The Curse of Bloodstone by V. J. Banis

Author:V. J. Banis
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: gothic, romance, suspense, horror, paranormal
Publisher: Wildside Press LLC
Published: 2012-02-09T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

For the third time in one day Vanessa found herself on foot making the trip back to the village.

Tutrice had been no help. Vanessa was annoyed with her as she started out to begin her search for the lost bloodstone. She decided that the Bingham house would be the most logical place to begin. That was where she had seen the ring.

Vanessa really wanted to go to Simon Caldwell’s. Malcolm Drew was there. But, Noah’s first.

It was on the near side of midnight and the moon had taken refuge behind some far-flung clouds. The stars were dimmed by a thick veil, although here and there one broke through and twinkled and blinked. Vanessa had wrapped herself in a heavy, warm cloak to keep out the chill of the night. A cool wind blew in from the sea, flapping at her skirts and stinging her cheeks. She hugged the cloak around her as she went toward Noah Bingham’s house.

She was relieved to see that a light burned in Noah’s window. She was glad she would not have to rouse them from their beds. She had thought of waiting until morning, but Tutrice had said time was of the essence and by morning the bloodstone ring might well find its way out of Skull Point.

As Vanessa got nearer the house she saw the light in the window vanish, and a dimmer light bloomed behind the thick curtains of the bedroom window. She went like a ghost along the walk to the front door and tapped lightly. She heard the murmur of voices, low and indistinct, then the shuffling of feet. Noah Bingham cracked open the door.

“Miss Vanessa,” he said when he recognized her, swinging the door open wide. “You gave us a start. What brings you here at so late a time of night?”

“I must speak with you, Noah. May I come in?”

“Of course, child.”

“Who is it?” Ruth called, hurrying out of the bedroom, wrapping her night coat around her ample frame. When she saw Vanessa she crossed her arms across her bosom. “Lord, Miss Vanessa, we thought it was a night specter come to call.”

“I realize it is very late,” Vanessa said, “but my business could not wait until morning. I’ve come about the bloodstone ring Malcolm Drew was wearing when he was carried here from the beach.”

Noah and Ruth exchanged looks. “How strange,” Noah said. “Simon Caldwell was here earlier this evening with Brian. They told us the man’s name and asked about the same ring.”

Vanessa’s expression darkened. “So,” she said, breathing the word through clenched teeth. “I should have known.”

“Known what, dear?” Ruth asked.

Vanessa shook her head impatiently. “It’s nothing.” She tried to think. “Did you give him the bloodstone?”

“We know nothing of a bloodstone ring,” Noah said. “I admit I saw the ring around the young man’s neck, but it was there when they carried him into the town.”

“You’re sure of that?”

Ruth pushed herself forward. “We wouldn’t be lying to you,” she said, showing a glimmer of temper.

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