A CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

by Wilton, Patrice

  Fear raced through Ian’s body, as he looked into the madman’s face. This man, not just a stalker, would kill her without remorse.

  In the deathly silence, he heard Wharton shout, “Toss the weapons. All of them.”

  Ian’s eyes met Ally’s and she silently formed the word “no”.

  He tossed the one in his hand to the side.

  “You,” Jimmy pointed at Ian. “Remove his weapon too.” He pointed to Moore pinned underneath him.

  Ian shifted his weight. Using two fingers, he slipped the gun out of the holster. He flung that toward Jimmy too.

  “Now, take your friend and move away.” Jimmy’s voice was triumphant.

  Ian slipped his arms beneath Moore to tug him backward, with Wharton’s murderous gaze on him the whole time. Knowing he had to save Ally, he shifted so that Moore’s body covered his hands as he managed to pull his revolver from his ankle strap. Straightening on one knee, Ian knew he’d only get one chance.

  Jimmy’s eyes narrowed in fury and he shoved Ally in front of him—Ally, spunky Ally, spun around and kicked Jimmy behind the knee. Not expecting it from her, Jimmy stumbled forward, still holding on to her.

  Ian fired.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Ally screamed as blood splattered everywhere. On her face, her clothes. She flung herself away from her attacker and looked at him with horror. His body was slumped over, the weapon he’d been holding to her skull lying on the floor. Was he dead? Was it over at last?

  She scrambled over to Ian, lying on his side. “Ian. Ian,” she called his name and attempted to cradle his head upon her lap. Her hand came away with blood. She yelled to the fellow officers rushing up the steps. “He’s been shot.”

  Suddenly Finn was there—his demeanor calm, competent, as he knelt beside her. Ian opened his eyes. “Shoulder,” he whispered. “Hurts like a son-of-a-bitch.”

  “You got him, Chief.” Finn grinned gently patting down Ian to make sure the shoulder wound was the only injury. “It’s over.”

  Ian turned his eyes on her. A weak smile touched his lips. “Don’t cry,” he said in a hoarse voice. “It’s good. Now you’re free. You can go.”

  Her mouth trembled and the stream of tears falling down her cheeks turned into a flood. Go? Where? She wanted to stay with him. She wanted to keep him safe, as he had her.

  Didn’t he want that too?

  Finn awkwardly tapped her shoulder. “He’ll be fine. Don’t worry.”

  She nodded, crying too hard to speak.

  “Step aside, Miss. We’ve got him.” Chief Bower took command and helped her to her feet. “I’ve called for an ambulance. It might be best if you go with him.”

  She shook her head, stumbling back. She had enough first aid knowledge to know she could be in shock. She turned to go inside and saw Jimmy Wharton lying in the doorway. He had a big gaping hole in his forehead. A perfect shot, she reflected numbly, giving credit to Ian’s expertise. He’d kept his promise—saving her.

  Stepping over his body, she ran to her bedroom and slammed the door. Trembling, she slid under the comforter and pulled it over her head. She was so cold and couldn’t stop crying. Her brain seemed numb too, as she couldn’t make sense of it all.

  She had lived this moment for so long and dreamed of all the ways it could happen, but the reality of Jimmy being shot, her nightmare over, didn’t fill her with the joy she’d imagined. Maybe that would come later. Or not at all.

  All she could hear in her head were Ian’s words. It’s good. You’re free to go.

  She cried louder and barely made out the sound of someone pounding on her door. She didn’t want to see anyone. “Go away,” she shouted.

  A moment later she felt a reassuring hand on her shoulder. Finn was telling her the ambulance had arrived and she needed to go with him and get herself checked out. “You need to go, Ally. Ian will want you there when he wakes up.”

  She shook his hand off her and tried to burrow deeper under the covers. “No, he won’t.” Her voice broke on a sob. “Leave me alone,” she cried.

  “I can’t. Chief Bower fetched me to get you. He said you had to go too.” He pulled the comforter off the bed and reached down to pick her up. “You want to argue, you argue with him.” Finn cradled her into his arms and carried her down the hall.

