Mistletoe Justice

by Carol J. Post

  He pulled a small notepad from his shirt pocket. “Full name?”

  “Rupert Wiggins.”

  “Do you have a social or at least a date of birth?”

  “I can get both. They’re in my payroll program. I’ve just got to look it up without getting caught.” Worry knitted her brows, kick-starting the beginnings of a headache. “Wiggins has always watched me. That’s the way he is, with everyone. But now it’s different. It’s as if he knows I’m onto something.”

  Hunter shook his head, his eyes heavy with concern. “Get me his info, and I’ll find out what I can. But don’t take any unnecessary chances. I really don’t like it that someone came into your house.”

  “Trust me, I don’t, either.”

  “I’d feel a lot better if you’d let me create a case and get an official investigation under way.”

  “The mine isn’t in your jurisdiction.”

  “Cedar Key has a reciprocating agreement with Levy County. I think they’d let me be involved. I’d rather be helping you beat trumped-up charges than attending your funeral.”

  He had a point. But hopefully, he wouldn’t have to do either. “Let me find out how big of a mess I’m in first.”

  Hunter tucked the notepad back into his pocket and rose from the bench. “All right. But be careful.”

  “I will.” She forced a smile, then watched him walk away. Maybe she was crazy talking to a cop. But Hunter wasn’t just a cop. He was one of her closest friends. He knew her well enough to believe that she would never be involved in anything illegal, no matter how guilty she looked. But if Wiggins planted enough evidence against her, it would be out of Hunter’s hands.

  She pulled her phone from her pocket and glanced at the time. Another fifteen minutes, and she would head home for lunch. By then, Jayden would be sufficiently worn-out. Not for a nap—he’d outgrown naps some time ago—but one of his videos would entertain him while she chatted with her mom.

  “Mind if I join you?”

  Darci started at the male voice next to her. When her eyes met familiar green ones, her stomach lurched. “Conner.”

  He’d traded his mechanics’ coveralls for khaki cargo shorts and an olive-colored polo shirt that he filled out rather nicely. The fact that she noticed bothered her. When he grinned, the fact that he noticed that she noticed bothered her even more.

  “What are you doing here?”

  “We decided to take a minivacation.”

  We? She followed his gaze to where a blond-haired boy stood at the top of one of the slides. The boy waved, and Conner waved back.

  She raised her brows. Conner didn’t strike her as the fatherly type. The possibility piqued her interest, even though she didn’t want it to. “Is he yours?”

  He watched him come down the slide, then turned his gaze on her. “Yes and no. He’s my sister’s, but she’s...gone.” He hesitated on the last word. “So I guess you can say he’s mine.”

  She nodded. What did he mean, gone? Had she passed away or abandoned her son? He didn’t offer, and she wasn’t going to ask. “Have you been to Cedar Key before?”

  “Several times. First time with Kyle, though.”

  She let out a relieved sigh, shaking the ridiculous notion that he’d somehow followed her here. He had a history with Cedar Key, like so many other people in the area. It was a favorite tourist spot, quaint, artsy and so different from the usual overbuilt, congested vacation destinations in Florida.

  “Have a seat.” She angled her head toward the other end of the bench. Since she had never said he could join her, he was still standing.

  He sat next to her. “Thanks. How about you? Are you vacationing, or do you live here?”

  “Neither. I grew up here, and my parents still live here. So Jayden and I come back and spend our weekends with them.” Maybe that was more than she should have told him. But he didn’t seem the stalker type. Jimmy Fuller could learn a thing or two from him.

  “So which one is yours?”

  She inclined her head toward the slide. Jayden was on his hands and knees in front of it, the momentum having toppled him forward.

  “The one in the red shirt at the bottom of the slide.”

  As she watched, another boy slid down and fell on top of him.

  Conner cringed. “Is he all right?”

  She stood and watched as the boy rolled to the side and Jayden pushed himself to his feet. He shook his hands, then patted them together, trying to get rid of the sand. The playground was mulched, but too many feet had scattered it.

