WHISPERS IN THE DARK

Chapter Sixteen

With only two days left before we departed for Belfast to finalize the details for Naomi and Ryan's wedding, which was scheduled in two weeks, the countdown was on. The past fortnight had been a whirlwind of suit fittings, table décor choices, and organizing name placements-all the little details that make a wedding uniquely personal.

Mal and I had barely crossed paths lately. Both of us were swamped with work and wedding preparations; after all, he was Ryan's best man.

My top priority today was ensuring Naomi's hen party was unforgettable. We had planned a spa day to unwind before indulging in cocktails in a hot tub.

By 1 PM, we were en route to the spa and hotel resort. It was breathtakingly elegant, adorned in neutral tones with lush plants and soothing water features. "I already feel relaxed," Naomi sighed as we approached the reception. When we gave the name "Mrs. Ryan Jones," Naomi's face flushed crimson, prompting a round of laughter from us all.

After signing in, five spa attendants in white overalls handed us fancy pink cocktails. "Congratulations, Mrs. Jones. Please follow us," one of them said cheerfully. We followed them down a brightly lit hallway to a luxurious spa room. A row of chairs with footstools awaited us, each with a plush dressing gown draped over it. "Change into the gowns and take a seat. Refreshments will be served shortly," the attendants instructed before leaving us to settle in.

**A Few Hours Later**

"This is so relaxing," Naomi murmured to my mother, who was on the next table. The masseuse's skilled hands eased Naomi into a state of bliss. Meanwhile, Steph, Leigh, and I were in the hot tub, savoring another round of the pink cocktails.

"So, Callie," Steph asked with a teasing glint in her eye, "what's going on between you and Maliki?" I took a sip of my cocktail. "Nothing much. We're just friends," I replied, trying to sound casual. "There's definitely something between you two," Leigh chimed in, her smile suggesting she knew more than she let on. I shrugged and changed the subject.

The rest of the day flew by. Once home, I crawled into bed, exhausted. Just as I was drifting off, my phone buzzed loudly. Groaning, I picked it up. It was a message from Mal:

"Just letting you know Ryan and I have landed in Belfast. We need to talk when you arrive. It's important. Stay safe, my love."

I set the phone aside and rolled onto my other side, my mind racing with various scenarios of our conversation, each ending with me fearing his anger. Eventually, exhaustion overcame me, and I fell asleep.

**The Next Morning**

My phone alarm blared, jolting me awake. I rubbed my eyes and realized I wasn't in my own bed. The room was pristine, decorated in white with black furniture. A picture of Mal and me from the gala was on the bedside table. I smiled at the memory.

A knock at the door interrupted my reverie. "Callie, are you awake?" a voice called. "Mal, is that you?" I replied. Mal entered with a grin, carrying breakfast. "You missed breakfast, so I brought it to you in bed." He placed a glass of orange juice on the table and a tray on my lap before kissing me on the forehead.

I smiled as he sat beside me. But his expression darkened suddenly, and I felt an icy chill. "Mal, what's wrong?" I whispered, sensing his shift in mood. "Why didn't you tell me about the deal with Heather?" he spat, his voice dripping with anger. He paced around the bed, "I wasted my time on you," he continued, his rage palpable.

He stopped in front of me and aimed a gun at my head. My heart raced as his eyes became cold and unfeeling. "I'm sorry," I whispered just as he pulled the trigger.

I jolted awake, my heart pounding. I pinched myself, relieved to be back in the reality of the private plane I was on. "Miss, would you like a drink?" the flight attendant asked, pulling me from my thoughts. "Water, please," I replied, sitting up straight.

As I glanced around the plane, Naomi's voice reached me. "We've just landed!" she called out. I smiled, feeling a mixture of relief and exhaustion. We had finally arrived in Belfast. The flight was short, but lack of sleep had left me drained.

We drove from the airport to Ryan's home, which was to be our base for the next two weeks. To my surprise, I learned that Mal lived nearby in the farmhouse that came with the property. Ryan mentioned that Mal had painstakingly restored it after a fire.

After settling into my room, I was informed by a housekeeper that lunch would be served in the garden in ten minutes. I thanked her, grabbed my phone, and headed downstairs.

The grounds around Ryan's home were picturesque-simple yet stunning. I spotted Naomi and Ryan by a paddock, admiring a black-and-white pony. "He's beautiful," I said, joining them. Ryan grinned. "His name is Cowboy. He's a wedding gift from Maliki to Naomi."

Naomi squealed in delight and hugged Ryan, making us all laugh. "What have I missed?" a deep voice asked. I turned to see Mal approaching, and Naomi quickly thanked him for the gift before heading to the lunch area.

"I never thought my baby brother would be getting married in two weeks," Mal said, chuckling as we walked towards the gathering. "I know. It's wonderful," I agreed.

After lunch, we all went our separate ways. I noticed Mal standing by the paddock, watching Cowboy. I approached him. "Do you like horses?" I asked as we watched the pony together.

Mal looked down at me with a smile. "Come with me. I want to show you something." He extended his hand, and I took it as we walked along a tree-lined path.

We arrived at a charming old stone farmhouse, surrounded by apple trees and two vibrant red-and-white barns. "Welcome to my home," Mal said, laughing at my awestruck expression. "It's beautiful," I replied.

Mal led me around to the barns-one side for horse stables and the other as a riding arena. I was captivated by the vintage stables, reminiscent of scenes from classic horse movies. "This is amazing," I exclaimed.

Mal quickly moved us outside to a lush green field and pointed out a smaller barn labeled "Tack Room." We walked to a few paddocks where horses roamed. "This is a hard-standing paddock. We use it for injured horses and quarantine new arrivals," he explained.

Mal paused to pet a gray horse, which neighed warmly at him. I was mesmerized by the scene when I noticed a striking horse near an apple tree by the gate. "That's Raven," Mal said softly, his voice tinged with sadness. "He's the last horse my mother bred here. No one could get close to him, not even me."

Raven's coat shimmered like moonlight, and his dark eyes seemed to beckon me. I approached the gate cautiously. "Callie, don't," Mal warned, but I reached out to Raven, who stepped closer. "Hello, gorgeous boy," I whispered.

As I extended my hand, Mal suddenly pulled me back, causing Raven to bolt. The horse stopped halfway down the field, turned, and let out a loud neigh before galloping away. Frustrated, I confronted Mal. "Why did you do that? Raven was only curious."

Mal shook his head, retreating to the barn, mumbling angrily. I followed him, demanding an explanation. "Don't just walk away, Mal. Raven wasn't a threat," I shouted.

He stopped and turned, his face a mask of anger. "That horse is dangerous, Callie. You can't come here and act like you know everything." His words stung, and I felt my anger flare. "You're questioning my competence now? I didn't orchestrate the warehouse attacks. It was a mistake, nothing more," I retorted.

Mal's expression hardened. "You better be joking," he hissed, pinning me against the wall. "Speak!" he demanded, slamming his fist into the wall beside me.

"Mal, it was an accident. We were trying to flush out the mole," I pleaded, but he struck the wall again, causing me to flinch.

"After the wedding, I don't want to see you again. Our business is over. If your father wants to continue, it's without you," he declared, his voice cold. "Love doesn't exist," he added before storming away.

As Mal left, I felt a mix of heartbreak and fury. His words echoed in my mind, leaving me to grapple with the shattered remnants of what I thought we had.