Nina heard voices and turned to find Beth and Juan standing in the kitchen. Surprised to see her sister, she raced forward and gave her a hug. “I wasn’t expecting you. I thought you couldn’t make it because you have an exam tomorrow.”
Beth pushed Nina’s hair away from her face and cupped her cheeks. “My professor allowed me to take it this morning. I couldn’t miss my big sister’s birthday.” She kissed Nina’s cheek. “I hope you know how much I appreciate all you have done for me, Sis. I know how difficult it must be to keep this place going by yourself.”
Nina reached out and ruffled Juan’s dark hair. “I have help.”
“Yes, I saw your other helper in the front yard when I arrived. He is one fine piece of…”
Nina placed her hand over her sister’s mouth. “Don’t talk like that in front of Juan.”
Beth removed her hand and ordered, “Go get ready. I’m taking you out for your birthday.”
“I haven’t fed the animals. The horses need rubdowns. Midnight has a cut on his left hock and I need to dress it before it gets dark.”
Beth sat on one of the barstools and braced her elbows against the counter. Nina wished she had her sister’s elegance. Even though money was tight, she managed to look like she spent a fortune on her clothes. The white blouse and black skirt looked magnificent on her slim figure. But then Nina knew better. Both had cut back to only the bare necessities. The clothes she now wore were over two years old.
“Let the hunk do the chores. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind.”
In a serious voice, Nina snapped, “No, he does enough around here as it is. I can’t ask him to take care of the animals while I go and dance the night away.”
Maria pushed Nina toward the door. “Go, have fun. Juan and I can handle everything. We will fix sandwiches for dinner and have plenty of time to do all that needs to be done.”
Feeling guilty leaving them with the work, she asked, “Are you sure?”
“Of course. Forget the farm for one night and have some fun. You’re entitled to let your hair down once in a while. You work too hard.”
Beth grabbed the gift bag off the table where she had placed it when she came in the room and handed it to her. Nina rustled through all the bright colored tissue paper and pulled out a wide royal blue bracelet with gold trim. Eyes sparkling brightly, she placed it on her arm and exclaimed, “It’s exquisite. You spent too much money.”
“Don’t worry sister, I didn’t break our budget. I found it at Goodwill.”
Nina laughed until tears ran down her cheeks. Never in a million years could she imagine Beth shopping at Goodwill. She had always loved shopping at the high end stores until their parents died leaving them destitute. “I love it.”
She took Nina’s other arm. “Let’s party. All work and no play makes Nina a dull girl. It’s not every day you turn twenty-five.”
Nina rolled her eyes. “Don’t remind me.” It had been months since Nina had gone out. Maybe a little dancing and drinking was exactly what she needed. It would be nice to forget the load placed on her shoulders for one night. But then it wouldn’t be easy to forget the tomatoes, okra, green beans...
Beth propelled her toward the bathroom. “Hurry, Lacy is meeting us. We wanted it to be a surprise, but at the rate you’re moving she’ll think we’re not coming. She had a late class so she couldn’t come with me to pick you up.”
Excitement danced over Nina. It had been weeks since she had seen her youngest sister Lacy. Just the thought of spending time with her had her hastily heading for the shower. The death of their parents had been the most difficult for her. The time together would help her as much as it would Nina and Beth. Between school, responsibilities, and lack of money they rarely saw each other.
By the time she got out of the shower and donned her robe, Beth was going though her closet. “When did you last go shopping?”
“I don’t have much need for pretty clothes while working the fields or shoveling manure.” In reality she couldn’t afford indulgences, only necessities.
“God, even your church clothes are hideous.” She closed the closet door with a flourish. “Come, we’ll go look in mom’s closet. There’s nothing in your closet that will suffice for turning men’s heads.”
