Nosy Neighbor: All 7 complete Nosy Neighbor cozy mysteries PLUS: 2 short Christmas stories (A Nosy Neighbor mystery)

by Cynthia Hickey

“A lot of people are famous.”

  “He likes the way you look.” Robert shrugged. “You’re a beautiful woman, still relatively young and of breeding age, not to mention the fact your mother said you were a virgin. I don’t turn down a fair offer.”

  I couldn’t help but ask, “How much?”

  “Fifty thousand dollars.”

  That left me speechless. I had no idea I was worth that much. “I won’t allow you to sell me.”

  “We have ways of breaking you.” He grinned and rubbed his chin. “I do admit that your niece is tough to crack. Solitary confinement doesn’t do the trick with her as it does with most girls. Perhaps, it won’t work with you, either.”

  I did like my solitude, but wasn’t about to tell him that. “I want to see her.”

  “Oh, you will. In fact, you’ll be right next to her.” He motioned toward one of his goons, who yanked me to my feet and pulled me past a very subdued Wayne, who stood with a gun to his head.

  “Take him, too,” Robert said. “Put him with his partner. The two of them will fetch a good price for slave labor.”

  Wayne snorted. “As if we’ll allow that.”

  “Then, we’ll kill you. I’m finished talking. Have a good day.” He leaned back in his chair and propped his feet on his desk.

  I yanked free and ran toward him again, hands reaching for his throat. I didn’t make it two steps before someone hit me in the back of the head and I crumpled to the floor.

  When I woke, I was handcuffed to a metal cot. Across the room, on another cot, was Cherokee, wearing the skimpiest American Indian costume I’d ever seen. Other than that, she looked wonderful and unharmed.

  She blinked at me like an owl trying to focus. “Aunt Stormi? Why is your hair black?”

  “Oh, thank God. It’s a disguise.” I sat up. “Are you okay? They haven’t hurt you, have they?”

  “No. They keep waiting for me to be a bit nicer, is how they put it.” She grinned and swung her legs over the cot. “Other than being bored, locking me in here isn’t going to get me to do anything I don’t want to do. They threatened to drug me, but I told them I’d kill myself and they’d be wanted for murder. As stupid as that sounds, they left me alone. Robert said it was only a matter of time until this room drove me to the point I’d do anything to get out.” She blinked away moisture gathering in her eyes. “I was almost there.”

  “Are you tied to the bed?”

  She shook her head and came over to sit next to me. “I don’t have anything to pick the lock with.”

  “That’s okay. My hands are so skinny they’ll slide out if they’re wet. I need you to spit on them.”

  “Gross.” She frowned.

  “It’s not gross for you. Do you want out of here or not?” My writing research was bound to come in handy sooner or later. And, since I was blessed with being able to almost curl my hands in half sideways, my idea might just work.

  “I don’t have enough spit,” Cherokee said. “They barely give me food and water.”

  “Then lick around the cuffs. I need my hands to be as wet as possible.” I swallowed against the nausea as she licked my hands. The wet, rough texture threatened to gag me. When I thought she’d wet them enough, I twisted and turned, ignoring the steel biting into my skin.

  “You’re starting to bleed.” Cherokee stared into my face. “Shouldn’t you stop?”

  “Not if we want out of here.” I groaned and gave a big yank. My hands pulled free. I stared at the cuts and ripped skin around my wrists. “They’ll heal.”

  Pushing past the pain, I went to the door and peered out the tiny window. I didn’t see a guard, so tried the door handle. I glanced at Cherokee.

  “I guess they figured you wouldn’t get loose. They told me if I left, they’d kill Mom. Where is she? Why didn’t she come with you?”

  “Seriously? You wanted me to bring the drama queen?”

  “You’re right. Mom would have gone into hysterics after one look at me.”

  “Yep. That outfit would have sent her over the edge.” I couldn’t help but wonder what Robert would have dressed me in. A sexy author? I’d have to wonder later. “Let’s go. Quick and quiet.”

  I stepped into the hall and looked both ways. We hadn’t been held in a regular motel room. Maybe a former supply closet? Stretching in front of us were numbered doors. One of the doors started to open. I shoved Cherokee back into the closet. Business proceeded as usual.

