The Westport Mysteries Boxed Set

by Beth Prentice

  “Thank goodness for that,” I muttered, standing up so I could get dressed. Turning to look at Riley and Scott, I raised my eyebrows. “Well, are you going to let me get dressed in private?”

  “Is that wise?” asked Scott. “You’re not exactly steady on your feet. I’ll stay and help you.”

  He turned and glared at Riley who, understanding he wasn’t being welcome, walked out from behind the curtain. Not that it mattered if Riley stayed or not. He’d seen my knickers more times in the last week than Scott had in months.

  I’d just finished putting my clothes back on when my curtain was pulled back with a flourish. Even though my back was turned, there was only one person I knew who could open a curtain with such drama. Turning, I saw Danny standing there in all his glory.

  Today his hair was fire engine red, he was wearing a skintight black T-shirt—with a huge I love my husband logo on the front—skinny jeans and painted red finger nails to match.

  “Oh. My. God. There you are! Do you have any idea how worried I’ve been?” he yelled, rushing at me and pulling me into a big hug.

  “Danny, keep it down, my head is killing me,” I said. “How did you know I was here anyway?” I asked, confused.

  “Molly told me.”

  “How did Molly know?”

  “Dad told her.”

  “How did Dad know?” I was getting a bit impatient now.

  “Well, Mum told him of course.”

  He looked at me, hand-on-hip as if I was stupid. Did I really care how he found out?

  “I phoned your mother when you were brought in,” Scott explained.

  “Why did you do that? It’s not like I’ve been admitted,” I said, irritated.

  “Well, we didn’t know what was happening, did we? So I thought it best for your family to be here. I can’t stay all night and someone should stay with you.”

  “I was here,” stated Riley, who’d walked back in behind Danny.

  “Yes, but you’re not family, are you? It would be inappropriate for you to stay here all night,” said Scott, giving Riley a disgusted look.

  “Now, now boys. No fighting,” said Danny, turning his gaze on them, his face quite animated. There was nothing he loved more than watching two grown men fighting over someone. Preferably it would be over him but Danny wasn’t really fussy. “I’m taking her home and Andrew and I are going to get her better again. First though, I think that totally cute doctor over there should check me out. I may have caught something just being here,” said Danny wrinkling his brow and looking towards the ER doctor.

  “I’m not sick, Danny. I’ve just got a concussion and need to sleep, and you haven’t been here long enough to catch anything.”

  “Well, alright,” said Danny with a wistful sigh.

  As we walked out, the curtain next to us pulled back and out stepped who I assumed to be Pastor Thornton. He was quite commanding in appearance, dressed in an expensive cashmere sweater over neatly pressed wool slacks. As he walked past Danny, he turned and stared. I watched as he looked Danny up and down and saw what could only be described as disgust in his eyes. Danny’s overtly gay appearance obviously offended him. His features went hard and cold, and if looks could kill, Danny would be toast. Gee, what about loving thy neighbor and all that.

  “You’re just lucky I found you. We’ve been here for ages trying to find out where you were,” said Danny, thankfully unaware of the looks he was getting from the good Pastor. Just then, Andrew appeared.

  “Sorry, we had a bit of trouble getting past the nurse,” he said, passing Pastor Thornton on his way. As Andrew tended to dress a bit more conservatively than Danny, he didn’t so much as get a peek. What I wasn’t expecting was Mum, Dad, Grandma Mabel and Molly all following him. Mum came rushing towards me, crying.

  “Oh, Love. I’ve been so worried about you.”

  She pulled me into a hug so tight I thought she might break a rib. I really wish my family were less enthusiastic with the hugging as my head was still pounding.

  “She’s right about that. Do you know how many toilet stops we’ve made getting here? I always forget how sensitive her bowel is to stress,” said Grandma Mabel.

  “It is not! I just had too much to drink before we left home, that’s all,” replied Mum, indignant.

  “Yes, well, we’re here now,” said Andrew, trying to distract the conversation away from Mum’s bowel habits.