  “He’s all right. He’s a pretty tough little boy. Doesn’t cry much.” Doesn’t talk much, either.

  He approached her then, palms up, and after tucking her water bottle under her arm, she brushed off his hands. Sand bothered him. A lot of things bothered him.

  When she was finished, he reached for her water bottle.

  She shook her head. “What do you say?”

  He stretched higher, and she repeated her question, still holding the bottle out of his reach.

  He dropped his arms. “Wawa, peas.”

  She handed him the bottle and turned to Conner. “We need to go. Mom’s putting lunch on the table at one o’clock sharp.”

  “Then you’d better not be late. Kyle and I will be here through tomorrow. Hopefully, our paths will cross again.”

  The smile he gave her made her stomach flip-flop. She was usually immune to charming men, no matter how good-looking. But seeing Conner play the father role had a completely unexpected effect on her. He had to be a pretty caring, unselfish guy to take on the responsibility of his sister’s kid. There were a lot of men out there who didn’t even take responsibility for their own. She knew that firsthand.

  After waving farewell, she walked with Jayden to her car. Chances were good that Conner would get his wish. Cedar Key wasn’t that big. Their paths likely would cross again.

  The jury was still out on whether that would be a good or a bad thing.

  THREE

  Conner pulled the kayak onto the beach at the edge of the city park. The temperature was a perfect seventy-two degrees, but he had worked up a sweat. Although both of them had had paddles, most of the time Kyle’s had lain across his lap. But the kid had had fun, and that was what mattered.

  He started up A Street with Kyle at his side, and when he got to the corner, he glanced left down Second. A block away, a familiar red Corolla stopped at the curb. The door swung open, and Darci stepped into the street. A little farther down, a charcoal-colored Escalade also pulled to the side.

  Uneasiness gnawed at the edges of his mind. When he found Darci at the park, the same vehicle had sat facing the playground, the driver still inside. At the time, he’d thought nothing of it. But twice in one day? Maybe it was a coincidence. Or maybe someone was stalking her.

  Instead of crossing Second, he turned left and began making his way down the sidewalk. Darci folded her seat forward and leaned into the back. When she straightened a minute later and shut the door, Jayden stood next to her, his hand in hers.

  Conner waved a greeting. “Looks like my wish was granted. I did get to see you again.”

  She returned his smile with a dazzling one of her own. Too many times in the past few days, he’d caught her with her mouth drawn into a straight line, creases of concern between her brows. Now, in the relaxed atmosphere of Cedar Key, that smile was back. And he liked what he saw. With those big blue eyes, cute, upturned nose and cheeks rosy from her time spent in the sun, she projected a warmth and wholesomeness that drew him in.

  He came to a stop next to her. “What are you up to?”

  “I’m paying my friend Meagan a visit.” She lifted a finger and pointed to a store across the street. A watercolor painting stood displayed in the front window. The sign above the door
read Darci’s Collectibles and Gifts.

  “Is that you?”

  “I’m the Darci in Darci’s Collectibles and Gifts, but the store isn’t mine anymore. I sold it to Meagan.”

  “To go to work for P. T.?”

  “Yep.”

  A shadow seemed to pass across her features with the single word. Worry settled in her eyes and her jaw tightened. She was probably regretting that decision.

  She turned toward the store. “If you want, I’ll introduce you.”

  He followed her, casting another glance down the street. The Escalade was still there, its driver obscured behind the tinted windshield. He squinted into the sinking sun. Even without the tint, he wouldn’t be able to identify anyone at that distance.

  As soon as he stepped inside, his gaze circled the store. A half-dozen paintings stood on easels near the front, each signed M. Kingston. Necklaces and earrings hung on two rotating display racks, and rows of shelves held a variety of vases, statues and other knickknacks. Most of it looked fragile.

  He reached for Kyle’s hand. “There are too many breakable things.”

