1 ROMANCE. SUSPENSE. DECEIT

CHAPTER ONE

A heavy knock sounded on the door causing Nancy to jump out of the seat. Her eyes quickly darted to the clock on the wall. Who could it be at this ungodly hour she thought. With her heart in the throat, she tentatively approached the door. The caller just whisked by her without an invite causing her to give him an incredulous look. How rude! She took a look at him and realized how disheveled he looked. He had bushy hair and beard, tattered clothes with food stains, and no shoes to cover his feet. How did he survive in this cold weather? For a moment she felt pity for the caller. She went to the kitchen and got some coffee brewing with cookies on the side and went upstairs to prepare the room for him. As she opened the door memories hit her as though they presently occurred. Images from six months ago hit her as a tidal wave and tears spilled. She quickly went on to do what she had to do. After attending to the caller she retreated to her room. For some strange reason she felt at ease, not once was she scared of the caller. And with that, she drifted off to a peaceful sleep.

CHAPTER TWO

Nick couldn't believe how lucky he was. Wasn't his hostess scared of him? How could a person invite a stranger without asking questions? He cleaned shaved and had a long bath. Been a while since he had such a warm bath. His mind was cast to that day, a day he hated remembering because all it brought was guilt. He knew he hadn't intended to do it but since then he's not stopped running from his own shadow. He wasn't safe as he had the gang after him. He never wanted to join anyways. They forced and threatened him till he gave in but when he got the opportunity he left.

Nick came down for breakfast. Toast, bacon, and pancakes with black coffee. He sat across his hostess uncomfortably and started to eat. Eventually, the much-awaited talk began. "Nancy" she had introduced herself to be and told him to make himself at home after he told her the truth..well half-truth. He left one very important part out. He was asked to stay away from the guest room for some strange reasons. He couldn't help but be restless. Was she into voodoo? Was she an assassin or an FBI agent? All these thoughts kept running in his mind but somehow he felt he could trust her.

CHAPTER THREE

The house was eerily quiet as though something was wrong. Has Nick bolted with her stuff? She knew she couldn't trust a stranger. What was she thinking? She berated herself as she made her way upstairs. She noticed the guest room had its door ajar. With trepidation, she made her way only to find Nick crouched over peering in her stuff. How dare he!!?

After all alerts and warnings, he still had the temerity to wander in there?. Peering over his shoulders she saw him holding a frame with Pierrce, her late boyfriend smiling widely in it. Tears stung her eyes as they fought for freedom to let out. She snatched the frame from his shaky hands and packed the stuff into the box. It was then she noticed he was crying. Why would he cry? Did he know him? Or he reminded him of someone he had lost too? He brushed past her without a word leaving her alone with the wound which had been cut open again. For hours she let the tears flow.

This was something she hated thinking about, hated talking about. For a moment people thought she'd go deranged but she kept herself pretty well until today when it looked so fresh….

CHAPTER FOUR

Pierrce was supposed to be here by now Nancy thought. If there was one thing he was good at, that was being punctual. He hated being late for functions. This was one quality that won Nancy over. Her mind went over to their first date. He had asked her out for ice cream so informally but he was forty-five minutes early sitting at the high seats with a huge smile plastered on his face….

A knock interrupted her thoughts as she made her way to open up. Finally, he was here! Standing in front of her door was an officer. For no reason, her heart started racing as she ushered him in. After the usual formalities, she was shown a picture which had her boyfriend in it. The words followed" we found him stabbed in the abdomen making him bleed to death"

The next thing Nancy saw was black. Nothing else but black.

She awoke to find her mom and Sheila, her best friend standing by the bed with bloodshot eyes. She knew what was going on but she was just numb. They found chocolates and a bouquet next to the body her mom had said. Who could do this to Pierrce? He was such a sweetheart incapable of hurting a fly.

CHAPTER FIVE

"I quit!" Nick yelled. Cannon just stared at him with anger constricted on his face. He was beside himself with rage but he was always known for staying calm. He stood and left with his entourage leaving Nick all by himself. The rule said once in forever in and there was no going back. Cannon formed the gang after his father was murdered. He was a dangerous criminal but cannon thought otherwise. He vowed to go on a killing spree and money hunt just to avenge his father's death. Nick on the other hand joined because he needed shelter and a family to call his own. After more cajoles he finally gave in. After bloodshed upon bloodshed, he finally decided to leave. He couldn't take it anymore. At midnight he fled, avoiding the men on duty and hiding when necessary. With his heart in his mouth, he escaped. He knew he'd forever be a hunted man but he was willing to cope no matter the cost.

