Country Wishes

by RaeAnne Hadley

  “The police need to be informed immediately. Your lives are in danger.” Jake pulled out his cell.

  A few minutes later, Officer Walters pulled up in front of the newspaper office. Hannah let him in and locked the door behind him. Security first. They’d open after the police cleared the scene. “Thank you for coming, Officer Walters. We have a situation.” Bill handed the note and envelope to him. They waited in restless anticipation.

  “We believe this was written by Jeremy Samuels.” Hannah said.

  Officer Walters jotted the name in his notebook. “Why do you think that’s who wrote it.”

  “This is going to take a while.” Bill sighed. “Let’s go into the conference room so we can all sit down.

  Hannah began, “Jeremy Samuels and his sister June went to the same high school as we did. Jeremy decided since we were twins and he and June were twins that I should marry him and Bill should marry June.”

  “He even went to our Dad to ask for Hannah’s hand.” Bill raked his fingers through his hair. “Dad had a fit and said that would never happen and kicked him out of the house.”

  Officer Walters frowned. “I knew your father. He was not a violent man.”

  “No, he wasn’t, normally.” Bill shook his head. “When we got home, he sat us down and told us all the horrible things he had heard that Jeremy did to animals and even homeless people.”

  “Dad gave us strict orders not to have anything to do with him. I felt sorry for June, though.” Hannah’s eyes pleaded for understanding. “So I didn’t reject her like he wanted. I tried to be a friend. I stopped to visit with her once in a while.”

  Although Jake was holding her hand, Hannah startled when he spoke up. “Something isn’t quite right. Your dad went missing two years ago but Jeremy got out of prison recently. He bragged in his note that he killed your dad. It’s not adding up”

  “Exactly,” Officer Walters nodded. “Your father is missing. We don’t know if he is dead or not. So we can’t jump to conclusions. Jeremy might be lying about your dad just to scare you.”

  “I never thought of that. We don’t know what’s happened to Dad.” Hannah’s face brightened. She turned to Bill and searched his face. “Maybe we’re not orphans.”

  “Jake told me Jeremy was at his restaurant when the snowman on the chimney was set on fire. Tell me about that.” Officer Walters continued writing in his notebook as they shared information with him. He raised his head and turned his attention to Hannah.

  “After we ate, the guys went out to bring in the Christmas tree. The restaurant’s Christmas decorations had been stolen and I wanted to ask a waitress what they looked like. When I glanced around for our waitress, that’s when I saw Jeremy sitting at a table along the wall. He was staring at me and smiling.”

  “What did you do?”

  “I turned around and pretended I didn’t see him. I couldn’t understand why he would be smiling at me.” Hannah’s tears began again. “Did he think we had seen his note and knew he might be a murderer?”

  “I don’t know about Hannah, but I’m collecting my family and getting them out of

  here.” Bill stood to leave.

  Officer Walters held up his hand. “If he is dangerous, that would make it easier for him to pick you off. Besides it would leave your sister unprotected.”

  “No, Sir,” Jake said, wrapping his arms around her. “She’s not leaving my sight.”

  Hannah sobbed and cuddled into Jake. She didn’t know what to believe, anymore. “So, are we in danger or not?”

  “Just to be safe, I suggest you all stay together for a while. Don’t go anywhere alone. Always have someone else with you until we can locate Jeremy and get to the bottom of all this.” Officer Walters gathered his notebook and stood.

  “Hannah and I are going to Denver for more Christmas decorations tomorrow. Maybe all of us should go and stay in a suite overnight.” Jake looked to Officer Walters for his opinion.

  “We can’t go anywhere until we get this issue of the newspaper finished and on the way to the printer.” Bill stood and rubbed his hands together. “So let’s get started. I’ll call Sarah and tell her we’re going Christmas shopping tomorrow in the big city.”

  Chapter Nine

  Hannah stretched her aching back. At one in the morning, the newspaper was finally ready for the printers. “What do you think?” she said, turning to Bill.

  “We’re good.” He pressed the command to send the newspaper to the printers then shut down the computers. “I just texted Jake to stay with Sarah and the girls. We’ll sleep here.”

