Death Rub

by Ashantay Peters

Dolores reached for my hand. “Look, I think it’s just that I have some nervous nellies. This situation will calm down and folks will forget. Once the murderer is caught—”

  The blood drained from my face. My lips tingled like I’d gotten an overdose of Botox. Not that my naturally full lips needed the stuff. “Is Nicole saying I killed Clarice?”

  “Nooo.”

  Riiight.

  She stretched. “You know, Clarice’s murder doesn’t make sense. She was quiet, nice to everyone. Who’d want to kill her?”

  “Not me. Adjoining lockers aside, we weren’t close friends in school and it’s been all business since she started coming to me for massage.” I remembered Clarice standing at the window, her marked resemblance to Nicole.

  Dolores watched me like a Border Collie in a field of sheep. “You’ve remembered something. Or do you know who killed Clarice?”

  I sure couldn’t tell her. She’d just run to her friend, and I didn’t want Dirk ticked off with me. Instead, I’d mull over my memory and only talk with Dirk if it felt right.

  “No. I don’t know who killed Clarice, just an unrelated something I remembered. Nothing important.”

  “We’ll continue scheduling appointments for you.”

  Yeah. Like anyone would be booking once Nicole completed her hatchet job.

  “Thanks, Dolores.” I stood on shaky legs and wobbled to the door.

  “Listen, if you need help you’ll be sure and let me know, right?”

  I nodded half-heartedly. Gathering my dirty linens, music and the sage that hadn’t cleared the negative vibes after all, I plodded to my car. Now what?

  ****

  The gods of negative coincidences and weird occurrences weren’t done with me. I arrived home and saw a strange car in my drive with a man sitting in the slanted shadow of my porch swing. Stopping my car on the street, I squinted toward my house. Dang, my eyesight must have failed. Or perhaps I imagined seeing the boy who’d dumped me in high school, now turned man. Nope, no hallucination from the drugs I’d used once and swore never to touch again. Travis Knowles stood at the railing and waved. Shoot.

  Against my better instincts I pulled in beside his car. Slamming my gearshift into park, I shut down the engine and sat, afraid to leave my car. Life hadn’t treated me well lately, and fear had become my reluctant friend. Reluctant on my part, that is.

  I took a deep breath, scrambled from the car, and forced a smile. “Travis. Long time.” Those two words hung like the accusation I hadn’t intended to voice.

  Scanning him head to toe as I walked closer, I hoped he didn’t notice my scrutiny. Dang, but he still looked good. Travis had retained a lean, muscular build. A tight black tee hugged his shoulders and lay flat over his abs. He wore his hair longer, but the gold and red highlights I’d always loved remained, picked out in an errant ray of sunlight. His appearance whispered he’d done very well for himself. I wondered why he’d bothered looking me up.

  “Maggie.” His voice had deepened, leaving a caress I must have imagined around my name. We stood watching each other, not really sure how to proceed after years of mistrust between us.

  He cleared his throat. “Listen, I want to, um, apologize.”

  I didn’t pretend a misunderstanding. I’d already had a crappy day and game playing lay beyond my capability. “Not necessary. Lots of years ago.”

  “Well, I do want to talk.” He stepped off the porch, moving closer. “See, I was a rat bastard. I knew it at the time, but I dunno. Must’ve been too stupid and young and didn’t know how to fix my mistake.”

  “Must have been” my ass. “Your hormones made you do it, right? Dumping me after two years and talking about a future together? For someone you knew would put out instead of waiting for me and marriage the way you promised. That your story?”

  His face reddened but he didn’t answer.

  I snorted before I could stop myself. “So now you want to make nice, have me accept your apology and you can walk away with a clear conscience, right?”

  “Well, yeah. I guess. I mean I’d like you at the reunion. You know. Like friends.”

  “Like friends.”

  “Uh huh.”

  Okie dokie then. My blast from the past just wanted to have fu-un.

  “It’s been a hard day and I’ve been working like a dog lately. Mind if we take this up at another time?”

  “Sure, sure. Just, you know, think about coming to the reunion. Because it would be good if you were there. Kinda like old times.”

  Right. Just Travis, Nicole, and me. Gotta love it.

  “I’ll think about it. Thanks for stopping by, Travis.”

