I’ve lived a simple life and a relatively happy one. I wish nothing more than the same for you.
Your loving grandfather,
Charles Pearson
Samantha’s mind reeled as she tried to digest her grandfather’s words. Her heart ached as she thought of her grandmother. Nana was happy knowing Charlie loved her until the day he died. The pictures and the car had put her mind at rest. The rest of Charlie’s secret must never be told. She rested against Linc’s muscular body, drawing strength from him, even though he’d remained silent. His presence alone had eased her pain. The heat from his body warmed and comforted her.
Linc kissed the top of her head. “What are you going to do?”
“Burn it.” The decision came quickly and without thought.
Linc was silent. Then it hit her. She was asking him to help her destroy the truth. Burning the letter would protect her grandmother from more heartache, but she had put Linc in a horrible position.
“I will, if you’re sure that’s what you want.” He stood, pulling her to her feet, and together they went to the kitchen. He placed a small box of matches in front of her.
“Even though this happened many years ago, if we don’t turn this over to the proper authorities, we’re breaking the law, aren’t we?”
“Destroying evidence is a crime.” Linc looked out toward the dark clouds for a long minute. When his gaze returned to hers, his blue eyes held no condemnation. “But it’s not for me to decide. I’ll support your decision.”
Her heart filled with love. Burning the letter went against everything he stood for, yet he was willing to stand by her regardless. She placed her grandfather’s confession in Linc’s hand.
“My first response was to make this go away, but I can’t. I won’t let the sins of the past get between you and me.”
Linc’s eyes sparkled. “I love you more this second than I ever thought was possible.”
“I love you enough not to let anything come between us.” She stood on her toes and kissed him. “Do you think it can be handled quietly?”
“I believe it was an accident and will do my best.” He carried the letter to his bedroom. When he returned, he pulled her into his arms. “This has already been a big day for you, and we still need to go see Phil and give our statements.”
“Let’s finish our coffee before we go. I need to change clothes first, and I’d like to show you the new house.”
“I’d like that. Especially if I can watch you dress.”
She chuckled and felt some of the day’s pressure leave her mind.
****
The drive out to Charlie’s house had been quiet, neither of them willing to talk about the elephant in the room. Linc still had to pack and close up his apartment. While Sam dressed, he wandered out the back door and into the shed, where he caught one end of the cloth covering Charlie’s old car and slid it to the ground.
Linc was admiring the car when Sam joined him. She ran her hand over the firm metal. “I’d like to think this is the same car in the photo. That he kept it in storage during his Army years.”
Linc laid his hand on top of hers as it trailed across the hood. “Have you decided what to do with it?”
“I have. In fact, I can use your advice. I want to have it restored to its original beauty. But I don’t know who to take it to, or even where to start.”
“Why?” His eyes seemed to reach inside her soul.
“Being sentimental I guess. You know me, I’m a pushover for romance,” she said with a nervous chuckle.
“No, Sam, that’s not what you told me. You wanted me to believe you’re the weekend-fling-and-I’ll-go-home-while-you-go-fight-some-terrorist, kind of girl. That wasn’t true, and I knew it. I knew and yet, I took advantage of you.”
“No, you didn’t. I volunteered, remember?”
“And I’m glad you did. I’ll never walk away from you again. So, how are we going to work this?”
“I’ll fly to Dallas often, and you’ll fly home.” She walked around the car, studying him as she moved. “Maybe I can talk my grandmother into buying this house. Of course, I’ll need somewhere to live, a place for you to come home to, such as your apartment.”
“The condo is closer to The Cage.” His heart grew in his chest. “You would do this for me?”
“No. I would do it for us. How is this different than if you were in the military and deployed?”
“My job is a lot less dangerous now.” He caught her arm on her third circle around the car. “I was wrong ever letting you get on that plane.”
“That’s true.”
Linc pulled her into his arms. “We start fresh. Right here. Right now. Deal?”
She rested her head on his chest. “Deal.”
“Sam.” His whispered the word against her hair. “Samantha Hawkins does have a nice ring to it.”
EPILOGUE
Samantha and Linc finished their run on the beach and then walked knee deep in the cool surf. With the temperature at a pleasant sixty-four degrees, winter in California was proving to be the most amazing season ever.
They had stopped by The Cage, and once again, Dave and Maggie proved to be one of the best decisions Samantha had ever made.
Her best decision pulled her into his arms, and then kissed her. She’d never tire of the waves of heat he generated with a simple touch of his lips.
“My time off is almost over. What on your calendar next week?”
“While you’re gone? Oh, I have a party to attend every night.” His dimples winked and she laughed. For the past two months, he’d been on assignment but had finally managed a few days off. She was doing her best not to show how sad she’d be when he left again.
“I’m helping Nana move into Charlie’s house. She and Ham have become very close.”
“Good. I’ll sleep better knowing those two will be here if you need something.”
They climbed the stairs to their condo and went inside just as Samantha’s cell buzzed. Linc picked it up off the coffee table, lifted an eyebrow, and then handed it to her. “California Joe? That’s the famous automotive restore guy.”
