by Rebecca Deel
He thought about the various things that needed to be repaired or remodeled around Linc’s place. Perhaps he could repay the favor by volunteering his services when Linc was ready to make changes in the kitchen and bathrooms. His friend mentioned gutting the kitchen more than once. Mason had the skill and connections to make the job easier and cheaper.
After packing his bag with more clothes, Mason set off for the bakery to pick up the order he’d called in to Zoe during lunch.
Parking in front of the store, he walked into the bakery and smiled at the woman behind the counter. “Hi, Zoe.”
“Good to see you, Mason. How are the wedding plans going?”
“According to Nicole, everything is on track and under control. Is my order ready?”
Zoe grabbed a box from the work counter. “I packed all Nicole’s favorites. I also set aside several in a smaller box for you to take to Linc’s. They’re good for a light breakfast.”
“I should pay you extra for helping me score major points with the lady.”
She waved the offer aside. “No need. I’m happy to accommodate her. She brags about my fruit tarts all over town. Word-of-mouth advertising like that is priceless.”
Mason paid for the croissants and fruit tarts, including a generous tip for the baker. A group of several women entered the bakery as he left. A couple of them shied away from him, their gazes shifting from his. Guess they believed he was guilty of murder. Mason mentally shrugged off their reaction and carried his baked goods to the truck.
Minutes later, he parked in Linc’s driveway, then took the food and his bag into the house. Mason sat at the breakfast bar with a glass of iced tea. He’d downed half the contents when his cell phone rang.
He glanced at the screen and punched the speaker button. “What do you have for me, Z?”
“Information on the three men you wanted me to investigate. Your buddy, Gene Patton, has a spotted past going back to his teenage years. He’s a real sweetheart, Mason. Petty theft, robbery, assault, attempted rape, just to name a few charges. He has a rap sheet as long as my arm.”
His hand clenched around the phone. “Prison time?”
“Did seven years on the robbery charge. The rest of the charges were dropped. I don’t understand why Brian would hire this one, but your boss has a soft spot for guys with prison records.”
“I know. Brian’s the reason I have a job.” No one else around town had been inclined to offer him work.
“You were a good bet, Mase. Patton wasn’t.”
“What about Fisher?”
“He’s also been a guest of the state. Assault and battery, DUI, embezzlement, grand theft. He’s associated with a biker gang.”
Mason frowned. “I don’t know of a biker gang around Otter Creek.”
“They’re based in Cherry Hill where Fisher lives. He and Patton met in prison. They were cell mates.”
He stilled. Time in confined quarters helped some cell mates form close friendships. “Anything else on them?”
“From everything I’ve been able to dig up, Fisher is the alpha of the pair. Patton goes along with whatever his buddy wants. Neither of them is shy about violence.”
“Understood. What did you learn about Ivan Dannon?”
“He’s a loser.”
He snorted. “Tell me something I don’t know.”
“He’s still broke and has had a steady stream of women since Nicole dumped him. No surprise, he’s gotten in over his head with a loan shark and is hunting for a quick fix to his problem.”
“Why is he blowing through money?”
“He likes to play the ponies.”
“Since he’s in trouble with a loan shark, I’m guessing he doesn’t have a good system to pick winners. Police record?”
“Assaults and DUIs. No time served. He usually hooks up with a woman, ingratiates himself into her life, and romances her hard. As the relationship progresses, he hits her up for money to cover his bills because he’s a little short this month. The next months, he gives a different reason for needing cash. You get the picture.”
Yeah, he did. It was the same pattern he’d used on Nicole. At least she’d wised up fast enough to get rid of him before he emptied her bank accounts. “You said he has a history of violence?”
“Assaults similar to Nicole’s. None of the women filed charges against him. Each one agreed to let it go if he left them alone from that point forward. He did, and that was the end of it.”
“Any chance he was in Otter Creek sooner than he claims?”
