She murmured. "We would have."
He could feel her eyelashes brush against his chest. "Is it too late?" he asked.
"I'm not over the hill yet." She punched him.
"So there's a chance?" He smiled when she nodded. He wondered the odds but wouldn't spoil the moment by asking.
A sharp, short rap came from below them. Reflexively, Nate jerked upright. Any little noise spooked him these days, but that one sounded like someone's knuckle hitting hardwood. He wasn't expecting anyone. His first instinct was to grab his firearm, but refrained from doing so for the moment. If he hadn't already, he didn't want to unnecessarily alarm Asia. Only God knew what damage she would inflict on herself if she became reckless.
"What is it?" she asked, pressing herself hard against him.
He cocked an ear toward the open doorway. "I thought I heard something. Probably the house shifting."
Asia listened along with Nate. When a squeaking noise came from downstairs, she said, “The kitchen door squeaks when it opens.”
He threw back the covers and took hold of his gun beneath the pillow. "Lock the bedroom door after me."
She nodded. "Get some clothes on."
"Hello?" a male voice called from the first floor, the sound coming up through the register vent in the hallway. "Anybody home?"
Nate recognized the voice and jumped from bed. "I'll be right down, Chief," he yelled as he threw on jeans and shirt.
Asia giggled. "Doesn't that bring back memories?"
"Yeah." He yanked on his boots, studying her. Now that she knew who was downstairs, she relaxed.
"Remember the time your father came home early from his shift and almost caught us in his water bed." She laughed. "I nearly broke my neck climbing out the upstairs window and down the sycamore."
He brushed a kiss across her lips. "We were hardly teenagers at the time."
She sat up and ran a hand through her hair. "And we're way past young adults now, yet here you are, all worried and embarrassed."
"Am not."
"Are too." She smiled. "But you're lucky. I don't happen to mind."
"That's good, because I have a feeling we'll share more of these times." He buckled his belt. "Stay put."
Nate found Carter sitting at the kitchen table, mukluks on the mat at the door and his balaclava warming his knee, hair as unruly as always. He knew by the rigid set of the Chief's jaw that he'd learned something, something Nate wouldn't like hearing.
"Coffee?" Nate pointed to the thermos Madge had brought with their breakfast.
"Wouldn't mind some, if you got extra."
Nate poured two cups, kept one for himself and handed the other to Carter. "What've we got?" he asked, unable to wait out the inscrutable silence Carter seemed to cherish in situations like those. He'd never determined whether the Chief was building suspense, or building courage.
"The lab analysis came back. Nothing we didn't expect. It's Bobby's blood."
"I wanted a different result. Hopeful thinking, I suppose." Nate shook his head. "Money hungry scum. He knew as her next-of-kin, he stood to inherit everything, if she didn't make provisions otherwise."
"Has she?"
Nate cocked a brow. "I don't know. Maybe not." He shrugged. "I won't ask. She might get the wrong idea. Think he's still in town?"
"If he isn't, he'll be back."
It occurred to Nate he hadn't heard the Chief arrive. Snow machines were noisy. If Asia was that much of a distraction for him, perhaps he should think about back-up.
"How're the roads? Still closed?" Nate asked.
"The plows have been out for the last couple of hours. How'd you think I got here?" Carter drew his bushy eyebrows together. "What you been doing that you didn't hear the racket?" Then as though he experienced an epiphany and understood the reason for Nate's preoccupation, he held a hand in the air. "I don’t need to know. Nate, if what I think happened, happened, are you able to stay objective?"
"I won't let anything happen to her, Chief."
"It isn't Asia's well-being that troubles me. I know you'll keep her safe, no matter what it takes. I'd hate to lose my replacement. Sean-Michael will be senior man then and you know how I feel about him. Tell me I shouldn't worry."
"I can handle the job, Carter." He could virtually see the Chief's brain dissecting Nate's statement. The Chief needed to hear the words.
"Don't worry," Nate said, remembering the conversation he’d had with a police officer on the Portland PD. O’Connell said Bobby supported his drug habit by robbing Mom and Pop convenience stores and twenty-four hour gas stations and he was always their first stop after a break-in or burglary.
