by Geri Foster
The day couldn’t crawl any slower to Marcus. It seemed the clock hands didn’t move at all. He wanted to be at Gert’s Diner now and he wanted to know what that thumb drive held.
His last client left, and he had to do a web search about the case when his secretary, Helen, came in. She had several letters he wanted sent out in her hand, waiting for his signature. She sat in front of him. “If it’s okay, I’d like to go home early. I’m exhausted.”
“I don’t have a problem with that. Only thing is I have an appointment at two. When I get back from there, you’re free to go.”
Helen smiled and stood. “Thanks boss. I couldn’t sleep last night if my life depended on it. I don’t know what to do about this insomnia. The doctor wants to put me on pills, but they make me so groggy the next day.”
“Have you tried alternatives? There is no lack of things at the drug store to take to help you sleep.”
“I know, but nothing helps.” Helen tapped her fingers on her chin, deep in thought. “Maybe I should get a night job. Something from midnight to eight. That way, I could sleep all day.”
“I don’t think it works that way, but I saw where a new acupuncture office opened right off Main Street. That might be a consideration.”
With the door to his office open, he looked up as Grandma Faith walked up and stood in the doorway, looking none too happy. “Hello, Grandma. What brings you here?”
“I heard about last night.”
“Of course, you did. You were there.”
“I’m not taking about the shootout. I’m talking about what happened afterwards.”
Marcus felt his cheeks flush. He nodded at Helen, who stood perfectly still, eyes wide. “Please shut the door on your way out.”
She left quickly, glad not to be the point of Grandma Faith’s ire. As soon as the door shut, Grandma Faith stomped to his desk, slammed down her purse and leaned toward him. “I heard Kendall Cochran spent the night at your house.”
“She did,” he said, hoping to talk his way out of the situation. “Her apartment was a mess. She couldn’t stay there.”
Grandma Faith straightened and crossed her arms. “I thought you were moving in next door to her?”
“That’s under consideration. But as for last night, I just wanted her someplace safe.” He lowered his gaze. “You wouldn’t want anything to happen to Kendall, would you?”
She straightened with a serious frown. “Course not.”
She didn’t look willing to lower her temper no matter what he said, scowling meaner than a bull seeing red.
“I think you know I care for Kendall. She’s a wonderful person and I won’t hear anything bad about her just because she was once married to the biggest idiot in Rainwater.”
If possible, Grandma Faith looked even madder, her lips tight as a shoelace. “I would never have said anything bad about her. Why would I?”
Marcus leaned back and drummed his fingers on his desk. “Then why are you here? And why do you care if Kendall and I spent the night together?”
“I’m just wondering when the wedding is going to be. That’s all.”
The breath whooshed out of his lungs like a bullet from a gun. “Wedding?” He swallowed. “Who said anything about that?”
“No one, so far. That’s why I’m here. How come you two aren’t making marriage plans? I hope you don’t intend to just shack up together like all the other heathens in this town. You were raised to be a God-fearing man.”
“I was, and I am, but marriage is a big step.” He held up his hands. “I love Kendall, but I can’t drag her kicking and screaming to the altar. Know that I’m working very hard to get her down the aisle, but she’ll be walking on her own accord. Understand?”
Grandma Faith lifted her chin. “I don’t like it. I don’t like it one bit. And neither will your mama when I tell her.”
“Then don’t tell her.”
“You think I’m going to lie for you?”
“No, just don’t mention it. Mama won’t bring it up. She’s too polite.”
“Harrumph!” Grandma said. “She’s already talking about you getting married and having kids. She called me first thing this morning.”
“Who told all of you Kendall was at my house, anyway? Can’t a man have any privacy around here?”
“No, they can’t. It was Bruce Graham. He saw you and her entering your house last night and Kendall didn’t leave.”
“Did he stay up to see?”
“How on earth would I know?” she asked indignantly. “I mind my own business.”
