by Janice Olson
As they approached, the doors opened and a woman with a toddler who had been waiting stepped in first. She moved to the side to allow BJ and the orderly to get on board. The young mother pushed the button for the first floor and waited for the doors to shut.
The nauseating smell of musk mixed with stale cigarettes filled the small confined space. Without warning she was catapulted back inside the crypt, her body pinned by weighty arms. Your mine whispered into her ear. The awful thought she was devoid of all hope engulfed her.
BJ jerked around in her chair. When she saw the man holding on to her wheelchair, her mouth opened to scream. Fingers dug into the tender hollow of her shoulders and squeezed, causing dagger-like pain to explode. Her lips closed over the protest, a moan escaping.
“I’m sorry, Ms. Spencer, are you feeling discomfort? Try to hold on. You wouldn’t want to frighten the child by crying out.”
The voice, though pleasant enough, held an edge of steel and a warning. BJ clamped down hard on her teeth. She sat perfectly still, every fiber of her being on alert, knowing without a doubt if she didn’t comply, the man would hurt the child and the mother.
The elevator bell pierced the quiet of the small space, announcing they had reached the first floor. BJ knew the mother and child would be getting off—her only hope for survival. The doors opened. With a tentative smile, the mother took the child’s hand and exited the elevator, leaving BJ alone with her killer. She wanted to scream but didn’t want innocent bystanders hurt.
Attempting to rise from the chair, pressure applied to her shoulders stopped her.
“Don’t even think about it. If you do, you won’t be the only one who will end up in the morgue. And frankly, I don’t want to kill you or anyone else today, but I will if you make me.”
She didn’t move. Her mind worked overtime devising how she could escape with a minimum of hurt to herself and with no one else involved. “Why are you doing this?” Her voice barely above a whisper sounded weak and vulnerable to her ears. “If it’s for the money, you have my word—”
“To begin with it was the money, but now, it’s the principle of the thing—and you.”
The low sadistic laugh in her ear filled her with revulsion.
“Under different circumstances, I believe you and I could have become friends—more than friends. But now I have to finish the job.”
Chapter 73
The unease wouldn’t go away. Having BJ out of his sight, even for the few minutes it took to get his truck and drive to the pickup door, didn’t sit well with Jason. He pulled under the portico, turned off the engine. He sprinted to the door and the waiting area where BJ would be.
He chalked up his apprehension to the fact that the madman was still on the loose. He, Randi, and Sidney had taken turns watching BJ. She hadn’t been left alone since they’d brought her to the hospital and he kicked himself for having done it this time. The threat was still real and viable. Why didn’t he bring her down himself?
Not caring that he was acting overly protective, he quickened his steps, anxious to get to BJ. Inside the hospital, his eyes adjusted to the light while he searched for her among those waiting. His stomach twisted when he didn’t see her.
Noticing an attendant talking with a young mother holding a newborn infant, Jason moved in their direction. The elevator doors to his right opened and a woman with a toddler in tow stepped out. He nodded at the woman and smiled at the curly, red-headed little girl. As the doors began to close, he caught a glimpse of the occupants inside the elevator.
“BJ!” He saw the warning and terror in her eyes then she was gone.
He slammed his palm against the elevator button but knew it was futile. He ran to where the attendant stood talking to the new mother.
“Ma’am, what’s under this floor? More hospital rooms?”
She looked up surprised but answered, “No sir. Maintenance and receiving.”
“Where’s the stairwell?” His patience wearing thin, his words came out sharp.
She pointed.
He ran yelling over his shoulder. “Call the police. A man has taken a woman hostage. He’s headed for the basement. Hurry!”
Shoving the door open, Jason leapt down the steps three and four at a time. He burst through the exit at the bottom of the stairwell, alert, heading in the direction of the elevator shaft. Turning the corner he came face to face with BJ, a muscular arm across her upper torso, a knife at her throat. The man, his face devoid of emotion stood behind her. He motioned for Jason to stop.
