The Comfort of Secrets

by Christine Nolfi

  Evidently Ruth wasn’t aware of how quickly the relationship between Cat and Ryan was progressing. She’d always had a soft spot for Cat—they all did. Her features worked as she weighed her affection against her distaste at breaking a confidence.

  She was still deciding when Silvia threw her hands into the air. “I’m not asking you to air her dirty laundry. Give me the basics, and leave it at that. From where I’m standing, she’s unconscionably rude.”

  At the blast of temper, Ruth lowered her brows. “Fine, Silvia. I’ll give you the basics.” She took her time removing her headdress and setting it aside.

  “Well? I’m waiting.”

  “Julia told me only bits and pieces during our walks.” Setting her drink aside, she crossed her arms. Clearly she viewed sharing the story an unpleasant task. “She ran out on her ex-husband because the man used to beat her, and bad. I feel sorry for her, what with the constant reminder. According to Julia, Ryan looks just like his father. His spitting image.”

  Now it was Norah’s turn to register surprise. “This afternoon, I stopped into the grocery store. There was a man by the deli I swore was Ryan. When I got close, I realized my mistake. Still, there was no missing the resemblance.”

  Ruth’s head snapped up. “You saw George Hunt? Here in Sweet Lake?”

  The blood left Frances’s head. “Julia D’Angelo’s ex-husband . . . his name is George Hunt?”

  Ruth nodded. “She took another name to steer clear of him.” She peered closely at Frances. “What’s the matter? You don’t look right.”

  Frances’s knees began to buckle. Silvia rushed forward. Norah helped her lower Frances to the bench.

  Shock and heartbreak threatened to close Frances’s throat. “Ruth, my ex-brother-in-law, the one who’s been coming around—his name is George Hunt. He’s a danger to Ryan.” She looked wildly to the others. “Someone call the police.”

  All of the Sirens scrambled for their purses. Tilda whimpered at her oversize bag, dumped the contents on the grass. Penelope, overcome by the bad vibes descending upon the Sirens, wept madly as she fumbled with the zipper on her purse. Several of the Sirens dashed off to nearby tables, where they’d left their bags.

  Ruth’s mouth thinned to a harsh line. She stalked toward the street.

  Silvia spun on her heel. “Where are you going?” she barked.

  Ruth climbed into her truck. The engine’s roar announced her departure.

  “Crazy fool. What is she doing?” Brushing off her strange behavior, Silvia wrapped an arm around Frances. She frowned at the others. “For Pete’s sake—will one of you find your cell phone and call the police?”

  Before the inn, every parking space in the lot was taken. “You’ll have to park by the road,” Gemma told her roommate. “We’ll never find a space up here.”

  “We would’ve found somewhere decent to park if we’d come earlier.” Patty threw the car in reverse, then slowly drove out of the lot. “I’ll tell you what, Gemma. For someone who was looking forward to this weekend, you sure wasted a lot of time stalling.”

  “Don’t get on my case, okay? I’m nervous.”

  “Fine. I’m not getting on your case.”

  On the road near the inn, they squeezed in behind another car. Slamming shut the passenger door, Gemma caught the guitar licks of her favorite tune by Midnight Boyz, “Don’t Let Go.” She latched on to the lyrics to drown out the erratic thump of her pulse. Much as she longed to meet her brother, she wasn’t prepared for this much anxiety.

  Trudging up the hill, Patty huffed out small breaths. “Want to start by looking for Cat? She’ll take you to Ryan.”

  “Yeah, Cat first. I’m still not sure what to say to my brother.”

  “Start with hello. The perfect icebreaker.”

  The inn blazed with light. Pausing midway across the parking lot, Gemma surveyed the brightly lit veranda. All of the wicker chairs were vacant. In the lobby, two employees stood chatting behind the front desk.

  “I’ll check inside first, to see if Cat’s there.” Gemma squared her shoulders.

  “Should I go with you?”

  “Go on to the concert. If Cat isn’t inside, I’ll head down to the beach.” With misgiving, she read the dismay on her roommate’s face. “I’ll be okay. I need to do this alone.”

  “Send me a text when you’re finished. I’ll let you know where I’m at.”

