Jack flicked Max’s ear and leveled him with a serious gaze. “Talk.”
“Okay, you tortured me into it,” Max said, sighing. “I’m only telling you because Ivy is so ridiculously happy. I don’t want you to accidentally ruin it by … I don’t know … breaking her heart.”
Jack was confused. “And how would I do that?”
“I don’t know,” Max replied, making a face. “Just don’t break up with her or anything. That would forever ruin Halloween, and that’s the only time she’s pleasant to be around.”
“You take that back,” Jack ordered, catching Max off guard. “She’s always pleasant to be around.”
“Oh, I don’t even know why I said that,” Max said, offering Jack an exaggerated eye roll. “You’re too smitten to ever break up with her. You’re her willing sex slave … her love monkey, if you will.”
“Don’t ever call me her ‘love monkey’ again,” Jack warned.
“What about the sex slave part?”
“I’m fine with that.”
“You’re so sick,” Max complained. “As for the Halloween thing, I don’t know how to explain it. She’s always been in love with the holiday. She likes the changing of the leaves and she loves pumpkin-flavored everything. She’s also a big fan of horror movies and storms.”
“I know about the storms,” Jack said. “The first time we had a big thunderstorm it rocked that small house and I thought it was going to fall down around us, but she couldn’t stop herself from hopping around and staring out each window.”
“Yes, well, my sister is multifaceted weird,” Max said, his eyes momentarily sobering. “In truth, Ivy was kind of a lonely kid. The other kids thought she was weird – and rightly so, because there are many times I think she’s bonkers – but when you live in a small town like this the inclination is to shun anyone who doesn’t fit into a mold.”
“That’s the only thing I hate about this place,” Jack mused, rubbing his chin. “She’s kind of isolated. She spends all of her time with you and me. She never tries to smother me, though. When I want to go fishing she waves and sends me off. She’s happy with her own company, which is one of the things I like best about her.”
“Oh, you smitten kitten,” Max said, smirking as he poked Jack’s cheek and earned a scowl. “She is fine on her own. That doesn’t mean I don’t think she would do good with a female friend. I’m not sure it’s healthy to spend all of her time with you and me.”
“Especially you,” Jack intoned.
“Especially you,” Max shot back, although his grin was impish instead of mean. “The only time Ivy was happy to hang around with other kids when we were growing up was close to Halloween.”
“But why?”
“I think it’s because she could dress up and be anyone she wanted to be,” Max replied. “I mean, she never dressed up as anyone but herself, but her skirts and wild hair fit in around Halloween. Plus, as she got older, the guys started to realize that being different was cool and they threw themselves at her feet.
“The only dance Ivy was interested in attending was the Halloween one,” he continued. “She had a lot of suitors. For that week, she was the center of attention and didn’t shrink from it. I don’t know how to explain it.”
“Well, I could’ve done without the suitors tidbit,” Jack said. “As for the rest … I wish she wasn’t so self-conscious.”
“She’s not really self-conscious,” Max clarified. “I mean, she knows people stare at her and everything, don’t get me wrong, but it’s not about being self-conscious. She was that way when she was a kid, but when she grew up she learned to tune it out. She honestly doesn’t care what people think about her.”
“I like that about her, too,” Jack said. “I still don’t like her feeling isolated. Everyone should look at her and think she’s the greatest woman in the world … because she is.”
“Oh, you are sappy and schmaltzy and I kind of want to hug you anyway,” Max said, shaking his head. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to my sister. I’m uttering it out loud, but if you ever tell anyone I said it, I’ll be forced to beat you up.”
Jack snorted. He wasn’t worried in the least about Max backing up that threat. “She’s the best thing that ever happened to me.”
“And that’s why I don’t even care about the filthy things you two are doing together,” Max teased. “Just enjoy the season, Jack. She won’t stay this way forever. She’s happy. You guys should be happy together.”
“She’s excited for winter, too, though,” Jack argued. “She just told me she wants to take a walk during the first snow.”
