Prelude of Lies

by Victoria Smith

  She moved before he could shut the doors on her, trying to adjust her eyes at the same time she contemplated which direction to run. Before she could take off, his hand gripped her arm, digging into her skin and causing her to yelp.

  “Get your hands off me, you moron.” When was she going to learn not to taunt the person who could end up killing her?

  “Shut up.” He dragged her with him, swinging her into an ancient outhouse. “Do your business quickly.”

  He slammed the door and dust rained down on her. Trying not to think about what kind of creepy crawlies probably inhabited the tiny stall with her, or about the possibilities termites had structurally damaged the wooden platform, her bladder demanded she follow his instructions.

  She opened the door and checked the area. Her captor didn’t seem around so she stepped out. Again, just as she prepared to run, he grabbed her.

  “No way.”

  “Why did you do this?” She tried to wrench her arm away, not caring that his grip tightened.

  “Why not?” His vague answer and obnoxious laugh made her want to kick him.

  Weighing her chances, she pretended to fall, her shoulder popping with the impact. He didn’t let go. Damn. And ouch.

  “Where are you taking me?”

  “You’ll see. My boss is eager to speak with you.”

  “Your boss? What is he, like a gangster or something? What would he want with me?”

  “Shut up. Just shut the fuck up.” He yanked her arm and Daisy thought it might have come out of the socket this time.

  “Why should I? This is stupid. Why didn’t your boss just ask me to talk to him? Did you really need to lock me up to freeze my ass off all night? What kind of moron would treat someone so badly? This is insane. What the hell? Your boss has a lot of nerve. I want answers. This is fucking ridiculous,” she railed, seemingly unable to stop herself.

  “Why do you have to talk so much? Maybe I should put you back,” he growled.

  “Maybe you should take your hands off me. Maybe you should go fuck yourself. Maybe you should let me the hell go!” She wrenched her arm, kicking out with her foot at the same time.

  Her kick connected with his kneecap and he released her as he bent over with a squeal of pain. A second kick caught him in the nose with a crack and a spurt of blood. Good. Without looking back, Daisy ran into the woods, hoping like hell she’d run into the guys she was certain Sydney had searching for her.

  She ran with everything she had. Her lungs burned and tears streamed down her face. Where the hell was she? With her luck, she’d run right into a bear or get lost in this seemingly endless forest.

  Finally, she found a trail and after a quick left and right, took off to the right on pure instinct. She had no idea how far she’d gone when the path widened to reveal a gravel road.

  Could she really have made it back to the campground?

  A man shouted, and she fell to her knees. The last thing she saw was Sydney’s face, surrounded by Marshal, Graham, and Tucker.

  Sydney paced the tiny front porch. Was Daisy ever going to wake up? They had no idea where she’d run from or how far she traveled, just that her face was scratched up, her arm was horribly bruised and her wrists were raw. Sydney’s anger grew with each step.

  Having Daisy back and not knowing who took her or why was almost as bad as when she was missing. Almost. Sydney hadn’t spoken to anyone since Nadine’s visit. She’d filled the sheriff in on what Nadine had said, but after that found she had nothing left to say.

  Marshal had tried to talk to her. So did Jace. But she’d shaken her head and backed away. They seemed to understand. Each had hugged her, but hadn’t asked for anymore from her.

  She was grateful. They’d done so much for her and Daisy the past few days. Stuff they hadn’t asked for nor expected. Sydney wished she had even a smidgen of her former sense of humor. Right now, she felt nothing.

  The door opened and the EMT taking care of Daisy stuck his head out. “She’s awake.”

  Sydney moved to go inside, only to be stopped by a badge. “I need to ask her some questions.”

  “Then you can wait until after I make sure she’s okay.” Sydney moved around him. His hand closed around her wrist.

  “Procedure, ma’am.” He tried to seem sympathetic. Or at least she thought that was what it was supposed to be.

  “I don’t give a crap. Get out of my way.” She gave him her best menacing glare, but he didn’t move.

  Thankfully, the EMT intervened. “She’s asking for her sister. She doesn’t believe she’s safe.”

  Sydney quelled her urge to stick her tongue out at the sour faced officer and rushed to her sister’s bed. “Hey, sleepyhead. You sure have a way of getting out of work.”

  She kissed her cheek, heartened when Daisy laughed in response. “They told me I was home, but I couldn’t be sure. I guess it’s the unfamiliar paint. Where am I?”

  “In our soon-to-be conference room. The guys painted it for something to do while we waited. The cops kicked us off the search team.” She went to her knees on the floor and hugged Daisy with a sob. “I was so freaking scared.”

  “Well, lucky for me I was out of it for most of the time. When I came to this morning I was pissed, so I didn’t really get scared.”

  “Don’t say any more, Miss. I’ll take your statement in a moment,” the guy who’d stopped Sydney at the door said.

  “Not without my sister here you won’t. I don’t know you, so no, you don’t get to talk to me without someone present I’m comfortable with.” Daisy sat up, obviously in the same temper she’d escaped with. She winced when she moved her arm and despite not really wanting to know, Sydney moved the sleeve of her loose-fitting shirt, almost crying when she saw how awful the bruises there were.

