Caught in the Crossfire (Otter Creek Book 15)

by Rebecca Deel

  A lot of good that would do. If he was guilty, why would Gage admit it? At the moment, the police had nothing to go on and no reason to suspect Gage of a crime.

  Mason considered his options. Going to the B & B would be asking for Ethan to come down on him hard. However, if he happened to be in the same place as Gage at the same time, no one could accuse Mason of instigating a confrontation.

  There were only so many places a visitor could eat dinner in Otter Creek. Gage wasn’t one to visit fast food places so that left the higher end restaurants. Maybe Tennessee Steakhouse on the other end of town.

  Gage could also drive to Cherry Hill or one of the other towns nearby where he’d find a greater variety of restaurants. He might have left town already. As brothers, Gage and Todd were close. He might have driven to town to check on Todd and lend him a hand until he was ready to return to Liberty.

  Mason parked in front of the supply store and went inside. He nodded at Bill, the sales clerk behind the counter. “How’s it going, Bill?”

  “Can’t complain. You back already?”

  “More replacement locks. Same amount as yesterday.”

  The older man’s eyebrows rose. “The original ones we sold you didn’t work?”

  “They’re fine. We’ve had a rash of vandalism in the apartment buildings and needed the higher end locking system.”

  Bill came around the counter and led Mason through the store to the appropriate aisle. “Don’t know what the world’s coming to. In my day working construction, we didn’t have to worry about such things.” He held up his hands to showcase the swollen joints of his fingers. “I’d still be working construction if I didn’t have arthritis. Creating something beautiful and useful out of raw materials is more satisfying and a lot more fun that working on this end of the business.”

  Minutes later, Mason stowed the new locks in the cab of his truck and climbed behind the wheel. When he strode into Building 9 with the box of locks in one hand and his tool box in the other, Dean glanced at him from his perch on a ladder.

  “Did you see your friend?”

  Frowning, he set the boxes down. “What friend?”

  “You must have missed him. He didn’t leave his name, but said he was from your hometown.”

  “Was he wearing a cast or a sling on his arm?”

  Dean’s eyebrows rose. “Nope. You have more than one friend from home in town?”

  He wouldn’t call them friends. “The guy with the arm injury is the one who punched me in the face. I didn’t know the second man was in town until a few minutes ago.”

  “Not a friend, either?”

  “Not even close. He’d be happy to see me buried six feet underground. He’s the husband of the woman I killed in the accident.”

  Dean whistled. “Why is he in Otter Creek?”

  “That’s the million-dollar question. I don’t have an answer at the moment, but I will soon.”

  “Watch your step, Mase.”

  He held up a hand. “I know. I get it. I’ll take precautions, but I’m finished taking whatever the Fitzgeralds dish out.”

  “If you need help from the police, you can trust Stella Armstrong.”

  That made Mason pause in the act of opening the first box. “You sound like you know her well.”

  “We go back. She bailed me out of a jamb. I would trust her with my life and Leah’s.”

  There was a story here, but he knew from past questions that Dean would veer away from divulging details. People had a right to privacy, except for him apparently. His life was an open discussion forum on the grapevine around town. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  The two men worked quickly to replace the knobs and locks throughout the apartment building. When they finished, they returned to the first unit and worked through the list of repairs and jobs to complete.

  They found unexpected damage in the first two units that slowed them down. By the time they broke for lunch, he and Dean still had eight units to complete work in.

  Sitting beneath the closest tree, he slid his phone from his pocket and called Nicole. “I’m going to be late again. I’m sorry, sweetheart. The inspector is coming tomorrow. Everything has to be perfect.”

  “I understand. You’ve rearranged your plans often enough to accommodate my crazy schedule. It’s my turn to return the favor.”

  “I’ll make it up to you.”

  “Hmm. Sounds promising. I’m looking forward to it.”

  The laughter in her voice made him smile. “No problems at the salon?”

