Chance of a Lifetime

by Jodi Thomas

  “Rick, it’s Alex. Can you come down to the sheriff’s office? Beau Yates was brought in last night.”

  “What charge?”

  “None so far, but he won’t talk to us. Says he wants to see a lawyer.”

  Rick scrubbed his face. “That doesn’t sound good.” Usually, innocent people couldn’t stop talking about how innocent they were.

  “That’s not the worst part. The deputies brought Border Biggs in with Yates.”

  Rick was fully awake now. “What’d he do?”

  “Got in a fight with one of deputies, but I think we can straighten it out if the guys will just talk to us. Don’t tell Mrs. Biggs about her grandson. I don’t want her upset.”

  “Okay. I’ll get dressed and be right down. Have either of them said anything?”

  Alex laughed. “Yeah, Border’s asked twice what time breakfast is. Could you pick up a dozen doughnuts as an appetizer? I don’t know if he’ll make it until eight without food.”

  “Sure, I’m on my way.”

  When he ended the call, Rick wasn’t surprised to hear footsteps on the stairs. “Come on in, Marshal,” he yelled as he headed for the shower.

  Trace stood on the other side of the open bathroom door and asked questions as he stripped. When he turned on the water she yelled, “I’ll be ready in five. Don’t open the front door until I’m with you.”

  He stepped under the warm water and said, “Why not just climb in here with me now? The water’s already hot.”

  He guessed she was gone or he would have heard some snappy comeback. She hadn’t been friendly to him since he’d made the mistake of kissing her. In hindsight, it was probably a stupid thing to do, but she looked so hot. Hell, even mad at him she still looked hot.

  When he dressed and stepped into the hallway, she was waiting by the door. She didn’t say a word as they walked out and climbed into the Land Rover Hank had loaned them. It didn’t even have time to warm up before they reached the bakery. Rick ordered three dozen doughnuts and chatted with Geraldine while her sister filled the order.

  When they pulled away, Trace finally spoke. “I don’t see why this town needs a paper or radio station. If we’d been there five more minutes, we’d have known everything going on in town.”

  Rick smiled. “It wasn’t what she said that was important. It was what she didn’t say. She didn’t know about Beau Yates. The word’s not out yet.”

  Trace faced him. “And do we know anything?”

  “Nope, but we will by the time these doughnuts are gone.”

  To Rick’s surprise, Trace completely engaged in the problem as soon as she stepped into the office. She was now in her element. She passed out doughnuts to the staff, asking questions, acting interested in everything as he walked back to talk to the boys.

  Border had watched one too many cop shows. He kept making up things he thought were going on. Beau, on the other hand, was quiet. Rick was near enough to their age that he didn’t seem a threat so they talked to him as they downed the doughnuts.

  When Rick stood, saying he was going to go try and get them out as soon as possible, Beau caught him by the arm before he could leave. “Would you ask if I can have my guitar? I don’t mind being locked up for a few days, but I have to have the Gibson.”

  “Sure,” Rick said, feeling sorry for the shy, talented kid. “I’ll go over to your place and get it myself.”

  “Thanks.” Beau moved away from the bars.

  Rick found Alex and Trace in Alex’s office. He poured himself a cup of coffee and sat down. The sun was barely up and he felt like he’d already worked the day.

  “What did you learn, providing you can share?” Alex said. “All I’ve been able to discover is that Ronny Logan keeps a clean house. Not much of a crime scene.”

  “I didn’t get much info either. Beau was asleep on the porch. Border woke and thought someone was breaking into their house.” Rick decided if this were an episode in a crime series, it could play out during a commercial.

  Trace nodded. “That’s what Gentry said. He admits that the fight on the porch was just a mistake. No one even got bloody, so it couldn’t have been much of a fight.”

  Alex leaned back in her chair. “So they know nothing, and Ronny Logan is still missing. Of course, she’s old enough to spend a night away from home without being investigated.”