“If you want the little lady to live, don’t take another step. I keep my switchblade razor sharp. The slightest pressure and her jugular will be severed.”
Jason sized up his opponent and knew they were pretty evenly matched … except for the knife. The man stood six foot two, lean but muscular. He had dark wavy hair a little longer than what was considered acceptable nowadays, a scar that ran alongside his right cheekbone, and eyes black as midnight and as lifeless as the grave. Jason knew the threat was real and his adversary would not hesitate to slit BJ’s throat.
He watched the arm tighten, the knife press, making a slight indention on BJ’s skin. Jason’s hands flexed as all manner of scenarios played out in his mind.
“Don’t even think about it. She’ll be on the floor bleeding out while I’m on my way through the loading dock door. Now you can either back off and let me and Goldilocks pass without trouble, or try to save her life with a pool of blood surrounding her. In her already weakened condition her chances are slim to none she’d survive. You choose.”
By the man’s cavalier attitude, Jason knew he had no option if the assessment of his advisory was correct. Better to fight here and now, if BJ were to have a ghost of a chance.
“The way I see it, BJ’s only option at staying alive is me. You’re a dead man if you take her out of here or kill her. I’ll hunt you down.”
Jason saw a spark in the man’s eyes—admiration or evaluation, he wasn’t sure. The gauntlet had been thrown. Jason wouldn’t allow them to leave. Hopefully, he’d made the right decision. “Look, the police are on their way. You have an opportunity to get away, leave town … not be charged. Just let her go.”
“But you see I can’t. As I’ve explained to Goldilocks, it’s not going to happen. I’ve given my word and, as with you, my word is my bond. When I contract to do a job, I never leave work half done. Where would my reputation be if I did?” The man’s smile held no humor. “I did my level best to scare the little lady back to Galveston. I wanted her to live, and she could have if she’d just left town, but now—” He shrugged, eyes deep wells of emptiness. “—I have no option. I have to finish what I’ve been hired to do.
“Your dilemma, I do the deed right here and now in front of you and then kill you afterwards. Or I take Goldilocks with me, and she just may have a chance at life. It’s your decision.”
“Jason, go, please.” BJ’s look implored him.
“Listen to the little lady, Jason.”
“Okay.” Jason held up his hands. “But I—”
“Enough!” The knife pressed tighter to BJ’s neck and a trickle of blood ran down onto her shirt. “Out of my way, or it’s over.”
Pulling BJ up tighter against his chest, the man advanced toward Jason, turning sideways, keeping BJ between him and Jason at all times, his back to the loading dock. He half-dragged, half-pushed BJ past Jason.
A crash from behind drew the man’s attention. He jerked around, pulling BJ with him.
Her cry pushed Jason into action.
He jumped the man, slamming into him, knocking everyone off kilter. Going down, Jason shot out his hand, shoving BJ out of the way to keep her from being pinned beneath them. The air whooshed out collectively as they collided with the concrete floor. Immediately the two men were in a fight for survival as they grappled and rolled around on the hard surface, each doing their best to come out on top. A mêlée of flying fists and grunts followed as punches connected with crushing b
lows of knuckle against skin, bone against bone.
Jason got off a well-placed hit to his enemy’s solar plexus, then another one to his jaw. They both fell to the ground. Hearing the crack of the man’s head against the concrete and the swoosh of air from his lungs, Jason gave one more well-placed jab to his jaw for good measure. He watched to make sure his opponent was out cold before rolling over exhausted on the ground.
Rising to his feet, Jason glanced around for BJ and found her limping toward him, knife tightly gripped in her hand. She dropped the switchblade and flew into his arms.
Policemen rushed into the room, guns drawn.
Jason cupped her face with his hand. His fingers roved over her brow, cheeks, ending at the tip of her mouth. “Did he hurt you?”
BJ shook her head. Jason pulled her close, cradling her head against his chest, knowing it could have ended a whole lot worse than a skin prick.
“You want to explain what just took place?”
Jason groaned, wishing the intruder anywhere but here, knowing BJ would have to relive the nightmare all over again.
