Secrets of the Falls (Twelve Oaks Farm Book 3)

by Teresa Greene

  “Malory’s been very forthcoming. I’m changing tactics and now trying to find out if maybe there are other coeds Bret drugged and raped.”

  “You’re giving up on proving he murdered Tiffany Swift?”

  “Oh, no. I can’t find enough evidence to prove he killed Miss Swift. I need more time. Time I don’t have. Director Tate wants me back undercover. I have a week to find something that’ll put Robertson away for a long time. Then investigators can work on the Swift case while he is incarcerated.”

  Lacy moved to a nearby bench and waited for Dylan to sit down. She leaned in and whispered, “So you think he has raped other women?”

  “Yes. I’m hoping Malory knows something.” He sat so close his leg brushed against hers. What happened between them last night at his apartment came rushing back. She closed her eyes in an attempt to focus on something besides the feel of his hands touching her, his lips doing delicious things to her body.

  “Is this about what happened between us at my apartment? Would you like to talk about last night?”

  “No, I don’t want to talk about it. I don’t see any reason to cause myself more pain.”

  He placed his hand over hers causing her whole body to tingle. “Want to get together tonight. I’d like to take you out to dinner.”

  “You were just drooling all over Malory. I told you I can’t condone you sleeping with other women.”

  “That’s completely unfair and you know it. I explained to you about undercover work. I would like to spend more time with you, Lacy.” His voice sounded dark and sultry as the night. He tightened his grip on her hand. “Please, let’s enjoy this week.”

  “Nothing good can come from this relationship. You know it and I know it.” Lacy hooked her purse on her shoulder and stood above him. “Let’s say our goodbyes now.” A fake smile plastered on her lips, she stuck out her hand for a handshake. “It’s been an honor to get to know you.” He put his hand in hers. By sheer grit and determination she held back the tears. “Thanks for your help with Bret and I’m sure you’ll find the evidence you need to put him away for life.” Back as stiff as a board, she turned on her heel and walked toward her dorm.

  Why did he feel as if he had lost something very precious and wonderful? She was beautiful and wholesome. No one had ever made him feel like she did. Made him feel as if he was worthy of someone like her. He would never be able to erase the memory of her moaning and writhing beneath him when he made love to her. Knowing he would never have her again left him feeling empty. He was a fool to let her walk out of his life. Then reality settled in and he knew she was right. It was absurd to even think he could have a life with her.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Over a week without worrying about Bret Robertson had been heaven. Angry looks had still been directed her way but that was okay. She could handle anything now that she knew Bret was locked away and couldn’t break into her dorm room or hide in the shadows stalking her. Whoever had been responsible for the photo shopped pictures of her in the teddy had stopped displaying them on campus. Life was beginning to return to normal.

  Lacy took a quick peek at her watch. The psychic was scheduled to be at Twelve Oaks at eight o’clock. A little anxious about what they would discover had her gripping the steering wheel with both hands.

  Michelle asked, “Are you nervous?”

  Lacy tried to smile to ease her worry. “A little. I can’t believe Grant felt the need to contact a psychic.” But then maybe the psychic would be able to help. Last night she and Michelle had watched a documentary on Richard Lewis’ amazing abilities in solving cold cases for the FBI. She had to admit she was impressed with what she saw.

  “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we found Hilda’s body today?”

  “Yes.” Lacy had hoped Hilda’s diary would have been more forthcoming on what happened to her. She wanted to be the one to discover where Hilda was buried. Hilda was her ghost and she wanted to solve the mystery by herself. The last entry was June 11, 1912, the day before she died. There was nothing about anyone being angry or threatening to harm her or Darrell. By her last entry she had no idea she would die the very next day. She had not mentioned one person that might harm her. What a pity to die so young. She never got the chance to marry, to have children, or even begin to live. Her last entry was still fresh in her mind.

  Saturday, June 11, 1912

  The gloom of the rain keeps me from my daily ride on my precious horse Breeze. My father forbids me to ride in the rain for fear of contracting pneumonia. His mother died of pneumonia at the age of thirty-three and he has never gotten over the trauma of losing his mother at the tender age of ten. He is very protective of mother and me.

