Novels by Sheila Blue

GLENDA'S POVONE WEEK LATER“Where is he? How is he?” Concern adorned my weary voice as my worried gaze rested on my brother-in-law.“He’ll live.” Sam said with a grin.Jane nudged him and gave him a warning glare. “Be serious for once! Don’t scare her with your silly jokes!” She reprimanded him.Sam pouted, but his eyes didn’t discard the mischievous glint they held. “I’m serious. I’m sharing good news.” He said with a shrug.Jane’s irritation at her husband stood up a notch. Her glares intensified. “Can’t you see that she’s worried?”Sam sighed resignedly. “I was only trying to lighten her mood.”“Well you’re doing a terrible job at it!”Sam raised his hands in surrender. He shifted and gave way for Jane to come closer to my gurney.Jane approached the bed with a sweet smile. “We came as soon as we heard. How are you feeling dear?” She helped adjust the gurney so my upper body was elevated. It gave me a better view.“I’m doing fine... Where is Maurice?" I asked again.It has been two

MAURICE'S POVBrian acted impulsively. That's what I thought and I couldn't resist the urge to scold him. He shouldn't have taken such a risky task upon himself. I was most certain that he had hurt himself, his hands were hurting and he was hiding it.“Scold me later, after we leave here.” He smiled at his deed, hiding his pain behind those genuine smile.I couldn't help but manage a half smile. He looked charming. Brian was a good boy. He just needed to be pointed in the right direction and I'm glad he found his way back home.I promised myself at that instance that things would be different from there on. He would be my son and I would be his father.I nodded for him to come along and went ahead with Glenda, expecting him to follow behind us. I had only taken a few steps when I heard the crash.I immediately turned around. “Brian!” I yelled, but it was already too late. “Dad.” He choked out in response. He blinked, sighed and seemed to relax. He looked calm, smiling up at me. As t

BRIAN'S POV“Elsa?” I asked him in surprise.It only meant Elsa had run after me when she couldn't stop me from going into the house. That crazy bitch!With everything that my father had told me, it was clear that she hadn't entered with good intentions. She must have sensed my intentions and she wanted to act ahead of me.She wanted to cement her plans, ensure everything happened according to how she wanted it. It was her house after all. She knew where she had left Glenda and could find her easily.Maybe it was a good thing she came in. This unit was large and finding my father and Glenda in this fiery mess was already proving difficult until I stumbled on the door, and heard the thudding coming from within. If she hadn't locked them in here, then maybe I would not have found them.I wanted to lift Glenda, carry her in my arms, but I thought against it and allowed my father to carry his wife.“I doubt that she's still in the building. Quick, let's get out of here.” I ordered and w

MAURICE'S POVA miracle did happen. Only it wasn't how I expected it.“Glenda!” I thought I was hallucinating someone calling Glenda. I braced myself. The thief had come. Death was near. It was so close, looming over us and breathing over my neck. I could feel it. But I wasn't scared. I wasn't afraid. I was ready for whatever was to come.“Glenda!” The call came again.My eyes flew wide open when I heard the second call. I was not hallucinating. I was not imagining things. Someone was indeed calling Glenda.Quickly, I raised myself from the forlorn stance I had assumed on the floor.My dead hope resurrected instantly. Someone was here. Someone had come for us.“Is anyone there? We are in here!” I yelled. My voice had become hoarse, dried from the smoke. I prayed whoever it was out there had heard me.“We are here!” I tried to increase my volume. I ended up wheezing from the strain.I guess my coughing gave away our location as I heard shuffling, then someone approaching.“Elsa?” I as

MAURICE'S POVHis reaction only confirmed my fears. Glenda was in that heat.I watched in horror as the flames grew taller into the sky. My breath hitched. My fears skyrocketed. Anxiety clothed my core. I was shaking with fright.That's when I caught sight of the approaching figure. A ray of hope stirred within me. Maybe. Just maybe.Brian strode past me like a zombie, his gaze set upon the fire like it was beckoning to him.Once the outline cleared to reveal Elsa, every ounce of hope and logical thinking within me vaporized.At that moment, nothing else mattered. Not Brian. Not Elsa. Not me. Only Glenda.I willed my legs to move and like a flash, I ran past Brian into the fire. The dense, hazy smoke welcomed me. Everything blurred in my vision. I squinted in an attempt to adjust to the smoky view.I squinted through the smoke and raised a hand to fan out the smoke. It didn't help to clear my view.“Glenda!” I called out. A raspy cough escaped my throat as the smoke filled my lungs.

