Part One: Stella

Distraught, James phoned the police to report his fiancé’s disappearance. For some inexplicable reason, the receptionist was uncomfortable. Embarrassed, when James challenged her, Annie admitted eavesdropping on his conversation.

“Emily and Alan maintained Stella was unwell so they booked an appointment with her GP? James, they hadn’t returned when reception closed so Stella’s tutor contacted her parents. Andrew and Amy were concerned as their daughter didn’t attend her eighteenth birthday party. Clearly something is amiss.”

“Annie, that isn’t the only problem. Alan and Emily packed all their possessions and mysteriously disappeared.”

“James, there is more to this tale than you are admitting.”

“Okay, so I was involved with Emily. I was drunk. It was a one night stand, that’s all. Emily was angry when she learned of our engagement so she threatened Stella.”

“Yet another eternal triangle,” Sergeant Manners hissed.

“There is another problem. This morning Stella visited her doctor. She’s pregnant. Emily threatened to kill my fiancé unless I ended the relationship.”

James’s face paled when Stella’s parents made their presence known.

“This is your fault, James. Had we heard of your indiscretion, we would have insisted that Stella transfer to another university. You had better hope, or pray if you must, that the police discover where that damned woman has taken my daughter.

“I despair, she sobbed. “Surely you are aware that Emily has psychological issues and is undergoing treatment. Who is responsible for student welfare? My daughter’s eighteenth birthday was yesterday. When she failed to attend her birthday party we contacted security and raised the alarm yet nothing was done.”

The receptionist’s body language intrigued Michael. He took his duties seriously, especially with Stella who was a brilliant student and a kind friendly young woman.

“Annie, I believe that you are aware of the circumstances surrounding Stella’s disappearance. If this is the case, then you must contact DI Andrews immediately.”

“I don’t know much, Michael, but I am aware that Stella, James, Emily and Alan — who met on open day — were housed in the same halls of residence. At the Christmas party, James and Emily enjoyed a one night stand.”

“But it didn’t end there, did it?”

Tears trickled down Annie’s cheeks as she dejectedly muttered, “No, it didn’t. Furious when she heard of their engagement, Emily threatened to kill Stella. Emily and Alan, who dropped out of the course, were seen loitering outside the halls of residence several times in the weeks leading up to your daughter’s disappearance. When challenged, Emily insisted that she was taking her friend to the local accident and emergency department. Michael, Stella was unconscious.”

Part Two: James

James dragged his heavy suitcases up the steep stairs to his bedsit. While his parents persuaded him to return to university at the start of a new term, he was reluctant.

“Time to start work,” he muttered. Although friends invited him to a party, he declined. “I can’t face partying without Stella so I’ll focus on my studies. Surely you understand.”

“Life goes on,” Andy stammered. “James, you can’t grieve forever.”

“That’s true, but I intend passing this damned course in style. The belief that Stella would be proud enables me to focus on the coursework and in so doing cope with her disappearance. I don’t mean to be rude, Andy, but discussing my fiancé’s disappearance is painful.”

Reluctantly, Jamie returned to his bedsit. Tired and in need of sleep he showered, scrambled into bed and fell asleep.

Stella’s eyes closed as she sat on a plain wooden chair. Although the entrance hall was familiar, her memories were vague. Tears welled up in her dark green eyes as she glanced at the receptionist. Just a few minutes passed before her tutor raced through the entrance. Stella’s breathing was shallow, her lips and fingertips blue. “Please help me,” she croaked.

Annie was taken aback by the young woman’s appearance. Her clothing was filthy, she had aged and was emaciated.

“Annie, contact James then ring Stella’s parents. Their phone number is on the computer.”

Reluctantly, James answered his mobile. “Annie, you aren’t making sense.”

“Please come down to reception immediately. Stella returned just a few minutes ago. James, your fiancé needs you,” she sobbed.

Nurse Anders guided Stella into the bathroom. Dressed in warm clothing, she endeavoured to eat the freshly made tomato soup and toast.

