by Rebecca Deel
Serena nodded and pulled away. “It’s so unfair for Maddie. She deserves everything.”
“She’s very blessed and it won’t take her long to remember. Let her be part of the plans and preparations.” He nudged her toward Ethan. “I think your husband needs a little care right now. He looks shell shocked.”
“Don’t worry. I have plans for that man.”
“Please. I don’t want to know.”
Serena grasped Ethan’s hands and urged him to his feet. “Come on, handsome. Time to celebrate. Can you knock off early?”
Ethan sighed. “The feds arrived just before Josh called.”
“You’re the chief of police. The Washington boys can wait until tomorrow. Besides, isn’t Rod with them?”
His gaze drifted over Serena’s face, softened at her glowing expression. “He can handle them. You’re more important to me than the job. The feds will keep.” He grinned. “This provides a great excuse to ignore them until tomorrow.”
After another round of hugs from the women, Serena and Ethan left, holding hands.
“That’s a welcome surprise,” Liz said, her arm around Madison. “Enough bad things have happened in this family to last a lifetime.”
Megan grinned. “Wish I’d had a camera in the room when Doc Anderson told Ethan he was going to be a father. He still looks like he’s in shock.”
Madison brushed away a tear. “I hope Serena’s baby is a girl. She’ll wrap her dad around her finger.”
A mischievous grin from Meg. “I hope she has twin girls. When they turn sixteen, Ethan will greet every date with his Glock.”
“Wicked, sis.” Josh shook his head.
She sniffed. “He deserves it for giving me grief about my driving.”
“You’re lucky I haven’t caught you speeding, snoopy. I won’t be as nice as he is.”
She wrinkled her nose. Meg turned to Del and Ivy. “Sure you won’t reconsider an interview?”
Del shook her head. “Sorry, Meg. Orders from higher up the food chain. No interviews.”
“Who?”
“We’re not confirming or denying names,” Ivy said. “We aim to protect the innocent and the guilty.”
“Pseudonyms for Ethan and Rod?” Meg countered.
Another round of laughter and Meg left with their mother, talking about the new nursery that Ethan and Serena would now have to put together. Josh waited until Del and Ivy were both occupied helping customers to approach his remaining sister. He didn’t have to say anything, simply opened his arms.
“You okay, sunshine?” he murmured against her ear.
“I’m happy for Serena and Ethan.” She burrowed tighter against his chest. “But it hurts.”
“You don’t lack courage, Madison Santana. You look soft, but have a steel spine and a golden heart. You’ll come through this even stronger, beautiful.”
She gave a watery laugh. “How do you always know the right thing to say?”
“I know you.”
The bell over the door rang and Nick strode through. He took in the scene. “Madison.” The detective covered the distance between him and his wife in a few long strides. She loosened her hold on Josh and dived into her husband’s arms.
He folded her close. “Is Annie still here?”
“In the back.”
“Ask her to close for you tonight.” He leaned down and brushed his lips over hers. “I have plans for you, Mrs. Santana.”
She grinned. “Sounds interesting. I’ll see if she can help.” She looked over at Josh. “Thanks,” she murmured and hurried down the aisle toward the back.
“I don’t know what you said to her, but thanks,” Nick said. “I expected this to be harder for her.”
Josh shrugged. “Just reminded her of some things I admired about her. Got special plans?”
“I knew this day would come and I’ve been making plans for a while. All that matters to me is that I have her. This is my time to remind her of that. I’m taking her out of town for the night.”
He got the unspoken message. No calls for this one night. If anything happened, he’d call Rod.
Madison moved down the aisle, shoulder bag in hand, and pressed against her husband’s side. “Ready. Annie will come out front in a minute.”
Nick looped his arm around her shoulders. “Get ready to be spoiled, baby. Later, Josh.”
Josh turned to see Del watching the couple as they exited the store.
“Is she okay?”
“Nick will make sure she is.” He studied her face, noted her fatigue and pallor.
“I can’t imagine what you thought when you found Serena on your floor.”
Fear the shooter had targeted him and attacked Serena instead. “Ready to close?”
