“Al, this is Lena Robbins.”
It took her a moment to realize Jack was speaking to her. She’d thought he’d forgotten her presence. “A pleasure to meet you.” She reached across the table to shake the woman’s hand.
“This is Ally Hart, my landlady’s niece,” Jack said, completing the introduction. “She’s here for the holidays.”
“A beautiful time of year to visit our little town. Have you seen the lights on the green?” Lena asked.
The way she said, “Our little town,” made Alice feel like an outsider and sent her pulse racing. “Yes, they’re lovely.”
“We took the sleigh ride,” Jack chimed in. “It was as if we’d gone back a hundred years, right, Ally?”
“Absolutely,” she replied curtly.
He lifted a brow, and she knew he was wondering what was wrong. All her insecurities had resurfaced, and she wished she was home with Jasper curled on her lap.
“Lena works part time at the school’s library,” Jack informed her.
Ah, a librarian by day and a cocktail waitress by night. Alice gave her a tight smile.
“Her son’s one of my music students. He plays the violin.” Jack beamed as he always did when he spoke of his students. “Zack’s got a lot of talent. You should be very proud of him.”
Alice’s pulse had slowed to normal again once she knew Lena was married and wasn’t a threat, but her cheeks burned with shame. Jealousy was a strange new sensation, and she didn’t like the feel of it one bit.
“I’m lucky to have him,” Lena said, her voice full of pride. “Zack’s crazy about you, Mr. Billings. He jumps right out of bed in the morning because he can’t wait to get to your class.”
“I know I’ve done my job when I hear things like that.” His smile lit up his face.
“I’ll give you two some time to look over the menu.”
“We’re here for the hot apple cider.” Jack handed the menus back to her.
She tucked them under her arm and scribbled their order on her pad. “It’s out of this world. Sally keeps the recipe hidden, and she won’t let anyone in the kitchen when she’s preparing it.”
“A family secret.” Jack laughed.
Alice had a few of those herself, but he wouldn’t find hers amusing. She shifted her weight on the chair and crossed her legs at the ankles. The evening had lost its charm. She wished the waitress would get them their cider so she could go home.
Jack leaned his elbows on the table and caught her gaze. “I could go for some dessert. What do you say, Ally?”
Lena had her pen poised to write. “The gingerbread cake ala mode is fantastic. And it’s huge.”
“I’m really not hungry,” Alice said, not wanting to prolong their stay any longer than necessary.
“Split one with me?” Jack’s mesmerizing blue eyes implored her to say yes.
How could she let him down? “All right. I’ll try a little.”
“Great, I’ll put your order right in.” Lena headed toward the kitchen with the bells on her antlers jingling as she walked.
“She seems nice.” Too nice, and too pretty. Lena might be married, but she still made Alice insecure by the way she looked at Jack.
He sat back in his chair and stretched his long legs out by the fire. He looked comfortable and relaxed and completely unaware of the turmoil raging inside her. Enjoy this night. Don’t spoil it, she warned herself, but her emotions were running helter-skelter. Terrified that Jack would lose interest in her, every little thing put her into a tizzy. It had to be the guilt that was at the root of it. If he only knew the truth…
“Tell me about your life.” He slid her chair across the hardwood floor so that she sat beside him, then draped his arm over her shoulders. “I want to know everything about you.”
“Can’t we just enjoy tonight? Why talk about the past?”
He ran his hand along the back of her neck. “We don’t have to talk about past relationships. That’s not what I’d meant. I sure don’t want to talk about Bethany, and I know you don’t want to discuss the old boyfriend you left back in New York. No, no, I want to know what you were like as a little girl. What are your dreams for the future?”
She stared down at the table, her gaze following the grain of the wood. “There’s not much to tell. I was very shy. Didn’t have many friends or boyfriends.”
“I find it hard to believe your parents weren’t beating boys off with a stick.”
