On the Edge (The Gregory Series - Last Book)

by SUE FINEMAN

“My inheritance. If you’d treated Bay with any kind of respect, she would have left you more than a little painting.”

  Chance held up his hand in the universal signal for stop. “Olivia, give Baylee back the money you took.”

  “But I need to get my hair and nails done, and—”

  “Give…it…back,” he said slowly and firmly.

  “Oh, all right!” She stomped indignantly from the room.

  Baylee sighed deeply. “I can’t believe I’m taking care of that bitch. I should have thrown her out on the street and let her play in the rain with Jack Blackburn.”

  Olivia brought two hundred dollars to the table and handed it to Baylee, and Baylee knew she was holding out. She’d taken a whole lot more than two hundred dollars. “All of it, Olivia. I’ll think about giving you an allowance, but if you lie to me or steal from me again, you’ll be sitting on a curb somewhere wondering where your next meal is coming from.”

  After Chance took their lunch tray off the table, Baylee turned on her laptop. Mr. Glaser’s assistant had sent her the contract he’d worked up for Olivia. She read it through and asked Chance to read it. He made a couple changes, and Baylee e-mailed it back to Mr. Glaser’s assistant.

  The note accompanying the contract said Mr. Glaser was still working on her will. Baylee sent a note back asking if he could send a simple will with the contract for Olivia. They could work up a more thorough one when they had more time. After being attacked, Baylee wanted to make sure Bay’s estate wouldn’t be in limbo if Blackburn came back and finished the job.

  Olivia put a stack of money on the dresser and disappeared into the other room, pouting as if someone had just stolen her favorite toy.

  Baylee motioned to the money. “Chance, put that money in your pocket.”

  “I don’t need your money.”

  “I know you don’t, but I need to know where I can put my hands on it if she digs into my purse again.”

  Without counting the money, he stuffed the bills in his hip pocket.

  After lunch, Baylee stretched out on the bed. Her body needed rest to heal, and she could relax with Chance there. The only way Black Jack could win in a fistfight with Chance was if he caught him unaware.

  There had to be a way to end this nightmare. Blackburn had been to both houses, and she knew he’d be watching for another chance at her. If she didn’t do something, he’d kill again.

  She’d give herself another day or two to recuperate, send Chance back to his family, and get Olivia settled in a condo or somewhere with a bodyguard. And then she’d work up a plan. Maybe the police would help her. If not, she’d hire people who could help her catch a killer. She’d gladly pay someone to end this nightmare.

  Anne called Baylee around four. After a short discussion about bodyguards and safety, Anne said, “I previewed several condos today. Three look promising. One is downtown, and two are near the Galleria. They all have nice views, open floor plans, and plenty of closet space. One has a large bedroom and a study, and the others have two bedrooms. They’re all under a half-million.”

  Half-million? Baylee almost laughed out loud. How long would it take her to get used to having money?

  “I also saw one near the Galleria that has two bedrooms plus a study. It costs a little more, but it’s fully furnished and absolutely beautiful. I know it’s bigger than you wanted, but it’s available now, and the owner is willing to rent until closing. If you’re interested, you could move in right away.”

  “That might be better than staying in a hotel. Can I see it tomorrow?”

  “You can see them all tomorrow, Baylee. Would ten be all right?”

  “Sure, that’s fine.”

  The only house she’d consider keeping was Bay’s home in Houston, but it was too big for one person. Still, it was her mother’s home, and she hated selling it. Maybe she should sell some of the investments instead, depending on the amount of the taxes. She really should make an appointment to meet with the accountant. Knowing how much she’d inherited was one thing. Knowing how much of it she could keep was another.

  Could she put her hands on enough money to pay cash for the condo?

  “Anne, do you have the accountant’s name and phone number?”

  “Yes, but you’ll have to call him right away. His office closes at five.”

  Baylee glanced at the clock by the bed. It was Friday, and it was nearly four-thirty. If she couldn’t reach him now, she’d have to wait until Monday. She couldn’t buy anything without money, and she didn’t know how much she had to spend.

