by Janice Olson
Now wouldn’t that be a pretty sight?
“What’s so funny?”
Her mind preoccupied, she hadn’t realized she’d grinned until he spoke. “What?”
He rolled his eyes as though she were dull-witted. “I said—”
“Nothing. Nothing’s funny. It’s just … I thought about Robby and his old buddy, Frankie Goodstone.” Second lie today “All the antics they used to get into. And now he’s a cop. Hmm. Take some getting used to.” She turned her head away embarrassed at her falsehood.
Why had she lied to the man? He definitely brought out the worst in her. She couldn’t let it happen again.
“He and Melanie Pritchard are a pretty tight item. Have been for the last three years. He won’t even glance at another woman.”
“Oh. How nice.” In high school Melanie had been two grades below her. BJ didn’t know her very well, but she appeared sweet. She didn’t seem a likely partner for prankster Robby Greene though. But then maybe he’d changed. “They’ll make a nice couple.”
Pulling into Crawford’s drive, Jason replied with a grunt. He turned the engine off, didn’t bother to grab the keys. After hopping down out of the truck, he strode into the back entrance to the store. Left to trail behind him, BJ fumed over the lack of courtesy in men these days.
Thirty minutes later, the new tires were safely stored in the back of Jason’s truck. They were almost back to her Jeep when she noticed lights flashing down the street. A police car parked behind BJ’s Wrangler had drawn quite a crowd of spectators.
“I assume that’s Robby. Who called him? You?” She didn’t even try to hide the annoyance in her voice.
“Yeah, that’s Officer Greene. And I called him. The vandalism needed to be reported before it happens again.” Jason stopped the truck in the street behind the police car.
“I would have rather—”
The noise of the seat belt buckle hitting metal and the door opening alerted BJ Jason had already jumped out of the truck, ignoring her completely.
“Lord, give me patience. Ever since I’ve come to this town my life’s taken on the characteristics of a nightmare, starting with Mr. Jason Lynn O’Connell.”
BJ breathed deeply then exhaled, doing her best to release the tension and frustration, her constant companions since entering Serenity. “No time like the present. Might as well get out and face the crowd and the questions.”
Chapter 12
Howdy, Billy Jo.” Robby Greene lowered his aviator sunglasses, peered over the rims, then gave her a wink before shifting them back on the bridge of his nose. “Good to see you again. You here to stay or just passing through?”
Somewhat chafed by the question, BJ smiled at her old school chum. Like Jason, Robby hadn’t changed much, just older, and still a flirt. Jason and he were best friends all through school, even played on the football team—Jason the quarterback, Robby a wide-receiver, and by the looks of it, still pumped iron. He had the same dimpled, bad-boy smile that could charm a girl right out of an unintended kiss. The uniform didn’t hurt his cause one bit either. Gave him a certain appeal. She could envision all the young girls in high school speeding or running the one red light in town just to catch his attention.
The charged atmosphere by the small group of onlookers validated BJ’s notion … nothing much had changed in Serenity.
“Well, now Officer Greene, that just depends. So far—” She gave a meaningful glance at the raised front portion of her Jeep without a tire. “—my reception leaves a lot to be desired.”
Robby shook his head and gave her one of his crooked, endearing grins.
“I see what you mean. Well, little lady, you stick around and I’ll make sure you come to like the town a whole lot better.”
His response caused some chuckles and a few murmurs from the bystanders.
“Oh, give me a break.” Jason’s mumbled retort wasn’t lost on BJ and, by the look of Robby’s smirk, not on him either.
“Why, Myrtle, isn’t that the little orphaned girl, what’s her name, Billy—”
“Mable, keep your voice down, she’ll hear you.”
The Misses Kent, in flimsy, flower print dresses, straw hats, with wisps of white hair floating around their identical, wrinkled faces, stood away from the onlookers. They held a purse on one arm and in their hand a bag from Henley Brother’s department store. In their late seventies, they didn’t look a day older than when BJ had lived here. Today’s excitement would carry them through the remainder of the week as a topic to rehash over their afternoon tea.
