Rush was getting his father back.
Mom was getting her husband back.
What about Rush’s prayers? Would they be answered anytime soon? Would he ever find love that would work out, have a family of his own?
After prayer, the family piled plates full of ham, potatoes, casseroles, deviled eggs and homemade yeast rolls. Nora sat beside Greer at the kitchen table, talking and laughing.
“Son, can we talk a minute?”
Rush set his plate on the counter. “Sure.” He followed Dad into his study and shut the door.
“I owe you an apology.”
“For?”
“The last ten years. And for keeping you from the woman you love.”
“Dad, you didn’t keep me from Nora. We did that all by ourselves.” Rush leaned against the desk and crossed an ankle over the other.
“Fear has kept you from going after her. Fear she’s like me. Like what I’ve become. It’s true. I’ve been wallowing in guilt for what I did, in bitterness for what happened, anger at God for allowing it. I thought I’d lost everything, but I didn’t. The most important things to me were still here, still covering me with love, and I ignored it to be selfish. To be resentful and fearful.”
Rush swallowed the lump in his throat.
“You see me and what I’ve done to this family in Nora. For that I’m sorry. Because tonight I saw the love you have for her. And the pain. I’ve been afraid to live for ten years. Don’t be me. Don’t think Nora is me.”
Dad hugged him hard and tight. “She helped me see that tonight, and it hit me that my son is miserable because of me and I can’t have that. Your mother has been miserable because of me.”
“Dad, I love you.”
“I love you too, son.”
“But it doesn’t change anything with Nora. She won’t confide in me. Open up to me. I can’t be with a woman who won’t give me all of her heart. All of her dreams and fears and everything. Even if you hadn’t changed... I would still feel the same way about her. I would still want it all. And she can’t give me that.”
Dad nodded. “Love covers a multitude of sins.”
But what did that mean? Was Rush to love her and hope she wouldn’t leave him again when things got tough? He’d barely recovered from the last time.
“I don’t know if love can cover distrust. And I can’t trust her not to leave me when things get rough, and it’s no secret marriages aren’t perfect. I want someone like Mama.”
“I’ll pray for you, son.”
Rush hadn’t heard those words in so long. Tears stung the backs of his eyes. “I’d like that.”
“And I suspect you’d like some answers on this case.”
Dad may have answers and was willing to help him, to divulge information. This was beyond anything Rush could ever imagine. Proof God had been working to soften him over the years. To bring him to this point. Rush could hardly speak. “I would if you have any. Did you see anyone in the Phantom of the Opera mask that wasn’t Harvey Langston or Ward McKay?”
Dad sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. “After I accused Randy of that crime...I promised myself I’d never speak about another person again no matter what. But Nora’s life is at stake. And so is yours. I do know of one man who wore a Phantom of the Opera mask that night. And I know he was involved romantically with Marilyn because I witnessed him kissing her the night before, near the lake, when I was on patrol.”
Rush couldn’t believe his ears. “Why didn’t you say anything after she disappeared?”
“Because I promised him as a pastor that I wouldn’t. I felt guilty about it, which is why when Randy was in that old pool hall in the woods, I didn’t hold back because I’d done it before. I had to be honest.”
“Who did you see kissing Marilyn?” It was undoubtedly the same man Rush saw kissing her the next night in the offices.
“Gary Plenk.”
The words knocked the breath from him. Gary had been a deacon in Dad’s church. But more than that—he was the county coroner. “Is that why he stepped down as a deacon?”
“It was our deal. He stepped down, and if Marilyn returned they would break it off, and I wouldn’t say anything to Troy about it. Besides, I never believed for a second he had anything to do with her disappearance. In fact, I thought he might be getting ready to leave his wife and go with her, but when I approached him he was confused. Upset. He didn’t know what happened to her. And we made our deal.”
Rush’s mind reeled. “Thank you for sharing that information. It’s helpful. Beyond helpful. I need to find Nora.”
“Go on. Be careful.”
“I will.” He gave him one more hug and found Nora where he left her. Sitting at the table with Greer’s baby in her arms. “Hey.”
She glanced up and must have read his expression; she passed the baby back to Greer and stood. “Ready?”
“Yeah.”
Once they were back inside the Bronco he told her everything his dad shared.
“Rush. What if he was lying about the striations being inconclusive? If he was kissing my mom one minute, and then the next she was leaving town without him...?”
“A fight could have gone down. We can send the reports and photos to a coroner outside the county and get a second opinion. Be sure.”
“He’s still with his wife. Me digging around might have turned it up—it did turn it up. He has a lot to lose. Besides his reputation.”
“His family. His marriage. Before we approach him, let’s get that information emailed to someone else.”
“Okay. I need to change and get ready for the ball tonight.”
“We can do that as soon as I swing by the station and email an outside coroner. I know someone in Shelby County that’s a friend.”
“Memphis area?”
“Yeah. We went to summer camp together.”
The tires rolled over packed snow and ice, and the vehicle rocked. Branches clanked like ice in glasses as the wind hurled through the trees. They slid a few times, Rush righting them, but his face was grim, jaw working.
