“It’ll be worse next weekend for the Fourth of July celebration. That’s when we usually visit. The fireworks over the lake are spectacular, but this year we came early for Olivia’s party.”
“I guess we’ll have to make our own fireworks.”
Her cheeks heated, and she drew in a breath. “I can’t think when you say things like that.”
He grinned. “Good.”
A panel van was leaving the estate when he turned into the driveway. Rachel climbed back into the Jeep after shutting the gate behind them.
Kane jerked his head toward the van. “Who was that?”
“The party supply people. They must have finished setting up the tent.”
A brow rose. “Tent?”
“Barnum and Bailey could put on quite a show in it. This party is costing a fortune, and Erica insisted on paying for the whole thing, which is why she’s such a nutcase right now. It was her idea, and she made it clear it’s her gift to her mom, but I’m tempted to offer to help.”
He turned to stare. “Why would you do a thing like that?”
“Bryce left a fund to cover unexpected family expenses. We had huge issues, but money was never one of them. I wouldn’t mind dipping into it to help with something like this. Olivia is the girls’ grandmother, after all. We might not be best buds, but we’ll always be connected through them.”
“Wow, it would take balls on Erica’s part to accept an offer like that. Does she have them?”
Rachel grinned. “I wouldn’t know. You’d have to ask her husband. Speaking of whom...” She stepped out of the Jeep and waited for Kane to join her. “Dan, meet my friend, Kane Lafferty. Kane, this is my brother-in-law, Dan Selkirk.”
Dan extended his hand. “How’d it go at the sheriff’s office?”
Kane shook it. “They haven’t caught the lunatic yet. The sheriff thinks he probably left town. The guests should be safe.”
“Thank God. If we had to cancel, Erica...” He winced then gave Rachel’s shoulders a light squeeze. “I just called the kids in for lunch. They’ve made themselves scarce all morning.”
“I’ll bet. My girls are allergic to work.”
“So is Wes, and Erica has been on a mission. Anyway, we’re pretty well set until the caterer gets here. Lark and I delivered the cake in one piece, so I’m enjoying hero status for the moment.”
Lunch was uneventful, and Rachel insisted on cleaning up afterwards. The three men went outside with Erica to move lawn furniture, and Rachel commandeered Lark to help with the dishes.
“Why isn’t Grandma helping?”
“Because it’s her birthday, and she’s pampering herself before the party. We’ll have plenty of time to dress after we finish in the kitchen.”
“I was planning to wear what I have on.”
Rachel studied her daughter’s frayed shorts and shirt that bared her midriff. The sun had faded the magenta streaks in her hair to a soft pink, but it stuck out in all directions.
“I was hoping for a dress and a tamer hairstyle.”
Lark rolled her eyes. “In the first place, I didn’t pack a dress. In the second, it took me a half-hour to get my hair to look this good.”
Rachel rinsed the lunch plates and put them in the dishwasher. “Don’t change for me. Do it for your grandmother.”
Her daughter heaved a resigned sigh. “I may have packed a skirt. Are there going to be any kids my age at this party, or is it all old people?”
“I honestly don’t know, but it’s a family party. I think we’ll have a mix.”
“Then I refuse to look like a total dork. I’ll change, but the hair stays the way it is.”
The compromise was more than Rachel had expected. “If you’re finished with the dishes, you can go find your sisters. I want you all to be ready well before the party starts. Please convince Jade to wear something nice.”
Lark bolted out the door. Rachel wiped down the counters and then went looking for Kane. He was on the patio playing ping pong with Dan.
“Finished with the furniture moving detail?”
“Yep. We’re all set.” He returned Dan’s serve, and the ball flew off the end of the table. “Damn, you distracted me.”
“That’s game.” Ford held out his hand for the paddle. “Let an old pro show you how it’s done.”
“Sorry I made you miss your shot.”
Kane leaned against the wall next to her and smiled. “I used that as an excuse. Dan was wiping the floor with me.”