BRIAN'S POVI caught a whiff of the familiar perfume as I entered the house. My heart began to beat at a double rate. My worst fears came alive when I stepped into the room to find it empty. Glenda was gone.“Shit! Shit!” I cussed and kicked.I exasperatedly ran a hand through my hair. Just when I had everything ready. When all my plans were ready and set. That sick bitch had to appear now. Why did I ever bring her here? What had I ever found attractive about that sick witch? I looked down at my crotch and cussed myself for my lack of control. But how could I have known then that this would come back to bite me in the ass? How could I have known that Elsa was as sick as the woman who birthed her?“Darn it!”Was this how all of my plans would be ruined? Would I not be able to protect Glenda? Would I allow Elsa and her mother to have the last laugh?No! I swore to protect Glenda and I would fulfill that promise.But where do I even begin to look for Glenda? Where could Elsa have taken

“What was all that about?” Rachel shot at Bruce once they had left his parents and had begun driving home. “What?” Bruce asked genuinely. He had not noticed how upset Rachel was.“Don't give me that! You damn well know what I'm talking about!” Bruce sighed. “If I did I wouldn't be asking… Baby can you just tell me what it is.” His endearment was aimed at diffusing her fury. He was in a good mood and did not intend to spoil it by having banter with Rachel.“Maybe you could thank me by treating me to coffee sometime and then we can begin talks about business.” she mimicked him, her tone sarcastic and her expression adorned with disgust.Bruce rolled his eyes as he tried to work his way through her statement. He didn't think that was the cause of her rotten mood.“What is it about that? I was expressing my intention to do business with her. You know how much we have been trying to get a partnership with her father but his reluctance has always made it impossible.” He defended.“Oh and

Dinner started off quietly, with only the clattering of cutleries filling the air. The meal of garlic mashed potatoes with roasted turkey was delicious and Ashley filled herself heartily.“The food was delicious.” She commended Mrs Leon as they feast on the fruit custard served for dessert.Mrs Leon smiled with appreciation. If there was one thing she loved, it was getting praises for her cooking.“My wife sure has great culinary skills. I can give you that.” Mr Leon remarked with pride adorning his tone. “That's one of the reasons why I love her. Good food everyday.” Mr Leon whispered in addition.“Oh please.” Mrs Leon crimsoned with embarrassment. “Stop being silly.” She jokingly chided her husband.Everyone at the table laughed. For once, the ambience was warm and relaxed until Bruce spoke. The sound of his voice always irked Ashley. “So Ashley, do you cook?” Ashley rolled her eyes inwardly. Small talks! All so he could talk to her. She wondered how Lilian never saw this side of

Bruce had his curious eyes on Ashley. For some unknown reason, he was expecting her to answer his question.“I was just telling your wife how lovely she looked in her dress.” Ashley lied smoothly. She made the comment knowing Rachel was not as dressed as she was. It was a subtle jab thrown at her enemy.Rachel understood Ashley was belittling her outfit. But that was of little concern to her. What Ashley had said about Lilian. The questions she had asked. Rachel couldn't wrap her head around it. Who was this lady?Rachel glanced at her. Her fear for this strange fiancee of her brother-in-law doubled. She swallowed again, attempting to look as relaxed as Ashley. Bruce turned to his wife briefly before focusing his gaze back on Ashley. “Yes, she does look beautiful. And I can say quite the same of you. I was going to mention earlier, you look stunning Ashley.” Bruce complimented. His gaze lingered on her exposed flesh as her dress had shifted up her legs when she crossed them over.If