“It will be depressing to wear something of mother’s.” Nina followed Beth into her parents’ bedroom. Everything was just as it had been the day they died. Her mother’s bath robe lay on the bed where she left it after getting dressed to go out to dinner. Her father’s bedroom slippers lay on the carpet as if he were going to come back any minute and step into them. It was just too depressing to come into their room knowing they were never coming back. Maria kept the furniture dusted, but never touched anything else.
“Nonsense, mother would be pleased for you to make use of her clothes.” Beth opened the closet and started moving racks around. “Here this will look perfect on you.” She handed Nina a slinky black dress with gold trim.
A tear slipped over Nina’s cheek as she remembered the last time her mother wore the dress. Her parents had gone to the country club for some big gala. The memory was still vivid in her mind of how spectacular she looked. Her mother had loved to socialize and she was all giddy before she left the house. Grief crept into her heart.
In a firm voice, her sister ordered, “Wear it because it is what our mother would want.” She waved her well manicured hand around the room. “It is time to clean out this room and give everything to charity. It’s twice as big as your room. Move your things in here and live a little.”
It was a spacious, airy room. Her mother had had a flair for decorating. Striped wallpaper with bold colors perfectly matched the chairs and carpet. Floor length windows banked the wall overlooking the pool in the backyard. It was the kind of bedroom in magazines. The view was spectacular. “I’ll think about it.”
Beth let out a deep breath of frustration as she moved toward her mother’s dressing table and picked up a tube of lipstick. She leaned over so she could see her reflection in the mirror and smeared the tip of it across her lips. Nina almost cried when she thought about her mother doing the same thing before she applied her makeup the night she died. Her father and mother were on their way to dinner when they were hit by the drunk driver. Running her fingers through her hair, Beth took one more look at her reflection before plopping onto the bed.
Always outgoing and cheerful, people loved Beth and she had hundreds of friends. Most of the time Nina liked being by herself and felt uncomfortable at parties and bars. But she knew her sister would not allow her to spend her birthday without a lot of hoopla.
****
It was dark by the time Grant saw Nina and Beth climb in the small compact and drive away. Juan told him they were going out to celebrate Nina’s birthday. He waited until they disappeared from sight and hurried to his car. He kept his lights off so they would not see him following as they drove along the mile long drive. He must have lost his mind to be following them. Deep down he hoped Nina knew nothing about the marijuana operation on their land, but until he proved her innocence she and her sisters were suspects.
When Grant arrived at the end of the drive, he waited ten seconds before switching his head lights on and turning left, the direction the ladies had taken. The crooked country road wound its way through the forest. Land that Nina, Beth, and the youngest sister, Lacy owned. He wondered what they would do to hold onto that land their father and mother had owned before them. The taxes alone on one thousand acres and the four thousand foot home would be extremely high. It would be in their best interest to have the timber cut and pay the debt left by their parents. Mostly hardwood, the timber would bring them a small fortune. It was none of his business, but he might talk over her options with her. Of course he would probably never get the chance. Nina was cold and prickly most of the time and didn’t want to hear anything he had to say.
More than likely the death of her parents had caused her to be extremely independent. The oldest, she wo
uld believe the responsibility of the farm was all hers. As Grant cruised over the road, he decided to do what he could to make her life easier while he was at Twelve Oaks Farm. She and Juan worked together like a well oiled machine, but like she said he was in school most of the time. Even when he was at home, he had loads of homework. It was too bad she couldn’t hire someone to help her.
An hour later the compact car pulled into the parking lot of Billy’s Bar in Durham. Grant parked on the side of the street and watched Nina and Beth climb out of the car. Duke University is where Lacy, the youngest sister went to college so Beth probably picked that location so she wouldn’t have to drive so far from campus. The oldest always looked after the youngest, even in human nature.
Under the glow of the streetlights he saw another woman emerge from a beat up red Honda. Nina and Beth engulfed her and the three women held each other as seconds passed. He assumed the third woman was the youngest sibling, Lacy. Arm in arm they turned and made their way to the front door of the establishment. From his viewpoint he admired their long, tantalizing legs until they disappeared inside.
