Chapter Eight
The library smelled of peppermint, the brisk scent wafting through the shelves as Kara approached the front counter.
The senior sat at a computer table, facing away from Kara.
“Damned system. Don’t you dare tell me I can’t order in three copies.”
Kara let out a chuckle at hearing the curse word, bringing the librarian around.
Her cheeks went scarlet. “Oh. Didn’t hear you come in. Excuse me.” Geraldine got up from the computer and came to the circular front desk. “I worry about swearing around the little ones.” She held up a hand. “I know, I know—they’ve probably heard them all and could teach me a few, but let me have my little delusion. What’s happening?”
“Li—Jack’s laying salt down on the parking lot and walkway for you.” Kara berated herself for nearly saying his real name. “He sent me in to make sure you didn’t rush out to help him.”
That earned her a sharp laugh from the white-haired woman. “God bless him. I was about to bundle up and head out after putting in this request. Here in the Ridge, getting a good snowfall in October is a very real possibility.” She nodded toward the front doors. “He’s a good man. Almost too good.”
“What do you mean?” Kara said.
Geraldine eyed her. “I came here after growing up and working in New York City for twenty years. Librarians see a lot of people come through those doors and people forget we’re around ’cause all they see is the old woman going ‘shush.’” She put her index finger to her lips, earning a smile from Kara.
“But we see a lot. And I can tell Jack’s carrying more weight than he wants to admit.” The older woman eyed Kara. “You, too.”
Kara held back the fluttering in her belly, forcing herself to stay calm. “Really?”
“Yep. Marie said you don’t remember who you are, that you showed up at Jack’s door. Had a bit of a fling with him a year ago. Lucky girl.” She let out a wistful sigh. “Just thinking about it gives my pacemaker fits.”
That brought an honest laugh from Kara, matched by the senior’s grin.
“I’m sorry you don’t remember,” Geraldine said. “Did that children’s book help any? Think you came from Norway?” She placed her hand atop Kara’s, a gentle motherly gesture. “Is there anything I can do to help? You shouldn’t be afraid…”
Kara stared at the librarian’s wrinkled, paper-thin skin as the world narrowed around them, pitching her into a dark well.
“Don’t be afraid.” The soft voice startled Kara out of a sound sleep. She scrabbled for the small wooden stick at her side, gripping it with all the strength.
The woman stepped out of the shadows, illuminating the room. She wore long, flowing robes—but Kara couldn’t tell which color they were, the shifting shades running the gauntlet. The stranger glowed as well, surrounded by a white aura. “You’re right to be careful, and with good reason.” Her gaze swept the room. “Don’t worry, no one’s coming for you.”
Kara slowly got to her feet, her body aching from the last beating. She stared at the lovely woman, her blond hair pulled into loose braids. “Who are you?”
“A friend.” The woman stretched out a hand to the young girl. “I’d like to take you somewhere safe. Where you won’t have to worry about being hurt.”
“Kara? Kara?” The librarian’s voice rose, a touch of panic creeping in. “Kara?”
She blinked herself awake from the vision, pulling her head up to see the worried woman’s face.
“Kara,” Geraldine repeated. “Are you okay?” She gripped her hand like a lifeline. “We were talking and then you spaced out, just stared down…” Her eyes locked with Kara’s. “Was it a seizure? Do you want to sit down? I can go get Jack. Or I can call Annie, the clinic should be open by now…”
“No, no.” Kara drew a deep breath, steadying herself. “I’m fine. Just zoned out there for a few minutes.” She forced a smile. “Guess my memory’s coming back. I’m remembering bits and pieces.”
“That’s fine. But still…” The woman led her around the edge of the desk and through the waist-high swinging door, into the inner sanctum. “Come sit before you fall down; you’re so pale. I’ll get you a cup of tea.”
She allowed the librarian to lead her to the chair, sitting in front of the computer.
