by Toni Leland
He made a U-turn and parked on the shoulder.
He only had to wait about thirty minutes before Leon’s truck moved into sight. Once the truck was well down the road, Dillon fell in behind him at a distance. He glanced at his watch. Seven fifteen. Unless the Pennsylvania destination was at the western border of the state, Leon couldn’t make it tonight. He’d have to stop somewhere. Dillon cursed having left his rig at the truck stop. It would be easier to stay with Leon as a trucker than as a motorist, but he’d have to make do. He had plenty of gas and, out of habit, never trusting the security of a motel room, he’d thrown his overnight bag and computer into the car.
Leon’s truck pulled into the truck stop again and Dillon frowned. The man clearly had no intention of trying to make his destination tonight. Dillon backed the car into a parking space on the passenger car side of the plaza, positioning himself to have a full view of both exits. He turned off the lights, but left the engine running, then sat back to wait. Again.
Chapter 28
Julia woke early the next morning, more tired than if she hadn’t slept at all, which wasn’t far from the truth. Her bad luck seemed to pile up like so much horse manure. Petty thieves would be responsible for uprooting her just when she’d settled into a comfortable existence, and her anxiety over the theft of the ID papers was growing like algae on a stagnant pond. No matter how much she tried to rationalize the event, regardless of Dillon’s reassurances about the chances of discovery, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was in new danger. And then, there was Dillon. Her immense disappointment over Dillon’s change in plans had taken her by surprise, sending off warning signals in her head. The euphoria of the Christmas holiday with him had faded with the gray, rainy trip back to Illinois. Who had she been kidding? It was what it was, and he’d been dutifully considerate of her situation. But apparently her confession had given him second thoughts—or so it seemed to her paranoid brain.
She scowled at her image in the mirror over the bathroom sink. Her hair had grown at least a half inch and now her dark roots formed a stripe at the part. The red had faded too. She shook her head. Time for another change. She dressed and headed down to the motel office to get a cup of coffee and call a cab.
Bud looked up from the counter as Julia stepped through the door.
His face lit up. “Hey, you’re back!”
“How are ya, Bud? Did you have a nice Christmas?”
“It was great, my grandkids are spoiled rotten, but that’s what grandpas are for, huh?”
Julia laughed. “That’s certainly what I thought when I was a kid. Whatcha doin’?”
Bud grimaced. “Friggin’ paperwork.”
Julia licked her lips. “Say, you happen to know when Ace Anderson might be back through here?”
“He called this morning wanting to know if you were around. He left a number for you to call.”
Julia gazed at Bud’s scrawl, anticipation lightening her mood. “Thanks. Any chance I can use the truck to run up to Casey’s?”
“Sure, knock yerself out. It needs gas, though.” He cocked his head. “You have a nice time at your sister’s?”
“Huh?” Caught off guard, Julia hesitated then recovered. “Oh, yeah, really wonderful.” She tossed him a little wave. “See you later. Thanks again.”
The cab of the old truck was freezing and Julia rubbed her bare hands together. In the quick retreat from her apartment the day before, she’d left her gloves and hat on the bed. While the engine coughed and rumbled to a grudging start, she thought about her fumble with Bud. Lies, lies, lies. They were driving her crazy. She couldn’t even remember what she’d told to whom. With the new twist in her fate, she needed to be even more conscientious about maintaining her identity. No more goofs, no more confessions. Get it right this time.
Fifteen minutes later, she pulled up in front of her apartment. Her heart thumped against her ribs and she admonished herself. Dillon was right. Thieves looking for a quick grab wouldn’t come back. She was in no danger from them. She stood in front of the door, key poised, trying to convince herself she had nothing to worry about. Taking a deep breath, she entered the dowdy place she’d called home for the past few months. It was exactly as they’d left it the night before. She glanced at the bare spot in the dust on the table where the VCR and TV had been. An unpleasant feeling came over her, one of violation. Though only material things had been taken, her personal space had been invaded and it bothered her more than she could have imagined. She gazed around the room. The forlorn little evergreen still leaned against the wall in the corner. Did she want to stay here at all? Even one or two more nights? How soon could she find another apartment? With a deep sigh, she picked up her gloves and hat from the bed and started for the door, then stopped. She should check on the diamonds just to reassure herself. If they were gone, she was in deep trouble.
Whispering a little prayer, she pulled out the oatmeal carton and set it on the kitchenette counter. She found a large plastic bowl and dumped the oatmeal out. Her breath whooshed away in relief as a plastic bag fell into the bowl. She picked it up and held it under the light. The brilliant glitter of the stones reflected off one another. This was her future, her security. She could only rely on herself from now on, as she should have done from the beginning. No, farther back than that. She should have heeded the warning signs in her gut when she became involved with Stephen. Deep down, she’d known there was something about him that boded no good, but starry-eyed with the idea of romance and happily-ever-after, she’d pushed the pesky feelings aside.
“I guarantee that will never happen again!”
She dropped the bag of diamonds back into the carton and dumped the cereal on top. Allowing herself a wistful moment, she thought about her brief time with Dillon, then straightened her shoulders and left the apartment. She had a lot to accomplish before the new year arrived.
