Chapter One

It was a bright sunny morning in Peaceville. The leaves on the trees were turning yellow, showing that summer was ending. Everyone was in a happy mood. It was one of those days when it seemed like the birds were singing because they felt delighted.

The carnival was on. Everyone was getting ready to be in their best. Everywhere was filled with the brightest colors. Girls were giggling, boys were being boys. Many were preparing to be dressed in different costumes. Hawaiian, Spanish and Indian costumes were going to be prominent.

Justin Bennett looked on smiling from the taxi. It felt so good to be back in Peaceville. To have a job waiting for him was an added bonus. He was the best in his class in Harvard and a job at Winthrop, Winthrop and Winthrop Law Firm was something he had definitely earned on his own, not by virtue of the fact that his mother was Rose Charlwood, the wife of the heir to the Charlwood Empire.

His dad was the first person he told the news. Richard Bennett was really pleased and reserved: pleased that his son got something without the Charlwood influence and reserved because his son is an attorney. He is the Chief of Police in Peaceville and it’s well known that there’s no love lost between the police and attorneys.

The taxi stopped in front of a beautiful house with a well-taken care of lawn. Justin came out of the taxi, sighed deeply and started smiling at the house.

“Gone a long time?” the taxi driver asked, smiling.

“Yeah.”, He replied and paid him his fare.

He walked towards the house and on getting to the door, pressed the doorbell. He heard the sound of running footsteps and smiled, knowing who was running like that.

The door was opened by a brown haired pretty girl who jumped on Justin.

“He’s BACK!!!!”

Justin laughed and carrying her, turned her around.

“It’s sooo good to see you again, Dora.”

“I missed you big!”

“God, I missed you too!”

“Let go of my brother, you idiot”, said another voice.

Justin smiled. Diana would never change, always fighting with her younger sister. “Come here, pretty.” He said and also hugged her.

Diana Bennett was taller and slimmer than Dora with longer brown hair. Both his sisters looked like their mum, who had also come outside waiting for her hug. Grace Bennett was a petite brunette with a heart of gold.

“It’s so good to see you, Grace.” He said, hugging her tightly.

“Oh, Justin. Welcome home.”

They all got into the beautiful sitting room, decorated by the homely Grace herself. Justin sniffed the air.

“Something good smells.”

“My famous apple pie.”

“I missed your apple pie.” He told Grace who laughed fondly.

“Oh Justin, it’s really good you’re back today. The carnival this year is going to be great!” Dora said, excitedly.

“Yeah, Peaceville’s famous Carnival!” Justin said, remembering the last carnival he was around for. The carnival consisted of dances from various groups and most especially, The Hunk of the Year and The Most Beautiful Girl of Peaceville Awards. He was sixteen then, just back on holiday from the Swiss boarding school his mother had sent him to. He recalled clearly that a Latino guy, 18 year old Luis Sanchez had won The Hunk of the Year Award. The reason he remembered Luis so well was because his father was really fond of the fatherless boy and was in fact like a second father to him. He recalled that at that time, he really felt jealous of Luis Sanchez.

“I recall the last festival I went to, Luis Sanchez won…..”

“God, that was like soooo long ago.” Dora said, “in fact, Luis is now a cop.”

“Really. That’s good.” Justin said, realizing that Luis had gone for something his father would have wanted him to do. Richard would have been so happy had Justin chosen to be a cop.

“His sister, Gabriella was The Most Beautiful Girl of Harmony last two years...”

“And his younger brother is going to be The Hunk of the Year.” Diana said, rather breathlessly.

“You would know that.” Dora said, mischievously.

“Shut up, dweeb!” Diana retorted.

“No insulting, Diana.” Grace said, wearily.

“I didn’t know Luis had a sister.” Justin said.

“Gabriella is the nicest prettiest girl I know.” Dora said.

“I’m pretty.” Diana said.

“You’re not nice.” Dora retorted.

“I missed you girls.” Justin said, hugging them close, thus putting an end to their argument.

“You really are in Peaceville for good?” Grace asked. Dora and Diana looked up at Justin hopefully.

“Yes, I am.” Justin said to the happy faces, “I’m going to work here, play here, fall in love here, get married here, have my kids here, the whole deal- here.”

“That’s a lot of things you’re going to do here.” Richard said, entering the house.

“Dad!”

Justin and Richard hugged each other tightly. Richard looked at Justin from top to bottom. “You’re looking good, Justin Bennett.”

“You’re not looking bad yourself, Chief Bennett.” Justin said and Richard laughed.

“Yeah, he’s such a hunk he should go for The Hunk Award.” Grace said, kissing her husband.

“Something does smell good.” Richard said.