She looked up at him. “I didn’t always look like this.” Now was her chance to tell him the truth. She wouldn’t get a better lead-in than this. “There’s something you don’t know about me.”
He studied her carefully, the sparkle in his eyes hardening into something she couldn’t define.
Her courage evaporated, and she dropped her gaze back down to the table. “I was really unattractive when I was younger.”
She could almost feel him exhale with relief. What did he think she was going to say? That she had a criminal record or something?
“I doubt that. What teenage girl doesn’t go through that awkward stage?”
Ninety years was a bit longer than a stage. She tried to steer the conversation to him, but he wouldn’t have it.
“Were you born in New York?” he asked.
Here we go. She was about to spin another tale. “Yes.”
“Where about?”
She’d known that question was coming, and her mind struggled for a town in upstate New York. She spouted the first one that came to mind. “Syracuse.”
“Never been there. What’s it like?”
“Just a regular town, like any other,” she said. “I really don’t want to talk about me. I’ve lived a very boring life. I’d much rather talk about you.”
This time he didn’t fuss. He told her stories about his youth, and she listened with great interest. She’d heard most of them before, but Jack could tell her the same story a hundred times and she wouldn’t grow tired of it.
Lena returned, carrying their dessert. She’d been right about it being huge. She set the glass bowl in the center of the table and handed them each a spoon.
“Sally will be right out with your cider.” Lena must have noticed Alice’s shocked expression, because she patted her arm. “Don’t worry, she might be old, but she doesn’t bite. Sally always serves the cider herself. She loves to see the customers’ reaction when they take their first sip.”
Lena’s explanation did little to alleviate Alice’s fear. Although she hadn’t seen Sally in years, she’d known her since she was a young woman. She must be eighty-something now. Maybe her memory wasn’t as sharp as it used to be.
“I like that.” Jack dipped his spoon in the bowl. “Most business owners couldn’t be bothered. Sally realizes the importance of customer satisfaction,” he said before taking a bite of gingerbread cake.
Lena left them to their dessert, and a few minutes later, Sally’s familiar form headed toward their table. She carried a silver tray with two steaming mugs on top. She walked with a slight limp, and her varicose veins were evident even through the thick stockings she wore. Her short, curly hair was almost entirely gray, except for the dark patches around her temples. The smile she presented them made her round face appear even rounder. She’d always been a good-natured woman, and Alice could see that hadn’t changed.
“Merry Christmas. You’ve come to try my cider.” She balanced the tray on one hand while she served their drinks with the other. “I’m modest about most things, but when it comes to my cider, I’m not ashamed to brag. It’s the best in all of New England,” she said with a laugh.
Jack wasted no time in taking a sip. “You’re right, Sally. I’ve never tasted better.”
Alice realized all eyes were now on her.
“Blow on it a little, then take a sip,” Jack advised.
She brought the cup to her lips while Sally studied her.
“You look very familiar.”
Alice swallowed the steaming liquid, no
t caring that it burned going down her throat. “Really?” she squeaked, then set the cup down quickly.
Jack reached for her hand and squeezed. “She must be referring to your aunt.” He turned to Sally, excitement glistening in his eyes. “You know Alice Hart?”
Sally slapped her thigh. “That’s who you look like. Why, if my memory’s not playing tricks with me, I’d say you’re the spitting image of her.” She narrowed her eyes while she stared at Alice.
“I guess there is quite a resemblance.” She hoped no one noticed the nervous twitch at the side of her mouth.
“A resemblance, you say? Nah, you could be her twin. Well, that is if she were still twenty-five.” Sally shook her head and chuckled. “Of course she don’t look like that no more.”
“She’s still a very attractive woman,” he said in quick defense.
Despite her nervousness, Alice’s spirits rose that Jack would think so.
“I’ve wanted to know what she looked like as a young woman,” he said. “She didn’t keep any photographs of herself. Did you know that?”