“His bank accounts don’t bear that out. He had several charges on his credit card in Destin, Florida around noon on the day your friend died. I checked the airlines and didn’t see his name on the passenger lists.”
“He could have presented false ID.”
“It’s possible. Do you want me to look for security footage of the airline passengers?”
Mason considered the offer and rejected it. Zane had already carved out more time than he could probably spare for the background investigation. “Let’s hold off on that. I might have another angle to explore.”
“If nothing pans out, contact me. I’ll troll through security feed.”
“Thanks for the help, Zane. If you need anything repaired or remodeled around your house, call me. I’ll be glad to make a trip to Nashville to repay you for your time.”
“I might take you up on that offer as long as you bring Nicole. If Rio and Darcy are available, bring them along.”
“Deal.” He ended the call as the front door opened and he heard the voice of the love of his life.
“Mason?”
“In the kitchen.” He stood and hugged her. “Did you have a good day?”
“It was great. The dogs, cats, and rabbit behaved themselves.”
Dawn walked in with Linc and headed for the bakery box. “What did you pick up? I don’t want to purchase the same desserts.” She lifted the lid and moaned. “Fruit tarts and croissants. Too bad dinner isn’t for another two hours. I’m hungry already.”
“The smaller box on the counter contains more fruit tarts. Those are for us to keep here.”
“Yes! You don’t have to tell me twice.” Dawn opened the small box and picked out a fruit tart. “Anyone else want one?”
Nicole eased away from Mason. “I do. Mason? Linc?”
Both men declined the offer. Once the women left to shower and change into fresh clothes, Linc sat beside Mason at the breakfast bar. “Any news?”
He summarized his conversation with Zane.
“The three men are real princes.” Linc eyed him. “You think one of them is responsible for Riva’s death?”
“I’m beginning to wonder if Patton or Fisher is to blame. As much as I’d like to name Ivan as the guilty party, I can’t see what he would gain from killing the real estate agent. Also, the town grapevine says that Riva was dating a construction worker in secret. That lets out Ivan, and it definitely wasn’t me.”
“That leaves Patton and Fisher. Your gut lead you to either man?”
“Maybe Fisher. Truthfully, I don’t like or trust either of them. Both men will be at the cookout this evening. Perhaps they’ll say or do something to clear things up.” Turmoil swirled inside Mason, his gut knotting at the thought of Nicole near either man. He was running out of time to figure out who wanted to set him up for a hard fall. His greatest fear was Nicole would be caught in the crossfire.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Nicole filled a small plate with desserts and glanced at Dawn. “Can you believe this spread?”
“I’ll have to run extra miles to burn the calories.” She slid a fruit tart onto her plate. “This place is packed.”
Nicole scanned the large grassy area behind Elliott Construction’s headquarters. Tables were set up along one edge of the yard, all loaded with food. Other tables were arranged for people to sit and eat while visiting with friends and coworkers, the air filled with the sound of conversation.
She fi
lled a second plate for Mason while Dawn chose desserts for Linc. “Your relationship with Linc looks promising.”
“I can’t believe he’s interested in me.”
“He’s a smart man.”
“Get a move on, sweet cheeks,” a low voice said from behind Dawn. “You’re holding up the line.”
Nicole stared at Gene Patton. “Walk to the other side of the table.”
“I prefer the view on this side.” His gaze skimmed over Dawn. “The most mouth-watering item isn’t on the table.”
Linc walked up and eased Dawn behind him. “Is there a problem here, Patton?”
The man smirked. “Just admiring the view.”
“The view is better at another table.”
“I’m just paying a sincere compliment.” With a low laugh, Patton sauntered away.
Linc cupped the side of Dawn’s neck. “I’m sorry. I should have stayed at your side.”
“You were talking to a potential trainee. Public relations is part of your job. The man made a few suggestive comments, but he didn’t hurt me.”
“What did he say?”