“You seem to be getting along all right with my in-laws.”
“They’re both nice guys.”
“Since I got you into this, I want you to be comfortable at the party.”
“Should I find something other than shorts and a T-shirt to wear? I get the feeling this isn’t going to be casual.”
“Did you bring anything?”
“I might have a pair of slacks and a button up shirt somewhere in my Jeep.”
“Perfect.” Rachel squeezed his arm. “Thanks for sticking by me.”
He gave her a brief hug. “I’ll keep you safe. Just make sure no one lures you away from the crowd. If we’re wrong about your attacker being at the camp, you wouldn’t know him from Adam.”
“The only one who could lure me anywhere is you, but right now I should get dressed for the party.”
He leaned down, his breath tickling her ear. “Let’s find a quiet spot to make out instead.”
Rachel’s pulse thrummed, and her cheeks heated. “As tempting as that sounds, I’ll have to pass. Anyway, if Dan’s groans are anything to judge by, you’re going to be facing Ford across the ping pong table in a matter of minutes.”
“Terrific, I can get my ass kicked by a senior citizen.”
Rachel patted his arm and gave him an encouraging smile. “You can handle it.”
Upstairs, she took a quick shower then blew her hair dry. She applied makeup base, taking special care to cover the bruises on her neck, and chose a floral dress with a halter top that further hid more ugly marks. A pair of dangly turquoise earrings and a bracelet to match completed the outfit. Satisfied she didn’t look like the victim of a mugging gone wrong, she went to check on the girls.
She tapped on the door and poked her head into the room Jade and Ivy shared. Her youngest wore a pink sundress and was struggling to tie a matching bow in her hair. Rachel took it from her and expertly tied it in place. “You look beautiful.”
“Thanks, Mom, so do you. Jade is downstairs already. She’s wearing the same outfit she wore for graduation, and she didn’t even complain.”
“I’m glad you two are being so cooperative. Are you ready to come down with me?”
“I have to find my sandals.”
“Let me check on Lark while you get them.”
Lark was dressed in a short denim skirt and a lace top that actually covered both her stomach and her tattoo. Her hair was a distraction, but at least she’d applied eye makeup with a light hand.
Rachel smiled. “You look great, honey.”
She made a face. “My gift to Grandma—no visible tattoos.”
“I’m sure she’ll appreciate it.”
“Are you ready?” Ivy skipped into the room. “Hey, that top is way cool.”
“Thanks. Let’s go.”
The caterers were setting up the buffet table in the tent with Erica supervising their every move. The ping pong game had been abandoned, and the men were nowhere in sight. As Rachel crossed the lawn, Jade and Daisy raced around the side of the house and skidded to a stop.
“Can we tie that dog up?” Erica’s tone dared anyone to argue.
“She won’t jump on people, Aunt Erica. She’s very well behaved, and I promise to keep a close eye on her.”
“Take her to the front yard, Jade.” Rachel sympathized with Erica. “There’ll be a lot of people here shortly, and we don’t need Daisy adding to the confusion. Now, what can I do to help?”
“You’ve got it.” Rachel was tying the balloons in place when Kane and Dan pulled up in the Jeep.
“Where did you guys go?”
Dan jerked a thumb toward the rear seat. “To get a couple more cases of beer. We have plenty of wine and liquor, but Erica started worrying we might run low on beer.”
“That would be a tragedy.” Kane’s smile faded. “What’re you doing out here by yourself?”
“Tying up balloons.”
He shook his head. “Not a smart move. Our friendly neighborhood psycho could pull up and grab you, and you wouldn’t even have time to shout a warning.”
She let out a breath. “I wasn’t thinking.”
“It’s difficult to be on alert all the time, but you need to try.”
“Message received. I’m finished here, anyway.”
“We may as well prop the gate open.” Kane climbed out. “The guests will be arriving shortly if the party starts at four.”
