Hidden in Shadow

by Georgia Florey-Evans

  “I found something!”

  Both men bumped and bungled their way past Mitch’s desk and the table Luke was using, to make it out of the office and over to Haley’s desk.

  “Look.” She pointed to the monitor.

  Mitch squinted at the computer. “Haley, that picture’s so dark, you can’t see anything but shadows.”

  “I know.” The lovely blond sounded exasperated. “The security lights all just went off. But, watch.”

  Luke hunkered down on the opposite side of Haley and focused on the nearly black screen. And, then he saw it—a flash of light.

  Mitch stood and pointed. “That could be one of those alien babies floating around.”

  Haley turned to her boss. If looks could drill holes, Mitch would have an extra nostril. “Mitch, I told you to watch. I’ll slow it down and lighten the contrast.”

  This time, the light seemed to barely move as the video played.

  “Now, look.” Haley froze it and pointed at the screen.

  “Haley, I’m sorry, darlin’, but all I see is a neon green blob.” At least Mitch managed to sound regretful.

  “I’ll darlin’ you,” she muttered. “Here, you blind old bat.”

  That brought a chuckle out of Luke, even though nothing about this was funny. Mitch was his age, a ripe, old twenty-eight.

  As the image grew, it became clearer. And then, Luke saw what she meant.

  “Is that a logo on the back of a jacket, Haley?”

  Haley sent a dirty look Mitch’s way before turning with a smile to Luke. “Yes, it is. And, I used a variation of our facial recognition program to find what the logo is for. Here.”

  She handed Luke the printout of a neon green whoopee cushion, and what looked like a diving board—or very long skateboard. Underneath it were goofy looking letters reading, Pull a Prank or Walk the Plank. Prankster Products, Limited.

  “Prankster Products...why does that sound familiar?” Luke knew he’d never bought anything from them before. He couldn’t think of how he would know the company name.

  “You’re right.” Mitch stood straighter. “It rings a bell. I’ve heard it somewhere, but where?”

  Luke decided to look at it logically. “Okay. We both heard it, so it has to be someplace we both were.”

  Mitch suddenly grinned. “Did the Prayer Committee decide to start playing pranks instead of giving thanks? We’re both at church a lot.”

  Luke couldn’t help but chuckle. It didn’t seem like he’d done that very often lately. “I think the members want to help people, not give someone a whoopee-cushion-induced heart attack.”

  “Okay. So where else have we both been?”

  “The hospital.” Luke searched his memory. “But Tony and Susan Morris were the only ones there with us, and I know they didn’t talk about Prankster Products.”

  “Luke, I feel like we’re missing something here. Something right in front of us.” Mitch looked at the screen again. “They sell gags, right? Like somebody would put it out as a joke.”

  “Joke.” Luke suddenly saw an image of Jen Ewing with a man beside her. “Our class reunion. Isn’t Prankster Products Tom Dwer’s company?”

  “That’s it.” Mitch’s look of satisfaction faded into confusion. “But what could Tom’s business have to do with this mess?”

  “A Thomas Ian Dwer is the sole owner and CEO of Prankster.” Haley was using a small tablet. “But, it looks like he’s on the verge of declaring bankruptcy. A quote from him reads, ‘It’s not over until the fat lady screams…and I haven’t scared my grandma lately.”

  She looked up at Mitch with a huge frown on her pretty face. “Who is this guy? He’s about as funny as the backside of a donkey race.”

  “Did he go to that locker?” Mitch pointed at the monitor again.

  “I can’t tell, but it’s sure strange how the lights go off; the jacket is there; and it’s gone a few minutes later when the lights come back on.” Haley must have made sure of what she saw before bothering her boss.

  Once more, Luke felt like he was at the edge of something important...if he could just remember it.

  “Tom...I talked to him. What did he say?” Luke tried to think; something Tom told him had made him uncomfortable. What was it? “Wait a minute.” Suddenly, things clicked into place, and Luke’s heart went into double time.

