Entangled Souls (4 page)

 

Seven

 

Armando, followed by two scraggly men entered the two-story brick building owned by Lucien Bourdon. The unkempt man behind the rusty desk abruptly stopped talking and cleared his throat, quickly putting out his cigarette in the overflowing ashtray.

“Uh, morning, Mr. Rayne,” the man stammered. “This here is Percy Nickelson. He’s the one who delivered the girls for Lucien this morning.”

Armando nodded in Percy’s direction before turning his attention back to the other man. “I shall make this as brief as possible. I am in need of one, possibly two, young girls, teens if at all possible, to work in my…production business. Do you have anyone available who meets those qualifications?”

The man smiled. “Actually, I do…two very pretty young girls. I’m sure you’ll have no problem getting your money’s worth out of them. I have no doubt you’ll find them to your liking. Would you care to have a look?”

“I believe that I would.”

“I’ll be glad to take you to the girls,” Percy added.

Armando nodded, following Percy up a narrow flight of stairs that led to a small holding area. Minimal furniture dotted the room and the cold concrete floors were stained with dried blood and tobacco juice. He stared openly, shocked by the girl’s youth and beauty. They were the epitome of perfection.

“That’s Halen and the other one is Bijoux.” The girls huddled together on the small sofa. “Stand up so Mr. Rayne can get a good look at ya.”

Armando smiled, motioning for Halen with an outstretched hand. “Come here, my dear.” With apprehension, she stepped forward, allowing him to take her hand in his. “You are quite lovely child. Now why is it that you look so familiar to me.”

Percy spoke up before she could reply. “She’s Lucien Bourdon’s acquisition. She seems to be mighty important to his family — to his entire Hive. If I let you have her, you’d have to make it worth my while. I’d have to disappear. Permanently.”

Armando appeared awestruck in her presence. “She is…the One…the Chosen? Is that what Lucien believes to be true of this girl? I…I am prepared to strike a deal. A most lucrative deal, indeed.”

“Hmm, let me think on this for a minute,” Percy said, stroking his pointy chin. “Does this offer include Bijoux? I’d hate to see the girls split up. They seem to rely on each other for comfort.”

“I have no doubt we can reach an agreement that includes both young ladies.”

Percy paused, suddenly unsure of what he was about to do. “Mr. Rayne, what we’re about to do here — it could cause a war between the families. Well, more like a blood bath. Are you prepared for that outcome?”

“My choices are none of your concern. I will deal with Lucien on my own terms when the time is right.”

Armando walked away from the group and Percy used the opportunity to shoot Halen a warning glance. “You remember everything I told you,” he whispered before joining Armando.

Bijoux winced and moved closer to her friend, pulling Halen closer to her side. “Well, what do you think?” she whispered.

“About?”

“This Rayne dude. Did you get a load of his hair…and those clothes. Who the hell dresses like that? It’s like watching a bad 80’s horror movie.”

Halen shrugged her shoulders and flopped back down on the dirty sofa, taking Bijoux with her. “He certainly acts all high and mighty. Did you see how he looked down his nose at us? Bastard. And those diamond rings…and fingernails…what a freak of nature.”

Bijoux laughed, running his fingers through her bubblegum-pink streaked hair. “My thoughts exactly. I guess it could be worse. If he does decide to take us with him, it will keep you away from Magnolia Grove.”

Halen released a sigh, smiling at her new-found friend. If Mr. Rayne chose to use them on his compound at least she wouldn’t feel so alone with Bijoux by her side.

Two hours later Percy returned to inform the girls that they would definitely be leaving town with Armando, who was more than happy to pay a small fortune for the privilege of possessing Halen. “I’m gonna say this one more time — not one word about your medical condition. Mr. Rayne makes Lucien Bourdon look like the Easter Bunny. He’s mean, and truth me told, he ain’t playing with a full deck. So you girls be careful.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t say a word,” Halen replied. At least Mr. Rayne offered her a semblance of a real job. Her other option meant serving as queen of the undead soul suckers.

“He’s insisting y’all clean up. He sent over some clothes for you to try on.” Percy pointed in Halen’s direction. “You can shower first.” He opened the door motioning for her to follow.

Bijoux quickly bent down and reached inside her duffel bag, removing a small plastic brush. “Here, you’ll need this after your shower.”

“Thanks, you’re the best.” Halen smiled. “Somehow I don’t think I’m going to find a flat-iron around here,” she said, falling into step behind Percy.

“Shower is in there,” Percy said. “Clothes are in there too.”

