by Aimée Thurlo
“You trying to blackmail me?” he growled.
“No, not at all. We’re giving you a preview of Robyn’s article for the Independence Times.”
Robyn smiled. “One of my many jobs these days is writing for our local online newspaper,” she said. “I’ll be reporting what really happened tonight and adding the security video to my story. Everyone will have the opportunity to lip read or follow the script I’ll provide. I figure it’ll go viral, but even if it doesn’t, AVA will get a copy.”
“Keep in mind that if anyone you’re currently working with adds to these revelations, you’ll quickly become a liability to the company. They’ll probably toss you out.” Myka paused, then added, “Jobs are scarce these days, so after the video goes online, you’ll have to search for a new job in countries with no internet.”
“Okay, I get the picture. Let’s deal. How can I make this go away?” he snarled.
“Make sure AVA actually donates the money for our fire department.” Myka said. “And deal directly with Mayor Allen.”
“Even if I can swing the deal with AVA, how do I know you two will keep the incident to yourselves?”
“That’s a chance you’ll have to take. One thing’s for sure, if you don’t do the right thing people are going to see the real you,” Myka said.
“Hardball, huh?”
“Payback,” Robyn said.
“It’s your only way out, Carl,” Myka added.
He glared at both of them, then noticed Will approaching from across the parking lot. “You’ll get your safety equipment. I’ll make sure of it,” he whispered harshly.
Will came up a second later. “This is our town, Carl, and you’re not welcome here anymore.”
“Are you threatening me, cop?” Carl asked.
“No, just trying to keep you out of trouble. You’ve gained a couple of enemies tonight. Here, we stand up for the women in our lives.” As if on cue, Joshua stepped out of the shadows.
“Next time you and I meet, it’ll be just the two of us,” Joshua said with a feral smile.
“Get out of here, Carl,” Will said.
As the man walked away, heading for his car, Joshua stood next to Myka. “Still wish I could have had a few minutes—just him and me,” Joshua said.
Will replied, “One punch was enough. You did just fine—for a city boy.” Then he walked away.
Joshua chuckled softly.
“Looks like you made a friend tonight,” Myka said.
“Maybe.”
“Well, if you two don’t need me anymore, I’m going back inside to find J.R.,” Robyn said.
Myka smiled.
As Robyn strolled away, Joshua took Myka’s hand. “The wind’s died down and the moon’s out. You want to walk for a bit?”
Myka nodded and fell into step beside him. The breeze was cold but it felt wonderful when he put his arm around her and brought her closer. Enjoying the warmth of his body and the steady strength of his arm, she smiled.
“What are you smiling about?” he asked with a look that told her he’d already guessed.
“I love this town,” she said, avoiding the question and looking up at the old-fashioned streetlight with its ornate stand and curved top. “Life here has a timeless quality. I find that...comforting.”
“Things are always changing, Myka, even here.” He pointed to the Western facades being constructed on some of the stores lining Main Street. “Creating new elements that’ll remind people of the past while focusing on the present—that’s the part of architecture I love most.”
“Change can be tough. Reminders of what was make the transitions easier,” she said. “I think that’s why I resisted changing the name from Myka’s Wooly Dreams to HMI, but in a lot of ways, HMI is an even better company.”
“In a lot of ways...but not in others?” he asked, voicing what she’d left unspoken.
“I miss my downtimes, those days when I could just sit on my front porch and drink a cup of coffee without having to check my watch.”
“Sometimes you have to take what you need.”
The street was almost deserted, and the peace that surrounded them was marred only by the sounds of laughter coming from the community center. Myka looked up at him, and following her heart, moved into his arms.
He held her tightly against him, brushing a kiss over her hair then nuzzling her neck. Lastly, he took her mouth.
Enjoying that brief pause in time, she pressed herself into his kiss, wishing the moment could last forever.
When he eased his hold at long last, they began walking back toward his truck, hand in hand. “So many dreams are starting to unfold right here in Independence,” she said. “There’s room for yours, too.”
“Parts of it, yes,” he said in a quiet, thoughtful voice.
“Are you happy right now?” she asked.
“At this very moment?” Seeing her nod, he answered, “Yes, I am. But tell me something, Myka. When you think about the distant future, what do you wish for most?”
“I haven’t thought about anything far off in ages,” she said.
“Think about it now. What would you like your life to be further down the road?”
She considered it, then answered honestly. “I love my work, but someday I want to get married again and have a home big enough for several kids. I hope to raise a family here.”
He nodded but didn’t answer.
As silence descended over them, Myka felt him slipping away to a place she couldn’t reach.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
MAYOR ALLEN CALLED Myka at the end of the week. American Vehicle Accessories would be awarding the town of Independence the grant they needed to keep their fire station open. This meant that the government sponsored loan he’d been preparing to apply for could be canceled. A special press conference would cover the presentation.
The mayor, with a chuckle or two, also read her a small newspaper article AVA had included in their email. The article, a paragraph from a business supplement, reported that Carl White had arranged for the grant, his last official act before resigning from AVA for personal reasons.
