Love Spell: Book 2 of The Grimm Laws (28 page)

Rushton didn’t know whether to be impressed or appalled. A part of him envied Jack’s carefree nature. As relieved as he was that they would soon be leaving the boundaries of the kingdom, he was also disheartened at the same time. Every step away from the kingdom took him farther away from Cinderella. He anticipated the familiar ache that washed over him. She would marry Edward, and they would live happily ever after. A bitter taste settled in his mouth and burned down through his gut. It made him physically ill to think about Edward and Cinderella together. At least she would live. That was the one thought that gave him solace. He forced his mind onto other things, like how good it would be to have a full stomach and a soft spot on which to lay his weary head. The moon rose full and lonely above them, and he imagined for a fleeting moment that Cinderella might be staring at the same moon. Did she feel as lonely as he? There was a moist chill in the night air that sent a shiver down his spine. For a moment, he caught the subtle fragrance of flowers in the air, but it was soon drowned out by the stench of horse manure that dotted the road in piles.

The light was getting closer. Jack began singing a merry tune. “What are you doing?” Rushton whispered. “Are you trying to draw attention to us?”

“I am trying to save our necks,” Jack rumbled through clenched teeth and then motioned with his eyes towards the man that was approaching them from the opposite direction. He was thickly built and dressed in plain clothes. He eyed them with suspicion.

“A fine evening to thee,” Jack said, offering a slight bow before continuing his song. Jack’s merry demeanor seemed to put the man at ease. He hardly gave them a second glance as he continued past.

“I am attempting to make us appear less threatening,” Jack said. “We need to seem as though we are two simple farm lads, looking for a drink of ale and some lighthearted conversation after a hard day’s work in the field.”

Jack continued singing until they reached the door of the tavern. “Remember,” he whispered, “let me do the talking.”

The tavern was about two-thirds of the way filled with what looked to be local townsfolk. The predominately masculine voices blended together in a contented rumble that ebbed and flowed between occasional bursts of laughter. They made their way over to a table in the corner where they sat down. “Stay, here,” Jack said, “I am going to find Largot.”

Rushton gladly complied. It felt good to sit for a moment and rest his aching feet. His eyes went to the crackling fire across the room. Succulent meat, perhaps boar, was being turned on a spit. He watched as the juices seeped out and caramelized to a golden brown. The aroma wafting from the roasting meat was intoxicating. His stomach rumbled painfully. A barmaid approached the table.

“A mug of ale for ye, stranger?” She looked him up and down as she spoke, and he could tell from the way her eyes lingered that there was some interest.

He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. In another life, he might have found her infatuation flattering. She was pretty and younger than he with a profusion of dark curls and long eyelashes that fluttered like delicate feathers when she blinked. Her hand felt soft when she placed it over his. “Not certain what ye want?” She gave him a brief smile, waiting for him to decide.

Good sense would dictate that he wait until Jack returned to order. If Jack failed to work out a deal with Largot, then he would not have a way to pay for anything.

“Ye need a mug of ale, a bowl of lamb pottage, and a crust of bread,” she said when he remained silent.

Aye, ‘tis precisely what he needed! What he would give to have a satisfied stomach. The longing on his face must have shown because she laughed.

“I will be back with thy food and drink.”

He couldn’t help himself. “Could you bring me some meat?”

She glanced back over her shoulder at him and nodded. He watched her walk away thinking how the soft swaying of her hips reminded him of Cinderella. Would the pain ever ease?

Jack returned a while later. A furrow appeared between his brows when he saw Rushton downing the food and ale. He lowered his voice. “‘Twould have been wise to wait until after we exchanged the goods to start ordering food.” He pointed at the large mug that Rushton was holding in his hand. “And drink.”

“Forgive me, I prithee, the barmaid brought me food.”

“Largot has agreed to see us.” He sat down at the table and grabbed the bread. Before Rushton could stop him, he pulled off a chunk and dipped it into the pottage Rushton was eating. Then he took a long drink of ale from the mug.

The barmaid approached the table. “I see ye have a traveling companion,” she said, looking Jack up and down as thoroughly as she had Rushton earlier.

Jack flashed a smile. “Delicate flower, how about ye bring me one of everything my friend here has.”

“Certainly.” She batted her eyelashes and placed a hand over Jack’s. Rushton had to bite back a smile when he saw how quickly her affections had transferred to Jack who was making a point of watching her walk away. So much so, that she turned and cast a smile at him over her shoulder.

