by Dara Girard
The two women turned. Jackie’s heart accelerated at the sight of him. His expression, however, was as cool and unreadable as it had always been.
Adriana nodded. “Yes.”
“Brilliant design.”
“Thank you.”
Eric stared at him, curious. “How did you get to see it?”
Clay faltered.
Jackie said quickly, “I took him by the shop and showed him. He wanted to impress a date.”
Eric raised his brows. “By wearing women’s lingerie?”
Adriana sent him a look. “You shouldn’t be one to tease.”
Eric smiled, but still looked suspicious. Fortunately, Drake’s son, Marcus, came in with Nina, loudly explaining a long story only another child could understand. Everyone headed to the table.
***
Jackie was determined not to meet Clay’s gaze though he sat directly in front of her. She wondered what was going on in his mind. Wondered if he felt the desire to be close to her as she felt for him. She glanced at Adriana and wondered when Eric would tell her about his lungs, then glanced at Drake, wondering what he would say if she told him she was seeing Clay. She knew they would both be furious.
As dinner progressed, her spirits dimmed. She wished she had some sign that Clay’s feelings had changed toward her. She knew their affair was casual, that anything more was forbidden. Yet she craved for just a look or touch that would signal that she meant something more to him than just a fun night out—or, in their case, in. Then again, she knew that just a touch from him would send her senses reeling and she wouldn’t be able to hide what she felt for him.
Jackie helped Cassie clear the plates for dessert then stayed behind in the kitchen, leaning against the sink to gather her thoughts. She was so engrossed in them that she nearly screamed when someone touched her shoulder, and she spun around to stare up at Clay.
He put a finger to his lips and lead her to the pantry. Shutting the door, he said, “I forgot to say hello.” He kissed her, his mouth warm and demanding. Jackie made a few demands of her own. When he tried to pull back, she wouldn’t let him and he stumbled back against a shelf. A can of soup fell.
“Careful,” Clay said. “They’ll wonder what’s going on in here.”
“I missed you.”
“I gathered that.” He grinned, then ducked out of the pantry.
Jackie returned to her seat a few moments later, glad everyone was involved in a conversation. About what, she didn’t care—she only hoped she didn’t look “kissed.” She caught Clay’s gaze and he winked. Jackie sighed wistfully. She’d never noticed, how long his eyelashes were.
Eric asked, “So, Clay, how are you and Jackie getting at it?”
Clay nearly choked. “I’m sorry?”
“How’s work? You two have been quiet. I’m trying to draw you into the conversation. Your job must be stressful.”
“Oh, it’s fine. I’m busy with three cases.”
“You do missing people sometimes—what do you think about this Amanda incident?”
“I think they’re looking for a body.”
Jackie said, “I think there’s hope.”
“The prognosis doesn’t look good.”
Cassie spoke up, hoping to change to a lighter topic. “So, Jackie, how is Brian?”
“We broke up.”
“Sorry.”
“I’m not.” She rushed on when Cassie sent her an odd look. “We weren’t really suited.”
Cassie nodded. “I see.”
***
Clay helped carry dishes to the kitchen as Cassie filled the dishwasher. She turned to him and smiled. He smiled back, remembering when she’d first smiled at him. It had been a warm, toothless grin and it was beautiful, making him feel for the first time as though he’d belonged—the stepchild in his father’s new family. But her love for him hadn’t kept him from running away. He knew that had hurt her, and was glad she had allowed him back into her life after so many years.
“Mom called,” she said.
He managed not to cringe. “Why?”
“Just to talk. It wasn’t an interesting conversation, but at least she wasn’t picking on me. You should try it some time.”
“Picking on you?”
“No, talking.”
“I don’t need to talk.”
“Yeah, that worries me. You’ve been unusually quiet.”
“I have a lot on my mind.”
Cassie nodded, but looked unconvinced. “You do have someone you confide in, right? I know it doesn’t have to be me, but you do talk to someone?”
“I don’t need to talk. I can take care of myself.”
“I don’t doubt it. How about women? Are you seeing anyone?”
“There are women. I got high marks for ‘plays well with others.’”
Cassie grinned. “I’m sure you did. But you know the offer is open.”
He patted her on the head. “Yes, little sister. I know.”
***
Under a starless night, Claudia Meeks drank her fourth beer, then sat on the sagging brown couch in her apartment. She wasn’t sure canceling HOPE Services was such a good idea. Perhaps she should have talked to Jackie about it. She was always understanding. She never judged her, even when she made mistakes. Unfortunately, Claudia couldn’t talk to her, she’d been sworn to secrecy.
She took one long swallow, then glanced around her dingy apartment. The window didn’t close all the way and the heater had been turned off for an inspection she knew would never happen. Who would have thought her life would end up like this? High school band leader and she had graduated top of her class. Well, more like the middle. She sighed and set the beer down. HOPE Services had promised to help her get on her feet soon. She wanted to get on her feet now, not wait—she was tired of waiting. Soon she wouldn’t have to. The deal was made. The promise of money was good.
She stood at that sound of a knock and opened the door. She welcomed her killer inside.