  “Yeah, well, I’ll get out of your hair. Just wanted to stop by and say, you know, hello.”

  I crossed my arms, hugging myself. “Sure Travis. See ya.”

  I felt like a total idiot and at the same time, ticked off. Royally. Travis coming over and making nice? Who’d have thought?

  “See ya.” He stepped past me then halted. “And Maggie?”

  I held still but met his eyes.

  “I’ve missed you.”

  He moved away from me before I comprehended his words. He missed me? In what alternate dimension did I hear those words after the crappy day I’d experienced?

  Travis jumped into his car and drove off. Then the jokester who runs this universe pulled my other leg. Cam’s work truck replaced Travis’s car in my drive.

  I debated about avoiding my young would-be lover just a moment too long. By the time I’d decided, Cam waited at the bottom of my stairs.

  “Cam.”

  “Maggie.”

  We went through a silent stare routine.

  “Who’s the dipstick who just left?”

  “An old friend. Not that it’s any of your business. And why are you here in the middle of the day?”

  “Shit, Mags. If you don’t want me, just say so.” He brushed his fingers over his short hair. “I couldn’t wait any longer for your call.”

  Dang. He’d said he’d wait for me to phone, and I’d blown him off. Why? Why did he keep coming around? My confused thoughts must have flickered across my face because Cam shifted closer. I went on the offensive.

  “Look, Cam, you’re a young guy. Why don’t you just move on? Find someone closer to your own age.”

  His lips tightened. “‘Give it up, already. It’s you I want.”

  “Really.” My statement sounded like a question.

  Cam’s straight lipped mouth tipped into a tentative smile. “Really. No question in my mind.”

  He almost had me convinced. When in doubt, trot out the Southern hospitality. “You want a cold soda?”

  Cam’s lips curved up. “If I can stay while I drink it instead of having to leave so I can change out of wet clothes.”

  Dang, but I couldn’t help myself. A grin broke out, and it sure felt good. “I wouldn’t waste a good cola by tossing it at your head.” I walked to my door then I looked over my shoulder at Cam waiting at the stair bottom. My gravelly voice gave away more than I intended. “So are you coming in?”

  Two seconds later, his large hand at the small of my back became the only answer I needed.

  Chapter Four

  Attending the high school reunion had not figured in my plans. I could think of many better activities for a beautiful late-August weekend. That’s what I’d told Dolores yesterday, Katie last night, and Cam this morning. In fact, I thought Clarice’s murder a perfect reason for canceling everything out of respect.

  No one listened. They said classmates had traveled and spent too much money to cancel the reunion. That was just the first argument in their railroad Maggie campaign. I could still feel the cold steel tracks on my back as they ran over me one by one. I’d tried ducking out of Saturday’s golf outing, the breakfast, and the fashion show luncheon saying I had clients. No luck. Dolores removed my excuses by announcing she’d rescheduled my appointments. Finally I agreed I’d attend tonight if they’d let me off the hook for t
he Saturday night sock hop. Even with the compromise, I didn’t stop looking over my shoulder.

  Truth? I’d been class valedictorian who’d earned a full scholarship to an eminent university. Now I struggled in a massage therapy practice. While I was proud of my profession, it was a far cry from the cancer research career I’d planned. I knew I’d be viewed as someone who hadn’t lived up to her potential. I didn’t look forward to the comments and looks I’d garner.

  Tonight kicked off the reunion with a cocktail mixer, dinner, and dancing. My mirror reflected a face I normally knew well, but I couldn’t be sure I’d recognize myself without a nametag. And my hair and clothes? I appeared grown-up in a scary sort of way. My dark strawberry blonde hair had been smoothed into a twist with a few little curls at the temple courtesy of Dolores. She’d also shadowed my green eyes. But the dress that hugged my curves and made me look like a Hollywood red carpet stroller came from Ginger. She assured me Cam wouldn’t know what hit him. I wasn’t sure I knew what had hit me, and I’d been there for the renovations.

  I figured the best part of wearing all this would be Cam stripping it off me later. A girl could hope. It’s my middle name, after all. Really. Maggie Hope. Guess it could have been worse. My mother adored Rod Stewart—no family relation. If my dad hadn’t protested, I’d be Maggie May. Yep. Think about that in connection with grade school boys for a few minutes.

