Serenity's Deception (Texas Sorority Sisters Book 1)

by Janice Olson

  BJ couldn’t resist. She pulled to the side of the road. Not often did all the elements come together for such a spectacular display as showcased this evening. Within minutes, her Nikon focused, and her finger depressed the shutter button, the dealings of the afternoon forgotten.

  The church building, though in a country setting, wasn’t the typical neglected small-town church. Sam Loveless had paid a fortune to have the edifice built. He even set aside funds to ensure its preservation for centuries. Grand on a small scale, the church had a beauty that would forever withstand the test of time, commanding reverence and awe by its mere presence.

  BJ could almost hear the deep, full tones resonating through the town and into the countryside. As a child, the bell would start her Sunday morning. Tonight it stood as a reminder of all that had gone before. Her camera captured the beauty while she was imprisoned by fear that something dreadful would happen if she returned to Serenity.

  Chapter 16

  Robby stretched and rolled his shoulders. “What are your thoughts on Billy Jo? Will she move back and stay this time?”

  “Can’t say. Should know by next Friday. At least, that’s what she said.”

  Jason’s friend wasn’t being casual with his question. Probing was more like it. Robby wasn’t fooling anyone with his laid-back, nonchalance manner. Throwing a look in his friend’s direction, Jason knew the cop in Robby couldn’t sever the investigative part of him especially when it came to his friends. And tonight Jason just happened to be the target in his sights.

  After having his fill today, he didn’t want any part of the questioning this evening. Jason wasn’t ready to think about Billy Jo, let alone answer questions where she was concerned. She’d been perched in the back of his mind, ready to torment him at a moment’s notice. All he wanted to do … enjoy Melanie’s good home cooking and conversation without the dagger piercing his heart.

  Jason pointed at the basket on the other side of the table. “Mind passing the rolls? By the way, this meal is excellent, Melanie.”

  Melanie beamed at the compliment, but by the devilment in Robby’s eyes, Jason knew his friend wouldn’t let the questioning slide.

  “Do you put any stock in what she says?” Robby’s dark brown eyes never drifted from Jason’s face.

  “Gonna have to, especially if she decides to move back.”

  Curiosity sparkled in Melanie’s face as she handed him the basket of bread. He saw her eagerness to jump into the fray.

  “Has she changed much?” Melanie propped her elbows on the table, resting her chin on the tops of her intertwined fingers. The blunt angles of her brown hair shifted forward framing her round face.

  Unlike Robby, Jason knew Melanie wasn’t probing, just nosy like most women about their own kind. He liked Melanie. She was pleasant enough looking, as steady as the Brazos River, and worshipped Robby. She’d do anything to please him, even if it meant waiting three long years for him to pop the question—which he hadn’t yet.

  “Who?” His expression bland, he sliced his roll in half before slathering butter over the soft texture. He hoped she’d get the hint, but knew better.

  “Oh, give me a break. You know who. Billy Jo.” Melanie’s frustration evident.

  He didn’t know why Robby didn’t go ahead and marry the gal and make an honest woman out of her.

  Has she changed much? Everything about Billy Jo had changed yet stayed the same. Prettier, in a grownup, womanly sort of a way, and just as appealing as ever. Jason shrugged, tilting his head. “Not much.”

  “Come on, Jason. What’s she like? Skinny, fat, wrinkled, ugly? Give.”

  Melanie wasn’t going to let him off the hook. Like all women, she wouldn’t quit till he gave her something to chew on. “No. She’s none of those.”

  A low rumble of laughter came from Robby, apparently enjoying Jason’s discomfort.

  Jason shot him a—you better be careful. Friend or no friend, you’re asking for it—look that didn’t affect Robby in the least, just made him chuckle more.

  “She looks pretty much the same. Just older.” Angry, amber eyes flashed across his mind. Pink smiling lips. A cute, turned up slightly, button nose. And a waist, without a doubt, that could be encircled by his two hands. Today had proven Billy Jo had the same maddening effect, the same tug-and-pull on him, the same unforgettable appeal as when they were teens.

