My Deadly Valentine (15 page)

Despair hit her. “What’s going on, God? I don’t understand why all this is happening.” The whispered words brought a bit of comfort. She didn’t know what was going on, but God did. That was the important thing.

She hated to break the news to her mother, but money was going to be tight from here on out. They still had some insurance money left from her dad, but the medical bills from her mother were no small thing.

Sighing, she wondered briefly if she’d have to sell the house now.

The thought struck her hard, ricocheting against every nerve. She sat up slowly, her brain looping over itself as she processed that thought.

Was that what this was all about?

Once the idea took root, it grew. She remembered the menacing James Miller from Transcross and his subtle threats, the man with the dark glasses that seemed to keep turning up and both men telling her that good offers were rare and she should take advantage of their generosity.

Narrowing her eyes, she contemplated that idea. To some it may sound silly, but what other reason could there be? Her property was the only thing of any real value she and her mother had.

But how could she prove it?

And would anyone even believe her if she said anything?

Eli would. Even if no one else in this town would hear it, Eli would.

But the thought of turning to him for more help scared her. She remembered the hug in the church parking lot. How right it had felt. How wonderful it had been to feel his arms around her once more.

If he had truly changed…

Time would tell.

Eli parked back in front of Holly’s shop. He’d sold the three horses and dropped the payment at the bank. A phone call to check on his dad raised his spirits. Buckeye informed Eli that all was fine, they would be home in time for supper and no, Eli didn’t need to make the trip to the hospital. Eli promised to meet them at the house.

Unable to get Holly off his mind, he decided to come back and help her clean up and see what she was going to do now.

As he got out of his truck, he noticed a car sitting two doors down past the grocery store. He’d seen the two men sitting in the sedan as he’d passed by but hadn’t thought much about it. Now he realized they had a perfect view of Holly’s shop.

Strangers? Tourists?

Of course they could be here for the auction.

However, these guys made his cop instincts hum. They hadn’t been there when he’d left a few hours ago. What could they be up to now? And why were they just sitting there watching Holly’s store?

He shut the door of his truck and debated whether or not to approach them. He could at least get a license number and have a buddy at his old department run it for him. Just to satisfy his curiosity.

Decision made, Eli headed in their direction. Once they realized they were his intended targets, one said something to the other and the car backed up, did a three point turn and sped down the street.

But not before Eli got a plate number.

Suspicious behavior warranted proactive behavior, he always said. Pulling out his cell phone, he punched in a number.

“Hello?”

“Hey Ken, this is Eli. How ya doing?” Ken Larson, a fellow detective in New York, had been one of his best friends on the force.

“Eli? Good to hear from you. What are you up to? When are you planning on coming back here?”

“My dad was hurt in an accident so I’ve been helping out around the farm. As far as when I’m coming back…well, I don’t guess that’s going to happen. You know I applied to be considered for the captain’s job and haven’t heard anything so…I think maybe I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.”

Silence. “Really?”

“Yeah.”

“As far as I know, they haven’t made an announcement yet on who the new captain is, so you might be getting a call after all.”

That rocked Eli back a moment. He’d completely given up on the position. But all he said was, “We’ll see, I suppose.”

“So why are you calling?”

“I have a favor to ask.”

“Shoot.”

Eli gave him the plate number and Ken promised to get back to him.

The door to Holly’s store opened and she carried a filled-to-the-rim trash bag.

“Hey, you need some help?”

Her head snapped up. “Eli? What are you doing back?”

“Thought I’d offer my cleaning services.”

Her eyes warmed and lingered on his, then she blinked and looked away. “Sure, if you’ve got the time.”

Shooting her a wry look, he said, “What else have I got to do? Buckeye is taking care of Dad, I sold the horses and made a few bucks,” he said as he shrugged. “Other than that, I’m feeling pretty useless all in all, I guess.”

Holly laughed, a sincere chuckle that shot joy through him. “Eli, you are far from useless. You said you sold your horses.”

“True.”

She paused and an expression crossed her face. One he’d never seen before and didn’t know exactly how to identify. “What?”

Opening her mouth, she started to say something, then stopped and shook her head.

He grabbed her arm in a gentle grip. “What? Come on, you can’t look like that and not tell me what you were thinking.”

She took a deep breath. “I was thinking that you should run for sheriff.”

“Huh?”

