ELEVEN
Adam had absolutely no idea why Sara was apologizing but he was savvy enough to accept. “Don’t worry about it. A little dizziness is a small price to pay for looking after you.”
“That wasn’t what I meant.” She was clearly unhappy as she waved her hands in the air between them, then said, “Never mind. We need to make a police report even though you say there’s no lasting damage. One of these days this guy is going to make a mistake and really hurt somebody.”
“I’ll do it. You stay put.”
She made a cynical face at him. “I may be opinionated at times but I’m not crazy, Adam. I’m not going anywhere. Call Floyd.”
Adam was put through to the chief who was traveling in a patrol car. “Magill.”
“I’m over here behind the co-op with Sara,” Adam explained. “I was waiting for her at her new digs and somebody hit me and then knocked me out with ether.”
“How do you know?”
“We can both smell it,” Adam said. “I must have gotten some on my hands when I was trying to keep it off my face.”
“I’m in that neighborhood so I’ll cover the call myself. Was there more than one person involved in the attack?” the chief asked.
“I don’t know. I don’t remember much except hitting the ground, struggling a little and waking up feeling dizzy. Why?”
“Because you’re a big, strong guy. I can’t see one assailant keeping you down long enough to gas you.”
“Something did knock the air out of me first. Sara says no ribs are broken but my side sure smarts.”
“Should I start an ambulance?”
“No,” Adam insisted. “I have my own nurse on scene.”
The chief laughed. “I don’t know that I’d let her hear you say that.”
“Too late.” Adam used his free arm to pull her to his good side and hold her there. “You were on speaker.”
“And she’s not chewing you out? Well, well, will wonders never cease.”
“All right, you two,” she said flatly. “That’s enough teasing. We need to get serious before this escalates more than it already has.”
Adam sobered, keeping her tucked close. “She’s right, Chief. We’ll wait in my truck. See you soon.” He ended the call.
“My car,” Sara countered. “It has windows.”
“Picky, picky.” Adam accompanied her to where both vehicles waited. He scanned their surroundings over the top of her small sedan and sheltered her with his body as he’d done before. “Let’s get in so we can talk.”
“Fine. Seeing you covered in dry leaves was enough of a shock to trigger extra adrenaline and it’s starting to wear off.”
He opened the door to the back seat for her, then circled the car and slid in himself before he said, “Something you just told the chief has me thinking.”
“I hope it’s led you to conclusions because constantly being on edge has me jumping at shadows. Literally.”
“Okay. See what you think. Consider the escalation. These attacks started with the fire at Vicki’s. Right? You didn’t notice anything odd before that?”
“Other than so-called friends avoiding me like the plague? No, I can’t say I did.” She paused to sigh and leaned back against the seat. “Some of that may have been my problem, not theirs. I came home drowning in guilt and may have projected my own feelings onto innocent situations. I really don’t know.”
Adam reached for her hand, relieved when she permitted him to hold it. “Break it down with me. The gunshots were first, at the fire and later in town. Yes?”
“Yes.”
“Plus, we found your trashed apartment over the insurance office on the square.”
“Right.”
“Assuming that had to have happened while you were volunteering at the fire, we may be dealing with unconnected events.”
“Not necessarily.”
“But possibly?” He was relieved to see her nod. “Okay, so say the minor stuff is happening because of one faction and the really dangerous attacks are due to another. Are you with me so far?”
“I’m with you but I’m not exactly thrilled. Do you really think I’m on two hit lists?”
It wouldn’t do her any good if he downplayed his conclusions so he was blunt. “At least two. Maybe more. Damage with paint and slashed tires and stalking is one thing. Shooting at you is another.”
“They keep missing.” The hopefulness in her expression made him sorry he felt so strongly about going on.
“They may be trying to frighten you,” Adam suggested. “Or they’re terrible shots. Either way, any of those bullets could have hit you. Red paint is merely a nuisance. You can die from being shot.”
“Well, duh.”
His fingers tightened around hers. “I’m not saying all this to scare you, Sara. I’ve been over and over it in my head and there’s really no other plausible explanation. You have multiple stalkers.”
She was shaking her head. “No. Stop saying that. I haven’t done anything to deserve being harassed and attacked. I’ve spent my entire adult life helping people.”
“And you’ve done a marvelous job of it. I know that. So do your real friends. It’s the confused element that is overlooking all the good you’ve done, plus criminals who’ve apparently followed you to Paradise for their own reasons. I think the first thing we need to do is try to solve the mystery behind whatever Vicki uncovered. That may tell us why Rodrigo was killed, too.”
“How?”
Adam could feel tremors from her arm to her fingertips. “We can start by seeing what the police found out about a diary or journal. You’re positive Vicki kept one?”
“Yes. I know. I teased her about it.”
“You’re sure she had it with her in Texas?”
“I think so. I hope so. I was so used to seeing her writing something I hardly paid attention.”
Adam looked up when flashing blue and red lights swung into the lot beside them. “Okay. Here’s our first move. If Caruthers or Magill have approached Helen, they may already have our answer.”
