Holly, Ivy, & Intrigue

by Celebrate Lit Publishing

  Brianna allowed herself a moment of respite when she just breathed instead of watching her surroundings or calculating her next move.

  Adrenaline gave way to fatigue. Her limbs felt weak, and her eyelids grew heavy. After a sleepless night, her body craved rest. It would be nice to take up Mr. Bergmann again on his offer to stay with them until things quieted down.

  Brianna straightened her spine. She’d never been the one to hide her head in sand. She’d put Karen in danger, and now she’d be hiding out at her neighbor’s house?

  No way.

  Keeping the watch of her surroundings, she headed to the security.

  Either the perps were extremely good at blending in, or her sense of alertness failed her this time, but she didn’t spot a tail.

  As soon as Brianna passed security, she ran to the restroom. She smiled at finding it empty. Quickly, she discarded the Stetson, pulled on a redhead wig, then applied several freckles and put green color lenses in her eyes. There was no time to do a more elaborate disguise. She pulled out the phone and found Richard’s number.

  Her silly heart started beating faster as Brianna called Richard. Some people didn’t answer phone calls from unfamiliar numbers. Would Richard be one of them?

  “Richard,” he answered finally.

  Just the sound of his voice made her smile. “I’ll be landing at…” She glanced at her ticket. “Seven-fifteen. I’ll need a weapon and your PI skills.”

  “Great to hear from you, too.” He chuckled. “On it.”

  “Thanks.” She disconnected and sprinted to the gate.

  The clerk waved for her to proceed, and she hurried forward, dragging her carry-on with her.

  Her insides shook when she boarded the plane. And even when she found the seat and clicked the seatbelt closed, her hands trembled slightly. Up to the moment of takeoff, she expected somebody to storm inside.

  Nothing happened.

  She must’ve passed over the first hurdle.

  Brianna whispered a prayer of gratitude.

  As the plane shot down the runway, picking up speed with every yard, her stomach did a familiar lurch. Richard… I’ll see him soon. Her traitorous heart skipped a beat.

  Richard seemed to change girlfriends more often than anyone she’d ever met. If she wanted to probe into his psychological background, she’d probably say it was because Richard had distrusted women since his birth mother had abandoned him, and several foster moms hadn’t turned out too great, either. Or maybe it was because with his good looks and charisma, Richard had always attracted female attention.

  Even Brianna had fallen for him at sixteen, but he’d only seen a little sister in her—one he needed to protect. She’d appreciated that. She had. Really. But by the time that brotherly vibe had shifted into interest, she’d never wanted to be just one more of his conquests.

  Well, she wouldn’t have time to worry about her feelings for Richard.

  I’ll be too busy trying to find Liam and maybe searching for Porter’s killer. And staying alive.

  ✽ ✽ ✽

  Brianna entered the terminal after landing and hurried to the baggage claim area. She didn’t spot Richard, and a twinge of regret squeezed her heart. For once, he hadn’t come through for her. Well, he didn’t have to.

  A Christmas song was playing in the background through the loudspeaker. Twin girls of about five years old wore reindeer sweaters and skipped along a middle-aged blonde woman while holding her hands.

  A festive mood was even more evident here.

  Brianna swallowed hard as she scanned the area, partly to spot danger, partly because she hoped Richard might still show up.

  “So glad you made it for the holidays!” An elderly couple greeted a young girl somewhere near Brianna.

  The greeting Brianna had never heard addressed to herself.

  She suppressed a longing in her heart and headed to the exit to the ground transportation.

  “This way,” a familiar husky voice whispered near her ear.

  She managed not to flinch, not even acknowledge she’d heard it. But she didn’t manage to hide a small smile as she slowed down, let Richard pass, then followed him to the parking lot at a distance.

  Richard showed up! She wanted so badly to run after him and hug him that it took all her willpower to stop herself.

  Cold wind bit into her skin outside, making her shudder.