  She had to open a checking account and stop carrying around so much cash, and she had to pay her bills, especially her credit card bill and her car insurance.

  After a short conversation with Bay’s accountant, Baylee knew she could put her hands on as much cash as she needed for the condo. She immediately called Anne. “I’ll have my bodyguard call you in the morning to get directions. I want to see the furnished one first, and if that won’t do, we’ll look at the others.”

  She didn’t need more furniture, but she couldn’t risk Blackburn following the moving truck from the lake house. A furnished condo would be ideal, and she could get Olivia off her hands sooner.

  Once she got Olivia settled in the condo and sent Chance back to his family, she’d talk with the police about luring a killer into a trap. She had to do something to stop the killer before he killed again. His next victim could be Chance. Or her.

  <>

  The bodyguards arrived at six-forty. Chance grilled the men until he was satisfied with their credentials. He’d reserved the room across the hallway from Baylee’s room for them. One man would be with Baylee and Olivia at all times.

  Olivia homed in on the youngest and best-looking of the three men. “I’ll take this one.”

  Poor guy looked at Olivia as if she were old enough to be his mother, which she was.

  “One man for both of you,” said Chance. “They’re not your servants, and they are not to wait on you as if they were.”

  “And they’re not here to warm your bed,” said Baylee. “They have a job to do, and that’s to stay alert and protect us.”

  Ignoring Baylee and Chance, Olivia ran her hand down the guard’s arm and looked him over. “What a shame.”

  Chance had brought the mug shots Greg had given him, and he passed them around. Olivia stared at the picture. “Does he have a beard now?”

  “Maybe,” said Chance. “Have you seen him?”

  “A man came to the lake house before Baylee got there. He looked kinda like this, only he had a short beard and glasses, and he had a pipe. Distinguished looking gentleman, very polite. He said he was looking for Bay.”

  “Did he give a name?” Chance asked.

  “He said his name was Alistair something.”

  If Chance had any doubt that Alistair and Jack Blackburn were the same person, that doubt was gone now. Alistair had to be Jack Blackburn in disguise. “What did you tell him?”

  “That Bay died and left you the house, but …”

  “But what?” Baylee asked. “You told him I was giving the house to you?”

  Olivia shrugged. “I said you were going to sign it over to me. You have the house in Houston. You don’t need this house, too.”

  Chance shook his head in disbelief. Stupid woman!

  It didn’t matter whether the killer looked like Black Jack or Alistair. He’d apparently been watching the house and waiting for Baylee to appear, so he could beat her to death.

  A little smile pulled at his face. The jerk apparently hadn’t expected his intended victim to fight back.

  Thank God she’d fought back.

  Chapter Sixteen

  While the bodyguard kept Olivia company in the other room, Chance and Baylee went to bed early. He hadn’t slept at all the night before, and he had to leave early in the morning to get to Caledonia for Steven’s baseball game. It was the first time he’d be pitching, and Chance didn’t want to miss it.

 
Between her sore ribs and the bodyguards hanging around, he knew they wouldn’t make love tonight. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt her more, but he needed to touch her and kiss her and let her know how much he cared.

  “Do you want to come to Steven’s game with me, Baylee?”

  “I’d love to, but I don’t want the kids to see me like this. Besides, I have things to do tomorrow. Mr. Glaser said I’d have Olivia’s contract in the morning, and Anne has some condos to show me. I don’t think I want to ride three hours in a car right now anyway.”

  “Do you want me to stay with you?”

  “No, Steven would never forgive you if you missed his game, and I’d never forgive myself for keeping you away. I have the guards here.”

  “And Olivia?”

  Her lips curled into a smile. “She wouldn’t be any good in a fight. She might chip a nail or mess up her hair or something.”

  He kissed her gently, and she put her warm hand on his face and kissed him back. “Don’t stop now, Superman.”