Myka smiled, knowing that “resigning for personal reasons” was corporate jargon for being fired. Somebody must have finally reported Carl’s behavior to his bosses. Justice had been done, at least in a roundabout way, and once again, they’d averted disaster.
In a great mood, she left work at five-thirty, but instead of going straight home, she decided to take a walk down Main Street with Bear.
Enjoying the red-and-orange sunset so common here in the Southwest, Myka found it easy to ignore the cool breeze that stung her cheeks. She walked slowly, taking her time. Fall was her favorite season. Each tree was ablaze with color, and the excitement of the holidays was just around the corner.
Humming under her breath, she stopped by the Blue Spruce Inn. As she walked inside and looked around, she was amazed by the results of Betty’s hard work. Southwest tapestries woven in rich earth tones hung on the walls. The roaring fire in the oversized fireplace added to the inn’s welcoming feel.
“Wow,” Myka said as Betty came to join her. “This place looks amazing.”
“I’m glad you asked me to showcase some of HMI’s tapestries. Every time we change them, the Blue Spruce gets a new look. They’re so eye-catching, I’m sure out-of-town guests will want to buy some of them.”
Myka walked to the adjoining room and looked down at the old wood plank floor. “This is gorgeous!”
“That was Joshua’s find. He’s been salvaging materials like weathered lumber, flooring, tiles, bricks and fixtures from some of the old houses around town,” she said. “The mayor posts a list and photos at town hall. Any resident can make a bid, and the best offer gets the materials. What’s left over is sold to contrac
tors in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Come and see the crown molding in our dining room.”
When Myka went through the arched doorway, she saw that the room had been transformed. The hand-carved molding—featuring a simple pattern of lines and grooves—added a touch of rustic elegance.
She walked around slowly, taking everything in. Most of the floor space was taken up with tables covered by plain white tablecloths. All were embroidered at the bottom in a white-on-white design that gave the room a classic touch without overpowering the down-to-earth feel of the inn.
“It’s just beautiful, Betty,” Myka said.
“I’ve got other news, too! I’ve cut a deal with Sophie. She’ll be providing all the breakfast breads for the inn and we’re using Mabel’s coffee. We’ll tell the guests that the M&S Bakery and Coffee Shop is just next door in case they want to do a little shopping before they leave.”
“That’s terrific! Everything’s coming together.”
Hearing the rustle of leaves, Betty walked to the window and looked outside. Bear followed her but didn’t bark.
Seeing the worried frown on Betty’s face, Myka went to her side and placed a hand on her shoulder. “What’s wrong?”
“I finally heard from Tony. He wants half of my share in the inn before he’ll agree to a divorce. If I say no, he’s going to take me to court and demand visiting rights with Evie, and maybe joint custody.” She turned around and faced Myka. “I can’t allow that. If he’s alone with Evie, I’m afraid he’ll take her and I’ll never see her again.”
“When did he learn about the inn?” Myka asked.
“I have no idea. My guess is that he’s been keeping an eye on me. I’d gladly give him a share of the inn if he’d leave us alone, but I have a feeling he’d do just the opposite.”
“Please tell me that Will already knows about this,” Myka said.
“Yeah, I told him, and he’s furious, but legally, there’s not much he can do.” She paused. “I’m not afraid of Tony anymore, not for myself, but...”
“Will would never allow Tony to lay one finger on you or Evie. You know that, right?”
“Yes, and that worries me even more,” she said, her voice unsteady. “Tony’s a big bully, and he’d like nothing more than to take a swing at Will. If my brother got hurt because of me...”
“Would you feel safer if I left Bear with you? Evie loves him.”
Before she could answer, Bear went back to the rear window and growled softly.
Myka followed and glanced outside. “Do you have workmen out there?”
“No, and last night’s guests have already checked out, so it can’t be one of them. My guess is that Bear’s heard what I’ve been hearing on and off all day, a crunch through the leaves, then nothing.”
“It could be Tony. Did you call Will?”
“The first time I did, but he didn’t find anyone. I can’t keep calling him—our police department is stretched really thin. Usually there’s just Will and one other officer on duty.”
“Okay. Let’s take this one step at a time,” Myka said, her thoughts racing. “Where’s Evie right now?”
“She’s with Grandma Medeiros. She promised Evie the doll she’s been wanting in exchange for help picking out Christmas presents for her grandnieces, so I couldn’t say no.”
“Okay, I’m going to phone Joshua.” Myka made the call, and, following Joshua’s suggestions, she checked to make sure the back doors were locked, then locked the front entrance, as well. “He’ll be here shortly. In the meantime, let’s have a cup of tea. Have you got any herbal blends—something not loaded with caffeine?”
“Sure.”
Myka knew she had to distract Betty, whose hands were shaking. “I’m glad that you’re finally letting Daniel and Grandma get to know Evie better.”
“Evie wanted that doll so badly, Myka, and there was no way I could afford it, even at cost. I’m hoping for good winter business, and I’m already getting reservations, but the inn is still running in the red.”
“Daniel would have found a way to give Evie the doll,” Myka said with a smile, then seeing Betty’s puzzled look, added, “don’t you get it?”