Halen opened the door to find herself standing inside a cluttered studio apartment. The cramped and dingy shower stall was hidden behind a tall stack of yellowed newspapers. Reluctantly, she turned on the water, removed her soiled dress and stepped inside the grimy stall. She shivered as the shock of cold water hit her body. She felt dirty, both inside and out. She released a contented sigh, thrilled to finally bathe, even of the water felt like millions of tiny icicles pummeling her tender skin.

“Please, lock the door on your way out,” she called to Percy.

Finally alone, Halen lathered her hair with the small bar of sweet smelling lavender soap, before submerging herself under the powerful spray of water rinsing her hair clean. Stepping out of the shower, she grabbed a fluffy towel and briskly dried herself off. Picking up Bijoux’s brush, she ran it through her tangled curls before rummaging through the pile of clothes, choosing the smaller of the two outfits for herself.

A rush of cool air caused Halen to spin around terror painted across her ashen face. Her heart raced at the sight of Percy standing in the doorway. Shutting the door behind him, he focused his attention on Halen’s trembling body.

“You look like the queen you are destined to be.”

Halen bolted for the door, but Percy lunged for her, snatching her around the waist and lifted her into his bony arms. His breath caught in his throat as he savored the feel of his soft naked flesh writhing against him in her fight to be free.

“Put me down, you smelly bastard! I swear to all that’s holy, I’ll scream!”

“Scream all you want, little darlin’. There’s no one around to hear you except your little friend.” Percy moved in for a kiss, and seeing his intent, Halen turned her head, pressing her lips tightly together.

Performing a quick scan of the room, she searched for a way to defend herself from his lecherous advances. Out of the corner of her eye she spotted a ceramic statue resting on a nearby nightstand. The next time Percy attempted to press his toothless mouth against hers she pretended to submit. As his lips continued their sickening assault, Halen reached for the statue.

Wrapping her fingers around its base, she brought it down with a heavy crack against the back of Percy’s skull. His body slumped against hers, causing her to fall to the floor with a heavy thud. She struggled to shove his unmoving body aside. On the verge of freaking out, she darted over to the chair and grabbed the clothes, quickly dressing.

What now? Should she try to explain what happened to Mr. Rayne? Would he believe she attacked Percy in self-defense? Halen shivered. Maybe the vile little troll was dead. Once Armando found out about this fiasco he would deliver her to Magnolia Grove on a silver platter. She could see no other choice — escape was her only option.

She took one last look at Percy’s motionless body and eased the door open a crack. She paused, ashamed of her decision to run away. How could she leave her best friend behind to face an unquestionable fate? On the other hand, if her friend ran away too, and they were caught, Bijoux would be in deep trouble. As much as she hated doing it, she had to leave Bijoux behind.

Tentatively, Halen stepped outside, breathing in the frigid air. She paused, wondering which direction to run. For a brief moment she considered going back inside to search for money or credit cards, anything of value she could sell or pawn for a few dollars, but the idea of Percy waking up and continuing his disgusting assault caused her to quickly change her mind.

She pressed her thin frame against the building’s cold brick exterior. Timidly, she inched forward, peeking around the corner to find the surrounding streets void of traffic. As fast as her legs would carry her, she took off running. She had no idea where the road would take her, she only knew she needed to put as much distance as possible between herself and Percy.

By the time she felt safe enough to slow down and catch her breath, she found herself standing in front of a trendy retro-style motel. The building’s whitewashed stucco exterior and stylish pothole windows reminded her more of a beach front property than downtown Atlanta.

As she grew closer to the motel, she spied Armando Rayne walking in her direction. Panicking, she frantically searched for a way to escape, finally darting into a narrow, trash-lined alley. She placed her hand over her heart, pulling in deep gulps of air. She considered trying to reach the nearby parking garage. It shouldn’t be too difficult to shimmy up the fire escape and jump the short distance between the roof tops, she thought. Her bare feet made little sound as she dodged the bits of broken glass and used needles lining the narrow alley. She found a small door and tried the door knob, willing it to be unlocked.

She slipped through the narrow opening with ease, quickly pulling the door shut behind her. She fumbled in the darkness, running her hands across the wall searching for the light switch. She flipped it to the on position, flooding the room with light.

A few minutes passed before Halen tiptoed back to the door, opening it a crack. She was shocked to see Armando’s room directly across the hall. The door to his room was slightly ajar and she could make out the sound of him talking to what sounded like a teenage boy. From where she stood she had a clear view of Armando, which meant he would spot her the minute she tried to leave the room.

Closing the door, Halen walked over to the double bed and sat down. The room contained an odd assortment of personal belongings making it hard to tell if the room’s occupant was make or female. The closet contained a variety of men’s suits, jeans and tee-shirts, but the dresser and bathroom counters were littered with eyeliner in every shade under the sun, along with numerous tubes of clear lip gloss.