  “I don’t want to hurt you, Lois.”

  “Then kiss me and snuggle.”

  He kissed her again and unbuttoned her shirt to nuzzle into her breasts. She cradled his head there while his mouth played with her nipples and she stroked his throbbing erection.

  It just made him want more.

  He’d only been asleep a short time when the alarm beside the bed went off. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he sat up. Baylee rolled over and went right back to sleep.

  The bodyguard peeked in from Olivia’s room, and Chance waved him off.

  He showered and dressed, kissed Baylee on the cheek, and whispered, “I’m leaving now.”

  “Tell Steven I’ll be there in spirit.”

  He smiled. “Bo is going to record it, so you can see it later.”

  “Okay.”

  Chance spoke with the bodyguard, then walked outside and breathed deeply of the cool morning air. He could have used a couple more hours of sleep, but he didn’t want to be late for the most important game in his son’s life.

  Scanning the parking lot, he looked for anything out of the ordinary, but there wasn’t another soul stirring. He didn’t expect to see Blackburn. That bastard snuck in at night, when he could catch his victims unaware, when there were no witnesses.

  Blackburn hadn’t broken Baylee’s spirit. He’d terrified her and Olivia, and he’d hurt Baylee, but she was still alive and mad enough to fight him again, if necessary.

  Funny, he couldn’t picture that sleazy wife-beater Blackburn as the dignified Alistair, yet it had to be the same man. Was Blackburn smart enough to pull that off? He must be. He fooled Olivia. It didn’t make sense, though. Why would a man who leaves his fingerprints at the crime scenes and who leaves his calling cards on his victims hide under another persona? And why would he wipe off his fingerprints at the murder scenes? He’d as much as told them who he was with the cards.

  He’d fooled Emma for a time, although she might have caught on to him near the end. Was that what they’d fought about the night he killed her? Had she figured out Alistair was really Jack Blackburn?

  Chance stopped at a drive-through for a breakfast sandwich and coffee. He had a long drive ahead of him.

  <>

  At nine-twenty, Baylee put on a pair of big sunglasses and walked down to the parking lot with her bodyguard. His eyes constantly scanned the area, which made her feel more secure, although she knew the snake who attacked her wouldn’t come after her in the daytime, especially if she wasn’t alone.

  Olivia wanted to come along, especially since Baylee had the younger bodyguard with her today, but Baylee reminded her she had an appointment to get her hair and nails done, and they might not be back in time. Besides, if Olivia came along, and if she knew Baylee was buying a condo for her to live in, she’d want to pick it out herself. And then she’d think she owned it.

  Bret, the cute young bodyguard, drove Baylee to the address of the first condo, the furnished one Anne had previewed yesterday. The real estate broker was there with Anne. They walked through double iron gates to a pretty courtyard with a fountain. Inside the lobby, an elevator took them up to the penthouse.

  One step inside and Baylee fell in love. The big, open living space had high ceilings, tall windows, and cherry floors. Lush area rugs defined the dining area and the living area. A high counter with stools separated the kitchen. Granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, cherry cabinets, and a walk-in pantry finished the kitchen. “This is beautiful. Is it new?”

  “No.” The broker said, “The owners have been here maybe a month total since they bought it three years ago. I think the only time they used the kitchen was when they had a party to celebrate his retirement.”

  That explained why they were selling the place. They were never here.

  The study had a gas fireplace, a beautiful antique desk, leather chairs and sofa, and a magnificent view of the Houston skyline. The wall behind the desk was lined with cabinets topped with bookshelves. Most of those shelves were empty or had things other than books on them. What a treat it would be to have a place to work in peace and privacy.

  The smaller bedroom was bigger than her whole apartment in Tacoma. It had a private bath, a big walk-in closet, and a king-size bed with enough pillows on it to get lost in. A dark green chair with an ottoman sat in the corner, with a soft cream throw draped across the arm. Nice place to read.

