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Chapter Eleven
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2021-08-31 10:19:12Tara stretched her body across her bed as she stared at the antique lace canopy above. Frustration mixed with panic filled every fiber of her being. Was Maggie telling the truth? Why couldn’t she remember being drugged by Dominic? What made Maggie think he was a demon?
She paced around the room, unsure of what to do next. She had to see Dominic. She needed to talk to him and straighten things out. If he’d just sit down with Maggie and let her get to know him, then Maggie would be able to see what a wonderful man he really was. Yes, that was it. She would go to Dominic and have him straighten things out with Maggie. She threw on a pair of jeans and a sweater, ran a comb through her hair, and headed downstairs.
As she closed the door behind her, the cool night air filled her lungs. Brilliant stars surrounded the full moon, lighting up the night for ample visibility. She walked past the den and peered in the window.&nb
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Dark Escape (Book 1 of Dark Escape Duo) Chapter Twelve
The howling was closer and ear piercing. Brandon went to the window and jumped back when he found himself face to face with Dominic. Dominic’s eyes burned in the pre-dawn night, reflecting the anger and rage that welled within him.“Damn!” Brandon shouted as he backed off.Dominic pressed his face against the glass, accentuating his rage. Tara cringed to think she actually thought she could love this man. Looking at him now, she felt noting but revulsion. She hurried to the window and closed the curtains.“I can see the pink of dawn over the trees,” she said worriedly.Something needed to be done soon. Maggie grabbed her book of spells again and quickly leafed through the pages. Without a moment’s hesitation, Tara joined her. Dominic resumed pounding on the door and shouting for her to come out. Every nerve in the room was worn thin as the tension mounted.
Last Updated : 2021-08-31Dark Escape (Book 1 of Dark Escape Duo) Chapter One
As per usual, he was late. This didn’t surprise or even annoy Tara. Lateness was a pattern of her father, Ed O’Shea, for as long as she could remember. He focused his archeologist’s brain on projects and all else went by the wayside. Ed traveled for work and when he was home his mind rarely joined him, preferring to focus on the job he’d just finished or would soon begin. When her mother died five months earlier, he dove even deeper into his work.Shortly after her mother’s death, the family experienced yet another loss. Her grandmother, Gertrude O’Shea, passed away at the ripe old age of ninety-two. She left stocks, bonds, and other monetary valuables to Tara’s father and brother, but she surprised everyone when she left the estate and all its contents to her seventeen-year-old granddaughter. It was accompanied by a letter expressing her desire that Tara do her best to maintain and keep the p
Last Updated : 2021-08-31Dark Escape (Book 1 of Dark Escape Duo) Chapter Two
Tara snuggled deep into the mound of pillows piled beneath her back to keep her torso elevated. She was released from the hospital that morning and it was wonderful to be home. Her mother’s sister, Eva, gripped a bed tray as she entered the room. She’d traveled from South Carolina as soon as she learned of the accident. Tara’s stomach responded with a loud rumble to the aroma of the homemade chicken soup and freshly baked rolls on the tray Eva balanced with care. She giggled as she watched her aunt struggle with the heavily laden tray.“You’re spilling my salvation,” Tara teased. “You never were good with carrying trays. It’s no wonder they fired you from that waitress job.”“Pick on me and I’ll send you back to the hospital,” Eva teased back. Her big doe-like eyes twinkled with delight.“No, anything but that,” Tara feigned despair.Eva
Last Updated : 2021-08-31Dark Escape (Book 1 of Dark Escape Duo) Chapter Three
Tara healed and grew stronger as time progressed. She spent her days doing light jobs and keeping contact with Dennis via telephone and computer. With their father overseas, he’d taken on the role of head of family. He’d also gotten annoyingly protective since the accident. It took a while, but he eventually loosed his grip to a tolerable level.Although the peace and solitude was initially a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, it was wearing thin. Dennis did his best to come on the weekends, but work was demanding, and his visits were not as regular as Tara would have liked. She longed for companionship; to have someone to talk to, laugh with, and even fight with. She’d yet to venture into the small village in the heart of the valley five miles east. She was content to explore her new home and ride Sugar to the country store to purchase any of the staples they might need. She decided it was time to bre
Last Updated : 2021-08-31Dark Escape (Book 1 of Dark Escape Duo) Chapter Four
Tara could barely focus on her activities around the house while she watched for Maggie’s return. She regretted not getting a phone number from her new friend. She didn’t even know exactly where she lived. When Maggie asked her to drive her home she insisted they stop the car at the spot where they’d met. She insisted her house was just on the other side of the trees and she could use a ‘good stretch of the legs’.Tara watched Maggie disappear into the trees and followed her for a far as she felt comfortable going in unfamiliar surroundings but could see no signs of a house anywhere. She thought of going to town and questioning if anyone could direct her to Maggie’s place, but since Maggie said she liked to keep to herself Tara doubted she’d approve.They’d made no specific schedule or plans for their next meeting. She had no recourse but to wait for her new friend to return.Working in the
