“That, Talia… is nothing short of beautiful,” Claire replied.
The sentiment was mutual amongst those seated at the table. After expressing their approval, they returned to the business of finishing off the wedding cake on their plates.
“I should be compiling a list of questions for the ride home,” Alec said thoughtfully, as Claire made short work of the dessert in front of her.
“Yes, you should, if you have a list, maybe you’ll include the one I want to hear most,” she replied, as she scraped the last of the icing off her plate, and considered the wisdom of cutting back on her sugar intake.
“Are you ready to see your friend off?” he smiled, rather than tease her. He offered her the bowl of tulle-encased birdseed, as it was passed around the table.
“Sure, that’s what I meant,” she promptly replied, and scooped up a handful.
They followed along with the rest, and found a place in the row of guests that stretched from the lodge’s entrance, to the car that waited there.
The doors opened, and the happy couple emerged, amidst a shower of birdseed and congratulations. They hurried into their shoe-polished, balloon-bedecked vehicle, and followed the curving driveway toward their new life together.
Claire waved one last time as the car was lost from view, then turned to Alec.
“Are we all set?”
“We are loaded up, and ready to go.”
“Then let’s do,” she smiled.
Alec and Claire said goodbye to those around them, then followed the path toward the parking lot. The sound of talk and laughter soon faded behind them.
“We may be the only ones heading out,” Alec commented. He opened the car door for her, then tossed his jacket on the backseat.
“We may be. I’m glad you’re okay with going home tonight… I thought we’d get off earlier than this.”
“If that’s a question, then yes. I’d rather do this, than spend another night,” he said, joining her on the driver’s side. “Two hours isn’t much of a trip, and I’m not tired. I couldn’t sleep, if I wanted to.”
“I couldn’t either, and I don’t want to be around a bunch of other people,” she said, scooting closer to him. “I like this car, by the way.”
“So do I,” he smiled. “What do you like best about it? Other than it matching your dress, of course.”
“Of course,” she laughed. “I also like the bench seat. And I’m not missing the console.”
“Now that you mention it, neither am I,” he smiled, as he put his arm around Claire, and took a moment to kiss her.
“You’re determined to tilt the balance in favor of keeping it, aren’t you,” she teased.
“Something like that,” he smiled back at her. He started the car and they followed the lodge’s driveway past Alpine Lake, and back to the road.
“I am keeping it, if you didn’t know,” she informed him. “I know you love it. I do too. It means a lot to me, because you put so much work into it. I’m not jealous anymore, either, since you look at me the same way you do it.”
Alec laughed, and glanced at her.
“It was always you, I was in love with.”
“You could’ve fooled me,” she retorted.
“I didn’t want to scare you off,” he reasoned.
“If I didn’t like you so much, that would’ve. The way you looked at my car, I mean,” she replied.
“Then thank goodness you liked me enough to stick with me,” he smiled.
“And now you’re stuck with me,” she said with satisfaction.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Neither would I…”
Alec glanced at Claire in the light of the streetlamps. She was lost in thought.
“What are you thinking?” he wondered.
“What you said, about sticking with you. It made me think of my mom.”
“And… the past, I guess?”
“Right,” she replied thoughtfully. “I’ve been thinking a lot about her lately. I called her a couple of days ago.”
“Really,” he said in surprise. “That’s the first time you’ve talked to her since moving, isn’t it?”
“I know, it’s hard to believe. But I kept feeling like I should, so finally I did.”
“And… how is she?”
“At the moment?” Claire smiled a little. “I have no idea, but she was very interested in hearing all about you. I started to think she might come visit. Then, I told her where I live now, and she got really quiet. I felt bad about that. I know she was remembering all the things she’s tried for seventeen years, to forget.”
“I hope you’re not blaming yourself for that. What was the alternative? Refuse to tell her where you live? Either that, or never speak to her again,” Alec reasoned.
“Or, move. But of course I wouldn’t do that,” she said quickly.
“I know,” he replied confidently, and his grip on her hand tightened. She couldn’t help laughing. She also squeezed back, then returned to their conversation.
“I felt guilty at first, because of how it affected her. I didn’t know what to do, so I kept talking. I told her about our mystery, and that got her attention. She asked some questions, and then we were talking again. So… maybe I didn’t put her to flight. I hope not. I can’t imagine her visiting, though. Not now, no matter how badly she wants to meet you.”
“If your mom won’t come to us, then let’s go to her,” Alec suggested. “Assuming, of course, that you want to introduce me to her.”
“I do, and really? You’d go with me?” she asked hopefully.
“Of course,” he replied, giving her a funny look. “She’s your mom. I know you’ve been praying for her. I can tell you want to see her, and I’d like to meet her.”
“Okay, that’s wonderful,” she replied, smiling in relief. “I’m so glad you feel that way.”
“I do. I plan to spend the rest of my life with you. I’m starting to think you might cooperate, so it’s about time your mom and I meet.”
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you got into the jam jar,” she replied, glancing at him sideways.
“I’m completely sober, sane, sensible, and certain,” he assured her.
