Appalachian Peril

by Debbie Herbert

  Beth didn’t even try the sneakers, opting for the warm, furry slippers. “Thanks, Lilah. I’ll return everything to you later.”

  Lilah waved a dismissive hand. “Is Sammy driving you to Aiden’s place?”

  “Your husband made sure his car was brought to the hospital. And Sammy insisted on taking me.”

  “Might be a good idea.” Lilah shook her head and held open the bathroom door. “Still can’t get over that they tried to kill you.”

  “They?” Beth’s brow furrowed. Lilah must be speaking of the Lambert family in general.

  “Yeah. Those two whose bodies the cops found last night. They’d been flung a good distance from the truck.”

  It hadn’t even occurred to her there would be more than the lone driver behind the attack. “So one of them threw the pipe bomb while another waited in a getaway truck?”

  “That’s what Harlan speculates.”

  It felt as though a cold ice cube suddenly slivered down her spine. The whole thing had been so...premeditated. “Wonder if one of the men was the same guy who threatened me in town yesterday.”

  “Maybe. I wouldn’t put anything past Marty Upshaw.”

  Beth stepped into the brightly lit hospital hallway. Now that she’d donned fresh clothes, the scent of smoke was replaced by an antiseptic zing in the air. “And who did the other body belong to?”

  Lilah’s brows rose. “You haven’t heard yet?”

  A knot of dread formed in her stomach. Judging by Lilah’s reaction, this person might have been someone she’d known. “Who?” she whispered.

  “Abbie Fenton.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Sammy stepped off the elevator, Beth’s suitcases in each of his hands. It had been quick work gathering her clothes and toiletries from the Wynngate house before the short drive to Atlanta. He followed her down a long hallway in Aiden’s condo building, impressed that even this utilitarian part of the building had a luxurious feel, with chandeliers, plush carpeting and a view of downtown from floor-to-ceiling windows that banked both ends of the hall. Beth, of course, paid it no mind as she strode to Aiden’s door and rang the bell.

  Unease niggled the back of his mind. With all the danger and forced intimacy between them, he’d pushed away the realization of how different their social statuses were. A blue-collar man like himself would be a real step down in the world inhabited by the Wynngates and others with their wealth.

  Steps sounded from the opposite side of the door and he wondered how his old friend would greet him. It’d been at least four or five years since they’d last met. The encounter had felt awkward for Sammy and he suspected it had for Aiden, as well. After only a minute of reminiscing on old times, he’d found himself floundering in the conversation. There was no longer a common ground between them.

  The door flung open, and Aiden filled the doorway with his tall, charismatic presence, throwing Sammy a grin as he hugged Beth in welcome. “You always bring the excitement when you visit us,” he teased.

  “Sure you don’t mind me crashing a few days?”

  “Don’t be silly. ’Course not.” Aiden thrust out his hand to Sammy. “How you doing, buddy?”

  “Fine,” he answered, as though he and Beth hadn’t been through hell all last night.

  Aiden opened the door all the way and gestured them inside. The industrial, minimalistic feel of the place struck Sammy as coldly formal. Everything was gray or dull white. The room would be much improved if Beth’s colorful paintings graced the stark walls. Odd that her brother didn’t display any of them, but he supposed everyone should be allowed to live with their own tastes in their own home. Beth stood beside him and leaned into him, resting her head against his chest. He slung an arm over her shoulder and gave her a reassuring squeeze. The worst was over. Now they needed to rest and recoup.

  If Aiden wondered about the connection between his sister and old friend, he didn’t remark on it. “You both must be dead on your feet,” he said. “Come on in and sit down.”

  “That’s okay. I should be going—”

  “Nonsense.”

  Beth pleaded with her eyes. “You should rest before driving back to Lavender Mountain. Maybe even take a nap?”

  “Good idea,” Aiden said approvingly. “I have a couple of empty guest rooms. Stay as long as you want.”