“When will Largot see us?”

“Huh?” Jack was still looking at the barmaid. Rushton popped him in the arm.

“Ow!” he yelped. “What was that for?”

“Are you really so enthralled with a barmaid you have only just met?” He made a face. “If you must know, she was showering me with attention before you got here.”

Jack twisted his mouth. “I see. Ye are jealous!”

Rushton laughed. “Nay. Not in the least. I merely want thee to remain focused on why we are here. We do not need any unnecessary distractions.”

Jack sighed. “Fair enough. Largot was with another customer when I went back to see him. He said that he will send someone to fetch us when he is ready.” He rubbed his hands together and eyed Rushton’s food. “A fortuitous circumstance seeing as how I am starving and would much rather negotiate on a full stomach.”

A short while later, the barmaid returned with Jack’s food. She filled Rushton’s cup with more ale, and the two ate in companionable silence until the food was gone. Now that Rushton’s hunger was satisfied, he suddenly felt very tired. The conversation in the room was mellowing to a warm haze, and he became interested in a game of dice that was taking place at a table next to them. It felt good to divert his attention to something other than his problems. It was when the men started their second round of dice that he felt the eyes, watching them. He looked across the room to where a barmaid was standing in the corner. Her eyes met his for one brief moment, and he was startled by the hate that was radiating from them. She looked about his same age with milky-white skin and thick locks of vivid-red hair. Her features were sharper than Cinderella’s, and she wasn’t nearly as pretty but there was something arresting in her carriage. When she realized he’d caught her staring, she looked away.

Rushton nudged Jack, who was as engaged in the game of dice as he had been a moment ago. “Does Tallia have red hair?”

“What?”

“Tallia, is she a redhead?” he asked, not taking his eyes off the girl for fear that she would disappear.

“She is a brunette.”

“Do you know that maiden?”

“Who?”

“The one staring at us from across the room.”

“Well, as I live and breathe, I never thought I would see the likes of thee around here.” The words were slurred together and wrapped in a sultry tone.

Rushton and Jack turned their attention to the approaching maiden. She was neither portly nor thin but somewhere in between. There was a healthy, robust glow to her round cheeks, and deep dimples formed when she smiled. A sense of merriment lit her eyes, and she was looking at Jack like he was a prize stallion.

“Tallia, my dearest, it has been too long.” Jack stood and gave her a hearty embrace.

Rushton looked across the room for the girl. She was gone. Something about her put him on edge. Why was she glaring at them? A chill ran down his spine. Had she recognized him? Was she eager to collect the reward?

“Allow me to introduce my dear friend, Rushton,” Jack said.

Rushton took Tallia’s hand, raised it to his lips, kissed it, and gave her a curt bow.

Tallia giggled. “Ooh, Jack, ye brought a nobleman to our humble tavern.”

Color crept into Rushton’s face, and he let go of her hand. Jack slapped him on the back. “Aye, but we will not hold that against him.”

Jack turned to Tallia. “I would ask how ye have been, but I can tell from the healthy glow on thy face that tavern life suits thee.”

She lowered her lashes demurely, and looked up at him with mooneyes. “Oh, Jack, how ye do go on.” She put a hand on his arm, resting it there long enough to make Rushton uncomfortable. The last thing they needed was for Largot to get it in for them over his wife.

He nudged Jack who, like an idiot, was gazing into Tallia’s eyes, “Remember, no complications.”

Jack seemed to get control of himself. He coughed and took a step back from Tallia. “We came here to see Largot,” he announced.

Tallia’s face fell. “I figured as much.” She gave Jack a coy look. “I suppose ‘twas foolishness on my part to think ye came back to see me?” The glimmer of hope in her eyes was snuffed out by Jack’s next comment.

“I am sorry, Tallia.” He gave her a fleeting smile before looking away. “What we had together was sublime, but ye are married now. Even I am not daft enough to get tangled up with a married woman,” he finished gently.

The breath seemed to deflate out of her, and then she drew herself up resolutely, her expression stoic. “Ye always were the fool …” she gave him a withering look “… or coward.”

Jack met her glare full on. “Ye do know how to hit a man where it hurts.” He shook his head. “Ye of all people …” He chuckled. “I have not missed thy sharp tongue. I would have thought Largot would have thee tamed into a lady by now, but I suppose ‘tis not possible to make silk from a sow’s ear.”

She slapped him hard.