  “Got it.”

  Patty disappeared into the darkness. Mustering her courage, Gemma started toward the inn.

  For the third time, Cat circled through the crowd.

  With the band now five tunes into their first set, squeezing through the crush of people became nearly impossible. Every seat before the dais was now filled, and countless blankets surrounded the perimeter, with couples lounging as they listened to the loud wails of electric guitars and the heart-thumping beat of drums. Beyond the area set aside for blankets, an outer rim of people stood shoulder to shoulder. On the dance floor, others managed to squeeze out elbow room to get their groove on.

  Veering toward the surf—the only area free of people—Cat wended her way to the ticket booth. The last stragglers were entering.

  Gemma wasn’t among them.

  With frustration she pivoted away, resigned to continuing the search. She stopped, sighed, and glanced at the hill that swept ever higher to the inn. A sheet of darkness accosted her. None of the beach lighting managed to illuminate the area.

  Even with all the details checked and rechecked, she’d obviously missed an important one. After Midnight Boyz finished playing at ten o’clock, how would the concertgoers reach their cars? If she didn’t come up with a solution, and fast, she’d have people stumbling around in the dark—and the inn facing a potential lawsuit if anyone were injured.

  The only option? Find every flashlight stowed in the Wayfair. It would be easy enough to post the staff at intervals on the hill to guide people back to their cars. Cat only hoped Mr. Uchida wasn’t too busy to help her dig up every flashlight they could get their hands on.

  “Why the sad face?”

  Pulling from her musings, she found Ryan at her side. She explained about the unlit hill, adding, “How did I miss something this obvious?”

  “This is the first time you’ve organized a concert. You were bound to miss something.”

  “Why wasn’t it something less critical?”

  He nodded toward the inn. “Should I go with you?”

  “And miss all the fun?” She kissed him briefly. “Thanks, but I can handle this solo.”

  “I don’t mind helping you hunt for flashlights.”

  Grinning, she pushed him gently. “Mr. Uchida will help. Enjoy the concert.”

  She let him go, wondering if she’d return shortly to the happy news that Gemma, wherever she was, had made a nervous introduction. And if not? After she unearthed every flashlight in the Wayfair and organized the staff, she’d find Ryan’s sister.

  The harvest moon painted the sloping area closest to the inn with a silvery glow. In contrast, the area of the hill closest to the parking lot was draped in shadow. She trekked into the darkest reaches, near the forest’s edge, to map out where to station employees.

  Goose bumps sprouted on her arms. An uneasy sensation followed.

  Someone was watching her.

  Sensing danger, she quickened her pace. She jogged up the steep incline, taking the hill in big strides. From the beach, applause rose to a hearty pitch as Midnight Boyz finished another number.

  The applause was dying down when the man came at her from behind.

  Forcibly he caught her by the arm, nearly lifting her feet from the ground. “Make a sound, and I’ll put a bullet in your head.”

  The deep timbre of his voice—so similar to Ryan’s—wicked the moisture from her mouth. He dragged her into a sliver of moonlight. With dread, Cat met his eyes.

  They were large, a deep forest green, set in a cruel, weathered face. Disoriented, she froze.

 
Assessing her confusion, George laughed. “I’m Ryan’s father, Miss Mendoza. Nice to meet you.” He tightened his hold. Pain bolted through her blood-starved arm. With horror, she watched him lift the gun with his free hand to prove he wasn’t bluffing. “I’m looking for Julia. Where is she?”

  Cold, animal panic seized her. “I’m not sure,” she bluffed.

  “She’s inside the inn? Which room?” His grip was a vise, and she clenched her teeth against the pain. He dragged her another step forward. “Tell her to meet you in the parking lot.”

  “No.” She struggled vainly against his overpowering strength.

  He pushed her back and took aim. “Get your phone out, or I will put a bullet in you.”

  The threat started a ringing in her ears. He lowered the gun an inch, zeroing in on her chest. In her mouth, the metallic taste of fear glazed her tongue.

  Refuse, and he’d kill her.

  Complying, she scrabbled for her phone. She lifted it high. “What will you do to Julia?” she asked, stalling for time.