“Then I’m satisfied,” she smiled.
“How far away is your mom?”
“Four hours.”
“Then how about next weekend?”
“I’ll ask,” Claire said. She reached for her purse, and rummaged for her phone. She entered a text, then watched the screen. “She read it… she’s writing back.”
Alec glanced at her briefly, then focused on the road again. Either her mom had a lot to say, or it was taking a while for her message to reach them.
“Wow, she wrote a ton!” Claire commented. “She’s really excited. She said she and Pete—that’s her husband—can’t wait to see us.”
“Good,” Alec smiled.
“I’m relieved. That she mentioned him, I mean. She wouldn’t, if she was depressed and thinking of abandoning ship again. She’s including him, so that’s encouraging.”
“Maybe your prayers are being answered in the way you hoped they would,” Alec suggested.
“Maybe… and… maybe Mom and I will have a chance to really talk, while we’re there.”
“Maybe you’ll be inspired to say something that will help her, the way you did your sister, and Mark, when they needed it.”
“I would love that,” she said with longing.
“Then we’ll pray for it,” he replied, and her heart flooded with warmth. He glanced at her and saw the stars in her eyes, and smiled.
They passed through one small town, then another, and the road began to climb again.
“It feels like the trip home took half the time,” Claire commented in surprise, as they reached the Juniper Creek city limits. “Although the clock would disagree.”
“Are you tired?” Alec asked.
“No,” she promptly replied. “What did you have in mind?”
“I didn’t, actually,” he laughed a little. “But, now that you mention it, we’ve got the rest of a box of movies to watch. Not that they have anything to do with our mystery, but…”
“I love that idea. It’s too late for a marathon, since we have church in the morning. But we could manage one.”
“We’ll do that. We’ll save the rest of the marathon for tomorrow afternoon, after we pick up Herschel,” he replied.
“Perfect,” Claire smiled. Alec turned down Ivy Lane, and pulled into the driveway. She stifled a laugh. “I notice you’re parking in front of your garage. Don’t tell me you love me for my car.”
“No,” he replied, as he reached over and opened the glove compartment. He pressed the button on the automatic door opener stored there, and his garage door rolled open. “But I love you both enough to share my garage.”
Claire laughed at that, and he smiled as he parked her car inside.
“Give me a minute to change, and I’ll be right over,” she said, as Alec retrieved their luggage from the trunk.
“Give me a minute to change, and I’ll pick you up,” he replied.
“Alright,” she smiled.
Alec carried her bags to her house, and she unlocked the door and turned on the kitchen light.
“I can carry these upstairs for you,” he offered.
“That would be wonderful,” she accepted gratefully. She led the way, and with a flip of the switch, the entryway chandelier lit the stairs. “I miss Herschel. It doesn’t feel right, without him here.”
“I miss him too. I don’t love you for your cat, let me make that perfectly clear. But I do love your cat.”
“Aw, that’s just what a girl likes to hear,” she smiled, as they climbed the stairs slowly.
“How’s the ankle?” Alec wondered.
“It’s great,” Claire assured him. “Even after that mad dash to the dance floor. Although, come to think of it, I don’t think my feet touched the floor, until we reached it.”
“It doesn’t qualify as a dash then, does it,” Alec smiled. “Where would you like these? In your room, or your walk-in closet?”
“There, is fine,” she replied. She indicated the hope chest, and Alec placed her luggage there as directed. He turned toward the door, and she smiled as she hugged him. “Thank you for doing that.”
“You’re welcome,” he smiled. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
“Perfect,” she replied. As his footsteps faded down the stairs, she unzipped her bags and efficiently set about unpacking. She didn’t take much, and it wouldn’t take long.
She unpacked the bag containing shampoo, conditioner, and other necessities. As she turned toward the door on her way to the bathroom, she caught a glimpse of her wedding ring quilt and laughed to herself.
She didn’t have to bother hiding the design, anymore. After everything Alec said earlier… He didn’t actually say wedding, or marriage, aside from referencing the wedding they were at just two hours ago. But he used the word forever. A lot. And he loved her.
She smiled, and got back to her unpacking.
Claire carried her laundry to the hamper in her walk-in closet, and took a moment to remove her gem-studded heels. They were absolutely adorable, and she loved them. But, after wearing them all afternoon and evening, her feet demanded release.
She set them on the built-in shelf, then sorted through her hangers for the shirt she wanted. At last, there it was. She carried it, and a pair of jeans, back to her bedroom and tossed them on the bed. Claire returned to her open suitcase, and retrieved the padded hanger for her dress.
She was doubtful she would have another opportunity to wear it. How many formal events was she likely to encounter, after all? Still, the dress was lovely. And who knew. Maybe she would.
The creak of the stairs told her Alec was back already.
She smiled and started to tease him about being in a hurry to see her again, except…
Alec would be as likely to come upstairs unannounced, as he would be to occupy two places at once. Both of which he would have to do, in order for those footsteps to be his. Because through the window slats, in the light of the garage, she saw Alec close the trunk of her car and pick up his bag.