  Weakly she pounded on his shoulders. “Why does everyone want me to go?” She hiccupped and sniveled. “I just want to stay.”

  “I’ll bring you back here tomorrow,” he said to reassure her. “I’m sure they will just keep you the one night.”

  “My camera and photos. My darkroom. Can you lock it all up for me?” she asked, her eyes beseeching his.

  “You got it.” He carried her to the back of the ambulance and let the medics take it from there. “I’ll see you both later.”

  She nodded and was helped into the back where she faced Ian. The other medic took the front passenger seat, allowing them some privacy.

  His face was pale, but his eyes shone brightly. “I’m sorry. I had no idea he would be in your cabin when I pushed you inside. The shots were still being fired.”

  She couldn’t figure it out either. “It doesn’t matter now. He’s dead. A perfect shot.”

  “I told you the police always give up their guns. Luckily I had two.” He tried to smile, but she couldn’t summon the energy to respond.

  “Ally, if you hadn’t had the courage to kick him in the knee, he wouldn’t have flinched and I wouldn’t have been able to take the shot. Not with his gun to your head.” He squeezed her hand. “You saved yourself. Not me.”

  She didn’t answer. The images in her head were something she’d never forget. The last few seconds…

  “You okay?” he asked, his voice filled with concern.

  “No.” She closed her eyes and leaned back, contemplating a future. Nothing came to mind. “Ian, this is going to sound silly, but I’m scared. I have no idea of what I will do now. I’ve been running and hiding for so long. And now it’s over.”

  “Start by calling your parents. They’ve been waiting for this good news for a long, long time.”

  She blinked. He was right. Her parents would be relieved and happy that the ordeal was over. They’d rush to her side. Together, they’d figure it all out. Right now, she was so emotionally drained that her brain had completely shut down.

  If she left Heaven she’d miss Jennie, and the girls. Nick. Byron. Finn. Even this tough, stubborn cop who had saved her life. Him most of all.

  Waiting tables was not her calling in life, but it gave her the time and means to do the photography she loved. It was a happy balance. Did she want to give that up?

  She rubbed her chest, feeling a sharp pain of loss. Her parents would want her to come home, but the mere thought of returning to Connecticut, or starting over someplace else, had her insides churning. Her home was here.

  “What’s going on inside that head of yours,” he asked quietly.

  “Chaos. Confusion. Flipping backwards and forwards and feeling inside out.” She smiled sadly. “I thought this would be the happiest day of my life. But it isn’t.”

  “No, not the happiest. What happened today was a tragedy. It’s done now, though. You have your life back. Your peace of mind will grow stronger every day.” His solemn brown eyes softened. “You are really something, Ally, and you have a wonderful future ahead of you.”

  “Glad you think so.” Why was he sounding so removed? She wanted to hold him close, share his stretcher. Make sure the doctor took good care of him.

  He took her hand and she gave his a squeeze. Then he pulled his hand away and tucked it next to his body.

  “Are you dumping me?” she asked in a low voice and held her breath in anticipation of the answer.

  “No.” He closed his eyes as a wave of pain crossed his face. Opened them, demanding she pay attention. “I’m freeing you. You have so many choices ahead of you and I don’t want you concerned about me.”

  “I like being con
cerned about you. You need me, or you’ll grow into a grumpy old man.” Her throat clogged as she took in the bandage on his shoulder.

  He laughed, and then winced. “I’m already that. I’m set in my ways and my dreams and ambitions are all dried up.”

  “I don’t believe that. And what about a family?” He had such a big heart. “You need to remarry some day and have children. You’ll be a great dad.”

  “I think that ship has sailed.”

  She laid a hand on his chest, just watching him. They’d only had a few nights together, and the sex had been great, but their connection had been so much more than that. At least for her. She had enjoyed talking with him, making him laugh, the easy camaraderie that had come so naturally. They’d been good together. They still could be. But he seemed intent on pushing her away.