“Stay put,” Geraldine ordered. “Or I’ll get Jack and then you’ll have to deal with him.” She disappeared into the back. “I’ve got some lovely Earl Grey back here. Just the thing to chase out that winter chill.”
As she nattered on about the weather, Kara studied her hands, her mind spinning.
A vision. A memory.
The past.
She rubbed her face, trying to grab the bits and put them together with what she’d remembered so far. It wasn’t about flying, or fighting—no Valhalla in sight, no shining armor.
Where was she? How did she end up in a dark room, battered and beaten? Who was that woman?
Her heart raced as she considered the thought that she might be mentally unstable. A danger—not so much to Liam, but those around her, the innocents only looking to help her. Her physical routine told her she was a warrior. If she aimed those skills at civilians, creating monsters that weren’t there to fight…
A chill shot through her at the idea.
No.
She pulled her fingers into fists.
She wasn’t mad. The images rang too true, too honest for her to push them away as a fantasy, a lie.
But the alternative…
Geraldine reappeared, carrying a small tray. The teapot gurgled with fresh, hot tea as she laid the tray down and prepared the two tiny china cups. A small plate held a pyramid of cookies, small delicious bites.
Kara smiled, taking in the fruity smell.
“There’s always time for tea,” the older woman pronounced. “Found some chocolate chip cookies back there as well—you can keep me company while Jack does his work.”
Kara settled into the chair, accepting her fate.
A cold wind came up from the street and whipped around Liam, cutting through the jeans as he finished up. He really wasn’t dressed for this sort of work—he should have gone back to his apartment and grabbed the parka. His leather jacket provided some protection, but…
Penance. It was all penance for his sins.
By the time he’d finished the route, he was sweaty and feeling fine, the hard work an excellent way to work off the desire lingering after the encounter in the truck.
At least that’s what he thought until he walked into the library and saw the two ladies sitting at the desk, chatting over Geraldine’s antique tea service—one he knew she didn’t bring out for just anyone.
The smile on Kara’s face was pure and beautiful, the gentleness with which she handled the china cup a delight to witness. A warmth spread through his heart, not only from the temperature change of coming inside.
“Jack.”
He pulled up short at Geraldine’s voice.
“We were just finishing up. I made you some coffee and kept some cookies aside.” Her smirk didn’t go unnoticed, alerting Liam she’d noticed the way he looked at Kara. “Thank you ever so much for doing the parking lot.”
“No problem.” He picked up the mug, using the scalding hot coffee to ground himself again. “We were on the way to pick up some wood for the Jarretts. Hit some ice on the way out and figured I’d get the parking lot and front path done before it got much worse.”
“Thank you. Be careful as you drive up there—don’t need you flipping into the ditch.” The librarian nodded. “Just been sitting here with Kara and chatting away, bringing her up-to-date with the town history. She’s all full of questions and such.”
“Excellent idea. She asked me a few but I’m still the new kid in town.” He tried hard not to look at Kara directly, focusing in on the two cookies left behind for him.
Geraldine chuckled. “I’ve been here for years and they still call me a newcomer because I wasn�
�t born here.” She glanced outside. “Starting to snow.”
“Damn.” Liam gulped down the rest of the coffee and nodded at Kara. “Time to go see Marie, then get up to the Jarretts. Unless you want to stay behind with Geraldine here, or Marie.”
She stood up and looked at Geraldine. “Thank you for the tea and cookies.” Her attention turned to Liam. “I’d like to come up to the cabin. I’m curious about the Jarretts.”
The librarian laughed. “Just don’t get pulled into a threesome. Or a foursome.” A soft chuckle escaped. “Unless you’re into that. Be one way to find out what you like.”
Liam choked down the last cookie and gestured Kara onward before he died of embarrassment.
“Enjoy your tea?” he asked as they climbed back into the truck.
“Of course. She’s good company.” Kara fell silent as he pulled out of the parking lot, drawing his attention.
He glanced at her a few times on the short drive but said nothing.