  “Mitch, Tom told me there’s a woman. She doesn’t live near him. There was something about another man, but Tom thinks he can persuade her to be with him.” A sense of growing dread filled him. “Where does Tom live?”

  “Rhode Island.” Haley and Mitch answered together.

  “I remember because Clay Richmond made an idiotic joke about island living,” said Mitch.

  “Rhode Island and Massachusetts are right next to each other. He could have been talking about Holly. It all makes sense.”

  Mitch picked up on Luke’s train of thought. “His company makes all kinds of computerized junk; he could have rigged everything. And he paid the boys to keep you busy—away from Holly.”

  Luke grabbed Mitch’s arm. “Tom Dwer might be Holly’s stalker.”

  Mitch took a step back and held up his hand. “Slow down, Luke. I’m on board with you, but I can’t go arrest the guy because he lives in New England and has girlfriend problems. Anybody could be wearing a jacket with his company logo. We need proof.”

  Luke thought for a minute. “Maybe Holly knows something that will help—something she’s not aware of. Like a chance meeting with him while she was in college. It may have slipped her mind, but it would prove he was there.”

  “There are still holes in our theory,” Mitch warned him. “We have the six year gap with no contact.”

  “Maybe he didn’t know where Holly went after she graduated. That she’d come home to Shadow.” Luke didn’t really think it was a plausible explanation, but too many other facts were lining up. “We have to talk to Holly.”

  “Come on.” Mitch started out the door. “You can ride with me.”

  A sense of urgency suddenly came over Luke. Forget her feelings for him; he needed to get to Holly. Fast.

  Chapter 41

  Holly set her iced tea on the end table and stretched out on the sofa, the latest Mary Connealy novel in her hands. She sighed as she made herself comfortable and opened her book. She was home alone.

  It was a fluke, and Mitch would be furious if he found out, but it would only be for an hour or so, in broad daylight. And it wasn’t really anybody’s fault. Hank let her know he’d been called home to help his mother and would be back soon. She wasn’t to step one foot out the door while he was gone.

  Then, when Tessa announced she needed to go back to school and enter some grades on the computer, Holly hadn’t seen the need to inform her Hank had already left. After all, the world did not revolve around Holly Morris.

  So, for the first time in weeks, she was completely by herself. The only problem was, the house was too quiet without Clarence plodding around. She had gotten more attached to the dog than she ever imagined she would. Luke wouldn’t be bringing him for a few hours yet. If Luke brought him.

  Luke. She had been offered a very precious gift—Luke’s love. And she let it slip through her fingers, not realizing its true value until it was gone.

  I know I’m too late, but, please...Luke deserves to be happy. Please give him a woman who will never take him for granted and treasures the man he is. I’m sorry I didn’t realize what a gift you were giving me. Please...

  Tears began to fall. It was a good thing God knew what was in her heart because at the moment, it hurt too much to put into words.

  The ringing phone broke through her misery. I should have checked caller ID she thought as she pushed accept. It was too late.

  “Are you ready for our wedding?”

  Holly’s first instinct was to hang up. But if he was talking to her on the phone, he wasn’t there with her. And he knew her, so maybe she knew him. If she could be brave enough to talk to him
, perhaps he’d slip and give himself away.

  “I’d like to order wedding invitations, but you’ve never told me what name to put on them.” She hoped he couldn’t hear the quiver in her voice.

  His low laughter came across the line. “We’re going to be happy, my Holly. I have our dream house all ready. It’s a perfect place for us to live and raise our children.”

  She fought back the revulsion she felt at listening to this man talk about having children together. “Where is our house?”

  “Now, if I tell you that, you might go see it, and then it won’t be a surprise. I’ve worked too hard to make it perfect. I want to see your face when I bring you there the first time.”

  “When—when do you plan to do that?”

  “Aren’t you impatient? Our wedding night, of course. I knew if I waited long enough you’d get past all that nonsense.”

  Keep him talking. “What nonsense did I get past? I want to know so I don’t do it again.”

  “Luke Walker. You aren’t meant for him, and you never were.” The voice was angry now.

