Heart of Bone: A gripping novel of psychological suspense, page 11
Two figures, one male, the other female, were walking through a forest, a small dog following them. Sunlight sparkled in a puddle, and fallen leaves carpeted the ground. The hint of love between the couple hung like a promise in the air.
Greer stared at the sketch, speechless. Nathan was being too modest. For somebody who had never tried art before, it was extraordinary. In her opinion, anyway.
‘You don’t like it.’ Nathan sounded hurt.
‘You’re wrong. This is brilliant. Amazingly talented.’
He looked pleased. ‘That sketchpad I bought is nearly full now.’
‘Tom loved to draw. As a kid, he was always messing around with crayons.’
‘That’s not the only weird thing that’s happened. I’ve had some really intense dreams. In them, I’m running through a park or along a beach. Wind in my hair, adrenaline rushing through me. I feel incredibly alive. I’ve always disliked running. But now I’m itching to experience that buzz in real life.’
He gave a rueful grin. ‘Not that I can right now, of course. Too soon after the transplant. But one day I will.’
Greer pushed back her chair. ‘Would you excuse me? Back in a minute.’ Before he could answer, she rushed towards the toilets.
Once in the ladies’, she hurried into a cubicle, locked the door and leaned against it. Sobs welled up inside her from deep within. Greer’s heart pounded so hard she feared it might burst.
Tom had been a keen runner. Hadn’t some transplant patients she’d researched also experienced vivid dreams? Ones that mirrored the lives of their organ donors. Now Nathan was dreaming about running.
This was huge.
Monumental.
Proof that cellular memory existed.
She really ought to get back to Nathan. What if he had more instances he wanted to share?
Greer wiped the tears from her cheeks, then made her way back into the restaurant. As she slid into her seat, she noticed a leather folder near her setting. Nathan, it appeared, had requested the bill.
He pushed back his chair. ‘I need the toilet, too. I was waiting until you returned.’
After he’d gone, Greer settled the bill, despite being aghast at the total. Her bank balance could ill afford another such hit, but she mustn’t be petty. It was only money, and Nathan’s revelation had given her such joy. He could pick up the tab the next time.
Greer studied Nathan as he returned to their table. The more she looked at him, the more she saw similarities between him and Tom—his smile, the look in his eyes, the cast of his mouth. After the horror of his death, and Rose’s disappearance, she could be a mother again. Or as close as she’d ever get, anyway. Life often kicked you in the teeth, but sometimes handed you a bouquet.
Nathan stood up. ‘I’ll see you back to your hotel.’
They walked the mile or so to where Greer was staying, the air around them chilly. Nathan trudged along, occasionally needing to catch his breath, but insisted he was okay. He waved away Greer’s offer of help. ‘I’m much better than I was,’ he said with a smile. ‘The exercise is good for me.’
Greer pulled open the door and stepped into the entrance lobby, Nathan behind her. The receptionist eyed her warily, clearly about to enforce the ‘no visitors’ rule. Screw that. Greer yearned to hear Tom’s heart now. She’d waited too long already.
She pulled Nathan out of sight beneath the stairwell and placed her hands on his shirt. This was a public place, but so what? Nobody could see them. Greer smiled at Nathan, sure he wouldn’t refuse. ‘Do you mind if I listen to Tom’s heart again?’
Nathan nodded, but his expression seemed strained. ‘Go ahead.’
Her fingers trembling, Greer unbuttoned Nathan’s shirt, then laid her head against his smooth chest, her eyes closed. Ah, there it was: the strong, soothing rhythm of Tom’s heart. Greer wound her arms around Nathan’s torso, pressing closer to that wonderful sound. If only she could remain there forever.
Strong hands gripped her. Why was Nathan pushing her away?
‘I have to go,’ he said. ‘We’ll get together again soon, I promise.’
‘Can’t we grab a quick coffee somewhere?’
‘Sorry, no. I’ll be in touch, okay?’ Nathan made for the door, a smile on his face, but it seemed forced. What had she done wrong? Been too needy, perhaps? This was all new to him; she mustn’t rush it.
