Every Move She Makes

by Jannine Gallant

  “Does he have any news?” Rachel locked the door to the house and handed Kane the key. “It’s my spare.”

  He stuck it in his pocket. “None of our suspects have alibis, but he did get background info on a couple of them. I want to see what he found out and maybe set up some interviews.” He took the car keys from her hand. “Do you mind?”

  “Not in the least. Head north. You’ll see the sign for the vineyard in about a mile.”

  They dropped Lark off in the driveway and pulled away. Her mother stood in the doorway waving, neck craned.

  Rachel grinned. “She’s trying to get a look at you.”

  “I don’t blame her for wondering what’s happening. You sounded very mysterious on the phone.”

  “I couldn’t help it. I want to sit both my parents down and try to explain about the stalker without freaking them out.”

  Ivy laughed. “Good one, Mom. Grandma is going to lose it no matter how you tell her.”

  “You’re probably right. Turn left at the light. The community swimming pool is a couple of blocks up the street.”

  “Got it.” He pulled into the small parking lot near the pool, stopped then touched her hand. “I’ll be back shortly to pick you up. If you want to make out a grocery list, Ivy and I can take care of the shopping while you check in at work.”

  “Really? You don’t mind?”

  “I’m happy to help out.”

  Emotion filled her, thankfulness for the simple gesture. “Better be careful. If I get used to this, I won’t want to let you go.”

  “That’s what I’m hoping.”

  * * * *

  Sheriff Stan Walker was bald, stout and in his mid-sixties with penetrating gray eyes and a firm handshake. “Have a seat.” He motioned toward a chair on the other side of his desk. “Would you like coffee or a soda?”

  Kane sat. “Nothing, thanks. I appreciate your seeing me on such short notice.”

  “I’m happy to have your help. Frankly, I can’t afford to spend a lot of time on this case when there hasn’t been a crime committed here. I pulled the file.” He nodded toward the manila folder on his desk and pushed it over. “Go ahead and take a look, but I want you to understand one thing. This is my jurisdiction. Anything you do will be cleared through me.”

  Kane opened the file then glanced up to meet his serious gaze. “I fully understand.”

  “Just so you know, I called your lieutenant to check you out. He vouched for you and then some, or I wouldn’t be so willing to work with you.”

  “I appreciate it, sir.”

  “Call me Stan. Your lieutenant said you’re currently on extended vacation?”

  Kane nodded. “I don’t intend to go back until this situation with the stalker is cleared up. Frankly, I think the man poses a serious threat to Rachel’s safety. I’m hoping to flush him out before he escalates further.”

  “Which is why you asked for the background checks. See anything of interest?”

  “The guy’s been obsessed with Rachel since her days as a soap opera actress. That was years ago, but he only recently began to stalk her. I’m looking for a change in his life that could have triggered this new, aggressive behavior.”

  The sheriff pointed. “Dennis Olmstead’s divorce was finalized about six months ago. That fits.”

  “Looks like Bob Mayfield recently inherited money and quit his job with a mail delivery service.”

  “That would give him a lot of time on his hands.”

  Kane nodded. “It certainly would. Chip Stevens has been working for the same company since he graduated high school. That’s where he and Bob met. I don’t see any major changes in his life, but maybe we haven’t dug deeply enough yet.”

  “Who knows why these nut jobs do what they do. It could be as simple as his girlfriend dumped him.”

  “Maybe I’ll have a talk with Chip first to see what I can learn.”

  Sheriff Walker leaned back in his chair. “How about our last guy, Curt Dawson?”

  “Dawson moved to California several years ago. He has his own computer tech business. I don’t see anything that stands out. Again, we might need to dig a little deeper.”

  “Isn’t he the one who had the advanced reservation at Granite Lake?”

  Kane glanced up. “His whole family was there for a reunion.”

  “So he probably isn’t our man.”

  “I’m certainly not going to rule him out.” He stood to offer his hand. “Thanks, Sheriff. I’ll be in touch.”

