Deadly Intentions

by Leighann Dobbs

  “Looking for something?” Jolene kept her voice friendly. She wasn’t sure what her aunt was up to—maybe she just wanted to look through old family things. Jolene didn’t want to jump the gun and accuse her of anything, but her gut instincts told her to remain cautious.

  Eliza jerked her head out of the box. Her ice-blue eyes were as large as dinner plates. Her hand flew up to her throat. “You scared the bejesus out of me.”

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to.” Jolene had come up close to the box and she leaned over to peer in. Inside was old clothing—really old. So old that it was deteriorating to dust almost before her eyes. Clutched in Eliza’s hand was a cedar trinket box. The cover sat open. It was empty except for the cobalt blue velvet lining inside.

  Belladonna came trotting over and started sniffing around the items piled on the floor.

  Eliza snapped the box shut and nestled it gently back into the pile of clothing. “I was just rummaging around. I used to come up here a lot when I was a kid. Just stirring up some memories.”

  Eliza’s hawk-like stare unnerved Jolene, making her feel like she was the one being watched—the one that shouldn’t have been up there.

  “Oh. Mom always warned us about coming up here.”

  “Mine did, too. But I never listened.” Eliza looked around the attic, then back at Jolene. Her eyes softened. “I hope it’s not a problem.”

  “Not at all,” Jolene said. “I just heard someone up here and wanted to investigate. This stuff is as much yours as it is ours, really. If you want something, just ask.”

  Eliza clasped her hands together. “Right. Thanks. Much appreciated.”

  “No problem.” The two women stared at each other awkwardly, then noises drifted up from downstairs.

  Eliza cocked her head to the right. “What’s that?”

  Jolene glanced at her watch. “Must be Morgan and Fiona home from work. We should join them, don’t you think?”

  Jolene stepped aside and indicated for Eliza to precede her. Eliza smiled and brushed past Jolene. Belladonna trotted past both Jolene and Eliza, taking the lead down the narrow aisle that lead to the stairs.

  So much for that afternoon nap, Jolene thought as she followed Eliza down into the kitchen.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “Were you two up in the attic?” Morgan’s forehead creased as she looked between Eliza and Jolene.

  “I was just looking around up there,” Eliza answered. “So many memories.”

  “Mew.” Belladonna had raced over to her empty food dish, batted it with her paw and sent it skidding across the black and white tile floor.

  “Are you hungry?” Fiona looked down at the cat who glanced up at her in disdain as if she was the stupidest creature on the planet. Of course she was hungry.

  “Right. I’ll get your food.”

  Morgan laughed as Fiona marched straight to the cabinet where they kept Belladonna’s food. “We were just going to order pizza. Are you guys in?”

  “We are,” Celeste and Cal chimed in from the doorway.

  “Oh you guys are home.” Morgan stated the obvious. “Great.”

  “I’m in,” Jolene said, then turned to Eliza. “What about you?”

  “Oh, thanks, but I’m actually meeting someone.” Eliza looked at the clock and grimaced. “I better get going. Can I borrow someone’s car?”

  “Just take my truck.” Fiona bent down to pour kibble into Belladonna’s dish. “You still have the keys?”

  “Yep. Thanks, I really appreciate it.” Eliza started toward the front door. “I’ll fill up the tank for you.”

  “Okay. Thanks!” Fiona shouted down the hallway.

  The sounds of Fiona’s truck starting up drifted into the kitchen and Morgan leaned back to get a clear view of the front door, then said “Does anyone else think it’s weird she was in the attic?”

  Celeste shrugged. “Kind of, but I guess it makes sense. I mean, this is her family’s stuff. She’s probably just taking a trip down memory lane.”

  “True,” Jolene said. “She was looking at a box way in the back. The really old stuff.”

  “That would be the most valuable,” Cal cut in. Cal had been a family friend for decades and recently kindled a more intimate relationship with Celeste. He was also an antique expert. His family owned an antiques and pawn shop and the sisters had often used him to evaluate and appraise the various treasures they’d found in the house.