A shrug. “I know. Dumb idea, wasn’t it? Like a former New York detective would be interested in being a sheriff in a small town place like this.” She waved a hand. “Never mind. Momentary lapse of sanity.”

Turning, she led him back into the store and handed him a broom.

As he swept, her words lingered in his mind. Run for sheriff? Build a life with Holly? Yeah, he thought, smiling, he could see that happening. He turned to leave.

As he did the vision of the two men in the sedan sitting across the street from Holly’s place chased away his pleasant musings. Time to figure out who was threatening Holly. If he didn’t, she might not have a future to share with him.

EIGHT

B
undled against the wind and cold, but in need of some exercise, Holly stepped onto the front porch and pulled up short. “Alex?”

He sat in his sheriff’s car at the top of the horseshoe-shaped drive and shot her a sheepish grin through the open window. “Hi. You caught me.”

“Caught you? What are you doing?”

Duster and Sassy danced at her heels. Then Duster nosed her way up to the car. Through the open window, Alex reached down to scratch the canine’s ears. “Working up the nerve to ask you to be my Valentine’s date.”

Dread curled around her. “Alex, we talked about this….”

He held up the hand that had been on Duster’s ears. “I know, I know. But—” He turned to the passenger seat, gathered what was there, then opened his door.

She walked toward him, staring at the bundle of roses that lay in the crook of his arm. “I really care a lot about you, Holly.” He shifted and sighed. “Here.” Before she could blink, he shoved the roses to her arms, and climbed back in the car.

“Alex, no! I don’t want these!”

She tried giving them back, but he refused to take them, saying, “I’ve got to go, just think about it, will you? At least give me equal time.”

“Equal time?” Holly tried one more time to push the flowers through the open window. One of the buds fell off and landed at her feet.

“I know you and Eli used to be a couple and his coming back here has probably played with your emotions.”

“Alex, you’ve got to stop this!”

His radio cut off her protests. “Gotta go. Just think about it.”

Before she had a chance to respond, tires spun on her gravel and his taillights blinked as he headed down her drive.

Helpless, she just stood there a moment then spun on her heel. Walking back up to the front porch, she set the flowers on the rocker then went back down the steps.

With Duster and Sassy at her heels, she made her way to the mailbox at the end of her long drive.

While she walked, she thought. About Alex. What was she going to do with him? Why wouldn’t he back off? Pushing thoughts of Alex aside, she kicked a stone in frustration and moved on to more pleasant musings.

While keeping a watchful eye on the area around her.

Her mother had gotten in early last night still looking thin and sickly, yet refreshed, with a new sparkle in her eyes. Thankfully, the remainder of the evening had been quiet.

No one lurked outside her home, no middle of the night disturbances and no hang-up phone calls. After cleaning up her store as much as she could, she and Eli had worked at the church until dark, although she had to admit her heart hadn’t been in it. Alex had been there, too, but at least he had behaved himself.

Tomorrow night, the auction would get underway. From what Holly could tell, everything was close to being ready. The workers had given a hundred percent and the church gym nearly bulged with all of the items. Advertisements had gone out into neighboring towns and even into some of the larger cities.

People from all around would make their way to the tiny town of Rose Mountain and from seven p.m. to eleven would bid on the various items. They all knew it was for a wonderful cause and were glad to help.

Opening the mailbox, she spotted an envelope with a yellow rose place carefully on top.

Who? Alex again? No…Eli.

Opening the envelope, she whistled for the dogs and started her trek back to the house. “Come on, guys.”

The note said, “Will you meet me at The Steak House for a Valentine’s evening? Romance and candlelight to be included. But most importantly, friendship. Then I’ll escort you to the auction where we can watch the money roll in for the orphanage.”

Her heart caught in her throat.

The Steak House, one of the nicer, pricier restaurants in town, only opened for dinner. Valentine’s Day. Tomorrow.

She picked up the single rose and sniffed. Eli. She was falling for him again and realized that at some point she’d finally allowed herself to believe him when he said he was home for good this time.

Still a little part nagged at her. A small kernel of doubt kept her slightly on edge. As though she was waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Back at the house, she gathered the flowers from the rocking chair and stepped inside to find her mother sitting in the den. “Hey,” she said as she turned to enter the kitchen to search for two vases.

“I got a phone call,” her mother called.