  “Why?” she asked, even though her back gave her a reason.

  “I don’t think it’s wise to go out at night. Maybe I’m spooked with everything going on. Besides, they’re all asleep and you know the girls wake at the smallest sound.” Bill checked the locks on the front door then turned off the newsroom lights and flipped on the internal security lights.

  Hannah knew she was on the verge of sleep walking as she followed Bill into the family room their father had created after he bought the newspaper. One side was a kitchen with a dining table and the other side had a television and two full-sized beds. He father always had brilliant ideas. The thought made her miss him all the more. Hannah kicked off her shoes and crawled into bed. Please be with us tomorrow as we travel to Denver and lead us to all the right places to shop.

  Bill flipped on the television to the news station. “I want to make sure nothing earth-shaking is going on before I give in to sleep. He checked the locks on the back door, turned off the lights and slid his shoes off. He settled himself on the other bed.

  Hannah rolled over and closed her eyes. She woke the next morning when she heard Bill get up to turn off the television.

  “Time to rise and shine.” Bill pulled his shoes on. Let’s go home and eat and shower so we can get on the road for Denver.”

  Hannah remembered she would see Jake when she got home and ran to the bathroom to brush her teeth and hair. “Let’s stop and get doughnuts.”

  Jake opened the door and greeted her with a soft kiss. “Good morning, beautiful.”

  Hannah’s heart leaped and heart hammered so hard she was certain he could hear it as he kissed her. Her face flushed. “Good morning. We brought doughnuts.”

  “Yay,” Mindy said.

  “Doughnuts,” Cindy said.

  “Not till you finish your scrambled eggs.” Sarah looked at Bill in frustration.

  “Sorry, Hon. Anything I can do to help?” Bill wrapped his arms around her from behind and kissed the top of her head.

  “Just eat your breakfast and take your shower so we can get on the road.” Sarah turned in his arms and kissed him.

  “We’re going on an adventure today.” Cindy’s eyes glowed with excitement.

  “We are?” Hannah attempted to look innocent.

  “Mommy said we’re going Christmas shopping in Denver.” Mindy said gleefully. “And you and Jake are coming with us.”

  “If we’re going to have so much fun, I better go get my shower.” Hannah scooted into the bathroom ahead of Bill and then turned and grinned as she closed the door.

  An hour later, they climbed into two vehicles and headed for the gas station. Sarah insisted the treats travel with Hannah and Jake. The weather cooperated over the mountain pass to Denver with beautiful sunshine and clear skies.

  “This can’t be real,” Hannah said. “Not even one snow-flake going over the pass.”

  “Humph,” Jake said through his doughnut. “Is this why Sarah gave these to us, so I would eat them all?”

  “No. She has a thing about giving the girls too much sugar while in a confined space.” She reached up and flicked frosting from his chin. “I hope you don’t get a sugar high from eating all those doughnuts.”

  “I could use the energy. I kept waking up at every little noise last night.” He shoved the last of the doughnut into his mouth.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t think my apartment buil
ding made that much noise.”

  “It does if you’ve never slept there before.” At the outskirts of Denver, Jake pulled the truck over behind Bill’s car.

  “I’d like to stretch my legs and eat here,” Sarah texted them. “I think this is the shopping mall that has a snow globes store in it.” Bill steered the car into the parking lot of a mall.

  “I love snow globes.” Hannah remembered the times she had received globes on birthdays and Christmases. They sat on her dresser at home. She looked up at Jake. “I have several and they’re beautiful.”

  They exited Jake’s pickup and followed Bill, Sarah, and the girls. Jake slid his arm around Hannah’s waist and pulled her close. Shivers ran up her back. She looked up to smile at him just as he bent his head to kiss her. It wasn’t just a touch this time. She felt him taste her and want more. Her insides quivered as he deepened the kiss.

  “Hey, guys. Are you coming? I’m starving.” Sarah turned toward Jake and Hannah.

  Jake broke off the kiss and grinned. “We’re coming.”

  Hannah flushed, and savored the warmth from the kiss.

