Forbidden Hearts: Hearts Series - Book Two, #2

FORBIDDEN Hearts

HEARTS SERIES (BOOK 2)

Lucy Appadoo

Copyright © 2017 by Lucy Appadoo. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of very brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

This book is dedicated to all those people experiencing grief and trauma. My prayers are with you all.

Contents

Chapter 1 A Hard Decision

Chapter 2 Shocking News

Chapter 3 Friendly Support

Chapter 4 Condolences

Chapter 5 Multiple Grief

Chapter 6 Suspicions

Chapter 7 Guilt-Ridden

Chapter 8 Out Of Deep Water

Chapter 9 Official Ruling

Chapter 10 The Funeral

Chapter 11 An Idea

Chapter 12 Forward Action

Chapter 13 Next Steps

Chapter 14 A Moment

Chapter 15 Confrontation

Chapter 16 Enlightened

Chapter 17 Workplace Mystery

Chapter 18 A Theory

Chapter 19 A Night Out

Chapter 20 Twist Of Fate

Chapter 21 Discovery

Chapter 22 Confidante

Chapter 23 Puzzle Pieces

Chapter 24 Six-Feet Under

Chapter 25 Turning Back

Chapter 26 Research

Chapter 27 Deeper Investigation

Chapter 28 An Online Follower

Chapter 29 Tension

Chapter 30 Romantic Connection

Chapter 31 Clues

Chapter 32 An Agenda

Chapter 33 Dangerous Act

Chapter 34 Scene Of The Crime

Chapter 35 Mixed Feelings

Chapter 36 Eye Opener

Chapter 37 October Event

Chapter 38 Strange Meeting

Chapter 39 Pandora’s Box

Chapter 40 Lost And Found

Chapter 41 The Past Truth

Chapter 42 Intimacy

Chapter 43 In Hiding

Chapter 44 Reflections

Chapter 45 Distant

Chapter 46 Disappearing Evidence

Chapter 47 True Confessions

Chapter 48 The Truth

Chapter 49 Death

Chapter 50 Risky Business

Chapter 51 Touch And Go

Chapter 52 Taken

Chapter 53 Unexpected

Chapter 54 An Illusion

Chapter 55 Survival

Chapter 56 A Joyous Reunion

Chapter 57 A New Journey

About The Author

Also By Lucy Appadoo

CHAPTER 1

A HARD DECISION

Jane held her head high in spite of the winter chill as she walked into the waterfront restaurant in Southgate, Melbourne that evening. Daniel, her husband, moved alongside her as they approached the bar. Cooks and waiters scurried in all directions. They were seated at a table in timber-backed chairs. A lit candle centred the table. Daniel looked dashing in his tight-fitting grey silk shirt and black pants. His soulful blue eyes fell onto hers for a moment.

She adored the dimples on his cheeks and his tall, muscular frame. His dark-brown hair was wavy but short. She loved threading her hands through it. She would miss that. She would miss all of him.

Jane turned to the window with a view of the river, the Flinders Street clock tower, and the city’s lights. She enjoyed living in Melbourne, but tonight was not a night she would enjoy.

It had been two years since their sweet five-year-old daughter, Joy, died, and now it was time. Jane wanted to move forward. Daniel knew it too. She wanted to tell him everything. Daniel could never know. It had to be this way.

I’ll have a glass of your house wine thanks. She watched Daniel. He smiled half-heartedly at the waiter, then he placed his order.

A light beer.

He squished his brows together, his thumb and index finger resting under his chin as he stared at her thoughtfully. Are you okay?

Jane nodded. Sure. Why do you ask?

Well, this last month you haven’t been yourself. You’ve been quiet, distant, and secretive. He pondered for a moment. I mean, I know we’ve been grieving Joy, but things seem worse recently. I’m assuming there’s something else going on.

Jane pressed her hands together. The waiter brought their drinks. She picked up the glass and took a sip, biding her time as she figured out where to begin. She could never tell him the real truth, but she could let Daniel know about moving forward.

Daniel never took his eyes off her. She was momentarily distracted by a young girl wearing ribbons, her hair tied up in pigtails, wearing a colourful floral dress and the brightest red shoes. She smiled at the girl as she sat down with a young man and woman Jane assumed were her parents. Tears stung Jane’s eyes when the young girl smiled back at her. It was like she was seeing Joy all over again. Her darling Joy. She pressed the heel of her palm against her chest, then bowed her head.

Daniel leaned forward and took Jane’s hand in his. He stroked it, soothing. She is gorgeous, isn’t she? It’s like she’s come back in someone else’s body. Maybe it’s her in spirit.

Jane laughed softly and pulled away from Daniel. I’d like to think that way, but she’ll never be with us in body. She’s gone, Daniel.

Jane drew a hand through her strawberry blonde hair, and took a calming breath. The waiter returned to take their meal order. After placing their order of a seafood platter to share, Jane felt it was time.

Listen, Daniel. I need to tell you something.

Daniel put down his glass. Is this about my brother again?

Jane winced and drew back. No, it’s not about Ron, it’s about Julie, and us.

Daniel’s face blushed then he turned away. What are you talking about?

