Winter's Bite

Chapter 12 Owen

I stalked home through silent woods with a heavy heart. Cait's vehement kiss after I told her we should end surprised and then elated me. Surely it proved she cared for me. I'd almost relented on my decision. Thank goodness her uncle showed up when he did. I took it as a provident sign. I couldn't prove it, but believed Magdelena's death caused by our relationship. I wouldn't risk Cait's murder too. Giving Cait up tore me apart but it might keep her safe.

Estelle, Jacob and Therese looked up from the kitchen table when I returned. Estelle and Therese smiled at me. Jacob looked embarrassed.

'Owen, I'm sorry about before. But well, all evidence pointed towards you.'

'It's okay.'

Jacob could see by my face I meant it. He looked releived. It seemed irrrelevant now.

'Did Cait get home okay?' Estelle asked.

I nodded. 'Where's Nathaniel?'

'In his lab,' Jacob answered.

I turned away.

'Is everything alright, Owen?' Therese called after me.

'Yeah, sure.'

I didn't stop.

Nathaniel looked up with a smile as I entered.

'Owen, I'm so glad the girl proved you innocent.'

'Two people have still been murdered,' I reminded him.

'Yes, I know.' His face clouded over.

'I'm ready to leave now.'

He gazed at me with curiousity. 'What's happened?'

'I've broken up with Cait.' Words choked me.

'But I thought you liked her.'

I winced. 'I did it to protect her.'

Nathaniel nodded. 'After what happened with Magdelena.'

'Yes.'

'Okay. I'll call a meeting. See what everyone thinks.'

A log fire roared in the living-room as everyone gathered. All glanced at me or Nathaniel as they entered, knowing I'd changed my mind about our departure and Nathaniel wanted everyone else's opinion. I hadn't told anyone else my decision, waiting until we were all together so I'd only have to say it once. As it happened, Nathaniel told them.

'As you know, Owen objected departing before because of his involvement with a human girl. Since that relationship has ended, he now wishes to leave. What do the rest of you think?'

A hubbub broke out.

'Why, Owen? Cait's so sweet.' Estelle looked bewildered.

'I agree,' Therese said. 'You're happier than I've seen you in a long time.'

'Have you fallen out?' Jacob asked. 'I find expensive perfume usually does the trick.'

'Be quiet, Jacob, if you can't say something sensible.' Therese hit him with a cushion.

'I agree. We should leave. I'm bored here,' Chloe drawled.

'What happened? I thought you liked Cait,' Justin said.

I winced.

'I do. It's just, with these murders...I think we should leave before any more people die.'