  “What the hell?”

  “I swear the guy was trying to snap my fucking arm in half.” Daisy tried to hide the pain.

  “How’d you get away?”

  The click of the door brought both of their heads around. Sydney’s discomfort increased with the man’s presence. She’d seen his badge, but that didn’t mean he was really one of the good guys.

  “I’d be more comfortable if you left the door open. It’s kind of close in here. I’m a little claustrophobic,” Sydney lied.

  “Fine. I understand.”

  For the next hour, she sat in shock while Daisy told her story time after time. After the fourth round of questioning, Sydney couldn’t take any more.

  “Excuse me. I know you’re just doing your job and all, but in case you’ve forgotten, my sister is the victim here. She didn’t do anything to precipitate this. Why are you treating her like a criminal?”

  “That’s not my intention, ma’am. I just need to make sure I have all the facts.”

  Daisy yawned. “You had them all the first time. Why would I lie about being kidnapped?”

  “Stranger things have happened.”

  “Not to me.”

  “I think you’ve drained her brain enough for right now. Let her rest. I’d like to talk to you outside though.” Sydney stood, not caring how angry he looked.

  “Good. I have some questions for you too.” He preceded her out the door after a brief standoff.

  On the porch, she spun on him. “Why would you question her like that? That’s insane. She’s innocent.”

  “Are you? Some folks think maybe you arranged this to take the inheritance for yourself?”

  The idea was so ridiculous Sydney laughed. “What folks? What are their names? Like I’d really want to be burdened with the campground to run by myself.” She didn’t care that she’d shouted.

  “No. So you can sell it and be a rich young woman.”

  “Oh. Now you’re pissing me off. Why don’t you find the rea
l criminals instead of badgering innocent women?” She got in his face, knowing she needed to back off, but she was unable to stop herself.

  “I am. I have to investigate the obvious first. I need to know everyone who’s in residence here.” His tone softened, but his face remained grim.

  “I thought you gathered that information already?” She really didn’t like this guy.

  “I did. I need your opinions on them.” He flipped his notepad open, his pen poised just above the page.

  Sydney listed their names, even the guys from Tucker’s crew. She really didn’t think any of them were behind Daisy’s kidnapping and told him so.

  “That’s quite a few men for only two women.” A red haze blurred her vision at the undertones in his statement.

  “You’re a real funny man, you know that? Get your mind out of the gutter.” She itched to slap his face for his innuendo.

  “You mean to tell me you have the grandson of the woman trying to take this campground from you in residence and you don’t think there’s anything weird about that?” He raised a brow.

  “No. Just because his grandmother embodies pure evil doesn’t mean he does. I believe him. He’s given me no reason to doubt him.” Hopefully, her tone would end that line of questioning.

  “I’ve seen the way he looks at you. Don’t you think he’d tell you whatever you wanted to hear? He gets to sabotage your plans, maybe a sweet piece of ass, and his grandmother wins. I wonder what she’s promised him for his role.” Forget the slap, Sydney had to force herself not to punch him.

  “A sweet piece of ass? Are you freaking serious? I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that. For now. If you ever say such a thing again I’ll report you to your superiors.”

  “We’ll see if my information matches yours.” Why was he so snide and smug?

  “Knock yourself out.” She meant that literally.

  “Here’s my card. My cell number is on the bottom. If your sister remembers anything else, call me right away. I’ll be back in the morning.” He turned and stepped off of the porch.

  Sydney kicked the wooden bench to her left, immediately regretting her show of temper. Damn that hurt.

  What the hell? The guy was supposed to be on their side. Supposed to help find out who kidnapped Daisy and so far all he’d done was make assumptions and cast aspersion on their characters. She’d never call him, even if Daisy came up with the name of the people who’d taken her, but she would be having a discussion with his superiors. The way he’d treated them was ridiculous.

  “You okay?” The EMT watched her limp back into the room.

  “Yeah. I wish I could have kicked him in the head.” She sank onto the couch.

  “He’s gruff and kind of an asshole, but he does good work. I’ve seen the results.” He turned back to Daisy.

  Sydney was losing her mind. “If you say so. He’s not my favorite person right now. I don’t want to have to talk to him again.” She leaned back, fatigue making her sigh.

  “Daisy’s going to be fine. She’s sleeping again. You should be able to hear her call from here.”

  “Thanks. You went above and beyond for us. I know she should have gone to the hospital, but she was adamant. When will the results of the blood tests be back?” She got comfortable on one of the new couches in the waiting area and wrapped the fleece blanket that had been hanging over the back around herself.

  “Doc put a rush on them. He wanted to make sure whatever she was given will clear her system quickly. Expect headaches. If she has a headache that gets too bad, take her to the ER no matter what she says. I’ll be back in the morning.” He left, and panic climbed through Sydney.

  They were alone in the cabin. What if this crazy asshole decided to come back for Daisy?