Greer hurried upstairs to her room and fixed herself a cappuccino. It was as she had hoped; her beloved Tom was returning to her. Through Nathan, he was drawing, expressing his love of running, indulging his sweet tooth. What other cellular memory incidents might Nathan experience over the coming days and weeks? There had to be a limit to the influence it might exert. Or did there? Hope burned hot in Greer’s heart.
Thank God she hadn’t tried to kill herself. The thought was abhorrent now. Finding Nathan had changed everything.
There seemed no point in searching for whoever had broken Tom’s heart. Besides, what could she do apart from yelling at him? No, she’d do better to concentrate on her relationship with Nathan. The man whom she might—one day—love the way she’d done Tom.
That night, as Greer fell asleep hugging her son’s sweatshirt, her mind was on Nathan, not Tom.
CHAPTER 37
By the time Greer finished breakfast the next morning, she’d formulated a plan. It would be foolish to burn her bridges so soon, but her long-term goal was to move to Birmingham to be close to Nathan. A fresh start was in order.
She set her plate and mug in the sink. As she did so, her mobile pinged with a message from an unknown number. When Greer opened it, she found Isla Taylor was the sender.
Nathan tells me he’s seen you again. Stop hassling him. Stay away from my son.
The old witch must have got Greer’s number from Nathan’s phone. Any rudeness, and she’d find herself blocked from Greer’s pretty damn quickly.
Her fingers flew over her screen. Why should I? Nathan’s a grown man. He can see whoever he wants. Back off and leave us alone.
The ‘us’ felt so good. She and Nathan together, with Isla the outsider.
Don’t lecture me about how to behave. Nathan’s my son, not yours.
Yeah, right. Biologically, yes, but otherwise? Nope. Greer’s bond with Nathan would, over time, strengthen and deepen. No wonder Isla was jealous. Greer didn’t bother replying. Instead, she switched on her laptop and navigated to the Airbnb website.
Her goal was to find a short-term let close to Nathan. Greer soon spotted a fully furnished one-bedroom flat a mere two streets away. The same price as her hotel, but much roomier. She’d need to raid her meagre funds, but she wouldn’t be there long. Once she and Nathan grew closer, she’d look for a suitable property to buy. A studio apartment, perhaps, funded by the sale of her home in Bristol. In the meantime, she’d rent her house out.
Greer reserved and paid for a month at the flat, making a considerable dent in her savings. She stretched out on the bed, a smile of satisfaction on her face. Everything was coming together nicely.
Her data entry job must go, of course. She’d worry about money later. Greer tapped out a quick email to her boss. Sorted.
Beth would say she was being impulsive, not thinking straight, etc. Well, Greer wasn’t answerable to Beth Randall. She had nothing to keep her in Bristol. Her future lay in Birmingham and a fresh start with Nathan.
Maybe with Jessica Taylor too.
Greer had only met the young woman briefly, but she’d liked her. If Nathan was becoming Tom, might Jessica step into Rose’s shoes?
Jessica seemed shy, sweet, self-effacing. Eager to help Nathan, even though the two of them didn’t get on. Isla clearly hadn’t created a happy, cohesive family unit. Well, Greer would change all that. She’d be a surrogate mother to Jessica and Nathan, and to hell with Isla Taylor.
THE FOLLOWING MORNING, Greer checked into the Airbnb apartment, then drove back to Bristol to collect more clothes and personal items. Once she’d packed two more suitcases, she called a local estate agent who also handled rentals. Time to implement the next phase of her plan.
CHAPTER 38
Beth steered her car into her driveway and turned off the engine. Her gaze strayed towards Greer’s house. Who was the woman with the elegantly coiffured hair, smart suit and high heels, chatting with Greer on her doorstep?
The woman shook Greer’s hand, then walked towards a white car parked outside Greer’s house. The sign-writing on the side proclaimed, in bold black letters, ‘Kingswood’s Premier Estate Agents—Your Key To A New Home’.
Wait, was Greer thinking of moving? And where to?
Beth hung back until the woman had driven away, then hurried up the driveway to press Greer’s buzzer. The moment the door opened, she pounced. ‘You’re selling your house? Why?’
Greer looked taken aback, and a little annoyed. ‘Hello to you too, Beth.’
Beth forced a smile. ‘I’m sorry. Please forgive my bad manners. As well as my insatiable nosiness.’
To her relief, Greer laughed. ‘You want to come in?’
