by Rebecca Deel
“Have you at least read the papers my lawyer drew up?”
“I read them, but I’m not ready to decide.”
“My lawyer will be happy to explain any unclear points.”
“That isn’t necessary, Mr. Howard. Everything’s clear.” After spending four hours with her father and his lawyer over the weekend untangling the legal jargon. “My lease isn’t up for another four months. I don’t have to make a decision yet.”
“You may not be in a hurry, Mrs. Ryder, but I need the space to expand my inventory. I’m losing customers to home repair warehouses in Knoxville.”
Though the man acted like a toad, she sympathized with him. Small-town businesses operated on thin profit margins. The Bare Ewe competed with larger yarn shops in Knoxville and on-line businesses. “I need a couple of weeks to think about this. I’ll give you an answer at the end of the month. That’s the best I can do.”
After Howard disconnected, Madison spent a few minutes pricing her latest shipment. Too restless to sit still, she wandered to the in-house stereo system. She flipped through her CDs, and her hand closed over one featuring classical guitar. Madison rubbed her thumb over the glossy picture of the dark-haired, brown-eyed musician. Nick Santana, her husband’s partner and a good friend to her since Luke and the baby died. He hadn’t called in a few weeks, and she missed hearing his voice.
Soft, flowing music from the speakers eased the tension in her body and spirit. While she didn’t see much of him before Luke’s death, he’d remained available since the accident—until a few weeks ago. His phone calls had stopped with no warning.
Maybe a tall, willowy redhead captured his attention. Unexpected dismay sank its barbs deep. She shook her head, a wry smile curving her lips. The handsome bachelor was just a friend. Any other woman would be crazy to let Nick slide through her fingers.
She glanced at her watch. Her beginning knitters should arrive for their next scarf lesson soon. That ought to keep her occupied for a while. Any class with Jenny Siler guaranteed a lot of laughter. She gave new meaning to the phrase, “all thumbs.”
Madison padded to the coffee bar at the back of her shop, measured the specialty blend of coffee and clicked on the coffeemaker. The mouth-watering aroma brought a smile. For a woman who hated coffee, her sister Serena had a knack for selecting the right blend. Her latest blueberry-flavored brew garnered rave reviews from the knitters.
She walked to the front of her store, and noticed that the basket of children’s yarn had tumbled onto its side, spilling the rainbow-colored contents into the aisle. Grinning, she got down on her knees to capture the runaway balls. She had several young customers learning to knit, and their enthusiasm often resulted in her chasing down strays.
The bell over her shop door rang. “I’ll be with you in a minute,” she called, and grabbed the last errant ball. Madison pushed the basket back into place and rose. Music from Nick’s CD filled the silence in her store.
“Nice to know you haven’t forgotten me.”
Madison froze in place for a moment before turning. Her heart leaped at the familiar rich voice. “Nick!”
“Guess I surprised you.” Pleasure arced through Nick at the broad smile on Madison’s face. He hadn’t known what to expect when she first saw him, but her enthusiastic hug loosened the band around his chest. “I swore Serena to secrecy, but I thought you might recognize my car.”
“It’s great to see you again.” She led him to two wingback chairs near the center of the store. “How long can you stay in town?”
Just what he wanted to hear. “I’m not sure.”
She tilted her head, suspicion growing in her eyes. “You’re here on a case?”
“Maybe.”
“Don’t overwhelm me with so much information, Nick.”
Her dry tone made him chuckle. “What if I’m here to check on a friend?”
“Hmm. Let’s see.” Madison tapped her chin. “Do you have a friend in this town? Must be someone else since I haven’t heard from you in weeks.”
Her teasing manner belied the sudden tension in her voice and body. She’d been concerned? A spark of hope flared. “You could have called me. Last time I checked, Otter Creek had phone service.”
“When I didn’t hear from you for a couple of weeks, I planned to call you. I left your new cell phone number out on my nightstand.” She smiled. “Then Serena and her dog, Jewel, came for a visit. When they left, I found dog hair and bits of paper on my bed, but no phone number.”