  “Married? Children? Come on.” Melanie gave him a look of disgust. “Shed a little light here.”

  “Not married.” He paused. He sure hoped not. “At least I don’t think so.” He lowered his face toward his dinner plate, shielding his thoughts from two sets of prying eyes.

  “You didn’t ask?” Her tone incredulous. “You’re not going to make this easy on me, are you?

  “No. But if it means anything, she still goes by Spencer, except she calls herself BJ now. And I wasn’t interested.” The lie stuck in his throat.

  She looked over at Robby, shaking her head. “You men are all alike.” She gave out a loud, exasperated sigh, her fork stabbing a green bean. “Does she still wear her hair long? Is it blonde? What does she do for a living? Give. Please. I’m curious about the prom queen that jilted the prom king slash quarterback of Serenity High.”

  Melanie wasn’t being cruel. But the words hurt just the same. She just wanted more than he was able or wanted to give. What could he say about BJ? Tonight she’ll haunt me in my dreams. When she’s near I can’t think logically. The scent of her drives me wild? If she comes back I’ll go out of my mind. Sure that would really get talk started.

  Neither she nor Robby would ever comprehend how Billy Jo’s leaving had torn him up inside. She’d ripped his heart right out of his chest and left him to die, or at least that’s how it felt. And today, all those old feelings and memories were dredged up, dumped on his lap, left for him to clean up and bury again. And the worst part? The images continued like instant replay, over and over and over again until he thought he’d go out of his mind.

  And though unaware of what they were doing by asking questions, his friends were adding to his misery.

  Deciding to put an end to this conversation, Jason sat his fork on the edge of his plate, wiped his mouth with his napkin, before resting his forearms on the edge of the table looking pointedly at Melanie. “Her hair is long. Blonde. She has two arms, two legs, two amber-colored eyes. I’d say she’s about five feet two.”

  Robby chuckled then coughed.

  Jason shot him a murderous look. “Although Robby could tell you for sure.” With a grin pasted in place, he continued, “She has an enticing shape and the littlest waist most women would envy. Anything else you want to know, you’ll have to see for yourself, if she decides to move back. I’m not interested.”

  Roaring laughter came from Robby. For several seconds, Melanie looked like she might want to jab Jason with her fork or worst yet remove his plate and dump it over his head.

  Jason shoveled a fork full of potatoes and gravy into his mouth, quite satisfied he’d put an end to her incessant questions.

  “Jason.”

  He gave a weary glance at Robby and could see the seriousness in his face.

  “Don’t let her get her hooks into you again.”

  “Thanks, friend. I appreciate your concern. But I don’t have any plans of letting that happen. If she moves back, I’m steering clear of the woman.”

  Chapter 17

  He liked watching her. He liked everything about her. The way she walked, the way she moved, even the way she used her hand to flip back the flyaway strands of gold from her face. That’s who she was, his Goldilocks, and one of these days he’d get to know her better.

  She wasn’t even aware he was watching, planning, waiting.

  The sound of someone whistling drifted through his open window. With stealth movements, he tossed the binoculars on the seat, covered them with the newspaper, all the while glancing into the side mirror keeping a watch on the intruder. He leaned his head back against the head
rest, turned his face in the direction of the open passenger window, eyes partially open, as the whistle grew louder.

  A white-haired man approached from behind, still a half block away. Alert, he watched through his web of dark lashes, listening to the crunch of shuffling footsteps moving steadily closer. He willed his body motionless while he waited for Gramps to pass.

  Gramps didn’t.

  Instead, the snoopy old codger stopped, stood on the sidewalk, bent down and glanced inside the truck window. He hesitated then walked on the grass, a little closer to the truck to get a better look inside the cab. When it seemed that the old man was about to say something, he didn’t. He shook his head, straightened, then stepped away to continue his walk.

  Not a muscle moved or an eye twitched until Gramps was almost to the Jeep. With a quick glance around, he made sure there weren’t any more unwelcomed visitors nearby before picking up the binoculars again. He focused on the exchange between Goldilocks and Gramps.

