Tularosa Moon

by Stacey Coverstone

  While skimming the guest registration information, she also noticed the Tammen family was checking out this afternoon, as well as Richard and Nelda Caldwell. What would happen if Ella were unable to handle the checkouts? Perhaps she could do it for her. She’d handled credit cards and receipts at the dry cleaning store.

  Lindy went upstairs to change into clean clothes and prepare for the morning massage. Once she was set up, she tiptoed down the hall to Ella’s room and listened at the wood. There were no sounds leaking under the door. Not wanting to disturb her, she decided to wait and see if Ella came out of her room later.

  Still trying to keep from thinking about Cole and how he made her feel, she went back to her room and flipped on the television. She could channel surf and numb her brain while waiting for her appointment.

  When she pointed the remote at the television, Lindy groaned as different shows flashed across the screen. Couples were on all the channels. One was a commercial about a popular matchmaking agency. Another was a soap opera where a man and woman were falling into bed together. A third advertisement promised a lubricant that enhanced sexual intimacy. And finally, she rolled her eyes when a commercial for a jewelry store came on in which a young man whips out a huge diamond and proposes to his girlfriend in a park with a dog looking on.

  “Come ooon,” Lindy complained, clicking the television off and tossing the remote onto the bed. Downstairs, she heard the front door open. “Must be my client,” she said, thankful for the distraction that her hands on someone’s body—other than Cole’s—would provide for the next hour.

  ****

  Skin was closing in on the Arizona line when he pulled into a gas station off the beaten path and filled up. Halfway to his destination, it was nine a.m. and he was making excellent time. Like a robot, he’d driven through the night without so much as bobbing his head, let alone stopping to rest.

  He associated his mission of tracking down Joy Elliott and killing her to that of a coon dog on the trail of a rabbit. There were two characteristics that both he and the coon dog had in common: tremendously enjoying the hunt, and persisting until the deed was done.

  Glancing at his watch, he wondered how long it had taken for the guards back at the prison to realize he’d escaped. Once they had, who had gotten reprimanded and how much hell had the governor of the state given the warden? He’d listened to the radio all night, switching between news channels, but he hadn’t heard anything about his break out.

  On one hand, relief set in at hearing nothing in the broadcasts about him. He’d be easy to spot if there was a picture of him flashed across television screens. On the other hand, Skin was pissed that he hadn’t made the airwaves yet. Who in the history of the California State prison had pulled off such an escape? No one! The news of his extraordinary feat should have been in the headlines by now. His blood boiled at the thought of being disrespected and ignored.

  The old man at the counter of the small convenience store stared when Skin stepped inside to pay for the gas. Hurriedly, Skin scooped up some candy bars, soda, and a bag of chips for the road and dumped them on the counter. Stacks of today’s paper sat on the counter. Skin opened one up. There was nothing on the front page about his exodus.

  His gaze met that of the old man’s. “Where you headed?” the man asked, as he slowly rang up the items on the cash register.

  Skin slapped his money on the counter and growled. “None of your business. Hurry up. I’m in a rush.”

  “Yes, sir,” the old man said, frowning, and handing Skin a receipt. “Would you like a bag for that stuff?”

  Skin snatched the snacks into his hands and strode out of the store without a backward glance. He checked the map lying on the passenger seat and then gunned the car and sped out of the parking lot. As he tooled down the road chugging the soda, he daydreamed about what Joy’s reaction was going to be when they met again.

  Thanks to Magick, Skin had detailed directions to the ranch called the Painted Pony, located outside a small village called Tularosa. And he also had confirmation that Joy was working at the ranch as a masseuse and housekeeper. Granted, she was now a brunette with long hair, and she was currently going by the name of Lindy Grainger. But she was the same woman who’d offended her race by mixing with black, Asian and Latino drug addicts.

  Joy Elliott. His prey. The woman who would pay with her life for daring to testify against him.

