Desperate Strangers

by Carla Cassidy

  There were seven names. Six men and one woman who worked at the pawn shop, along with the family members. If Julie believed something bad had happened in the shop, then all seven people were potential suspects in whatever Julie couldn’t remember.

  He was growing more and more ambivalent about her recovering her memories. He wanted her to remember what now had her in danger and yet he didn’t want her to remember that she’d never known him before her accident. And that was wrong, so very wrong.

  She needed to get her memories back so she would know their relationship wasn’t real. She would hate him and throw him out of her life. It was possible she’d go to the police.

  Maybe he deserved to be in jail. He’d had homicide in his heart on the night Brian McDowell had been murdered. Thinking about McDowell brought up thoughts of Debbie.

  Before Nick could go completely down the rabbit hole, he typed in the first name on Julie’s list.

  Alexis Bellatore was twenty-seven years old and, according to her social media, she loved antiques, high heels and a man named Ben. She was a cute, slightly plump, woman with short, dark hair and big, dark eyes.

  “If you sign into that account with my password, you’ll be able to see all of her posts,” Julie said from behind him.

  He turned to see her in a light pink summer dress that showcased her creamy shoulders and bare legs. A knot of simmering sparks leaped to life inside him.

  She placed a hand on his shoulder and told him her password. “On this site, I’m friends with all the people on the list I gave you.”

  He typed in her password. “Thanks.”

  He hoped she would move. He wanted her to take her soft touch and sweet scent away from him. However, she remained.

  In fact, she bent over and leaned closer. If he turned his head, she was close enough that he would be able to kiss her beautiful neck. And if that happened, there was no question in his mind she would encourage him to make love to her again.

  He closed his eyes for a moment, filled with memories of how her silky skin had felt against his and how hot her mouth had tasted.

  “Nick?”

  Her laugh pulled him back from his lustful thoughts. He looked at the screen to realize he’d zoned out with his finger on the mouse and the screen now showed posts Alexis Bellatore had posted two years ago.

  “Sorry, I zoned out for a minute,” he said.

  She laughed again, the sound as provocative as his previous thoughts. “I just wondered if you were some kind of an amazing speed reader and hadn’t told me about that talent.”

  “Not hardly,” he replied wryly. “I’m going to go through the last ten months of posts for each person and see if anything looks remotely suspicious.”

  “That’s going to take a lot of time,” she replied.

  “I have plenty of time right now.” In an effort to staunch the flames her nearness caused to burn inside him, he tried to conjure up thoughts of his wife.

  What had Debbie smelled like? He frowned and stared at the computer screen, desperately trying to remember. He couldn’t. All he could think about was the evocative floral scent of Julie.

  Thankfully at that moment the doorbell rang. The pizza had arrived.

  Minutes later they sat across from each other at the kitchen table.

  “I’m not sure there’s a better meal than warm pepperoni pizza and cold beer,” she said and raised her napkin to wipe at a dab of errant sauce on her chin.

  “Barbecue ribs and beer is a close second,” he replied.

  “I love all the foods that go with ribs...potato salad, baked beans and maybe some garlic Texas toast. Hmm.” She half closed her eyes with pleasure.

  It was the same kind of look she’d worn when he’d made love to her. Dammit, what was wrong with him? Why did his thoughts keep going there? All he wanted was to solve her mystery, make sure she wasn’t in any more danger and then he’d go his own way. He’d return to his life of grief and bitterness, of anger and misery.

  They ate for a few minutes in silence. He was reaching for his third piece of the pie when she sat back in her chair and eyed him curiously.

  “What?” he asked.

  “I didn’t know you liked ribs and pepperoni pizza, although I imagine I knew that before the accident. I was just wondering what else I’ve forgotten about you.”

  “You probably forgot that I squeeze the toothpaste tube in the middle,” he replied lightly.

  She grinned at him. “And I’m sure you remember that I do, too. What else?”

  “There’s that thing I do with my dirty socks.”

  “What thing?” she asked.

  “Sometimes I forget to pick them up.”

  “Did I ever say anything about that?” Her eyes were a light denim blue that radiated pleasure.

  “Oh, yeah. I believe more than once the word ‘pig’ popped into your vocabulary.”

  When her laughter stopped, he looked down at his slice of pizza and then returned his gaze to her. “I think you forgot that I’ve been married before.”

  Her eyes widened in shock. “I definitely forgot about that. How many times?”

  “Just once.” He picked up the slice of pizza from his plate.

  “Did you get a divorce?”

  He shook his head. Maybe, in talking about this, he’d remember the rage that had kept people at bay for the past three years. Maybe, if he went back to that horrendous day in his life, he’d remember why he wasn’t good to anyone anymore.

  “I’m a widower,” he said. He dropped his pizza to the plate before him. “My wife Debbie was raped and murdered three years ago.”

  Julie’s right hand moved to the base of her throat and her eyes were soft blue depths he wanted to jump into. Instead, once again, he looked down at his plate.

  “Oh, Nick. I’m so sorry,” she said. Her hand immediately covered one of his. “How did something so terrible happen? Or maybe you don’t want to talk about it.”

