“He wasn’t going to like you marrying me if he’d never met you. What happened?”
Drake told her about their brief meeting. “I didn’t bow to him, and his eminence was not impressed with me.”
“Oh, dear. He’s my father, so I love him, but I don’t always like him. He is stuffy and expects perfection.”
“Did he like your first fiancé?”
“Yes, Ted met his requirements. He was serious about his work, and on the way up. Dad approved of his résumé. In fact, I’d never thought about it before, but Dad brought him home right after he hired him and introduced him to mother and me.”
“And you fell in love.”
“Not right then, silly.” She ruffled his hair. “We began to work together, go out with the crowd after work, and then he asked me out. It was a slow process. He was a nice, sweet man. I suppose if I’d married him, we would have been happy.” She brushed her lips across Drake’s. “I’d have never met you, or if I had I’d have been very married by that time. What you haven’t experienced you won’t miss.”
“You mean never having been with me, you’d not know the difference?” Drake asked.
“Yes. I never thought I was a very passionate woman,” she said and smiled. “I expected and thought I wanted a quiet, contented life, busy with my work, and I’m almost certain Ted had the same expectations.”
“By the time you were fifty, he’d be a judge and perhaps you, too.”
“Something like that.”
Drake pulled her closer against him and tilted her face toward his. “I’m sorry he lost his life, but I’m not sorry I’ve met you and derailed your plan to be a career woman and nothing else.” His mouth came down hard on hers.
She tightened her arms around his neck and pushed her breasts against his chest. Her heart pounded and heat washed over her. One of his hands moved along her back and the other cupped her breast, his thumb rubbing across the peaked nipple.
He leaned back slightly and stared into her eyes. “I love your passion, your smart brain, the way you smile and giggle at times. I love all of you.”
Tears came into her eyes. “I know, and I love all the ways you’re different from other men. You are your own man.”
He gently wiped the tear away that had run down her cheek. “Guess we’d better get that wedding planned soon. I want to start our lives together. Of course, we do have one small problem to take care of, which is catching the guy who wants to kill us.”
“A minor problem, with you and Brent on the job.” Janice kissed his lips and cuddled into his shoulder. “I may fall asleep, I’m so comfortable.”
“Go ahead, I’ll be right here when you wake.”
* * * *
Brent met them at the airport. “You all want to go eat lunch?”
“I do,” Janice said. “If you like Italian, I know just the place.” She gave Brent directions to her and Samantha’s favorite restaurant.
“The food smells great before you even get in the door,” Drake said as they got out of the car.
Janice requested her favorite table, and after ordering, they sat back to sip on their wine. Brent sat across from her and Drake.
“Do you remember mentioning the man that used to work at your office? The one you thought might have written on your windshield?” Brent asked.
“Yes. Is he the one?”
“We’re almost certain he’s the mole. We’ve been following him to see if he’d lead us to the one he’s passing information to, but he hasn’t met anyone in particular. I expect he makes phone calls. The police are following up on our information.”
The waiter brought the large, steaming pizza. They all took a piece.
“Man, this is good,” Brent said and smiled across at Janice.
“Samantha and I discovered this restaurant one Saturday when we were out and about.”
“You still don’t have any ideas about the identity of the guy who has been trying to kill us?” Drake asked.
Brent swallowed and took a sip of his wine. “I’ve had a bad feeling about the car mechanic, the newest worker at the shop. I’m not sure why. When I had talked with him what he said sounded fine, believable, but there was something off, maybe his attitude. Whatever I haven’t been able to put him out of my mind, so I went by the shop where he works today. He was there. Talked with his boss again, and he mentioned the guy had just returned from vacation, said he’d been to visit his mother.”
“Does his mother live in Texas?” Drake asked.
“The boss didn’t know. I asked him not to say anything about my questions. I have my best man checking his history. We’ll find the mother and see if he really was with her. Meanwhile, we’ll be watching him.”