His hand went to his jaw. “Have not missed that either.” They stood, eyeing one another until Rushton cleared his throat.

Rushton marveled at how quickly Tallia drew herself up, her expression stoic. For a moment, it was almost as if the recent events hadn’t taken place. Here was a woman who’d weathered her share of heartaches over the years. Whatever hurt she felt over Jack was being locked away and forgotten.

“We best not be dawdling,” she said in the crisp, no-nonsense tone of a tavern owner’s wife. “I have come to fetch thee for Largot.” She motioned. “This way.”

E
lle swallowed
the lump in her throat and forced her feet to step forward into the sterile hospital room where Jack was being kept. He looked so fragile, hooked up to all of the hospital equipment. According to Rae, the doctors had performed an emergency surgery on Jack’s brain. They placed him in a medical-induced coma to help aid in the reduction of swelling and to protect the areas of his brain that were at risk. His left femur was fractured, just above the kneecap, so they put his leg in a cast. Also, he had two cracked ribs.

The motorcycle accident kept replaying over and over in Elle’s head, and still the events seemed surreal. Rush was sitting in a chair in the far corner, his head buried in his hands, and Rae was in the chair beside the bed, her face ashen and her lips drawn into a tight line. Worry was etched over her face, and her eyes were puffy from crying. Elle’s heart wrenched at the sight of her. She could only imagine the helplessness and sorrow Rae was experiencing. If it had been Rush lying in that hospital bed, his life hanging by a thread, she didn’t know what she would do.

She stepped up beside the bed, watching Jack. Then her eyes went to the monitor that kept track of his vitals. Finally, she pulled up a chair and sat down beside Rae. “How are you doing?”

“I’m okay,” Rae said tersely, not meeting her eyes.

She sought for the right words, something that would help restore a measure of comfort to Rae. “He’s strong, he’ll pull through this.”

Rae’s lower lip began to tremble as tears streamed down her face. She shot Elle an accusing look. “Why did you lie?”

The bitterness in Rae’s voice sent her reeling, and she had the uncanny impression that the floor was falling out from underneath her. “I … um … what do you mean?”

“I know you weren’t the one driving,” she retorted. “You don’t even know how to drive a bike.” She glared at her with those steely eyes that dared her to tell another lie.

Any response that Elle could’ve given died on her lips, and she looked to Rush for help. He was sitting up in his chair and had suddenly become interested in the conversation. “I told you this was a stupid idea,” he said quietly. “No one’s going to believe that you were driving.”

“Shut up!” she hurled, tears filling her eyes. “Can’t you see I’m trying to help you?”

He locked eyes with her. There was a tender expression on his face. “I know, and it means the world to me, but this is my problem, not yours. I’ll handle it,” he said firmly.

A thick anger coated her throat. “Handle it? You are such a moron! Do you know what will happen to you if Jack doesn’t make it? You’ll be charged with vehicular homicide. This is not your first offense, Rush! You could go to jail! Don’t be stupid!”

He clenched his fist. “I’m being stupid? Really?” He shook his head. “I’m not the one trying to take responsibility for something I didn’t do! You’re the one being stupid!”

“They won’t go as hard on me. I don’t have a prior offense.” She gave him a pleading look. “Let me do this one thing for you,
please
. It wasn’t your fault.”

Rae spun around, her eyes shooting darts. “Not his fault? Of course it was his fault!” Her voice broke. “Jack is lying here—fighting for his life, and all you two are doing is sitting here, worrying about yourselves.” She gave them disgusted looks. “Fine friends you turned out to be,” she said bitterly.

Elle caught hold of her arm. “Rae, we love Jack, and we’re so sorry this happened, but there’s more going on here than you realize.”

Her eyes narrowed into tiny slits. “Try me.”

Elle took a deep breath. “Okay.” She motioned at Rush. “Close the door, would ya?”

He lifted an eyebrow like he might protest.

“Close the door!” she demanded. “And come over here, so I don’t have to yell.”

A minute later, he dragged his chair over to where they were sitting. Elle turned to Rae. “What I’m about to tell you is going to sound crazy, but I want you to hear me out before you say anything.” She paused waiting for Rae to answer. When she didn’t, Elle gave her a frustrated look. “Okay?’’

Rae crossed her arms over her chest. “Okay.”

Where was Adele when she needed her? She could certainly use a bit of magic right about now. Where to begin? She gave Rush a tentative look. “Immediately after the accident, you were rambling on about a dragon.”

