by Rhea Regale
Brent arched a brow.
“Have you seen this woman?” the man asked. Brent took the photo and tilted it to better get a look at the dolled-up Lexi. Dark eyeliner, heavy lipstick, and a slicked-back ponytail did not suit his woman. “She was reported missing a couple days ago. Someone saw what we believe may have been her car alongside the road.”
“I haven’t been called out to tow a car lately,” Brent said. He handed the photo back and clicked his tongue. “Sorry, fellows. Can’t help you. Never seen a gal like that here. I would’ve noticed.”
“Seems to be the consensus,” the other man muttered. He pulled out his cell phone and started playing with the screen.
Brent wiped aside a chunk of hair that had fallen loose of his ponytail. “Anything else?”
“You certain you haven’t seen her?” the first man asked.
“Positive.”
“And you haven’t towed an older model BMW?”
“No.”
“Is there another mechanic in Ryder?”
“You’re lookin’ at him. There’s one in Russell, about a half hour away. Might check there.” Brent eyed both men before turning toward his toolbox.
“You only have one tow truck?” the second man asked. Brent fingered through the nuts he had in a container to switch out the rusted ones on the pickup. “No flatbed?”
“Nope.”
“What if a person’s back tires are locked?”
Brent ground his teeth, sucked in a calming breath, and turned to the men. He leaned back on the work bench and crossed his arms over his chest, fighting to keep his muscles from tensing. “I’m the sole mechanic in Ryder, sir. We’re a small town. If someone’s tires lock up, I do the repairs on premises. I didn’t see a reason to have two different tow trucks.” Brent pointed to the pickup. “Mostly oil changes and basic maintenance. Any body repairs, they go to Russell.”
The men looked at each other. One turned away from Brent and began a slow perusal of his shop. Brent tamped down the fiery anger that poured through him. Had Lexi’s well-being not been in question, he would’ve been quick to shove these bastards off his property.
“Sir, is there anything else I can do for you? I’m running a tight schedule and have fallen behind on my day’s work,” Brent said, filtering out the agitation that strained his words and lightening his tone with a farce of a smile.
“Mind if we have a look around?” the wandering man asked.
“Not much to look at.”
“Any other bays?”
“I’m sorry, who did you say you were again?” Brent asked. This time, the bristle in his voice came out, earning a pair of raised brows from the stagnant man with the cell phone.
“Caldwell, we’ve got what we came for. She’s not here,” the phone man said. His buddy hesitated, then turned toward Brent and held out a hand. Brent looked at it for a moment before taking it in a cautious shake. “Thank you for your time.”
“Good luck finding the woman.”
Brent perched his hip on the edge of the workbench and watched the two men climb into their fancy Suburban with chrome trim and guide the beast down the drive. His mind was a jumble of thoughts, and all of them turned back to one main question:
What the hell had Lexi gotten herself into in her other life?
* * * *
Lexi’s hands were sticky and coated with Miss Bess’s dumpling mixture when the woman rushed into the kitchen, grabbed her by the arm, and dragged her toward the foyer.
“Miss Bess! Let me wash my hands. I don’t want to leave a trail—”
“Hush,” she snapped. Her wide eyes, brimming with a sharp spark of concern, turned back to her. “Get up to your room and stay put until I come get you. Hear?”
“What—”
“No time. Go,” Miss Bess urged, shoveling Lexi toward the stairs. Lexi hesitated until she watched the woman’s expression melt from concern to fear and, finally, back to a mask of Southern pleasantry. Lexi turned and ran up the stairs, weaving down the hallway to her room. She quickly washed her hands in her bathroom sink, wondering what had gotten into Miss Bess.
And what had gotten into Travis? When he returned with more stone, he barely spared her a glance before returning to the yard.
Now he was nowhere to be found. His truck was backed up to the retaining wall, other men unloading the stone.
Lexi left her room, determined to find out what was going on. The echo of the front door closing flowed up the stairway. She inched closer to the edge of the hallway, crouched down on her knees, and peeked around the corner of the wall.
