CHAPTER ONE

*ERICA*

Where is Lucian?

I wake up with the worse headache. "Hungover?" asked Kerry, after waking me up by jumping on my bed.

"Hell yes I'm hungover and my mouth tastes like a flip flop from a homeless man in Egypt!" I reply groggily. Kerry falls next to me laughing her head off and that doesn't surprise me, she laughs at most things with her hyena giggle that ultimately makes me start laughing.

"I'm going to get a coffee to try and wake up, are you coming?"

"Sure Erica, come and sit down in the kitchen, I'll make it for you as I'm not feeling bad at all." And with a wink she strolls off down the hall to our kitchen.

Our apartment is lovely and very modern on the second floor too other prestigious apartments. It has white granite floors throughout and exposed grey brick walls in every room. It's very us.

Kerry and I are from a town called Swanley in Kent in England and I'm from quite a wealthy family who struck gold, literally. My great Grandfather moved to England from America over 100 years ago and brought a house in Swanley. He knocked it down to build a bigger house only to discover it was built over a gold mine. All the gold was mined and sold eventually and the wealth from it has been handed down generations within The Werewood's.

That's my name, Erica Werewood. It's July the 16th and I'll be 18 in two days, God I can't wait to no longer be a minor, I tell myself with glee.

All that's left of my family is me and my brother, Lucian. He is 20 and absolutely gorgeous. He stands at 6ft2 with black cropped hair and bright green eyes. He has a great aura about him, friendly, funny and trustworthy. He makes all the girls fall in love with him, especially Kerry. She still thinks I'm not aware that she's had a raging crush on Lucian for years now, but I just never mention it, it would be too weird.

My brother and me are very close. I love him unconditionally, no matter what he does and I know he dotes on me, always telling me how proud he is of me and always being the protective big brother.

Lucian is my sole guardian since our parents both disappeared one year ago. They had no brothers or sisters to take care of me, so Lucian stepped up to look after me.

When both my parents' went missing, I dropped out of school, it just seemed so pointless at the time because I just wanted to find them. I never looked for them though, I was always drunk or sleeping, exactly the same as my brother, wallowing and drifting in self-pity.

Thanks to Kerry and her parents' who helped my brother and I in our collapsed lives, we came through as best as we could and now we are just trying to move on.

I finally get my butt out of bed and go to the kitchen to meet Kerry. She makes the meanest coffee.

While we are at the breakfast bar, Kerry asks, "Erica have you heard from Lucian yet? It's been over a month now. I know going off on a bender is his thing but he's starting to beat his own missing period record."

"Sort of Kerry, he won't answer my phone calls but he's replied to a few e-mails. I'll show you, let me go grab my phone."

To: Lucian

Subject: Where the hell are you?

Date:10/07/2012

Lucian, where are you? I've been ringing you for weeks now and if you don't get back to me, I'm calling the police. I know it will be a year since mum and dad went missing soon and you're upset but I need you. Please let me know you are ok. xxxxxxxxxxxx

From: Lucian

Subject: Where the hell are you?

Date:11/07/2012

Erica don't worry about me, I'm ok. I'm not coming back home. I did send you a letter a few weeks ago, you must not of gotten it. I have moved to America where our great grandfather came from. Don't be worried or upset, I know Kerry and her parents' will take care of you. All the paper work to the trust and the apartment will be in your name on your 18th. Please don't look for me, you will never understand but I'm doing this for you to keep you safe. You are everything to me, you know that. I love you tons little sister 3

To: Lucian

Subject: Where the hell are you?

Date:11/07/2012

Lucian, you really are strung out aren't you! Come home now! And stop talking crap. Oh, and I love you too xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

To: Lucian

Subject: Where the hell are you?

Date:12/07/2012

Lucian please come home. I miss you and I'm lonely. Please, just come home xxxxxxxxxxx

To: Lucian

Subject: Where the hell are you?

Date:13/07/2012

Why the hell aren't you answering me?! If you don't answer me, I'm going to send out a police search party to come and find you Lucian!

To: Lucian

Subject: Where the hell are you?

Date:14/07/2012

Lucian, I'm sorry about the blunt last message I sent you. Please at least message me back. I can't sleep, I'm sick with worry xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

To: Lucian

Subject: Where the hell are you?

Date: 15/07/2012

Lucian please phone me or send me an up to date photo, anything! So I really know you are ok. I'm so upset and I really am losing it with worry xxxxxxxxx I love you xxxxxxx

"Mental or what Kerry?" I tell her with raised eyebrows.

"Yeah that is strange Erica but what's even more strange is how he won't answer your calls or even call you back. He loves you Erica, more than anyone, everyone can see that and you know he's never gone anywhere without calling you every day. And what the hell is America all about! Why would he go there?" Kerry practically shouts America.

"I know, the last e-mail was a picture of him in what looks like, New Orleans. Check out the beads he's wearing of the famous Mardi Gras. He's definitely pissing it up big time. By the time my 18th birthday comes there won't be any money left!"