  The minute they entered the mall they were in a Christmas wonderland. “Oh, Mommy. Look at all the Christmas.” Mindy grabbed her sister’s hand and they jumped up and down while Jingle Bells played.

  “It’s wonderful. But we’re going to eat first. Then we’ll decide where we want to shop.” Sarah took hold of the girls’ hands and led them to the café court.

  Bill turned to Hannah and Jake. “She’s the one in charge when we shop.”

  As they ate, Bill looked over at Jake, “I don’t remember seeing you in school or around town until recently. How long have you lived in Hopeful?”

  “Not long. I grew up in Boston with my brother and sister. I only got to visit Dad a half dozen times. I joined the Marines after high school. When I came home, Mom’s dementia had advanced to the point she didn’t know me anymore.”

  “That must have been heartbreaking.” Hannah squeezed Jake’s hand.

  “That’s when Dad called and suggested I come out west to visit. I’ve been out west ever since but not always in Hopeful.”

  “Where else?” Bill cocked his head.

  “I had planned to go to college in Boston but Dad talked me into checking out the ones in Colorado.” Jake smiled ruefully. “I spent a couple of years studying law enforcement then realized Dad was sicker then he told me. He said I would someday inherit the restaurant so I thought I’d better learn more about the restaurant business. I even went to cooking school.”

  “When do we go Christmas shopping?” Mindy said loudly.

  “We’re done eating. Can we go now?” Cindy looked around in the direction of a large toy store.

  Hannah had been hanging on every word of Jake’s history but could see the girls’ impatience. “I want to hear more of this when we get to the hotel.” She told Jake. She turned to the girls. “Where should we start first?”

  “The toy store.” They said in unison.

  Laughing, everyone stood and threw the remnants of their meal into a nearby trash receptacle. “Okay, let’s get started.” Sarah took Cindy’s hand.

  “This is a busy place, girls. Make sure we can always see you and know where you are.” Bill took Mindy’s hand.

  “Yes, Daddy,” Mindy said.

  With so much to see, they spent time just looking before someone would say, “I see something I want to buy, you all go away.” The answer was always, “Nope, we will all stand in the hall with our backs to the window while you shop.

  After hours of shopping they happened upon a play area for children. The adults took a long break sitting with their feet up while the girls played for an hour.

  “I’m thirsty, Daddy.” Cindy said

  “I’m hungry,” Mindy said.

  Sarah looked at the time. “We’ve shopped the afternoon away. Time to go find something to eat and a place to sleep.”

  Jake stood and helped Hannah up. “I made reservations for us at a hotel close by. They have a great restaurant.” He pulled Hannah closer and whispered in her ear. “They even have mistletoe.” Hannah blushed and smiled up at him.

  Jake looked up when Bill cleared his throat. “The owner is a friend of mine.” Jake said. “His largest suite is perfect for us so we can keep track of each other.”

  “It’s not right for you to keep paying our way, Jake.” Bill and Sarah looked at each other concerned.

  “I’m not. He owes me. So I have the suite covered and it’s your turn to take care of our supper. Deal?” Suddenly Jake stopped. “Don’t anyone move or turn around. Hannah look past your brother on the right. Is that who I think it is?”

  Hannah looked where Jake told her and sucked in her breath. “It’s Jeremy. How did he find us?”

  “I imagine he followed us here,” Bill said.

  “Or he’s put tracking devices on our vehicles.” Jake said disgusted. “I didn’t even think to check before we left.”

  “What should we do?” Sarah asked tearfully. She pulled both girls close.

  “Mommy, what’s wrong?” Mindy whimpered frightened Cindy.

  Bill knelt to his daughters’ level. “We’re all tired from shopping. We’re going to the car so we can drive to a place to eat and sleep. Are you ready?”

  “Yes,” they responded.

  Jake snagged a cart and loaded their packages. He brought it to Hannah. “I’m going to try to spook Jeremy into going in the opposite direction so you all can get to the vehicles and lock yourselves in while Bill checks underneath. Put all our shopping in Bill’s trunk then lock yourself in my truck.” He handed her the keys.

