Vendetta

by Ruth Ryan Langan

  “You see?” Frank nudged Trudy as she walked past. “At least someone here appreciates my talent.”

  “Guests have to be polite.” After topping off their glasses, Trudy set the bottle of white wine in a crystal ice bucket. “The rest of us can be as honest as we please.”

  The others merely chuckled at the longstanding teasing that had been going on between the judge and his housekeeper for as long as anyone could recall.

  “You’re an inventor, too, Judge Brennan?” As Blair picked up his knife, s shoulder brushed Courtney’s, and she felt a quick slide of heat.

  “That’s right. Just a few simple items that help Trudy around the kitchen.”

  The housekeeper huffed out a breath.

  When Blair’s shoulder brushed Courtney’s a second time, she glanced at her sister across the table, determined to ignore him. “Before I forget, Sidney, one of my customers wanted you to know that she just loves your art. A good thing, too, since she spent a fortune for your print of the geese with their young.”

  “Proud Parents.” Sidney’s smile bloomed. “I love that one. It’s always nice to know someone else appreciates it enough to pay good money for it.”

  “Ever since I’ve added that gallery of your work to my shop, business has increased by about fifty percent. And though I’d hate to lose all that income, I still think you ought to open your own gallery. You’d make a fortune.”

  Sidney shook her head. “I just don’t have the head for business that you do, Court. I’d much rather concentrate on my art than have to worry about finding a building, paying the overhead and then having to deal with real, live customers.”

  “Which explains,” Emily said dryly, “why you choose to live all alone in the middle of nowhere.”

  “It’s not that I don’t like people.” Emily’s cheeks went red. “But I just find that I work better without all those distractions around to disturb my concentration. Besides, since I paint mostly wildlife, it seems only natural that I live among them.”

  “You don’t need to explain,” Bert said gently. “We understand completely.” Though they all worried about Sidney, who had become something of a recluse after a painful episode during her college days, they understood her need for solitude. “Now, if Courtney ever decides to move to a little place in the woods, we’ll really worry.”

  That had everyone around the table laughing.

  “You never know,” Courtney said in defense. “Maybe I’ll decide one of these days that I need to get away from people.”

  “Don’t count on it.” Frank leaned over to pat her hand. “Honey, you need people around you the same way Hannah needs her flowers.”

  “You know me so well, Poppie.”

  “Well enough to know you need at least a dozen projects going at one time to be happy.”

  “Speaking of a dozen different projects…” Charley looked at Blair. “I had a chance to look over the additions you’ve suggested for the clubhouse, and I don’t know how you can come up with so many clever ideas.”

  Blair seemed uneasy to find himself the center of attention. He’d been enjoying the easy banter among the family members. “Thanks, Charley, but that’s my job.”

  “Your job would have been a lot simpler without these additions.”

  “What did you think of them

  She sighed. “They’re gorgeous. Especially the atrium.”

  At that, Hannah swiveled her head to study him. “An atrium?”

  He nodded. “In fact, the board of directors has already approved the name. The Conservatory. I saw your drawings for the gardens and decided that it would be a shame to lose all those plants during the winter months. This way, even in the dead of winter, with mountains of snow outside, our members can enjoy the beauty of your gardens.”

  “Oh, Blair. I’m…” Hannah opened her mouth, then closed it, which had everyone laughing aloud.

  “Is Hannah really speechless?” Emily touched her sister’s wrist, as though searching for a pulse. “She seems okay. But I have to say this is a first. Hannah, honey, are you in there? Or is this woman an imposter?”

  While the others roared, Hannah gave a quick shake of her head. “An atrium. A conservatory. Whatever you call it, I love it. I can’t wait to see your design.”

  Blair’s food was forgotten, an indication that he was easily caught up in the love of his work. “It’s pretty basic. The board had already approved a circular dining room, mostly glass, looking out over water on one side, golf course on the other.