“Like everyone else in Rainwater.” He stood and walked around his desk. “Listen, this isn’t a fling. I’m very serious about Kendall, but she’s made one mistake and is cautious about doing it again.”
“You mean Bobby Joe?”
He nodded.
“Well, any fool would’ve told her not to hook up with that piece of trash. He was trouble from the beginning. I feel bad Kendall had to put up with that moron.”
“I do too. But as you can surely understand, Grandma Faith, I can’t push her.”
The older woman tapped her finger to her lips. “Maybe I can talk to her.”
“No!”
She reared back, insulted. “Well, why not?”
“Do not get involved in this. You can’t make things better. Trust me.”
She narrowed her eyes. “You implying I’d make them worse?”
“No, not worse, just uncomfortable. It’s best if we give her space. Time to make up her mind.” He pulled the older woman against his chest, inhaling the lilac perfume he grew up smelling. “When you look at things, I’ve made a lot of progress. Don’t you think?”
She shoved away. “Oh, fiddle sticks. I have an appointment.” She smacked him lightly on the cheek. “You just watch yourself, young man.”
* * *
James studied the beauty salon for any opportunity to step inside and snatch the owner. So far, the place had been so busy there wasn’t a time he felt confident enough to even get out of the car. Snooky had checked out the back door, only to find it heavily bolted from the inside. No way they’d get in that way. So, what could he do? Maybe wait until she went to lunch. Follow her and take her then.
The problem was, everyone in town seemed to take food to the hairdresser. He wondered what occasion they were celebrating. Still, he had to be vigilant. She proved to be his direct path to the thumb drive.
He knew she was once married to Bobby Joe and that proved to him that she couldn’t be that smart. The guy didn’t have a thing going for him. Jailbait and nothing more.
If he didn’t think she’d recognize him, he’d go in for a haircut. But he’d be taking a chance if he didn’t get away with the ruse. Damned, if she hadn’t been with someone all morning. Her shop had to be the busiest place in town. Not only that, but he’d also seen the Sheriff go inside and come out with a young woman he had seen outside the courthouse.
Snooky had wanted to kidnap Kendall while the Sheriff was walking the woman to her car. He didn’t like that idea. What if the Sheriff wasn’t leaving as well? Then they’d be screwed.
“I’m sick of waiting,” Snooky said, opening the door. “I’m going inside that donut shop and getting something to eat. I haven’t had a bite since last night.”
“I think it would be smart to stay out of sight. You don’t know who might’ve seen you.”
Snooky ran his fingers through his oily, dark hair. “I don’t care. I’m hungry and all this sitting around drives me bonkers.”
Not for the first time, James felt tempted to drive off and leave his partner. Let him get caught and see how he liked that. Except, Snooky getting arrested would be suicide for both of them. One good smack and he’d spill his guts. The man tended to be a walking telephone.
He watched the locals go about their business as Snooky made his way across the street and disappeared into the donut shop. James’ stomach growled, making him hope his partner didn’t forget him when he bo
ught donuts.
They’d snatched a minivan from a used car lot in Denton last night and hoped it hadn’t been reported yet. The deputy pulled up to the police station and parked the cruiser. James slowly slid down in his seat, crossing his fingers that Snooky didn’t choose now to come out in the open.
The deputy didn’t even look his way. Instead, he seemed to be in a hurry to get inside and out of the heat. He wondered if the Sheriff had left the thumb drive inside the police station. If so, how hard would it be to go in and demand it?
From what he’d experienced so far, that idea would get him killed. The authorities around here didn’t mess around and they were pretty good shots. He’d already lost six men to them. He couldn’t afford to lose more.
Just then, Snooky opened the door and he jumped, surprised. The rich aroma of coffee filled the vehicle and his mouth watered when he saw the white sack. “I’m glad you bought one for me,” he said, taking the sack. “I’m hungrier than I thought.”
“I knew you were. I been sitting here listening to your belly growl for over an hour.”