“Yeah, well, that’s a different story,” Max said. “She says she’s excited now, but that will last exactly two weeks until she ends up spun out in a ditch or starts going stir-crazy because she can’t walk in the woods. And just wait until she slips on the ice and blames you for not chipping every bit of it off the front porch. Look out when that happens.”
“But … she said she loved it,” Jack protested.
“She always says that and then turns on the season the second the going gets rough,” Max said. “Good luck with that, by the way. You’re on driveway duty this year. That’s another bonus for me. You can shovel her out.”
“Screw shoveling her out,” Jack countered. “I’m looking forward to being snowed in.”
Max grinned. “That’s a nice way of looking at it.”
“She’s nice to look at,” Jack teased, shifting his eyes back to the maze. “Where the heck did she go, by the way?”
“I don’t know,” Max answered. “Let’s find her, shall we? It will allow me the chance to get a gander at this year’s honeys without being overtly lecherous.”
“Yes, that is important,” Jack deadpanned. “You’re kind of a pig. You know that, right?”
“I can live with that.”
JACK found himself on edge as he looked for Ivy. It wasn’t that he thought a corn maze was especially dangerous – although he’d seen enough horror movies to know that it could be creepy and potentially evil if small children decided to start doing away with adults – but the idea of Ivy disappearing bothered him.
They’d suffered through more trouble than was fair since getting together, and yet they’d come out the other side stronger. He knew Ivy could take care of herself. That didn’t mean he wanted her wandering around a corn maze without him.
“Where is she?”
“Chill out, drama queen,” Max intoned, scanning the crowd. “Ivy has been taking care of herself for a really long time. She’s getting cider. That doesn’t generally end in bloodshed.”
“Ha, ha,” Jack drawled, scorching Max with a harsh look. “Don’t make jokes about your sister getting hurt. I don’t like it.”
“Oh, you’re so whipped,” Max said. “I … there she is.” Despite his bravado, he almost seemed relieved as he pointed.
Jack followed Max’s finger with his gaze and felt his heart warm when he caught sight of Ivy. The feeling only lasted until he saw the frown on her face. She listened as a middle-aged man chatted, two mugs of hot cider clutched in her hands, but she didn’t look happy with the new development.
“Who is that?” Jack asked, rubbing the back of his neck. He didn’t recognize the man talking Ivy’s ear off.
“That’s Mitch Danes,” Max replied, knitting his eyebrows together. “He’s a local guy we’ve known forever.”
“Ivy doesn’t seem to like him.”
“Ivy doesn’t like anyone but you,” Max countered. “As for Mitch, well, he’s harmless enough. He’s got a bit of a reputation as a tool – especially when it comes to women – but I’ve never heard of him being grabby or anything.”
“I wasn’t worried about that,” Jack said. “Well, I wasn’t worried about that until now,” he hurriedly corrected. “I just wanted to know who he is. Ivy looks as if she wants to run.”
“That’s probably because Mitch is a politician,” Max explained. “He’s run
ning for mayor in the upcoming election.”
“Oh.” Things slid into place for Jack .”I knew that name sounded familiar. Brian mentioned it the other day. This is the guy running on a public safety platform, right?”
“Yeah. He runs on the very same platform every four years,” Max said. “He’s a local farmer who fancies himself a great leader. He runs for mayor every four years … and loses every four years.”
“The mayor’s name is Spinks, right? I’ve never actually met him even though he technically signs my paycheck every two weeks.”
“Yeah, Wilford Spinks,” Max said. “He’s been mayor since I was a kid. He’s friendly with the older crowd like Mom and Dad – and probably Brian, for that matter – but I’ve never had occasion to spend much time with him.”
Brian Nixon was Jack’s partner and the father of one of Max’s longtime pals. Jack enjoyed having Brian’s wisdom when it came to the town, but he had serious doubts his partner would appreciate Max considering him part of the “older crowd.”
As if reading his mind, Max scowled. “Don’t tell Brian I said that.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” Jack said, although he didn’t sound very convincing. “I mean … you’re practically family, Max. I would never turn against you.”