Holly froze as the flowers tumbled from her arms to the sink. She darted back to the den. “The one we’ve been waiting for?”

“Yes.”

“And?”

Her mother rose and held out her hands. Tears dripped from her cheeks. “It’s gone. They said I beat it again.”

Joy exploded inside her. She felt the smile begin to spread. “You did?”

“We did. You, me and God.”

“Oh, thank You, Jesus.” Holly pulled her mother into a hug. Sobs of thankfulness shook her. Finally both of them started laughing. And laughing.

It felt good. “So, what…”

The sound of a gunshot, the yelping cry of a wounded animal and the roar of a motorcycle interrupted her words and blended into one roaring sound of rushing terror between Holly’s ears.

Eli pulled up on the reins and brought his horse to a skidding halt. A gunshot?

He’d ridden right to the edge of Holly’s property line. He wasn’t but a mile from her house. Spurring Chester’s side, Eli pushed the horse into an all-out run toward Holly’s house.

Within a couple of minutes, he galloped into her yard to see her kneeling next to Sassy’s side pressing gauze onto an area just above her front leg on the meaty part of her shoulder. Holly’s mother stood on the porch speaking to someone on the other line.

Holly looked up, eyes blazing. “Someone’s gone too far this time.” Tears streaked her cheeks and her hands shook. He didn’t know if it was from grief or rage.

Mrs. Maddox said, “Doc Gardner said he’d meet you at the office.”

Eli pulled his cell phone from his pocket and placed a call to the sheriff’s office. Within minutes, he had officers on the way. He slid his arms under Sassy and lifted her against his chest. “Let’s get her to the vet. I’ve called Alex and he’s sending Joel and Harlan. One will stay with your mother while the other one investigates.”

Holly ran for her truck, returning within minutes. Duster whined and pranced about them.

Holly snapped her fingers and pointed to the house. “Stay.”

Duster slunk off and Eli settled Sassy into the back of the truck. He climbed in and said, “I’ll ride back here with her. You drive.”

“You’re sure?” Anxiety glittered in her eyes.

“I’m sure, Holly, let’s go.” If Sassy didn’t make it, he didn’t want the dog dying in her arms.

Thirty minutes later, Sassy lay on the table in the vet’s office, X-rays finished. The doc removed his gloves and said, “I think she’ll be fine. The bullet’s entered her shoulder and the X-rays show that it didn’t hit any bones. I’ll get it out and she should be good as new in a few weeks.”

Relief rolled over Holly’s face and Eli felt his own neck muscles loosen a fraction. He wrapped an arm around Holly and gave her a squeeze.

Holly looked at the doctor. “I guess just call me and let me know how she’s doing, will you?”

“You got it, darlin’. You know who shot her?”

Resolve hardened Holly’s features. “No, but I’m going to find out.”

Saying their goodbyes, they made their way from the room.

Eli looked at her. “You have any idea at all what’s going on? And why someone’s working so hard to get your attention?”

Lips pursed, she blew out a frustrated sigh. “I’m not sure, but I have my suspicions.”

He took her arm and led her out into the lobby. “Care to share those with me?”

She rubbed her palms on her jeans. How much should she tell him? “I’m being hassled to sell my land to a company called Transcross.”

“Right, I remember you saying something like that. Your mother wants you to sell and you don’t.”

“Exactly. I think she’s just trying to make me feel like it would be fine if I wanted to. The land’s a lot of work,” she admitted. “And even with Mr. Ryan’s sporadic help, between the store and the land, it’s time-consuming and exhausting. But I love it. For now. Ask me again in a couple of years and I may feel different. I don’t think so, but…” She shrugged.

“So these guys want you to sell out?”

“Yes, they want to build some kind of horse farm resort thingy.” She waved a hand in disgust. “Apparently, our location on top of the mountain with the rolling hills, the view for miles, etcetera, is absolutely perfect and would bring in millions.”

“Are they offering you a fair price?”

“Actually, yes, but it’s not about the money. It’s my home. I don’t want to leave and I shouldn’t be forced—or scared—into doing it.” She looked at him. To tell or not? Uncertainty trembled inside her. She needed help. Taking a deep breath, she plunged on. “They threatened me. And my mother.”

