Juan took the goat before she dropped him. “It happens from time to time.” His laughter echoed off the rafters of the high ceiling. “You never know what to expect from animals. They are very unpredictable.” Juan pressed his lips together to stop laughing, but it didn’t work. He couldn’t control his amusement. Another burst of laughter spewed from his mouth.
Lacy took Sherry’s hand. “Come to the house with me. I’ll find you something else to wear.” Stiff as a board, she headed toward the house. She reminded Michelle of a penguin as she waddled toward the house.
The moment they disappeared from sight, Michelle asked, “Is your sister mad?”
“No, she’s okay. Just because she is quiet and shy doesn’t mean she has difficulty getting along with people. She’s really very sweet.”
Guilt showing on his face, Juan apologized. “I’m sorry I laughed.”
“It was funny. After she washes off the urine, I’m sure Sherry will also find the situation humorous.” He turned his attention to Juan. “I’d love some bluebird boxes. I’ll pay you $50 for each one you build me.”
Juan’s eyes lit up with excitement. “How many do you need?”
“I’ll take ten. I’m going to put them up around my parent’s house. Mother loves to sit on the veranda and admire the gardens and the different varieties of birds. She doesn’t have bluebirds.”
“Put up bluebird boxes and she’ll have bluebirds.” Juan placed the baby goat back in the stall with his mother.
Scott took out his wallet. “I’ll go ahead and pay you.”
Juan shook his head in the negative. “Not until I build the boxes. It may take me a while. We’re pretty busy on the farm right now.”
“I’m not in any hurry. Even if you have to wait until the winter, I’ll be satisfied. If possible, I would like to have them by spring.”
Juan’s smile was huge. “I’ll have them finished before spring.” He pivoted on his heel. “I need to feed the animals.”
“I’ll help you.” Michelle attempted to follow Juan.
With a strong hand, Scott reached out and grabbed her by the arm. “I was hoping you’d show me around.” He felt a flash of heat along his skin. He had never felt such a strong attraction to another woman. Something about her pulled at him.
“It’s okay, Michelle. Go ahead and give him a tour of the farm.”
Obviously, Michelle was not interested in being alone with him. She gave Juan a hard look. Not deterred, Scott took her hand and led her toward the fields he could see on the other side of the pasture. “What crops do Grant and Nina grow?”
“Mainly, corn, tomatoes, okra, potatoes, and collard greens. They have planted corn in the bottoms for a corn maze. Pumpkins are in the south field so they can sell pumpkins at the corn maze and the farmer’s market.”
“Do you come to Twelve Oaks often?”
“Yes, I love it here. My parents live on a farm in Georgia. Nothing like this,” she did a wide sweep with her arm, “but it is a nice farm. Our nearest neighbor lives five miles away.”
“Sounds lonely.”
“Only if you wanted to have meaningful conversations. Some of my best friends were cows. Problem was they didn’t talk back, but they were good listeners.”
He laughed at her humor. “How’d you end up at a prestigious school like Duke?”
“I’m very smart. I got a full scholarship. My parents would not have been able to pay for my education. I’m lucky.”
“Beth said you’re getting your masters in public health?”
“You and Beth talk about me a lot.” Michelle persisted, “Why are you so curious about me?”
“I find you very intriguing.”
“Why?”
He shrugged his shoulders. “Hell if I know.” Instead of explaining his interest in her, he scanned the expansive fields. From his view point, Scott could see neat rows of corn. On the other side of the corn was a field of huge green leafy collard greens. “The colors are so real, I can almost taste them.”
“Each head of collard greens brings five dollars. Some of the fine restaurant owners in Raleigh come out and pick their own.”
Scott tried to calculate the amount in his head. “That’s thousands of dollars.”
“Yes, thanks to Grant the farm is doing great. It hasn’t always been that way. Nina barely managed after her parents were killed in an automobile accident. Grant has made some upgrades and seems to know what crops will sell the best. He has also planted an orchard of apple trees.”
