Sneaking Suspicions (The Tharon Trace Mysteries Book 1) (20 page)

Dana’s stomach twisted in knots.  Suddenly not hungry, she pushed a piece of pasta around her plate.  “What about our department?  Do you think someone is a plant?”

Simon mulled her question over. “I hate to think it, but of course it’s possible.”  He shook his head. “We have four employees who’ve been in the department less than ten years: you, Collins, Jackman and Murphy.”

She choked on a bite of lasagna and said, “I hope you know it’s not me.”

He leaned over and kissed her. “Of course I know it’s not you.  But I need your help to figure out if one of them is in Hamron’s pocket.”

Dana mulled his words. “Not Murphy, I trust her with my life.  I don’t know Jackman too well.  He’s a big flirt with almost everyone.  But I think he’s harmless.  At the core, I trust him.”

Simon frowned. “He’s a flirt?  He didn’t flirt with you did he?”

She grinned at the jealous edge to his voice.  “Sure.  He even flirts with Penni.  The only woman I’ve never seen him flirt with is Stephanie Murphy.”

Simon’s expression floated from relief to confusion. “Why not Murphy?  She’s a pretty girl.  Good cop.”

“I think he’s carrying a torch for her.”  It was Dana’s turn to feel a twinge of jealousy.  “You noticed she’s pretty?”

Simon winked at her. “She’s pretty, but she doesn’t hold a candle to you.”

Dana’s face flushed.  How had she turned so possessive so quickly?  She changed the subject. “So what about Collins?  I don’t know much about him.  Where’s he from?”

Simon pushed his plate out of the way and stretched his long arms to pick up some folders sitting on the kitchen counter.  “I had Penni bring the files so we could look them over.  I thought maybe a fresh pair of eyes might help.”

Fatigue sapped what little energy she had left.  Through drooping lids she glanced at Collins and Jackman’s files.  “Did you check all the references when you hired them?”

Simon said, “Yes, Penni called every reference and previous employer.”

Dana yawned. “The first step is to do a reverse phone number look up and make sure you’re calling who you think you are.  Maybe see if there’s an alternate phone number from the one on their application, then call and pretend you’re doing a credit check for a car loan.  My phone has the caller ID blocked so you can use it.”  She wrinkled her brow. “Where is my phone?”

Simon pulled a new phone from his pocket.  “I had to take your phone as evidence, but had all your messages and contacts transferred to this new one.  It probably needs to be charged though.”

She took the phone to the bedroom to plug it in. and stopped short in the doorway.  Her twin-sized mattress on a frame was replaced by a king-sized wooden frame bed with matching dresser and two bedside tables.  A white down comforter covered the bed, complete with pillows and pillow shams edged in Battenberg lace.

Simon followed her into the bedroom.  He wrapped his arms around her waist and whispered in her ear.  “Do you like it?”

Dana fumbled for words. “Where did this come from?  I mean was it your bed?”

Simon bent to kiss her cheek. “No.  I couldn’t do that and I didn’t think you could either.  Matt Harris sold me the furniture and took my old furniture in trade.  He, Tom and Max helped me move things in yesterday.  That’s why I was so late.  Am I forgiven?”

“You already were forgiven.  I’m sorry I snapped at you last night.”  She turned to face him and lifted her arms to wrap them around his shoulders, but she only got her right arm elbow high before she gasped in pain.  She bit her lip and moaned. “How did I forget that?” She breathed slow ragged breaths until the pain subsided.

Simon held her until her tension eased and she molded into his embrace.  “You need to rest.  We have a big day tomorrow.  I’ll work on the phone numbers for a while before I come to bed.”

Dana kissed him tenderly.  But when she broke from his arms to plug in her phone, she couldn’t bring herself to meet his eyes.  As she sat on the edge of the bed waiting for the phone to come to life, she tried to think of how to express what she wanted without hurting his feelings.  “I know we can’t have the usual wedding traditions, but I’d like to keep one.”  She forced her gaze to lock onto his. “They say it’s bad luck to for the bride and groom to see each other before the wedding.”

Simon wrapped his arm around her waist. “I don’t think I’m going to like where this is heading.”