“You suck,” Max muttered, his eyes flashing. “Do you know what? I bought a package of gummy witches at a specialty store the other day. I was going to surprise Ivy with them. They’re black licorice flavored – which is her favorite – and I’ll give them to you if you promise not to tell Brian.”
Jack pursed his lips. “Deal.”
The ease at which Jack acquiesced made Max suspicious. “You weren’t going to tell him anyway, were you?”
“Probably not,” Jack answered. “It’s too late to take it back, though. I want that candy for my girl.”
“You’re so gross,” Max grumbled, scuffing his foot on the grass as he shifted his eyes back to Ivy. “We should probably save her. She looks as if she wants to throw that cider on him rather than listen to another second of his campaign pitch.”
“Let’s save my damsel,” Jack said, grinning as he moved in Ivy’s direction. The second their eyes locked she looked as if she was going to jump him right then and there she was so relieved to have a distraction. “Hello, honey. I got worried when you didn’t return.”
Ivy forced a smile for Jack’s benefit as she handed him a mug of cider. “This is Mitch Danes. He’s running for mayor.”
“Oh, well, how nice to meet you,” Jack said, keeping his tone amiable as he extended his hand and greeted Mitch. “I’m still getting to know faces in town, but I’m happy to meet you.”
Max glanced between Jack and Ivy’s hands and made a pitiful expression. “Where is my cider?”
“I only have two hands,” Ivy said.
“Yes, but … you’ve known me much longer than Jack,” Max said. “I deserve dibs on the cider. This is our outing, after all. He’s an interloper.”
“Here,” Jack said, licking the lip of his cup. “You can have mine.”
“Oh, that was such a loser move,” Max said, annoyed when Ivy giggled. “I thought I missed all the cup-licking times because I had a sister. Who knew I was going to have to put up with it in my twenties?”
“You’re almost thirty,” Ivy interjected.
“And now I hate you, too,” Max said, horrified. “My life sucks!”
“And you say I’m dramatic,” Jack said, shaking his head before focusing on Mitch again. “Are you having a nice day at the maze?”
“I’m here to make people aware that I’m the best candidate for the mayoral job,” Mitch countered, refusing to indulge in small talk. “I was just explaining to young Ivy that, as a woman, she’s especially vulnerable should someone want to harm her.”
“And I explained to Mitch that just because I’m a woman, that doesn’t mean I’m helpless,” Ivy said. “He didn’t seem to agree with me.”
“Well, I can vouch for her not being helpless,” Max said. “She once pinched my nipple so hard it turned purple – and not like a cool purple. She bites when you try to put her head in your armpit, too.”
Jack had to press his lips together to keep from laughing. Max tossed out the information as if he was saying he bought iceberg lettuce instead of romaine – which was a big no-no in Ivy’s house – but Mitch apparently didn’t find him at all funny.
“I don’t think you’d be so blasé if someone broke into your sister’s home and raped her,” Mitch said.
“Hey!” Jack was officially annoyed, and Mitch had the good sense to shrink back when he saw the anger on the big man’s face. “Don’t say things like that.”
“I was just making an observation,” Mitch said nervously.
“Well, don’t,” Jack said. “I don’t like it.”
“I’m perfectly safe in my home because Jack is always there,” Ivy said, taking pity on Mitch. “I promise I’m okay.”
“She has an attack cat, too,” Max added, hoping to alleviate the tension. “She’s fine. Jack is big and mean and growls like a caveman when he clubs my sister over the head and drags her toward the bedroom.”
“Max!” Ivy was mortified, her cheeks turning a mottled shade of red.
“You’ll live,” Max said. “Personally, I think Mitch has a point about crime. I think we need more focus on keeping people safe. With that in mind, I think I should offer my burly shoulders to that haystack honey over yonder. She looks positively frightened without me to watch over her.”
Ivy made a face. “You’re so gross.”
