Deadly as the Driven Snow

by Agnes Alexander

  “Why do you say that?”

  “Didn’t you tell me once he thought you cheated his mother when you bought the land from her?”

  “I may have mentioned it.”

  “Well, since his business is in trouble and money seems to be a priority with him, maybe he’s decided to take it out on us.” I paused. “Stranger things have happened, you know.”

  “I know it’s feasible, but what about the men being dumped? I still think there’s a tie-in with us where they’re concerned. I don’t think even someone as bad as J.T. would go that far.”

  “You’re probably right, but I still say he could think that getting us will be payback for all his misfortune.”

  I heard Jason shift positions as the leather of his desk chair breathed from his movement. “I guess I might as well tell you that I did do some checking on him this morning. It seems he has borrowed more money than his business is worth. Unless he can pay it back, he stands to lose everything.”

  “What about his partner? Can’t he help him?”

  “Guy co-signed some of the loans, so I’m sure he’s in as deep as J.T.”

  “It still doesn’t explain the bodies, does it?”

  “Not to me.” He changed the subject. “I sure hated to leave you this morning. Did you have any trouble going back to sleep?”

  “Of course, I did. Your arms weren’t around me.”

  “I think I have it worked out, so they can be around you tonight.”

  “I’d love that.”

  “As I was jogging through the woods this morning, it was misting rain. All I could think about was cuddling next to your warm body.” He chuckled. “Of all mornings for Allen to be late.”

  “Oh, honey. I’m sorry you had to wait in the cold. Was it long?”

  “About half-an-hour. He said Gwyn woke up when he was leaving, and she threw a fit. Accused him of going to meet a woman. He said he finally had to tell her he was picking me up, but he didn’t tell her where.”

  I frowned. “I hope she won’t say anything.”

  “Who would she tell? She’s not on speaking terms with her family and she doesn’t like the people she works with. Besides, she was worried about Allen and a woman, not about you and me.”

  “It wouldn’t surprise me if Allen got another woman one of these days.”

  “That’s not nice, June.” I could almost see him grin.

  “Maybe not, but think about it. How would you feel if I treated you the way she does him?”

  “I don’t think I have much to worry about. I have the greatest wife there is.”

  “You sure know how to warm my heart.”

  “Wait until tonight. I’ll warm…” He paused. “Thanks, Roberta.” To me, he said, “Roberta just gave me a note. It seems the man in our garden has remembered a little about the night he was shot. I better check this out.”

  “Of course, you should. I love you, and I’ll see you tonight.”

  I hung up, ate a second sausage biscuit, then tiptoed to the door. I opened it a crack, and was surprised I could hear the voices in the living room clearly.

  “Well, Brad, I don’t see why you don’t demand they tell you where June is. You’re her father. You have a right to know.”

  “I’m sure Jason is taking good care of her, Nadine.”

  “Hogwash. He’s like most cops. If it comes down to it, he’ll concentrate on catching the perp and ignore June. You need to have her where you and Celia and the rest of the family can look after her.”

  “I’m sure they’re going to do it their way.” Dad tried to change the subject. “What’s Jackson up to? I heard he was only working part-time at that insurance company now.”

  “He only works three days a week because he got the fool notion in his head that he wants to sell real estate. He’s going to school to get his license. A lot of nonsense, if you ask me. He’s going to classes on Monday and Wednesday during the day and on Friday nights. Now, he’s hanging around with a low-class gal who goes there.” She sighed. “Lord knows, you can’t do anything with them when they grow up. They think they know so much.”

  “Don’t you want Jackson to meet a nice girl and settle down?”

  “A nice girl, maybe, but I don’t want him going out with that Warrick tramp.”

  “Those are harsh words, Nadine.” Dad’s voice was firm.

  “I guess they are, but it’s the truth. Why, her sister trapped that nice Ledbetter boy into marrying her. I’m afraid Melba will do the same thing to Jackson.”