Shocked by his fiancé’s appearance, James cradled her in his arms. “Why did you leave the university?”

“I didn’t leave of my own volition. James, how long was I missing?”

“A year to the day.”

“And yet it seems like yesterday that we were chatting with friends about our results. Everyone was delighted to be back.”

“The ambulance has arrived. Stella, I’ll accompany you to the hospital. Just a quick check up, nothing to worry about.”

Tears trickled down James’s cheeks as he waited in the reception area.

“Mr Henderson, the doctor would like a word with you.”

“After a thorough check up, and with the consent of Stella’s parents, I contacted the police. James, your fiancé gave birth by Caesarean section. Stella was neglected and is underweight but it’s her memory problems that are troubling. Even now she has traces of drugs in her system.”

“Will my fiancé recover her memories?”

“I believe not, but she may improve, in time.”

James was subdued as he chatted with his tutor. “You can delay your return to university. When you and Stella are ready, contact me. It is important that you spend time with your fiancé and her family.”

“Andrew and Amy live in the same village and are close friends of my family. We have a large house with a separate apartment. For the time being, Stella and her parents will live in the apartment. Although the doctor believes otherwise, her family are hopeful that their daughter’s memories will return.”

DI Jameson glanced around the interview room, “A detective from London was assigned to this case. He discovered that Emily and Alan registered a child shortly after their marriage and around the time Stella gave birth. Following extensive investigations, they traced Emily, Alan and Calum to Findhorn. DNA tests revealed that Calum was fathered by James and his mother was indeed Stella. A warrant was issued for Alan and Emily’s arrest. When questioned and presented with the evidence, Emily confessed. She also mentioned her loathing of Stella and jealous of her close relationship with James who she claimed to love. When Stella mentioned her pregnancy, and the impending marriage, Emily’s jealousy surged out of control. She discussed her plan to take Stella’s child with Alan who encouraged her to kidnap Stella and register the child in their names. Emily agreed, and accepted his marriage proposal.”

Amy recognised Helen and her daughter as they were escorted into the police station. Tears ran down Amy’s cheeks when she acknowledged that Emily bore a remarkable resemblance to her daughter. The glance at her husband was fleeting.

“Andrew, it’s time for us to have a long overdue chat about our future.” She glanced at her husband. “Frankly, I doubt that our marriage will survive.”

“Sweetheart, it was…”

“History repeating itself. The affair with Helen was only one of your many transgressions. I tolerated your infidelity throughout our marriage. It ends, here and now.”

“Please don’t leave me.”

The look of contempt silenced him, “My late Grandmother’s home, that we have lived in throughout our marriage, is in my name. It’s over, Andrew. I’ll pack your bags and leave them in the porch. Collect them tomorrow morning.”

Part One: Stella

Distraught, James phoned the police to report his fiancé’s disappearance. For some inexplicable reason, the receptionist was uncomfortable. Embarrassed, when James challenged her, Annie admitted eavesdropping on his conversation.

“Emily and Alan maintained Stella was unwell so they booked an appointment with her GP? James, they hadn’t returned when reception closed so Stella’s tutor contacted her parents. Andrew and Amy were concerned as their daughter didn’t attend her eighteenth birthday party. Clearly something is amiss.”

“Annie, that isn’t the only problem. Alan and Emily packed all their possessions and mysteriously disappeared.”

“James, there is more to this tale than you are admitting.”

“Okay, so I was involved with Emily. I was drunk. It was a one night stand, that’s all. Emily was angry when she learned of our engagement so she threatened Stella.”

“Yet another eternal triangle,” Sergeant Manners hissed.

“There is another problem. This morning Stella visited her doctor. She’s pregnant. Emily threatened to kill my fiancé unless I ended the relationship.”

James’s face paled when Stella’s parents made their presence known.

“This is your fault, James. Had we heard of your indiscretion, we would have insisted that Stella transfer to another university. You had better hope, or pray if you must, that the police discover where that damned woman has taken my daughter.

