departing from Helen and Roger's had taken a while, first there was the complete refusal to acknowledge that Marcus had said anything about leaving, then the insistence that they stay just a little longer. After more hugs and promises all round that they would drop by again soon, Alison and Marcus left.

There was silence in the car as they made their way home, passing fields and other farm houses. The sun was a lot lower now and shone orange light in the car. Alison was exhausted but didn't want to sleep, in contrast to how she felt on the way here that morning, now she felt very much like talking.

'What did she whisper to you?' Alison asked.

'Huh?'

'Your Mom when we were leaving, she whispered something to you, what was it?'

'Oh, she said that we make a lovely couple, that's all.' Marcus told her and she could feel herself violently blushing.

'Why don't you visit more?' She asked wanting to quickly change the subject. Marcus sighed and she immediately regretted asking the question, they'd had such a nice day it would be a shame to end it on a low note.

'Ethan told you about The Institute where he trained?' Alison suddenly regretted starting up a conversation.

'To kill people, he might have mentioned it.' Alison said.

'Did he tell you that he would only go to this all singing, all dancing facility, if he could bring his big brother with him?'

'No... Did you, are you..?' Alison didn't have to finish her question, she knew the answer, it was so obvious now.

'Yes Alison, Ethan and I are trained killers. We're pretty good at it too.'

'Why would you go with him... to this place?'

'What do you think we were doing in the army? Learning to knit?'

'That's different.' She said.

'How is it different?' Marcus pushed.

'It just is.' Alison argued. She couldn't think of a single reason why it was different but the minute she started agreeing with Marcus she was well on her way to condoning what they were doing. 'How many people have you killed?' Alison asked.

Marcus smiled humourlessly. 'You shouldn't ask questions you don't want the answer to.' He stated.

They were quiet for a moment; Alison went back to staring out of the window, her good mood from earlier fading fast.

'What has it got to do with you not seeing your mother?' Alison realised that he still hadn't answered her question.

'The first thing they tell you at The Institute is to sever all ties with your family.'

'Why?' Alison asked, it seemed a little harsh, how could anyone be expected to do such a thing.

'One of the easiest ways of tracking people down is through their loved ones. As far as I know Ethan hasn't seen Ma since we packed our bags and headed off for basic training.'

'So, you're breaking the rules?'

'It's more of a guideline than a rule and anyway I just couldn't do it, she's my mother. Anyway, I'm very careful; nobody will ever track me down.'

Alison felt an over-whelming urge to speak to her family and reached in her jacket pocket for her phone. It wasn't there. She started looking down the side of the seat and started to fret that it had fallen out back at the farm house, Marcus would never turn back now.

'Looking for this?' Marcus said and took her phone out of his pocket.

'What the hell?' she asked, remembering how he had taken her jacket for her when they had re-entered the house with Helen and Roger. She thought he was being thoughtful and gentlemanly but he was just being a jerk as usual.

She went to grab the phone but he pulled it out of reach, swerving the car dramatically as a result.

'Careful.' He said, the softer side that she had witnessed in front of his mother a distant memory. 'Now let's see who's been texting you shall we?' He said, opening Alison's messages.

'Marcus, give it back.' She said but it was clear he had no intention of doing so, how the hell had he even unlocked it?

Think of me as all knowing.

He drove with just one hand and took his eyes off the road to look at the screen. 'There's one from Gemma, she says to have a nice day... Oh and one from your friend Carolina, I remember her, she won Miss Willow Grove the year Ethan and I had to get the hell out of Dodge.'

'Marcus you're gonna kill us both!'

Alison panicked as he read aloud, his eyes flicking towards the road. Mimicking Carolina's voice he read aloud; 'Had the day from hell but Ethan came to my rescue. You are sooooo lucky to have him as a boyfriend. I'm totally jealous.'

'It does not say that.' She said as she finally snatched the phone back, she read the text and realised Marcus had read it verbatim. 'Why do you have to be like this?' She said quietly and turned around in her seat, her back to him.

More silence followed and Alison closed her eyes. She would sleep the rest of the way, it wouldn't be long before they were back in Willow Grove and then she wouldn't have to see Marcus ever again. How could she be so stupid to think he was sweet or caring?

'I'm sorry.' Marcus said as she was just about to drift off.

'No you're not.' Alison said her eyes snapping open.

'You're right; I'd just rather you talked to me instead of sleeping. Honestly I think it's a little rude.'

'Are you kidding me right now, after you helped yourself to my phone?' Alison asked but was met with silence. 'Okay, you want to talk then tell me all about your training at this Institute wherever the hell it was?'

'I'm not entirely sure where it was; we were taken there at night, the SUV had tinted windows... I think though it was somewhere in Maryland.

'You're not even sure what state it was in?'

'This place isn't a spa Alison, the less everyone knows about it the better.' Marcus explained.

'So once they train you, what then?'

'Then they send you out into the big bad world and you wait for instructions.'

'Instructions?'

'Yeah, you know, who the target is, why they were being targeted, where to find them.'

'It's that simple? You would just go and...' Alison couldn't say it.

'Kill them, yes.'

'How could you just kill someone you had never met, knowing nothing about them?'

'All I needed to know is that they were the bad guy Alison, I mean, that was the whole point of the place, an elite army of trained killers, not eradicating people in a country thousands of miles away but here, on our own soil.'

'Okay I get the idea.' She admitted. 'I just can't see Ethan being a cold blooded killer, I just can't.' Alison stated shaking her head but realising at the same time that she hadn't really given him chance to explain everything properly, why had she extended that courtesy to Marcus and not Ethan?

'Are you kidding? This is exactly Ethan's thing, getting rid of the bad guy, making the world a safer place? He's like a God damn superhero fighting for the greater good.' Marcus scoffed. 'All he needs is a cape.'

'Why do you do it then?' She asked.

'Like I said, I'm good at it.' He answered and grinned.

'I don't know how you can be so casual-'

'Some people deserve to die.' Marcus stated before she had time to finish her sentence.

The rest of the journey was made in silence. Alison couldn't think of anything else to say but didn't try and sleep afraid that he would start talking again.

Eventually they pulled up outside Alison's house, the car had barely come to a stop and Alison was opening the door.

Marcus gently grabbed her arm stopping her. 'What?' She just wanted to leave his presence.

'Did you see how happy my mom was today, her and Roger?' he asked and Alison nodded, unsure where he was going with it. 'Ethan did that, the minute he killed our asshole step-father, he gave our mother a future. It was him or Ma.' Alison was silent letting the weight of what he was saying sink in.

'I get it.' Alison said quietly.

'You need to cut Ethan some slack, he's a good guy Alison and he loves you.' She nodded and got out of the car, halfway to her porch she stopped and walked back. Marcus lowered his window.

'How did you know my boss was having an affair?'

'I didn't know, I guessed.' He answered as if it were obvious. 'And I knew the passcode to your phone because I watched you put it in when you were texting earlier.' He put the car into drive.

'Oh.' Alison responded, a hint of disappointment, a magic trick revealed to be nothing more than smoke and mirrors. 'Goodbye Marcus.'

'Take care Alison.' Marcus said and drove away.

She turned and walked up to her house, locking the door behind her when she was safely inside.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Ethan walked into the Grill, unsure as to the welcome he would receive. He had kept away from Alison for as long as he could stand. He wanted to see her and wanted desperately to know where he stood.

Marcus had said just one thing when he had returned the previous evening; 'It's sorted.' Followed very closely by; 'You're welcome.' He still hadn't a clue what his brother and Alison had done all day but he held fast to the hope that she was going to give him a second chance.

She was taking an order from a couple sitting at a table. There was barely anyone in The Grill for lunch that day. As she walked away from her customers she saw him and it might have been wishful thinking but he thought he saw the shadow of a smile.

'Hi.' He said as she walked over to greet him. If there had been smile at all, it was gone now.

'Hello.' She said. So far it was going well.

'Are you free to talk?' he asked feeling nervous for the first time in a long time. 'I can come back later if you like?'

'I can't talk right now but I have my break in ten minutes. Meet me in the square.'

Ethan made his way across the square and picked a bench a long way away from the scene he had made a few nights ago. Alison hadn't given anything away, she had been polite but that might only have been because she was at work.

Ten minutes dragged by agonisingly and when Ethan looked at his watch and he had been waiting nearly fifteen minutes he started to think she wasn't coming. He was about to go looking for her when he saw her exit The Grill and make her way over.

'So, how are you?' Ethan asked when she sat down, her body language wasn't exactly welcoming but at least she had met with him.

'I'm fine I guess.'

'You're waitressing today.'

'Yeah, I prefer the bar but the tips are better.' Alison said brushing something Ethan couldn't see off her trousers.

Ethan watched people strolling past them as he tried to broach the subject of what happened with her and his brother the day before.

'So you spent the day with Marcus yesterday... How did that go?' He asked cautiously.

'A lot better than I thought.' She smiled for the first time. 'He took me to see your Mom.'

'What?' Ethan said trying to hide his shock. He had no idea Marcus still saw their mother. 'How is she?' He asked, ashamed that he didn't know the answer to that question himself.

'She looks really happy.' Alison told him and he nodded solemnly. 'Marcus said that it was because of you.' She added.

Ethan didn't know what to say, Marcus was right but the means by which his Mother's life had turned around had included murder.

'I guess so.' He said and shrugged.

Again there was silence but only for a short while.

'Marcus told me about your training at The Institute, that you wouldn't go unless he could too.' Alison said.

'Okay.'

'He sort of put things in perspective for me, I'm not saying that I'm okay with everything, just that I sort of understand it a little better...'

'You know you can ask me anything.' Ethan said, feeling a little pang of jealousy. Seemingly Marcus had found a way to explain to Alison, that which he had found impossible.

'I just have one question.' Alison said and moved a little closer to him. 'Actually it's more like a request.

'Okay.'

'I need to know that you're done with it, I can't be with you unless this brutal life you've been leading is over.'

'Alison-'

'Ethan it has to be. Those are my terms.'

He took her hand and looked her in the eye, the girl he had loved for so many years and smiled.

'Then it's over.'

Alison smiled for the first time. 'Good.' She said and Ethan smiled as well. He thought for a moment that she was going to kiss him, he so wanted her to. Their kiss at the lake had been cut short and he still felt cheated. 'That goes for fighting in the street too.' Alison added.

'You have my word.' Ethan said and leaned forward slightly, a clear indication that if she wanted to, he would be happy for the moment to become a little more intimate. Alison leaned away though and glanced towards her place of work.

'I should get back.' She said and Ethan stopped her before she could get up to leave.

'Come over tonight, I'll cook for you.' He offered.

'I can't tonight I have class.' Alison said looking genuinely upset.

'Tomorrow then, come round about eight.' He said not giving her chance to decline again.

'Okay, sure' She agreed and left.

Ethan watched her walk all the way back to The Grill and headed to his jeep. He had just lied to Alison but he wasn't worried, she would understand.

*

When Alison got home that night she was exhausted. After work she had gone over to Carolina's coffee shop to see how things were progressing but she was in such a state that Alison had ended up unpacking boxes and taste testing some cookies.

Alison had nearly been late for her history class and when she saw what a foul mood her teacher was in, she was glad she'd made it on time.

When at last she got home George was watching a film in the den.

'Where's Gemma?' Alison asked, keeping her voice light. The last thing she wanted was to get into another argument.

'Dunno.' Was George's response and it was accompanied by a heavy sigh so Alison would know he wasn't happy at having his film interrupted.

'Oh, never mind she's left a note.' Alison said and heard George cursing under his breath.

Alison made herself a coffee and joined her brother on the couch.

'I suppose you want me to turn this off.' George said without taking his eyes off the screen. He was watching a film with car chases, guns and lots of testosterone.

'No carry on, I don't mind.' she said injecting so much neutrality into her voice she wondered if she'd even said it out loud.

The room was filled with the sounds of cars racing and then inevitably the sounds of metal crunching and the hero screaming in anguish as everything exploded.

'So what have you been up to today?' Alison asked when the drama on the screen had died down.

'Nothing much.' George answered, the king of vague.

'Did you see any of your friends?' She asked, knowing she had to tread carefully or he would fly off the handle.

'Why don't you just get to the point?' He finally asked turning towards her.

'What?'

'You want to know if I've been drinking or taking drugs.'

'George, I just wanted to know about your day that's all.' She shouldn't have pushed him but then, why couldn't she ask her brother what he'd been up to? She was so sick of treading on egg shells around him.

'Whatever.' He replied turning off the TV and throwing the controller on the sofa where it bounced and fell on the floor. 'I'll watch this upstairs.' He spat.

