by Mia Dymond
She paused for a brief moment to release a smile she knew for a fact stretched from ear to ear. “Travis and I are seeing each other.”
“Really? Wow, I had no idea! But, he didn’t buy a pie, not from me anyway.”
Verity sighed and stood. “Thanks for the coffee. I’m on my way to meet Lexi and the twins at Boudreaux’s so I’ll let them know you asked about Travis.”
Cindy lifted an eyebrow. “Boudreaux’s, huh?”
“Yes.” She giggled at the other woman’s interest in Seaside’s popular lingerie store. “Annessa probably has a master plan to ambush Casey.”
“Lucky girl. I’m sure they’ll be very happy.”
“They will be.” She laid a couple of dollar bills on the table. “You’re going to their party, aren’t you?”
“Of course.”
“Good, then I’ll see you there.”
“Okay, Dr. Thomas. And I’ll keep my ears open about that pie.”
* * *
Travis sat behind his desk, folded his arms behind his head and leaned back in his chair, reflecting on the week’s events while he waited on Casey. No wonder Verity wanted to keep their relationship a secret; she was scared to death something like this would happen. Although, no one had any solid proof that yesterday’s commotion at the ball field had anything to do with Danforth. Except for the note – the one she knew nothing about.
And really, the note didn’t threaten him with harm; it simply insinuated someone knew the connection between him and Verity.
His analysis was interrupted when Casey strolled into the office, took the opposite chair, and narrowed his gaze. “You feel like doing this right now?”
“I’m fine.” Travis reached into his pocket, pulled out the note, leaned forward and handed it to his friend. “But you need to see this.”
Casey’s gaze scanned the note, then met his again. “Where did you get this?”
“Someone slid it under my office door.”
“You found it this morning?”
Travis slowly shook his head in denial.
“When?”
He hesitated before he answered; the sheriff wouldn’t be happy. “Yesterday, just before the ball game.”
Silence. Just a death-ray stare. He took a deep breath and waited.
“You didn’t think this was important?”
“I was kind of busy. You know, trying to breathe. And then I didn’t want to say anything in front of Verity. She was already upset.”
“I see your point. But it’s gonna suck to be you when she finds out.”
“She doesn’t have to find out. Do you think Danforth left it?”
“Probably. But we can’t be sure. Here.” Casey slid a piece of paper across the desk. “Phone number for Summers.”
Travis dialed the numbers and pushed the speaker button. It rang once.
“Summers.”
“Detective Summers, Sheriff Casey McIntyre here, Seaside Point Sheriff’s Department.”
“Hello, Sheriff. What can I do for you?”
“Dr. Thomas asked me to give you a call about Richard Danforth. Can you fill me in?”
“I’m glad she contacted you. Sure, I’ve done some investigation since her call. Danforth was released from prison for good behavior approximately five days ago. At least that’s the official version.”
“What’s the other version?”
“Family influence. Money. But you didn’t hear that from me.”
“Figures.”
“According to his parole officer, he received a travel pass to Atlanta for business. When I told him Verity reported that Danforth contacted her, he made a violation report. That opened the floodgates. He flew to Atlanta a few days ago, rented a car at the airport, and checked in at the Regency, but I lost him from there.”
“What about credit card activity?”
“The hotel stay was booked with a card registered to the business and he did check in. Other than the car rental, there was no further activity on the card. His checking account showed a $3,000 withdrawal before he left, so I’m assuming he’s using cash.”
“Hell.” Casey slammed his fist on the desk. “No paper trail.”
Travis jumped. “Damn, McIntyre.”
The detective chuckled. “Do we have company?”
“Sorry, Summers. Travis Dupree is here. He’s Verity’s boyfriend and my soon-to-be brother-in-law.”
“Congratulations. Verity didn’t mention a boyfriend.”
“She’s very good at keeping secrets,” Travis mumbled.
The detective didn’t ask for explanation as he continued. “What’s going on at your end? Any more phone calls?”
“No calls,” Casey answered.
“I checked Danforth’s cell phone records. No calls have been made from or received by that number since he left Seattle. My guess is that he’s using a burn phone.”
“We can check towers around Seaside Point for activity but that’s about it. It’s the other activity that concerns me.”
“Yeah? What’s that?”
Casey stood and paced. “Someone left a gift on Verity’s doorstep, a pie that just happens to be her favorite. Per her request, I sent it to forensics to be tested for poison. Then Travis received a threatening note right before he had an anaphylaxis reaction. Something tells me it wasn’t a coincidence.”
“Probably not. You have proof?”
“Not yet. You’re familiar with Danforth. Any suggestions?”
“He’s very manipulative and has the ability to charm even the most intelligent woman. He’s also very dangerous and having a fortune at his disposal makes crime a helluva lot easier. I’m puzzled as to why he hasn’t threatened her, though.”
“It is strange that he just seems to follow her.” Casey rubbed his chin. “He hasn’t attempted personal contact when others are around but she’s scared senseless anyway.”
“He did issue a threat at sentencing. I would suggest Verity not be left alone.”
“We’ve got that covered,” Travis said.
