A Box Full of Trouble

by Carolyn Haines

  “What can I do to help?” she called out.

  “Stay down. I have cell reception down here so Rob is sending deputies up to Rook’s Vantage as well as in our direction. He has the whole department out here.

  That was good news to Tammy. She’d settle for half the town if it sent the shooter away to prison. Now that the crisis seemed to have passed, she realized her body was trembling. She’d never been shot at before—had never expected such a thing to happen in her quiet town.

  When Rob Sieck and a deputy came crashing through the underbrush toward her, she knew the shooter was gone. Rob told her to stay put and joined Aiden at the body of Beverly Welch. Tammy had no need to see the corpse. Beverly’s death would leave a hole in many lives—her husband’s, her parents’, her friends’. And all because a maniac had a compulsion to harm young women.

  The lawmen were followed quickly by the CSI team and the paramedics who’d come on the off-chance they’d be needed to help someone alive. Trouble and Tammy stayed clear of all the action as the sun began to drop and the temperatures to chill. It was almost five when the work was completed.

  Tammy dialed her phone. “Benjy, would you close the shop please? I was detained.”

  “Anything wrong?” he asked.

  “Yes.” She didn’t mind telling Benjy now. He’d been at the store. He was cleared of wrong doing. “Beverly Welch’s body was found. She’s dead.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “How was business this afternoon?” The question hung in the air for too long. “What?” Tammy asked.

  “I’m sorry, Tammy. I closed the shop all afternoon. I had a migraine and I was throwing up. I know I’ve disappointed you, but I couldn’t find anyone to watch the cash register and I was sick as a dog. I just came back to the store not three minutes ago.”

  “Uh, I hope you’re feeling better.” Tammy stumbled into her polite response. “I should have been back sooner. Sorry.”

  “No, I apologize. I just couldn’t help it. I went home, pulled the blinds, locked the door, and took my medicine. I slept for nearly four hours. The headache is gone now.”

  “That’s good.” But she wasn’t thinking about Benjy’s headache. She was thinking about how easily he could have executed the whole sequence of events.

  But why? It didn’t make any sense.

  “I’ll work extra this weekend to make up my hours.”

  “We’ll work it out. Don’t worry.” She had to get off the phone. They were coming back with Beverly’s body.

  “Are you with the handsome Deputy Waters?” Benjy asked, a hint of teasing in his voice.

  “Yes, and the sheriff and about ten other men. It’s a sad scene.”

  “Where did the SSK dump the body this time?”

  Tammy hated to see that the locals had picked up the nickname for the serial killer but it was bound to happen. Now the name would build a buzz. “I haven’t seen the corpse,” she said. “I don’t know if it’s the SSK or just an act of violence.”

  “I’ll bet it’s the SSK. He’s found that crater to be the perfect dump site. Except that you’ve foiled him both times, Tammy. I’d be careful. I’ll bet the SSK doesn’t like to have people mess up his plans. He might just decide to mess you up as repayment.”

  A chill passed through Tammy as she said goodbye and hung up. Trouble was only too eager to jump into her arms and offer her comfort and protection. But it was Aiden’s arms she wanted. His strong chest. Watching him work with the other elements of law enforcement, she clearly saw what an asset he was to the local sheriff’s department, and how much it must have cost him that he hadn’t been able to protect his own wife.

  Chapter Six

  The sad procession of the police and county coroner’s vehicles wound down the side of the crater past Tammy. After the CSI techs had photographed the body and the area and done their work looking for trace, Beverly’s body had been respectfully covered and put on a gurney. As badly as Aiden had wanted to remove the stocking from around her throat, he’d left it alone. It was evidence. Important evidence.

  Aiden kept a furtive eye on Tom Wells and his tenant, who stood fifty yards away, watching the process with angry scowls. They’d had nothing to offer in the way of information, and both men alibied each other. They swore they had been together sharing a beer since Brady had been released from the jail--until he decided to hike up to Rook’s Vantage. The time necessary to make the hike corresponded with Tammy’s discovery of him at the site. He’d had no time to move a body—if Tom Wells wasn’t lying.