  How ironic. Jimmy Wharton had wanted to cage her, and yet the man she desired was opening the cage door and encouraging her to fly.

  * * *

  Ally, treated for shock, had to remain in the hospital overnight, whereas Ian was patched up and allowed to go home. He stopped in to see her before he left, and she clung to him for a few minutes, hating to let him go.

  “Speed made it through the surgery,” he said, stroking her hair, caressing her cheek. “Told you he was a fighter.”

  She smiled through a veil of tears. “That is great news.”

  “Have you spoken to your parents yet?” he asked.

  “I have. They will be here tomorrow morning.” She used a tissue to wipe her eyes. “It was a very emotional call. We were all crying and laughing and a little incoherent. I think I said, “It’s finally over, about a dozen times.”

  “Of course. It’s to be expected. I’m so glad they will be here with you.”

  “Yeah, me too. Will you be able to pick me up and take me to see Speed?”

  Ian sat back in his chair, his expression unreadable. “Finn said he’d do that. He’s got your cameras and gear locked in his car, and a suitcase full of clothes.”

  “That’s nice of him.” Her chest ached. Why didn’t he want to pick her up and they could both go and get Speed, then celebrate her freedom by making love for hours? They wouldn’t get another chance once her parents arrived.

  “I’ll take care of Speed for you. I know you have a lot of decisions to make, and owning a dog is just one of them.”

  “Ian. I don’t know what I want to do, but I do now that I love it here and all my friends. The thought of leaving is terrifying. I don’t want to lose you either…”

  “Ally.” His voice softened. “I will always remain your friend. Nick. Jennie. You will never lose us no matter where you go or what you do. It’s just that the world is your oyster now and for the first time in years you can go anywhere you want, and become the brilliant renowned photographer that you’re destined to be.” He smiled but she thought she saw a sheen of tears in his eyes. “We want that for you because we care about your happiness.” He had left shortly after that, and she had cried for hours.

  No one sleeps much in hospitals anyway, so Ally was not surprised that she tossed and turned all night on that small, hard hospital bed. Finn called her from downstairs and asked if he could come up.

  “Don’t bother,” she told him. “Just have the car waiting. I’ll call you as soon as I’m allowed to leave. Shouldn’t be much longer.”

  “Good. I’ll take you to see Speed, and then drop you off at the hotel. I managed to weasel two rooms at the Inn. One for you and one for your parents. They said they were booked, but I said it was an emergency. Then they were very accommodating.”

  “Thank you so much. I couldn’t bear the idea of returning to the cabin.”

  “Ian’s there now. It’s a crime scene.”

  “Oh. Of course.”

  An hour later, she met Finn outside the hospital doors and he looked a little worse for wear. “Have you slept at all?” she asked him.

  “Catnapped for an hour this morning but there was too much to do.” He gave a crooked grin. “Real police work for a change.”

  She smiled, but she wasn’t amused. The violence sickened her. Instead of Jimmy, it could have been her lying there dead. “How is Officer Moore? Is he going to be okay?”

  “Yes. The bullet missed all his vital organs. In a few days he’ll be up and about.” Finn helped her into his car. “Ian too. Damn lucky.”

  “Was anyone else injured?” she asked, remembering the wild gunfire she’d heard from inside the cabin.

  “No. Everyone else was able to take shelter when the bullets came raining down.”

  “I wonder how Jimmy did it?”

  “He had something rigged up in the trees. Not sure if it was one, or several, but the guy was smart. Got to give him that.”

  She nodded and kept her opinion to herself. He was a dumbass in her opinion, and got what he deserved.

  “Is Speed still at the vet’s or has Ian taken him home?”

  “He’ll be picking him up later today. The West Chester animal hospital also has boarding facilities, so if he’s not ready to be released Speed can stay a few extra days.”

  “That might be best. With Ian’s injured shoulder and everything, he shouldn’t be taking care of an injured dog.”

  “Right.” It took them only a few minutes to drive over to the animal clinic and Finn and Ally spent a few minutes fawning over the pup, relieved to see he was doing fine.

