Her mother frowned. "Well, I think so, but I haven't spent a lot of time with them lately. Mitch gets a little moody, but I hope nothing is going on."
"He could have been talking about anything. Don't give it another thought." As she finished speaking, she heard a crackle from the nearby trees and saw a flash of light. "What's that?" she murmured.
"What do you mean?" her mother asked.
"Someone is over there."
"Well, we should go inside."
"One second," she said, taking a few steps closer to the edge of the trees that served as a barrier between the parking lot and the club. Two men stood in the shadows, and one of them was the same height, the same build as the guy she'd followed into the building that had exploded.
"Tori, come back," her mom said.
Her mother's voice startled the men. The one who'd resembled Neil Hawkins quickly disappeared into the shadows. The other one came forward with a familiar loping, long-legged gait. It was Jim Beacham.
She stared at him in surprise. "Who were you just talking to? Who was that man?"
"What?" Jim asked, a surprised note in his voice.
"The man you were with. Who is he? How do you know him?"
"Tori, what's going on?" her mother asked, coming forward. "Jim, what are you doing out here?"
"I was just having a smoke," Jim said.
"What is going on?" Scott said.
She turned her head, seeing Dylan and Scott come up behind her mother. She didn't know what everyone was doing outside but at the moment she was more interested in who Jim had been speaking to. "Jim was talking to someone in the parking lot. I just asked him who it was." She shot Dylan a glance. "He looked like Neil Hawkins."
"Who is Neil Hawkins?" Scott asked.
She ignored her brother, turning back to Jim, who seemed to be slow in coming up with any answers. "Who was that man?" she repeated.
"I don't know," Jim said. "He asked me if I had another cigarette. I did, so I handed one over and then I gave him a light. He said something about the fog and how cold San Francisco was in the spring."
"That's it?" she asked.
"Yes, why?"
"You didn't think he looked like my father?"
"Like your father?" her mother echoed. "Tori, what are you talking about?"
"She's talking about the man she followed into the fire," Scott said. "Aren't you?"
"What fire?" her mom said, getting more confused by the moment.
"It's a long story," she said. "Jim—did you think the man looked like my dad?"
"No. I didn't see any resemblance. Why?"
She couldn't begin to explain, so instead she said, "I'm going to check out the parking lot."
"You're not going anywhere by yourself," Scott said, stopping her in her tracks.
"I'll go with her," Dylan offered.
"It will just take a second," she said.
"No. This is my wedding. You're not chasing anyone down. All of us are going back inside, and we're going to enjoy the reception. We have the cake to cut and a bouquet to throw, and Monica will have everything she wants tonight. Got it?"
She really, really wanted to go after the man she'd just seen with Jim, but she couldn't ruin this day for her brother. "Got it," she said.
"Good. Let's go."
"I still want an explanation," her mother said, giving her a pointed look. "We're going to talk later, Tori."
She and Dylan fell into step behind her mom and brother.
"He's probably gone, Tori," Dylan said quietly. She met his gaze and sensed he understood her frustration better than anyone else, but then, he knew more of the story than the rest of the group.
"I'm sure you're right," she said.
"Sorry if I upset you in some way," Jim said, as they reached the door to the yacht club. "But what's all this about seeing someone who looks like your dad?"
Since Scott and her mom were already heading into the hall, she took a minute to explain.
"There was a man watching me the other day," she said. "I followed him and he led me into a building that exploded shortly thereafter."
Jim's face paled in shock. "Are you serious? Are you all right?"
"I'm fine. And Mom doesn't know about it, so let's keep it that way for now."
"You're going to have to tell her after what just happened."
"I will, but not tonight."
"And you think this guy who was watching you was the same guy I just gave a cigarette to? Maybe I should go look for him. Find out what he's doing—if he's stalking you or something."
If it was the same man who'd been watching her before, then he was definitely following her; she just didn't know why.
"I thought the guy was homeless," Jim continued. "Are you sure it was the same man?"
She let out a sigh. "I don't know. I can't be a hundred percent sure. There were a lot of shadows. Maybe I'm losing my mind. Seeing my dad in every man's face. You really didn't see a resemblance?"
"No, I didn't."
"Then maybe I am seeing things, because you knew him well."
"This is a hard day," Jim said, echoing her mother's earlier words. "I feel bad that Ben isn't here. He should be."
"I agree."
"Do you want me to go look for him?" Jim asked.
"I can go with Jim," Dylan offered.
She shook her head. She didn't know if the man was dangerous, and she didn't want to expose anyone else to harm. Plus, her brother had made it clear he didn't want any drama at his reception. "I'm sure he didn't stick around. Let's join the rest of the party."
"If you're sure," Jim said.
"I am."
"I'll see you inside," Jim added.
As Jim went to join the rest of the party, she looked at Dylan. "I think that was Neil Hawkins."
He nodded, a grim look in his eyes. "If it was, that's not a good thing. I'm going to take a look around, Tori."
"You heard what Scott said."
"He was talking to you, not me."
"He was talking to all of us."
"I'll just be a few minutes."