He pulled up at the station. “Sit tight. I won’t be but a minute. No point in us both having to get out and freeze.” He left the Bronco running and hurried inside. The station was quiet since most deputies were out helping on the roads, due to downed power lines and car accidents. It was a nightmare out there. He rifled through the box of evidence, scanned the photos and report, then emailed it to Walt Brudebaker. Then he sent him a text telling him he had mail and it was of utmost priority.
Back inside the Bronco, he shivered and turned the heat back up to full blast. “I can’t believe we’re going to a party.”
Nora snorted. “Well, believe it.”
“I want coffee by the fire and that’s all.”
“You’ll look good in a tux.”
“But I’ll be cold.”
“My dress is off one shoulder so I don’t wanna hear it.”
He’d like to see it. And he would in a few hours.
“Are you going to tell Troy about Gary Plenk?”
“As soon as I hear back from Walt. If it is inconclusive, then I’m going to approach Gary with some questions.” He didn’t want to be the bearer of bad news again, but... “Nora, you have to know that if we don’t find some kind of solid evidence or if someone doesn’t outright admit they were with her that night and know what that money was for, then we may never know the details.”
Nora smeared ChapStick on her lips. “I know. But what if this Walt person says otherwise about the marks on my mother’s skull?”
“Then we know Gary has lied and that implicates him in foul play.”
“But you still have no hard evidence.”
“No.” That was the worst part of this. The killer could go free. Yeah, Gary might lose his license. But even if he had a silver cu
ff link and Phantom of the Opera mask, that was all circumstantial and wouldn’t convict him in a court of law. Not of murder in any degree. And no one seemed to know what the money was for and probably never would.
FOURTEEN
Gold and glass-beaded chandeliers hung in rows from the ceiling of the ballroom. Buffet tables with black tablecloths held silver warmers and white china plates rimmed in gold. Savory garlic and onions wafted from the magnificent dishes underneath the heavy lids.
Sparkling cider flowed down a mountain of champagne glasses, creating a beautiful amber waterfall. The center of the room held a Nativity ice sculpture that was breathtaking. The round sitting tables dotting the massive room were covered in black, gold and silver with pops of red. A live band, including a string quartet, was already faintly playing Christmas carols. It was glorious.
Nora had changed and Dad had brought her to the resort to oversee a few things for Hailey so she could dress in her gown.
The twenty-foot fir was trimmed in crystal icicles, glittery ornaments and dazzling gold beads. Nora gazed on it with fond memories. This had been her favorite night growing up. Families would come and dine together, then staff took children under twelve back to the kids’ corner, where they watched Christmas movies, made crafts, ate cookies and drank cocoa until parents arrived for them before midnight. At midnight, masks would be removed and everyone sang, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” with the band and toasted Christmas morning in.
Nora couldn’t stay in Splendor Pines, but she had to admit she didn’t want to go. She had no job here. Debt to pay.
And there was Rush. Staying was too hard. But maybe there was a way.
A throat cleared and drew her attention from the band and the tree.
Rush stood at the doorway in a black tux, black vest and tie. He’d never been a fan of bow ties. The gold flecks in his hair were magnified by the twinkling lights in the chandeliers. He’d shaved, and a dimple on his left cheek was visible. Broad shoulders carried that jacket well. But the black mask with pewter designs brought out his amber eyes. Her mouth turned dry.
He swaggered toward her. When he reached her, he gave her an admiring appraisal. “You look amazing,” he murmured.
She held her mask over her eyes. “Oh, this old thing,” she teased, and snickered, but his open approval of her appearance did wild numbers on her heart.
He held out his hand and motioned with his chin to the string quartet practicing. “Can I have the first unofficial dance of the night?”
The first. The last.
Would he want her to be his last dance? She curtsied, and he chuckled and took her hand in his, guiding her against him and placing his other hand on her upper back, drawing their intertwined fingers to his chest. Then he glided her across the floor in a waltz like a contender in one of those reality dancing TV shows. “Been practicing, have you?” she asked.
“Maybe. Or maybe I remember those horrid dance classes my mother made me go to before I was stuck escorting Greer to her cotillion.”
“You’d think ‘coming out’ parties would have been banned long ago due to women’s rights efforts.”
“Some things never go out down South. You know this.” He turned her effortlessly and grinned. “Did I mention you look amazing?”
“I don’t think you did,” she teased.
“My apologies. You look amazing.” His lips met her ear. “You smell amazing too.”
His breath tickled her sides.
“You look quite handsome yourself.”
He drew her closer as they danced in front of the Christmas tree to the sounds of violins, viola and cello playing the “Christmas Waltz.”
Could they possibly be more? Have a fresh start? Even with a killer out for blood and finding out she wasn’t Dad’s biological daughter—in all that mess and pain, for once in a long time she felt hope. Dinner at Rush’s, seeing his father read the Bible and pray had done something. God hadn’t given up on Rush’s dad. Even when he’d turned his back on God. Finally, the hope and love had broken through.
Could it also break through for Nora? For Rush?