Marie stood up from her desk as they walked into the police station, the thick doors swinging shut behind them. “Hey. Been wondering when I’d see the two of you today.”
“Figured you’d call if there was any news.” He studied the computer screen. “I’m guessing there’s none.”
“Not the type I think you want to hear.” The police chief motioned them both to sit down. “Jack, I contacted the hotel you stayed at, gave them your description and the approximate time you were there—but it’s been over a year and they didn’t remember you. Not surprising, given how many thousands of people go through their doors. It is Las Vegas, after all.” She let out a low chuckle before turning to Kara.
She shifted in her chair, the soft swift intake of breath signaling her concern.
He dug his fingers into his knees, hard—her discomfort drew him in, demanding he do something to comfort her.
But this wasn’t the time or place for it, not before Marie finished her report.
“They did remember, however, an interesting case in that timeframe. A woman using a stolen credit card to rack up about five thousand dollars with a week-long stay.” She paused. “A woman who matches Kara’s description. The photograph wasn’t an exact match, but it was pretty close. The security chief told me she would have been interested in finding out more—except that case was closed months ago,” Marie continued on, never missing a beat. “The credit card company paid the hotel bill, the legitimate owner confessing she didn’t report the card missing for over a week because she was being lazy and forgot about it.” She let out an annoyed snort. “Guess she had more money than common sense to let it go so long. But no one got hurt, which is what I’d be most concerned about. The security chief agreed, which is why she told me that while our talk was interesting, it wasn’t anything she wanted to pursue. She had enough work on her plate to keep her busy.”
Marie stared directly at Kara, eyes narrowed. “I assume the thief understood how lucky she was to get away.”
“I expect she would,” Kara answered.
Liam cleared his throat. “So…any other information you can give us?”
“None. Other than they also remembered a man who stayed with our mystery woman. Generic description, he didn’t make much of an impression. Seems he was just there for the ride.” Her intense glare shifted to Liam. “But that’s all in the past. Since the case was closed by local authorities, I’m dropping that line of investigation. Things’ve been quiet here in town, so I’ve got no worries.”
“I appreciate that,” Kara said.
“You should. But don’t take me for a fool—anything goes missing, any complaints and I’ll put you away.” Marie perched herself on the edge of her desk. “That’s in the past. I’ve kicked your prints and picture up and around, but nothing’s come back yet.” She nodded at the pair. “You keep on keeping on, and we’ll be just fine.”
“Thanks.” Liam stood up, offering his hand. “I owe you one.”
“You owe me nothing.” She accepted the handshake. “No idea who that fellow from the hotel is, but he’s not here in my town. Stop on by tomorrow and we’ll see if anything’s changed.” Marie nodded at Kara. “Take care.”
Kara got up. “Thank you.” She turned to Liam. “Better get going on that firewood delivery.”
He nodded, grateful for the exit strategy.
“I’ll let you know if I get anything else. But don’t be strangers—don’t mind the company,” Marie said as they headed for the door. “And be careful driving up into the mountains.”
They both stayed silent until they got back in the truck.
Liam reacted first, letting out a deep sigh, shaking his head.
“I didn’t even think about that. Of course, there’d be an investigation about the hotel stay.” He slapped his forehead with the palm of his hand.
“Never occurred to me. And I was the one who stole the card.” Kara patted his arm. “Listen, if Marie’s all right with it, then let it go.”
“She’s going to wonder about us.”
“She’s doing that, anyway. Think of it as adding a bit more depth to your reputation.” Kara smiled. “Marie strikes me as someone who understands people sometimes make mistakes and recover from them.”
He eyed her. “It wasn’t all a mistake.”
“No.” She didn’t dare break away, the intensity of his stare holding her still. “I remember that. You?”
He cleared his throat before starting up the truck’s engine and putting it in drive. “Agreed. The Jarretts are waiting, and this snow doesn’t look like it’s about to stop falling. One quick stop to get the firewood and we’re on our way.”
