Every Move She Makes

by Jannine Gallant

  She shook her head and rested her cheek against his chest. The muscle flexed as he exhaled a deep breath.

  “It’s not that I don’t want to. I do, but the girls are right upstairs. What if one of them came down looking for me? I shouldn’t have let it go this far. I’m sorry.” Her voice quavered.

  He pulled away slightly, and his thumb traced a tear as it ran down the side of her face. “Hey, none of that. We both got carried away.”

  She wrapped her arms around his waist. “You’re not angry?”

  “Of course not. We have plenty of time. We don’t have to rush into anything.”

  Moonlight shone through the parted window blinds as he bent down to pick up her shirt. Outside, a porch board creaked. Her head jerked toward the window when a shadow passed, and her body tensed.

  “Someone’s out there.”

  Kane leaped toward the office door and threw it open. Seconds later, the front door slammed against the wall while she was still struggling to turn her shirt right side out. Finally, she shrugged it on and hurried out to the porch. Nothing moved. A minute later an engine started in the distance. Kane ran back up the sidewalk.

  “Lock all the doors. I’ll try to catch him.” He jerked open the door to his Jeep, gunned the engine and raced down the street. The taillights disappeared into the night.

  Lark stood at the foot of the stairs when she went inside.

  “What happened?”

  Rachel locked the door then pushed back her hair with a shaking hand. “Someone was out on the porch. Kane went after him.”

  Lark followed her into the living room. The movie credits were still rolling on the TV screen. “Did he see who it was?”

  “I don’t know.” Rachel turned off the DVD player and sank onto the couch. Her stomach churned.

  Lark sat next to her. “You don’t look so good.”

  Rachel closed her eyes. Had someone seen her and Kane together, witnessed a private moment full of promise and caring? She pressed her hand to her lips and swallowed.

  “Mom, are you okay?”

  She opened her eyes and tried to offer a reassuring smile but couldn’t. “I’m a little shaken up. I don’t like feeling exposed in my own home.”

  “Should we call Grandpa or Uncle Will?”

  “If Kane isn’t back soon, I will. I don’t want to take any chances with you girls.”

  Lark picked up her hand and held it. Rachel wasn’t sure who was comforting whom, but she appreciated her daughter’s presence more than she believed possible. They waited in silence. When a car pulled into the driveway, Rachel ran to the window with Lark behind her.

  Her daughter dropped the curtain. “It’s Kane.”

  Rachel unlocked the door and threw it open as he walked up the porch steps. “Did you—”

  “He got away.”

  Her shoulders slumped. Kane wrapped one arm around them then used the other to give Lark a hug. The girl stood quietly for a moment before pulling away.

  Rachel steadied her voice. “What happened?”

  “The man took off through the neighbor’s yard. I chased him, but he jumped into a pickup parked a couple of blocks over and drove away before I could get there. He must have run every red light in town because I never caught up. I called it in. The police are looking for him. We may get lucky.”

  “Could you tell who it was?”

  Kane glanced over at Lark. “No, it was too dark, and he was smart enough to stay away from streetlights. I only saw him in shadows, average height and build. The pickup sounded like an older model, but I couldn’t determine the color. Something dark.”

  “I guess you didn’t get his license plate number either.”

  “There’s never a full moon when you need one.”

  Lark crossed her arms over her chest. “That sucks. This whole nightmare would be over if you were a faster runner.”

  Rachel gasped. “Lark!”

  Kane grinned. “I was closing in on him, but he had too much of a head start. Believe me, I gave it my best effort.” He grimaced. “I’ll probably be sore as hell tomorrow. I’m not used to sprinting.”

  Lark snorted. “I might as well go back to bed.”

  Rachel sighed. “Sorry the commotion woke you.”

  “I wasn’t asleep. I was reading. Are you coming upstairs, Mom?”

  “I’ll be there as soon as I talk to the police. I’m sure they’re on their way.” She rested her hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “Thanks for keeping me company tonight.”

  “No problem.”