Del turned, looked around the bookstore. “It’s empty for the first time today.”
Josh’s cell phone chimed. A glance informed him Alex had crossed the Dunlap county line and would be in Otter Creek soon. Josh punched in his friend’s number. “I’m still at the bookstore.”
“Be there in ten.”
He slid his phone back into its carrier. “Let me help you close, sweetheart.” He wanted to leave when Alex arrived. Del and Ivy shouldn’t be near the store when Rod turned the fed loose. He’d promised to let Josh know when he finished briefing Jordan. That was probably the only heads up he’d get. With careful maneuvering, he’d keep Del and Ivy from the circus until tomorrow.
He helped Del lock the doors and count out the register. “What about the bank deposit?” he asked.
“I’ll put it in the night drop,” Annie said. “I have to drop off the Bare Ewe’s receipts.”
Del smiled. “Thanks, Annie.”
A knock sounded on the outside door. Ivy looked up from washing the coffee pot, stared. Josh grinned. His backup had arrived.
Del studied the man who pounded on Josh’s back in a male greeting that would have knocked her breath from her lungs. He was Nick Santana’s height, around five feet eight and had a dark complexion like he spent time in the sun. Combined with his dark hair, she wondered if Cajun was in his background.
She suspected he had served with Josh. There was something about him. The same movements and awareness of his surroundings as Josh and Ethan. Former special forces? A dangerous, but honorable man. Otherwise, Josh wouldn’t treat him as a long lost brother.
“Who is that?” Ivy whispered, eyes wide.
“He’s something, isn’t he?” She grinned. “Maybe he finds art historians fascinating.”
“Nobody finds art historians fascinating, especially not a man like that.”
Interesting response from her man-shy cousin. Many honorable men populated the world. Ivy had landed a dishonorable one. Del was grateful her cousin had wised up and seen the true Lee Hall.
Josh approached the coffee counter with his friend. “Del, Ivy, meet Alex Morgan. He’s going to give me a hand with your security. This is Del Peterson, bookstore owner, her cousin, Ivy Monroe.”
“Del, we appreciated the books you sent our unit. Made long hours pass quicker.” Alex turned his attention to her cousin. “Ivy.” When he smiled, Ivy nearly dropped the coffee carafe. Del could see why. The guy had a killer smile. He turned to Josh. “Sit rep, Major. Here or at your mother’s?”
“Too many windows here. Makes me twitchy. Ready to leave, Del?”
She handed the deposit bag to Annie, who listened to the conversation with frank interest.
Ivy replaced the carafe on the burner and turned toward the office. “I’ll get our bags.” Del noticed she avoided eye contact with Alex, who watched her retreating back. A minute later, her cousin returned with her handbag and Del’s. “Ready.”
“Stay close, Alex,” Josh said.
“I’ve got your six.”
Josh hustled Del and Ivy to his SUV. Despite the lingering heat of the day, Del shivered. No matter how much she told herself she was imagining things, she felt as if the killer hid in shadows, watching, waiting for an opening.
She glanced at her cousin. Maybe she should send Ivy home for a week or so. That would place Ivy in Lee’s path, though.
“No,” Ivy said, frowning. “You’re not sending me home for my own safety.”
“Wouldn’t you feel safer out of the killer’s reach?”
“I’m not taking trouble to Nashville. I don’t want to add another layer to an already bad situation at home.”
“What do you think, Josh? Shouldn’t we send her home for a while?”
“You want the truth?”
A chill swept over her body. “Always.”
“If the shooter is after you both, there’s nowhere to hide. We have protection in place and know the score. No one will be watching out for her in Nashville. Ivy would be an east target.”
“I’m safer here than at home,” Ivy said. “Besides, I broke the lease on my apartment, Del, and I won’t stay with Mom. She’ll push her own agenda and I just left that pressure cooker.”