  A half hour later, Finn dropped Ally at the hotel. “You want me to bring up your camera equipment and stuff?”

  “If you don’t mind. I’m not sure how long we’ll be staying at the Inn, but for now I have no place else to go. I expect it will be a lengthy stay. At least through the holidays.”

  “Righteo then.” While she checked in, he unloaded the car and the valet put everything on a trolley to be delivered to her room.

  She shook his hand, and then leaned in to kiss his cheek. “Thanks for everything, Finn. Take care of Ian for me, won’t you?”

  “You sure you don’t want to do that yourself?” he asked, a thoughtful look in his eyes.

  “I will be busy with my family.” She shrugged, “and I don’t think he wants me to.”

  “I don’t believe that for a second. What man wouldn’t want you taking care of him? And I know the chief. He’s into you. Big time.”

  “I’m not so sure about that. But right now, I have more to worry about. Like deciding where I want to live.”

  “Take your time. Don’t rush anything. And call me if you need anything.”

  “I will, Finn. Thanks again.”

  She took the elevator to the fourth floor, and sat down to wait. Her parents would be here within the hour. There last meeting was a year ago, last Christmas. They’d met in Philadelphia for a quick two day visit. Now they would have all the time in the world to become reacquainted and catch up on the years they’d missed. Her older brother, Tom, was going through an unhappy divorce and couldn’t get away on such short notice, but they’d spoken. He’d assured her they’d see each other soon.

  She felt a tightness in her chest when she thought about Ian. He didn’t want a family, or children. Or her. Did he care so little, or did he care too much?

  A long hot shower helped rid herself of the memory of Jimmy’s blood on her. Would she ever be able to return to the cabin she’d once loved? Impossible.

  She closed her eyes tight, fighting back another wave of emotion. All night they kept coming and going, leaving her weeping and emotionally undone. She scrubbed her skin raw, washed her hair, and then wept some more. Finally, depleted, she stepped out of the shower, dried herself off, and dressed carefully in her new jeans and cashmere sweater.

  Her stomach churned with anticipation, anxiety and nerves. Glancing in the bathroom mirror, she noticed dark purple bruises under her eyes, and her skin was too pale. She added a little more blush to her cheeks, and picked up her lipstick stick to redefine her lips.

  She washed her hands and wiped them on a towel an
d nearly missed the sound of her cellphone ring. “Mom?”

  “We’re downstairs, darling. The nice lady at the front desk said you were in the room next to us. We can’t wait to see you. We’re on our way up.”

  Ally flew to the door and flung it open. She ran to the bank of elevators and watched the numbers rise. They were on the sixth floor.

  Three. Four. Five. And then the door slid open.

  Her mother and father gathered her into their arms, and held on tight. The bellboy had a carrier full of bags and skirted around them to reach their guest room and open the door.

  “Mom. Dad. Oh my God. Thank heavens you’re here. I’ve missed you so much.” Tears streamed down Ally’s cheeks and she sobbed so hard and couldn’t let go.

  “There, there, sweetheart.” Her father patted her back. His voice was choked with emotion. “We’re here—we can stay as long as you want.”

  “Oh, that is good news!” She smiled through her veil of tears and brushed them aside. “I need you so much.”

  “We’re here as long as you want and need us,” her mother seconded. They hooked their arms around her back and led her to their room.

  “I have so many people I want you to meet. So many places to show you. This is the sweetest town I’ve ever seen. I’ve been happy here,” she babbled on, wanting her parents to love Heaven as much as she did.

  “We can do all of that,” her mom said, “but right now, how about if we just sit and talk? It’s been so long since we had actual time together—not just a day or two, but the rest of our lives.”

  “Of course. I’m just nervous and excited.” Her life had been shadowed for so long that she didn’t know how to react to anything.

  “I can only imagine,” her mom said, giving Ally another hug. “But it’s over. It’s finally over. And you aren’t physically hurt?”

  “No, but the doctor said there will be the after-effects of shock.” She lifted a trembling hand. “Can’t quite believe it.”