“Janice and I are staying close together until the stalker is arrested. We’ll go by my house to see how the work is going, and to her house so we can change before visiting her parents tonight. Keep in touch.”
“Will do. Now let’s shut up and eat,” Brent said. He grinned. “You two lovebirds might be able to live on love—I can’t.”
* * * *
Her mother had suggested Janice come for dinner. She told them she was bringing a friend. Her mother tried to question her about who, but Janice managed to put her off. Now headed to her parents’ home, butterflies were flitting around in her stomach. Drake drove his fancy sports car and had dressed in a tailored blue suit. He looked very handsome.
He reached out and took hold of her hand. “Nervous?”
“A little. Dad has always been a bit overwhelming when he’s angry or upset in any way. It’s been easier to let him have his way.”
* * * *
A bully that frightens his women to keep them under his control. Drake didn’t verbalize his thought. Janice certainly didn’t ordinarily let others ride over her. Perhaps her determination not to was a direct result of her father’s overpowering persona. He hadn’t like the man before and liked him less now, but he was going to be his father-in-law so he’d have to find a middle ground for Janice’s sake. He wasn’t looking forward to this visit, and from seeing Janice’s tense posture, neither was she.
The house was big, square, and sat on a hill slightly above the neighbors. Drake pulled into the curved driveway and parked a short distance from the front door. He turned to Janice.
“Are you sure you’ll be happy in an old farmhouse after this?” He motioned to the house.
“Definitely.”
He curved his hand around her cheek and chin. “Nothing that happens tonight will have any effect on how I feel about you.”
“I know.” She turned her head and kissed his palm. Her touch always warmed him.
“Let’s get this done, then.” Drake got out and came around to open her door. “I promise to be on my best lawyer behavior.”
Janice chuckled. “I can’t wait to see what that is, as I’m sure I haven’t observed such a phenomenon before now.”
Drake took her hand and they started toward the door. “That’s what I love about you, your smart mouth.”
A maid dressed in a black and white uniform opened the door. “Judge and Mrs. Dedrick are waiting in the family room. Please follow me.”
Not even a family greeting at the door. This did not bode well. Drake had a feeling the judge had checked around and knew exactly who was arriving with his daughter.
“Dad, Mother.” Janice stepped forward and kissed her parents on the cheek. Her mother gave her a small hug—her father’s eyes were on Drake. “Mom and Dad, this is Drake Terrell, my fiancé. Dad, you may have met him before. He’s a lawyer. Drake, my parents.”
Drake stepped forward and shook Mrs. Dedrick’s hand. He turned to the judge. The man’s blue eyes were cold, and he hesitated just a second before putting out his hand. The shake was brief.
“Please be seated.” Her mother motioned them toward a striped couch. “Clara will bring us hors d’oeuvres. What would you like to drink? Janice, do you want white wine?”
“Yes, Mom, thank you.”
&nb
sp; “I’m having bourbon, Terrell. Want to join me?” Her father held up the bottle.
Drake nodded, and her father poured a shot into a crystal glass. The maid had come into the room. Judge Dedrick handed Drake’s glass to her, and she passed the drink to Drake. She also carried a tray with various appetizers, stuffed shrimp and oysters, cheese and crackers, and other tasty morsels. Drake ignored the Judge’s continued frosty behavior and put several of the tasty treats onto a small plate. He handed it to Janice, then took the same for himself.
No one spoke for a moment as they ate. “These are very good, Mom. The cream cheese mixture on the cracker is new.” Janice turned to Drake. “Mom has always made her own hors d’ oeuvres.”
“They are wonderful, Mrs. Dedrick.”
“Thank you.” She smiled her perfect smile, but Drake saw her anxiety in her tense muscles, especially around her mouth and eyes.
Janice’s father sat as far away as he could and stared hard at the two of them. “Where did you two meet? Isn't this engagement rather sudden?” he asked.
“The first time at Samantha’s wedding, and then not again until the auction,” Janice told him.