Every fear she had suppressed over the last few days ripped through her. Her heart jolted into overdrive, setting her world on end. Her stomach churned viciously, bile seeping up her throat. A strong line of chills speared across her arms, down her spine, and straight to her feet.
Her entire world shuddered, threatening to shatter the fragile wall of peace she had built since stumbling upon Ryder.
Jason and Robert were standing in the center of the open foyer, gazing around with stoic expressions. Miss Bess entered the entryway, wiping flour from her hands. The woman wore a sweet smile, her hospitality flawless despite the edge of concern moments before.
“Gentlemen, may I help you?” she asked.
“Yes, ma’am. We’re looking for a missing person,” Jason said, pulling his gaze from his surroundings.
“A missing person? Oh my.” Miss Bess lifted her hands to her mouth and shook her head in mock disbelief. “How terrible. May I offer you two some sweet tea and scones? Freshly brewed and freshly baked.” She waved for the two men to follow her into the kitchen. “Come, come. You look like you’ve been workin’ hard.”
“Thank you,” Robert answered for Jason, taking the lead behind Miss Bess. A subtle ache began in her chest as she watched the two men disappear. Miss Bess had no idea who she was in the company of, or how dangerous they could be. If they even suspected she resided here, they’d easily put a bullet through the woman’s head.
Lexi rolled onto her butt and drew her knees into her chest. Her eyes stung, and not from dust particles or flour.
She was downright frightened. Her entire body trembled and grew cold. Like the corpse I’m going to become. Tucking her face into her knees and wrapping her arms tightly around her legs, she concentrated on breathing until she staved off the tears that threatened to pour out of her eyes.
How the hell did they find her?
Each minute that ticked by echoed like a drumbeat in her mind. Each minute brought her closer to her firing squad. If she couldn’t get control of her breathing, she’d pass out. She couldn’t pass out. If they decided to look around, they’d find her ripe for the picking right here, like a damn sacrifice.
She was not going to be another tally mark on Dom’s death card. Neither would anyone she had grown to care about here in Ryder. Oh god no.
The door opened and closed again, the click-click of determined steps shattering the intense silence.
She chanced another peek around the wall. A sense of relief filled her when she saw Travis heading straight toward the kitchen.
“Miss Bess, I need to speak with you about the wall,” he called unnaturally loud. His usual playful voice held a sharp, dangerous edge to it. The rugged frame of his face was set with the hard lines of determination, not his usual kicked-back-and-relaxed curves.
He disappeared down the hallway, and a moment later, his voice resonated through the house as he said, “Why, fancy meetin’ you fellows here. Still looking for your missin’ woman?”
He spoke overly loud, since the conversation going on in the kitchen was, at best, muffled.
Lexi hadn’t realized her foot started tapping the rug, or that her nails had bit through the skin on her legs. She let out a breath only to meet the aching of her jaw after clenching it so hard.
Tick, tick, tick. The sound of her life’s clock perched on her shoulder, mocking her with each turbulent thought of how today woul
d end.
At the bottom of the Hudson, like all his victims.
Why the hell did she ever get involved with Dom? Why didn’t she listen to that warning beacon that blared and flashed and screamed inside her? Why did she fall for his ploys and charm, and ignore the references to his dirty business dealings and the casual discussions about Hudson trash?
I was always scared for my life.
Always.
“Well, thank you very much for your hospitality. You make great scones.”
Robert’s seemingly happy tone made her stiffen. She lifted her head to better hear the conversation coming from the hallway below.
“You’re very welcome, boys. I sure hope you find that girl. Her family must be terrified,” Miss Bess said.
Lexi gained enough courage to peek down below. Jason was near the front door, a manila envelope tucked under his arm. Robert flashed Miss Bess a smile.
“Um, ma’am. I have one more question, or request, rather,” Jason said, pausing a foot from the door. He dropped the hand he had lifted to the knob, and angled himself to Miss Bess.