Carter let out a deep breath. “I put out the word that Bobby’s back in town and to notify us if anyone spots him or has a lead on his whereabouts. The town folk know not to approach him. I made it clear that anyone would be an enemy to Bobby's drug-induced mind and everyone would be a source of revenue to feed his habit. No one in the Grove is safe until he’s behind bars again. Hopefully, for a long, long time.”
“Amen to that. Bobby will react like a rattler if caught in a situation he can't see a way out of. If he needs a fix, he’ll be all that much more dangerous, striking without a moment's hesitation.”
"I made that clear, as well."
Nate nodded. Of course, he would. Carter was nothing if not professional and fastidious in every undertaking.
"Bobby will make another move on Asia the moment he can crawl from his hiding hole," Carter said.
“I’m ready for him,” Nate said, thinking Carter was right. Bobby couldn't stay in hiding forever.
The Grove PD didn't get to work many crimes. Definitely nothing like attempted murder. The citizens were peaceful people, rich on community, sharing and love. They had a few bad seeds, but they'd either sown their oats and settled into a quiet life or taken up residence elsewhere to continue their wayward life, like Bobby McDevitt. Folks had believed the Grove had seen the last of him and his philandering ways when he fled town after Donna Rice accused him of rape.
"When do you plan on telling her?" Carter asked.
"She already suspects he attacked her. I'd like to hold off telling her. She's still shaky."
"Don't wait too long. She needs to know asap."
"I hear you." Nate dreaded giving Asia the news. It would devastate her knowing for sure her brother tried to kill her. But she needed to know and like Carter advised, soon rather than later.
Carter grasped Nate's shoulder and squeezed. "Be on your toes."
Nate nodded.
"I can spare Sean-Michael, if you feel you need back-up."
"I can handle Bobby."
Nate showed Carter out and locked the door behind him. His thoughts focused on Bobby and the danger he presented to Asia. He hesitated a moment to collect himself, then walked upstairs.
On the landing, he announced his presence. "Don't shoot. It's me." He could hear Asia's giggle from where he stood, the sound brightening his heart.
In that moment, there was no psychotic brother wanting to kill the woman he loved and everything was well with the world. Then reality returned.
On a sigh, he entered the bedroom and found Asia in the same position as he'd left her. He decided now was as good a time as any to give her the bad news and attempted to keep his expression neutral. He couldn't fool Asia and watched her study him.
She narrowed her eyes. "You learned something," she said. "What is it?"
"It was Bobby's blood." He sat beside her.
She inhaled deeply and let out the breath, shaking her head. "I was hoping it wasn't him. The spot of blood could have been mine. It's possible a drop flew off the knife and into the dining room. It's funny how the intellect reacts. Our hearts tell us the truth, but our minds refuse to accept. God. It's still hard for me to believe. I don't know why. Growing up, Bobby was always doing something to hurt or upset me. Remember the time he poured honey in my hair while I was sleeping?" She shook her head again.
Nate stretched
out beside her and wrapped her in his arms; thankful he was there to comfort her.
He didn't have siblings and could only imagine how difficult this was on her. There was no love lost between Asia and Bobby, but she would never intentionally harm him. Bobby had no remorse, scruples or limits. Nate saw long ago, as did most everyone in the Grove, that Bobby had no conscience.
"I won't let anything happen to you," he said. "I promise."
Against his chest, she bobbed her head, her tears soaking through his shirt and dampening his skin.
For hours, Nate held her, soothing her when her shoulders shook and rocking her when her cries turned to sobs.
Chapter Seven
Nate lay still, silently grousing that they were no closer to making an arrest than the day of the assault. Nothing of any importance had happened and if he didn't know better, he'd think Bobby had given up.
The past week of forced sitting had grated on Nate's nerves. He thought too much, worried even more, second-guessed himself, reacted like prey to every sound and pretended everything was kosher.
Feeling out of sorts, he shifted in bed, trying not to disturb Asia who slept soundly at his side.