She knew she should make him stay with her, but she was torn. "Okay, but be careful," she said.
"Don't worry about me. I'll be fine."
As he headed back outside, she really, really hoped that would be true.
Nine
After leaving Tori, Dylan headed outside, walking quickly through the trees and into the parking lot. There was no sign of movement. He moved up and down the rows of cars, checking to see if anyone was sitting inside a vehicle, but they were all empty. He walked out to the street and looked around.
The sidewalk led to the Marina Greens one way and the Presidio the other way. There was no one walking, but there were cars on the road, stopping at a nearby light, which also served as a turnoff into the parking lot.
The Marina shopping district was a few blocks away, with numerous cafes, bars, and retail stores. That's where pedestrians would most likely be. Why a man would be walking around the yacht club parking lot during a private party seeking a cigarette was a really good question.
He supposed the trees and empty spaces leading into the Presidio might be a good place for a homeless person to blend into the landscape. On the other hand, most of the homeless population stayed in the more populated areas where there were people to panhandle, more places where they might be able to find food, water, and shelter.
He gave it another minute, then slowly walked back toward the club, his thoughts turning to Jim Beacham.
The Beachams had been longtime friends of Tori's family. Jim had been with Ben Hayden on that fateful fishing trip. He'd given the eulogy at his funeral. Jim was loyal to the Haydens and protective of Tori and Scott. Was it just a coincidence he'd been outside when Hawkins wanted to get a cigarette? Or had Hawkins approached Jim for another reason?
He couldn't imagine what that reason could be.
When he returned to the reception, the bride and groom were posing by the cake
, ready to cut their first slice, the guests surrounding the small cake table.
He paused at the edge of the dance floor, wondering where Tori was in the crowd. He felt a wave of anxiety when he didn't immediately see her. He was so caught up in finding her that he didn't realize his mom had come over until she put a hand on his arm.
"Dylan? Everything all right?" she asked.
"Yes."
"Are you sure?"
He nodded, his gaze taking another trip around the room. He let out a breath when he saw Tori with Mitch and Joanie. She had her camera out, ready to take photos of the cake cutting.
"So it's like that," his mom said.
He turned his head and saw a knowing gleam in his mother's eyes. "Like what?"
"You're interested in Tori, aren't you?"
"She's Scott's sister."
"So…"
"It would be awkward. I've known her since she was a kid. We don't really even like each other. She's pushy and nosy, and she has a lot of opinions."
His mom laughed. "Well, that's the most you've told me about a woman in years. It sounds like she's got you rattled, and that might be a good thing."
He frowned. "You just have love on the brain because we're at a wedding."
"And because you're my son, and I want you to be happy. And because it's been awhile." She paused. "I know Jenny did a number on your head, but the next woman won't be the same."
He didn't want to talk about Jenny or Tori. "I think we should get some cake. Looks like they're cutting the bottom tier."
"I'm going to pass on the cake. Your father is taking me to Mallorca this summer. I want to look good in a bathing suit."
"I haven't heard about that trip."
"It's for our thirty-fifth wedding anniversary in July. Your dad surprised me with the invitation last week. He even went so far as to buy airline tickets."
"Good for you. That will be fun."
"I think so. Anyway, I'm going to find your dad and call it a night. Come by the house soon. It's been awhile since we've caught up."
"I will," he promised.
"And give Tori a chance. She might surprise you."
As his mother walked away, he saw Jim Beacham sitting alone at a table. He was typing on his phone. Impulsively, he decided to join him, taking the chair next to him.
Jim's head jerked up, and he slipped his phone back into his pocket. "Did you check out the parking lot?"
"How did you know?"
"I figured you would. You and Tori seem to be tight these days."
"I just want to be sure she's not in any trouble."
"You should call the police," Jim said. "It sounds like Tori is in the middle of something dangerous."
"We're talking to a detective. They're looking for the man Tori thought she saw in the parking lot."
"Well, if you want me to talk to them, too, I will. I love Tori. I've always thought of her as a daughter. I've known her most of her life. If she's in trouble, I want to help, but what I don't understand is why she thinks there's some resemblance between this man and her father."
"I can't really explain it, either."
"Can I be straight with you, Dylan?"
"Of course."
"Tori and Scott—they've been looking for their dad for years. I think it's because they didn't see him after he died, but I did. He's dead. And the man in the parking lot was not his ghost."
Jim's certainty chased away the odd doubts he'd had. "You're right."
"I am right. Tori needs to let the police handle things and stop letting her imagination carry her away."
"I agree, but she's not the easiest person to convince."
Jim tipped his head in acknowledgment. "She takes after her father in that regard."
"Are you talking about me?" Tori asked, joining them at the table.
"I'm worried about you, Tori," Jim said. "What can I do to help?"
"Do you remember anything about the man you spoke to in the parking lot?"
"Not much. It was dark. He had a gruff voice, like someone who smoked a lot."
"Did he ask you anything about this party, what was happening inside the club, who was here…anything?"
"He just asked me for a smoke and a light. When you came out, he took off."
"Okay, thanks."
