by Jenn Cowan
The doctor purses his lips then says, “We need to keep him calm until we can determine the extent of his injury. It would be best if we let him rest without any visitors for a while. We’re going to keep him sedated so it shouldn’t be an issue. I’ll let you know when we get the results of the CT back.” With that he turns on his heels and heads down the hall.
I drop into an empty chair next to me as my legs can’t hold me right now. Relief consumes me that Travis is alive, but did I make his condition worse? I rub my forehead because a headache is forming behind my eyes.
“This isn’t your fault, Autumn,” Regina says, sitting down next to me and patting my knee.
“I feel like it is.” I motion in the direction of the doctor. “He thinks I had something to do with it.”
Regina scoffs. “He’s an old fuddy duddy. What does he know?”
I smirk. “A lot considering, he went to medical school.”
Regina rolls her eyes. “Why don’t you go find Josh. I’m sure he’s worried about you. Your rehearsal dinner is tonight, right? It’s going on four o’clock. You’d better get ready. I can whip something up with your hair if you’d like. You’d just need to come here.” She gestures to the waiting room.
I give her a small smile. I’m not even sure Josh will show up tonight let alone tomorrow. He may decide I’m not worth all this trouble. Between my sleuthing and my history with Travis, my life is anything but uncomplicated.
“Autumn?” Regina cocks her head. “You are still getting married tomorrow, aren’t you?”
I sigh. “I hope so.”
She smiles and pats my knee again. “I know so. Josh loves you. Always has.” She bites her lip then looks in the direction of Travis’s room. “I have to say seeing you and Travis together again and the look on his face…” she sighs. “He hasn’t looked that happy since high school. I was starting to hope maybe…” Regina waves a hand in front of her. “It’s silly. Never mind. I know you’ve made your choice. Josh is a good man. I’m happy for you, sweetie.”
I force a smile. Why does life have to be so complicated? If you were to ask me twenty years ago where I’d be right now, I’d tell you happily married to Travis with several babies. Josh would be the fun uncle, my business partner and best friend. Now, I’m wondering what my future holds. My phone buzzes in my hand. My heart leaps at the name. Josh. I open my mouth to tell Regina that I need to go when she interrupts me.
“You go on now. I’ll keep you posted on Travis. He’ll be fine, dear.”
I nod and squeeze her hand. “Call me if you need me. I’ll come right over.”
She pats my hand. “I know, dear. Travis is lucky to have you… even if it’s just as a friend.”
The word, “friend” doesn’t sit right with me for some reason. Yes, I’m Travis’s friend, but we were and are so much more than that. I don’t know that there is a title to describe our bond. I stand, give her a hug then head to the exit. I need to find Josh. We have a lot to talk about. Hopefully, he’s making some progress on the case and we can finish this up before our wedding… if there’s even going to be a wedding.
16
“Josh, please call me back. I left the hospital a few minutes ago and am heading to the hardware store. Chase has a list of people Wyatt was doing business with over the past few months. You can meet me there or just call me or text me. Please…” I quit talking and hang up. This isn’t me. I’m not the kind of person to leave desperate messages on my fiancé’s phone, but why isn’t he calling me back?
The sun is setting low in the sky as I walk toward the hardware store. I was hoping Josh would be waiting for me outside the hospital, but he wasn’t. He didn’t leave a message when he called earlier, which is strange. Maybe he’s still at Eddie’s. I wonder if they’ve found something we can use to solve the case.
I hear a car slow down behind me and I turn to see who it is. It’s a black town car with tinted windows. I squint to catch a glimpse of the driver, but the car’s not close enough for me to see who’s driving. A chill runs down my spine so I pick up my pace, hoping the car will pass, but it doesn’t. Sweat breaks out on the back of my neck and it’s not because the late afternoon is sweltering hot. It’s actually in the seventies today with a cool breeze. No, I’m sweating because I’m pretty sure this car is following me and I’m afraid what will happen if I don’t make it to the hardware store in the next few minutes.
