by Ann Charles
“I’ll look him up this afternoon when they come back from the site,” Mac told his aunt.
Her features schooled, Claire looked back to see Ruby drop a kiss on his cheek. “Thanks, darlin’.”
“Happy to help out. Last weekend I felt like a fifth wheel around here.” His focus lingered on Gramps’s averted face for a moment, then he turned to Claire, rubbing his hands together. “So what’s the deal?”
“The deal?”
“Yeah, you mentioned you needed to talk to me about something last night on the phone but wanted to wait until I got here. What’s going on?”
“Uh …” she glanced from Ruby to Gramps. “It’s sort of private.” Yet everyone in this freaking place knew but him. A voice cackled in her head at the irony.
Gramps pointed a crutch toward the rec room. “You two go catch up. I’ll cover here until Ronnie gets back.”
Holding back the curtain for them, Ruby said, “You can use our room if you’d like.”
“Come on.” Claire grabbed Mac by the arm, wondering if he noticed how sweaty her palm was. “We’ll be in the basement,” she informed Gramps and Ruby. So stay out and leave us alone, in other words.
“Keep it PG!” Gramps hollered after them. “That room isn’t a honeymoon suite, you know.”
Mac followed her across the shag carpet in the rec room and down the stairs. “What’s going on, Claire? Did you find something else Joe stole?”
Nope. This had nothing to do with one of Joe’s expensive leave-behinds, more like Mac’s. If there were a baby, she reminded herself. It was still an “if” for a little longer.
She pulled him inside the office and locked the door behind him. He crossed his arms and frowned down at her. “Okay, Slugger, what in the hell is this about?”
Pacing in front of him, she squeezed the back of her neck. How to start? Just blurt it out? Or should she ease into it?
“Mac, we have a little situation.” She turned around and tried to smile but could not quite muster one.
He sat on the edge of Joe’s desk. “Why do I have the feeling it’s not so little?”
At the moment, it might be just a speck.
“Uhhm,” Claire glanced past his shoulder at the book case. Something seemed odd about the way the light was hitting the row of Kodak box cameras lined across the top shelf. The shadows were different than normal, hiding half of them like they had been pushed to the back.
“Spit it out, Claire.”
She slid her gaze back to his, trying to swallow over a tongue that felt like the alkali salt flats in Desert Valley. “I … uh …”
Her gaze darted back to the bookcase and it hit her what was wrong with the picture. The cameras had not been pushed back. It was the bookcase that had been moved. Someone had pulled it forward and not shoved it all of the way back.
Claire’s breath got hung up. There was only one reason to pull out that bookcase—to get to the wall safe behind it.
“Claire,” Mac urged.
She held up her index finger. “Hold that thought.”
“What thought?” He followed her over to the bookcase. “What are you doing?”
“Help me pull this further away from the wall.”
He nudged her aside and lifted the case with none of the grunting that she usually employed. As soon as he had moved it far enough, she slid onto her knees behind it.
“Is this big build up for something about that damned pocket watch you’re obsessed about?”
“Huh uh.” She punched in the combination to the safe. The door popped open.
Oh no. Her gut fell out from under her.
“What’s the problem then?”
“The watch,” her words flew out in an exhale.
“Claire,” his tone was terse. “I thought you said—”
She looked up at him. “It’s gone.”
“What?”
“The pocket watch.” She pushed to her feet, almost head butting him in the chin. “I think somebody stole it.”
Chapter Fifteen
Wherever Claire went, bedlam followed, whirling behind her like a dust devil. Having witnessed this firsthand too many times to count, Mac should not have been the least bit surprised that he’d gotten caught in her updraft within the first half hour of being back in Jackrabbit Junction.
“You’re jumping to conclusions again,” he told Claire, who was doing her damnedest to wear a path in the shag carpet in front of Joe’s desk. “That gets you into trouble every time.”
“Not every time.” She jammed her hands on her hips. “Have you been taking notes from Gramps?”
