Shaking her head, Pamela said, “Oh, no, girl. I can’t see you running or cowering from a challenge. But, I think having that threat hanging over my head would keep me on edge.”
“I am. At breakfast this morning, Grant and Brad joked with their grandfather as if nothing were wrong. Grandma and I were more like robots.”
Pamela finished her sandwich. “That house looks huge from the outside. Is it done up in style or does it look like a bunch of men ranchers live there?”
“The house has eight bedrooms and most have their own bathroom attached. Grant’s mom updated the place when she and his dad were first married and nothing’s been changed since. The house is not really fancy, but the place welcomes you the way a home should.”
“The outside sure looked nice. My goodness, can you believe so much has happened in a week? It was after school a week ago you went out there to ask about the club trip.”
“And had my first date with Grant, yet it seems I’ve known him forever. We’ve grown really close.” She fell into musing about whether or not theirs was a relationship or a friendship.
“Daydreaming about the man?” Pamela straightened in her chair. “I have news about Mark Langston.”
Tory leaned forward again, eager to hear what her friend had to share. “Tell me. Did he ask you out?”
Pamela’s broad smile could have furnished light for the room. “We had dinner Saturday.” She shrugged. “No fireworks or rockets, but a start.”
Tory hugged her friend. “I’m happy for you. We’ve both had a long dry spell, but things are looking up for us. That is, if no one kills me.”
Pamela grabbed her wrist. “How can you joke about that? I’d be sitting inside the sheriff’s office 24/7 until that killer was captured and locked behind bars.”
Tory gathered their wrappers from lunch and tossed them into the waste basket. “I’m struggling for a positive attitude. I admit Grandma and I were less than sparkling at breakfast, but the men joking this morning made me feel better. I can’t let this person hold me hostage.”
“Now that’s the Tory Fraser I know. Darn, time to go back to class. This close to the end of school, the kids don’t care whether they speak English or gibberish. I suspect gibberish will win these last two weeks and for the summer.”
Tory smacked her forehead. “And I have a gazillion term papers to grade this week and weekend. What was I thinking assigning those?”
Pamela gave her a surprised stare. “Uh, just guessing here, but you want the kids to learn history—maybe even enjoy the subject?”
Tory laughed. “Oh, yeah, that’s what.”
Back in her classroom, Tory started reading the first of the term papers since the time period after lunch was her conference period. Kimberly Hutchins’ paper on the Mission Trail clearly involved research. Grading kept her mind focused on something besides her own predicament.
After school, she wasted no time getting back to Grayson Ranch. To prove she wasn’t frightened, she almost stopped in town on a made-up errand. But, she didn’t need anything and she was worried plus she hadn’t told Grandma or Wayne she’d be late.
Driving up to Grant’s home soothed her. One of the ranch hands, she thought his name was Slim, waved at her and stepped back into the shadows of a large cedar by the bunkhouse. Knowing he was there offered more security. Surely she was safer here than anywhere in Garza County.
* * *
That evening, they gathered in the living room. Tory sat at a card table Grant had set up so she could grade essays while sitting with the family. After he’d gone to that much trouble, she didn’t admit to him that she could have concentrated much better in the bedroom. Still, the atmosphere was pleasant and worth having to re-read a few sentences.
A popular television show was on and everyone’s attention was riveted on the screen. Except for Tory, who focused on the papers. This room was large and inviting even though it was outdated. Even if she could, she wasn’t sure she would want to change anything for fear of destroying the homey ambiance.
That thought gave her pause. She’d only known Grant a week even though she felt they’d been life-long friends. But, she had no business thinking what she’d change if this were her home or how perfectly she fit into the master bedroom. She was setting herself up for a hard fall.
During a commercial break, Grant rose and came to stand beside her. He caressed her back. “Can I get you anything? We have more pie, iced tea, soft drinks and all the usual.”
She smiled, thinking again how handsome he was. “No, thanks. I ate enough at supper to send me into hibernation.”