“Good. I’ll keep digging. Meanwhile, keep me posted on the pie.”
* * *
Verity couldn’t help but cast a glance over each shoulder as she walked the short distance to Boudreaux’s, scolding herself for her nervousness the whole way. Stop being ridiculous. The streets were relatively full for a Sunday and Richard would be a fool to approach her. Little did he know that, despite the number of tourists in town, the citizens of Seaside Point kept a keen ear to the ground; one scream would summon a crowd. Still, she couldn’t dispute a deep sense of relief when the gold bell dinged over the front door as she pushed open the barrier and stepped inside the store. She moved her gaze to the middle of the room, further relaxed when she spotted Lexi Annessa, and Vanessa.
“Hey, Verity.” Annessa gave her a huge grin. “Latrice is having a heck of a sale. Dig in!”
“We’re shopping for you today.” She walked toward the white dresser where her friends were gathered and stopped beside Annessa.
“Okay, then hold out your arms.”
Verity stood with her arms extended as Annessa piled several colorful nighties on top. “Good grief Ness, are you sure you need one in every color?”
“I’m not buying them all. I just don’t know which one will look the best.”
“You don’t need any of them,” Vanessa teased as she, too, thumbed through the silk. “Casey’s not the most patient man.”
“Yes, I do and he won’t have a choice but to be patient.” Annessa opened another drawer. “Now, on to the panties.”
“Again, not necessary,” her sister drawled.
“What about you, Verity?” Lexi bumped her with one hip. “Are you going to indulge?”
“We don’t need them to stand up with her, do we?”
“No, but now that we know your hunky little secret, we thought you might try on a few.”
“What’s Maverick’s favorite color?” she countered.
“Truce,” L
exi mumbled. “And just for the record, I have no idea.”
“Blue,” Annessa chimed in. “I’m full of information about Maverick, Lexi. Feel free to ask me anytime.”
“She holds it for ransom,” Vanessa explained. “She’s blackmailed him for years.”
Verity smiled, warmed by the camaraderie between her friends. “You girls have quite a racket, don’t you?”
“We do.” Vanessa grinned. “It’s amazing when some of it comes in handy.”
“You’ll have to fill me in.”
“We have loads on Travis.” Annessa slung another color onto the pile. “We could probably write a book.”
Before she could ask if they had dirt on her dealings with Travis, Verity felt her cell phone vibrate in the pocket of her white coat. She shifted Annessa’s loot onto one arm and extracted the phone with her free hand, not surprised when she read the caller ID. Speak of the devil.
She walked away from the others in an effort to at least attempt a private phone call.
“Hi, Travis.”
“What’s up, Doc?”
“Bugs Bunny?”
A low deep chuckle crossed the line. “Dr. Landon finally cut me loose.”
“Good. How do you feel this morning?”
“Like brand new.”
“Really? Considering you spent the night in the hospital, I figured you’d be exhausted.”
“Nah, I’m used to interruptions in my sleep pattern.”
“Cindy asked about you this morning.”
“Cindy?”
“Cindy Perry, at Sue’s. I stopped by for a cup of coffee.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yes. I told her you were in good hands. Mine, to be exact.”
Another hearty chuckle tickled her ear. “News will be all over town by now.”
“I know. That’s why I told her.”
“Where are you?”
“Boudreaux’s.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes. And I’m kinda busy at the moment.”
“Doing what?”
“Shopping with Lexi and the twins. Where are you?”
“At the Fire Department, with Casey.”
“So, Casey can hear your conversation?”
“Affirmative.”
She glanced down at the two nighties on top of the pile over one arm. “Tell me, Captain Dupree, which do you prefer, red or blue?”
“I’ll have to get back to you on that.”
“Pity. I had thought I might purchase something for you while I’m here.” She gave a dramatic sigh. “But since you can’t make up your mind, perhaps I’ll pass.”
He cleared his throat. “Red.”
“Fire engine or ruby?”
“Either.”
“Or neither.”
“Fire engine.”
“Short or long?”
He released a heavy sigh, one she knew echoed his frustration. “Would you and your posse stop by here when you’re finished? Casey and I have some information.”
“Certainly.” The tiny devil perched on her shoulder disappeared into thin air as she swallowed a sudden bit of panic. “Should I be alarmed?”
“Not yet. Just stick together and come as soon as you’re done.”
“Okay. We’ll see you soon.”
Verity disconnected, tempted to toss the silk temptations into the air and sprint to the Fire Department. Instead, she squared her shoulders, kicked fear in the teeth, and re-joined her friends.
Vanessa tilted her head to one side. “Travis?”
“Yes.”
“Care to enlighten us about his choice?”
“I don’t know.” She released a grin. “Are you going to use the information to your advantage somehow?”
“Of course we are.” Annessa snorted. “It’s important we keep our ammunition locker stocked.”
Verity giggled, not bothered by sharing the information. It really wasn’t much to use against him, anyway. “Red.”
“Take the red one out of my pile,” Annessa mumbled.
“Already did.” She lifted her free hand to show she had claimed the nightie. “They want to talk to us at the station when we’re finished.”
Lexi’s eyes widened. “Do they know something more?”