  “Yes, and you’re all about to leave,” I said. Everyone looked at me. “I’m fine, just concussion, no big deal,” I sighed. With that I led the very noisy parade outside into the cool night air.

  “I’ll run and get the car,” said Andrew, racing off in the direction of the car park. I looked over at Riley and smiled. Bless him. With all the chaos that surrounds my family, he hadn’t run away screaming. He was smiling back at me as I noticed Molly step into his line of vision.

  “We haven’t met yet,” she said, holding out her hand. “I’m Molly,” she said, quietly assessing him.

  “Pleased to meet you, Molly.” He took her hand and gave it a small squeeze, giving her the megawatt smile.

  Suddenly I felt nauseous. I’m hoping it was the concussion but I actually think it had more to do with Molly and Riley. I get told all the time I’m quite pretty but next to Molly, I’m really beige.

  Scott stepped over to me, took my hand and smiled.

  “Well, I can see you’re in good hands now, so I’ll say goodnight, Elizabeth.” Seriously not even my mother calls me Elizabeth.

  “Yeah, thanks for staying, Scott.” I really needed to appreciate him more but next to Riley he also seems very beige. With that he kissed me on the cheek and turned to leave for his car.

  “Wait a minute, Scott,” Molly called. “My car is parked over there and I don’t want to walk alone. I’ll walk with you. I’m sure you’ll protect me from any bad guys lurking around in the dark,” she said with a small smile. Personally, I thought Scott would probably hand her to the bad guys.

  As I watched them walk away, I saw Andrew driving slowly towards us and pull up at the curb. Mum, Dad and Grandma Mabel all piled into the back. Danny got in the front. I’m left standing on the footpath. They really didn’t think ahead, did they?

  “Oh Love, I’m sorry. We were panicking a bit when we left and didn’t really think it through.” Mum looked concerned.

  “It’s okay, Mrs. Fuller, I can drive Lizzie home,” offered Riley.

  “Well, if you’re sure. But we don’t want to put you out,” said Mum.

  “Really, it’s no problem. Lizzie got a lift in with me, so it’s no trouble,” he smiled.

  Danny, ever the matchmaker, was quick to pipe up. “Mum, get back in the car, its fine. Lizzie is in good hands.” He looked at me and smiled. Even in this light, I could see the glint in his eye.

  Chapter Sixteen

  I slept soundly that night. Whatever the hospital had given me for painkillers was finally starting to work. My headache was easing to a dull thud. I don’t remember a lot about what happened after I got home, but I woke this morning and nearly stepped on Riley. He’d camped all night on my bedroom floor.

  Looking at my clock I was shocked to see it was already nine thirty. It’s a wonder Cat hadn’t been in here by now demanding breakfast. Riley woke as I was trying to step over him.

  “Hey, are you okay?” he asked, his voice husky from sleep. His hair was all messed and he had a serious five o’clock shadow happening. He looked totally edible. I sighed. Life could be so unfair.

  “Yep, just need the little girls’ room.” I quickly turned my back on him and hurried from the room. He may look edible but I’m almost positive I look anything but. Reaching the bathroom, I looked in the mirror and stifled a scream. I looked horrific. Apart from the usual bad hair and smudged make up, this morning I had a huge green and black lump on my forehead, not far above my left eye. Looking down I also noticed I was in my nightclothes of pajama pants and camisole—no bra. I don’t remember getting undressed
and whether or not I had any help with it. Geez, I hope I didn’t embarrass myself.

  After having a quick shower, I attempted to cover my bruise with make-up but I think I just made it look worse, so I gave up and worked my way to the kitchen for a much needed cup of caffeine. Riley was already there waiting for me, cup in hand. He looked a bit dark around the eyes this morning, like he hadn’t got much sleep.

  “Why did you sleep on the floor?” I asked, taking the cup from him.

  “The doctor said you should be monitored for twelve hours so I didn’t think I should leave you alone. You’ve been getting phone calls since about five this morning from your family. I ended up turning the ringer down so it didn’t wake you.” He looked at me, concern in his eyes. “I hope you don’t mind that I answered it, but I thought they would probably be worried.”

