With One More Look At You

by Mary J. Williams

  "That was fast."

  "Blue shirt, per your request. Boots." He did a nice foot model pose, showing off the polished leather. "Wallet. Done."

  Forbes held out his arm, escorting Sophie toward the living room. She liked the way his slightly damp hair curled around the collar of his shirt. Every now and then, he talked about getting it cut to a more chief of police-appropriate length.

  "Don't cut your hair." Sophie ran her hand through the thick, silky strands.

  Moving his head just enough to kiss the palm of Sophie's hand, Forbes raised an eyebrow. "Doesn't my position of authority demand a shorter length?"

  "Has the mayor—or anybody else—complained?"

  "Not that I'm aware."

  "Then you should wear it the way you want." Sophie laughed when Forbes raised both eyebrows. "Okay. The way I want. But if you don't like it long, you shouldn't listen to me."

  "Truth is, I've been too lazy to bother with it. However, if you think it's sexy this way—"

  "Did I say sexy?" Sophie kept a straight face—barely.

  Wrapping his arms around her waist, Forbes nuzzled Sophie's neck. "I recognize that sultry tone of voice.

  "Sultry?" Sophie liked the sound of that.

  "Mm. It drives me crazy."

  "Are the two of you planning on leaving? Or should I take Dandi and give you some privacy?"

  "We're on our way," Sophie said, beaming at Maeve. "Keep Forbes here for thirty seconds. Then send him out for his surprise." Stopping, she gave the housekeeper a hug. "Are you sure you don't want to come with us?"

  "Spend my evening in a smelly, sticky-floored bar?" Maeve shuddered at the thought. "I have a DVR filled with Chopped episodes. That and some popcorn and I'll be perfectly content."

  "Told you popcorn was a good idea," Forbes called after Sophie.

  "You're too young to be sitting at home every night." Taking his face in her hands, Maeve kissed each cheek.

  "What was that for?" Confused, Forbes smiled.

  "A thank you and an apology. I've never seen Sophie this happy. I was wrong, and I'm happy to admit it." Maeve blinked several times, unable to hide the moisture that formed in her eyes. "The two of you remind me of your Mom and Dad way back when. Remember how much joy and laughter they brought to this house?"

  Forbes swallowed, feeling a lump in his throat. "I do," he nodded."

  "It's been so long—so much bad has happened since—I'd almost forgotten what it was like to have a young, happy couple brightening up the rooms in this old place. When I heard you and Sophie just now… well," Maeve wiped at her cheeks. "It feels right, Forbes."

  As Forbes hugged Maeve, he kissed her damp cheek.

  "You think Mom and Dad would approve?"

  "I believe they are together, the way they were always meant to be. Happy, and smiling down on you and Sophie."

  "Careful," Forbes laughed, squeezing Maeve once more before pulling back. "What will it do for my manly image if you make me cry?"

  "Trust me, a few tears won't hurt. Not with me. And especially not with Sophie."

  "Speaking of the lady. What was all that about a surprise?"

  "Find out for yourself." Maeve nodded toward the front door.

  With no clue what he would find, Forbes turned the knob, stepping onto the front porch. The late afternoon sun hit him in the eyes, blinding him for a second. As his vision cleared, he shook his head, slowly walking down the steps, certain the image in front of him had to be an illusion.

  "It can't be."

  "Surprise."

  A beaming Sophie stood beside a car. Dark red. In pristine condition. A classic. But not just any. His classic nineteen-sixty-four Ford Mustang.

  Dazed, Forbes ran his hand over the hood. Not only was it a beautiful machine, it was a connection to his mother. "I thought it was gone forever. Where did you get it?"

  "After you left, Newt went a bit off the rails."

  While Forbes appreciated Sophie's attempt to sugarcoat it, he knew from Mike and Jerry that his father hadn't been a bit angry. Livid was more like it.

  "Newt told Maeve to get rid of your car. He didn't care how."

  "Was there a mention of selling it for scrap?"

  Sophie shrugged, obviously uncomfortable with tossing Newt under the bus—even at this late date. As Forbes finished his slow walk around the vehicle, he stopped on the side opposite Sophie. "You saved it."