  Morgan frowned. “I guess I could see why she’d be interested in that stuff. Our ancestors are her relatives, too. But I have a funny feeling … especially after what Luke told me today.”

  “You mean about his boss’s warning?” Celeste asked.

  “Yep. He stopped by the shop today and told Fiona and me that his boss said we might be in danger and we should be extra careful.”

  “He stopped by and talked to Jake and me, too. But he was really vague.” Jolene said. “Did he tell you anything specific?”

  Morgan shook her head. “No, but he’s coming by tonight, so maybe he can tell us more.”

  “Tell you more about what?” Luke asked from the doorway. Luke had practically grown up at the Blackmoore house and had been accustomed to just walking in when they were kids. Even though he’d been away for a long time, old habits were hard to break and he’d been walking in ever since he came back and started dating Morgan again. Jolene loved to tease him about it.

  “More about your boss’s mysterious warning,” Jolene answered, then added. “I must be getting hard of hearing … I didn’t hear you knock.

  Luke smirked at her. “I’m afraid I don’t know much more about the warning.”

  “Hey, let’s take care of business first.” Fiona held her cellphone in her hand, her finger hovering over the number for the pizza place. “What kind of pizza do you guys want? Pepperoni?”

  Everyone murmured their assent and she pressed the button and put in the order.

  “We should talk about what you girls plan to do to protect yourselves,” Cal said, draping his arm around Celeste and pulling her close.

  “Do?” Jolene looked at her sisters. “We don’t really need to do anything. We have skills.”

  “Yeah, but are you in control of them?” Luke asked

  “Sure … well, I think so.” Jolene pressed her lips together. After the sisters had discovered their unusual gifts, they’d made a pact to try to practice and hone them so they’d be able to use them better.

  The last time they’d had to defend themselves, the gifts were rather unwieldy and Jolene knew they would have been more effective if they’d been able to harness them properly. They had practiced a little, but then life had gotten in the way and they’d stopped. Jolene knew she could control her paranormal skill better than before, but was it good enough?

  The four sisters glanced sheepishly at each other and Jolene knew the other three were thinking the same thoughts. Luckily, they were saved from answering by a knock on the front door.

  That’s probably Jake,” Fiona said, then yelled down the hall. “Come in!”

  “At least he knocks,” Jolene slid a teasing glance at Luke.

  “Anyway, I think it’s best if you guys don’t go anywhere alone,” Luke continued. “We all know your powers are enhanced when you are together.”

  “What?” Jolene screwed up her face. “That’s gonna seriously cramp my style.”

  “Yeah,” Celeste added. “Buddying up might work out okay for Morgan and Fiona since they go to work together anyway, but for Jolene and me, it’s just not practical.”

  “What’s not practical?” Jake asked as he sauntered into the kitchen, casting a disappointed glance at the counters. “I thought you said there was going to be pizza?”

  “It’s on order,” Jolene answered. “And what isn’t practical is us buddying up and sticking together. We still have our individual jobs to do.”

  “Oh, you’re talking about the warning? What’s that really all about?” Jake turned to Luke.

  L
uke sighed. “All I know is the big boss, Dorian Hall, is very concerned. She’s sending some people out to keep an eye on things.”

  “Sending people out?” Fiona raised a brow. “You mean like last time with those nasty pirates?”

  “Yep.”

  “Great, so we’ll have someone watching our every move?” Jolene fisted her hands on her hips. She prided herself on being able to handle her own safety and hated having anyone watch over her.

  “If that’s what it takes. In fact, she said she’s had a few in place for a while and, of course, I’m supposed to keep an eye on you guys, too,” Luke winked at Morgan who look more annoyed than pleased.

  So, someone has been watching me, Jolene thought.

