Shadows of wildstone, p.19
Shadows of Wildstone, page 19
Caleb Hart really was an enchanted place to be.
A place where she wished she could remain forever.
Together, they slow danced down the street, towards where he’d parked his Troopy, united against the storm, united against the trials that lay ahead. And as they stopped and held on to each other closely, she knew that no matter what obstacles they faced, if they faced them together they’d emerge stronger on the other side. Caleb was the soothing balm to the grief that clawed at her heart; he was the one person who could lift her up, no matter how far she’d fallen. And with their lives temporarily intertwined, and the present grounding them even as the burden of what lay ahead threatened them, in this bubble of quiet solidarity, there was a shared resilience that tethered them together so beautifully, so tightly.
It was going to be heartbreaking to unravel from him when she went back to Cairns.
Walking her to the passenger side, Caleb opened her door and gestured, with his charming smile, for her to hop in. Her breath caught as she relished how close she was feeling to him, from the tips of her toes to the top of her head, and all the way into the depths of her soul. Her fingers trembled slightly as they brushed against his when she stepped up and got settled in the passenger seat. He closed her door, strode around to the driver’s side, slid in and, after revving his four-wheel drive to life, turned the stereo on and up. Johnny Cash’s voice was company for them as Caleb backed out and headed towards his place. Resting her head on the passenger window, Nyah gazed out at the landscape whipping past. There was so much comfort in their shared silence, and an unspoken understanding that words were unnecessary when the world seemed to be holding its breath in their presence.
‘I can’t believe it was only a week ago that Donna and Rhonda’s yard flooded.’ Caleb’s voice was tinged with both reflection and weariness as it floated into her consciousness. ‘When I was saving their kitten from the roof, I never could’ve imagined it would lead us here.’
Nyah’s lips curved into a small, sad smile. ‘Neither did I,’ she admitted. ‘But I’m grateful that it did, and that you were with me through every step.’
Caleb stopped at an intersection and their eyes met, two souls bared and bonded by the trials they’d faced together. The path had been treacherous, yet on it they’d found an unexpected re-joining, and a connection even deeper than before.
‘I imagine Skye would be proud of us,’ she murmured softly, her hand instinctively reaching for the birthmark on her neck. ‘Working together like we have, to get justice for her.’
‘Yeah, but I reckon that most of all she’d be proud of you,’ Caleb added earnestly.
Smiling at him, Nyah contemplated the long road they’d travelled from childhood, the grief they’d endured along the way, and the glimmer of hope that flickered in the anguished darkness of her heart. They’d unearthed buried truths and confronted demons that had lurked in the shadows, and now they stood on the precipice of justice—not just for Skye but for themselves as well. And in this sacred moment of realisation, as she allowed herself to exhale and acknowledge the emotional toll taken on their very souls, she understood that while the wounds of the past might never fully heal, the tapestry of strength, love and remembrance they’d woven, one that would honour Skye’s memory, would fortify their weary hearts. While together and apart. And as dusk began to settle in around them, and they neared Hart Homestead, she innately knew that even after the gavel fell and the case was finally closed, the echoes of their journey and the melody of justice would continue to resonate within the landscape of Wildstone, and each of their hearts, for years to come.
And that beautiful realisation brought her immense peace.
CHAPTER
15
The early-morning sunshine filtered through the sheer curtains of Caleb’s kitchen, casting long shadows over Nyah’s recently acquired and now cherished belongings. Placing her coffee down, her fingers trembled slightly as she reached out and brushed a gentle touch over each object that held a precious memory of the sister she’d lost forever—the sketchpad with frayed edges, faded photographs capturing their smiles against bright blue skies, and a dainty locket bracelet that had once adorned Skye’s wrist.
Caleb sat beside her, his company reassuring as he ate the last of his Vegemite on toast. ‘I know today is going to be rough, but just keep on reminding yourself that Hope and I are with you every step of the way.’
‘I know.’ Drawing in a steadying breath, she nodded. ‘And thank goodness for you both.’