  After she left, Kane pulled Rachel into his arms. “How are you really doing?”

  “I’ve had better endings to a date. Do you think he saw us?”

  “It was too dark in the office to see much. He probably saw shadows, not details.”

  “I hope you’re right.” She let out a deep breath. “What do we do now?”

  “The sheriff should be here any minute. I asked him to call for an investigative unit to process the scene. Maybe we can get some prints.” When a car slowed on the street, he walked over to the window. “Here’s Stan now.”

  Sheriff Walker arrived with a fresh-faced deputy whom he introduced as Brandon Hendricks. The young man took Rachel’s statement then stuffed his notebook in his pocket.

  “We’ll need to fingerprint your family to compare against any prints we find outside, but that can wait until tomorrow.”

  “Go to bed, Rachel.” Kane stepped up behind her and squeezed her shoulders. “You look exhausted. I’ll lock up after they finish with the porch.”

  “I’m pretty tired.”

  He walked her to the foot of the stairs then gave her a quick kiss. She pressed her forehead against his chest.

  “I’m so glad you’re here.”

  He stroked the hair away from her face. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else. Good night. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  * * * *

  “Anything yet?” Kane joined the officers on the front walk.

  Walker nodded toward the two men dusting for prints. “They found dirt under the windowsill at the end of the porch but no clear prints.”

  Kane swore. “He must have left something.”

  “He didn’t touch the glass, but I have a partial on the sill.” One officer looked over his shoulder and grinned. “It may be enough to get a match.”

  The sheriff rubbed a hand over his bald head. “The prints on the hand rails probably belong to family members, but we’ll run them anyway.”

  “I suppose it’s better than nothing.”

  “We’ll check with the DMV to see if any of our suspects drives an older pickup. It won’t be conclusive, but it may narrow the field.” Walker yawned. “I’m getting too old for this. My wife’s been at me to retire. Maybe I should consider it.”

  Kane clapped the man on the shoulder. “What, and miss all this excitement?”

  “These days excitement is sneaking a donut. My doctor has me on a low cholesterol diet.” He grimaced.

  “I wouldn’t mind a little less excitement on the job. I’ve been thinking about making a change myself.” He let out a breath. “The stress is getting to me. There’s never any down time, and after what happened—” He clamped his lips together. “I honestly don’t know how much longer I can take it.”

  Gray eyes regarded him with sympathy and understanding. “You know, if I retire there’d be a damn fine job available right here in town. You might keep that in mind if you want to get away from the city. People around here would probably be pleased to see someone with your experience run for sheriff.”

  Kane glanced at Rachel’s dark bedroom window. “It’s certainly something to consider.”

  “Brandon.” The sheriff raised his voice. “Let’s go. I need my sleep.”

  “Coming, chief.”

  The two left, followed a few minutes later by the investigative team. When the last vehicle disappeared down the street, Kane
stood on the front walk. The darkness was thick beyond the spill of light from the porch. A dog barked in the distance then all was silent. Peace settled in, but it wouldn’t last. The pervert stalking Rachel would be back. His fists clenched at his sides. Next time the shithead wouldn’t get away.

  * * * *

  He slammed the door into the wall then threw his keys on the table. Slumping into a chair, he held his head in his hands.

  Tonight had been a mistake. Approaching her house was a foolish risk, but he hadn’t been able to stop himself. The need to see what Jordan was doing with Lafferty had overwhelmed his cautious nature. He drew in a sobbing breath. The two of them had been going at each other like animals.

  Tears ran down his face.

  She’d let the man touch her beautiful breasts, his filthy hands stroking.... Whimpering, he stared at the pictures of Jordan tacked to his wall and licked dry lips. The ungrateful bitch had given herself to Kane like a cheap whore, unwilling to wait for him.

  He smacked the chair arm. He was tired of resorting to his own hand for the relief he needed, and obviously Jordan wasn’t saving herself for him. Pulling the phone from his pocket, he punched buttons.

  “Can you come over?”

  “Now? It’s late.”

