by Geri Foster
Fear the Storm
Storm Warning Series, Book 1
Geri Foster
Contents
The Storm Warning Series
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Author’s Note
Also by Geri Foster
About the Author
Copyright © 2018 Geri Foster
All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, businesses, events, or locales is purely coincidental.
The Storm Warning Series
Fear the Storm
Chase the Storm
Perfect Storm
Ride the Storm
I Am the Storm
Brave the Storm
Inside the Storm
Eye of the Storm
Embrace the Storm
Chapter 1
Rachel Snyder took the Rainwater, Texas exit off the 284 freeway and did the one thing she promised never to do...return. Tears blurred her vision as she zoomed past the sign announcing her hometown's population of 5,525. With white knuckles, she gripped the steering wheel, thinking about facing the people of the town again.
What would they think of her coming back after eight lousy years? She knew some would love smearing in her face the fact her dad had been convicted of embezzlement. Others would gloat to themselves that he sat in prison serving a fifteen-year sentence. A few would pity her and her mother in silence.
None of that mattered. She didn’t believe her dad was guilty for one minute.
The sudden thought of running into her ex-fiancé, Lucas Quinn, had her body as tight as a pair of Spanx. She cringed, then prayed she’d be able to get through the next five or six days without having to deal with leftover emotions. If she were being honest with herself, Rachel knew she’d never be able to hide the pain, the broken heart, the lost dreams, or the certainty she’d never love again. She took a small bit of satisfaction in knowing that when he learned she was in town, he was going to be one disappointed Sheriff, especially after she swore to never step foot in the hell-hole again. Your luck has run out, Lucas. You’re finally going to have to face me and see the mess you made after all the horrible things you did to me.
She didn’t exactly come out of the whole situation with Lucas scot-free. She had said some things she regretted. Her grandma always said to keep your words sweet because you might one day have to eat them. Looks like Grandma was right. She would be dining on them soon enough, and the thought swelled her throat.
Driving past the long-deserted drive-in movie and into downtown, Christmas decorations greeted her along with busy shoppers and happy children. The holidays in Rainwater used to be magical, but no more. Not for her. She wasn’t in the mood for carols being belted out by the town’s ancient PA system and she tried to ignore them... unsuccessfully. She'd been born and raised here in Rainwater, and, until the town betrayed her family, it had been the greatest place in the world. Then her life was ripped apart and everything changed.
Outside city hall, two shiny police vehicles sat parked against the curb, the town seal printed on their doors. Her traitorous heart kicked a beat, but she moved on, trying to breathe normally. She didn't know which squad car Lucas drove. She just hoped he didn't pick that moment to walk out of his office. No way could she deal with him now. She would never really be able to handle coming face to face with him again, though it was inevitable she supposed. Bolstering her nerve, she lifted her chin, wiped the tears she shouldn’t be crying in the first place, and kept her eyes straight ahead. After what she had endured from this town, returning was like a death march. Well that explains the tears—people always cry at funerals.
It took some careful driving to maneuver her car into a narrow parking space outside her best friend Kendall’s beauty salon, but she managed. When she stepped from the car, unusually cold Texas air greeted her. Without looking back, she slung her purse over her shoulder, opened the door to the Hair Pin Beauty Salon and removed her sunglasses. "What's up?"
"Well, damn," Kendall squealed and ran to her. "What are you doing here?"
In seconds, they were in each other's arms, happy to be together again. Luckily the shop was empty, so they could act like teenagers without anyone staring. When Rachel stepped back, she looked at her long-time pal, still amazed by her handsome features. "I know we saw each other last year, but you never change Kendall Cochran."
"Oh yeah, I guess you don't see these extra five pounds, huh?"
Rachel laughed, "No, I didn’t notice." She leaned back for a better view. "But when did you become a redhead?"
"When I learned the media was lying their asses off about blondes having more fun. Decided to try being a redhead for a change." Fluffing her curly locks, Kendall struck a movie star pose and purred sensuously, "You like?"
"Love it!"
Kendall looked at the clock on the wall and said, "It's too late for breakfast and too early for lunch. Want to go to Fred's Donut House and grab a roll and coffee?"
"Why not?" she tried to sound a lot happier than she felt. "I'm starving."
"Good, let's go." Kendall headed for the door.
Looking around, she asked, "Can you just leave? What if a customer comes?"
Being her usual laid-back self, Kendall waved her hand unconcerned. "Don't worry, these old cronies are like bloodhounds. They'll track me down eventually."
After flipping the open sign around, they walked out into the chilly air. Stepping off the curb, they waited for several cars to pass then dashed to the other side.
