by Curry, Edna
Dee called and Loni talked to her for a while, telling her all about Don’s death. “I feel so helpless,” she concluded. “But what can I do?”
“His mother will have company coming for the funeral, her sister and nieces and nephews,” Dee said. “Why don’t you make a casserole and take it over to Janet so she won’t have to worry about cooking? I’m sure other neighbors will do that, too. They always do.”
“That’s a good idea, Dee. I’ll be happy to.”
“I’ll call Janet myself, and apologize for not being able to return for the funeral,” Dee said. “I can’t leave Mindy so soon.”
“I’m sure Janet will understand. Give my love to Mindy, won’t you, Auntie?”
She felt better after talking to Dee, but didn’t look forward to calling on Janet Bowers. She was sure Don’s mother must be devastated.
Loni made the casserole. She’d just put it into the oven when the doorbell rang.
Glancing out the small window, she saw Sheriff Ben. She grimaced at seeing him in uniform, his gun at his hip. She forced a smile and opened her door.
“Hello, Loni. I got your message. Sorry to disturb your Sunday,” Ben said. He took off his cap and tucked it under his arm with his clipboard.
“That’s okay, Sheriff. Come in and have a seat.” She led the way into the living room. Ben sat on the sofa, looking uncomfortable. Loni had known Ben for years. She knew he hated giving bad news to anyone, but especially when he knew them.
“I have some hot coffee left. Would you like some?”
“Sure.”
Loni went to the kitchen and returned with a tray. She poured their coffee and sat in her favorite soft blue chair opposite him.
Ben said, “I got your message. You heard about Don Bowers, then?”
She nodded. “Yes, I heard this morning at the Flame.”
“So, you were in town this morning?” he asked, his pen poised over his clipboard.
“Yes. I’ve been meeting Maria and Jolene for Sunday morning breakfast since I came back to town. We went to high school together, you know.”
“Yes, I know. Don was in your group as well, wasn’t he?”
She nodded. “And Harvey Lathrop. I think most of the others in our little group have left the area.”
“But I hear you were out with Don last night? I talked to his mother. She said he had been to see her after work last night and had a date with you at seven. That was the last she’d seen or talked to him.”
Loni sighed. “Yes. It’s awful to think I may have been the last person he talked to.” She grimaced and sipped her coffee. “Janet must feel awful. Don came back here to practice because of her heart condition, so she’d have some family nearby when she was ill. Now she’ll be alone again.”
“Life seldom works out the way we plan,” Ben agreed. “So you went out? Where did you go?”
“We went to the Lagoon on Deer Lake. We had dinner and then went downstairs and danced a while. They had a new band last night.”
“What time was it when Don brought you home?”
“I think it was close to midnight. Maybe ten minutes before. I came in, went to the bathroom for a few minutes to brush my teeth and so on. I glanced at the clock when I came into my bedroom and it read a minute after twelve.”
Ben made notes on his clipboard, and asked, “Had he been drinking? I know Don does imbibe on occasion.”
Loni sipped her coffee, and shook her head. “No. He didn’t drink any liquor last night. I didn’t want any, so he drank soda with me.”
Ben rubbed the side of his nose with a long finger as though it itched. “Did you see anyone you knew at the Lagoon?”
Loni stared at Ben. Did he doubt her word? She swallowed hard. “We met John and Louise Carrington, you know them? We sat with them for a while at the dance.”
“Thanks. I’ll talk to them. We’ll have the autopsy results as well, of course.”
“Do you have any idea of what happened? I mean, were any other cars involved?”
Ben shook his head and got up to leave, sliding his clipboard back under his arm. “We don’t know what happened, yet. But don’t worry. We’ll figure it out.”
* * * *
While Loni talked to the sheriff, Matt walked the five blocks from his house to the Flame downtown for a Sunday paper and some breakfast. He’d slept in until almost nine o’clock. His headache was better and the sun was shining to make the start of a nice spring day.