Del sighed. She didn’t blame Ivy. Marigold Monroe loved Lee Hall, couldn’t understand why Ivy broke off her relationship with him, and made it her mission in life to reunite them. Del thought Aunt Mari was more interested in Lee’s fortune than his personality. Her aunt loved to spend money and no doubt had planned to use Ivy’s unlimited expense accounts if she’d married Lee. She’d done the same with Ivy’s own accounts until her cousin received a call from the bank, questioning a number of purchases which maxed out her credit card. Ivy had cut up the card and moved her accounts to the bank in Otter Creek.
“I’m only concerned for your safety.”
“If things get too hot here,” Josh said, “I’ll take you someplace safe, Ivy.”
They pulled into the Cahills’ drive a few minutes later. “Mom’s already here. Go on in.”
Del hesitated, hand on the passenger door. “Trying to get rid of us, Josh?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
At least he was honest. She didn’t want to hear Josh’s suspicions. Later, she’d dig up enough courage to confront the issue. Not tonight, though. Del was too tired to deal with it. After she got some sleep, Josh better have answers, good or bad. She wanted in the loop. After tonight. “What’s a sit rep?”
He chuckled. “Military shorthand for situation report.”
“Tomorrow, I want a sit rep. Will you tell me?”
“What I can,” he said and climbed out of the SUV.
“That answer had enough holes in it to drive a semi through,” Ivy complained.
“Tomorrow, we’ll learn the information we need.”
“Secrets bite when you least expect.”
Ivy ought to know. “Let’s go inside, see if Liz needs help.”
They climbed the deck stairs and opened the door. Scents of garlic bread, tomato sauce, and Italian seasonings greeted them. Del breathed deep, her stomach rumbling.
Liz turned, smiled. “Hungry?”
“Everything smells fantastic,” Ivy said.
“Lasagna and garlic bread. Where are Josh and Alex?”
“Outside. They’ll be in soon. Need help finishing dinner?” Del asked.
“Salad fixings in the refrigerator if you want to put one together.”
They dropped their handbags in their rooms, washed their hands, and cut tomatoes, mushrooms, cucumbers, tore lettuce, and shredded cheese. As they finished the salad, Josh and Alex walked into the kitchen, duffel bags over their shoulders.
“Alex.” Liz hurried to Josh’s friend. Alex dropped his bags and wrapped heavily muscled arms around her, lifted her from the ground in a bear hug. “It’s great to see you. You’ve been away too long.”
Del frowned. Tears in his eyes? She must have imagined it. A glance at Ivy, though, showed she’d noticed the same thing. There was a story here, an interesting one. Maybe one of the questions she asked Josh should cover his friend’s relationship with the Cahills.
“Didn’t want to wear out my welcome.”
“We always want you here, son, for as long as you can stay. Did you bring your appetite?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Dinner’s ready. You boys stow your gear and we’ll eat.”
“Same room as last time,” Josh said. He led the way up the stairs.
Del and Ivy carried food to the table and poured iced tea by the time Josh and Alex entered the dining room. Alex claimed the seat beside Liz. The food was passed quickly and after the first bite, Alex moaned. “Liz, marry me.”
She laughed. “Silly boy. You’re out of luck.”
“Kick Aaron to the curb and run off with me. I’ll treat you like a princess if you cook for me all the time.”
Josh thumped the back of his head. “Stop hitting on my mom.”
“How can I resist her, Major? She’s beautiful and cooks.”
“Idiot,” he growled, though his eyes twinkled.
Conversation during dinner stayed light. Liz shared Serena’s news with Alex and a lively discussion of baby names ensued. Del’s sides ached at the outrageous suggestions from Josh and Alex.
The house phone rang and Liz rose to answer. Her soft murmur made it apparent she was talking to her husband. “Wonder what your father will think about the baby?” Del asked Josh.
He grinned. “Dad hasn’t said anything, but he wants to be a grandfather.” His smile faded. “He was heartbroken over the loss of Madison and Luke’s baby.”
“Knowing your dad, he’ll be concerned about Maddie now,” Alex said.
“It’s nice that your parents care so much,” Ivy said with a sigh.
A haunted look came and went in Alex’s eyes. Del wondered what caused him so much pain. Definitely one of the first questions she would ask Josh.
