One Step Away (Hazel Green Book 2)

by Cindy Kirk

  The years she’d lived with her mother had taught her how to pack at a moment’s notice. Nell had just snapped a suitcase shut when she sensed someone in the room. Grabbing a hairbrush, she whirled.

  “Dixon.” His name came out on a whoosh of air. “What are you doing here?”

  He stepped around her and sat on the bed. “It took you long enough to get home.”

  “What are you doing here?” she repeated.

  His gaze shifted to the suitcase. “It appears I’m just in time to say goodbye. Funny, you didn’t mention you were taking a trip.”

  She waved the hairbrush in the air. “It’s a last-minute kind of thing.”

  “Did you forget about your lunch appointment tomorrow with our old friend, Stanley?” Dixon wagged his finger. “Don’t tell me you’re standing him up.”

  “I’m not standing him up.” She heaved a heavy breath and plopped down on the bed beside her brother. “I’m leaving town right after I meet with him.”

  “Getting the hell out of Dodge, eh?” Dixon’s light tone didn’t match the serious look in his eyes. “You must be anticipating a less-than-positive outcome.”

  “I certainly don’t believe Stanley is coming all this way to renew our friendship.” Nell sighed again, weary all the way to her core. “I’m hoping when I meet with him that he’ll unload all his pent-up anger and frustration on me. Later, when he discovers I’ve left town, he’ll most certainly come after me. Everyone I care about in Hazel Green will no longer be of interest to him.”

  “It could work.” Dixon tapped two fingers against his lips. “Odds are it won’t, but hey, long shots come in every day.”

  “Thanks for the encouraging words.” Nell pushed to her feet. “I’ll be in touch.”

  He stood, his gaze locking on hers. “I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

  She knew all he was offering and was touched. “Thank you.”

  Dixon stood. “How did Leo react to the news that you’re leaving?”

  “He doesn’t know.” Nell’s heart rose to her throat, and she made a sound that fell somewhere between a laugh and a sob. “But at this point, I don’t think he’d care. He’s so angry with me. Oh, and let’s not forget disappointed and hurt.”

  The grave expression on Dixon’s face told her he understood. This was the reason they’d both kept any interactions with the opposite sex free and easy. Still, her brother knew how much Leo meant to her. “You—”

  “I could what? Stay and try to convince him to give me another chance? Or maybe stay and let Stanley make Leo’s life and the lives of his family miserable?” Nell shook her head violently. “If I did that, I’d be as bad as Gloria. Except, unlike her, knowing I was hurting those I care about would tear me apart.”

  “I think you’re underestimating the people who love you.” Dixon stared at her for several long seconds. “I’m going to miss you, Suze. This time, keep in touch.”

  When she heard the door click shut behind him, Nell expelled a ragged breath. It seemed ironic that just when she and Dixon had found each other again, they’d had to say goodbye.

  Tomorrow, she’d be leaving not only her brother, but everything—and everyone—she held dear…including the only man she would ever love.

  The next morning, after leaving a message for her secretary to cancel her appointments for the rest of the week, Nell texted Abby.

  Need to talk. Urgent.

  The reply came right away. My house? Or ???

  Your house. See you in thirty.

  Nell strode up the steps to the massive front porch in twenty-five. The large yellow Victorian enclosed by a black wrought-iron fence had a homey feel.

  Abby opened the door before she knocked. The jeans, sleeveless tee and bare feet told Nell her friend had been relaxing at home.

  “I didn’t mean to disrupt your morning. But I—”

  “You didn’t disrupt anything except me enjoying a moment of solitude with my coffee and scone. Jonah left for the station over an hour ago, and Eva Grace is still asleep.” Abby tugged Nell to a room at the back of the house filled with plants and an abundance of sunshine.

  A carafe of what Nell assumed was coffee sat on a white distressed-wood table. Yellow gingham placemats sat beneath blue mugs and plates holding scones.

  Though Nell told herself she couldn’t possibly be hungry, her stomach growled.