  “No, I really need to get some paperwork done today,” he argued. Not to mention there were so many angles he wanted to follow up on. With any luck, Charlotte might have unearthed something useful in the investigation. He could use a bit of good news right about now.

  “At least sit down and drink some coffee,” Beth urged.

  Aiden clapped his hands together. “Excellent idea. I have an espresso machine that makes a mean cup of joe.”

  Of course he did. Sammy would have preferred a soda, but he gave Aiden a nod. “Sounds good.”

  Beth lifted the two suitcases sitting by the doorway. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to take a quick shower.”

  He needed one, as well, but he’d wait until he got home. Sammy followed Aiden into the kitchen with its broad expanse of marble countertops and stainless steel appliances. “Nice place,” he commented.

  “Isn’t it?” Aiden agreed with an appreciative smile. “And you should see the gym and pool downstairs. We even have an indoor racquetball court.” He beamed with pride as he ground fresh coffee beans and then emptied them into a complicated-looking machine. “There’s even a five-star restaurant on the lobby level that delivers room service on nights I’m too beat to cook or go out. Best of all, my office is less than a quarter mile away. So convenient.”

  “Must be nice,” he offered, watching as Aiden fussed with the espresso maker and retrieved glass cups from a cabinet. From the bank of windows over the sink, he could see a line of cars inching forward on the bypass. Good thing Aiden lived so close to his law firm. Otherwise, the commute would be a bitch.

  No thanks. He’d take the slow pace of Lavender Mountain any day. Frowning, Sammy eyed the button-down shirt and tailored gray pants Aiden wore. “Are you going back to work today? I thought you were still on vacation.”

  “Vacation?” He barked out a laugh. “Is that what Beth told you? I’ve been on a business trip. No rest when you’re the boss. But don’t worry, I can work here at home the next few days while y’all get this situation sorted. Any idea when they might arrest Lambert?”

  Aiden filled both their cups and pointed at the cream and sugar by the machine.

  “Atlanta PD has an APB out on him. Could be any minute now.”

  Aiden shook his head. “Can’t imagine why anyone would want to hurt my sister. Are the Lamberts trying to kidnap Beth and hold her for ransom? Is that the theory?”

  “Maybe.” If Beth hadn’t volunteered more information, he certainly wouldn’t. Sammy sipped the coffee. For all the elegant preparation and presentation, it tasted like any old cup of black coffee. Maybe his taste buds, like his life in general, lacked sophistication.

  “She’ll be safe with me, although we might drive each other up the wall if we’re home alone together all day every day.” Aiden chuckled. “Between us, Beth can be pretty flaky. If you know what I mean.”

  He frowned. “No, I don’t know what you mean. She seems extremely levelheaded to me. Brave, too.”

  “Oh, sure, sure,” Aiden said placatingly. “But you don’t know her as well as I do. She’s a typical artist. Kind of moody and always has her head in the clouds. It’s cute at first, but it wears thin after a while.”

  “In what way?” Sammy asked, unable to keep the sharp edge out of his voice.

  “Don’t get me wrong, she’s my sister and I love her of course, but she can be overly dramatic. Not to mention a bit spoiled, too. The judge sent her to the finest schools and left her a substantial inheritance. And what does she have to show for it? A job teaching
art to middle schoolers.” He gave a smug snicker.

  “There’s nothing wrong with the teaching profession. And Beth happens to be a highly talented painter.”

  Aiden sipped his coffee and then set it down. “She’s a dilettante. By now, she should be seeing someone in our crowd or going to graduate school and learning a real profession.”

  Anger burned his cheeks and the nape of his neck. Could Aiden have been more obvious in his disapproval of his and Beth’s attraction? With one broad stroke, he’d managed to insult Beth as a flighty no-talent hack and himself as a poor, unacceptable match for a member of the Wynngate family.

  “Maybe what Beth wants isn’t the same as what you believe she needs,” Sammy said, striving to keep his anger in check. “And give her a little credit. Beth is a smart, talented and capable woman who makes her own decisions.”