  Her jacket was insufficient protection against the wind, and Brianna suppressed the urge to run her palms over her arms and pulled on her gloves. The coat and the scarf she’d left behind would’ve been useful to have here.

  Shivering, Brianna waited several seconds as Richard started the engine, then she walked to his car and slid into the passenger seat. The mingled scents of leather and cologne assaulted her senses.

  He glanced around and drove off. Heat blasted the car. Brianna took off her gloves and placed her frozen fingers near the vent. She was grateful for the warm air, but a tiny part of her wished he’d taken her hands in his to warm them up, like he’d done in the past, until she’d pushed him away. She swallowed an acrid taste of regret. Finding Liam was her priority, and not her feelings.

  “There’s a coat, a scarf, and mittens in the back.” Richard slowed down at the turn.

  His thoughtfulness touched her. “Thanks.” She reached into the back, felt a soft scarf, and wrapped it around her neck. She’d put on the rest of the clothes later.

  She should’ve guessed that the weather here was colder than in West Texas. She arrived way underdressed for the end of December.

  Only two days before Christmas.

  Her heart squeezed in her chest. Since her adoptive parents had left them for a better world, Liam and she had always celebrated Christmas together. Twice, Richard had surprised her by joining them.

  This year, she might have to celebrate alone. And Liam…

  She prayed for Liam’s safety again.

  Her phone pinged with an incoming text. Brianna grabbed it eagerly. Another smiley from Karen and the letter H.

  Brianna sighed with relief. Karen had made it home safely.

  “You can use this car,” Richard’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “A gun is in the glove compartment. Thirty-eight caliber. I need the name of the person you’re looking for.”

  Her heart warmed as she realized he’d not only remembered how she liked a gun with little recoil, but he’d gone to the trouble to procure one, too. “Ross Porter.”

  “Dead or alive?”

  She watched the streets pass by and glanced back several times. So far, no tail. Good. “Dead. Shot. He was a cop and lived and worked in Arlington.”

  Richard let out a low whistle.

  “I didn’t kill him,” Brianna hurried to add.

  “I didn’t ask.”

  “I know you wouldn’t.” She sighed. “Liam found Porter’s body in the trunk of the car he, um, borrowed.”

  “Now Liam is running for his life while you’re looking for him and the people after him.”

  “Pretty much.” Brianna cringed. If it took only seconds for Richard to figure it out, it would be easy to figure out for the criminals, as well.

  “Liam is a grown up. He should learn to clean up his own mess by now.”

  Her defenses went up. “He’s still my baby brother. The only family I’ve got.”

  “The only family, huh?” Richard raised an eyebrow.

  Oops. “Okay, you’re family, too. You’re a great foster brother.” She wondered where he was driving her. Warmer now, she moved back from the vent and relaxed against the seat, making a mental list of all the people she needed to call.

  “You’re a great foster sister.”

  “I’m not a great sister.” Familiar pain knifed through her. “Considering what happened when… You remember.”

  “Quit blaming yourself. You were only six then.”

  The memory swallowed her whole. The stench of smoke, panic slamming into her like a heavy fist, whimpering of her lit
tle brother. “Still, I should’ve known better than to hide in a closet when the fire started. I told Liam to hide with me, too. I almost got myself and my brother killed.” Her eyes burned, as if smoke was eating at them again. “If not for you…”

  Richard had found her then and helped Liam and Brianna get out of the closet and out of the burning house.

  “What happened then wasn’t your fault, Brianna. And the way Liam is… it’s not your fault, either.” Richard’s voice softened.

  They’d argued about this several times and retained their opinions. She suppressed the stab of guilt. Since the early age, she’d known she was responsible for her brother. She also knew she’d failed him too many times.

  “What do you want to eat?” Richard asked.

  “I’m fine.”

  “What do you want to eat?” The tone of his voice showed he wouldn’t give up.

  Brianna gestured to the nearest drive-through further down the road. “Hamburger is good with me.”

  “Double-meat with extra cheese? And onion rings?”

  Despite everything, Brianna smiled. He remembered her favorite food, too. “Onion rings wouldn’t hurt.”