"I don't remember the streets being this busy when we were kids. Even during Christmas."
Kendall put her arm around her and pulled her against her side, "Times are a-changing, girlfriend."
"The town maybe, but I doubt the people have." Determined not to give into her nervousness at seeing anyone, she forced her eyes forward. For the first time in eight years, Grandma Mercy decided this was where they’d spend her eightieth birthday and the holidays. Rachel would stick it out or die trying.
The bell above the donut shop announced their arrival, the familiar aroma of fresh donuts and coffee, along with the 1950's interior, welcoming her back. They took a small, round table by the window as Fred Baker walked from the back room. "Mornin', Kendall," he called out. "You want coffee?"
"We both do," Kendall said. "And bring us two blueberry filled donuts, please."
"You got it."
Rachel looked around the little bakery. "This place hasn't changed in a hundred years."
As if having minds of their own, her eyes shot to the wall covered with 8x10s of the graduating classes of Rainwater High. Of course, they zeroed in on Luc
as’s class. Even from here, she picked out the tallest and most handsome boy smiling in the back row. Her heart summersaulted back to when she was so in love she didn’t think her heart capable of holding enough emotions for what she felt for Lucas.
"One of few that hasn't. If the big builders get their say, Rainwater will become a quaint little historical town attracting thousands of tourists who'll spend money in antique stores, tea rooms and boutiques."
"Big builders?" Turning her attention back to Kendall, the news surprised her. "In Rainwater?"
"Hey, that's not the half of it. You remember the old Hanson place?"
She thought for a few moments before it came back to her. "Out by the lake?"
"That's right," Kendall bobbed her head.
"What about it?”
“A great big hotel conglomerate bought it and they plan to put in a golf course, a day spa, and a country club."
The ridiculous idea made her laugh. "And who's going to support it? I can just see Grandma Wilson going to a day spa." Grandma Wilson was Rainwater's oldest living resident. She was a hundred if she was fifty, claiming to have traveled there as a child with a wagon train from St. Louis at the turn of the century.
"I tell you, Rachel, the whole town's thinking the exact same thing. There aren't many around here with that kind of money. And the few who managed to put a little away, aren't likely to spend it to join a country club."
"My question is, who in Rainwater plays golf?"
At his usual snail pace, Fred brought their coffee and pastries and set them on the table before his eyes moved to her. She gritted her teeth, tightened her jaw, and waited for the worst.
"Howdy there, Rachel," he graced her with one of his familiar smiles. "What brings you back home?"
She hid her surprise with a stiff grin. "I'm here for Grandma Mercy’s eightieth birthday party and the Christmas holidays."
He gazed into the distance. “My, is Mercy that old? Seems she was just getting married a few years back.” He woke from his reverie and glanced at her. “You taking a break from the big city life?"
A rush of warmth touched her face. "Yeah, I guess you could say that." Why did this conversation sound normal...even friendly? She hadn’t expected this kind of reception.
"Well, we're mighty glad to see you."
It surprised her anyone in Rainwater would say anything nice to her. Not after what they claimed her dad did.
She bowed her head and cleared her tight throat. "Thank you, Mr. Avery."
"You're always welcome in Rainwater."
She felt like she had just been announced prom queen. Could old Fred's memory be so shaded? Didn't he remember a rainy September morning her dad had been sentenced to fifteen years in prison?
As Fred returned to the back room, she put a spoonful of sugar in her coffee and stirred, staring out the window toward police headquarters. Did she secretly hope Lucas would walk to his car, allowing her a glimpse of what he looked like after her absence? No, she told herself sternly. That was the last thing she wanted.
"He's not there," Kendall seemed to read her mind.
After a brief pause, she turned and looked at her friend. "What?" she tried to hide her guilt, but knew she wasn’t fooling anyone. "What did you say?"
"I said Lucas isn't in the office today."
Thank God.
"Really," she squeaked, hoping her relief didn't show, the tension in her body melting like snow on a sunny day. "I mean, why would I care what Lucas is doing?"
Liar, liar pants on fire.
Kendall took a bite of her donut then licked the powdered sugar from her lips. "I'm not saying you do. I'm just saying today he took a prisoner to Dallas. He won't be back until later this evening.”
Was she disappointed or relieved? Either way, she was off the hook.
"Like I said, I don't care what Lucas is doing or where he's at, so don't go there."
Kendall’s face stiffened like it always did when she wanted to pick a fight. "Hey, I'm not going anywhere. I'm just making a statement, that's all."
"Well, let’s not talk about Sheriff Quinn,” she tilted her head and flared her nostrils. Time to stop this right now, before I give away how much it still hurts. “You know the rules."