Dan glanced at his watch. “Good God, look how late it is. I still have to change my clothes.”
“I do, too. Can I use your room, Rachel? I’m sure Olivia would prefer not to have my stuff scattered around the den.”
“Sure.” When an older convertible slowed on the street, she gave him a push toward the Jeep. “Get moving. Those look like guests. Must mean the party’s starting.”
Chapter 13
Rachel hadn’t expected to enjoy herself after everything that had happened, but she was. The food was delicious, the guests friendly and the weather cooperating. Olivia looked gorgeous in a silver and gold dress, and far younger than her sixty years. She’d thrown off the air of depression she’d worn since her son’s death and was having fun. When someone touched her shoulder, Rachel glanced up.
“I brought you a glass of wine.” Kane pressed it into her hand.
She took it from him and smiled. “Thanks. I suppose one drink won’t hurt. I didn’t take any pain medication earlier.”
“Does your head ache?”
“Actually, it doesn’t. There’s still a small lump, but it isn’t painful to the touch.”
He threaded his fingers through her hair. “Almost back to normal. I won’t have an excuse to stay in your room tonight.”
She quivered under his touch and drew in a breath. “Olivia made it very clear she expects you to use the den. She doesn’t allow any ‘hanky-panky’ under her roof.”
“Hanky-panky?” A broad grin split his face. “You’ve got to be kidding?”
“I wish. She certainly never allowed Bryce and me to share a room before we were married, even though I was five months pregnant and we were engaged at the time. Olivia has very old fashioned ideas when it comes to sex.”
“Too bad for Ford.”
Rachel almost choked on her wine.
“That’s a pretty dress you’re wearing, but looking at your bare back is giving me ideas.”
“You don’t clean up so bad either.” She ran a finger down the line of buttons on his shirt front. “I’ve had a few ideas myself.”
“Think anyone will miss us if we go upstairs?”
“My girls might. Lark has uncanny intuition when it comes to us. She’d probably know the second my dress hit the floor.”
“I haven’t seen her lately.” His hand slid along her waist. “When I looked, Jade and Ivy were playing with some kids out front, but Lark wasn’t with them.”
“She’s with the older teenagers hanging out down by the dock. I checked a few minutes ago.” Rachel shaded her eyes and frowned. The group had disappeared. “That’s strange. You don’t think Lark would wander off alone, do you?”
“Let’s take a walk. I’m sure she’s around somewhere.”
After searching the grounds, there was no sign of Lark.
Don’t panic. She has to be somewhere close by.
“She knows better than to go off without telling me first, especially after what happened in the woods.” Rachel bit her lip.
“Who else is missing?”
“I’m not sure. Maybe the older kids who were with her by the dock earlier.”
“Let’s check with Erica and find out who they are. Someone might know where they went.”
Erica and Dan were drinking cocktails with another couple on the deck and laughing at something Dan had said.
Rachel gave the group a hesitant smile. “Did Lark mention going somewhere to either of you?”
Erica frowned. “No, isn’t she here?”
“We can’t find her, and some of the older teenagers are missing, too.”
The woman next to Erica shook her head. “One of them is probably mine. Lucas said something about taking a walk along the lake.”
“I saw him heading north with a few friends a half-hour ago.” Her husband sipped his drink. “Is there a problem?”
“Not if Lark went with them. Did you notice a girl with pink-streaked blond hair wearing a denim skirt in the group?”
“I’m sorry, but I wasn’t paying much attention. My kid is seventeen and responsible. He does his own thing.”
Kane squeezed her hand. “She’s probably with them. I’ll find her.”
“I’ll go with you.”
“In those shoes along a rocky shoreline? It’ll be a lot faster if I go alone.”
She nodded, regretting the choice of strappy heels. “I’m probably overreacting, but I need to be sure she’s all right.”
“She will be. Just stay close to the house while I’m gone.”