  Abby smiled. Though the dark hair pulled back in a jaunty tail made her look much younger than thirty, this was no hothouse flower. Abby knew the pain that came with difficult decisions.

  “You’re probably wondering why I’m here.”

  “I’m curious, especially about the urgent part.” Abby filled a cup for Nell from the carafe, and the rich aroma of coffee filled the air.

  Before Nell could respond, a large golden retriever entered the room.

  “Ginger is here to make sure you didn’t bring a treat for her.” Abby motioned with one hand. “No treats today. Sit on the rug, girl.”

  Instead of obeying, the retriever moved to Nell’s side.

  The dog pressed her body against Nell’s thigh in what felt like a gesture of comfort. Nell didn’t push her away. Couldn’t push her away.

  Nell swallowed the lump trying to lodge in her throat.

  “Tell me what’s so urgent.” Abby closed her hand over hers and gave it a squeeze.

  “I’ll be leaving town later today. I came to say goodbye.”

  “Leaving?” Abby cocked her head. “I didn’t know you had a trip planned. How long will you be gone?”

  “Forever.” Nell tried for a matter-of-fact tone, but she could hear the emotion in her voice. “I won’t be returning to Hazel Green.”

  “Bu-but why?” Abby sputtered.

  Keep it simple, Nell told herself. “It’s complicated. But trust me, it’s for the best.”

  “There’s no way you leaving is for the best.” Her friend’s brows pulled together. “What about Leo? What does he think about this plan?”

  “I have an ugly past, Abby. One you know nothing about. Last night, I confessed all to Leo and his family. Leo had no idea. I should have told him everything before, but I was a coward. I let him believe that he knew me, that he could trust me.” Nell’s insides quivered, but her fingers were steady as she broke off a piece of scone. “He’s angry and disappointed.”

  Compassion filled Abby’s dark eyes. “He’ll get over it.”

  Nell shook her head. “He’ll be glad to see me gone.”

  “I don’t believe—” Abby stopped herself, then began again. “Don’t you think you should tell him anyway?”

  “No. It’s best I go and go quickly. The person I’m meeting today will try to trash Leo and his family and create a media circus. Partly because of our past association.”

  Abby narrowed her gaze. “Who is this person?”

  “His name is Stanley Britten. We were friends of sorts when I was seventeen.” Nell hesitated, aware Abby’s husband was the chief of police.

  “Is he an old boyfriend?”

  “No. He was never my boyfriend.” Nell considered how much to say. “Stanley blames me for something that happened a long time ago.”

  “Why are you being so secretive?” Frustration filled Abby’s voice. “I’m your friend. I want to help. But I can’t if I don’t know what’s going on.”

  “There isn’t anything you can do to help.” Nell’s hand closed over Abby’s. “I simply came to say goodbye. You’re my best friend. If Stanley comes to you and asks what you know about my past or if you know where I went, I want you to be able to be honest and say you have no idea.”

  “I don’t understand—”

  “He’ll likely take great delight in sharing some things I did when I was younger. Details that will make you wonder if you ever truly knew me.”

  “Why would he do that to you? I mean, you said at one time you were friends.”

  “We were, but if Stanley even thought that you had slighted him, he had it out for you.
” Nell thought of Mr. Jenks, a popular history teacher at their high school. “I remember when Stan didn’t get picked to represent our school in an all-city History Day competition. He did whatever he could to get the teacher who hadn’t chosen him, fired. And he was sneaky about it.”

  There was no doubt in Nell’s mind that Stan was out for payback.

  As if sensing her distress, Ginger rested her head on Nell’s lap. The sweet gesture had Nell fighting back tears. Or perhaps it was the thought of leaving Abby and her other friends behind.

  “What could you have done at seventeen that was so horrible? You were a child.”

  “I was never a child.” Nell pushed back her chair and stood. “Trust me, I did plenty of bad things.”

  Ginger scrambled to her feet.

  “Don’t go.” Abby’s voice was tremulous but firm. “Whatever it is, we can work through it together. Jonah will help.”

