by Tawna Fenske
“The hell it’s not.” Cooper joins us at the door, looking at me like I’m nuts. “That’s definitely her.”
“It’s her sister,” I insist. Not that I’ve met her sister, but I’m sure that’s not Vanessa. “She has a twin, Valerie. That’s gotta be her.”
Both brothers are staring at me now, and I can’t tell if it’s respect or confusion. “I forgot she had a twin,” Gabe says.
I study the photo again. A faint wind rustles the trees behind us, making the knife sway in the door. A shiver runs down my spine.
“Dude.” Cooper shakes his head. “We figured you had something going with her, but that’s next-level stuff.”
I glare at him. “Identifying whether it’s her in a photo is next-level?”
Gabe shrugs. “Seems pretty serious to me.”
“It’s cool,” Cooper says. “Happy for you, man.”
I don’t have time to follow that train of thought. I turn back to the picture, struggling to piece it together. Whoever did this drove the knife straight through the middle of her face. The tip spears her forehead, and even knowing it’s not Vanessa, I’m flooded with rage.
And fear, though I don’t want to admit it.
“Should we get Vanessa over here?” Cooper asks. “Maybe she’d know who’d do this. She could at least tell us where that photo came from.”
“No.”
It’s not ‘til my brothers flinch that I realize how harshly I’ve said it. But I can’t let them terrorize Vanessa with this. It’s one thing to get a postcard in the mail or a creepy reptilian gift on the back porch. It’s another to see a knife between your sister’s eyes.
Eyes that look just like Vanessa’s. God. If I hadn’t spent so much time with her, I’d never have known the difference.
“I’ll handle it.” I tear my gaze off the photo and look from Gabe to Cooper. “I’ll take care of everything.”
Gabe’s brow furrows. “You sure? We should at least let the PI know—”
“I’ve got this.” I slip my phone out of my pocket and hit the home button. “I’ll reach out to Lieutenant Lovelin right now.”
My brothers exchange a look, then shrug. “All right.” Gabe glances at Cooper. “We were going to invite you back to the lodge. That brewery guy left a couple extra cases of beer.”
“And ginger ale,” Cooper says before I can get on his case. “He brews it himself.”
Gabe shoves his hands in his pockets. “Figured you’d be up for a guys’ night in.”
“Can I take a raincheck?” I glance back at the knife in my door, and my gut churns again. “Tomorrow, maybe.”
I don’t mention I’ve got plans tonight. Vanessa had a phone date with her sister, but that should wrap up soon. I’m just waiting for her call to come over.
The thought of seeing her again eases the discomfort in the pit of my stomach.
Gabe’s studying me, frowning. “You’re sure you’re okay?”
“Positive.” I hold up the phone, which is cued up to call Amy Lovelin. “I’ve got this covered.”
Cooper shrugs. “All right, but don’t blame us if you miss out on the ginger ale.”
Gabe laughs and turns to go. “Don’t worry, we’ll save you one. Maybe two, if you’re not an asshole.”
Cooper cracks up and falls into step with Gabe. “If that’s the criteria, he’s not getting any.”
I watch them walk away, the fading sun spotlighting them from behind. I don’t say it often enough, but my brothers are good guys. Annoying sometimes, but smart and kind and funny as hell. There’s no one else I’d trust to join me in a business venture like this, except obviously my sisters.
Maybe I should think about letting go a little more. Trusting them to handle things on their own.
No way. It’s your job to protect them. To keep them all safe.
I push the thought from my head and hit speed dial for Lieutenant Lovelin. She picks up on the second ring. “Hey, Dean,” she says. “Everything okay out there?”
I stare at my front door, at the knife embedded in a face that looks so much like Vanessa’s. A shudder ripples through me, and I have to pause and catch my breath.
“There’s something I’d like you to see.”
She’s quiet for a few beats. “You’re not in danger, are you?”
I don’t think so, but the knife gives me the creeps. “Probably not.”
