Circumstances

Circumstance: Destiny, fate, fortune, luck, lot. The things that happen to us in our lives.

(New World Dictionary)

If…

…I hadn’t tried the dish I might never have known how tasty shark is.

…I hadn’t gotten the puppy I may not have any idea how sweet and loving dogs can be.

Circumstances determine our fate, our fortune, our lot in life. If Christine hadn’t gone shopping that day, if she hadn’t left her baby girl with her sister…

If the circumstances of our lives had been different, what would our lives be like now?

Within the pages of Circumstances we will go on two journeys. One is Christine’s journey. She will experience terror, love, happiness, loss, and renewal. She will find herself and loved ones she never knew she had. The other journey is Sarah’s. She will experience the tragic loss of her only family. She will be forced to change her own life to care for the child who is left to her. Each woman will face her own destiny, her own lot in life.

Suffused with intense emotion, Circumstances will take you on a journey into the lives of two sisters, Sarah and Christine Hammond. When Christine is abducted and vanishes, the police find evidence that convinces her loved ones that she is dead. Sarah is forced to deal with the loss of the only family she has, and Christine’s baby daughter.

Christine awakens at the bottom of a ravine, seriously injured and totally unaware of her own identity. She has no identification, and remembers nothing of the events that led her to her current circumstances. Will she be able to reclaim her life? Does she even want to?

A splendid and astounding novel awaits readers as author Molly Ross Naulty releases Circumstances, a wittingly charming book dashed with the perfect blend of romance and suspense to yield a bright, page turning read with a plot that is enticingly unpredictable.

Reviews for Circumstances by Molly Ross Naulty

Compelling, twisted, dark and entertaining. Well written.

~JBC ePublishing

This book kept my interest from start to finish. I always looked forward to finding out what was going to happen next and hated to have to put it down. I liked the story outline and thought it was very well written. I also liked the way it switched back and forth between characters.

~ G. Randolph

The characters are quite likeable. Their personalities and characteristics are lifelike and touching. The ending leaves us wondering the future of these two women, and leaves us wanting to read more.

~ R. Rieser

Circumstances is packed with so much suspense, one finds him/herself screaming at the book, as though the characters would eventually hear it! It's a story of warmth and love that any sister should read, especially if you're close to yours! A fictional tale that is so realistic, one can't help but wonder if it's based on a non-fictional account!

~C. Batchelor

The construction of the narrative, the plot, the way reality is created around the characters, the use of language, and the way the characters evolve show the author’s artistic merits. I hope she will write more.

~MyBookPublicist.com

Circumstances

A Novel

by

Molly Ross Naulty

Copyright 2013 Molly Ross Naulty

Smashwords Edition

ISBN: 9781301950775

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

To my sister Charlie, who has read my work

since my first short story, over fifty years ago.

And to Dave, my husband, and the love of my life.

The Night Before

The butt of the pistol smashed into the back of the woman's head, and she crumpled to the pavement. The young man glanced around the near empty Santa Monica shopping mall parking lot, administered one swift kick to his victim’s head, and then bent to lift her into her car. He pushed her into the back seat and slammed the door hard. Then he threw himself into the driver's seat, closed the door and drove away.

His plan had been to steal a car, and go to the old farmhouse near Albuquerque, where his brother, a drug dealer, was hiding from the law. Then together they would head for Mexico. So far, so good. He smiled to himself as he merged onto the Santa Monica freeway and headed east. The traffic was light, and he sped up to make up for the time he lost looking for a car.

The car was a good choice. It was nice, but not conspicuous. Nobody paid any attention to him.

They had been on the road for several hours, and were well into Arizona when he heard the woman in the back seat groan and begin to stir. He glanced over his shoulder, but the darkness hid her body. He immediately pulled onto the gravel shoulder of the quiet, deserted road, and got out.

The woman sat up. He jerked the car door open and grabbed her arm. As he pulled her from the car, he hit her. His fist crashed into her jaw, and her head snapped to one side. He smiled, hit her again, and laughed at the cracking sound as bones broke in her face. Then he pushed her down a steep embankment. As her body rolled down the slope, he sighed and returned to the car. He was tired, and still had many miles to go. He turned the radio on and lit a cigarette. The car gained speed, and soon he was cruising well over the speed limit.

