Cover-Up

by Ruth Langan

  Without waiting for a reply she went on. “I found the writing to be first-rate. You make this old English teacher very proud. As for the acting, I won’t be at all surprised to see some of you on Broadway in a few years.”

  That had the students beaming with pride.

  “Were you surprised?” one of the girls asked.

  “Not at all. I’ve always known that Devil’s Cove was blessed with an abundance of talented young people.” She turned to Bret Drummond. “But I had no idea that behind those muscles you harbored such comic genius.”

  While the others slapped his arm and gave him high-fives, Bret’s cheeks turned bright red. “I didn’t know it either, Mrs. B. But once I got into the script, it was really easy.”

  “Football’s loss may be Hollywood’s gain,” Bert said with a smile. “Now. I understand the cast is heading over to the Daisy Diner to celebrate. Do you mind if the Brennan family joins you?”

  The students couldn’t hide their delight. While some of them ducked backstage to remove their makeup, the others led the way out of the auditorium and down the street to the diner, with Bert and her husband in the midst of them.

  Trailing behind were Jason and Emily and her sisters, as well as Robeson Ryder and Prentice Osborn.

  As soon as they exited the school, Jason was able to put aside his concerns. Or maybe it was simply that he was as caught up in the festive mood as the others. The closer they got to the diner, the more Emily could feel him beginning to relax.

  She turned to Robeson. “I hope Carrie is working tonight so she can share some of this fun.”

  Robeson nodded. “She’ll be there. I asked her to join us at the play, but she said she was scheduled for a double shift.”

  Prentice jammed his hands in his pockets. “She works too hard.”

  “I don’t see that she has much choice.” Robeson fell into step beside him. “It has to be tough raising a daughter alone.”

  “If I had my way she wouldn’t be alone.” The minute the words were out of his mouth, Prentice looked uncomfortable.

  The others simply stared.

  It was Robeson who finally broke the silence. “You…and Carrie?”

  Prentice stared hard at the toe of his Italian leather loafer, which had likely cost more than Carrie could earn in a week. “Only in my mind. Apparently she’s carrying a torch for someone else.”

  Jason gave him a steady look. “Have you asked?”

  Prentice shrugged, clearly feeling embarrassed to be having this discussion. “I’ve asked her out a few times, but she always has an excuse.”

  “Maybe she just thinks you’re out of her league.” Robeson paused beside him. “After all, her mother cleans your house.”

  “What’s that got to do with anything?” Prentice moved along with the others.

  “Well, you do have to admit that it would feel a little strange to date your mother’s boss.”

  Prentice shrugged. “I don’t think Carrie would even think of such a thing. I know I don’t. She’s the kindest person I’ve ever known. You ought to see the way she takes care of my brother Will. The minute he walks into the diner, she starts his grilled cheese sandwich, with the crusts cut off just the way he likes it, and a thick vanilla milkshake.”

  Robeson nodded. “She’s always had a good heart.”

  “She’s a good mother to Jenny, too.”

  Jason grinned. “Have you ever bothered to tell Carrie what you’re telling us?”

  Again that almost shy shrug that seemed so out of character in the man who most in the town would have described as smug and self-satisfied. A man accustomed to having everything he’d ever wanted.

  As they stepped inside the diner they were assaulted by the scent of onions on the grill, and an almost manic level of noise from the throng that had already gathered. In the middle of it all, Carrie was like a whirlwind of work and easy laughter and chatter as she catered to the mixed crowd of teens and their families.

  After moving several tables together, the Brennans and their guests found themselves in the very center of the crowd.

  Almost at once Carrie was there to take their orders.

  “Mrs. B.” She leaned close to give the older woman a hug. “I’m sorry I missed the play. Was it as good as I’ve heard?”

  “Even better, Carrie.” Bert returned the hug. “I think it’s safe to say we’ll have coffees and burgers all around, with lots of those cheesy fries that have become your specialty.”