“Humph, I never understood why you volunteered for such a spectacle.” He held up his hand. “I know it was for charity, but there are others ways of making money for a cause without making a fool of yourself.”
Anger burned in Drake’s stomach. He took hold of one of Janice’s hands and stared back at her father. “Janice has never done anything to make a fool of herself. She was beautiful and poised on the stage.”
“You’ve hardly known her long enough to make such a broad statement,” her father snapped.
“I know your daughter well enough to understand she would never do anything to make the people she loved feel foolish, or to make herself feel that way. You underestimate her, Judge.”
“And just who are you to come into my house and, after knowing her a relatively short time, tell me about my daughter?” Judge Dedrick stood to emphasize his words.
Clara came to the door. “Dinner is served.”
Drake watched the judge struggle to regain his calm. He suspected there were few who chanced angering the big man.
“Please, let’s go to the dining room,” Mrs. Dedrick said. She led the way, Janice behind her, and the men followed. Drake felt her father’s heated glare between his shoulder blades. Determined to try and ignore the older man’s dislike, he smiled and pulled out the chairs for Mrs. Dedrick and Janice. He walked around the table to sit facing Janice.
The meal was delicious. Conversation had been kept to a minimum, as they were all aware the judge still seethed underneath his outward calm. How many times had Janice and her mother had to tiptoe around the bully, Drake wondered.
“Mrs. Dedrick, I’d like to offer my compliments to the chef. Would that be you?” She blushed at his words and nodded.
“Do I dare hope you taught your daughter how to cook this wonderful roast?”
Now, she smiled. “I have tried. Janice can cook quite well, although she usually prefers not to, but it is difficult to cook for only one or two.”
“We hope to have a large family. Her cooking skills will come in handy.” Drake winked at Janice, who blushed bright red.
“That is enough, young man.” Judge Dedrick threw down his napkin.
“Enough, sir? Did I eat over my limit?” All thoughts of being pleasant to this annoying man left Drake.
“Dear.” Judge Dedrick glanced at his wife. “Stay here with Janice while I and this upstart have a discussion in my office.”
“Father, I...”
“You will stay with your mother. Or does he need you to protect him?” her father sneered.
Janice looked across at Drake with a worried, almost tearful expression.
“It will all be fine. Enjoy your visit with your mother. I am going to explain a few particulars to your father.”
Drake walked behind the judge down a hallway to a room on the right. The paneled walls were a rich, dark wood. Several heads of animals hung from the walls. A huge, dark wood desk sat in the middle of the room. The top clean and polished. In fact, everything in the room was precisely in place.
Judge Dedrick walked behind his desk and sat. He didn’t offer Drake a chair, so Drake pulled one for himself right in front of the judge. A frown crossed the older man’s face.
“That doesn’t go there. Put it back.”
“No. Maybe others are afraid to challenge you and sit in your presence, I’m not.”
“Listen to me, young man. You will not marry my daughter!”
Drake leaned across the desk, putting his face close to the judge’s. “No, you will listen to me. You’re involved in politics, and I’m sure you eventually want to go higher than simply being a local judge. I can stop you.”
“How dare you threaten me.”
“It not a threat, more an explanation. I know the right people and have a lot of money. A word here or there, contributions to anyone you run against, and you’ll never have a chance.” Drake straightened, but never lost eye contact with Janice’s father.
“What do you want?” Her father glared at him. His face had turned a bright red.
“I love your daughter. I am going to marry her with or without your approval. For myself, I don’t care, but Janice loves you. She’ll be hurt if you cause difficulties. So you won’t.”
“And how do you plan to stop me? I don’t cave in to threats.”
“Check my credentials. I worked for the government. I can take good care of Janice and any family we may have. We don’t need you. You need me. Call me tomorrow.” Drake turned on his heel and strolled out of the office.
Janice stood at the door to the family room. Her facial muscles were drawn tight with tension. “Where’s Dad?”