  “Do you want to take one of my deputies along for these interviews you’re planning?”

  “Right now I’d like to keep it very non-official. If I’m talking to an innocent man, he should open up to me. I know from experience the sight of a cop can make some people nervous for no reason other than a few unpaid parking tickets.”

  The sheriff grinned. “Making people nervous isn’t always a bad thing. Keep me posted.”

  Kane nodded and left. He barely made it back to the pool before Ivy’s swim lesson ended.

  Rachel climbed into the SUV and gave him an anxious look. “How’d it go?”

  “Interesting. I’ll tell you about it later. Did you make me that grocery list?”

  Rachel handed over a sheet of paper. “I’m afraid it’s pretty long.”

  “Ivy and I don’t mind.” He smiled at Ivy in the rearview mirror. “It’ll keep us occupied until time to take Lark to her dance class.”

  “You don’t have to do all this for me. I can manage, really. I feel like I’m taking advantage of you.”

  He pulled up at a stop sign and turned to look at her. “You didn’t ask. I offered. Christ, Rachel, it’s just running a few errands, not giving you a kidney.”

  Ivy leaned forward. “Are you two fighting?”

  Rachel glanced over her shoulder. “No, we’re not fighting. I’m just not used to anyone other than family helping me out this way.”

  “Get used to it,” Kane broke in. “Where’s your bookstore?”

  “Two blocks up on the right.”

  He double-parked then reached over to squeeze her hand. “What time is Jade finished with soccer camp?”

  “Four-thirty.”

  “I’ll get her. Do you want to work until six or shall I pick you up sooner?”

  “Six is good. Have fun, Ivy.”

  “We will. Bye, Mom.”

  “Bye, Rachel. I mean it. Don’t worry.”

  All he wanted was to kiss the wary expression off her face. Instead, he drove away with her daughter in tow.

  Chapter 15

  As the car pulled away, Rachel’s heart swelled with gratitude. Kane was filling an empty place in her life she hadn’t realized existed. She’d missed the friendship inherent in any good relationship more than anything, including physical intimacy. Still, the prospect of starting over scared her more than a little. Her life was complicated enough, and having a dangerous predator out there watching her only made it worse. She glanced down the busy street and shivered despite the heat. Pushing open the door to the bookstore, she hurried inside.

  “Look who’s back.” Chandra stepped around the end of the counter. “Welcome home, Rachel.”

  “Thanks. How did everything go while I was away?”

  “Fine. We were really busy over the weekend, but nothing we couldn’t handle. Oh, there was a mix-up with a book order last week, but Ellen took care of it.”

  “Where is she?”

  “I finally convinced her to take a break. She should be back soon.”

  “I need to talk to you both when she gets back. I’ll be in my office until then.”

  “Sure. Is there a problem?”

  “Just a complication. I’ll tell you both all about it.”

  Rachel had just finished answering her most urgent e-mails when Ellen tapped on the office door.

  “Welcome back.”

  Rachel glanced up and smiled. “I hear the place ran
so smoothly while I was gone, you didn’t even miss me.”

  “I don’t know about that. There were a few issues, but I handled the major ones.”

  “I knew I left the place in competent hands.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Is it busy out there right now? I have something to discuss with you and Chandra.”

  “No, it’s pretty slow. Chandra’s helping a lady pick out a children’s book, but I think they’re almost finished.”

  “Good.”

  Rachel stood and followed her right-hand woman back to the front of the shop. Just as they reached the coffee bar, the door opened and Tim breezed through. With razor-cut hair and a diamond stud in one ear, he projected suave sophistication. A wide smile lit his face when he saw her.

  “Hey, you’re back.”

  “I got home this morning. What brings you in on your day off?”

  “I wanted to let someone know I need to leave early tomorrow. I scored a pair of theater tickets and a hot date to go with them.”

  “Good for you, and your timing is perfect. Do you mind sticking around for a few minutes?”

  “No problem. What’s up?”