  Nell leaned over and gave Ginger one last rub. “Please tell the others I love them and I’m sorry I deceived them.”

  “Deceived?” Abby flung up her hands. “How did you deceive us, Nell?”

  “Nell isn’t even my real name.” Her voice rose, then broke.

  “What do you mean it’s not your name?” Abby tossed her napkin to her plate and stood. “Okay. No more questions. I don’t care what your real name is or why you changed it. I only care that you’re planning to leave me and everyone else who loves you.”

  “I love you, Abby.” Nell forced a calm she didn’t feel. “Thank you for being such a wonderful friend.”

  Abby threw herself at Nell, enfolding her in a tight hug. “I’m here for you. Always.”

  Nell blinked back tears and stepped back. “Do me one last favor?”

  Abby wiped her eyes. “Anything.”

  “Let Matilda know I have a special lunch meeting planned with Mr. Britten at eleven? Perhaps she can set aside a table that’s more private.”

  Abby didn’t ask why Nell didn’t make the call herself, and Nell was grateful.

  “Should I have Jonah stop by? You know, just in case this man who hates you gets out of control?”

  “I appreciate the offer.” Nell’s lips quirked in a humorless smile. “But I think Stanley would see the chief of police as his friend, not mine.”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Nell arrived at Matilda’s dressed in a blue suit and heels. Looking professional always made her more confident.

  Matilda was at the check stand, wearing a navy 1940s dress that flattered her figure with its fitted waist and knee-length A-line skirt. A perfectly tied bow of the same fabric rested just below her chin.

  “I saw the sign on the door,” Nell told Matilda. “I didn’t realize you were closed for lunch today.”

  “Once your appointment arrived,” Matilda gestured with her head toward a man in a dark suit at a far table, “I put up the sign. Abby told me a little about what’s going on and that you need privacy. This way, you won’t be disturbed.”

  “Thank you, but it’s not necessary for you to close your restaurant.” Nell touched Matilda’s arm. “Think of all the revenue you’ll be losing.”

  “A friend’s welfare is always more important than money.” Matilda shot a sharp glance in Stanley’s direction before refocusing on Nell. “If you need anything, I’m here for you.”

  I’m here for you.

  It was the same sentiment that Dixon and Abby had intoned.

  Nell had made good friends in Hazel Green, built a satisfying life here and fallen in love with a wonderful man. Now, Stanley, this boy-turned-man who couldn’t let go of the past, had tracked her down and seemed determined to make her pay.

  Nell thought of the suitcase in her car, thought of all she’d be leaving behind when she ran again, like that scared girl of seventeen.

  Skipping town. One step away from disaster. Just like Gloria.

  Was her plan to leave the right choice? Or would it only make things worse for those she loved?

  She would feel Stanley out, see what he was like after all these years, find out what he wanted from her.

  Then she would decide her next step.

  The closer the clock ticked toward eleven, the more agitated Leo became. Under his brother’s watchful gaze, Leo paced his office like a caged animal.

  “You’re worried about Nell and her meeting with Stanley,” Wells commented, obviously feeling compelled to fill the pulsating silence.

  “I’m curious.” Leo resisted the urge to slant another look at the mantel clock he’d glanced at only seconds before. “I don’t understand why she thinks she needs to protect us.”

  Wells shrugged.

  “She thinks Stanley Britten may make trouble. I wish I knew more about him.” Last night, when he’d gotten home, Leo had scoured the internet for anything he could find on the man. There had been nothing that could be used as leverage.

  “Dad thinks it’s possible Stan and Steve were co-conspirators.” Wells glanced at the clock. “Pete should have a report for Dad this afternoon.”

  “A PI won’t find that information, especially not on short notice.” Leo continued to pace. “You’d have to go to the source for that.”

  His brother’s gaze turned sharp and assessing. “Are you suggesting we ask Steve to give him up?”

  Leo shook his head. “Steve is off-limits because of the indictment. But Karen may know something. Or she could find out.”

  “I’ll call Dad.” Wells pulled out his phone. “He’ll get right on it.”