Maybe it was the emotional toll that the weekend had taken on her, or simply that she had just wanted to have a quiet, relaxing night but something in Alison snapped.

'That's enough!' Alison shouted as she jumped to her feet. George had just stepped into the hall but froze when he heard is sister bellow. 'I've had just about all I can take of your insubordination.' She told him, he turned towards her looking a little surprised but trying to hide it.'

'I-' He tried to speak but Alison ignored him.

'I don't know how to make you see that you're hurting me and Gemma.' She was trying to keep the emotion out of her voice but failing miserably. 'It's not fair that you treat us like this George, we both made sacrifices so you had as much family around you as possible.' She knew she had told him this over and over and that she would regret what was about to be said but it had to be said, damn it.

'You know what, I'm done.'

George blinked. 'What do you mean?' He asked.

'Do what you ever you want, drink, get high, anything at all, I don't care anymore. Just don't come running to me when it all comes back to bite you in the ass because I won't be bailing you out.'

Before her brother could see her tears spilling over her cheeks she stormed past him and up the stairs. Once in her bedroom she threw herself on her bed and cried into her pillow, not wanting George to hear her.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Alison had been waitressing again today and the time had dragged. She found herself looking forward to dinner; it would be a chance for her and Ethan to talk a little more. Maybe they could finish that kiss as well... no she had to take things slow.

Yes she still had her apprehensions but Alison felt sure it was nothing she couldn't work through; after all she felt a deep connection to Ethan unlike anything she had felt before so she owed it to herself to at least try.

Alison drove up the long road to the D'Silva residence; it looked sinister this time, in the moonlight with tall trees enveloping the house, threatening to swallow it whole.

She parked her car and by the time she had made it to the front door, Ethan was opening it. He smiled. 'You look lovely.' He commented.

Alison had borrowed a plain jersey dress from Gemma; it was simple but very flattering. Her hair was swept up from her face into a messy bun, making her look younger, or so she hoped. Ethan looked lovely as well, dressed simply in a black shirt and trousers.

'Thank you.' She said and Ethan moved aside, welcoming her in. Alison looked around as her kitten heels clipped on the large stone tiles under foot. The Foyer was a large space and lavishly decorated; dominated by an ornate wooden staircase that dog-legged to the second level. To her right was the lounge, she glanced in to see a large fireplace with a thick rug in front of it.

Alison followed Ethan into the room and sat on the nearest of two identical red velvet couches that faced each other.

God only knew how much it had cost to renovate the whole place. The business of murder was obviously a lucrative one; Alison thought and then quickly dismissed it.

'Can I get you a drink?' Ethan asked making his way to an antique table behind the second sofa, laden with decanters and a couple of bottles of wine.

'Sure.' She answered but she would only have the one glass as she had to drive home, she just needed enough to calm her jangling nerves.

Ethan poured her a glass of red wine from the drinks table and brought it over sitting next to her.

'Very gothic.' Alison said hoping she was using the correct term as she took in the diamond leaded bay windows with matching velvet drapes. She could see her car in the driveway distorted as the pains of glass were set not quite flush with each other.

'They are the original windows. The only ones that survived, I tried to tie everything else in with it. You don't think it's too much do you?' Ethan asked and Alison followed his gaze up slightly to the twinkling chandelier casting light upon the room.

'No, I love it.' Alison said. 'It just wasn't what I expected.'

'I hired an interior designer; I don't know the first thing about decorating.'

'It must have cost a fortune.' Alison took a sip of her wine.

'Marcus and I own the house jointly. It was meant to be an investment but then I decided I might like to live here. Little did I know my brother would be joining me.' He said forcing a smile.

They were silent for a while; Alison sipped more of her wine. Ethan seemed nervous as well which she thought was sweet. She didn't really want to put him on the spot so early in the evening but she had to check that he was serious about what they'd spoken about.

'Did you mean what you said yesterday?' She asked not knowing what she would do if he said no.

'Of course I did.' He said and smiled warmly.

'Promise?' She asked. He took her free hand in his.

'I promise.' He said, Alison leant over and kissed him gently on the cheek.

'Good.' She whispered, he turned his face to hers, they both leaned towards one another, their lips almost touching...

'Well isn't this just lovely.' Marcus stated entering the room. He too was dressed up for the evening. He wore grey trousers and a white shirt unbuttoned at the collar.

'I hope you don't mind, Marcus will be joining us for dinner.' Ethan explained and Alison shook her head.

'Of course not, the more the merrier.' She replied but there was something about the way Marcus was looking at her that made her feel slightly nervous.

'I also invited Connie and her boyfriend.' Ethan continued. This surprised Alison, why would he invite Connie of all people? As if reading her mind he answered her. 'I didn't want you to feel too overwhelmed; I thought a few friendly faces would help.' He explained.

There was a knock at the door. 'That should be my date.' Marcus said and went to answer it. Marcus had a date? That was quick, Alison thought feeling, what exactly?

'My mistake, it was Constance and her boyfriend.' Marcus said walking into the room, followed by the two guests he had let in.

'Please call me Connie.' she barked at Marcus who was oblivious.

Alison stood up to greet her. 'I didn't know you were coming until just now.' She said hugging her friend. 'Hi Alex.' She added.

'Hi Ali.' Alex said and Alison baulked at the familiar shortening of her name but smiled and gave Alex a brief embrace anyway.

Alex then turned to Ethan and Marcus, shaking their hands respectively. 'Thank you so much for inviting us.' He said and maybe it was Alison's imagination but she thought Ethan was looking at him strangely.

Marcus offered them a drink and soon everyone but Ethan was holding an alcoholic beverage. It was silent for a moment or two until there was another knock at the door.

'Okay, now that's definitely my date.' Again Marcus went to answer the door, Alison heard him complimenting someone, his voice like velvet. His date replied and Alison recognised the voice. It couldn't be...

'Hey everyone, sorry I'm late.' Carolina swept into the lounge, larger than life in a black dress that left very little to the imagination. Both Alison and Connie went to greet her with a hug.

'When did this happen?' Alison heard Connie whisper but Carolina just smiled.

Marcus quickly poured Carolina a glass of wine and addressed the group. 'Let's make a toast.' He said raising his glass. Everyone but Ethan followed suit. 'To new relationships.' He said and everyone took a sip of their drink. Alison caught him winking at Carolina.

'Why Ethan, you don't have a drink. Allow me.' Marcus said, picking up a decanter of brown liquid.

'Thanks.' He replied.

'It's no trouble.' Marcus told him and moments later handed Ethan his drink.

Alison couldn't tell what was going on but there was something underneath all the forced politeness. Perhaps Ethan too disapproved of Marcus' date. Perhaps he had been blindsided like everyone else.

'I'd like to thank you all for coming, I know midweek isn't exactly ideal for a dinner party but I promise I won't keep you late.' Ethan said glancing at his watch. 'In fact, we can all make our way through.' He said and gestured towards the dining room.

Marcus took Carolina's hand and led the way through the foyer to the room opposite; everyone followed and sat themselves down, opposite their dates. Ethan excused himself and disappeared through a door which Alison presumed led to the kitchen.

'This is a marvellous house you have Marcus, I think I must be in the wrong job.' Alex said looking up at another smaller chandelier hovering over the mahogany dining table which was set for six. Another bay window, framed with more red velvet, afforded Alison of a view, this time of her friend's cars and the side of the garage.

'My brother and I were left a large sum of money by a relative.' Marcus replied. Connie and Carolina opened their mouth to say something but both of them thought better of it. Only Alison knew the truth and thought it best to change the subject fast.

'So, Carolina, how are things going? Do you think you'll be able to open on time?' Alison asked her friend as they all settled into their seats. She had only been there yesterday but knew Carolina would relish the opportunity to be the centre of attention for a while.

'Oh my God, it's an absolute nightmare at the minute; the place is literally like a bomb site. I don't know how the hell I'm going to open on Saturday; I don't even have any staff to help me.'

'I'd be happy to help you.' Marcus graciously offered, knowing he sounded like the best boyfriend in the world.

'Would you? You would be saving my life.' Carolina purred. 'Anyway Connie, how's things with you? I haven't seen you for ages.' Carolina asked finally turning away from Marcus' gaze. She was completely smitten with him; which was quite nauseating to watch.

'Yeah things are good, you know.' She stole a quick glance at her boyfriend who was smiling at her. 'I could help you Carolina, after work though so it might be late?'

'That would be great; you know the guy I hired to help me open totally bailed on me.' Carolina told them dramatically, flicking her blonde curls behind her shoulder to complete her damsel in distress act. 'Hey, I don't suppose George wants a job does he?' Alison didn't know how to answer, her friends knew that she'd had a little trouble with him recently but they didn't know to what extent.

'I don't think he needs anything else to distract him from his school work.' She replied diplomatically.

'Well, I'm going to see if Ethan needs any help and grab another bottle of wine.' Marcus said getting up from the table. 'You ladies try not to talk about me while I'm gone.' Carolina giggled but Connie and Alison glared at him as he left.

'What the hell Carolina?' Connie said as soon as Marcus was out of earshot.

'What?' She said innocently.

'You and Marcus.' Alison piped in, hoping she sounded concerned and not resentful.

'Not as quick as you and Ethan.' Carolina pointed out defensively.

'That's different, they have history.' Connie said. 'Don't you remember what a jerk Marcus was when we were at school?'

'That's the past Connie, he's really nice now.' Alison thought of him when they'd had lunch with his mother, how he had softened. Carolina didn't know what he really was though, how he had really come by his fortune.

'Just be careful.' Connie advised with concern in her dark eyes.

'I hope you're all hungry.' Marcus entered the room with a large bowl of roasted vegetables in one hand and a bottle of white wine in the other. He placed them both on the large table and disappeared again.

'What do you mean, "be careful"?' Carolina turned towards Connie.

'I'm just saying, I don't trust him, there's just something... off is all I'm saying.'

'Based on what?' Carolina challenged.

'Just a feeling.' Connnie said. Alison was beginning to wish they'd never said anything; even Alex had the good sense to stay out of it and was suddenly really interested by something on his phone.

'Oh well, why didn't you say so, I guess a feeling is proof enough that he's no good.'

Again Marcus entered the room with more food and Ethan followed him with a large platter of sizzling meat. The smell of the food made Alison's tummy growl, she was suddenly starving.

Connie and Carolina were all smiles now, their little spat forgotten now that their host was in the room.

'Dig in everyone.' Ethan said sitting down at last and everyone helped themselves to the food.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Everyone was silent as they ate, Alison could feel the tension radiating off Carolina. Maybe she and Connie had been too quick to judge; maybe they should just be happy for their friend.

'So Alex, you're new to town Carolina tells me.' Ethan asked once he'd cleared his plate. Alex swallowed his mouthful before answering.

'Yeah, I moved here a couple of months ago from Maine.' He replied.

'What made you chose Willow Grove?' Marcus asked.

'I could ask you guys the same thing.' He chuckled, taking another bite of his meal.

'We grew up here.' Ethan explained.

'Alex has family close by.' Connie explained and smiled at her boyfriend.

'Do you have much work?' Alison asked, she hadn't had chance to get to know Alex that well really and was determined to like him as he was dating one of her best friends.

'I'm doing okay.' He answered vaguely.

'How long have you and Connie been dating?' Ethan asked.

'About six weeks would you say Connie?' Alex asked and Connie nodded having just taken a mouthful of food.

'Connie, I didn't see you at the Lake on Friday.' Ethan turned his attention towards Alison's friend.

'I still can't believe what happened.' Connie said sadly having swallowed her mouthful of food. 'I'm actually glad my jerk of a boss made me work late.'

'I went to see Veronica yesterday.' Carolina stated, placing her knife and fork on her clean plate. All eyes were on her, just the way she liked it. 'She's doing much better, she mentioned your visit Ethan, said you were really sweet.'

'You went to see Veronica?' Alison asked trying not to sound surprised.

'I just wanted to see how she was doing.' He said sheepishly. 'Are they any closer to finding out who it was?' Ethan asked, avoiding Alison's bewildered gaze.

'I don't really think this is proper conversation for the dinner table.' Marcus said, glaring at his brother.

'You can't blame me for being concerned.' Ethan said.

'Did you hear about the girl that's gone missing?' Carolina asked, missing Marcus' cue to change the subject and barely hiding her excitement at having a tasty piece of gossip, however macabre.

'No.' Ethan answered as again the attention turned towards her.

'Her name is Millie and she came here from Birchdale to visit a friend Sunday Evening but never made it home.'