  Rachel waited until Chandra finished with her customer and they had the shop to themselves then smiled at her gathered employees. “First, I want to thank you all for doing such a terrific job in my absence.” She stopped for a moment to take a breath. “I also want you to be aware of a situation I had while I was on vacation.”

  Ellen’s eyes widened. “What happened?”

  Rachel took another deep breath. “I have a stalker.”

  “Holy shit.”

  She glanced over at Tim. “That about sums it up. A man attacked me while I was up in Tahoe. The police have reason to believe he may try again.”

  Chandra stepped forward to put a hand on her arm. “Oh, my God, were you hurt?”

  “Not badly, but I was lucky to get away. Anyway, a friend is acting as a bodyguard, and he doesn’t want me left alone. That means one of you needs to be around while I’m in the shop.”

  Ellen squeezed Rachel’s other arm. “Of course we’ll do anything you want. Do the police know who this person is?”

  “They think it’s someone who was up at Granite Lake with me, but there are several suspects.”

  Chandra shuddered. “Wow, that’s scary. Why did this creep pick you to stalk? Did he like the way you looked in a bikini?”

  Rachel had to laugh at that, then she shook her head. “Apparently he’s been obsessed with me since I was an actress back in New York, but I haven’t a clue why he chose now to come after me.”

  Tim stared. “You were an actress?”

  She smiled at the question. “I was on a soap opera about a million years ago. It’s not something I brag about.”

  “Which one?” Chandra’s eyes lit up. “I love soaps.”

  “I played Jordan Hale on Days of Desire. It was back when you were just a little kid.”

  “Wow, that’s so totally awesome. Everything but the stalker part.”

  “That part doesn’t thrill me either. So, do you guys mind having a little less freedom? I think this man has watched me at work, maybe even come into the shop. Kane is worried about what he might do if he finds me in here alone.”

  Tim raised a brow. “Who’s Kane?”

  “He’s a friend, but he’s also a cop. He’s on vacation right now and agreed to keep an eye on me until the police catch this guy.”

  “Must be a good friend if he volunteered to spend his time off keeping you safe.” Chandra’s tone was speculative. “What does he look like?”

  Rachel cheeks heated. “You’ll meet him soon. He’ll be by to pick me up later.” She grimaced. “I’m not allowed to drive anywhere by myself either.”

  Tim winked. “I’m guessing he’s hot.”

  A harried-looking woman rushed through the door, and Rachel let his remark pass. “That’s it. Thanks for being good sports about this.”

  “Why wouldn’t we be?” Tim posed the question, and the others nodded.

  After he left, Chandra went to help the stressed customer locate a book. A teenage girl came in soon after wanting a latte, and Ellen made it for her. Rachel escaped to her office.

  With the payroll finished, she was ready and waiting when Ivy and Jade burst through the door shortly before six. Kane walked in behind them and glanced around the store.

  Ivy skipped up to the counter. “Hi, Chandra. Hi, Ellen.”

  Rachel dropped a hand on Jade’s shoulder. “How was soccer camp?”

  “Really fun.”

  “Good. Ellen, Chandra, I’d like you to meet Kane Lafferty.”

  While Kane shook Ellen’s hand, Chandra gave her two thumbs up behind his back.

  Rachel grinned and picked up her purse. “We’d better go. I don’t want Lark waiting around by herself if we’re late.”

  “I agree. Girls, get back in the car. Ladies, it’s been a pleasure.” Kane followed the kids out the door.

  Chandra grabbed Rachel’s arm before she made it past the counter. “Wow, he’s unbelievably hot. Way to go, girl.”

  Ellen’s expression was wistful. “If you found a guy like that, maybe there’s still hope for me.”

  “Any man would be lucky to have you.”

  Ellen smiled. “You’d better go. They’re waiting.”

  “Have a good evening. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Rachel left the shop and climbed into the car then glanced at Kane. “How’d the shopping go?”

  “It went great. We got everything on the list plus some other stuff.”

  Rachel looked over the back of the seat at Ivy. “What other stuff?”

