To Kill for Land by Ryn Shell

Author:Ryn Shell
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rural Lit Press

* * *

“Marianna, you’re safe.” Bren held her close.

“I still wake and think the prison walls are around me.” There was a tremor in Marianna’s voice. “I’m afraid to sleep as I dream they are coming to get me again.”

“You should have more faith in me,” he murmured close to her ear. “It’s too good to be true, to be here in this country.”

“Bren, I can’t get used to things,” Marianna said. “I’m still afraid.”

Bren talked quietly. “It’s all behind us, liebling. The future is good.” He kissed her neck and began undressing her.

Iain knocked on their door.

In the room on the other side of the hallway Emily froze, knowing her uncle’s actions were ill timed and out of place. She heard a door open and visualised Marianna looking up at Iain, her brown hair cascading over her creamy neck and shoulders.

Bren sat out of sight of Iain behind the door, scrutinising Marianna’s every movement. His eyes smouldered with rage that Iain dared knock on their door and speak to his wife.

Emily gripped her hands tight. Uncle, you should know not to knock on their private bedroom door. Even I know you shouldn’t knock on a tenant’s door unless it is as important as the house burning down.

Iain swallowed hard. “Marianna.”

Uncle can’t find words easily when she stands near him.

“Yes.” Marianna glanced anxiously into the room behind her.

Iain was temporarily struck mute at the sound of her voice and the realisation that he was intruding where he shouldn’t be.

Come on, Uncle Iain. Emily listened to the embarrassing silence. Don’t make a fool of yourself. If you don’t know what to say next, make something up. Uncle, say something quick.

“Marianna, I am worried about Lesley. Can you please check on her in a little while? She wants me to leave. I’ll be much happier knowing you’re keeping an eye on her.”

“I’ll go out later and say hello to her, Iain. Don’t worry.” Marianna looked either side of him.

Emily crouched to spy through the keyhole of the bedroom door and watched as the back of her uncle’s neck turned scarlet as he struggled to form words. Marianna gazed anywhere except at his face.

She’s working hard to keep her voice devoid of emotion. Please don’t let Bren notice any difference in her voice. I don’t want Marianna to get into trouble because Uncle Iain hasn’t got a clue how to behave.

“Thank you,” Iain said. “Please give my best regards to Bren.” His voice was stiff and formal. He turned, walked fast to the front door and let himself out. On the porch, he stopped and took a deep breath.

I must catch him. Emily rushed to the window.

“Emily, what are you doing?” Iain was startled to see her slip out over the windowsill and drop down on to the veranda floor and hurry towards him.

“Got to talk.” She jigged on the ground, her eyes searching his, seeking his full attention.

“Yes, we do need to talk,” Iain said. “I have things to say to you.”

“What?” Emily asked.

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