  His voice lowered. “I’ll make it worth your while.”

  When she mumbled an agreement, he hung up. He didn’t like using another woman to satisfy his needs, but Jordan left him no choice. Standing, he paced the small room then went to pull each photograph from the wall and stack them in a neat pile. He couldn’t allow her intimacy with Lafferty to continue any longer, couldn’t wait for the perfect moment to claim his prize.

  Divide and conquer. His lips curved. All it would take was a tiny error by a thoughtless child, and he would have his heart’s desire.

  Chapter 18

  The sheriff’s office bustled with activity. Beyond a partially closed door, Sheriff Walker’s voice rose in a heated conversation. In the outer office, the dispatcher relayed information over a radio to a deputy on patrol.

  Rachel and her daughters stood clustered around Deputy Hendricks’s desk. The young man wore immaculately pressed khakis and was so closely shaven, his cheeks were pink.

  “Cool!” Ivy grinned from ear to ear as he rolled her fingers across the ink pad and pressed them to the paper.

  Lark wrinkled her nose. “You like being covered with ink?”

  “Hurry up, Ivy.” Jade nudged her sister. “I’m going to be late for soccer.”

  “All finished.” The deputy handed Ivy a tissue to wipe her fingers. “Thanks for stopping by. Now we can eliminate your prints from the ones we found on the porch. Hopefully, we’ll know more by this afternoon.”

  Kane clicked his cell phone shut and dropped a hand on Rachel’s shoulder. “Well, we can cross Chip Stevens off our list. The receptionist at his doctor’s office confirmed he was treated for a severely sprained ankle an hour ago.”

  The deputy’s brows shot up. “She told you that without a warrant? How in the world did you—”

  “I can be pretty persuasive when I try.”

  Rachel let out a breath. “No one with a sprained ankle could run the way our Peeping Tom did last night.”

  Kane nodded. “Exactly. Chip was limping yesterday, and now we know he wasn’t faking it. That leaves three suspects.”

  “Did you reach Curt yet?”

  “He didn’t return my call, but I’ll try him again later. I’d like to meet with him after your lunch date with Olmstead.”

  Sheriff Walker hurried out of his office. “I can send Brandon over to keep an eye on things at the restaurant if you’d like.”

  “Thanks, but I think I can handle it. Rachel won’t be out of my sight for even a minute.”

  Jade touched her mother’s arm. “Can we go now?”

  “Sure.” Rachel smiled. “Thank you for your help, Sheriff.”

  “You’re welcome. I’ll let you know if the DMV turns up anything interesting.”

  Kane paused in the doorway as the girls headed outside. “That would be great. I’ll stop by later.”

  Once everyone was in the SUV, he drove toward the soccer field. A light breeze took the edge off an already warm morning. When he stopped the car, Jade bolted through the open door and raced across the grass to join her friends. Kane pulled out of the parking lot and took a back road to the winery.

  Rachel breathed in the scent of ripening grapes as she glanced his way. “You’re driving like a local.”

  He pulled into her parents’ driveway and stopped. “I have a good sense of direction. Here we are, girls. Everyone out.”

  Lark opened her door and dropped to the ground.

  Ivy tightened her arms around the doll on her lap. “I have a play date today. Melissa got a new doll for her birthday, and we’re having a tea party. That’s why I brought Samantha.”

  Rachel groaned. “I forgot all about it.”

  “I tried to remind you earlier, but you weren’t paying attention to a word I said.”

  “I was cleaning up dog barf. Whatever Daisy ate certainly didn’t agree with her.”

  Ivy wrinkled her nose. “It was really gross.”

  “Tell me about it.” Rachel frowned. “You don’t think my stalker left poisoned meat for Daisy, do you?”

  “I don’t see why he would. She probably got into someone’s garbage.” Kane cleared his throat. “So, what are we doing?”

  “I guess we’re taking Ivy to her friend’s house.”

  “Melissa’s mom will drop me off at the bookstore before my swim lesson.”