  Aiden frowned. “You misunderstand what I’m saying. I’m only—”

  A sharp voice sounded from behind. “Your message was unmistakable.” Beth glared at her brother, pushing back a lock of wet hair from her face. “Nice to know your real opinion of me—an overly dramatic, spoiled dilettante.”

  “You’re twisting my words,” he protested. “And how long have you been eavesdropping?

  “I’m repeating exactly what you said. And I couldn’t help but overhear as I walked over.”

  “C’mon, Beth, I’m sorry. Don’t be so sensitive. I didn’t mean anything by it.”

  A bitter laugh escaped her mouth. “Of course you meant something by it. And you insulted Sammy, too. Apologize to him.”

  Although gratified at Beth’s quick defense, Sammy didn’t want to cause trouble between her and her brother. “It’s okay,” he said quickly.

  Aiden’s face flushed crimson and he didn’t spare Sammy a glance. “You’re making a big deal out of nothing,” he insisted.

  “You implied he was unsuitable. Not good enough for a Wynngate.”

  “I didn’t say that.” Again Aiden refused to look him in the eye.

  “Bad enough you put me down, but I’m not going to stand by and let you do the same with my friends. At least Sammy hasn’t come to me with his hands out, asking to borrow money.”

  “I asked if you wanted to invest in my new law firm. Not to borrow.” Aiden carefully set his coffee cup on the counter. “There’s a big difference. It’s not like you don’t have the money.”

  Sammy started to ease out of the kitchen. This was family business and he didn’t belong.

  “And I gladly lent you thousands of dollars,” Beth said, her voice calmer now. “This isn’t about the money. It’s about respect.”

  Aiden held up his hands, palms out. “You’re right. I don’t want to argue. Sammy, don’t leave. Seems I owe you an apology. No offense, okay?”

  “Sure,” Sammy said, not believing for a second that Aiden was sincere, but to ease Beth’s feelings. She’d been through enough the last few days without him contributing to this sibling conflict. So what if Aiden looked down his patrician nose at him? He really didn’t give a damn. Their friendship had been over for years.

  “See? Sammy’s fine. And I promise, you’ll get your money back within the year. With interest.”

  Sammy cleared his throat. “Guess I’ll be heading down the road. Thanks for letting Beth stay with you a few days, Aiden.”

  “My pleasure—”

  “I’m not staying.” Beth strode out of the kitchen and headed for the door.

  Aiden trailed after her. “But—I thought you needed a safe place to stay.”

  Sammy sighed. He couldn’t blame Beth for not wanting to hide out here. But where could she go now that was safe? She’d already refused to stay with him, and her stepmother obviously didn’t want Beth at her place or Beth would have gone there.

  Beth snatched her bags from one of the bedrooms and reemerged with her face still set in stony resolve, Aiden at her heels and trying to convince her not to leave. Sammy held the door open and Beth faced her brother one last time. “We’ll talk later. I’m too upset right now. Bye, Aiden.”

  Sammy gave a quick nod to the chagrined Aiden and they silently proceeded to the elevator. Once the doors closed behind them, Beth gave him a rueful smile. “Sorry you had to see that. It was ugly, wasn’t it?”

  “A little. Can’t say I blame you for walking out, but now we have to figure out our next move. Have you changed your mind about staying with me in Lavender Mountain? I can provide 24/7 police protection.”

  “No. I won’t put you in that kind of danger. Plus, there’s too many eyes in that town. Word would get around where I’m staying.”

  “Let me decide about the risk. My main concern is your protection. I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Sammy’s worry about her safety thawed the chill in her heart left from Aiden’s harsh words. But then, how much was merely professional concern on his part? Couldn’t look good on a deputy sheriff’s record to have someone hurt while under his protection. Beth shook off the depressing thought, her usual optimism starting to surface. A good breakfast and a few hours’ sleep in her favorite hotel was in order.

  “This is it,” she announced. “Pull up to the lobby entrance and let’s spring for valet service.”

  “Fancy,” Sammy commented as he whipped the Jeep to the door.