“The dog ate it?” Nick laughed. “Even my teachers didn’t buy that excuse.”
“Maybe that’s because you didn’t have a dog when you were a kid. Would you like some coffee, Nick?” She smiled. “It’s blueberry flavored.”
He worked to keep his expression neutral. Blueberry coffee? “No, thanks. I drank a cup not long ago.”
“Water, then?”
“Sure.”
Madison rose, walked around the counter and returned with two bottles of water.
He watched her progress, pleased she didn’t have as much trouble walking as the doctors predicted. Her limp appeared even less noticeable than the last time he’d visited.
“So, what’s the story? Did an elephant step on your cell phone or did you fight your way out of a black hole?” Madison’s blue eyes stared into his.
Madison had learned a lot about him from their late night phone conversations during the past two years. Memories of that first night in the hospital at her bedside and his promise of honesty prevented him from withholding the truth. “I injured my back a few weeks ago working a case.”
Color drained from Madison’s face. “How bad?”
“I spent several days in the hospital. When I healed enough, the doctor shipped me off for physical therapy.”
She handed him a bottle and sat. “Physical therapy? What happened?” Fear simmered in her eyes. “Quit dancing around the truth.”
“Someone shot me.”
Shock and horror warred for dominance on her face. “Why didn’t you ask a doctor or nurse to call me? I would have been glad to stay at the hospital with you.” Her voice quavered. “You spent enough time in my hospital room.”
What an understatement. Sedated after the accident and surgery, Madison still didn’t know how many nights he’d stayed by her bedside. “Too dangerous.”
“What do you mean by that?” The bottle crackled in her grip. “Which case?”
He said nothing, just looked at her.
She slumped in her chair, her head against the cushioned chair back. “Luke’s murder.” She turned, her gaze locking on his face. “You think Scott Bates shot you?”
“I don’t know.” Nick ran a hand through his thick hair. “By the time I shook free from the doctors and physical therapists to ask him, Bates had disappeared.”
Wariness and dread shadowed the depths of her eyes. “You’re here because you think he’s coming to Otter Creek, don’t you?”
CHAPTER TWO
He was missing? Bates showing up in Otter Creek would confirm her suspicions about the flowers. She prayed the police found enough evidence for a conviction this time. If not, Ethan and Nick would persuade Bates to leave her alone, making them additional targets. Madison shivered.
The bell over The Bare Ewe’s front door jangled, alerting her to another arrival. Madison jumped to her feet. Questioning Nick on the shooting had to wait, along with telling him about the roses. “Interested in learning how to knit?”
“I can’t say it’s a priority.”
“Nick Santana, what a wonderful surprise!”
Nick rose and pivoted toward the blonde-haired dynamo racing toward him. “Mrs. Cahill.” She flung her arms around his neck. He patted her back and winked at Madison over her mother’s shoulder. “Great to see you again, ma’am.”
She released him with a frown. “You’re as bad as Ethan. He won’t call me anything but Mrs. Cahill or ma’am, either. Maybe after he marries Serena he’ll move on to calling me Liz or Mom.” S
he studied Nick. “You’ve lost a little weight. Have you been sick?”
Leave it to her mother to leap into the heart of the matter. None of the Cahills could sneak anything past Mom, either. Somehow she knew when to ask more detailed questions.
“I injured my back in July.”
“Are you staying in town long?”
“Yes, ma’am. I plan on being here a while.”
Madison’s mouth grew dry. Nick must be more than a little concerned about Bates’ disappearance. Was the missing man responsible for the dead flowers? Chill bumps marched across her shoulders.
“Great!” Her mother squeezed his arm. “Come stay with us. That way I’ll have plenty of opportunities to help you regain the weight.”
Nick’s dazed expression coaxed a smile to her mouth. Since the accident, Mom focused on Madison’s health, except for the few weeks last spring when she took care of Josh. Recovered from a bullet wound in his leg, her brother’s return to the Middle East meant her mother needed someone else to nurse back to health.
She also knew of no one else besides Ethan and Josh she trusted to keep her parents safe. Bates wouldn’t stand a chance against Nick if he tried to hurt them.