A cell phone chimed. Ivy jumped. She dug into her pocket and checked the screen. She frowned at Del. “It’s your mother.”
Oh, man. She hoped her mother hadn’t heard about the murder and break-in. But why contact Ivy instead of complaining to Del about keeping secrets?
Ivy rose. “Excuse me.” She walked toward the living room.
“Think she’s heard?” Josh asked softly.
“I hope not. If she has, she’ll load the car and come to protect her baby. Or worse, send my brothers with shotguns.”
From the living room, Ivy’s end of the conversation rose in volume. “Aunt Dee, stop screaming. I can’t understand what you’re saying.”
Fear gripped Del’s heart with icy fingers. She jumped to her feet and dashed to the living room, Josh and Alex crowding in behind her.
Ivy’s face was white. “The police were just there?” A look of horror dawned on her face. “No! It’s not true. I didn’t call you because it’s not true. No, ma’am, I’m not lying to you. Aunt Dee, take a breath. Listen to me.” She stopped a moment, closed her eyes. “Del is not in Oakwood. She didn’t leave Otter Creek. I’m looking at her now.” She shook her head, pulled the cell away from her ear. “She doesn’t believe me, keeps sobbing, demanding to know why I didn’t call her.”
“About what?”
“A fire at your place. The firefighters found a body in the house.”
CHAPTER TEN
Josh’s fists clenched. A body? Alex shook his head. Didn’t take a genius to know the fire and body might be connected to Del’s situation in Otter Creek. Could be bad luck, too. He sighed. Not likely, much as he wished that were the case.
Del grabbed the phone. Before she spoke, Josh reached over and pushed the speaker button. Broken sobs sounded throughout the room. He nodded at Del.
“Mom?”
A strangled gasp, then, “Del! Baby, is that really you?”
“There was a fire at the house?”
More sobs, quieter now. “The police are here. One of the detectives wants to talk to you.”
A few thumps, then, “Ms. Peterson, Del Peterson?”
“Yes, I’m Del Peterson.”
“This is Detective Milo Tyler, Oakwood Police Department. Ms. Peterson, there was a fire at your residence. I’m sorry, ma’am, but
the house is a total loss. The fire crew discovered a body in a bedroom. The neighbors thought they saw you in the home during the past two days. That’s why we contacted your mother.”
“Well, obviously, I’m not there, Detective Tyler.”
“Ma’am, do you have any idea who this might be? The body is female.”
Ivy grabbed Del’s arm, eyes wide. “Do you think it might be Lily?” she whispered.
A low, distressed cry had Josh reaching for Del, drawing her into his side so he could support her physically if she needed it. “Detective, my cousin Lily Delray stayed in the house from time to time. She had a restraining order against her husband, Charles. I gave her a key a year ago when she needed a place to recuperate after a fight with her husband landed her in the hospital.”
“We’ll send a unit over to check on her whereabouts. Give me a number where I can reach you, Ms. Peterson.”
She glanced at Josh, got his nod, and rattled off her cell phone number. “I want to speak to my mother again, please.”
“Del, are you really okay, honey?”
“I’m fine. I promise.”
“I need to see you. Come home, at least for a day.”
Josh understood the need to see her daughter, but he wasn’t sure he could take Del out of town, not with the feds here. Del’s gaze sought his, a question in her beautiful eyes. He leaned close, his mouth brushing her ear. “Don’t know if we can.”
Del shivered. He pressed a soft kiss to her temple. Yeah, he felt the same way. Whatever was between them was growing fast.
“I’ll try, Mom. I don’t know if I can get away right now. I’m behind on ordering and stocking and I’m processing a thirty thousand book donation to the store. If I don’t take care of that, I’ll be living in my garage while books take over my bungalow.”
More quiet sobs. “I need to hold you in my arms, Del.”
“I know. I’ll try.”
“If you loved me, you’d come home.”
Cold. Manipulative. Josh tugged Del closer, wrapped his other arm around her. Emotional blackmail at its worst. He rubbed her back, waited to see how she dealt with this latest move. Though his family smothered him at times, he was grateful they never used emotional blackmail.