“Get what?”
“Daniel’s crazy about you!”
“Me? You’re nuts. He’s always nice, but I’ve never given him any reason—”
“He didn’t need one—the attraction’s been there since high school. Seeing you move back into town just brought those feelings to the surface.”
Betty shook her head. “You’re not talking about Daniel—what you’ve just described is you and Josh.”
“I was Tanner’s girl in high school. Joshua was just the cute guy next door.”
“And now Tanner’s gone,” she said in a gentle voice. “My brother and I were close, and there’s one thing I know for sure. He would have never wanted you to spend the rest of your life alone.”
“I’m not alone.”
“I think you can do better than your sheep and the dog.”
Myka laughed. “I’ve got plenty of friends and family watching out for me.” Hearing a vehicle pull up and seeing Bear by the front window, tail wagging, she knew it was Joshua. Myka went to let him in.
Several seconds later he joined them in the lobby. “Are you two okay?”
“Yes, but we need your help,” Myka said, and explained.
“I’ll go check around the outside of the building and see if anyone’s hanging around.” He brought a flashlight out of his jacket pocket. “Lock the door behind me. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
“Joshua, be careful. If it is Tony, he’s big and mean. He’ll hit you for no reason at all,” Betty said in a whisper-thin voice.
Myka felt her stomach clench as she heard the pain laced through her words.
Joshua gave Betty a tight-lipped smile. “It takes a lot to bring me down. I’ll be fine.”
As he walked out, Myka said, “He’s a good person to have on your side. Believe that.”
“Tony’s incredibly strong, Myka. Don’t underestimate him.”
“I won’t, but I think you’re underestimating Joshua.”
Betty looked at Myka and smiled. “You may be right.”
* * *
JOSHUA STUDIED THE TRACKS with his flashlight. They’d been left by a man about his own height, at least judging by his shoe size. He was a chain smoker, too. A half-dozen cigarette butts lay scattered on the ground. From all indications, he’d stood there for a while, watching the inn through the evergreens. With the lights on inside, he’d had a clear view of the dining room and sunroom. From that position, he could have also kept an eye on the vehicles pulling up front.
Hidden in the long shadows of twilight, Joshua made his way to the entrance. His gut told him that danger was still close by.
Inside the lobby moments later, he told them what he’d found. “You need to get blinds or curtains back there, Betty, so he can’t see inside at night.”
“I’ll find something tomorrow. I don’t have guests at the moment, so right now I’m going to lock up, get my daughter and head home. We’ll have all the privacy we need there. Mr. Harrington, our neighbor, keeps an eye on us. He played college football at UNM and he’s still in good shape. I don’t think anyone, including Tony, would take on a guy who’s six foot six and close to three hundred pounds.”
“Don’t leave—not yet,” Joshua said, standing to one side of the window and looking out into the street. “Let me call Will. He can escort you home.”
“Do you think Tony’s out there somewhere?” she asked, her voice unsteady.
“I haven’t seen anyone, but something feels wrong.”
“I’m going to get Evie right now. She’s at Grandma Medeiros’s house,” Betty said, getting her purse.
“If som
eone’s really after you, you’re better off waiting for Will,” Joshua said. “I’ll go get Evie and bring her home.”
“I’m not sure.... Evie doesn’t know you very well.”
“She knows me,” Myka said. “I’ll go with Joshua and leave Bear with you.”
Joshua called Will, then took Myka aside. “You should stay with Betty.”
Myka shook her head. “You heard her. We don’t want to frighten Evie, so this is the best way.”
“If Myka goes with you, I’m okay with this plan,” Betty said, then looked directly at Myka. “Just be careful what you say to Evie. She loves her father. I’ve never given her any reason not to. A child her age doesn’t need to deal with the ugly reality.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t mention Tony. She’ll have her new doll, too, so she’ll probably be distracted.”
Several minutes later, Will showed up and Betty let him in. He strode into the room, then pulled Joshua aside.
“What did you see out there?” he asked in a voice only Joshua could hear.
“Just footprints and fresh cigarette butts,” Joshua said, telling Will that whoever had been hiding in the trees could see right inside the inn.
“I’ll take Betty home and ask Jake Harrington to stay with her,” Will said. “Bring Evie as soon as you can. Once we know everyone’s safe, I’ll look for Tony around town. I’m going to run his name against MVD and see if he owns a vehicle. If not, I’ll process the plates on anything I don’t recognize.”
“All right. Myka and I will get going right now,” Josh said.
“No, not yet. Betty and I should leave first. Call me if you notice anyone tailing us.”
“Consider it done,” Joshua said.
“Check in with me the second you have Evie. Otherwise I’ll assume you’ve run into trouble.”
“Got it.”
Five minutes later, Joshua walked to his truck with Myka. They waited until Will pulled out, then followed at a distance. “I’m glad you let Betty keep the dog with her tonight,” he said. “Bear will be a great deterrent.”
Joshua tailed Betty and Will for a half mile, giving them plenty of room and making sure no one followed them. At long last, giving Will the all clear with a flash of his high beams, he turned away and headed to the Medeiroses’ place.