  "I was certain Newt would regret his decision once he calmed down. So, I conspired with Maeve to find a place to store it. Just until you came home." Sophie's lips twitched. "Little did I know it would take you twelve years. However, your baby was well cared for."

  "I can tell." Forbes grinned, almost feeling eighteen again. "Want to go for a ride?"

  "I thought you would never ask." Sophie opened her hand, showing him a set of keys. "Catch."

  As Forbes opened the passenger side door, he took Sophie's hand, raising it to his lips. If his heart weren't already in his throat, her smile would have put it there.

  "Thank you."

  "Will you let me drive on the way home?" Forbes nodded, grinning at the excitement that filled Sophie's eyes as she took her seat. "Then consider us even."

  Even? Not by a long shot. He could never repay Sophie for the car—for everything. However, he thought, starting the engine, he would for damn sure try. Every day. And if Forbes had his way? For the rest of their lives.

  A NIGHT OUT in Cloverdale. Sophie didn't have a lot to compare, but she supposed one small town was pretty much like all the rest. The chance to let loose with friends after a long day. A few drinks to help relax. In some cases, a lot of drinks. Loud and rowdy was a good way to describe the crowd at Smokey's Bar. And it fit Sophie's mood to a T. She felt like cutting loose. Celebrating. With Forbes at her side, she planned to do just that.

  Forbes guided her to an empty table near the back, big enough for all the friends they expected to join them.

  "I can't believe we're the first to arrive." Sophie scanned the crowd. Most of the faces were familiar, but she didn't find any she was looking for. "Tory's new boyfriend is driving in from Spokane, but he's going to meet her here."

  Just as Sophie spoke, a text came in on her phone.

  "Trouble?" Forbes asked, seeing the frown on her face.

  "Minor. The boyfriend had car trouble on the way, and Tory is going to pick him up. Unless there is another delay, she expects to be here in about an hour."

  "Aaron and Cindy had to wait for the babysitter," Forbes told her after checking his phone. "Mike and Jerry were right behind us as we left the ranch. Brent and Truck are coming, too."

  Brent and Truck Unger were new to the ranch this season. Brothers, they came highly recommended. On top of that, their father was an old friend of Jerry's. Two weeks in and Sophie was happy with their skills as cowboys, work ethic, and genial personalities.

  "Good. I'm thinking of adding a couple more full-time hands. Brent and Truck seem like good candidates. They're young and eager. Meeting some people will give them a nice foothold in the community if they decide they want the jobs. What do you think?"

  Sophie wanted Forbes to know his input was important. Though she ran the day-to-day operation, they were full partners.

  "I like them." Forbes signaled the waitress. "As long as you think they'll be a good fit—and Mike and Jerry—agree—I trust your judgment."

  Forbes said it in such a matter-of-fact manner. He would never truly realize how much his absolute support meant to her. Sophie already knew it was there, but when he reinforced his faith in her, without pause, it left no doubt in her mind that this thing between them would work.

  "What can I get for you?" the waitress asked, chomping her gum. With a layer of heavy makeup and teased-out bright red hair, her age could have fallen anywhere between thirty and fifty.

  "I'll have a club soda with a squeeze of lemon."

  "Do you have a bottled lager?"

/>   "Brooklyn okay?"

  "Make that two." Aaron clapped Forbes on the back, holding a chair out for his wife. "And a whiskey for the lady. Neat."

  "You look nice," Cindy said to Sophie.

  "So do you."

  An awkward silence followed. They had always been friendly more than friends, and this was the first time they had met since Aaron's confession to Forbes. What was Sophie supposed to say? Sorry my mother seduced your boyfriend? It was true, but she was afraid it would come off sounding trite and insincere.

  "I hate your mother," Cindy said so that only Sophie could hear over the other voices and the blaring jukebox.

  "Me, too," Sophie said, relieved that Cindy had broken the ice with a resounding whack. "We belong to a big and varied club."

  "Please. No t-shirts," Cindy laughed. Her eyes when they met Sophie's were kind. "Just so we're clear. I never hated you. That woman shoulders most of the blame. The rest sits firmly with Aaron." She shrugged. "I've loved him since grade school. I guess that's why I was able to forgive."