“He has a valid point.”
“So do I.”
“Which is what? That the golden pocket watch has been stolen by the evil watch goblin, who is hoarding them kingdom-wide in order to build a time machine so he can return to the future, conquer the rebel forces, and rule the universe with his despotic power.”
Claire stopped pacing. “Have you been reading those sci-fi fantasy books again before going to bed?”
He shrugged. “I’ve had trouble sleeping without you next to me, Slugger. It sucks when you’re not there.”
She rewarded him for his honesty with a stolen kiss, her lips soft, tempting, sweet with a hint of chocolate and marshmallow. She must have had a MoonPie for breakfast again. He grabbed her by the hips, pulling her closer, breathing in the fresh fruity scent that always seemed to surround her, even after a day working under the hot sunshine. Her shirt and bra were in his way.
He kissed her back, taking his time.
This was the reason he had busted his ass on overtime all week. Well, this and the fact that he would rather keep busy at the job site day and night than go home to a house without her in it. All the long, tiring shifts had paid off, buying him an extra couple of days off here with her.
Her fingernails trailed up his zipper, clicking against the metal teeth, making him ache for a whole lot more. Her hands slipped under his shirt, scraping along the skin below his ribs. Way too soon, she stepped back, her cheeks flushed. “We’re not supposed to screw around down here anymore. It’s one of Gramps’s new rules.”
He growled in frustration and adjusted his inseam. “Since when do you follow rules?”
“Since they are followed up with threats to tell my mother some of my deep dark secrets.”
“Your grandfather knows your secrets?”
“He’s in on a few of my humdingers.”
“Do I know any of them?”
She smiled at him, her eyes flirty. “Not yet. You’ll have to work them out of me.”
“That sounds like a challenge.”
She swirled her index finger down his chest, hesitating at his waistline. “I think you’ll be up for it. You usually are.”
“Usually?” He chuckled and knocked her wandering hand away before they digressed into breaking the rules again. “So, what’s your valid point about the missing watch?”
She returned to wearing a footpath in the carpet. “If it’s not stolen, where is it? Only Ruby, Gramps, and I know the combination to open the safe. At least I think we’re the only three.” She rubbed her chin, as if contemplating other possible usual suspects for her police lineup.
“Maybe Ruby took it out for some reason.”
“She would have told me.”
“What are you, the guardian of the safe?”
“Yes. Yes, I am, smartass. Ruby and Gramps both know my concerns about that watch and who might be coming for it. They wouldn’t have removed it without telling me first.”
“Concerns? More like paranoia.” He softened his words with a grin.
“You say to-may-to, I say to-mah-to. In the end, the watch is gone and my fears are justified.”
“Remind me again what exactly you think is going to happen next?” He did not want to second guess her. The last time he had done that, shots were fired.
“Well, we know we have a thief in our midst.”
“We’re assuming th
is, but we don’t ‘know’ anything concrete yet.”
“If you’re going to keep being logical about all of my suspicions, this is going to be slow going.” When he mimicked sealing his lips, she continued. “I highly doubt he will stop at just a pocket watch when there is so much more to be had.”
“He?” Mac wondered who it was she had already strung up for the crime in her head.
A knock thumped on the door.
Mac looked from the door to Claire, who was busy imitating a department store mannequin.
“Simon didn’t say, ‘freeze,’” he whispered.
“You’re a funny guy.” She strode over and unlocked the door. “Don’t quit that day job of yours, baby. We need to eat.” She opened the door.
Kate stood in the doorway, her eyes squeezed tight.
“What are you doing?” Claire asked.
“Are you two dressed?”
“Yes, spaz. What do you want?”
Kate pointed at Mac. “Ruby wanted me to tell you that your omelet is ready.”
Claire clamped on her sister’s arm and pulled her inside, locking the door behind her.