  Skin crossed into Arizona and gripped the steering wheel tight. Pretending it was her neck stirred him to arousal. But sex was not what he was interested in. He had no intention of getting that close to her. After all, she’d contaminated herself by consorting with non-whites. His goal was simply to get her alone, make sure she knew who her killer was, and assassinate her. One bullet, point blank should do the job.

  He smiled and ripped open the bag of chips. Piece of cake.

  Twenty-Seven

  As soon as Lindy escorted Phil Davis to the front door, the telephone in Ella’s office began ringing. “I’m glad you enjoyed the massage, Mr. Davis,” Lindy said, pocketing her tip and seeing him out. As the only person in headquarters at the moment, she rushed to answer the phone. Luz had left to buy groceries in town, and Ella hadn’t come out of her room all morning.

  After jotting down a message from the caller, Lindy stepped into the hall to find Ella slowly maneuvering herself down the staircase. “Let me help you,” she said, rushing to grab Ella’s hand when she teetered and grasped at the banister.

  “Thank you, Lindy. But don’t get too close. I’d hate for you to catch this stinkin’ bug.” At the bottom of the stairs, she said, “Some of the guests will be checking out soon. I came to show you how to do that, if you don’t mind. I shouldn’t be around anyone today.”

  “I don’t mind at all,” Lindy said, pleased that Ella trusted her enough to handle the departing guests’ payments. But why not ask her son? “Are you sure you don’t want Cole to come up and check them out?” she inquired. “He’s working at the cabin today.”

  “I’d rather have him finish up that cabin. You can do it.”

  “All right. I’m glad to help. By the way, how is your friend, Gus?”

  “He’s going to need a stent, but the doctor gives him a good prognosis.”

  “That’s good news. I’m sure your friend, Betty, was grateful to have you with her last night.” Lindy followed Ella into the office and gave her the message she’d just taken. It didn’t take long for Ella to show her how to handle credit card transactions.

  “Please apologize to my guests for my not saying goodbye personally,” Ella said, exiting the office and shuffling toward the stairs. Her eyelids drooped and her face was so pale, it looked like her suntan had been sucked out of it.

  “I will. They’ll understand,” Lindy assured.

  Ella grabbed onto the banister and began to haul herself back up the stairs. “Can I bring you some soup, or hot tea, or 7-Up?” Lindy asked, putting her hand on the small of Ella’s back and trailing her upstairs to make sure she didn’t fall.

  “Maybe later. Thanks for the offer.” Ella opened her bedroom door and then turned. “Did you and Cole have a nice time on your drive last night?” Despite being sick as a dog, her sense of humor was still intact. Her eyes twinkled with as much mischief as she could apparently muster in her weakened state.

  “Yes,” Lindy said, feeling a blush creep into her cheeks.

  “I’m glad to hear it.” Ella winked. “I think you and my son make a fine pair. I had a good feeling about you and him the moment we met.”

  Lindy jolted, taken aback by her honesty. “You did?”

  Ella nodded and smiled. “Cole has come alive again, and it’s because of you. His eyes are bright once more. His big grin has returned. It does my heart well to have the man he used to be back with us.”

  Lindy lowered her gaze, wishing Ella would stop. She’d despise her if she found out Lindy was about to break her boy’s heart—just like Jordan and Rachel had. Not only was guilt
eating her up, but melancholy was about to set in as well. This was exactly the reason she hadn’t allowed herself to get close to anyone in the past.

  “Cole was upset that I’d hired you sight unseen and with only one reference,” Ella continued. “But I’ll eat my hat if he’s not glad I did. I have a sixth sense about these things.”

  Smiling politely, Lindy said, “So you’re pleased with my performance so far?”

  “Yes, honey. Hiring you was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. You feel like family already.” She winked again. “And something tells me you’ve been sorely lacking in that department.”

  For the second time, Lindy was flabbergasted. She felt her jaw slacken. How could Ella possibly know about her situation? Did she give off some kind of I’m alone in the world vibe?