The smell of cleaning fluid and polish hit Beth the minute she stepped over the threshold. In the living room, everything was tidy, but with a noticeable absence of any personal touches. The photos of Tom, of Rose—all gone.
Greer sat on the sofa and waved Beth towards an armchair. ‘I’m not selling,’ she said. ‘Not yet, anyway. But I am going to rent the house out. I’ve taken a short-term let in Birmingham. So I can be closer to Nathan.’
‘But you haven’t even met him.’
‘You’re wrong. He’s a wonderful young man. So grateful to Tom.’ Greer’s hands fidgeted in her lap; she wasn’t looking at Beth. ‘He wants us to spend time together. Eventually, I’ll sell this house and buy somewhere in Birmingham.’
What in the world was Greer thinking? A move to Birmingham was an insane idea, especially so soon.
Time to reason with her. ‘Are you sure this is wise?’
Annoyance crossed Greer’s expression. ‘Don’t tell me how to live my life, Beth.’
‘I’m worried about you, that’s all.’
‘Well, don’t be. I’m a grown woman. I can make my own decisions.’ The sharpness in Greer’s tone delivered a stern rebuke.
Beth nodded, albeit reluctantly. ‘My son and my daughter-in-law live in Birmingham. I often stay with them. Could we keep in touch? I know you think I’m overstepping the mark, but I’d like us to stay friends. Please, Greer.’
Greer pursed her lips. ‘As long as you don’t meddle in my life. I know what I’m doing.’
Beth disagreed, but what choice did she have? ‘I’ll let you know when I’m next in Birmingham. Maybe we can meet for coffee.’ Interfering she may be, but Beth intended to keep a close eye on Greer. Her obsession with Nathan Taylor was heading into dangerous waters.
CHAPTER 39
Greer glanced around Nathan’s flat. Here she was, spending time with him again, and wasn’t it wonderful? Nathan was in the kitchen, opening a bottle of wine. The chink of glasses on the marble worktop reached Greer’s ears.
She walked over to the archway that led to Nathan’s galley kitchen. ‘Done any more drawings?’
He appeared in the gap, a glass in one hand. ‘Loads. It’s like the urge to draw has taken me over.’
‘Can I see them?’
He shook his head. ‘I threw them away. Wasn’t sure they were any good.’
‘You’re too hard on yourself. That one you showed me was excellent.’
‘Thank you. That means a lot.’ He walked back into the kitchen. ‘Lunch won’t be long.’
‘Spinach, mushroom and garlic tagliatelle,’ Nathan announced as he set a steaming plate before Greer a few minutes later. ‘It’s strange, but I’ve been fancying lots of pasta recently.’
Another of Tom’s favourite meals. How amazing was that? Cellular memory was real, all right. ‘It smells delicious. Did it take long to make?’
Nathan laughed. ‘I’m useless in a kitchen. This came from a local deli.’
They ate in a companionable silence. Dessert was cherry cheesecake; Tom would have approved. Nathan pulled pills and capsules from his plastic dispenser without looking at them. ‘Bloody medication,’ he said when he noticed Greer watching him. ‘No idea what half of these do, or which one’s which. They keep me alive, though. Without the immunosuppressants, my body would spiral into rejection mode pretty damn quick.’
Greer shuddered. No way could she allow that to happen, not when her Tom was bringing about such wonderful changes. Nathan must have noticed her sombre expression, because he laughed, reaching across the table to squeeze her arm. ‘Don’t look so worried. I never miss a dose, despite not knowing what I’m taking. Too much at stake. I’ll make us some coffee.’
Once he’d gone, Greer crossed the room to the desk under the window that served as Nathan’s home office. He’d mentioned he was easing back into his sales manager role via remote working, just a few hours a day, which didn’t sit well with Greer. He should rest, not fret about keeping his boss happy.
She rummaged through Nathan’s waste bin but only found rubbish. No drawings. A disappointment, but perhaps he had emptied the bin recently.
Nathan had just brought Greer her coffee when the doorbell buzzed. He pulled a face. ‘Bet you that’s Mum. I told her you were coming for lunch, but she obviously didn’t listen. Actually, that’s probably why she’s here. Wants to run you out of town.’ He smiled, but his expression lacked humour.
