Positively Pippa

by Sarah Hegger

  “She’s nearly back to her old self.” Pippa smiled at the look of obvious relief on Wheeler’s face. He would grow into quite the looker this one. “They are talking about releasing her tomorrow.”

  “Good.” He nodded. “Will you tell her I said hi?” He shoved his hands in the pockets of his well-worn jeans. “My sister said she’d come with me to the hospital, but . . .” Wheeler shrugged.

  Yeah, Pippa got it. Blythe Barrows always had someone better to do. Not much had changed since high school. “Do you want to come with me in the morning?”

  A shy grin broke over Wheeler’s face. “Could I?”

  “Sure.” Pippa kept it light and shrugged. “We’ll go as soon as the horses are fed.”

  “Cool.” He sniffed and played it cool. “Later.”

  Wheeler sloped over to his beat-up car. It looked like the same one Blythe had driven in high school.

  Pippa let herself into the kitchen and went straight for the wine. She might leave Ghost Falls with a drinking problem at this rate.

  She took her phone out and stared at it. Putting it back on the table, she sipped her wine.

  Dial him. The phone lit up as she unlocked the screen. Pippa put it down. Not yet, a little more agonizing and the chance to give herself a few more reasons to talk herself out of it.

  Pippa keyed her phone on again.

  * * *

  Matt’s truck rolled to a stop in the kitchen yard. He climbed out and then leaned back in. Arms laden with flowers, chocolates, and a pink plastic packet, he loped over and let himself in through the kitchen door.

  “Hey.” He lifted his chin at her.

  Suddenly shy and awkward, Pippa nodded back.

  Matt put his burdens down on the kitchen table and stood back. “I’m a dick.”

  Pippa blinked at him, and then the stuff on the table. “Is that all for me?”

  “Yeah.” He shoved his hands into his back pockets. “I’m not very good at the apologizing thing, so I thought I’d cover all bases.” He cleared his throat. “Flowers, always a safe bet, but I wasn’t sure what kind you liked. Chocolate.” He pushed a gold-wrapped box closer to her. “I hit a snag on the perfume thing, but Bets did have this.”

  Pippa took the pink plastic packet he handed her. She pulled out a My Little Pony bath and body lotion set, complete with collectible pony. Pippa giggled.

  A smile of relief crossed Matt’s face as her giggle grew into a belly laugh.

  “My favorite,” she said when she could manage it. “How did you know?”

  “I went with the pony with the orange mane.” His face grew serious and he stepped into her space. “I really am sorry about earlier, Agrippina.”

  “I hated what you said, Meat.”

  He grimaced. “Yeah, it was kind of rough.” He took a deep breath. “I called Eric when I left here. We’re going into business together.”

  “You are?” Matt didn’t waste any time when he got his ass kicked.

  “Yup.” He nodded. “I gotta tell you, it scares the crap out of me, but I want this opportunity. I don’t know what it will mean for the future, where I’ll stay—all that stuff—but Eric and I will work it out.”

  She needed to touch him, help him with the uncertainty lurking in the back of his eyes. “You’re going to do great things, you and Eric. Kind of like those Property Brothers.”

  “Who?” He raised his eyebrow.

  “They’re brothers, and they have this reality show on TV. One of them is a contractor and the other a realtor.” Why was she explaining all this? Pippa waved a hand. “It doesn’t matter. The important part is you taking this chance to go after something you want. Plus, you and Eric are much better-looking than they are.”

  A grin threatened to take over his face. “Good to know.”

  Pippa let him tug her against his chest and wrap his arms around her. “You know, next time you feel the need to deliver some hard truths, you might bring all the flowers and stuff with you.”

  “I’ll remember that,” he murmured against her hair. “If you stay in Ghost Falls, Pippa, I want it to be because there is no other place you would rather be.”

  “What am I going to do, Meat? All my life I’ve wanted one thing and gone after that.”

  “Only you know that, babe. And for the record, I would be very happy if there was no place you’d rather be than Ghost Falls, but I don’t ever want to be something you settled for.”

  “Really?”