'Do you think..?' Alison couldn't finish her sentence; it was too awful to contemplate.

'More wine anyone?' Marcus offered, lifting the bottle and pouring Carolina a large helping. Alex's phone started ringing and he excused himself from the table.

'Constance?' Marcus offered but she shook her head.

'Alison, may I top you up?' Marcus reached over with the wine.

'No, thanks I'm driving; I've probably had too much already.' She admitted.

'Why don't you stay over?' He asked. Ethan shot him a look and Alison could feel herself flush. 'We have plenty of guest bedrooms.' He added.

'No... It's nice of you to offer but I'm going to go home tonight...' Alison said, clearly flustered.

Marcus shrugged as he put down the wine.

Alex entered the room and came to the table. 'Sorry, accountancy emergency.' He explained sitting back down.

Ethan started to clear the table.

'Let me help you.' Alison offered.

'Absolutely not, you're a guest. He replied and disappeared, leaden with plates.

'Dinner was lovely.' Carolina said to Marcus. 'Thank you so much for inviting me.'

'You're very welcome.' Marcus replied smiling. Alison felt sick to the stomach at their over-the-top display.

'So, Carolina, how did Ethan help you out the other day?' Alison asked, reminding them that they were with company.

'Oh, Alison, he was such a help.' Carolina turned in her seat and faced her friend. 'He came by at the exact moment I needed him. He drank about a hundred coffees. He's such a sweetheart.' She gushed just as he entered the room again, to clear the last of the plates.

'Who wants dessert? Ethan asked.

'Actually, Connie and I should be heading home.' Alex said and started to get up.

'Dinner was lovely Ethan. Thank you.' Connie said and after the pair had said their goodbyes, which included a very curt one from Carolina, Ethan showed them out.

'Dessert?' Ethan asked as he entered the room again.

'Carolina and I are going to retire to the lounge if that's okay with you?' Marcus asked him being overly polite. Carolina was already getting up from the table, eager to have him all to herself.

'Looks like it's just us then.' Ethan said to Alison. 'Why don't you come through?' He gestured for Alison to follow him.

The kitchen was twice as big as she expected with another eating area next to the large set of patio doors leading out into the garden. Gentle low lighting under the white units cast a cosy glow making the large space feel intimate.

'Did you know about Carolina and Marcus?' Alison asked.

'No, I would have said something.'

'Do you think he'll tell her..?'

'No.' Ethan said with such conviction that Alison didn't feel the need to ask again.

Ethan opened the large silver fridge and took out a chocolate cake with raspberries on the top.

'My mom used to make cakes like this.' Alison said and felt her chest tighten, she looked up at Ethan. 'You remembered.' She said softly.

'I just wish I could say this isn't store bought but I'm not much of a baker.' Alison was shaking her head.

'It's perfect.' She told him.

'I did put the raspberries on the top though.' He said proudly making Alison laugh.

'I can't believe you did this for me.' Alison said, her voice catching slightly. She was overwhelmed, how could someone so sweet and thoughtful...

'Are you okay?' Ethan asked.

'I'm fine.' Alison replied leaning against the large island that separated the cooking area from the eating area.

Suddenly all thoughts of cake were forgotten. Ethan was holding her hands, his eyes searching hers for approval. Alison leaned towards him and their lips met, sending a tingling sensation all down her spine.

Ethan pulled away but only briefly before he kissed her again this time finding her tongue, he moaned gently with pleasure and Alison felt her resolve melting as hunger welled up inside her. She could stay over if she wanted to and she really, really wanted to.

She had her hands on Ethan's waist, feeling the warmth of his skin through his shirt. She wanted to rip it off him and trace her fingers over his muscles.

'Ethan...' She murmured as he started to gently kiss her neck. This was happening; they weren't going to stop here, neither of them wanted to. They were moments away from going upstairs and continuing in Ethan's bedroom.

'Ethan. Stop.' Alison said.

'Are you okay?' He asked with confusion, which was understandable, it certainly hadn't been the message she had been silently sending him.

'I'm fine, I'm sorry... I want to, you know... but I think we should slow things down a little.'

Ethan stepped back but smiled to show he had nothing but respect for her wishes.

'You're right I'm sorry, I got carried away.' He said. Alison closed the small gap between them and kissed him quickly on the lips.

'You weren't the only one.' She said. 'But I should probably call it a night.'

At the front door Alison thanked Ethan for a lovely night and they kissed again but more reserved this time in case they got lost in the moment again.

'Goodnight.' She said firmly, even now, moments from leaving she was having second thoughts. 'Goodnight Marcus, goodnight Carolina.' She shouted into the lounge where it was suspiciously quiet. She heard Carolina giggle.

'Goodnight Alison... stop that.' She giggled again.

Ethan and Alison shared a knowing smile and she left.

Chapter Twenty-six

Later that night, after Marcus and Carolina had taken their evening upstairs; Ethan relaxed in the lounge with a much needed glass of Bourbon.

Dinner had gone really well, not to mention the progress he had made with Alison. He should have felt worse about lying to her but he didn't because he was doing the right thing. Anyone would be able to see that and once he had eliminated the threat, Alison would forgive him, of course she would.

He was back to square one with identifying this enemy, it wasn't Alex he was sure of it. Ethan had watched for a reaction when he asked about Veronica and there was only mild concern. He was either completely innocent or he was a really good actor. Ethan was inclined to believe the former.

His search was about to begin again and he had no idea where to start it. Things were so much easier when you were spoon fed the information you needed by The Institute.

Ethan heard Marcus padding down the stairs and he entered the lounge, wearing his blood red silk robe, his hair a mess. 'Dinner was a success brother.' He said.

'You came all the way downstairs to tell me that?' Ethan asked as Marcus sat down on the opposite sofa.

'Perhaps you'd like to tell me the real reason behind this evening; it certainly wasn't to show off your culinary skills to Alison.'

'I don't know what you mean.' Ethan said flatly.

'You organise an impromptu dinner party in the middle of the week and invite two of the world's dullest guests? I don't buy it, so tell me what's really going on here.' Ethan sighed, his brother knew him too well.

'Okay but only if you tell me why you invited Carolina as your date.' Ethan knew his brother well also.

'"I don't know what you mean"' Marcus mocked. 'Now come on, I asked first. What is going on with you?'

'I'm looking into something that's all.'

'Does it have anything to do with the attack at the lake on Friday?'

'It has everything to do with the attack at the lake.'

'My God Ethan, don't tell me you've gone rogue. You know you're not allowed to eliminate anyone The Institute hasn't sanctioned.' Marcus teased his brother.

'You know, you can either mock me or help me but I'd rather you helped.' Ethan said, he hated bringing his brother in on everything, especially when he might say something to Alison but right now Ethan needed all the help he could get.

Without The Institute's authorisation on this he couldn't use their resources. Consequences for working on your own or 'going rogue' as Marcus had put it, were severe so he hardly wanted to advertise that fact.

'Fine I'll help you.' Marcus offered however reluctantly.

'Thank you.' Ethan said.

'So tell me what you know.' Marcus said, leaning forward.

'As you know I've always kept up to date on what was happening in Willow Grove and the surrounding areas. About a month ago I see an article about a young girl being attacked in Alder which is only a few towns over from-'

'Do you want to speed it up; I have a feisty blonde waiting for me upstairs.' Marcus interrupted.

'Fine, long story short, I started to work backwards from Alder to see where this guy started from and there were similar attacks leading back to somewhere in New England. If he kept following the same trajectory he would end up right here, in Willow Grove.'

'How do you know he didn't start in Alder?'

'Because the girl he attacked survived. I tried to track her down but she wasn't named in the article. It was literally a needle in a haystack. She said she didn't know who the guy was so I figured it was someone from out of town. Alder is even smaller than Willow Grove, everyone knows everyone there.'

'That's why you spoke with Veronica.' Marcus said.

'Exactly, she didn't know her attacker either.'

'So chivalrous, the things you would do to protect the girl you love, even if up until now that love had been unrequited.'

'He's very good at covering his tracks.' Ethan continued ignoring his brother. 'There's little evidence on the guy and the police are clueless. All I know is, he can't have been in Willow Grove longer than a month or so and the time between each attack is getting shorter. That's why I'm eager to identify him.'

'That's why you thought it was Alex.'

'Yes at first, especially when he mentioned Maine but I really don't think it's him... there is something off about him but...'

'I know right, who takes a call in the middle of dinner? Furthermore, who in the world has an accounting emergency?'

'Yeah, he's a bit strange but like I said, I don't think he's a killer.'

The two brothers were silent for a moment, Ethan sipped his drink. He was tired but knew he wouldn't be able to sleep with so much running through his mind.

Well.' Marcus said standing up. 'It's not much to go on but I'll ask around, do the usual.'

'Thanks.' Ethan said. Marcus paused on his way out of the room, standing right next to Ethan.

'Of course, as you know I too need a favour, so it's only fair that you reciprocate.' Marcus said looking down at his brother.

Ethan sighed, here we go, he thought. 'I don't know where she is.' He told his brother for what seemed like the hundredth time.

'But you helped her disappear didn't you, so you can start by telling me how.'

'Marcus-'

'Not now brother, I have other Matters to tend to.' He gave Ethan a wink.

'So, are you going to tell me why you invited one of Alison's best friends as your date tonight or not?' Ethan asked as Marcus started to leave, Ethan's earlier inquiry was still unanswered.

'What, can't I have a little fun while I'm in town?' he answered. 'You know what they say about blondes brother...' He retorted and then sprinted back upstairs.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Alison loved to run in the woods, the constantly changing terrain made you work a little harder than on the streets.

It felt a little odd being there after what had happened to Veronica. Alison was sure she could feel somebody watching her and it made her run a little quicker than she otherwise might have. Maybe it had been a mistake but she couldn't live her life being scared.

Weak, early morning sunlight filtered through the tops of the trees but it did nothing to warm her. She would have to keep moving to stop shivering and this was the only motivation needed.

Alison hadn't been running for a long time but after things had nearly ended up in Ethan's bedroom last night, she wanted to be in perfect physical shape. Alison remembered the warmth of him through his shirt and felt a thrill go through her. She couldn't wait to start up again where they had left off yesterday.

Alison had gone to bed the night before she had made the decision that she would no longer focus on Ethan's past. He was done with it and now they could move forward.

Maybe she should be more like Carolina and not think too much about things. Her and Marcus could barely have been dating for a day and they were spending the night together. Why was it so easy for her friend?

Carolina doesn't know what he is. She thought.

Yes Ethan had killed people and Marcus had but so what? She hadn't cared when Ethan said he had been in the Army. Wasn't the important thing here that he was eliminating the bad guy? Whatever form they might take?

She glanced at her phone, only two minutes had elapsed.

'Come on!' She shouted out loud, all those years on the cheerleading squad weren't for nothing.

'Oooof!' She felt something catch her foot and was suddenly sprawled out on the ground, a sharp pain in her ankle, and the vague hope that nobody had seen her fall unceremoniously flat on her face. What the hell had tripped her, a branch maybe? A smell hit her then, so thick and putrid she gagged.

Alison turned round to see what she'd stumbled over and screamed in horror as two dead, milky eyes stared back at her.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Alison sat in her lounge with a blanket around her, she was shivering but not from the cold. Gemma held fast to her hand, each finger laced between hers.

There were two police officers sitting across from her, asking questions which she answered as best she could. There wasn't anything much she could tell them except she would never ever get those dead eyes out of her head and that smell.

She wanted the police to leave; they had already questioned her in the forest, feet away from the body until Gemma had arrived and insisted she take her sister home. She had only sat for ten minutes when there had been a knock at the door and two different officers, one male the other female, had made their way into her home.

She couldn't remember their names but recognised them both maybe from The Grill or just from around town. The female officer was pretty and only a little older than her. The male officer was older and had gone a little soft around his middle.

The last time there were police in her house she was being told that her parents were dead. Alison was trying really hard for those emotions not to overwhelm her or she might just lose her mind.

'Did you see anyone else in the woods this morning?' The pretty officer asked in a silky smooth tone.

'No.' Alison told them, her voice was thin and ragged as if being dragged over broken glass.

'What about on your drive up? Did you see anyone or anything suspicious?' The older officer asked. They were taking it in turns to ask her questions. Perhaps it was to stop her feeling overwhelmed.

'I've told the other officers this already, I didn't see anything at all.'

There was a knock at the door and Gemma got up to answer it, Alison didn't want to be left alone and for a moment considered not letting go of her hand.

'I know this is difficult but if you can try and remember, anything at all might be helpful.' The pretty officer said and smiled warmly.