Last Updated : 2021-08-31Dark Escape (Book 1 of Dark Escape Duo) Chapter Five
A week passed with nothing out of the ordinary occurring. Maggie cleansed the house and the surrounding property with herbs and incantations, insisting balance kept negative forces away. The old woman’s presence in the house gave Tara a confidence and sense of security. There was something magical about her that was over and above what she demonstrated.As they completed their daily meditation, Maggie reached for the bag she brought. She pulled out a small book. Its edges showed signs of usage and the binding was barely intact.“Today we’re going to talk about the powers of the mind,” Maggie said.“Do you mean manifesting?” Tara asked.“Exactly,” Maggie smiled, “making things happen by will. Knowing your abilities and making good use of them.”“It’s so complicated,” Tara said hesitantly. “I struggle so much with what you’re teaching me, but I
Last Updated : 2021-08-31Dark Escape (Book 1 of Dark Escape Duo) Chapter Six
Since Brandon hadn’t given Tara any information on how to contact him, she had no way of telling him she wasn’t going to meet him. Feigning the need for a nap, she went to her room and paced. It was overwhelmingly tempting to go and see what he wanted, but she knew it wasn’t the smartest thing to do. If he’d asked to meet her in the restaurant or even for a walk around town she might consider it, but not in the middle of nowhere.The clicking of the clock on the recently refinished oak mantle echoed through the room as she continued to pace. She wanted to open the French doors leading to the small balcony attached to her bedroom, but Maggie was in the lawn below, enjoying the afternoon sun and might realize she wasn’t napping. She wasn’t up to explaining her actions, nor could she explain them. It was as if an unknown and unseen force compelled her to go meet with this stranger and it took all of her will to ig
Last Updated : 2021-08-31Dark Escape (Book 1 of Dark Escape Duo) Chapter Seven
The afternoon sun peaked through the tree tops as the cab weaved its way down the winding country lane toward Tara’s house. Brandon took in the beauty of the old estate as he rolled down the window for a better look. The cool breeze felt good on his throbbing head. He raised his hand to the bandage the hospital secured before discharging him. It gave him the appearance of a battle worn soldier. The tender bump was reduced considerably but it still protruded out amongst the soft gauze.He scowled. He had no recollection of how he was injured, no matter how hard he tried. He remembered waiting impatiently in the clearing for Tara. The next thing he remembered was waking up in the hospital with Tara next to him talking to a member of the hospital staff. As hard as he tried, he could recall no more. As the cab turned up the drive, he smiled to see his black gelding race through the paddock with Tara’s chestnut mare at his heels.&nbs
Last Updated : 2021-08-31
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Dark Escape (Book 1 of Dark Escape Duo) Chapter Twelve
The howling was closer and ear piercing. Brandon went to the window and jumped back when he found himself face to face with Dominic. Dominic’s eyes burned in the pre-dawn night, reflecting the anger and rage that welled within him.“Damn!” Brandon shouted as he backed off.Dominic pressed his face against the glass, accentuating his rage. Tara cringed to think she actually thought she could love this man. Looking at him now, she felt noting but revulsion. She hurried to the window and closed the curtains.“I can see the pink of dawn over the trees,” she said worriedly.Something needed to be done soon. Maggie grabbed her book of spells again and quickly leafed through the pages. Without a moment’s hesitation, Tara joined her. Dominic resumed pounding on the door and shouting for her to come out. Every nerve in the room was worn thin as the tension mounted.
Dark Escape (Book 1 of Dark Escape Duo) Chapter Eleven
Tara stretched her body across her bed as she stared at the antique lace canopy above. Frustration mixed with panic filled every fiber of her being. Was Maggie telling the truth? Why couldn’t she remember being drugged by Dominic? What made Maggie think he was a demon?She paced around the room, unsure of what to do next. She had to see Dominic. She needed to talk to him and straighten things out. If he’d just sit down with Maggie and let her get to know him, then Maggie would be able to see what a wonderful man he really was. Yes, that was it. She would go to Dominic and have him straighten things out with Maggie. She threw on a pair of jeans and a sweater, ran a comb through her hair, and headed downstairs.As she closed the door behind her, the cool night air filled her lungs. Brilliant stars surrounded the full moon, lighting up the night for ample visibility. She walked past the den and peered in the window.&nb
Dark Escape (Book 1 of Dark Escape Duo) Chapter Ten
Tara paced back and forth the full length of her porch while wringing her hands. Dennis’ argument with Dominic was so severe. She hadn’t expected such a violent reaction from her brother when she told him she loved Dominic and he asked her to marry him. She didn’t understand. Dennis’ desire for her happiness over the years was a sincere desire, so why would he be so against it?She wrestled with her thoughts. His concern that she didn’t know much about Dominic had a ring of truth to it. She’d never even been to his home. In fact, she really hadn’t been anywhere with him except her home and that one drive to the hospital when Brandon was injured, but it didn’t matter. She loved him, and she just knew they were meant to be together. Not everyone courted the same way. Hadn’t he heard of love at first sight? His paranoia was unfounded. He had to get used to it. He had to.
