Close Proximity

by Donna Clayton

  “Mom’s necklace,” she breathed. “I thought I had lost it.” The idea that someone had been inside her apartment in San Francisco made her shiver.

  “Whoever took it—” her father’s words grated with emotion “—broke in while you were there.” His tone lowered. “While you were sleeping.”

  Icy fear and disgust solidified in her stomach. “How can you be sure I was at home?”

  “The threat…the letter I was sent had a description of your room.” A tremor warbled his indrawn breath. “Of the white satin nightgown you were wearing.” He shook his head. “I just couldn’t stand the idea that you were at risk because of me. I nearly went insane with worry, Libby. I destroyed the paperwork I found. And the e-mail. Everything. I just wanted the whole incident to go away. I wanted you to be safe.”

  “Oh, Daddy.” She hadn’t called him that in years. She squeezed his hand lovingly.

  Her father’s eyes were soulful. Rafe’s gaze was piercing.

  “You two believe the missing DMBE back then is connected to the contamination now?” Libby asked.

  “There’s no way to be completely sure.” David rested the fleshy part of his free hand on the table edge.

  Rafe said, “In light of your accident, and the fact that you were attacked at Jake’s—”

  “But we can’t be certain that those were actual attempts against me.” Libby released her father’s hand. “That driver never even touched my car. It could very well have been an inexperienced kid behind the wheel. The police think so. And if that purse snatcher meant to hurt me…if he meant to stab me, why didn’t he just do it?”

  “He took a swipe at me,” Rafe reminded her.

  Libby remembered how scared she’d felt when she realized Rafe had been wounded. She also remembered the night of heated passion that had followed.

  Pushing the erotic thoughts from her mind, she said, “I think that man hadn’t meant to hurt anyone. I think you surprised him, is all.”

  “Then why did you agree to come to the rez?”

  She hardly noticed the irritated accusation in his tone. What she focused on was the question. Why had she agreed to move to Crooked Arrow with him if she really hadn’t believed she was in danger?

  Because you simply wanted to be near him, a small echo breezed though her mind.

  Rafe’s sharp jawline was taut. Then he sighed. “You believe what you want. I don’t want to fight about this. My only intention in bringing this up was to dispel the uncertainties you were having.”

  “Sweetie—” her father took her hand again “—I’d trust you with my life. You’ve got to know that. It was fear that made me balk. Fear for your safety and nothing more.”

  Emotion lodged in her throat, thick and cloying. She didn’t want to cry. Tears would make her look pathetic. However, moisture burned the backs of her eyelids. She swallowed.

  “I love you, Daddy. And I’m glad you told me.”

  Later in the parking lot of the jailhouse, Libby opened the trunk so Rafe could load in the box filled with clay pots, dirty dishes and utensils.

  He straightened his spine and she closed the trunk with more force than was necessary.

  “I guess I should thank you for what you did in there.”

  Was that humor tugging at the corner of his mouth? The sight ruffled her ire even more. After all he’d done for her, she shouldn’t feel irritated with him. But she did.

  “Is there anything else you know that I don’t know?” Her brows drew together. “You’ve kept me in the dark about a lot of things, Rafe. And I have to tell you, it’s not fair.”

  His mouth became a straight line, and Libby was struck with the notion that lips so sensual shouldn’t ever take on such sternness. She jerked her gaze from his face. Get a grip, she silently chastised herself.

  He crossed his arms over his chest. “I explained to you that I hadn’t told you about Cheyenne’s vision because I didn’t feel I could betray my sister’s gift. And your father told me his story and asked me to protect you. He also asked me not to frighten you by telling you of the threat he’d received. I was honor bound to remain silent.”

  With his arms swinging easily at his sides, he rounded the car, leaving her standing there in the lot.

  So that was it? No apologies? No expression of regret?

  The man was enough to make a woman want to grind her teeth right down to the gum.

  She watched him get into the car, the sunlight glinting on the long, dark river of his hair, and the embers of her anger died. What remained was a knotty mass of emotion.

