Curse Bound

Prologue

Icouldn’t possibly guess how much could change when I returned to my childhood home on the Island.

Chapter 1

My dearest Tabs.

How I wish I wasn't writing this letter. I'd far rather have been there, by your side, when you go home. For home it is. The best home we've ever known.

There is so much to tell you, and yet, how do I even begin?

My sweet daughter, you lit my life from the moment you were laid in my arms.

Everything you did caused me unending delight and pleasure. I don't want to say goodbye, but the doctors have told me honestly, my time is short.

I need to tell you so much!

Our family has a long and proud history of sight…

Istared at the missive. Strangely, it all made sense, while memories long buried in my psyche rose up. Images of my mother, sick with her fingers curled and a look in her eye which frightened me as a child. I gave a tiny shake even now, remembering her eyes. I glanced back down to the paper splotched with salty water that dribbled and dripped. Another tear fell to join those on the lined paper.

I dropped it to the wooden tabletop and sat, numb.

At twenty-three, I was alone.

My hand curled around the glass of wine, and I dashed the tears from my face.

I'd rather you were here, Daddy. I'd rather you guided me and not left some stupid bit of paper telling me I have to complete some stupid family quest! I ended on a scream, then dropped my head to the tabletop. Not even midday and you're talking to yourself. Great start to the next part of your life, Tabs.

There is one task though, something I urge you to take seriously lest you never find your own deep and abiding love. The one I never found. As was the case for my mother and my grandfather. Neither was happy with their choice of partners.

Suddenly, I didn't want the wine. I didn't want the silence of this house. I shoved from the table; the chair overturning and I whirled, ready to hurry from the house when something—someone—stopped me in my tracks. Who the…? I couldn’t believe the sight before me.

A sad woman, pale and transparent, pinned me with her eyes.

It felt surreal, like I’d walked into some kind of weird television series. Who are you? I demanded, the entire time wondering what the hell was going on. Was I hallucinating?

"Michael is lost, as am I. We need you. Only with your assistance can we be free."

I glanced around looking to see if there was some kind of projection, sure at any second, someone would dive out and screech, You’ve been punked. I even tried waving my hand through the hologram, but I slid through the image. Nothing shone, and I shivered.

Are you a ghost? I felt downright stupid for my comment. My stomach plummeted as the air around me seemed to freeze. Who are you and what do you want?

A sad smile flitted over the — and here I hesitated to consider the word — ghost’s face.

I am Alice and you must find the Captain. My love, Michael.

The frozen cube of ice that was presently my belly wobbled. I wouldn’t know where to start.

Finding Michael is the key. Find him and give us both peace. She raised a hand and seemed to fade before my gaze.

Wait!

She smiled sadly. There isn't much I can tell you, except beware those who will drag you from the path. There are those who will tempt and lie. The very demons of hell.

Demons? I scoffed, and she brushed her hand across her sad eyes.

You don't remember yet, and this too will dull in your memory, but soon. Someone will come and they will help you see clearly. Then she wavered from view and disappeared.

I shook my head. No, I told myself and hunted the corners of the room, but the reality slammed hard into me. I've just had a conversation with a ghost. One who needs my help. Either I need medical care, or I need to find the answers.

Chapter 2

Bags were packed haphazardly into my car, and I was backing away all within an hour. I knew the ferry was due by mid-afternoon and it would take time to navigate my way back to the main track.

In my head, whirling plans were forming.

Even as I'd rushed out the door I looked back, sure I feel a wrenching sadness as I retreated, but for the first time, I was safe in the knowledge I'd soon return to this place, if only to learn more about the tale my father had woven into his last letter to me.

I'll be back as soon as I can. I need to arrange a few things first. I laughed. I'd just spoken to the house as if it were a sentient being. For all my foolishness, though, I planned to be back here within a week or two. First, I needed to sort out some leave.

T abitha, I'm not sure I can give you three months’ leave on such short notice. I can probably manage a week or two here and there.

I shook my head, looking at Donald and wondering what I'd ever seen in him. Today he looked distinctly harrowed, with his blond hair sticking up in haphazard spikes. His face carried the bloaty puffiness of someone who lived far too well, and his blue eyes that I'd once likened to a sparkling powder blue just looked icy.