  My heart is breaking knowing I will not see the love of my life today. My lips long for his kisses, my body his touches. Who would have thought that such a quiet, sensitive man could bring me to such passion? But then he is a different person with me. He stimulates my mind as well as my senses. It defies reason that he fills my soul with an abundance of love and happiness.

  I opened my favorite book to find a letter from Darrell. His mother knows we are lovers and Darrell has enlisted her help in keeping our love affair a secret. He wants me to meet him at the waterfall tomorrow after church. He is still angry about what happened at the party last night. How can I make him understand Albert McManess means nothing to me? It seems like an eternity until tomorrow. The minutes creep by as I wait to see my love.

  Not once had Hilda mentioned Albert McManess in any of her other entries. What party was she speaking of? She had not made an entry for June 10th. Hilda made a decision that may have ended her life. In agreeing to meet Darrell, she also signed her own death certificate. But who was the person or persons that killed her? Did Albert McManess kill Hilda and Darrell in a fit of jealousy?

  “You’re awfully quiet.”

  “Just thinking.” A tremor moved through her. A strong feeling of sorrow consumed her as she thought of the unfinished business of what happened to Hilda and Darrell. She would always wonder if she didn’t discover the tragedy that took their lives.

  “Have you heard from Dylan?”

  Glad to change the subject, Lacy answered, “No, not one word.” The day after she had spoken to Dylan outside the campus cafeteria, he left Duke University. Lacy had asked Josh why he left before the investigation was over and he told her Dylan turned the investigation over to another agent and went back to his undercover work on gang activity. He didn’t even tell her goodbye. Was he that desperate to get away from her that he left an open investigation? She never imagined him for the type to leave loose ends.

  Michelle turned slightly and peered at her. “Did you have anything to do with him leaving?”

  Lacy snorted. “Whatever gave you that idea?”

  From the corner of her eye, she saw Michelle purse her lips. “I followed you outside after we had our little fight. It looked like the two of you were having a serious discussion.”

  Since Dylan would no longer be investigating the death of Tiffany Swift, Lacy didn’t see what it would hurt to explain why he was at Duke in the first place. “Dylan is a FBI agent. He works with Josh.”

  Lacy cut her eyes toward Michelle and had to hold back a giggle when she saw her face. “You’re going to catch flies if you don’t close your mouth.”

  “Why was he at Duke?” Lacy turned onto the mile long drive to Twelve Oaks. As she always did, she got a little thrill when she neared the house. No matter how rough things got she could always go home. Home to a family that loved her unconditionally.

  “He was investigating the death of Tiffany Swift.”

  “Get out of here.”

  “No, really. He suspects Bret has a thing for virgins and may have been involved with her murder. He assumes Bret let things get out of hand and he strangled her.”

  Michelle’s brows drew up in confusion. “Why does he suspect Bret?”

  “Bret was the last person seen with her at a party. They left togethe
r at one o’clock and the coroner put her time of death between two and three o’clock. Cocaine was in her system.” She decided not to tell Michelle that Dylan had also been investigating the Dark Knight Frat House members for selling drugs. If they got wind of an investigation, they might stop selling drugs and never be prosecuted.

  Michelle placed her hand over her mouth. “My God, he could have killed you also.” She was white as a piece of cotton. “He’s a low down scoundrel.”

  “Calm down, Michelle. I said Dylan suspects Bret. He doesn’t have the evidence to prove he was the one that gave her the cocaine or murdered her.”

  “You slept with a real live FBI agent.” She clapped her hands in delight. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me Dylan worked for the FBI.”

  “I couldn’t. He was undercover.”

  After a short pause, Michelle asked, “Why was he hanging out with Malory?”

  “He was sleeping with her to gain information. He had a few leads but he was reassigned. That’s what Dylan does. He sleeps with women to get them talking, to trust him.”

