by Hope White
“Great idea,” Chief Cunningham offered. “It’s well insulated and heated since the previous owner ran his mechanics business out of the garage.”
“It’s pretty gross up there,” Krista said, feeling bad that she couldn’t offer better accommodations.
“I’m sure I’ve slept in worse.”
She wondered what could be worse than a cold, damp garage.
“It’s a good compromise,” the chief offered. “He can keep an eye on the house from the garage.”
True, he could see her bedroom window from the garage. A thought that was both comforting and unsettling.
“It’s either your garage or my car,” Luke said. “And I don’t want your neighbors to think I’m stalking you from the street.”
“Okay, fine. There’s a cot up there, although we haven’t used it in years.”
“I wasn’t planning on sleeping much anyway.”
Of course not. He’d be watching the house. Watching her.
“I’ll have patrol swing by every hour.” The chief shook Agent McIntyre’s hand. “You’ll check in tomorrow?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good night, Krista.”
“Good night. Thanks, chief.”
The chief walked out to his cruiser and Luke hesitated at the back door.
“You should have better security. Anyone could pop one of these windows and—”
“This is not New York City,” she argued.
“You’re right about that.” He turned to her, scribbling something in his notebook.
Probably that she was a smarty-pants, disagreeable, cat-obsessed, crazy woman.
“You ever consider getting a dog?” he said.
“Not really, why?”
“They make great alarm systems.”
“You’re a dog person?”
“That surprises you?” He looked at her.
It did actually. Dog people were loving and kind. This man seemed guarded and cynical.
“Kind of, I mean, Anastasia adores you and she usually hates dog people.”
“Told you that, did she?”
Was he joking with her? No, she was just exhausted and imagining it.
He glanced out the window and back at Krista. “Good night, then.”
“Wait, I’ll get you some blankets and a pillow.” She went upstairs to the hall closet and pulled out pink linens. She guessed not his usual color, but pale pinks and purples were her favorite and she’d decorated the house accordingly.
She wasn’t used to having company and wondered what else he needed.
He’s not company. He’s a cop after a criminal.
What did the man look like? What color was his hair? His eyes? What did he say?
Childhood memories assaulted her. She’d tried to describe the man who came looking for her dad, but she was too upset that Daddy wasn’t coming home. Ever.
She hugged the linens and made for the stairs. She thought she’d put it behind her, buried the memories and the fear so deep that they wouldn’t rise to scare the wits out of her.
But danger was back, in the form of the DEA agent bunking in her garage.
How on earth did she get embroiled in this mystery? She refused to believe someone on the mission trip had a connection to a drug organization. She just wouldn’t accept it.
“Here,” she said, stepping into the kitchen.
Agent McIntyre was eyeing photos lined up on the window ledge.
“Your mom and…?” he asked.
“Grandmother. We moved here when—” She stopped short. She couldn’t even talk about it. “We moved here when I was five.”
He turned and eyed her with speculation. She shoved the linens at him. “This should keep you warm. Sorry about the color.”
He took the blankets and pillow. “Hopefully I won’t break out in hives.”
He was teasing again? She wasn’t sure, couldn’t be sure of anything right now.
“Yes, well.” She opened the back door. “I’m up and out by eight to prep the tea shop for customers.”
He stepped onto the back porch and turned to her. “I’m right outside if you need me.”
He shot her a half smile, his blue eyes sparkling with color. Oh, heavens, she was tired all right.
“Thanks, good night,” she said.
“Lock up behind me.”
She shut the door and clicked the lock. He nodded his approval through the window and headed out to the garage.
He’s just doing his job, Krista.
Sure, intellectually she knew that, but emotionally? Emotionally she heard Gran’s and Mom’s worried voices, felt the iron hand of control clamp down on her shoulders. They’d meant it out of love, but sometimes she just couldn’t breathe.
Where are you going, Krista? What did you do today? Who did you talk to?
It wasn’t until she was in her late teens did they explain that the protective habit was born out of love. They loved her so much they didn’t want to see her hurt by a stranger. They’d developed the habit because years ago they’d feared for her safety after her father was killed.
Agent McIntyre wasn’t motivated by love, but rather by duty. He’d stay over Krista’s garage and unravel this threat before anyone got hurt. She sensed he was a warrior type, a controlling force.
Krista turned off the kitchen light and headed upstairs. She didn’t want a controlling force in her life. She’d fought long and hard for her independence. She’d practically begged Mom to relocate to Florida with Lenny. Krista didn’t want Mom missing out on wonderful years of retirement with her new husband because she had some irrational fear about Krista being hurt.
The past was the past, long gone, buried with the news that Dad’s killer had died in prison.
It had been years since the nightmare resurfaced to haunt Krista. Yet tonight, thanks to a stranger breaking into her house and the DEA agent sleeping in her garage, the violence was back in her life.
Along with the memories.
THREE
The Yates woman might have been exhausted last night, but she woke up with more energy than a kid on a gummy bear high.