  For the first time since it had happened, he realized he did want to talk about it. “Debbie was a real go-getter and very ambitious. She worked in high-end real estate and loved what she did. One evening she went to show a mansion to a man named Steven Winthrop.”

  He picked up his beer and took a long swallow, waiting for the rage that usually consumed him. When it didn’t come, he continued. “He raped her in that big, empty house. He raped her and then he stabbed her.” Julie gasped and he went on. “When she didn’t check in with her office, one of her colleagues drove over to the house. She found her and called the police and me. I got there at the same time the police arrived.”

  Julie’s hand tightened around his. “You don’t have to tell me any more, Nick. I don’t want you going back to that horrible moment in your life.”

  He closed his eyes, already in that moment, and he waited for the jagged, piercing anger and grief that always found him when he allowed himself to think of Debbie’s death. It didn’t come.

  Instead a deep sadness touched him. A sadness absent of the killing anger. Was this acceptance? Had he finally reached the final stage of grief? He didn’t know when or how it had happened.

  “It’s okay,” he finally said. “I don’t mind talking about it.”

  “What happened? Did this Steven Winthrop go to prison?”

  Nick shook his head. “Initially he was brought in for questioning, but there wasn’t enough evidence to charge him. He got away with murder.”

  “And you’re sure he was guilty?” she asked softly.

  “Absolutely. When I got to Debbie, she was one breath away from death. I asked her who did that to her and she said Winthrop.”

  “But wasn’t that enough to get him charged and convicted?” she asked.

  Nick sighed. “Unfortunately none of the police officers heard her, and Steven’s wife alibied him by saying he never we
nt to the showing, and there was no physical evidence tying him to the scene.”

  For a moment Nick remembered the angry frustration that had coursed through him for months. “I begged the prosecutor to bring charges, to do something to get that man behind bars, but it didn’t happen.”

  He squeezed Julie’s hand and looked into her compassionate, caring, blue eyes. “It was a lifetime ago, Julie. I just needed to share it with you now so you know I’m carrying some baggage into this relationship.”

  He pulled his hand from hers, wondering what in the hell he was doing. He’d hoped that by talking about Debbie he’d distance himself from Julie, but now that he’d shared his pain with her, he felt closer to her than ever.

  “I’m just sorry if you told me all this before that you had to repeat it all now,” she said.

  “And now we better finish up eating because I want to get back to the computer,” he said. “I’m sorry I burdened you with all this.”

  “Nick, don’t ever close off from me. I can handle your past. I can help you burden the pain.”

  This woman was killing him with her love. He got up from the table. “I’ll keep that in mind,” he replied, although that had been what he’d intended to do. He definitely felt the need to close off from her.

  “I just want to get back to checking out the people on the internet before another day passes. I’m hoping I’ll find something that might bring your memories back to you.”

  He needed that to happen and damn the consequences. He needed to have her gain back her memories before he made the huge mistake of falling in love with her.

  Chapter Nine

  “I should just stay here with you tonight,” Julie said as she came down the stairs. Her mother had called her earlier in the day to make a date for Julie to join Casey and her for a girls’ night out.

  “I won’t be here tonight,” Nick replied. “Remember I told you I was meeting with the other coaches this evening.”

  She walked over and plopped down next to him on the sofa. “I’d still just rather stay at home.” She drew in the scent of him, the combination of minty soap and spicy cologne that always stirred her senses and made her feel safe.

  She’d been disappointed last night that he hadn’t slept with her. When she’d gone up to bed he’d still been on the computer and when she’d awakened this morning she noticed he hadn’t joined her in the night. She’d thought they’d moved past any awkwardness where that issue was concerned.

  “You told me you always enjoy spending time with your mom and sister,” he said.

  “Normally, I do, but I have a feeling tonight I’ll be on the hot seat with Casey and Mom asking me far too many questions about you.” She released a deep sigh, already anticipating the intense examination that would take place.

  “Just go and have a little fun,” he replied. “God knows you could use a little fun in your life right now.”

  “You’re my fun.”

  He gazed at her soberly. “Enjoy your family while you have them, Julie. You never know when they’ll be taken away from you.”

  Instantly she cursed herself for whining. Nick had not only lost his parents too soon, but he’d also lost his wife to a horrendous crime. “You’re right,” she replied.

  She leaned forward and kissed him gently on the cheek. “And someday you and I will have children and we’ll all be your family. Were you close to your parents?”

  “Very close. As far as I’m concerned, I had the best parents in the world,” he replied. “They encouraged and supported me in everything I did and, according to my grandmother, they spoiled me rotten.”

  A horn sounded from outside. She jumped up off the sofa. “Oh, I hate when Casey does that instead of coming to the front door. I’ll be home by nine or so and then maybe you’ll tell me some stories about your childhood.”

  He stood to walk her to the door. “I might be later than nine. I never know for sure how long these meetings are going to last. If you get home before me, just remember to set the alarm.”