  “I think Jackson’s smarter than that.” Mom’s voice entered the conversation and I knew she’d come into the room.

  “I don’t know, Celia. He seems to like her, and you know what her family is like, don’t you?”

  “I don’t think I do,” Dad said.

  “They’re those religious nuts. Made the girls wear old long dresses to school when their classmates were in short skirts and slacks. Wouldn’t let them wear make-up, and they weren’t allowed to date until they got out of school. I guess that’s why Gwyn went wild. I figure Melba is the same way.”

  “I don’t think Allen is very wild,” Mom said.

  “I’m not talking about Allen. I’m talking about that Gwyn and that J.T. Goodman fellow. You know the one June poked in the eye. Seems Gwyn went wild over him because the company she works for insured his condos or something. They dated for a few months, but as soon as he got what he wanted, he dropped her. She was devastated, but it wasn’t long until she married the Ledbetter boy. They say she still carries a torch for J.T.”

  “How do you know all this, Nadine?” Dad asked.

  “Gwyn works for the same insurance company Jackson works for. He told me all about it a long time ago. He even said he thought Gwyn’s husband wasn’t a happy man.”

  “Allen has been here a few times lately and I didn’t notice him being unhappy,” Mom said.

  “I don’t know about that, I just know I don’t want my Jackson to get mixed up with that crazy Warrick family.”

  “Celia, why don’t we have a spot of coffee and some of that cake you baked last night? I bet Nadine would like a piece.”

  I heard Mom stand. “Sure. Why don’t you two come into the kitchen?”

  “I can’t stay much longer. I’ll have a small piece of cake, then be on my way.”

  The voices moved out of earshot and I pushed the door closed. Aunt Nadine doesn’t know it, but she gave me an interesting piece of information. It’s hard to believe Gwyn Ledbetter was once in love with J.T. Goodman. I wonder if Jason knows that. Better still, does Allen know?

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  That afternoon at five, Dad went to pick up the picnic basket and Jason. It was almost six-thirty when they got back to the farm. “I was worried,” I said as Jason came directly to me and gave me a hug.

  “I’m sorry. I had a few things I had to clear up. Your dad didn’t seem to mind waiting.”

  “Not at all. I had a nice talk with Henry Thompson. Being about the same age, we had lot in common to talk about. I found out that before she married Raymond, he used to take Nadine out every now and again.”

  “You’re kidding.” I was floored. Aunt Nadine had been a widow for over twenty some years. Uncle Raymond was killed when his tractor turned over on him, but I was too little to remember much about it. I’d only heard what the adults said happened. I was told she was pregnant, and Jackson was born after his father was killed. We all knew this was why Aunt Nadine spoiled him so much. It had never occurred to me that she would be interested in another man. “Now that I think about it, she and Henry might be well suited for each other,” I said.

  “Now, June. Don’t you start playing matchmaker again,” Jason teased me. Mom gave me a funny look and he added, “June is the one who got my deputy, Charles Easton and that news reporter, Natalie Bennett, together.”

  I rolled my eyes at him. “That’s working out, isn’t it?”

  “I have to admit, it is. Charles seems awfully happy.
”

  “Good. Charles is a nice young man and he needs a nice woman like that pretty Natalie.” Mom began bringing food to the table.

  As usual it was a wonderful meal and after we had dessert, we talked for a little while. Then, Jason and I went upstairs to our room.

  He put the laptop he’d brought me on the small table by the window. When he turned he smiled at me “Do you mind if I get a quick shower?”

  “Of course not. I’ll be right here when you come out.”

  I decided to surprise him and as soon as he went down the hall, I slipped into the sexy nightgown Roberta had bought me when we were in the apartment. I hoped Jason would be pleased.

  “Wow!” His green eyes lit up when he came back into the room and saw me posing on the bed like I’d seen some models do in magazine advertisements. “What a wonderful surprise.”

  “Like it?”