Chapter 74
What’s this all about?” Randi raced into BJ’s studio unannounced and all out of breath. “And I had to hear it from Mr. Dimples and Grins and not my best friend.” She huffed, flopping down into the chinze wingback. “When were you going to tell me? After you said I do?
BJ couldn’t keep the silly grin off her face or her laughter contained. All day she’d been smiling and humming, completely unlike her. “No. I was going to tell you today, but apparently Jason beat me to the punch.”
“Okay, okay, spill. Tell me all about it. When and how did he propose and when are you getting married? We’re going to have to get busy planning the wedding. You are having a big wedding … right? She gave BJ a scant stare through narrow eyes. “Sure you are. We’ll invite the UT Sorority gals. Of course, I’m maid of honor.” She gave BJ a worried look. “I am aren’t I?”
Laughing, BJ managed to get out. “Yes.”
Satisfied, Randi continued, “You’ll want to ask Veronica and Casey, and Madison Fletcher to be bridesmaids. Oh, no you can’t.” Randi’s brow puckered up. She got a less than happy look on her face. “I forgot. Madison’s pregnant. Most likely she won’t want to stand up in front of everyone with a big belly.”
BJ held up her hands. “Slow down. I’m not sure I want a big wedding.”
“Oh, sure you do. And I’m gonna plan it down to the last minute detail—you and Jason driving away from The Rose—where of course we will be having your reception.”
“Randi, please. You’re going way too fast and too big.” BJ knew if she left everything to Randi her wedding would be well out of hand and over the top. “I want it simple. I would like to invite our sorority, and yes, Casey and Veronica as bride’s maids would be nice. And even if Madison is pregnant, we could find the right dresses to hide her rounded belly.
“And I insist that you be my maid of honor.”
Her friend made a sassy face. “Of course. I would be insulted if I weren’t.” Randy giggled, jumped up and grabbed BJ, giving her a tight squeeze.
BJ groaned, still sore from her ordeal in the crypt.
Randy pulled back, remorseful. “I’m so sorry, I forgot you’re still healing from your accident.” She moved to BJ’s desk, picked up a pad and pencil, then moved back to her chair and sat down. “Now, let’s make plans. This wedding’s been long overdue. And I want everything to be perfect. Nothing less will do.
BJ groaned again, but this time because of her enthusiastic friend and her planning. Something told her this wasn’t going to be the simple wedding she was hoping for.
Chapter 75
I’ll be fine. Don’t worry. With Nick Spade in jail, and hopefully not getting out any time soon, there’s no need for you to babysit me.” She fingered the edge of the book in her lap not looking at Jason, hating the thought of him leaving. Anxiety lurked at the back of her mind, yet she didn’t want her fears to rule her or Jason.
“There’s still the threat of the person who hired Spade.” Jason’s dark look spoke volumes.
“With the threat that Nick Spade may turn state’s evidence, whoever it was will probably leave town for fear of being caught and sent to jail. And look, I have no plans of leaving this lounge chair for some time but when I do, I’ll be in the house, safe and sound.” Though she hated to see him go, she gave him one of her brightest smiles. “Go to the ranch. Take care of your business. I’ll see you at dinner.”
She looked at the man that could still take her breath away, amazed to be so blessed to have Jason’s love and in a short few weeks become his wife.
“I don’t like leaving you alone.”
“I’m not alone, Jason. I have Martha and Sidney at my beck and call.” She laughed. “They hardly let me out of their sight.”
He glanced down at the cypress grove, his brow furrowed, then back at her. “There are a few things that need my attention. But I’ll be back no later than six or hopefully before. You have your cell?”
“Yes.”
He bent over her, his thumb lifting her chin. His eyes searched her face before his lips captured hers with a sweet undemanding kiss but held the promise of love.
When he pulled back, she dampened the desire to plead with him not to go. BJ knew her anxiety came from what she’d gone through. However, each day the panic attacks were becoming less and less frequent since Spade’s arrest a week ago. Except for moments like now when she didn’t feel safe without Jason around.