‘We’re a team, us three, always.’ His concern for her was evident in his softened features. ‘Are you ready to call your dad back?’
Her heart heavy with the weight of what might lie ahead on the first day of the trial, she reached for her phone and pressed the number, gazing at her own reflection in the windowpane. Two rings and her father’s weary yet warm voice filled her ear. ‘Nyah, sweetheart.’
‘Hey, Dad, how are you holding up?’ she asked, trying to sound calm.
‘Surviving, love. And you?’ His emotion-laden voice held a glimmer of hope, mirroring her own relentless optimism.
‘Pretty good, considering,’ she replied resolutely.
‘I wish we could be there, sweetheart; I feel terrible not being by your side on one of the hardest days of our lives.’
‘I know, Dad, but you need to rest that knee of yours.’ She wholeheartedly didn’t want him risking his health. ‘We all want you back to your fighting-fit self.’
‘What did I do to get a daughter as wonderful and understanding as you, hey.’ His tone was filled with fatherly love. ‘If it’s any comfort, Rae and I are with you in spirit, and also at the end of the phone any time you need us, okay.’ His words were a quiet vow to protect her, even from afar.
‘Thanks, Dad.’ A small smile tugged at her lips as she remembered another important member of their tight-knit family. ‘How’s my boy doing?’ She imagined her dad, lying on the couch, ruffling her doggie mate’s head.
‘Ragnar misses you. Let me show you.’ With a tap of his finger, he initiated the video chat.
Nyah did the same and Ragnar’s massive form appeared on the screen, his tail wagging excitedly as he recognised her voice. His joyful bark echoed through the phone, and she couldn’t help but laugh as she greeted her furry companion while at the same time blinking back tears.
‘Hey there, buddy! I miss you too,’ she cooed, feeling some of the tension melt away at the sight of his excited tail and soulful eyes. ‘So much!’ The familiar bond between them transcended the distance, filling her with a sense of warmth and comfort ahead of what were going to be a very challenging few days ahead.
‘You’re a good boy, aren’t you, Ragnar.’ Her father’s chuckle was bittersweet as he shared a moment of comfort across the miles. ‘And don’t worry, we’ll be seeing your mum real soon, buddy, I promise.’
‘You will be, next week on Sunday.’ She sighed. ‘No matter what’s happening here, I have got to get back to work. I have too many kids relying on me to help them through school and homelife.’
‘Yes, you do, but make sure you’re not spreading yourself too thin, Nyah.’ Robert sighed. ‘I worry about you, I do.’
‘I know, and you always will, because you’re an awesome dad.’
‘Ha, I try my best to be, thanks, sweetheart.’
His smile made her heart squeeze with homesickness. ‘Anyway, I better get a move on; we don’t want to be late for court.’
After they said their goodbyes and exchanged promises to stay strong for each other, she ended the call and turned to Caleb. His eyes held a mixture of concern and unwavering support, a silent vow to stand by her side no matter what lay ahead. The pieces were now in place, and the players ready—the truth about what really happened to her sister that fateful day loomed on the horizon like a bitter promise.
‘You good to go?’ Caleb searched her gaze.
‘I’m ready,’ she said with determination, steeling herself. ‘Let’s face this head-on.’
Caleb squeezed her hand reassuringly, his eyes reflecting his unwavering faith in her. ‘We’ve got this,’ he said with a conviction that echoed through the room like a rallying cry.
Nyah drew in a deep breath, feeling the weight of anticipation and apprehension settle on her shoulders. With Caleb by her side and the memory of Skye’s unwavering spirit guiding her, she stood up from the table and tugged on her businesslike jacket, readying herself to face whatever challenges the day would bring.
As they made their way to the courthouse, the echoes of Skye’s sweet voice seemed to dance around them, a poignant reminder of the sister she’d lost but whose memory fuelled her resolve.