Alice opened her mouth, but Sally spoke first. “I’m not surprised. She was always self-conscious about her looks, though Lord knows why. And a shy girl too. But after that young man of hers was killed…well, she shut herself up in that big old house, and none of us saw much of her after that.”
Tears stung her eyes. Alice turned her head away and stared into the blue-tipped flames shooting up from the fireplace.
“Oh, I’m sorry, miss,” Sally apologized, “I didn’t mean nothing bad about your aunt.”
“I know.” Her voice cracked.
“I guess I’d better get back to the kitchen. You two enjoy yourselves.” Sally left them, but not before Alice caught a glimpse of the embarrassed flush covering her face.
Jack squeezed her hand. “She didn’t mean any harm.”
A sad smile curved her lips. “To think of all those lonely, wasted years breaks my heart.”
“Mine too.” His gaze held hers in an unwavering stare as if he could see into her soul.
* * *
“I’m almost done in the bedroom,” Daryn yelled to Cassie, who was stationed in the living room as lookout. He’d waited until he saw Ally leave with the upstairs tenant before sneaking up to the front door to pick the lock. It had only taken him a second or two to get inside. And what a treasure trove. The place was filled with porcelain, silver, and fine Queen Anne-style furniture.
“Good, because we’ve been here awhile, and the longer you take, the more nervous I get,” Cassie shouted back.
“Just hang on. I’ll be through in a minute.” What he didn’t need was for Cassie to leave her post to join him in the bedroom. There was a gorgeous collection of jewelry that was kept in a wooden box on the dresser. Once she laid eyes on the gold rings, necklaces, and bracelets adorned with precious stones, he’d never be able to get her to keep her hands off them. And this wasn’t the time to steal jewelry. There’d be plenty of time for that down the road. They were here to find the safe. The elderly he’d stolen from in the past had safes. He’d bet his life this one did too.
Daryn had searched the entire bedroom, except the closet. He shoved aside the rows of stretch pants and cardigan sweaters to expose the walls. Nothing. No hidden safe. Just bare walls. Shit! There had to be one somewhere in this place. Unless the old broad hid her money under her mattress. Anything was possible. He pushed the clothes back and walked over to the bed when Cassie appeared in the doorway.
“They’re here,” she said.
His hand froze on the bed. “What? I told you to keep watch.”
“I did. How do you think I knew they were back? What do we do now?”
“Where exactly are they?”
“On the front porch.”
Daryn took hold of Cassie’s hand, and together they sprinted down the hall.
“What if they come in the front door right now?” she puffed.
“You’d better pray they don’t, or be prepared to knock them down.”
“I don’t think I could do that,” she said.
“Don’t think. Just run.” In a flash, they were in the kitchen and at the back door. As Daryn’s hand turned the knob, the front door creaked open.
“I had a great time,” Ally said.
“Me too.” The man’s voice was deep and rugged.
“How about a nightcap?” Ally asked. “Alice has some brandy in the cabinet.”
Their voices were growing louder, as were their footsteps, and there was no doubt they were headed toward the kitchen. Daryn opened the door and pushed Cassie out.
“Run,” he growled. She obeyed without hesitation, and they bolted to the car, arriving breathless but happy to have escaped.
Once they were settled in the Beemer, Daryn’s tension began to melt away. “That was sooo close,” he said with a chuckle. “I like a thrill every now and then, but that was pushing it, even for me.”
“You don’t think they’ll notice this is missing?” Cassie pulled a porcelain sculpture of Venus from her handbag. It glistened a milky white in the moonlight.
A blood vessel popped in Daryn’s eye. It took all his willpower to keep from wringing her neck. “What the hell were you thinking?” he yelled. “I told you not to touch anything. And that meant not to lift anything either.” He slammed his hands on the steering wheel. “I thought you understood. We were there just to scope out the place, and you risked everything for one naked statue.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to take it. It’s just so beautiful. Before I knew what I was doing, I’d put it in my purse, and then I heard voices outside. It all happened so fast. I barely had time to think.”