Chapter 26
Claire snatched up the decorative, leaded crystal box on her nightstand, whirled, and hurled it as hard as she could.
There was a thud, a groan, and Claire grabbed first one candlestick, then the other, and hurled those after it.
Alan Parker shielded his face with his forearm, as he aimed at her with the gun in his hand.
“Stop!” he bellowed.
Claire flung a picture frame, a teddy bear, she was running out of ammo! She grabbed the heart-shaped clock Alec gave her, she really didn’t want to destroy it, but—
There was the deafening blast of a gun, wood splintering, glass shattering, and Claire cringed.
“Stop it!” Allen Parker shouted, wiping blood out of his eyes with the back of his arm, as he trained the gun on her. “I didn’t shoot you, this time! But you go throwing anything else, and I will! That really hurt!”
Claire stared back at him, as incredulous as she was angry.
“Oh, really? You were expecting a friendlier reception?”
“I’m not here to hurt you,” he declared. “You have something that belongs to me. It’s mine, and I want it back. I get it, I leave, and that’s it. That’s all I want. No harm done.”
“You shot my house!” Claire exclaimed.
“You don’t think this is gonna leave a mark?” he replied indignantly, wiping more blood out of his eyes.
“You’re lucky I keep clutter to a minimum,” Claire scowled. If only she was at the museum, she’d have him buried already!
“I want my clock,” Allen said firmly. “Ceramic, it’s got pink and wine colored roses on it, with gold posts on the sides.”
“Your clock?” Claire asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Yes,” he snapped, his eyes burning. “It’s mine. I know you’ve got it, and I want it back! I’m about out of time, and patience, and if you don’t hand it over in the next five seconds, then the bullet through your window will be the least of your worries!”
“Fine,” Claire replied shortly, her mind racing. She pointed toward her closet. “It’s in there.”
“In the closet,” he said dubiously.
“Indirectly. Do you want this thing, or not?” she retorted impatiently.
“Fine—you stand over there,” he ordered, pointing to the far side of the open closet door.
Much as she would like to argue, the look in his eyes convinced her to do as he said.
“It’s through there,” she commented, as she walked past the closet, and stopped beside the doorway.
“Through that—where does that go?” he asked suspiciously, as his eyes registered the diminutive door. It was open a crack. All was dark on the other side.
“Another room. You want the clock, then go get it.”
“Yeah, right!” he laughed scornfully. “And give you the chance to run for it? I don’t think so.”
“Fine. I’ll go first,” she retorted, and his eyes narrowed. He didn’t seem to like that idea, either. She looked back at him, and frowned. “Do you want the clock, or don’t you?”
“I have no idea what’s in there, or what you’ll do if you get in there before I do,” he replied warily.
“Fine. We’ll just stand here forever,” she scowled impatiently. “Why don’t you just leave, if that’s the way you’re going to be.”
Allen gave her a hard look, as he wiped at his forehead again.
“Fine. You first. But if you try anything—”
“You’ll shoot me. That’s what you were going to say, right?” she raised an eyebrow.
“Right,” he snapped.
“Alright, then. I’ve been forewarned,” she replied. She stepped inside the closet, ducked to avoid the doorframe, and swiftly disappeared into the dark sitting r
oom.
Allen ducked and followed.
Claire slammed her shoulder into the door on the other side.
The door connected with Allen’s skull.
Allen howled.
The bedroom went dark.
Claire ran for her walk-in closet.
Allen threw open the sitting room door, completely enraged.
There was a loud crash, and thuds, and—
“Don’t shoot!” Alec shouted from somewhere inside the dark room, amidst more crashing, and the sudden blast of a gun.
Claire’s heart was in her throat, her breath coming in short gasps, as her fingers met what she was searching for. She slapped the light switch, stepped into the doorway, Allen rolled, gun in hand, aimed at Alec—
Another blast.
Allen screamed, the gun fell—
“Alec?” she cried in a panic, ready to shoot again, if Allen tried to do anything but lie there, wailing.
“I’m fine,” Alec answered, as he kicked Allen’s gun under the sofa. “I’m fine, are you?”
“Yes,” her voice cracked, and her hands shook a little.
“I’m going to make sure he has no other weapons,” Alec told her, and she nodded quickly.
Allen’s dark slacks and pullover weren’t made for concealing more than a wallet and keys, and that’s all Alec found.
“We need to call the FBI,” Alec said. He stood and took the gun from Claire. “You go get something to restrain him. Do you have rope? Or duct tape, or….”
“I have yarn!” she said quickly, and Alec suppressed the sudden urge to laugh.
“Okay. We’ll make it work,” he replied.
Claire whirled, and disappeared through the doorway into her walk-through closet.
“And bring bandages, if you have them,” Alec called after her.
He looked grimly at Allen, who continued to roll on the floor.
“She could’ve got you a lot worse,” Alec felt compelled to inform him.
“I’m going into shock!” Allen wailed indignantly.
Lochlan Museum: The Case of the Collectible Killer Page 44