  But they weren’t doing a very good job if those guys had gotten to her at the storage facility. She wondered if those were the ‘bad guys’ Luke was talking about and, if so, why had they let her go? She debated mentioning it, but decided against it—if Luke and Jake knew, they might insist on making sure none of them went anywhere alone.

  “Well, great then. If someone is watching us, we don’t need to buddy up,” Jolene said hopefully.

  “I think you still should,” Luke said. “If Dorian is involved, that means it’s serious and whoever is behind this is ruthless. They’ll stop at nothing to get what they what. Whatever that is.”

  Jolene frowned. “Good question. What do they want?”

  Luke shrugged and spread his hands at his sides. “Dorian was pretty vague about that.”

  Jolene had no idea what this evil person might want. She wondered if the attack at the storage place and on Barnes’ boat had anything to do with it. Glancing at Celeste out of the corner of her eye, she could see her sister was thinking the same thing about Barnes’ boat. Jolene gave her head a subtle shake. She didn’t want to tell the others lest it restrict their freedom even more.

  Celeste gave a slight nod in return and Jolene relaxed, knowing her sister understood and agreed not to tell.

  “So, you think this person could be more ruthless than Goldlinger?” Fiona asked, referring to the maniacal thug who had descended on them to try to steal a three-hundred-year-old treasure dating back to the time of Isaiah Blackmoore.

  The treasure had been hidden on their property unbeknownst to the Blackmoore sisters and the girls had almost been killed defending it. In the end, they’d had to summon the forces of their powers to defeat Goldlinger’s henchmen. That’s when they’d learned the true power of their gifts.

  Luke shrugged. “Yep. This guy is even more powerful and even more of a badass. In fact, our sources tell us Goldlinger is just one of his henchmen.”

  “So, are they after treasure again? Or something else they think we have?” Jolene glanced up at the attic thinking about the journals they’d discovered that had led them to the treasure.

  Was that what Eliza had been looking for?

  They’d never fully deciphered all of the journals—maybe there was more in there and that’s what this guy was after.

  “I’m not sure. I get the impression it’s more personal than that.”

  “Personal?” Celeste asked.

  “Yes. So there is an immediate threat to you girls. And you probably can’t trust anyone,” Luke answered.

  “Which brings me to your Aunt Eliza,” Jake cut in. “What do you girls really know about her?”

  “What are trying to say?” Morgan shrugged one shoulder, a sour look on her face. “She’s our aunt. She got into some kind of fight and left a long time ago and is now back for a visit.”

  “Why come back now?” Jake asked. “It seems like strange timing is all I’m saying. An odd coincidence she’d appear out of nowhere and insinuate herself in the house when there is a threat against you girls. And in my line of business, there’s no such thing as coincidence.”

  “Maybe you should do a little investigating on her,” Luke suggested.

  “Investigate our aunt?” Celeste bristled. “That doesn’t seem right. She’s a Blackmoore and we don’t investigate our own people.”

  “But aren’t you the least bit curious as to why she left and what she’s been doing all this time?” Jake asked.

  “Maybe.” Celeste pressed her lips together. “But that still doesn’t mean I condone investigating family.”

  The arrival of the pizza suspended the conversation and they all took a gooey slice and sat around the kitchen island with paper plates and a roll of paper towels.

  Jolene picked a pepperoni off her slice and popped it into her mouth. The salty grease tickled her taste buds. They ate in silence for a few minutes, the only sounds an occasional nummy noise.

  “So where is Eliza tonight?” Jake asked as he picked out his second piece of pizza.

  “She said she was going to visit friends,” Jolene answered.

  Jake raised a brow. “Really? Did she say who?”

  “No,” Morgan cut in. “And we weren’t about to give her the third degree.”

  “Of course not. It just seems funny that after being gone for twenty years without contacting any of you, she’d still have friends back here.”

  Jake had a point. Eliza sure did seem to have a lot of people to visit in town and she never once mentioned who any of them were.

  Jolene looked around the kitchen at her family. A feeling of foreboding spread in her stomach, making the pizza weigh heavy. Usually it was Morgan who had the premonitions, but tonight, Jolene had one herself.