She rested her head on his shoulder and pulled up her text messages.  A grin spread across her face.  “As much as I want to sleep in your arms, I want to keep that tradition.  Max and Lucy are going to pick me up and we’re meeting Lista, Tharon and Maisy at the church.  They’re going to help me get ready.  Besides, I have a secret favor to ask of you that is going to knock everyone’s socks off.”

Simon kissed her tenderly. “If that’s the way you want it, then that’s what we’ll do.  What’s the favor?”

She showed him the message.  He grinned from ear to ear.

CHAPTER 36

November 18, 2056

Saturday morning found Dana so filled with excitement even her throbbing shoulder couldn’t dampen.  As if the heavens were smiling on their union, the clouds disappeared, leaving behind a clear, bright sky.  Even the temperatures continued their moderate trend with highs in the mid forties.

Max arrived before ten to take her to the church.  His suit hung loosely from his shoulders, his white shirt cuffs dangled from the sleeves and the hem of his trousers dragged the floor.

Every time Dana saw him he looked thinner.  “Max, you’re wasting away.  Are you ill?  Have you been to the doctor?”

Max straightened his tie and smoothed his suit coat, “I am kind of rumpled.  Haven’t been to church for a while and didn’t realize how bad this fit.  I’m healthy as an ox, though.  Lucy hasn’t felt well enough to cook so I’ve been the chef.  I guess neither of us has an appetite for my cooking.  I’m sorry to look so sloppy for your wedding.”

Dana smiled. “Oh, I don’t care about that.  I just noticed you’ve been losing weight.  Thanks for picking me up.  I had a job for Simon to do today.”

Max chuckled. “You’re already starting the honey-do list?”

Her grin stretched wide.  “You’ll understand when you see it.”  She looked at the empty truck. “Is Lucy feeling up to coming to the wedding?  You can’t imagine how grateful I am to her for loaning me her wedding dress.  I want to thank her in person.”

Max settled into the driver’s seat. “She’s happy to do it.  Her friend Maisy is taking her to the church.  That way she got to sleep for an extra half hour.  She gets tired pretty quickly these days, but you couldn’t keep her away.  It’s like you’re the daughter we never had.”

Dana glanced at him and said, “I’m glad you feel like that because I have one more favor to ask.  Would you be willing to walk me down the aisle and give me away?”

Max blinked rapidly and cleared his throat several times before he could answer.  His face flushed all the way to his balding forehead.  “It’d be my honor.”

***

Dana’s heart fluttered as Max pulled his pickup truck into the church parking lot.  A mere week ago she never thought this day would come.  The dizzying whirlwind transition from employee, to fiancé, to wife, was surreal and she often had moments when she wondered if it was all a dream.  She walked up the cracked sidewalk to the stone church and accepted that it was indeed a dream—a dream come true.  She was about to become Mrs. Simon Ellis.

A pang of momentary loss touched her heart.  How would being married change her? What of Dana Donovan?  She thought of her solitary life and figured it was a sacrifice worth making.

Tharon waited for her at the side entrance with a wide welcoming smile.  Her chin length hair was gathered back and adorned with a small spray of baby’s breath and a delicate blue bow.  Soft brown ringlets framed her heart shaped face.  She wore a pink satin dress with a blue band at her waist that matched the bow in her hair.  Dana noted for the first time the striking likeness between Tharon and her mother.  Perhaps it was the difference in their hair color that kept Dana from noticing the remarkable resemblance earlier.

Tharon immediately grabbed her hand to guide her to the ‘bride’s room’: a secretary’s office with a full length, three-sided mirror.  “Mom, Maisy and Lucy are waiting for us along with your friend Penni.  The men have to come in the back door so you don’t see them.  Did you know it’s bad luck to see the groom before the wedding?”

“Yes, I’ve heard that.”  Dana smiled as she hurried to keep up with the exuberant twelve-year-old.  As they entered the bride’s room her mouth dropped open in awe and disbelief.  Hanging from the coat rack was the most stunning wedding gown she’d ever seen.  “Oh, Lucy, how will I ever thank you?”

Lucy sat in a mauve wingback chair in front of the desk.  Her pale face beamed with joy.  “You can thank me by being as happy with Simon as I’ve been with Max.”