  “Okay.”

  “You know how he tempts you, yet you came right back to him. I trusted you. You should have been faithful.” He was in a rage. “I was getting things ready for you, and you were here, cheating. After we’re married, you’ll never cheat again. You are mine, Holly. Mine!”

  The line went dead.

  Holly was shaking so badly she could barely put the phone on the table without dropping it. She forced herself to calm down and think about the conversation. Had there been something—anything familiar about the man? His voice was obviously disguised. It couldn’t have been a recording this time, though, since he responded to what she said.

  I have our dream house all ready. It’s a perfect place for us to live and raise our children. Aside from the outright horror that statement instilled, there was something about it she thought she should know. Something familiar...

  She jumped a mile when a loud knocking sounded on her front door.

  She glanced at the clock on her way to the door. Hank was probably letting her know he was back. She’d have to tell him about the call. She braced herself as she opened the door.

  Tom Dwer stood outside.

  For a moment, Holly was stunned into silence. Then her manners kicked in. “I’m sorry, Tom. Please come in.”

  Tom walked through the open door and on into the living room. There, he turned to face Holly.

  “I have to tell you something, Holly. Something serious.” His words were slurred. Holly took a good look at him. His eyes didn’t look right, and now that she was closer to him, she could smell alcohol.

  “Tom, why don’t I call a cab, and you can come back later? We’ll talk then.” She didn’t want him to say something he’d be embarrassed about after he sobered up.

  Holly involuntarily took a few steps backward as he walked closer.

  “I have to tell you now. I’ve waited too long.”

  She spoke more firmly, for the first time realizing how vulnerable she was. “Tom, I must insist you leave. You can come back when you’re sober.”

  He reached out to touch her. “No. Your life...the house...marriage and…”

  The house. His house. His perfect, two-story dream house with a wraparound porch and second-floor balcony. The perfect place to take a wife and raise a family. Holly was suddenly terrified.

  “Leave, Tom. Now. There’s a police officer watching the house, and he’ll be in here any moment to make sure I’m okay. Leave.” Please, God, I need Hank to get back and realize something’s wrong. Clarence isn’t here to rescue me. I’m more afraid than I’ve ever been in my life.

  Undeterred, Tom stepped even closer and put his hand out as if to touch her shoulder. “I have to tell you, I can’t live with this anymore. I need you—.”

  When his shirt tail moved to show a cell phone in his pocket, sheer terror took over. All sense of logic and every last vestige of courage disappeared. She screamed louder than she ever had in her life.

  “Don’t.” Tom’s hand was on her arm now. “Don’t scream.”

  She squeezed her eyes tightly shut and produced an even louder one. The pressure of his hand abruptly disappeared, and when Holly drew a deep breath she heard a commotion. She wasn’t taking time to inspect it, though. The sudden, ridiculous memory of her phone’s ring after Ronnie programmed it spurred her on, and she let loose again. She’d put that phone to shame.

  “Holly!” Arms reached around her.

  “No! Don’t touch me! Let me go!” She shoved Tom away.

  “It’s me, Holly. It’s Luke. I’ve got you. You’re okay.” Luke. Luke was here. She was okay. This time when his arms went around her, she collapsed into them.

  “Hank, you’re going to have to help me get him out to the squad car. He passed out.” Was that Mitch talking?

  “Mitch?” Her voice trembled.

  “He’s got Tom. He’s taking him to jail. You’re safe.” Luke looked over his shoulder and spoke. “I’ll stay with her and make sure she’s okay. Can she wait to give you her statement?”

  Mitch said something, but she had no idea what it was. Her legs suddenly gave out, and she collapsed. She didn’t fall, though. Strong arms went under her and scooped her up.

  “I’ve got you.” Luke’s voice was tender as he carried her to the sofa. Holly curled up on his lap and buried her face against his neck. “I’m not going anywhere until you feel safe. I promise.”

  His voice soothed Holly and made her feel protected. Her heart finally slowed down, and her breathing became less labored. She slowly came back to her senses. The embrace he meant to be comforting was beginning to feel good for other reasons.