  The master suite was unbelievably luxurious. The spa tub looked inviting, and the tiled shower was big enough for an orgy. There were two walk-in closets in the master, with a linen closet between them. There were no clothes in the closets, but the linen closet was filled. Baylee turned to the broker. “Does this all come with the condo?”

  “Furniture, linens, pots and pans, dishes…everything is included. They have a weekly cleaning service, and the beds were changed two days ago, after the owners put the condo on the market and left for New York.”

  “Where’s the laundry?”

  Anne opened a door off the bedroom hallway. “Right here.”

  “Assuming we bought this place, how soon could we close?”

  “Two weeks, and the owners are willing to rent until closing, with a large deposit, of course.”

  Baylee smiled. “Of course.” If she had a place this nice, she wouldn’t let anyone rent it without a deposit big enough to pay for any damage they might cause.

  She walked back to the kitchen and looked through the cabinets. “Looks like all we’d need is groceries.”

  “If you give me a list, I’ll shop for you,” said Anne.

  “We need to talk about the terms first.”

  They sat around the dining room table and talked about the price and condo fees. “Will you need financing?” the broker asked.

  “No, my accountant tells me he can free up enough cash.” Baylee looked up at Bret, who’d been examining the security system. “What do you think, Bret? Should I buy this condo?”

  He grinned, and dimples popped out. What a cutie! “I could live here.”

  She needed to have a long talk with Olivia and have her sign the contract Mr. Glaser had sent to the hotel this morning. He’d sent three copies—one for Olivia, one for Baylee, and one to be returned to him to keep on file in his office.

  There was another condo for sale in the building, a smaller, unfurnished one. It would cost less, but it would mean staying in the hotel or somewhere else until they could get it furnished. And that could take days. She could use the furniture from the lake house, but Blackburn could follow the moving van. Not an option.

  “How soon can we move in?”

  The broker opened her cell phone. “I’ll call the seller now and ask.”

  They negotiated the price over the phone, and the broker told the sellers a little about Baylee, how she’d inherited her mother’s estate. To Baylee’s surprise, the broker handed her the phone. “Mr. Penburton would like to speak with you, Baylee.”

  Surprised, she t
ook the phone. “Mr. Penburton, this is Baylee Patterson.”

  “Baylee, Cody Wheeler and I were business associates many years ago. I met your mother then, and she was a fine woman. I’m deeply sorry to hear about her passing, but I am delighted that you want to buy the condo.”

  “It’s beautiful.”

  “Yes, it is. My wife furnished and decorated it herself.”

  “She did a wonderful job. Mr. Penburton, I’d like to take possession right away, today if possible.”

  “That’s fine. I’ve read some of your columns about a killer coming after you. I don’t imagine it’s safe for you to go home right now.”

  “My columns? Do you get the Tacoma Tribune?”

  “No, my sister lives in Gig Harbor, and she’s been sending me your column. She said they’ve been talking about you and your column on the television news stations.”

  First, the front page of the Tacoma Tribune, now the television news? Amazing!

  “You can take possession today. Ten thousand deposit, which will go toward the purchase price. You’re paying cash?”

  “Yes, sir, and I want to close on it as soon as the escrow company can get the paperwork done.”

  “That’s fine. I wish you the best, my dear.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Penburton.”

  Baylee handed the phone back to the broker and burst out laughing. She turned to Anne. “My column made the TV news. I can’t believe it.”

  “Bay would be so proud.”

  A sudden, overwhelming sense of sadness took Baylee’s smile away. What she wouldn’t give to spend some quality time with her mother. If only she’d known about Bay a few years sooner. She’d gladly give all this money back if she could spent a few weeks with her mother.

  She started a grocery list. Olivia might prefer to go out to eat, but Baylee didn’t intend to give her enough money to eat out all the time. She’d have to learn to live on a budget. If she didn’t, she’d be going hungry.

  “Bret, which one of you guys is better equipped to handle Olivia Wheeler?”

  “George,” he said without hesitation. “He’s been married and divorced five times.”