  As expected, Kyle tried to pull free. “I won’t touch anything.”

  “I know you won’t.” Conner tightened his hold.

  Kyle gave in with a heavy sigh and a hard drop of his shoulders. There were still arguments, but the battles were getting shorter. The kid was learning that no meant no and some things weren’t up for discussion. For Conner, being hard-nosed wasn’t a natural character trait. But if he ever let Kyle get the upper hand, he’d never get it back.

  A female voice reached him from the rear of the store. Probably Darci’s friend Meagan conversing with a customer. Soon she appeared between two of the display rows. After a quick smile Darci’s direction, her eyes fell on him. “Can I help you find anything?”

  Conner shook his head. “I’m with Darci.”

  “Oh?” Meagan’s gaze swept him up and down, and her eyes lit with interest.

  Darci hurried to explain, “This is Conner Stevenson. He works at P. T. He and his nephew came to Cedar Key for the weekend.”

  Meagan’s face fell, but only for a moment. Apparently she was hoping for some romance in Darci’s life. Based on what one of his coworkers had told him, Meagan was setting herself up for disappointment. Jerry said Darci didn’t date. Her son came first, and she shunned anything that would pull her attention away from him.

  Meagan extended a hand. “Meagan Kingston, owner of this store and friend of its namesake.”

  Conner accepted the handshake. “Pleased to meet you.”

  Darci picked up a trifold piece of glossy paper from the counter and laid back both sides. “You made up a new brochure for the store.”

  “I did. I’ve got them all over around town. I think it’s helping. I’ve been staying pretty busy.”

  “So no regrets?”

  “Nope. It’s a good venue for selling my paintings, and when things are slow, I do some sketching.”

  While Darci and Meagan talked, Conner’s eyes dipped to the two boys. They were both being good, but Kyle was starting to get antsy. He took a step closer to Jayden.

  “What’s your name?”

  Jayden didn’t respond. He was turned, his eyes fixed on one of Meagan’s paintings displayed near the door.

  Kyle patted Darci’s hip. Before Conner could scold him for his bad manners, Darci stopped midsentence to focus solely on Kyle.

  “Why won’t he answer me?”

  “You have to get his attention. But he doesn’t really talk.”

  Kyle was silent for a moment, as if he was digesting her explanation. “Are you his mom?”

  “I am.”

  “Where’s his dad?”

  Conner cringed. “Kyle! That’s none of your business.” So much for good manners. Darci probably thought Kyle was being raised by Neanderthals.

  Darci’s eyes met his, and she burst into laughter. Conner couldn’t help but smile. Even her laugh was pleasant, a deep, easy, natural sound of pure enjoyment.

  “You haven’t been around many kids, have you? One of the first things you’ll learn is that they say what pops into their heads.”

  Conner relaxed. Maybe Kyle’s lack of manners was age appropriate. Or Darci was just being nice.

  She bent over to bring her face closer to Kyle’s. “Jayden’s father left before Jayden was born.”

  “So Jayden doesn’t have a father.” Kyle touched Jayden’s arm. “I don’t have a father, either.”

  Jayden didn’t answer, but his eyes shifted to Kyle’s. Conner wasn’t any expert, but Jayden seemed different from most boys his age.

  A family of tourists walked into the store a few minutes later, and he and Darci bid Meagan farewell. When Conner stepped outside, he sought out the SUV. It was still there, parked in the same spot.

  He looked down at Darci. “Who drives the gray Escalade?”

  “What gray Escalade?”

  “The one that’s sitting down there.” He tilted his head.

  She followed his gaze then shrugged. “A tourist, I suppose. I’ve never seen it before. Why?”

  “He seems to be taking quite an interest in you.”

  “Me?” She laughed, but tension underscored the sound. “Just because he’s parked down there doesn’t mean he’s paying any attention to me.”

  “No, but he was at the park, too.”

  Her eyes widened. “Are you sure?”