  “How long was I unconscious?”

  “Maybe a half hour.”

  It could be an hour or more before authorities arrived, according to Wayne’s calculations. I assumed help would come from Little Rock. An hour was too long. I had to get to Matt. Now that Robert also had Wayne, I didn’t believe for a minute that he planned on selling them to the highest bidder. Not two headstrong men, no matter how big and strong they were. My instincts told me they’d be dead before the sun came up.

  I checked the hall again. Empty. I darted out, Cherokee close behind, and headed right. The hall seemed shorter in that direction. If we could get to the parking lot, and find an older model vehicle, I could hotwire it. Another time when my research would come in handy.

  We pushed through a door that led to the pool, or what was left of it. No water filled the cracking tiled hole. On our far right was a gate. Beyond that, were a few parked vehicles. I grabbed Cherokee’s hand and raced for freedom.

  The gate was locked. I bent over and cupped my hands. “I’ll give you a boost.”

  “What about you?”

  “I’ll…” I glanced around and spotted a large terra cotta planter. “Help me move this.”

  We shoved against it until it moved, filling the quiet night with the screech of plaster against cement. I cringed and shoved harder.

  “Okay, up and over. Be careful landing on the other side.”

  Cherokee climbed over like the nimble girl she was. Me, I took a bit longer. My arms threatened not to hold me long enough for me to get a leg over.

  “Hey!” A deep voice shouted.

  I found the strength I needed and hurtled after my niece.

  21

  “The van!” I yanked open the door to an early model panel van and locked the doors. Bingo! These people weren’t the brightest marble in the bag. The keys dangled from the ignition. I had the van started before Cherokee’s door slammed shut.

  With one terrified glance at the armed man sprinting toward us, I pressed the gas pedal and squealed tires racing to the road. “They’ll figure out where we’re headed soon enough,” I said. “I’m dropping you off at the safest place I can find.”

  “I’m going with you.”

  “No, you’re not.” That was the last thing I wanted. She’d been through enough.

  “Please. I can create a distraction. Matt was beat up because of me.”

  I cut her a sideways glance, then whipped my attention back to the road as we careened around a corner. “Explain.”

  “They were trying to drug me. He gave up his cover to stop them. I have to help.” She crossed her arms over her skimpy top. “Besides, I’m legally an adult. You can’t stop me.”

  True. But, my heart still ached to think of her remaining in danger for another second.

  “All I know about where Matt might be is a warehouse close to the party. Any ideas?” I accelerated once we reached a straight stretch of road.

  “There is a smaller one that I saw men coming in and out of before they put me in the cell at the party. It has a dark green door.”

  Not the easiest thing to see in the dark. “Search the van for a weapon of some sort. They took my gun.” Robert, the snake. It was good for him that they took my gun. Mom would be heartbroken when she woke up. She might have had her suspicions toward the end, but she had really seemed to like him. Please, God, let her wake up.

  “Oh. My. Gosh!” Cherokee dropped a small gun into my lap. “That’s a nine-millimeter, I think.” She sat a small camera-type bag on her seat. “There’s ammo i
n there. We can do this, Aunt Stormi. I found a flashlight and another gun.” She climbed back into her seat, wearing a black windbreaker.

  “Put the other gun in the bag.”

  “No way. I know how to shoot. You don’t want to know who taught me.” She took a shuddering breath. “Remember that boyfriend I told you about? The one I really liked?”

  “I don’t remember his name.”

  “It doesn’t matter.” She sniffed. “We went on a date one night. Then, instead of taking me home, he took me to Robert’s house.”

  I sensed there was more to the story. More that would increase my desire to see Robert at the end of my gun, but I didn’t press. I’d find her the best counselor money could buy when this was all behind us. “Not all men are scum. Just remember that.”

  “I will. I’m going to find someone like Matt.” She gave a sad smile. “If he wasn’t with you, I’d try to steal him.”

  I laughed. “He’s too old for you.”

  “There!” She pointed to a poorly paved road off the side of the highway. “I remember this road.”