He pulled out a chair and joined the usual group of men he had coffee with each day. They looked pretty solemn this morning and he had an awful feeling he knew why.
Forcing a cheerful tone, he asked, “Hi, guys. What’s everyone so glum about this fine morning?”
Bob Johnson, who ran the mall restaurant during the week, said, “There was a bad accident over on the Landers’ Hill last night, Matt. Or maybe it was early this morning. I don’t think anyone knows for sure.”
The waitress poured him coffee and Matt’s stomach knotted tighter. “Who was it?”
Harvey Lathrop spoke up, “Don Bowers. He didn’t have a chance going over that cliff. It’s a damned shame. He was so young, and a good dentist, too.”
Coldness gripped Matt. He remembered Loni had a date with Bowers last night. Was she still with him when he had the accident? He swallowed and managed to get out, “Was he alone?”
Bob nodded and forked up a piece of ham. “Yeah.”
Matt’s breath eased and he gulped some coffee, then told the still hovering waitress he’d have his usual order.
Harvey eyed Matt suspiciously. “Why did you ask if Don was alone?”
“I heard him and Loni talking at the Chamber meeting the other night. They made plans for dinner last night.”
The waitress nodded as she wrote down Matt’s order. “Loni wasn’t in the accident. She was in here with Maria and Jolene for breakfast already this morning.”
Matt let out a sigh of relief and gave the waitress a smile. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” She grinned, seemed proud to have information they wanted, and strode off to the kitchen.
“That girl hears everything that’s going on in this town,” Bob commented. “Waitresses are supposed to be seen and not heard.”
“You mean like children in the olden days?” Harvey said and guffawed. “Don’t let her hear you say that. You’ll get served burnt toast for weeks.”
Matt listened to their banter, thankful that Loni hadn’t been with Don when he went over that cliff. What would they say if he told them he’d dreamed of that accident the night before last? No doubt they’d think he was a freak and avoid him and his business. He had better keep it to himself.
He sighed. Why couldn’t his psychic ability tell him useful information, like which horses were going to win the Derby or which stocks would have the next big rise on Wall Street? Why were they always about bad things, like accidents or deaths?
Matt knew Loni was bound to be upset by all this. When he returned to his house, he tried calling her but got no answer.
Later when he still couldn’t reach her by phone, Matt drove out to talk to her. She was just getting out of her car as he pulled in.
“Hello. I tried to call you, but you didn’t answer so I drove out.”
“Hi, Matt. I took a casserole to Janet and stayed with her for a while. Come on in.”
She unlocked her door and led the way to the living room. She waved him to the sofa and dropped into her favorite easy chair.
“How is Janet doing?” Matt asked. “I heard about Don’s accident. This must be such a shock to her.”
“Yes, it is. She’s pretty devastated, but her sister and a nephew are with her now and plan to stay for a few days, so that should help.”
“I’m glad she has some family here.”
“Sheriff Ben talked to her this morning. He stopped here, too.”
“I figured he would. You were out to dinner with Don last night?”
She nodded, bi
ting down on her lip. “The accident must have happened on his way home to Landers. I hate thinking I was probably the last person to see him alive.”
“It’s a damned shame. Don was a great guy. This must be very upsetting for you. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.”
She didn’t look fine, damn it. Matt got up and paced to the window. He hated himself for asking, but he had to know. He turned to face her and asked, “Were you in love with Don?”
“What?” She gave a startled laugh. “Where did you get an idea like that? Last night was our first real date.”
“You knew him back in high school,” he couldn’t help saying. “You talked like old pals at the Chamber dinner.”
“Yes, I did know him in high school. But we didn’t date then. We were only classmates who did things together as a group, like go to dances or swimming or roller skating.”
Matt felt a little foolish. “I’m sorry. I guess I’m jealous.”
“That’s silly. You have no reason to be jealous.”
He rubbed the back of his neck in frustration. “I said I was sorry. Forgive me?”