Halen made the sign of the cross and prayed the room’s tenant didn’t return anytime soon as she continued to make frequent trips to the door, only to find Armando still in deep conversation with his young guest.

Each time she returned to the unmade bed, she took a long drink of one of the ice cold beers she discovered in a small cooler tucked away in the corner of the bathroom. Her head told her it was uncool to be drinking at her age, but the alcohol soothed her nerves, making the situation she found herself in seem less frightening. Unaccustomed to drinking, it wasn’t long before she began to feel light headed. The room spun causing her stomach to churn in protest from alcohol and lack of food.

She managed to stretch out on the bed. She would rest her eyes for a few minutes before checking on Mr. Rayne, she thought. It had been a long day and it didn’t take long for exhaustion to take over. Closing her eyes, she drifted off into an alcohol-induced slumber.

 

Eight

 

Kieran said goodbye to Armando with a promise to visit Blue Willow before returning home to the Keys. Leaving Armando’s room, he quietly stepped across the hall. Exhausted, he couldn’t wait to crash in his own bed. He turned the doorknob and stepped into the room, the dimly lit light catching his eye.

The hair on the back of his neck stood up and he quickly scanned the room for intruders. He wouldn’t put it past Armando to go behind his back and inform his father of his return. He had every intention of visiting his family, but when he did it would;d be on his own terms. There was no way he’d allow his father or the Hive to gain the upper hand in this situation.

Kieran’s gaze settled on the sleeping girl and his heart skipped a beat. Gently, he rested his weight on the edge of the bed, taking a moment to admire her beauty. Timidly, he reached down to lift a lock of her soft, honey-blonde curls, wrapping it around his trembling fingers. He smiled at the half empty six pack of beer. Apparently, she’d found his secret stash and decided to make herself at home.

He wondered how she’d managed to find her way to his room, of all places. There was only one way to find out — wake her up and demand an explanation. He leaned in, whispering softly in her ear. “Hey, Sleeping Beauty. Time to rise and shine.”

Halen stirred at the sound of his voice. Feeling the effects of too many beers, her eyesight blurred, but she somehow managed to recognize Kieran’s face. His image had pulled at her heart for days. The alcohol provided her with a false sense of courage as she slipped her arms around his neck, pulling him close. Her lips brushed softly against his. The boy she loved was here to rescue her. She attempted to speak, by couldn’t find her voice. If only she didn’t feel so muddle-headed.

Kieran struggled to control his emotions. He wanted nothing more than to press his lips to hers and have his way with her, but the confused look in her eyes forced him to stop. He pulled free of her embrace, his dark eyes probing hers for answers. “I’m sorry. This is all wrong,” he said, backing away from her.

Halen stared at him, her green eyes filled with unshed tears. “I’m sorry…I never meant…” she whispered, her shoulders trembling.

“If the rumors are true — the Legacy forbids it.”

Halen’s mind raced. She knew this boy played an important role in her past life, but how could he possibly know about the Legacy? More importantly, why did she guard his image deep with her heart when she couldn’t remember anything else about his past life?

She rolled over on her side, gazing thoughtfully at his stunning features. Kieran’s eyes met hers, his expression undeniably sweet and tender. If she chose to be completely honest with him would he help her?

“Care to tell me what you’re doing in my room?” He smiled and she lowered her eyes.

Halen’s mind raced, attempting to conjure up a believable story. Pasting on a fake smile, she allowed the lie to flow freely from her lips. She wasn’t prepared to tell him the truth. At least not yet.

“It’s like this. I come from a really small town. I’d tell you the name, but I’m sure you’ve never heard of it…most people haven’t,” she rambled. “Anyway, I’ve never been more than ten miles from home, much less stayed in a fancy motel — I wanted to know how the other half lives. So, I slipped in the back way. I heard voices, and of course, I panicked. Your door happened to be unlocked, so I came inside to wait until the coast was clear. I guess I fell asleep.”

Kieran’s eyes sparkled as he listened to her ridiculous explanation. “And you just happened to find my beer, decided to get drunk, and accidentally fell asleep in my bed. Is that how your little story goes? If so, I ain’t buying it. Not for one hot minute.”

“Gah, there’s no need to get your boxers in a wad.”

“Of course not. Why would I?” Kieran said flippantly. “Why did you allow me to kiss you a few minutes ago if you do not have ulterior motives?”

Halen shrugged, trying to appear unconcerned. “Personally, I blame it on the alcohol. I’m not a booze hound. Not my style.”