  "But not forget?"

  "Good luck with that. Anybody who say it's possible is full of crap." Cindy looked at her husband. "I believe Aaron loves me. That he will never hurt me again or do anything that would damage our family. I refuse to let one past mistake color the rest of our future."

  Joy thrived on other people's misery. Every time one of her victims found happiness, it was a blow against a woman whose hobby was ruining lives. Someday when they were able to talk without interruption, Sophie would explain to Cindy that finding happiness with Aaron was the best revenge possible.

  The drinks arrived followed by the four cowboys. Mike offered to brave the bar rather wait to be served. Three beers was the order. And whatever snacks he could rustle up. Ten minutes later, he returned. Chuckling, he set down a full tray, before taking the empty seat next to Jerry.

  "What's so funny?" Forbes inquired, handing around the beers.

  "The new bartender?" Mike pointed toward the attractive middle-aged woman who was busy filling glasses with practiced ease. "Pretty, isn't she? Name is Larissa."

  Sipping his beer, Jerry shook his head. He knew his friend better than anybody. "What line did you feed her?"

  "I told her about the ranch. That I'm a cowboy. Seemed real impressed. Then she asked if you and I went Brokeback Mountain."

  "Well, shit." The grin dropped from Jerry's face. "Why did she pick on me?"

  "Guess she thought we would make a nice-looking couple."

  Exchanging looks with Forbes, Aaron could barely contain his laughter. "What did you say?"

  "Told her that if I leaned that way, I could do a hell of a lot better than Jerry."

  "The hell you say." Jerry punched Mike on the arm. Hard. "I'm way prettier than you. Maybe I'll take a run at that filly myself."

  "Too late. I'm taking her out to dinner on the next night she has off."

  As the good-natured insults flew between the old friends, Forbes stood, taking Sophie's hand. "There's a nice slow song. Let's dance."

  Sophie noticed the glances coming their way. Stopping on the dance floor, she took Forbes' hand. Placing the other on his shoulder, she followed his lead, moving to the gentle beat.

  "We are officially out as a couple."

  "I didn't know we were hiding," Forbes chuckled, his hand at her waist, pulling her closer.

  "More like we were keeping to ourselves," Sophie corrected. "Until now, all our activity as a couple has taken place on the ranch. Tonight, we're putting it out there for anybody who wants to look."

  Forbes glanced around, his lips quirking. "We're drawing some attention. But I don't think it's because of our romantic situation."

  "No? What is your theory?"

  "My dazzling dance moves."

  To prove his point, Forbes twirled Sophie in a circle, ending with an impressively executed dip—and a long kiss. A smattering of applause followed—and one or two way to go, Chief cat calls.

  "You're a hit."

  "We are a hit," Forbes whispered the words against Sophie's ear. "You and I are a team."

  If it were physically possible, Sophie's entire body would have let out a long, happy sigh. They stayed on the floor for the next dance. As a third song began, she heard a muted buzzing.

  "Sorry." Keeping one arm around her, Forbes took out his phone. He showed Sophie the screen before answering. "Kai. What do have for me?" He listened for a moment, frowning. "Give me five minutes. I'll call you right back."

  "Has Kia found out something important?" Sophie asked.

  "I don't know. Maybe. She wants me to look at some files. I need to go to the police station."

  "I'll come with you."

  Forbes shook his head. Moving his hand to the small of her back, he guided her to their table. "This shouldn't take long. Stay with our friends. If I'm delayed, I'll call."

  She had no reason to worry. Yet as Sophie watched Forbes disappear from the bar, stopping to send her a wave, she felt a niggling sense of worry. She saw his face during the brief conversation with Kai.

  Sophie leaned toward Aaron. "Forbes won't be alone at the station, will he?"

  "There is always somebody on duty," Aaron assured her.

  Mike patted her hand. "Don't worry. This is Cloverdale. What could happen?"

  A dozen things sprang to Sophie's mind—none of them good. But she didn't share any of them. Everybody was having a good time. The last thing she wanted was to bring them down.