“Rush?”
“Yes,” he said and gazed into her eyes.
“What if I didn’t go to Florida? What if I stayed here?”
He faltered in his perfect dance steps. “Are you being serious right now?”
“Yeah. I could...I don’t know...find work.” Somewhere. Somehow. “Spend more time with Hailey—be here for her while she goes through this tough time. Be here for Dalton. Help with the resort, even.” It was the family business. “And...then there’s us.”
“Us,” he murmured. “I—I want you to stay. If you want to stay. But...”
Nothing about his earlier words had changed. His dad’s breakthrough hadn’t reached him. He didn’t feel the same hope as Nora, and the rejection slid into her lungs, deflating them like a popped balloon. A balloon full of hope. “You know what? It was just a thought.” Humiliation racked her every nerve.
“Nora, I—” His phone rang.
“Better take that.” She slipped from his embrace and scurried through the tables. She needed some time to compose herself. She beelined it to the elevator and took it down to the offices. Inside Dad’s office, she laid her handbag on the desk and slumped in his chair and cried.
The case was closed. Rush’s hesitation, his lack of enthusiasm, said it all. He didn’t trust her. Didn’t want her. Had all this investigation on her mother shown him the probability of what his future might look like? She wiped her eyes, leaving trails of mascara on her hands. The last thing she needed was guests and Rush seeing she’d been crying. Seeing she was heartbroken.
She hurried to the office entrances and was met by Harrison on the golf cart. “I need a ride! To the main house.” She slid in with Harrison.
“Everything okay?” he asked and sped up.
“No, it’s not.” Nothing felt okay. She’d made an attempt to change, to open up like Rush had wanted, and he’d shut her down.
Harrison pulled up to the house. “Be careful, Nora. Weather ain’t gonna get no better.”
“Thanks for the ride.” She froze. She’d forgotten her keys. Her purse was in Dad’s office. “Wait! Harrison! Do you have a set of spare keys on you?” He’d been there in a pinch several times over the years when Nora or Hailey had locked themselves out.
“Some things don’t change, Nora.” He chuckled and unlocked the front door. “If you need a ride back, call the security line.”
“Thank you.” She shivered and entered the house, then switched on the light.
Nothing but darkness.
The generator must have run out of gas or something. Suddenly, the darkness crept up her spine, leaving cold chills. With her hands stretched out in front of her to guide the way, she maneuvered through the living room and down the hall to her old childhood room. Once inside, she dug through the nightstand drawer and found a battery-operated Christmas candle. She turned the plastic flame and brought a tiny orange glow to the room.
Now what? What did she do next?
She collapsed on her bed; her hand hit something soft and silky. Sitting up, she squinted in the dark and raised the pitiful candle.
Her mouth fell open and the scream rising from her gut wouldn’t make its way from her lips.
Hailey lay next to her, in her evening gown and masquerade mask.
Blood covered the bed.
Covered Hailey’s middle.
Hailey didn’t move. Her chest didn’t seem to be rising and falling with breath.
“Nooo!” She felt for a pulse, didn’t find one. She picked up the receiver on the phone by the bed but there was no dial tone. Power lines must be down. Her phone was in her purse in Dad’s office.
Tilting Hailey’s chin back, she began CPR. Every muscle in her body shook; her lips trembled.
Please, breathe, Hailey.
In this moment, she wished she had listened and stayed out of it. Rush and Hailey were right. There might never be answers and the ones that came would have emotional and physical consequences. Nora had ignored it all for the need to feel loved and not abandoned by Mom.
But wasn’t that exactly what had happened that night? Mom was deserting them. She might have come back like other times.
Or she might not have.
Hot tears slicked down Nora’s cheeks until they turned to sobs. “God, please! Please!” She repeated it over and over.
How would Nora tell Dalton that his mama was dead, and it was all Nora’s fault?
“Please!”
One and two and...
Breathe. Breathe.
And one and two and...
* * *
Rush pinched the bridge of his nose. He’d just hung up with Troy. Another car pileup had occurred and the power was now out on most of the south side of town too. But more important, once again, Nora had taken off. And that’s why he’d hesitated when she’d brought up them as a couple and her staying. Nothing would make him happier than to be with Nora and live right here in Splendor Pines. But she wouldn’t even wait around to have an adult conversation about why he’d paused.
She’d taken his words as complete rejection and instead of listening, she let her assumptions send her out into the night where it wasn’t safe. They needed some space and air, but with a killer out there, she should have waited until he was off the phone. But she’d taken advantage of his need to be on that call and thrown all caution to the wind. Did she not care one iota what it might to do him?
No. She didn’t think about anyone but herself sometimes. Like now. And as much air and space as Rush needed away from Nora to think things through, he couldn’t give it to her because he couldn’t leave her alone. He’d already searched the main hall and offices, calling out her name. She wasn’t on the property.
Without her car, she wouldn’t have gone far. Security was on golf carts. She probably caught a ride to the main house. Or the chalet. Both dumb ideas with everything going on.
Cold Case Christmas Page 16