  “Thanks for handling supper last night,” Ella said, changing the subject. “Luz is back to her efficient perky self and will take care of things tonight.” Before ending the conversation, she added, “Go wash my germs off your hands. I don’t want you and Cole sick, too.” With that, she bid Lindy a good afternoon and closed her door.

  After the Tanner family and Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell had checked out, Lindy gathered together the cleaning supplies, fresh towels and linens, and bottles of water and soda. She placed them into a three-wheeler cart and started down the hill pulling the cart behind her. She began with the cabin that had been occupied by the married couple. When she was finished inside and had swept the front porch with a broom, she wheeled the cart past the cabin Cole and his men were working on, on her way to the little red schoolhouse.

  As luck would have it, Cole exited the front door of the cabin as she was hurrying by, hoping to remain unnoticed.

  “Hey, Lindy!” As he sauntered toward her, he removed the work gloves he was wearing. His hands spanned her waist and then slid up her arms, causing her skin to prickle with gooseflesh. “I’m glad you stopped by.”

  “Hi, Cole.” Torn in two by conflicting emotions, Lindy could not deny the sensations he stirred in her. She met his lips when he zeroed in for a light kiss.

  “Did some guests leave?” he asked, noticing her supplies.

  “Yes. The Caldwells checked out, as well as the Tammen family. I’m on my way to the schoolhouse to clean. According to the reservation book, new guests will be checking in tomorrow. Your mom is booked solid for the next seven weeks.”

  “That’s excellent. Speaking of Mom, have you seen her today?”

  “She’s sick with the flu and has been in bed most of the day.”

  Cole’s eyebrows winged downward. “I had no idea. I haven’t been to the house and didn’t even stop for lunch. Does she need anything?”

  “Luz has made some soup for her, and I handled the payments when the guests checked out.”

  He appeared surprised at that disclosure. But as quickly as she thought she’d seen a question forming in his mind, it was replaced by one of his friendly grins.

  “I hate to run, but I hear a dirty toilet calling my name,” Lindy teased, feeling the need to leave before he tried to kiss her again.

  “Lucky you.” Cole slipped his gloves back on. “I’ll come to the house when I’m done here. I’d like to take you to supper tonight. There’s a great Mexican restaurant on the highway, and it’s not far from my place.” His eyebrows wiggled comically, hinting at his real invitation.

  As much as she wanted to accept both of his offers, Lindy knew that delaying the inevitable would only cause his wounds to fester later. Hers too.

  “I promised Luz I’d help her clean up after supper,” she fibbed, “and I’m really supposed to be eating most of my meals with the guests.” That part was true, and he knew it.

  The look of disappointment that crossed his handsome face caused her heart to stop beating for a second.

  “I understand,” he said. “Maybe I’ll eat with you and the guests tonight, too.” When she didn’t respond, he angled his head. “Okay then. Either way, I’ll see you later. Right?”

  “Right.” She waved and took up the cart and began her trek to the creek. Not daring to turn around to see if he was staring after her, she tried to swallow past the tightness in her throat. “Why did this wonderful man come into my life now?” she complained, while dragging the cart over the footbridge and through the grass to the schoolhouse. “I can’t offer him another night together, let alone a life.”

  As she stepped through the unlocked door of the schoolhouse, Lindy sensed someone watching her. She swung around wondering if Cole had followed her. Or maybe it was Hunter or another guest. She sent her gaze flying in all directions and saw no one on the other side of the creek.

  The sound of hammering and sawing going on in the cabin behind the stand of cottonwood trees reassured her that Cole was nearby. But she’d grown accustomed to protecting herself and being on the lookout at all times—a habit she could never break.

  As she rolled the cart inside the building, a rustling in the trees caused her to stop dead in her tracks. She scanned the area again, with her heart thumping in her chest and her mind screaming out a warning that something, or someone, was out there in the foliage. She hurriedly slammed shut the door, more forcefully than she intended, and bolted the lock.

  “Don’t panic,” she said aloud, feeling her heart skate across her chest. “It was probably the breeze, or a deer.” It was a stifling hot day with no breeze, so that possibility was out. But a deer…the noise definitely could have been a deer, she decided.