Alison nodded meekly, if she could think of something she would be telling them wouldn't she?

'Thank you for coming.' She heard her sister say and when she returned to the lounge Ethan was behind her.

Alison didn't think she'd ever been so pleased to see anyone in her life. He would look after her, keep her safe. She swallowed a sob as Ethan sat next to her, she put her arms round him and he hugged her tightly. She wasn't even bothered that she was still in her running gear, covered with sweat and dirt, she doubted she would ever care about anything so trivial again.

'It's okay, I'm here now.' He soothed and then he addressed the officers. 'Could you do this another time?' they were still sitting expectantly with their notebooks out. 'You can clearly see she's upset.'

'Yes of course,' the older officer said and exchanged a look with his partner. 'We'll be in touch.' He added and Gemma ushered them quickly towards the door.

'Thank you.' Alison whispered her head against his strong chest. 'I'm so glad you're here.' He started to stroke her hair, calming her.

'I'm going to ring work, tell them I can't come in.' Gemma said coming back into the room. 'I can't leave you like this.' She sat the other side of Alison and took her hand again.

'It's fine.' Alison said forcing a smile. 'Ethan will look after me.'

'No, I can't-'

'Gemma, honestly I'll be fine.' Alison insisted.

'You'll take care of her?' Gemma asked Ethan, reluctant to leave her sister with anyone else.

'I won't leave her side.' Ethan promised.

'Okay, I'll go, but if you need anything at all, call me straight away.' Gemma said. 'Promise me.'

'I promise.' Alison said and Gemma went upstairs to get ready.

'What were you doing in the woods?' Ethan asked gently as soon as Gemma had left.

'I just went for a run, I didn't think...' Alison started to cry. 'Who would do anything like that?' Alison asked and she started to tremble.

'Try not to think about it.' Ethan advised.

'Who would dump someone in the woods like that, like she was a piece of trash?' Alison continued, ignoring him.

'There are some bad people out there.' Ethan said.

'That's what you did isn't it, you got rid of them?'

'I did.' Ethan admitted holding her closer.

They were both silent for a while, Ethan gently wiped tears from Alison's face as she imagined coming face to face with the monster who had dumped that girl without a second thought. If she had a gun in her hand, would she pull the trigger, and if the answer to that was yes then how could she have ever judged Ethan for what he did?

'Do you think they'll find him? Whoever did this?' Alison asked.

'I'm sure they will.' Ethan said but he didn't sound too sure.

'When? When will they find him? He could do this again, God Ethan there might be more bodies in the woods! What if-'

'Alison, listen to me.' Ethan said firmly. 'I won't ever let anything happen to you; you don't need to worry, the police are doing everything they can and I'm positive they will find him soon.'

'I couldn't help them.' Alison said quietly.

'You've probably helped them more than you know.' Ethan said.

Alison put her head on Ethan's chest, felt his strong arms around her. Everything was going to be okay, she would get through this, with Ethan by her side she could get through anything.

'I'm so glad you're here.' Alison said and he held her a little bit tighter.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Ethan helped Alison down the stairs after her shower, her ankle was quite swollen. He was quietly seething; watching Alison suffer in this way was unacceptable. He was going to find this scumbag and get rid of him for good. He deserved nothing less.

The fact that he didn't have a decent lead on this animal didn't help matters at all. He would have to call on Marcus as he couldn't leave Alison's side for a moment.

Alison had her foot up on the coffee table in the den, a bag of frozen peas on her ankle. Ethan had offered to take her to the hospital but she said Gemma had given her the once over and it was just a bad sprain

'Drink this, you'll feel better.' He placed a large mug of tea in her outstretched hand.

'Will I?' Alison asked doubtfully looking at the brown liquid as if it was poisonous.

'It's full of sugar; it'll help with the shock.' He said sitting close to her.

Alison took a sip and placed it on the coffee table, pulling her fluffy dressing gown tighter in spite of the warmth in the room.

'I should call work, tell them I won't be in for a couple of days. Will you get my phone for me I think it's in the lounge?' Alison asked.

Ethan brought Alison her phone and as she dialled her boss he took the opportunity to text Marcus. He couldn't explain everything in a text so he just asked Marcus to call him as soon as he could.

'Steve said I could have as long as I wanted off.' Alison said as there was a knock at the door.

She looked panicked for a split second but Ethan put a hand on her shoulder.

'It's alright; I'll get rid of them.' He said and she visibly relaxed at his touch.

It was Carolina at the door, brandishing a large box full of cupcakes.

'Where is she?' She demanded and barged into the house before Ethan could say anything to stop her. Carolina went straight for the den. 'Oh my God Alison I came the second my mom told me, you poor, poor thing.' She said and with one quick movement placed the cakes on the coffee table and flung her arms around her friend.

'Hi Carolina.' Alison greeted her friend, giving Ethan a look to say that it was okay that she was here.

'What happened to your ankle?' She asked when she finally released her friend.

'I sprained it when I tripped...' She said then looked away, the rest of the sentence lost. Ethan knew that she was reliving it over and over and there was nothing he could do to stop it.

'You'll be okay for Saturday though right?' Carolina asked.

'I'm sure I'll be fine.' Alison reassured her friend.

'What's Saturday?' Ethan asked.

'Alison and Connie are helping me with my grand opening.' Carolina said turning to Ethan. She must have seen the disapproving look on his face as she quickly changed the subject.

'I rang Connie, her and Alex went away for a couple of days but she sends her love.' Carolina perched herself on the edge of the coffee table in front of her friend and Ethan sat on the adjacent chair. 'I brought you some cakes.' She added opening the lid on the clear plastic box.

'I don't think I could...' Alison started and her friend's face fell. 'But they look so good.' Alison quickly added and helped herself to one.

'Ethan?' Carolina offered a cake to him too.

'I'm good thanks.' He said graciously.

'Mom seems to think that the body is that girl that went missing, you know the one from Birchdale. Her parents are on their way to identify the body.'

'God, it so awful.' Alison stated and Ethan thought she might start to cry again.

'He'll slip up soon, then he'll be caught and go to prison for a very long time.' Carolina said an edge of anger in her voice. Ethan's phone started to ring, it was Marcus.

'Excuse me girls.' He said, walking out of the room. Alison awkwardly grabbed his arm as he walked past the sofa.

'Are you coming back?' She asked with alarm even though it was evident he was only stepping out to take a call.

'Of course I am.' He reassured her.

Once outside he answered the call. 'Marcus.'

'What's going on?' He asked.

'Alison literally tripped over a body in the woods.' Ethan told his brother.

'Is she okay?' Ethan noted the concern in Marcus' voice.

'Not really, I'm going to need you to look into this for me while I stay with her. Go to The Grill tonight see what people are saying or if anyone is acting strangely.'

'I know what to do Ethan, this isn't my first rodeo.'

'Thanks Marcus.' Ethan said, grateful at this point for any help he could get, even if it meant putting aside his differences with his brother for the duration.

'I'll update you if I find anything out.'

'Marcus.' Ethan said before his brother hung up. 'Be discreet.' He warned.

'Discreet is my middle name.' He said and ended the call.

Chapter Thirty

Ethan slept the night with Alison, she had insisted but he would have stayed even if she hadn't. He had remained on top of the blankets and had only taken off his shoes. He hadn't done much sleeping just watched as Alison had tossed, turned and mumbled her way to the morning.

A dead body was a grim sight, even a few hours after their demise let alone a couple of days exposed to the elements. He wished he could erase the image from Alison's mind for good. At best it would start to fade but not for a long time.

He picked up his phone from the nightstand, trying not to disturb Alison. There was nothing from Marcus but what did he expect? Did he think that his brother would walk into The Grill and the person responsible for terrorising the town would leap up and introduce himself? Not likely.

Alison stirred next to him and her eyes flicked open. She'd cried a little before falling asleep and her eyes looked red and sore.

'Hey.' She said, looking up at him her voice thick with sleep.

'How are you feeling?' He asked.

'Better.' She replied then frowned. 'My ankle still hurts.' She informed him. He leant forward and pulled the blanket back to reveal her lower legs. Her right ankle was black and it had swollen a little more in the night.

'Oh God.' Alison groaned, sitting up 'It looks awful maybe is it broken?'

Ethan smiled to reassure her. 'You'd be in a lot more pain, believe me. Anyway, it might look awful but that purple colour is just the bruising coming out which is a good thing. You'll be up and about again in no time.'

Alison leant forward and kissed his cheek. 'I don't know what I would have done without you yesterday.' She said seriously. 'Thank you for staying with me.'

'I'll always be there for you.' He said kissing her gently on the lips. 'I'll go and make you some coffee while you get dressed. Call me when you're ready to come down and I'll help you.'

Alison's kitchen was unfamiliar to Ethan but he soon found everything he needed to make coffee and toast. Everything was ready on the breakfast bar when he heard Alison struggling down the stairs. He ran up to help her, picking up her phone which she'd dropped.

'Why didn't you call me?' He said, grabbing her arm and taking her weight.

'I thought I should at least try.' Alison said defeated.

Ethan helped her down the rest of the steps. She was barefoot and wore a plain dress, her oversized ankle poking out from the hem. She winced every time she took a step with her right leg. They hobbled through to the kitchen and Ethan sat her on a stool and handed her phone back to her.

Alison tucked into her toast; she must have been hungry as she'd only eaten Carolina's cake yesterday. It was a good sign. 'I could get used to this.' She said picking up another slice.

'Listen, I have to pop out this morning...' He saw Alison's face fall. 'I won't be gone long; I just need to change my clothes, shower.' See if Marcus has anything to report, he thought.

'I'll come with you?' She said.

'I think its best you stay here, rest that ankle of yours. George and Gemma are here.' He said even though they hadn't surfaced yet.

She opened her mouth to object but her phone pinged with a message. She read it as Ethan poured them both coffees.

'Oh, that's sweet, my old History teacher has just texted to see if I'm okay.'

'Who?' Ethan asked.

'Mrs White... I wonder how she knew?'

'I tried to find you some pain killers.' Ethan said as he set Alison's cup in front of her.

'I think her niece works at the hospital, maybe Gemma mentioned it...'

'Mentioned what?' He asked picking up his own coffee and taking a sip.

'Are you even listening to me?' Alison accused him laughing and put the last bite of toast in her mouth.

'I'm sorry.' He said, he couldn't deny that he was distracted. 'I'm all ears, tell me again.'

'Never mind.' Alison said and smiled as she picked up her drink.

'No, go ahead; you have my undivided attention I promise.' Ethan said.

'I was just saying that my old history teacher sent a text to see how I was and then I was trying to work out how she knew but then I remembered that her niece works at the hospital and that maybe Gemma had said something.' Alison finished and Ethan nodded to show he was paying attention.

'That makes sense.' Ethan said, 'unless she just read about it online.' He added.

'They wouldn't mention me though would they?' Alison said a look of abject horror on her face.

'Not unless you gave them permission.' Ethan said.

'No chance, I don't want my name associated with that horror' Alison said and her eyes glazed over slightly. 'Well, however she found out, it was nice of her to see how I was.'

'It was very nice of her.' Ethan agreed.

'She was so much nicer than the guy we have now. He's such a douche.'

'Aw does he pick on you?' Ethan asked pulling a sad face, mocking his girlfriend.

'No, he's just not a nice guy, ask anyone in my class and they'll tell you. I was literally two minutes late for class a few weeks ago and he went nuts! Talk about over-reacting.'

'Well you were late.' Ethan said with a grin, teasing her, glad to be off the subject of the body in the woods.

At least he moved to Birchdale and not here, can you imagine if I had to serve him every night at work?'

'Sorry, what did you just say?'

'Can you imagine if I had to bump into him-'

'No before that.'

'I'm glad he moved to Birchdale. Why?'

'Oh nothing... how long has he been teaching you?' Ethan asked trying to sound as casual as he could.

'About a month or so I guess. Mrs White had to take leave because her husband was ill.'

Ethan's heart started pounding. It wasn't exactly a concrete lead but sometimes you just knew. Call it instinct, a hunch whatever, he had to get home so he could talk to Marcus without the risk of being overheard.

He waited until Gemma came down for her breakfast so Alison wouldn't be on her own and then left promising her faithfully, hand on heart, that he wouldn't be long.

Chapter Thirty-One

Ethan drove like crazy home and flew into the house, when he bumped into Carolina he knew straight away why his brother hadn't been answering his phone.

'Oh, er hi Ethan... I was just leaving...' she flustered, 'how's Alison?' she asked, composing herself.