Chapter Eleven
Jackie smiled at Patty as she entered the office. She knew she had to choose her words carefully since Patty was quick to take offense. “I’d like to see you in my office,” she said.
Patty looked at her, surprised. “Do you need me to take notes?”
“No, I just have a few questions and I know you can help me.”
“Okay.” Patty followed her into the office and sat down.
Jackie sat behind her desk and chewed her lower lip. She pulled out a card and handed it to her. “What do you think about this?”
Patty looked at the card and shrugged. “I think the design is pretty. You need help designing new HOPE Services cards? Sure, I’ll help you. I think the current color is so dull. I’d go with purple myself—”
“No, the office cards are fine. I was just wondering about the message.”
“It’s a nice message.”
“Yes, but not appropriate for the office, which is why Faye took these cards off your desk.”
Her lips thinned. “She had no right touching my things.”
“But you understand the policy here.”
“I understand that I should have been given a warning before she up and took my cards. She’s just Ms. Clean Everything. Always so tidy. Her office is like a library.” She glanced around Jackie’s desk—books were on the floor her desk was filled with old proposals. “Unlike your office.”
“Yes, well, I’m not here to accuse you or her of anything. I was just curious why you chose this card.”
“Listen, I got it in the mail and I liked the message and the symbol. Looks like a peaceful sign, doesn’t it? If I believed in tattoos I’d get one looking like that. But I don’t believe in tattoos—”
“So that’s why you had it on your desk?” Jackie asked, trying to keep her on the subject.
“Yes. I think everyone should have something to believe in. I liked the thought of our clients surrendering to our help and thought it would be nice for them to carry around. I w
asn’t trying to preach anything.”
Jackie nodded, knowing Patty was still annoyed about the time when she had told her to take down her Jesus fan.
“So you don’t believe in the Careless Rapture Ministry?”
“I don’t even know what that is.”
“There’s a possibility it’s a cult.”
Patty shrugged. “I wasn’t encouraging anyone to join it. I just had the cards on my desk. It’s not like it has a one–eight hundred number on it or even an address. It’s almost like a calling card.”
“Yes.” That was what was so strange. “Did you receive anything else besides the cards? Like a flier?”
Patty thought for a moment, then shook her head. “No, just the cards.”
“Have you received any strange phone calls?”
“Yes.”
Jackie sat forward. “What?”
“My ex-husband’s wife called me to say—”
“No, I mean really odd.”
“No.”
“Do you remember any of the clients taking the cards?”
Patty’s eyes narrowed. “Why? Are you trying to blame me for some client joining a cult? I didn’t do anything but have the cards on my desk. If someone wants to take it a step farther then that’s their business and I won’t have the blame pinned on me.”
“I wasn’t blaming you. But you’re a key to a mystery I’m trying to figure out.”
“I don’t remember anyone taking the cards, but you know how busy I am.”
Jackie didn’t know, but nodded anyway. “Thank you for your time, Patty. I really appreciate it.”
“No problem.”
Jackie watched Patty leave, then rested her chin in her hand. She still didn’t know much about her invisible man—this adviser. It was possible Melanie had taken a card from the office, but that didn’t explain how she had gotten involved. Jackie called Melanie and left her number, then stared at the stacks of old proposals on her desk. So far staring was as far as she had come. She couldn’t get her mind to focus on writing the new grants. Fortunately, no other clients had called to cancel, but that didn’t make things all right. When the phone rang, she pushed the piles aside and answered the phone.
“Hi, Jackie,” she heard Cassie say. “Adriana and I are going out for some girl time to hang out. Do you want to come?”
“Sure...”
Cassie paused, then said, “You seemed a little down the other day. Is anything wrong?”
Jackie brightened her voice. “Oh, no. Things are just hectic at work.” At least that wasn’t a complete lie.
“Yes. I understand. See you tonight.”
***
In tune with the changing seasons, the stores in the mall blossomed with spring sales followed by the cacophonous sounds of rustling bags, crying children, harried adults, and flirting teens. Adriana stopped in front of a Nordstrom window display. “Let’s go in.”
“Adriana, we’re window-shopping,” Cassie said.
“I’m just looking.”
“Then continue.”
She wiggled her fingers. “I like looking with my hands.”
“All right.” Cassie glanced at a bench. “I’ll wait for you out here. Try to leave the store empty-handed.” Adriana just smiled and went inside.
Since Jackie wasn’t much of a shopper, she decided to keep Cassie company. She watched the passing crowd, noticing a child with a drink the size of his head.
Cassie touched her hand. “Jackie?”
She turned to her. “Yes?”
Cassie began to speak, but at the same time an eager voice interrupted her. “Are you Cassandra Graham?” They both looked up at the short stylishly dressed woman with fluffy brunet hair and nervous grin standing in front of them. “I think I went to one of your workshops.”
Cassie offered the woman a polite smile. “I’m afraid you must have me confused with someone else.”
The woman’s face fell. “I guess you’re right,” she said, looking at Cassie’s simple patterned dress. “She’s a lot more glamorous.” The woman rested a hand on her chest. “She changed my life
“You changed your life, she merely gave you the tools.”
