Killer Run

by Lynn Cahoon

  “You’re safe. I was so worried. I saw you disappear and so I ran in to call Greg. Good thing the station is so close.” She kissed me on the forehead. “I could have lost you.”

  Gratitude overwhelmed me as I realized, not for the first time, I was truly not alone in the world. I had my over-the-top nosy aunt, and because of her watchful eye, I’d been saved by my equally as overbearing boyfriend. Well, overbearing at times. I hugged her back and then looked at Adam in the back of the car. “I don’t know what he thought I had, but it had to do with his identity change five years ago. When I asked him about it, he lost his fight.”

  Greg kissed me. “Stop investigating. I’ll take it from here.” He nodded to my aunt. “Thanks for giving me a call.”

  My aunt took my arm and led me back into the coffee shop, where the rest of the teenagers who had still been at book club had surrounded the front door. “Move out of the way, nothing to see here. Go do something productive with your lives.”

  By the time we got into the café, my legs were shaking. “I need to sit down.” I pointed to the couch. “Can someone bring me a glass of water or something?”

  Sasha put a glass into my hand. “My goodness. That was quite a scare. Are you sure he didn’t hurt you?”

  I drank down the entire glass before I answered. “No. No, I’m not hurt.” I smiled at Sasha and Aunt Jackie, who were staring down at me like I’d been murdered or something. “Back off, guys, you’re freaking me out here. I’m just glad Greg showed up when he did. I still don’t understand how he got from the station to the shop that quick.”

  My aunt sat next to me and patted my leg. “It’s not a miracle. I called him earlier because I saw that awful man looking in the window during Sasha’s book club.”

  “You what?” I set the empty glass on the coffee table. “Why didn’t you tell me you saw Adam?”

  “Well, I meant to, but then we got busy and Greg said he and Toby would take care of it, so I kind of forgot about it.” My aunt smoothed the fabric on her pants. “I was going to call the station and see if they’d found him before you came back for me this evening.”

  I leaned back against the couch, turning my face to heaven and closing my eyes. I wondered if this was how Greg felt sometimes talking to me. I took a deep breath and gazed at my aunt. “So, why didn’t you tell me before I started for home? It might have helped.”

  “You weren’t walking home. How did I know he was lying in wait for you? The man’s insane. How am I supposed to predict crazy?” The bell over the door rang and she stood. “I’ll handle this. Apparently, that’s all an old woman is good for around here. Serving drinks.”

  “Aunt Jackie,” I called after her, but her back was metal-rod straight. I’d upset her. I started to stand, but Sasha put her hand on my arm.

  “Let her be. You don’t realize how scared she was. If something had happened to you, she would have blamed herself. No need for you to poke at her with that stick.” Sasha’s cell rang in her pocket. She glanced at the caller ID and stood. “Got to take this. My granny has Olivia today and I’m sure she’s tired of the girl tearing up her picture-perfect house.”

  I waved her away and thought about the last fifteen minutes. Well, one good thing had come from Adam’s attack. We knew who had vandalized The Train Station. And probably why. I needed to talk to Lille and see if she’d hired Sandra for the work. She’d seemed upset about what had happened to Harrold, but that could have all been an act. Honestly, I didn’t know Lille all that well. Probably due to the fact that she hated me.

  Sasha came back to the couch and flopped down next to me. “I guess I’d better head home. I’m glad you’re safe.”

  I gave her a hug. “Sorry to ruin your book club with all this. I thought you did an excellent job.”

  “It went really nice. I was proud of the kids. They asked great questions and really opened up to each other. I told them to e-mail me with suggestions for next month’s read and we’d put up an online poll. Most votes wins.” Sasha looked around the room. “Who knows what they’re going to choose. I’m a little nervous.”

  “It will be fine. And if it’s totally inappropriate, you have veto power.” I grinned at Sasha’s surprised face. “You’re in charge. You can do whatever you want.”

  “I hadn’t thought of it that way.”

  “Being the grown-up has to have some advantages.” I leaned forward and grabbed the glass. “Well, at least now Greg has a suspect for Sandra’s murder, as well. I’m sure he’ll have the case all tied up before Monday.”