“I love you.”
“I love you too, Jace. I never realized how much until I faced death.”
He kissed her again then moved back. “Are you sure you want to wait until September to be married? The minister taking Pastor Freeman’s place would be more than happy to tie the knot for us if we asked.”
Jason’s hug dispelled the gloom that had settled over her. “I’d like that very much and would do it in a minute if it weren’t for Randi. Her mind is set on what she calls a proper wedding. She’s invited all of our UT sorority friends. And she’s has already asked Madison, Casey, and Veronica, to be my bridesmaids. Randi won’t be happy if we up the date on her. She says she doesn’t have enough time to do it suitably as it is.”
“I get the picture.” Jason shook his head smiling. “In other words, there’ll be no eloping.”
“Afraid not.” She gave him a sweet smile to lessen the blow, all the while thinking how fantastic it would be if they were to get married today. All this waiting and anticipation would be over, and they would be truly one.
She breathed in savoring the familiar scent of him then gave him a playful shove. “Go take care of your business. I have a book to read and some relaxing to do before the heat of the day hits full force and it’s too miserable to sit here and enjoy the outdoors.”
“It sounds like you want to get rid of me.”
“You know that’s not true. There’s nothing I’d like better than to have you here with me, but you have work to do, and I have rays to soak up.” She did her best to sound cheerful but her attempt fell short.
“I can tell you don’t want me to leave any more than I want to go. Just say the word and I’ll stay.” Jason waited. And when she didn’t speak, he gave her another peck on the lips, one last look, and then left.
Instead of opening her book, BJ daydreamed of a lifetime of nights in Jason’s arms, savoring his love, growing old together.
She was thankful she’d been given another opportunity to love and be loved by Jason, as she knew full well that she almost missed the opportunity. Not wanting to dwell on the ugliness that brought them together, she opened the pages of her book willing her mind to become absorbed by the story.
“Pardon me. I thought you might want something to drink.” Sidney stood by her lounge, with a pitcher of iced lemonade and a glass on a serving tray. His kind face full of concern.
“Oh, that sounds wonderful. But only if you’ll get another g
lass and join me. I need company.” At first BJ thought he’d refuse but saw his tentative nod.
“I’ll do that very thing. I’ll be right back.”
BJ didn’t know what caused her to ask, maybe her loneliness since Jason had to work, or Sidney’s careful attention while she was in the hospital and since she had gotten home. Whatever, she would enjoy his company.
She saw Sidney approach. In his hand was a tray with a glass and her wooden jewelry box.
Puzzled, she sat up, slinging her legs over the side of the cushion facing him. “What’s going on? Why did you bring that?”
Sidney scooted the tray onto the table between them before he sat down in the adjacent chair. “I need to explain something that you may not know.”
“Explain? Explain what?” His odd behavior filled her with worry.
He lifted the jewelry box then turned it over. His index finger slid across the bottom into the corner of the box, his nail slipped into the crack between the wood. The false bottom flew open on a spring hinge revealing a piece of yellowed paper.
“How did you know about the compartment?” BJ grabbed the box, cradled it in her lap, as her fingers latched onto the folded sheet. She inspected the false bottom and noticed a small metal catch in the joint of the wood, something she would have never noticed.
“I built the box and gave it to your mother, Madelyne, along with the necklace you are wearing. Read the letter. I believe you will understand.” Sidney looked down at his hands as though he feared the outcome.
Her breath caught in her throat as she fingered the locket. Fairly certain what she’d find, she unfolded the letter.
My dearest daughter Billy Jo,
This letter holds all the secrets I am too proud to admit. My heart breaks when I think of all the damage I have done and the hurt I have caused to the ones I hold most dear. I cannot expect your forgiveness, nor will I forgive myself. You are my daughter in every sense of the word, except for one. I have never revealed that you were mine. I should have proclaimed you to the world, but my courage failed me. I am weak and cannot stand up to the scorn of others.