Back in the truck, she remembered Ace Anderson and picked up her phone. He answered on the first ring.
“Hey, beautiful, got time for dinner?”
“Ace, you know how I feel about this. Strictly business. Do you have the ID?”
“Yeah, but you gotta meet me somewhere to get it. So, why not dinner?”
Julia fought the urge to snarl. “I have other plans. Where are you? Can we meet this morning?”
“I’m in St. Lou. I’ll see you at the tavern at one.”
“I’ll be there.”
She hung up the phone and shuddered. The man absolutely made her skin crawl. Then she laughed. He had to be that kind of person to be involved with illegal stuff. She checked her watch. She had four hours before she was supposed to meet him. More than enough time to go to Casey’s.
Though the weather was dry, the landscape was still dreary. Julia shook her head as she headed down the road toward the farm. She simply couldn’t get used to all those bare trees, and no evergreens. As usual, the thought of a different landscape sent a stab of melancholy running through her chest. As the months passed, it had become more clear that she’d never see her home state or horses again.
“Oh, nuts. That magazine subscription was a complete waste of money.”
Defeat overwhelmed her. Under the circumstances, she couldn’t have her mail forwarded, so she’d have to start over again. As she pulled through the gate to Casey’s, Julia realized she simply had to leave Coquette behind—forget her and hope that wherever she ended up, they would love her dearly.
Casey was walking toward the truck, a big smile on her face. The terriers danced and yapped, and Julia’s mood lightened. Several curious horses gathered at the fence, checking out the visitor.
Casey gave her a big hug. “Sure glad to see you back. That ol’ Thoroughbred has been missing you.”
“Really? He likes me?”
They headed toward the barn, and Casey laughed, her cigarette cough getting the best of her for a minute.
“Animals bond with humans they trust, and he hasn’t been interested in any of us until you cam
e along. Now you have a responsibility to him. You’re his angel.”
Julia felt her face crumple. She couldn’t abandon another horse.
Casey eyes widened. “Oh honey, what’s wrong? What’d I say?”
Julia blinked away the threatening moisture and her voice caught. “Nothing, really. I’ve just had a rough couple of days.”
“Come on in the house and tell me about it.”
Casey’s kitchen was warm and inviting, and Julia thought how much she liked this no-nonsense, but kind woman. Casey set two mugs of coffee on the table, then sat down and crossed her arms.
“So what’s going on?”
“Someone broke into my apartment while I was away.” She shuddered. “What an awful feeling!”
“Did they clean you out?”
“I don’t have much, but they got my TV and VCR. Mostly, it’s scary knowing someone was in there.”
Casey leaned forward, her eyebrows knitting. “You afraid to go back there?”
Julia nodded, feeling a little foolish. After all, this woman didn’t know the real story, but she sensed Julia’s fear.
“Actually, yes I am. I’m thinking about finding another place as soon as possible.”
Casey reached across the table and touched Julia’s hand. “Listen, you can stay here for as long as you want. I have a spare room.” She smiled shyly. “An’ I’d love to have the company.”
Julia thought for a moment. It would be perfect, as long as Bud would let her have the truck for transportation until she could get her own car. It would also give her time to find another apartment without being a nervous wreck the whole time. She still didn’t understand why she felt unsafe in the apartment, but she was not going to ignore her instincts this time.
“That would be wonderful. Are you sure it isn’t any trouble?”
Casey laughed. “You kiddin’? How could having someone to talk to and work with the horses be a problem?” She lowered her lids halfway and smiled mischievously. “You gonna bring that hunk with you?”
Julia grinned and shook her head. “Casey, you are incorrigible. The hunk isn’t part of the package.”
Casey stood up, a mock frown bringing down the corners of her mouth. “Now don’t go usin’ a bunch of fifty-cent words on me. We don’t put on no airs around here.” She grinned and turned toward the back door. “I still think he’d pretty up the place, but suit yourself.”
Julia smiled, following her friend across the driveway toward the barn. Yes, Dillon was easy on the eyes, but it was unlikely he was going to be part of the latest installment in her soap opera.
A long, loud whinny echoed through the barn and Julia stopped to stare at the charming dark brown horse bobbing his head and looking directly at her. Oh, what the heck—I need him as much as he needs me.
Casey held out a lead rope. “You can take him out to the round pen and walk him a little. The vet checked the leg a couple days ago, says he’s just about mended. No riders yet, but he should be able to be turned out by next week.”
Julia took the rope and walked over to the horse’s stall. His eyes were bright and he nickered softly as she approached, sending a wave of tenderness through her heart. She entered the stall and stroked his neck. He stood quietly while she snapped the lead shank to the ring on the side of his halter. She stepped back and looked him over. His coat was almost black, with warm brown undertones, and a white stocking covered one hind leg from the fetlock to just below the hock. His eyes were dark and set perfectly on his head, and his nostrils were large. She brushed his forelock aside and gazed at the small white mark on his forehead. It looked exactly like a three pointed crown. She smoothed his mane down along the crest of his neck, running her hand over his withers and along his back. He was muscular and beautifully built, a natural athlete, perhaps even a racehorse. Maybe a jumper. Why would anyone treat him so badly?