CHAPTER SIX

This was his chance, Nick thought. He had no money and no food and he was hungry. A little scare he thought and he would have what he wanted. The gentleman had a plastic bag and flowers in his hands. He had such beautiful and kind eyes and he kept humming to himself. From his hurried steps it looked to Nick he had somewhere important to be. He crossed the gentleman who jumped a bit. There was obvious fear in his eyes. He held onto the flowers tightly as he looked at his attacker.' your wallet..give me your wallet' Nick yelled.

Sirens could be heard some blocks away and in panic, Nick stabbed the man in his abdomen and took off with his wallet. Guilt and shame weighed heavily on him as he fled for his life. The very thing he fought Cannon for. He had just left a man to bleed to death.

CHAPTER SEVEN

The note said, "flee for Cannon is searching desperately for you". He knew well not to take it lightly. How did the sender put the note here without his notice?. How was his hideout detected?. This caused fear to creep into his heart. Without much hesitation, he fled constantly looking behind his shoulders.

He panicked at the slightest movement and became suspicious of his environment. He hardly slept and hardly spoke to people. The town folks also murmured whenever he passed which exactly did not help matters.

It was in the wee hours of the night when Nick saw shadows in the dark. He quickly pulled his gun and hid behind the walls. He almost pulled the trigger when he recognized Tyrone, a gang member who hated Cannon but couldn't fight because he owed him big time. He was panting and could hardly speak.'Cannon…run..he is almost here' Nick nodded his appreciation and fled. He ran till his legs could carry him no more. He stopped to catch his breath. That's when he noticed one house with its lights on. He quickly made his way to the door.

CHAPTER EIGHT

A beautiful lady opened the door but this was no time to feast on beauty. There were hounds of wolves hunting him down. He whisked past her and settled in her sofas covered in dirt. He felt a tinge of guilt as he saw the plush sofas and carpet. He noticed the lady looking perplexed and incredulously at him. He lowered his eyes and noticed the lady busily fixing something for him. This is the first time in ages he ate a meal as sumptuous as this. He ate hungrily and the lady looked at him with sympathy and amusement...

Nancy came down the stairs to meet him with a tear-stained face. Her eyes were puffy and Nick hated himself for hurting her. Being with her for a while had made him grow quite fond of her. He always eagerly expected her to return from work and was ever ready to listen to her whining. He loved her soft giggles and soft eyes. The other man was lucky but he tore them apart. Regret and shame tugged at his heart as memories of that fateful day rushed in his mind.

CHAPTER NINE

'Pierrce Reynolds..that was his name. He died on our 1000th date' she made a soft chuckle. Nick smiled at that. There was that glow in her eyes. She must have loved him..' the police said they found him lying in a pool of blood with my chocolates and bouquet. He was so innocent and thoughtful and sweet and calm and kind..who could have done that to him and why? 'a tear slipped down. Nick just hugged her without saying a word. He rubbed her back and hummed to her and she started to feel relaxed. He released her and headed for the kitchen to fix dinner for both of them…

They watched the popular show together, it was about families that competed in a culinary contest for $100,000,000. She would make funny comments and laugh at the right places. She was involved in it with so much childlikeness. He stared at her and his heart melted. This was what he always wanted when he was with the gang. He wanted them to drink beer over a bonfire and crack jokes and tell stories about women and travels…

CHAPTER TEN

Sheila had called for the hundredth time. Nancy knew she was in trouble when she heard voices in the hallway. Her best friend was impossible but she was a darling. She heard her secretary get grilled by sheila and she felt bad for it. She knew Mirinda was simply following orders because she had ordered her not to let anyone in. she needed a moment to herself. After Pierrce's funeral, she just caved in and let the world slip by. Her mom realized this and handed the family business over to her just to get her busy. The door opened and revealed her angry best friend. She stood to hug her friend who was beside herself with rage." girl what's going on? You haven't been picking my calls, you don't reply to my texts and you always give me excuses when I wanna come over. Your mom is worried sick about you". Nancy bit her lips and sighed. She knew Sheila was going to probe further if she didn't come up with something soon or worse, emotionally blackmail her. This girl would be the death of her. She pulled a seat for her and walked over to hers.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Sheila was reeling with shock. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. How could her best friend hold out on her with so many gists? She was following her home and that was that. She was itching to see the man her best friend was drooling over. Her eyes stung with tears as she couldn't help but get happy for her friend. The last time she smiled this much was when she was with Pierrce. He must be very handsome she thought for Nancy never fell this easily. She was going to wait till the right moment to alert her.