  She’d already come to the conclusion that Rafe was a man full of dense complexities. Solving the maze of who he was, what he thought, why he did the things he did, would take a lifetime, she guessed.

  He was attracted to her, that much she knew. Just as she was attracted to him. And they had surrendered to their desires for each other in one unforgettable night of passion. However, Rafe had been quick to tell her that their night together had been a mistake, that a relationship between them was impossible.

  Libby had thought she never again wanted to offer her heart to a man. But after getting to know Rafe…

  She sighed. You can’t give what has been stolen from you. Rafe possessed her heart already, and there was little she could do about that.

  He’d brought her to visit her father in order to allay her doubts about herself. And in doing that, he’d brought about a new understanding between herself and her father. Why would he do something so wonderful?

  The man was an enigma. A cryptic labyrinth that seemed unfathomable. Filling her with a host of conflicting emotions. Rejecting her cruelly one moment, making her life bright with warmth and confidence the next.

  Squaring her shoulders, Libby walked up to the driver’s side door, surrendering to the confusion reigning supreme in her brain.

  Rafe stepped up onto the porch of the house. The brass plaque beside the front door read Hopechest. The building served as both office and living space for the director of the ranch, his best friend, Blake Fallon.

  He hadn’t seen Blake in weeks, Rafe suddenly realized. Ever since Libby arrived in town and his life went topsy-turvy. However, Rafe knew that, no matter how long they had been apart, when he saw Blake it would seem as if no time had passed at all. That was how it was with best friends.

  The reception area was decorated just so and the fire burning in the hearth invited visitors into the cozy setting. Blake’s secretary, Holly Lamb, stood and offered him a warm smile of greeting.

  “How are you, Holly?” he asked.

  The slender woman’s eyes were nearly obscured by the glasses she wore. Her light brown hair was long and straight, her face devoid of makeup. At first glance, a man would dismiss Holly as plain. But her skin had a glow, her features the shape that one would deem classically beautiful. However, Rafe sensed that, for some reason, this woman was hiding her good looks.

  Blake had often bragged about how efficient his secretary was. And more than once Rafe had wondered if the charming young woman might be harboring feelings for her boss. Not that she’d ever done anything outwardly telling. It was just a feeling Rafe had.

  “I’m just fine,” she told him. “How about yourself?”

  “I’m great, thanks.”

  Sorrow oozed up into his chest, burning his throat. If Todd Lamb—Holly’s father—was behind the contamination…

  “That’s good to hear. You here to see Blake?”

  “Sure am. Is he busy?”

  “Now, you know he’s never too busy to see you. Go right on in.”

  Common courtesy had Rafe rapping his knuckles on the door twice before turning the knob and entering the office.

  “Rafe!” Blake’s gray eyes shone with pleasure. He rounded his desk and wrapped Rafe in tight bearhug. “How’ve you been, buddy?”

  “Great.” He hugged as good as he got.

  Over the years Blake and Rafe had been through a lot together. Yes, as teens they had gotten in
to trouble with the law. But there were things they had shared, dark secrets as well as joys and dreams, that was rich fodder for the deep-rooted brotherly love they felt for each other.

  Blake offered Rafe a seat on one end of the bottle-green leather couch and he sat down on one of the two matching wing chairs.

  “I came to see how things are going.” Rafe settled his elbow on the armrest.

  “Things are looking good,” Blake told him. “Evacuating everyone was a little hairy, but it’s for the best. I’ve got lots of paperwork to catch up on.” He grinned. “But I’m not complaining, believe me.”

  “It’s good of Joe and Meredith to put up the kids. They didn’t even hesitate. Just opened their home.”

  Blake sighed. “They were great. They’re getting up there in years, and I was afraid that, after all Meredith has been through, that the kids might get on her nerves. But she seems happy to have them there. She and Joe seem to be on a constant honeymoon these days.”