  With the addition of little islands of live plants, it would feel much like this. Dining on your grand parents’ patio all year long.”

  Bert seemed delighted. “What a grand idea.”

  Charley touched a napkin to her mouth. “Wait until you see it, Bert. You’re going to love going there for dinner, especially in the winter.”

  Trudy wheeled out a cart loaded with a silver coffee service and a freshly baked chocolate torte, which she began to slice and pass around. Blair noticed that she saved the biggest pieces for the two little boys, Danny and T.J., whose eyes went wide with pleasure.

  “Oh, I can just see it.” Hannah began describing the plants and flowers she could use. “Blue and purple and white hydrangeas. Tulip vine and clematis climbing up and around an arbor. Victorian roses.” She turned to Courtney. “And some of those lovely stone benches. And Sidney’s watercolors on the walls. And…”

  Blair sat back, enjoying the give and take among the sisters. “I can see that this has become quite the family project.”

  “You don’t mind?” Charley glanced at him across the table.

  He shook his head. “Not at all. In fact, this kind of enthusiasm is contagious. I don’t think I’ve felt this much excitement over a project in years.”

  “The Brennan family has a way of doing that to you.” Ethan dropped an arm around Hannah’s shoulders and pressed a kiss to the tip of her nose.

  “When I first met Hannah, the thing I most loved about her was the joy she took in her work each day.”

  She gave him an impish grin. “And here I thought it was my great legs.”

  “Those, too.” He caught her hand and li to his lips, while the others joined in the laughter.

  Blair found himself laughing along with them.

  This was, he realized, the most fun he’d had in a long time, while doing nothing more than enjoying a simple meal with interesting people.

  While he sipped his coffee he watched the interaction between Courtney and her sisters. No competition here. Just a deep and abiding affection between them that was the real thing.

  “Look.” Danny pointed, and the entire party watched as several fireflies flitted across the yard.

  Enchanted, Hannah reached for an empty goblet. “Come on. I’ll show you what we used to do when we were little.”

  Leading the way, she and the boys dashed across the yard, letting out excited shrieks each time another dancing light was spotted.

  They were soon joined in the hunt by Sidney, Emily and Courtney, each carrying a glass. It took them the better part of an hour before they’d managed to catch their prey, but at last they returned with their glasses sparkling like tiny stars.

  “Can we keep them?” Danny asked.

  “That wouldn’t be fair,” Hannah explained. “After they’ve entertained us, they need to be set free so they can fly home.”

  “’Cause they have little fireflies waiting for them?” Danny asked innocently.

  “That’s right.” She and her sisters set the upside-down glasses and jars on the table and watched the light show. Finally, when they’d seen enough, they turned their captives loose.

  Everyone fell silent as the tiny lights sailed across the lawn, winking in the darkness before disappearing. Shortly after that the two boys climbed up on their dad’s lap, rubbing their eyes.

  “I think we’ve had enough fun for one night,” Ethan said with a wink. “Like our fireflies, we need to head home.”

&nb
sp; Just then the rumble of thunder had everyone looking up. As they watched, lightning snaked across the darkened sky.

  Frank Brennan turned to his granddaughter and saw the way she was looking at her boat, anchored offshore. “I hope you’re not thinking about trying to beat this storm home.”

  She shrugged. “I guess the thought crossed my mind. But I’m not that foolish.”

  “Good. I’m sure someone here can drive you home.”

  Blair reached into his pocket for his car keys. “Since we’re practically living at the same address, it won’t be any problem to see your granddaughter home, sir.”

  Frank beamed his approval. “Good. Good. That will give us an excuse to have you and Courtney here for one of our famous Sunday brunches tomorrow, before she picks up her boat.”

  “But, Poppie…” Before Courtney could think of a polite way to get out of it, her grandmother was already making plans.

  “Oh, Frank, that’s perfect. You will come with Courtney, won’t you,

  He was about to refuse when he caught sight of the little pout that pursed Courtney’s lips. Oh, the thought of annoying her was just too tempting. His smile was radiant. “I’d love to. As long as you’re sure I won’t wear out my welcome.”