He chuckled deep in his throat and pawed the ground impatiently.
“Okay, okay, don’t get your knickers in knot!”
She pushed open the stall door and led him out into the barn aisle. Immediately, several other horses called out and the Thoroughbred replied, tossing his head and prancing a little.
Casey looked up from her sweeping and grinned. “He thinks he’s the boss around here, really lords it over the others.”
Julia looked up at the handsome head, held so high and proud, marked by the sign of royalty. “You are a true blue-blood, aren’t you?”
The horse bobbed his head vigorously, and both Casey and Julia laughed out loud.
“What’s his name?”
“Damned if I know. We don’t usually get anything but the horse.”
Julia turned to him. “Well, from now on, I’m going to call you King.”
As she walked him toward the back door, a sense of peace settled in. Her own horses had been her salvation and, though it had been painful to leave them behind, perhaps she could return the favor to these less fortunate animals in need.
Chapter 29
At exactly one o’clock, Julia walked through the door into the smoky tavern. Ace was sitting at the bar, a half-finished pint of beer in front of him. Julia composed her expression and slid onto the stool beside him. His flushed face and glittering eyes gave her the willies.
He leaned close, gracing her with his sour breath. “You look fabulous, y’know that?”
“Just as long as I look like the picture on the driver’s license.” She glanced at the woman behind the bar, drying glasses and pretending not to listen. “Let’s sit in a booth.”
She slid off the stool and walked to the back of the room to the same booth they’d occupied at their first meeting. Ace slumped into the seat. How long had he been drinking beer? From the glazed look in his eyes, longer than he should have.
Julia sat back and crossed her arms over her chest. “Let me see it.”
“Lemme see the money.”
She considered him for a moment, then removed the envelope from her backpack and opened it so the bills showed. He nodded, then checked one of his shirt pockets. Confusion wrinkled his brow as he checked it again. Julia’s pulse jerked. Had he lost her papers? He checked the other pocket, then shook his head and stood up.
“I coulda swore I brought it in with me.” Another check of all pockets turned up nothing. “Mus’ be in the truck. Back in a minute.”
He swayed all the way to the front door, leaving it open as he stepped outside. The bartender slammed a mug down on the counter and threw the dishtowel down. “Heat the outdoors, why don’tcha? I hate it when he shows up.” She strode out from behind the bar and closed the door, then tossed an apologetic smile toward Julia. “Sorry.”
“Don’t apologize, he’s pretty smashed. Hope he’s not gonna get on the freeway any time soon.”
“Nah, he’ll hang around here until the afternoon waitress shows up. They’ve got a thing goin’. Why she puts up with him, I’ll—”
The door opened and Ace stumbled back in, this time kicking the door closed with his heavy boot. He tossed an envelope on the table in front of Julia, then dropped into the seat, making the table shake.
She picked up the envelope and pulled out the new driver’s license. It was perfect. Hologram, state seal, all her physical statistics, and the picture was even better than she remembered. She held the card, rubbing her thumb across the smooth surface, feeling the power of finally being a legitimate human being again. Well, almost. She set the license aside and looked at the birth certificate. Unless she was missing something obvious, it looked as real as the one she’d just lost in the robbery.
She looked up at Ace and nodded. “These look great.” She slid the envelope of money across the table. “It’s all there, but you should count it before I leave.”
His stumpy fingers fumbled through the bills, then he looked up and frowned. “Yer five hunderd short.”
Julia narrowed her eyes. “We agreed on two grand. That’s what you’ve got.”
He shook his head. “N
o, I dishtinkly remember saying twenny-five hunderd. An’ I had the guy rush this as a favor to you.”
Julia stood up. “I didn’t ask for favors, and two thousand is all you get.”
Ace sat back in the seat, a nasty expression making him look even more repulsive. “I know people who pay for information on who buys illegal ID.”
A cold lump formed in Julia’s chest. Consort with criminals and expect nothing less than this. Most of Ace’s posturing was the beer talking, but she couldn’t be sure. Did this mean she’d have to leave the area completely? Quit her job, move to a different town? An inner sigh moved through her head. How would this be any more difficult than what she’d already gone through?
Her tone was cold. “Knock yourself out.” She leveled a hard look at the guy. “Just remember, I have friends too, people who’d love to know who deals in counterfeit documents.”
She turned on her heel and strode toward the door, already making plans for the next change in her life.
The engine stalled, then started, and she shivered not from the cold, but from the sudden rush of adrenaline that overtook her. She pulled out of the parking lot and headed back to her apartment to pack. She’d need to give notice to the landlord, and have the electricity shut off, and… Her mood tanked. Every move she made was another flag, another piece of traceable information that could lead to her discovery. Much as she hated the idea, she was just going to move out and leave someone else to worry about it.
Dillon rubbed his eyes, grainy from lack of sleep. He’d kept the vigil all night so as not to miss Leon, who had finally left the truck plaza around four in the morning. Traffic had been horrible going through Indianapolis and, at one point, Dillon had lost sight of the truck during a road construction delay. He’d almost abandoned the chase, but then spotted Leon again on a detour road just past the main jam-up.
