Chapter 5

It had taken her the better part of four days to reach Pigeon Forge. Once there, she'd been directed to a Shadow Sisters' safe house where she was given a makeover. Her once pale blonde hair had been dyed to a strawberry blonde color. Her blue eyes had been changed with the help of contact lenses to hazel. They had left her length, at Zenya's insistence, but added in layers and a soft perm that gave her soft, beachy waves. The effect when she turned around was positively startling, and she was pleasantly surprised.

"I love it. I look like a beach bunny. Is it going to be hard to maintain?"

"Not really," said Darcie, the stylist. "We have several women coming in to get a makeover. I don't live far from you. We can probably arrange for me to maintain it every six weeks or so."

"That would be great. That's one thing off my list to figure out. So, you know where I'm going?"

"Not exactly. They leave that up to the individuals involved. I'm in Wilmington, so I suspect somewhere in North or South Carolina."

Zenya nodded, once again reminded that she was not alone. Darcie put her hand on Zenya's shoulder and looked her in the eye in the mirror. "You are not alone. You may have left your clan, but you have a sisterhood that has embraced you."

Zenya laid her hand over Darcie's. "Thank you. I'm Zenya, by the way. Zenya Harrison. I know that, and I was feeling really strong until this morning. The last leg from the West Coast was tough."

"It'll get easier. I promise. You'll build a new life and in time, you'll realize you're safe. Do they have you set up with a profession? I'd never done hair before in my life, but I love it, and I'm happy I can help others the way I was helped."

"I want to do that as well. As soon as I'm able, I want to give back. And I'm a vet. Apparently, I have a new job waiting for me in a small clinic."

When Zenya stood up, Darcie gave her a hug. "You're going to do great. I just know it. I'll let them know they can add my number to the ones they program into your phone."

"Thanks, Darcie. I'll see you soon."

Zenya left the makeover room and headed into the next room where Caye was waiting. It was good to see a familiar face.

"Wow! I like that look on you," Caye exclaimed.

"Thanks. Me, too. Now what?" Zenya asked as she sat down at the table next to Caye.

"I have the rest of your documentation, including your license to practice medicine and a diploma from the University of North Carolina. We're going to take a picture and get it included in their alumni photos. We have a bank account set up for you as well as a bunch of other stuff. Your passport should be mailed to you in a week or so. We wanted to use a current snapshot. I don't want to worry you, but make sure you vary your routine. I don't think anyone can find you, but apparently Lucian and your brother are moving heaven and earth to do so, so keep on your toes for a while. No medical miracles or breakthroughs. No being the first vet to go to the moon or break the record for long-distance swimming. Live your life. Enjoy it but try to stay out of the papers."

"Will do," Zenya said with a laugh. "Now, where the hell am I going?"

"Manteo, North Carolina. It's a little town on the Outer Banks—Roanoke Island, to be exact. It's one of the more accessible islands, which also means if it becomes necessary, we have options to get you off. It's a really cool little town. We didn't do a lot of the furnishing, as we thought you'd want to do that yourself. The mortgage is not quite a year old, and you've had all your utilities for more than eight months. I really like the little seaside cottage you picked. Instead of an employer, you bought part of an ongoing practice with the idea that the vet who started the clinic will retire in five years. There's a whole partnership agreement, but we had one of our lawyers handle it."

"I'll pay you back for all these expenses."

"Not to worry. The Shadow Sisters are well-funded."

Zenya laughed. "Were you able to get the bed?"

Some five months ago, Caye had sent her a picture of an ornate iron bed that Zenya had fallen in love with.

Caye grinned. "I was. I also got you sheets, towels, and blankets. I figured you'd want to pick out your own quilt and stuff. We also got you a really cool seagrass chair, ottoman, some electronics, as well as basic kitchen stuff and some groceries. Again, we thought you'd want to do a lot of that yourself. Questions? Concerns?"

"None. Just—I don't think I can ever thank you or do enough to repay what you've done for me. If I can ever help…"

"Most likely we'll take you up on that, but not for a while. You need to get settled in your new life. We'll be keeping an eye out and don't forget to check in regularly. Keep the burner phone we gave you, but here's a phone that your new employer, the bank, and the utilities all have. If you're going to use Darcie, you can put her phone number in there. I'll program her burner phone into yours. I think you're going to do great. Like I said, your brother and his alpha are chasing their tails but getting nowhere." Caye stood up. "Well, give me a hug and get on your way. You'll want to get to your new place while the sun is still shining. The sunsets are pretty there, but oh my god. Wait until you see the sunrise."

