by Sandra Cox
Bella looked Jack up and down, enjoying the long, lean look of him. “Well, now, handsome, I’m sure if it comes from you I’ll truly appreciate it.”
Jack grinned, Maureen and Hank glared.
Bella hunched her shoulders, her palms up. “What? I’m speaking aesthetically of course.”
Maureen looked at Hank and shrugged. “She can’t help it, you know. Flirting is as natural to her as breathing.”
Hank merely grunted and forked scrambled eggs into his mouth.
Bella looked at Maureen and grinned. “You know I’m perfectly harmless, don’t you?”
Imitating Bella’s Southern drawl, Maureen responded, “If I thought anything else, I’d have to take off my amulet and beat the tar right out of you…sugar.”
Jack got up quickly from the table, coughing, and Hank bit down hard on his lips, his shoulders shaking.
Bella looked at the men for a moment then drawled, “Sorry to disappoint you boys but you aren’t going to witness any catfights or mud-wrestling this morning. Now where’s my present?”
“It’s coming,” Jack said from the stove.
He came back carrying a bowl filled with a steaming white substance that looked like hot cereal.
Bella clasped her hands to her heart. “Oh, you darling, darling boy. Grits.”
With a flourish, he sat them down in front of her.
Bella spooned them up like a cat eating cream. When she’d finished she pushed the bowl away, leaned back in her chair and sipped her coffee. She looked at Maureen. “Have you got your dress yet?”
“I was waiting for you.”
“Then let’s head into Madison.” Bella stood up.
“I’ll go get my purse.” Maureen pushed her chair back from the table.
Bella’s eyes opened wide. “You own a purse?”
A line of red crept up Maureen’s neck and settled in her face. She straightened her shoulders, threw out her chest and lifted her chin. “Yes.”
“That’s good, sugar. That’s real good. While you’re getting your purse, I’ll just go upstairs, grab mine and make a quick phone call.” She looked down at her bare feet. “I don’t suppose you wear size fives, do you?” Her lovely three-inch stilettos had disappeared somewhere in the fracas.
“Seven and a half but I’ve got some sandals you could probably get by with,” Maureen’s said her expression skeptical.
Bella heaved a deep sigh that caused her bosom to rise and fall. “Don’t expect us back until the mall closes, boys. We’ve got some serious shopping to do.”
Maureen looked alarmed.
Noticing her expression, Bella said, “Take it on the chin like a woman, sugar. We are looking for a wedding dress, accessories, maid of honor dress, clothes for yours truly and paint supplies.”
Jack bit back a grin. “Be brave, darling. I know it’s going to be a long, hard day but I’ll have a bubble bath waiting for you when you get back,” he consoled.
Maureen gave him a saucy grin. “And will you be in the tub with me?”
“Don’t say that in front of me,” Hank groaned.
As the lovebirds cooed to each other, Bella stopped beside Hank. “Looks like your little girl is growing up.”
“Tell me something I don’t already know.”
She studied him for a moment through narrowed eyes. “Only if you think you’re ready to hear it.” It was a gauntlet. One she had no business throwing down. But she just couldn’t seem to help herself.
He jerked his head up. His expression startled, his gray eyes searching and hot as molten lava.
She cleared her throat and prayed she wouldn’t do a meltdown from the heat. “See you when we get back, sugar.” As she swayed out of the room she could feel his gaze burning into her back, traveling over her. Her heart pounded in response but she kept her walk slow and casual until she left the kitchen. Reaching the stairs, she raced up them as if pursued by the hounds of hell.
She shut the bedroom door and leaned against it. Her eyes closed, her head against the door, she took a deep cleansing breath. It was just a game. The game between the sexes. She’d played it a million times before. Hank McHenry doesn’t play games. And he’s too fine a man for you to be turning your wiles on.
For the second time that morning, she blinked back tears. It was true. Hank McHenry didn’t play games and she wouldn’t hurt him by drawing him into her web like a spider after a fly. She sighed and picked up her phone. Too bad he’d already drawn her into his.