“He’ll be along in minute. He’s checking on some facts.” Drake had no doubt the judge had immediately contacted some of his people. “Shall we join your mother?” He motioned to where Mrs. Dedrick sat by the tea and coffee set. “I’d enjoy a cup of coffee and some of that lovely chocolate cake,” he said to Mrs. Dedrick and nodded at the platter on the table beside her.
Mrs. Dedrick served the coffee and cake. They had a stilted conversation while everyone waited for the judge. Drake was furious that the judge was taking so much time to return. Both Janice and her mother were tense and barely able to carry on a conversation.
When the judge appeared at the door, Drake heard a soft sigh from the women around him. Damn the man.
Judge Dedrick smiled at his wife and daughter. “I’m sorry I’ve kept you waiting. I had several important calls I had to take care of before rejoining you. Is that your famous chocolate cake, my dear?”
“Yes, I’ll cut you a piece.” Mrs. Dedrick sprang out of her seat and with trembling hands cut a slice and poured her husband coffee.
“Well, Janice. This young man of yours has convinced me he loves you and will take good care of you. You and your mother had best start making the plans for your wedding.” His eyes met Drake’s for a brief second, before he hugged his daughter.
Evidently, his informants had verified what Drake had told him. Good. Now to make a quick exit out of here.
Her father apparently had the same idea. He ate his cake quickly and looked relieved when Drake suggested they leave.
“I’ll call you tomorrow, Mom. We’ll meet for lunch and start making arrangements. Neither Drake nor I want a long engagement.” Janice glanced at Drake.
“She’s right. I’d run away and marry her tomorrow, but I know how important the wedding ceremony is to the ladies. Guess we’ll have to put up with all the parties and the large wedding, Judge.”
“She’s our only child. Her mother and I will want to do right by her.”
Drake put his arm around Janice’s waist and urged her toward the door. Her mother turned on the outside lights as they stepped out.
Janice turned her head and waved. “Bye, Mom and Dad.” They waved
back and then the door snapped shut.
“What a perfect ending,” a man said, moving out from between the hedges.
“Do I know you? What are you doing here?” Janice asked. A frown crossed her forehead.
But Drake saw the gun. “You must be the mechanic?”
“What do you mean?” Janice asked.
“He means I’m your admirer, your caller, your destiny with death.” He yanked off his hat and blond wig.
Drake saw the comprehension and the fear hit her at the same time. “Can you tell us why?” Drake asked, stalling for time.
“I’ve loved her for years. She used to come in with that milksop lawyer she planned to marry. I fixed him.”
“You caused Ted’s wreck?” Janice asked.
“I did. Clever of me, wasn’t it? I thought perhaps you’d eventually start noticing me, but you quit coming to the shop, and I had to change jobs to work where you brought your car. I smiled at you, and you ignored me. Oh, you said thank you, but you didn’t really look at me. Did you!” He screamed the last words at her.
Good, he’s losing control. If only her father or mother would look out a window.
The man sauntered closer, a smirk on his face. “Finally, I bid on you, but this man had too much money for anyone else to compete.”
Janice moved herself to lean against Drake. “I love him.”
She put one hand around his waist, under his coat. Drake knew she’d seen him put his gun behind his waistband earlier. He felt her fingers grasp the gun handle. Looking down into her eyes, he tried to will her not to put herself in danger.
“Get away from him,” her stalker screamed at Janice.
Drake put his hand behind him and took hold of her arm. “Do as he says, honey.” Drake pulled on her arm, taking possession of the gun as she slid her arm out and stepped away from him. Drake let his arm fall. In one smooth movement, he pointed the gun up at their attacker and shot.
The man’s face went blank. He fell forward, and his gun fired into the concrete driveway. Drake had already thrown his body over Janice’s when the other gun went off.
Drake’s cell rang. Brent’s number showed on his phone.
Cameron, Paige - The Billionaire Rancher Buys a Wife [Wives for the Western Billionaires 2] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Page 12
