Deadly Christmas Pretense

by Dana Mentink

  “No, so why did you?”

  He shifted, fiddling with the buttons on the heater. “Haven’t been asked that in a long while.”

  She waited patiently.

  He huffed out a breath. “Uh, my dad sort of checked out of our lives after my mom died. This one time...” He rubbed at his brow. “I was around fifteen, I think. I have this vivid memory of him breaking down at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial because those were his buddies, his family. I felt this strange mixture of pride and resentment. He’d been something, mattered in some way, and he had this family that meant more to him than we did. I guess I...” He shifted again. “Wanted something like that, too.”

  “You’re so close to Helen.”

  “What?”

  He hadn’t heard. “You have such a tight bond with Helen,” she said a bit louder. “I assumed you were from a pretty close family.”

  “Helen probably would like me to be a little less bonded. She says I act like I’m the boss of her.”

  It was hard for Maggie to make out the subtle shift of his demeanor, but she heard it in his tone, the forced lightness, the cheerful patina that covered up something much deeper. He was sorry he’d shared things about his father with her, she surmised.

  He parked the truck in the curving driveway of a stunning two-story ranch-style home with an elegant tower rising above the top floor. “Let’s get some dinner. I’m starved.”

  He’d dismissed their moment of intimacy firmly. Unsure why she felt stung by his reaction, she followed him into the main house, through the tiled foyer and into a warm, inviting dining room done in varying types of wood.

  A dark-haired woman with her hair pulled into a ponytail was just sliding a tureen of corn chowder onto a festive table. Behind her was an enormous man, even taller than Liam, with a scar on his cheek, dark hair and eyes.

  “Mitch Whitehorse,” he said, dwarfing her hand in his. “And this is my wife, Jane, and our son, Charlie.” Our son. She heard a mountain of pride in those words, though she knew that Charlie was not Mitch’s biological child.

  He shot a look at Liam. “Got the photos of the trailer you sent to me and Danny Patron, but I’m not certain why you didn’t share the situation earlier. You have a few things to explain.”

  “Yes,” Liam said. “I do.”

  Charlie was staring in rapt attention at the train track circling the base of a twinkling tree.

  “Gonna say hello to your uncle?” Liam snatched up the boy and swung him onto his shoulders. Charlie squealed in delight, gripping Liam’s ears as he carried him to the table. “This is Miss Maggie,” Liam said. “You met her sister Tammy. They look a lot alike.”

  Charlie solemnly reached down from his perch and shook her hand. “Mice to meet you.”

  “Nice,” Liam said with a laugh, “not mice.”

  Maggie marveled at the joy that shone from Liam’s face as he lifted his nephew down and settled him in a chair.

  Charlie frowned in concentration as he bent his fingers and thrust them toward Liam.

  “Whatcha doin’, kiddo?” Liam asked.

  “He’s showing you what he learned in preschool,” Jane said.

  Liam’s expression was perplexed so she explained. “It’s sign language for ‘I love you.’”

  Liam’s mouth softened, splitting into a tender grin as he bent to kiss Charlie. “I love you, too,” Maggie heard him whisper.

  Charlie beamed. Her heart throbbed at the tender moment between the two.

  “Your mama’s made something yummy,” Liam said conspiratorially. “We’re gonna have a good meal.”

  “You’d eat cardboard if we served it to you,” Jane said.

  Liam pulled out the chair for Maggie to sit. She blushed. Dinner was usually a bowl of soup eaten standing up between shifts. This grand table with the centerpiece of poinsettias and woven striped napkins dazzled her.

  The woman who must be Aunt Ginny, silvered hair cut in a neat pixie and her ankle in a brace, arrived, followed by a handsome man in his sixties.

  “I’m Gus and this is Ginny. Welcome.” He shook his head. “Forgive my staring. Liam filled me in just a little. We met your sister when she and Liam were...” He cleared his throat. “Well, anyway, you just look so much alike I would have mistaken you for your sister in a heartbeat.”

  “It’s the twin thing,” she said. “But I’m younger by two minutes.”