* * * * *
The prisoners were in the courtyard getting their exercise. The sky was as gray as their pallid complexions. Victor kept to himself as he always did. A god did not mix with mortals. He bit back a shriek of pain as his arm was nearly wrenched from its socket. “Let. Me. Go.” He punctuated each word. Such was his composure, the man standing behind him dropped his arm. Victor turned slowly, his expression ice.
The man called Striker took a step back. Seeing the other inmates watching, he clenched his fist and towered over Victor. “In exchange for me making sure you got preferential treatment, you promised you’d get me out of here,” he snarled.
“I will when Franky Disalvo’s people deliver. A man named Morelly owes him a favor. Once I get a certain item, I can get us both out of here. Until then there’s nothing I can do.” Victor’s eyes bored holes into the big man.
“A deal’s a deal. You find a way to deliver or you’re a dead man,” Striker spat.
Chapter Seven
With an expert twist, Maureen wheeled the SUV between two white painted lines in the mall parking lot, sandwiching the oversized vehicle between a truck and a sedan.
Her expression skeptical, Bella looked around. “I thought we were looking for your wedding dress first.”
Maureen raised her eyebrows. “Are you telling me we can’t find me a wedding dress here? This place is as large as a small country.”
Straightening her skirt, Bella responded. “I was thinking in terms of a boutique.”
Maureen heaved a sigh.
“Touch your amulet, sugar.”
“I wish you’d quit saying that.” Maureen scowled but did as she was told. “Inside this place is an art supply store, shoe stores too numerous to count, one or two boutiques and several department stores that carry bridal gowns.” The amethyst in the amulet removed the exasperation from her voice.
Bella shuddered. “I couldn’t live with myself if we got your dress at a department store.”
Maureen didn’t make the sarcastic remark, Bella expected. In fact, she’d be surprised if Maureen had heard her at all. Her friend was glancing in her rearview mirror. “What’s the matter, sugar?”
When Maureen didn’t answer, Bella repeated it, tension slithering up her spine like a snake wrapping its scaly body around her. “What’s wrong, sugar?” Her voice quiet, the quality of it broke through Maureen’s concentration.
Hunching her shoulders, Maureen grimaced. “Probably nothing.”
The constrictive feeling increased. “Probably?”
“My skin’s crawling.”
“Well, now there’s a lovely analogy,” Bella muttered. Though not much worse than thoughts of being squeezed by a cold-blooded reptile. She glanced around. “Did you notice anyone following us?”
“No.” Frustration laced Maureen’s voice. “It’s just a feeling.”
“You’re making me nervous,” Bella complained.
“Better nervous than whatever Victor might have in mind,” Maureen muttered, tension lines etching the corners of her mouth.
“You think it’s Victor too?”
“Yes,” Maureen said, her lips thin, her voice flat.
“Well, no one’s going to grab us in the middle of a mall.” Famous last words. “Let’s go.” Suiting action to words, she opened the car door but glanced carefully around as she did. She slammed the door, walked to the back of the car and waited for Maureen.
“How about we change our agenda and get the paints first so we can s
pend the rest of the time doing girlie shopping?” she asked as Maureen joined her.
“Oh boy,” Maureen said in a saccharin voice.
“How can a woman not enjoy shopping?” Bella shook her head, baffled.
“How can anyone with sense enjoy the crowds and taking on and off clothes when your time could be put to much better use?” Maureen retorted, scowling.
“I know one store you won’t mind going into.” Bella gave her friend a sly look.
“Oh really, what’s that?”
“One of those girlie stores you hate so much.” Bella smirked at her friend.
Maureen threw her an impatient look as they walked toward the mall entrance. “What are you talking about?”
Bella’s lips curved upward. “Victoria’s Secret.” She had the pleasure of seeing her friend’s face turn fire-engine red. Gleeful, unholy satisfaction filled her. It wasn’t every day the unflappable Maureen was put out of countenance.
