Briar Valley: The Complete Duet by Rose J

Author:Rose, J
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wilted Rose Publishing Limited
Published: 2024-09-27T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 1

WILLOW

RIDICULOUS THOUGHTS – THE CRANBERRIES

Tucking my short black hair into a worn baseball cap, I slide a big pair of sunglasses on then check my reflection in the rearview mirror. I’m well-disguised.

The pale blue sweater I’m wearing is loose, hiding my slimmed-down body. Eating isn’t something I manage much of these days. I’d probably starve if Arianna didn’t need to be fed.

Once a week, I brave the trip to the local supermarket, leaving Arianna safely behind. I have no choice but to leave her alone. It’s a risk, but so is breathing while Mr Sanchez still roams free.

Shaking out my hands, I switch off the car engine then recheck the handful of notes that Katie passed over yesterday in an envelope. It’s enough to get us through this week.

“Just go inside,” I whisper under my breath. “He isn’t here. Walk in there, and do what you need to do.”

Sliding my hand in my pocket, I finger the sharp switchblade. Mr Sanchez has proven that he can still reach me, even here in England, far from the darkness of his mansion.

Nowhere is safe for us.

Not anymore.

The news stories about our disappearance are relentless as he continues his savage campaign to discredit me by any means necessary.

I’m the evil, unstable mother who kidnapped her daughter and left the golden boy of the real estate business high and dry. The entire world hates my guts, and they don’t even know me.

Grabbing a shopping trolley, I keep my chin tucked down and walk into the supermarket as casually as possible. My grip on the trolley is white-knuckled.

The security guard spares me a glance, frowning ever so slightly, but he soon turns his attention to the next shopper. I blow out a heavy breath, repeating my inner-mantra.

Breathe, Willow.

In and out.

Get it done.

I keep my baseball cap and sunglasses in place even inside the supermarket, offering me some sense of protection. I’d rather look like a lunatic than risk being spotted.

By halfway through the weekly shop, my palms are slick with nervous sweat, and I’m itching to run at full speed as far away from this place as possible.

Every person who walks past causes me to freeze, then I have to mentally dig myself back out of a hole of panic to keep walking.

When the cheap burner phone in my pocket vibrates, I let out a shuddered breath before answering the phone call. She’s never a second late for our scheduled calls.

“Hey, Grams.”

“Willow.” Lola sighs in relief. “It’s so good to hear your voice.”

“It’s the same voice you spoke to last week and the week before.” I grab a bottle of juice. “How is everything? Are you okay?”

“We’re all fine,” she answers vaguely.

“What’s happening in Briar Valley?”

“The first snow fall came a few days ago. Albie is outside gritting the road as we speak. You should have seen the kids, all screaming and running around.”

I smile to myself. “Sounds lovely.”

“It was. How’s the weather there?”

“It’s cold here, but no snow. Arianna keeps waiting with her nose pressed against the window.

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