  His eyes were full of something she couldn’t quite decipher, but it made her heart beat faster and caused a happy glow to flicker into life in her chest. Pippa burrowed back into him, pressing her face into his neck. “We’re not keeping this light.”

  “No, we’re not.” He kissed the top of her head. “Would it freak you out if I told you there is nothing I would rather do than hold you like this?”

  Pippa shook her head. “Nothing else?”

  “Nothing.” He tightened his hold.

  “Not even if I invited you to come upstairs with me?”

  “Not even then.” Well, that was a bit disappointing, but cuddling was nice. “Pippa,” he growled in her ear. “Get your fine ass up those stairs.”

  She was laughing as she pulled him toward the stairs when he stiffened. His stare locked on something outside the window.

  “What is it?”

  The sheriff’s cruiser pulled to a stop outside and Nate climbed out.

  “What the hell?” Matt moved her to his side.

  Nate’s face was carved into grim lines as he strode toward the kitchen. He rapped on the door lintel.

  “Come in.” Pippa motioned him inside.

  “Hi, Pippa.” He tucked his hands into his gun belt.

  “Nate.” Matt jerked his chin.

  “Matt.” Nate nodded and turned back to her. “I have some pictures here I’d like you to look at.” He pulled a folder from under his arm. “See if these are the things Phi is missing.”

  “You found them?” Pippa’s heart gave a happy leap. Phi’s treasures would make the perfect homecoming gift.

  Nate spread the pictures over the table. “Have a look and tell me.”

  Matt crossed his arms and propped one shoulder against the wall.

  Pippa glanced through the photos. Man, she nearly kissed Nate. The napkin rings, the silver milk jug, the fob watch, the missing spoons. They were all there. And best of all, the tiara. “Where did you find them?”

  “I had one of my deputies do a search of antique stores in Denver and Salt Lake City. He found a dealer in Denver who was a bit nervous about these. Knew they were real but didn’t like that they came without any paperwork.”

  Pippa traced the beautiful lines of the photographed tiara with her finger. “Phi is going to be delighted.”

  Her smile died as she looked up at Nate. She glanced at Matt.

  He straightened and walked over to Nate. “Tell me you were wrong about that.”

  “I wish I could.” Nate grimaced. “You ready for a shock?”

  “No.” Pippa’s belly hit the floor. Why did there always have to be bad news? By the look on Nate’s face, the news really, really sucked. “But give it to me anyway.”

  “The dealer remembered the woman who sold the things to him,” Nate said.

  “Woman?” Ah, no, not June. Please don’t let it be June. Phi was going to be heartbroken. “Are you going to arrest her?”

  Nate curled his lips down. “I’m not sure. I need to speak with your grandmother first. It could be she doesn’t want to press charges.”

  “Maybe not.” June had been with Phi for years. “And if the things are all returned, undamaged, she may just fire June and be done with it.”

  Nate frowned. “Um, firing June isn’t going to fix this.” He glanced at Matt.

  Matt’s jaw tightened and he swore softly. “Are you sure?”

  “I double-checked.” Nate nodded.

  Pippa didn’t like that look. “What?”

  “Pippa.�
�� Matt grabbed her hand from the table and held it. “I don’t think June took the stuff.”

  “Who then?”

  “Your sister,” Nate said. “I showed the dealer a picture and he recognized it straight away. Laura has been stealing from Phi.”

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Pippa shook her head. Not Laura. “No way.”

  Nate gathered up the photos and put them back in the folder before looking up, face as serious as a winter storm. “I double-checked. Drove to Denver yesterday to make sure. Laura is stealing from Phi.”

  “Pippa.” Matt squeezed her hand.

  It didn’t make any sense. Her vision got iffy and she hauled her ass onto a chair. “Why?”

  “That’s what I’d like to know,” Nate said. “I’m on my way over there right now. It’s not strictly procedure but maybe you could come along and keep an eye on the children while I talk to Laura.”

  “Sure.” And smack the truth out of Laura while she was there.

  What the hell! Laura had her hands on Phi’s treasures, selling them to some shady dealer in Denver. Quick mental apology to the dealer if he wasn’t shady.