  Sasha glanced out the window where the police car had sat. “You mean, you think Adam killed Sandra? That’s not possible.”

  “I don’t understand. The guy admitted vandalizing Harrold’s business. Why do you think he can’t be a murderer, too?” Standing I rested a knee on the couch, waiting for Sasha’s answer.

  Sasha took off her apron. “Because the guy Toby put in the cruiser was drinking with Michael at the winery the night Sandra was run over. They closed down the place, and Darla had Matt drop them off at the bed-and-breakfast where they were staying.”

  This time when I left the shop, I actually arrived at the Jeep parked behind the building. Instead of leaving through the front door, I took the back door that opened out right into the parking lot. My aunt stood behind me and watched until I got in the car and waved. Then she slammed the door and probably locked it behind her. I was going to have to do some fast talking to get out of the doghouse with her.

  When I got home, I grabbed a bottle of beer and Emma and we went out to the garage to finish the bed frame. Having a sixty-pound dog lying on the cool cement floor in between me and any intruder eased my nerves a little. The beer helped a little more. And when I got focused on the project, I’d pushed aside my fear. The sun was just setting when I’d finished stripping the last of the paint off the frame. I leaned back on my workbench and appraised my almost-final project. All I needed to do tomorrow was apply a couple coats of paint and let the frame dry. Monday morning, I’d have the bed all assembled and ready for the mattress delivery.

  If I could get the floor sealed tomorrow. I knew it was all up to me. No way would Greg be available to help. I pushed off the worry and put a happy thought in my head. Like the little engine that could, I would be ready for the delivery truck Monday morning. “I can do this, right, girl?” I squatted down and petted the sleeping Emma.

  She turned and looked at me, barking a short “woof ” to answer my question. Or probably more likely to ask her own, like, When are you going to feed me? I’m starving.

  I cleaned up the garage, sealing the cans, and put my special work shirt on the bench. I think I agreed with Emma, it was way past dinnertime and I heard the siren call of frozen tater tots from my freezer.

  I’d set my alarm for six even though it was Sunday. As I swung my legs over the side of the bed, I groaned. My shoulders were on fire. Jerking steps took me to the shower, where I stood under the hot water until it cooled. Seriously, I needed to start adding some weight training to my fitness routine. Running with Emma wasn’t doing a thing to build up my arm strength.

  As I dressed, Emma whined at the door. “Sorry, girl, I’m moving a little slow today.” I pulled on an old tank and cut-off shorts and followed Emma down to the kitchen, where I let her out. Pouring myself a cup of coffee, I spied the leftover cheesecake and cut myself a large slice. Breakfast of champions. Besides, I’d probably burned that many calories between yesterday’s scare and stripping the bed frame. And today I had another calorie scorcher of a day planned. Heck, I might have a second piece of cheesecake for lunch.

  I sat at the table and raised the fork to my lips. A knock sounded at the front door. Considering the fact I’d already done the hard part, I shoved the bite of cheesecake in my mouth, then went to answer. As I swung the door open, Greg stood in front of me, dressed in a ratty I Climbed Out of the Grand Canyon T-shirt and green cargo shorts. The man looked California beach fine. I swallowed the c
heesecake, and quite possibly my tongue, and blurted, “What are you doing here?”

  He laughed as he wiped the corner of my mouth with a finger. Looking at the crumb, he sighed. He kissed me on the cheek and looked toward the kitchen. “Please tell me you have some of this left? Sadie outdid herself with this recipe.”

  “You’re here to work?” I held my arm out to block his forward movement.

  He pulled me into his arms and power-drove me to the couch, where he held my arms above my head and kissed me more thoroughly this time. He pulled away from me, stared into my eyes, and murmured, “I’m your willing slave.”

  My stomach felt like I’d swallowed a bucket of butterflies. I bit my bottom lip so hard, I reached up to make sure it wasn’t bleeding. And that was the moment Greg jumped over the couch and went into the kitchen. I stood up and followed. He had my plate of cheesecake in his hand as he looked in the fridge. Then he handed the plate back to me. “You’re in luck. There’s a slice or two left for me.”