She nodded. After an awkward silent moment, she asked, “Would you like some coffee? Or iced tea?”
“Sure. Coffee sounds great.” He followed her to the kitchen and sat at the table, watching her fill the coffeemaker with water, put a filter into the basket and spoon grounds into it.
She glanced up at him. “Have you eaten?”
“No.”
“I made extra when I made the casserole for Janet. Would you like some?”
He nodded and she handed him a couple of plates and tableware. He arranged them on the table while she got the casserole out of the refrigerator and heated it in the microwave. She poured their coffee and joined him at the table.
Tension mounted as they ate. His admission of being jealous implied he cared about her, and they both knew it.
“This is delicious,” he said, helping himself to more of the casserole.
“Thanks. It’s only a simple hamburger and tomato concoction,” she said. “It was one of my favorites as a child.”
“It tastes great to me, too. You’re a good cook.” He grinned at her.
She muttered, “Thanks,” again, flushed as pink as the pretty blouse she was wearing and looked back at her plate. When they finished, she picked up their plates and put them into the dishwasher.
He got up to help her clear things away. He handed her their cups and heat sizzled between them as their hands connected. She looked up and met his gaze.
Somehow she was in his arms and their lips met as though they’d been waiting for this. Her arms came up around his neck and her eyes closed. He deepened the kiss, his hands sliding along her back until he cradled the back of her head in one hand.
A moan escaped her as his lips traveled down the side of her neck and into the V of her soft cotton blouse. He kissed the soft curve of her breast and reached up to unbutton the top button so he could move lower.
She was breathing as fast as he was and made no objection. Encouraged, he opened more buttons and pushed aside the lacey white bra he uncovered. “You’re so beautiful,” he murmured, stroking and kissing her soft white flesh, then daring to take the dark tip of her breast in his mouth.
Rock hard now, he moved against her to let her feel how she affected him. He murmured, “I want you, Loni,” against her mouth as he moved back to kiss her lips again.
“Oh, yes. But not here,” she said, still breathing hard. “Someone driving by might see us.” She pulled back, and he groaned in protest.
But she reached behind her to flip off the light switch, and taking his hand in hers, led him down the hall to her bedroom.
“Are you sure? The other night wasn’t just a one-time thing?” he asked, his voice uneven with dread that she’d say no.
She nodded and began unbuttoning his shirt. “I want you, Matt. I’m sorry I went out with Don. I…I’ll explain why some time. Not now.”
He reached up to help her and then stripped off his jeans and shorts. Then he pushed off her blouse, unsnapped her bra, and unzipped her slacks, sliding his fingers inside her panties to cup her mound as his mouth continued to ravish her lips and throat.
He stopped long enough to finish undressing her and in a minute they were both naked. He impatiently pulled back the covers and lowered her to the soft sheets, cuddling beside her. His hands explored her smooth flesh and his mouth covered first the tip of one breast, then the other.
Loni couldn’t believe she could feel so charged up and wonderful at the same time. He seemed to know every sensitive spot and touched and tasted them all. His body was beautiful, perfectly sculpted and muscular. His tongue trailed lower, sending excited shivers along every nerve. She returned the favor, enjoying the feel of his rippling muscles under her fingers and tongue.
When she thought she could stand no more, he covered himself, then rose above her, entered her with one smooth stroke and stopped.
She caught her breath, enjoying the wonderful sensation of being one, of being filled by him. “Don’t stop,” she cried.
He grinned at her and leaned down to claim her lips in a searing kiss. Then he began to move and the pleasure mounted higher and higher. Hands and lips explored everywhere as they climbed toward their summit.
At last, lights seemed to scatter into a million stars and she called out his name. He shivered and pulsed within her in reply.
They lay side by side, replete, and fell asleep in each others’ arms.
* * * *
She awoke to the delightful smell of coffee. She smiled and stretched. This time he hadn’t left her. The man was a wonder. She hurried through her shower, dressed and went down to the kitchen where he was cooking eggs and toast.