  “I didn’t know you were an expert on the Daisy Diner’s menu,” Carrie said with a laugh.

  “Oh, I’ve heard enough to know it’s one of the town’s best-kept secrets.” Bert glanced around. “Does anyone want anything different?”

  When the others shook their heads, Carrie tucked away her pad and pencil and was soon passing out steaming cups of coffee.

  As Carrie moved among the crowded tables Jason leaned close to Prentice. “Why didn’t Will come to the play?”

  “He wanted to stay home. Carrie’s mom gives me a hand with him, and tonight she had Carrie’s daughter with her. Will adores Jenny. Whenever she’s there, you can’t pry Will away.”

  Jason couldn’t help teasing his old friend. “Careful. The way you’re watching Carrie, someone might get the same idea about you and Jenny’s mom.”

  Prentice flushed and managed to look away. “Am I that obvious?”

  Jason decided to let him off the hook. “So, what do Will and Jenny do together?”

  “She’s teaching him to play checkers. Nobody else could ever get him to sit still long enough to learn. She has such patience with him.”

  “So do you, Prentice. You’re a good brother.”

  “I try. Sometimes it isn’t easy. But I promised my folks I’d always be there for Will.”

  Overhearing, Robeson leaned across the table to say, “I know something both Will and Jenny would enjoy. And it would give you the perfect excuse to ask Carrie to come along.” Seeing his friend’s arched brow he said with a smile, “The fireworks.”

  Prentice seemed to mull that over as Carrie moved around the tables serving their late-night meal and topping off their coffees.

  When he glanced at Emily for confirmation she nodded her head. “Why not? You have nothing to lose, Prentice.”

  “And maybe, if you’re lucky,” Jason said under his breath, “you’ll get everything you’ve ever wanted.” He saw Emily’s eyes soften, and knew he’d touched a nerve. Under the cover of the tablecloth his hand found hers and squeezed.

  When he looked up, he saw the way Bert was watching them. She merely smiled, and he couldn’t contain the laughter that bubbled up.

  “What’s so funny?” Emily glanced over.

  “Your grandmother. She’s the slyest woman I’ve ever known.”

  Robeson nodded. “I always swore Mrs. B. had eyes in the back of her head.”

  “And the sharpest mind around.” Jason turned to Prentice. “If you really want to know who your rival is, all you have to do is ask your old teacher. She knows everything about everyone in Devil’s Cove.”

  Prentice chuckled. But they could see the wheels turning in his head. There was no doubt that Mrs. Brennan was the keeper of all her students’ secrets. If Carrie actually was in love with someone else, her old teacher would know about it. Whether she would be willing to share that secret was another question.

  When the others finally got up to leave, Prentice decided he wanted one last cup of coffee.

  As he ambled over to the counter and took a seat, Jason winked at Emily. “I’m tempted to tease him and say we’ll wait with him.”

  “Why don’t you?”

  He caught her hand and led her toward the door. Leaning close he whispered, “Because I’m afraid he’ll take me up on my offer. And at the moment all I can think about is getting you alone.”

  She turned. “My place or yours?”

  “Mine. It’s closer.”

  She laid a hand on his. “Good plan.”

/>   They trailed the others who were headed toward the high-school parking lot where they’d left their cars. Once again fog had begun rolling in, blurring the lights of the town, muting the sounds of boats in the harbor.

  Jason breathed deeply. “No matter where I’ve traveled in the world, the smell of a harbor always carries me back to Devil’s Cove. I’ll never be able to see fog without thinking of home.”

  “I’m the same way.” Emily draped an arm around his waist, loving the feel of his arm around her shoulders. She snuggled close. “You seemed distracted during the play. Is something wrong?”

  He shrugged. “The whole time we were in the auditorium I had the feeling that I was being watched.”

  She stopped in her tracks. “You, too?”

  He looked at her. “You felt it?”

  She nodded. “I tried to shake it off, but I wasn’t really comfortable until we were at the diner.”