Rubbing her arm, Kate’s grimace started with Claire and then moved to Mac. With her blonde hair pulled back in a French knot and that pinched expression on her face, she reminded him way too much of her mother, only thinner. Much thinner. Was she trying to lose weight? If so, why?
“What’s going on in here?” she asked. “Are we having a secret clubhouse meeting?”
“Did you take the gold pocket watch out of the safe?” Claire did not mince words. Mac often admired her for that, except when she was insulting someone holding a gun pointed at her … or him.
Luckily, the only thing Kate was holding was a set of car keys. Judging from the words The Shaft embroidered on her black button up shirt and her tan high-water pants, he figured she must have been on her way out the door for work when Ruby had sent her down here.
Kate’s brows lifted. “Someone stole the watch?”
“I didn’t say that.” Claire eyed her sister up and down. “What makes you assume someone stole it? Do you know something about this?”
“No.”
“Then why would you think it’s stolen?”
“Because you’re acting like a freaking nutjob, you big doofus.”
Claire’s gaze narrowed. Mac couldn’t tell if it was suspicion-driven or a pissed off response to Kate’s name calling.
“And if the damned watch was just out for cleaning,” Kate continued, “you wouldn’t be all up in my shit, now would you?”
“I’m not up in your shit.”
“Mac?” Kate looked to him for a ruling.
He raised his hands. “No comment based on the fact that I’m sleeping with the opposing party.” Or at least he would like to sometime soon before his cojones turned into raisins and fell off the vine.
“Have you seen anyone down here who shouldn’t have been?” Claire asked Kate.
“When am I ever here, Claire?” Kate’s tone got louder, making Mac cringe. He debated moving behind the desk before she blew up in Claire’s face.
“I don’t know, but you’re here right now.”
“Yeah, just to tell your boyfriend about his breakfast. That’s it. I don’t come down here and hang out like the rest of you. Some of us are busy working our butts off to make ends meet since we don’t all have sugar daddies.”
“Whoa! Why are you being so defensive, Kate?” Claire asked. “I’m just trying to figure out where the watch is, not fight with you.”
Kate sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. “I’m sorry. It’s just I …” She looked at Mac, then back to Claire. “Never mind.”
“Besides, you’re working for your boyfriend, who is a sugar daddy of sorts. I, on the other hand, work for my boyfriend’s aunt, who now also happens to be my step-grandmother.”
“I said never mind.”
“When you look at it that way, I’ve regressed to working for my grandparents again, just like high school and college. Damn. It’s a vicious circle.”
“Are you done, Claire?”
“I think so.” She shoved her hand through her hair.
“Good, then shut up so I can think.” Kate walked over to the bookcase and looked at the books lining the shelf. “Jess’s dad was down here that one time looking around, but you know about that.”
Claire nodded; however, that was news to Mac. Why in the hell was that asshole down in Ruby’s office?
“Beanpole was down here with Jess,” Claire added, joining Kate by the bookcase.
“Who’s Beanpole?” Mac asked.
“Jess’s boyfriend.”
“Jess has a boyfriend?” Jesus, how long had he been gone?
“Arlene was down here with me,” Kate said, “but I don’t think she was in here for more than a minute or two before I came down.”
“You mean that waitress from The Shaft?” Mac asked. The older, blonde version of Ginger from Gilligan’s Island?
“Why was Arlene down here?” Claire asked. “She’s a complete stranger.”
“Arlene is not a stranger. She brought me home to change my clothes after I accidentally spilled that nasty runoff juice from the grill’s grease trough down my shirt. Ronnie borrowed my car that day to go look up something for you.”
“Fine, you two are good-time pals. But why was Arlene down here?”
“Jess was showing her the house while I showered. Have you ever smelled that grease runoff? It stinks like vomit and spoiled meat mixed together.” Kate shuddered.
“Okay, so we have Arlene,” Claire ticked off her fingers. “Jess’s dad, Beanpole, Jess, and who else?”
“You’re including Jess?” Mac asked.