Just then, Travis appeared behind his aunt, arms crossed over his chest.
“Of course, boys,” Miss Bess said.
“Would it be possible for us to take a look around?” Jason asked.
Her blood froze in her veins. She gasped for breath, pressing her back to the wall. No, no, no. Please no.
“I don’t think that’s necessary,” Travis intervened.
“It wouldn’t take long. We promise not to disturb your guests.”
“You said you were from Russell Police Department? Let me get on the phone with my cousin over there. He’s the commander. I’m sure I can smooth this over in a matter of moments.”
Lexi blinked. Jason and Robert were playing cops. What luck if Travis’s cousin really did work at their claimed department.
“No. That’s not necessary. We’ll be on our way,” Jason said. Lexi heard the tweak of anxiety that touched his words. “Thank you again.”
The front door closed. A minute later, the car doors slammed shut outside.
There was silence below, but it spoke louder than the conversation that had filled the foyer moments ago. Lexi used the wall to push her weakened body to her unsteady legs. She rolled around the corner and stumbled to the stairs, grabbing the banister to keep her balance. Her chin quivered. The house blurred. A tear crept down her cheek as she slowly made her way to meet Travis and Miss Bess.
Travis’s dark gaze never left her, burning into her like hot iron. His jaw worked, his lips pulled tight. He did not uncross his arms from his chest until she reached the landing.
“I think it’s time you start dishin’ out those secrets of yours. You’ve got damn ruffians tearing up this town, askin’ questions about you. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re in pretty fuckin’ deep,” Travis said. That dangerous edge that wove through his voice flashed in his eyes. Miss Bess smacked his arm with the back of her hand.
“Watch your tongue. Can’t you see the poor thing is frightened half to death?”
“For good reason, I suppose.” Travis let out an exasperated sigh, spun away, and slammed a fist into the wall. Lexi jumped, slapping her hands over her mouth to muffle a gasp. Miss Bess groaned.
When he turned on her again, she barely had time to react before he rushed her. His hands clamped down on her shoulders. He brought his face within inches of hers. Those damn tears fell then, one after another, pitiful sobs pushing through the knot in her throat.
“What the hell are you runnin’ from, Alexis? Tell me. Tell me every goddamn thing so we can protect you.”
“I swear, Travis. I don’t want anyone getting involved. I don’t.” She shook her head, covering her face from his piercing glare. “I don’t want anything to happen to any of you. It’s best if I leave. I’ll leave, yes.”
“Stop jabbering nonsense, Lexi. There’s no way you’re leavin’ with those two stalking these streets for you.”
“I can’t—”
“What happened?” Travis bit out. Lexi dropped her hands to her sides, her shoulders slumping. She couldn’t bear to look him in the eyes, not when they throbbed with so much emotion.
“I started working at Dom’s club in Manhattan while I tried to make it on Broadway. I was never cut out for acting. I plain suck at it, but I couldn’t move back home. I stayed and he took a liking to me. Things happened so fast and before I knew it, I was his girlfriend. I didn’t want to be, but I realized real quick that I couldn’t get out. I learned about him, and why, even though some of the girls were unhappy, they stayed. If Dom had a liking to you, he also had a venomous bite if you screwed him over. Once you were in, you didn’t get out unless it was in a body bag.” Lexi shook her head, a furrow creasing her brow. “One night, some of the girls and I went out for a bite to eat. I had forgotten my keys at the club and went back. The place was closed, but I knew how to get in. When I did, I walked into one of Dom’s secret business meetings and saw him shoot and kill three men. I must’ve screamed or something, because they all turned and saw me. I ran, and ran fast.”
“And then you broke down on the side of the road,” Travis said.
“Yes. I had no destination, as long as it was far away from Dom. I never wanted to be in the situation I was in with him. If I said no, I would’ve been left for dead.” At last, she chanced a look at Travis. All the harshness drained from his face. “They’ll kill me once they find me because I saw Dom kill those men.”
“They won’t fine you, Alexis,” he said, the bite in his words sinking into her soul. “Does this guy work alone?”