  “Don’t worry, I’ll definitely remember the alarm.” The horn honked again. “Geez, she makes me crazy. I’ll see you later,” she said. She walked out the front door to see an unfamiliar car in her driveway. Apparently, Casey had gotten a new car during the time Julie couldn’t remember. Julie was surprised she could afford it, especially if what Joel had told her was true and their father had cut her off financially.

  Casey was in the driver’s seat and Julie’s mother was in the passenger seat. Julie opened the back door and slid inside, the smell of new car and rich leather greeting her.

  “About time,” Casey said as she threw the car into Reverse. “I had to honk twice.”

  “You didn’t have to honk at all,” Julie replied drily. “You could have just texted me that you were here or actually walked up to the front door and knocked.”

  Casey grinned at her in the rearview mirror. “Honking is way more fun.”

  “I’m just glad to have both my girls with me tonight,” Lynetta said. “I’ve been so crazed trying to organize the house to get it ready to show, I could use a little fun and a few drinks.”

  “The house ready to show?” Julie looked at the back of her mother’s head in confusion.

  Lynetta turned around in her seat to look at Julie. “Oh, honey, I guess you don’t remember with your amnesia thing. Two months ago your daddy and I decided to downsize. We’ve already put down a deposit on a nice apartment at North Hills Village.”

  “But isn’t that a retirement place?” Julie asked.

  “It is. Of course, we all know your father will never retire. He’ll probably drop dead in that pawn shop. But I’ll definitely be retiring from cooking since all our meals will be prepared for us once we make the move.” Lynetta turned back around.

  Julie stared out the passenger window, her head filled with thoughts of this surprising news. “Where are we going now?” she finally asked.

  “Brewsters,” Casey replied.

  Brewsters was a lively bar that served strong drinks, great burgers and other bar food. The three women had often gone there for a night of hanging out together.

  “Casey, when did you get this car?” she asked.

  “I’ve had it for a little over a week now,” she replied.

  A little over a week? How could she afford such an expensive car if their father had cut her off and she scarcely worked at the shop? He must have caved to his baby girl, Julie thought, not that it was any of her business. Casey had always been the thoroughly spoiled child of the family.

  “A mysterious boyfriend is helping her pay for it,” Lynetta said, answering Julie’s question. “I swear I don’t know what’s up with you two girls when it comes to the men in your life. Why does everything have to be such a deep, dark secret?”

  “Maybe over dinner we can get Casey to spill some secrets about her boyfriend,” Julie replied. It would be great if the spotlight was off her and Nick and on Casey instead. “Besides, I did eventually introduce you to Nick.”

  She didn’t want to talk about Nick or their relationship. Despite the fact she’d apparently been dating him for a long time, it all felt so new and so very special right now.

  Thankfully, Lynetta continued to talk about the retirement village and all the amenities it offered until they pulled into Brewsters’ parking lot. “I’m ready for a nice, refreshing gin and tonic,” she said as they all got out of the car.

  “And I’m ordering some of their mozzarella sticks with a big Margarita. What about you, Julie?” Casey asked.

  “I’m definitely ordering a burger and maybe some fried mushrooms on the side,” she replied. “I’m not sure I want any alcohol tonight.”

  Although Julie couldn’t remember the last time she’d been in the bar, stepping inside, she felt instantly at home. The air smelled of onions and burgers and all things
fried. The old rock-and-roll music played loud enough to hear but not loud enough to impede conversation.

  Lynetta slid into one of the black-leather booths. Casey got in next to her and Julie sat across from them.

  The menu was neatly printed on a large chalkboard behind the long, polished bar.

  At least nothing on the menu had changed over the past ten months, Julie thought as the waitress approached their table. Minutes later they had all been served their drinks and had placed their food orders.

  “So, how are things between you and Nick?” Casey asked.

  “Couldn’t be better,” Julie replied. “Why don’t you tell me more about this mysterious man you’re dating?”

  “Yes, I’d like to know more about him, too,” Lynetta said. “Your father and I are worried about both of you with these secret boyfriends and fiancés popping up. You realize eventually you both will have a substantial inheritance and we don’t want any man taking advantage of you.”

  “Ace isn’t taking advantage of me, he’s treating me right.” Casey pointed to the purse on the booth seat next to her. “He bought this for me yesterday.”

  Julie recognized it as an expensive designer purse. “Pretty lavish. What does Ace do for a living?” she asked. Her sister had always had a penchant for bad boys.

  “He’s an entrepreneur,” Casey replied.

  “And what exactly does that mean?” Lynetta asked.

  “It means he does a lot of stuff that I don’t really understand, but it all makes him lots of money.” Casey flipped a strand of her dark hair over her shoulder as if tossing Lynetta’s concerns aside. “I don’t understand his business stuff, but he’s crazy about me and I’m crazy about him, and that’s all that matters.”

  “How long have you been seeing him?” Julie took a sip of her soda and eyed her sister.

  “About two months. It was love at first sight.”

  “Wasn’t Granger love at first sight, too?” Julie asked drily. Granger was the last boyfriend she remembered Casey having. That “love at first sight” had lasted about two weeks.