  “Did you bring your suit?” Rachel ran a hand through her hair. “I forgot to remind you. I had other things on my mind this morning.”

  “I brought it.”

  Kane raised a brow. “Then we’re out of here?”

  She nodded and waved when her mother stepped out onto the front porch. “See you this afternoon.”

  Audrey smiled. “Have a good day.”

  Kane backed up then turned around in the driveway. “Your mom sounds awfully chipper. Must mean you didn’t tell her about last night.”

  “I couldn’t face another rehash. I’ll call her later today if I have a spare minute.”

  “Which way?”

  “Head toward town. The Hensleys live on Elm.”

  Several minutes later, Rachel walked Ivy up to the door of her friend’s ranch-style home and thanked Debra Hensley for having her over.

  “It’s no problem at all.” The slim brunette smiled. “Melissa’s been missing her friends this summer.”

  “You’re sure you don’t mind dropping her off at the bookstore this afternoon?”

  “Of course not. I have errands to run in town, anyway.”

  “Thanks, Debra. I’ll see you around two.”

  Once Rachel was back in the car, Kane reached over and squeezed her hand. “How’re you doing? If you were any more tense, you’d snap.”

  She leaned back in the seat and sighed. “I can’t seem to relax.”

  “Nervous about having lunch with Olmstead?” He put the car in gear and backed out of the driveway.

  “Not really. It’s the whole situation. I just want life to be normal again.”

  When they arrived at the bookstore a few minutes later, Kane pulled into an empty parking spot and killed the engine.

  With a soft touch, he stroked the hair away from her face. “Being constantly on alert is tiring. Just keep reminding yourself it’ll be over soon.”

  “Will it?”

  “I think so. He’s escalating, taking bigger risks. Last night is proof of that. The next mistake he makes will be his last one.”

  “I hope so.”

  She stepped out of the car and slung her purse over her shoulder. Kane carried trays of nut bread while she grabbed bags of scones. They hurried across the street after a couple of cars had passed.

  “Morning, Rachel.�
�� Tim glanced up as they entered the bookstore. “Hey, Kane.” He studied her for a moment. “Dare I hope the bags under your eyes are because you two were out partying last night?”

  “I’m afraid not. My stalker is back in business.”

  Tim’s hands rested on the cash register. “You weren’t hurt, were you?”

  “No, but I didn’t sleep well afterward. Hence the bags.”

  “Even with bags you’re beautiful.” Kane dropped a quick kiss on her upturned lips. “I’ll see you at Palm Gardens at noon.”

  “I’ll personally deliver her there safely.”

  “Thanks, Tim.” With an encouraging smile Rachel’s way, he left.

  She stared at the closed door and sighed.

  Tim shut the till drawer and came around the counter to give her arm a squeeze. “Chin up. This will all be over soon.”

  “That’s what Kane keeps saying.” She squared her shoulders. “It’d better be. I don’t know what could be worse than this awful waiting.”

  * * * *

  Kane pulled out his cell and called Curt Dawson. When the man answered on the second ring, he allowed himself a satisfied smile. “Dawson? It’s Kane Lafferty.”

  “Hey, Kane, sorry I didn’t get back to you sooner. I’ve been busy. What can I do for you?”

  “I was hoping we could get together to talk later this afternoon.”

  “I assume this is regarding Rachel. I can’t believe the police questioned me about where I was the evening she was attacked. Why in the world would I want to hurt Rachel?”

  “I’m afraid everyone who was at Granite Lake with her is a suspect.”

  “Unbelievable.”

  “Maybe if we talk, I can clear you of suspicion.”

  “I’ll cooperate, but I can’t meet you today. I have a big project I’ve been working on, and I need to wrap up the final details. My client will be royally pissed if his computer system isn’t up and running tomorrow morning.”

  Kane gritted his teeth. “When would be a good time?”

  “If all goes well, I should be free by noon tomorrow.”

  “I can meet you in Santa Rosa for lunch if that works.”

  “I’ll be downtown installing new software. There’s a deli across the street from my client’s office.” He recited the address.