By the tone of her voice, she respected and admired Grant Wilson. Scott turned and looked back at the huge, sprawling house and barn. “It is a beautiful place.” From where he stood, he could see the beginnings of a house at the edge of the forest. “That must be Beth and Josh’s house. She told me they were building a new house.”
“Yes, it is going to be beautiful. Nothing elaborate but the rooms are huge with lots of windows. I love their floor plan.”
He peered at Michelle. She shifted from one foot to the other. “Do I make you nervous?”
She spared him a glance. “Yes, you do.”
“I like your honesty. In my line of work, I learn to read people. I like you.”
She brushed off the compliment. “You don’t even know me. You have no idea the bad decisions I have made.”
He jammed his hands into his pockets. “I think I do. People love to gossip. I know everything that has happened to you in the past few months. You had no idea your boyfriend was a serial killer.”
“I should have known. I should have felt something was off, but I didn’t. I thought he was honorable, perfect. A man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.”
He laid his hands on her shoulders. “That is not your fault. Stop blaming yourself for something you had no control over. Grey was so good at manipulation, he fooled everyone. He deceived Lacy who I’ve learned from Beth doesn’t trust many people. Dylan is a FBI Agent and Grey also deceived him. Consider yourself lucky you didn’t marry him and then discover he had a double life.”
Eyes wide and wary, she asked, “Why do you care?”
He placed his hands on her arms. “Beth told me you stopped Robertson from raping Lacy. She said you are brave with a lot of spunk. I like strong women.”
“You and Beth need to stop talking about me.” Michelle rolled her eyes. “Lacy would have done the same for me. She’s my best friend.”
“Sounds better than cows.”
Michelle laughed. “Our conversations are more stimulating.”
“I feel an attraction to you, a strong attraction. I’d like to get to know you better. Can I take you out tonight?”
Michelle pulled away from him, and took a step back to put some space between them. “No, I’m not ready to get involved with another man. I have had two relationships, both ending badly. I’ve come to the conclusion, my tastes in men sucks. I’m not willing to take another chance at this point in my life.”
He looked deep into her eyes. “Life won’t sit still for anybody, Michelle. We know nothing of what will happen tomorrow. All I’m asking for is a chance to get to know you better. Friendship is all I seek.”
“I’m sorry, Scott. You seem to be a nice guy.” Her brows creased. “I’m not ready to trust.”
He stood and watched her trot across the field. With agile movements, she slipped through the bottom and middle rung of the wood, slat fence. Odd, he wasn’t ready to give up on Michelle. All she needed was a little time. A strong person, she would get over Chad Grey in short order. When she was ready, he would be waiting.
Chapter Ten
Michelle gave up and slapped her English book closed. She rolled over on her back and stared at the ceiling. All she could think about was Scott Wallace. Yesterday, when he placed his hands on her shoulders, she had felt something. She hated to admit she had wanted him to kiss her. He was a little too self-confident, a little too cocky. He was much too personal, a little too warm. She couldn’t understand his strange at
traction to her.
Every muscle in her stomach twisted. What was wrong with her? Maybe she was one of those women that fell in love with every man who showed her a little attention. She had fallen head over heels in love with Tommy almost the moment she met him. But his name wasn’t Tommy, it was Chad Grey. When would she stop thinking of Chad Grey as Tommy? In fact, Tommy Ross never existed. He had never been her prince in shining armor. So many nights she had lain awake in bed and fantasized about a life with him. She dreamed of a white house with a huge yard and picket fence. Everything had felt right with him. She thought she had found friendship, someone to laugh with and spend the rest of her life with. She’d been silly enough to base all her hopes and expectations on a man she had only known for months. In reality, she had really given her heart to an evil serial killer. Terrible pain vibrated in her heart. She would never get over Tommy. They would be linked together forever.
Lacy opened the door and entered without knocking. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine.”
“It seems Scott is attracted to you. He’s an impressive man. What happened when you two were alone yesterday?”
Michelle sat up and leaned her back against the headboard. It was unusual for Lacy to play matchmaker. Now that Lacy was in love, she wanted her to feel the same happiness. “Nothing really. He asked me out and I refused.” She wrapped her arms around her legs resting her chin on her knees.