  I yanked the wheel to the right, almost taking out the van’s front end with a pot hole. The moment the back of a metal building came into sight, I turned off the headlights and slowed our speed.

  Three buildings, all identical from the back, formed a half circle around a parking lot resembling a cement version of Swiss cheese. Rather than bounce our way across, I parked. “Stay close. I gripped the gun and opened the van door.

  So far, it didn’t seem as if our abductors knew we’d come to rescue Matt. They most likely thought I’d taken Cherokee as far away as possible. Something I wish I could have done, but couldn’t risk. Not when Matt’s life hung in the balance.

  “This way.” I tapped Cherokee’s shoulder and motioned for her to follow me between two buildings. What a story I’d have to write about. Here I was, me…Stormi Nelson…scaredy-cat extraordinaire, on a mission to rescue the man I love and free some young women from slavery. I thanked God I had the bravery when I needed it, because once this was all over, I doubted I’d have an ounce left.

  “The green door.” Cherokee pointed.

  With my heart in my throat, I slithered along the perimeter of the building, gun at the ready, and pulled on every resource of research I’d ever done on writing suspenseful adventure stories. If I focused on that, maybe my heart wouldn’t pound with such ferocity my chest moved with every beat.

  Cherokee’s normal olive complexion appeared unearthly pale in the moonlight. I must look like a wraith. I grasped her hand and squeezed. “Ready?”

  She nodded.

  I pushed open the door, wincing at its metallic screech. When I heard no further noise, I stepped inside a hall so dark, I could barely see my hand in front of my face.

  Cherokee clicked on the flashlight, illuminating a cavernous room, and handed me the light. At the far end was a desk, several large plastic crates, and a door. I prayed with all I had in me that Matt was on the other side of that door.

  The sound of a car engine outside spurred us across the room like horses in a race. I slid to a halt at the door and peered through a window placed at eye level. I shined the light inside. Matt sat against a wall, his arms wrapped around his knees. I rapped on the glass.

  He glanced up. I almost fell to my knees at the sight of his swollen eyes and split lip. I blinked away tears and tried the doorknob. “Look in that desk for a key.”

  The sounds of things being moved around still didn’t pull me away from the sight of my beloved. I wouldn’t break eye contact until I had to.

  “Someone’s coming.” Cherokee thrust a key ring in my hand and took the flashlight. “Hurry. They turned off their car.” She grabbed a broom from next to the desk and ducked behind a crate.

  Good girl. Ears peeled for the sound of the main door opening, I tried key after key. The fifth one slipped into the lock with a click. I flung the door open and rushed to Matt’s side. “Can you walk?”

  He nodded and pushed to his feet, groaning with the effort.

  I thrust my shoulder under his arm. “Have you seen Wayne? They took him over an hour ago.”

  “I heard…them put someone…in a crate.”

  Oh, God. In a crate, like an animal.

  We exited the room and scurried behind the same crate as Cherokee, who was peering through an eye-sized hole. “He’s in here.”

  The warehouse door opened. The three of us froze. Other than where we crouched, there was nowhere to hide. I held my gun tighter as Cherokee clicked off her light. Harsh overhead fluorescents flickered to life.

  Matt’s arm around me tightened. “Give me the gun.”

  I shook my head. Cherokee was much more obedient and handed him the small case she’d hung around her neck. “In there.”

  He slipped his arm free of me and opened the case, checked to make sure the gun was loaded, it was, and stepped in front of us. From his hunched-over posture, every move had to be agony. Still, rather than let me take care of him, he still wanted to protect us. God must have broken the mold after making my man.

  “I cannot believe you let her get away.” Robert’s voice echoed. “Find her and the girl and find them now!”

  “Uh, boss, the cop is gone.”

  Expletives exploded so loud and harsh, I almost covered my ears. “The other one isn’t loose. I can see the lock from here.”

  “Come on in and finish the job,” Wayne taunted from inside. “I’m sure the three of you can take on one beaten man. Especially with two guns.”

  Three of them, three of us. We had two guns and a broom. Still, we were fighting for our lives, which was still a stronger motive than the almighty dollar.