Chapter Nine
Liam had driven up the narrow lane to the Jarretts’ cabin a dozen times, but this was the worst to date. The light snowfall had turned into a whiteout as soon as they turned off the main highway, slowing them to a crawl as he fought to keep on the road.
“Is this the big one that’s going to shut the town down?” Kara asked, her nose pressed to the window. He caught a glimpse of her wide-eyed expression in the reflection and couldn’t help smiling.
“No, believe it or not. Takes a lot more than an inch or so to make that happen. This is mostly blowing snow. The big one won’t be for another month or two, before Christmas.” Liam waved at the whiteness enveloping them. “When the wind stops, you’ll see. Hardly enough to cover the ground.”
That earned him a disbelieving snort, but she stayed silent as he maneuvered up to the cabin. It took a bit longer than usual, but he wasn’t complaining—it was a welcome change not to be traveling alone.
The wood in the truck bed rattled as they pulled into the driveway, tires spinning a bit on the icy gravel. He spotted Mark Jarrett at the window, tugging on a parka to help unload the firewood.
“Why don’t you go inside and stay warm? Let me and Mark do the hard work.”
She eyed him as if he’d told her to hop in a shark tank. “What?”
“Mark’s going to insist in helping, and he won’t let you lift a finger—he’s old-fashioned like that. You can either sit here in the truck and get cold or go be sociable. Do that friendly thing like you did with Geraldine.” Liam opened the door, letting a cold breeze sweep in over them. “I’d go inside.”
“You just want me to see the sex swing,” she muttered as she got out on the other side.
He chuckled as he pulled his work gloves out of his pocket.
Mark approached and shook her hand before turning to Liam. The tall, thin man was deceptively strong, able to keep up when it came to unloading the wood.
“Thanks,” he said. “Lisa’s a bit paranoid about having enough wood. We usually don’t worry until November, but according to the Farmers’ Almanac we’re due for another bad winter.”
“Hey, better safe than sorry,” Liam replied. “I can always get more.”
It took the better part of an hour to unload the truck and stack it against the side of the single-floor cabin, adding it to the pile alre
ady there.
“You called it right. Not the big one. Not yet.” Mark shook some snow off his jacket. “As long as it holds off until after Thanksgiving.” He handed over the payment. “Thanks again for the last-minute delivery. Take care going home.”
The drive down the mountain was much easier, the heat blasting up from the vents in the truck. Liam glanced at the woman beside him.
She wasn’t the nervous bundle he’d hauled up the rough road earlier—if anything, she was too calm and collected.
“How did you like the cabin?”
She let out a light chuckle. “I’m curious about some of the towel racks in the bathroom. Interesting placement.”
Liam couldn’t hold back a laugh.
She shifted closer, moving over the seat until her leg pressed up against his. “So I’m curious. What would you have done if they’d invited me to stay, spend a few days with them?”
Liam resisted the urge to step down on the gas pedal, hard. Instead he turned and stared at her. “I wouldn’t have let you. I don’t like to share.”
The firm tone froze her in place for a few seconds, her eyes going wide at his declaration.
He turned his attention back to the road, resisting the urge to pull over, his pulse pounding in his ears.
After a long moment, an eternity of waiting, Kara slid back to her side of the truck.
“What’s next?” Kara watched the light snowflakes trickling down.
“Helping winterize some gardens, close down some rental properties. Along with the usual chores.” He gave her a wide smile. “Now I bet you regret eating all those cookies at the library.”
A few hours later Kara dragged herself over to Liam’s couch and collapsed on it.
“There can’t be much more to do in the Ridge,” she said, draping her legs over the edge. “You nailed up boards, you covered flower beds, you helped put up a car on blocks. Is there anything left?”
He laughed as he hung his jacket up. “Not really. But I’d rather do it now while the weather’s holding than rush to do it tomorrow.” The pistol came out of the small of his back and came to rest on the coffee table. “I go back to work tonight at the warehouse.”
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