“What?” Rachel squeaked. Confusion adorned her features. She didn't understand what Ashley was talking about. The simple words were ambiguous, possessing multiple facets and meaning.Was Ashley seeing someone else? Rachel wondered. It was obvious she must have been referring to someone else, but who?“Never mind it.” Ashley told her dismissively. “It’s just a weird expression.” “Oh! Okay.” Rachel commented, laughing eerily. “It's very weird.”“What about you?” Ashley smoothly fed their conversation.“Me?” Rachel asked puzzled.Ashley smiled. “I mean you and Bruce. How's marriage life? How long have you two been married?” Her tone feigned interest.“Oh!” Rachel rolled her eyes, feeling somewhat inadequate for not getting what Ashley meant.“Well, marriage has been wonderful! We've been married for over a year now and it has been the best time of my life. I couldn't have asked for a better partner.” She beamed proudly.Ashley paid no attention to her yapping. She waited with disinteres

“I'm sorry. Paul was just saying something to me.” Ashley apologized as she got into the car. “Right. I was beginning to get worried.” DJ said, holding the door to the car for her.She smiled apologetically to him. He shut the door, rounded up to the driver side and got in.Forty-five minutes later, they were parked in front of DJ’s parent's house. Unlike the last time, the building was very familiar this time. She recalled the first time ever she had been here. Then, it was as Bruce's fiancee. That was four years ago. Now, she was here again. Still as a fiancee but for a different brother. She wondered if she would receive the same welcome.“Baby?” DJ called.Ashley jolted. His call had pulled her out her thoughts. She hadn't realized he was holding the door open for her to step down.“Are you okay?” He asked, concern lacing his voice.“Yeah. Um, sure.” She laughed nervously. “Just a little nervous.” She admitted.“You know you just have to say the word and we're out of here. I cou

The day went by quickly. Ashley spent most of it in her room planning her grand comeback. Her new identity was her greatest strength. No one knew who she really was and she could shoot her targets without anyone ever knowing it was her.She decided to clad herself in a knee length beaded lace red evening dress, adorned with glittering silver sequin bordering the deep V neck line and the same design around the slim of her waist. The colour, chosen to reflect the vengeance in her heart.She had found the dress in the closet, no doubt belonging to the late occupant of this room. It was hers now. The room and everything else and the dress fit perfectly just like she fit into the late girl's life perfectly.Her outfit was a little too much for just dinner with family. She knew this, yet she chose it because she wanted to make a statement.She let her curly hair curtain her face and applied a swipe of mascara to define her long lashes, a dust of blush to her rosy cheeks and two swipes of ve

Jake and Sheena exchanged confused looks. What was Mirabel talking about? Their minds shared similar questions.'I need to tell you something about my father's death.' Mirabel announced.'What about our father's death?' Jake asked. They had moved to the study where they could converse in private. Sheena and Jake kept expectant eyes peeled on Mirabel.'I … I.-' she inhaled sharply before she continued. 'I know I've not been the best of persons but I'm working on myself. Hating the one man who had taken me in and had shown mercy on a lowly young orphan. I know now the old man loved me, loved us, even if he never showed it much. He's human after all and bound to make mistakes.' Mirabel swallowed before she began speaking again. 'I had always wanted him dead. Now that he's dead, I regret not having more time with him… I never had the courage to kill him even though I would have loved to, but I wouldn't have stopped anyone wanting to. This was before I knew the truth.''Mirabel, do you k