“Oh, please.”
Bella patted her shoulder. “That’s okay, sugar, we all have our little vices. I’m just glad it’s not whips and chains.”
“What makes you think it’s not?” Maureen shot back as they stepped into the mall. She rubbed her arms as the cool air hit her.
Bella sidled up to her. “Oh, honey, do tell.”
Maureen took a step away. “Will you stop? I was just joking.”
“You are too easy to get a rise out of.” Bella placed an elegant hand over her mouth and yawned.
“Hardee, har.” Maureen pointed at the stairs. “I think the art and paint store is one floor down.” She took a quick glance around.
Bella did the same. “Do you recognize anyone?”
Maureen shook her head. “And I don’t have the feeling of someone staring at me anymore. Hell with it. Let’s just enjoy ourselves.”
“That sounds like a plan, sugar,” Bella said and linked her arm with Maureen’s. She clasped her purse and felt the cold steel of the derringer through the cloth. No one, but no one, was going to mess with her friend.
Bella bought her supplies and they hauled them back to the SUV. As they put them in the trunk, Maureen straightened and pivoted around on her heel, scanning the cars nearby.
“That feeling back again, sugar?” Bella asked, watching her.
“Yes,” Maureen’s said in a tense voice, her face tight her expression grim.
Bella leaned on the car, opened her purse and slipped her hand inside around the gun. “What say we move the car?”
“Hmm?” Maureen eyes flicked from car to car.
“Let’s move the car and see if we get any company.”
“Oh. Good idea.” Maureen hit the keyless entry with her thumb and got in.
Bella climbed into the passenger seat. As soon as she shut and locked the door, Bella pulled out her derringer.
As Maureen started the car, she glanced over. Her eyes widened. “Good god, you’re packing heat.”
“Can’t be too careful these days.” Bella settled into the seat but didn’t bother to clasp the seat belt.
Maureen started the motor. The car approaching stopped and signaled for her parking spot. She pulled out and eased along the lane, her eyes scanning the rearview mirror.
With a nonchalance she was far from feeling, Bella glanced around. The lot was full. Cars were pulling in and out, bumper to bumper. “You’d think it was the day before Christmas,” she drawled.
“Do you see anything?” Maureen asked as she pulled out of Lot C and headed for the lane that circled the mall. “Shall we drive to the back and see if anyone follows?”
“Good idea.”
As they drove around to the back of the mall three cars tailed them—a white compact, a blue minivan and a dark sedan.
They parked the SUV behind a large department store and watched the three vehicles.
The compact kept going. Two teenage girls were in it, chatting away.
The minivan parked in the row behind them. A couple with two young children got out and strolled to the back entrance.
A row over a couple with their arms around each other got out of the dark sedan. The woman had thick blonde hair and was hidden behind huge sunglasses, the man next to her was dressed in black and could have been anywhere in age from twenty-five to forty-five.
Bella stared at the woman. Something about her profile looked familiar. She frowned, trying to recall. She couldn’t place her. She gave a mental shrug. Oh well, if it was important it would come.
Maureen and Bella looked at each other. “What do you think?” Maureen asked.
“Let’s give it another five minutes.” Bella touched her amulet. Glancing over, she saw Maureen do the same.
Cars continued to come and go. One car with a male driver and no passengers pulled in next to them. The women tensed.
The driver got out and slammed his door. He glanced at Bella. His eyes widened. The man stumbled and dropped the car keys he’d been about to pocket. He straightened and reached in his jacket.
“Look out,” Maureen hissed.
He drew out a pencil and a piece of paper, wrote down a number and held it up to the window.
Smiling, Bella shook her head.
He shrugged and walked away, glancing occasionally over his shoulder.
Maureen stared. “Does this happen often?”
“Well, yes, sugar, pretty often.”
Maureen laughed. “I’ve been overreacting. Let’s go get my wedding dress.”
On an impulse, Bella leaned over and hugged her. “You’re getting married.”