The slight smile she bestowed on him nearly melted his heart, particularly when she said, “That’s what I’ve been praying for.”
Expecting Adam to order her to remain in the car, Sara had prepared a clever and firm rebuttal. When he simply climbed out she followed in silence.
The police chief shook Adam’s hand, then hers when she offered it. “Everybody really okay here?”
“I’m fine.” She inclined her head toward Adam. “Him, I’m not so sure of. I thought he was okay but I saw him wince just now when he stood up.”
“Well, he’s a big boy and you’re a medical professional so I’ll let you two settle it.” He looked to Adam. “What went on out here? Did you get a good look at the prowler?”
“No,” Adam said. “Just shadows.”
“And by the time I got here I didn’t see anything but Adam, getting up and brushing off leaves.” Sara paused for a quick glance at the stalwart man standing so comfortingly close. “We didn’t see any point of entry but couldn’t check the inside for ourselves because I haven’t picked up the key from Cynthia Weatherly yet.”
“Okay. I’ll have one of my deputies stop by her office and get it on his way over with an evidence kit. Anything else you can tell me?”
Sara watched Adam shaking his head as she did the same. “What about Vicki’s diary?” she asked. “Did you or the sheriff have a chance to speak to her mom about it?”
Magill huffed. “Oh, I spoke to her all right. I was glad I did it on the phone instead of standing there asking in person. She almost bit my head off. Finally, her son, Will, took the receiver from her and calmed her down. I haven’t heard salty language like Helen’s since my days in the navy.”
Blanching, Sara shivered. Most of the time Helen Babcock acted
like a mild-mannered, churchgoing Southern lady. To hear that she had spoken so rudely to the chief was not only a shock, it was a big disappointment. Grief was to blame, of course. Losing a child, even an adult child, had to be the worst trauma any parent could experience. In retrospect, Sara was glad Aunt Helen had refrained from giving her the same kind of dressing down at the funeral.
Magill used his radio to request backup and give the necessary orders, then turned to Sara and Adam. “You two can hang around if you want but I see no reason for it. My men and I’ll handle things here. Why don’t you go grab lunch or something?”
“Meaning you want to get us out from underfoot?” she asked with a smile. “Okay. And thanks for everything. Come on, Adam. I still need to shop for new clothes and you may as well go along.”
“You don’t mind?”
“Not at all.”
His left brow arched and he peered down at her. “What’s the catch?”
She waggled both her brows and smiled. “You’re pretty smart for a cowboy.”
“Well, they didn’t hit me in the head the way they did Kurt.”
“True. I’m sure that’s a plus.” She laid the back of her hand on his forehead to make sure he didn’t feel feverish. “Actually, since you’ve insisted you don’t need to go to ER as a precaution, I intend to stick like glue until I’m sure you’re okay.”
“You don’t believe me when I tell you I’m not hurting that badly?”
“Oh, I believe you, up to a point. I also know you’re a typical macho man. A marine. A rough, tough cowboy and fearless firefighter. What are the chances you may be underestimating an injury?”
Snorting a chuckle he smiled. “Fair to good, since you put it that way.”
Sara linked her arm with his and urged him back toward her car. “I thought so. Come on. I’m driving.”
* * *
Given her willingness to stay with him he decided it was wisest to follow her orders. At least they had been delivered with good humor instead of barked the way a drill sergeant might. The only thing still puzzling him was Sara’s apology that had come out of nowhere. Since she was currently acting friendly and compliant he decided to postpone asking for an explanation. Finding out would wait. Being in her company, for whatever reason, was a definite bonus, one he did not intend to spoil.
As she left the co-op parking lot he settled back in his seat. “So, where are we going?”
“Shopping, then lunch.”
“You’re not going to drive all the way to the outlet mall in Branson, are you?”
“I wasn’t planning to but that’s a good idea.”
“For another time, maybe?” He fidgeted.
Sara laughed as she cast him a sidelong glance. “Yes, for another time. I meant it about keeping an eye on your condition. I want to stick pretty close to the hospital in case the blow to your ribs damaged your liver or spleen.”
“Come on, Sara. Do you honestly think it did?”
“No. But there’s no sense taking chances. My daily life is already too supercharged. I don’t want a medical emergency on my hands, too.”
“Sorry about miscalculating. Judging by the way the shadow was moving I thought he’d be long gone when I rounded that corner.” He huffed with disgust. “Good thing we aren’t in a combat zone or I’d be a goner.”
Her hands fisted on the steering wheel. “Maybe we should pretend we are. I won’t know how to behave that defensively but you can teach me.”
Adam swallowed a chuckle. “You want me to give you marine training?”
“Self-defense, maybe. It can’t hurt, can it?”
“Hand-to-hand fighting is a skill that takes practice. It’s not learned in a couple of lessons.” Besides, he added to himself, the less you know, the less likely you’ll be to rush into a dangerous situation.
“I’m not asking for proficiency. All I want you to do is show me a few simple moves, like how to get away if somebody grabs me.”