“I appreciate the offer, but I’m not sure how long I’ll be here. I don’t want to intrude.”
“Nonsense. It’s too quiet around the house since Josh left, and I need someone else to cook for besides Aaron. After 37 years of marriage, he’s tasted all my best recipes several times over. I need a more appreciative audience.”
“That’s a great idea, Nick,” Madison said.
His eyebrows shot up. “It is?”
“Sure, you can keep them out of trouble. It’s perfect.”
Nick’s gaze fixed on her face. “Who’s going to keep you in line?”
She tilted her chin. “I don’t need a babysitter. I can take care of myself.” His intense stare told her he thought otherwise.
Liz smiled. “I’ll call Aaron and tell him to expect you at the house.”
“I appreciate your hospitality, Mrs. Cahill. I’ll try not to overstay my welcome.”
Liz sandwiched one of his hands between her own. “Nick, you’re family to us and always welcome in our home. We love you as much as we love our own children. Stay as long as you can.”
Madison peered at Nick through her lashes. Crimson faced, Nick cleared his throat. How did she do it? Mom zeroed in on a part of Nick that he hid from prying eyes. He’d lost his family as a freshman in college, but never explained what happened. Did he understand her mother’s offer meant sharing her home indefinitely, whether he needed a family or a temporary refuge?
She smiled. Culture shock awaited Nick. Luke used to say the Cahills overwhelmed him with love. He’d enjoyed the good-natured ribbing, especially when Josh dropped in while on leave from the Army.
“Thank you.” Deep emotion reverberated in Nick’s voice.
Liz dug in her purse and pulled out a single key. “Take this. I’ll call Serena and Meg. We’ll have an impromptu dinner to celebrate your first night at home.” She pivoted on her heel and headed to the front desk. “May I use your phone, Madison?”
Panic surged through her body like an electrical current. The flowers. Madison hurried to her mother’s side, slipped an arm around her waist and, with gentle pressure, steered her toward the back of the store. “Why don’t you use the one in my office? Fewer distractions.”
Liz pulled up short and stared. “Anything I need to know?”
“No, ma’am. At least, not right now.”
Her mother scrutinized Nick’s face, then Madison’s before negotiating yarn displays to the office.
She nibbled on her lower lip. Did letting Mom think she wanted more time alone with Nick constitute a lie? Guilt stabbed at her conscience. Madison didn’t want her to know about the flowers until she talked to Ethan and Nick. No need to sound alarms yet.
Madison swiveled back to Nick. Her lips twitched at his deer-in-the-headlights expression.
“You set me up.”
“Call it a diversionary tactic. My hawk family monitors what I eat, how much I exercise, and if I sleep enough. Even Josh hounds me by e-mail.” She gave him a sweet smile. “It’s time they hover over someone else for a change.”
“I won’t forget this.” He scowled at her. “I don’t know how yet, but I will pay you back.”
Madison’s smile broadened. “If you gain too much weight, run a few extra miles.”
Liz returned with a grin on her face. “Dinner’s at 6:30. Serena and Ruth will come out with Ethan.”
“What about Megan?”
Liz shrugged. “She’s on a deadline. If she can get the copy ready for the Gazette, she’ll be there.” The bell over the front door rang again. She greeted the three women before turning to Madison. “Why don’t I start your knitting class?”
Madison hugged her. “Thanks, Mom.”
“Come with me, ladies. Let’s bind off these scarves before they’re long enough to wrap around a giraffe.” Amidst laughter, Liz herded the ladies to their table near the coffee bar.
Outside, Madison paused beside Nick’s red Mustang. “Do you think Bates will come here?”
“I don’t know, but I’m not taking chances with your safety.” He unlocked his car and opened the door to let the steamy air roll out of his vehicle. His movements pulled his shirt tight around a lump at the small of his back.
Madison stared at the bulge. Nausea and fear swirled in her stomach like twin waterspouts whirling over stormy water. Her intent to tell Nick about the flowers vanished. “You’re carrying a gun?”