His eyes closed and he swerved. He shook his head and opened a window. His eyes closed a second and fateful time. The right front tire of the car caught at the gravel shoulder of the road and he lost control. As the car started over the edge, into the deep ravine, he tried to jump out, but in his panic, he could not find the door handle. He watched in horror as the car flew past trees and boulders. It fell, missing everything in its downward path. When the vertical journey was over, the car burst into flames, and rocked from side to side. The tires, now facing the sky, spun silently. There was nobody to hear the cries of terror before the car hit the rocks. Suddenly there was another explosion, and the flames rose with new life.

The inferno roared, and in a matter of minutes, there was nothing left except charred steel. Then the fire died. As the dawn of the new day lightened the sky, rain began to fall, gently washing the smoky air clean.

Chapter 1

Sarah Hammond paced the floor of her living room. The baby in her arms whimpered and squirmed.

Sarah, Honey, sit down. Christine's okay. Neil Stone said. Come here. Let me have the baby. Sarah turned to him and tried to smile.

I love you. You are so kind to me. But, Neil, she’s my sister, and I know something’s wrong. I can feel it. she said. She sat down beside him on the soft cushions of the sofa, and he took the baby girl from her arms. The doorbell rang, and Neil stood to answer it, still holding the baby.

What the hell's going on? Tyler Collins burst into the room the moment Neil opened the door. His eyes reflected the panic that could be heard in his voice. What did you mean 'Christine's missing'? Tyler and Christine had been lovers for the past two years, and he was the father of the infant Neil held in his arms. And he was married to someone else.

Sit down, Tyler. Here, hold your daughter. Neil said. He placed the child; now sound asleep, in her father's arms. Tyler smiled at her tiny face, and sat in a chair across from the sofa.

Yesterday Christine called and said she needed to do some shopping. Sarah began. "She asked me to join her, but I had work to do so I declined, and offered to watch Amanda. She brought her over at about four and said she would be back at around six.

When she hadn't shown up by seven, I decided she must be with you. There was a message on my machine, but it was garbled, and I couldn't understand it. It sounded like her voice, and I thought maybe she had called while Amanda and I were out in the back yard. You know. Sometimes she leaves Amanda with me when she spends the evening with you. So, I didn't worry about it. Then, this morning, when she still hadn't called, I tried her apartment. There was no answer. I went by and didn't see any signs that she had been home. By noon, I was starting to get worried. Christine would never stay away from her baby for so long. That's why I called you. Sarah said. She spoke calmly as she wrung her hands nervously. Tyler sat perfectly still, never taking his eyes from his baby daughter, as he listened.

Did you call the police? he said, finally. Neil nodded.

They're on the way now. he said. Neil, although volatile at times, had a rational mind, and felt certain there must be a good explanation for the woman's disappearance.

He offered to make coffee, and excused himself from the room. Sarah and Tyler remained silent, neither looking at the other. Sarah openly disapproved of the relationship her sister had with Tyler, and rarely had much to say to him. She loathed him for what he was doing to her younger sister’s life. Now, she didn’t even want to look at him, much less entertain him.

Soon after Neil returned with coffee, the police arrived. There were two uniformed officers and one detective in street clothes. He held a note pad, and repeatedly touched his pencil to his tongue, as he listened to Sarah recount the past twenty-four hours, taking notes when he felt it was necessary.

Mr. uh? Detective O'Donnell said as he looked at Tyler.

Tyler Collins. Tyler responded. Please, if possible, don't use my name. I have a wife and kids who don't know about Christine and Amanda. He spoke softly, but without shame. Detective O'Donnell raised his eyebrows, touched his pencil to his tongue, and scratched Tyler’s name from his notes. He glanced at Sarah and shrugged.

Neil stood silently in the doorway. One of the officers looked at him from time to time, but nobody said anything.

Sarah stood up and walked over to him. The detective glanced from his notes to her, then to Neil.

Who are you? he asked. He was blunt and tactless.

Neil Stone. I'm Sarah's fiancé. And a friend of Christine's. Neil said. He put his arm around Sarah's shoulders and stared at the crass detective, who wrote furiously on his note pad.