Kerry laughs her head off in fits telling me, "if he could spend his way through millions, then he's not only mental, but a fucking genius."

She might find it funny but I definitely don't.

I have to stop obsessing over Lucian, just for today. It's all getting a bit much and the last thing I need after mum and dad is Lucian off on one. I don't think I could take losing him too. I'll call the local police station tomorrow and get a check done on his passport and credit card.

I have to get ready, me and Kerry are going to her parents' for a fundraiser party at the local council hall.

I have a nice long needed shower and take a look in the mirror. I have big green eyes and long black hair, noted this does not go with my pale skin but fake tan soon sorts my complexion out. I go with dark eyes, straight hair and a royal blue gown with a plunging v-neck. It compliments my curves very nicely.

Kerry is the complete opposite to me. Blonde curly hair down to her backside, tanned, brown eyes and very athletic figured. Model is the only way I would describe her, she really is stunning to me.

I grab my bag, call Kerry from her room, hoping she's ready to go and luckily she is.

When we arrive at Kerry's parents' place, her mum Olivia instantly questions me about my e-mails from Lucian, asking where is he? Is he in New Orleans? Has he met the Clivedon's? Has he called? I wouldn't question her on this, because she is practically family to us and I assume Kerry told her everything.

I tell her I have absolutely no idea where he is and that he hasn't mentioned anyone to me. I try to kill the conversation fast because I'm starting to feel uneasy by her questions, they are so random.

Luckily for me, my friend Kevin comes over, telling me how lovely I look and that he would love a dance, so I go with him.

Eventually, I find Kerry and tell her about her mums' questions and she looks at me with a confused expression and asks, "how would she know you thought he was in New Orleans?"

"I don't know Kerry, I thought you told her that I assumed he was there because of his photo?" I reply sketchy.

"I didn't even mention the photo to my mum Erica."

"Okay now this is getting strange Kerry, what the hell is going on? Do you think your mum knows something?"

"I don't know Erica but I don't think we should discuss it here with everyone's eyes present and on us!"

Me and Kerry decide to stop obsessing over the situation, just for tonight and Olivia doesn't ask me any more questions, thank god. So the rest of the night goes by smoothly and is actually a laugh for a fundraiser.

The next morning I cannot help myself, I keep thinking about last night with Kerry's mum, questioning me like she did. I think I'd better find Lucian fast and find out what's going on because something feels really off and it's making me uneasy. I immediately start my search on trying to find him.

After a crazy morning, I rush back home to tell Kerry what I've found out.

"I've just been to the police station this morning Kerry and you won't believe this. Lucian really is in New Orleans. It's the last movement on his credit card and passport. I'm going to go and look for him."

She screws her entire face up with shock and tells me, "Erica, stop and think first. You need a plan!"

I tend to act on impulse at the best of times but luckily Kerry reigns me in when it really matters.

Kerry continues after thinking long and hard, "you don't even know where he is, he could be anywhere Erica!"

"Kerry, I went in the safe to get my passport;" Kerry interrupts me, "how the fuck did you get in it? I thought Lucian didn't give you the code?"

I smile, Cheshire cat style and tell her, "it wasn't hard to guess, it's mum and dad's disappearance date."

"What did you find Erica?"

"I found a photo of my great grandfather in New Orleans. The photo is old and you can't recognise anyone in it, but my great grandfather is with a man called Sebastian Clivedon." I emphasize the name 'Clivedon'.

"Look at the names at the bottom of the photo Kerry."

She just stares back at me like I'm a weirdo.

"That's the name your mum was quizzing me about last night. Why would she be asking about someone my great grandfather knew over one hundred years ago?

They lived in a different country, how does she know who the Clivedon's are? Our family only met yours when you moved here 15 years ago?"

"Yeah, that is weird Erica. Do you think I should ask my mum what's going on?"

"To be honest, I don't think she will tell you anything Kerry. I think she will tell you what she thinks you need to know, just to get some information on what we know. I've booked a ticket, printed the photos out of Lucian and I'm going to New Orleans on my birthday. I'll be 18 so no one can stop me."

"I need to sort someone to take care of things here, then I'll join you Erica. We can find Lucian together and bring him home. Just make sure you call me every morning, afternoon and evening, so I know you're ok, otherwise I'll go crazy worrying about you."

"I will, I promise." I tell her while giving her a hug.

"Now we need to go to my parents' house Erica, they are expecting us."

The next day I wake up at Kerry's parents' house as they insisted I stay over to be with them on my birthday so I'm not alone. Kerry and I shared a bed in her old, very shabby chic Victorian bedroom. Her entire house is decorated in this design and it is absolutely flawless but it does not resemble Kerry in the slightest.

We stayed up most of the night giggling like little kids and now neither of us want to wake up because we are too tired.

"It's time to get up girls!" Olivia calls us as she comes strolling in Kerry's room, opening all the curtains.