He took her in his arms and kissed her, then met her eyes with a smile. “Morning, Sleepyhead. Are you ready for some nourishment?”
She grinned. “After last night, you had enough energy to cook breakfast?”
“You bet. I have to replenish my strength. Sit and I’ll dish up the food.”
He let her go and moved back to the stove.
She poured their coffee and sat at the table while he served the food. “Mm, it’s delicious. I think I’ll keep you around. You’re a good cook.”
“You’re not so bad yourself, if I remember correctly.”
“I suppose, since it’s Monday, I’d better go home and get ready for work.”
“I suppose,” she agreed.
“I’ll see you later, okay?” He got up and gave her a kiss, then went to the living room, where he’d left his car keys the night before.
On the end table, the message light blinked on her answering machine. “Did you see you have a message waiting?”
“Oh,” she said and crossed to it. “It’s probably Aunt Dee.”
Loni punched the play button.
A belligerent, raspy voice asked, “Didn’t I tell you that you were mine and only mine? Yet you went out to dinner with another man. You see what happens when you don’t listen? Somebody gets hurt and it’s all your fault.”
Chapter 7
“No!” Loni screamed and fainted.
Matt leapt forward and caught her before she reached the floor. He gently eased her down onto the sofa, saying, “Loni, baby, are you okay?”
She seemed to be breathing okay, but didn’t respond to his attempts to rouse her. He went to the kitchen to get her a glass of water, the only thing he could remember to do for someone who fainted.
Gradually, the color came back into her face and she opened her eyes. “It can’t be true. Don didn’t die because of me,” she moaned, shaking her head.
“Sh.” Matt sat on the edge of the sofa and helped her to a sitting position. “Here, drink this.”
“Thanks,” she said, obediently swallowing. Matt watched her. Her face was full of pain and fear. She grabbed the crocheted throw from the back of the sofa and wrapped herself into it, shivering.
&
nbsp; Trying to keep his voice calm, he asked, “Do you know who that was on the phone? Why do you think it has something to do with Don’s accident?”
“Call the sheriff,” she said. “Don didn’t have an accident.”
Matt eyed her a moment, then rose to his feet and strode to the phone to make the call.
While they waited for the sheriff, Loni said, “I told Ben some of this, but I—” she hesitated. “I guess I should tell you, too, in case this guy sees us together and he comes after you, too.”
Matt sank into the chair opposite her. “Comes after me, too? Loni, what’s this all about? Something weird is going on here, and I don’t like it.”
Loni sucked in a deep breath. “This is the reason I was afraid to date only one man. Someone is stalking me.”
“What?”
“The guy on the phone. He follows me around. I told Ben the night we found the raccoon. It all started back in Chicago. And now he’s found me again.”
“What does he want?”
“To own me, I think.” She lifted a shoulder and wrapped her arms around herself tighter.
What the hell did that mean? But she looked so pale and upset, Matt didn’t press her.
Ben arrived moments later. Matt met him at the door.
“Loni got a weird phone message,” Matt explained quietly. “She thinks it has something to do with Don’s death.”
“Did she save the message?” Ben stepped inside and took off his hat.
Matt nodded. “Yes, it’s still on her machine.”
Sheriff Ben moved to the living room where Loni sat huddled in a chair. He searched Loni’s pale face. “What’s wrong, Loni?”
She attempted a little smile of greeting. “Don’s accident was my fault,” she said, brokenly.
“Don’t be silly,” Matt snapped. “That’s not true.”
He led Ben to the answering machine and punched the play button. Ben frowned as he listened, and then replayed it. “Didn’t I tell you that you were mine and only mine? Yet you went out to dinner with another man. You see what happens when you don’t listen? Somebody gets hurt and it’s all your fault.”
Finally Ben sat in the chair opposite Loni and said gently, “I don’t understand why you think that message is linked to Don’s accident. Do you know who that was on the phone?”