“Dean?” Her voice tips up in concern. “Do I need to get a team out there?”
“Nothing that urgent.” The last thing I need is to have the place swarming with cops. “Just—could you come right away?”
“Sure thing,” she says. “I’m maybe ten minutes out.”
I consider Vanessa’s observation about Amy being nearby the last time something happened. I never found it suspicious before, but anything’s possible. “You’re close, then?”
“Just visiting Tia,” she says, and my edginess doesn’t subside. “It’s my day off, so I’ll be in my personal car instead of the police cruiser if that’s okay.”
“That’s fine.” Better, actually.
I stare at the photo, wanting more than anything to rip that knife from the face that’s so achingly familiar. I turn away, not comfortable looking anymore. Not able to bear the thought that I wasn’t there to stop whoever did this.
“Hey, Amy?”
“Yessir?”
“Could I ask you to keep this to yourself for now?”
Again with the long pause. “This call, you mean?”
“Yeah, and the details of what I’ll be showing you.” Maybe that’s not allowed, but hopefully it is. She’s officially on the Juniper Ridge payroll, even if she’s got another week left at her cop job. “I’m not asking you to cover up anything illegal,” I add quickly. “Just…trying to prevent panic.”
I don’t say it’s Vanessa’s panic that worries me. I’d like to spare her that if I could.
Amy’s pause drags out so long this time that I’m sure we’ve dropped the call.
“I’ll be right there,” she says, and hangs up before I can say anything else.
I shove the phone back in my pocket and look out at the mountains. The sun’s completely down now, the color faded from the horizon.
As I glance one last time at the photo, a shiver jerks down my spine.
Chapter 16
CONFESSIONAL 388.5
Vincent, Vanessa: (CFO, Juniper Ridge)
Trust. Yeah, that’s kind of a big deal to me. When you’re a twin—I mean, assuming you’re close twins—you have this built-in support system. You know someone has your back no matter what. That you can tell her everything and she won’t judge. Having that kind of trust is huge. I don’t know, maybe I’ve unconsciously been looking for that in all my relationships.
That’s why it’s so huge when I do start to trust someone. When I let my guard down and start to think hey, this could be it. This might be someone I could count on. It’s scary and exhilarating and terrifying and crazy and scary and exciting all at once.
Did I already say scary?
“You’re kidding me.” My sister’s outrage is palpable from 5,200 miles away. “What are they going to do if they can’t get the permits?”
“Dean says he’s handling it.” Saying that fills me with equal parts pride and frustration. “He invited the County officials out to do another inspection.”
“Is it really that simple?”
“Probably not. But Dean seemed confident he can make this go away.”
Valerie laughs, remarkably cheerful for as early as it is in Paris. “You always fall for the confident boys, don’t you, Ness?”
My gut churns just a little. “Dean’s not like Raleigh.” Or Bradley. Or Colton. Or my mother. Or—
“I didn’t say he was like Raleigh,” she says. “Speaking of which, I had a text from him.”
“A text? About what?” I’m surprised he still has her number.
“He asked about you, actually. Wanted to know where you�
��re working, how you’re doing, all that.”
A niggle of unease moves through me. “When was this?”
“I don’t know, maybe a week ago? I didn’t tell him, don’t worry. Why?”
“Nothing. It’s no big deal.”
My sister pauses. “I’m glad you have Dean now.”
“I wouldn’t say I have him, exactly—”
“You’re into him, right?”
“Right, but—”
“You respect him. He makes you laugh. What did you call him? Smart and clever and kind.”
“Sure, but that doesn’t mean—”
“And he’s amazing in bed.”
I sigh and scratch my dog’s head. “It’s hardly a basis for a relationship, is it?”
Valerie takes her time answering. “That depends. Are you asking because you want me to agree with you, or disagree with you?”
This is the thing about having a twin. You can’t get away with lying to yourself. Not ever. “I don’t know.” I rub the bald spot under my dog’s chin. “I feel a little foolish.”