“I was going to surprise you. His men picked up the Ford last Friday. It will take a few months but he’s promised it will be in mint condition when he’s finished.”
Samantha listened to the voice message. She backed up and sat on the couch, holding one hand out to Linc. She felt all the blood drain from her head. She disconnected and looked into concerned blue eyes.
Linc sat on the coffee table in front of her. “What’s wrong?”
“We have to dress and go to Joe’s garage.”
“Something happen to the car?”
“No. They pulled the old carpet out of the trunk to remove the spare from the wheel well, but here was no tire. Instead, they found a shoe box containing ‘a lot’ of pictures. Pictures of what appeared to be accounting books.”
“I’ll be damned.” Linc’s expression relaxed. “Charlie had hidden them so well it’s a miracle anybody ever found them. We should call Phil and have him meet us there.”
“Hallelujah.” She stood. “You’ll call Phil while I shower?”
“Not on your life.” Linc tugged her to her feet. “We’ll call and then we’ll shower.”
“I do like the way you think.”
“I think…” He paused. “No. I know that I love you.”
“That’s a good thing. Cause I love you too.”
About the Author
Jerrie Alexander
My husband and I live in Texas with Buddy, the little dog who rescued us. I write alpha males and kick-ass women who weave their way through death and fear to emerge stronger because of, and on occasion in spite of, their love for each other.
If you enjoyed this book, please help me spread the word. Facebook and tweet your approval. A review on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Goodreads would be greatly appreciated. Send me an email if you post a review, I’d love to thank you personally.
Get
up to date information on new releases. Sign up for my newsletter at http://www.JerrieAlexander.com and connect with me on Facebook and Twitter.
An unedited excerpt of the in-between
Lost and Found, Inc novella,
A Helluva Holiday
Coming Soon
CHAPTER ONE
Page Parsons didn’t sneak anywhere and especially not into Eden Rock, Texas, population 168,438. She was simply arriving late, not slinking in after darkness. Unless things had changed, the sidewalks had been rolled up and everyone was tucked in bed.
The two and a half hour drive from Abilene had put her in the heart of the little town right on time. Judging from the addition of a red light, which had increased the number to three, Eden Rock had grown in the past five years, which was the last time she’d been home.
A friendly addition of red and green Christmas lights wrapped around the electricity poles welcomed strangers as they travelled through on their way to bigger more affluent cities. A grin tugged at her lips when she discovered that two things had remained the same. The service station and the Dairy Dream were the only businesses open at ten-fifteen at night.
The Dairy Dream windows displayed Christmas decals of a snowman eating a giant burger. Page’s stomach growled at the thought of food. She’d been too busy packing and getting out of town to eat. This was the interview of a lifetime and nutrition had taken a back seat to creature comforts such as regular meals.
She removed her foot from the gas pedal and let the car coast past her old hang out. The young girl behind the counter couldn’t have been much older than sixteen. Page was at least ten-years older, which made her confident they’d never met. She made a quick u-turn and pulled up to the drive-through window.
The girl slid back the glass and asked, “What can I get you?”
“I’ll have a cheeseburger with lettuce and tomato. No onions and easy on the mayo.”
“Something to drink?”
A long lost memory slipped into Page’s brain. “I want a small chocolate-strawberry shake.”
“A small chocolate and a small strawberry shake?”
“No. Mix the two ice creams together in one cup, please.”
“Okay.” The girl’s eyebrows lifted as the window closed.
Page had driven two hours and thirty minutes and really needed to get to her sister’s house for some sleep. She’d finish the drive to Houston tomorrow, arriving in time to hit the hotel spa and be pampered and poised for Monday morning’s interview.
A woman ran out the Dairy Dream’s side door waving her arms. The bottom dropped out of Page’s stomach. She loved June Waller, but also knew she was the biggest gossip in town.
“Carol Ann Penny? Is that really you?” The woman slid to a stop at the hood. A wise grin spread across her face. “The minute I heard that drink order, I knew it was you. Get out of that car and come give me a hug.”
Page eased out into the narrow space between her car and the exterior of the building, walked to her old friend, and opened her arms. “June, what are you doing here this time of night?”
“I’m the night manager. I got a promotion six months ago.” June held Page back and looked her over. “Women you look great. It’s you I want to hear about. Come inside.”
“It’s late. You should be about to close.”
“Nonsense.” June caught Page by the hand, pulling her to the door. “You have to eat.”
Page surrendered and allowed herself to be dragged inside and into a booth. There was no doubt about what was about to happen. June was going to want to know everything that had happened in the ten years Page had been gone. She wasn’t used to being on the opposite side of a Q & A sessions, but she’d also learned how to avoid answering questions.
“Manager? Congratulations.” Page tried an end run to avoid being quizzed.
“That’s nothing compared to you. Our very own Carol Ann Peters on KWTA television. Everybody in town watches.” June paused. “I’m sure Clay Hudson watches.”
“I hadn’t heard he’d moved home.” Page bit back a request to call her Page, knowing it would do no good. “He’s probably married with four boys by now. If he watches it’s for the news.”