Nick was surprised when he saw Sheila with nancy. Nancy smiled apologetically noticing the surprise on his face. Before anyone could say anything Sheila extended her hand to Nick introducing herself .." I've heard so much about you. Nancy buried her face in her palms in embarrassment. Nick raised an eyebrow and gave a low whistle making Nancy turn red. He was a good man Sheila knew though she sensed he's had a troubled past.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Dinner went smoothly. The conversations were real and the laughter was natural. Nancy was glad everyone was happy. Her friend was a bit extra she dreamed she'd give Nick a hard time. Nick must have made an impression on her because she never went easy on people well except her..well sometimes. Sheila's phone beeped with many texts which made her quite jumpy. Nancy looked at her friend with concern. Was something bothering her? knowing Sheila she never opened up. She preferred fighting her battles. The last beep and she stood to leave. She hurried to the door and Nancy followed suit. They exchanged pleasantries and parted ways. Nancy made it to the table and to find Nick had stopped eating. He usually ate everything and Nancy found this disturbing. Was it something she did or was he pretending to like Sheila?" she's been abused..your friend I mean. She's been abused by a man, maybe her father or husband or boyfriend'. Nancy's throat dried up suddenly for she was taken aback. Sheila lived with her boyfriend so that ruled out the other options. Greg won't do that or would he? He was gentle and helpful or was it all pretense and why hadn't Sheila said anything so far?

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Nancy tossed in her bed. She still couldn't believe what Nick had said at dinner about Sheila. Her best friend was outspoken and exudes strength or was it all a facade?.No! Sheila wouldn't accept that plus Greg was too nice a guy to do that but Nick sounded resolute. She was ready to call it a night when a call came through. The call showed Sheila and this made her instantly sit up in bed. She answered to find Sheila sobbing hysterically. she could make out other voices and that was Greg's. She quickly threw something on and went to find Nick. In no time they were in a car to Xylem where sheila lived…

Nick drove very fast. His face was hard and Nancy could tell he was fighting so hard to relax. She could also tell he had a personal experience but it was best not to ask. She was dead worried but she tried to keep calm. They arrived shortly and Nancy shot out the car. She was met with a horrible sight. There were glasses shattered everywhere and clothes strewn all over. Nick found Sheila by the sofa barely breathing with cuts over her and whip marks. Her eyes were swollen and almost turning black." WHERE'S THAT BASTARD!!!?'Nick bellowed. Sheila pointed upstairs to indicate where Greg was.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Nick climbed the stairs, three, at a go. He was shaking with fear Nancy feared he'd do something stupid. He beat Greg to pulp and she couldn't help but feel sorry for him though he deserved it. Nick had arrived just in time to find him dressing up to leave the house. According to Sheila, Greg had gotten pissed off because she arrived home late. He slapped her so hard she feared her neck would snap and when she attempted to leave Greg had gone berserk- breaking glasses and punching mirrors and finally descending on her. That was the first time Nancy had seen Nick angry and she was pretty surprised yet scared. Was that what he did anytime he got angry or there was more to it? They rushed Sheila to the hospital. Nancy cried all the way and Nick was still angry. He thought hard and some memories he had tried hard to let go of came tugging at his mind. He just couldn't forgive this imbecile, this coward who couldn't face his equal but a woman...

Nancy stepped out to take in the fresh air. How did life get this complicated? It was always one drama after another; it never ended. She was cut off her reverie when Nick cleared his throat beside her, smiling. It felt to Nancy it's been a while since he did. She liked the view. This was what she was accustomed to.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

The stars were beautifully outlined this night, a compensation for the horror they had witnessed earlier. Nick thought he owed Nancy an apology and he knew a simple sorry wouldn't cut it. So he leaned closer and took her hands...

"My dad always hit mom at the slightest provocation and each time she'd apologize even if dad started it. She was a sweet woman who loved her family to death. Cassie, my little sister ran from home because she couldn't stand the troubles at home..*scoffs*...I wanted to do the same, but I just couldn't leave mother in the hands of that monster. His voice grew shaky and his eyes grew watery. Nancy could feel a bigger side to this story was coming. She cupped his face and smiled. This is all the encouragement he needed. He smiled back and continued.." one afternoon I came back from basketball practice to meet dad over mom. The bastard had strangled her to death. The idiot was smiling, happy. The one time I left mom alone she died. So I called the police to pick him up.Swears* I wanted to end him that way but I knew that's not what mom would have wanted. My world collapsed Nancy..it did. That was how I knew Sheila was being abused". Nancy couldn't believe her ears. She hugged him and comforted him just like he did the last time.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Sheila had been discharged and was living with Nancy...after Nancy had threatened to stop being her friend if she didn't. It was time Sheila learned to accept help from people she thought. Nick tried his best to care for her and this warmed Nancy's heart...