  “Positive. I wouldn’t have noticed, except that he left right after you did. And when you stopped at Darci’s, he pulled over at the same time.”

  The blood drained from her face, and she swayed slightly. He put a hand out to steady her. “Are you okay?”

  Instead of answering his question, she drew in a deep breath and straightened her spine. He could almost see her shoring up her defenses.

  “Walk with me. Please?”

  “Sure.”

  As soon as they began moving that direction, an engine started, and the Escalade pulled from the space. It turned down D Street before they could get close enough to read the tag, then sped out of sight, headed off Cedar Key.

  Darci slowed to a stop and turned wide blue eyes on him. Fear swam in their depths. He lifted an arm to drape across her shoulders and pull her close, then caught himself. From everything he’d heard about her, that would be a sure way to send her running.

  He lightly touched her arm instead. “Who is he?”

  She shook her head. Maybe she really didn’t know. But she knew more than she was telling him.

  She spun and began walking back toward her car. But he wasn’t going to let her go so easily. In order to help her, he needed answers.

  “Darci, tell me what’s going on.”

  She opened the door and lifted Jayden into his car seat. Once she had fastened him in, she straightened. “I don’t know.”

  “You’re afraid. I can see that.” And it was tearing him up.

  She put a surprising amount of force behind her words. “If someone’s stalking me, I think I have reason to be afraid.”

  “I agree. Any idea who it might be?”

  She hesitated, her eyes searching his. Was she trying to decide whether she could trust him? Was he sure he could trust her with his own secrets?

  Finally she shook her head. “I don’t know.”

  She slid into the driver’s seat, but before she could close the door, he stepped into the opening.

  “When I saw you leave the mine last Friday night, you were wound up tighter than a spring. What were you doing there? Had you just met with Wiggins?”

  “No.”

  “Then what were you doing?”

  “I already told you, I went back for something.” Some of the fear had retr
eated from her eyes, and her tone now held annoyance.

  “What?”

  “My phone. I’d charged it earlier in the day. I got almost to Cedar Key when I realized I’d left it.”

  He continued to study her. Something wasn’t adding up. “If that’s all you were doing there, why have you been trying to avoid me?”

  She depressed the clutch and started the car. “I’ve been busy.”

  “I don’t buy it, Darci. You’ve been more than busy. You’ve been scared. Tell me what you’re afraid of. I want to help.”

  She stared at him, indecision set in her features. When she finally spoke, steeliness had crept into her tone. “Look, I don’t know what’s going on. But whatever it is, it’s not your concern. I appreciate your offer to help, but I’m not your responsibility.”

  “No, you’re not. But I recognize fear when I see it. And as a guy, I can’t stand idly by.”

  She reached for the door handle. “Let it go, Conner. You don’t have a stake in this.”

  “Don’t bet on it.” He stepped away, sliding his hand along the top of the door until it rested on the corner. She wouldn’t confide in him, and he wasn’t ready to blow his cover. But he could get her headed in the right direction. “Check the April bank statement.”

  Then he stepped back and shut the door.

  “What?” The closed window muffled her voice.

  He circled around the car to where Kyle stood under a tree, breaking twigs off low-hanging branches and throwing them. When he reached the other side of the Corolla, Darci had rolled down the passenger window.

  “What am I looking for?”

  “The purchase of a piece of equipment. Cashier’s check. But don’t let anyone know what you’re doing.”

  He took Kyle’s hand and started down the sidewalk. Her words trailed after him.

  “Wait. Who are you?”

  He didn’t stop, and he didn’t turn around. When he spoke, the soft tone wouldn’t have carried more than a few feet. But he meant every word.

  “Someone seeking justice.”

  * * *

  Darci shifted on the wooden bench and folded the sheet of paper in front of her. It was the fourth Monday of the month, and the entire workforce of P. T. Aggregates was gathered for its regularly scheduled staff meeting. A dozen employees were seated at the two picnic tables near the break room, with the others nearby.