'Much better today, where's Marcus?' He asked hoping he hadn't just gone for one of his famous long showers.

'In the kitchen.' She said. Ethan threw a goodbye over his shoulder as he raced to the back of the house.

Marcus was at the table as Carolina had said, looking at his tablet, a large mug of coffee on the table before him.

'Marcus-'

'Ethan, I was just about to text you.'

'It doesn't matter, I know who it is.' He stated. 'It's Alison's teacher... Mr Matthews. I need you to find out everything you can about him.'

'Are you sure it's him?' Marcus asked.

'As sure as I can be, he moved to Birchdale about a month ago so that's why nobody mentioned him as someone new to town. He knows Willow Grove because he works here, it all fits.'

'Okay, what's his first name?' Marcus asked as Ethan sat next to him at the kitchen table and saw him bring up his internet browser.

'I don't know.' Ethan said and immediately felt his brother's contempt.

'You want me to research someone with a view to wiping them off the face of the Earth and all you have is a surname?' Marcus asked.

'Look up the faculty at the school; he should still be listed even if he only teaches night classes.'

Marcus started tapping at his screen and moments later a man in his late thirties with neat dark hair appeared. There wasn't even the hint of a smile on his face and behind his glasses his eyes seemed far away.

'Nicholas Matthews.' Marcus said out loud. 'I saw him at The Grill last night. He seemed agitated.'

'Was he with anyone?' Ethan asked.

'No.' Marcus said and started tapping at the screen again. More information filled the screen but no more photos. 'It says here they had a substitute teacher in Alder by the name of Mr Matthews.'

'It all fits.' Ethan said.

'Then it goes on to say that he was from New Hampshire... Sounds like you could be right.'

'You need to find out where he lives, his movements, everything.' Ethan instructed Marcus. 'I want him eliminated by the end of the week.

'Fine.' Marcus said casually. 'But tell me, what will you be doing while I'm doing all your dirty work?' He asked.

'Looking after Alison, but don't worry, I'll be the one to finish it.'

'Aw.' Marcus replied acting put out like a spoiled child, 'But that's the best part.' He said a twinkle in his eye. Ethan smiled wryly, turning to leave.

'Don't forget Ethan, why I'm doing this for you.' His brother called after him.

Chapter Thirty-Two

He hadn't planned on going into Willow Grove today and it was late when he finally arrived. The place would be abuzz with gossip about that girl's body and he didn't want to hear it. He had to see her though, his special girl. He knew she would be there and as he crossed the square he saw her through the window of her new coffee shop. She was radiant today, blonde hair framing her face like a halo.

He tapped on the door and she looked up from behind the counter giving him a smile that could stop traffic. She glided over to open the door.

'I'm sorry.' He said bashfully, he knew all girls loved that. 'I was just wondering when you would be open for business.'

'Oh, well the rate I'm going, not any time soon.' She laughed softly, never taking her eyes off him. She pushed a few curls away from her face. 'All being well, I should be having the grand opening tomorrow everyone will be in town for the jazz festival. You should come.' She said, looking up at him with those baby blues, perfectly framed with long, thick lashes. He couldn't wait to see the light fade from them, oh yes he was going to take his time with this one.

'I wouldn't miss it.' He told her.

Chapter Thirty-Three

Later that night as Alison sat next to Ethan, his arm wrapped around her, she'd never felt closer to anyone. With everything he had done so selflessly for her since her incident, she knew she was falling for him hard.

Now that she was slowly getting over what had happened yesterday, every time he touched her or even looked at her she melted inside. Alison had heard somewhere that death could be the perfect aphrodisiac. She'd thought it overly macabre at the time but could honestly say she wasn't sure how much longer she could stop herself from throwing herself at her boyfriend.

They were watching a film with lots of action and not much story line which was perfect because Alison didn't think she could concentrate on anything other than how close Ethan was to her.

Gemma was out with a friend and George had grunted his plans at her but she didn't care what he was doing... well she did care but she didn't want him to know that.

'Are you okay?' she asked Ethan, he seemed so distracted and it was making her think that perhaps he didn't want to be there.

'Yeah, why?' He answered with a crooked grin.

'Oh, just you keep looking at your phone. I'm not keeping you from anything am I?' God she hoped not.

'No, not at all... sorry, I didn't realise.' He leant forward and put the phone on the coffee table.

'So, you're okay to stay tonight then...' she asked as casually as she could manage.

'Well, I don't know about that...' He answered and laughed when her face fell with disappointment.

'Not funny.' She stated, pouting.

'I'm sorry, yes, of course I'm staying the night.'

'Only,' here goes nothing she thought. 'I was thinking that... um, tonight... well maybe you could sleep under the blankets this time.' She said, blushing, it felt, from head to toe.

'Oh.' Ethan said looking pleasantly surprised. 'Are you sure?' He asked.

'Yeah, I'm sure.' She replied and kissed him deeply, her hand on the back of his neck to pull him closer to her. If that didn't prove it nothing would.

'What about your ankle?' He asked when she eventually pulled away but he was already sliding his hand up her leg, under her dress.

'It'll be fine.' She said, leaning back and pulling him on top of her. Ethan was careful not to bear all his weight down and crush her which was so adorable.

Alison felt his toned torso through his shirt as she started to pull it off, she got so far and he paused briefly to do the rest himself, he flung it on the floor in a heap, smiling down at her.

Alison ran her hand from his chest down to the top of his jeans, feeling a couple of bumps along the way, she frowned knowing they were scars, wanting to know where they had come from. It could wait though; she probably wouldn't like the answer.

'Let's go upstairs.' She whispered when she couldn't wait any longer, he stood up and helped her off the sofa, she still couldn't put much weight on her foot and was about to ask him to help her to the bedroom when he scooped her up his arms as if she weighed nothing.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Ethan pulled up outside Carolina's Coffee Shop, Alison could see the jazz band setting up in the middle of the square. She turned and peered in the window of her friend's coffee shop. It looked amazing; Carolina had done such a good job getting everything ready in time. Alison felt sure her friend had fluttered her eyelashes at every guy in town to acquire some much needed help.

'It's not too late to change your mind you know.' Ethan said. 'I'm sure Carolina will understand.'

'You don't know Carolina very well do you?' Alison said and laughed. 'Anyway I promised.' She added.

'But your ankle-'

'-is much better today.' Alison finished for him.

'Okay but when you are run ragged later; just remember I suggested staying in bed all day.' Ethan said.

Alison could feel herself blushing as she remembered him making the suggestion that morning whilst he gently kissed her collarbone. It had been very tempting but a promise was a promise.

'I'll be fine, I've got plenty of pain killers.'

As Ethan helped her out of his jeep, Alison could feel Carolina and Connie's eyes on her. She straightened out her dress, hoping the back wasn't creased and that it was what Carolina had in mind when she had said, black, smart and cute.

'Oh my God, Alison, I never dreamt you'd come what with your ankle and... Everything.' Carolina said as Alison walked in to her friends new coffee shop.

'Told you.' Ethan whispered in her ear and Carolina enveloped her in an embrace.

As Carolina let go, Connie's arms were then thrown around her in another embrace. 'Are you Okay? I'm so sorry I couldn't come round, I only got back this morning.' She said.

'It's fine, Ethan's been looking after me.' She said and Connie and Carolina grinned, sharing a knowing look.

'I'll leave you to it then.' Ethan said kissing her cheek.

'You're not staying?' Alison asked suddenly panicked, could she get through the day without him?

'I'll be back later.' He promised.

'Oh, Okay.' She said, feeling cross with herself for being so clingy.

Ethan kissed her on the cheek again and turned to leave, waving goodbye to the three girls.

'Ohmygod, you guys totally did it last night.' Carolina claimed when Ethan was safely out of earshot.

'Carolina!' Connie exclaimed horrified, then turned to Alison. 'Did you?' she asked eagerly.

Alison nodded grinning from ear to ear. It had been such a long time since she'd had the chance to boast about a boyfriend.

'Tell us everything.' Carolina demanded pulling out a chair for her. She limped over and sat down, happy to take the weight off her ankle, not knowing how she would get through the rest of the day.

'It was amazing.' She admitted when her friends had sat down and leaned towards her.

'I'm so happy for you.' Connie said.

'Me too.' Carolina agreed. 'It's just so romantic, he adored you when we were younger and now you're together, it's like Romeo and Juliette.' She gushed clasping her hands together.

'It's nothing like Romeo and Juliette.' Connie said frowning but Carolina ignored her.

'It is romantic.' Alison agreed, what would they think if I told them he was a paid killer? She thought. 'Anyway, enough about me, today is your day Carolina so let's get started. What do you want us to do?' She asked.

'Well as you know, there is a jazz festival on today so hopefully the whole town will show up, everyone can have a hot drink for free but they have to pay for the cakes.'

'Didn't Marcus say he would help?' Connie asked, frowning.

'Yes, I thought he would be here by now... You know what boys are like, he's probably just forgotten.' Carolina said flippantly but Alison could see how disappointed she was. 'Anyway let's get to it.'

It was decided that Alison would stand by the door and greet everyone and she would have a chair to sit on if she felt her ankle hurting too much.

Carolina and Connie stood behind the counter bracing themselves for the crowd.

For the first hour the coffee shop was officially open there was little trade and Alison made the most of the music filtering through the door from the bandstand.

Before long the whole square started to fill up and they were rushed off their feet.

Alison thought she would lose her voice if she welcomed many more people and she could feel sweat soaking into her dress from heat radiating from the coffee machine. Although she had it relatively easy with greeting duty her ankle was killing her.

Carolina soon abandoned Connie to schmooze with all her customers, How does she do it? Alison thought wiping droplets of sweat from her brow, she doesn't look bedraggled in the slightest. When nobody was watching her though, Alison caught the anger on her face and in her body language. She knew who it was aimed at; Marcus.

Doug, the policeman who had brought George home a few nights back came in for a cappuccino, much to Alison's embarrassment. She thanked him for that night and told him a little about her ordeal in the woods. He asked after Gemma which Alison thought was sweet.

Sheriff Flood popped her head in to see how her daughter was doing but Carolina ushered her out the door as she was in full uniform and she felt it was off putting.

After what seemed like an eternity Alison grabbed her purse from behind the counter and took out some painkillers, briefly she regretted not taking Ethan up on his offer of staying in bed all day. She thought he would have returned by now and glanced at her phone but there were no messages.

'I think we should call it a day.' Carolina said. 'We've nearly run out of milk anyway.'

'Thank God I'm exhausted.' Connie said, heading to the door before anyone else could come in. She locked it with an audible click.

'It went well.' Alison pointed out, pouring herself some water to take her tablets.

'Yeah it did.' Carolina said and forced a smile.

'I'm sure there is a reason why he didn't show.' Connie said, knowing exactly what was on her mind.

'Whatever.' Carolina said stoically. 'Let's go and check out the festival before everyone leaves.' She said and grabbed her purse. Alison and Connie knew not to mention the place looked like a bomb had hit it, they simply picked up their bags and followed her out into the square.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Alison loved the jazz festival. Her father had taken her and George for years and although she wasn't that keen on the music, she'd loved spending time with her dad. She came to the festival now to feel close to him even though he couldn't be there anymore. Perhaps she should have invited George by way of a peace offering?

Before long, she was in front of the bandstand alone. Connie had gone to meet Alex at The Grill and Carolina had seen someone she just had to say hello to, that person looked a lot like her history teacher. Alison wasn't even aware they knew each other but figured the less she knew the better. This was typical of Carolina, when she was mad at a boyfriend, she quickly found some other male attention.

'They're really good.' She heard Ethan say as he wrapped his arms around her from behind, she leaned into his embrace.

'I'm not really a fan of jazz.' Alison admitted.

'I spent some time in New Orleans, it grows on you.' He said.

'I'm not much of a fan either.' Marcus said, Alison hadn't been aware he was there too and turned out of Ethan's embrace to face him.

'Where have you been?' she asked. 'You were supposed to be helping Carolina; she is well and truly pissed at you.'

'I got held up.' He answered vaguely, not in the least bit sorry for his absence.

'Well, I saw her earlier getting very cosy with one of my teachers, so...' She saw a look pass between the two brothers. 'What?' she asked, looking from Ethan to Marcus and back again.

'You're right, I'm a jerk, I should apologise... do you know where she is now?' Marcus asked his voice full of genuine concern. Alison couldn't make sense of the sudden change in his demeanour but decided not to question it.

'I saw them heading over to the church.' She said.

'I should go and speak to her first.' Ethan suggested. Without waiting for an answer he left Alison's side and started to weave his way through the dense gathering of music lovers.