“Ha. If they do, make sure they aren’t carrying ether.” Slowly shaking his head he chastised himself for carelessness. “It was my fault I was knocked out, Sara. Being here in Paradise is so different than fighting in battle that I got too complacent.”
He was looking directly at her when she turned for a moment and met his gaze. The blue of her eyes glistened. Her jaw was set. Worry furrowed her brow.
“It isn’t safe here. Not for me, for us,” she said with conviction. “We’re in a battle of good versus evil whether we like it or not and we have to win. We just have to.”
Adam reached across and laid a hand of comfort on her shoulder when he warned, “Sometimes that’s easier said than done.”
TWELVE
The big box store Sara chose to visit was handy, meaning it would do until she could shop elsewhere and find more variety. To her delight, Adam seemed to be feeling as well as he’d claimed. That didn’t mean she was going to part from him, of course; it was simply a current blessing.
Which was exactly what his presence was, she concluded. A blessing. A huge, sweet, adorable blessing. Of course she’d never put those feelings into words but that didn’t mean she couldn’t privately bask in their comfort. This was one of the things that confused her. A terrible tragedy had brought this amazingly deepened closeness to the man she’d loved for as long as she could remember. It seemed wrong to be so happy when Vicki’s death was so fresh, yet she couldn’t help herself.
A Scripture promise from the fifth chapter of the book of Matthew popped into her head: “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” Was that why she wasn’t weeping all the time? Maybe. She was certainly mourning in her deepest heart even if it didn’t always show in her outward actions. Perhaps that was one reason why some of the townspeople thought she was callous or had had something to do with her cousin’s death. That thought was sad in many ways, primarily because it meant they didn’t understand the kind of comfort and healing her Christian faith provided.
She wheeled into the first available space near the door. “You’re coming in, right?”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Adam said with a wry smile. “I have always wondered why women fussed the way they do when jeans, boots, a plaid shirt and a Stetson are all anybody needs to wear.”
Sara laughed softly. “And a work uniform. Scrubs are mainly what I need right now.”
“You’re still determined to go back to work?”
“Absolutely. I have to work to eat and afford my rent. Besides, if I don’t carry on as usual, that may convince the bad guys I have a reason to hide.”
“I’ve been giving that some thought.” He climbed out of the car and fell into step beside her. “I wonder if you or I could convince Helen Babcock to share Vicki’s diary.”
“Assuming it was sent home to her, you mean?”
“Yes. I doubt she’d have gotten so mad at the chief if she didn’t have it.”
“Who knows? The poor thing is grief-stricken,” Sara reminded him. “If Floyd didn’t approach her with enough compassion he may not have even gotten around to asking to see the journal.”
“I think he said he had.”
“Whatever.” Sara walked through the automatic doors and headed for a line of empty shopping carts.
Adam passed her. “I’ll get us a buggy. You just concentrate on picking your new clothes so we can get out of here.”
“You have a lot to learn about women and shopping,” she quipped.
“That’s probably true.”
He followed with the squeaky-wheeled cart until she began to wander between racks of clothing and he ended up in her way.
“Back off a little? Please? I need to be able to walk all the way around these displays.”
“Why? If you see what you like, just buy it.”
“Says the man who looks as if he always wears the same pa
ir of jeans in various states of wear.”
“My shirts are different.”
“Mostly the color,” she teased. “Otherwise, you’re a cookie-cutter cowboy.”
“And that’s a bad thing?”
She had to laugh again. “I didn’t say that. I just like variety, that’s all.” Sobering as she looked him up and down she added, “I think you look great.”
“Thanks. You’re not bad yourself. Missy loaned you some nice jeans, at least.”
“Yes, and I want to get them laundered and back to her as soon as possible. Remind me to buy a pair of those, too.”
With her focus on the rows of scrub tops she relaxed and let Adam watch her back. One or two quick glances proved he was doing just that.
Soon, she had an armload of scrub pants to coordinate with the tops already piled in the cart. “I’m just going to run and try these on,” Sara told him. “I’m sure about the tops fitting but not these bottoms.”
“Knock yourself out. I’ll wait.”
“And you are still feeling all right? No nausea or dizziness?”
“Nope. I’m finer than frog hair, as they say.”
Sara chuckled quietly. “Nobody says that these days.”
“My grandpa used to. Remember him? He could play a mean banjo, even with arthritis crippling up his hands.”
“When we were kids. I do remember his playing.” She sighed. “Sometimes I wish we lived in the simpler times he enjoyed, until I think of all the medical breakthroughs that have been made since then.”
“In firefighting, too. We’re much safer with modern gear.”
“But never invincible. That’s what I worry about when I see you and the others running into a burning building the way they did at Vicki’s.”
“Miss Bessie’s glad we made entry.”
Sara sobered. “I didn’t mean it was wrong. I just worry.”
“What about trusting God?”
“Yeah, there is that.” As they talked she was leading the way toward the center of the ladies’ clothing department where the dressing rooms were located. A clerk unlocked one for her and with a last look at Adam she went in.
Fatal Threat Page 10