  Now I waited in my living room for my I’m-not-gonna-count-years-ever-again younger boyfriend. Yes, I’d decided life was too short to keep holding out on Cam and, more importantly, myself. Up to this point, we’d remained in the heavy petting stage. Cam’s patience and attention hadn’t flagged, and I’d finally grasped he liked me for me. Looking at my sexy reflection tonight made me realize I’d been wasting myself, drowning in fear of the unknown. Cam hadn’t lied, but Nicole had. No way I’d let her screw me over again. I figured Cam would approve of my conclusion.

  I tottered to answer the door when the doorbell chimed. Cam stood on the porch looking oh so luscious in a dark suit and charcoal-colored shirt teamed with a colorful blue and green necktie. Looking close, I noted small tropical fish within the swirls. On him the combo worked well. Getting lucky took on a whole new meaning. I sucked down excess saliva, happy I’d beaten down my fears.

  “Wow. Smokin’.” Cam’s throat muscles worked but he didn’t speak past his two-word greeting. He rubbed the nape of his neck and shifted. Still, he remained silent.

  I took his silence as a good thing. “Come in.”

  He leaned against the doorframe, ankles crossed. “Honey, if I come in, we’re not going out.”

  I brushed his lapels then slipped my hand under his jacket. His heart beat double time, another good sign. “Is that such a bad thing?”

  Cam straightened, lightly encircling me with his arms.

  Silently cheering that I’d have an excuse for missing an unlamented reunion gathering, I stepped into his embrace. “I’ve got popcorn and action movies.” I paused long enough to see his pupils darken. “Some beer. Interested?”

  He ran his hands over my bare back, resting one at the base of my spine. He bent and kissed me. Then I felt the corners of his mouth turn up against my lips. “Yes, but you’re not getting out of this event tonight. I promised.”

  I pushed against his chest. He winced.

  “Promised? Who? No, never mind.” I blew a breath. “Dolores. Katie. Ginger. Pick one, but I’d guess all three.”

  He straightened, extending his hand but not answering. Smart man.

  I grabbed the matching evening bag Ginger had lent me with the dress and closed my door behind us. My ingenious truancy plot had failed.

  Cam wrapped his arms around me when we reached his vehicle. “Of course, I didn’t say how long we’d stay, just that I’d get you there.”

  I smiled. Yep. Cam was my kind of guy.

  He helped me in then circled around and slid behind the wheel. I put my hand on his muscled thigh. “For that kind of guarantee, you deserve the best I can give you.”

  He glanced at me. His hand stilled over the key. My expression must have telegraphed my resolve, because I saw a flare of passion spark his eyes. His throat moved. “Damn promises.”

  Cam’s hand moved from the ignition and cradled my jaw. His lips moved over mine with slow assurance and heat. “We’ll find your friends, let them see you showed, then get the hell out of there. I’ve got a lot of lovin’ saved up for you.”

  My hands closed on his shoulders, pulling him closer. “We could take a selfie of us all dressed up and text the photo.”

  He nibbled off my remaining lipstick. “I’d love to check out those dress seams, hon, but I made a promise.” We traded saliva for a few minutes.

  Cam pulled back and rested his forehead against the steering wheel. He sat up, blew out a breath and reached for the ignition. “That’s the last damn promise I’m making to your friends.”

  I looked out the side window and hoped he didn’t see my smile reflected in the side mirror.

  The valet took possession of Cam’s car at the Granville Falls Country Club entrance. Cam opened my door and assisted me from the vehicle. The entry—surrounded by white stucco, large pots of seasonal flowers, and impressive carriage-style lanterns—loomed before us. As we stepped onto the royal blue outdoor carpet, I sent up a small prayer asking that Nicole be far, far away when we registered inside.

  Obviously, the high school reunion gods hadn’t heard my plea. Or maybe they held a grudge against me. Nicole didn’t show an ounce of mercy when she spotted Cam with his arm around my waist. Not that she had any compassion in her heart. No, it seemed more that if looks could kill, her slit turquoise eyes would have incinerated me into a pile of cinders yesterday.