Donald, I've got over six months’ worth of leave built up. I've never taken any other time off except for when Dad died and the occasional weekend. If you won't grant my leave, then I'll resign and take the lot in one lump sum. It's really your choice.

He winced. But I can't afford it right now. You handle the staff and—

I cut off his whine with a slashing hand gesture. Your choice, but I'm going away, whatever you decide. So make it quick.

Dammit Tabs, don't push me around otherwise I'll take your resignation.

Fine. Done. Pay me out and I'm gone. I didn't feel a scrap of remorse. I'd already put the house on the market and Lana, the agent, felt sure it would be a quick sale.

I marched to the office, started shoving my stuff into the material shopping bags I'd brought with quick jerks. I felt light and as if I'd made the right decision. Once I got home, I'd be ringing the lighthouse administrators and making my formal request to move there indefinitely. I couldn't quite believe how easy it was.

Look, Tabs— Donald followed me to the office and stood like a gate in the doorway.

No, Donald. I've got responsibilities. Things I have to do and I need time. You won't give me what I need so I'll just... I waved my hands in the air and I could almost feel the seething fury that raced through him. I have given you everything you asked for and more. I've filled in when you haven't had staff. I've run your kitchen, done taxes and everything in between. It's time you understood I'm an employee, not your slave.

He gaped fishlike at my last comment. Maybe it was a bit far-fetched, but still. He'd shown no consideration for my needs.

Finally, with the last item stashed, I scooped up my bags and pushed past him. Send my paperwork to the PO Box, I've already got the house of the market. He goggled, and I smiled. Goodbye Donald. Surprisingly enough, those words thrilled me.

I stepped out into the bright sunshine.

Chapter 3

Excitement built as I nosed my car through the long grassy driveway. The trailer I had attached to the back of my car carried all my worldly possessions. Well, the ones I'd chosen to bring with me. The rest—and I hadn't kept a lot—I'd stashed in a pay by the week storage facility on the outskirts of the town where I'd lived.

I'd ordered fuel to be delivered to run the generator I'd insisted be installed, so I had power for the important things, like the fridge I'd replaced and the oven. Lights weren’t such an issue. The lamplight was sufficient for my needs, but I'd need it for the new computer and mobile telephone unit I'd invested in.

Now I was back, I had a mission. But my first stop was to get to the house, drop off everything I could, then head into town to collect my grocery order.

I couldn't wait to begin, but I needed to be methodical in my planning.

It had taken some time to find an archaeologist who specialized in marine research. Particularly in this region of the world. I'd been even more surprised to learn his name: Christian Monteith.

Alice had been a Monteith before she'd married Michael. Not for the first time, I wondered if there was a connection. Just as I had every other time I thought about my weird heritage, I scoffed at my fanciful thoughts. Come on, Tabs. You need accurate data, not daydreams and ifs, buts or maybes!

I stopped the car and gazed at my home. With my old house on the mainland sold, that's what this place was now. Home.

No time like the present. I cracked the door open and stretched. It had been a long day, starting well before dawn, but I'd wanted to get going, start early and catch the first ferry.

I manhandled the cases one by one, the boxes of photographs and books. Then I started on the trailer. The mower and rakes, buckets and cleaning equipment. I'd left my bike in storage but included my father's equipment, which carried with it memories of time spent with him. Today, though, touching the rod made me wish I'd taken the time to fish with him, so I could claim a more tangible connection with him and the equipment. I shrugged off the sobering thought, reminding myself I'd chosen this item because I'd promised myself I'd learn to fish.

For a moment I breathed deeply, the shackles of everyday life falling away along with the unnecessary detritus of my life.

The small village at the base of the single hill hadn't changed much in my mind. Small, paint peeling and unappealing from the outside. Inside the tiny shops were havens with weatherboard interior painted in cool and classic colors of pale green, white and soothing yellow. The only appreciable change was the payment system and the fact that the shop size seemed to have shrunk somewhat.

At the counter I waited with a smile while a sunburnt customer—likely a tourist—paid for their purchases, then advanced.

Hi. I've got an order for Tabitha O'Shaughnessy.

The woman serving blinked, then gave a small nod. You're the one who's staying at the lighthouse?

My small nod seemed to inflame her interest.

So, your Dad is here too?