Hugging her back, Maureen said, “I can’t believe it. I’ve got to be the luckiest woman in the world.”
“He’s a wonderful man. You could look the rest of your life and not do better than Jack Wolfe.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Maureen said, her smile like sunshine.
Bella smiled back and opened the door. “Let’s go get that dress.”
They nearly walked past the little boutique sandwiched between a candle shop and a sports store.
Bella stared through the glass front. The furnishings were simple but elegant. Good. She glanced at Maureen. Her friend gave her an “I told you so” smirk.
She straightened her shoulders and marched inside, a woman on a mission. Maureen trailed behind.
Bella looked through several racks. On the last rack, she found what she was looking for. It was an off-the-shoulder, white A-line, with a row of tiny crystal beads along the edge of the bodice. She turned to the clerk hovering nearby. “Do you have this in a four?”
The clerk went to the back of the store then came bustling back with the white satin dress in her arms. “Can I show you some veils to go with that?”
“Just a plain one, nothing fancy.” Maureen hunched her shoulders.
“No,” Bella said, studying the bride-to-be as if she were a painting.
“No?” the store clerk queried.
“No?” Maureen blinked.
“No. I want a simple circlet of white silk flowers.”
Still holding the dress, the clerk turned and studied Maureen. She nodded. “I think you are right.” She motioned in the direction of the fitting rooms. “If you’d like to try this on, ma’am, I’ll see what we’ve got.”
She came back a few minutes later carrying a circlet of white roses and daisies.
Bella nodded her approval. “That’s it.”
The clerk hurried toward the dressing room, her high heels sinking into the cream-colored carpet.
Nervous, Bella took a deep cleansing breath. She wanted everything to be perfect for her friend especially her dress. She began pulling out dresses, looking for bridesmaid apparel. Buried in the corner she found a violet-blue sheath. Perfect. She walked to the veil section and pulled out a violet-blue pillbox hat with a tiny veil.
“Ma’am.”
Bella turned, her dress in hand.
The clerk gave her a wide smile. “You chose wisely.” With a sweep of her hand, she stood
aside.
Eyes sparkling with happy stars, Maureen stepped forward. Her fiery red hair tumbled over her bare shoulders and glittered against the crystal beadwork along the bodice. The ring of delicate flowers sat on her head like nature’s crown.
Bella placed her hands over her heart as her breath lodged in her lungs. “Oh, my.” Her eyes welled as she looked at her friend. The dress fit Maureen’s tall, lithe body as if it had been made for her. “You look like Guinevere on her way to Camelot.” Shaking off the sentimental moment, she cleared her throat and turned to the clerk. “Shoes.”
“I was thinking…” Maureen began.
“You aren’t wearing lace tennis shoes,” Bella cut in ruthlessly. “We want white silk pumps,” she told the clerk.
“I was thinking sandals,” Maureen said before the clerk could hurry away.
Bella tapped a well-manicured nail against her lip. “Hmm.” She turned to the clerk. Do you have any clear, heeled sandals with rhinestones?”
“I’ve got one pair left. I believe it’s a seven and a half.” She looked at Maureen’s feet. “They should fit.”
The women grinned at each other in triumph.
The clerk disappeared and came back with the shoebox. Maureen tried them on. They fit perfectly.
While Maureen undressed, Bella tried on the street-length sheath. When she stepped out of the dressing room, Maureen looked at her and sighed. “Well, I can forget about all eyes being on the bride. You look like you are getting ready to step on the stars’ red carpet.”
“Don’t be silly.” Bella turned to the clerk. “Could you get me some shoes like hers only with blue rhinestones by next Saturday?”
“Let’s see if there’s any in the catalog.” The clerk hurried to the counter and began thumbing through it. She pointed triumphantly. “Here we go! What size?”
“Five. Can you have them delivered to me?”
“For an extra twenty-five dollars.”
“Done.”
As Bella walked back to the dressing room, she picked up a little clutch purse the exact shade of the gown. She changed quickly and they paid their bills.
