A Secret Fate (17 page)

Scrubbing his hands over his face, he tried to focus on something a hell of a lot more important. Even though Addison was Ristéard’s daughter, there was still something a bit mysterious about her. Now that he knew who she was, it was no big surprise to find out that she lived in that magnificent house overlooking the ocean. Ristéard would have made sure she’d always be well provided for; otherwise, she’d need to be making a hell of a lot in tips to afford a place like that. Of course, Cael didn’t think she lived alone and that just gnawed at his skin like a bad case of poison ivy. However, he did tell her he would help find the crystal. Was that just so he could spend time with her? Maybe.

It was nearly daylight by the time Cael got back to Bart’s place, so instead of heading into the house, he took off to the beach to scout around before anyone might discover the pendant. Maybe the crystal had somehow fallen off Addison’s neck after someone attacked her and lay hidden in the sand somewhere, but the chances of that were slim, considering she said cutting or breaking the chain was the only way the pendant could have been removed. Whoever hit her over the head had to have had a reason, and there wasn’t any reason other than the crystal, not that Addison had admitted anyway. Other than the lump on her head, she had no other injuries, no sign of sexual assault. Thank God, he thought, and didn’t quite understand why the thought of someone hurting her that way filled him with so much ferocity. He’d known another female who’d been sexually abused, his aunt for one, though he hadn’t known her at the time, but then also a friend from his past, and that episode didn’t elicit as much wrath from him as the thought of someone doing something so heinous to Addison. He rubbed his temple, willing those horrible visions away. Getting back to the problem at hand, people didn’t just go around hitting other people over the head for absolutely no reason.

He sighed, scanning the beach where he’d discovered Addison, the area completely under water now with the tide in. If the crystal had fallen into the sand, there was no chance of finding it now.

Chapter 13

Only ten o’clock in the morning and Addie was already regretting her decision to return to work as she sat at the bar recounting the incident with the crystal to Maia and Gerry. When she told them how she’d been struck from behind, Gerry threw the bar rag down on the bar top right in front of her, making her jump. The rage behind his eyes suggested he’d take great pleasure in beating the person who had hit her over the head to a pulp. “That’s it, Addie. I don’t want you staying at that house by yourself any longer.”

“What? You can’t be serious. I’m not leaving my home,” she argued. “The only reason I couldn’t stop them was because … because they snuck up from behind.” Even as the words left her lips, they sounded silly. “I told you I had been out on the beach alone. That’s why.”

“Gerry, I’m sure Addie won’t take anymore walks on the beach at night,
alone
. Will you, Addie?”

“No! Of course not,” she assured Maia who looked radiant despite the fact she constantly complained of being tired. She wore dark brown corduroy pants paired with a pretty, peach top that clung to her stomach. Her abdomen seemed to be twice the size it was only a week ago. Addie supposed that happened when someone was pregnant with twins. “I was missing Cael so much and the idea of him being back in Whisper Cape but not with me only made me more upset. I couldn’t sleep. I thought a walk along the beach with the cold sand between my toes …”

“You were barefoot? At this time of year?” Maia asked, eyes wide. 

“I was so upset I hardly noticed. But the weird thing is, shortly after someone knocked me out, Cael came walking onto the beach and found me, almost like he knew I’d be there. It was really amazing. It has to mean something, don’t you think? Then he carried me all the way back up to the house,” she added unable to hide the awe in her voice that he’d taken her up that giant hill in his arms. “I didn’t notice the crystal was gone until after he got some ice for my head. He hasn’t changed much, you know—he still has that caring quality about him. But it was so hard talking to him and not telling him about us. I know you all think it’s best not to tell him how much we were in love before, but …” She sighed. “I’m trying, I really am, but Cael’s questions are making it difficult.”

“I’m glad you had the chance to talk to Cael. Really, I am. But getting back to the crystal, do you have any idea on how to locate it or any clues as to who might have taken it?” Gerry asked, keeping his voice low.

Addie shook her head. “No. I don’t know what to do. It’s not like I have some special link to it or some GPS signal I can tap into. I feel so lost without it. God, losing the crystal and not having Cael completely in my life the way he used to be, I feel so … so … hopeless.”

“Are you sure you want to work today? I can call Darcy in,” Gerry said, placing a huge jar of cherries on the bar, as he got ready to fill the containers that held all the cocktail embellishments.

