“Here!” someone called.
“Wait, Makayla.” Spencer tried to block my path, but I bypassed him.
“If he hurt her it’s because of us. I’m going,” I told him.
To my great relief, Pattie and her two guests lay unconscious in a closet.
“Montgomery probably drugged them, too,” Spencer said, checking pulses. “I’m guessing they won’t know who attacked them so they couldn’t point the finger at him. He had everything well thought out.”
Pete grumbled. “This was a lot to go through to get back at you.”
“Men have done more for less,” Spencer countered. “He thinks I ruined his life, and he waited until the most opportune time to try to destroy mine. Now you see I had nothing to do with Penelope’s murder or Makayla’s kidnapping.”
Pete grudgingly agreed, and I knew it would be a matter of time before all charges against Spencer would be dropped. Spencer turned to me as the police were helping to revive Pattie and her guests.
“You’re going to the hospital with the rest.”
“I’m fine, Spencer.”
“I’d feel better if you go.”
I opened my mouth to argue, but Ash cut me off. “Better to give in, Makayla. My brother is used to getting his own way. You’ll have a more peaceful life if you learn that now.”
“Life?” I repeated.
Ash smiled and lowered the glasses covering his eyes. I saw for the first time there was a glassiness to them. “Yes, life. I suppose it won’t be so bad having you for—”
“Be quiet, Ash,” Spencer snapped, and his brother laughed.
* * * *
“Dear, are you okay?” Edna asked for the hundredth time. I submitted to another hug, seeing the worry in her eyes.
“I’m fine, Edna. Thank you.” I gave her a squeeze and set into the cake she had brought to my house as a “get better soon” gift even though I wasn’t ill in the least. Surely, you didn’t imagine I would turn it down? “Holden Montgomery has been arrested and held without bail. The police found all the evidence they needed among his things at the shop.”
Edna dropped into a seat across from me and ran a hand over her face. “Can you believe none of us noticed? We’ve known Ned for years. He was always the exterminator as far as I can remember, but well, he was a shy man. He didn’t have many friends, and he seemed to want it that way.”
I nodded. “I think we’ll all begin looking into the faces of our friends and neighbors from now on, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.”
“No,” she agreed. “Makayla, when I think that you could have been killed, or Pattie too, I don’t know what to do.”
“Let’s be thankful we’re all still here,” I said. “And to help us remain that way, Spencer is holding a seminar.”
Edna’s eyebrows went up. “A seminar?”
“Well, I’m not sure what else you would call it. He’s going to teach us how to become more aware of our surroundings and of our neighbors.”
“You mean get into other people’s business more?”
Leave it to Edna to get to the meat of the matter and explain it bluntly. “Yes, that.”
“At one time, I would have said some of our nosier citizens don’t need that kind of training, but after Holden Montgomery took over Ned’s life with no one noticing, I guess we do. Spencer is the one to do it. He’s back in his position?”
I raised my chin and couldn’t hold back a grin. Why was I so proud of him? “Yes, Pete stepped down. With all his resources and the authority, he didn’t have a clue to what was really going on. Spencer has been reinstated as sheriff.”
“He should never have been removed in the first place,” Edna affirmed.
I nodded. “Unfortunately, Pete’s also given his resignation.”
“Oh, dear. I suppose Spencer demanded it?”
“No, he’s not as immature as that.” I neglected to say I had talked him out of his anger and resentment toward Pete. I had also encouraged him to support Ash in getting help with his addiction. “Pete felt maybe Briney Creek isn’t right for him anymore. He and Reeza are leaving for good this time. Besides, Reeza feels the town only holds memories of her sister, and she wants to escape it.”
“I understand, poor thing.”
“I will miss Pete. When he wasn’t under so much pressure and so jealous of Spencer, he seemed like a really nice man. I didn’t know Reeza very well, but I wish all the best for them.”
“Before you know it, there’ll be a whole brood of little ones to spoil.” Edna sighed.
I imagined she thought every now and then about the choices she’d made in her own life. Right now, Edna could be spoiling her grandchildren. Instead, she had none. I wondered if I might give her some adopted ones one day. Then a blush stole across my cheeks. My clock was ticking away, and I didn’t have a husband. Gosh, I might be in Edna’s place in thirty years. The thought depressed me so much I accepted another helping of cake.
After Edna left, I tidied the apartment and looked through my calendar. No new appointments. In fact, it looked like I had the next week free of work. I didn’t mind the relaxation time, and finances weren’t in dire straights, so I considered making a short trip south for some picture taking. The Waccamaw River Memorial Bridge in Conway, South Carolina interested me with its gothic styled arches. Photographs of the bridge and its reflection off the river surface would weave in wonderfully with my growing collection. The fact that it laid a stone’s throw from Myrtle Beach made no never mind at all. Okay, I’m sure you don’t believe that.
A knock at my door brought me up short in packing away the rest of Edna’s cake and considering if that night was too soon to have another piece. I washed my hands and headed to the door. When my stomach tightened with nerves, I reminded myself that Montgomery was behind bars, and as far as I knew no other killers were on the loose in Briney Creek.
