by Wendy Vella
“You’re welcome. What’s the next step? I’m presuming given what’s in your cupboard, there’s definitely one?”
“I need to find out why someone is after me, but also about Jessie.”
“I liked that name the best.”
“Idiot.”
“Harsh but true. So how?”
“I don’t know.”
“How would you feel about talking to someone else about this?”
“Who?”
“Dylan, and maybe his father. I would trust them both. Not his mother, however. So, up to you. He’s an FBI profiler and has a logical brain, Dylan, that is, and his father was born in this town and knows the details of your father’s trial and what happened leading up to it.”
“It’s not like my parents are alive, so it won’t hurt them that others know, but I guess the worry is that whoever is the mother of Jessie could still be in town.”
“It’s definitely possible, and we can’t rule out that it’s her doing this.”
“Okay, I hadn’t gone there, but that’s possibility number two and not a happy one.”
“We’ll deal with this, Princess, and like I said, Dylan and his father are good people.”
“Okay.”
“You don’t sound too sure.”
“I guess I’m not sure what my brothers would want.”
“They’re not here.”
“You make it sound simple, but it’s not. Coming here should have been easy. Slip into town, see the house, then out again.”
“Are we doing the pathetic thing again?”
She elbowed him in the side, making him grunt
“Oh God, I’m sorry, that was a terrible thing to do.”
“My brothers do that on a daily basis. Besides, it shows spirit, I like it. Now get moving.”
“Where are we going?”
“It’s market night in town, and the Santa run, which I’m participating in.”
“I saw the signs, but I don’t remember that before we left Ryker?”
“It’s new, for the tourists.”
“I’ll stay here. You go on and enjoy it.”
“And do what?”
“Things.”
“What things.”
“Just things!”
“You can do things later. Now hustle it, my family are gathering at A.S. soon.”
“If this is a family thing, then you really should go alone.”
“Why? You allergic to family stuff?”
“Don’t be an idiot.”
“Stop fighting me. You’ll enjoy it.” Jack propelled her to the door, where he found her coat and bundled her into it. Seconds later they were in his pickup.
“Do I get a say in this?”
“You’ll enjoy it, I promise.”
“There’s a car coming down the drive, Jack.”
“I see it.”
“Do you recognize it?”
“It’s a rental by the look of the plates,” Jack said, wondering who the hell it was. If it was trouble, he was sending them on their way. Rory’s had her fill of that today.
They both watched a white sedan pull up a few feet away, then a big, tall man got out.
“Leo?” Rory had her door open before Jack could blink. By the time he’d done the same she was in her brother’s arms.
Jack stood back and let them have their reunion.
“I don’t understand, Leo? How could you be here when I spoke with you just this morning.”
“There was a helicopter coming off the rig and I got on it, then caught a flight here. It’s only an hour and a half from California. I rented a car and drove the rest of the way.”
“But why are you here, Leo?”
“You’re not really asking me that question, are you, squirt? If we have a sibling out there somewhere, I need to know about it.”
“I would have kept you updated.”
“I know, but I needed to come.”
Rory nodded. “There’s more I need to tell you too.”
“What more?” Leo Haldane turned his head and looked directly at Jack.
Chapter 36
“Leo, do you remember Jack Trainer?”
Jack studied the man who held Rory in his arms. He wasn’t jealous, that would be just plain wrong considering this was her brother, but he was something, and not sure what.
“Leo.” He made the first move and held out his hand. The man accepted, easing Rory aside to take it.
“Jack Trainer? I have to say you’ve changed some, man.”
“As have you.”
His memory of Leo Haldane wasn’t great, in fact they’d pretty much hated each other on sight. He’d been an obnoxious brat who’d looked down his nose at the poor, scruffy Trainers. This guy bore no resemblance to that memory. He was big—those arms were huge—and he had full beard. His wool cap was pulled low and he wore a thick black coat, jeans, and work boots. Rory shared her blue eyes with her eldest brother.
“Jack’s been helping me with pretty much everything,” Rory rushed to add, as if sensing that the men were wary of each other.
“Everything?”
The word was loaded.
“Pretty much,” Jack added.
“We’re just going to the night market, Leo, but I can stay here with you.”
“Be a shame, seeing as you were looking forward to it,” Jack said.
“No, Leo’s here and we have stuff to talk through, Jack. I should stay.”
“I could do with food and a beer. Let’s all go,” Leo said, his eyes still on Jack.
“Aren’t you tired?” Rory asked.
“I sat in a plane, squirt, it doesn’t take too much energy.”
In fact, Jack doubted he wanted to come at all. If Leo Haldane had his way he’d be taking Rory inside with him and shutting the door in Jack’s face.
“I’ll drive,” Jack said, heading to his car.
“We could take two cars.”
“Parking’s pretty limited,” Jack replied.
He won, and minutes later they were jammed in the cab of his pickup heading into town.
The drive was short, and soon they were all out and walking along the street toward A.S., with Rory filling Leo in on the town and the people who lived in it.
Jack was proud to be a local of Ryker Falls, but never more so when they were putting on a show like tonight. The place was alive with color. More snow had fallen, enough to make the place picturesque, and the mountains that stood sentry over the town made an amazing backdrop.