“I’m not sure. I don’t really have my head into it, not with worrying about who has the crystal and what they might do with it, but maybe work is what I need. I think it’s probably better to be here than home alone with my insane pacing. I’m about to wear the rug out at the spot in front of the fireplace. I just hope Cael is doing his best to see if he can get any clues from the beach, that is if he even remembers how to investigate. This is all so messed up.”

“What happened?” The deep soothing voice behind her wasn’t necessarily unwelcomed, but not exactly comfortable. Maybe he was becoming too comfortable with her.

“Hi, Aiden.” Addie flicked her eyes to his and then quickly looked at the jar of cherries in front of her for fear of giving the man the wrong impression, except she couldn’t help noticing the striped shirt he wore over his almost-too-tight jeans. Why did musicians always wear such tight pants? Cael had a shirt just like the one Aiden wore and she wondered if he’d somehow snuck in and taken it from her bedroom. She’d certainly check when she got home, but thought the idea silly. Aiden wasn’t a thief, and if he had taken the shirt, he surely wouldn’t be stupid enough to wear it in front of her. She busied herself with filling the fruit containers as she sat. The last thing she needed right now was for Cael to walk in and see her, yet again, with Aiden, but when the man placed his hand on her shoulder, she tried not to stiffen too much. After all, he was just showing concern, which Addie should appreciate.

“Someone attacked Addie last night and stole her pendant,” Maia informed him.

“The crystal?”

Gerry furrowed his brow and tilted his head. “You know about that?”

“Sure. Was it supposed to be a secret?”

“Addie … I swear …” Gerry shook his head and sighed.

“Look. It’s my crystal. I can tell anyone I want about it.”

“No. Not when your life gets threatened because of it.”

“It was just Aiden.”

“Yeah, Gerry, it was just me.” The hurt look on Aiden’s face wasn’t enough to melt the stone cold stare from Gerry. 

“Addie, Gerry’s right. I don’t think you should talk to anyone about it other than the few of us who already know its significance. No offense, Aiden.”

“None taken.” He gave Maia an easy smile then glanced back at Addie. “Because now I agree. You shouldn’t be telling people about it if it’s going to place you in harm’s way. I didn’t realize it at the time you mentioned it, but Gerry’s right. Although having said that, I do appreciate you confiding in me anyway.”

Gerry’s eyes narrowed to tiny slits as he glared at Aiden, but to Addie’s surprise, he remained silent. Gerry and Aiden were best friends, had been since they were kids and she guessed the two of them shared many secrets. Softening the stare down to something not quite as fiery, Gerry said, “I know I can trust you, Aiden. I’m just surprised that Addie would reveal something so important to you.”

“We were comparing abilities,” Addie supplied at the same time the large wooden door to the bar opened. Addie knew by the expression on Aiden’s face who’d just entered. Keeping his hand on her shoulder, he said, “Hey, Cael. Good to see you again.” Although the words sounded genuine, she didn’t believe they were heartfelt.

Addie slid off the bar stool, taking herself away from Aiden’s hand. What she really wanted to do was jump up and run to Cael, wrap her arms around his big strong chest and stay in the comfort of his embrace for the rest of her life. Instead, somehow, she managed to snake behind the bar without seeming too eager to be away from Aiden. “Hi, Cael.” As difficult as it was in light of everything, she forced a smile, but couldn’t hold it very long as she realized he looked exhausted. Was it from a lack of sleep or from working out? She hoped and decided on the latter, considering the grey sweat pants and tank muscle shirt he wore, advertising the famous Bloody Mary’s restaurant in Bora Bora. His hair even looked slick with sweat but still combed neatly back away from his gorgeous face. “Any chance you spotted my necklace hidden in the sand somewhere?”

***

Cael shook his head. “No. Sorry. That area is now completely under water.” And thank God he’d found her when he did, as he had no idea how long the tide stayed out. She could have drowned. Shaking that horrible thought from his mind, he wished he could ask her to dinner. Hell, who was he fooling? He wanted to do more than just feed her. The episode in his bed last night was as pathetic as a teenage boy’s wet dream. Not that he hadn’t ever done that before, but never with any one particular woman in mind, other than a pretty face from TV or a magazine. Addison’s hair, pulled into a band, hung down the center of her back. He smiled at seeing her wearing jeans and a black T-shirt. Even though the T-shirt fit snuggly and accentuated her breasts, this outfit seemed much more appropriate for bartending than the tight skirt she’d worn last night. He supposed she’d dressed up to listen to her boyfriend’s band.