  He guided the car to the drive-through, and soon Brianna had a paper bag that emanated a delicious scent.

  She bowed her head and said grace.

  Richard didn’t join her, and Brianna’s heart sank.

  For years, she’d tried to lead Richard to the Lord. She’d prayed for Richard, talked to him about God, answered Richard’s questions, taken him to church services, and did her best to be a good example. Despite his skepticism, she didn’t lose hope that one day he’d become a Christian, too.

  She munched on the hamburger and onion rings, her stomach responding happily. She sent a glance Richard’s way. “Maybe I should drive, so that you can eat.”

  “We’re almost there.” He looked briefly at her, his brown eyes concerned.

  Brianna finished her meal and gathered trash.

  Richard pulled up to a parking lot of a motel and parked outward near one of the rooms. “It’s rather decent and low on the radar. I rented us connecting rooms.”

  Brianna shook her head. “You don’t need to stay. I can protect myself. But I can’t get all the information I need about Porter’s murder. I’ll do a search on the Internet, of course, but I need your PI skills and connections.” There was another reason why she didn’t want to spend too much time in his company.

  Like how much she wanted to touch his square, strong jaw, feeling rough five o’clock shadow under her fingertips. Or to run her fingers through his black hair that fell on his forehead. Or hug him, feeling his muscular arms embrace her. Or…

  Better not think about it.

  Richard opened his mouth as if he wanted to protest, then seemed to change his mind. “Your choice. Keep your phone nearby, though. Call me anytime you need.”

  “Thanks. Wait!” She frowned. “How are you going to get back? You should take this car. I’ll manage.”

  “I’ll walk a bit before grabbing a taxi.” He paused. “I know you’re not here just for a Christmas visit, but I’m glad to see you.”

  Something in Brianna’s heart shifted. “I’m glad to see you, too.”

  He smiled. “Brianna…”

  That smile of his made her weak in the knees. Not good. “Um, I’ve got to go.”

  The smile slipped away from his face. “I’ll go get the key to the room.”

  “Okay.” Brianna watched him leave, wanting so badly to call after him that she had to press her palm to her mouth to keep herself quiet.

  Brianna busied herself with getting the weapon from the glove compartment and placing it in her carry-on, then putting on the coat and mittens.

  Minutes later, Richard returned. He handed her the key.

  She looked at the key, then at the number on the door opposite their parking space. They didn’t match. “You parked in somebody else’s spot.” She pointed to the room, and then it dawned on her. “This is in case somebody tracks me down, right?”

  Richard shrugged. “One can never be too careful. If somebody gets this room and complains about a car occupying the spot…”

  “I’ll deal with it.”

  “Let’s go then.” He helped bring her carry-on to the room.

  As soon as they entered, he checked the room. Once done, he gave her a long look. “Are you sure that—”

  “I’m sure. You know what a light sleeper I am. If something happens, I’ll wake up quickly. And I’m not as good a shot as you or Karen, but I have a decent aim. Thank you for the weapon.”

  He nodded, gave her a quick hug, and was gone.

  Brianna stood still several moments, eager to call him back. Then she unpacked a few toiletries. She didn’t unpack anything else, in case she had to flee in the middle of the night.

  Her tired body demanded rest, but she dropped into a chair and started calling all Liam’s friends and acquaintances that she knew of. An hour later, she had nothing to show for her efforts.

  Brianna frowned and pulled up the Internet on her phone. She browsed through several social websites. Porter’s privacy settings were lax, despite him being a cop, so she managed to look up his friends and his photos. His posts were short and infrequent, mostly about his favorite football team and one post about attending a concert of a popular band.

  His status was more interesting. Porter had a girlfriend, an attractive blonde in her early twenties who also lived in Arlington. Rosalie Wilson.

  Brianna checked Rosalie’s profile.

  Bingo!

  Posts for the last several days were understandably missing, but otherwise her page was filled with all kinds of information, from her trips to the mall, to her favorite nail polish, movies, bands, and much more, including pictures with Porter.