  I took the plate and went back to the table, where I took another bite. I watched him cut an extra-large slice and put it on a plate. Then he poured coffee and joined me at the table. I pointed my fork at his plate. “That was going to be my lunch.”

  He didn’t even pause. “You can take me for an early dinner in Bakerstown and we’ll skip lunch.”

  “You think I have time to go out to eat?” I pointed to the list with Sunday written on top. “Look at that list. I’ll be lucky if I can pause for a glass of water.”

  “I told you I was here to help.” He considered the list. “We should be done by three thirty, four at the latest. We can get there in time for early bird pricing.”

  “The way I’m moving, we might qualify for the senior rate.” I rubbed my left shoulder. “Who knew vacation could be so hard on a body?”

  Greg set his fork down and came around the table. He put his hands on my shoulders and started to rub. “Not quite the cruise we’d planned, huh?”

  I dropped my head, letting his fingers work out the knots in my muscles. “I’m not complaining. I’m getting another room done and earning bonus points with you as the understanding girlfriend. By the time we actually go somewhere, you’ll owe me big-time.”

  Greg chuckled as he worked on a spot on my neck. I almost wanted to cry his massage felt so good. “I did save you from the crazed attacker yesterday. Doesn’t that wipe out some of your understanding points so we’re even?”

  “Not even close, buddy.” I rolled my head and sighed. Then I opened my eyes and put my hands up to still his hands. “Why aren’t you working on the case?”

  “Adam’s a jerk. He’s going to be charged with the vandalism and your attack, but when we ran his prints, the city called. Apparently he is wanted for skipping out on a court appearance, leaving his elderly mother holding the bond. She was weeks away from losing her home.” Greg picked up my cup. “More coffee?”

  I nodded. “I can’t believe he would do that to his mother.”

  Greg filled both of our cups, then walked back and sat. “I know. Son of the year material, right?” He took a sip. “Anyway, the DA says we can’t do anything until those charges are dealt with.”

  “What about Sandra’s murder?” I wondered if Greg already knew what Sasha had told me yesterday.

  “No dice there. Unless he hired it out. He and Michael were drinking together at the winery after the big celebrity party. Darla’s already confirmed that.” He took another bite of the cheesecake. “Besides, I don’t see what he would have to gain from it, especially since he thought Sandra had already passed the blackmail material on.”

  “To me.” I held up my hands to the heavens. “How on earth did I get involved?”

  He laughed. “Honey, just face it. You’re always involved.” He held up a hand, stopping my tirade. “I know, you didn’t do this. I’m beginning to think he misunderstood or had just guessed wrong.”

  “Whatever. I’m tired of getting dragged into these things.” I stood up and took my plate and cup to the sink. “What do you want? Paint the frame, install wainscoting, or seal the wood floor?”

  Greg followed me to the sink and wrapped his arms around me. “Remember that feeling next time you decide to go clue hunting with your aunt.” He kissed my neck. “Give me the sealer and you take Emma with you to the garage. Just in case someone else comes to visit you.”

  Greg had been spot-on with his estimate of our arrival time at the restaurant. By four thirty, we were already eating our dinner salads. And that had included a quick shower and our drive time. I felt like I hadn’t eaten real food for a week, even though we’d gone out just that Friday.

  He took a swig off his beer and smiled at me. “You hungry?”

  “Starving.”

  “What did you eat last night?” I thought about the pile of tater tots I’d scarfed down in front of the television last night. No use lying, he was a paid investigator.

  “A huge bowl of tater tots and special sauce. And, before you ask, I had a banana split for dessert.”

  “Balanced dinner.” He waved his fork at me. “I’m surprised your arteries aren’t clogged from all the fried food you eat.”

  “What can I say, I’m blessed.” A man walked past our table and I looked up into his face. It was the tourist guy. Now this was just getting weird. Either he was stalking me, or we just happened to eat at all the same places. I set my fork down. “Excuse me, I’ll be right back.”

  I followed the man into the lobby, then caught up with him, turning him by grabbing hold of his arm. “Hey, I thought that was you.”