Dana hugged the frail lady with her left arm; tears spilled down the cheeks of both women.  Dana felt Lucy’s hug weaken and eased her back into the chair.  She exchanged a concerned look with Penni who snapped a handful of tissues from the box on the desk and distributed them among the women.

Tharon shook her head. “Why is everyone crying? I thought weddings were supposed to be happy.”

Dana dabbed at her eyes and said, “Sometimes when you’re very happy, the happiness spills out in tears of joy.”

Lista hugged Tharon. “And you should never be embarrassed by any tears, especially tears of joy.”

Penni and Maisy helped Dana into the dress as Lucy supervised which buttons to fasten in what order.  The dress fit like a glove.  Its scooped neckline dipped in the back as well as the front and Dana was grateful the cut of the dress covered her bandages.  The bodice fit snug to her hips, then flared out into a princess skirt with a ten foot train that trailed behind.  Beading and lace on the bodice accentuated her bust and waist and the satin covered buttons formed a perfect line from the back scoop to the top of the train.

Maisy stepped back and surveyed Dana from every angle.  “I don’t see anything that needs altering.  It looks like I’ve brought my sewing machine for nothing.”

Lista styled Dana’s chestnut colored hair and secured the veil to the top of her loosely gathered curls.

The ladies refused to let Dana see how she looked until Penni applied her makeup.

Dana had never worn so much makeup in her life and worried it would be too much—but when Penni stepped back and Dana stood in front of the mirror, all Dana could say was, “That’s me?  I look...”

Lucy struggled to stand and put her arm around Dana’s waist.  “You look beautiful, my dear.  The loveliest bride I’ve ever seen.”

Penni dabbed at her eyes. “She’s right.  You’re absolutely lovely.”

Dana turned from side to side, then faced herself eye to eye and smiled wide. “I’m getting married.”  She knew her sparse circle of friends would only fill a small corner of the chapel, but she felt rich with their friendship.  “I want to thank all of you for helping make my wedding special.  You don’t know how much this means to me.”

She thought of her family and wondered if they were happy for her—wherever they were.

Penni took Dana’s hand. “I’m sure they’re here and they’re happy for you.”

Dana was certain she hadn’t voiced her thoughts. “Who?”

Penni said, “Your family.  I feel like this room is crowded with more than just us.  Don’t you feel it?”

Dana closed her eyes and reached out with her heart.  The familiar presence touched her with peace and comfort.  “Yes.  I believe you’re right.”

A knock rapped on the door and when Tharon opened it, Max filled the frame.   “Everything is ready but Simon called and said he’ll be here in half an hour.”

Lucy grinned mischievously at her husband. “Maisy and Lista, is there enough time to put a few tucks in Max’s suit coat?”

Lista’s smile brightened, “Absolutely.”  She opened her sewing box on the desk and strapped a pincushion to her wrist.  “Max, let me have a look at you.”

Maisy set up the sewing machine on the desk and handed Dana a bouquet of white roses and blue carnations.  “Alterations are Lista’s forte and I need to check on a few things in the fellowship hall.  I’ll see you all in the chapel.”  She bustled out of the door on the opposite side of the office without looking back.

Twenty five minutes later Lista helped Max back on with the jacket.  He buttoned the top two buttons and said, “This is amazing.”  He stepped into the office to check the fit in the mirror and turned to Lucy.  “Now maybe you won’t be ashamed to be seen with me in public.”

Lucy grabbed his tie and pulled him down to eye level with her. “You old goat.  You know I’ve never been ashamed to be seen with you.”  She gave him a playful smack on the cheek. “But now I’ll accept no excuses that keep you from taking me to church tomorrow.”

Max took in a breath to complain but when he saw the hopeful look in his frail wife’s eyes he planted a light kiss on her lips and said, “It will be my honor.”

An uncomfortable silence filled the room.  Dana looked at the clock and said, “Max, why don’t you take the ladies to their seats and give Tharon and me a few moments to ourselves?”

Penni noticed Lista’s fatigue and helped her stand.  She eyed Max with suspicion. “I’ll go along, just to make certain everything really is ready.”