“I despair, she sobbed. “Surely you are aware that Emily has psychological issues and is undergoing treatment. Who is responsible for student welfare? My daughter’s eighteenth birthday was yesterday. When she failed to attend her birthday party we contacted security and raised the alarm yet nothing was done.”

The receptionist’s body language intrigued Michael. He took his duties seriously, especially with Stella who was a brilliant student and a kind friendly young woman.

“Annie, I believe that you are aware of the circumstances surrounding Stella’s disappearance. If this is the case, then you must contact DI Andrews immediately.”

“I don’t know much, Michael, but I am aware that Stella, James, Emily and Alan — who met on open day — were housed in the same halls of residence. At the Christmas party, James and Emily enjoyed a one night stand.”

“But it didn’t end there, did it?”

Tears trickled down Annie’s cheeks as she dejectedly muttered, “No, it didn’t. Furious when she heard of their engagement, Emily threatened to kill Stella. Emily and Alan, who dropped out of the course, were seen loitering outside the halls of residence several times in the weeks leading up to your daughter’s disappearance. When challenged, Emily insisted that she was taking her friend to the local accident and emergency department. Michael, Stella was unconscious.”

Part Two: James

James dragged his heavy suitcases up the steep stairs to his bedsit. While his parents persuaded him to return to university at the start of a new term, he was reluctant.

“Time to start work,” he muttered. Although friends invited him to a party, he declined. “I can’t face partying without Stella so I’ll focus on my studies. Surely you understand.”

“Life goes on,” Andy stammered. “James, you can’t grieve forever.”

“That’s true, but I intend passing this damned course in style. The belief that Stella would be proud enables me to focus on the coursework and in so doing cope with her disappearance. I don’t mean to be rude, Andy, but discussing my fiancé’s disappearance is painful.”

Reluctantly, Jamie returned to his bedsit. Tired and in need of sleep he showered, scrambled into bed and fell asleep.

Stella’s eyes closed as she sat on a plain wooden chair. Although the entrance hall was familiar, her memories were vague. Tears welled up in her dark green eyes as she glanced at the receptionist. Just a few minutes passed before her tutor raced through the entrance. Stella’s breathing was shallow, her lips and fingertips blue. “Please help me,” she croaked.

Annie was taken aback by the young woman’s appearance. Her clothing was filthy, she had aged and was emaciated.

“Annie, contact James then ring Stella’s parents. Their phone number is on the computer.”

Reluctantly, James answered his mobile. “Annie, you aren’t making sense.”

“Please come down to reception immediately. Stella returned just a few minutes ago. James, your fiancé needs you,” she sobbed.

Nurse Anders guided Stella into the bathroom. Dressed in warm clothing, she endeavoured to eat the freshly made tomato soup and toast.

Shocked by his fiancé’s appearance, James cradled her in his arms. “Why did you leave the university?”

“I didn’t leave of my own volition. James, how long was I missing?”

“A year to the day.”

“And yet it seems like yesterday that we were chatting with friends about our results. Everyone was delighted to be back.”

“The ambulance has arrived. Stella, I’ll accompany you to the hospital. Just a quick check up, nothing to worry about.”

Tears trickled down James’s cheeks as he waited in the reception area.

“Mr Henderson, the doctor would like a word with you.”

“After a thorough check up, and with the consent of Stella’s parents, I contacted the police. James, your fiancé gave birth by Caesarean section. Stella was neglected and is underweight but it’s her memory problems that are troubling. Even now she has traces of drugs in her system.”

“Will my fiancé recover her memories?”

“I believe not, but she may improve, in time.”

James was subdued as he chatted with his tutor. “You can delay your return to university. When you and Stella are ready, contact me. It is important that you spend time with your fiancé and her family.”

“Andrew and Amy live in the same village and are close friends of my family. We have a large house with a separate apartment. For the time being, Stella and her parents will live in the apartment. Although the doctor believes otherwise, her family are hopeful that their daughter’s memories will return.”