  Rick wasn’t sure exactly what he should say. He’d asked about Ronny, and Border had yelled that he knew nothing, but Beau had been quiet, too quiet. Maybe he was just shy or tired, but something didn’t fit.

  “Sheriff?” The dispatcher poked his head into the office. “Ronny Logan just called, asking if we wanted a special delivery made early. I told her how we were all looking for her and she said she’d worked last night, trying to catch up. Her mother was here all night screaming that Ronny was dead and she’d been three blocks away, sorting mail in a back room without windows.”

  All three in the office let out their breath at the same time.

  “Why didn’t she answer her cell phone?”

  “I asked her that.” The dispatcher smiled. “She said her mother is always calling in the middle of the night and hanging up, so she left it back at her apartment turned off.”

  Alex stood as the dispatcher added, “You want me to call her mom and tell her?”

  “No, I think I’ll drive over and have a talk with Dallas Logan myself.” Alex turned to Rick. “Thanks for coming in. You want to go tell your almost clients that they are free to go?”

  “Sure. I’ll even give them a ride.”

  When they walked out to the car, Rick didn’t even bother to look surprised when he pulled another note from his windshield. Same square envelope. Same wide magic marker print of his name on the front.

  Trace leaned close as he unfolded his latest fan mail. The other two had simply said, Leave. This one was far more creative. The letters, large and bold, were cut from what might have been a book. The note read, Leave or Die.

  Trace reached in her back pocket, pulled out a plastic bag, and dropped it inside. As if nothing were unusual about her actions, she turned to Border and Beau. “Would you guys do me a big favor? Would you drive this car back to the B&B and then stop in and eat the breakfast Mrs. Biggs has waiting? I’m sure your grandmother will be happy to let you two take our places this morning. We need to spend a little time with Alex.”

  “Another threat?” Beau didn’t bother to play dumb. He might not know the details, but everyone in town knew that someone was stalking Matheson.

  Trace nodded once. “Any leads, boys? I’m fresh out.”

  “Yeah, look for a cut-up picture book,” Beau offered.

  Chapter 36

  WEDNESDAY NIGHT

  TANNON DIDN’T MAKE IT BACK TO HARMONY UNTIL Wednesday night. His mother was finally moved out of ICU and he’d hired a nurse who was far better at putting up with Paulette’s moods than he was. As soon as he knew his mother was stable, he headed for home and the mountain of work piling up on his office desk.

  He’d talked to Emily every day and it almost killed him to tell her he couldn’t see her Wednesday night. “It’ll be after midnight when I finish and by then I wouldn’t be fit company, but we’re still on for Friday night. I’ll be waiting for you when the writers’ group wraps up.” He wanted nothing more than to hold her, but his father had drilled into him that the business was his responsibility. When the old man left, he’d dumped a world of problems on Tannon along with lectures reminding him that if he didn’t do his job everyone in the company would suffer. So, tonight, only Tannon would suffer by not seeing Emily.

  She’d said she understood, but as he worked he thought of calling her and asking if he could come over for a few minutes. Only it wouldn’t be a few minutes. Since he’d kissed her, their friendship had shifted. He’d slept alone all his life, yet after one night with her in his arms, he’d reached for her in the darkness as if her not being in his bed was the exception, not the rule. His body wanted her ne
ar, but his mind told him that as long as she didn’t want him he’d never step over the line.

  With the river of memories between them, she wasn’t likely to want him for anything more than a friend and he could live with that. It made him sad remembering how she let him kiss her yet hadn’t kissed him back, even though she said she had. Maybe it wasn’t him. Maybe something had died inside of her that night fifteen years ago in the dark parking lot. Maybe when they’d cut her, they’d cut away passion for any man from her life. He’d never heard anyone mention Emily even flirting much less having a date.

  Tannon forced himself to go back to work. He couldn’t, wouldn’t, think of Emily as damaged.

  By ten, he’d buried himself so deeply into work that he didn’t hear the buzzer the first time it sounded. When the noise finally did register, he almost didn’t answer. Who in their right mind would be calling at this hour?