A look through the peephole set my mind at ease. Spencer stood on the other side, and I quickly unlocked the door. I opened it to find a bouquet of red roses held out to me and gaped in disbelief.
“I’m not sick, you know,” I said in case he was feeling what Edna had been when she brought the treat.
He frowned. “I thought red roses had a different meaning.”
“The number is important too apparently.”
The frown turned to confusion and then annoyance. I laughed, but I was a bit rattled, and it had nothing to do with the ordeal I’d just been through. I stepped back to let him come in, and he handed the bouquet to me. We were awkward with my mumbled thanks and telling him to make himself at home while I found a vase.
The bundle turned out to be heavier than I had thought. I needed more than one vase. When I found them in the kitchen cabinets, I began counting out the roses. My heart fluttered in my chest, and my mouth went dry. Spencer walked up behind me, but I had been so absorbed in what I was doing, I hadn’t heard him. His hand reached around to lay over mine, and I froze.
“Spencer, I can’t do this if you…”
“I was wrong, Makayla.”
I coughed and set the roses down. Putting space between us, I turned to face him. “What about?”
He looked me in the eyes. I was tempted to find something else to look at, but stiffened my back instead. I didn’t like to back away from challenges. Spencer was more than a challenge, but I was determined to find out where we stood. I knew my own feelings by now and wanted to know his. He was a highly moral man, a person to be admired, but that rigidity could and probably always would clash with my strong character of following my heart—good or bad.
“I love you.”
I blinked and tilted my head to the side. “You were wrong about loving me?”
“No!” The poor sheriff blushed, giving me a touch of amusement. “I was wrong to break up with you.”
“You also handled it wrong.” I raised a finger to make my point. He glared. I tried not to grin. “You didn’t even tell me we weren’t going to be lovers anymore. Yo
u just stopped calling.”
“As I said, I was wrong and handled it like a coward. I apologize. I judged you when you did what you felt was best. I don’t agree with your decision, and if I didn’t love you I would arrest you for obstruction of justice.”
“Ouch.”
He smirked this time. “I’ve said it twice…”
“Yes?”
His frustration seemed to mount, and I gave in.
“Fine, sheriff. If you insist on platitudes,” I said, tongue-in-cheek. “I love you, too. There.”
“Makayla.”
I laughed outright and moved into his embrace. With my cheek against his chest, I whispered. “I love you very much, Spencer. You do have challenges, but I can fix you.”
“Fix me?” He bristled with insult, and I had my fun a little longer.
At last, I raised my head to look into his gaze. “So we’re lovers again?”
“We’re more than that. I mean, if you want. At the beginning I said I didn’t know if I could ever offer you love or a relationship. I’m glad I was wrong. We can take our time, but it’s just you and me now.”
“All right. But no more shutting me out and letting me jump to my own conclusions about what you really mean. Is that a deal?”
“I…”
I drew out of his hold and rested my hands on my hips. “Do we have a deal or not, sheriff? Because I am not a gentle little soul who will wait at home for you and hope you will make time for me. I will not plan tricks to try to win your affections. If you aren’t serious, I’m capable of moving on.”
His face reddened even more. “You are nothing like Penelope.”
“Did you want me to be?”
He drew me close again. “Not at all. You are Makayla Rose, unique and very special.”
I nodded with approval, and we kissed until I was dizzy with happiness.
Chapter Seventeen
Valentine’s Day had finally arrived, and as I walked into Peony’s renovated shop with the scent of fine baked goods in my nose, I felt a bit woozy. Spencer, who had decided to join me, grinned down at me in amusement. “Are you going to be okay?”
I straightened my shoulders, raised my chin, and carried on. “I’m fine. No one appreciates Edna’s baking like I do.”
Pausing to take in the new beauty of the restaurant, I noted the wooden tables and chairs with glossy finishes and wicker place mats. Peony had the workmen knock out the back wall so she could expand the size of the bakery and encourage more of her customers to come in and stay.
In the area where the pastries would be sold were lines of glass displays with cakes, pies, and pastries. Even various types of breads were stacked on shelves behind the counter, visible and enticing. I had heard Peony also offered free wifi for those who chose to stay to enjoy their treats.
Upon entering the restaurant, Spencer and I had passed little round tables with chairs and large planters around them along the front and side of the building. This was a paradise for me, and I knew it would be for many others as well.
“Her dream came true,” I breathed as I took it in.
“And yours?” Spencer teased.
I smacked his hand and went to the end of the line forming at the counter.
Peony appeared out of nowhere with a tray of samples. “What are you two doing in line?” she said to us. “Come to the front and pick out whatever you want, on the house.”
“Us?” My eyes widened. “Oh no, we can’t have special treatment.”
She got that look on her face I was coming to recognize. Peony knew who she was and dared anyone to argue. “Makayla, you and the sheriff are my and Edna’s special guests. I dare anyone to say anything against it. Now go to the front of the line!”
I laughed. “Yes, teacher.”
She blushed and swept away to offer treats to the waiting customers. As I watched, hands grabbed and voices hummed the yumminess. Jealousy stirred in me, and I hurried to do as Peony suggested.