At least her tire slashing was good for something. It had livened up the twins’ otherwise dull world. She offered a warm smile and nodded in their direction. “Miss Mable. Miss Myrtle.”
“It is her. See, I told you, sister.” Mable, the shier one was shocked to be correct for once.
“Good afternoon, Billy Jo.” Myrtle offered a small nod as though it was an everyday occurrence seeing BJ on the streets of Serenity, and then she gave a tug on Mable’s arm. “Come along, sister. We best be on our way or we’ll miss our tea.”
Mable looked a little frustrated at her sister, then smiled at BJ. “Good day to you Billie Jo. So nice to have you back.” Her words trailed off as she did her best to catch up with Myrtle.
Robby glanced around at the spectators. “Move along, folks. Move along.” He waved his hand at them as if he were shooing a bunch of errant children. “There’s nothing to see. Give the pretty lady some privacy. You go on home, Pete. I’m sure Gertie’s calling all over town asking your whereabouts.”
The potbellied man gave a response under his breath that scorched BJ’s ears and had some of the other men laughing. When Robby turned his aviator lens on the man, he and most of the others sauntered off. The few who stayed behind, ambled on down the sidewalk after taking a good long stare at BJ.
Robby swung back to BJ, giving a quick tilt of his head in the onlookers’ direction. “Sorry about that.” He glanced at her Jeep. “Looks like some truant decided to skip school and got into a little mischief. You don’t have reason to believe otherwise, do you?”
“No. But does this occur often?”
“Negatory.”
Jason groaned and rolled his eyes.
“Come on, bro, help me out here. You know how I love to impress the ladies with my police jargon.” He gave Jason a feigned punch on the arm.
Jason dodged, clearly agitated. “Will you get her information so we can get on down the road?”
“You don’t have to stay. I can take it from here.”
Jason gave her a scornful look.
A bit of devilment in his face, Robby hooked his thumb in his belt and leaned casually against the railing of the steps.
He nodded in Jason’s direction. “Before our buddy here gets all bent out of shape, I’ll get down to business. Did you notice anyone lurking about?” He addressed the question to Jason.
Jason moved to stand next to BJ. “No. I came from Hampton’s. Saw Billy Jo standing beside the Jeep. Then I noticed the car listing to one side.”
“Hmm.” Robby rubbed his chin. “I don’t recall something like this happening before. Could ask Chief Doggett though.”
It took a moment for BJ to realize who Robby was talking about then it hit her. She stiffened slightly, but wouldn’t allow the panic to show at the mention of Doggett’s name.
“Please, that won’t be necessary.”
Robby grimaced in the Jeep’s direction. “Well. Not much I can do here except take down your information and make out a report. This way I’ll have something on file if we catch the little juvies. I’ll get in touch with you if we do.” With notebook in hand, pen poised and ready, he asked, “Name?”
She laughed. “I think you know who I am.” When he didn’t smile or look up, she answered. “BJ Spenc—sorry. Billy Jo Spencer. I go by BJ now.”
“BJ, huh?”
She noticed his brows rise and could feel his stare through the shades.
�
�Suits you. Short ‘n’ sassy.” His quirky grin had her smiling.
“For Pete’s sake, Robby. Get on with it. You’re not on Get a Mate.com.” Jason’s impatient, sarcastic words brought about a round of chuckles from Robby.
Were his remarks directed at her? She sidestepped, trying her best not to make it obvious she needed him out of her personal space.
Robby asked several more questions, noted her answers, then snapped the notebook shut. He strolled around the Jeep, checking over the exterior. “You didn’t find a note or anything, did you?”
She thought it odd he would ask. “No.”
“And your doors were locked?”
“Yes. I used the keypad to open them.”
“All right then.” He gave a quick nod, slipped his black book in his shirt pocket. “Billy … BJ. Seriously, don’t judge the whole town on the actions of one or two.”
“I wouldn’t think of it, Officer Greene.” She gave him a salute.