"You have a good heart, Daniel, but—but I can’t live a lie anymore. You deserve much better. I know you’ve always loved Julie. It’s always been her."

Daniel’s shoulders deflated. I do love you, Jane. Please know that you’ve made me happy.

Jane nodded and reached for his hand. I know you love me, but you love Julie more. You love both of us in a different way, and I respect that. I understand that both of you have been loyal to me for a long time, but it stops now. There’s nothing to tie you to me. Joy is gone, you don’t have to do the right thing anymore. She let go of his hand when the waiter approached. He set down their platter and left. The smell of herbs, lemon, and sea air permeated her senses. A bitter-sweet feeling that made her want to eat but run away too.

Oh, Jane, I’m sorry. I never wanted to hurt you.

Jane fought back tears, but she knew this was the right thing to do. It was also right to keep her own secrets, for Daniel’s sake.

I know. She gave him a reassuring smile. In spite of feeling the pain of having to let him go, she also felt a sense of relief and freedom. I just want you to know that you can be with Julie now. It’s your time.

Jane dug into a shelled prawn, deveining it, squeezing lemon onto it, then taking a bite. She loved the juicy texture as the clean, fresh seafood dripped onto her plate. Biting into the rest of the prawn, she looked up at Daniel who picked at the oysters au naturel. In one quick swoop, he swallowed one whole.

Why now? What made you decide at this point? he asked.

She shrugged. We’ve been separated before, but now that we’ve grieved for Joy, I think we’re both ready to move on. She looked away. We cared for Joy for years as she faded away from cancer. I think we needed each other then.

He sighed. And there’s nothing else going on here?

Jane shook her head, but avoided his eyes.

It’s just that you’ve seemed stressed lately, and I just wonder what brought it on. He knit his brows. And it’s definitely not Ron?

Jane looked at the girl again. She was playing peekaboo with the man sitting across from her.

You need to let that go. Maybe try to get to know your brother better. He’s not that bad of a guy.

And you know this because?

Jane averted her eyes. She dug into a chilli pepper-filled mussel and pricked her fork into the soft texture. The spice hit her hard, but she enjoyed it.

I just want you to be happy.

Daniel’s gaze turned serious. And I want you to be happy, I really don’t deserve you. You need a man better than me, one who will never hurt you as I did.

She shook her head. Oh, stop it! You gave me a good life, and I have no regrets. We’ll still be the best of friends. I mean, Julie and I are friends, and I’ll be seeing you often I’m sure. She changed the subject. Are you still going interstate for work tomorrow?

He nodded. Just for the day. I should be back early evening.

Jane smiled at Daniel. She sipped at her water, hiding behind her glass. If this was the right thing, why did she not feel right about anything?

CHAPTER 2

SHOCKING NEWS

Julie Robbins stepped out of her car. The sharp wind fell across her cheek as she flipped her long, auburn curls away from her face. With a sigh, she smiled at her Edwardian terrace home with its steel-based balcony, crème facade, and picket fence.

Julie headed inside, carrying an assortment of roses. Each week she brought home a bushel of flowers from her floristry shop. The textures, fragrant smells, and aesthetic appeal warmed her heart and reminded her that there was still some beauty left in the world.

Her darling father left her a huge inheritance after he died. She was only ten years of age. She knew what she wanted to do with the money long before the trust was released to her. Her mother hadn’t approved, but eventually came around. She lived with her mother for many years before moving out on her own and deciding to use the inheritance to open her floristry shop. Her mother received her fair share and lived comfortably while also helping out occasionally in the shop.

She missed her father. The way he used to brush her curly hair, or push her on the swing in the local park. Even the way he’d make up nicknames she hated like ‘sweetie pie’ and ‘crown jewels’. Things may have been different if only he’d been there when… She shuddered at the memories, preferring to keep the darkness of the past where it belonged.

She pulled a vase out of the cupboard, filled it with water, and put in the roses. She centred the vase on her antique oak table. The flowers made the house feel like a home. She stared up at her abstract paintings and took in the textures, bright brush strokes, and the light and shade that represented a concept or idea. The hues of pinks echoed the roses in the vase on the table. Hanging nearby were portraits of Mahatma Ghandi posing with his hands clasped in prayer, and Mother Teresa with her smiling eyes.

Julie wandered outside to the balcony and sat on one of the fold-up wooden chairs. She took in the view of Carlton and the Central Business District, savouring the sounds of traffic, the songs and wingbeats of soaring birds, and the rattle of trams. One year ago, she would’ve hated the noise. At that time, she lived with her mother. Now, Julie loved the safety net of her home.

Her best friend, Lisa, had been working overseas during her trauma, and had only recently moved back to Melbourne. Lara and Brooke had offered their support and helped her through those terrible months. Now, her close friend Jane was there in the aftermath. She had been under stress from work lately, and still grieving for Joy, but in spite of this, Jane supported Julie.