James bit into the chocolate frosted donut and groaned. “Hey, this is good.”
“Yeah, the old man inside looked like he’d been at it a while.”
“Well, eat up, we’ve got a woman to kidnap.”
“I don’t see that happening.” Snooky took a sip of coffee and bit off half his donut.
“Why do you say that?”
“The woman isn’t ever alone. How many people can we take? Every time I look up, there’s another customer going in and only one has left.”
James took another donut out of the sack. “My mom used to get her hair done once a week and when she came back from the beauty parlor she always had enough gossip to keep her on the phone for hours.”
“You think that’s what goes on in there? They all talk about each other?”
He swallowed the rest of his donut then took a gulp of hot coffee. It burned all the way down. “How the hell should I know? I’ve never stepped foot in a woman’s beauty salon. It’s not a place where men go.”
Snooky took another donut. “I guess we can sit around until she closes.”
“I’m not waiting that long. It’s bound to thin out eventually, or she leaves or something.” He snatched the sack away from Snooky. “You need to learn to be patient.”
“I’m too bored to be patient. I’d rather go hold up a convenience store.”
“And get us arrested?”
Snooky shrugged. “I’ve held up plenty of places and I haven’t been arrested yet.”
“Well, we’re not pushing our luck today.”
* * *
Kendall was so busy all day, she’d barely had time to think. A longtime resident of Rainwater, Yolanda Morehouse, came in out of the blue needing an emergency haircut that she’d forgotten to schedule. Not wanting to turn away business, Kendall squeezed her in and would have to play catch up.
She watched the clock like she feared it might disappear any minute. Getting to Gert’s Diner meant a lot to her and she didn’t plan to miss it, no matter what.
She had to finish up her last client in twenty minutes to be there on time. The suspense nearly killed her. Only one thing would satisfy her. The importance of seeing the video couldn’t be overlooked.
She finished blow drying Yolanda’s hair and picked up the can of hairspray. “I really like this style on you. It brings out your eyes.”
Yolanda had the thickest hair in town and the unruliest. It was a soft brown with natural golden highlights. The disadvantage Yolanda had tended to be her age. At forty-five, she’d rarely ever cut her hair. It hung past her waist.
Kendall didn’t know what made her change her mind today and go for a short bob, but she was glad she did. It took ten years off her face. Happy with the results, Yolanda turned her head from left to right several times, no doubt missing all that hair.
“It’s just lovely,” Yolanda said, smiling. “My sister has been after me for years to get it cut shorter. I just thought she was being jealous. Now I see she was right all along.”
“Long hair is pretty and the color stunning. However, in this heat, a bob is much more suitable. And it makes you look fresher.”
Yolanda fluffed the back of the do. “You mean it?”
“Of course, I do.”
As she accepted the woman’s money, Marcus walked in. “You ready for lunch?”
Yolanda spoke briefly then left. Kendall pointed to the table on the other end of the room. “I’ve been the proud recipient of a ton of baked goods today. I almost always get something, but today was special. I don’t know why. Help yourself.”
He kissed her gently on the lips, just enough to raise her temperature. “Maybe when I drop you off. I’m dying for a hamburger. Let’s go have lunch.”
She grabbed her purse and followed him out. Once in the scalding heat, she turned and locked the door. He’d parked right outside, so it was only a few steps before they were enclosed in the nice, air-conditioned car.
Marcus took off for Gert’s Diner and Kendall’s anticipation mounted.
Chapter 17
Marcus spotted Calvin the minute they entered Gert’s Diner. He moved in that direction with purposeful strides. Candi worked the noon shift and she’d already set their drinks at the largest booth they had. Thankfully he’d called ahead and made arrangements, since he knew the diner would be full at this time of day.
They’d have to wait awhile for the lunch crowd to settle down and everyone to get back to work, but they had time. As he and Kendall slid into the booth, Marcus introduced her to his geek squad guy.