  “Jake, please be careful,” Hannah pleaded.

  “You know I will. You go ahead. I’ll catch up to you in a bit.” Jake went around them and walked straight for Jeremy. At first he didn’t notice Jake. He was too busy watching Hannah and the rest leaving the mall. Once he followed, he saw Jake headed towards him. Jeremy whirled around and went in the opposite direction. Jake yelled, “Jeremy Samuels stop, I want to talk to you,” Jeremy ran.

  After watching Jeremy run nearly the distance of the mall, Jake turned and hurried outside to their vehicles. He found Bill standing outside.

  “You were right. I found these under our vehicles.” He handed Jake two small tracking devices.

  Jake tossed them into a nearby trash can. “We better search one more time before we leave.” Both men did a thorough search under Bill’s car then Jake’s truck but found nothing more. “Good. Now we can go eat in peace and get some rest.”

  Chapter Ten

  Jake led the way to his friend’s hotel. They were grateful for the beautiful, three-bedroom suite. “We better get cleaned up and go downstairs to eat before certain people get sleepy.” Jake gently shook Hannah.

  “I got a little sleepy in the car on the way here, that’s all.” Hannah whirled around. “This is so beautiful. Are you sure we can afford this?”

  “I told you. Trenton is a friend of mine.” Jake pointed down. “I helped put in this carpet so I get to use this suite for free this time.”

  Bill and Sarah herded the girls into the master bedroom where their luggage had been deposited. “We’ll only be a few minutes,” Sarah called.

  “I think I’ll change. Maybe that will keep me awake for a while.” Hannah closed the door behind her. She hoped she had packed enough. Sarah said she had added a few things before Hannah and Bill had come home. She finished changing when Sarah knocked.

  “Hurry up, please. You and Bill didn’t get enough sleep last night to last much longer.”

  Hannah opened the door to see everyone waiting on her. “I think you’re right. If I wasn’t so hungry, I would already be asleep.”

  When they reached the main floor, Jake escorted them into a majestic restaurant that looked very much like his in Hopeful. This one had a decorated Christmas tree standing next to the fireplace. Its warmth spread the scent of pine through the room. A large table had
been prepared for them. A blond man stood waiting for them. “Thanks, Trenton, it’s great.” Jake threw his arm around Trenton’s shoulders. “Everyone, I’d like you to meet my best friend, Trenton.”

  “Hello, Trenton. You two look like twins except for you hair.” Bill said. “Are you related?”

  “No. We met in college and we’ve been best friends ever since.”

  “That’s amazing,” Bill said. “Were you both majoring in the same thing?”

  “Law enforcement,” Jake said. “We tend to think a lot in many areas.” He turned to Trenton as he reached for Hannah’s hand. “Trenton, this is her, the gorgeous Hannah I’ve been telling you about.”

  Hannah blushed and looked up at Jake. He said I was gorgeous?

  “Nice to meet you, Hannah. Jake talks about you constantly.”

  “He does?” She asked looking up at Jake, watching him flush as he grinned down at her. He brushed his lips over hers. Her insides trembled.

  Bill held his wife’s hand and pulled her closer. “Trenton, this is my wife, Sarah, and our daughters, Cindy and Mindy.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, Sarah, and you lovely ladies, too.” The girls giggled. “Are you hungry?” Trenton asked.

  “Yes,” they responded together.

  As they all sat down, Trenton tugged menus out from under his arm. “These are special menus just for children.” The children’s menus had brightly-colored pictures of what they could order. He handed their parents the same along with adult menus.

  “This is nice, Mommy. I want the spaghetti and meatballs,” Cindy said. “I know Mindy will want the hot dog and mac and cheese.”

  Mindy took her time perusing the menu. “Cindy’s right. The mac and cheese looks good to me.”

  Everyone else ordered then sat back to wait. Hannah cleared her throat. “You left off at cooking school, Jake. Please continue.” Hannah smiled innocently. “Are you a chef for your restaurant?”

  “I can pinch hit if I have to but I’m needed to oversee the restaurant and make sure everything runs smoothly.” Jake smiled at Hannah. “Do you cook?”