“Nothing important.” Dawn handed Linc one of the plates she held. “Since I wasn’t sure what you liked, I chose a variety of desserts.”
“I’ll eat anything that doesn’t eat me first.”
Nicole wrinkled her nose. “Really?”
“Can’t afford to be picky when your rations run out, and you’re behind enemy lines.”
“I guess not. Where’s Mason?”
“Talking to Brian about Monday’s work schedule and the security situation on site.”
She froze. “Security situation?” Nicole didn’t like the sound of that. “Have vandals targeted the Oakdale apartment complex?”
“You could say that.”
Nicole and Dawn exchanged glances. “You know more than you’re saying,” Nicole said.
“Maybe. If you want to know more, wait until we’re home to ask Mason.” Linc steered Dawn and Nicole toward their table.
As Mason headed their direction, different members of the construction crew stopped him to talk, impeding his progress. Finally, he slid into the seat beside Nicole.
“Everything okay?” she asked.
He nodded, frowning when he noticed Linc watching Patton and Fisher. “Something I should know, Linc?”
“Patton made some remarks to Dawn while I spoke with Campbell.”
“What did he say?”
“I’ll tell you at home.” Nicole wrapped her hand around his fist. “Don’t let those men spoil a pleasant evening.” The last thing she wanted was to allow the men to goad Mason into a public response. They were up to something, and she didn’t want Mason to fall into their trap.
Brian moved to a microphone set up for him to address the crowd. Nicole tuned out the greetings to the employees and families, and scanned the crowd. All but Patton and Fisher paid attention to Brian’s speech. They talked to each other in hushed tones.
Her attention returned to Brian when he said, “I have two announcements and thought our company cookout was the perfect time to give you good news. First, we signed a contract with Richland Development Group to build their new housing development. That means Elliott Construction will be busy for the next 18 months or more. There’s a possibility that Richland will be buying more land in our area. If they do, Elliott Construction will be their first choice of builders.”
He waited for the applause and whistles to die down. “My second announcement has been in the works for a while. As you know, Elliott Construction is the largest contracting firm in Otter Creek and Dunlap County. Because of our reputation for excellence in jobs of all sizes, we’re the first choice for homeowners who need repairs or remodeling projects completed. That side of our business has exploded in the past two years.”
Brian glanced around the crowd until he spotted Mason. “Mason, join me, please.”
Whispers and low-voiced murmurs erupted as he walked to stand beside his boss.
“As you know, Mason Kincaid joined Elliott Construction two years ago and has been a huge asset to this firm. He and his team of workers are largely responsible for the explosion in home remodels and repairs. Because of the Richland development contract, I felt the time was right to create a new division in the company geared toward the home repairs and remodeling market. I’m pleased to announce that Mason will lead the home rehab division. Dean Connor will be his assistant. Join me in congratulating Mason and Dean on their promotion.”
Brian held up a hand after a moment to still the applause. “If you want to work in the home rehab division, see Mason or Dean to throw your name in for consideration,” he continued. “Exciting days are ahead for Elliott Construction. Thank you for your hard work and loyalty. There’s plenty of food left. Help me out by eating more. If you don’t, my wife will have me eating hamburgers and hot dogs for months.”
Amid laughter, Brian moved from the microphone and clapped Mason on the shoulder.
“Looks like everyone is pleased about Mason’s promotion,” Dawn said.
“Not Patton and Fisher.” Linc inclined his head their direction.
The men glowered at Mason and Brian for a moment, then rose and stalked around the side of the building. A ball of ice formed in Nicole’s stomach. Those men were trouble.
Mason started toward their table, but workers and friends stopped him to shake his hand and share a word with him. Nicole smiled. At this rate, he might make it to their table in time to leave for home.
When Brian’s wife, Emily, began to clean minutes later, Mason was still working his way through the crowd of well-wishers.
Nicole leaned close to Dawn. “I’m going to help Emily. No one seems to be helping her box up food.”