  “Not unless you count another dog who roamed too close to a skunk.”

  He groaned. “Oh, man. That’s a smelly job.”

  “Oh, trust me. I know. Our whole shop smells like skunk at the moment. Everyone who walks in gets this funny look on their face.”

  “I can imagine.”

  “Delaney’s for dinner again?”

  “Tennessee Steakhouse stays open late. What about a double date there with Linc and Dawn?”

  “I like it. I’ll talk to them when Linc arrives although I won’t classify this as a double date. I don’t want to scare them away from each other if they haven’t figured out where their friendship is headed. I’ll text you and let you know what the verdict is about the steakhouse. I love you, Mason.”

  “Love you, too, baby.” More than she could possibly know.

  “Nicole and Dawn are okay?” Dean asked when Mason ended the call.

  He took a bite of his wrap and swallowed before he replied. “They’re fine. Matt Rainer is keeping an eye on them until Linc takes over this afternoon.”

  “Why would Riva’s killer come to the shop? It’s broad daylight.”

  “Didn’t stop him from attacking Riva.”

  Dean scowled. “True. I’m worried about Leah. That’s A Wrap is close to Pet Palace.”

  “Police patrols have stepped up in a big way during business hours.”

  “Sounds great until you remember that no one knows who this killer is. He could have already walked into the grooming salon or That’s A Wrap, and no one would know.”

  “The killer has to be someone who lives here.”

  “You don’t believe the killer is a random stranger passing through town?”

  “Not a chance. How would this guy zero in on Riva’s house and happen to catch her at home without Cosmo? Riva worked crazy hours, and her schedule was never the same from one day to the next.” He shook his head. “Too many coincidences for my taste.”

  “Is there another reason why you think the killer lives here?”

  “Riva’s door wasn’t forced.”

  Dean paused with his sandwich halfway to his mouth. “She knew the guy and let him in. You saw the doors?”

  “No,” he admitted, “but Ethan and Rod never asked me what tool I used to force a door open or demanded my boots to compare them to prints found at the scene. I might be able to find out from Josh.” More likely, Rio could call in a favor with his team leader. Every member of Durango owed Rio their lives several times over. As long as it didn’t compromise the police investigation, Mason doubted Josh would balk at answering the question. “I’ll text Rio and have him ask.”

  After sending the text, he focused on eating. Within a couple of minutes, his phone signaled an incoming text. Mason checked the screen. “No forced entry into Riva’s home. She either admitted the killer or she left the door unlocked.”

  They finished lunch early and went back to work. Halfway through the afternoon, Brian walked into unit five. “How’s it going?”

  “Making progress although not as fast as we want. We keep finding items to repair, things that were in perfect working order two days ago.” Mason glanced over his shoulder at his boss. “Need anything?”

  The construction owner scowled. “Same kind of problems as in Building 8?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “The locks have been changed?”

  “We finished installing the new hardware hours ago,” Dean said. “If
our vandal is planning to strike tonight, he’ll have to break windows or bust doors to do it.”

  “Let’s hope that doesn’t happen.” He turned his attention to Mason. “You’ll be able to complete the work tonight?”

  “We’ll get it done, even if we have to stay all night.” Although he prayed that wouldn’t be necessary. He wanted to see Nicole and hold her.

  “Great. I owe you both. I’d stick around and help but I have a meeting with a potential client. Big housing development that will keep us busy through the next 18 months. We have an excellent chance of getting the contract. The meeting is likely to go late, though.”

  “Not a tempting prospect. This is the fun part of the job.” Dean moved to the next outlet. “I’d rather be working with my hands than sitting in meetings with clients.”

  “Same here,” Mason said.

  “It’s not my favorite thing to do, but someone has to market the business to clients.”

  “Hire someone to take care of the marketing and do what you love.”

  Brian looked thoughtful. “Maybe. I’ll give it some thought. Because of the security issues around here, I’m thinking about hiring a security guard to keep an eye on the property until we turn it over to the client.”