  Everyone laughed. After Uncle Gus said grace, they dug into the savory soup and hunks of homemade herb bread. Maggie didn’t realize how hungry she’d been. Liam ate heartily, also, reaching over to butter the bread for Charlie and wipe the dribbled milk from the boy’s chin. The simple gesture fluttered something inside her chest.

  When the meal was almost finished, Liam gave a streamlined version of Maggie and Tammy’s situation. “Maggie’s staying in the saddlery tonight, Ginny and Gus are okay with it. We’re going to lay this all out for Danny Patron tomorrow. I already called and left a message on his cell phone, and we’re driving over there to meet with him as soon as she talks to her sister.”

  Mitch fingered his water glass. “Need me on this?”

  “I was hoping I could rope you in.”

  “No need for roping. I’ll be there.” Mitch didn’t smile but his gaze came to rest on Maggie. “Liam’s good at recruiting help.”

  “Green Berets are force multipliers,” he said with a grin. “That’s one of our strengths. We go into hostile territory and win over the hearts and minds of the people.”

  “Candy diplomacy,” Mitch said with a smile. “Your best trick is winning over the stomachs of the people.”

  Liam laughed. “Whatever works.”

  Charlie was excused to watch the train go around the tree.

  “I apologize for bringing our problems into your home,” Maggie said.

  Jane waited until Charlie was engrossed before she said softly, “I felt the same way not too long ago.” She looked at her husband. “This family saved me and Charlie and gave us back our future. We would do anything for Liam—” her gaze shifted to Maggie “—and anyone he cared about.”

  Maggie found she was not able to meet Jane’s eyes. Cared about? Her? She immediately felt the sting of her own foolishness. Jane obviously meant that the family was willing to help because of Liam’s connection with Tammy.

  Mitch cleared his throat. “Checked out Joe Albertson. He’s clean. He was hired to write a computer program for Bill Salvador’s feed and grain business. He’s got a good rep for quality work. Lives in an apartment outside of Sand Dune. Drives a five-year-old Subaru. No priors except for a speeding ticket and a fender bender.”

  Liam nodded. “You work fast.”

  “I work smart. I texted you his phone number so you can pass it on to Tammy.” His eyes swiveled to Maggie. “If Virgil is able to get close to you, it’s a matter of time before he finds your sister, too.”

  “I’m not going to let that happen,” Liam said.

  Maggie pursed her lips. “I appreciate it, really, but we don’t expect ongoing help. There’s no reason to put you out any further. I know Virgil’s dangerous and I’m way out of my depth here, but I will do what I have to for my sister.”

  Mitch nodded after a moment. “I get it. Same applies to me and mine.” He reached for Jane’s hand and kissed her on the knuckles. “Sometimes you have to take risks to protect what’s important.”

  Maggie felt Liam looking at her and dropped her gaze to her lap. Relieved when everyone began to clear the plates from the table, Maggie gathered up an armful.

  “Hey, now. Let me help,” Liam said.

  “I got this. You’re a force multiplier, I’m a restaurant rock star. Go play with Charlie.”

  That made him tip back his head and laugh with gusto. The sound thrilled her. Before she could react, he leaned over and kissed her temple as
if it was the most natural thing in the world, the brush of his warm mouth buzzing her pulse. Then he was gone. But the off-kilter cascade of emotions remained.

  Temporary situation, she told herself. Liam Pike, her sister’s ex-boyfriend, was not going to become a stalwart presence in her life. Exes were and would always be off-limits. Period.

  He’s just a charming cowboy helper, she mused, but the words failed to quell the hum dancing deep in her veins.

  * * *

  Liam brought out the box he’d stowed away on a bookshelf, opening it up for Charlie.

  The boy’s eyes widened to the size of silver dollars as he took out the wooden tunnel. Liam had asked Mitch to carve it and then Liam had painted it with snowy mountains and added a minuscule mountain goat wearing a collar of jingle bells.

  “I thought that was going to be a Christmas present,” Mitch said.

  “Nah, I’m working on something else for his real Christmas present.”

  “You’re going to spoil him.”

  “That’s what uncles are for.”