“Rory!” Mandy burst out of Tea Total. “I need you for a second... please.” Mandy shot Jack and Leo a smile.
“This is my brother, Mandy.”
“Really. That’s so wonderful for you, Rory, considering what’s been happening.”
“Hi.” Leo lifted a hand. “What’s been going on?”
“Nothing.” Rory waved her hand.
“Please, Rory, it’ll only take a minute, I just need your advice. The auction’s tomorrow night,” Mandy begged.
“Go on,” Jack urged her when Leo said nothing. “We’ll get reacquainted.”
She hesitated, but Mandy took the opportunity to grab her hand and pull her into the shop.
“The town’s changed.”
“Not much stands still these days, especially after the years you’ve been gone,” Jack replied.
“Look, Trainer—”
“Jack.”
“Right, Jack. Look, I remember you and your brothers and I’m not sure you should be—”
“Evening, Jack, excellent night for it.”
“The best, Mrs. L.”
“Everyone is commenting on my window. That Rory did a wonderful job, sweet girl that she is.”
“You’ve changed your tune.” Tonight Mrs. L’s gray hair had red and green stripes, and she still wore the antlers.
“Don’t be cheeky.” She tapped his hand. “Can you come and change a bulb for me?”
“Be right there.” Jack watched the woman glance at
Leo again.
“You remember Leo Haldane, Mrs. L?”
Her eyes narrowed, and Jack noted she was wearing fake eyelashes that had glitter on the ends.
“Your sister has redeemed herself by decorating my window, plus Jack likes her. But you I remember tormenting my poor Tommy, so forgiveness is going to take some time.”
“We discussed this already, Mrs. L, everyone changes,” Jack said before Leo could open his mouth.
She gave Leo a glare and then sniffed. “We’ll see what he’s like before I forgive him. Now I must get on. See you soon, Jack.”
“Will do.”
“That went well,” Leo drawled, “and I never even opened my mouth.”
“Jack, can you give me a hand with a few trestle tables?”
“Be right there, Em,” Jack said to his brother’s bar manager.
“Hey.” She stuck out her hand for Leo to shake.
“Emily, this is Leo, Rory’s brother.”
Em whistled softly. “I’ve heard enough about you to want to slap you, but as I like your sister now, I guess I’ll have to give you a chance. Later, Jack.”
Leo watched Emily run off up the street.
“Did Rory get this kind of reception?”
“Worse.” Jack went for honesty. “You could say she broke the ice in a spectacular fashion for you other Haldanes to return.”
Leo swore softly as he jammed his hands in his pockets.
“We didn’t want her to come, but she insisted. Said it was the least one of us could do for Nana.”
“She’s likely right, and Rory’s settled in okay now. Sure, there’s a few that want her gone still, but most have settled down.”
“And you’ve been looking out for her?”
Jack didn’t answer.
“Thanks.”
He shook the hand Leo held out to him. The animosity between them had eased.
“Hell of a thing, thanking a Trainer.”
“Hell of a thing, shaking the hand of a Haldane.”
“We were assholes,” Leo said. “It wasn’t until we left that we realized that.”
“Rory mentioned something similar.”
Leo grunted.
“Before she comes back, I need to tell you something.” Jack looked through the window of Tea Total, but saw no sign of Rory. She’d likely be pissed off he’d talked, but he didn’t care. Leo was another set of eyes to watch over her. Now he thought about it, the man could end up being a target too, so he doubly needed to understand what had been happening around Ryker.
“What?”
“She’s been targeted by someone, Leo, and it’s getting dirty.”
“What do you mean? Has more happened since the tire slashing?”
“Way more.”
Jack stood close enough so only Leo could hear what he said and explained everything that had happened.
“Why didn’t she tell me?” Leo was devastated. “And you say the stolen things were planted in Nana’s house?”
“Yes.”
“Why do you think it’s happening?”
“We came up with two theories. The first is that whoever is your half sibling’s mother doesn’t want a Haldane back in town sniffing around and uncovering anything. Then there’s the fact that Rory thinks her father’s innocent.”
“Not that again.” Leo looked disgusted. “Our father constantly said he was innocent.”
“You need to look through his briefcase and talk to your sister, Leo.”
“I was sure the Feds got that.”
Jack shrugged.
“And she’s been dealing with all this and didn’t tell either Matt or me.”
“We’ve been keeping an eye on her.”
“I need to thank you again for looking out for her, Jack.”
“I did it because I wanted to.”
“I sensed something between you and my sister when I arrived, and wasn’t happy about it.”
“Never would have known.”
“Ha, right, the animosity was mutual. You want to tell me about this connection you have with my sister?”
“No, that’s between me and Rory.”
“Leo?” Bas was ambling toward them with two of his children attached.
“Bas?” Leo grabbed him in a man hug. “Are these yours?” He smiled down at the children.
Rory chose that moment to return.
“All good?” Jack asked, his eyes on the reunion.
“Mandy’s just having last-minute decoration nerves for the auction. Aww, look at that. Leo always liked Bas. It was a weird thing, but he was never mean to him.”