  “No, not at all.” I looked down into my coffee. I didn’t know how to respond. I was so touched that he cared enough to do that for me.

  “I hope I didn’t overstep any boundaries?” He sounded worried, bending to look into my eyes.

  “No, no. I’m just touched you stayed with me all night and slept on the floor,” I said, looking back up at him. “You could have slept on the bed next to me, I wouldn’t have minded. I know the floor must have been bloody uncomfortable.” For some reason, I was feeling really shy.

  “Are you kidding me? The way you thrash around in your sleep, there was no way I was getting anywhere near you,” he said, giving me the megawatt smile. I think he was kidding. Just then the phone rang.

  Riley picked it up off the bench and looked at the display. “It’s Danny…again. He’s already rung three times this morning. It’s a toss-up between him and your mum as to who worries about you the most,” he said, handing me the phone.

  “Yeah, he’s a pretty sweet brother when he wants to be.” I took the phone and pressed answer. “Hi, Danny.”

  “Oh…finally! You’re awake. Do you know how many times I’ve rung to see how your night went only to find you were still asleep? I just hope you were in bed with Adonis,” Danny yelled. I blushed. I looked up to see if Riley could hear Danny from where he was standing and judging by the smile he had plastered on his face, I was thinking, yes, he could hear quite adequately. Quickly walking into the hallway, I lowered my voice and spoke back into the phone.

  “Danny! I was just telling Riley what a sweet brother you are being so worried about me, but you’re just ringing for some juicy gossip! Well, I’m sorry to disappoint. Nothing happened…not that I can remember anyway,” I added.

  “Yeah, but he stayed with you, didn’t he? That means something you know.”

  “Yeah, it just means he’s a really sweet guy.”

  “Are you kidding me? No guy is that sweet unless he wants something. Where did he sleep then?”

  “On the floor.”

  “See. Only a man with lust in his heart would sleep on your crappy hard floor to make sure you were okay.”

  I sighed. There was no point arguing with Danny once he had his mind set. “Whatever. Are you interested in how I am feeling?”

  “Not really. You’re obviously okay or you wouldn’t have answered your phone.” My headache was returning. “But you’d better ring Mum. She’s been worried about you all night.”

  “Okay, I’ll do that now. Bye Danny.”

  “Bye, big sis. And remember to phone me when you do have some gossip. I want to be the first to know.” With that, he hung up.

  I dialed Mum’s number and Grandma Mabel answered.

  “Hello, Fuller residence. How may I help you?” Wow, Grandma was being formal this morning.

  “Hi, Grandma. It’s me, Lizzie.”

  “Well, well, well. How are you this morning, my girl?” she asked.

  “Not too bad. What’s with you, answering the phone all posh?”

  “I’ve been having etiquette lessons at the seniors club. I figure if I want Ben Willett to ask me out I’d better get up to scratch. It’s been a while since I dated you know. In fact, I think the last date I had was in 1947.”

  I could hear her swishing her teeth around, obviously remembering her last date. That was enough information for me. I did not want or need to know any more.

  “Can you let Mum know I’m alive and well and there’s no need to keep ringing?”

  “Okey dokey. Over and out.”

  I think she needed more lessons.

  * * * *

  The rest of Thursday passed in a blur but on Friday, I woke up bouncy and as good as new. Well, when I say I woke up bouncy, what I really mean is after I’d had my shower and two cups of coffee, I felt bouncy. Work on the house was progressing nicely with Riley working on my bathroom, so I thought I should catch up on some work. By six o’clock that evening though, I’d had enough. I’d spent the last two hours searching for two cents in a damn bank reconciliation and when I finally found it, I realized it had been there in front of me all along. I was frustrated with myself so much at times.

  Closing my laptop, I walked down the stairs to see how Riley had got on today. The sight that greeted me as I stopped at my bathroom door created a fear in me I cannot describe. As I bravely stood there, frozen to the spot, I looked at where my—admittedly crappy—bath-slash-shower had sat…and all I saw was floorboards and plumbing.