  “Pippa.” Matt got right in her face. “Can you do this?”

  Doing this without Matt seemed harder somehow. “Will you come with me?”

  “If you want me there, that’s where I’ll be.”

  “I want you there.”

  “Yeah.” Nate rubbed the back of his neck. “But you can’t go all medieval on her. You have to keep calm.”

  It all crashed down on her head again. She was tempted to check, one more time, if Nate really had this right.

  His handsome, grave face gave her all the confirmation she needed. He wouldn’t be here unless he was willing to stake his badge on it. He gathered up the pictures on the table. “Let’s get going. This isn’t going to get any easier.”

  What the hell was Laura thinking? Nate damn well better ask her that because Pippa really wanted to know. Then she wanted to know how Laura got off thinking it was okay to steal from her own grandmother. Their grandmother.

  Pippa called her mother from the car. Emily was at the hospital and didn’t want to leave Phi. Pippa told her she’d be by to see them later. She needed the full story before she broke Phi’s and her mother’s hearts.

  Laura and Patrick’s home was a ranch-style showpiece set in a neighborhood that whispered its affluence in manicured lawns and imposing front facades.

  Nate parked the cruiser at the curb and they approached the door together.

  Patrick opened the door on a waft of savory cooking smells that reminded Pippa she hadn’t eaten yet. Trust Laura to be an excellent cook. Her sister did everything well. Including theft, apparently.

  “Pippa.” Patrick gave her his shy, sweet smile and swept her into a hug. Of medium height, with an attractive combination of dark brown hair and blue eyes, Patrick looked like what he was—the original good guy. “Laura said you were home and I was waiting for you to show your face here.”

  Oh God, Patrick wouldn’t be wearing that happy face for long.

  Matt took her hand and threaded his fingers through hers. A silent gesture of support she appreciated more than she could say.

  “Patrick, is Laura home?” Nate took over the conversation.

  Patrick’s smile faltered as he looked at Nate’s set features. He stepped back to let them in. “Yes, she’s in the kitchen. Is everything all right? Is it her grandmother?”

  “Phi’s fine.” Pippa tried to put a note of reassurance in her voice. “But we need to speak to Laura, alone. Do you think you could take the kids for a walk or something? Maybe an ice cream?”

  “Laura doesn’t allow them to have ice cream before dinner.” Patrick slid his hands in his pockets. “What’s this all about?”

  “It really would be better if we spoke to Laura alone first,” Nate said.

  Patrick rocked on his heels, frowning slightly. “Daisy,” he called over his shoulder.

  Daisy’s voice rose inside the house in answer.

  “Take Sam upstairs to watch a movie.” Patrick turned back to them. “Your mother and I have something important to discuss.”

  Pippa tensed. “Patrick, we—”

  “I don’t know what the hell this is about, Pippa. But when the police show up at my door asking to speak to my wife, there is no way in hell I’m not going to be there beside her.”

  Laura had found herself a good man, one who might just stick around through this.

  Matt increased the pressure on her hand. “Let’s get this over with,” he said to Nate.

  Nate nodded and motioned Patrick to show them the way.

  “Hey, Pippa.” Daisy clattered past with Sam at her heels. “Matt. Sheriff Evans.” She went red to her hairline, grabbed Sam, and rushed up the stairs.

  “Patrick?” Laura appeared at the kitchen doorway, a dishcloth in her hands. “Why are the children going to watch television before dinner?” She stopped halfway down the gleaming wooden hallway floor. The wood looked like she polished it every day. Knowing Laura, she probably did.

  Laura had stolen from Phi. It seemed incredible to Pippa, looking at Laura, so perfect and composed in her tasteful, beautiful home with her wonderful husband. The same wonderful husband who bristled like a pit bull in front of them.

  Laura glanced at Nate, then Matt, and finally, Pippa. She went pale and scrunched the dish towel in her hand. “Phi didn’t—”

  “Your grandmother’s fine.” Patrick rushed to her side and put an arm around her waist.