DI Jameson glanced around the interview room, “A detective from London was assigned to this case. He discovered that Emily and Alan registered a child shortly after their marriage and around the time Stella gave birth. Following extensive investigations, they traced Emily, Alan and Calum to Findhorn. DNA tests revealed that Calum was fathered by James and his mother was indeed Stella. A warrant was issued for Alan and Emily’s arrest. When questioned and presented with the evidence, Emily confessed. She also mentioned her loathing of Stella and jealous of her close relationship with James who she claimed to love. When Stella mentioned her pregnancy, and the impending marriage, Emily’s jealousy surged out of control. She discussed her plan to take Stella’s child with Alan who encouraged her to kidnap Stella and register the child in their names. Emily agreed, and accepted his marriage proposal.”

Amy recognised Helen and her daughter as they were escorted into the police station. Tears ran down Amy’s cheeks when she acknowledged that Emily bore a remarkable resemblance to her daughter. The glance at her husband was fleeting.

“Andrew, it’s time for us to have a long overdue chat about our future.” She glanced at her husband. “Frankly, I doubt that our marriage will survive.”

“Sweetheart, it was…”

“History repeating itself. The affair with Helen was only one of your many transgressions. I tolerated your infidelity throughout our marriage. It ends, here and now.”

“Please don’t leave me.”

The look of contempt silenced him, “My late Grandmother’s home, that we have lived in throughout our marriage, is in my name. It’s over, Andrew. I’ll pack your bags and leave them in the porch. Collect them tomorrow morning.”

What is happening, I thought, while glancing around my bedroom. The bedside lamp cast a strange eerie glow around the room, yet I had no memory of having turned on the light.

Was I going mad?

Possible, but doubtful.

Life, or so family and friends claim, can be lonely when you’re single. Their disbelieving expressions when I insist that I don’t suffer from loneliness amuses and infuriates me. How can I experience loneliness when I’m never alone? For nigh on seven years have I sensed my daughter’s presence. Her perfume drifts from room to room.

Is it all in my mind?

Logic dictates that it is, but I know better.

Visitors often ask, “Why, when we enter your home, does the most wonderful aroma greet us?” In truth, I have no idea.

Tiredness overcame me. I switched off the light, pulled the duvet up to my chin, and instantly fell into a deep dreamless sleep. While preparing breakfast I glanced at the clock. Just a little late, I thought, but it was nearly noon. This is a frequent occurrence. Day after day, I fall asleep at four o’clock in the morning and don’t awaken until a few minutes before noon.

Late summer yet snowflakes danced around me as I ventured outdoors.

“This weather,” my neighbour yelled in an effort to be heard above the howling wind, “is weird.” My bags were heavy, hence the offer―gratefully accepted―to carry them into the kitchen. “How are you feeling today?”

“About the same. When will the pain ease?” I asked him.

“Do you want me to give an honest answer, or prevaricate?”

“I would appreciate an honest answer.”

“So be it. Louise died at the age of twenty-four, nigh on sixteen years ago. Our daughter was an intelligent woman with excellent career prospects. But more important, at least to me, she was a loving woman who adored her family. In truth, the pain never eases. You learn to cope, to live each day as it comes and make the most of what life has to offer.”

“I’m weary and in need of caffeine and chocolate. How do you fancy a cup of freshly brewed Columbian coffee and rich dark chocolates?”

“I’ve got a better idea. We’ll join my wife, relax and enjoy your favourite chocolates with a cup of aromatic coffee laced with Cognac.”

“So be it. Louise died at the age of forty-four, nigh on sixteen years ago. Our daughter was an intelligent woman with excellent career prospects. But more important, at least to me, she was a loving woman who adored her family. In truth, the pain never eases. You learn to cope, to live each day as it comes and make the most of what life has to offer.”

“I’m weary and in need of caffeine and chocolate. How do you fancy a cup of freshly brewed Columbian coffee and rich dark chocolates?” “I’ve got a better idea. We’ll join my wife, relax and enjoy your favourite chocolates with a cup of aromatic coffee laced with Cognac.”