  Riley was walking up the stairs as I turned on my heel to stare at him.

  “WTF!” I yelled, hysteria bubbling just below the surface. “Where the hell is my bath?” I asked, fairly close to hyperventilating.

  “It’s gone to the restorers. But don’t worry, I’ve sorted out the shower problem,” he said with a smile. “Come with me.”

  He turned and walked down the stairs. I was dumbfounded. I had no idea how he was so calm. All I could think of as I watched his back disappear was that he must have some amazing shower down there waiting to be temporarily installed. Okay, calm down and take some deep breaths, Lizzie. This may not be as bad as you imagined.

  Following him through the house, I stepped out the back door—yes, that’s right—the back door—and saw what looked like a small tent with no floor and no roof.

  “What is that?” I asked, warily. I think I knew the answer but I really hoped I was wrong.

  “It’s a camping shower. I’ve hooked up the water and a solar hot water heater so you can have a hot shower,” Riley said, looking pleased with himself.

  Wow. My neighbors were going to love this. “Riley, I don’t get it. Why is it there?” I looked at him baffled. How could this ever be considered a good idea?

  “What’s not to get? You get undressed, walk inside and turn the water on, and it’s there because there is nowhere else to put it.”

  “But what happens when it’s windy? It looks like the thing will blow over. I don’t want to give my neighbors a heart attack, they already don’t like me much.” I began to panic. Riley honestly thought this was a good idea.

  “It’s okay, Lizzie. It’s safe. I’ve secured it well. Your bath should be back in a week, and I promise I’ll get it fitted as quickly as possible.”

  “Riley, I really don’t know about this.” How was I going to get in this thing twice a day? Sometimes I showered late and there was no way I would come outside to do that at night.

  “How about you have your shower a bit earlier and I’ll stay here until you’re finished,” said Riley, reading my mind. “I’m usually here when you get up anyway, so the morning won’t be a problem.”

  This all seemed so simple to him. I suppose men don’t stress about this kind of thing like women do.

  As I was standing there contemplating Hell, I heard the front door open and Harper came running through the house looking for me, closely followed by Molly. I hoped Cat was hiding somewhere.

  “What on earth is that?” asked Molly, looking at my new bathroom.

  “It’s my shower,” I said quietly. Choosing to ignore her fit of giggles, I turned to Riley.

  “Anyway, how come you’re still
here?” I asked, my hysteria now turning to irritability. Today was Friday and Riley usually had his date with his Gran.

  “Gran has gone to stay with Jared for a couple of days. Jared’s wife, Shelly, is due to have her baby any day now and she wanted Gran to be at the birth,” he said with a shrug.

  I thought about this for a second and thought about Grandma Mabel being at the birth of one of my children. I felt the shudder run all the way down to my toes.

  Turning to Riley, Molly said, “Well, you can join us for our Friday night get-together then. Danny and Andrew will be here soon. It’ll be fun.”

  Riley looked at me, almost asking for permission.

  “Yeah, it’ll be great.” I wasn’t actually sure if it would be great. I had this jealous feeling when Molly was around Riley. Looking at her dressed in her low slung jeans and fitted T-shirt, with not a smudge of make up out of place, I felt totally inadequate. Maybe fixing myself up a bit would be a good idea.

  “I might take this thing for a test drive,” I said, taking a deep breath and looking at the shower. I can do this, I thought as I walked upstairs to retrieve all the necessities. I’m an intelligent, modern day woman, who can do anything she puts her mind to.

  By the time I had got back downstairs, I still hadn’t quite convinced myself, though. Danny and Andrew greeted me as I walked into the kitchen. Bloody family. There they all were, drinks in hand, ready for the show.

  “Are you kidding me?” I asked them.

  “No way am I missing this,” laughed Danny, his camera phone in hand ready to do cinematography.

  “You are not videoing me taking a shower!” I yelled.