  “Not at all.” Bert’s smile included her granddaughter. “We’re delighted to have both of you.” She turned to the others. “Can we expect all of you for brunch?”

  With murmured promises all around, the others began making their way around the circle of family with hugs and kisses before heading to their cars.

  After bidding her family good-night, Courtney retrieved her sea bag and followed Blair to his car.

  He held the door and waited until she was settled inside before closing it and walking around to the driver’s side. As he turned the key in the ignition he was grinning like a kid.

  It occurred to him that if looks were daggers, Courtney would be standing over his dead body by now. That had him chuckling aloud as he pushed the button to close the convertible top. As he secured it, he turned to her with a grin. “Wouldn’t want you to get caught in the rain.”

  Even as he spoke, the first drops began falling on the windshield.

  Courtney glanced over as he flicked on the wipers. “Is your timing always so perfect?”

  “I like to think so.” He put the car in gear and they rolled along the curving ribbon of driveway, then turned onto the street, now slick with rain.

  He drove slowly, avoiding the Saturday crowds that still clogged the heart of town. Many were just exiting shops and restaurants, some making mad dashes through the rain while others snapped open umbrellas and strolled at a more leisurely pace.

  “When I spent my summers here, I used to love the rain.”

  Courtney couldn’t hide her surprise. “So did I. But I figured I was the only one. Why did you love it?”

  Blair shrugged. “It’s hard to explain. I knew I couldn’t go swimming or boating, or do any of the things most kids loved to do during the summer in Devil’s Cove. But it always seemed like a special day to me, because my aunt Sarah used rainy days to write in a journal she kept, leaving me to my own devices. Except for a few household chores, I was free to explore.”

  “Where did you go?”

  “Everywhere. I used to hike up to Devil’s Leap.”

  “But that’s miles from town.”

  He laughed. “What are a few miles to a kid with a wild imagination and an entire day to call his own?” He thought a minute. “And I used to crawl through all the caves around the old lighthouse.”

  “Alone?” The very thought had Courtney shivering.

  “I never had anyone willing to go with me. So I’d take my trusty flashlight along and search for treasure.”

  “Did you ever find any?”

  He nodded. found a rusty knife, some wood shards that I was convinced belonged to a pirate’s chest, and a couple of gold coins.”

  “Did you have them appraised?”

  He shook his head. “I kept them in an old box that held a bunch of my treasures. But they got lost in one of my many moves, and I never saw them again.”

  “Your family moved a lot?”

  “Yeah.” He shrugged and quickly changed the subject. “How about you? What’d you do on rainy days?”

  “Bert and Trudy always had adventures planned. They were always something special. Sometimes we’d walk through town in the rain and explore all the shops. Sometimes Poppie would take us for long drives up into the hills. But my favorite was when Bert and Trudy would allow each of us to do something that appealed just to us. When it was Sidney’s turn, we knew we’d all end up painting. With Hannah, it was always some sort of gardening. Emily was into doctoring strays. The more the merrier. But when it was my turn to choose, I’d always ask if I could decorate one of the rooms. I’d haul out old vases and lamps from the attic, and wonderful old portraits of ancestors that had been stored up there. Sometimes I’d fill a crystal vase with seashells I’d collected, and Poppie would allow me to cut fresh flowers from his garden. And then we’d get all dressed up and sit in my room.”

  “I can see you come by your decorating skills naturally.” He chuckled. “But I bet your sisters weren’t too happy with your choices.”

  She joined in the laughter. “I never thought much about it. But you’re right. They could never work up much enthusiasm for hauling stuff out of the attic.”

  “Can you blame them? Of course, now those things would fetch a pretty price in your shop.”

  She nodded. “So would those gold coins of yours. I wonder what ever happened to them?”