  “Are you sure he didn’t leave because of you?” she said with a faint smile. “I got the idea he had strong feelings for you. It’s hard to believe they’d assign him another case before he solved this one.”

  “Trust me. I had nothing to do with him leaving.” Deep down Lacy wondered if she was the reason he left. He had told her he had one more week to work on the Swift investigation, then he just up and left. Dylan was nothing but trouble. It was a good thing he was out of her life. “Don’t tell anyone he is an agent.”

  “I won’t.” Michelle’s voice was little more than a whisper. “Are you going to see him again?”

  Lacy thought about her question. Under other conditions she would love to continue her relationship with Dylan. “I don’t think so. I don’t see the point. He will not give up his undercover work. Besides we are incompatible.” The pieces of her broken heart fell to the bottom of her soul one by one. She should never have let herself get involved with Dylan. Pain and anguish swamped her. She had said she wouldn’t think about Dylan today. Now that he was out of her life she could begin to heal.

  The twelve oaks appeared in the distance on each side of the driveway. As Lacy drove by the magnificent trees she thought of Hilda. She had taken the same path many times in her short sixteen years. In her imagination she could see her galloping Breeze between the oaks.

  Lacy parked the car and they both emerged at the same time. Everyone filed out of the house at once. Lacy groaned out loud. It looked like the whole family was going to the waterfall. Nina gave her a quick hug. “Do you want some breakfast?”

  “No.” Lacy touched her rolling stomach. “I’m too nervous to eat.”

  “How about you, Michelle? Would you like some pancakes and bacon? There’s a couple of pancakes left.”

  Michelle looked at Lacy. “Do I have time to eat before we leave for the falls?”

  “Sure, go ahead.” They hadn’t had time to grab something for breakfast because Lacy didn’t want to be late. “Don’t let me keep you from eating.”

  Juan cupped his arm into Michelle’s and led her toward the house. “I’ll show you where the dishes are.” Lacy giggled. Like Michelle didn’t already know her way around the kitchen. It seemed someone had a little crush. Juan was at the age where his hormones were in overdrive. Beth told her Juan was constantly on his cell phone talking to girls.

  Grant, Josh, and Beth all circled around obviously excited about meeting Richard Lewis. All of them were talking at the same time. Maria and Grace stood back watching. Lacy gave a nervous wave in greeting. Her fingers were not so steady wondering what would happen today at the falls.

  Everyone turned and watched the red sports car creeping up the drive. A man of about fifty opened the door and climbed out. He seemed more interested in the landscape than he did about the group of people staring at him curiously. His eyes roamed over the barn, pastures, the house. Completely ignoring them, he took his time taking in the scene. “Beautiful place.” Then he turned around and faced them. He took a moment to look at each face as if sizing everyone up. Could he tell what they were thinking? Was he that good at mind games, or did he really have the sixth sense? Lacy hoped with all her heart he was the real thing.

  Hand held out in front of him, he walked straight to Grant and shook his hand. “You must be Grant Wilson. I’m Richard Lewis.” He was of average height and build. Thick salt and pepper hair covered his head.

  Grant made the introductions saving Lacy for last. “This is Lacy.”

  Richard took her hand in his and held it for a few seconds. He smiled revealing perfect white teeth. His lips were thick and Lacy thought him quite handsome. “So you see ghosts?”

  “Yes, I guess I do.”

  He took her hand again this time taking her left hand and held it in both his. He cupped her hand and peered at Hilda’s ring on her finger. “This once belonged to your ghost?”

  “Yes.” Uncomfortable with his attentions, she tugged until he let go of her hand. She removed the ruby and diamond ring then handed it to Richard. “It was a gift from her parents.”

  “And how do you know this?”

  “I have her diary.”

  Richard rubbed the ring with his fingers. He closed his eyes and concentrated. “Her name was Hilda.” He hesitated as if trying to see more in his mind. His eyes popped open. “Hilda Reynolds. She died June 12, 1912.”

  Grant snorted. “You expect us to believe you saw all that from touching a ring? More than likely you did a little investigating before you got here.”