'You know, if you're not serious about Carolina you should just end things.' Alison said to Marcus defending her friend.

'Do I detect a hint of jealousy in your voice?' Marcus asked, his pale eyes lighting up.

'No, of course not.' She spat, the sheer arrogance of him. 'I'm just saying, you shouldn't mess her around, she obviously likes you a lot.'

'I promise I won't break her heart.' He said. 'Anyway, how are you?'

'Fine.' She said, turning away and paying attention to the music.

'Are you sure?' He pressed 'It's a hell of a thing, what happened in the woods.'

'I'm fine.' She repeated, 'Ethan has been taking really good care of me.' She added and as far as she was concerned that was the end of the conversation.

***

Ethan ploughed through the crowd praying that he wouldn't be too late. The church was visible to anyone in the town, wherever they may be but the cemetery behind was a different story, it was a large plot that backed onto the forest. He just hoped Carolina hadn't been enticed into the darkness of the trees, it would be harder to find them there and he really didn't want to be the one to tell Alison that her best friend was dead.

He'd walked casually over to the church as he didn't want to draw any unnecessary attention but once out of view he started to walk a little faster. The light was fading fast and he knew that Mr Matthews was thinking the same thing.

Ethan glanced all around him, he couldn't see them but when he stood dead still he could hear them. It was only a faint sound, he couldn't tell what was being said but it sounded like a casual conversation. He headed in the direction of the voices and as he rounded a few large gravestones covered in thick moss, he saw them sitting on a bench, deep in conversation.

'There you are.' Ethan said as he approached. Carolina jumped guiltily and the teacher gave him a dirty look.

'Hi Ethan, I was just...' Carolina started.

'Marcus is looking for you, he feels really bad about today. He wants to apologise.' Carolina's face lit up at this. She turned to her new friend who was trying hard to cover his anger.

'It was nice talking with you.' She told her new friend and bounded off in the direction of the festivities.

Nicholas Matthews stood and Ethan reached around for the Browning 9mm tucked in the back of his waistband, his tailored jacket concealed it well. He had chosen this gun because it was magazine loaded and would fit snugly against his back. It was loud as all hell but the jazz music would be enough cover it, he hoped.

'I should get going as well.' Mr Matthews said, making no effort to leave and never once taking his eyes off what Ethan.

'I think we should have a little chat first don't you?' Ethan suggested, he had to make this quick, the last thing he wanted was for this killer to run into the crowd.

Before Ethan could extend his arm and point his weapon, Mr Matthews took off. He wasn't stupid, he knew Ethan's intentions and bolted in the direction of the woods. Not ideal for chasing someone but better for Ethan in terms of witnesses and collateral damage.

Ethan started after him, gun in hand, he jumped the waist high wooden fence a few seconds after his quarry, he was so close that he could almost reach out and touch him but it was much darker in the woods and Ethan lost him again in seconds, he had to rely on his hearing to figure out which way to go.

It wasn't easy; running with all the debris underfoot, his progress was hindered significantly. Then without warning, it was silent, his mark had stopped. He hadn't fallen, Ethan would have heard it, so Mr Matthews had figured out he was being followed by the sound of his own progress through the noisy terrain.

'This ends tonight.' Ethan called into the cloak of trees, he couldn't be far away. 'I'm not going to let anyone else get hurt.' He knew he wouldn't be answered but hoped that his threat might spur Mr Matthews into running again. He waited a couple of seconds and was rewarded by the sound of someone taking off to his right. Ethan went straight after him and then he did hear him trip and fall.

A few seconds later Ethan found him sprawled out on the ground, he turned quickly onto his back to face his pursuer.

Usually this was when they started to bargain, or try to justify their actions. Whatever they did or said it all had the same purpose; to stall the inevitable.

'I suppose you want to know why?' He asked on cue as Ethan aimed the browning and flicked off the safety.

'Not really.' He replied and shot him between the eyes. The sound ricocheted off every tree and he hoped that the music had drowned it out.

He turned and walked slowly away holding his weapon to his side. He was shaking a little from the excess adrenaline but other than that he felt fine.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Alison woke knowing instantly she wasn't in her own bed but smiled as she realised she was in Ethan's. His bedroom was very tidy, all of his furniture was big and bulky, like a cabin in the woods very rustic but she liked it, especially the balcony, looking out onto a canopy of trees in spring bud.

She was alone in the bed and could only presume Ethan was preparing breakfast. Her tummy rumbled, she'd barely had chance to eat yesterday, being so busy and as soon as they had entered the house last night Ethan had started kissing her and pulling at the zip on her dress... She smiled at the memory.

He'd been like a man possessed, not that she was complaining in the least, he would have made love to her right on the stairs if he could have but Alison had been too worried about Marcus walking in on them so had moved things quickly upstairs.

Tentatively she got out of bed, horrified at her nakedness in the harsh light of day she grabbed the thin gown from the back of the door and quickly put it on. She put her foot on the floor and was thrilled to find she could bear quite a bit of weight down on her ankle at last. The violent bruise was fading just a tad as well which was good.

She pulled the robe tightly around her, it was stupidly big on her but it was better than nothing and went looking for Ethan, limping only ever so slightly now.

Alison was about to descend the stairs when she heard a thumping sound coming from a door behind her. Maybe he wasn't cooking breakfast after all.

She went to the door and opened it to find a small gym; in the middle of all the skeletal equipment set against each wall there was a large punching bag hanging from the ceiling. It wasn't Ethan indulging in an early morning workout though it was Marcus and he was pounding the life out of the bag, each punch sending it reeling back and causing the chains holding it up to jangle.

She watched him for a while as if hypnotised, sweat was running down his face and bare chest, soaking into the top of his sweatpants. He was in good shape; she couldn't help but look.

Marcus paused momentarily and let out a long sigh. 'Are you just going to stand there gawping or do you want to come and have a go?' He asked.

'Oh, no, I was...' She hadn't even realised he knew she was there.

'Come on, don't be shy.' He said turning to look at her and smiling as he took in her attire. The robe covered her completely but under Marcus' gaze she felt completely naked.

Alison joined him at the bag, knowing with each step that she should just leave but she wasn't doing anything wrong... was she?

'Okay make a fist.' He advised when she was standing next to him and she curled her hand into a ball. 'Now punch the bag as hard as you can.' She turned to the bag and shot her hand forward, making contact with the rough leather. The bag that had earlier been tossed about didn't move and Alison felt as if she were punching a brick wall.

Marcus chuckled softly at her. 'What?' She asked defensively, feeling like she'd been set up to fail.

'Okay, first of all, if you punch like that in the real world, you'll break your wrist.' He said moving behind her. 'Second of all, there wasn't enough force behind it, here...' He pressed himself into her back and took hold of her wrist. Alison's heart starting beating wildly and she wished there was more between them than the sheer robe she had chosen to wear. His skin was so hot against her back.

'Now, make a fist again.' He said and she could feel his breath on her ear. He pulled her arm back and then pushed forward so she was turning with the punch, her fist connected with much more force this time, she took a step forward to keep from falling and was delighted to see the bag moving backwards albeit slightly.

'See, you have to turn your whole body.' He said, but he didn't let go of her.

With a suddenness that surprised her, Alison knew she wanted to kiss him, attraction coursed through her body and she unashamedly leaned back into his embrace, he slowly turned her, his mouth, so close to hers she could almost taste him.

He smiled gently letting her know that he wanted it too and Alison was back in Pennsylvania sitting in his mother's kitchen when she felt she'd seen a glimpse of the real Marcus.

Their lips met and she felt him running his fingers through her hair.

She traced her fingers over his damp chest, he had no scars like Ethan he was unspoilt. Ethan, oh God what the hell was she doing?

She pulled away horrified and his pale eyes flashed with disappointment. 'I'm sorry, I should go...'

Alison ran out of the room and shut the door hard behind her. She paused to gather herself, hoping Marcus wouldn't follow. She heard the thud, thud of his punches starting again a moment later and ran back into Ethan's room.

She hurried onto the bed, willing her heart to slow its hammering. What the hell was that? Alison thought, she barely even liked Marcus and he was her best friend's boyfriend for goodness sake, not to mention she was perfectly happy with Ethan. What was she thinking?

Her phone started to ring and she was glad of the distraction. Alison crossed the bedroom and picked it off the floor where it had fallen out of the bag she'd tossed on the floor whilst in the throes of passion.

She was horrified to see it was Carolina calling her and debated whether or not to answer it. Reluctantly she accepted the call and willed her voice to be steady.

'Hi Carolina.' She said with forced brightness but her friend was talking so fast she couldn't make out a single word. 'Whoa, slow down, Carolina I can't understand you.'

'He's dead.' She Carolina said very clearly.

'Who is?' Alison asked, panic creeping in.

'That guy I was talking to last night.' She exclaimed.

'Mr Matthews?' Alison said bewildered, that couldn't be right.

'Yeah that's him, he said you were in his history class... Somebody shot him Alison!'

'Are you sure?' She asked her friend who had the propensity to be overly dramatic.

'Of course I'm sure my mother's the sheriff!' She shouted, hurting Alison's ear.

'Well... do they know who did it?' She said turning as she heard someone coming into the room.

Alison didn't hear Carolina's answer; all of a sudden everything made perfect sense; the look between the brothers the night before when she had mentioned her teacher and Ethan going off to find Carolina and then coming back a good while after her. 'I'll call you back.' Alison said and hung up on her friend mid-sentence.

Ethan stood before her, a resigned look on his face.

'Alison...' Ethan started, stepping towards her.

'What have you done?' She asked him her voice shaking she took a step back.

'I did what I had to.' He said calmly. 'It was him who attacked Veronica.'

It couldn't be true, Mr Matthews? He was her teacher she would have known, or at least felt something wasn't right about him. She thought about how she had sat in his classroom, all the time completely clueless.

'You promised me you were done with it.' She reminded him, the horror of it finally sinking in.

'Yes, and for that I'm sorry.' He said still calm.

'Oh, for that you're sorry?' She asked him angrily. 'You take a man's life, like it's nothing but you're sorry for breaking a promise?'

Ethan's face suddenly hardened and a prick of fear stabbed Alison in her chest.

'What do you want from me?' His voice was as hard as the look in his eyes. 'This is who I am.' He stated but she shook her head.

'No, this is who you've been trained to be.' He laughed at her, an empty vicious sound and now she could picture him as a predator.

'How can you be so naïve? I wasn't trained to kill; I was trained because I could kill. I took a knife and stabbed my step father to death. That was all me Alison.' He pointed out.

'Don't.' Alison whispered and realised she was crying, the illusion of her perfect boyfriend collapsing around her. She had been a fool to think that she could separate the man she loved from the horror of his profession.

'Would you have preferred I leave this man be? Do you know who his next victim was?' He paused for an answer but Alison couldn't find her voice. 'Well?' she flinched.

'Ca- Carolina.' She couldn't even entertain the thought of her best friend being murdered, she thought of that body in the woods only this time it was Carolina's dead eyes staring back at her.

'That's right, if I'd kept my promise, you and I would be having a very different conversation right now.' He said and Alison knew he was right.

'You promised me.' Alison said her voice now just a whisper.

'Stop saying that!' Ethan bellowed, picking up a large book off his desk, he hurled it against the wall, it missed Alison but she cowed all the same.

'Stop it.' She pleaded, 'You're scaring me.' How could this be the guy who'd swept her off her feet? Who made her feel wanted and loved? She'd been so happy waking up in his bed only moments ago.

'I'm scaring you?' Ethan asked and laughed humourlessly again. 'I came back here to make sure you were safe. Everything I have done since I returned has been for you Alison.'

'But I asked you not to...' She countered her voice thick with emotion.

'No but I did it anyway because I love you.' He visibly softened before her. 'I've always loved you Alison. I'm not going to apologise for keeping you safe.' He admitted softly, his eyes glassy with tears.

There was nothing left to say, tears fell freely down Alison's cheek, how different she felt from when she had woken.

Without another word Ethan left the room, slamming the door shut behind him.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Ethan flew down stairs and stood in the archway to the lounge. He knew it was far too early to drink but he wanted to take the edge off.

He had just called Alison naïve but nobody had been more naïve than him thinking she would be overwhelmed with gratitude because he had rid the world of one more scum bag.

Ethan willed himself away from the decanters and walked into the kitchen and straight to the coffee machine which he flicked on.

Willow Grove was safe again thanks to him but he would receive no thanks for it.