  Glancing out the window, he saw Emily’s car parked next to his and didn’t bother with the elevator. He ran down the stairs.

  She was all bundled up, and when he opened the main door, she handed him a pot. While he stood without shoes and held the door, she ran back to her car for another bag of what looked like groceries. She was laughing and shivering when she returned.

  “What are you doing here?” He smiled thinking she was wearing the perfect burglar disguise. Every part of her body was covered in wool.

  “Did you eat dinner?” she asked, rushing into the elevator and pushing the up button while still dancing to keep warm.

  “No.”

  “Then I brought you food.” She hurried into his apartment as if nervous. “I couldn’t sleep, so I decided to start cooking.”

  He unpacked the bag while she pulled off her coat. “I didn’t want to bother you, but I worried that you didn’t eat.”

  The nerves were still there, like a frightened rabbit.

  “Don’t mother me, Emily. I’m not in the mood.” The words were out before he could stop them.

  When he looked at her, she seemed to have turned to stone. He’d frightened her completely still.

  “I’m sorry.” He’d given orders and spoken so frankly about everything for so many years that now Tannon didn’t know if he knew how to have a normal conversation. “I’m tired and worried about Mom and hungry. Thanks for worrying about me. It’s not something I’m used to anyone doing.” He fought the urge to grab her and hold her so tight words wouldn’t stand between them, but he guessed that would only frighten her more.

  “You look tired.” Her voice was kind telling him silently that she’d forgiven him. “I’m here to help, if you’ll let me.” Her cold hand touched his jaw.

  “You already are,” he admitted. Just having her with him calmed his world; it always had. “And you are so right. I’m starving to death. I don’t think I’ve had anything but coffee all day. I’m glad you came.”

  He piled the food on the coffee table and they talked while he ate. She’d made a chili soup and a meat loaf that tasted better than he’d ever had in a restaurant. He laughed at her little pies but ate three before she told him one was considered a serving.

  “I know,” he explained as he reached for another, “but I didn’t like the apple or peach, so I had to eat the pecan.” He winked. “Maybe I should give the apple another try.”

  She watched him eat the last little pie. “I’ll make more next time.”

  Next time. He liked the sound of that.

  When they took the trash to the kitchen, she said, “I know you’re working, so I won’t take up any more of your time.” She reached for her coat. “If you’ll just walk me to my car, I’ll—”

  “Stay,” he said stopping her. “Sleep over with me.”

  Emily didn’t look at him. He knew asking her to stay here was different than it had been in the hotel. They were in Harmony now.

  “Stay,” he asked again.

  She shook her head. “I didn’t bring—”

  “You can sleep in one of my shirts. I’ll wake you before any of the staff comes in downstairs.” When she didn’t answer, he added, “I’ve never had anyone up here. I’ve never minded being alone, but I don’t want to be alone tonight. I don’t want to be without you.” He wished he’d kissed her when she’d come in, but there hadn’t been a time that seemed right, and now she might leave without him even touching her.

  “I could stay a while but only if I don’t keep you from finishing your work. I didn’t come to bother you.”

  “Make yourself at home. I’ve got a collection of books on the Southwest you might find interesting. You can read or rummage through my movies, though I doubt I’ve got much you’d like. Just knowing you’re here relaxes me.” He knew he was rattling, but he couldn’t seem to stop. “Stay as long as you want, Emily. I promise I’ll keep working.” He thought of standing in front of the door and blocking her way out, but more than he wanted her near, he wanted her to stay because she wanted to.

  Though he moved over to his work spread out on the dining table, he was very much aware of where she was, what she was doing. She took off her coat and set about cleaning up the kitchen. Because she didn’t want to keep asking where things belonged, she simply opened cabinets until she found the right place. When she finished there, she went into his bedroom and he heard the bookcase cabinets creak as she opened them. He’d collected western novels set in Texas since he was in college and knew she’d find the old Louis L’Amour and Zane Grey early editions fascinating.