  He nodded. “Exactly.” He drew her close and they continued walking until they reached his car. “So, are we both being paranoid, or is something sinister going on here?”

  “I don’t know, Jase.” Emily settled herself beside him.

  They drove in silence until they reached the Harbor House.

  She followed him into the hotel, and they stepped into the elevator, which began its creaky ascent. “Without some sort of proof, all we have are feelings.”

  “We have much more than that.” When the elevator opened he led her to his door and fumbled for his key. “There’s the break-in at your clinic. The incident in your locker. And we both…” Before he could insert the key the door moved inward.

  He motioned for Emily to wait outside while he walked in and snapped on the lights. After checking the closet and bathroom, and finding both empty, he caught her hand and brought her inside, locking the door behind her.

  She glanced at the computer humming on his desk. “Did you leave that on?”

  “No.” He stepped closer and began a quick check of his programs. “Nothing’s been disturbed. Probably because it requires a password to open my files.”

  Emily glanced around uneasily. “Did you leave anything of value in the room?”

  “Nothing.” He walked to the window and looked out at the expanse of lawn and gardens, gilded by moonlight. “Whoever wants to get our attention has succeeded.”

  “Are you going to call down to the desk and report the break-in?”

  He shook his head and crossed to her, drawing her into his arms. “It would just be one more distraction.” The look in his eyes was pure danger, sending her heart into a tailspin. He lowered his head and poured all his feelings into a kiss that had her head spinning, her breath backing up in her throat. “And right now, Emily, you’re the only distraction I want.”

  Emily awoke to the creak of the elevator. Moments later she heard the slight rattle of the doorknob, and knew that someone was standing outside the room.

  “Jase.” Her voice was little more than a whisper, her hand on his arm the briefest of touches, but he was awake at once.

  He sat up and without a word started across the room. At the same moment they heard retreating footsteps, and the sound of the elevator descending.

  Jason picked up the phone and rang the desk. Because of the late hour it rang several times before it was answered.

  “Yes, Mr. Cooper?” The young woman’s voice sounded sleep-roughened.

  “Would you see who gets off the elevator, please?”

  “The elevator? Just a moment.” A few minutes later the voice was back, sounding much more alert. “I’m sorry, sir. The elevator is here on the main floor, but it’s empty.”

  “Do you have a security camera in the elevator?”

  “We do, sir.”

  “Would you check with your manager and see if I might be allowed to view the security tape tomorrow?”

  “Yes, sir. Is there anything else?”

  “No. Thank you.” He hung up the phone and returned to bed, drawing Emily close.

  Against his mouth she whispered, “I’m worried, Jase. Why would someone do this?”

  “Hard to say. To a twisted mind, it might be just a game.”

  “But someone’s going to a lot of trouble.”

  “Yeah. That’s what I’m thinking, too. This sort of thing has a way of turning deadly.”

  He felt her shiver and hated the fact that his words had added to her fears. Lowering his mouth to her temple, he began to brush soft, whispery kisses over her upturned face. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about tonight. My door is locked. The front desk has been alerted. And even our merry prankster has to sleep sometime.”

  He heard her sigh as she wrapped herself around him. For now, for this brief time, he would ease her worries the only way he could.

  Chapter 14

  “Look at that sunshine.” Dressed in Jason’s shirt, Emily was standing at the window of his hotel room, sipping coffee.

  “I’d rather look at you.” He walked up behind her and drew her close.

  She shivered as his hands brushed the underside of her breasts. Even that simple touch had heat pouring through her.

  “It’s going to be perfect weather for the last day of Bert’s tribute.”

  “The last day.” Jason shook his head. “I can’t believe I’ve been here a week.” He lowered his head to nuzzle her neck. “From the minute I drove into town, it was as though I’d never been gone.”

  “I felt that way when Dad got sick and I came home to help. I was sure I’d miss the excitement of the University Hospital. The morning rounds. The eager students. The comfort level of having other doctors around to assist whenever there was a crisis.”

