“Thank you.”
He sat down opposite her with a sigh. She never heard him sigh. “I want you to know Nichole and I do not have a romantic relationship, whatever she may have implied. So, you can relax around her.”
“I’m just supposed to take your word for that.”
Hank frowned. “I wouldn’t lie to you about anything personal.”
“But you would about anything work-related. And Nichole is work-related, right?”
“No. Wrong. I don’t lie about work, either. I just don’t tell you all about it. For both our sake’s.”
“Do you know how that makes me feel? Well, I’ll tell you. Shut out. Cut off. Sometimes inconsequential, in second place.” Until that moment, she hadn’t realized herself how seriously his work was impacting their relationship.
They sat staring at each other. Hank shook his head. “I don’t know what to do with that information. I thought I’ve made it clear how I feel about you. I love you. You know that, right?”
Tina shook her head. “Not for sure. You never said.” She ached for him to hold her, but he sat, swirling his Drambuie, not looking at her now. Where was take-charge Hank? Suddenly it hit her. “Did something go wrong in New York?”
He looked up at her then. “You know me too well. Let’s put it this way. Things didn’t go completely right.”
“Who is Nichole Highsmith, really?”
Hank took a sip of his Drambuie. “She a federal agent. Since she’s here, I assume it’s to keep a watch on me.”
Tina swallowed hard. “What did you do? How much trouble are you in?”
He didn’t answer.
“Hank?”
His expression turned bleak. “I didn’t realize how much this would affect you. You never really spelled it out before.”
“I didn’t know myself.”
He nodded. “I’d better take you home. I can’t tell you anymore right now. You’ll have to decide if you can live with that or not. Maybe when this is all over, I can talk about it. But maybe not. Again, you’ll have to learn to live with it.”
Tina took the last, long sip of her Drambuie. It burned all the way down, and she choked back a sob. “I’m used to living with secrets. My mother’s full of them, and Uncle Bob seems to have a few, as well.” She stood up. “But I was hoping I wouldn’t have any with the man I loved. You’re right, I need to go home to think.” She set her glass down gently on the coffee table and headed for the back door.
CHAPTER 10
Hank drove her home without speaking, and she was too upset to say anything. Within five minutes, they were there. She jumped out of the car and ran up the front steps. He followed her easily, and before she could get the key in the lock, grabbed her, holding her tight against him. “I love you,” he murmured in her ear.
She melted, clinging to him. She wanted him. Needed him. But part of that need was to know everything about him. Every secret.
She pulled away and unlocked the door. Then she turned to him. “I love you, too. I always will, no matter what happens.”
He nodded, his gray eyes sad. She watched him walk away, shoulders slumped, and then went inside.
She heard voices in the living room. Her mother and Uncle Bob. And Brandon. What was he doing there?
She hung up her coat in the hall closet. Took several deep breaths. And another one as she entered the living room. She hoped her face didn’t give away too much.
Uncle Bob and Laura looked surprised to see her. “You’re home awfully early.” Laura studied her. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” She sank down onto the couch. Princess came over to be petted. She hardly ever did that because she was always so intent on working for Uncle Bob. Tina figured Princess knew something was up. Her and her mother’s instincts were about equally good. Tina stroked the dog’s golden fur over and over again, taking some comfort from the gentle animal.
She looked up to see Brandon studying her. Her mother and Uncle Bob also watched her intently. “Okay,” she said, leaning back against the couch cushion. “Hank and I had a slight disagreement. I don’t want to talk about it.”
“All right,” Laura didn’t sound happy.
No one said anything for a few moments. Tina continued to pet Princess. She’d like to know why Brandon had come over, but figured she shouldn’t ask.
Finally, he said, “I wanted to see you. I’m worried about Leslie.”
Tina sat up straight again and stopped petting Princess. Princess went back to sit beside Uncle Bob. “What happened?”
“That’s the problem. I don’t know. I went by at dinnertime to bring her a small bookcase she wanted from Mom and Dad’s attic. She was acting strange. Jumpy. I asked her what was wrong, and she blew me off. I figured you might know.”