  With a growl, he dragged her forward. They reached the gravel perimeter of the parking lot. Helplessly she scanned row after row of cars. Terror iced her blood. There was no one nearby, no one to save her.

  Bucking against the fear, she dug deep into her gut for courage. “Answer me,” she demanded. “What will you do to Julia?”

  “Like you haven’t figured it out.” Something inhuman inked his gaze.

  A fierce defiance flamed inside Cat. She was already dead. One look in his eyes confirmed he’d never let her go. The only chance for survival? Making a run for it.

  George blocked her path. “You’re a smart one, aren’t you?” he sneered, guessing her intention.

  “More than you know.” For proof, she heaved the smartphone away in a fast, furious arc. End over end, it spun into the darkness.

  “You stinking bitch! I ought to take you out right here.”

  He threw her forward, slamming her into a car. She took the impact on the side of her body. Agony rocketed through her chest.

  He was coming at her again when a girl leapt out from between cars. Coming full throttle, she clipped him on the side. He was a big man, but the impact spun him around. The gun in his fist glinted in the moonlight.

  “Leave her alone!”

  Her vision blurring, Cat made out the long blonde hair whirling across the girl’s face as she rushed forward again. Gemma. She cried out in warning—too late.

  Finding his balance, George caught his daughter by the collar of her shirt. He rammed her against the car. She crumpled to the ground.

  Cat, still dazed, dropped down beside her. When George approached with fists clenched, she slid him a look of pure venom. “Don’t touch her.”

  He towered above them. “Get her on her feet.”

  Cat did, slowly.

  A trickle of blood streamed from Gemma’s lips. Brushing it away, Cat whispered, “Don’t provoke him.” Gemma gave a tearstained nod of understanding. Bringing her upright, Cat stepped protectively in front of her.

  With the pistol, George waved them forward. He yanked open the passenger door of a Mustang. “Get her inside.”

  Cat helped the whimpering Gemma climb in.

  “Now, call up to Julia’s room.” He slapped his phone into Cat’s palm. “Tell her to get down here.” He leaned in menacingly. “Do it.”

  Cat left the door ajar, making it patently clear she wouldn’t let him lock Gemma inside. “You can’t escape with three of us,” she said, unable to mask the terror in her voice. Julia wasn’t inside the inn, and she feared his reaction once he learned the truth. Yet she found the emotional reserves to reason with him. “What are you going to do? Kill us all? George, think about what you’re doing.”

  He shoved the barrel of the gun beneath her jaw, forcing her head to a painful angle. “How ʼbout I take care of you first, seeing as you don’t know when to shut up. You’ll call up to Julia now, or I’ll—”

  Past the thump of music drifting from the beach, a wail of sirens pierced the night. They weren’t coming from the beach. Tilting her head slightly, Cat peered toward the town far below them.

  What happened next seemed out of a nightmare. George stumbled back. He pivoted toward the white and blue lights strobing across the night sky. Taking another step away, he lowered the gun in confusion.

  Ryan burst out of the darkness and sped up the hill.

  But he didn’t approach silently. Rage erupted from his throat. It was all the warning George needed.

  Honing in on the danger, George took aim. He got a round off, and Cat screamed against the deafening blast. Shadows fell across the spot where she’d just spotted Ryan.

  Alarmed, she turned back toward his father. Bewilderment fell across George’s features. He spun to his right. Cat followed his widening stare with confusion, unsure of what had caught his attention. Then she heard the crunch of gravel beneath swift strides.

  Halfway down the row of cars, Ruth planted her feet. Eyes narrowed, she swung her pistol to chest height in a two-handed grip.

  A second blast of gunfire cracked the night.

  Chapter 27

  “The offer still stands. If you’d like a trip to the ER, one of my officers will take you.” Police Chief Rand McCluskey nodded toward the officers milling around the kitchen, sipping the coffee the kitchen staff had brewed and snacking on the cheese and crackers they’d put out. “It’s not a bad idea to have your ribs x-rayed.”

  “I’m fine,” Cat assured him. “Just bruised, and a little shaken up from the ordeal.”