  Shoving aside her plate, she swallowed hard, trying to push down the lump that was forming in her throat as she wondered if this might be their last supper together.

  ***

  Eliza Blackmoore pulled the key out of the old truck’s ignition and listened to the engine sputter out. Clicking off the lights, she stared into the depths of the darkened woods. It was dusk and the dense forest was cloaked in shadow.

  She’d better hurry. Soon it would be totally dark.

  Eliza hurried down the path, the dark trees looming beside her like silent sentinels. The hazy dusk gave the woods a dream-like quality. The forest was almost silent except for the sound of her own heartbeat and a few birds letting out their last chirps before bedding down for the night. To her left, a chipmunk rustled in the dried leaves on the forest floor, pulling her startled attention away from the path.

  When she looked back at the path, a dark figure stood just ahead.

  “Did you find it?” the woman whispered as Eliza drew closer.

  Eliza sighed, her heart sinking. She hung her head. “No.”

  A pale, wrinkled hand reached out and tilted her chin up so she was looking into the clear amber eyes of the old woman. Her skin was as pale as centuries-old parchment, which made her eyes appear to glow with an ethereal light.

  Or maybe they really were glowing?

  No, it’s probably just a trick of the lighting, Eliza thought as she studied the small woman in front of her. She was dressed in a long black cloak, the hood pulled up over her silver hair, making her small face appear to float inside its dark shadow.

  Eliza looked into her eyes, but instead of the disappointment she expected to see, she saw only understanding and wisdom.

  “Never fear. I know you will succeed.”

  “I think I know where to look. I got close today, but was interrupted.”

  “It’s critical you find it, or all may be lost. It could be the difference that keeps our opposers from gaining the upper hand.”

  “I know.” Eliza felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. “I still have a few places to look.”

  The woman nodded, pulling her cloak closer as a breeze kicked up the dried leaves on the path causing them to swirl around their feet. “You must be alert. I feel the wind of change is close.”

  “I will.”

  “Good, then.” The amber eyes narrowed. “And what of the girls?”

  “They seem to be virtually unaware.”

  The woman simply nodded. Lowering her voice she said, “Don’t for
get your mission—more than one life hangs in the balance.”

  And then she stepped backward and turned, melting into the shadows of the trees. Eliza stood there blinking at the empty forest.

  Had the woman vanished into thin air?

  No, it probably just seemed that way. Night had fallen and Eliza could barely see more than ten feet in front of her. The old woman had simply walked out of her line of vision.

  Eliza turned, her stomach jittery with nerves, wondering if she’d be able to make her way back to the truck now that it was dark. As if by divine intervention, the three-quarter moon appeared from behind the long thin cloud that had been hiding it, illuminating the woods enough for Eliza to see the path in front of her.

  She started back toward the parking lot, sucking in a startled breath when something appeared directly in front of her.

  A deer blinked at her with its large eyes. Its dark, velvety nose twitched. Eliza could hear it exhaling puffs of breath as the two stood frozen, staring at each other. Then it turned and silently bounded off into the woods.

  Eliza quickened her pace. She had to get back home and find what she’d come to find before things turned for the worse. She wondered how much she should tell her nieces.

  How much did they know already?

  She had no idea, but if she had to lie to them, then so be it. Her mission was most important. She’d left town for a good reason all those years ago, and she wasn’t about to let all that sacrifice be for nothing.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Jolene and her sisters had given in to Luke, Jake and Cal’s pleas for them to ‘buddy up’. So, the next day, Fiona and Morgan went to Sticks and Stones together, as usual, which left Jolene and Celeste to keep each other out of trouble.

  Since Celeste didn’t have to work until later that day, she accompanied Jolene on her stakeout of Gail. Jolene usually preferred to work alone, but at least bringing Celeste along was better than having to drag Jake, Luke or one of Luke’s minions with her.