“Like what?” Sheriff Bishop asked. “This is a highway town. We get a lot of people passing through. That’s how I recognized the girl in the first place.”
“I don’t mean that,” Rick snapped. “If someone stays hanging around, whether you know them or not, you tell me. You start receiving phone calls asking about this, you tell me.” He paused for effect. “You come in person to our motel and don’t bring anyone with you, or neither of you will return. Do you understand?”
Sheriff Bishop pulled his large frame to a stand. He towered over Rick. “Do not threaten me again, Mr. Jarrett. I understand the situation and will handle it accordingly. We may be a small potatoes sheriff’s office compared to the boys in your neck of the woods, but we’re an honest one. We’re thorough and, I might add, compassionate. You’re here because I’m not unsympathetic to a man’s wife being threatened by the likes of Luther Carstairs. Make no mistake that this is our case and you were consulted as a courtesy. I’ll keep you apprised as information comes in. But you are not in charge of me, my men or this case. Do you understand?”
Rick nodded but said nothing. Instead he stretched his hand in the sheriff’s direction and was handed Cassie’s picture without needing to actually ask. Rick and Steve left and headed out to the motel.
* * * * *
In contrast to the morning Rick was having, Cassie’s morning was starting out very nicely. For the first time in weeks she didn’t feel nauseous. She lay still for a few minutes and then smiled. Maybe today would be okay after all, even without Rick.
Quickly getting ready for the day, she ventured down the hall to Lori’s room. It was empty. Cassie found her in the dining room with Kevin.
Kevin jumped out of his chair and offered it to Cassie with a gallant bow and smile. “You two get the preliminaries over with yesterday?” he grinned. “Or can we still look forward to the main event later?”
“Would you like me to practice on you, Kev?” Cassie asked, forming her hands into fists. “I can still manage quite nicely.” Looking at Lori, Cassie added slyly, “I’m quite capable, you know.”
Lori laughed out loud, but Kevin only looked confused. Deciding he’d had enough female talk without words, he got up to leave. “See you later, sunshine,” he said to Cassie. “I’m picking up Elena to go horseback riding.”
“Oh, I wish I could go with you,” Cassie commented.
“Yeah well,” Kevin started, “I don’t think Rick would appreciate me taking you along, do you?”
“I don’t think Rick would appreciate you doing anything with his wife,” Lori spoke up. “Goodbye, Mr. Williams.”
Cassie watched Kevin leave then turned to her friend. “You want to talk to me privately, don’t you?”
“Yep,” Lori answered without smiling. “Cassie, you know I love you, but if you don’t accept the fact that I’m looking after you while Rick’s gone, we’re going end up hating each other. And what makes that so bad is it won’t change anything because I’m still looking after you. I promised him.”
“I know,” Cassie said softly. “And you don’t have to worry. I’m not going to fight you. I wouldn’t do anything to put our baby or me at risk. It was good talking to him last night too.” She placed her hand on her stomach and smiled. “I guess sometimes a little kick can do wonders.”
“That’s especially true with Rick,” Lori agreed. “Although with him it’s usually a great big kick in the—” she stopped mid-sentence and smiled. “Did you say little kick?”
Cassie nodded quickly while smiling more. “I don’t know if was actually a kick or not because he’s still so small, but I felt something.” Tears were present, but not falling. “Lori…”
“I know, you don’t have to say anything,” Lori whispered. She too was close to tears.
“I should call Rick,” Cassie sighed. “I can’t wait to tell him this.”
Lori shook her head. “Oh no, you can’t tell him now, not while he’s away. It would upset him too much not being here with you. Wait until he gets back and maybe by then the baby can kick him for real.”
“He’d better return before that,” Cassie said startled. “According to the baby book I have a while yet before anyone else can feel kicking.”
“Well, I don’t know,” Lori shrugged. “Just don’t tell anyone else this little bit of news, not even Daddy.”
Cassie sipped her orange juice and was quiet for a minute. “Lori, when Rick and I went to the mall last week, I bought clothes for me, but I don’t actually have any yet for the baby.” Her eyes sparkled. “Let’s do a little shopping.”