Sheena opened her eyes to bright blinding lights. She squinted trying to adjust her eyes to the lights, but shut them after an exhausting attempt. She let out a laborious breath so she could speak, but somehow, she didn't seem to find her voice. She felt parched, her throat overly dry and painful.She opened her eyes again, blinking severally to accommodate the light. After her success at it, she scanned the room. White pristine walls, huge beeping machines, a tray filled with medicines and needles. A hospital. It clicked. She was in the hospital.How did she get here? Memories of the previous day's event flood her mind as she wondered."Jake!" Was he okay? Did Damian shoot him too?Anxiety and fear hijacked every cell in her being. Her breathing hitched and she struggled to raise herself. The effects of the sedatives were still very much active, she felt dizzy but undeterred.'Hey! What are you trying to do?' The concerned voice filled the room as the intruder pushed the door hard,

'He didn't suspect a thing?' The skepticism in Jake's voice was evident.They had just finished making love. Sheena was resting her head on the muscled bare chest of Jake. She related her experience with Damian to Jake as she idly pulled on his chest hair, a sweet painful sensation for him.Sheena shrugged. 'I couldn't believe it myself. He just went to sleep without saying a word.''I think he is brewing something in that egregious mind of his. He can't be that collected after discovering you went out.' Jake spoke pensively. He paused weighing the possibilities before speaking again. 'And today?' He asked. 'Did he say anything to you today?''He left the house before anyone was up.' She raised her head to stare at him, studying his features. 'Maybe he's tired of paying me any attention. He's got too much trouble on his hand right now. You made sure of that… I don't think it's something to worry about.' She added.'I just have a bad feeling about this. It just doesn't seem right.' It

'I love you.' Jake whispered to Sheena as they lay on the large hotel mattress. His hand wrapped around her neck, he pulled her closer and planted a passionate kiss on her head.'I love you too.' Sheena replied and kissed him on his lips. She snuggled closer into his hold. Her desire to remain there glaring.Sheena and Jake have been meeting over the past few weeks. Sneaking in and out of hotels like teenage lovers. After that night at the Rollins house, it seemed as though they've never been more in love with each other. Always wanting to be near the other, making mad sweet love.'Hmm, delicious.' He said in reference to her kiss. He moved in to steal more kisses and Sheena laughed at his boyishness.'What?' He asked against her lips. 'You want it here?' He tickled her sides and she laughed harder. He nibbled on her lower lip as she laughed.'Or you want it here?' He trailed kisses down her neck and Sheena girlishily giggled. 'Or here?' He moved further down her breast and took a ni

'What do you want? Why are you here?' She turned to Mary. You let him into the house? 'Is he why you brought me here?' Sheena asked incredulously.'Please calm down, you're raising your voice. You'll make Damian come here ' Mary pleaded.'Let him come! At least, he'd get rid of this-' she eyes Jake in disgust, indecisive on what adjective to qualify him.'You'll wake up Jayden. Look at her, do you want to wake her?' Mary appealed to her reason and love for her child.Sheena turned her gaze to the bed and softened. Her anger rose again at the sight of Jake near Jayden. 'Get away from my daughter!' Sheena bellowed at Jake. She charged towards him and yanked his hand away from the child. She relaxed again as she watched the child. She smoothed her hand on the silk of Jayden's hair.The sigh of contentment and peace that escaped the child's lips, assured Sheena that everything was fine with Jayden and that she was only sleeping.Sheena bent over and kissed the top of Jayden's head before

Jake sat in the back seat of his car mulling over the events of the night. 'Drive faster.' He ordered his driver as he rested his head on the headrest, his face turned up staring at the roof of the car. He was thinking.'I can't. Damian keeps Sheena locked up like a prisoner. …It's difficult for me, even as her sister, to see her. We always have to sneak around to meet. …Sheena was waiting, waiting until you'll come to save her.'Elena's words played repeatedly in Jake's head like a mantra. Sheena had been suffering too, just like he suffered in jail. He shut his eyes tightly to drown out the pain, regret, and remorse he felt. He felt deeply foolish and sorry. He had wronged his woman. He had added salt to her painful wounds and he needed to tend to the wounds he had inflicted on Sheena fast.Regardless of the fact that Sheena didn't know that he thought so lowly of her, he still tortured himself for entertaining such thoughts about her. Jake wanted to meet Sheena so he could right