  He reached for his cell resting in the case on his belt, pulled it out, and with a flick of his thumb flipped the cover open. After punching in the number, he pulled a pen and pad from the console, waiting, eyes never leaving the little duo down the street.

  “Information. What city and state, please?”

  “Galveston, Texas. Billy Jo or BJ Spencer. There should be a home number and also BJ Spencer Gallery. I’d like both please. And, Sugar, you’d make me a happy man if you could include the cell number for Ms. Spencer.”

  Chapter 18

  Hello there. I see you’re admiring our church. It’s a beauty, isn’t it?”

  BJ turned to see the elderly cleric, Doctor Joseph Freeman, advancing in her direction. His steps a little slower, but the clarity of face spoke to his continued good mental health. She smiled at the sight of him. “Hello, Pastor Joe.”

  “Well, I’ll be. My, my. Is that you, dear? Little Billy Jo Spencer?”

  She laughed. The years fell away with his words. Once again, she was the small girl and later the teen who visited Pastor Joe’s home, each trip giving her a small taste of family life. “Yes, it’s me.”

  “We-lll!” His face beamed with happiness, his faded grey eyes filled with moisture. “You’re finally back. Oh, I can’t tell you how it makes my heart glad to see you again, dear.”

  “Same here. How have you been?”

  “Oh, I’m well, very well indeed. Have no complaints to speak of, unless you consider old age a complaint.” He laughed. “But much better now that I’ve seen you.” He walked up and enfolded her in a grandfatherly embrace.

  When he pulled back, he held her at arm’s length by the shoulders. After a full, long look into her face, his hands lowered to his side.

  BJ felt the loss the moment his hands moved.

  “It is you. You are a sight for these old tired eyes.” With a hopeful gaze he asked, “Have you come home to stay?”

  “No. I’m afraid I’m just here for the afternoon. I’m heading back to Galveston, where I live now. However, when I saw the church I had to stop and take a few photographs.” She glanced back at the building and saw the streaks of white sunshine changing rapidly into brilliant colors.

  “Oh, yes. It’s particularly wonderful this time of evening. Always enjoy coming back from my evening walks. More often than not, I’m in awe of the beauty. I never tire of seeing such a sight of God’s unmistakable promise of love.”

  He clasped his hands behind him. Wrinkles graced his face, more than BJ remembered, adding to his character. Though his blue eyes had faded into grey, his look was just as vibrant as ever and held a twinkle and the merriment he was noted for.

  “Do you have time to share a cup of tea with me before you leave?”

  “I wished I could, but I’m on my way out of town. Maybe next time.”

  “I’ll hold you to it.” Pastor Joe’s smile had her wishing things had been different.

  “I’ll let you get back to your picture taking before the sun’s gone. But remember to come and see me sometime soon. Have a safe trip home.” He ambled off toward the parsonage that sat a little past the church, leaving BJ with the stirring of memories.

  She took several more shots that included the elderly cleric walking away, the Texas sunset changing fast. The clouds’ white-grey appearance of earlier were replaced with hues of pinks and purples, becoming more brilliant as the seconds ticked away. Streaks of sun shot upward into the sky, and the church became surrounded with a halo of light.

  Barely visible behind the building sat the Serenity cemetery. Behind the church the large Loveless crypt stood out from the other grave markers and added a touch of old world quality. The tensions of the day faded with each click. Most people she knew didn’t like dusk; it put them in a somber mood. Not her. Sunrise and sunset were the best time of day.

  When the colors faded into dusky-grey, BJ packed away her equipment before driving slowly past the parsonage. The warm, yellow glow coming from the front room window spoke of a child’s dreams of a home and family—something she had hoped for but had never experienced.

  About three miles outside the city limits, BJ saw the flashing lights of a police car. She looked at her speedometer, but knew she hadn’t driven over the speed limit. She turned on her signal light, pulled to the side of the road, and put the car into park.

  She rolled down the window and reached for her wallet.

  “Step out of the car.”

  The flashing lights made a swirling pattern across BJ’s dash and inside the Jeep. Her heart stopped, pounding hard against her chest. She felt glued to the seat and unable to move as nervous fingers fumbled to release the seat belt. The embodiment of the terrorizing voice who had haunted her for years stood outside her door.