“Always.” Nick leaned against the car, dark eyes unreadable. “PI work can be dangerous and I don’t like surprises.”
She rubbed her arms, cold despite the afternoon heat. “You sound like Luke.” She’d kissed Luke goodbye every night at 9:00, grateful he carried a gun for protection and remained mute when he brought that part of his job into their private lives. He’d carried it to church, insisting they sit on the back row where he watched all exits and people.
“He was a good cop, Madison.”
A backwash of sorrow swamped her. Though Luke dug through every trivial detail in his investigations, thoroughness hadn’t changed the outcome. “He’s still dead.”
The quiet snick of the knitting shop door echoed like a cannon shot in Nick’s mind. He donned his sunglasses. Great going, Santana. An hour in his company and Madison was already upset. Not the best way to win her heart.
He eased into the car, and flicked the air conditioning on high. Should he stay with the Cahills? If her family accepted him, she might grow comfortable with him. Nick smiled. He didn’t expect Liz to adopt him. Now he knew what Luke meant about his in-laws sweeping him into their lives like an avalanche.
As he reached around to grab his seatbelt, hot, jabbing pain in his back stole his breath. He gritted his teeth and finished belting himself in. An hour on a bed or a couch sounded perfect.
He backed into the square and drove out of town. Uneasiness wormed into his gut. Madison’s eagerness for him to stay with her parents piqued his curiosity, along with her extreme reaction to his weapon. She’d been married to a cop for twelve years. He frowned. What secrets lay buried behind her gritty veneer?
Madison locked the front door of her shop, flipped over the “closed” sign and sagged against the door. What an afternoon. No holiday tomorrow, so why the customer surge? Almost half of her shelves gleamed in the florescent lighting, empty. Switching off the lights, she noticed the darkened windows of the floral shop across the square and made a mental note to call Georgia in the morning.
She almost wished she didn’t have to go to her mother’s for dinner, but canceling invited too many repercussions for a couple of hours with her feet up. Her family would swoop down on her en masse, this time with Nick leading the charge. Though fatigued, she looked forward to eating a home-cooked meal with people for company instead of the CBS evening news anchor.
&
nbsp; Kamikaze butterflies dive bombed in the pit of her stomach. Why the insect acrobatics over dinner with her family? They ate together at least once a week and had friends over all the time. Nick fell into the friendship category.
She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and admitted the truth to herself. She dreaded the post-dinner conversation and accompanying explanations for why she withheld information so long from her family.
At the cash register, Madison rang up the totals, balanced credit card receipts and put the cash in her bank bag. After securing the bag in the floor safe, she retrieved her purse from the cabinet behind her desk and opened the back door.
A prickly sensation crawled across the back of her neck. Key in the lock, she scanned the alley. Garbage overflowed from the dumpster due for emptying tomorrow. No people or strays lurked in the deepening gloom. The flowers and Bates’ disappearance must have her spooked.
She double-checked the door and walked to her Jeep, eyes scouring shadowed corners. Maybe she should ask Nick about security lights in the alley.
Madison unlocked her car and settled into the driver’s seat. She drew in a deep breath. The aroma of milk chocolate mixed with marshmallows, pecans and caramel teased her salivary glands and made her stomach growl. A Goo-Goo Cluster?
She felt around the floor until her fingers grasped a smooth packet. Her favorite candy oozed to the bottom of its gold wrapper. Better roll down her windows a little tomorrow and clean out her car.
She put her key in the ignition and cranked the car. The engine purred for a few seconds, then ground to a halt like a battery running down. Madison frowned, and tried to start it again. No luck. The gas gauge showed half a tank. Over the weekend, Megan had changed her oil and checked out her Jeep, declaring it in great shape.
Could someone have messed with her car? She made a face. What a ridiculous idea. Nick didn’t know Bates’ whereabouts, and cars always broke down at the worst times.
She sighed. No point in sitting here sweating since she knew one thing about cars. If they don’t work, call Meg. With a final perusal of the alley, Madison walked to the street. Maybe she could ride with Megan.