Zenya hugged her close. "Thank you for everything. Now I'm going to leave before I start crying and ruin my mascara."

Caye stepped back. "Take care, and live your life for all those who either can't or won't find their way. One last thing—" Caye handed her a new key fob. "We got you a sportier Jeep. The registration is to your new place. I had them move your stuff over."

Not knowing what else to say, Zenya turned and headed out to her new-to-her Jeep Wrangler with a removable soft top. She took the top off, stowed it away and headed out, waving her hand over her head and never looking back.

Manteo, North Carolina

One Week Later

Zenya called her new partner while she was on the road, and they agreed Zenya would begin work the following Monday. That gave her five days to get settled in. She thought she might spend Saturday early morning baking cookies to take in to the staff and clients. The clinic was open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday until five in the afternoon, until eight in the evening on Wednesday, and noon on Saturday. They were closed Sunday and would alternate who took the Saturday morning shift. Whoever worked Saturday, didn't work the next Monday.

Driving down the main street, Zenya was impressed with the number of coffee houses, boutiques, places to eat, and interior design and décor stores. Her plan was to go see her new home first, unload the Jeep, and make an assessment of what she needed. Her little cottage was nestled into a small inlet with four other similarly designed cottages—all a little bit different and staggered and landscaped to give a lot of privacy. Hers had a wide porch all the way across the front with a porch swing already hung. It was the most welcoming thing she'd ever seen, and Zenya had to fight back tears.

She parked her Jeep in the gravel drive and entered her own fenced backyard, trotting up the steps to the small deck, entering her home for the first time through the rear door. The first thing she saw was a washer and dryer sitting in two opposite alcoves with open shelving over the washer and a hanging bar over the dryer. Both were front loaders and had butcher block counters on top for folding and prep. Through the doorway was her kitchen. She just about swooned—white lower cupboards, the same butcher block counters, navy blue subway tiles laid in a chevron pattern for a backsplash and butcher block open shelving. There was an electric cooktop set into the large island and double wall ovens. The farmhouse sink was placed in front of a window and all the finishes were simple and elegant.

There was a coastal theme throughout the house, but nothing kitschy. The vinyl plank flooring was perfect for a coastal retreat and was in keeping with the beachy feel of the house. Beyond the kitchen was a large open dining space with enormous windows, and a light, bright living room with a built-in fireplace.

The cottage had a powder room off the kitchen and two bedrooms—one larger than the other with its own ensuite. The smaller would be perfect for a home office. It was, in her opinion, perfect. She made her way into the bedroom. Caye had lied. There were two televisions—one in the living room and one in her bedroom. Both were sitting on the floor. Furniture shopping was definitely on the agenda for tomorrow as was a trip to the grocery store. And the bed was not only set up but had been made with sheets and a blanket.

She returned to the kitchen and made a quick list of what she would need in terms of groceries. Glancing at her watch, she realized she might be able to pick up a couple of furniture pieces from a little store she'd spotted on her way in. Jumping back into her Jeep, she headed back into town and found the little store.

"Hi there! Welcome to the Mad Cottage. I'm Liv. This is my place. Are you visiting Manteo?"

"Actually, I bought a house here a while ago and am just now getting around to really furnishing it."

"What do you need?" Liv asked helpfully.

"Everything," Zenya laughed. "I'm Zenya Harrison…"

"The new vet. Then you are most welcome. Dr. Brooks is sure glad you're coming aboard. I don't want to fuss but let me know if you have questions or I can help."

"My biggest need is a quilt and shams, at least one night stand, a couple of lamps and something to put in the living room to hold a television and maybe a dresser for the bedroom. I need just about everything."

"Colors? Do you want your furniture to match? And how do you feel about painted furniture?"

"Soothing coastal colors—nothing too bright or flashy. I hate matchey-matchey furniture and love the painted stuff, especially the white distressed look."

"Hmm—big rooms?"

"Not bad-sized, especially the main bedroom."

"I think I may have your quilt. Come this way."

Liv led her to a beautiful quilt in shades of lavender, cream, and sage green. "Sold. Any chance you have Euro shams that might go with it?"

Liz nodded. "Especially if you like crocheted borders and want a dust ruffle to match in cream."

"Yes, please."

The store owner held up a gorgeous bed skirt as well as matching Euro shams. Backing up she said, "How about if we go with white distressed furniture in the bedroom and then branch out into color in the living room?"