Edna walked in from the back. “Makayla, dear. I’m glad you could make it.”
“Of course. I wouldn’t miss the grand opening for anything.” I took in her eyes, which held dark rings, but she had never looked so happy and content. “Don’t overdo it, Edna.”
She giggled like a schoolgirl the way she always did and leaned over the counter. “Did you see Talia?”
I spun to look around. “No, was she here earlier?”
“She claims she can’t come because she’s enjoying her honeymoon.”
Ollie and Talia had married with as much fanfare and hoopla as the little old woman could muster. The only sigh of relief we had all enjoyed amid the event was that she had just been pulling all our legs about wearing a risqué dress. The eggshell colored, rather demure designed outfit had been one Edna helped her choose, and for once, Talia had looked normal and pretty in her golden years.
“She’ll come around,” I encouraged Edna.
Edna grinned. “Don’t you mind, Makayla. She’s jealous, but she’ll stop pouting once opening day is over. I’m having fun, and that’s all that matters.”
“Very true,” I agreed.
“Now.” Edna produced two trays with two plates on each. “Choose everything you want to try, and I’ll have my assistant load you up.”
“There’s no way I can eat two plates of desserts.”
“Then we’ll wrap up the rest.” Even as Edna spoke, she was pointing out cake and pie to the young girl at her elbow, who moved with fluidity and grace to add pounds to my hips. I sighed and gave in. The grin on my face grew wider as they did the same for Spencer. He, on the other hand, had no problem pointing to what interested him.
When Peony refused to take our money, Spencer and I thanked her, and we found a table had also been reserved for us. “Wow, I don’t expect this every time,” I whispered to him as we sat down, “but I feel really special. It’s nice. You probably get it regularly as the sheriff.”
He grinned. “Stick with me, and you can be spoiled at restaurants everywhere.”
I looked at my display of treats. “If I did, I wouldn’t be able to fit through the doors.”
“So you’re dumping me for your diet?”
We teased each other this way all the time. The truth was, things were great between us. Sometimes, Spencer got bossy or too busy, and I got stubborn. We always worked on our issues. We had grown closer over the last couple of months, and I liked where we were going.
I popped a last bite of chocolate ganache supreme into my mouth when my cell phone rang. The display showed an unknown number, but I answered anyway. No one I didn’t know had my number or called, so I figured it was a mistake. Until her low, slightly scratchy voice sounded in my ear, and my heart ached.
“Hey, Makayla, it’s me.”
“Me?” I repeated, breathless. Spencer looked up from his plate and met my gaze. He laid his fork down and scooted his chair back to rise. I watched him open-mouthed.
“I’m going to run to the men’s room,” he said, but I knew he knew who was calling. He was sweet enough to make himself scarce so I could talk. He really had made a firm decision to be with me no matter what, and my love for him grew exponentially in that moment.
When Spencer was gone, I went back to the phone call. “Inna, you’re okay?”
“Yeah, I’m all right.” She sounded the same: cynical, young, but also a little unsure. “I’m in—”
“No, don’t say. Just to know you’re okay is all I need. I miss you, sweetheart.”
“Thanks, I miss you too, Makayla. Don’t worry. I’ve met up with some people that will be able to help me from now on, and I can help them out, too. My life’s going to be different than what I thought it would be. Good or bad, I don’t know, but at least I’m out of Briney Creek, huh?”
“That’s what you always wanted,” I agreed. “I’m not psychic or anything, but I get the feeling we’re in for a long, quiet time here. I think we’ll all be okay.”
“What about my parents?”
/>
Lately, I hadn’t seen her parents, but rumor had it their finances were beginning to turn around. The “for sale” sign had come down from their gym. I was glad to share the news with Inna.
We chatted some more, but while I wanted to know every detail of what she was doing and where she was, I thought it better that I knew as little as possible—for her safety.
“I thought I heard the sheriff’s voice,” she said. “You two didn’t break up?”
“We did for a little while, but we’re together again.”
“Before you know it, there’ll be little Makaylas running around,” Inna teased.
I couldn’t help the sense of hope. “Don’t be silly. We’re not that far yet.”
“You never know.”
“I guess you’re right. Listen, Inna, I think he’ll be back shortly. Please, call me again sometime. I’d like to keep up with you and know you’re okay.”
“Sure, I can do that. Good luck with the sheriff.”
I smiled. “Thanks, sweetie, and I wish you every success no matter where you go.”
“Thanks. Later.”
She hung up just as Spencer was returning to the table. He didn’t ask me about Inna, but he took my hand and held onto it. A surge of hope rose in me. I believed no matter what our challenges were and what came our way, we—all of us—would come out on top, and we were right where we needed to be for a bright, exciting future.
The End
Coming soon: More Makayla Rose. Keep up with what’s happening in this and my other worlds by signing up for my newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/36Par.
I would like to thank you for reading my book. If you enjoyed it, please take a moment to review it and to let a friend know about me. A good review can help a new author, like me reach more people, and others will take a chance like you did. Thank you for your help, and happy reading.
- Audrey Claire
Distortion Control (A Makayla Rose Mystery Book 3) Page 15