Are there any more questions? Tyler asked. His voice sounded as though he was curbing hysteria. You guys have got to find her. This baby needs her mother. Hell, I need her! Tyler sat back down and held Amanda tightly as he wept.

We're certainly gonna try, Mr. Collins. We will keep you posted. Detective O'Donnell said. He turned and nodded toward Sarah and Neil, and motioned to the still silent officers. As they walked out the door he said, Put an APB out on the car, and have someone go by her place and look around.

Tyler glanced at his watch. Then he held his daughter out in front of him and kissed her head. She was sound asleep.

Sarah, will you watch her? I'm sorry, but I don't know what to do. Tyler handed Amanda to Sarah.

Of course. Don't worry. I love her as if she were my own. You know that. Sarah said. She took the sleeping baby and gently placed her in her crib.

My God! She's only three months old. She needs her mother. Tyler said. He slapped the doorframe hard with his palm. Neil approached him and placed his hand on Tyler's shoulder.

She'll be back, Man. Don't worry. Neil said. Tyler nodded and walked out the door.

He’s such a jerk. He didn’t care enough for Christine to leave his wife for her, but now he’s such a concerned father.

Sarah hissed. Neil sighed and wrapped his arms around her. If he hadn’t been in the picture this may never have happened.

Sarah's magazine editor was understanding and compassionate. She arranged for a messenger to deliver Sarah's work to her at home, so she could stay with the baby.

The job of Associate Editor allowed Sarah to work just about anywhere, provided she had access to a computer, or her laptop unit. She had an office set up in her house, since she usually brought work home at night and on weekends. Amanda’s presence wouldn’t create a hardship for her.

Tyler called every hour, the following day. He thought perhaps Sarah had heard something and he hadn't.

No, Tyler. Sarah told him for the fourth time, I haven't heard anything. He thanked her, as he did every time he called, and hung up.

At almost five that afternoon, Sarah's doorbell rang. Her heart leaped, and she jumped from her chair and ran to answer it. When she flung open the door Tyler stood looking at her.

That detective called me. he said as he brushed past her on his way to the crib where his baby daughter lay cooing. Sarah frowned and stepped back. He said there was no news yet, but he had spoken with a few sales people at the mall who remembered seeing her Tuesday afternoon. That was all. He just wanted to touch base, and let us know he was working on it. Tyler held Amanda and watched her face as he spoke to Sarah.

I'm going over to Christine's apartment tonight. I need to get some of Amanda's things. Sarah said.

You can't take Amanda out at night, Sarah! What's wrong with you, for God's sake? Her mother was abducted, remember? Tyler shouted.

Neil is going with me. Sarah snapped. "Listen, Tyler, if you don't think I can care for my own niece, maybe you would like to take her home to your wife."

No. I'm sorry. There's nobody else who could take care of her as well as you do. I'm just a little crazy. Tyler said. He raised his hand, and ran his fingers through his hair.

I know, Tyler. Me, too. Sarah said. She sat down and watched him. He held Amanda in his arms and spoke softly to her.

The front door opened and Neil came in. He saw Tyler with the baby, and looked at Sarah. She filled him in on the latest news about Christine.

Tyler held Amanda close to his face and whispered into her ear. Then he gently placed her in the crib.

Well, I guess I'll go home. Tyler said. I'll talk to you tomorrow. Be careful tonight. Please, Sarah. His eyes pleaded with her. Then he turned and walked out the door.

About tonight. I think you and the baby should stay here. I'll go get what you need. Neil said. He held Sarah in his arms and kissed the top of her head.

Don't be silly. We will be fine with you there. Besides, I may come across something else I need. Sarah said, shaking her head. Now, let's eat so we can go and get it over with. She kissed him and turned toward the kitchen.

When she returned with plates and napkins, she found Neil sitting on the floor, near the crib. Amanda was lying on his outstretched legs, and he was playing with her. Sarah stopped and smiled. The scene warmed her heart. She hoped that someday she and Neil would have children of their own. He was obviously taken by Amanda.

