Phil shook his head. “Even the detectives on TV don’t share pertinent information during a case.”
She smiled, and Linc wished for a camera to capture the look. “I appreciate all you’ve done. This probably isn’t a big case for you.”
“Arson of a structure on a prime piece of beachfront property is plenty big enough. I’ll check with Leo’s girlfriend and ask if she wants to file a missing person report. Then I’ll start interviewing everybody who might know something about Leo.”
“Thank you,” Sam said.
“Aside from it being my job, it’s important to Ham, making it important to me.” Phil turned at the door and studied Sam for a minute. “Ham’s grown fond of you. You’ve put a spring back in the old man’s step.”
“He’s a treasure. Doesn’t he look exactly like Santa Claus to you?”
“Never noticed it myself.” Phil chuckled as he left the room.
“Thank you both for checking on Leo.” She studied Linc for a second. “You look healthier every time I see you.”
“I’m feeling good. Thanks.”
Ham opened the door. “Samantha, we need to go.”
“I’m ready.”
He came to the table, picked up a manila folder, and dropped it in a briefcase. “Linc, you’ll need to stop by later. During the inventory of Charlie’s safety deposit box, a leather pouch was identified as yours. He left instructions that you get his medals. They’re of no monetary value, but he wanted you to have it.”
“Those should be yours to keep.” Linc couldn’t imagine keeping them from Sam.
“No. He knew his heart and wanted you to have them.”
Ham turned to Sam. “Traffic can be treacherous this time of the day.”
“Right.” She paused at the door and looked over her shoulder. “Good luck.”
Colton stood, walked behind Linc, and clapped him on the shoulder. “Congratulations, my man. That woman’s got it bad for you.”
“Fuck off,” Linc muttered and led the way out of the law offices.
“Good thing for you my time off is about over. I’d make her forget about you.”
Heat rolled up from Linc feet to the top of his head. Colton glanced at him and broke into laughter. “You’re in worse shape than Sam.”
“Fuck—”
“I heard you the first time.”
CHAPTER 24
Samantha moved through the next few weeks trying to come to grips with the wealth she’d inherited from a man she’d never known. When it came to furnishing the house, she purchased each item the old fashioned way. She went shopping, picking out beautiful but reasonably priced items that would enhance the furniture she already owned, still languishing in storage.
Yesterday, she’d officially checked out of the motel and moved into the house. Everything was brand new except the shed holding Charlie’s old Ford. Samantha hadn’t been able to go back out there. The day Linc had found and fallen in love with the car was still too fresh in her mind.
She’d heard through Dave that Linc had gone to Quantico to refresh his training and take part in their annual firearms recertification. God, he’d looked good the day he stopped by the construction site and said goodbye. She had to stuff her hands into her pockets to keep from reaching out and touching him. His eyes had telegraphed a message that his mouth had refused to say. Why, she didn’t know. What she did know was that he cared for her. For now, that had to be enough.
Lunch with her grandmother was on the schedule today, after which they were selecting blinds, curtains, and drapes for the house. She parked in front of the restaurant, grabbed the swatch catalogue, and hurried inside.
Nana had been seated but she stood when Samantha waved. She walked into open arms and breathed in the faint scent of lilacs.
“You look marvelous.”
“So do you,” Samantha put her purse and catalogue in an empty chair and sat just as a waiter appeared from nowhere.
Nana ordered wine, but Samantha settled for water.
“We have a very nice house wine,” the waiter offered.
“No, thanks. I’m fine.” Samantha shook her head.
“So are you excited that everything is wrapping up? It must be rewarding to see it all come together.”
“It is.” Samantha’s excitement was shared by her grandmother. Working on the two projects had been fun for them both. “The last of the interior work will be done on The Cage before Christmas, but the inspector can’t get to us until the Monday after.”
“You’ll be open for New Year’s Eve? How fun.”
“I’m planning a Christmas party. I figure if invite Lenny, he’ll make sure The Cage is ready.”