She was growing stir crazy also. Like him, she thrived on purpose. Now, with her wounds partially healed, he had a difficult time encouraging her to sit and rest. Later that morning, he'd take her to ER for the doctor to check her wounds. Asia had wanted Nate to take her to her doctor in Boston, but Nate had already made the arrangement. The ER doc seemed only too happy to accommodate them.
They both looked forward to getting out of the house, even if it was to the hospital. The one good thing that came from waiting for Bobby to make his next move was that he and Asia grew as close as two people could. They'd spoken openly about their pasts, their misgivings and fears. His greatest dread had been living the remainder of his life without her. He'd taken her by surprise saying that, but what he couldn't determine was whether the admission shocked her or if she shared the sentiment.
He suspected it was the latter, and one day, when this Bobby business was done, he would ask.
"How long have you been awake?" Asia asked, spreading her arms wide and yawning.
"Not long. Sleep well?"
"Like a newborn. You?"
"The same." Truth was, he'd slept fitfully. He had only to close his eyes to envision Asia's mutilated body lying in a pool of blood, her expression frozen with the shape of fear she'd experienced in the seconds before her death.
He'd jolt awake then, his heart pounding like a jackhammer.
"I've been thinking," she said.
"Oh. Oh."
She punched him playfully in the arm. "I'd like to go into the city after the doctor finishes with me."
He opened his mouth to answer, then promptly closed it when she held a finger in the air.
"Before you answer, you should know I really need to check on Aphrodite. Crystal and Dorothy are doing an excellent job of running the shop and they're keeping me posted by phone or text, but there's only so much they can do. I need to pay bills, write checks, make last minute orders, do inventory and customer catering. Christmas is right around the corner. The store is usually decorated by this time. I have personal invitations to extend. Every year I have a soirée for my customers — "
"Okay."
"And...what did you say?" She raised her head and looked at him.
"I said okay. But on one condition."
"What's that?" She bit the inside of her lip and narrowed her eyes.
"That I drive you."
"You got it!" She swallowed. "There's something else we should get out of the way."
"What's that?" His body tensed. He didn't know why. It just did. The idea crossed his mind then that she'd rethought her marriage proposal and wanted to rescind the offer. But he'd said 'yes'. She couldn't make him take back his response. Already he thought of ways to persuade her not to cancel or postpone their wedding. He couldn't lose her again. Not for anyone. Not for anything.
"I intend to keep my shop after we're married. Do you have a problem with that?"
"None." He wouldn't try to talk her out of the decision nor would he attempt to change her mind once they were married. Aphrodite meant a lot to her. In good conscience, he couldn't ask her to part with something dear to her heart. It just wouldn't be right. "Anything else?"
"Our living arrangements."
"I'll meet you half-way. If we can't find something to our tastes, we'll build." He had the perfect property in mind.
"Great." She looked at him and smiled. "I'll delegate more at the shop and spend your days off with you."
"And I'll cut back on working extra shifts and arrange some time with you in Boston."
Nate knew he handled that well. His mother had always coached, 'Give a little, get a little'. But even if he weren't being diplomatic, he'd gladly give Asia any indulgence, he loved her that much.
"I can't wait for you to meet the Quints."
"Quints?"
"My friends. We call ourselves the Quints."
"How did you meet?"
"At bingo, of all wonders. Seven years ago, after my divorce, feeling lost and alone, I went for a walk to clear my head. As I was passing Stella Maris church, I heard an announcement for everyone to take their seats, bingo would begin in five minutes. How could I refuse such a summons?"
He enjoyed hearing Asia's stories, her melodic voice brimming with energy and vitality.
"I look forward to meeting them," he said.
They had more catching up to do and probably more concessions to make, but they had years to do it.
***
Nate helped Asia into an examining room in the ER and onto a bed.
"The nurse said the doctor will be right in," he said.
"Hopefully, he'll be able to take out the stitches."
"Yes, hopefully." He hid his true feeling on the subject. Asia hated being an invalid. Once she worked more mobility into her leg, he'd have a difficult time holding her still and in one place for long. She already had full control of her arm.