  “Love it.” He came to the bed and I went into his arms and held him tightly. His lips covered mine. As he nibbled on my lower lip, he whispered, “You sure do smell good.”

  “I took a bubble bath this afternoon just for you.”

  “I’m sorry I wasn’t here to take it with you,” he whispered as he trailed kisses down my neck and onto my shoulders.

  Though I intended to tease and toy with him, I didn’t. As usual, I gave myself to him completely without reservation and our lovemaking was passionate and fulfilling. Then, we lay in each other’s arms, happy and content.

  I think it was only about nine-thirty when his breathing became steady and I knew he’d drifted off to sleep. I rested my head on his shoulder and listened to his even breathing. I was glad he could relax and get some rest. Going to bed at eleven and getting up at three or four in the morning was wearing, even on someone in Jason’s excellent physical shape.

  It dawned on me that I was being unfair to expect him to come to sleep with me a few hours every night. If he stayed at the office, he could at least sleep through the night and not have to go jogging through the woods in the middle of the night to meet his ride. I took a deep breath and decided I’d tell him not to try to come to me tomorrow.

  I’m not sure when I went to sleep, but I was awakened by movement in the dark room. I reached out for Jason and his spot was vacant.

  “Jason, are you leaving?”

  “Yes. I’m sorry I woke you. I was trying to be quiet.”

  “I’m glad you did wake me. That way I can get a kiss before you go.”

  “I would’ve kissed you before I left.”

  I scooted up in the bed. “Maybe so, but this way, I’ll know it.”

  He sat down on the bed and held me in his arms.

  There was enough moonlight coming through the window that I could make out his features. “I was thinking, Jason. It’s not fair to ask you to come here every night. I’ll miss you terribly, but maybe you should stay at the office a night or two, so you can get a full night’s rest.”

  “I can’t rest without you. I think I’ve told you that before.”

  “And you know I want you with me.”

  “Then I’ll be back tonight.” He chuckled. “It’s almost like we’re back in high school and I’m sneaking into your room at night and have to slip out before your dad wakes up and catches me.”

  “Jason Striker, when did you ever sneak into my room at night?”

  “I didn’t, but I sure did fantasize about it a lot.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes, really. You know I’ve loved you since fifth grade. At that time, what I wanted to do was maybe hold your hand or kiss your cheek. It was in high school that I dreamed about ripping your clothes off and making wild passionate love to you.”

  “You never told me that.” I touched his cheek.

  He laughed. “After you attacked J.T. Goodman with your shoe, I was afraid to. I didn’t want to go blind.”

  I bopped his shoulder gently. “I hope you think I was worth the wait.” I put my arms around him and held him tighter.

  “Every minute of it.” He kissed me, then started to pull away.

  I was reluctant to let him go. I was beginning to have one of those dark feelings I get sometimes. “Can’t you wait a little longer?”

  “I’d love to, darling, but Allen will be waiting. I’m already late.”

  I still didn’t want him to go, but I kissed him and released my hold on him. “Stay safe. I need you, Jason.”

  “I’ll see you tonight.” He touched my cheek and went out the door.

  I listened to him go down the stairs, then I heard the door open and close. I bit my lip and laid back. For some reason, my heart was pounding, and my throat was dry. An ominous feeling enveloped me and I couldn’t push it away. I began to cry.

  • ♥ •

  “June, you’re awfully quiet this morning,” Mom said as she refilled my coffee cup. “You and Jason didn’t have a fight, did you?”

  “No, Mom. It was just hard for me to let him leave this morning.”

  “Things will settle down soon, baby girl.” Dad reached over and patted my hand. “I know you miss your husband, but you’ll be together soon.”

  “I do miss him, Dad. I worry so about him.”

  “He worries about you, too, sweetheart.” Mom sat down beside me. “His main concern is to keep you safe.”

  “I know. There isn’t a doubt in my mind about how much Jason loves me. I love him the same way.” I smiled at my parents. “I never dreamed I’d ever say this about anyone, but I’d willingly give up my life for him.”