When Neil glanced up and saw her watching, he blushed. He cleared his throat, stood up, and put the baby back in her crib. Sarah pretended not to notice the color in his face as she handed him the plates and asked him to set the table.

After dinner, the three of them went to Christine's apartment. The hallway leading to her door was well lit, but the apartment was in total darkness. Sarah flipped a switch by the door, and a lamp went on in the living room.

Everything was exactly as Christine always kept it. She was an immaculate housekeeper, so it was always neat and clean. It was exactly the same, but it was different.

Sarah stood in the entryway, unable to move. Neil carried the infant seat that cradled the sleeping baby.

Come on, Honey. he said as he gently urged her to enter the room.

Where can she possibly be, Neil? Sarah said, passionately. Where on earth can she possibly be?

On the following Tuesday, one week after her sister's disappearance, Detective O'Donnell called Sarah.

We found the car. Actually the Arizona State Patrol found it. he said. Then he was silent.

What about Christine? Sarah asked, not sure she really wanted to know, and angry with the detective for making her ask. What do you mean, Arizona?

Can I come by? he asked. Sarah agreed, and hung up the phone. She immediately called Neil and asked him to come over. She had a feeling she may need support.

Neil and Detective O'Donnell arrived at the same time. They walked into Sarah's house together.

Does this look familiar? the detective asked as he extended a charred piece of cloth to Sarah.

It looks like her jacket. Sarah said. She closed her eyes tightly and took a deep breath. What happened? And why on earth was her car in Arizona? She was careful to maintain her composure.

The Arizona State Patrol found the car at the bottom of a ravine. It had exploded and burned. The license plate was mostly intact, and a piece of a credit card, but everything else was totally destroyed. I'm sorry. There was someone in the car, and I was told it would be impossible to identify the remains. The fact that it was indeed Ms. Hammond's car, and the piece of credit card, make us fairly certain that it was her. Your identification of the cloth makes it even more so. If you have no idea why she was there, it’s possible she was abducted and kidnapped. There didn’t appear to be any other bodies present, and no footprints leading away from the site. But there had been some rain that might have washed the footprints away. I'm really sorry, ma'am, Mr. Stone. I hate to bring such news. I can't contact Mr. Collins, so I guess when you speak to him you can tell him, unless you'd like to have him call me. Detective O'Donnell said. He slouched forward; obviously distressed by the news he was forced to deliver.

No, thank you. We'll tell him. Sarah said, shaking her head. She had her fingers laced through Neil's, and her hand trembled. Poor Amanda. she whispered. And my dear Christine.

Thank you for coming by, Detective O'Donnell. Neil said as he let go of Sarah's hand and stood with the detective.

For the next two weeks, Sarah and Tyler were embroiled in legal matters concerning Amanda, and the disposition of Christine's personal belongings.

Sarah knew that when Amanda was born, Christine had made a will. Since they had lost their parents several years earlier, she had named Sarah soul guardian of the baby, and all of her possessions were to be transferred to Sarah as well.

She told me when Amanda was born that she would name you guardian. I agreed completely. I still do, Sarah, and I think you have done a wonderful job the past few weeks. You will make a terrific mom for my daughter. Tyler said. They had filed all of the necessary papers, and the legal aspects were finally complete.

Sarah sat in Tyler's law offices holding her young ward. She looked down at the tiny face and felt tears fill her eyes. I miss her so much, Tyler. She was the only family I had.

I know, Sarah. I miss her, too. Tyler said. He extended his hand and Amanda grasped his finger. We have this little girl, now. She's a part of Christine who will always be with us.

What happens now? Neil asked that evening. He was sitting on the floor in Sarah's living room playing with Amanda.

Well, after the memorial service, life goes on. And I embark on motherhood. Sarah said. She closed the book she had been reading, and joined her fiancé on the floor. Neil, do you mind starting our marriage with a baby, already made?

Neil looked at Sarah and smiled. He reached out and touched her cheek.

No, Honey. I don't mind. She's a very good baby, and besides, we can have more. Our own! he said. He leaned over Amanda and kissed Sarah.

Are you going to adopt her? Neil asked. He picked the baby up and held her over his head, making faces for her.

"Tyler thinks it would be wise, and he is a lawyer, after all. He said that if I don't,