"You don't have to stay with me," she said. "I know you have calls to make."
"Are you sure?" There were some things he should check on, but he figured she needed him more.
"Go on." She slapped his arm. "I'll be fine."
He dropped a kiss on her nose and headed into the corridor. He found a quiet spot away from the traffic of hospital personnel and patient care, one that also afforded him a direct line of sight into the examination room area. From there, he could see anyone entering or leaving. He wasted no time calling the station. Stacey answered on the first ring.
"It's Nate. Is the Chief free?"
"He is. I hear the stitches are coming out today."
"Maybe." There were no secrets in the Grove, which made Nate wonder how Bobby managed to sneak into town unseen. Someone should have seen him. On further thought, Nate recalled how Bobby could expertly disappear and reappear.
"Asia must be antsy to reclaim her life. I can't imagine having a killer stalking me, knowing he's out there but not where, knowing he's going to strike but not when. The both of you must be total wrecks."
"We're holding up." If he weren't, her spiel would have made the hair on his arms stand up.
"Of course you are. Here's our Chief."
Seconds later, Carter came on the line. "Today's the day, huh?"
Nate couldn't imagine the fuss over a few stitches. Maybe there was an ulterior reason behind the response. He'd heard some moaning from his colleagues about the extra shifts they were pulling. Now that Asia didn't require around the clock care, Nate could resume his normal schedule. He’d be sure to inform his fellow police officers on the Grove PD.
"We're at the hospital now. The doctor hasn't seen her yet. Anything to report on Bobby's whereabouts?"
"Wherever that weasel is, he's hiding good. Maybe he's given up. Cut his losses and run."
"We should be so lucky." That wouldn't solve Asia's prob
lem with selling the house, though. "The man has no soul." Nate remembered the beating Bobby put on a nun. He left her naked and bleeding on the side of the road and pawned the gold chain and cross he’d stolen from her neck. "Anything from the Portland police?"
"Nothing. He hasn't shown up at his digs. There's an entire platoon of law enforcement officers on the lookout for him."
Carter paused.
Nate didn't like the sound of the silence. The chief had something on his mind, but dickered whether to tell Nate or not. "What is it?"
"Don't do something stupid."
"What do you mean?"
"Don't give me that act. You don't want anything happening to Asia, do you?"
"Of course not."
"Then don't go poking any holes. You might not like the outcome. I know you're considering baiting him into the open. Stings almost always go wrong."
"Understood. We're going up to Boston today. She wants to check her shop." Nate could hear Carter's intake of breath.
"Is that wise?" he asked, exhaling.
"We can protect her better here, but if I don't take her, she'll go herself." Nate envisioned the summer tires on Asia's Mustang. The car was light and without the grip of a snow tread and weight in the trunk, the vehicle would be all over the road.
"When do you plan on leaving?"
"As soon as the Doc finishes with her." From the silence that followed, Nate determined that Carter didn't approve. Nate didn't like it either, but what could he do short of cuffing her to something solid? At least, he would be driving her.
"I can see your mind is made up, so I won't try to persuade you anymore. Take it easy and keep me informed."
Nate said goodbye and flipped the cover on his cell. He returned to the waiting area in time to see Asia limping from ER. He rushed to give her an arm to lean on.
"What did the Doc say?" he asked as he escorted her through the exit.
"That I heal extraordinarily fast and don't need a follow-up. Must be all that healthy eating."
"That's great. Are we set to roll?"
"I'm ready. First, though, I need a coffee."
"You got it." He knew she loved her coffee, but Asia looked too eager to leave the Grove. He worried her concessions to him had been made in a moment of vulnerability where she'd grant anyone their heart's desire. He didn't know whether she wanted to keep her independence by not giving up her place in Boston or was as she'd said — the reasonable thing to do. A sixty-minute drive was a long enough commute, but others traveled longer distances to be with their families. At least, it wouldn't be for long, only until they found a place of their own.
One Millhaven Lane Page 6
