Page 13 of Highlander’s Evil Twin

“Hmm, but I wonder where he was last night?”

She blushed and felt herself cringe inwardly. Where had he slept? For one awful moment, she imagined him in the arms of another, but then pushed that thought to one side. Connor wanted her to think that.

“He knew I wasn’t well and didn’t want to disturb me last night. He was considerate.”

“I could be more considerate.” He trailed a finger along the skin of her arm, still holding her down.

“You think of no one but yourself.” She went to move but he forced the flat of his hand on her chest and pushed his weight through his arm. Heather gasped.

“Get off me!” she spat at him and tried to scream as he pressed his weight onto her, placing one hand over her mouth.

“See how easy it would be to take you?” Connor laughed.

Heather struggled beneath him but could hardly move. He rolled on top of her, one leg over her. All his intent driving through his hips so that she could feel his growing desire. She tried to move and to push him away but could hardly breathe. The moment she felt his weight shift, she pushed him away and he rolled back onto the grass, laughing.

“You are a poor excuse of a man. There is nothing about you that is desirable. I am drawn to Hiram because of his personality and the goodness which radiates from him. But you, hah! You are a mere shadow of him. Now keep away from me!”

She ran off through the gardens, fearful that he might chase her, but all she could hear was the sound of his laughter echoing through the grounds. Heather ran across the drive and into the house and continued to run, her breath ragged and lungs bursting until she made it to her room and with trembling fingers, locked the door behind her. She felt violated. Disgusted. The peace that she had managed to find within was shattered, stolen from her. Was this going to be her life going forward? Hiding in her room always, not able to mix with others, fading away until she was no longer an acceptable part of society? In time, people would call her strange; she’d be the woman locked away for her own safety. Tears fell once more. Hot, angry tears staining her cheeks. She had to do something. She wasn’t going to be a victim, but she needed help.

Sitting at the bureau in the next room, Heather began to write to her mother asking for her help. She poured out her heart and explained everything, including Hiram’s disbelief in her. She ended the letter with a final plea:

I am truly fearful for my life. I do not know if he would kill me, but he has rape on his mind. Help me please. I need to come home.

Your loving daughter, Heather.

“Hiram, can I talk to you?” Maggie stood at the gate as he came in.

“Sure, what do you need?”

“There is something you need to know. I would like you to hear me out. It is...um…delicate. But, you are my brother and it is about your wife.”

Hiram’s face darkened. “What has she said to you?”

“She hasn’t. I haven’t really had the opportunity to even get to know her. We rarely talk. She is always hiding in her room and I hear her locking her door. Hiram, this is not right. Can you not see how pale she is? She is scared.”

She laid a hand on her brother’s arm, stopping him from walking away. “I can see something is wrong between you and that is not my business, but I am not sure if you know what is happening here?” Maggie said.

“Nothing is happening,” he said angrily. “I don’t know what has gotten into her, but...”

“It is Connor.” Maggie sighed. “When you are not around, he is following her, threatening her.”

“What?” Hiram was incredulous. “Connor wouldn’t do that.”

“He would and he is. We have all witnessed it at different times. I am fearful for her. You must protect your wife.”

Hiram felt a red mist rising within him. Pure anger boiled in his veins. Anger at Connor and anger at his belief in his brother. “You must be wrong. He wouldn’t do that. He is an irresponsible and nasty person, but he would not do that to me.”

“He makes terrible suggestions to her but this morning I was seated in one of the little areas of the garden, just taking in the morning air. I didn’t realize that Heather was doing the same, you know how private it is there. I couldn’t see her, and I didn’t hear her until she cried out. I went to look—he was on top of her, Hiram, pinning her down. He had his hand over her mouth.”

Maggie bowed her head. “I was too scared of the consequences to interfere and she managed to get away, but that’s why I have to tell you now. Before he does what he is threatening.”

Hiram felt the ground shift beneath him and staggered. He felt shocked to the core; a rising wave of nausea engulfed him.

Maggie extended a hand to steady him.

“Are you okay? You didn’t know.” She stared into his ashen face.

“She tried to tell me…ach no, what have I done?”