Nathan walked into the hallway. Greer heard him yank open the front door. Seconds later, Isla’s voice sounded in the flat.
Greer prepared herself for battle. Isla wasn’t and never would be any friend of hers.
Isla strode into the living room and stopped short when she saw Greer. ‘What are you doing here?’
‘Mum! Don’t be so rude. You know exactly why Greer’s here. Have you forgotten what her son did for me?’ Nathan sat back at the table, not offering his mother a seat. She took one anyway.
‘Hello, Isla.’ Greer pasted a false smile on her face. ‘It’s so nice to see you again.’
Isla’s expression could have cut glass. ‘You’re right,’ she said to Nathan, before switching her attention to Greer. ‘I apologise for my bad manners. But you need to understand that Nathan’s transplant was a huge emotional upheaval. Once the hospital discharged him, we wanted to get on with our lives without reminders of the operation.’
‘I don’t feel that way anymore,’ Nathan said. He walked round to stand behind Greer, placing his hands on her shoulders. Their warmth penetrated her thin blouse. Greer’s eyes closed momentarily in bliss. When she opened them, the full glare of Isla’s hostility hit her square on.
‘I owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Greer and her son,’ Nathan continued. ‘She’s welcome here anytime. We’re forging a genuine connection.’ He shot a sly, almost triumphant glance at his mother.
Really, it was hard not to gloat. For Nathan to take Greer’s side against Isla boded well.
She smiled at Isla. ‘We’ve seen each other several times. Lunches out, meals here. Didn’t he tell you?’
Isla’s mouth twisted in a sneer. ‘Maybe he didn’t think it was important.’
Damn this wretched woman and her spite. She’d come back later, once Isla had gone. Time for a lie. ‘I need to leave. There’s somewhere I have to be.’
‘Really? What a shame.’ Isla didn’t bother to keep the smirk off her face. Greer longed to slap the bitch.
She stood up, addressing Nathan. ‘I’ll call you tonight. We’ll get together again soon, okay?’ From her peripheral vision, she spotted Isla’s expression turn sour. Well, two could play at her game.
‘That will be great. I’ll see you out.’ Nathan followed Greer into the hallway. Once he’d opened the door, Greer hugged him. Their relationship was going much better than she’d dared hope; a move to Birmingham was definitely on the cards. She allowed her head to rest against Nathan’s shirt, and there it was: the sweet lub-dub of Tom’s heart, beating strong and sure.
Isla appeared in the doorway. Her expression turned even more vinegary, if that was possible. ‘Oh, you’re still here? I’ll put on some fresh coffee for us, Nathan.’ With that, she disappeared into the kitchen.
Greer gently disengaged herself. Had it been up to her, she’d have stayed there all day.
Nathan glanced behind him. ‘Call me tonight, okay?’ His voice was louder than normal, clearly meant for Isla to hear.
Greer kissed his cheek. ‘I will.’
After Nathan closed the door, she hurried down the stairs. She’d just stepped into the lobby when footsteps clattered down the steps. Greer stopped, turned around. Isla stood behind her.
Anger dominated the other woman’s face. She grabbed Greer’s arm, hard enough to bruise. ‘Listen here. While I’ll always be grateful for the donation of your son’s heart, I don’t like the way you’re monopolising Nathan. Do I have to remind you he’s still not well? You’re not doing him any good, pestering him all the time.’
Greer shrugged, signalling to Isla: See? I’m not so easily riled up by your pathetic comments. She smiled. ‘Jealous, are we? Has Nathan told you he feels closer to me than he does to you?’
Hurt replaced the anger in Isla’s expression. ‘I won’t deny it’s upsetting that he’s seen so much of you. Like I said when we first met, we’re not close. He’s my child, though, and I’ll always watch out for him. I’ve been there through the bad times with his father, the diagnosis of his heart problems, then the transplant. You weren’t.’
Rage flared in Greer. With difficulty, she shook Isla off. ‘My husband was a bastard, too. He denied me my daughter, left me to raise my son alone. And, lady, your boy is still alive. Mine isn’t.’
‘I love Nathan,’ Isla said. ‘But I don’t particularly like him. He’s quite the woman-hater. Actually, that’s unfair. Nathan loathes most people, male or female. Stay away from him. I’m saying this for your own good.’