  “Maggie.” Nicole reached for a “Hello, my name is” label and marker. I debated asking for a different tag given the way she’d mangled the one she extended. Didn’t matter. What with my dress’s low cut, I didn’t have a place for a label anyway.

  “Cam.” His name hissed from between her clenched teeth. She slapped a nametag and pen on his open palm.

  Okay then. We were on track for a wonderful evening. Good thing I had popcorn and movies at home. I knew I couldn’t stomach Nicole on a tear for long.

  Apparently Nicole realized she’d given her feelings away because her face morphed to gracious smile mode. Either that or she thought she could take Cam away. I voted for the latter given her successful track record with my boyfriends. “Have a good time you two.”

  We had turned from the table when a low purr sounded behind us. “Oh, and Cam?”

  He looked back over his shoulder and I peeked around his side. Nicole sat forward, her boobs crowding her neckline. Apparently she took the term “little black dress” literally.

  “You’ll save me a dance later, won’t you?”

  Her voice cooed. My hackles rose as she sent me a sly glance.

  “A slow one.”

  Cam cleared his throat. “I’m not much of a dancer.”

  Talk about a half-assed response. My brain teemed with put-downs I knew I wouldn’t use.

  My tense muscles under his hand must have notified Cam that he hadn’t shut down Nicole strong enough.

  “Besides,” he said. “I’m not sure we’ll be here long.” He looked at me with a sexy smile slapped all over his face. “We’ve got private dance plans for later.”

  We strolled into the main room, and I held myself back from punching the air with a victorious fist. Woo-hoo. Finally, Nicole had gotten hers. I couldn’t wait to share the news with Katie and Ginger.

  I hugged Cam’s waist tight, my other palm against his chest. “You deserve a reward. A big one.”

  He smiled. His eyes darkened. “I know, you mentioned that before. Why don’t we blow this show and—”

  “And no doing.” Katie and Dirk faced us, identical smirks on their faces. “You’re not leaving until we’ve had a chance to mingle,” Katie said.

  I stif
led a groan, but knew my expression was not a happy one. I’d finally decided to sleep with Cam, and now I’d have to wait. Guess I’d screwed up by not taking a chance earlier. Payback from the universe could be hell.

  “We need you to fill out the table,” she insisted. God knows who we’ll get stuck with if seats remain open. Mrs. Crankshaw could show up.”

  Katie and I shared a grimace while Dirk looked interested.

  “I think I’d like to meet—”

  Katie’s look stopped his words. “Hush.” She slapped her hand over Dirk’s mouth, ensuring his silence. “Don’t tempt the gods.”

  Remembering my own unanswered plea from earlier, I nodded agreement. Instinctively, I knew our cantankerous former elementary school teacher wouldn’t be near the high school reunion at the country club tonight. I hadn’t even seen our high school instructors, but Fate has no apparent rules. Witness the earlier interaction with Nicole.

  Ginger and her husband, Rob Howe, who looked the worse for wear but better than he had lately, joined us. He’d lost some of the flab he carried around earlier this year, but he remained out of shape. Deep frown lines remained, though no new wrinkles were in evidence. The couple had been working through some issues, and given Rob’s tight jaw, it appeared they hadn’t yet achieved total reconciliation.

  We moved as a group toward the bar and armed ourselves for the pre-dinner meet and greet. Ginger had reserved a table near the door for us and we sat with our drinks. I knew I sure didn’t want to risk standing in a crowd while wearing one of Ginger’s dresses. Besides that, the matching stilettos were not my normal footwear. Guess I’d have to hang on Cam’s arm in case I tripped.

  Former classmates and their spouses/dates continued filling the dimly lit room. I glanced over the space, not having seen the country club before. The soft lighting did its job, lending ambience within the large rectangle-shaped ballroom. A requisite line of crystal chandeliers marched across the ceiling, leading to a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the golf course. A late foursome straggled toward the locker rooms, the only occupants of the trim, green expanse as night fell.

  Cam sat in the upholstered chair to my right, while Katie and Dirk settled on the left. Rob and Ginger were across from me, leaving just the two chairs alongside Rob and Cam open. Our table sported a small bouquet of mums in the school colors of white and dyed baby blue. Coordinated ribbons streamed from the vase onto the linen table covering.