  Aiden sensed tension between the men. As if they had something to hide. “Those two are up to something. Maybe if we give them enough rope… Let’s go,” Aiden said to Tammy. The sheriff had left him there to drive the bookseller home—with the express order to make sure she stayed at home. Aiden feared he might have to handcuff her to something solid and unmovable.

  “This isn’t necessary,” Tammy said, scooping up the cat. “Trouble and I will stay home. You have my word. You don’t have to sit on me like a goose egg, waiting for me to hatch. There is a 100 percent probability that I’ll stay right in my house.”

  “The sheriff doesn’t seem to think your word is much good.” Aiden saw the spark that jumped in her eyes. He hated to admit it, but he enjoyed baiting her. She had spirit and backbone. That was something he admired, and he knew it came from her deep-rooted love of her home and the people in it. She was grounded in a way that he’d never known. While he could admire it, he didn’t know if he could live it. Lack of roots gave him the freedom he needed for pursuing the SSK. And he knew he couldn’t live with more guilt. He could not have another woman hurt or killed because of him.

  “Just take me home.” She sighed.

  Aiden got behind the wheel, and with Trouble in Tammy’s lap, they left the crater and drove back to Wetumpka. At Tammy’s request, he cruised by the bookstore. He slowed at the drive, commenting that someone had replaced the broken light bulb in the back parking lot.

  “I called the power company,” Tammy said. “They must have replaced it.”

  In ten minutes he was parking the car in her driveway. Her house, a lovely old two-story, was dark as a tomb. “Let me check it out first,” he said.

  She handed the key to him reluctantly. “Okay, but I’m not an invalid. I can--”

  He ignored her and hurried up to the front porch, his senses alert for danger. After he’d opened the door and checked the inside, he went back to retrieve her and the cat. “All clear,” he said.

  “I have a modern alarm system.” She rolled her eyes.

  “Aiden, I’ve been on my own a long time. I realize going up the crater again today makes you question my judgment, but I’m not a complete ninny.”

  “I gave the sheriff my word that I’d keep you safe. Don’t make me lie to my boss.” He grinned. “I concede you don’t need me. Your hard head is the best weapon I’ve ever seen. You could knock an intruder into submission.”

  Tammy’s laugh made him smile. He’d caught her unprepared.

  “Okay, wise guy,” she said. “I’m in the house, you’ve checked it over. Now what?”

  He didn’t hesitate. “How about I make some pasta. If you have the basic ingredients, I can show off my culinary skills. I grew up with Italian neighbors, and Mrs. Nuccio taught me everything about pasta.”

  “You know where the kitchen is.”

  Aiden was pleasantly surprised to find Tammy amenable to his suggestion. “Let’s see what ingredients you have.” He went to the refrigerator and cupboard and began pulling out cheese, olives, and fresh vegetables. “You’re well stocked,” he said.

  Tammy selected two wine goblets from a glass cabinet and opened a bottle of chilled white wine. “It’s been a day from hell. I think we could both use a drink.”

  “Perfect.”

  When the steaming pasta in a light white sauce was on the table beside a fresh salad Tammy had made, they sat down to eat. Their camaraderie in the ki
tchen had relaxed them both, and they’d developed a light banter that steered clear of dead bodies and danger. Tammy talked about the upcoming merchants’ Wetumpka Christmas shopping spree day and then the “meteor drop” that was part of the town’s celebration of the new year.

  He enjoyed the excitement in her voice and eyes as Tammy talked about the town traditions that meant so much to her. How long had it been since he’d allowed himself to get involved with community functions? Emotionally involved. What would it be like to really belong somewhere, like Tammy belonged here? He’d once had those same dreams, back when he and Kayla had bought their first home in Menton. They’d scouted school districts and done all the things young couples did to prepare for a long future together. They’d dug into their new neighborhood and begun to weave themselves into the fabric of the community. And then it had all gone to hell. He’d discovered the SSK and became obsessed.