  Pippa stared at her sister, trying to jam the pieces into a coherent order. How could Laura look so concerned about Phi when she’d been stealing her treasures? When, in fact, Laura and her sticky fingers had caused Phi’s collapse? Pippa wanted to punch her sister so badly. Her free hand balled into a fist. Words came out of her mouth in a low growl. “Don’t you dare pretend to care about Phi.”

  Matt gripped her hand tighter. “Easy,” he murmured. “If you can’t keep it under wraps, I’m going to have to take you outside.”

  Take her outside? No fucking way.

  Laura’s gaze locked on Nate. Her throat worked as she swallowed.

  “Let’s take this into the kitchen.” Nate took the lead.

  Laura nodded and turned to go back the way she’d come.

  “What the hell is going on?” Patrick rounded on them as they entered the airy, spotless kitchen. Stainless steel appliances nestled between dark wood and gleaming granite.

  Laura moved around to the far side of a large central island. Her fingers turned white against the dark granite as she gripped the edge. “Am I under arrest?”

  “Under arrest?” Patrick swung his head from Laura to Nate. “What the hell could you be under arrest for?” He thrust his chin out, his arm protectively wrapped around Laura. “This is bullshit, coming into my house and threatening my wife.”

  “Tell him,” Pippa said. Patrick was a good man, standing there ready to defend Laura without even knowing why. He didn’t deserve this shit. Phi for damn sure didn’t deserve this shit. Perfect Laura, not a hair out of place and a thief. Lying to them, all of them. Their mother, Phi, her, Patrick, and those two great kids upstairs. “Tell him.”

  Pippa snatched her hand away from Matt.

  Nate stepped into her path, throwing a quick glance over her head at Matt.

  Matt moved behind her. Ready to grab the madwoman in case she lost it. Pippa was perilously close with Laura looking like she might try and lie her way out of this.

  “I paid a visit to some antique dealers in Denver yesterday.” Nate put his folder on the island.

  Laura thrust her hands behind her back. Her mouth worked but no sound came out.

  “As a courtesy to your grandmother, I’m here to give you a chance to explain.” He sent the folder skittering across the gleaming granite surface to Laura. “But you should know that the dealer positively identified you.”

  “So, you’re not here to arres
t me?” Laura stepped back.

  “What—”

  “Give her a chance.” Nate cut Patrick off gently. “Then if you still have questions we can answer them later.”

  “Why?” Pippa tried to yank her shoulders free of Matt’s restraining hold. His grip tightened. “Why would you do that to Phi?”

  “You wouldn’t understand.” Laura’s eyes glittered at her, her face so angry it took Pippa’s breath away.

  Laura was mad at her. Laura was mad at her. It took a moment for her lame brain to make sense of the information. Who the hell did Laura think she was? Pippa’s voice burst from her, getting louder with each syllable. “You stole from Phi.”

  “Keep it down,” Matt muttered. “We don’t want the kids to hear.”

  Pippa checked her volume but the anger soared through her, hotter now that she knew she couldn’t yell. “She trusted you, loved you. She’s your grandmother, for fuck’s sake, and you took her treasures. You put your grubby hands on her special collection and—”

  “Pippa.” Nate cut a glance at her. “Get it under control or take it outside.”

  No way she was letting them kick her out now. She wanted to hear what her sister had to say. Pippa clenched her teeth together so hard, her jaw ached.

  “Laura would never steal anything.” Patrick gave a choked little laugh. “This entire thing is ridiculous. She loves her grandmother.”

  “Love?” It got away from Pippa before she could stop it. She snorted and stepped back into Matt. His chest pressed against her back, solid and dependable and the only thing keeping her from losing it.

  “I do love Phi.” Laura’s voice trembled. Her shoulders collapsed and she dropped her head forward. “I do love her. I mean, she’s weird and eccentric and drives me nuts, but I love her.”

  “Then why?” Her sister’s words carved a path through her chest. “Why?”

  “I needed the money, and I couldn’t think how else to get it.”

  “Laura?” Patrick glanced at Nate, emotions chasing so fast across his guileless face it was difficult to keep up. Disbelief, confusion, anger, hurt—Patrick was an open book. “Why would you need money? We have money.” He made a truncated movement with his hand. “We have money.”