Uh, no. He passed earlier this year. I was getting better at answering these kinds of queries, but it still hurt to acknowledge he wasn't with me any longer. The lump lodged in my throat took a bit to clear, but I stared at her, and after a tiny humph, I decided I needed to focus on the positive. I pinned the woman with my gaze. Is everything ready with my order?

Oh yes, dear. It is. Just let me grab it.

She rushed away, the bulk of her body swaying back and forth under floral material. The sigh that escaped between my lips was short, more a chance to regroup and rebalance myself.

You're Tabitha O'Shaughnessy?

The gravelly voice behind me had every nerve in my body vibrating.

Spinning left me with a sense of unreality. Bright blue eyes and a mass of golden hair married with a bronzed skin greeted me. I... Yes. And you are?

Christian Monteith. He shoved his hand between us and I took it, noting dimly the warmth and strength that he exuded. I didn't expect to see you. That was a bit of an understatement of course in his words, but my mind felt thick, like molasses had invaded it.

I didn't expect to arrive for a few more days, but the job I was doing ended early. Umm, I arrived on the ferry earlier, so if you like, I'll be free this afternoon. That is, if you want to begin immediately. My words rattled into silence, rocketing out with no real thought. The need to cringe rose, but I fought it off valiantly.

Yeah. I can do that. How about I head up around three'ish?

I nodded just as the woman returned, lugging a large cold box. There's more here, dear, but if you just take it out to your car...

I'll do that for you, if you tell me which one you drive? Christian reached out, and the woman handed the box over. Now I was committed, but still unsure if I wanted things to happen this way. So soon.

I blinked owlishly then grimaced, realizing how dumb my thoughts were. I was contracting him to help me find remains, not embarking on a lifetime of sex and discovery. It's the white Honda. But, it's full of stuff, and I need to rearrange everything.

Not a problem. I'm free to help.

There was a commanding air about him that didn't quite rub me up the wrong way, but left me feeling wary and out of my depth. Raw.

An anxious moment or two passed before I gave a nod. Okay.

I turned back to the counter, took delivery of the next box, and paid my bill. The cheery smile of the cashier made little impact though, as my mind spun thinking of the tanned man waiting outside by my car. He was imposing and altogether too much of, well, man. That was it. That's why I felt my equilibrium was being compromised. Problem solved, I told myself as I hefted the box and headed for the door. I'd been without a male partner for a long time and needed to scratch an itch.

He must have seen me hovering by the door, as he was there, in a flash, opening it wide. It was a curiously old world action that filled me with a burst of warmth.

Thanks.

His broad grin stole my breath and left me reeling. Get a grip, Tabs. The pep talk to myself didn't work. The way the curl of heat coiled in my belly reminded me I was very much intrigued by this man. No way would I admit just yet to being attracted.

I shuffled the boxes and bags on the backseat, and he shoved the two large boxes in. Do you need help when you get to your cabin?

Cabin? I straightened and promptly thwacked my head. Ouch!

Are you okay?

Rubbing my head didn't really help, but I did it on reflex. Yeah. Thanks.

Are you okay to drive?

Oh yes. It's not far.

But the campgrounds...

Realization filtered through me. He thought I was staying in one of the tourist cabins. A broad grin spread over my face. The stretching of skin and muscles unused felt odd. No. I'm staying at the lighthouse keepers house.

Really? Now his eyes flashed with excitement.

Yes. My family owns the property and I'm staying there.

I'm looking forward to seeing it. It's up the center track and off to the northern side of the island, isn't it?

Yes.

I've only ever seen it from the outside. Is there any chance of a tour of the lighthouse itself?

I shook my head. No. I've not yet received the okay to do that. But if you like, when and if I do—

I'd love to, he enthused.

A tinkle of laughter escaped me. Great. Okay, look, I better get up to the house and get this unloaded. I'll see you this afternoon. I stepped back, needing some space before the feeling, that sense of connection and interest, grew larger.

He gave a nod, and I swung open the car door and climbed within. The engine responded to the turn of the key and I pulled away, but even then, I couldn't stop myself from a final glance in the rear-view mirror.

Finally everything in the car was unpacked, though not quite put away. Gazing around my new domain filled me with a sense of excitement, energy and fulfillment. I'd never felt so damned great about where I lived or had the sense of purpose that now suffused every atom of my body. This is where I’m meant to be.

Expanding my lungs with the