“That’s obvious.” Daryn took out a pack of Pall Malls from his pocket and lit a cigarette. He took a deep drag, then blew out a long stream of smoke. “For someone who’s supposed to be intelligent, you sure can be stupid sometimes.”
“What do you want me to do now? I said I was sorry.” Her voice cracked when she spoke.
Great. She was on the verge of tears. On top of everything else, he didn’t need a weepy female. “Okay. Apology accepted. Let’s go back to the hotel and figure out our next move.” He patted her leg. “I’ll bet Ally won’t even notice the statue’s missing.”
* * *
Jack watched Ally pour the brandy into two snifters. There were many nights he’d share a drink with Alice before going upstairs to his apartment. The similarities between her and Ally were uncanny. Even Sally had made a big deal of that. She’d said Ally was the spitting image of Alice as a young woman. He’d always wondered what she must have looked like, and now he knew. She’d been drop-dead gorgeous.
He glanced at Ally through hooded eyes. Every time he looked at her, his pulse raced. He put his arms around her waist and pulled her to him. Her hair brushed his neck, and her warm breath tickled his ear. After their romantic evening, he was very close to being putty in her hands. If he lost control and let his emotions take over, he might lose track of his objective—to find out if she was one of those grifters. What he should do was thank her for a wonderful night, then go home. But her lips parted slightly, and he brought his mouth down on hers. She returned his kiss with a fiery passion. Her hands clutched at him, and her eyes were wide yet innocent. A wave of arousal shot through him, and he wanted her more than he ever thought possible. With desire clouding common sense, he lifted her into his arms and carried to her the bedroom, then gently eased her down onto the bed.
She lay back against the comforter, her hair splayed out around her like a halo. He leaned over her, his breath mingling with hers and kissed the base of her neck, where her pulse thrummed. He unbuttoned her blouse and ran his finger over her black lace bra, then reached inside it to touch the soft skin of her breast, slowly tracing her nipple. It hardened beneath his touch.
He lowered his body onto hers, and she arched her back to meet him.
“I want you so much,” she whispered against his ear, kne
ading her fingertips into the muscles along his back. When she reached the base of his spine, she held him to her.
His thigh pressed against her, and he savored the incredible feeling raging through him. “Are you sure you want to do this?”
“Positive.”
He wasn’t going to ask her twice. It was as if his body had taken control of his mind. He started to unbuckle his belt, never shifting his gaze off her beautiful face. Her eyes shone like those of a woman in love. Could Ally be in love with him? An inner pain ripped through him. What on earth was he doing? He couldn’t use her that way. If she opened up to him after they made love, he’d have to bring whatever information he gleaned to the police. He wanted the truth, but he didn’t want to break her heart.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t do this tonight.” He rolled onto his back and redid his belt buckle.
“It’s not you,” he said, knowing he owed her an explanation. “Believe me. I want to make love to you more than you can imagine. It’s just not the right time.”
She lay beside him unmoving, her blouse still open and the creamy skin of her chest exposed. It took all his willpower to keep from touching her. If he didn’t leave now, no amount of guilt was going to keep him from her. “I’ll be over tomorrow. I’ll make Christmas dinner.”
She didn’t say a word as he left the room, yet he felt her indignation more than if she’d shouted a thousand angry words at him.
He strode to the front door. In his hurry to leave, he knocked against the hall table. It wobbled precariously, and he grabbed for the porcelain statue of Venus that Alice kept there. She’d never forgive him if he broke it. But it was gone. How strange. He could have sworn it was there yesterday. Would Ally have moved it? But why?
He went into the parlor and scanned the room. It wasn’t there. His gaze settled on the Christmas tree with the missing tin angel. Anguish washed over him as he realized he had to face the truth about Ally. She might very well be Alice’s niece, but it looked like she was also a thief. She’d stolen the tree topper, the statue, and who knew what else. He needed to do something and fast, before she completely cleaned out Alice’s house.
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