“I’ll help, too.”
When they rose, Linc started to stand. Dawn shook her head. “We’re going to help Emily put away food. You’ll be able to see us from here.”
He looked as though he’d argue with her when a coworker of Linc’s sat next to him to talk. Linc nodded at his friend in greeting, then said to Dawn. “Stay close.”
She smiled, then joined Nicole at Emily’s side.
“Need help?” Nicole asked the other woman.
Emily hugged her. “I’d love the help. You must be proud of Mason and his accomplishments.”
“I am. We owe Brian for giving him the chance to prove himself.” She introduced Dawn to Brian’s wife.
“Did I see you with that handsome PSI teacher?”
Dawn smiled. “His name is Linc Creed.”
They worked fast to box leftover hamburgers, hot dogs, and buns.
“What’s next?” Nicole asked.
“We store the food in the company refrigerator. If no one takes the food tonight, Brian and I will transport it to the fire station and the police station to share the bounty.”
“That’s a great idea.” Dawn picked up a large container of hamburgers and followed Emily toward the building.
Nicole searched the crowd for Mason or Linc. Both men were in deep conversation with other people. The trip to the kitchen would only take a moment. She grabbed a large container of hot dogs and trailed after Emily and Dawn.
Once they stored the food in the refrigerator, she and Dawn retraced their steps to the food tables to pick up another load. When they filled their hands with food containers for the fourth trip, Dawn said, “This is the last of the meat and buns.”
They carried the boxes to the kitchen and wrangled the containers into the full refrigerator. “Do you need help with anything else?” Nicole asked Emily.
Brian’s wife turned from the sink, shaking her head. “I have a few more utensils to load into the dishwasher, then I’ll be finished myself. You two go enjoy yourselves.”
Nicole and Dawn headed back to the festivities. “I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to go home,” Dawn said. “These short nights and early mornings are about to get me.”
“Same. I don’t understand h
ow Linc and Mason still function at peak efficiency.”
“I don’t know Mason’s secret, but Linc’s military training helps him handle the strain.”
The lights went out in the hallway, and a hard hand clamped over Nicole’s mouth.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Nicole fought against the strong hands restraining her but failed to break free. An elbow to the man’s gut resulted in muttered curses and promises of retaliation.
She recognized the voice. Fisher. Fury overwhelmed the fear swamping her. What did this idiot think he was doing?
Fisher wrapped an arm around her waist and yanked her against his body. “Keep fighting, wildcat. I love it when women fight me,” he whispered.
Dawn, a few feet ahead of Nicole, started to turn when Patton clamped a hand over her mouth and brandished a knife in front of her face. The blade glittered in the low illumination of an exit sign. She froze. “Very good, sweet cheeks,” he murmured. “You’re going to come with us, nice and quiet. If you don’t, you and your mouthy friend are going to pay hard. Sure would be a shame to cut such beautiful skin. Understand?”
Her gaze sought Nicole’s, eyes wide with fear.
This was crazy. Patton and Fisher couldn’t possibly think they’d get away with this.
Patton jerked her head back and pressed the knife to her throat. “I asked you a question. You better answer unless you want the next few hours to be unpleasant. Do you understand what I’m telling you?”
Dawn gave a small nod.
“Let’s go,” Fisher said. “If you fight us, you’ll regret it. Scream, and we’ll gut Dawn first, then you.” With that, he propelled Nicole toward the side exit away from the crowded yard.
Nicole’s heart sank. No one was in sight. She’d hoped someone would be near, see the abduction, and go for help. Looked like she and Dawn were on their own for a while.
Mason would find her. Hurting Mason was the point of taking her in the first place. They didn’t need Dawn. Maybe she could convince Fisher to let her friend go.
The men forced them toward the trees to the left of the property. Her breath caught in her lungs. Were they planning to kill them in the woods and leave their bodies for Mason and Linc to find?