  When the meal was over, they cleared the table and washed the dishes together as if they’d done it a thousand times. He washed; she dried and put away. The black cat lounged on the floor by the refrigerator, watching them with intense green eyes.

  “Would you like to help me decorate the Christmas tree?” Tammy asked, catching him by surprise.

  “Sure.” He hadn’t noticed a tree when he entered the house.

  “Let’s build a fire and get started. I meant to do this two weeks ago, but time got away from me,” Tammy said. “I got caught up in the Choctaw legends about the spider in the web.”

  “The what?”

  “It’s a long story, but it’s why I was up on Rook’s Vantage with a telescope. Let’s move to the front room and I’ll tell you all about it.”

  To Aiden’s surprise, the Christmas tree was a potted ficus that Tammy shifted to the front window. From the hall closet she brought out plastic containers of lights, ornaments, and other holiday decorations. “I put up a fir in the bookstore, but I like to have a little holiday spirit here at home,” Tammy said.

  As Aiden laid the fire, Tammy set out the decorations. She also put on Christmas music. Aiden smiled at “Frosty, the Snowman.” He’d loved that song as a boy.

  “I haven’t decorated in…a while,” he said. “My mom loved Christmas.”

  “My parents, too.” Tammy began to string the lights around the ficus. The tree was small, and it didn’t take long to secure the decorations. When they were done, they settled onto the floor, leaning against the sofa and sipping wine as they watched the flames. Bing Crosby crooned softly.

  “I’m sorry I made you worried today.” Tammy rolled her eyes. “I just wanted to get the telescope and return it. I calculated the odds that the killer would never return to the body dump site and I was wrong about it. Very wrong.”

  “You weren’t injured. That’s the important thing, and you gave us some good leads,” Aiden said. “We’ll follow up on that bite mark, the necklace, and the gunshot. The team at Rook’s Vantage didn’t find a shell so the shooter is professional enough to pick up his casing. The CSI team might find more clues where we found Beverly. We wouldn’t have found her for weeks without you.”

  “A gracious answer.” She poured more wine for each of them. “I didn’t expect that.” Her grin was a challenge.

  “And you aren’t nearly as bossy as Rob said you were.”

  She laughed out loud, as did he.

  “Touché,” she tapped his glass with hers. “In all seriousness, thank you for seeing me home. I would never have admitted it, but I was shaken by what happened today.”

  “And you should be.” He felt the humor dissipate. “If this is the SSK, you’ve messed him up three times, Tammy. Once at Debby’s body dump, again at your store, and now with Beverly Welch. That’s a lot of coincidence.”

  “Do you think it’s more than coincidence?”

  He didn’t want to terrify her, but he did want her to use more caution. “Just consider the possibility that you’re in his crosshairs. I want you to be safe. It’s important to me.” He spoke without censoring his words. “I want to get to know you.”

  She didn’t flinch or turn away. “I’d like that too, but I’m not sure there’s a point to it.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I’m rooted here. I’m part of this community. I don’t think I can leave. I know you’re a free spirit, moving when the mood strikes. I can’t risk that heartache again. I can’t risk failing again.”

  The fire warmed her skin to a soft glow, and he wanted to cup her cheek in his palm. She looked so vulnerable. “I have to catch this killer. Until I do, I follow him.”

  “I know.” Her smile was sad. “That’s the problem. I know and understand. This quest defines you. And Wetumpka defines me. That’s the problem.”

  “Right now, the important thing is to keep you safe. When this is done, we can worry about other things. Just promise me that you’ll let me watch out for you. And Rob and the rest of the department. No more running off to dangerous places.” He finally touched her cheek, the skin so soft and smooth. “Just until this is over.”

  She scoffed. “Okay. But solve this fast. I’m not good at behaving.”

  “Truer words were never spoken.” Aiden struggled against the impulse to kiss her. He wanted to taste the wine on her lips, to pull her tightly against him. When she looked up at him, he acted on his desire.