“Rick went shopping with you for maternity clothes?” Lori asked in disbelief. “Oh, I would love to have seen that. There’s proof positive of how he feels about you.”
“Is that a yes or a no to my shopping suggestion?” Cassie asked suspiciously.
“You really need to ask?” Lori said nicely. “I’m sorry, but the last thing the renegade man needs is to call here asking for you and be told you and I went clothes shopping for someone who won’t be here for a few more months.” Noting Cassie’s expression she added quickly, “And besides, I’m hoping Steve will call me today.”
Disappointed, but understanding the reason, Cassie agreed.
* * * * *
Steve drove in silence. He was mad. Rick blowing up and almost assaulting the sheriff had been dangerous, not knowing who they were really dealing with. It meant Rick wasn’t in complete control of himself. Of course, finding a horse’s ear in the mail and a picture of Cassie that had been on a dead body would send most husbands over the edge. Even a tough one like Rick. Still, maybe Rick shouldn’t have come on this assignment, after all.
“Rick, I know this is rough on you.” Steve tried to sound sympathetic. “But you can’t jump every at every mention of Cassie. Hell, just for the way she looks you’re in for men taking a second glance. And when she opens that mouth of hers, forget it. That draws attention for her sheer audacity.”
“You trying to make a point here?” Rick asked, his mood not improving.
“Yeah.” Steve looked at his friend. “You pull something like attacking a sheriff again and it might be you who gets his head handed back on a plate.” He smiled now. “And it may very well be by me.”
“I guess you’re right,” Rick agreed. “I’m sorry. It’s just that seeing this picture…”
“I didn’t say you had to explain it, Rick,” Steve said quietly. “Just be careful. You won’t help anyone if you lose your edge. And the hard part is coming. Waiting for the lab results can take a few days. Can you do that, mi amigo?”
“I’ll manage,” Rick answered absently, though the thought of not returning home as quickly as he’d hoped did not sit well with him.
Chapter Seven
Without Rick around, Cassie couldn’t tell anyone else that she’d felt the baby move. She shouldn’t have even told Lori, but the excitement had been too much to keep hidden. Waiting for Rick to return would be even tougher. It would be worth the wait though to see his face light up, and some of the worries leave his thoughts for a while.
Deciding to sunbathe, she lay on a chaise and placed her hand on her stomach. She waited in vain to feel more movement, but nothing happened except the sun worked its magic and Cassie soon fell asleep.
A crashing sound woke Cassie. Squinting against the sun she saw an image of someone walking toward her. I’m safe here, no one can get me, she thought. Still, for a moment the image of Luther came to mind.
“There you are,” said Kevin in a relieved-sounding voice. He took two more steps then stopped. “What’s wrong?”
Cassie lowered her head. “Kev, you scared me to death. Do you always have to make such a grand entrance?” She patted the lounge next to hers. “Come sit down and talk to me a while.”
“Talk to you?” he exclaimed. “Cass, I’ve just spent the last half hour looking for you. Why are you out here alone?”
“Kevin, don’t yell at me, you’re not my hus
band,” Cassie scolded lightly. “And even he wouldn’t dare yell at me for getting some fresh air and rest. I’m sorry if I worried you though.”
Kevin shook his head. “It’s all right. I just…”
Cassie took Kevin’s hand in hers. About to speak, she was interrupted when Elena walked outside.
“There’s a call for you, Kevin.”
“Thanks, sweetheart,” he said. “Who is it?”
Elena looked uncomfortable and repeated the same thing. “There’s a call for you.”
Before any more questions could be asked, Elena hurried away leaving Kevin and Cassie looking at each other.
“Maybe she’s been spending too much time in the sun,” he laughed and followed Elena.
Watching Kevin disappear into the house, a thought crossed Cassie’s mind.
“Hello,” Kevin said to the phone. “Who’s there?”
“Me,” Rick’s voice answered.