  Something crossed Mitch’s face and his mouth tightened. Liam waited.

  “It’s hard to forget that his biological father is...”

  A serial killer.

  “Behind bars, so he loses his kin badge,” Liam said firmly. “Mitch, God is good and Charlie’s got an amazing father in you and a spectacular uncle in me, if we’re being honest.”

  Mitch fired him an uncertain smile. “Sometimes I can’t believe it.”

  “Believe it. Everyone will confirm that I’m spectacular.”

  He got the laugh he’d earned. Mitch stepped away to answer his cell and Liam knelt next to the train tracks that circled the tree, helping Charlie set the tunnel in place. They both cheered when the toy train chugged around and emerged from the newly installed tunnel.

  He stood and backed away a step or two, holding his cell phone to get a picture of Charlie and the train. A presence made him jerk around to find Maggie behind him. His elbow knocked the mug of cocoa she held, spilling it all down her front.

  “Oh, man,” he said, rushing to the table and grabbing up some napkins. He stood there, face burning, helplessly clutching napkins. “I didn’t hear you. I’m awful sorry.”

  “It’s okay.” With a calm smile, she took the napkins from him while he grabbed the half-empty mug from her. She dabbed at the splatters on her shirt and pants. “I’ve been showered with plenty worse stuff, let me tell you. You haven’t lived until you’ve had liver and onions all down your front.”

  He tried to smile but something thick and heavy held down his spirit. He hadn’t heard her. “Did I... I mean...are you burned?”

  “No, it wasn’t that hot.”

  But it could have been and it might just have showered down upon Charlie and scalded him. Liam shook his head, eyes on his boots, and then felt her arm on his.

  “It’s okay. An accident. No harm done.”

  No harm, except another reminder of his narrowing world. He forced a smile. “Hey, yeah. Well, I hope you didn’t have your heart set on that cocoa.”

  “It was for Charlie, but no worries. I’ll make him another cup. Do you want some, too?”

  “No, uh, I’m just gonna make sure the cabin is all set for you.” He turned, but she sidled in front of him.

  “I’ll go, too. You shouldn’t do all the work.”

  “Nah,” he said, forcing a jolly tone. “Easier on my own.”

  He hurried to the door, ready to step into the darkness that would allow him to hide his feelings. As he reached for the handle, the doorbell chimed.

  Yanking it open, Liam found a stranger with thick, sandy hair and wire-rimmed glasses standing on the porch. His guard went up. Strangers didn’t usually invite themselves onto ranch property, not unless there was a very good reason.

  “Can I help you?” Liam said.

  “Yes,” the man said. His gaze drifted past Liam. A quick glance told Liam that his object was Maggie. He saw her expression change from confusion to recognition to the barest flicker of fear.

  Liam edged over a step, blocking the man’s view. “I said, can I help you?”

  The man nodded. “I’m sure you can,” he said, looking at Maggie. “I have been looking all over the place for you, Tammy.”

  NINE

  Maggie, steeling her jittering nerves, came to the door, determined that Liam would not assign himself the role of her personal bodyguard.

  “I didn’t get a name,” Liam growled.

  “Joe,” he said, looking from Liam to Maggie in confusion. “Tammy, what’s wrong? Don’t you recognize me? I’ve been looking all over for you. I just got your text, but it wasn’t from your phone and you didn’t tell me exactly where you were, just in Driftwood somewhere. I was so worried when you said something about taking some jewelry. I...”

  Joe. Tammy’s boyfriend. She’d messaged him from Helen’s cell phone, no doubt. “I saw you at the gas station, didn’t I?”

  “Yes, I thought it was you, but I couldn’t tell in the dark and I couldn’t figure out why you’d be driving that van. Tam...what’s wrong? Why are you here now?” He looked at Liam and his eyes narrowed. “Wait a minute. Is this your cowboy ex-boyfriend?” His face hardened. “And you came back for his help? What does he know about anything?”

  “More than a computer programmer does,” Liam fired back.

  Joe’s brown eyes flashed.

  Maggie stepped forward. “Joe, listen. I need to explain some things. Please.”