  As she went about her cleaning duties, she could not shake the feeling that eyes were following her through the house. The hair bristled on the back of her neck when something moved past one of the windows. Had it been a shadow caused by a cloud drifting across the sun? Or something else? Even imagining a deer close by was unsettling to a city girl like her.

  Lindy froze and clutched the mop in her hand, feeling her muscles tense and bunch. There had been moments when she’d wished she carried a cell phone—and this was another one of them. One call to Cole and he’d be here in a split second. But she didn’t have a cell phone, and there was no way he’d hear her scream above the construction noise—if she had to scream.

  She reached for calm and stood rooted to her spot until the eerie feeling passed. Hurriedly, she finished stocking the mini fridge and the bathroom shelves with towels and then exited the schoolhouse with a bottle of dusting spray in her hand. Her finger was poised on the button, just in case. The aerosol would act the same as Mace if sprayed in someone’s eyes, giving her the chance to run.

  If Cole, or anyone else, saw her waving the can back and forth in the air as she maniacally hauled the cart toward the bridge, they’d think she was deranged. She was perspiring, and her legs felt like soft butter when she reached the other side.

  Although she felt safer on this side of the creek, the creepy sensation remained. She took a shortcut past the barn and donkey pen, but was too distracted to acknowledge Butch and Sundance when they stood on their little hind legs and pawed at the fence. She stole another glance over her shoulder. Although she felt she was getting worked up over nothing, the thicket of trees along the creek seemed threatening, and she moved faster up the hill to headquarters.

  Bursting through the door, she panted heavily, “Luz, where is everyone?”

  Luz poked her head out from behind the kitchen counter. “The boys took Mr. Davis, Hunter, and the three ladies on an afternoon trail ride. Those folks can’t get enough horseback riding.”

  “Oh. And how is Ella?”

  “I took her soup. She’s napping now. Are you okay, Miss Lindy?”

  Lindy realized her voice had squeaked out an octave higher than normal. She willed her pulse to slow down. “Yes, I’m fine. I’m going to put away the cleaning supplies and rest in my room for a while. Let me know if I’m needed down here.”

  “Will do.”

  After she’d locked the supplies in the closet and tossed the dirty towels in the washing machine and started it,
Lindy stepped into Ella’s office and sat at her desk. The needling under her skin refused to go away. Could she be in danger? Were Skin’s people on her trail again? Or was she imagining peril where there was none?

  Needing to hear Griffin’s voice and his assurance that she was still safe, she picked up the phone and made the usual collect call to his number. When his voice mail message immediately came on, Lindy struggled to keep her cool. In all the years he’d been the federal marshal on her case, Griffin had never not answered his phone when she’d called, except once when his young son had gotten a hold of the cell phone and dropped it into the toilet.

  “Where are you, Griffin?” she asked, hanging up the phone. It was too dangerous to leave a message. She’d try him again later. A niggling voice inside urged her to go upstairs and turn on the news.

  As she flipped between channels, Lindy held her breath. What if Steven Neal had escaped? That had been her biggest fear all these years. It was always in the back of her mind. His gang members had failed, twice, to capture her after his incarceration. But he’d threatened her himself, the day he’d been sentenced and taken to prison. She had no doubt he intended to keep his word, if he ever found his way out of the California State prison.

  Griffin promised her that was never going to happen. The murderer who went by the name of Skin wasn’t smart enough to break out and not get caught, Griffin had said. But what if Griffin was wrong?

  Lindy spent a few minutes listening to each of the news channels. Relief spread through her torso when there was no news about a prison breakout in Sacramento. She clicked the television off and stretched her frame out on the bed with one question still nagging her.

  Where was Griffin?

  Twenty-Eight

  Lindy finished setting the dining table with baskets of bread and condiments at the same time Dalton stepped through the front door. He said, “Howdy,” and slung his cowboy hat onto the chest that sat in front of the window next to the fireplace.