“Another fun idea.” Nana studied the menu. “Did they ever find your accountant?”
“No. Phil called this morning. Leo’s car was towed from the airport parking lot. He’s having it checked for clues.”
“He’s left the country,” Nana’s eyebrows lifted.
“Phil doesn’t think so. Leo’s girlfriend was adamant that he would never just abandon her.”
“Too bad Colton had to leave. You to seem to be getting chummy.”
“Don’t go there. He’s a whore-dog if I ever met one. A gorgeous, love ’em and leave ’em hunk, who also knows how to be a friend.”
“Pity he’s not a little older.”
Samantha choked on her sip of tea. She covered her mouth and coughed. “You’re so bad.” Samantha reached across the table and caught Nana’s hand. “I hope you decide to move out here. I’d love to have you around.”
“I just might surprise you.” Nana’s face paled.
“What is it?” Before Samantha got her answer, Dylan Smythe slid onto the empty chair at their table.
“Please don’t make me leave. I’m here seeking forgiveness and friendship.” His hand covered her grandmother’s. “I’m hoping that you will intervene on my behalf.”
Nana yanked her hand away. “My granddaughter has told me all about you, which means there’s no way in hell I’m going to help you.”
Dylan slumped back in his chair, turning his focus on Samantha. “I have apologized again and again. You won’t even give me a chance.”
A waiter appeared carrying a tray with a bottle of champagne and three glasses. The busboy appeared with a stand and the silver tray was gently placed on it. The bottle was ceremoniously unwrapped and presented it to Dylan.
“As you ordered, Mr. Smythe.”
“Open it and I’ll pour.”
Samantha sent Nana a look, hoping she got the message. Just as the cork popped, they both stood.
“Pour one glass.” She picked up her purse and the swatch catalogue.
“This is called stalking, and if you approach my granddaughter again, you can expect the police to be knocking on your door.” Nana’s tone was harsh, yet whispered. “Perhaps even the FBI.”
“If you mean that Texan she’s been spending time with, he’s gone.”
Samantha’s lungs squeezed. How did he know about Colton? She glared at Dylan, who oddly enough showed no signs of being embarrassed that this was taking place in front of the lunch crowd.
“Really, Samantha.” He smiled and a shiver crashed through her. “I just want to prove to you that we’d be good together.”
“Enough. Do not approach me again or you will regret it.”
“I don’t respond well to threats.” He turned to the waiter. “She threatened me. You’re a witness.”
The waiter’s face was ashen. “Yes, sir.”
His arrogance sent her temper over the edge. “You sorry—”
“Say no more, Samantha.” Nana tugged at her arm.
Samantha walked outside and to her grandmother’s car.
“Get in your car and follow me. I’ll find a safer place to eat,” Nana said.
“I’m not very hungry after that.” Samantha shifted the catalogue in her arms.
“Then we’ll go straight to the fabric store.”
Sam
spent the rest of the day looking over her shoulder every few minutes. Somehow, at the end of their shopping, blinds and drapes had been ordered.
Just as they stepped outside, an eighteen-wheeler passed, belching noxious gases from its tail pipe. Samantha’s stomach roiled against the smell. Dylan’s unexpected appearance had her jumping at shadows.
Nana coughed and fanned the air. “Then let’s go out to the house. There’s a lot of unpacking to do, and I’ll whip up an omelet.”
“That works for me. I’ll feel better when I’m home behind closed doors. It’s almost as if I can feel Dylan watching me.”
“I think you should report him.”
“Phil knows about Dylan, but he’s really never committed a crime.”
“How crappy is that?” Nana’s hands fisted on her hips. “We have to wait until he does something physical? You need a gun.”
“I have one.”
“Really? And where, pray tell, did you get a gun?”
“It was in the safety deposit box. It’s an old revolver.”
“Then under no circumstances are you to fire it. That thing could explode or something.”
“Yes, Nana.” Samantha had long ago given up on telling her grandmother she was a grown woman. “Let’s go. I’ll follow you.”