So he came by the Shaw’s on a Saturday night to talk to her. Brandon never dropped in anywhere. Tina suspected his seeing her that morning had driven him to come. Why, why couldn’t she love Brandon as she did Hank? Brandon didn’t have secrets. Brandon wouldn’t leave for two months without telling her the reason. Brandon was a rock. Well, Hank was a rock, too. But a much rougher one than Brandon. “I don’t think it’s my place to tell you something that Leslie wouldn’t share with you on her own.”
“So, you know what it is.” That stubborn look Brandon had appeared on his face.
She almost said, It’s a secret. And got an inkling about how Hank felt when he couldn’t tell her something. Confused, she stood up. “Sorry, Brandon. I have something to do.” She left the living room and dashed upstairs to her bedroom. After kicking off her shoes, she climbed onto her bed. Laying on her back, she stared at the ceiling.
Okay, was she going to allow her compulsion to know everything get in the way of her relationship with Hank? Realistically, it already had. She loved Hank for so many reasons, the main one being that he respected her. He also didn’t tell her what to do or think, which Brandon tended to do. She felt safer with Brandon in some respects, the main one being his openness. But she knew she loved Hank more deeply, more viscerally.
Exhausted, she fell into a fitful sleep. Her cell woke her. She looked at the time. Midnight. And it was Leslie again.
Alarmed, Tina answered. “What’s going on? You okay?”
“You didn’t call and come over with Hank.”
Stricken, Tina said, “I’m so sorry. I did get totally distracted. Actually, we had a sort of an argument.”
“Oh, no. Oh, Tina. What on earth about?”
“You know how secretive he is. Well, it really got to me tonight. And he won’t budge about it.”
“I don’t know what to say, what advice to give you.”
“That’s all right. I don’t know what advice to give myself.” Tina’s laugh sounded shaky.
“Well, I know you’ll figure it out. I heard some more noises. Can you come over again? Spend the night?”
“Of course, if you’re spooked. You’re not in the attic again?”
“Great choice of words, Tina.” Leslie’s laugh sounded as shaky as Tina’s. “No, of course I’m not in the attic. Banging overhead. I’m in my bedroom.”
“Oh, okay. Go downstairs. I’ll throw a few things in a suitcase and come right away.”
“Thanks, Tina. What was that?”
“What?”
“I heard something again. Hurry.” Leslie hung up.
CHAPTER 11
Tina threw a pair of jeans, a long-sleeved top, pajamas, and toiletries into an overnight bag and ran down the stairs. She was glad to see no one was in the living room. She did stop to write a quick note to her mother, then dashed out to her car without a coat. Before leaving the driveway, she called Leslie’s number, but after six rings, it went to voice mail. She threw the phone onto the passenger seat and concentrated on driving to Leslie’s house.
When she pulled into the driveway, she hesitated about taking her gun out of her purse to have it ready. The side door opened, and Leslie stood, waiting. She appeared to be okay,
so Tina didn’t get the gun, just grabbed her purse and overnight bag. As she approached the door, Leslie stepped back to allow Tina to enter. Tina closed and bolted the door behind her.
“You hear anything else? You okay?”
“A little shaky. Once I got downstairs, I didn’t notice any more noises.”
Tina set her bag down. “What exactly did you hear? And why didn’t you answer your phone?”
“Oh, I left it on the bed and came down here to wait for you. Sorry. I heard that tapping again. You think the ghost is hanging pictures?” Leslie’s laugh sounded nervous, but Tina was glad to hear it.
“Could be.” She hugged Leslie. “Let’s sit down and talk.”
“Okay. I didn’t even make coffee this time.”
“That’s all right. I don’t need any.”
Leslie led the way to the living room. “Might as well be comfortable.”
After they plopped into a couple overstuffed chairs, Leslie asked, “What do you want to talk about?”