“He has his men.”
“No.” Travis shook his head. “What I mean is he the head of his little group? Or does he work for someone above him?”
“He’s not mob. He’s just a dirty business dealer with a need for money and power.” She shuddered. Her body was on the verge of giving out. The fright of seeing Jason and Robert left her fatigued. She reached up and grabbed Travis’s forearms, half holding him for comfort, half for support. “Travis, I’m so sorry I didn’t say anything earlier. I was silly to think it would go away. That they’d never find me here. And for the first time in so long, I’ve been happy.”
“Yeah, you should’ve told us. We would’ve been better prepared for when this day came.” Travis took one of her hands and looked back at Miss Bess. “I’m taking her to my place. She’ll stay with me until this blows over.”
“Travis, please. I don’t want to put anyone in more danger, especially you, Brent, and Miss Bess. It’s best if I go,” Lexi protested weakly. Travis made a sound, a mix between a snort and a groan, that didn’t come out friendly at all.
“Lexi, seriously. You’re in Ryder. Not New York. We watch out for each other and theirs. You’re safer here than on your own or wherever else you might end up.”
Miss Bess stepped up alongside her nephew and rubbed her arm. “He’s right, dear. We like you here in Ryder. Listen to Travis. Don’t be foolish enough to think you can take those boys on yourself.”
The unending selflessness and kindness shown to her left Lexi speechless and on the verge of a new wave of tears. She moistened her lips and nodded, not trusting her voice. When Travis caught her eyes again, the protective warmth that emanated from him wrapped her in a secure embrace.
“Let’s pack all those new clothes we bought you and get going,” he said, the edge out of his voice and the smallest hint of a smile shadowing the corner of his mouth.
Chapter Sixteen
Dom answered the phone on the second ring. He tapped the filter of his cigarette on the armrest of the Suburban, impatience rising second by second.
“We couldn’t find the phone or the car, but there’s a stain on the side of the road where she might’ve broken down,” Jason said.
“Did you go into the town?” Dom asked.
“Yes. Simple town. Old shops, lots of farmland, and some kind of vacation ranch. There’re ab
out three main roads that run through it. We checked with every shop owner and tourist. No one has seen her.”
“Shit,” Dom spat. He shoved the cigarette against his lips and lit the end.
“But I think she is here. One guy came off a bit suspicious. Bumped into him twice, and on the second time, he became quite arrogant.”
“Did you catch his name?”
“No. But he was at the bed-and-breakfast in town. He might live there.”
“Damn farmers.” Dom cracked the window and blew out a plume of smoke. Danny veered the Suburban off the interstate, following the GPS toward this tiny simpleton town called Ryder. “We’ll be arriving shortly. Keep an eye out for anything that might lead to her whereabouts. At this point, I don’t give a shit about any of those poor idiots. Find her, kill her, and kill whoever else might have seen it. I’m done wasting my time on the bitch.”
* * * *
Lexi waited anxiously for Travis and Brent to return. She bided her time, looking around the beautiful living room. Never had she imagined Travis’s home to be so well designed and decorated, from the crown molding to the tassel-drawn sheer drapes over the tall windows. The furniture was soft, inviting, and comfortable. A brick fireplace was crowned with mounted antlers and several framed photos on the slate mantel. A dark-wood gun cabinet took up a corner of the room, displaying an impressive collection of weapons through the polished glass window.
The back door opened and closed, followed by the steady pair of footsteps coming toward the living room. Her nerves were on edge, her fingers knotting together in her lap until her knuckles hurt.
She looked toward the doorway leading into the dining room when a figure caught her eye. Brent didn’t stop until he was standing in front of her, over her, those beautiful blue eyes narrowed on her.
“Seems we got ourselves a bit of action, hm?” he asked. “Those two city boys need a real knockin’.”
Lexi let out a short, uncertain laugh. Brent helped her to her feet. Travis joined them a moment later, dropping his hat on the arm of the sofa.