"I know the rules when we're on the phone, or when I visit you in Dallas. But here in my town," Kendall thumped the table like a judge with a gavel, "things are different. I can say Lucas Quinn, Lucas Quinn, Lucas Quinn, Lucas Quinn, all I want. I can talk about him all I want. I can point him out if I want, and I can even spread the latest gossip about him if I want."
"You're acting like a child now," she snapped, unleashing her own anger. "And you call yourself a friend." She took a sip of her coffee. "You’re definitely not acting like one."
Sending Rachel a gloating smile that said she didn’t give a damn, there was nothing pretentious about Kendall Cochran. "Hey, my town, my rules."
"This used to be my town too, and you're supposed to be my best friend," she said, slamming her cup down on the saucer and tightening her mouth into a pout.
That got a reaction.
Kendall glared, stiffened, then put her hands on her hips. "I’ve been your best friend since kindergarten when I beat Brad Turner up for pulling your hair. We've been friends forever." Kendall lifted her chin and sniffed indignantly. "It’s because I'm your friend that I went along with the 'no Lucas Quinn' rule. But now you're home, and he is here, and he is also important to me. I’m not going to pretend like he doesn’t exist." Kendall wiggled deeper into her chair and folded her arms on the table. "So what gives? If you want to avoid him completely, in every way, then why are you here? And, more importantly, how long are you staying?" Kendall leaned forward, stabbing her with one of her notorious, tell me everything stares.
Rachel sipped her coffee, then put her cup down to pinch off a piece of the donut she no longer wanted. As she popped it in her mouth and chewed without tasting, her eyes scanned the room with indifference, going everywhere except to Kendall and her critical glare. She admired Fred's original sixty-year-old decor that had been in here since he opened the place instead. She was in no hurry to return the conversation back to Lucas.
"Like I told Fred, I'm here to celebrate Grandma Mercy's birthday. Mom and I are doing the decorating and I'm leaving as soon as I can gracefully exit." Hoping Kendall would give up the hunt, her voice was as smooth as Clear Lake on a spring morning.
"Why on God's earth would you make those plans?" Kendall shot back, her heart shaped face hard and tense.
Giving up on distracting her friend, she dragged her gaze back to Kendall. "What do you mean?" She hoped the glare she sent her fried her fake red hair.
"Why come here? This is the worst time in the world for you to be here."
A slap in the face couldn’t have hurt more. She leaned back, lowering her brows. "I beg your pardon," her words slipped out, barely audible.
"This is when the whole community gets together. It's bound to spell trouble for you and your mom."
Sudden anger bubbled up inside her. "Oh, don’t worry, Mom and I plan to be gone right after Christmas, if not sooner. Besides, with everyone convinced my dad is a thief, why would I linger? I’m not here by choice, Kendall. Grandma Mercy insisted, and you know how much I love her."
"That's not what I meant,” Kendall looked scared. “We know first-hand how mean this community can be."
"I have every right to be here. And we both know my dad didn’t do what he was accused of. He wouldn’t steal a dime."
"You're absolutely right, but most people here don’t think that way. After the trial, only a handful of people in town thought your dad didn't steal the money from the bank."
"Well, he didn't. And someday I'm going to prove it."
Kendall leaned closer, a brow kicked up like a sudden stop sign. "How are you ever going to do that when you keep running away?" Her friend tapped the table with her index finger. "The truth is right here in Rainwater. Not in Dallas."
"She could, if she wasn’t looking over her shoulder every five seconds, expecting someone to jump her. I thought things were getting better, but now that I’ve seen you here, you haven’t moved on, Rachel. Not from the trial or from Lu—you know who. It’s important you get over all this and if that means proving your dad was never guilty of anything then I’m going to help you do that. I know it’s hard, but you’ve got to face Lucas and all the other critics, too. It's time you stood up. Move back here and tell them all to go to hell. I’ll be right there with you."
Oh, they were treading on choppy water now.
"I don't know if I can. My job is in Dallas,” she stated, hoping that would be the end of Kendall’s interrogation.
"I know you're an IT person. You can work remotely."
Angry she couldn't hide a single thing from Kendall, especially her weaknesses, she reached in her purse, took out several bills and tossed them on the café table. Times like this, her friend's perception annoyed the hell out of her. She didn't need the hassle. She was a strong, independent, and composed woman. Refusing to let Kendall continue to bully her emotionally, she shoved back her chair.
As she came to her feet, Kendall looked out the window, her full lips puckered into a childish pout, before her dark lashes began fluttering like a butterfly’s wings. "You’re not going to like this.”