  “Got a company in mind to provide the service?” Mason asked.

  He shook his head. “I need a company that’s top notch but cheap. Know anyone that fits the bill?”

  “Contact Josh Cahill. PSI is always looking for training opportunities for their students. Josh might be willing to work something out on a temporary basis.”

  A broad smile curved Brian’s mouth. “I like it. I’ll give Josh a call when I’m heading to the meeting. Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll get out of your way. Listen, even if another member of the crew volunteers to give you two a hand, I don’t want anyone else in this building. Manning is looking for an excuse to write us up.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  After clapping Mason on the shoulder, Brian left the unit.

  “What do you think the chances are that the vandal is someone on the construction crew?”

  “Caught that, did you?” Mason gave his partner a nod of approval. “I didn’t see signs of forced entry in Building 7.”

  “Patton and Fisher worked in there almost exclusively.” Dean scowled. “You think those two are responsible for the rash of vandalism in this building?”

  “I wouldn’t be surprised. No proof, though.”

  “If they’re guilty, what’s their motive?”

  He thought about that for a minute, then shook his head. “I don’t know. Fisher is bucking for a promotion. Doesn’t make sense that he would sabotage his chances of moving up.”

  Dean flicked him a glance. “Makes perfect sense if he’s sliding pieces into place to blame you for it.”

  Stunned, Mason stared at his partner. “That’s crazy. Why would he do that?”

  “You’re Brian’s go-to man. If something has to be done and done right, he turns to you first. That’s why he’s pressuring you to take over the home rehab side of Elliott Construction.”

  “I didn’t realize you knew about the offer.”

  “The whole crew knows. Brian hasn’t been quiet about his desire for you to take over.”

  Mason grimaced. “No wonder Patton and Fisher have been prickly. Fisher wants that job.”

  A snort. “He might have more time on the job with Elliott, but he’s definitely not the most qualified for the position. That would be you.”

  Uncomfortable, he shook his head. “Plenty of other men on the crew have better qualifications.”

  “Not from where I’m sitting, and the boss agrees with me.”

  Two hours later, Patton and Fisher wandered into unit 7 and looked around. Patton smirked. “Having to redo your work, Kincaid? Guess you’re not so perfect after all.”

  Mason refocused on the coat closet hinges, tightening a screw that had mysteriously backed out of the hole. “What do you want, Patton? We’re pressed for time.”

  “Thought you might need a hand fixing what you screwed up.”

  “No, thanks. I’m sure you have plans for the night that are a lot more fun than this. I don’t want to hold you up.”

  The other man’s eyes glittered. “Our help not good enough for you?”

  “Brian told us to take care of the tasks ourselves.” Dean flashed him an impatient glance. “You have a problem with his orders, take it up with him.”

  “You think you’re better than we are?” Fisher growled. “We’ve been with Elliott longer than you have and have more experience.”

  “It’s not about either of those things.” What was their problem? He and Dean didn’t have time for this contest of wills. “Brian trusted us with the responsibility. We won’t let him down.”

  Patton glared at each of them. “You better enjoy the work while you have it.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “When Fisher’s promoted, both of you slugs will be out on your butts.”

  “I guess we’ll see what happens.” If Brian promoted this guy to be Mason’s supervisor, Fisher wouldn’t have to fire him. He’d walk out. Hopefully, Ethan would give him time to find a new job before coming down hard. If he had to, Mason would start his own business. Not his first choice, though. He liked working for Elliott Construction and didn’t want to go into competition with Brian.

  Fisher nudged his friend with his elbow. “Come on. Let’s get out of here. I hear an ice-cold beer calling my name. If Kincaid and Connor don’t want help, let them work all night to finish. Serves them right.”

  Once they left, Dean sighed. “That could have dissolved into an ugly confrontation.”