While trying to hold herself together, she felt a flood of sensations threatening to overwhelm her. How was she meant to emotionally survive this? How was she meant to sit in the very same room with the two men who had played their parts in concealing Skye’s murder? She’d been given a chance to present a victim’s statement, which she’d partially written, but even the thought of doing so made her feel as if she were about to collapse as the weight of what was to come pressed down heavily upon her. Glancing sideways, she drew strength from Caleb’s steadfast presence beside her. He was her hero, her rock, the one and only love of her life, and the one man, other than her father, who’d been there for her through thick and thin, warts and all, no matter what.
Turning the corner, she saw the courtroom looming ahead, its imposing doors a threshold to the unknown. News vans were parked out front, reporters at the ready. And a crowd of locals had gathered too, each trying to get a glimpse of the men who’d been fellow locals, friends even. Taking a deep breath as Caleb pulled into the parking area, Nyah squared her shoulders and hardened herself for the battle ahead as she opened her door and stepped out.
‘Hey, there.’ Hope appeared from the sidelines, her face a picture of controlled strength as she reached them and tugged Nyah into a tight, quick hug. ‘I love you, my darling friend.’
‘Love you, too.’ Fighting off tears, Nyah gave Hope a nod. ‘Now let’s go get these bastards.’
With Caleb and Hope at her side, and the love of her family buoying her spirit from afar, she walked tall and strong through the crowd and cameras, up the stairs and through the security-laden doors with a quiet determination. In what felt like just a few minutes they were whisked into the courtroom, where she scanned the faces of the legal teams and journalists, and the few curious onlookers who’d been granted a rare seat. Her heart quickened its pace as she spotted Skye’s photo displayed prominently at the front of the room, a suggestion of the prosecutors as a poignant reminder of why they were all there. Taking her seat in the gallery, with Hope on one side and Caleb on the other, she felt a surge of emotions wash over her—grief for her sister’s untimely death, anger towards those responsible, and a fierce determination to see justice served. And it was then, and only then, once she’d settled her nerves enough, that she dared to look in the direction of William and Nate Keller, huddled between members of their defence team.
William, once a mundane figure, now looked like a frail spectre under the bright lights hanging above. His eyes darted around nervously, betraying the composure of his still frame—like a deer caught in the harsh glare of headlights. She couldn’t help but feel a shiver run down her spine as her gaze crashed into Nate Keller’s. There was no mistaking the fear that danced across his face, and she relished it. Immensely.
‘All rise,’ the court officer announced.
Movement echoed as the judge entered the room, his presence commanding attention as he took his seat at the bench. The room fell into a hushed silence as the proceedings began, the prosecutor outlining the case against the two defendants accused of being accessories to Skye’s murder. Nyah listened intently with her fists clenched in her lap as each detail was brought to light. Then, as the defence attorney presented his argument, trying to poke holes in the prosecution’s case, she felt a surge of frustration and anger rising within her. How dare they try to twist the truth and deny justice for her sister? She exchanged glances with Hope and Caleb, drawing silent strength from them as she fought to control her racing heart.
The proceedings continued, the weight of each word hanging heavy in the air, shaping the narrative that would ultimately decide the fate of the two men responsible, in one way or another, for Skye’s death. As for their late mother, Robin Keller would have to repent her sins to the man upstairs, if she’d even made it to heaven. In Nyah’s opinion, a woman like that belonged in hell. And as the hours ticked on, breaks were taken and proceedings were resumed, witnesses were called, testimonies were given and evidence was presented with painstaking precision. Each piece of the story felt as if it were inching them closer to the guilty verdict they sought. Nyah’s heart clenched as tightly as Hope was gripping her hand as she listened to the accounts of that fateful day, piecing together fragments of memory and pain that had long been buried. At times the room seemed to fade away around her, consumed by the raw emotion that pulsed through her veins like a rushing current, and at other times her focus was resolute as she locked onto the men who’d shattered her world with a single act of cruelty.
Piece by painful piece, the puzzle fell into place before them, and the story narrated by the prosecutor became irrefutable. William and Nate’s facade crumbled under the weight of their shared guilt. The whole truth, and nothing but the truth, felt as if it was within reach now, bittersweet and tantalisingly close—redemption and damnation hung in delicate balance.