After his comment about not finding the necklace, Addison lowered her eyes, disappointment clearly showing as she turned to fill a pitcher with beer, walking it down to the other end of the bar and placing it on the counter. The pitcher, along with four mugs, was quickly snatched up by Darcy who carried them balanced on one hand across the room to a table where three guys and a girl sat. He hoped she didn’t drop the tray again. A full pitcher of beer would really be a mess. Addison gave Cael a small smile as she strolled back. He hated not being able to help her.

“Do you want something to eat or drink? Coffee? You look a little tired, man. Rough night?” Gerry asked.

Cael pulled his eyes away from Addison and nodded at Gerry. “Yeah, you might say that. I could use a cup of coffee, thanks. Maybe a sandwich, too.”

“So, Cael, you should stop by tonight. We’re trying out some new songs. Should be a great performance.”

Cael took a seat at the bar and glanced at Aiden, nodding. “Possibly. I’ll see if Bart wants to come too. He really likes you guys.” He looked at Addison as she poured him some coffee and set the cup in front of him. He wondered if she would stay at home or be here in the bar tonight. He glanced at her bare left ring finger. He could have sworn there had been a ring there the other night, but now it was gone. Maybe the person who attacked her stole that too, but it seemed unlikely, since she hadn’t mentioned it. Maybe she took it off for work, though he couldn’t imagine why. If Addison were
his
wife and tending bar, he’d want every male coming through that door to know she was spoken for. What were the chances … if she stayed at home tonight, would she want some company? He could stop by, check in, see if she’d heard anything about the crystal. Or … 

Christ, what was he thinking with Aiden sitting a few seats away? Man, get your mind out of the gutter. She wasn’t some cheap slut looking to cheat on her fiancé with a quick fuck while her man worked nights.

After filling his stomach with the awesome BLT Jared made him, Cael stood. Feeling guilty for his erotic thoughts of Addison, he placed a twenty-dollar bill on the bar to pay for his lunch and coffee and turned to leave.

“Wait!” Addison said. “Um …” God, she looked like she was upset he was leaving, but that was probably his imagination, he thought as he glanced over at Aiden. “Don’t you want your change?”

He shrugged. “Nah, you keep it. I’ll, uh … see you around.”

“What about the …” her eyes darted around the room at all the people, “my necklace?”

“I’ll be in touch if I catch any clues.” The distraught look on her face was too much to bear. He had to get away from her before he went insane with desire.

***

Cael sat at the small wooden table in Bart’s breakfast nook sipping a beer while watching Bart cook dinner. Spaghetti and meatballs must be Bart’s favorite food or maybe it just happened to be the only dish his uncle was any good at cooking. It was difficult to mess up boiling noodles and the meatballs came from a bag in the freezer, the sauce straight from a jar. Yeah, pretty fail-safe. The meal preparation only made him miss his aunt even more. “One of these nights, I’m gonna have to cook you a decent meal, Uncle Bart.”

“What? You don’t like spaghetti and meatballs?”

“Oh, sure I do. But maybe a little variation from the Ragu and pre-packaged frozen meatballs wouldn’t hurt.” Cael gave his uncle an easy smile, hoping to dull the ache he’d just triggered in Bart’s mind. His aunt Jewel had been a fabulous cook. In fact, she was the one who’d taught Cael to make some of the great gourmet meals he liked to prepare.

Bart emptied the sauce into the pot and accidentally spilled some of the red pulpy liquid onto his light blue shirt that seemed to make his eyes dance with the color. “Yeah, I know. I miss her too.” Bart took a long pull on his own beer then smacked his lips before squeezing them into a tight line.

Cael closed his eyes, sorry he’d turned the moment into a sour one. “Tell you what, let me cook tomorrow night. I’ve a hankering for a steak. How about you?”

“Sure. I have a grill outside. Just seems too cold out to fuss with, not to mention needing something to go with the meat. I’m not too good with the side dishes, but yeah, I think that’d be nice. Just tell me what you need and I’ll pick it up. By the way, any clues on the crystal yet?”