  The Colton scandal had been all the residents of Prosperino and the surrounding area had talked about for the past year. First, Joe had been wounded at his birthday party. And then it was discovered that Patsy Portman, Meredith Colton’s identical twin, had caused her sister to have an auto accident, dropped the unconscious woman off at St. James Clinic and had somehow succeeded in slipping into Meredith’s life. For years she’d managed to deceive those around her into believing that she was Meredith. Patsy had reveled in the Colton wealth.

  However, when Patsy’s plan to murder Joe failed, the sick and twisted web she’d worked so hard to weave had begun to unravel. Meredith—the real Meredith—was once again safely ensconced at home, Hacienda de Alegria, with her husband, and the two were acting like young lovers once more.

  “That’s good to hear,” Rafe said. “I’m glad the Colton clan is enjoying a little normalcy.”

  Blake chuckled. “It has been a wild ride lately.”

  Just then, Holly entered with a tray bearing a carafe, two cups, cream, sugar and a plate of cookies.

  “I thought you two might like a little refreshment,” she said.

  “Thanks, Holly.” To Rafe, he continued, “Operations around here will be getting back to normal soon too. Meanwhile my staff has been a big help.”

  Blake reached for the carafe and didn’t see his secretary’s eyes glitter at the compliment.

  Rafe got the impression that if Blake asked, Holly would walk barefoot over hot coals. Holly’s eyes darted to Rafe’s face, then she dipped her chin self-consciously.

  “I’ll leave you two to talk,” she murmured, and then left them, dignity lengthening her spine.

  Before Holly had arrived with the tray, Rafe had been about to reveal to his friend his thoughts regarding Todd Lamb and the DMBE dumping. However, he felt unable to do so. Holly had left the door open and he had no idea who might come or go in the reception area. And he sure didn’t think it would be wise to disclose his suspicions about Todd Lamb’s involvement when the man’s daughter might overhear.

  He picked up his cup, took a sip from it and then cradled it between his hands. Changing the subject entirely was the best idea for now.

  “So tell me what’s happening with the kids,” he said.

  Blake’s gray gaze lit up at the mention of the children.

  About twenty minutes later his coffee cup was empty, and Rafe leaned over and set it on the tray. “I’d better get back to work. I’m due to meet Libby soon.”

  His friend’s expression went solemn. “How’s the investigation going?”

  “Well, the opposing attorneys think they have solid evidence. But I’m confident that Libby will shoot it full of holes.”

  The men made their goodbyes, and Rafe tossed a friendly wave at Holly on his way out the door. As he descended the porch steps, the sound of tires crunching on gravel drew his gaze.

  The man cut the engine of his car and stepped out onto the drive.

  “Rafe! What a surprise.”

  Friendly delight sparked in Joe Colton’s blue eyes. His smile dazzled. His handshake was strong, despite the fact that he was over sixty years old. He had an arresting aura that commanded respect.

  Rafe held the man in high esteem. When Blake and Rafe had gotten themselves arrested, Joe could have taken the police officer’s advice and kept the boys apart. But Joe hadn’t done that. In fact, Joe had invited Rafe to his home. It was an invitation Rafe hadn’t actually accepted. But the fact that it had been extended meant the world to Rafe.

  “Good to see you, Joe. How are you? How’s Meredith?”

  The joy shining the man’s gaze was unmistakable.

  “Life has never been better for us. Never been better.” Then he grinned. “I’m bringing good news.”

  “Oh?”

  For the first time, Rafe noticed the manila envelope in Joe’s hand. He waved it gleefully.

  “New reports are in. The DMBE levels are continuing to dwindle. We’ll have to keep treating the ground water for a while longer, but this is great news for the ranch, for the whole town.”

  Rafe’s spirits lifted. “Blake will be ecstatic when he hears.”

  “That’s why I came personally. I want to see his face.” Then Joe said, “Meredith wants to have a party. She plans to invite everyone. Try to boost morale. This crisis has been hard on everyone in Prosperino.”

  “You can say that again.”