Leaving his car parked on the street, he opened the door and got out. If Nina saw his car, she would recognize it so he couldn’t park in the parking lot. Music blared into the streets from inside. When he opened the door to the establishment, the music was almost deafening.
Grant took a moment to access the situation at the entrance. Already at the bar, the three women were drawing a crowd of men. From his position he could see Beth was in her element smiling and flirting with the gentlemen, while Nina seemed to be a little shy. Now that he had a better view of Lacy he thought she looked more like Nina with the blond hair and peachy complexion. Like Nina, she seemed a little shy around all the men pressing in on them. Not wanting the ladies to see him, Grant slipped to the back of the bar where he could observe undetected. The room smelled of stale cigarette smoke and beer. He never cared much for the bar scene.
Alarm bells were ringing when he glanced at the table in the far corner where a group of five men had their heads bent together in conversation. Something about their demeanor caused him to become suspicious. One of the men leaned back in his chair, and that was when he saw the pistol under his jacket. Carrying a concealed weapon wasn’t uncommon, especially in a bar, but Grant had the feeling they were trouble. They were tense and the conversation taking place seemed serious. Clear, cold eyes shifted toward him as one of the men watched him slide into the booth. A moment passed before he turned his attention back to the other men.
His focus back on Nina, he watched as a tall young man asked her to dance. When she turned him down, Beth accepted his invitation. From where he sat he watched her sensual movements on the dance floor. She was hot and seemed to enjoy the man’s hands on her body. He pulled her close and she ground her body against him. The song ended and Beth gave him a quick kiss on the lips before she whispered something in his ear and returned to the bar and slipped onto a stool beside Nina. Even though other men asked the three beauties to dance they were turned down. Heads together they seemed more interested in conversation than dancing.
A curvy, raven haired waitress brought a round of drinks to the table where the five men sat. She bent and whispered into the ear of the tallest man who Grant assumed was in charge. He sat at the head of the table like he was someone important. The man swiveled in his chair and peered at the bar where Nina, Beth, and Lacy were surrounded by male customers.
Margarita in hand, Nina lifted it to her lips and took a drink. The alcohol seemed to give her courage because she smiled at the young man that had taken the stool next to her. Grant studied her magnificent face and felt a twinge of jealousy. She had not once given him any encouragement, but yet here he sat feeling as if she belonged to him. The intense physical attraction he felt for her was screwing with his better judgment. He had a mission and his lust for a suspected drug dealer would only hamper that investigation.
The black dress was stunning on Nina. Cut low, it gave him a good view of cleavage and the side slit revealed the length of her leg. The woman had his heart pounding.
He took a deep fortifying breath before returning his attention back to the men at the table in the far corner. The tall man tucked a bill down the front of the waitress’ shirt before smiling wickedly and sending her on her way.
The waitress prepared a couple of drinks and carried them to Nina, and Beth, a Coke for Lacy. When the waitress pointed toward the man at the back table, Nina paled. He raised his hand and smiled revealing a mouthful of perfect white teeth. By the look on her face she knew and feared the man. Beth glared at the man before she shoved the tray of drinks away shaking her head in the negative. The waitress shrugged her shoulders as she peered at the man that had ordered the drinks. Undaunted, the man raised his glass in the air and saluted the ladies with a look of pure lust on his face. Rage showed on Beth’s face as she scooted off the barstool and sashayed in the direction of the man.
To keep from being recognized Grant grabbed a menu and placed it in front of his face. The click of her high heels on the tiled floor was loud as she walked only a breath from where he sat. She walked with purpose and determination.
Only a few feet away, Grant heard Beth snap, “As I have told you before, leave my sister alone. You make me sick to my stomach. You can’t have everything you want, Randle.”
Grant peeped to the side of the menu and saw Nina slip off the barstool. Nervous, she chewed on her bottom lip.