He announced, “I need to let Elvis back in. While I’m up, I’m getting a beer. Anyone else want anything?”
Brad said, “Bring me a beer.”
Wayne sat on the couch beside Grandma. He shook his head and looked at her. “I swear I don’t know if those boys are ever full.”
Surprising Tory, Grandma chuckled. “They’re hardly boys now. They’re wonderful young men and I know you’re proud of them. I would be.”
Brad said, “Thank you, Emily.”
Wayne pretended to be upset. “Harrumph. Pain in the patootie is what they are. I guess I’ll keep ‘em around, though. After all this time they’ve kind of grown on me.”
Grandma poked him. “Wayne Grayson, I do believe you’re a curmudgeon.”
He grinned at her. “And proud of it. I can speak my mind on any subject and people just say, ‘Oh, don’t be offended because he’s just an old grump.’ This is working for me.” He gave a hand pump.
Everyone in the room laughed.
Chapter Eleven
Instead of carrying beers, Grant came into the room with his hands up. Behind him walked Abby Oswald with a gun. Darrell Wilson smirked as he carried a coil of rope.
Abby shoved Grant with her gun. “Tie them all up. Start with Dr. Fraser. I have special plans for her and this guy in front of me.”
Brad stood and faced them. “What did we ever do to you?”
Abby’s eyes narrowed. “If Dr. Nosy Fraser and this Mr. Grayson hadn’t poked their noses in where they had no business, we wouldn’t have to do this. It’s your own faults.”
Tory noted Grant and his brother exchange knowing looks. What did they plan? She prayed they would think of something. Grant looked at her and at the pen she held. She took a deep breath, ready for Darrell.
Grant said, “You know that the sheriff has already figured out you’re guilty. If you stop now you can turn yourself in and reduce your sentence.”
Abby’s face scrunched into a terrible mask. “Don’t think you can talk your way out of this. You’re going to pay for ruining my life, just like Fred Lawson paid. Then Greg and I will be off to a friendlier place.”
Tory asked, “Why did you kill Dr. Lawson?”
“Because I was tired of being his whore. He threatened to kick me out of the program if I didn’t do whatever he wanted. When I told him I was interested in Darrell and didn’t want to be with him ever again, he asked me to meet him one more time because he had something for me.” Tears ran down Abby’s face. “He had that expensive knife and thought he could buy me with that. I told him what he could do with his knife and he tried to use it on me. We fought and he’s the one who got stabbed.”
Grant turned to face her. “Abby, that’s clearly self-defense. Why don’t you put down the gun and let me call the sheriff. I doubt you’d even have to have a trial.”
She gestured at him with the gun. “Turn back around. Don’t think you can sweet talk your way around me the way you have Dr. Fraser. You two are pathetic, playing detective like some TV show. Well, this is real and you’re all going to die.”
Darrell came up behind Tory. Holding her ballpoint pen like a dagger, she whirled and struck his throat. At the same time, Grant lunged for Abby and her gun and Brad helped subdue her. Wayne rose and came to help Tory.
Darrell was severely injured. He couldn’t talk and his throat bled profusely.
Wayne tied the young man’s hands behind him while Tory worked on his throat.
Grant forced Abby near Darrell and tied her hands and feet.
She shrieked, “Darrell? Darrell, can you talk to me?”
Tory said, “He can’t speak because of his injury. You’ll have to wait until the bleeding stops to hear him talk.”
Grandma called the sheriff. Rusty and Slim entered with a man Tory didn’t recognize who rubbed his head.
Rusty said, “They knocked Dub in the head and I found him when it was my turn to take over the watch. They fed Elvis something that put him sound asleep. Seems to be breathing all right but we couldn’t wake him.”
Slim peered around and tucked his hands in his back pockets. “Looks like we weren’t needed after all. We called the sheriff and told him to come right away.”
Brad took over helping Darrell which freed Troy.
She ran and hugged her grandmother. “Are you okay?”