He gave her an encouraging smile before heading down to the lake, his ground-covering stride taking him out of sight within minutes. When a hand touched her arm, Rachel jumped.
“I’m sure she’s fine.” Dan spoke quietly as Erica shot her a concerned look before heading toward the buffet with the other couple.
“I hope so. I’m praying Lark is just being Lark and hasn’t put herself in any danger.” Rachel’s grip tightened on a chair back as she glanced up at him. “Is this what it’s going to be like until they catch the guy who attacked me? Me freaking out every time one of the girls is out of my sight?”
He gave her shoulders a squeeze. “The authorities will find him soon. Kane knows what he’s doing, and he won’t let up until this creep has been put away. He seems to really care about you.” His gaze met hers. “Are you two serious?”
“We haven’t known each other very long. Our relationship’s sort of been pushed ahead because of the circumstances.” She stared down the beach where Kane had disappeared. “I really like him, though.”
“Good. You deserve a guy who’ll make you happy. I like Kane, and if he treats you right, I’ll be the first to congratulate you.”
“Thanks. I appreciate that.”
“Look, I know Bryce was a cheating son of a bitch, and I didn’t blame you a bit for divorcing him.”
“Have you told Erica that?”
He rolled his eyes. “Erica and Olivia both thought Bryce walked on water. Since I value my marriage, I don’t say anything negative about her brother. I’m not about to open that can of worms and neither is Ford. He was well aware of his son’s less-than-stellar behavior.”
“Well, I’m grateful to you both for the support.”
“Speaking of support, you’ve been terrific this weekend. I know Erica has been a drill sergeant when it comes to this party. Thanks for putting up with her.”
“I get the feeling the cost is worrying her. If she needs some help—”
“Thanks, but we have it covered. Ford realized the expenses got out of control and is going to cover the excess. Erica’s relieved, and so am I.” He gave her a half smile. “Now, what can I do to help take that strained look off your face? Would you like a glass of wine? It might calm your nerves.”
“I had one, but I set it somewhere. Anyway, alcohol isn’t going to help. Nothing but seeing Lark will steady me at this point. Darn that girl! Where do you suppose she is?”
* * * *
“Mind if I join you?” Kane slid onto an empty chair at the table. The missing kids were sitting on the deck of a lakefront restaurant eating fried zucchini and drinking something pink and icy. He reached for Lark’s glass, took a sip and grimaced. “Unless I miss my guess, not one of you is twenty-one.” His eyes narrowed. “I suggest you pay your tab and head back to the party before I report you to the manager for underage drinking.”
“Oh, God, this is so embarrassing.” Lark’s face turned pinker than the drink. “I can’t believe my mom sent you after me.”
“Your mom is worried sick. I’m going to let one of these gentlemen pay for your drink. We’re leaving. After yesterday, Rachel doesn’t deserve one extra minute of anxiety.”
“Fine.” Lark stood and smiled shyly at the kids around the table. “Sorry I got you guys busted.”
“Hey, no worries.” A tall boy pulled a wad of cash from his pocket. “We’ll see you back at the party.”
“I doubt that. My mom will probably lock me in my room for the rest of my life.”
“It would be no more than you deserve.” Kane took her arm and led her down the steps to the beach. He stopped and flipped open his phone. “What’s your mom’s cell number?”
“What, you don’t have it memorized?”
“Don’t push me, Lark.”
When she rattled off the number, Kane punched it into his phone.
“Did you find her?” The panic in Rachel’s voice sent his anger level toward her daughter up another notch.
“She’s fine. I’ll bring her back in a few minutes, but first we’re going to have a talk.”
“Are you kidding me?” Lark screeched.
Kane smiled in grim amusement at the girl’s protest. “I won’t go into what she was doing. She’ll tell you all about it when she gets back.”
Rachel’s sigh was heartfelt. “As long as she’s safe.”
“We won’t be long.” He clicked the phone shut.
Every Move She Makes Page 14