“Stop sulking over what could have been and go after something that can be wonderful. Scott is a great guy. Beth really likes him and his father. She says they are fine, outstanding men.”
“That’s what everyone thought about Tommy, I mean Chad Grey. Look how popular he was, everyone’s best friend. Always there to lend a helping hand. I’m still trying to get my head around why I didn’t feel the evil in his soul.”
“Stop beating yourself up over what happened. He fooled all of us, even Dylan who has the instinct to pick up on deceit.”
Michelle threw the covers back and wiggled off the bed. “I’m tired of this conversation. I will be okay. Chad Grey is in my past and I will not let him ruin my life. Yet, I’m not ready for another relationship. So stop playing Cupid.” She took Lacy’s hands. “I love you. You are more than a friend, I consider you my sister. But I need some space. Don’t try to find me a soul mate. I’ve struck out twice. One more strike and I’m out.”
“Keep swinging, Michelle. You have too much love and caring inside to just give up on love.”
“Stop worrying about me.”
Lacy gave her a weak smile. “I am worried about you.”
Trying to lighten the mood, Michelle gave her a saucy wink. “I worry about me too. My tastes in men sucks.”
“Trust won’t be easy for you.” Her brow creased in concern. “You were there for me when Bret almost raped me. Now I’d like to return the favor.” She ran her fingers through Michelle’s curly hair. “Don’t shut me out. If you need to talk, I’m here for you.”
“As I keep saying, stop worrying. I’m fine. In due time I’ll be ready to get back on the horse. I like sex too much not to want a man in my life. I just don’t want to get screwed again.”
“How long is due time?” By Lacy’s expression, she didn’t think she was being honest.
“Soon, Lacy. It’s only been two months.” Deep down Michelle knew she would be okay. There wasn’t a man on earth that could destroy her.
“That’s my phone. It’s probably Dylan. He said he had to work late.” Lacy bolted from the room to answer her phone.
Michelle heard Lacy shout, “Don’t call me again!”
She darted into the living room to find tears streaming down Lacy’s cheeks. “Who was it, Lacy? Who called you?”
“Bret!”
Michelle jerked Lacy’s phone away from her and looked at the screen. It said number unknown. “What did he say?”
Lacy fell back onto the sofa wrapping her arms around her stomach. “He said he heard I moved in with Dylan. I didn’t give him a chance to say more. I ended the call.”
Things got worse when Dylan opened the front door and stepped across the threshold. One look at Lacy’s face and he knew something was wrong. “What’s happened?”
Michelle handed Dylan her phone. “Bret Robertson called Lacy. How can he be calling her from prison?”
Dylan dropped to his knees in front of Lacy placing his hands on her knees. “Are you sure it was Robertson?”
She nodded her head. He combed his fingers through her hair. Michelle shuddered at the violence she saw in his face. “What did that son-of-a-bitch say?”
Michelle handed Lacy a tissue. She dabbed at her tears. “He said he knew I had moved in with you. I ended the call before he could say anything else.”
“Someone must have smuggled a phone inside the prison.” Dylan took out his phone. “Tate, this is Dylan. Robertson called Lacy. He must have a phone hidden somewhere in his cell.”
Michelle didn’t hear what Tate had to say. There was dead silence until Dylan shouted, “Well, find it! It has to be in his cell!” He angrily threw his phone on the coffee table causing a loud thump. “Tate is going to have the guards search his cell. I promise he’ll never call you again.”
In a tired voice, she whispered, “I’m sick of this, Dylan. It’s not fair that he is still stalking me.”
He sat on the sofa and pulled Lacy into his lap. She pressed her face into his chest as her whimpers intensified. “I won’t let him harm you. I’ll protect you.”
Michelle felt helpless as she watched her friend fall to pieces. Bret Robertson was trying to destroy her. She was filled with sympathy and anger at the same time. Sympathy for Lacy because she didn’t deserve to be tormented, anger at Bret because he was the person causing Lacy’s pain.
