Unforgivable Lacerations

Chapter Fifteen

Gary, the safety inspector, met me at the cottage three days after the television incident. Three days of paranoia, three days of jumping at the littlest sounds. It was a strange feeling, as there hadn't been any other occurrences, but I still felt as though something was going to happen, and that at every minute I was being watched. 

Nonetheless, I had to carry on, proceeding with the plans about the cottage. With kindness, Gary toured me around the cottage, listing the many things that needed to be checked, while informing me of reliable trades that could help me with different issues. After, I had phoned the builders Gary suggested, and they were happy to meet me and talk about the job. I would have to go to their office and then we would drive to the cottage so I could show the manager a visual plan. 

My creative mind had taken over as I made mood boards for every room, and drew a rough architect drawing for each floor. I knew I was doing it months in advance but I was one for being prepared.

*_*_*_*_*

The roar of the engine made me jump as I started my car to meet the manager of the local building company, apparently she was a builder as well and was very dependable, giving me hope that the cottage would be in careful hands. 

My eyes kept flickering to the dark forest either side of the road, making shapes with the trees in the form of people. "No one's there, Bella, no one's there." I couldn't help it, though, when my eyes were on the road I would see fast movement from beside me- although every time I looked, nothing was there. Even though I had tried to convince myself it was just the trees, my erratic heart and sweaty palms were evidence of my disbelief. 

When the long journey, even if it was only through Forks, was finished and I had parked outside the office, I let out a gust of carbon dioxide, slightly relieved that I was now in the safety of civilization. How funny it must have seemed that I normally enjoyed the company of just me, but now, I sought for other people just to have the slightest bit of protection. 

However, I must have jinxed it, since when I was walking into the office, very aware of the few people around me, I saw a man from up the street about forty yards away, looking- no, glaring- at me. He was tanned, tall and a large muscled man that was displayed as he only wore a baggy vest. He stance was extremely intimidating as his jaw was locked, his eyes- even from my distance- were shooting daggers. 

At me. 

Something about his expression sent a shiver down my spine, with the haunting memory of James, murderous and lethal. I staggered the next step to the door, knees weak and shaking, my eyes never leaving his glare. When I reached the door, I pushed it open- perhaps with a little too much power- and went inside, impatient to escape him.

Throughout the whole meeting with Nicola Burns, the manager, my mind was focused on that man. I was, though, cooperative and conversable. She was happy to be put to the job and wanted to see the house as soon as possible, which was straight after the meeting. Money, time and other companies were also topics which were brought up, until nearly three hours later, we walked out of the office and drove to the cottage- Nicola in her own car, trailing behind me.

"It's a gorgeous place!" Nicola exclaimed after I showed her around, her blond hair being constantly pushed behind her ear as she directed her head up and down, assessing the many different aspects of the cottage. 

"It is," I agreed, leaning against the doorframe of the lounge. 

"Well, I would have to be in contact with Gary about the replacement of flooring, insulation, beams and piping. There is a limit my team can do, we'll have to get extending companies to help. Basic stuff," she said, directing her green eyes back at me.