“About what?”
“I made such a big deal about not wanting a relationship. For crying out loud, I put it in my job application.”
“So?”
“So that makes me pretty flaky, doesn’t it?”
“It makes you human, Nessie. People are allowed to change their minds. It’s growth, not a character flaw.”
I wish I had my sister’s confidence. “Maybe.” I glance at my watch and smile. “He’s coming over tonight.”
“Oh yeah? Maybe if we switch to FaceTime, I can meet him.”
“No.” Then again, I’ve met his siblings. Would it really be that weird? “Okay, maybe.”
“Really?” Val laughs. “I was kidding, but this is awesome. This is fantastic. This is—”
“Why are you so excited about meeting a guy I’m sleeping with?”
“Because you never just introduce me to guys you’re sleeping with. Which means this is serious.”
“I don’t know about serious…”
She does have a point though. I wouldn’t consider introducing anyone else to Val, but with Dean, I feel safe. I want my sister to see him, and I want him to meet her, too.
“Okay, hang on.” I pull the phone from my ear and pull up Dean’s name in my contacts. Before I can second guess myself, I fire off a text.
Still chatting with Val, but do you want to come over anyway? She’d like to say hi.
I stare at the words, hoping they don’t sound too forward. Given the personal nature of this business, it’s not that weird to introduce a colleague to my twin. It doesn’t necessarily mean this is a relationship or that I’m taking this seriously or expecting anything like—
Sounds good. Be right there.
A flutter of joy tickles my chest. I put the phone back to my ear. “Okay, I’m switching to Facetime. He’ll be here in a sec.”
“Oh my God, I can’t wait.” I can practically hear my sister bouncing in her chair, and ten seconds later, I’m seeing it.
As her face fills the frame, my chest fills with a deep fondness blended with melancholy. “You look beautiful.” I soak up the view of her face, which is filled with exactly the kind of radiance you expect from a newlywed. “Did you get highlights?”
She touches her hair. “No, just spending more time in the sun. You look good, too.” She laughs, and this time I can see her dimples. “It’s all that good sex, isn’t it?”
“No comment.” I can’t stop grinning. “Should I go put on lipstick before he gets here?”
“You’re perfect.” She leans forward, peering closer at the screen. “Hang on, you’ve got something on your chin. Marker or something.”
I draw a hand up and brush something sticky at the edge of my jaw. “Chocolate,” I tell her. “I made brownies.”
“Brownies?” She laughs. “You must have it bad if you’re baking.”
“Shut up.” That’s the best retort I can manage before there’s a knock at the door.
Roughneck gives a happy “uff” and jumps off the couch. I follow after him, holding the phone so my sister can see. “I’m nervous,” I whisper. “Why do I feel nervous?”
Val doesn’t hesitate. “Because you care.”
She’s right, though I hate to admit it. “Okay, here we go.” My heart rams itself into my throat as I open the door.
“Hey, Dean.” I step aside to let him in, holding the phone up to give my sister a good look. “Valerie, meet Dean. Dean, meet Valerie.”
“Valerie.” He peers at the screen, then does a double take. “Wow. You really do look alike.”
She laughs, dimples flashing. “It’s great to finally meet you.”
“Same.” Dean slips an arm around my waist and pulls me close. “Don’t hold it against me if I kiss your sister, okay?”
“I hope you’re talking to Val and not me,” I tease as his lips draw close to mine.
“Oooh, this is fun.” Val claps as Dean lands a soft kiss on my lips and draws back. “Nice chemistry, you two,” she adds.
“Thanks.” My cheeks feel hot, but it’s not from embarrassment. I get like this anytime Dean touches me.
He swings his gaze back to my phone, looking a bit sheepish. “Sorry. I missed her.”
“So do I,” Val says, “but I doubt she’d grin like that if I walked through the door.”
“Not true.” I adjust the phone so I can see her face, though now Dean’s not in the frame. “You don’t usually greet me like that.”