“He’s been back a few months. Set up his veterinarian practice right next to the feed store. I head he’d never married. Lord knows it couldn’t have been for the lack of women trying.”
Page heart fluttered at the thought of seeing Clay again. Her mind on the other hand knew he’d asked too many questions. He’d gone off to college and then joined the Navy. No doubt, he’d come home a decorated hero. She, on the other hand, had attended college and worked her way to anchor the six o’clock news. She’d come home with her tail tucked between her legs. Clay Hudson nor anyone else in town needed to know she’d been fired.
The young girl brought Page’s dinner out on a red plastic tray. The aroma of the greasy burger sent her appetite into overdrive. She removed the paper wrapper and took a bite, closing her eyes to wallow in pure unadulterated flavor.
“Still the best burger around?” The pride in June’s voice rang true.
“Yes. I think my taste buds cried.” Page washed down the bite with a sip of the most amazing shake ever. “I’m glad I stopped.”
“What brings you home?”
“Sue Ellen needs my signature to sell the ranch. She’s taken a teaching position in Waco.”
“I was sorry to hear about her husband, but sure hate that she’s giving up on the old homestead.”
“She tried, but after the accident, I think it became too much. The company that’s buying the place will keep the place going.” Page finished her meal and polished off the shake. “I’d better get moving. She’ll be worried about me if I’m not there soon.” She dug out money to pay for the meal.
“Your money’s no good here. That was on the house.” June walked Page to the car. “You stay in touch.”
“Thanks for dinner.”
Page drove away wondering why Clay had never married. Minutes later, she checked her rearview mirror and watched the Christmas lights fade. She drove the four miles beyond the city limit sign to the farm-market road, took a right, and then headed to the Four-Penny Horse Ranch. A boulder grew in her chest. In reality, it was the Two-Penny Horse Ranch, soon to dissolve to zero. Her father died when she was six in an oil rig accident. How her mother had kept the ranch, even growing it into a prosperous business was a miracle. She and Sue Ellen had helped but Page would always believe her mother’s heart attack was caused from overwork.
That the outside lights were bright enough to use as a runway didn’t surprise her. It was the barn doors standing open, lights on and a pickup parked in front of it that scared her. Something was wrong for her sister to be out there this late at night. Page parked and hurried inside.
“Sue Ellen?” Page called out.
“We’re back here.”
She ran to the back stall where her sister and Clay had kneeled at the rear end of a mare about to give birth. The horse was in distress and Clay was helping her deliver.
“Go around to her head and try to calm her down. Sit on her neck if you have too but keep her down,” Clay barked instructions without lifting his head from the job at hand.
Page started talking softly to the mare as she moved up the side of the stall away from the horse’s hooves. She dropped to her knees without thought as the past became the present. Their mother’s years of raising quarter horses had been passed down to her daughters. Page covered the mare’s eyes with her hand and keeping chanting soothing sounds. Soon after she arrived, the foal was born.
“Wow,” Sue Ellen all but shouted. “She had me worried for a while.”
“It’s a filly.” Clay rolled the long plastic glove off his arm. His gaze left mama and her daughter just long enough to catch Page’s and hold for a second.
She looked away too late. Watching her heart leave her chest, float across the stall and drop into his hand, had been almost an out of bo
dy experience. The day she’d driven away to college, they’d promised to stay in touch. Both kept their word for the first year, but with him is school a thousand miles away, the communication had finally dwindled to nothing. Nobody was at fault, they just grew apart.
Page released the mare. She immediately started cleaning her new daughter. Two arms grabbed Page and hugged her tightly. Together, they walked to the front of the stall and left Clay to examine the mare and filly.
“I was getting worried about you.”
“Sorry, I stopped in town for a burger.”
“Rosie was in distress so I had to call Clay.” Pink flooded Sue Ellen’s face as if she were apologizing.
“It was the right thing to do.” Page struggled to keep her composure as she greeted the man who she given her virginity to thinking they’d grow old together. Unable to think of one witty thing to say, she blurted out, “How are you?”
“Good.” He stared at her for a second. “Should I call you Page or Carol?”
“Carol works.” Instantly, she had slid back into the small town girl she used to be.
He nodded and then went back to checking out the filly. Carol took this chance to get a good look at him. She watched as his large hands worked gently as he listened to the tiny horse’s heart. The dark gray T-shirt he wore moved as his muscles flexed. He pushed a lock of thick dark hair that had fallen onto his forehead with his arm before leaning back with a sigh. He moved around to the mother, giving her a thorough going over. His tone was soft and comforting. Finally, he pushed his tall frame to his feet.
“They’re both fine. The best thing we can do now is leave them alone. She’s a seasoned mom and knows what to do.”
“I can have a pot of coffee ready in a flash.” Without waiting for a response Sue jogged to the house.
“That wasn’t too obvious, was it?” Carol stood alone in the barn with the one man who she’d never stopped loving.
Till The Dead Speak (Killer Affections Book 2) Page 26