“I just told your boyfriend the same thing because he gets a moony look whenever your name pops up,” Max said. “Somehow I think we’ll all survive the mutual grossness.”
“I’m not sure you’ll survive,” Jack countered. “As for the rest … .”
Whatever he was about to say was cut short because a terrified scream broke free from the field, causing everyone milling about in front of the entrance to snap their heads in that direction. Jack didn’t immediately race into the field so he could investigate the noise because he wasn’t certain someone wasn’t screwing around – or perhaps playing a rousing game of hide the corncob behind the tall stalks. He honestly didn’t know what to think, so he waited a beat.
“What the … ?”
A second scream filled the air, and this time Jack was certain this was no game and the stakes were real.
“Come on, honey,” he said, grabbing Ivy’s hand. “We have to see what’s going on and I refuse to leave you behind.”
Three
Jack kept a firm grip on Ivy’s hand. In truth, he knew it would’ve been easier to leave her behind while checking out the source of the scream. He also knew curiosity was one of her biggest weaknesses (while also being a true strength) and she wouldn’t be able to refrain from checking out things on her own. He figured it would be easier to keep her with him from the start rather than risk losing sight of her in the miles of cornstalks.
“Which way?” Ivy asked, tilting her head to the side. “I’m not sure which direction the scream came from other than out there somewhere.”
“I know,” Jack said, licking his lips. “I … .”
Another scream propelled them forward, and even though Ivy boasted long legs, she had trouble keeping up with Jack when he began running again. She tried to wrench her hand free in an effort to clear him to move ahead without her, but he fought the effort.
“It’s okay, Jack,” Ivy prodded. “I’ll be right behind you.”
“I’ll slow down,” Jack said, shaking his head. “I’m sorry.”
“Go.” Ivy wasn’t one to wilt under pressure, and today was no exception. “I’ll be okay.”
Jack made a face. “Someone is screaming in a cornfield and we’re running toward potential trouble,” he argued. “I know you’re going to be okay, because I’m going to keep you with me and make sure you’re okay.”
Now it was Ivy’s turn to scowl.
“You’re so bossy.”
“Look who is talking,” Jack grumbled, tugging her arm and encouraging her to pick up the pace. “Come on, honey. You’re staying with me and I don’t have time to argue.”
“You’re kind of a pain. You know that, right?”
“I’m fairly certain we’re pains together,” Jack countered. “That’s just the way we roll.”
Despite the serious nature of the situation, Ivy couldn’t help but smirk. When another loud noise – this one more of an excited utterance full of obscenities instead of a scream – filled the air, the couple put their petty bickering aside for the time being. They both knew they would revisit the minor argument later.
“I think it’s this way,” Ivy said, changing their direction slightly and choosing a fork in the maze that led to the west. “In years past, the center of the maze was down this route. They have a big clearing there with a dark fantasy scene. They throw a big party there Halloween night so all of the ghosts and goblins have everyone together in one place when they’re ready for some thrills and chills.”
“Do I even want to know what that means?”
Jack wasn’t directionally challenged, but he never second-guessed Ivy’s instincts. She always seemed to know exactly where they should be and he wasn’t so alpha that he couldn’t acquiesce to her special abilities. The dream walking was only a fraction of the magic that seemed to surround her, and Jack was convinced she was growing in power – even though he was reluctant to admit it to her because she seemed somehow embarrassed or worried by his observations.
“Here.”
Ivy and Jack plowed through the small opening and found themselves in the middle of a wide clearing. Jack sucked in several deep breaths to calm himself as he glanced around. He couldn’t help but notice that Ivy didn’t even seem out of breath, which was somewhat annoying considering she hardly ever worked out.
“Maisie?” Ivy was confused when her gaze landed on the woman standing in the middle of the Halloween tableau. It was mostly finished – only a few final touches remaining to make it perfect – but Ivy had trouble enjoying the view given the fact that the town librarian was standing in the middle of everything and she looked as if she was going to pass out. “What’s going on?”
Wicked Fog (An Ivy Morgan Mystery Book 6) Page 2