Dark Escape (Book 1 of Dark Escape Duo) Chapter Nine
Dominic’s broad smile greeted Tara when she pulled the door open. Her childlike look of delighted surprise tugged at him in earnest. It took all his reserve to refrain from taking her in his arms and holding her close. Firelight curls hung in disarray around her face and her flushed cheeks accentuated the blue in her oval eyes. They were so rich and deep he could see his reflection in them.She was acutely aware of her appearance. Not anticipating company, she dedicated her day to fixing the crack in the wall in the bathroom that Brandon had reported. It wasn’t going as well as she’d hoped. She was actually standing back debating about the prospect of calling in a professional when she heard Dominic’s knock on the door. Dennis had suggested it several times and this was a time where she was sorry she hadn’t listened.“Did I interrupt something?” he questioned after surveying her boldly.“I’m making the
Dark Escape (Book 1 of Dark Escape Duo) Chapter Eight
Beams of moonlight trickled through the shutters that Brandon threw open. He lifted the window to let in the night air. From the staleness of the room, he could tell that it was closed up for quite some time. He stood in the dark and watched moonlit shadows dancing across the furnishings.He had a sense of not being alone. The hair on the back of his neck was on end and a shiver ran up his spine. He wondered if it was such a good idea to stay after all. Things were different. He felt a change about the property as soon as he got out of the cab. It was a feeling he hadn’t felt in a long time; a sense of danger, but of what? He sensed it was more than the evil looking creature Maggie killed, although he couldn’t quite put his finger on it.A soft scratching on his door caught his attention. With graceful, silent strides he made his way from the window to the door and paused with his ear to the wood.
Dark Escape (Book 1 of Dark Escape Duo) Chapter Seven
The afternoon sun peaked through the tree tops as the cab weaved its way down the winding country lane toward Tara’s house. Brandon took in the beauty of the old estate as he rolled down the window for a better look. The cool breeze felt good on his throbbing head. He raised his hand to the bandage the hospital secured before discharging him. It gave him the appearance of a battle worn soldier. The tender bump was reduced considerably but it still protruded out amongst the soft gauze.He scowled. He had no recollection of how he was injured, no matter how hard he tried. He remembered waiting impatiently in the clearing for Tara. The next thing he remembered was waking up in the hospital with Tara next to him talking to a member of the hospital staff. As hard as he tried, he could recall no more. As the cab turned up the drive, he smiled to see his black gelding race through the paddock with Tara’s chestnut mare at his heels.&nbs
Dark Escape (Book 1 of Dark Escape Duo) Chapter Six
Since Brandon hadn’t given Tara any information on how to contact him, she had no way of telling him she wasn’t going to meet him. Feigning the need for a nap, she went to her room and paced. It was overwhelmingly tempting to go and see what he wanted, but she knew it wasn’t the smartest thing to do. If he’d asked to meet her in the restaurant or even for a walk around town she might consider it, but not in the middle of nowhere.The clicking of the clock on the recently refinished oak mantle echoed through the room as she continued to pace. She wanted to open the French doors leading to the small balcony attached to her bedroom, but Maggie was in the lawn below, enjoying the afternoon sun and might realize she wasn’t napping. She wasn’t up to explaining her actions, nor could she explain them. It was as if an unknown and unseen force compelled her to go meet with this stranger and it took all of her will to ig
Dark Escape (Book 1 of Dark Escape Duo) Chapter Five
A week passed with nothing out of the ordinary occurring. Maggie cleansed the house and the surrounding property with herbs and incantations, insisting balance kept negative forces away. The old woman’s presence in the house gave Tara a confidence and sense of security. There was something magical about her that was over and above what she demonstrated.As they completed their daily meditation, Maggie reached for the bag she brought. She pulled out a small book. Its edges showed signs of usage and the binding was barely intact.“Today we’re going to talk about the powers of the mind,” Maggie said.“Do you mean manifesting?” Tara asked.“Exactly,” Maggie smiled, “making things happen by will. Knowing your abilities and making good use of them.”“It’s so complicated,” Tara said hesitantly. “I struggle so much with what you’re teaching me, but I
Dark Escape (Book 1 of Dark Escape Duo) Chapter Four
Tara could barely focus on her activities around the house while she watched for Maggie’s return. She regretted not getting a phone number from her new friend. She didn’t even know exactly where she lived. When Maggie asked her to drive her home she insisted they stop the car at the spot where they’d met. She insisted her house was just on the other side of the trees and she could use a ‘good stretch of the legs’.Tara watched Maggie disappear into the trees and followed her for a far as she felt comfortable going in unfamiliar surroundings but could see no signs of a house anywhere. She thought of going to town and questioning if anyone could direct her to Maggie’s place, but since Maggie said she liked to keep to herself Tara doubted she’d approve.They’d made no specific schedule or plans for their next meeting. She had no recourse but to wait for her new friend to return.Working in the