  “Oh, yeah.” He was afraid it would come to that if he accepted the position Brian offered.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Relief swamped Nicole when Mason parked in Linc’s driveway. She’d been tense from the moment Mason told her he was leaving the job site. Now that he was here, she could relax.

  When he stepped onto the porch, she rushed out of the house and into his arms, breathing freely for the first time since he left for work early this morning. She kept waiting for another attack. For the moment, she concentrated on the joy of being with Mason.

  He captured her mouth with his. Minutes later, he eased back, stroking his thumb over her bottom lip. “I craved your kiss all day.”

  She smiled and led him inside. “If you’re too tired to go out for dinner, we can order takeout.”

  Mason squeezed her hand. “I appreciate the offer, but after thinking of steak all afternoon, takeout would be a huge disappointment.”

  Nicole laughed. “We’ll go when you finish your shower.”

  “I’ll hurry. I’m starved.”

  Forty minutes later, Tennessee Steakhouse’s hostess seated them at a corner table in the back. Despite lively conversation and laughter during the meal, Mason and Linc frequently scanned the crowded dining room.

  Frowning, she glanced at the patrons in the restaurant. Faces turned away when the people staring at Mason noticed her glaring at them. Two men at the bar, however, stared and smirked, refusing to look away when she zeroed in on them.

  They looked familiar. She thought for a moment, then remembered she saw them at the Oakdale construction site two weeks earlier when she had lunch with Mason.

  Nicole turned toward him to confirm her suspicions but noticed the wariness in his eyes. “What’s wrong?” she whispered.

  “Does the staring bother you?”

  “Staring is rude, and ticks me off.” She narrowed her eyes. “But I’m not a fragile princess who folds at the first sign of trouble. I can handle foolish gossips. I can’t handle losing you.”

  He leaned close and kissed her with a tenderness that brought tears to her eyes. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

  “You won’t have to find out. I’m in this for the long haul.”

  Mason trailed the back of his fingers down her
cheek. “I’m blessed.”

  “Ready to go, Mase?” Linc asked.

  Mason stood and held his hand out to Nicole. His strong fingers closed over hers, sending a shiver of awareness through her body. She loved his controlled strength. Any woman who didn’t appreciate the roughened, calloused hands of a working man was missing out.

  As they walked through the restaurant, her skin prickled. People watched them leave, their conversations dying off when she and her dining companions passed their tables. In their wake, the noise level rose.

  Nicole squared her shoulders. The citizens of Otter Creek would eat their words when the truth came out. Mason Kincaid was innocent, and Nicole looked forward to facing down his accusers in the near future. All Nicole had to do was identify the killer. Too bad she didn’t have more to go on than a spicy cologne and ham-sized fists.

  Mason stayed close to Nicole’s side as they walked to the SUV. Her lips curved when she noticed Linc doing the same with Dawn. Sweet. Unless she misread the situation, those two were becoming emotionally involved, and she loved it. Dawn deserved the best, and Linc might be the right guy.

  Halfway to Linc’s SUV, another vehicle circled the side of the building and parked a few spaces away.

  Linc slowed, stared at the car, then glanced over his shoulder. “Mason.”

  At his low-voiced warning, Nicole crowded closer to Mason, her pulse spiking. What was going on? She glanced around but didn’t see a threat. What was she missing?

  When the car’s occupants climbed from the vehicle, Mason stiffened. He nudged her behind him.

  She recognized Todd Fitzgerald but not the driver. Based on his body language, Mason did.

  Todd noticed Mason and elbowed his companion. The stranger spotted Mason and stopped abruptly, his expression hardening. “Kincaid,” he said, voice flat.

  “Gage.” He glanced at Todd. “How are you?”

  “Trying to convince me you care?” he snapped.

  “Are you responsible for Todd’s injuries?” Gage stalked toward Mason.

  Mason pushed Nicole further behind him. Seconds later, she found herself standing beside Dawn, looking at Mason’s and Linc’s backs. The two men stood side by side, providing a wall of protection.