  Seeming to be hit with a realization, Joe paused, his face registering regret. “I’m sorry all this has landed on David Corbett’s head. You’re helping his daughter, aren’t you?”

  “I am, yes.” Rafe nodded.

  “Well, just know that I’m praying that the real culprit is soon caught.”

  Clearly, Joe believed in David’s innocence. Joe’s opinion meant a lot to Rafe. The gratitude he was feeling must have shown on his face.

  “Come on now,” Joe said. “There was no way I could believe David would do such a thing. While VP of Springer, David has done a great deal for this town. He’s helped the Mokee-kittuun, too, hasn’t he? I read about the well he was digging.”

  “Since he was arrested,” Rafe told him, “that project has come to a screeching halt.”

  “You’re kidding?”

  “I’m not.” His voice lowered as he added, “Since Todd Lamb has taken over, lots of things have changed.”

  Joe shook his head in disbelief.

  “Speaking of Todd Lamb…” Rafe let the sentence trail as he cast a quick glance over his shoulder. “I’d like to ask you to do me a favor.”

  “Anything, Rafe. You know that.”

  “I’d like you to keep an eye out for Blake.”

  Interest sharpened Joe’s features, but the man waited in patient silence.

  “This has got to be kept in strictest confidence. I’m afraid Holly’s father might be involved in this.”

  “But Todd is Springer’s new VP.”

  “Ironic, isn’t it?” Rafe gazed off for a second. “Blake doesn’t need more trouble right now, but I’m worried about how Holly will react once her father’s involvement is uncovered. However, I’d rather you didn’t say anything just yet. I don’t know how close Holly is to Todd. If the man should get wind that he’s a suspect, he might bolt.”

  Deep gravity etched itself in Joe’s forehead. “I understand. You can trust me, Rafe.”

  “Thanks, Joe.”

  “And if David needs a character witness, I’m your man. I’ve known David for many years. And if I thought about it, I could come up with lots of ways he’s helped this community.”

  Rafe offered the man a smile of appreciation. “Well, you start thinking about it.”

  Sixteen

  “On the way home from the courthouse,” Libby said over dinner, “I stopped to see Susanna.”

  “Is she making any progress?” Rafe speared a broccoli floweret.

  “She says yes. But, of course, I couldn’t tell.” She chewed around her grin in silence and swallowed. “But one thing is
certain: that girl loves her job.”

  “Any developments at the courthouse today?”

  Libby shook her head. “The judge asked when we’d be ready. Opposing counsel is pressing to start jury selection.” She inhaled deeply and stretched her neck muscles. “I need more time.”

  “Did you tell the judge that?”

  “I did. But the other side has their arguments ready. I’m sure they’re going to lean heavily on that computer journal they found. They have their witnesses lined up. They want to get this ball rolling.”

  “Well, don’t let them push the ball into motion until you know where it’s going to roll.”

  Softly she assured him, “I won’t.”

  He told her about Joe Colton’s offer to give testimony as a character witness on David’s behalf.

  “That’s wonderful, Rafe. Joe is well respected around here.”

  Rafe began cleaning up the dinner dishes. Libby lent a hand.

  The keep-away dance they engaged in had become old hat. He carefully remained in his space and she in hers. They avoided touching each other at all costs. If the atmosphere between them wasn’t so charged with serious energy, the whole thing would probably be quite funny. But Libby wasn’t laughing.

  The strain of living in such close proximity, of wanting each other so badly, yet acting as if that attraction was nonexistent had taken its toll. Both of them were feeling the strain. Each and every time they were together the air in the house was heavy. Tense. Vibrating the very molecules they breathed. However, Rafe seemed completely determined to ignore the almost tangible presence of what was between them. And if he could do it, Libby could, too. Deep down inside, though, she wished things were different.

  She had something she wanted to ask. But she realized she’d have to ease into her request. As she filled the sink with soapy water, she said, “I stopped someplace else on the way home from court.”

  On the way home. The phrase had flowed from her as if it had been the most natural thing in the world.