His eyes went wide, and he shifted in his seat. “I don’t remember anything about that—”

“Yes, you do,” she cut in. “You need to tell us what happened to you. I promise it’ll make more sense when you hear my side of the story.”

He blew out a defeated breath. “We’d left the music store and were headed to The Chocolate Fountain.” He began rubbing his hands together as he scooted to the edge of his seat and started tapping his foot. “I’m not really sure how to describe what happened … ” He took in a breath, and his expression became pained. “One minute everything was normal, and the next, this black thing … force … this black force slithered around us.”

Rae scrunched up her nose. “Have you completely lost it?”

“No,” Elle countered, keeping her voice even. “He hasn’t. He’s telling the truth.”

Rae shot her a look of disbelief. “And just how do you know that?”

She looked her best friend in the eye, hoping against hope that Rae would believe the sincerity of her words. “Because it happened to me too.”

“I think you’ve both lost it,” Rae said, shaking her head.

Elle turned her attention to Rush. “You were attacked by a shadow crawler.” Before he could argue, she continued. “Do you remember what Edward said over the phone? He and I were also attacked by one that night in the canyon.”

Rae let out a derisive laugh, but Elle ignored her, keeping her attention focused on Rush. “You felt the blackness surrounding you, and then you felt the sensation of being suffocated—a vice around your chest, making it hard to breathe.”

His face had gone pale, and she could tell from the anguish on his face that he’d experienced the same thing.

“That’s what happened, isn’t it?” She willed him to admit it.

He nodded slowly.

“Then, it was as if you were transported somewhere else … to another time.”

“Yes,” he uttered.

“In your case, there was a dragon involved.”

His voice took on a faraway tone. “It was so real. The heat from the dragon’s breath … the paralyzing fear.” Silence settled like a shroud between them, and he caught her eyes, holding them like they were a lifeline. “What is happening to us?” he whispered.

“I don’t have all of the answers, but I know someone who does. Adele.”

Rae let out a half-croak, half-laugh. “Really? Your crazy aunt?” She pressed her fingers into the corners of her eyes. “This is ridiculous! It was an accident.” She lifted her head and looked at Rush. “I know you would never intentionally hurt Jack. You’re the only other person who cares about him almost as much as I do. It was an accident—a horrible accident.”

Elle touched her knee. “Rae, I know it’s hard, but if you’ll just open your mind—”

“Stop it!” she roared, her face blood red. “I don’t want to hear anymore crap about dragons, shadow things, or your crazy aunt!” Elle gave her a sympathetic look to which Rae bristled. “And I don’t need your pity!” she slung through gritted teeth.

The door burst open, and Jack’s dad stepped into the room. He glared at the three of them, his eyes resting on Elle. He pointed a finger at her. “You did this to my son!” he boomed. His large frame towered over them, and he reeked of booze.

The world started to spin as Elle rocked back against the chair, fear fluttering in her breast. She tried to say something, but no words would come.

“I ought to knock you through that wall for what you did!” he continued, his words slurred. He stumbled toward her.

Rush jumped to his feet, his jaw clenched. Elle would later marvel at how fearless Rush was in the face of danger, but now all she could think was that the man was a hulk, and there was a murderous expression on his ruddy face. Even so, Rush was not the least bit cowed. “That’s enough! You don’t care a hoot about Jack! I’ve seen how you live and the way you treat him!”

“How dare you!” The man stepped over to the nearby sink and swiped across the counter, sending the pitcher of water flying through the room where it sloshed up the wall.

This stunned everyone into silence. Jack’s dad gathered himself up and glared at Elle. “I’m gonna get me a lawyer! And I’m gonna sue you and your family for all of the pain and suffering you’ve caused my boy! When I’m done with you, you won’t have a penny left to your name!” His lower lip began to jiggle as tears brimmed in his eyes. “You’d better hope that he lives through this,” he said hoarsely, leaning against the bed for support. “Now, get out! It’s family only!”

R
ushton was surprised
to see that Jack’s previous acquaintance with Largot earned him little more than a ghost of a smile when they entered the room. Largot was big and muscular with closely cropped gray hair that made his blocky head appear nearly square. His steely eyes raked over them—a wolf assessing his prey. The hair on Rushton’s neck stood on ends, and he had to suppress the urge to flee. Largot motioned for them to sit.

“Jack Swift, it has been too long. To what do I owe this honor?” The words seemed to rumble forth from his expansive chest.