  “Luke?” She reluctantly raised her head.

  He drew back from her far enough to see her face. “Are you okay now?”

  “I think so.” She slowly swung her legs around and cautiously stood up.

  Luke stood with her. “Can I get you something? Is there anything more I can do to help you?”

  “No. I think I just need to process this. Tom Dwer is my stalker?” Holly still couldn’t believe it.

  His expression was grave. “Mitch and I think so. There is evidence linking him to the boys, and some other facts tying it all together.”

  She tried to stand straighter. As much as she wanted him there, it wasn’t right to keep him. “I’ll be okay now. Tess will be home any minute. You don’t have to stay.” She looked into his troubled eyes. “Thank you, Luke.”

  He smiled sadly. “I told you I’d do anything for you. I’m sorry I smothered you, though. I didn’t mean to.” He turned and started for the door.

  Smother her? “I’m sorry you stuck with your puppy love so long.”

  He turned back and looked at her, a frown on his face. “Puppy love? Holly, what are you talking about?”

  They spoke at the same time.

  “Why didn’t you tell me I was smothering you?”

  “Why did you say your puppy love was real?”

  They practically harmonized on, “What?”

  “Holly, what are you talking about—puppy love? Do you think I love Clarence more than you?”

  She shook her head. “No. You told me you were over me; that you wanted to see what other women were like because your puppy love died.”

  “Now, hold on.” All of a sudden, Luke looked angry. “You told me I was smothering you and I needed to back off.”

  “I did not.” Holly was aggravated now. “Why are you making something that ridiculous up, Luke? I didn’t argue with you when you broke up with me. You don’t have to lie to make me leave you alone.”

  “I’m not lying. But this puppy love…have you made that up to make yourself feel better?”

  “I didn’t make that up! Luke, you broke my heart. I realized I love you, and then before I can tell you, you turn around and tell me it’s over. You want to be with someone else.” She blinked back her tears. “I saw her, Luke. She’s beaut
iful.”

  “You love me?” There was a light in his eyes. “Not just as a friend?”

  “I’ve been in love with you for years. I just didn’t realize that’s what it was.” She managed to produce a shaky smile. “I hope she appreciates you.”

  Suddenly, she was swooped off her feet and swung around in a circle before being placed gently in front of Luke.

  “You love me!” Luke’s smile would have lit the sky as he steadied her.

  “You have a—”

  “You must have seen me with my cousin Ellie. She was in town overnight, so I took her out for pizza. There’s no other woman for me except you. I am crazy in love with you.” He held her tightly for a moment before he released her to look in her eyes. “I’m so thankful you decided I’m not smothering you.”

  It was Holly’s turn to be confused. “Luke, I promise, I did not tell you that. Why do you think I did?”

  “You called me.” A baffled look was on his face.

  “You called me and told me about the puppy love ending.”

  He shook his head. He put his hands on her shoulders and looked into her eyes. “Holly, the kind of love I have for you is the kind that doesn’t go away. Because God put it in my heart a long time ago. You’re the woman I’m meant to be with for the rest of my life.”

  “I don’t understand.” Holly knew he called her, and he wasn’t a liar so he sincerely believed she called him.

  Suddenly, he smacked his head with the palm of his hand. “That voice changer, Holly. Tom used it to make us think we called each other.”

  “But why…” Then, she knew. “To separate us. He grabbed me after that happened.”

  “Mitch told me. I’m so sorry I wasn’t here.”

  “Clarence was.” She managed a smile.

  “I love you, Holly.” His grin was enormous. “I can’t believe I can just say that now. I love you.”

  “I’ve been a fool.” Holly’s eyes filled with tears of happiness. “I took you for granted. I promise I will never take you, or your love, for granted again. Because I love you the same way you love me. The kind of love that lasts a lifetime. God put it in my heart, too.” She suddenly laughed. “God just answered a request I made right before all of this happened. I prayed that you would end up with a woman who loved and appreciated you. And, you can believe me, Luke. You have.”