  “Do I know you?” He looked down at me, a smile crossing his lips.

  I nodded, feeling my head bounce like a puppy dog. “I own the bookstore and coffee shop in South Cove. I gave you a discount card. So, did you enjoy it?”

  He shook his head, looking back into the dining room. “I’m sorry. Did I enjoy what, my meal?”

  “Sure, but I was talking about the book. Did you enjoy the travel book you bought?”

  He studied me. “You have a strange way of doing customer satisfaction surveys.”

  I shrugged. “What can I say? I’m devoted to the shop and the happiness of my customers.”

  “Okay, then. Actually, I haven’t read the book. I bought it for my girlfriend as a gift.” He held his hands palms up. “Anything else you want to ask?”

  I felt Greg come up behind me. “Is everything okay?”

  I put my arm through his. “Just checking in on a customer. I hope your girlfriend enjoys the book.”

  I let Greg lead me back to the table. Our dinners had arrived while I had been talking to the tourist guy. I cut a piece of fish off with my fork and stabbed it.

  Greg watched me attack the cod. “You going to tell me what that was all about? The guy looked scared. Don’t tell me he has a secret, too.”

  CHAPTER 19

  Greg came inside after we finished dinner and the floors had dried hard enough to set up the bed frame. I frowned at the bare floor underneath the bed and put washcloths under each foot. “I was going to go flea market shopping with Amy today. But no, Adam had to ruin my planning.”

  “I’ll help you put a rug under the bed later.” Greg pulled me close. “I think it looks amazing.”

  “The room’s not even halfway done. I need mattresses.”

  He nodded. “Which are coming tomorrow.”

  “And I don’t have the rest of the furniture or a rug or even a quilt.” My gaze drifted toward the ceiling. “Or wainscoting. We forgot the wainscoting.”

  He turned me around and tilted my head toward his so I could see his eyes. “Stop being a glass-half-empty girl. You’re better than that.”

  I forced my shoulders down and sank into his chest. “You’re good at this, you know?”

  “What? Calming you down?” He chuckled. “Lots of experience with overwrought women in my life. You’re easy. Your stress comes from the too-high expectations you put on yourself.”
<
br />   “I like setting and meeting goals, so sue me.” I peeked around Greg to look one more time at the room. It was very pretty already.

  Greg laughed as he guided me out of the incomplete room and closed the door. “Goals are one thing. You set up a timetable a Greek god couldn’t meet.”

  We walked arm in arm down the narrow staircase, Emma following. “You want to stay for coffee?”

  “We still have cheesecake?” Greg aimed us toward the kitchen. “If so, I’m all in for a cup and a slice.”

  We talked for an hour. When Greg stood to leave, I didn’t object. My eyelids kept closing, and I was craving climbing in between the sheets of my bed and letting sleep overtake me.

  He held me close for a minute. “Go to bed. You’re almost ready to drop.”

  “Thanks for helping today. I could have done it …” A yawn stopped me from finishing the sentence.

  “All by yourself, I know.” He stepped out on the porch. “Lock up after me.”

  I nodded and followed his instructions. Three minutes later, I was snuggled in bed.

  I was a load into laundry the next morning when my cell rang. “Hello.”

  “Where are you?” my aunt demanded.

  “I’m home waiting for the mattress delivery, remember?” I sorted the rest of the clothes into whites and not whites. “You were there when I made the plans.”

  “I’ll be right over. You need to see this.” The line went dead and I put the phone in the pocket of my cut-offs. I glanced down at Emma, who was ignoring the laundry on the floor next to her.

  “Your crazy Aunt Jackie is coming over.”

  Emma sat at attention at the mention of the name. I closed the door to the laundry room and went to the kitchen to make a fresh pot of coffee.

  I heard her car pull up so I met her at the door. She was dressed in typical Aunt Jackie casual: silk shirt, a floating diamond necklace, and slim dress pants. She made a nod to the warmer weather with flat sandals. She kissed me lightly on the cheek and then looked at my tank and ratty shorts. “I guess you weren’t expecting company?”