  Her daughter giggled. “Kane noticed you left all the good stuff like chips and popsicles off the list. We figured it must have been an oversight.”

  “I’ll bet you did.” She stared at Kane’s profile. “Are you planning to turn my girls into junk food addicts?”

  “I may feed a few of their bad habits.”

  “Terrific.”

  Jade laughed. “I knew having Kane around the house would be awesome.”

  Rachel sat forward and smiled. “I’m glad you’re getting along so well. Did you talk to my mom when you picked Lark up earlier?”

  “She was on the phone, so I hustled Lark out the door in a hurry. I did introduce myself to your dad. He shook my hand and sent us on our way.”

  “That’s Dad’s style. He goes with the flow, but my mom could pry information out of a rock.”

  “Sounds like we could use her as an interrogator down at the station. Maybe I should bring her along with me when I question our suspects.”

  “That’s an idea. When we were kids, all she had to do was look at us and we’d spill our guts.”

  Kane pulled up to the door of the dance studio at the community college. Lark came out with her bag slung over her shoulder then climbed in next to Ivy.

  Rachel glanced back. “I hope you didn’t have to wait.”

  “No, I just finished changing a couple of minutes ago. The teacher was really cool. She taught us moves I’d never tried before. Most of the girls in the class are older than me.”

  “Is that going to be a problem?”

  “The teacher said I have raw talent. She’s hoping to refine it a little.”

  “I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. Are you ready for dinner?”

  “Yeah, I’m pretty hungry. Grandma was dying to ask about Kane earlier, but she didn’t. She kept opening her mouth then mumbling under her breath. It was hilarious. I’ve never seen her have that much self-control.”

  “Don’t make fun of your grandmother, Lark.”

  “It was a compliment.”

  Rachel rolled her eyes.

  Kane turned the SUV onto the dirt road that wound through the vineyard to the house. He parked next to a Volvo.

  Rachel nodded at the car. “My brother’s still here.”

 
Lark slammed the car door. “He and Aunt Sharon are coming to dinner.”

  “We may as well tell everyone and get it over with.”

  Kane touched her arm. “True. Let’s go do it.”

  Rachel couldn’t remember ever walking into her mother’s kitchen when it hadn’t smelled like heaven. The scent of freshly baked cookies or a delicious meal always filled the air. Tonight the rich aroma of pot roast made her mouth water when she pushed open the kitchen door.

  Kane took a deep breath. “Wow!”

  “My mother’s cooking is addictive. Chances are you’ll put on a few pounds if you stick around long enough.”

  “Who cares? If it tastes half as good as it smells, I’m going to ask her to either adopt me or marry me.”

  Rachel’s father, a heavyset man with dark hair, crossed the room and enfolded her in a hug. Brown eyes twinkled as he smiled down at her. “How’s my girl? Did you have a good time in Tahoe?”

  “I’m fine, Dad, and our vacation was...adventurous. I’ll tell you all about it later. Did you meet my friend, Kane? This is my dad, Chet Hanover.”

  “We met. Welcome.” He extended his hand. “We’re happy to have you with us.”

  “Thanks, Chet. I’m sorry for that remark about stealing your wife.”

  “Who wants to steal me?” Rachel’s mother hurried through the dining room doorway and smoothed back a wisp of gray-streaked red hair.

  Her husband laughed. “Kane does, but he only wants you for your cooking. He wouldn’t love you the way I do.”

  “You’re full of bologna.” She squeezed her husband’s arm then hugged Rachel and kissed her cheek. “Introduce me to your friend.”

  “Mom, this is Kane Lafferty. Kane, this is my mother, Audrey, the creator of the fabulous pot roast you smell.”

  When Kane extended his hand, Audrey pushed it away and gave him a hug instead. “Any friend my daughter brings home to dinner gets a proper welcome.”

  “I’m pleased to meet you, Audrey, and I appreciate the dinner invitation.”

  “Any time. Chet, go pour the boy a drink and introduce him to Will and Sharon. Rachel, you can help me finish dishing up our meal.”