“Hey, how’s it going, did you—”
“Listen up,” Rick interrupted, “We’ve got a problem—a big one. A body turned up here. I think it’s the jockey that Luther killed. We’ll know for sure after the autopsy. They’re also waiting on dental records since the body was mostly a skeletal pile. And if it is the jockey, I need to find out why he had a picture of Cassie with him.”
“Damn,” Kevin said.
“While we’re waiting to see if it is the jockey’s body, I want Cassie kept at the house, you understand me.” Rick didn’t ask questions. In this mood, he phrased them as orders. “Tell Martin and Lori about this, but make sure Cassie doesn’t hear about it.”
“Hear about what, renegade man?” Cassie’s voice asked sweetly.
Rick closed his eyes. Apparently the “damn” he heard Kevin say wasn’t in response to what he had just been told, it was because Cassie sneaked up on him and took the phone away. And now she knew about the jockey’s body being found.
“I don’t know why I try.” Rick sighed. “All right, Cassandra called Cassie, have it your way. Whether it’s the jockey or not, it’s someone and he had a picture of you and now he’s dead. I need to find out who he is, where he got it and who knew about it, do you understand?” He didn’t wait for a reply. “Now do what you overheard me tell Kevin and be a good girl.” He stressed the last few words so there would be no misunderstanding.
“What about you?” Cassie asked. “Why do you always think I’m the only one someone is interested in? I’m not that unique.”
“You’re unique enough, remember? Luther thinks you are anyway.” Rick laughed sarcastically. “I guess he and I have something in common, after all.”
“Oh, that was very funny,” Cassie said, trying to smile. “How much longer are you going to be there?”
“Cassie, I just got here. And now that I know what I’m dealing with, I’m not leaving until Steve and I can be certain that it’s safe for you. If it is the jockey, you know what that’ll mean for Luther—and you. My hands are tied while we wait for lab results. I need to know I can trust you.” Rick’s words had sounded crueler than intended, but he wanted to get her attention.
“You can always trust me,” Cassie whispered. “Rick, do you want something good to happen to you?”
Rick grinned at the phone. “Yeah, but you have to stay there.”
“I felt the baby move today,” she said softly.
“Thank you,” Rick whispered. “I needed that. I love you.”
“I love you,” Cassie said softly and hung up the phone. “I’ll be good, please believe me,” she said out loud.
“He knows, sweetheart,” Kevin said behind her.
Cassie turned in time to feel his arms come around her and hug tight. She clung to him and allowed herself a moment of sadness and happiness.
“Careful, Kevin,” Lori’s voice rang out. “Consoling lonely housewives can be a dangerous business anytime, but it’s especially true with that lonely housewife.”
“You want a hug, too?” Kevin asked stretching his arms in Lori’s direction.
“Yeah,” she answered smartly, “but I’ll wait for Steve.” Her expression changed to serious. “I just hope it isn’t too long.”
“You heard?” Cassie asked.
Nodding her head, Lori answered, “Steve called me earlier while you were sunbathing.”
With nothing to say, Cassie rubbed her stomach. “I’m hungry, you two bodyguards want to take me out to dinner?”
“Dinner?” Kevin asked. “It’s too early for dinner. Besides, lunch is cheaper.” Grinning, he took Cassie’s hand and gave her a look of mischief. “Come on lonely housewife.” Over his shoulder, he called to Lori. “You too, other lonely housewife.”
* * * * *
Easing herself into the bathtub, Cassie lay back and sighed. It had been quite a day. Kevin and Elena had stayed with her since lunch. Kevin seemed to have joined the Take Care Of Cassie Club, which Rick had founded. He hadn’t let her out of his sight since Rick called. Lori didn’t seem worried about Cassie anymore, but Kevin wasn’t taking the chance that she would sneak out on him. So he and Elena stayed by her side the entire afternoon and evening. They ate together, watched two movies and after dinner, Kevin insisted they go for a swim. Begging for mercy, Cassie finally convinced Kevin that she would go directly to her room and stay there for the rest of the evening
Now it was late and Cassie looked forward to a hot bath and time alone. Eyes closed and allowing her body to relax, she thought peace had finally found her. Then she heard a knock at the door.