When Nate Keller was put on the stand, his thin lips parted as he began to recount the days, weeks and years leading up to the disappearance. The way he spoke of her sister—with a chilling tenderness that belied his vile action of burying Skye’s lifeless body after his mother had discovered her in their house, playing a game of hide-and-seek with him, and in a fit of rage had thrown her backwards down the steps—made her heart pound against her chest with a mixture of sorrow and revulsion. As he wove his tale, speaking of stolen moments, calculated observations and carefully crafted plans to spend time with a child he wrongly thought was his own, Nyah felt the edges of her world blur. And when he announced that he and Claire had been madly in love, that they’d planned to run away together with Skye but her sister’s unfortunate death had put a stop to that dream, the strength that had always defined her, that had carried her through years of searching and hoping, trembled on the brink of collapse.
Beside her, Caleb remained resolute, his jaw clenched tightly as he tried to contain the storm she knew was raging within. After spending the last few nights falling asleep while sobbing against his chest, she knew he’d become all too familiar with the jagged landscape of her pain—how could he not when he’d traversed it alongside her? And now they stood together at its dark heart, facing the abyss that had been cracked open as horrifically as the earth in Rhonda and Donna’s backyard. As each nauseating detail spilled from Nate’s lips, as if he’d been aching to rid himself of the secrets he’d been keeping, the room seemed to dim, and the lengthening shadows filtering through the windows crept closer. Her breath was coming in sharp, ragged gasps, the atmosphere in the room heavy with the weight of confessions and raw, unfiltered emotions as every word hung in the air, suffocating those who dared to listen.
‘Look at these Polaroids that were taken by Nate Keller himself,’ the prosecutor continued, holding up an enlarged picture to all the jury for emphasis. ‘Notice the background? That is William and Nate Keller’s yard. And this,’ she said, indicating the tiny piece of jewellery in the next evidence photo, ‘was the broken locket unearthed on their property, the very one that should have been on the gold chain found buried with Skye Love’s remains.’ She paused, took an audible breath, then added, ‘The proximity and relevance are undeniable.’
In the tense silence that followed, Nyah’s heart thumped wildly in her chest as she watched both the Kellers closely, one in the stand and the other waiting his turn in the days to come. Her entire being yearned for answers that had eluded her for years. His body crumpled like a discarded piece of paper, William seemed small and insignificant, dwarfed by the enormity of his mother and brother’s actions—and his own.
The trial stretched for days, and Nyah found herself caught in a whirlwind of emotions from one hour to the next. As for sleep, she was exhausted from trying to force it. So she remained weary, held up by her will for justice and Hope and Caleb’s tireless support, and buoyed by copious amounts of caffeine. There were moments of doubt when she questioned her own memories and perceptions, moments of anger when she faced the callousness of those who sought to undermine her sister’s memory, but as each piece of the puzzle fell into place before them, the story told became irrefutable and both William and Nate Keller’s facades disintegrated under the heaviness of their guilt.
William’s turn on the stand came soon enough, and his pathetic reasons for keeping what he knew about Skye’s death secret caused rage to boil beneath Nyah’s poker-faced exterior. He claimed his silence was to protect a mother and brother who should have paid the price for their sins fourteen years earlier. No matter that he didn’t kill her, or bury her—he was as horrible, as putrid, as they were. He’d known all this time, had watched her family fall apart, and yet he’d said nothing.
Her eyes burned with a fierce intensity as more of his words spilled from his deceitful lips, each one like a dagger aimed straight at her heart. The audacity of his excuses, the feeble attempts to justify the unjustifiable, only fuelled the fire of her fury. The courtroom seemed to fade away around her as she honed in on his every word, her mind whirling with a mix of anguish and wrath. How dare he try to spin this web of lies and deceit, how dare he think he could absolve himself of the sins that had torn her family apart, because he felt the need to protect his own family. Beside her, Hope’s grip on her hand tightened, a silent show of solidarity and support. And Caleb, sitting closely at her side, radiated a quiet strength that bolstered her resolve. Together, they formed a united front against the darkness that threatened to consume them all.