  “Oh, ye of little faith.” He turned toward Grant. “Why did you call me, Mr. Wilson if you don’t believe I’m a true psychic?”

  “I guess I’m desperate.” Grant tilted his head to one side. “Prove me wrong.”

  “Oh, Mr. Wilson, I intend to.”

  Grant’s eyebrows shot up in anger. “After cancelling on us twice I considered hiring another psychic.”

  “Both cases were missing children. I’m sure you understand live people take precedence over the dead.”

  A look of guilt on his face, Grant offered, “Yes, I guess they do. Did you find the children?”

  “Yes.” Richard didn’t elaborate. He didn’t say whether they were found dead or alive. Lacy saw a look of pain cross his face. She imagined a person with his abilities sometimes felt he was cursed.

  Lacy trotted to her car and opened the back door. She unzipped her book bag and took out Hilda’s diary. By the time she returned to Mr. Lewis, he was holding Grace’s hand. Red faced with anger, Grant crossed his arms over his massive chest and tapped his foot on the grass.

  “I see tragedy in your past my dear. Your husband died fighting for his country.” He leaned over and kissed the back of her hand in a very sensual manner. “Maybe we can have dinner tonight.”

  “Excuse me. I’m not paying you to flirt with my mother.”

  “Mother! I assumed she is your sister?”

  Lacy felt like giggling. It was obvious Grant wasn’t going to get along with Richard. It should be a very interesting day.

  Lacy stepped into Richard’s view. “This was Hilda’s diary. Maybe it can be of some help.”

  Instead of opening the diary and reading a few entries, he clutched it in his hands. Again his eyes closed and his facial expressions became very serious. “I see water. Water is cascading over rocks. I see a tall man and a small young woman with long black hair. I see green grass and yellow and orange wildflowers.” His eyes opened and a smile crossed his lips. “What do you think? Did I get anything correct?”

  No one said a word. Everyone stood looking at Richard in shock. It amazed Lacy that he described the waterfall so vividly. Juan and Michelle walked up and Juan asked, “What did we miss?”

  Chapter Fourteen

  The truck bumped and swayed on the narrow road to the falls. Grant, Nina, and Maria were in the cab of the truck. Lacy, sat on a cushion with her
back against the cab listening to Michelle and Juan’s conversation about school. Even the cushion didn’t help the discomfort of the uncomfortable ride. She wished they could have brought the four-wheelers, but there were too many people going to the falls. The road was more suited for ATVs and horses. Grant had plans to work on the road, but the farm kept him too busy.

  Josh and Beth were on one side of the truck bed while Grace and Richard sat on the opposite side. Grace seemed to hang on every word the psychic said. Several times her cheeks turned pink from his bold flirtations. Now it was Josh glaring at Richard. But then he didn’t seem to notice. He only had eyes for Grace. The attraction was immediate and strong.

  Grant jumped out of the cab of the truck and opened the tailgate. Richard was the first one to jump off the bed of the truck and held Grace’s hand as she sat on her bottom and scooted to the ground. He tucked her arm into his and led her toward the bank where the water pooled at the bottom of the waterfall. “Beautiful, absolutely beautiful.” He released Grace’s arm and spun in a full circle before turning back to the waterfall. The water cascaded over the rocks to the thirty foot drop below. “What a spectacular landscape. How often do you come to this location?”

  “Not often. It is a lot of work to keep the farm going. We have little time for play.”

  His eyes rested on Grace. “Maybe we should have a picnic here sometime. When it is warmer and we can go swimming.”

  Grace’s cheeks couldn’t get any redder. The man couldn’t be any bolder with his intentions. He should just come right out and say he wanted to have sex with her.

  Grant rolled his eyes and Lacy had to suppress a giggle. It was obvious he didn’t like Richard. She wondered if it was because he was a psychic or because he had a strong attraction to Grace. “I’m not paying you to flirt with my Mother.”

  Ignoring Grant’s insult, he spun in a circle once again. His expression reminded Lacy of a child in a candy store. Pure delight was the only way to describe it. “This is where she died.”