“Weird all right, as your brother pretty much pissed everyone else off.”
“True that.”
“You guys head on to A.S. when the reunion is done. I’ll meet you there. I have a few things to do on the way.”
“What things?”
“Don’t be nosy.” He brushed a finger down her cheek. “It’s to do with my girlfriend, Mrs. L.”
She smiled. “You’re a good guy, Jack Trainer.”
“Everyone is saying it.”
She kissed him, right there on the street, then went to get Leo. Jack watched as she walked away for no other reason than he wanted to.
She’d kissed him in public. Just the thought should have terrified him; instead it made him smile. He walked to Mrs. L’s shop feeling pretty happy, even considering what was going on with Rory. When the bulb was changed, he left to catch up with his family.
“Family and Haldanes,” he greeted, kissing cheeks and slapping hands.
“Leo’s changed,” Joe said out the side of his mouth. “In a good way. More mountain man now than preppy a-hole.”
“I think the surprise is mutual, as the a-hole Trainers have changed a bit since then too.”
“True that. Did you hear that Maggs can’t do the Santa race now? Something urgent came up at the gallery,” Luke said. “So you need to find someone else to carry, bro.”
Jack always teamed up with Maggs; it was tradition. Letting his eyes settle on Rory, he guessed that was changing this year.
“So, Rory, you any good at piggyback races?”
“Pardon?” Her blue eyes swung his way. Jack felt the jolt he always did, but now he’d accepted it.
“Maggs can’t do the Santa race with me, so you’re it.”
“No way!”
“Don’t be a killjoy, squirt. The man needs a hand, and you’re it,” Leo said.
“You haven’t even been back in my life for a day and you’re already telling me what to do.” She glared at her brother.
“What’s the problem here? We used to do stuff like that all the time. In fact, out of the three of us, you were the adventurous one.”
“The problem is you’re still telling me what to do.”
Luke laughed. “I have brothers like that.”
“It’s in the job description,” Joe defended.
“Is that a yes?” Jack asked her.
“Tell me what I have to do first.”
“Dress as Santa and hang on to my back while I do all the work.”
Her smile was sly. “Well now, you didn’t mention that before now.”
“The evil workings of a woman’s brain,” Joe said. “Happy to see a man working while she rests.”
“Damn straight,” Pip and Bailey said together.
They ate steak sandwiches and chunky fries, and then pulled on the Santa suits and headed to the start line at the beginning of town.
“It’s a long way for you to carry me, Jack?”
Rory was looking down the street. Maggs’s suit was folded up several times at the wrists and ankles. The hat had her blonde curls poking out underneath. Cute, Jack thought, really cute.
“You don’t think I have it in me to get you to the finish, Princess? I have to say that hurts... right here.” He thumped his chest.
“I may look small, but I’m quite solid.”
He couldn’t help it, he laughed.
&nbs
p; “I am!”
He was still laughing when Mr. Goldhirsh lined up beside him.
“I’m beating you this year, Jack.”
“You go on and give it a try, Mr. Goldhirsh.”
“Hello, Rory, I heard Maggs was unable to attend.”
Mr. Goldhirsh was carrying Miss Sarah on his back; Dr. Williams, Mr. Goldhirsh’s running buddy, had Miss Marla.
Looking at the other contestants, he saw Abigail and Lenny from the lodge. She was still frosty with Jack, but he could cope with that, because she was no longer throwing herself at him. Luke came next with Flo, also from the lodge. Beside them were Finn and a woman he’d never seen before, which suggested she was a tourist. Dylan and Piper were further down on the end.
There were twenty couples in total, and all were after the prize at the end. Two Christmas sweaters of their choice from Mrs. L’s shop.
“I’ve never owned a Christmas sweater.”
“Never?” Jack looked at Rory as she shook her head.
“Okay, even more reason to win then.”
“I want one with flashing lights.”
“Subtle.”
“It’s a Christmas sweater, they’re not meant to be subtle.”
To add to the general air of small-town excitement, Bas had driven one of his tractors to the start line. Mayor Gripper stepped into the bucket carrying the Robbins sisters’ megaphone. Buzz joined him wearing a bright red bow. Bas lifted the bucket so the man was looking down on the contestants. There was a tricky moment when the bucket shuddered, but he stayed inside, much to everyone’s relief.
“You be careful with that, Mayor Gripper,” Miss Marla said, pointing to her precious megaphone. She wore red leggings like her sister, and a Santa jacket.
“Aww, look at Buzz,” Rory said. “He’s so cute and regal sitting up there.”
“He’s a suck-up,” Jack whispered into her ear.
“Good early evening to you all!” Mayor Gripper said loudly, after he remembered to turn the megaphone on. Everyone shouted a greeting back. He wore red jeans and a striped red-and-white jacket. His bow tie was green, and his shirt white. A knitted cap was like a candy cane, and his scarf matched.
“He looks like a really hip elf,” Rory said, making Jack laugh.
“If you’ll all climb on now please, we’ll get this race started. Rules are no foul play, and first one to the finish wins.”
“Get on, Princess.”
Jack crouched, and she jumped. Catching her, he juggled her into position until he was happy.