Olivia passes me a present. I open it and it's an old ugly necklace. It has a stunning large ruby but it hangs on - what looks like a brass chain with a big brass star that surrounds the ruby.

I act like I love it. I don't want to seem rude and I also want to know where it came from. "Where did you get this Olivia?" I ask her questionably. Strangely I feel like I have a connection to the necklace and it's bizarre.

"It just belongs to you Erica darling. You should always wear it, okay?" Olivia replies.

"I will, thank you Olivia and thank you Shane." Shane is Kerry's dad.

Kerry comes back in her room after telling me she had to go and grab something. I didn't even have time to be curious about what she was doing because Olivia and Shane were here.

Olivia and Shane leave and Kerry instantly grills me about how ugly the necklace is, "Erica, you cannot wear that necklace, it is hideous!" I laugh and say, "I have to wear it otherwise it will look rude."

Kerry shakes her head in giggles and gives me a present. I open it and it's a huge picture frame filled with pictures of me and Kerry mostly, but it also has my mum, dad, Lucian, Olivia, Shane and some old school friends. "And this," Kerry says with a stupid expression on her face, God I love her, the silly sod.

"You didn't have to get me two presents Kerry."

"Well, I wanted to... so suck it up!"

The second present is intimate, a broach that is gold and has the letter E for Erica on it marked in diamonds. I open the broach and on one side there is a picture of me and Kerry and the other side has a tiny photo of me, mum, dad and Lucian. A tear drops off my face and Kerry pulls me to her and hugs me. "Babe if it's too upsetting I can get you something else?" Kerry asks me with 'sorry' written over her gorgeous face.

"No Kerry, I love it… it's the best present I've ever been given, thank you so much."

"Come on babe, let's go get some breakfast and then make you all beautiful for your party." Kerry tells me smiling and brushing my cheek.

"Yeah, I'd like that thank you."

My birthday is going by so quickly. I want to cherish every moment of this day with the people I love but I also want it to hurry on so I can find my brother. I miss him so much. I have this empty feeling in the pit of my stomach with the loss of mum and dad and now with Lucian. I hope he is ok and safe. I can't bear the thought of losing him.

Kerry has thrown a lavish party for my birthday and the night goes by with lots of champagne, speeches and tears.

The perfect night apart from the hole in my heart. I miss my family terribly and I really wish they could be here.

I'll be ready for my flight in 3 hours to go find Lucian, right now, that is the only thing keeping me going.

I meet a few old friends from school who I haven't seen for a while. Amy Reline is one of them. Now there is a blast from the past, I think to myself. She got me in a lot of trouble at school.

She was all boys, drinking, house parties and terrorising others for fun. Maybe that's where I get my drinking habits from because now I love it. Getting drunk is my thing and not just because my parents' are gone. I love to party.

Amy was taken out of school when we were 15 because she got very poorly and when she got better, she just never returned, it was strange. She stopped coming out with us and we slowly drifted apart.

As soon as she spots me, she rushes over. "Hi Amy, how are you?" I ask with a hug,

"I'm good Erica, it's been too long hasn't it? We should try and make up for lost time tonight."

"I know where you're going with this Amy but I can't get hammered because I'm going away for a few weeks tonight."

"Where are you off to Erica? Amy asks me curiously.

"To New Orleans in America. Lucian has gone on a bender and he's not answering my phone calls or my e-mails, so I need to go find him."

"Wow, do you know what I would give to go there Erica? Not only to find your sexy brother but it's all late night parties and sleeping all day. The Mardi Gras street parties are famous! It would be perfect for us." She tells me with a wink.

"Maybe one day we will Amy."

Amy stays with us all evening and the night draws to a close.

I don't want to seem rude and not say goodbye to Olivia and Shane but I don't need them fussing over me and telling me I shouldn't leave. I can't even get to Kerry because she is with her parents', so I'll just have to call her when I get to America. I slip out the party unnoticed.

Amy offered to drive me to the airport. As I get in the car, I ask, "are you sure you don't mind driving me to the airport?"

"No of course not Erica, it's the least I can do after not seeing you for so long but on a serious note though, what's the deal with Lucian? I hope it's nothing too serious."

I tell her everything Kerry and I know and if I'm honest, she doesn't seem that surprised and that bothers me.

Amy can see me judging her answer so she presses on, "look Erica, Lucian would not just leave you for no good reason."

I'm baffled by everything she's saying, I feel as though she might know something so I question her intently. "Have you heard from Lucian?"

"No, no, of course not." Amy tells me a little too quickly.

"Are you sure Amy? because you seem off."

"Erica, I'm just tired that's all, honestly."

"Amy take down my number and if you hear from him, please let me know, ok? Text or call me any time."

We pull up to the airport and I have to rush to check in for my flight.

"You will call me if you hear from Lucian wont you Amy?" I ask her once more with a firm voice.

"Of course I will, please don't doubt me Erica. If he calls me - which he won't - but if he does, I'll call you right away."

I give her a hug to say goodbye and leave to go find Lucian.