  The downtown W Hotel gleamed like a skyscraper diamond in the morning sunshine—all glass and chrome, a tall beacon promising warmth and comfort. It was her favorite place to stay in the city. On annual home visits, she often opted to stay at the W in a private suite instead of with family. That way she, Cynthia and Aiden didn’t get into each other’s hair too much.

  With quick and courteous efficiency, they were ushered into the studio suite she preferred. The corner room featured floor-to-ceiling windows that offered stunning views of Atlanta. The energy of the city was also captured in the vibrant turquoise-and-magenta color scheme that clicked with her artist’s eye.

  “This is amazing,” Sammy said, surveying the room. The dazed, appreciative expression on his face spoke volumes. Luxury suites probably weren’t much on his radar, living as he did on a deputy sheriff’s salary. She hoped she hadn’t made him uncomfortable. Perhaps this wasn’t the best choice after Aiden’s so-recent snobby remarks. Although she’d inherited a substantial amount of money from her parents, she wasn’t one to flaunt her wealth. But after everything they’d been through last night, she wanted to treat them both to the very best.

  Beth flopped onto the king-size bed and sought to put him at ease. “I hope you love it here as much as I do. It’s ‘old-fashioned Southern hospitality meets modern chic meets artistic flair.’”

  “I suppose this room will be okay,” he remarked dryly. “Although I could do without the hot-pink blanket and pillows.”

  “Think of it as a rich shade of magenta, not pink.”

  “Tell it to my hormones. My testosterone level dropped the moment I saw it.”

  Beth laughed and sprang to her feet. “Let’s order room service for breakfast and then catch a nap.”

  “I really should head back to the station. Harlan will be expecting a report by the end of the day.”

  “Harlan would expect you to rest and then do whatever you have to do. Besides, you can order a laptop brought here from the hotel’s business center and email a report. No need to drive all the way back to Lavender Mountain.”

  “They would do that?” he asked in surprise.

  “Of course. Welcome to the twenty-first century.”

  “The technology isn’t what surprised me. I’m talking about the service. You don’t get that at the local motel chains I use.”

  She searched his face for a hint of rancor but, to her relief, found none. Treating Sammy to the very best was going to be fun. In short order, they were seated at the window table a
nd dining on a brunch of shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes and bacon biscuits. The coziness felt extra intimate as they watched office workers and shoppers crowding the streets below under a light dusting of snow.

  Once their hunger was sated, a different physical appetite was aroused. His eyes blazed across the table at her as he slowly set his fork down. Wordlessly, Sammy took her hand and led her to bed. That large luscious bed with its soft mattress—a stark contrast to the hard floor of the cabin where they’d made love last night. Not that she was complaining. She’d always treasure the memory of discovering the feel of his strong, sleek body and the taste of his mouth as the fireplace crackled in the background.

  Beth never imagined it possible but making love to Sammy the second time around was even more exciting than the first. He kissed and touched her in just the right places, already an expert on her sensual desires. Need welled in her, frantic and desperate until at last he entered her. She met each thrust with wild abandon. Pleasure at last ripped through her and she held on to him as the tremors subsided. Only then did he allow his own orgasm and she marveled at what a skillful and tender lover Sammy was.

  The long, sleepless hours finally caught up to her. Beth closed her eyes and snuggled into Sammy’s warm arms, drifting into welcome slumber.

  A cell phone rang, jarring her out of sleep. The illusion of safety and isolation from the rest of the world lifted in an instant. Sammy rolled away from her and picked the phone up off the nightstand.

  “Armstrong, here.” A pause and then he sat up, all business. “You’ve got him? I’ll be right down.”

  “What is it?” she asked breathlessly. “Has Lambert been found?”

  “Found and arrested. Atlanta PD are holding him at their midtown station.” Sammy slid out of bed and picked up his clothes lying on the floor. “Can’t wait to interrogate the little bastard.”

  Beth got out of bed and snatched up her clothes, as well. “I’ll go with you.”