The store comes into view and I’m trying to hurry as fast as I can, which isn’t easy with my leg injury. I glance behind me and the car is still creeping along slowly. If they’re not following me then I’m not sure what they’re doing. Even in Daysville, people speed through town. It’s pretty rare someone will just cruise around. My leg’s throbbing, but I feel like if I stop, who knows what could happen.
Is this the kidnapper? The developer who thinks I know something? Maybe they saw me with my dad. My heart is beating wildly in my chest as I reach the hardware store. A roar of an engine and tires squealing has me whipping around to see what’s happening. The town car speeds off in the opposite direction.
I let out the breath I’m holding and turn to go into the hardware store as I collide with someone. “Oh, excuse me,” I say, grabbing onto the door so I don’t fall down.
“Autumn?”
I look up to see Eddie and Violet. “Where have you two been? I’ve been worried sick? What happened? Were you kidnapped?”
Eddie rubs the back of his neck. “No.”
“Then what happened?”
“We can’t discuss it with you, Autumn.”
“What? Why not?”
“It’s about the development and we’re sworn to secrecy.”
“Sworn to secrecy. What are you talking about?” I glance back and forth between Eddie and Violet. “But Violet screamed and yelled for me to help her.”
Violet reaches out and squeezes my hand. “I thought we were in danger when I took Eddie to show him the plans about the development. He tried to call you, but the reception was bad. Then I tried and the developer walked in. I thought he was going to kill us.”
“But he didn’t,” I deadpan.
She gives me a small smile. “No. He’s really very pleasant.”
“Who is he?”
They exchange a knowing glance then Eddie says, “We can’t tell you, Autumn. You’ll find out when the time is right.”
I throw my hands up in the air. “Does Josh know?”
Eddie nods.
“Where is he? He’s not answering his phone.”
“We met him at our house and filled him in on things. Something was wrong with him. He seemed upset. He took a call, I think from his mother and rushed off. That was an hour ago. Is the rehearsal dinner still on for tonight?”
“Yes. Of course. Why wouldn’t it be?” I snap, not meaning to.
Eddie holds up his hands, probably afraid I might lunge at him. “No reason. We’re going to get cleaned up then we’ll see you at the church. Violet is going to have the Crafty Crew ladies come a little earlier so they can work on their song for you and Josh.”
Violet nods and forces a smile. “Hopefully, their feud is over and we can make some headway. If not, I’m not sure what kind of performance you’ll get tomorrow.”
I smile. “I’m sure whatever they do will be fine.”
They wave and take off toward Eddie’s Mercedes.
“Autumn?”
I jump and whirl around to find Chase standing behind me. “You scared me.”
He lifts an eyebrow. “Are you always this jumpy?”
“Not usually, but with the murder, kidnappings… I also think someone followed me here so I’m a little on edge.”
Chase frowns. “Someone followed you?”
I nod and point in the direction that the town car sped off in. “It drove slowly behind me as I walked from the hospital.”
“You walked here? That’s like two miles.” He glances at my bloodstained clothes. “Where’s Josh?”
&
nbsp; “I’m not sure.” I chew on my lip.
“Did you two get into a fight over the Travis ordeal?”
I throw my hands up and groan. “Welcome to Daysville where everyone knows your business in record time.”
Chase smirks. “Hey, I’m not judging. If it were me lying in that hospital bed, I would want Allison to act like she loved me.”
I give him a half smile. “Thanks,” I say then ask, “Did you find out anything about Wyatt’s recent clients?”
He nods. “I’m not sure you’re going to like it.”
“What? Why not?”
Chase takes a deep breath and hands me a document. “I found this in Wyatt’s email.”
I lift an eyebrow. “Did you inherit your dad’s hacking skills?”
He shrugs. “Computers have always come easy to me.”
I smirk then look at the document. My heart starts to beat faster in my chest and my mouth goes dry. “Th-this has to be some mistake.”
Chase gives me a sympathetic look. “I don’t think so, Autumn.”