  “It might still be too late.”

  Wells lifted a brow.

  “I think Nell plans to leave Hazel Green after the meeting.”

  “If that’s the case, I know what I’d do.”

  Leo cocked his head.

  “If it were Dani in that restaurant, you couldn’t keep me away.” His brother rose and moved to the window. “You know, I’d give up everything for one more day with her. For another chance to tell her how much I love her.”

  Though it wasn’t the same situation he faced, Leo could relate to the sentiment.

  “I’d tell her how sorry I was for pushing her. If I’d paid attention to her concerns, we’d never have gotten on that helicopter, and she’d still be—” Wells’s voice broke. He quickly brought it under control. “If Nell means half as much to you as Dani meant to me, don’t let her go. Accept her for who she is, past baggage and all.”

  What had appeared murky became suddenly clear.

  “I’m going to make sure Stanley Britten knows that Nell isn’t alone in this fight. He screws with her, he better be prepared to deal with me.”

  “Just as long as you realize this scandal, if that’s what it ends up being, could be the end of your political career.”

  “I’d give it up in a heartbeat for Nell.”

  “That kind of says it all.”

  He was nearly out the door when he heard Wells call out, “Good luck.”

  Leo smiled. Stan Britten was the one who was going to need the luck.

  Stanley didn’t get up when Nell reached his table next to the window. Nell knew how he’d been raised and the position he held in DC. Rising to one’s feet was common courtesy. Staying seated was a backhanded slap.

  The second his gaze met hers, Nell saw that he had the same cold, dead eyes as her mother. In that moment she knew reason wouldn’t work with him, and neither would trying to get him to empathize with her situation.

  “Stanley.” Nell paused, resisting the urge to extend her hand. Another common business courtesy that he would likely ignore.

  “Sit.” Stan gestured with his head toward the chair adjacent to his at the four-top. Instead of taking the one he indicated, she rounded the table so her back would be to the window.

  Nell considered herself to be an expert at quickly sizing up a person. From the tips of his burnished calfskin Ferragamos to his Maybach tortoise-shell eyewear, Stan appeared determined to show he was a man of power.

  The nerdy, science
geek she remembered was nowhere to be seen. That didn’t mean he wasn’t there, simply that he wasn’t going to let her see that part of his nature, at least for now.

  Nell sat down and placed the linen napkin on her lap.

  Matilda appeared tableside, her smile easy, her gaze watchful. “Would you care for a cocktail?”

  While eleven in the morning seemed early for a drink, Nell glanced at the glass in front of Stan.

  “The gentleman is having a gin martini.”

  Ah, a serious drink for a serious discussion. Nell hid a smile. “Scotch, neat.”

  “Right away.” Matilda cast a glance at Stan’s stoic expression and hurried off.

  “This place doesn’t appear to do much business.”

  Nell guessed that was as good of an opening gambit as he was going to give.

  “Matilda is a friend. She closed her restaurant so we could be assured of privacy.”

  Surprise flickered for an instant in his brown eyes before the shutter dropped.

  Matilda reappeared and set the faceted whiskey glass in front of Nell. “Do you have any questions about the menu?”

  Stan handed his to her. “I’m not interested.”

  Matilda’s eyes cooled, but the smile remained on her lips. “Let me know if you change your mind.”

  “Thanks, Matilda.” Nell turned to Stan and fired the opening salvo. “Tell me why you wanted to see me.”

  “I’ve been searching for you for years.” Stan’s gaze flicked dismissively over her. “A small-town attorney. I almost laughed. You were the golden girl, and I was the geek that everyone dismissed as nothing. We can see now who came out on top.”

  “Are you happy, Stan?”

  Once again, she’d surprised him. His eyes widened, and he took a gulp of his drink. “I’m very successful.”

  “You didn’t answer my question.” Nell inclined her head and studied him. “I know you’re married with a couple of children.”

  “I’m in the process of a divorce. Not that it’s any of your business. The ungrateful bitch is trying to take me for everything I have.”