He laughed. “I see you’ve still got sass.”
“Try as I may, there were some things I just couldn’t quite get rid of, sir.” Hearing Jason’s disgusted grunt, she continued, “All kidding aside, Robby, thanks for coming. I’m sure it’s as you say, just some kids out to do mischief.”
“Most likely the case. You’re fortunate they didn’t key your Wrangler. Had some of that going on awhile back. You sticking around town or heading out?”
“No. I’m on my way back to Galveston.”
“What a shame. Good seeing you again. And I might add you’re just as pretty as ever, maybe even more so.” He bent, placing a kiss on her cheek.
“Don’t you have someplace to be?” Jason sounded surly.
Robby laughed under his breath.
“Watch out for this guy.” He pointed to Jason. “But then I’m not telling you nothing you don’t already know.” He gave Jason a thumps up and a lopsided grin then got in the patrol car.
Jason didn’t acknowledge the remark or the jester, just stared at his friend, his jaw set plainly agitated.
“I would say it has been a pleasure, but under these circumstances, probably a poor choice of words.” He snapped his seat belt in place. “Well, you take care. And if you ever come back through town, run the red light and I’ll arrest you, then we’ll have a bite to eat and talk over old times.”
“If we can forget about the arrest part, I’d love to.” BJ smiled down at her friend thinking Robby was just the same, a tease, flirt, and tormentor all rolled into one. Small doses of him were about all she could handle, at least for today.
“Give my regards to Melanie, Officer Green.”
“Ten four, good buddy.” Robby was grinning from ear to ear, and though she couldn’t see his eyes, she figured they were dancing with merriment. “See you later. Dinner at Melanie’s, six-thirty sharp. Don’t forget.”
“I’ll be there.” Jason gave a short nod, then tugged on BJ’s arm to move her back from the patrol car as Robby sped off.
His fingers continued to hold her arm, searing her skin through her sleeve. She knew she would feel the burning sensation long after his hand was gone. His touch sent scrambled signals to her brain. BJ, he’s a married man. Stay your distance.
With more force than she intended, she jerked her arm free and stepped away putting space between them.
Jason watched her with a dark expression.
She wondered what hornet flew up his pant leg. Maybe he thought she had been flirting with Robby and he didn’t want his friend straying from Melanie, especially with the returned prodigal.
That’ll never happen. Not my type.
“It’ll take me a few minutes before the tires are on. Then you can head back to Galveston.” Jason almost spit out the last words.
“I really appreciate your help. You have been a lifesaver. But, please go on. I can finish putting on the tire. I’m sure you’re needed back at the ranch by now.”
He scoffed at her suggestion. “I don’t—”
“I know … men in these parts don’t leave women to change their own tires.” She heard him chuckle as he took the tires out of the truck and made short work of what would have taken her twice the time.
She chose to sit on the step again and occupy her eyes elsewhere instead of watching Jason’s well-toned body work.
Everything about town, though the same, was different. Probably seeing Serenity through mature eyes, instead of a kid’s, gave the impression of a homey, almost welcoming atmosphere. Many of the buildings, painted in deep historical tones, looked prosperous.
If she’d stayed and never left town, would things have turned out okay? She shivered at the images her mind conjured up. No. She couldn’t have stayed with the threat of Chief Doggett causing trouble, more trouble than she at seventeen could handle. After all, as the chief of police, his word was respected and he pretty much ruled the town.
There wasn’t a doubt in her mind he would have followed through on his threats. He gave her one choice and only one. Her survival and Jason’s depended upon her leaving town without telling anyone. She shivered, feeling like someone watched.
“Earth to BJ.”
“Oh. Sorry.”
Jason stood beside the backend of her Jeep, door open, scrubbing his hands with the wipes again. Both tires were on and everything back in place. “You were zoned out and in another world.”
“I wish,” she mumbled, moving to where he stood. Her steps hesitant, mind weigh down by the memories the town invoked while her eyes searched the street and darkened alley.