  She was gone so long he decided she probably went through every drawer in his closet and he didn’t care. When she finally walked out of his bedroom, he looked up and felt like someone had shocked his heart.

  Emily was wearing his Hawaiian shirt and nothing else as far as he could see.

  “I decided to sleep over and I guessed this would be the only shirt in your closet you wouldn’t miss.”

  “You look great in that shirt,” he said when he could draw enough breath. “Maybe I should buy a dozen. I’m almost finished here.”

  “Oh, okay. I think I’ll go on to bed. Left or right?”

  “What?”

  “Which side do you sleep on?”

  “Left.”

  “Well, good night.”

  After she disappeared, Tannon couldn’t concentrate on work. He forced himself to wait fifteen minutes before going to his bathroom and pulling on an old pair of sweatpants he kept on the back of the door. They were faded, but they were the closest thing he had to pajamas.

  When he slipped into bed, Emily was curled in the center sound asleep. He tugged away one of the pillows she was holding and pulled her against him. Kissing the top of her head he whispered, “Thanks for sleeping over.” He couldn’t hold back the rumble of a chuckle. If anyone in town knew what they were doing, the word crazy would probably come to mind. “Good night,” he said as he closed his eyes and breathed her in as if she were the first fresh air he’d had in years.

  She didn’t answer, but the warmth of her breath brushed his cheek lulling him to sleep.

  Even in sleep, he reached for her, needing to know she was close. Just before dawn, he woke as he always did. First light was just beginning to spread across the eastern horizon. His bedroom had blackout curtains, which he could pull to preserve their darkness, but he had to face the day.

  For a while, he watched the town shift from night to day. He loved the way the first beams always seemed to catch the clock tower and the church steeples. At seven, all the streetlights stopped blinking yellow and began to work in earnest. Slowly, like a rumble of far away thunder nearing, cars and trucks moved below.

  “Emily,” he whispered, brushing his hand along her back, “wake up.”

  She raised her head and looked at him. As before, her hair had gone completely wild while she slept and he thought it adorable.

  “You’re beautiful in the morning,” he said.

  “Who are you and what are you doing in my bed?”

  “It’s my bed and I’m
the same guy you slept with last week.”

  She let out a sigh. “I have to quit doing this. Now, who are you again?”

  She acted like she couldn’t place him, so he tried again. “I’m the man who plans to feed you breakfast if you can get dressed in fifteen minutes.”

  She rolled away from him and froze when she saw the floor-to-ceiling windows. “Are you sure the whole town can’t see us?”

  “I’m sure,” he said as she ran to the bathroom and slammed the door behind her. “But,” he added to no one, “I wouldn’t give a damn if they could.”

  Fifteen minutes later, she was standing at the door ready to go. “I’m starving. I hope you meant that about buying me breakfast.”

  “I did. What time do you have to be at the library?”

  “I open at nine, but I like to get there by a quarter till.”

  “Then we’ve got plenty of time.” He took her hand and pulled her into the elevator. As the doors closed, he whispered, “Thanks for staying over.” He bent and brushed her lips with his. “I love sleeping with you.”

  She smiled. “I feel the same. When I’m with you, I’m always safe and warm, but you know, Tannon, people don’t just go around sleeping together. We can’t do this again.”

  “They don’t?” He acted surprised. “We can’t?”

  “No. You know what I mean.”

  The elevator door opened and they rushed out. They were at the outside door before he stopped to ask, “Where are we going?”

  “I don’t know,” she answered.

  “I don’t care. The diner is closed for remodeling. Every other place in town will be packed this time of morning.”

  “People will see us together,” she whispered.

  “Does it matter? People saw us out the other night together.”

  “I know, but eating breakfast seems somehow different.” The shy Emily had returned.

  He wanted to scream that he didn’t care what people thought, but he forced himself to smile. “Where can I get coffee? I can’t think without coffee.”

  “My house,” she offered with a smile. “I’ll cook you breakfast.” She jumped in her car. “Last one there has to do dishes.”