“I have a few gold pieces that I need to exchange for crowns, marks, and shillings.”

Largot sat silently, assessing them.

“I have ten gold pieces,” Jack explained.

Largot nodded.

“And what will ye give me in return?”

“One gold piece.”

A thoughtful expression crossed Largot’s features, and he leaned back, stroking his chin. He motioned at Rushton. “What does thy friend here have to say?”

“I speak for us both,” Jack said quickly before Rushton could answer.

Largot frowned.

Rushton leaned forward. “One gold piece is a fair payment,” he said firmly, making eye contact with Largot.

“Is that so?” Largot lifted an eyebrow. “I shall require two gold pieces as payment for exchanging the ten.”

“Robbery!” Jack blurted. “I can’t believe ye have the audacity to treat a family member this way.” He stood and grabbed Rushton’s arm. “Let us go We are done here.”

Largot seemed amused by Jack’s outburst. “The fact that ye are Tallia’s cousin is the sole reason I am even speaking with thee.”

“Sit down, Jack!” Rushton commanded.

“What?” Jack gave him an incredulous look.

“Sit! Now!” Rushton hissed.

Jack sat back down. Rushton looked Largot in the eye. “Agreed.”

Largot nodded. Rushton opened his pouch, counted out twelve gold pieces, and placed them on the table. Largot walked over and retrieved a metal chest. He opened it and began counting out the money for exchange. When he was done, Rushton reached for it, but Largot stopped him. “Not so fast.”

“We made a fair trade,” Rushton said, his hand going to his dagger.

“Aye, we made a trade for the gold exchange, but my silence is going to cost thee a little more.”

“Ye thieving scoundrel!” Jack seethed. “We came here because I believed I could trust thee.”

Largot gave them a cold smile. “Trust is a precious commodity.” He placed a parchment before them. It was a drawing of Rushton with a posted reward, much like the ones they’d seen pinned on the trees in the previous village. “I am a business man. I can be trusted … for a price.”

Rushton’s eyes narrowed. The man was an ox. Even so, he wouldn’t go down without a fight. “What is thy price for silence?” He kept his voice even.

“Seven gold pieces.”

“Hah!” Jack balked.

“Four,” Rushton said, locking eyes with the man.

“Six.”

“Five.”

“Done.”

Rushton released his hold on the dagger. “And we will need a place to stay for the night. We will be gone after first light.”

“Agreed,” Largot said, “but I will need payment for the food and drink ye had in the tavern this night.”

Rushton reached in his pouch for the gold pieces.

Tallia burst into the room. With her was the redheaded girl Rushton saw earlier. Largot stood, his jaw hardening. “What is the meaning of this, wife? I am conducting a business transaction. Ye know better than to interrupt.”

“Aye, husband, I am indeed sorry, but this could not wait.” She pointed at Jack. “Is that him?”

The girl stepped forward. “Aye,” she said, scowling at Jack. “’Tis him. I would recognize that yellow-belly lizard anywhere!”

“Somebody had better tell me what is going on here!” Largot rumbled. He raised his hand to strike Tallia, and she shrank back, shielding her face with her hands.

Jack stood and backed against the wall. “There must be some mistake, for I have never laid eyes on her before this moment.” He looked at Rushton. “She is confusing me with someone else.”

“Liar!” the girl yelled. Her face was contorted with rage. She rushed to get at Jack, but Largot held her back.

“Cease this!” Largot said, glaring at Tallia. “Ye know I do not involve myself with petty quarrels. So, Jack broke another heart.” He let out a husky laugh. “Slap him and be done with it.”

“I could kill you for what you did,” the girl said, balling her fists.

She had fine-boned features and ivory skin that looked almost translucent. Her cheekbones were a little too pronounced, suggesting that she was in need of a hearty meal. Still, she was beautiful in a statuesque, untouchable way. Her unruly red hair resembled flames, flickering around her slender face. There was haughtiness in her expression and a certain bearing about her that spoke of nobility, letting Rushton know that this was no ordinary peasant girl. How had Jack managed to cross paths with her, and what could he possibly have done? Maybe she was confusing him with someone else … he hoped.

Tears sprang to her eyes. “Because of thee, my love, my dear Brindley was blinded. You took everything from me!”

Jack scoffed. “My mother and I were starving! I did what I had to do to save us! How was I supposed to know that hag was going to throw him headfirst out of the tower? Furthermore, thy dear Brindley is a coward. If he truly loved thee he would have stayed and fought for thee.”