"I knew I spotted the right store on my way into town, but I don't want to keep you past closing time."

"No worries. My boyfriend is picking me up about six. Want me to ask him to bring his truck? We can follow you home and help you unload—complimentary to a new customer."

"Only if you'll let me buy dinner—or at least let me pay for your dinner."

"Nope. You have to come with. You and Bryan can wrestle for the check."

Liv directed her toward the section of the store which had a concentration of furniture, but in fact, the entire place had furniture and décor artfully displayed throughout. Zenya found a tallboy in a white distressed finish with a decal of a flower truck on the front. The flowers were in the same colors as the quilt. Liv joined her.

"This is gorgeous, and the TV could sit on top," said Zenya.

"Or be mounted on the wall. And if you like this piece, I think you'll want plainer things for nightstands, and I think I know the piece for your living room."

With Liv's help she was able to find two nightstands to put on either side of her bed. One was a simple vintage nightstand with rolled corners, one drawer, and an open shelf. The other was a sage green suitcase that had been affixed to white iron sewing machine legs. As they were bringing it out, Zenya spied an antique window that had been painted with a woman's vintage corset.

"Mine," Zenya said, laughing.

"Ooh, I have another piece of art that would go really well with that."

"Then what are you standing there for?"

Liv laughed and returned with a stretched canvas picture of a vintage dressmaker's form and a beautiful mercury glass lamp.

"Perfect. Do you have a small—and I mean really small—like holds a mug of coffee small—table? I have this great seagrass chair, but I think I'd like to pull it into the bedroom."

"I do. I also have a vanity that could be really cool, but I want to see the space first."

Zenya nodded. "Then what about the piece for the living room television?"

"You're going to love this. It's an old apothecary chest that's been painted in distressed white with painted drawers and it too is sitting on sewing machine legs—but ones that have been cut off."

Liv led her to the apothecary chest. "You're right. I love it, and what's with the chesterfield loveseat? I don't know that I've seen many in a seafoam green leather."

"The piece itself is vintage and the guy swore it was the original leather, but I don't buy it."

"I don't care. It would be perfect."

The bell on the front door rang. "Liv, it's me," called a male voice. "It's after five. Want me to lock the door?"

"Thanks, Bry," called Liv. "We can load this stuff from the back." She turned to Zenya. "The loveseat?"

"Yep. I just love those sewing machine legs on the apothecary chest. I've always had a thing for them."

"Me, too," said Liv. "They're so sturdy without being heavy. Do you need a dining room table?"

"I do. What do you have?"

"Bryan works for the cable company, so he can set up your TVs and internet. But he's been helping me refurbish the pieces I've found. We have a set of three matching sewing machine legs, and a solid piece of butcher block. He could make you a table. Again, let's measure the space first."

Zenya nodded. "Then I'll know how many chairs, but I'm thinking six. You're going to have to close up to go buy more stuff."

"And wouldn't that just be a shame? But honestly, when I do go, let me know if you need anything and I'll pick it up for you."

"There is still so much to see in your store. Can I come back tomorrow?"

"Girl, you can come anytime you like, and you don't even have to buy."

"That's kind of you."

"Haven't you figured it out? You also acquired yourself your first friend here in town."

"Then that's the best thing I got."

A big, good-looking man about Liv's age joined them, giving his sweetheart a kiss.

"Zenya? This is Bryan. Bry, meet my new friend Zenya. We have stuff to load. We also need to measure some stuff and remember that cool idea you had for a dining room table? Zenya thinks she wants it."

"Zenya does want it. We just have to figure out how big to make it so it fits."

Bryan rolled his eyes. "Zenya? Isn't that the name of the new vet?"

"That's me. If I give you my address, can I leave and run by the grocery store? How do you want me to pay you?" Zenya asked, handing Liv the address.

"You bought the bed. That is such a cute house! Do you have Zelle?"

"I do."

"Then just Zelle it."

Caye had pointed out electronic transfers were the hardest to find unless you knew practically everything about one of the parties to the transaction and could hack into secure servers.

"Pick up some beer and whatever. I ordered pizza from the best place in town."

"Oh my god. I can't remember the last time I had pizza," Zenya said with glee.

Once in her car, she texted Caye, fearful that in her happiness at seeming to be accepted so easily she'd made a mistake. Caye sent her an answering text:

Liv and Bryan are fine. Where do you think I found the bed?