****
“What the hell?” Pulled from his cot while sleeping soundly, Bret Robertson was thrown to the floor on his stomach, hands pulled behind his back, and handcuffed. Yelping in pain, he thought his arms were going to be pulled from their sockets. “That hurts.”
Someone whispered in his ear, “Time to get up, lover boy.”
“From past experience, Bret knew not to struggle. The guards would love a reason to knock him around. Of course it would be the two meanest, bulkiest guards at the prison. Tony Wheeler and Mark Davidson jerked him to his feet, then shoved him out into the corridor.
Wheeler gave Bret’s cellmate, Charles White, who was still sleeping a hard shove. “Get up, White.”
Shocked at the intrusion, White sat up on the top cot. He covered his eyes from the glare of the light. “Man, why ya wakin’ me up?”
Hands on his hips, Wheeler asked, “Romeo here has been making calls to women. Do you know where his cell phone is hidden?”
White dropped his hands and glared at Bret. “Man, can’t you stay out of trouble?”
Wheeler asked again, “Have you seen him using a cell phone?”
“No, I ain’t seen no cell phone.” He threw his legs over the side of his cot and dropped to the floor as he mumbled a string of profanities. His greasy, brown hair was standing straight up and he ran his hands through the thin strands to cover his ever growing bald spot. Without being asked, White exited the cell and stood beside Bret. “Boy, you ain’t never gettin’ out o’ here if you don’t stop screwin’ up.”
Bret watched the guards going through his personal things. Davidson removed his pillowcase and threw it on the floor. He squeezed the pillow in his big beefy hands to see if there was a cell phone hidden inside before he tossed it on the floor. “Where is it Robertson?”
As if bored, Bret shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Where is the cell phone?”
“I don’t have a cell phone. Someone with a vendetta is making up lies so you two stooges will come in here and harass me.” He gestured with his hands. “Where would I keep a cell phone?” It was difficult to keep a straight face. It was almost comical watching
the two clowns looking for his cell phone. Minutes passed as they searched every inch of the sparsely furnished, tiny cell. His hiding place was so perfect, dumb and dumber would never find the phone that Wendy, one of the nurses in the infirmary, had given him.
Wheeler grabbed Robertson by the neck and lifted him off the cement floor. “Tell where you are hiding the cell phone.” His thick thumbs pressed into Bret’s neck.
Dangling by his feet, Bret struggled to talk. “I swear I don’t have a phone.” Wheeler suddenly released his hold sending him to the hard floor. Pain shot into his legs and back when he fell. “Whoever said I have a phone is lying. Someone is trying to get me in trouble by making false accusations.”
“Yes, that’s what they all say.” None too gently, Wheeler removed the handcuffs. Bret rubbed his aching wrists. “If we find out you’re not being truthful, you’ll end up in solitary confinement.” Wheeler grabbed him by the back of the neck and shoved him back into his cell. He fell against his cot. White strolled back inside looking extremely grumpy.
Davidson taunted as he gestured around the cell, “I hope you don’t mind cleaning up this mess.” He locked the cell door and peered through the bars. “And if you do have a cell phone stashed somewhere, Romeo, I wouldn’t be making any more calls to women. I won’t be so sweet next time.”
It was all Bret could do to keep from mouthing off. He held his tongue because Wheeler and Davidson were brutal. Many times he had seen other inmates punished when they didn’t shut up when ordered to be quiet. Both had terrible tempers. Once Bret saw Davidson strike an inmate across the head with his baton. The poor kid ended up with five stitches.
White snarled showing his missing tooth that another inmate knocked out during a fight, “I’m not cleaning up this mess.” He leaned over and righted the chair that was turned over when the guards searched the cell. He plopped into the chair and folded his arms over his chest. “Hurry up and make up my bed, lover boy. I’m sleepy and you’ve kept me up long enough.” Bret placed White’s cot mattress in place. “I kid ya not lover boy. I got one more year on my sentence. I’d hate to murder ya and get life.”
Blood of the Falls (Twelve Oaks Farm Book 4) Page 13