My father’s name is at the bottom of the document and it’s not because he’s the attorney helping the developer. He is the developer. My dad’s buying up old properties and building the bowling alley, a mall and condos. I feel sick. Why would my dad do this? I don’t understand. He loves Daysville, right? “I have to go.” I move to step around him when Chase grabs my arm.
“Wait. There’s more.”
“More? I’m not sure I can take much more.”
He hands me another document. “I think this may be your lead as to who killed Wyatt.”
“So, you don’t think I should add my father to the suspect list?”
Chase smirks and shakes his head. “Wyatt was working as the front man for your dad. He was keeping all his transactions private. Your dad needed him. There wasn’t anything in those emails that made me think your dad wanted Wyatt dead.”
“Unless Wyatt threatened to expose him.”
He frowns. “Why would Wyatt do that?”
I shrug. “More money?”
“Wyatt didn’t need money, Autumn. He was loaded. I don’t see any reason to go accuse your father of murder. If anything, Wyatt’s death is an inconvenience to him. Plus, I think your mother would notice if your dad went missing for several hours while they’re working on your wedding. From what I’ve heard he’s been helping yours and Josh’s mom around the clock.”
“Fine. My dad didn’t kill Wyatt,” I say with relief. I didn’t want to have to interrogate my father. He knows all of my ‘tells’ and will smell my accusation a mile away. I’m still not sure how I go about confronting him in regard to the development. I can’t believe he’s wanting to change the town. “So, if my dad didn’t, who did?”
“Well I found out Allison’s mom, Jean wasn’t at the spa like she said she was. In fact, the Daysville Bed and Breakfast confirmed she’s been staying there since Wednesday. That puts her in town before the murder.” He furrows his brow. “I’m not sure why she lied to me about being at the spa. It makes me wonder what else she’s been untruthful about.”
I nod, totally feeling his pain. Aren’t parents supposed to be honest all the time? I mean not all the time, but they’re not supposed to lie to their children about important stuff unless it’s about Santa or the Easter Bunny. Otherwise, why lie? To protect us, right? I roll my eyes and mumble, “Parents are the worst.”
Chase smirks. “Are you done moping yet?”
I shake my head but motion for him to continue talking. “So, keep Jean on the list, but not my dad. Who else?”
“The bed and breakfast also confirmed Wyatt’s mother and sister are staying there.”
“Ah, the plot thickens.”
He nods.
I wave the document at him. “And what’s this?”
“A deal that could blow up if one of the party’s finds out what the other’s kid is growing on the land. Wyatt was trying to defuse the situation before either party found out.”
I study the document and see a familiar name on it. “We can’t let the captain see this.” I fold it and tuck it into my pocket.
“Why not?”
“I’ll tell you later. Right now, we need to go visit Jean. Do you know where she is?”
“According to the owner of the inn. She went to the café for a late lunch about fifteen minutes ago.”
“Let’s go,” I say, tugging on his sleeve and heading toward the café.
“Um, Autumn?”
“Yeah?”
“Do you want me to drive us?” He points toward his pick-up.
“That would be great.” I sigh with relief that I don’t have to walk any further on my hurt leg and start for the truck when the dark town car pulls into the parking lot. I grab onto Chase’s arm. “The car’s back.”
“What car?”
“The one that followed me from the hospital.” I do everything I can not to look at the car. “Act natural.”
“Then you might want to let go of my arm.”
“Oh, sorry.” I let go of his arm and move toward his truck.
“Is it the black town car with the tinted windows?” Chase mumbles as he rounds the hood of his truck.
I nod, slipping into the passenger seat. “What kind of car does Jean drive?”
He huffs out a laugh.
“What?”
“Jean doesn’t drive, at least not to my knowledge.”
“So, she has a driver?”
“Yes, why?”
“What car does her driver drive?”
Chase starts his truck then thumbs his index finger on the wheel. “A dark sedan.”
“You sure it’s not a town car.”
“Positive. I’ve ridden with her many times.”