“Wow! You even sound like her.” The woman narrowed her eyes, skeptical. “Are you certain you’re not her?”
Cassie glanced at Jackie, then sighed. “I suppose I should reward you for seeing through my disguise.” She held out her hand. “Yes, I’m Cassandra.”
The woman was besides herself. She enthusiastically pumped her hand. “Oh, I knew it!” She wiggled herself between them and grabbed both of Cassie’s hands. “I love you! I didn’t like Fear of Ridicule as much--I know it’s for men, but I thought I could get some tips. I didn’t, but who cares? Recipes for Romance was fantastic! Oh, and that book you did for teens was great! My daughter read it twice and I’m going to buy it for my niece. That poor girl needs it. So, what are you working on now? Will you be traveling to New Jersey anytime soon? I have a cousin there. She loves you, too.”
Cassie patiently answered all the woman’s questions, signed her address book, then waved as the woman left.
Jackie shook her head, amazed by the onslaught and Cassie’s composure. “I’m surprised she didn’t ask you when you were due.”
Cassie patted her stomach affectionately. “Big girls don’t get asked questions like that. People have to be careful.” She grinned. “I could be pregnant or just really, really fat. I’ve made the mistake myself and wanted to dig a hole in the ground.” She shook her head, amazed. “Unfortunately, it never fails. When you look your worst, someone will recognize you.”
Jackie shook her head. “You could never look bad.”
“Spoken like a true relative.” She stood. “Come on, let’s get Adriana before she pulls out her wallet.”
They reached her too late. Adriana ended up buying a blouse, defending her purchase by pointing out that she’d returned six other items. The trio left the mall and headed to the Golden Diner, a pricey restaurant with a home-cooked feel and casual, sophisticated ambience.
Adriana picked at her chicken salad. “I’m worried about Eric.”
“Why?” Cassie asked.
“I don’t know. He just seems tired.”
“It’s probably the weather change. Allergies, perhaps? What do you think, Jackie?”
Jackie hesitated. “I don’t know. Eric likes to be secretive.”
Cassie nodded. “He’s used to keeping things to himself, he hasn’t learned to be a husband yet. He’ll be okay. If it were something serious, I’m sure he’d tell you.”
Adriana nodded but her expression didn’t change. Jackie affected a casual tone. “Do you think Clay will ever marry?”
Adriana frowned. “I don’t think he should.”
Cassie nudged her with her foot. “That’s not nice.”
“It’s true.” Adriana shuddered. “He’s too mysterious---too different.”
“This coming from a woman who used to date a man with a pierced lip.”
Adriana rolled her eyes. “All I am saying is that there are men you date and men you marry.”
Cassie checked off his attributes on her fingers. “He’s kind, intelligent—”
Adriana grinned. “And you’re not biased because he’s your half-brother?”
“I was right about Eric.”
“But wrong about Drake.”
“I know.” She’d nearly lost him because she felt so undeserving after a lifetime of self-loathing. Thankfully, he’d been patient until she came to her senses. “However, I’m not biased about Clay. I have a younger brother no woman should marry. Unfortunately, two women already have married him. Clay is...” She searched for words and found none. “...Clay. He's completely his own person, self-made.”
“I admire him,” Adriana admitted. “I even like him. I just don’t understand him. I mean, what kind of guy becomes an investigator?”
“A caring one.” Cassie smiled wistfully. “He used to walk me to school
and help me with my homework. Sometimes he’d tell me stories about his big sister.”
“What was her name?” Jackie asked.
Cassie thought for a moment. “I don’t think he ever mentioned her real name. He had a nickname for her. Rennie. She lived with his mother.” She paused. “Now that I think of it, I never met her. She never came to visit and Dad didn’t have any pictures of her. At least none that I ever saw. I never considered how that must have made Clay feel. We weren’t a family that talked about much. Even when Rennie died Dad didn’t discuss it.”
“That’s awful.”
“Dad was distraught, but he never talked about it.” She shook her head. “Not that Mom would have let him. She preferred to keep a distance between his past family and his present one. I always wondered how he felt making that decision, taking Clay and not his sister. I never had the courage to ask him. When Clay ran away ...” She sighed. “There were so many unspoken questions when he left. I still haven’t asked him many of them.”
“Like what?” Jackie asked, trying to sound casual.
“Like what did you do? Where did you go? How did you survive?”
“Aren’t you curious?”
“Of course, but I don’t want to bring up painful memories. I don’t want to give him a reason to leave again. I have this sense that if you get too close, he’ll disappear.”
“Like a phantom,” Adriana said in an ominous tone. “Don’t look at me like that, it’s true. I’ve known you almost all my life and I remember meeting Clay. Yes, he was nice. He even bought me an ice cream cone once, but every time I met him he always seemed like a stranger. How is that possible? He’s in your life, then out of it, then in again, and you still don’t know much about him. You don’t even know his favorite color.”
Jackie sipped her drink. “Black.”
Adriana and Cassie turned to her, surprised. “What?”
Jackie shrugged nonchalantly, annoyed she’d been so careless with what she knew. “He told me his favorite color is black.”