“Kevin, go away,” she moaned.
“It’s Lori, hon, feel like a chat?”
“Sure, I’ll be right out,” Cassie answered, grabbing a towel.
As she entered the tower room, Cassie found Lori reading the book of baby names.
“Agree on anything yet?” Lori asked.
“We agree that we disagree,” Cassie said with a smile. “There’re a few possibilities, but it’s hard trying to find a name that we both like. I guess if we knew if this was a boy or girl it would be easier.”
“There are ways to do that, you know,” Lori suggested.
“No ma’am,” Cassie said at once. “There have been very few normal things in our life, so far. I want this baby’s identity to remain a mystery until he or she arrives. I think Rick does too although we’ve never discussed it.”
Lori smiled then looked around the room. “This place is much nicer than an apartment, isn’t it? And I love the fact that it’s got a yard. Especially with a baby or two coming.”
Cassie’s eyes widened. “Lor, are you trying to tell me something?”
“No, not yet,” Lori shook her head. “But Steve and I have been talking about kids a lot lately. I think seeing how excited Rick is has got him to thinking about bouncing his own child on his knee.”
“Steve sees excitement in Rick?” Cassie asked surprised. “I can’t even spy much excitement about the baby in Rick. I know he’s happy, but he hasn’t said much.”
“You have to remember, Cass, that Steve, Rick and I go way back. We know how he was before you came along. I think it’s more in the way Rick acts than what he says or actually does. You know, little things people get to know about each other that no one else can see.”
“Yeah little things,” Cassie agreed rubbing her stomach. “I felt another little thing. There’s really a baby here.”
Cassie had smiled, but Lori observed it was a sad smile and touched her friend’s hand. “What’s the matter?”
“I’m worried about Rick,” Cassie answered. “Luther’s in jail, why does he still think I’m in danger? He was fine for a while after the wedding then later he seemed almost more concerned than before Luther was caught. I don’t understand him sometimes and it’s scaring me.”
“Look,” Lori said hesitantly, “I really shouldn’t tell you this, but on the other hand I know Rick wouldn’t want you worrying over him either.” Seeing Cassie about to speak, Lori held up her hand. “Awhile back when y
ou were visiting your dad, Rick intercepted an attempt Luther made to contact you.”
“What’d Luther do?” Cassie asked anxiously.
Lori shook her head. “That doesn’t matter. The point is it spooked Rick. Spooked him real bad. All of us, actually. Anyway, I know he was going to tell you about it, but then you announced the baby and he didn’t want you upset.”
“But we’re married,” Cassie whispered. “We’re supposed to be a team. Why does he think he has to handle all the bad things in our life by himself?”
“I know how you feel,” Lori soothed. “But you have to keep in mind who Rick is. Under all that toughness is a man who’s scared to death of losing something he never thought he would have—a family. And that’s why he overreacts sometimes and says or does things most people wouldn’t. He’s fighting to keep safe what he loves so much— his family. I’m only telling you this now because I don’t want you getting mad at him for being a little overprotective lately.”
“How can I be mad at him for that?” Cassie sighed. “All right, I won’t let him know I know. I’ll even try to be patient with Kevin.”
“Is Kev driving you too crazy?” Lori asked.
Cassie laughed. “Yes, but don’t tell him that. Kevin’s a doll and I’d hate to hurt his feelings. Besides, I honestly think he enjoys watching over me when Rick isn’t here.”
“I think you’re right,” Lori agreed. “Why is that, do you suppose? Well, in the meantime, I’ll see if Daddy can think of a way to control him for a while. Although, now that I think about it, who’ll control Daddy? He thinks of you as a second daughter, you know.”
“Looks like I’m stuck with all three of you.” Cassie flashed a mischievous look then became serious. “Thanks for telling me about Rick, though. Good night, Lor.”
“Good night, Cass,” Lori said almost sadly.
My ShadowMy Love Page 10