“I don’t think she stole the watch, but I’m not putting it past her to have figured out the combination and borrowed the watch for lord knows what reason. Maybe just to show it off at school.”
“I don’t think you should include Arlene,” Kate said.
“It’s my suspect list. I can include whoever I want. You can take her off your list if it makes you feel better.”
“If you’re going to include Jess, then you might as well include Mom,” Kate told her.
Mac grimaced. “Your mother is still here, huh?” So much for the wish he had made on a falling star the other night. Maybe it was time to take the voodoo doll route. Did hit men ever just relocate someone rather than snuff them out?
“Mom was down here? Why?”
“Ronnie said she’s been cataloging Joe’s antiques.”
“What?” Claire blinked several times rapidly. “Why would she be doing that?”
“Ruby asked her to. According to Ronnie, Ruby figured it would keep Mom out of her hair for a while.”
Claire fell back in Joe’s chair. “Yeah, but at what cost? Letting Mom see all of this means we may have another source of leaks. I’m going to have to talk to her. If Mom goes around running her mouth, she could bring a lot of attention to Ruby and Gramps. The killing kind.”
Kate groaned. “You’ve watched too many conspiracy theory movies.”
“Uh, who in the room has almost been killed twice?” Claire asked, raising her hand.
Mac raised his hand, too. “Make that three times for me since hooking up with you.”
Claire’s gaze moved from his hand to his eyes. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
“Another couple of months at your side and I should be able to take down Godzilla.”
“You can thank me later when we’re alone.” She focused back on her sister. “I’ll talk to Mom and see what she knows.”
“How do we know Ruby or Harley doesn’t have the watch and all of this angst is for naught?” Mac asked.
“Kate, go ask Gramps if he’s been in the wall safe lately. I’ll ask Ruby when we go up to get Mac’s omelet.”
“Yes, boss.” Kate headed for the door. “Then I’m heading to work. Stop by later and let me know what you figure out.”
“Wait!” Claire sat up in Joe’s chair. “When you ask him, don’t let on that anything is wrong.”
“What am I supposed to say? ‘There’s a chance of rain today. Speaking of possibilities, is there a chance you have taken the golden pocket watch Claire has been obsessed with for months from the safe?’”
Mac chuckled.
“You make a lousy Watson,” Claire told Kate.
“You’re not exactly ringing with endorsements as Sherlock.” Kate unlocked the door. “I’ll think of something and yell down a Yes or No.” She left the door open in her wake.
Mac walked over and closed it, leaning back against it with his arms crossed.
Claire held up her palm. “I know what you’re going to say.”
“What am I going to say?”
“That I’m going off half-cocked again.”
“Actually, what I was going to say was that I missed you this week.”
“Oh.” Her face relaxed, her smile spreading. Then her eyes seemed to cloud over and she looked down at her fidgeting fingers.
“What is it, Claire?”
“I need—”
A fast staccato roll of knocks on the door behind him stopped her short.
“Mac?” Ruby called through the wood. “One of the members of the archaeology crew is here.”
Mac opened the door for his aunt to join them. “What’s going on?”
“It’s Jess’s beau. He says Dr. García wants to see you as soon as possible about the situation they have up there at the mine.”
“What situation?” Claire asked.
“The kid didn’t say. I don’t think he knows. I suspect he’s just the messenger.”
“Okay, I’ll head up there now.”
“I’ll wrap your omelet in a tortilla and you can eat it on the way.” Ruby turned to leave.
“Ruby,” Claire called to her, stopping her. “Have you been down here lately?”
“No. But your momma has. Why do ya ask?”
“It’s no big deal. I noticed some books were moved around. I bet it was Mom.”
Ruby smiled. “It’s been a slice of heaven. She stays down here for hours, too busy fiddlin’ with the antiques to pick at me. But don’t worry. Harley talked to her about keepin’ quiet about it all. She swore to keep her lips sealed.”