"I'm happy to talk to the police if you want. Maybe they can send a car out to look for this guy," Jim suggested.
Tori shook her head. "Thanks, but no. I promised Scott and my mom that there wouldn't be any more drama tonight." She turned to him. "We can talk to Max tomorrow."
He nodded. "Definitely."
"Well, let me know if you need me to do anything, including sleep on your couch," Jim said. "You know I will, Tori."
"Thank you, but that won't be necessary," she said. "Sorry if I upset you. I want you to enjoy the party."
"Well, then I think I'll go ask your mother to dance," he said with a small smile.
Tori took Jim's seat after he left, and he could see the strain in her eyes. She was putting on a brave face, but he knew she was still thinking about Hawkins.
"What else did Jim say to you?" she asked.
"He told me that you're not going to find your dad no matter how hard you look for him," he said bluntly.
Her eyes widened, and she didn't look too thrilled with his words. "So he thinks it's all in my mind?"
"Because your father is dead—yes. That's what he thinks. I'm sorry, Tori."
"I understand why Jim would think that. But whatever Neil Hawkins looks like, he's still showing up everywhere I am, and that needs an explanation. I don't know if he wants to talk to me or threaten me, but he definitely wants something."
"He's not going to get near enough to you to do either," he said. "As long as you stick close to me."
"You're going to be my bodyguard now? Last night, you couldn't wait to get away from me."
He frowned at the reminder. "This is not about that."
"Look, I appreciate that you've been helping me and looking out for me, and I hope we can check in with Max tomorrow, but I can watch out for myself."
"Why don't you stay with your mom tonight?"
"She'll think something is up."
"I'm pretty sure she already thinks something is up after the drama outside."
"Good point. But I'm not staying with her. I'm not ready to answer her questions, and I don't want to ruin this night. I'll be fine. I live in a safe building."
"If you don't want to stay with your mom, then I'm staying at your apartment."
Her eyebrow shot up. "What did you say?"
He almost regretted the impulsive suggestion, but it was too late, and he would feel better knowing she was safe. "I'll sleep on the couch."
"That sounds like an incredibly bad idea," she murmured.
"You don't have to worry about me, Tori."
A small, ironic smile curved her lips. "I'm surprised you're not worried about me."
His body tightened at that suggestive comment. If she kissed him again, would he have the strength to stop?
But, as he'd just said, this wasn't about that. "I think we can trust each other, can't we?"
"Tori," her mother interrupted, coming over. "Monica is going to throw the bouquet. We need you."
"Duty calls," she said. "You'll be up next for the garter."
"We're not done talking about this, Tori."
"For now we are," she said, getting up to join the other single women.
* * *
As much as Tori did not want to have Dylan spend the night at her apartment, she also didn't want to be alone. Nor did she want to stay at her mother's house and raise more questions. She had to make a decision soon.
Dylan was talking to Paul, and her mother was saying goodbye to the Heddens, so she still had a minute, but probably not much more than that.
While she was thinking, she moved to the table where she'd left her wrap. As she picked it up off the back of her chair, Scott came over.
"Monica and I are about to make our grand exit," he said.
"Did you have a good time? Was it everything you wanted it to be?"
"Better. It was perfect."
"I'm so glad," she said, touched by the genuine happiness in his eyes. Scott had always looked out for her, especially after their father had died, and she'd been really lucky to have him as a big brother. A part of her wished she could tell him what was going on, because he was so level-headed and smart, but she couldn't burden him with anything now. "Have a good honeymoon."
"I intend to." He paused, glancing around, then turning back to her with a more serious gaze. "What was all that about in the parking lot?"
"We don’t need to get into that now."
"It sounded like someone is following you."
"It was just my imagination. Nothing for you to worry about."
"I don't believe you, Tori. Just because I got married today doesn't mean you can't come to me with a problem. I know I laid down the law earlier, but that was to avoid any drama with Monica's parents. I don't want you to think I don't care about what's going on."
Scott had always felt so responsible for her and for everyone. "The only person you need to be responsible for is your wife. Don't give anything else another thought."
"She's right," Dylan interrupted, obviously overhearing her words. "You don't need to worry about anything, Scott. I'll help Tori with whatever she needs."
"I do appreciate that," Scott said, exchanging a glance with Dylan.
Tori wondered if these two would ever see her as a grown-up, but right now she just wanted Scott to go off a happy, untroubled man, so she let them have their "bro" moment.
Then she gave Scott a hug and followed him out to the lobby, where he joined up with Monica. The two families and remaining guests wished them well as they ran out to the limo for their ride to a local hotel. Tomorrow they would be heading to Hawaii for a week.
Once the bride and groom were off, she and Dylan helped Ray finish putting the wedding presents into his car. Then she told her mother Dylan would be giving her a ride home, and she'd get her car from their house the next day. It seemed easier than going all the way out to the ocean and then back to her place, which was much closer to the yacht club.
Her mom seemed just as happy as Scott that Dylan was by her side. She pulled Tori aside for a quick moment, promising her they would have a longer chat very soon.
Once You're Mine Page 11