Samantha drove home, checking her rearview mirror every few minutes. The hair on her arms stood up when a car passed. The feeling of being followed had her on constant alert, staying with her even as she pulled into her garage and pressed the button on the remote. She went into the house and opened the front door, letting Nana inside.
Nana sat on the couch and patted the spot next to her. “You’ve done a wonderful job of motivating both companies to concentrate on the job. Of course, the weather has helped.”
“They did a great job.” A thought occurred to Samantha. “Want to walk out to the storage shed?”
“You kept the car, didn’t you?”
“I couldn’t sell it. Every trace of Charlie was erased except for that shed and car.”
“Put that way, I’m glad. I don’t need to see it. That car is part of my past but not my future. But you should have something of his since you are part of him.”
“Come tell me what you think of the changes I’ve made to the house.” Holding hands, they walked through, checking out the new paint and furniture. “The biggest change is the bedroom. I may regret it after The Cage is open, but I removed everything dark and replaced it with bright, cheery colors.” As they toured the house, she bounced an idea off her grandmother. “I’m thinking we should expand the menu at The Cage.”
“Good idea. I had a thought, too. The name is actually The Lobster Cage. Maybe you should add lobster to the menu.”
“See, we make a good team.”
“All joking aside, you don’t need me underfoot any longer. After New Year, when you’re up and running, I’ll decide if I want to live out here or not.”
“I can never repay you for everything you’ve done,” Samantha went to the closet and retrieved an envelope. “These are the pictures we found under the bed. They’re from when Charlie was in the Army.”
Nana took the envelope, returned to the couch, and then removed the contents.
Now seemed like a good time to give her a little privacy, so Samantha went to the kitchen and put on the teapot. When she returned carrying two steaming cups, Nana had returned the faded photos to the envelope.
“You may have them if you like.”
“He was quite handsome back then.” Nana accepted the hot tea. “You keep them. He would like that.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes. What else did you find?”
“Charlie’s discharge papers, his birth certificate, and a leather pouch with Charlie’s medals. He willed them to Linc, so Ham handed them off before Linc left for Quantico.”
“Have you heard from him?”
“No. He stays in touch with Ham and Dave, sharing his knowledge about The Cage.” Samantha’s cell buzzed. Relieved to change the subject, she checked caller ID. “It’s Phil.”
“Tell him about our run in with Dylan.”
“Hi, Phil.”
“I’m in the neighborhood. Mind if I stop by with some news?”
“Please. Come ahead.”
Samantha thumbed the receipts she’d gathered during construction while Nana studied the pictures of Charlie again. They both jumped when the doorbell rang.
Samantha checked before opening the door. “Come in. You’ve met my grandmother.”
“At the hospital.” He stepped inside and walked to where Nana was sitting. “Mrs. Greenberg. I hope you’re well.”
Nana patted the couch. “It’s Ruth and I’m doing great.”
“Did you find Leo?” Samantha, afraid to hope, sat across from him. He fit the description the confidential informant gave to a tee, and a sketch had been given to all precincts.
“The forensic team found him. He’s dead. He’d been strangled and placed in his own trunk. They also found some rags and an empty gas can.”
Samantha took a second to absorb what she’d heard. “But…he seemed so nice. Why would he burn the restaurant or the house? What was he trying to keep us from finding?”
“I can’t answer that. We’re still digging. I’ll double back on the people Linc interviewed. According to their notes, if Leo was in trouble, it was gambling debts.”
Samantha’s heart skipped a beat. “Linc said he was going to keep digging.”
Phil nodded his head. “He did. He hit the same wall I did. Leo’s luck was pure crap all the way around.”
“You think Charlie caught him stealing money?” Nana had leaned forward, taking in every word. “Maybe he killed Charlie to keep him quiet.”
“That’s conjecture,” Phil said. “But possible. Maybe Leo thought that the fire would destroy all evidence.”
