Page 35 of The Silence of Hell

Aunt Aggie wanted me to stay close because something had to be protected there. What, though, was the question? I bit my lip as I considered the lost jewellery. And then I recalled the library, not that we could get into it, but that also had rare books. What about the portraits in the long gallery? They couldn’t be seen right now, but were they by masters? The puzzle just got even deeper as I realised Aunt Aggie required me to remain for a reason.

Chatter pulled over, and I swung off the bike. He’d parked in a layby, and I could see out across the Black Hills; it was stunning country.

“What are you thinking?” he asked.

“That I’m inadequate for the job. But I shouldn’t have been. I clearly should have been raised in this life, and that makes me cringe. Because if I’d grown up accustomed to this wealth, how different would I have been? And I like who I am,” I stated.

“That is honest.”

“Yep, that’s me, honest to a T. But would I be a different person now? How do I handle this money when it’s beyond my comprehension?”

“I know a woman, Phoenix. She’s a sister. She came into a lot of money. Might be worth you two chatting?”

“Phoenix was normal, like me?”

“Yup. And still is. I’ll get her to come and visit.”

“That would be great, thank you. There’s also the fact that I am missing something important. There’re things we’ve not considered,” I said and told him about the jewellery and rare books, etcetera.

Chatter nodded thoughtfully. “No jewellery doesn’t make sense.”

“I’m sure Aunt Aggie showed me some heirloom pieces that were brought from England.”

“Which means, Lavender, you’ve got stuff missing.”

“Yes. There are secret rooms and passageways. I know the location of some. But I can’t get to them because of the things crammed into rooms. And I need to visit Ravenberry’s library. There’s something in there that’s very important,” I mused.

The Bloodsworth Journal. I needed to get my hands on it.

“You’ve thought of something,” Chatter surmised.

“A family secret, but yes,” I replied.

“Wow, a family secret you know about!”

“Astounding, isn’t it?” I turned to his bike. “That’s a different one from what you had earlier.”

“Brothers in Rage MC have a thing about their bikes. They only put their old ladies on the back of them or a woman they’re serious about,” Chatter said with a brief glance at the Harley. “I wouldn’t put you on mine, it would send the wrong message. That’s one we lend out at the garage.”

That felt like a physical slap, and I flinched. Wow! Talk about drum it in. He didn’t want a real relationship with me. Just one with an expiry date.

Fuck this. My gut twisted on itself. Chatter deemed me unworthy of a gamble. That was his problem. Not mine.

“Can you take me home?” I said, yanking on my helmet.

Chatter looked surprised. “What’s wrong? I was only explaining why I changed bikes.”

“Bullshit. You were drumming it into my skull that I’m enough to fuck and date for six months, but long term… yeah, I don’t rate that. Take me home.”

“That isn’t what—”

“That’s exactly what you said. Good enough to screw, keep a secret, and date occasionally, but not enough for a relationship. Just shut up, Chatter. I am done with insults and shocks today. Take me home,” I demanded and stood by his bike.

Chatter sent me a look, but I ignored him as he swung his leg over, and I climbed up behind him. His phone beeped, and he glanced down at it.

“Fanatic wants to see you at the clubhouse,” he growled out.

“Fine.”

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