  * * *

  Tammy found her body leaning into Aiden’s, allowing him to deepen the kiss. She’d just told him how they shouldn’t see each other, and now she was kissing him with a growing passion. Still, she didn’t stop herself. It was as if she’d hungered for Aiden’s kiss for a long time and could no longer deny the need.

  His arms tightened around her and she let her body merge against him. He was strong, muscular, and he made her feel safe. His arm braced her back as he kissed her hard. When at last they separated, she was surprised at how comfortable she felt in his embrace. They both knew the ground rules—they’d clearly been stated. They were drawn to each other. And they were both adults. He held her as they stared into the fire, neither wanting to break the silence. Neither wanting to take the exchange beyond a kiss. Too much was at stake.

  Trouble sauntered over and stretched out beside her leg, purring as he slipped into sleep. It was a moment of anticipation and contentment. Too bad she couldn’t take it to the logical conclusion. The idea of Aiden in her bed, her hands moving over his muscled body…she swallowed and reached for her wine.

  Aiden too picked up his glass. “That was an unexpected pleasure.”

  She smiled. “I thank you for protecting me tonight, but I know you’re tired and need to get some sleep.” She didn’t want him to go, but it was best for both of them.

  “I’d planned to stay on your sofa. Just to be sure no one tries anything.”

  “Kind but unnecessary. As I said, I have a state of the art alarm system.”

  Hesitation crossed his face, but he nodded. “I promised the sheriff I’d take care of you.”

  “I think we both should get some shut eye.” She rose and offered him her hand. In a moment he was on his feet.”

  “I’m supposed to help Frasier McNaughton with a home building project tomorrow,” Aiden said. “We could use some help.”

  Tammy arched one eyebrow. “You’re building homes for the homeless in Wetumpka?”

  “I am. I like helping people. Some folks, once they get a bit of help and assistance, can build much better lives.”

  “I see Frasier has won you over to the Warriors for Welfare do-gooders.” She couldn’t help teasing him. For a man who worked so hard not to belong to a community, he did everything wrong

  “Frasier is persuasive, and a better than fair carpenter. Come give us a hand tomorrow. I’ll buy you a late breakfast.”

  “How about I bring some breakfast to the workers. I’m afraid I can’t stay. I need to be in the store tomorrow, but I can bring sustenance to those who’re building.”

  Aiden nodded. “Sounds good.” H
e started toward the door. Suddenly the black cat was there, quicker than a flash. Trouble arched his back and hissed when Aiden reached for the doorknob.

  “Trouble!” Tammy bent to pick him up, but the cat hissed at her, then growled.

  “Something’s wrong.” Tammy knew instantly the cat was trying to tell her something.

  Aiden grasped her shoulders and moved her away from the door. When he looked out, he realized the floodlights that illuminated the front of the house were off. Inside the house, the lights clicked into blackness.

  “Oh, no.” Tammy breathed.

  “Where’s a safe place to hide?” Aiden asked her. He pulled the flashlight from his utility belt and clicked it on, sweeping over the room.

  “I’m not hiding. I’m—”

  She felt herself propelled back into the foyer. Aiden pressed her into a wingchair. “You’re going to hide and you’re going to let me handle this.” His tone brooked no disagreement.

  Her first reaction was anger, but worry quickly won out. “I understand you want to protect me—that’s your job. But I want to help.”

  “Then do. Tell me, where will you be safest? I need to know you’re in a secure place so I can do my job.”

  Something about Aiden’s determination touched her. She accepted the wisdom of his words. “Under the stairs.” It was a cubbyhole she’d reinforced in case of tornadoes. It was safe and stocked with a lantern, books, and food.

  Aiden led her there and opened the door. He swung a flashlight beam around until she turned on the battery-operated lantern. “Perfect. Promise me you’ll stay inside.”

  She didn’t want to promise because she knew she couldn’t break her word to Aiden. And she knew it was the smartest place for her. “What if you’re in danger and need help?”

  “I’ll be sure and call for you.”

  “That’s not the truth.”

  “Time is wasting. I can’t do my job unless I know you’re safe.”

  If she said yes, she’d have to stick it out. “Be careful.”