“The investigation isn’t over, right?” Samantha’s mind spun in circles. “Leo said that he’d been laid off and couldn’t find work. What if that was a lie?”
“There are lots of what-ifs to work through.” Phil stood. “And I’d better get back to it.”
“Wait,” Nana said. “Tell him about Dylan.”
“What about him?”
Samantha told Phil about their confrontation and her feeling of being watched. “Before you ask, no he didn’t threaten me.”
“I heard his dad kicked him out. Maybe I’ll put a man on him for a couple of days.”
Samantha walked him to his car. “Thank you.”
“No problem.” He opened the door and slid his big frame behind the wheel. “If I learn anything that can be shared, I’ll be in touch.”
“You and your wife are coming with Ham to the Christmas party?”
“Wouldn’t miss it. I think Ham’s bringing a date.”
“Really? That’s wonderful.”
Phil grinned and dropped the car in gear. “We’ll see.”
Samantha stopped at the front door, turned and went to check on the shrub she and Linc had saved. As if grateful for the attention, the little plant had flourished. Its stems had filled with shiny green leaves and now had white buds about to burst into flowers. She couldn’t look at the plant without remembering Linc, how he used his hands to dig a small trench around the plant and soaked the ground for her.
Was love at first sight really a possibility? He’d certainly had an immediate effect on her hormones, but she’d attributed that to his good looks and his loyalty to Charlie. At home in Texas, he’d be considered one of the “white hat” guys. But her feelings went much further than respect; she longed for his touch. For the sound of his voice. For the feel of his lips on hers.
“If I’m right, that’s a snowball bush. If you take care of it, you have beautiful blooms almost all year.” Nana had walked into the yard. “I hate to start unpacking boxes without supervision.”
“I’m coming.” Samantha laughed. As she joined her grandmother, she paused and looked around.
A cool breeze caressed her face, one that should have felt comfortable, but instead sent icy fingers that chilled her to the bone. She saw nothing out of the ordinary, but she still couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched.
CHAPTER 25
Linc’s duffle bag flew across the room, landed with a thud, and skidded another foot or two before slamming into the base of the kitchen counter. His stomach growled, but he shrugged off the idea of eating. He didn’t need food. He needed a few more shots. He snatched a fifth of whiskey from the cabinet, chucked the top in the sink, then carried the bottle and a glass to the balcony.
Why not get drunk? His life had turned to complete crap. Fate…lady luck…she’d always been on his side, but not anymore. The lady had deserted him. Gone, split, outta here, and it all started going south right after he’d let Sam get away. She’d wanted a weekend and he’d wound up wanting lifetime.
“What the hell are you tearing up?” Dave strolled out on the balcony, pulled a chair around in front of Linc and sat down.
“I don’t seem to remember you knocking or me inviting you in.” A pang of conscience stabbed him, because he was actually glad to see Dave.
“You’re lucky Maggie didn’t come instead of me.” Dave gave Linc a smart-ass grin.
“Go away.” Linc didn’t need some bullshit lecture.
“It’s good to see you too.” Leaning forward, Dave stared at him. “You look like shit.”
“It’s none of your business how I look.”
“Little early to be hitting the sauce, isn’t it?” Dave nodded at the bottle.
“Don’t start. Either get a glass and join me, or go home.”
“I’m not drinking before the Christmas party tonight at The Cage. Can’t go home until you tell me what’s wrong”
“It’s open?” Linc looked at Dave through blurry eyes.
“Not until New Year’s Eve. This is for employees, friends, and family. Why don’t you sleep for a few hours and then join us?”
“No thanks, I fit none of those descriptions.” The thought of Sam being so close made his heart hurt. That it did…pissed him off.
“Are you going to tell me why you’re feeling sorry for yourself? Or should I sit here guessing?” Dave leaned forward and placed his hand on Linc's arm. “Did you fail your physical or firearms qualifications?
Till The Dead Speak (Killer Affections Book 2) Page 23