Her thoughts were all over the place. This was the fourth time she was reading through the documents. Her mind kept drifting off to home, to Nick. She hadn't stopped thinking about him for a week now. Sheila had brought it up but she vehemently denied it even though she blushed. She didn't want anything to do with him she reminded herself. Why was her heart saying otherwise?. She loved Pierrce and promised not to let him go. She couldn't possibly replace him with Nick...After she was convinced that productivity was going to be zero should she attempt to look at those documents one more time she took her keys and drove home? She found Sheila and Nick watching her favorite show. They sat close, way too close Nancy thought. She headed upstairs without a word which got Nick alarmed. He attempted to follow her but Sheila offered to go instead.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Sheila had told her she was tripping. She had been angry at both of them for watching the show without her. Sheila had simply laughed and said she was jealous which she strongly denied even making Sheila laugh harder. She hated Sheila for the ability to see through her. When she tried hard to show people she was holding up after the funeral, Sheila walked to her and hugged her, and encouraged her to let it all out. She was the only one who saw right through the act of strength…

Now she was mulling over what her best friend had said. How was she to tell Nick that she loved him? Sheila had also said Nick loved her back. Did they talk or she noticed it? She said Nick looked at her affectionately and with longing in his eyes. How did she not see it...

She sighed. This was all too much. A part of her wanted to hold onto Pierrce, to mourn him a little longer. Another part wanted to give Nick a chance, to give herself a chance to love again.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

It was a sunny Tuesday. Nancy called Mirinda to handle things at the office as she wasn't showing up. Nick had proposed on the weekend so she decided to stay home and spend time with him. She was cheerier than normal and twirled down. She had almost forgotten how it felt to be happy again. Sheila noticed the glow and knew what had happened. She gave Nick a wink and headed to the kitchen to make breakfast.

A knock sounded in between breakfast. Nancy stood to open when he saw a stout man with a calm demeanor but cruel eyes. He pointed a gun at her and pushed her in. Her mind stopped working for a brief moment as shock registered on her face. What in heaven's name was happening she thought. With the gun on her head, she walked inside. Nick instantly jumped out of his seat when he noticed Cannon. Fear crept into his heart. He wasn't going to lose Nancy nor Sheila for it was his mistake. Cannon motioned for them to sit, his gun still pointed at his prey.

He was enjoying the look on their faces and he never felt proud at that moment.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Tears poured down Nancy's face. She couldn't believe Nick murdered Pierrce. He had explained what happened but the thought of Nick murdering someone beat her mind. Her heart was conflicted as it fought to mourn one and forgive the other yet still. She stood heading for her room. Cannon feeling a sense of victory left the bewildered victims back to his base humming all the way through. He had never felt this happy, this alive.

Nick headed upstairs to meet Nancy crying hysterically. His heart broke seeing her cry that much because of him, the one thing he promised never to do. He just hoped she didn't hate him and that he could turn back the hands of time. Nancy looked up to him with a blank expression. All she could think about was the lie and the silence. Nick had been with her for six months and during those times all he did was lie and be silent about his crime. He took away the very thing that made meaning to her. If there was any consolation, that was Pierrce could finally Rest In Peace.

CHAPTER TWENTY

Sheila hugged her when she got home. There was no sight of Nick and her heart sank. Sheila noticing her demeanor spoke for the very first time since the incident." he turned himself in. He reported the matter to the police and according to them he's likely to serve for 20 years since he came out clean...he's a good man babe, no matter what happened. Forgive him and love him as you should'...Sheila finished. Nancy shuddered and hugged her friend. She held on tight not wanting to let go. She felt so light, alone, and afraid. She feared that her friend too would leave her. Sheila held her tightly stroking her hair till she relaxed…

Nancy found herself at the police station the next morning. Nick was called to meet her and his heart sank. He looked tired, his eyes sunk in its socket and it was obvious he had shed a few tears. She ran to hug him which reminded her of how much she had missed him. After a long hug, Nick apologized and explained why he did what he did. He also stated the reason he reported himself. Nancy forgave him and left for her home hoping love would find her one day or that Nick would come soon.

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