Once they were alone, Dana said, “I want to thank you for being in my wedding.  You look very pretty.”

“I do?” Tharon fidgeted with her hands and shifted her weight from one foot to the other and back again.  “I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do.”

Dana bent towards her. “You know, I’m not sure either.  I think you’re supposed to walk down the aisle in front of me and keep pace with the music.  But if you get the urge to run down the aisle, that’s all right with me.”

Dana hadn’t had a chance to talk to Tharon alone before.  “When we were in the woods, Officer Brandt wanted to take you with him.  Do you have any idea why he wanted you?”

Tharon trembled and folded her arms tight across her chest  She shook her head.  “I’ve tried to figure out why anyone would want me and I can’t think of anything.  I asked my Dad but he just tried to make a joke that it was because I’m so cute.  Only...”

Dana tilted her head. “Only what?”

Tharon searched Dana’s eyes as if deciding if she should confide in her.  “Only he won’t let me go anywhere alone.  Even today, he only let me watch for you because he was down the hall watching me.  Do you think I’m still in danger?”

Dana felt bad that she’d brought a level of fear back into Tharon’s eyes.  “I think as long as you do as your father says, you won’t have anything to worry about.  He loves you very much and he is tremendously proud of you.  Nothing is more important to him than keeping you safe.”

Tharon lowered her lashes. “I guess so, but I think my tree climbing days are over.”

“Well, perhaps he will go with you.”  Dana wanted to change the subject. “You seem to be walking well.  How are your feet healing?”

Tharon smiled. “Oh, they’re healed.  They hurt a little in these shoes, but that’s just because the shoes are new.  My mom said if they hurt too much I can wear slippers at the reception.”

Dana raised her eyebrows. “We’re having a reception?” she had no idea what plans had been made.

Tharon beamed. “Of course.  The best part of the wedding is the cake!  I helped Maisy bake it.”

Dana grinned.  That wasn’t the part she was looking forward to, but she thrilled to see the sparkle of anticipation in Tharon’s eyes.  “Thank you for helping.  I’m sure it will be wonderful.”

They turned when Max filled the doorway again. “Are you ladies ready?”

***

Standing in the church foyer, Dana took Max’s offered arm while Tharon and Penni helped arrange the train behind her as she stood before the closed doors of the sanctuary.

Matt Harris and Tom Trace opened the doors to the chapel and walked down the aisle to join their wives in the pews.  Everyone in the chapel rose to their feet as the wedding march began.  Dana gasped to see the sanctuary full to overflowing.

Penni held a nosegay of flowers and step-paused in time with the music until she stood at the front of the chapel.

Tharon took her place in front of Dana.  Helm and Kaid flanked her, each offering her an arm.  Tharon looked back questioningly at Dana.

Dana nodded that it was okay to take the boys’ arms.  She smiled at Tharon and the boys as they shuffle stepped a few times, adapting their pace to Helm’s limp, and moved down the aisle in semi-unison—step, together, step, together— somewhat in pace to the music.

Dana wondered if someday Tharon would walk down this same aisle on Tom’s arm to bind herself to one of those boys.  The puzzling concern that someone wanted to abduct Tharon and not the boys resurfaced, but she pressed it to the back of her mind, determined that for the rest of this one day she would be a woman and not a cop.

When she saw Lista and Lucy sitting on the front row of the bride’s side of the chapel, warmth stirred in Dana’s heart.  Next to them sat the strawberry blond nurse, Gretchen, with her now familiar crooked grin wider than usual.  The hard loneliness deserted Dana’s heart, crowded out by a full and open feeling of love and friendship.

Maisy dabbed at her eyes from the back of the chapel and Dana wondered briefly why she didn’t sit with her friends.

Max took a step forward but Dana held him back. “Not yet,” she whispered. “Wait for Simon.”

Simon entered from the side door at the front of the chapel.  Most of the people were watching Dana so it took a moment before recognition swept through the congregation.  Tom turned first and touched Lista’s arm.  Her hand flew to her mouth and tears sprang from her eyes.

Tharon and the boys were halfway down the aisle when Shep stepped around the pews and limped towards her.  “Shep!” Her strangled cry sliced through the music; the organist hit the wrong cord and stopped playing.