Julie only wished she could return the favour. In spite of Jane telling her that work was what stressed her out, Julie felt it was much more than that. She would often be out with Jane when her friend would get all jittery and look over her shoulder. A number of times, Jane had asked Julie to repeat things as if she wasn’t fully present in the conversation. It was unlike her to be distant and anxious. It reminded Julie a bit of her own behaviour after Mark. But there was nothing Julie could do as long as Jane refused to talk.

Daniel, Jane’s husband and a dear friend, was a life-saver. Jane had introduced Daniel to her before they got married. They had quickly become friends. Since Mark, Daniel checked up on Julie often and fixed things around the house. He had never once pressured her to talk about her ordeal, giving her the space she needed to heal in her own time.

Julie headed back inside to prepare a dinner of chicken risotto. As she opened the fridge to grab the chicken and mushrooms, her phone rang. She grabbed it from the kitchen table, and answered.

Julie? It was Daniel.

Her chest tightened and butterflies circled around in her stomach. Daniel. How are you?

He paused. I have—have—

She swallowed. Daniel didn’t sound like his usual cheery self. What’s wrong? Is Jane okay?

He whimpered. I just don’t know how to tell you this.

Julie waited for him to continue, shifting her weight uncomfortably. Her lips were dry, and she tried to shake the uneasy feeling and ache in her head. What could be so bad that talkative Daniel was at a loss for words?

When he finally spoke, he didn’t mince his words. Jane’s dead!

Julie dropped the phone. Her body shook and the tears flooded her cheeks. She swallowed. She struggled to find the phone, her gaze blurred by her tears. Tell me it isn’t true.

Daniel sucked in a shaky gasp. Jane. She—she appears to have—killed herself. I found a suicide note. Daniel muffled his whimpers. I found her body last night.

She tried to absorb his words. He had found her body. She couldn’t fathom the trauma of that event.

Julie sat down, the stream of tears burning her cheeks. What do you mean she killed herself? She would never do that. No, Daniel. No.

More silence. The coroner and the police are investigating her sudden death. He paused. I think—she just couldn’t cope with the loss of Joy.

My God! Joy, their daughter, died two years ago. And now this.

I am sorry, Daniel. Are you okay?

I’m struggling, but I can’t do anything now. She’s gone. He started crying.

Her heart broke in two. Would you like me to come over, keep you company?

No, I’ll be fine. I just need to be by myself for a while, process it all, you know.

She didn’t know what to say. She needed to keep it together, for Daniel. He didn’t need to worry about her grief too. Sure, Daniel. Is there anything I can do?

Sniffling occurred in the background. No, I’ll be fine, he said.

And the funeral?

The police are investigating the death, talking to family members, speaking to her doctor, that sort of stuff—I don’t know when they’ll release her body. The funeral is on hold for the moment.

Julie fought hard to gain control of her voice. Are you sure there isn’t anything I can help you with? Anything I can do?

He cleared his throat. No, it’s fine. I have Jane’s family supporting me, but thanks for the offer.

Julie fought back further tears. I am sorry. What do the police think?

Daniel’s voice croaked. The police think there’s more to the story, but they’re not saying what exactly. I just don’t know how long it’s going to take.

Have the police spoken to you?

The silence sounded ominous to Julie. Daniel? Did the police question you?

He sighed. They seem to think I might’ve had something to do with it. I guess they usually suspect those closest to the victim. Silence resounded. We went out to a restaurant the night before last, but I never thought she would…

Julie closed her eyes, the tightness in her gut prominent as she thought of Daniel being questioned as a suspect. That’s ridiculous, Daniel. I know you’d never do anything like that. I guess they’re just doing their job and need to cover their bases. I’ll come by soon for a visit. Take care.

Thanks. Will do.

They both hung up. Julie bowed her head over her hands and cried. She would never again see her friend, never again laugh or cry with her. She would never again look into Jane’s bright blue eyes or joke with her. How could she go on without her friend’s smile, her love for others, or her bubbly personality?

How could she not see it? Why didn’t she know that Jane was suicidal? If only she’d reached out to her. Surely, they could’ve sorted out the grief or whatever else was going on. She could’ve had counselling and had the support of her friends and Daniel. It was inconceivable to think she had given up just like that, without any warning or without giving her any idea of suicide. Deep down, she couldn’t believe her friend would kill herself. It didn’t seem real. Her friend would never do this. She wouldn’t.

Julie didn’t think the stress Jane had confronted had anything to do with Joy. Although the grief was significant, Jane had managed her daughter’s loss well the year before. There had to be more to this.

CHAPTER 3

FRIENDLY SUPPORT

Julie’s legs felt like lead as she walked along Lygon Street towards Brunetti’s two days later to meet her friends, Lisa, Lara, and Brooke. The funeral delayed, they decided a gathering in honour of Jane was in order. Brunetti’s was one of Jane’s favourite places. The crisp, winter air chilled her to the bone as she tightened her trench coat around her waist; another reminder of Jane who had bought her the coat for her birthday. Many other events brought a smile to her face as she thought about how Jane would take her to her favourite restaurants, bring over homemade meals, and watch the craziest comedies. She’d had an amazing time, and cherished those memories more than ever. She’d never get those experiences with Jane ever again. She missed her friend dearly.

Julie breathed a sigh of relief as the