  “When a couple feels that way about each other, that’s true love.”

  “You’re right, Mom. I’m probably being silly about him leaving this morning. I don’t know why, but I’m worried.”

  “I know how you get those feelings, June. I hope you’re wrong this time.”

  “So do I, Mom.”

  “Why don’t you call him?” Dad put down the newspaper he always read at the breakfast table and looked over his glasses at me.

  “I think I will.” I took the cell phone out of my pocket and punched in the number for the sheriff’s office. Roberta answered on the second ring.

  “This is June…”

  “Well, hello there, girl. How are you? I miss those dinners at your apartment.”

  “So do I. We’ll have to get together soon, but right now I need to talk to Jason.”

  There was a pause.

  “Is he too busy to talk to me now?”

  “Honey, Jason isn’t here. I thought he was still with you.”

  My heart lurched to my throat. “Roberta, Jason left me around four o’clock this morning.”

  “Hold on, June.”

  “Dad,” I cried. “Jason isn’t at the office. Roberta thought he was still here. Where could he be?” I was on the verge of panic.

  Another voice came on the phone. “June, this is Charles. When did you say Jason left you?”

  “Around four this morning. Where is he, Charles?”

  “Roberta is calling his cell to see if he answers.”

  After a slight pause, I almost yelled, “Did he answer?”

  “I’m afraid not.”

  “Ask Allen where Jason is.”

  “June, Allen isn’t here, either. We figured since he’d been pulling so much night duty, Jason gave him the day off.”

  “Oh, Charles, something is wrong. Very wrong. I’m coming down there.”

  “No, June. You stay put. I’ll come out there.”

  “But—”

  “It’s important you stay there. I want to trace Jason’s steps this morning, and you can help me do that. I’ll be there shortly.”

  He hung up before I could say anything else. I closed the phone and was having a hard time breathing. “Jason didn’t make it to the office,” I gasped, and burst into sobs.

  In an instant, I felt my father’s arms around me. “Hang on, sugar. Things will be all right.”

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  When Charles arrived, Roberta a
nd an officer I didn’t know were with him. “June, this is Tad Weathers,” Charles said. “He’s one of the best I’ve ever seen at tracking.”

  “Hello, Mrs. Striker.”

  I nodded and hugged Roberta.

  Within a minute, Mom had all of us gathered at her kitchen table with cups of coffee. “If you’re going to be out there in this cold, you need to warm up first,” she said.

  Dad sat with us, but didn’t say anything.

  “Now, June,” Charles said as he began to question me. “Tell us exactly what happened this morning. Was Jason feeling okay?”

  “He was fine. I didn’t feel good about his leaving, but I knew there was nothing I could do to stop him.”

  “What time did he leave?”

  “I didn’t look at the clock, but he said it was somewhere around four.”

  “What was he wearing?”

  “I guess he wore his regular uniform. He dresses in the dark so there won’t be a light in the room that early in the morning. I know he had on his vest, because I felt it when he hugged me good-bye.”

  “Is that’s his regular routine?”

  “Yes.”

  “Mrs. Striker,” Tad said. “When he leaves, which door does he use?”

  “The front door.”

  “Always?”

  “I gave him a key to the front door. He always locks it when her leaves,” Dad put in.

  Ted nodded and asked, “Do you know which way he goes to meet Allen?”

  “He said he goes through the woods, so he’ll be undercover.” I wondered why all these questions. Why didn’t they just go look for Jason?

  “Do you mean the woods to the right or the ones on the left?”

  “I think the ones to the left. They eventually come out at the road. Now, why don’t you go look for him?”

  He nodded and stood. “I think that gives me a good idea where to start. Let’s go, Charles.”

  I jumped up. “I’m going with you.”

  “No, June. You stay here. We’ll call you as soon as we learn something.” Charles put on his coat.