Grandma stepped back and smiled at her. “Now that I see you and the Grayson men are fine, so am I. That awful girl like to have taken ten years off my life. She just made so many mistakes she didn’t have a chance to clear them, did she? Sorry she made the choices she did.”
Abby started screaming obscenities at Grandma.
Grandma took out a handkerchief from her cuff and stuffed it into the girl’s mouth. Grant offered his handkerchief and she tied the gag in place. “That language is not welcome, young woman. Come to think of it, neither are you.”
Grant pulled Abby to a chair and tied her there with the rope left from tying her hands and ankles. “Just make yourself comfy until the sheriff arrives. He’ll have a special place for you at the jail.”
Abby tried shouting but the gag muffled the sound.
Wayne and Grant hoisted Darrell to a chair while Brad worked on his throat. The blood had slowed, but still was too much.
She shot her grandmother a worried glance. “You’d better call and order an ambulance.”
“All right but then I want to check Dub’s injury. He may have a concussion.”
The man in question smiled. “I’ll be fine, Ma’am. I’m blessed with a hard head.”
Wayne said, “Just the same, the paramedics can check you when they get here. Can’t take a chance on you having permanent damage.”
Sirens grew closer and Rusty said, “I’ll go let them in.”
The sound of tires stopping on gravel preceded the sheriff and two deputies entering with Rusty behind them.
Sheriff Vern Barstow put his hands on his hips. “Explain what’s going on here.” He pointed at Grant. “You talk, the rest of you wait your turn.”
Grant explained in detail, including Abby’s threats. “We had to gag her because she wouldn’t stop cursing at Mrs. Stafford.”
The sheriff turned to Abby. “You’re wasting your time blaming these people. The Lubbock police have a warrant out for your arrest. They’ve already searched your apartment.”
He stepped over to examine Darrel. “Now you, Dr. Fraser. Explain what happened to this man.”
Brad continue ministering aid to the grad student. “He was going to tie me up with the intention of Abby killing me. I had a ball point pen in my hand, so I whirled and stabbed him. He badly needs medical attention because he’s choking on his own blood. Grandma called an ambulance. Dub over there also needs to see a doctor. One of these two hit him on the head and drugged Elvis.”
The lawman stared at her as if she were babbling.
She added, “Elvis is the Graysons’ dog.”
Grant asked, “Sheriff, is it all right if I go see about our dog?”
Sheriff Barstow waved him away. “Sure, sure, go get the animal.”
Another siren approached and Tory prayed she heard an ambulance and not another deputy’s car.
Grant came in carrying Elvis. “He seems okay but he’s groggy.” He laid him in the dog bed by the fireplace.
The siren stopped and paramedics rushed in. Sheriff Barstow gestured them toward Darrell. The men immediately untied him. One began first aid while another handcuffed him to the gurney. They wheeled him to the ambulance.
Grant said, “Dub, go with them. One of us will come to the hospital and pick you up.”
“If I have to.” Dub followed the paramedics.
As soon as Darrell was removed, Tory went to check on Elvis. She petted him and he opened one eye. She continued and he licked her hand. “What a good boy, Elvis.”
Tory left the dog’s side and sank onto the couch.
Grandma sat beside her and Tory clasped her grandmother’s hand. “I’m so grateful you’re okay, that we all are.”
Wayne sat on her grandmother’s other side. “What a day. I believe this beats anything since my son and daughter-in-law had that accident. I thought for sure we were history.”
Grandma half turned to face him. “You did no such thing. We outnumbered them five to two. They couldn’t shoot all of us before they were overpowered. I’m just grateful Tory and your grandsons were quick thinkers.”
Tory met Grant’s gaze. “Grant motioned for me to use my pen. Until he did, I was wracking my brain to find a weapon, but turns out I had one in my hand.”
Wayne scrubbed a hand across his face. “I have to admit I’m sure proud of you boys. Takes gumption to fight a Saturday night special.”
Sheriff Barstow said, “I see you’ve all had quite a night. I’ll get out of here if you each promise to come to the office tomorrow to make an official statement and sign it.”