  In the last ninety minutes, the inn had filled with state troopers and virtually every member of the Sweet Lake PD. Ryan was still out on the veranda finishing his statement and helping Linnie prepare for the concert’s end. Some of the troopers were already on the hill with flashlights, preparing to escort concertgoers safely to their cars.

  Another disorienting wave of relief bolted through Cat. It was sheer luck that Ryan hadn’t been hit by the round his father had fired off.

  George wasn’t as lucky. Thanks to Ruth’s quick thinking and unerring aim, he had been pronounced DOA at Park Center Hospital.

  Ruth was also at the hospital. After much debate, Chief McCluskey had convinced her to let a doctor look her over as a precaution. The former police dispatcher had suffered from heart trouble in the past, and the chief had felt it only reasonable that she go in. Frances had already sent word from the hospital that Ruth was fine.

  Cat looked to the chief. “Do you need anything else?”

  “We’re done here. I’ll let you know if I have any other questions.”

  With a soft groan, she rose. Her ribs were tender. “Where’s Gemma?” she asked. In the chaotic aftermath of the shooting, she’d lost track of Ryan’s sister.

  “In Linnie’s office. Jada promised to stay with her until her parents arrive.”

  “When should we expect them?”

  “Close to midnight. They’re driving down from Cleveland.”

  “Does Gemma know?”

  The chief nodded. “Jada told her.”

  On the couch in Linnie’s office, the rattled girl and her roommate from KSU were wrapped together in a blanket. They shared a plate of Jada’s delectable brownies and tall glasses of cold milk.

  “How are you doing, Gemma?” Cat attempted to drag a chair near, winced, and let Jada do the honors. When she was seated, she managed a grin. “Nice to meet you, by the way.”

  “You were crazy brave out there.” Gemma pulled the blanket tighter across her shoulders. “Weren’t you scared?”

  “Terrified.”

  “Thanks for protecting me.”

  “It’s what big sisters do.” The comment slipped out of its own accord.

  There wasn’t time to backpedal, as Gemma’s roommate spoke up. “We were pretty sure you and Ryan were a thing, but we weren’t sure if your relationship was big time. We’ve been stalking you on social media.” From beneath the blanket, she
produced her hand. “I’m Patty.”

  “Nice to meet you, Patty.”

  The girl darted a glance at Gemma, looked back to Cat. “Did they . . . take his body away?”

  “A short time ago.”

  The pronouncement sank the room into silence, but only for a moment. Setting down her glass of milk, Gemma pulled her knees to her chest. “I’m not sure how to feel,” she admitted. “I’m not happy George is dead, but I’m not sad either. This is weird. He never really was a part of my life. I haven’t seen him since I was a kid.”

  “You’re still a kid,” Jada remarked, smiling. She fussed with Cat’s tangled hair, frowned. “Wait until your mother sees this. You’re getting a line of bruises down the side of your face.”

  “She won’t see them anytime soon. She’s with Frances at the hospital.”

  “How’s Ruth?”

  “Still bitching at the doctors, last I heard.” Catching herself, Cat sent a look of apology to the girls. “Sorry.”

  “No problem,” Gemma said, and her amusement put a trace of color in her cheeks. “About my brother . . .”

  She left the words hanging, which was all the incentive Cat required. “Are you ready to meet Ryan? If you’d rather wait until your parents get here, that’s fine.”

  “I’d rather go now.” Gemma flung off the blanket.

  “Hold on. We’re doing this blind. Is that all right? Ryan doesn’t know you’re his sister.”

  “No one has told him?” The inconvenient fact put worry in Gemma’s eyes.

  “Gemma, the police are preoccupied, and I was giving my statement.”

  Jada helped the girl up. “I’ll stay here with Patty,” she said. “You go on with Cat.”

  The lobby brimmed with the drone of mingled voices. The first guests were returning from the beach with looks of alarm at the law enforcement streaming through the Wayfair. Easing her way past the clutch of state troopers rimming the front desk, Cat waggled her fingers behind her back.

  Gemma latched on like a nervous child.

  In the crowd milling on the veranda, Ryan handed out flashlights to anyone willing to man a station on the hill. He shouted something to Linnie, who was trotting down the steps. She gave him the thumbs-up before disappearing through the parking lot.