  The waitress came by, taking orders for another round.

  "Another club soda," Jerry asked.

  Sophie nodded. "Order for me. I'll be right back. Nature calls."

  The bathroom was at the back of the bar near the exit. She knew from experience that the ladies room consisted of exactly two stalls and a sink. Which—on a night like this—meant there would be a line.

  Five women stood outside the door. Not bad, Sophie thought, taking her place toward the rear. She recognized everybody and would have struck up a conversation. However, since all were either on their phones—talking or texting—she waited in silence, the exit right at her back.

  The door opened, letting in a burst of fresh air. Before Sophie could do more than take a shallow breath, an arm went around her waist, a hand holding a cloth clamped over her mouth. Her scream came out a muffled yelp, but it was enough to get the attention of the women closest to her.

  "Hey!" She cried out. "What are you doing?"

  "Stay where you are," a male voice commanded. Out of the corner of her eye, Sophie saw a ski mask—and the flash of a gun. "If you move, I'll shoot. Understand?"

  Sophie did her best to fight. But the fumes from the cloth made her groggy. It wasn't like in the movies. She didn't lose consciousness. Instead, her body felt unwieldy. Out of her control. She wanted to kick. Scratch. Anything to stop her assailant. But moving her arms became impossible. They hung useless.

  The man dragged her from the bar while the other women watched. Wide eyed, helpless, and horrified.

  At the lowest point in her childhood, Sophie had never felt this helpless. With her body useless and her mind fogging over fast, she struggled to find some foothold. Something. Anything.

  Focus, Sophie urged herself. She couldn't see the man's face, but she did notice other details. He was average height. Against her back, he felt bulky. Fat? Maybe. But strong. He didn't seem to have a problem dragging her dead weight into the parking lot.

  "Throw her in the trunk and get in the car. Now!"

  With little concern for the fact he carried a live human being, the man followed orders, dumping Sophie unceremoniously, before slamming the lid. The engine jumped to life, the tires squealing as the car shot forward.

  Sophie swallowed, breathing in and out. She knew that voice. The harsh, domineering tone. It had been a long time. But not nearly long enough. She had no doubt who it was. Or who was in charge.

  The woman was none other
than her mother.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  FORBES READ THE files, his expression grim. The pieces were all over the place. A bit here, another there. Like a row of dominos, they fell into place. And the picture they formed was a twisted, convoluted mess.

  "Money, sex, and power." Forbes' eyes narrowed as he continued to read the words on the computer screen.

  "The big three," Ian Drysdale said, chiming in on speakerphone.

  Drysdale had called just as Forbes arrived at the station with news that toppled another domino. They finally caught up with Moncrieff. The man had made it to the Mexican border, but no farther. Broke, he had taken a chance, using a credit card to withdraw some money. The second the transaction went through, Forbes' people had him, picking him up just as he left the rundown motel where he had been holed up.

  "You didn't need to bring in the big interrogation guns, boss. Moncrieff crumbled the second our guys grabbed him. Cried like a baby, from all accounts."

  Deep in debt, Moncrieff had sold out Forbes for a small amount of money with the promise of more sometime down the road.

  "He claims he had no choice." Drysdale didn't try to mask the disgust in his voice.

  Forbes couldn't have cared less about Moncrieff's motives. He wanted names.

  "Who hired him?"

  "Your gut was right. Moncrieff identified Daphne Parks."

  "Son of a bitch."

  Forbes didn't feel any satisfaction. Daphne used to be his friend and her actions stung.

  "That's the only person Moncrieff identified. They will keep at him, but I don't think he's holding anything back."

  "Stay on the line," Forbes told Drysdale. " has some information. I have the feeling it ties into this somehow."

  "Your instincts have been dead on so far."

  Forbes connected with Kai as he turned on his computer.

  "What have you got for me?"

  "Guess where one of your deputies went for his last vacation?" Kai asked.

  "Kai…" The computer whiz loved guessing games. Forbes wasn't in the mood.

  "You're becoming a grouch, boss man." Kai sighed. "Eli Stover spent two weeks in Las Vegas. Where most nights he could be found playing blackjack. His dealer was—"