'Ah, just the person.' Marcus said walking into the room, fully dressed for the day, his hair wet and skin ruddy from the shower. 'Pour me one while you're there, we have much to discuss.' He said taking a seat at the kitchen table.

'I'd really like to be left alone right now.' Ethan said as he stared at hot coffee dripping slowly into a jug. He was in no mood for his brother.

'Well, that's just tough. It's time for a little reciprocity.'

'Can't this wait?' Ethan asked grabbing two clean mugs from the shelf, wishing he was about to fill a cut glass tumbler full of Bourbon or expensive Whiskey.

'No, this cannot wait.' Marcus said angrily. 'Now, sit your ass down and tell me what I need to know.'

Ethan sighed defeated and took a seat next to him at the table.

'Okay so, what you need to remember is, Elizabeth wanted to get away from you, disappear so that you could never find her. This isn't going to end well for you if you manage to track her down.'

Marcus shifted slightly in his seat, the truth was brutal but Ethan wasn't in the mood to spare any feelings this morning.

'Start talking.' Marcus said.

'Elizabeth came to me and asked me for my help. She told me that she knew everything and that she was scared.' Ethan let that sink in.

'Scared of me?' Marcus asked.

'I presume so. I tried to tell her that you loved her and that you would never hurt her-'

'How very gracious of you brother.' Marcus spat.

'Do you want to hear this or not?' Ethan asked and Marcus gestured for him to continue. 'She said he had to get away somewhere nobody would find her so I explained that the only way to totally disappear would entail a new identity. She said she was okay with that so I told her where she could find The Texan.'

'You sent her to Dylan?' Marcus asked. 'Why him?'

'Because Dylan is the best.' Ethan said as if it were obvious.

'He's also the most expensive.'

'I gave her the money.' Ethan admitted and saw Marcus' hands curl into fists. Fine, let him be angry at this stage a fist fight with his brother would only cap off an already abysmal morning.

'What kind of brother-'

'I did what I thought was best at the time.' Ethan said. 'I've regretted it ever since, if it makes you feel any better.'

'It doesn't.' Marcus said but he relaxed his hands.

'Ahem.'

Both brothers turned to see Alison standing in the doorway; she'd put on the dress she had worn the day before in spite of the creases. Her eyes were puffy and her face was blotchy from crying. She looked like a vulnerable child.

'I need a ride home.' She stated not looking at either of them; her voice was as dense as glue.

'Don't look at me, I have a few long distance phone calls to make.' Marcus responded getting up from the table.

'I'll take you.' Ethan said and Alison nodded glumly as Marcus brushed past her on his way out of the room.

'I won't say anything.' She stated once Marcus was out of earshot. 'I should report it, I should be ringing the Sheriff right now.' She continued. 'I'm breaking the law as well you know, my Dad was a cop for goodness sake.' She said.

'I'm sorry about earlier, about losing my temper.' Ethan thought it would be a good idea to steer the conversation away from calling Sheriff Flood.

'I just want to go home.' Alison said and Ethan stood.

'I never meant to-' He started but her phone ringing interrupted him.

She plucked it out of her bag turning away from him. 'Hi, Gemma I'm sorry I didn't call you... What? I'm on my way...'

'What is it?' Ethan asked not liking the panic in her voice.

'It's George, he's in the hospital.'

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Ethan pulled up in front of Willow Grove General ten minutes later.

'Do you want me to come in with you?' Ethan asked as she opened her door to get out.

'You've done enough, go home.' She said without once glancing in his direction and then she was running towards the hospital Reception.

She asked the middle aged man behind the desk where her brother was and after some laboriously slow typing on the keypad in front of him, he pointed along the corridor to her left. She ran in that direction before the man had finished speaking.

Half way down the corridor was a left turn and Alison would have carried on but she saw Gemma outside a room waiting for her. She looked odd in her civilian clothes; Alison had never seen her at work in anything but her scrubs.

'What happened?' She asked, going straight into where her brother lay motionless, her sister following closely behind.

George was so pale Alison could see the veins under his skin. She sat on the edge of the bed and took one of George's hands in hers. She thought about the last time they had spoken and fresh tears sprang into her eyes, making them sting. How much could she cry in one day?

'He overdosed.' Gemma said by way of explanation.

'What do you mean overdosed? What on?' She demanded not taking her eyes off her brother. She turned to face Gemma when her sister didn't answer.

'Ketamine.' She answered finally and fought back tears, tired it seemed, of crying herself.

Alison shook her head, no there had to be some mistake here, George maybe got drunk and sneaked out of the house when he was grounded but this was in another league, it didn't make any sense. You don't leap from sneaking beers to popping pills unless...

'It's my fault.' Alison said her throat tight. 'I told him to do what he wanted, that I didn't care anymore...' Gemma's arm was around her shoulder before she could say anything else.

'You can't think like that Alison. I've been blaming myself too, I work too much, and I'm always so tired but the important thing is that we move forward from here. '

'Is he going to be okay?' Alison asked.

'Yeah, he's had his stomach pumped so he'll feel like crap when he wakes up but other than that, he will be fine.'

Alison was furious with herself as she needed Ethan here, she wanted him to hold her in his arms so badly, tell her everything was going to be okay but how could she now, knowing what she knew?

'When I find out who gave him those pills I'm going to kill them.' Gemma said and Alison thought about her history teacher, running through the woods, running from Ethan...

Somebody shot him Alison!

Carolina's words coming back to her only it wasn't some nameless, malevolent being that had wielded that gun, it had been the man she loved.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Ethan pulled into his drive wondering if he ought to have followed Alison into the hospital. She had been very clear though, she didn't want him there.

He would text her later, just to show he was thinking of her whilst also giving her some space.

Opening the front door, Ethan realised something was wrong. There was a palpable tension in the house and it hummed like electricity. Taking a few more steps he glanced into the lounge and saw his brother sitting on the sofa. Standing in front of him was a dark haired, olive skinned woman who couldn't have been more than five feet tall and a hundred pounds. Ethan might have thought she looked friendly if it weren't for the gun in her outstretched hand.

'We have a guest brother.' Marcus said.

'Shut up.' The woman snapped, her voice as shaky as the hand that held her weapon.

'Whatever is going on here, we can talk about it, there's no need for anyone to get hurt.' Ethan said, his voice low and soothing, walking slowly into the room. What the hell had Marcus done now?

The gun in her hand was too big for her delicate frame, maybe it belonged to her husband or father? It could be what was making her shake or it could be the adrenaline coursing through her veins.

This slight woman wasn't steady enough to shoot straight and the recoil alone would probably send her flying, even if she'd practised with the gun which he doubted very much or she would be more used to the weight of it.

Still just because a bullet doesn't end up where it was intended, it can still kill. If you nick a major artery or puncture an organ you'll most likely die before you get to the hospital.

The woman glared at him. 'You killed my husband.' She said, her voice shaking even more. Killing someone in theory was a lot different to actually doing it, seeing flesh and blood in front of you, an actual life in your hands. 'So now I'm going to kill your brother.' She stated.

How the hell had this woman tracked him down? All his kills were clean, and he never left any evidence or weapons behind. His DNA wasn't in any system and neither were his finger prints, The Institute made sure of it.

'What's your name?' This threw the woman a little; maybe she was expecting a denial? He looked over at Marcus who had more than likely come to the same conclusion he had about the weapon being a poor choice for her. He didn't look overly worried.

'Er... Lucy.' She replied as if it was a trick question.

'Well, Lucy what do you say you put the gun down.' She shook her head but the gun lowered slightly, Ethan took a step closer.

'No, you... you need to pay for what you've done.' She said with little conviction, Lucy wiped her brow; she was sweating even though the room was cool. Ethan took another step towards her.

'Whatever you think I've done...'

'I don't think, I know.' She replied angrily. 'You killed my husband and before I kill your brother I want to know why.' She stated.

'Okay.' Ethan said calmly, whatever the circumstances were around her husband's death, he doubted whether Lucy would be willing to accept it. 'When was it?'

'Two years ago.' She answered without hesitation. 'Indiana.'

Ethan thought hard, he'd only been to Indiana once in his life.

'Russell Peters.' He stated pulling the memory easily into view. Lucy blinked; she hadn't expected him to recall the information so quickly but Ethan never forgot a target.

'I told you he'd remember.' Marcus stated Matter-of-factly.

'Why did you kill him?' She asked softly.

When Ethan received his training at the Institute, he was told never to lie in a hostage situation which made sense in theory but right now, he'd never wanted to lie so badly in his life.

'Your husband wasn't who you thought he was.' Lucy shook her head; it was already off to a bad start. Ethan continued, slowly, keeping his voice low. 'He was working for the Russian Government.' He let this information settle before he continued. 'I was hired to kill him.'

'No.' she said, her outstretched arm was lowering more and more as if the weight of this new information was making her weaker.

'His real name was Ruslan Petroff.' Ethan continued.

'No, he wasn't even- he was born here.' She argued.

'No, he came here when he was a teenager; he changed his name and perfected an American accent... It makes sense doesn't it, what I'm saying?'

Lucy was looking through him now, into the past, he'd hit on a memory that hadn't been recalled for years. 'Did you ever hear him speaking in a different language?'

The gun was almost pointing at the floor as her concentration wavered.

'I'm sorry but it's true.' Ethan said.

Still Lucy wouldn't accept the truth, she snapped back to the present, shaking her head, her steely resolve from earlier returning. Her arm was steadier now, aimed straight and true at Marcus' heart. He still didn't look worried.

'No, you're lying.' She said again, she had obviously rehearsed how this would go in her head and the reality was jarringly different.

'You need to put the gun down Lucy.' Ethan spoke softly as if trying to coax a child and moved slowly towards her, when he was close enough to reach out, she swung her arm round and levelled the gun at his chest. He stopped dead putting his arms up, his palms facing her, fingers spread wide.

'Get back or so help me-' Lucy cried but before she could finish her sentence, Marcus leapt off the sofa and tackled her to the floor, the heavy gun thudded out of her hand and Ethan quickly swiped it up.

'You're hurting me.' She squirmed under Marcus' weight.

'That's what you get for threatening to kill me.' Marcus said, but eased up on her non the less.

Ethan admired the gun, a Smith and Wesson 9mm revolver, not new but as far as he could tell it had never been used, far too big and bulky for a woman of Lucy's stature to use. It was fully loaded and the safety was off.

'What do you want to do Ethan?'

'What do you mean?' He said

'I mean, what are we going to do with our new friend here?' He asked.

'Go ahead, kill me too.' She said, tears welling up in her eyes.

'Don't tempt me sweetheart.' Marcus countered.

'Get off her Marcus.' Sighing, he reluctantly did as Ethan asked. Lucy pushed herself backwards on the floor until she bumped into the sofa, looking up at them with brown eyes, wide with panic.

Ethan went and extended his hand which she reluctantly took and he pulled her up so she could sit on the sofa. When Ethan sat next to her, she backed herself to the furthest corner of red velvet.

'I just want to know one thing.' Ethan said as Marcus poured himself a whiskey. 'Then we will decide what to do with you.'

'What.' Lucy asked, looking twice as small now without a defence.

'How the hell did you find us?' He asked.

Chapter Forty

Alison hadn't realised she had fallen asleep until someone coming into the room woke her. She glanced quickly towards her brother.

'Hi.' Connie said as she entered, looking at George.

'You didn't need to come.' Alison told her friend as she sat up and rubbed sleep from her eyes. They were still really sore, she must look an absolute state.

'I wanted to.' She leaned over and kissed her friend on the cheek. 'You look dreadful.' She commented.

'I know.' Alison said with a weak smile as her friend pulled up another chair and sat next to her.

'Carolina sends her love; she had to straighten up at work ready for tomorrow.' Alison nodded and they were silent for a moment.

'Is he going to be alright?' Connie asked.

'This time.' Alison said defeated.

'You don't think he'll do it again do you?'

'I didn't think he'd do it at all but here we are.' Alison said and forced herself not to start crying again. Connie nodded and they watched George sleeping peacefully.

'So Carolina told me about your history teacher... It's hard to believe isn't it?'

It was the last thing Alison wanted to talk about. 'Yeah, it's awful.' She said.

'He attacked Veronica and they found DNA from that girl in the woods, so I guess he had it coming.' Connie said and Alison felt her heart start to race.

'Really.' She said, not trusting herself to say anything else and to her dismay Connie kept talking.

'Yeah, the DNA of the girl in the woods was all over his car.'

'I just don't understand why?' Alison said.

Well seemingly he was accused of being a bit too friendly with one of his students, back in his home town.' Connie continued. 'He was found not guilty but you know what they say about mud sticking.'

