Chapter One
Jessica didn't really know why they were getting the house. She didn't even really remember the relative, maybe it was that second cousin, the tall one who always wore ridiculous jackets, or perhaps it was that great aunt who threw in a snide comment about her hair and makeup every Christmas. Whoever owned it must have been a rather lonely person, if she was the closest relative to which they would choose to give their largest and dearest asset. Jessica hoped she'd never be forced to write such a will, scrambling through family tree's to find a connection, maybe that was why it was so important that it worked with Ben. Ben, handsome, loveable and as it turned out terrible with maps. "It could be Latin for all I know." He handed her the tattered roadmap.
Jessica took the paper off her frustrated boyfriend. She stepped out of the car, surveying the landscape. "Does the road continue over that hill?" She questioned.
"Seems So."
"Well in that case it could be that bend in the road, look, if we continue we should pass over a river, in which case-"
"-we'll know we're going the right way, you're a lifesaver Jess."
As they crossed the river Ben began matching Jessica's optimism. "You know what, we could even make good time." He exclaimed.
"I told you so, it'll probably be lovely." She replied.
Ben had spotted a particularly appealing hilltop, "You know what? I feel like an early lunch, let's get out the picnic."
The couple scrambled up the hill. Jessica's well prepared picnic basket was tossed onto the grass, they had brought no blanket but found the path of dirt to be quite dry. Chicken sandwiches and frosted biscuits were removed as Ben stared into the distance, as if he was trying to spot the cottage. "You know we're still a while off," Jessica reminded him.
"I know, I know, I'm just curious." He responded, "I was feeling weird about us getting this place, but, I don't know it feels right now."
Jessica moved closer, "I think we can trust this place."
"It does feel right doesn't it?"
"It does."
Once lunch was done they hopped back in the car. The road continued straight for some time, until taking an abrupt turn into a heavily wooded area. As they winded through trees Jessica took note that they appeared to be moving downwards, perhaps they were entering the valley. These suspicions were soon validated when they opened into a vast plain surrounded by hills. In its centre was nestled a small town. It was luckily rather picturesque. "That must be Chesham," Ben observed, "let's hope they have a green grocer."
"Yeah, finger crossed." Jessica agreed.
"And a laundromat."
"I think you may be testing your luck."
The car approached its first house, a stone cottage slanted on a hill. Jessica caught a glimpse of a watchful woman standing by the window. She stared at the couple, making no indication of acknowledgement.​ "I think we should get to know her," Ben joked, easing the tension.
The few houses they passed yielded similar results, those who saw the couple either locked a deadly gaze or looked away entirely.
While small the village had a clear centre, a paved cobblestone circle centred by an odd stature that seemed to depict a knight slaying some mis-shaped foe. The car stopped outside a cosy milk bar. "This looks nice, I reckon they'll have your essentials."
Ben paused before getting out, Jessica took note, "you're nervous around the locals?"
He forced a laugh, "yeah, I'm real worried Arthritic Henry over there will knife me."
"I think it's more likely that he'll just politely deride you for your atheism and denounce the young people of today." Jessica said, "Relax, I know what we'll need, I can make good."
Embarrassed, Ben handed her a shopping list. Jessica got out of the car and walked up to the shopfront. The door opened with a bell, alerting the man placed at the counter. He was younger than she had expected, no more than thirty. "Good afternoon," He greeted with a gruff but sincere tone.
He paused for a moment, looking at Jessica. When their eye contact broke she began browsing the few shelves crammed into the business. "Do you need a basket or bag or something?" He asked.
"Maybe a box?" She held up the rather long shopping list.
The man grabbed one from behind the counter and handed it to her. He took this as an opportunity for conversation. "So are you just passing through Chesham, hoping to see the sights?"