“What?” He looked outraged. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“They told me not to. At least I think it was them. I can’t think of anyone else who would benefit from threatening me. The guy that grabbed me in front of the sheriff’s office said that I should accept a generous offer, and that if I told anyone I was being harassed, my mother and I might end up with more medical bills, but I need help, Eli.” Tears pricked then began a slow dribble down her cheeks. When he reached out a finger to catch one, the dam broke. “I simply can’t do this alone anymore,” Holly swiped at the tears, grateful for his support. Voice shaking, she said, “They don’t play by the rules and I don’t know how to fight dirty.”

Distressed by her emotional outpouring, he pulled her into a tight hug. She let him, needing his comfort, his closeness. Then he said, “You think Transcross has something to do with everything that’s happening?”

“Yes, but I don’t know how to prove it.”

Eli looked at his phone. Still no call from Ken. Tracing a plate was simple. He resolved to call Ken later if the man didn’t get back to him soon.

His mind tripped over itself coming up with several plans of action. He rejected them all except one.

That evening, Holly spent her time at the church making sure all of the last-minute details were taken care of for the auction the next day. Once again, Alex dogged her steps, offering to carry something for her, bringing her a bottle of water. Nice things, just things she didn’t want Alex to be doing.

Now, if Eli was the one…

But Eli had stayed home with his father because Buckeye had some personal business to attend to with his daughter.

From the corner of her eye, she saw Alex heading her way again. She turned, bumped into a table and sent items flying.

“Here, let me.”

Alex knelt next to her, grabbed a plastic bowl and lid and set it on the table.

“Thanks.” Holly sidestepped him, but he was too quick. He snagged her hand.

“Well?”

She didn’t have to ask what he meant.

He pressed. “What about tomorrow night?”

Holly swallowed. “No, thanks, Alex.”

A sigh. “It’s Eli, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, kind of.” She bit her lip, hoping he wouldn’t be too mad. “But I don’t even know if that’s going to work out, okay?”

To her surprise, he nodded. “Okay.”

Okay? That was it?

He dropped her hand and walked away to start chatting with one of the other single ladies.

Shaking her head, she pushed Alex from her thoughts.

“I guess that’s it,” Mary said, coming up beside her.

Holly stretched the kinks from her back. “Yep. I think we’re good to go.”

Mary gave Holly a hug. “It’s been fun doing this with you. I’ve enjoyed hanging out and getting to know you better.”

Grinning, Holly returned the squeeze. “Absolutely.” Speaking of hanging out and having fun, guilt hit her when she realized she still hadn’t called Leigh-Ann.

And she still hadn’t given Eli an answer to his letter. Tomorrow was Valentine’s. She really needed to get her act together.

Holly’s cell phone rang. Glancing at the number, her heart flipped over. Eli. Climbing into her truck, she answered the call. “Hello?”

“Hey, Holly, do you have a few minutes?”

“I was just heading home, but sure.”

“Do you want me to meet you somewhere? Are you hungry?”

“Starving.” With everything going on, she’d skipped dinner. Now, it was pushing eight o’clock.

He laughed. “All right, see you in a few minutes at the diner on Main?”

“I’ll be there.”

Holly turned the key and the truck started right up. She let out the breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. Memories of the other night flooded back through her, causing her to shudder.

Glancing around, she realized Mary had already driven off. Once again, it was just her and the dark. Her stomach did another flip as she put the truck in Drive. Her eyes darting around the church parking lot, she didn’t see any other cars. No headlights in front of her to blind her with the glare.

Nothing.

Her nerves eased and she headed down the mountain to the town below.

As she passed a small side road, she noticed a car approach the stop sign. Holly kept going and saw the car turn in behind her.

She tried to think who lived down that way. The Pastori family. And the Arringtons. Mr. Harvin who drove a truck for a food company.

The car behind her closed the gap and soon it was right on her tail.

Annoyance—and fear—hit her. Maybe it was just a teen being a pain. Or maybe it was whoever had been causing all of her other problems.

She pressed the gas and sped up a little. So did the car behind her. She flicked the rearview mirror so the headlights weren’t in her eyes.

Just a couple more miles and she would hit the main street of town. Where Eli would be waiting. Grabbing her cell phone from the cup holder, she started to punch in Eli’s number when she felt a harsh jolt from behind that jerked her forward against the seat belt then back against the seat.

Terror surged full force. “Hey!” she yelled, not caring there was no one to hear her. The headlights pulled closer and she braced herself for another hit.