  “Don’t do anything until I say so,” Matt whispered. He cupped my cheek. “Don’t be a hero.”

  “Ditto.” I leaned into his touch, warmed by the love in his eyes. If today was our last day, it would be our last day together.

  “For crying out loud, stop the mush,” Wayne whispered. “They’re letting me out. I want you to put an end to this. Hey! Use a lover’s touch, please.” His snarky comments alerted us to the fact he was no longer in the crate.

  “Take him to the river and dump him,” Robert said.

  “I don’t think so.” I stepped out, gun aimed at his head.

  Matt exhaled sharply and followed.

  Cherokee stayed hidden. She might not have a deadly weapon, but she could still launch a surprise attack if things took a turn for the worse.

  “The lovely Stormi.” Robert grinned and perched on the corner of the desk. His foot swung back and forth. “A pity you colored your hair, but my buyers won’t care.”

  I pulled the trigger, shooting him in the foot. I immediately prayed for forgiveness, mostly because the sight of him clutching his foot and writhing on the ground brought me a lot of sinful pleasure. “The gig is up, gentlemen. Hand your weapons to my sweetheart or the next bullet takes your boss in the head.” Not that I could go as far as to kill him, no matter how much I detested the man. But, my show of force told them I might.

  They dropped their weapons. The clatter rang through the room with a sound as pretty as a boy’s choir. To add to the music was the whine of sirens pulling into the parking lot. We’d done it.

  The moment ten police officers barged through the door, I lowered my hand and sagged to the floor. Matt joined me, leaning his head back and closing his eyes.

  “Woman, you have guts.” Wayne squatted in front of me, grinning from ear-to-ear. Blood dribbled from the cut on his cheek. “I was prepared to meet my maker. I owe you my life. You and that lovely niece of yours.” He held his hand out to Cherokee. “Are you okay?”

  She nodded, then marched over to Robert, who was being hauled to his feet by two police officers. She stared at him for a second, then slapped him. The sound cast everyone into a stunned silence, then the room exploded into applause by every officer there.

  I grinned. That’s my niece.

  When t
he paramedics arrived, I allowed them to help me to my feet. I refused to leave Matt’s side, and Wayne promised to look after Cherokee. We insisted the four of us ride to the hospital together. We’d been apart long enough.

  “I need to borrow a phone.” I glanced at one of the paramedics.

  He handed me a cell phone. I called Angela to let her know I had Cherokee and that we were headed to the hospital. I could barely hear her words over her sobbing, but I could have sworn she promised me everything under the moon.

  Glancing at Matt lying on the gurney, I knew I already had everything I wanted.

  Except the ability to breathe. I took in huge gulps of air.

  Matt stretched a hand out to me.

  “I—” Darkness overtook me, and I fell.

  22

  I woke to the sound of beeping. A tiled ceiling hung over me and something heavy rested on my legs. Frantic, I thrashed, only to discover I was in a hospital bed covered with several blankets. I released a deep breath and turned my head.

  “Mama?” I hadn’t called her that since I was a child. Still, I jumped from the bed and rushed to her side. “You’re awake.”

  She smiled. “It takes more than a knock on the head to put this girl down.” She caressed my face. “How are you? I hear you’re quite the hero.”

  “I’m not. God gave me a burst of what I needed, when I needed it.” I entwined my fingers with hers. “Why am I here?”

  “You collapsed in the ambulance is what Wayne said, and you’ve been out for a few hours. What a nice man. He’s been catering to my every need, and making sure Cherokee has the help she needs. And, this is the most amazing part. He has patience with your sister.”

  I laughed and rested my cheek against her hand. “Have you heard where Matt is?”

  “The next room. He had a couple of cracked ribs and broken fingers, but he’ll be fine.”

  “I hate to leave you, but—”

  “Go. I’ll be here when you get back.”

  I stood. “I’m sorry about Robert.”

  “I’m glad I found out what kind of a skunk he is before I married him. Now, go.”

  She didn’t need to tell me twice. With one last glance to make sure she really was awake and talking, I left the room. Left or right? I heard Wayne’s deep laugh and turned right.