By eight she was out the door, headed to the family tea shop. Luke followed close behind, both to protect her and to look for insight into this woman, her friends and the townspeople. Insight that would give him a clue as to who might be Victor Garcia’s drug mule. The criminal wouldn’t be stupid enough to actually smuggle drugs through Krista’s luggage, would he? No, Luke sensed something else was going on. He just didn’t know what.
He’d tried talking Krista out of opening the shop today, suggesting she needed a day to recover from her trip. But she was having none of it. She told him this time of year, right before the holidays, people needed the respite from their busy lives to enjoy a cup a tea. She’d said, “It’s not about the tea. It’s about friendship and connections.”
Two things completely foreign to Luke.
Sitting in the back of Grace’s Tea Shop, he read the paper to get a handle on the local flavor. He glanced around the shop, painted in pale purple with frilly lace framing the windows. Dainty chairs bordered small, round tables and a lit fireplace took the chill out of the morning air.
Luke did not belong here. This was a woman’s place, a peaceful place.
“Coffee?” Krista offered, walking up to him with a pot. She looked enchanting this morning with her long, blond hair pulled back and her cheeks rosy from cooking scones and muffins.
“I thought you specialized in tea?” he said.
“I figured you were a coffee kind of guy.”
“You figured right.”
He wondered what else she’d figured out about him.
She poured him a cup and said, “Black, right?”
He nodded. “I think we should come up with a story about why I’m here at the tea shop.”
“You’re a customer, simple enough.”
“I have a feeling I’m not your usual demographic.”
“I’ve had
men in here before.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Really?”
“Okay, well, not every day, but occasionally.”
“To ease suspicion, we’ll go with the story that I’m Chief Cunningham’s nephew and you hired me as your temporary handyman.”
She rested the coffeepot on the table. “I told you, I’m not into lying, especially to my friends.”
“Then I’ll be the chief’s friend, and you can give me a list of things you need fixed. I’ll be your handyman for real.”
She narrowed her eyes.
“What? I’m pretty good with a hammer.” Working on his own house had been cathartic after Karl’s death.
She placed the coffeepot on the warmer and pulled vegetables from the refrigerator. “I’ll think about it.”
He could tell the thought of Luke shadowing her, being close, made her uncomfortable. He wasn’t sure if it was because he was a constant reminder of the threat hiding in the shadows, or if it was something else.
Maybe she sensed the darkness that haunted him and knew instinctively to keep her distance. From him.
He sipped his coffee and remarked how good it tasted. “What’s in this?”
“A secret ingredient.” She winked.
He snapped his attention back to the paper. She was too nice, too gentle and it made him uncomfortable.
A tall brunette breezed into the back, oblivious to Luke’s presence. The woman was dressed in a tailored suit and high heels. Her perfume filled the kitchen, the smell a sharp contrast to Krista’s subtle floral scent.
“She’s back!” The brunette rushed to Krista and gave her a hug. “How’d you sleep?”
“Pretty good.” Krista motioned to Luke. “This is Luke. Luke, this is Natalie.”
The woman turned to Luke, her eyes flaring with interest.
Luke stood and extended his hand. “I’m a friend of Chief Cunningham.”
“Well, hello.”
They shook hands.
“How long are you staying in Wentworth?” Natalie asked.
“Not sure. A few weeks, I guess.”
“Wonderful.” She winked at Krista.
Krista blushed. “Knock it off.”
Could Krista really be that shy and innocent? One more reason Luke should stay close. She’d be an easy target for one of Garcia’s men. Because she coordinated the mission trip, Luke had to assume Garcia’s men would come looking for her first when they got to town. That is, if they weren’t already here.
Yet if last night’s intruder was with the Garcia operation, he would have done more to Krista than hurdle her and flee the scene.
A short guy, late thirties, marched into the back of the shop. Busy place, and they weren’t even open for business yet.
“Krista!” the man said, wrapping his arms around her for a hug. He was either oblivious to Luke or was purposely ignoring him.
Krista made a face at her girlfriend over the man’s shoulder and broke the hug. “Good to see you, Alan. I’ve got to check the soups.” She went to stir a pot on the stove.
“I heard the Bender kid shot out your windows last night,” Alan said.
“No, they didn’t shoot out her windows,” Natalie offered. “A stranger was caught rifling through her garage.”
“Right on both counts,” Krista said.
“Alan, meet the chief’s friend,” Natalie said, introducing them.
The man turned and his jaw hardened. Alan was in his mid-thirties, clean-shaven with perfectly combed hair and suspicious eyes. He was about four inches shorter than Luke’s six-foot-one-inch frame.
Luke shook hands with Alan, who squeezed extra tight. He was making his mark, letting Luke know Krista was off-limits. Whatever. Luke wasn’t here for romance and he surely wouldn’t get involved with a fragile creature like Krista Yates.
“Nice to meet you, Alan,” Luke said.
Alan nodded and turned back to Krista. “So, what really happened last night?”
“Someone broke into the house and the garage,” she said.
“What?” Natalie said. “I was there at six to check on Anastasia. Oh, my goodness, is she okay?”