“Hmm. Could she have traded it in before coming to Daysville so you wouldn’t recognize her?”
He backs out of the parking space and checks his rearview mirror. “It’s possible.”
“They’re following us.”
“Looks that way.”
It doesn’t take long for us to pull into the café parking lot. When we get out, the car speeds off.
“Strange,” Chase says, holding open the door to the café. He scans the room and declares, “She’s not here.”
“Interesting.”
“Maybe she went back to the bed and breakfast.”
“Maybe.” I wave to several people in the café before turning around to leave. Tongues will be wagging if I sit down with Chase and eat so I decide it’s best for us to leave. “Let’s drive around and see if we can find that car.”
When we step back outside, I spot the dark car again. The passenger side window rolls down and something is pointing at me. What is that? Is that a gun? Before I can say or do anything, the gun goes off.
17
Strong arms wrap around my torso and drag me down to the deck. I hit the wooden boards with a thud then I wait for the pain.
Nothing.
An engine roars and tires squeal off into the distance.
Someone groans beside me.
“Chase?” I sit up and assess him. Blood is coming from his left arm. “You’ve been shot. Don’t move.”
He winces and nods his head before looking down at his arm.
I fumble with my phone and call an ambulance then the station to report the shooting.
In minutes, sirens and lights fill the evening air. EMT’s works at a fast pace to get Chase loaded into the ambulance while the police try to question him and me. Chase makes me promise to be careful and assures me I don’t need to come to the hospital. He wants me to keep looking for the person who’s responsible for his best friend’s death and clear his wife’s name.
My head’s spinning by the time the police let me leave. I glance at my cell phone and realize I only have thirty minutes before the rehearsal dinner and I’m not even ready. I groan when I realize I still haven’t heard from Josh and now, I have to walk home.
“Need a ride?” my da
d asks, pulling up next to me.
I eye him suspiciously then decide if I’m going to make it to the church on time, I better accept the traitor’s offer. Yes, my dad is a traitor for all intents and purposes. He’s trying to change the town I love. The town I thought he loved. I slip into the passenger seat and instead of hounding him with questions, stare out the window.
We ride for a minute in silence before I realize we’re not heading for the house. “Where are we going?”
“I want to show you something.”
I snort. “Your ‘model’ for the Daysville,” I retort, using air quotes.
He swipes a hand over his jaw. “So, you figured it out?”
“Chase found a document in Wyatt’s email with your name on it. He was working for you.”
My dad nods. “Yes, and I think I know who killed him.”
I perk up at his words. “Who?”
“It’s just a theory, but Wyatt told me someone here in Daysville wasn’t happy when I refused to buy their property. Of course, they didn’t know it was me buying up the properties. They thought it was Wyatt.”
“Why are you buying these old properties anyway? Why are you trying to change everything you love about this town? A mall? Condos? It will destroy this town.”
My dad shakes his head. “Or save it.”
I frown. “What do you mean?”
“Autumn, haven’t you noticed a decrease in business over the past year?”
I chew on my lower lip. “It ebbs and flows. All businesses do.”
My dad sighs. “Daysville is dying. The economy is suffering. I’ve heard several business owners talking about closing down because they can’t turn a profit when tourists aren’t in town. The town needs to grow to survive. We need fresh blood. New jobs. Reasons for people to move to Daysville.”
“It will ruin the small town feel of Daysville. I don’t want my future children growing up in a suburbia.”
My dad smirks. “So, you’re planning to make me grandfather after all, huh?”
I roll my eyes and smack his arm. “Not if you turn this town into a metropolis.”
Now it’s his turn to roll his eyes. “Autumn, what I have planned for Daysville isn’t what you think. Rumors are spreading about the development that aren’t true. I plan to keep the small town feel of Daysville while also adding businesses and housing that will allow the town to grow… slightly, but also thrive. I want nothing more than for Daysville to stay like it is, but it’s just not possible. People will eventually move away if the town can’t sustain them and then where will we be?”