“I did some research on ghosts at home. There seems to be quite a bit of what they call “paranormal activity” here in Newport, especially in the older houses. Mainly the mansions. They have investigators. Maybe you’ve seen the show on TV?”
“No. I had no idea.”
“I was thinking you might want to call one of the companies. They don’t charge anything, but do take donations. I don’t know how reliable they are, of course, or whether it’s a total scam. I also am not clear about what they do if they find anything. An exorcism?”
Leslie shivered. “I’m not sure I want strangers poking around, looking for ghosts or other monsters. This is really creepy, Tina.”
“I know. Look, I’m positive there is some logical explanation for what you’re hearing. This is an old, old house. They’re always creaking and groaning.”
“You live in a house about as old. You ever hear or experience anything like we did last night?”
Tina frowned. “No.”
“Same with my parents’ house. Nothing like rhythmic knocking or doors unlocking on their own. Or ghostly shapes in a corner.”
“You have a point. I know you’ve been thinking about this. Any ideas?”
Leslie studied Tina’s face. “No. Tell me more about what happened with Hank. I’d still like to get him to look into this.”
Tina shifted in her chair, but couldn’t get comfortable. “Again, I’m sorry I didn’t bring him by like I said I would. After our tiff, everything else flew out of my head.”
“I totally understand. So, tell me.”
“Some woman showed up while we were at Anthony’s. Turns out she’s a federal agent. I don’t have any idea what agency—Hank didn’t say. Apparently she’s keeping tabs on him. Something went wrong in New York. Something he did, I think, but he won’t tell me any more than that.” Tina paused. “I’m very uncomfortable not knowing more about what Hank really does, what he’s involved in. I’m now convinced it’s dangerous. You know how I am about secrets. And Hank is probably the most secretive man in Newport.”
“Oh, Tina.”
“I know. I did tell him about what we saw and heard last night before we started discussing his work. But I never got to ask for his help.”
“You had an actual fight?”
“Not really. I just told him I didn’t know if I could deal with his secrecy anymore, and he brought me home. And when I got there, guess who was waiting to talk to me?”
“I have no idea.”
“Your brother. He’s worried about you. Thinks you’re hiding something from him.”
“Brandon? Brandon went behind my back to talk to you about me?” Leslie’s eyes narrowed. “Oh. It was a great excuse to see you again. He’s not over you, Tina.”
Tina sighed. “I realize that. Look, getting back to your ghost.”
“My ghost. Already he belongs to me. Wonderful.”
Tina laughed. “Well, apparently he comes with the house. You own the house; therefore, you own the ghost.”
“That sure makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. Like having a pet.”
Tina grinned. “In my research, I didn’t find that many, if any, ghosts that have harmed people. It’s rather difficult since they’re somewhat unsubstantial. Some people claim it happens, but I don’t think anyone in authority has even proven that a ghost physically hurt someone.”
“That’s reassuring. Kind of. Of course, my ghost could be the exception.”
“Doubtful. What I suggest is you talk to Brandon and Hank. Have them come spend the night, or several nights, and see if they can find out what’s making those noises. Set up a place for them to be comfortable in the attic. They’ll scoff, but be amused, and will humor you.”
“Why can’t we do that ourselves?”
“Because you’d become too unnerved. I’d start paying attention to you and stop trying to explore where the sounds are coming from and what might be causing them. Plus, if this is some malevolent being, two guys would probably be better able to handle it than we could, much as I hate to admit that chauvinistic thought.”
Leslie nodded. “You’re right. Will you stay with me, though, until we get this figured out?”
“Of course. What are friends for? I’ll even help in the attic. In the daytime.”
“Good. Thank you, Tina. You’re wonderful.”
Tina smiled. “You’d do the same for me, right?”
“No.”
They both broke into laughter, and the tension eased. “You’re a wuss.” Tina stood up. “Let’s go to bed. It’s past the witching hour.”
“Great.” Leslie stood, too. “Now I can start thinking it’s a witch instead of a ghost. Thanks for putting that in my head.”