“I’m pleased to meet you,” Kendall said, smiling. “I hope you can help us.”
Marcus noticed she appeared nervous and excited. They all were. This was a very big deal. One with huge implications for all concerned. Hopefully Calvin could help.
In his mid-twenties, the young computer geek had his nose pierced and a tat that covered his whole right arm. He had weird rings in his ears and long, shaggy blond hair. Marcus knew he made good money and wondered why he didn’t clean up a little and snag a job with a decent company.
“Do you have the thumb drive?” Calvin asked. He already had two laptops taking up most of the table. “I hope it’s still salvageable.”
“We didn’t see any obvious damage to it, but we’re not experts.”
He removed it from his briefcase and, after looking around carefully, he slid it over to Calvin. The geek held it up, blew the dust and debris from it, then slipped it into a small machine he had connected to the laptop.
“We think there might be a video on there,” Kendall said. “We’re not sure.”
“If I can open it, we’ll know in a few minutes.”
Lucas walked in with Rachel right behind him. Marcus hadn’t expected her, but he really didn’t mind. If Calvin found anything on the thumb drive they’d take it directly to the AG. So, it didn’t matter that she knew.
“This is Sheriff Lucas Quinn and his fiancé, Rachel Snyder.” Marcus said. “They’re as curious as we are.”
“It’s going to take a few minutes,” Calvin said, tapping on the keyboard. “You might as well go ahead and order lunch. We’ll be here awhile.”
Candi came to their table. “You ready to order now?” She looked at the computer stuff on the table. “What’s all that?”
“It’s just something we’re working on,” Lucas said. “We won’t be long.”
“Oh, take your time.” Candi smiled. “The place is clearing out. People don’t have long for lunch.” She took out her pad. “What can I get you?”
They all ordered burgers and fries, with cokes or iced tea. Candi disappeared as they watched Calvin click away on the keys.
“Wow!” Rachel said. “I thought I was good on a computer. Calvin, you put me to shame.”
“What do you do?”
“I’m a systems manager.”
“I worked for the government. I’ve li
ved on a computer since I was five. This baby,” he patted his laptop, “is like my third arm.”
“Well, you’re very fast.”
“Years of experience.”
“Do you play a lot of games?” Kendall asked.
“No, mostly I create them and sell to the highest bidder.”
That statement impressed Marcus. Developing those complicated games took amazing skills. While he could do everything necessary for work on it, he could barely make his way around his laptop for anything else.
Watching Calvin now, he felt confident he’d brought in the right guy. Lucas looked at him, smiled and nodded his head. Yes, he’d done the right thing.
Before much else happened, Candi brought their food, asked if they needed anything else, then went to another table. Marcus remembered that she had an appointment with Kendall right after this meeting.
He was really happy for his sister. She was handling all the obstacles life threw at her with finesse and class. Her beauty garnered her plenty of offers, but she shied away from most guys. Having been duped once, she maneuvered very carefully. She had her son, Tyler, to consider, after all.
He glanced over at Kendall and smiled. She blushed slightly, lowered her head and picked up a French fry. She was the only woman for him. He’d missed her during work today. He wanted to spend every minute possible with her in his arms. Preferably in bed.
They finished eating and, still, Calvin hadn’t come up with anything. Marcus grew nervous and Lucas kept eyeing him, worry lines bracketing his mouth. He hoped Calvin could pull off a miracle.
They finished quickly, and Candi was clearing their plates, when Marcus noticed Calvin had barely touched his food. His fingers had been busy on the keyboard.
Rachel twisted her fingers, Kendall chewed her bottom lip and Lucas kept his eyes riveted on the computer guy. Something had to pop soon, or they’d come to the conclusion either there wasn’t anything on the thumb drive, or Calvin couldn’t reach it.
Marcus didn’t like either option.
Finally, Calvin stopped and smiled. “Whew, someone really hid this thing. Not so far that I couldn’t find it, but they definitely have skills.”