  She stood and went to the door. Marshal stood with his back against the sign. Sydney almost screamed, but he silenced her with his lips. Melting into him, she allowed the physical needs of her body to override her common sense. His chest was solid against her and he tasted of coffee and sunshine. When he finally released her, guilt shattered her need and she rested her head on his chest.

  Lifting her chin gently, he locked eyes with her. “Daisy’s fine. There’s nothing wrong with a little physical release in times of stress. Go to sleep. The campground is well-guarded. I called in a few of my part-timers. They’re taping and patrolling at the same time. Rest easy. The bastard won’t take her again. You have my word.”

  Sydney touched his face, realizing how easy it would be to give in to her hormones and let him take her away from this nightmare for a few blissful hours.

  But then, Jace’s face swam into her head and guilt was her new best friend. How had this happened? She’d gone from having no one in her life to dealing with the very real prospect of making a choice between Jace and Marshal.

  How would she do that?

  They were both wonderful men. Both spoke to her on a physical level and an intellectual one. Not to mention, they seemed to have the same morals and sense of humor.

  She was screwed.

  And judging by the way Graham and Tucker were acting, so was Daisy.

  An owl called. Sydney sat up. Something was wrong. She just didn’t know what. She stayed still, confused and concerned. Daisy. She threw the covers back and rushed to the room where her sister recovered. The bed was empty.

  The windows were closed and locked. Whoever took her had to have come through the front door. That’s what had awakened her, the sound of the door clicking into place.

  She ripped the door open, startling Marshal.

  “Where’s Daisy?” She tried to control her breathing.

  “Bathroom.” Marshal motioned toward the outhouse they had to use until the new toilets were installed.

  “Alone?”

  “No, silly. Tucker and Graham are with her. Those two are going to beat the shit out of each other soon.” He pointed, and she turned. Both men stood on either side of the bathhouse with their arms folded across their chests.

  “Oh for crying out loud. What is going on in this place? Is there some kind of love curse or something?” She hadn’t meant that last sentence to slip out.

  “I believe so. I know how they feel.” Marshal’s words were quiet. So quiet she almost hadn’t heard.

  At least she wasn’t alone in how she felt. It seemed to her that they were all confused.

  “Try being me.” She closed the door behind her as she went back to the couch to wait for Daisy’s return. Standing on the front porch and discussing the decision she may have to make soon was not appealing.

  The last thing she wanted was to hurt either man. Wasn’t it supposed to be easy once you found your prince charming? Didn’t all men pale in comparison, leaving no question as to who was your true destiny?

  Except she felt like that with both Marshal and Jace. Could she be falling in love with both of them? She wasn’t going to be able to choose. What would she do? Daisy’s suggestion stuck in her head, but the whole thing seemed sleazy and slutty.

  Sleep with both of them and whichever one made her quiver for hours afterward would be the man who was meant for her. How could she do that? Was she supposed to tell them? That certainly would put a lot of pressure on them to perform their best. She almost laughed at that thought.

  What if neither did it for her? Or what if they both did? What would she do then?

  She wondered if she could live with both of them. One of those alternate lifestyle type situations where they all lived together, sharing the chores, fun, and sex.

  Shaking her head, she dispelled that idea. She’d be a wreck all the time and the whole thing didn’t feel quite right to her. Much like sleeping with both of them to see which one suited her best. Her version was better than Daisy’s though. Daisy suggested she sleep with both of them at the
same time.

  Besides the fact that the thought excited her more than she’d ever admit, she knew she’d never have the guts to suggest such a thing. Still, it was a wonderful fantasy.

  She was better off forgetting the stupid idea and just getting a bunch of cats. Cats didn’t care what you did as long as you kept their food dish filled, their litter boxes clean, and scratched them behind the ears every once in a while.

  Yep. That’s what she would do.

  Become a cat lady who owned a campground.

  Daisy waved on her way back to her makeshift sickroom. She appeared much better, and Sydney relaxed. Her mind wandered to candlelit rooms, oversized bathtubs, and two muscular handsome men waiting to take care of her every need and whim.

  CHAPTER 16

  Daisy rolled over, almost falling off the tiny cot. Her body ached and her head felt as if the hemispheres of her brain had permanently separated. She thought she smelled coffee and slowly stood to go in search of the magical brew. Her stomach growled.

  Sydney smiled as she rounded the corner. “Good morning. How’re you feeling?”

  “Like shit. Why do you seem so happy?” Daisy didn’t mean to growl.

  “Because you’re safe.”

  Guilt filled her, especially after that sweet reason. Maybe she should go back to bed until she could be nice. Sydney motioned to the chair beside her, a mug of steaming coffee and a plate of bagels and fruit in front of that.

  “I figured you’d be hungry.”

  “Thanks. I am. I’m feeling a little disoriented. Sorry I snapped at you.” She sank into the chair, feeling every ache in her body.

  “No offense taken. It’s probably because you haven’t eaten in about forty-eight hours.” Sydney pushed her plate away and stood.

  “I wondered. I’m afraid I kind of lost track of time.” She picked up a bagel, noticing Sydney had spread her favorite cream cheese on it already.