“I’m sure it’s neither.” Tina made her voice firm. “Old house noises. But we have to find out how they’re being made so you can live here without fear.”
“Right. Tina, we’re forgetting one thing. I’ve been here a couple of months. And never heard anything until I began working in the attic.”
“So, you think this ghost or whatever is trying to scare you away from being up there?”
“What do you think?”
Tina hesitated. “It’s possible. But I don’t really believe it. Coincidence. It’s gotten warmer since you moved in. Stuff is contracting and expanding. I’m sure that’s all it is.”
“Okay. We’ll go with that for now. But I like your idea of having Brandon and Hank check it out, even if they’ll think I’m a ditsy woman.”
“They don’t think that already?”
Leslie lightly slapped Tina’s upper arm. “Probably. But this will cement their impression.”
Unless, Tina thought, there really is a ghost.
CHAPTER 12
As they climbed the stairs, the faint sound of sirens caught their attention. Leslie, in the lead, stopped on the landing to listen. The wail increased, and they rushed to the window at the end of the second-floor hallway. Leslie pulled the drapes aside and looked out.
“They’re stopping next door. Fire truck, ambulance.”
Tina, beside her, frowned. “I know. Wonder what’s going on. Have you met your neighbors yet?”
“Yes, a couple, about our age. No children, but trying. There’s the police. What on earth could have happened? I don’t see any smoke.”
“May not be a fire. The fire fighters are trained as EMTs, aren’t they?”
“I think so. Let’s go see if we can find out.” They both turned away from the window, rushed downstairs, and out the front door.
Tina shivered when the cold air hit her. She saw the ambulance driver climbing back inside the vehicle, his partner with him. They roared away. “No one hurt. No fire, what could have happened?” she asked Leslie.
They walked over to the fire truck where a couple of men stood, talking to each other in hushed voices.
“What’s going on?” Tina asked the one who seemed the oldest. He broke into a grin when he saw them, but quickly sobered. He
had one of those craggy faces like some movie stars, and looked fit under his uniform. The younger one was a blond Adonis with blue Paul Newman eyes and a devilish smile.
The two men looked at each other, than back at Tina and Leslie. When neither Zeus nor Adonis answered her, she said, “Well?”
“Sorry ma’am. Your neighbors found a dead body in the side yard.”
Leslie gasped. Tina took her arm to steady her. They were both shivering. Zeus grabbed two blankets from the truck. “Here, you’d better keep warm. Sorry for the shock.”
“Do the Colliers know who it is?” Leslie wrapped herself in the blanket and said a soft thank you. Tina did the same.
“We don’t have any details, ma’am. The Colliers live here?”
Tina wished he’d stop calling them ma’am.
“Yes,” Leslie said. “It wasn’t one of them, was it?”
“Again, I’m sorry. We don’t know. I don’t think so because there was a man and a woman in the house when we got here. Probably the Colliers.”
Tina could tell they weren’t going to find out any more information from the fire fighters, and the police were busy. She knew they wouldn’t talk to Leslie and her anyway. Reluctantly, she handed her blanket back to the fireman. “Come on, Leslie, let’s go back inside and get warm. Thank you, guys, for telling us what you know.”
Leslie didn’t seem to want to leave, but she unwrapped herself and gave her blanket back.
“What’s your name?” Adonis folded the blanket and stood waiting for her answer.
“Leslie Young.”
“You live there?” He pointed to her house.
“Yes.”
“You live together?” He looked at Tina.
“No, I’m just visiting.” Tina wondered what his reaction would be if she told him why. She watched one of the police officers stringing crime tape in the side yard. She shivered again. Had a bad feeling. Strange sounds in Leslie’s house, and now a dead body right outside.
“Come on,” she said to her friend.
“My name’s Roger Burns,” the fireman said quickly to Leslie. “I know. Don’t laugh. Burns the firefighter. It was destiny. Can I call you sometime?”
Cluttered Attic Secrets (Tina Tales) Page 4