“She’s fine. I’m fine. Everything’s fine.” Krista waved them off and went back to stirring the soup.
“Krista, are you really okay?” Alan placed his hand on her shoulder.
Krista stopped stirring for a second, then continued. Luke didn’t miss the hesitation. Alan ignored it.
“I was a little rattled, but I’m okay,” Krista said. “The cops got there right away.”
“You shouldn’t be living in that house alone,” Alan said.
“Thanks, but I’m a big girl, Alan.”
“She’s not alone. I’m staying over the garage,” Luke offered.
Alan and Natalie looked at Luke as if he’d just announced Martians had landed in the town square.
“My friend, the chief, was worried about the perpetrator coming back so he asked me to stay close,” he explained.
“The perpetrator?” Alan said. “Are you a cop, too?”
“I’ve had some experience in law enforcement, yes.”
“What kind of experience?” Alan pushed.
“You want my résumé?” Luke pushed back.
“Take the discussion outside, guys,” Krista said. “I’ve got to get moving if I’m going to open by eleven.” She corralled everyone out the back.
Alan hesitated and turned to her. “Dinner tonight?”
“No, but thank you. I’m still jet-lagged.”
Alan touched her arm. “You shouldn’t have opened today, Krista.”
“It’s the busy season, you know that. The Christmas teas cover half my expenses for the year. I can’t lose that revenue.”
“But—”
“Look,” she interrupted Alan. “I appreciate your concern, I really do. But the Sass twins won’t clock in for another hour and I need to get back to work.”
Natalie and Krista hugged. Krista stepped back into the shop before Alan could get another hug. She shut the door, leaving the three of them standing by the herb garden.
Luke’s cell vibrated and he checked the caller ID. It was his supervisor, Agent Marks.
“Excuse me,” he said to Alan and Natalie.
With a nod, Luke walked to his car and answered his cell.
“McIntyre,” he said.
“Any progress?” Agent Marks questioned.
“Not yet, sir.”
“Did Miss Yates recognize last night’s assailant?”
“He was wearing a mask.”
“Do you want to bring her in for protection?”
“She’d fight me on it.” Luke saw in her eyes how devoted she was to her business and it sounded like this was the prime season for revenues.
“It’s your call. I’ve put an alert out on her luggage.”
“Thanks.”
“Be careful,” Marks warned. “And call for backup if you need it.”
“Yes, sir.”
He pocketed his phone and eyed the tea shop, an old brick house converted into a small restaurant in the heart of town.
“Nice meeting you,” Natalie called out to Luke as she breezed to her older-model Volvo in the parking lot.
“You, too,” he said.
With a curt nod, Alan walked to a newer SUV and took off. Luke noted Alan’s license plate and would call it in later. There was something about that guy…
Luke couldn’t be jealous, not over a complete stranger like Krista. More like, his protective instincts were kicking in. He’d seen how Krista needed space, didn’t like Alan touching her. Whatever that guy thought of their relationship, Krista had a completely different take on things.
Luke should head back to Krista’s house, get tools and start his handyman cover. Instinct told him not to leave her alone, not even for a few minutes. He called the chief’s private line.
“Cunningham,” the chief answered.
“It’s Luke McIntyre.”
“Ev
erything okay?”
“Yes, sir. I was wondering if you could do me a favor and swing by the tea shop with some tools. I’d rather not leave Krista alone.”
“Put you to work, did she?”
“Not officially, but I’m trying to convince her it’s a good cover.”
He chuckled. “I’ll bring by my toolbox. We think we got something on the perp’s car. A dark green minivan with an Ohio plate was dumped on the other side of Silver Lake. Fits the description.”
“So the guy’s still close.”
“Looks that way.”
A scream echoed from the tea shop and Luke bolted for the house.
FOUR
He should have checked the entire building, every corner, beneath every table, inside every teapot before leaving her alone in there.
He whipped the back door open. “Krista!”
Nothing.
“No, no,” he ground out between clenched teeth. He raced to the stairs leading to the second-floor office. Taking the stairs two at a time, he pulled out his firearm, got to the top and spun around, pointing the gun into the room.
Directly at Krista.
With round, terrified green eyes, she dropped the teapot in her hands and it crashed to the floor into pieces. He swung the gun around the room.
They were alone.
“What happened?” He holstered his gun. He took a step toward her and she backed up.
She was scared out of her mind. Because of Luke.
He put out his hands in a calming gesture. “I’m sorry about the gun. Okay? Just breathe.”
Luke took a deep breath and she mimicked him.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
She nodded affirmative.
“You screamed. Why?” He didn’t move, didn’t step closer. But he wanted to. He wanted to put his arm around her and calm her down, stop her trembling.
His touch would probably make her shake more considering he’d just pulled a gun on her.
“What happened?” he asked.
She pointed to the broken teapot on the floor. Lying beside it was a dead mouse.
“That’s why you screamed?”
She nodded again. “It was…in the teapot. So, so I was checking other ones and you…” her voice hitched.
He threatened her with a gun.