“Travis said they have some information. Since they were supposed to call Detective Summers, I’m assuming it’s about Richard.”
“Should we leave now?”
“No.” Verity shook her very determined head. “We’ll finish shopping just like we planned.”
“Have you noticed him around today?”
Just as she began to shake her head in denial, she glanced out the front window, her movement prohibited by the sight of the figure gazing into the store.
“He’s here.” Verity quickly turned her back to the window and lowered her voice, determined to keep it from being overhead by anyone other than her three friends.
“Are you sure?” Annessa turned her head toward the window.
“Don’t look!” Verity hissed. “We need to call Casey.”
Annessa turned her sparkling green gaze back to Verity and batted her eyelashes. “Negative.”
“What? Are you crazy? He can come haul him in.”
“He’s already determined you’re not alone and you know as well as I do he’s not going to stick around. We’ll give him a head start, and then follow.”
Vanessa tossed a casual glance at the window. “He’s on the move. If you’re going, you better go now.”
“You agree with her?”
“Of course.” Vanessa grinned. “I’d go myself but three’s a crowd on a stakeout.”
Still stunned at what the twins suggested, Verity couldn’t gather words to argue.
“C’mon, we have to hurry. Put everything on my tab.” Annessa raised an eyebrow as she snatched the red negligee and tossed it to Vanessa. “Good choice.”
“We’ll meet you at the Fire Department.” Vanessa told them. “Don’t worry about the men, Lexi and I can handle the inquisition.”
“Sounds like a plan.” In the next instant, Annessa pulled her across the store. “Latrice has a back door.”
Once they stood outside the lingerie store, Verity looked to the left and saw Richard walking briskly down the block. “Where do you suppose he’s going?”
“He’s headed toward Sue’s.”
“You think he’s stopping for lunch?”
“Funny.” Annessa rolled her eyes. “No, I’m thinking he’s probably looking for a hidey hole and the closest one is the thicket of bushes in the park.”
“Do I want to know how you know that?”
“Van and I used it to spy on The Four Musketeers.” Annessa shrugged. “The Intel came in handy most of the time.”
“Most of the time?”
Annessa smirked. “Bees. Casey had to pull me out and then the gig was up.”
“So we should check the bushes?” She continued to watch him as he walked right past the diner and put even more distance between them.
“Are you kidding me? No, Casey and Travis would never let us out of the house again. We have to be smart about this. We follow until he leads us to his hiding place and then we go for help.”
“I’m not sure we’ll get off any easier,” she mumbled.
“They’ll be too busy playing Batman and Robin. C’mon, he’s far enough ahead to follow.”
Verity stuck close to Annessa and kept both eyes focused on their target as they crossed the street, walked halfway down the block, and then paused in front of Seaside Drug. Her heart sank as Richard continued walking past her line of sight.
“We’ve lost him.”
“Nope.” Annessa gestured at the drugstore’s front entrance. “Go on inside.”
Verity pushed open the heavy metal door, thankful that the store opened on Sundays.
Annessa stepped in front of her and they began a brisk walk toward the pharmacy counter in the rear of the building. “Mr. Simpson lets me use the back
door. We can see the street from the alley.”
True to her word, Annessa gave the elderly pharmacist a wave and they exited the store. Tucked into the shadows of the alley, Verity peered around the side of the building just in time to see Richard enter the Seaside Inn just down the block and across the street from the park.
With her heart pounding, she turned back to her friend. “We won’t have to search the bushes. He went into the Seaside Inn.”
“Sorry sucker thought he could get past us.” Annessa smirked. “Now all we have to do is assemble our troops and take him down.”
“We have to get past Casey and Travis first.”
“Piece of cake.” Annessa took her arm and pulled her back down the alley. “They’re waiting, remember?”
Verity smiled. “Thanks, Ness.”
“For what?”
“For helping me gain control of this whole mess.”
“No thanks necessary.” Annessa opened the back door to Seaside Drug. “After you.”
Verity giggled as they walked through the store and out the front door. “Do we need to get our stories straight?”
“You lead, I’ll follow. We’ll just see what happens.”
“Won’t be long now,” she said as they covered the short distance from the drugstore to the Fire Department. “Ready or not, here we come.”
Verity led the way through the open bays in front and into Travis’ office. She took only a brief moment to glance at the two other women already seated. Both Vanessa and Lexi gave her a confident smile.
“Sorry we’re late.” Verity planted a kiss on Travis’ cheek as he stood. “Annessa got carried away.”
“Casey doesn’t mind,” Vanessa answered for the sheriff.
“I don’t.” Casey winked at Annessa and then turned his gaze on her. “But we need to discuss the phone call.”
Travis gestured with a hand for her to sit in his chair.
“I’m guessing Detective Summers gave you some news,” she said as she sat.
“Danforth acquired a travel pass from Seattle to Atlanta three days ago. Records indicate he rented a car at the Atlanta airport, unequipped with navigation of course. Additionally, The Danforth Foundation reserved a hotel room for him at the Regency in Atlanta.”
Although she appreciated Casey’s investigation, she now had solid proof to dispute it.