“Well, that should about do it.” Jason waded up the dirty wipes and threw them into her trash holder. “You might want to think about staying the night at Flossie’s B & B and heading out in the morning. It’s already close to five.”
BJ glanced up at him. His eyes stared off over her head, shoulders squared.
“No, I’m going home. It’s about a three hour drive. Anyway, I’m used to traveling at night.” She motioned at her car. “My little Jeep practically drives itself. I just point it in the direction of Galveston, turn on auto pilot, and she gets me there.” She smiled, wishing she could lighten the mood and his hardened features.
It worked … almost. Jason gave her a dry grin.
“Jason thanks so much. I—”
“Don’t mention it. I’ll start getting things around at the ranch, just in case you decide to move into The Rose.” He still hadn’t made eye contact with her.
“If you’d like, give me your phone number. I’ll give you a call with my answer. I should have my decision in a couple of days. I have to think through some things. See if it’s even possible.” She dug inside her purse trying to find her Blackberry.
“Just call Hampton. He’ll let me know.” His words were clipped and cold.
BJ stopped her search, dropped her hand to her side. She felt like she’d been slapped. Color began to rise up her neck and she prayed it wouldn’t climb any further. What did he think she’d be doing … calling him every little minute of the day? Become a nuisance? A stalker? Not likely. Good grief. He has a wife. She wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize his marriage.
“Sure thing. Whatever my decision, I’ll call no later than Friday.”
He picked up his hat shoving it over his short waves. “Later then.”
“Thanks again, Jason. You were a lifesaver.”
He didn’t acknowledged her words or even give her another glance. Just sauntered to his dually, started the engine, and drove off down the street.
Tears burned at the back of her eyes for lost friendships, lost dreams. She’d give a lot of thought to the move and the money, and if she could come up with a credible reason for turning down the bequest, she would.
Chapter 13
He had watched the whole thing go down from the second floor window of a vacant building a half block away. Little Goldilocks finding his handiwork. Cowboy-to-the-rescue. And later, Johnny Law.
Watching the lawman check out the Jeep and not find
a thing gave him a sense of pride. Not a print, mark, nothing. He’d been careful. Always was. The reason why he’d lasted this long in his line of business. Though there’d been a few close calls, he’d never made any slipups.
Noticing Cowboy had completed the job of replacing the tires, he slipped out the back into the alleyway. Steps sure and silent, he walked to his truck and slid inside. With a flick of his wrist, the engine turned over and purred softly.
His truck might not look like much, but he’d made sure it was in excellent working order at all times. In towns like these, his 85 Chevy blended in with all the other battered heaps. Anyone noticing his vehicle—several dents, fenders rusting, chips and cracks in his window—would think it was just another old clunker on its last legs, not good for anything except farm or ranch work.
Looks can be deceiving. Under the hood sat a super-charged stroker engine with 383 ci, church-mouse quiet, until he tromped the gas pedal. Could outrun pretty much everything in sight. His baby had pulled him out of a few tight spots. He caressed the dash as a loving father would a newborn.
When he exited the alley, he maneuvered his ride until he was on Main. He passed the Jeep without glancing in the direction of Goldilocks and Cowboy-to-the-rescue. Slowing his truck to a crawl, he pulled in front of Ruby’s Cut n’ Curl, pulled the shift out of gear, yanking on the emergency brake handle, and left the engine idling. He reached for the Serenity Sentinel and held the opened newspaper eye level, leaving just enough room to watch his target in the side view.
He watched Cowboy walk away. Even witnessed the disgruntled look on Goldilocks’ face before getting into her car.
As soon as the backup lights on the Jeep lit up, he threw the paper in the seat and waited until the car drove around the corner. He backed out and then made a quick U-turn, following his target at a safe distance.
When she turned left onto High Street, he didn’t follow. Instead he pulled to the curb at the corner. The Jeep stopped in front of a closed gate with a twelve-foot high wrought iron fence stretching out both ways. From what he could see, the fence probably encompassed the whole property.