  He turned into their shared driveway. “We’ll never know.” He switched off the ignition and walked around to open her door, offering a hand as he did.

  She ignored his hand and stepped out.

  “Still being defensive, I see.”

  At that she went very still. “Sorry. It’s hard to break old habits. I don’t mean to be rude.” Raindrops kissed her cheeks as she lifted her face. “Thanks for the ride. I wasn’t too happy about leaving my boat anchored overnight. But I have to admit this was much better than sailing through a storm.”

  She saw the way his smile faded as he stared down into her eyes.

  His voice was rough. “I don’t think we avoided it.”

  “What?”

  “The storm.”

  He lowered his head, and his mouth covered hers in a kiss that put the thunder and lightning to shame. Heat rushed through her, leaving her trembling, until she was forced to wrap her arms around his waist or risk falling.

  The kiss seemed to spin on and on until it had her breath backing up in her throat. And still his mouth moved over hers, creating the most amazing fireworks behind her closed eyes.

  He hadn’t planned any of this. It had simply happened, with no rhyme or reason. But now that he was holding her, kissing her, he couldn’t seem to stop. She had the most incredible lips. Made for kissing. And the taste of her, cool as raindrops, sweet as summer flowers, had him hungry for more. Ever since that first kiss at his cottage, he’d known he had to taste her again.

  He ran his hands lightly down her back and felt her trembling response. Despite the modest cover-up, he was all too aware of that sexy white bikini, revealing every line and curve of her body. The thought of it made him sweat.

  The sound of her little moan had him lifting his head. His eyes narrowed on her, loving the way she looked in the rain. Hair wet and curling, skin glistening with raindrops, the gown now clinging to her like a second skin.

  “You’d better get inside.”

  She nodded, afraid to trust her voice.

  As she turned away he called, “I forgot to ask. What time is brunch?”

  “Eleven.”

  He was already starting toward his cottage. Over his shoulder he called, “I’ll pick you up at ten forty-five.”

  Chapter 6

  Still shaken by his kiss, Courtney seemed to be moving in a fog. She couldn’t recall
unlocking the door, snapping on the light, or climbing the stairs to her apartment. When she reached the top she was halfway across the room when she noticed the jumble of books on the floor.

  “What…?” She turned and saw that her cabinet doors were lying open, books and papers scattered everywhere.

  She dashed to her bedroom, only to find the same thing. The bookshelves had been swept of their books, which lay tumbled across her bed and floor.

  She dug out her cell phone and dialed. By the time she reached the police department, her voice was shaking.

  “This is Courtney Brennan. My apartment above my shop, Treasures, has been vandalized.”

  Though it seemed an eternity, the patrol car rolled up within minutes. Police Chief Boyd Thompson found Courtney standing in the doorway, looking pale and shaken.

  A second car pulled up behind his. The mayor stepped out.

  At the police chief’s questioning look Wade Bentley said, “I was at city hall when I heard. Thought I’d see what was up.”

  Chief Thompson turned to Courtney. “Have you checked your shop?”

  She nodded. “The door was locked. The security alarm was still armed.”

  “How about your apartment? Was the lock jimmied?”

  “I think

  “You think?” He moved past her and checked the lock. “How’d you get in? Was the door open, or did you need a key?”

  “I…wasn’t paying enough attention. But now I realize the door was unlocked.”

  Boyd glanced at her sharply. “You been drinking, Courtney?”

  “Of course not. I was…distracted.”

  He nodded toward the rear cottage, where his deputy could be seen standing on the front step with Blair. “So was Colby, it seems. He was inside his cottage before he realized it’d been vandalized. His call came in within minutes of yours.”

  “Oh, no.” Courtney clapped a hand to her mouth. “How bad is the damage?”

  The police chief shrugged. “I haven’t checked it out yet. Thought I’d start with you, then move on to Colby. Let’s have a look at yours first.”

  With Courtney leading the way, he and the mayor followed her up the stairs to her apartment. “You touch anything?”