“This is true.” Val waves a hand. “Give the phone to Dean. He’s got longer arms so I can see both of you at once.”
“Glad I’m good for something.” Dean takes the phone and holds it up for both of us to see. “Better?”
“Much. Thank you.”
Val takes him in, and I know what she’s thinking. She’s waiting for one of the lewd jokes we’ve been peppered with since we were teens. The kind of shit guys say about seeing us kiss or making a twin sister sandwich. Our whole lives it’s been a litmus test, a chance to weed the jerks from guys with real potential.
Dean only smiles. “How are you liking Paris, Valerie?”
“It’s wonderful. This is the longest I’ve stayed in one spot since I started traveling.”
“You’re there a few more months?”
“Until October.” She grins. “You two should totally come visit.”
He looks at me and I hold my breath, hoping she hasn’t been too presumptuous. “That sounds great,” he says. “Paris is beautiful in the fall. Maybe after the show gets going.”
I’m not sure how to take that. Is he making conversation, or is he really thinking long-term? Thinking we’d be at the point of making travel plans together in a few months.
“Let’s go to the couch,” I suggest. “It’s cozier in there, and then Roughneck can be part of the conversation.”
“Perfect,” Val says, beaming. “Did you read him that book I sent about dog heroes?”
“It’s his favorite,” I assure her. “I show him the pictures every time I read it.”
Dean grins. “I even read him a chapter. The one about the dog who saved his mistress from an intruder?”
“I love it,” Val says, clapping her hands together.
We’re passing through the kitchen and Dean inhales deeply. “Valerie, if you were here, I’d definitely offer you some of whatever smells so good.” He shoots me a hopeful grin. “What is that, anyway?”
“Brownies,” I tell him. “They’ve got a couple minutes left, but you can have one as soon as they’re out.”
He clutches his chest and pretends to swoon. “Is it too soon to ask you to marry me?”
I know he’s joking, but I can’t help the rush of heat to my face. Can’t help thinking how different he seems from the guy I met when I first arrived. He’s loosened up a little, joking more than he ever used to. Maybe Oregon agrees with him.
Or maybe, just maybe, it has something to
do with me.
Joy fills my chest cavity as we settle together on the sofa. On the phone screen, I see Val assessing our connection. I know her well enough to see approval lighting her face. “Okay, can I just say it’s really weird to be talking to Dean Judson?”
“Weird how?” He looks genuinely curious, and I cross my fingers Val doesn’t launch into her story about the locker posters.
“Just that we grew up seeing you in magazines, and here you are.”
“Uff,” says Roughneck, almost like he’s agreeing. Dropping the purple tiger at Dean’s feet, he hops up beside him and lays his head on Dean’s thigh.
“Looks like you’re dog-approved,” my sister observes. “That’s important.”
“Absolutely.” Dean softly scratches the bald patch around my dog’s neck, keeping his eyes fixed on the phone screen. “It’s kinda cool seeing the differences between you two.”
Val quirks an eyebrow. “How do you mean?”
“Well, Vanessa’s got those three little freckles next to her eye.” He pauses to point them out, and my skin starts tingling all over again. “And Valerie has dimples.”
“Damn.” My sister feigns another round of applause. “It usually takes ages for people to notice that.”
“If they ever do,” I agree. “Plenty don’t.”
Dean plants a soft kiss on my temple. “I pay attention.”
“No kidding.” Aside from being a generally awesome trait, it’s also what makes him fabulous in bed. As I bite my tongue to keep from saying that out loud, the oven dings.
“Want me to get that?” he asks.
I laugh. “You’re just eager to get your hands on my brownies.”
“That’s true.” He throws me a wink. “But first, I’d like dessert.”
Valerie cracks up as he hands the phone back to me. “Want milk?” he asks.
“Yes, please.”
“On it.”
He’s barely out of earshot when Val makes bug eyes at me. “Oh my God,” she hiss-whispers. “He’s even hotter in person.”