Wayne stood. “I’ll see to it, Vern. We’ll show up early tomorrow. Well, Tory may have to come by after school, but the rest of us will be in about the time you get to the office.”
Tory held up her hand. “I’m getting a substitute for tomorrow as soon as I recover enough to use the phone. Right now, I’m having after-event weakness.”
Grandma nodded. “That’s the way she is. She can be calm in any storm, face any problem. Afterward she gets the shakes and rubber knees.”
Grant pulled her to her feet, sat in her place, and pulled her onto his lap. Oh, how wonderful his arms around her felt. She nestled her head on his shoulder and held on to him as if her life depended on keeping him close.
He caressed her and kissed her forehead. “You were brave and quick-thinking. Now you’re safe, we all are.”
After the sheriff had gone, Brad volunteered to go get Dub. Rusty and Slim went to the bunkhouse.
Grandma said, “Well, there’s really no need for us to stay here now, but I’d appreciate you letting us stay another night. I can hardly wait to lay my head on a pillow.”
Wayne offered his arm. “I’ll walk you to your room, Emily. Believe me, you’re welcome here as long as you’ll stay.”
Tory and Grant were the only people left in the room.
“I’d better line up a substitute for tomorrow.” She called the number to leave a message for the person who assigned substitutes. “That’s done and I can relax.”
“Come on, Dr. Fraser. I’ll walk you home.”
She stood and allowed him to guide her toward her bedroom. Once there, he held her and pressed his mouth against her lips. She clung to him as if he were part of her.
When they broke their embrace, she asked, “Do you think you could just hold me for a while? I’m not inviting more here at your grandfather’s home, but I need you next to me.”
He answered by pulling down the cover and lifting her onto the bed. After he removed her shoes and socks, he kicked off his boots and tossed his socks on the floor. He tucked her in then climbed into the bed with her, fully clothed.
Pulling up the sheet, he said, “I wanted so much for you to let me stay with you even if I can’t make love to you as I wish. The door’s open and we both have on our clothes.” He rolled
on his side facing her.
“Right now, I don’t care what anyone thinks as long as you’re beside me. I-I’ve fallen in love with you.” She nestled her head against his shoulder.
“I love you, Tory, more than I thought possible. We both need rest. Go to sleep, Sweetheart. Tomorrow we’ll talk about the future.”
* * *
Tory woke with Grant beside her. She was spooned with him. His arm and leg were across her. This was how she wanted to wake every morning.
She slipped out of bed and went into the bathroom to refresh herself. Her clothes and hair were a mess. Brushing her hair and her teeth helped.
When she came out of the bathroom, Grant had gone and the door to the hall was closed. She changed clothes and put on her walking shoes.
When she went to the kitchen, Brad sat at the table drinking coffee. Grant stood at the stove cooking bacon.
Sofia bustled in and donned an apron. “I go to visit my sister and miss the excitement. What has happened?”
Grant explained.
Brad set down his coffee cup. “After spending all night at the hospital while Dub got treated and released, I come home to find Grant sleeping with Tory and Grandpa sleeping with Emily. That leaves Elvis for me. I’m not standing for this.”
Sofia patted him on the head. “Don’t be jealous, Brad. You must find your own love instead of all the time the party girls.”
Tory smiled at him. “I can introduce you to my best friend, Pamela Hilliard.”
Brad narrowed his eyes. “No matchmaking, please.”
Tory didn’t comment because she wanted him to meet Pamela unless the Mark relationship blossomed.
After breakfast, Grandma stood. “I want to thank you for the care you’ve shown Tory and me. Grant, you were right to insist we come here. If those two had sneaked into our home, we’d have been killed.”
Wayne said, “Thank goodness, you weren’t alone.”
Her grandmother nodded. “But, now it’s time for us to go home.”
Tory hated to leave, but she knew they had to go back to Grandma’s home. “Are you packed?”
Grant Me The Moon Page 10