  Chief Hank Doggett. Satan incarnate.

  BJ looked out her window only to be blinded by a light. Instinctively, she threw her hand up to shield her eyes. She didn’t want to move out of her car, but she didn’t dare defy the law either. For certain, if she didn’t obey, something worst than a ticket would happen, and she didn’t want to take that chance.

  “May I ask why I’m being stopped?”

  “Do as I said. Get out of the car. Hands in the air.” Gruffer, meaner than she remembered, he was more agitated, almost violent by her lack of compliance.

  Careful not to make any sudden move, she opened the door slowly, slid from the seat, planting her feet firmly on the uneven ground before lifting her hands as instructed.

  “Turn around. Place your hands on the hood, spread your legs apart.”

  BJ seethed as her eyes locked with Doggett’s then down at his unfastened holster, hand on the butt of the gun, thumb just below the hammer. The flashlight wavered in his other hand, but at least wasn’t in her eyes anymore.

  “Look. I’ve been patient enough for you to answer why you stopped me. I refuse to allow you to pat me down. Either write a ticket for my so-called infraction and let me go, or call a female officer to get out here to do the pat-down. Better yet, haul me to jail.” She saw a flicker of uncertainty in Doggett’s eyes. “I’ll turn it over to my attorney. We’ll see how this all plays out in a court of law. But whatever you’re going to do, get on with it. Otherwise, let me get back into my car, head on down the road, and out of town.”

  Deadly eyes bore into hers as he jerked the radio mike from his collar and held it down to his side. “You’ve got a smart mouth, girly. Do you think you can sass me since you’re all grown up?” He released his pistol hold and hauled back his hand ready to strike.

  “Go ahead. Hit me.” She stiffened, praying to withstand the blow. “The tape rolling inside your vehicle should catch it all, even if your mic doesn’t, don’t you think?” His hand stopped in midair. She offered him a tight, smug smile as her insides quaked.

  He lowered his hand, resting it once again on the grip of his gun. “I guess you think you’re something now that you’re gonna inherit a fortune.” His voice lowered to a harsh whisper, breath foul with alcohol
. He edged closer to her, his body mere inches from hers. Don’t count on it, girly. You won’t be here that long.”

  Her stomach retched but she held it down by sheer will.

  “You might meet with an accident like your ...” Alarm flickered across his bloodshot eyes then was gone. The bluster came back with a vengeance. “Let me tell you something, trash, I still run this town. And if I want you gone, you will be. So don’t get all comfortable in that big ol’ mansion.” His face held a nasty smirk. “I have ways of dealing with scum like you. So watch your back. You’re not welcome in my town.”

  Chapter 19

  Jason turned his dually into the gravel driveway. The family’s rambling two-story farmhouse loomed before him. His folks moved to Tampa a couple of years ago, but before they moved, Jason bought them out lock, stock, and barrel. In the last six months, after adding more land and cattle, it felt like the place finally belonged to him.

  Now it may never.

  He parked his truck by the backdoor, sat unmoving, wrists hooked over the steering wheel, his head bowed.

  Billy Jo—no, BJ now—the main component of his thoughts since he’d left Melanie’s, continued to plague him.

  Her scent. Her quirky smile. Her timid strength, tenacious spirit. Warmth radiating from her amber eyes. Everything about her hovered in his memory, surrounding him, drudging up the past like an ol’ hound dog digging up a bone. Not much he could do about his mind tormenting him over the woman. Regardless how hard he tried to purge her from his thoughts, she stayed right there, refusing to budge.

  He slammed his hand against the steering wheel then rubbed his palms deep into his eye sockets, willing away the ghosts of the past.

  “Why? Just when I had my life back on track. Why did this all have to happen now?”

  Jason slid out of his truck, slamming the door with more force than necessary. He heard the familiar patting of paws on gravel heading his way. Pepper nudged him with her cool, wet nose, and gave a welcoming grawf. He stooped down taking the hound’s jaws in his hand and with the other rubbed the dog’s head and around her long floppy ears.