  Liam grudgingly stepped aside to allow Joe to pass into the entry. He immediately folded Maggie into a hug and she stiffened.

  “It’s okay, baby. I’ll take care of you,” Joe said. “I’m not going to let Virgil hurt you.”

  “Hey—” Liam started reaching for Joe, but Maggie was already detaching herself.

  “I’m not Tammy,” she said.

  “What?” Joe gaped.

  Liam shot her a questioning look. She ignored him. Yes, she could impersonate Tammy around town, but there was no way she was willing or able to pretend to be Joe’s girlfriend.

  “I’m her twin sister, Maggie.”

  “Twins.” Understanding dawned in his eyes. “Right. You—I mean Tammy told me that.” Joe rocked back on his heels. “What in the world is going on here?”

  “Virgil drove Tammy off the road when she was on her way back to Sand Dune to get you. Virgil is after her, but she can’t remember where she hid the jewelry because she’s got a head injury.”

  He frowned. “I can’t believe this.”

  Maggie nodded. “I’m pretending to be Tammy to find the jewelry and keep him away from her.”

  Joe grabbed his head with his hands. “This is nuts. Tammy said she took the jewelry to prevent it being stolen?”

  “By Virgil to fake the insurance claim so he could weasel the money away from Bill Salvador.”

  Liam folded his arms across his chest. “You work for Bill, too. You must know what Virgil is like.”

  “How did you know I worked for him?”

  Liam shrugged. “Cowboys know everything.”

  Joe glared. “This isn’t a joke.”

  “I know it,” Liam snapped. “Better than you do.”

  Maggie stepped between them. “We’re going to the police tomorrow, first thing.”

  “But when you messaged... I mean when Tammy did, she said we had to steer clear of the cops.”

  “Things have changed,” Liam said. “Too many threats. It’s the best decision.”

  “According to you?” Joe countered.

  Maggie blew out a breath. She felt like she was standing between two alpha bulls. “Joe, I can’t risk my safety or Tammy’s. It’s for the best. Danny Patron is a cop we can trust.”

  He was silent a moment. “Where’s Tammy? I want t
o see her. Is she here? She hasn’t returned my texts.”

  Liam shook his head, lips tight. She knew what he was thinking. No one should know where Tammy was hiding, even a man claiming to be her boyfriend.

  “Uh...she’s safe, Joe, probably sleeping, and she’s borrowed a phone, which is why you didn’t recognize the number. That’s all I can tell you right now.”

  Joe’s jaw clenched. “I see. I’m not to be trusted with Tammy’s whereabouts?”

  “I’ll tell her you’re here,” Maggie said soothingly. “Give me your phone number and we can arrange a meeting.”

  She handed Joe her cell phone and he punched in his number.

  Maggie noted his hands were trembling with suppressed anger. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to offend you, but I’ve never met you before and someone has almost killed me thinking I was Tammy.”

  He blanched slightly. “Virgil? I can’t say I’m completely surprised. He lives to feed his greed, and he’ll never satisfy that appetite.”

  “What do you know about him exactly?”

  Joe glared right at Liam. “I know he’s bad and I know I’m going to keep Tammy safe from him if it’s the last thing I do even without your cooperation.” He whirled on his heel and marched back to his car, the engine roaring away into the darkness.

  Liam locked the door. “High-strung dude.”

  “He’s worried about her, and you were rude.”

  “Don’t care. Never met the guy. Not gonna trust him until I know him.”

  “Tammy will want to see him as soon as possible.”

  “After we talk to the cops. I’ll feel better when we’ve got everyone on notice that law enforcement is on board.” Liam’s coppery brows drew together. “Joe might help get to the truth about Virgil, send him to jail.”

  “And Tammy along with him.” She turned away, the weight of the situation settled firmly on her shoulders. The Christmas lights blurred with the sudden tears crowding her eyes.

  He came near and wrapped her in an embrace, his chin resting on the top of her head. “It’s gonna be okay. We’ll find a way out of this.”

  His arms were both solid and gentle, the beat of his heart steadying against her ear. “I’m not good at sneaking around, hiding the truth. I feel...”