“You look lovely tonight, Beth.” He let out a cruel laugh as his eyes roamed over her curvy body. “Let me guess. You are here to celebrate Nina’s birthday.” Quick as a flash, the man reached out and grabbed her hand. She tugged and pulled but he wouldn’t release his hold on her.
Nina and Lacy sprinted to their sister’s side. In a calm voice, Nina replied, “It’s my birthday, Randle and we are out to celebrate. Please don’t ruin it with your heavy handed tactics. Now release my sister this minute and we’ll leave.”
His eyes softened when he gazed up at Nina. “I know it’s your birthday, Nina. I called hoping to take you out, but you never return my calls.”
“You know why I don’t return your calls. I will not give you false hope. You and I are finished.”
“My apologies, Nina. The last thing I would do is ruin your night away from the farm.” He released his hold on Beth. “Please, the three of you stay and have a good time. The drinks are on me.”
Randle stood and so did all the men at the table. His fingers grazed Nina’s cheek. “Happy birthday, my sweet.” From where he sat he saw her grit her teeth to keep from pulling away. He wondered what their story was. The man didn’t seem to be her type. But then women did like bad boys.
Grant let out the breath he had been holding. For a moment he feared he would have to intervene. He relaxed as Randle and his thugs disappeared through the door.
Nina placed her trembling hands over her face. Beth draped her arm over her shoulder and whispered, “I’m sorry. I assumed he would be at his establishment tonight. If I had known he was here tonight, I’d never suggested coming. Let’s go to Raleigh to celebrate your birthday.”
Nina lifted her head and swiped at a tear. “I want to go home. I’m not in a partying mood.”
Sitting close enough to reach out and touch them, Grant gripped the menu until his knuckles turned white. He waited until Beth led Nina through the exit door with her arm still draped over her shoulder, Lacy following behind before he motioned the raven haired waitress over. He grabbed one of the beers from her tray. Giving her a cheeky smile, he asked, “Do you have time for a break.”
Excitement showed on her face before she slipped into the chair beside him. She slid in close, her thigh rubbing against his. “What’s your name?”
“Grant.”
“Well, Grant, my name is Sheila. What do you have in mind, handsome?”
He placed a hundred on the table and answered, “Information.”
She tucked the
hundred into her bra pouting prettily. “Here I thought it was me you were interested in.”
He provocatively raked his eyes over her. Dark eyes framed by long, jet, black lashes peered back at him. “Maybe another time, sweetheart. I’m in a bit of a rush. But I don’t see why I can’t come back another night and spend a little time with you.”
Dimples popped out in both cheeks. “It’s a date. Now what information you lookin’ for?”
He tilted his head toward the table where Randle and his goons were sitting. “The men that were sitting at that table earlier, who are they?”
Suddenly nervous, she peered over her shoulder to make sure no one could hear their conversation. “One of them was Randle Collins. He owns The Red Diamond Bar in Raleigh.”
Grant took a sip of his beer before continuing his questions. “Why was he in here tonight?”
Her voice became tight. “Listen, Grant, take my advice. Randle Collins is not the kind of man you should be concerned about. He is a very powerful person.”
“How powerful?”
“As I said before, very powerful.”
By her expression she was frightened to even be talking to him. She wouldn’t give him the answers he needed, so he decided to change tactics. Besides, Uncle Tate could find out anything he wanted to know about Collins. “What about the tall blond he seemed so interested in. What’s their story?”
“Nina Reynolds?” Sheila rolled her eyes. “Randle fancies himself in love with her. They went out a few times about three months ago, but for some reason she broke up with him. He is not accustomed to someone telling him no. I imagine she was the first woman that ever did. Considers himself a ladies’ man.” She rubbed the back of his knuckles with the tips of her fingers. “You know the type, school jock and handsome.”
The bartender stepped to the end of the bar and shouted over the glare of the music, “Sheila, you’ve got tables to wait!”
Whispers of the Falls: Book one (Twelve Oaks Farm Series 1) Page 5