Walking over to the window, Kieran stared up at the night sky. Dark, threatening storm clouds covered the moon and stars. If she left now she would surely get caught in the upcoming storms.

“This has been a real trip,” Halen said. “But I gotta get out of here. Mr. Nickelson will be expecting me.”

Kieran furrowed his brow. “You shouldn’t be out at night alone. I’ll go with you. Where are you staying?”

“No! You can’t go with me!” she snapped. “I mean, it will get pretty messy if he finds us together. Please, just let me go alone. I promise I’ll be fine. I can take care of myself.”

“Fine. But be careful out there. This isn’t the safest part of town.”

Halen flashed him a smile. “You betcha.”

Kieran pulled her to her feet. “I’m sorry about what happened earlier tonight. If I made you feel uncomfortable, I’m sorry.”

For a moment Halen considered telling him to truth. He seemed to genuinely care about her well-being. She had to question if he would be sweet and understanding if he knew that she belonged to Armando Rayne?

She was pretty positive that he and Armando’s late-night guest were one in the same. He definitely insinuated that he knew about the Legacy, but that didn’t guarantee that he would be able to wrap his mind around the ugly truth of the situation. It was a risk she wasn’t willing to take.

Not quite ready to leave him, she took a step back, looking into his eyes. “Don’t worry…I wanted it to happen…all of it.”

Halen turned, abruptly running from the room, her actions taking him by surprise. Down the back stairs she ran, hot salty tears blurring her vision. Reaching the final step she stopped, surrendering to the pain. Quickly, she wiped away the tears with the back of her hand. She didn’t have a clue what to do next. With no money or credit cards her options were pretty limited.

Following her instincts, Halen rushed back up the steps two at a time and knocked on the door. “Hey,” she said breathlessly, shuffling her feet from side to side. “I…I…like, can I borrow a few dollars? I wouldn’t ask, but I left my money in my other jeans…you know how it goes.”

Kieran smiled, genuinely surprised to see her again so soon. “Uh sure, no problem. How much do you need?”

Halen brushed her curls out of her face before sticking her hands in her pockets. “I don’t know…like fifty bucks, if you have it. If not, it’s cool. No worries.”

“No problem.” He walked over to where his hoodie was draped over the back of the chair, reached inside the inner pocket and removed a few bills. “Here’s sixty.”

“Awesome. Thank you so much.” Halen raised up on her toes and kissed him gently on the cheek. “I’ll get it back to you as soon as I can,” she said with a smile. Before he had a chance to respond, she turned and ran, retracing her steps down the dimly lit hallway. She felt his eyes burning a hole in her back as she disappeared out of sight.

Griping the money tightly in her fist, she bolted out of the motel’s rear entrance. A warm breeze caressed her face as she raced through the alley. Rounding the corner, she found herself standing nose to nose with Percy Nickelson.

An evil grin spread across his face as his dirt-encrusted hand snaked out to capture her by the wrist. “Well, well, what do we have here? I’ve been searching all over town for you.” When he noticed the money. he yanked the crumbled bills from her hand. “How did you get your greedy little paws on this money?”

“I…I…stole it…from some old dude at the motel bar.”

“You’d best not be lying to me, gal.”

“I’m telling you the truth. Geez, you really need to take a chill pill.”

“Let’s go,” Percy said. “I’m taking you back.” Halen resisted, trying with all her might to break free of his grasp. “Please don’t make me go back there. I’m begging you!”

“Oh, you’re going back all right, and I’ll be staying with you until Mr. Rayne comes for you.” He increased the pressure on her arm, forcing Halen to fall into step next to him.

Halen glanced toward the balcony devastated to see a stunned Kieran taking her heated exchange with Percy. She flashed him a timid smile, wondering if she would ever see him again. There was always a small chance their paths would cross. He was friends wit Mr. Rayne, after all. A huge part of her prayed that day would never come — she couldn’t bear the thought of him seeing her in the role of servant to Armando Rayne.

Halen smiled to herself. She’d finally kissed the boy of her dreams! Is this what true love feels like? She wondered. I think I’ve loved him from the first moment I laid eyes on him. I wonder if he feels the same way about me? How could he? He thinks I’m nothing more than white trash, she thought. It was time to let it go and get him out of her mind once and for all.

Kieran recognized the fear in Halen’s eyes and he prayed Nickelson wouldn’t be too hard on her. He wondered what excuse she’d give him for being out so late. He remained on the balcony watching as Halen disappeared from his line of vision. He walked into the bathroom and removed a beer from the cooler. He took a long swallow, savoring the cold amber liquid as it slid down the back of his parched throat. He had a sick feeling this girl would not be easy to forget.