'Oh that's horrible.' Alison cast her mind back to whether she had ever been alone with him, she didn't think so but still she may have been. For the first time she thought about Ethan, coming home to make sure nothing happened to her, she never thought anyone would ever love as much as that.

'Yeah, so it's like he's been attacking girls that remind him of this student who, in his mind, wrongly accused him and ruined his life.'

'Oh.' Alison said again, she didn't know how to respond, she thought about all the victims, how Carolina could have been one of them.

'Imagine that, they're looking for who murdered him and find out that he is a killer. I wonder who it was... You don't think it was Mark do you?' Connie asked.

Alison nearly laughed out loud. She shook her head, 'No way.' She said.

'I guess. I thought Ethan would be here with you.' Connie commented changing the subject but sadly to yet another one Alison didn't want to talk about.

'Oh, no we... er... had a row, I don't think it's going to work out.' Alison admitted.

'What? But you obviously spent the night at his.' Connie motioned to the dress her friend was still wearing from yesterday and Alison blushed knowing what that implied. 'What happened?'

'I don't really want to talk about it.' Alison told her friend.

'But you're perfect for each other; you only have to look at the two of you together to know it's meant to be.'

'It's just something I can't quite get past.' Alison admitted carefully.

'Do you love him?' Connie asked seriously, Alison didn't have to think about it.

'Yes.' She said, knowing exactly where her friend was going.

'Then whatever it is, you can get past it.' Alison nodded, if her friend knew the truth she wouldn't be so sure. 'Look at me; I never dreamt when Alex and I first met that we'd end up together but I think he might just be the one.' Connie said and smiled.

Alison was about to say how happy she was for her friend but her brother started to wake up; she got out of her seat and went to him.

'George, are you okay?' She asked.

'I'll wait outside.' Connie said and Alison was grateful for the gesture of privacy.

'What..?' George could barely speak.

'You're in the hospital.' Alison told him. 'You're okay though, you're fine.'

'I'm so sorry.' He said and started to cry.

'Hey, it's alright.' Alison said perching next to him on the bed she put her arm around his shoulders. He put his head on her shoulder and wept. 'It's okay.' She soothed.

All of the anger she felt towards her brother for acting out was suddenly replaced by the need to protect him, she'd never felt such a surge of maternal instinct in her life.

Whoever had supplied George with those pills was going to pay and as luck would have it, she knew just the person who could help.

Chapter Forty-One

Lucy took the coffee off Ethan, cradling it in her hands, and the brothers took a seat on the sofa opposite her. She wiped at her eyes which were red and puffy.

'I was cleaning out the closet one day.' She began, staring into space, lost in the memory. 'I dropped a box full of old documents and they all spilled out, I noticed one in Russian... When I asked Russell about it he said he had a great grandmother from Moscow. I had no reason not to believe him. I forgot all about it until today.' Fresh tears spilled from her eyes. 'Are you sure he was a spy?' Lucy asked but it looked as if she had already resigned herself to the new information.

'We don't make mistakes.' Marcus said.

'Why are you being so nice to me? I thought for sure you'd kill me if you got the chance.' She asked flatly.

'There's still time.' Marcus replied glibly.

'We just want to know how you found out about us.' Ethan said gently, ignoring his brother.

'It wasn't easy.' She admitted.

'Glad to hear it.' Marcus countered.

'I should go.' She said making no effort to move or to put down her drink, which she slowly sipped.

'You owe us an explanation.' Marcus said.

'Look, I'll tell you everything you want to know, but at the moment I'm still trying to process the fact that I was married to a spy for two years and didn't have the faintest idea.' She wiped more tears from her eyes.

'All we want to know is how you, of all people, managed to find us because as far as we knew it was virtually impossible.' Marcus stated.

'What do you mean me "of all people"?' Lucy asked defensively.

'Well, you didn't know the man you vowed to have and to hold till death do us part, was from the Motherland now did you?' Lucy visibly tensed, before she could say anything Ethan stood and went to sit next to her, gently placing his hand on her arm.

'What my brother is trying to say, in his own way, is that people with more resources than you haven't managed to track us down, so it would be really helpful if you would tell us how you did it.'

Lucy took a deep breath.

'The police investigated for a while but they had nothing, no evidence, witnesses so it went cold after only a few weeks. I tried to just get on with my life you know but I couldn't let it go, I loved my husband.'

Lucy paused to wipe her eyes.

'I managed to find someone who could hack into CCTV footage around town, he wasn't cheap so I had to sell my car but it was worth it because I had it narrowed down to about fifty people it could be. I then searched for similar unsolved crimes and found one in Tennessee. Again I hired my hacker, it was more expensive this time as he had to hack digital police files, I watched hours of footage but I caught a glimpse of you and I knew that to be in both places the same time these men died was more than a coincidence.'

Lucy took a sip of her drink. 'I managed to get a half decent picture of your face from the footage and I set up a page on Social Media saying you were my long lost brother and that I was desperate to get in touch and about six months ago, someone in West Virginia said they recognised you and that you had been living there for a while.'

'Long lost brother? That's actually quite clever.' Ethan praised and Lucy blushed a little.

'Then...' Marcus said impatiently.

'So, I got a greyhound to West Virginia.' She explained. 'But when I arrived it was too late, you'd left and nobody knew where. I thought that I would have to wait another six months but I got lucky.'

'Don't tell me, one of the residents in Willow Grove couldn't wait to reconnect you with your estranged sibling.' Marcus finished for her.

'Actually, someone approached me.' She stated, Ethan and Marcus exchanged a look.

'You were approached?' Marcus asked carefully. 'Who by?' He leant forward eager for the answer.

'She didn't give me her name.' Lucy shrugged as if this was unimportant.

'She?' Marcus couldn't hide his surprise.

'Yes, she didn't tell me her name, she knew my social media appeal was fake, she told me all about you both, what you do, I mean obviously I didn't know you had a brother. She said you were both very dangerous and that whatever I was planning I should re-think it because you would always be one step ahead of me and I could end up dead.'

'But you came anyway.' Ethan stated.

'Who the hell was she?' Marcus said leaning forward. 'What did she look like?' He asked.

Again Lucy shrugged. 'She had short brown hair, she was pretty... I can't really remember.'

'Try.' Marcus demanded.

'Marcus.' Ethan warned, she still hadn't finished her story and he wanted to hear it. 'What happened after she spoke to you?'

'Well, I didn't know what to think. I thought she might be a friend of yours but it didn't seem that way... I decided, maybe I should take her advice and just leave, hand over what I knew to the police and let them deal with you but then a few days ago someone contacted me through my social media appeal. They even gave me your address here in Willow Grove. I had wanted this for so long, all that planning and money I had to see it through.'

'Who gave you our address? Marcus asked. 'I'd like to pay them a visit; you know thank them for almost signing our death warrant.'

'Someone called Aaron I think.' Lucy said and shrugged 'I could find out for you.' She offered.

'So, what now?' Marcus asked.

'I think you should stay here tonight.' Ethan said to Lucy.

'What?' Marcus turned to his brother. 'Are you insane?' Ethan ignored him.

'I'd like to ask you more about this woman who knew so much about us, tomorrow, after a good night's rest.'

Before Lucy could object there was a knock at the door. 'What now?' Marcus asked rhetorically as he got up to answer it. Ethan hoped whoever it was; his brother would get rid of them.

'Why aren't you calling the police, I tried to kill you?' Lucy asked.

'You're upset and you have every reason to be.'

'I don't think it's right that I stay here.' Lucy stated.

'It's for you.' Marcus said returning to the lounge, followed by Alison.

'Hello.' She said as she entered the lounge clutching a small overnight bag. 'Oh, I didn't know you had company.' She said, visibly surprised by Lucy's presence.

'Marcus, perhaps you could show Lucy one of our guest bedrooms.' Ethan suggested, standing to greet Alison.

'Follow me Lucy.' Marcus said looking pointedly at his brother and she followed him out of the room and up the stairs in a daze.

'Who was that?' Alison asked when they were out of earshot. Had Ethan imagined the hint of jealousy in her voice? She had changed from the crumpled dress she had worn that morning, she looked tired and he wanted to take her in his arms, hold her until she felt better.

'Er... an old friend.' Ethan lied quickly. 'How's George?' he asked changing the subject.

'He's going to be fine.' She said. 'That's actually why I'm here, I need a favour.'

'Okay.' Ethan said, he would do anything for her.

'Someone gave my brother Ketamine.' Alison stated.

'Ketamine?' Ethan repeated, he didn't know George took drugs.

'I want you to find out who that was.' She asked. 'Can you do that for me?'

'Of course I can.' Ethan agreed. 'But what exactly are you asking me to do?'

Alison was silent, he knew she wasn't asking him to kill anyone so what was it exactly she wanted? He could understand her wanting to find the person responsible for putting her brother in hospital but, again, revenge was a great idea in theory.

'I thought you could... I don't know; warn them to keep away from George.' She suggested, shrugging; she clearly hadn't thought it through.

'That's not what I do.' Ethan stated. 'You can't have it both ways Alison. Either you accept who I am or you don't, you can't just pick and chose when it's convenient for you.'

'You said you would help.' She reminded him.

'Yes and I will, of course I will, Alison but you have to understand, Marcus and I have to keep a low profile while we're here.'

'I can't let them get away with this Ethan, he's only sixteen. Whoever it is, they have to be stopped. I'm sure you and Marcus can think of something between you that doesn't involve someone losing their life.' Alison was getting visibly more upset so Ethan took a few steps towards her, he reached out, wanting to comfort her but she stepped away from him.

'Okay...' He agreed not wanting to upset her further. 'I'll sort it, Alison, I promise.' He conceded.

'There's one other thing.' She stated. 'Can I stay here tonight?' She asked, Ethan couldn't hide his surprise.

'Of course you can...' He agreed quickly.

'I don't mean-'

'No, of course-'

'I went home with Gemma but she had to go straight back to start her shift and I felt so alone. I just keep thinking about Mr Matthews, I had no idea who he really was, I just need to feel safe.'

'I understand, we have plenty of spare rooms.' Ethan said and hoped it was the first step to her forgiving him.

Chapter Forty-Two

The rest of the evening was strange. Whoever this Lucy girl was, she acted as if she hardly knew Ethan or Marcus and barely looked at Alison. She was visibly upset but neither brother looked as if they would console her.

When they had sat down around the kitchen table for their Chinese take-out they had all sat in silence. Alison felt uncomfortable, you could practically cut the tension with a knife between Lucy and Marcus and her and Ethan for that matter.

Alison didn't believe Lucy was a friend of the family. Maybe she was an ex of Marcus' or Ethan's, it was silly to think he didn't have any exes.

Alison went to bed early, whatever was going on she'd had enough drama for the day and didn't want to get involved.

She hoped Ethan wouldn't get the wrong idea about her staying the night, he'd hovered a while when he'd come to check she had everything she needed, was he waiting for a goodnight kiss?

Alison hated to admit it but she had wanted to kiss him, pull him into the room and... What was this hold that he had over her? Why when she was so angry with him did she still want him to put his arms around her and keep her safe? She shouldn't have come and if she had known that there would be a fourth person in the house she would have thought twice about it.

She lay looking up at shadows dancing on the ceiling, thinking about what Connie had said; do you love him? She had answered yes without hesitation but if that were true how could she explain what had happened in the gym with Marcus? Could you love someone and be attracted to someone else?

And then there was the added worry of George, maybe the shock of ending up in hospital had kicked him into touch but what if this was just the beginning? What next, car theft?

Alison turned on her side and squeezed her eyes shut, she tried to quiet her mind but it was impossible.

She thought about Ethan, just next door. Was sleep eluding him also, after all he had a man's blood on his hands. More than one.

Alison looked at the clock by her bed; it was two in the morning. She was no closer to sleeping now that when she had come up. Frustrated, she pushed the covers back and got out of bed. She needed some water.

She got out of the large bed, the cold night air creeping through her cotton pyjamas and padded bare foot out onto the landing. It was dark in the house with only the moonlight filtering through the windows.

At the bottom of the stairs, where her feet recoiled on the cold stone, she thought she heard faint scratching and then the front door opening. She felt her chest tightening as she saw someone enter the house.

'Who's there?' She asked, realising too late that she should have run back up the stairs and woken Ethan.

The dark form whipped around, they hadn't expected anyone to witness their entrance.

'Alex?' She squinted not trusting her eyes in the dim light. 'What are you doing here?' Alison heard a crisp click and then she saw the knife in his hand.
  1. Chapter 1