  Jason’s hands stilled. He stepped aside to pour himself a cup of coffee. “Your grandmother mentioned one doctor in particular.”

  “David?” That had Emily turning to him with an arched brow. “Now why would she mention him?”

  “Knowing Mrs. B, it was probably calculated to see my reaction.”

  “Ah.” Emily sipped before asking, “And just what was your reaction?”

  “I was jealous as hell.”

  She couldn’t help grinning. “You were?”

  “Don’t look so smug, Dr. Brennan.”

  “It’s just nice to know that I caused you a moment’s concern.”

  “More than a moment.” He leaned against the windowsill and regarded her over the rim of his cup. “In all the years I’ve been gone, you were never far from my mind, Emily.”

  “Is that why you never bothered to write or call me?”

  He frowned into his cup. “I had my reasons.”

  They both looked over when the phone rang. Jason swore at the timing before picking it up. “Jason Cooper.” He paused, listened, before saying, “I’ll meet him in your office in an hour.”

  He replaced the receiver and turned to Emily. “The hotel security officer is on his way. He has to be present before I can be allowed to view the tape. I’d like you to come along. When we’ve finished, I’ll take you to breakfast. There’s something I need to tell you.”

  Emily shook her head. “I have to get to the clinic. My first appointment is in at nine.”

  “I’m sorry, Em.” He crossed the room and drew her close. Against her temple he muttered, “Can we get together before dinner?”

  “We can try. I asked Mel to schedule my last appointment no later than three, so that I’d have time to get ready for tonight.”

  “I’ll come by the clinic then.”

  She nodded and started toward the shower, then paused when she realized Jason was following.

  At her questioning look he merely smiled. “I just thought we could save time by showering together.”

  “Uh-huh. You know where that always leads.” But she offered no protest as she stripped off his shirt and stepped under the warm spray with him.

  Mel opened the door to the examining room. “That’s it. No more patients. Let’s get out of here before somebody shows up on
the doorstep.”

  With a laugh Emily nodded. “Good idea, Mel. Did Jason call?”

  “Twice. Once when you were with Mrs. Monroe. The other time when you were examining the Halleran baby. He said he’d try again later.”

  Emily brushed aside the twinge of frustration. There simply weren’t enough hours in the day. Especially a busy day like this. “Okay. I’ll see you in a couple of hours.”

  She finished her notes and closed the file folder with a sigh. She’d skipped lunch and worked non-stop through the day, hoping for some time to relax before facing the crowd expected for the banquet and fireworks that would officially close the festivities for her grandmother.

  She had thought the week-long activities would be a drain on Bert, but instead the old woman seemed energized by the return of so many of her former pupils. She had filled almost every hour of the past week meeting with them, getting to know their spouses and families, collecting addresses and phone numbers so that she could keep in touch in the years to come. If anything, she seemed to be walking with more spring in her step each day.

  Emily set aside the file and pressed a hand to the small of her back before heading toward the outer office. Maybe she was the one getting older. This week was beginning to take its toll on her, both physically and emotionally.

  She stopped in midstride when she realized she wasn’t alone.

  Albert Sneed stood by her desk, his hand wrapped in a bloody towel.

  “That’s a lot of blood, Albert. What happened?”

  He frowned. “Got careless. Was fixing a tread-mill over at the Y and it almost chewed off a finger.”

  “Why don’t you go in the examining room and I’ll take a look. If it’s too serious, I may have to send you to the University Hospital.”

  He paused to glance at the clock over her desk. “I’d rather you’d deal with it here, but I suppose you’ll be wanting to get ready for the big shindig in town.”

  “That’s all right, Albert. I always have time for an emergency. Now let’s take a look at that hand.”

  He stood aside and waited until she’d stepped inside before pulling the door closed.

  Seeing it she smiled. “There’s no need to close the door, Albert. With Mel gone, I’ll probably have to fetch sutures, not to mention an antibiotic, before we’re through.”