  Brianna swallowed hard. Such a senseless death…

  Forcing herself to switch into professional mode, Brianna made a mental note of Rosalie’s favorite hangouts. She should visit one of those places tomorrow.

  After finding Porter’s home address, Brianna looked it up on the map and perused picture after picture. An unpretentious brick house. Hmmm. It didn’t look like he lived beyond his means, but one never knew.

  Several questions kept repeating in her head.

  Why had Porter been in San Angelo? Was he killed in the woods close to her house? Was Liam telling the entire truth?

  What if… What if Porter had found out something about Liam and had been watching him?

  Brianna tensed. She pushed the thought away. Karen could help her answer those questions. If not, Rosalie Wilson might be a good source of information. Well, unless Rosalie was involved herself.

  Judging by the pictures in social media, Ross and Rosalie were a happy couple. Rosalie seemed… nice. But then, that was what Brianna had thought about many of her foster siblings, only to find out the opposite.

  After browsing the Internet some more, Brianna’s eyelids became so heavy she could barely fight fatigue. Forcing herself to move, she took off her disguise, including the wig, freckles, and lenses, and removed her makeup. She peered through the blinds, searching the parking lot for anything out of order. Everything was quiet.

  After turning up the heat, she dragged a chair close to the bed, her arms feeling like they weighed a ton. Her eyelids drooping now, she put her carry-on close, and opened the top, making sure she had easy access to the weapon. Who knew what might happen at night? Her mind foggy, reaching the limit of sleep deprivation, she placed her outerwear and her sweater on the chair and crawled into bed in her jeans and a T-shirt.

  Brianna said her bedtime prayers and closed her eyes.

  The next moment, she drifted off to sleep…

  CHAPTER FOUR

  She woke up with a start. She flung her eyes open and listened. What had woken her up?

  Brianna thanked God for being a light sleeper.

  Four years ago, she’d woken up just in time to get her, Karen, and others ou
t of a dangerous situation.

  Her senses went on high alert. Was there a sound of footsteps? Of voices? No, it was something different.

  Brianna held her breath.

  There it was.

  The low growl of a motor!

  Her heart beating fast, Brianna fumbled in the dark for the gun and crept through the room toward the window. Plastering herself to the wall, she peeped through the blinds.

  A blue car moved slowly across the parking lot, slowing down near the parked vehicles. Hairs stood at the nape of her neck. Surely, it could be someone looking for their room, but the intuition told her otherwise.

  The vehicle slowed down near Richard’s car, then moved further down and disappeared around the corner. They probably went to talk to the front desk clerk.

  Can’t stay here now. Too risky!

  Brianna dashed to her bag, slid the weapon inside, then pulled on her sweater. She put on the coat and wrapped the scarf around her neck. The few toiletries she’d unpacked would have to stay behind.

  She peered in the peephole and braced herself for the onslaught of cold as she slipped outside as quietly as possible. Now she needed to make it to Richard’s sedan unnoticed.

  She sprinted to it. She hid between Richard’s vehicle and a van the very moment the blue car flew into the parking lot. Moments later, a man was standing guard near a car opposite her room while another one headed to the door. By that time, she was in the driver’s seat.

  There was no way she could leave unnoticed once she started the engine. Should she hide out in the car? She needed to call 911, or Richard, or both. She pulled out her phone from her pocket and cringed.

  Oh, no.

  A dead battery.

  She forgot to charge it. This was a mistake she might pay for dearly.

  Brianna sent up a prayer.

  Then she made a split-second decision. She started the engine. As the motor revved to life, she peeled out from the parking lot. Flooring the gas pedal, she checked the rearview mirror. It took only seconds for the blue car to appear in the mirror.

  Wrapping her fingers tighter around the steering wheel, Brianna leaned forward. She didn’t know the streets of Arlington, so she was at a huge disadvantage. She went up the ramp and on the freeway, and the car followed her, closing the distance.