by Rebecca Deel
“Listen up, Ron. You must not have too much between your ears because this doesn’t concern you.”
Rio raised his and Darcy’s clasped hands, kissed the back of hers before untangling their fingers. With a couple swift moves, he spun the agent around and propelled him out of the store into the cold winter day.
“Take your hands off me.” The agent’s voice came out high and squeaky.
He maneuvered White down the sidewalk and around the back of the building. One shove and the other man’s back was pressed tight against the wall. “Darcy’s health is at stake, White. The doctor told her she couldn’t continue on her career path. Her decision to change her career is not up for debate. Are you so interested in money that you would ruin her health and shorten her life?”
The other man’s fists clenched. “We can get other opinions. She has enough money to consult doctors all over the world. There has to be a specialist who can help.”
“There is no cure, White. The best Darcy can do is manage the symptoms.”
White scowled. “What do you know about medicine?”
“I’m a trained medic. The bottom line is I won’t let you badger Darcy into doing something harmful to her health. I also better not hear anything about Darcy’s illness on the town grapevine. If I do and she hasn’t told people herself, I’ll know it was you who talked.” He moved in toe to toe with the agent. “I won’t be nearly as nice if we have a chat about that. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“Are you threatening me?”
“Nope, just promising an intense conversation.” He didn’t specify the conversation would involve physical repercussions on the agent’s part. Rio longed to make his point quite forcefully now, but figured Darcy wouldn’t be happy. “Look, I know you care about her.” At least, he hoped this guy had Darcy’s best interests at heart rather than his own. “Don’t make this career change harder on her than it already is.”
White’s lips pressed together in a tight, straight line. “Fine. She wants to do a concert for this hick town? I get a cut of her pay. It’s in the contract she signed.”
“How long is the contract valid?”
“Another year. Any concert she performs, I get a percentage of the proceeds.”
“Whether you set it up or not?” Didn’t seem fair.
“It’s a standard contract,” he said, tone defensive. “It’s the price of representing her. I have to make a living, too.”
Rio wondered what it would cost to break that contract. Might be worth investigating. White was in for a surprise when he tried to collect his pay for this concert. His lips curled at the corners. Refreshments afterward was a given. If the agent was lucky, his pay would be leftovers.
The women of Cornerstone Church were excellent cooks. He ought to know. More than one of them had tried to snag his attention by feeding him when he first arrived in town with his Delta teammates. He’d appreciated the meals and made friends of the women because none had interested him as anything more than that. Until Darcy.
“Are we done here? I’m freezing.”
Rio stepped aside and allowed White to pass. He wasn’t sorry for irritating the other man and would do more than that if he didn’t stop harassing Darcy.
He followed behind, making sure White didn’t return to the store to badger Darcy. Satisfied when the other man stalked toward his expensive sports car, Rio returned to the store where his girl sipped her tea, gaze focused on the door, Mason seated beside her. Relief flooded her face when he stepped inside.
“Everything okay?”
“I think he understands.” He’d better if he knew what was good for him.
“Does he need a trip to the hospital?”
“There’s not a mark on him.” This time. Next time? All bets were off.
“You showed more restraint than Trent would.”
“What did he want?” Mason asked.
“For me to return to touring.” She stood. “Did you find any good books, Mason?”
A slow nod. “More than I can afford this week.”
Del walked up in time to hear his comment. “Did you check the books on the borrow shelves?”
He shook his head.
“Come on. I’ll show you. Take as many as you like. Bring them back when you’re finished. When you buy a book from me and don’t want to add it to your own keeper collection, donate it to the borrow shelf and I’ll give you ten percent off your next purchase.”
Mason glanced at Rio. “Do I have time?”
“We have a few minutes.”
Darcy asked, “You and Mason have other stops to make?”
“Department of Motor Vehicles, the bank, my cell phone carrier. He has to have a bank account in which to deposit his paycheck. To do that, Mason needs a driver’s license.”
“And the cell phone?”
“I can add him to my account for a minimal fee.”
“The cell phone isn’t cheap,” she murmured.
“He needs the independence and the connection with his dad, sweetheart. Plus, Ethan will want to check on him. Cell phone’s an easy way to do that.”
“And the clothes and shoes?”
“He came out of prison with nothing and he’s bulked up in the last 13 years. He can’t borrow my stuff anymore.”
“You’re not fooling me, Rio Kincaid.”
He stilled. “I’m not?”
“No.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. “You’re doing everything possible to ease his transition.”
“Maybe.”
“Definitely. I like it. I like him, too. He reminds me of you.”
Rio’s heart turned over in his chest. Oh, man. Darcy St. Claire was something else and fast wrapping silken bonds around his heart. He laid his forehead gently against hers. “What’s next for you today?”
“Shopping for dishes for the store and finding furniture for the house.”
“Pace yourself, baby. You have time.”
“I need to practice tonight. Interested in going with me?”
“I wouldn’t miss it.”
Del returned with Mason trailing behind, carrying an armload of books. Rio chuckled. “Think you have enough, Mase?”
“I haven’t read these and I need something to help me wind down at night after working on Darcy’s house.”
“You’re helping her remodel?” Del asked as she bagged the books.
“I’m starting with Elliott Construction tomorrow. Darcy’s house is my first assignment.”
“Congratulations on the job, Mason.” She handed him the bag. “I’ll look for similar books and set them aside for you. We’ll swap when you’ve finished these.”
“Thanks, Del.”
“I’m always happy to cultivate another reader.”
Rio kissed Darcy. “We’ll see you at the house. I’ll pick up dinner. We can go to the church after we eat.”
In the car, his cousin placed the books behind his seat. “What’s next?”
“DMV. You need a driver’s license to open a bank account.”
On the way, Rio activated his Bluetooth and called his friend, Zane Murphy. Zane was a communications guru at Fortress Security. He was also a whiz at research.
“Murphy.”
“It’s Rio.”
“Missed me already? It’s only been three weeks, buddy.”
He snorted. “Right. I need a favor.”
“Name it.”
“I need you to do some research for me.”
A few clicks of a keyboard sounded in the interior of the SUV. “Go ahead.”
“Find out what you can about Allen White. He’s Darcy St. Claire’s agent.”
“Why?” The Navy SEAL’s voice hardened. “Is he harassing her?”
“In a way. He’s urging her to continue touring and recording. I want to know if he’s just looking out for her or if there’s more behind him showing up in Otter Creek to talk to her. He’s pushing hard, and it’s ticking me off.”
<
br /> Zane was silent a few seconds. “Is he raising a red flag in your mind or does this have to do with the woman?”
Rio’s cheeks heated. “The woman.”
“Fast work, man. You’re braver than I am. Trent is a fierce watchdog.”
“I know. He’s already tried to take a bite out of my hide.”
“Anyone else you want me to check on?”
“Troy Sutton. He broke into Darcy’s new house and left a threatening message on her mirror. We suspect he ripped up the floor in several rooms and the walls in a few.”
“You catch him?”
“He’s in custody.”
“Any marks on him?”
Rio had to grin at that question. The SEAL knew how to make a guy hurt without leaving telling marks. Delta had taught him the same kind of techniques. “Nothing that shows.” But he’d hurt for a while. His knowledge of biology came in handy for more than one reason.
“Good job. Anyone else you want me to run?”
“Check out Doug Walsh. He’s working for Darcy’s contractor. Also run a lady named Gretchen Bond. She’s deceased and the former owner of Darcy’s house.”
“Will do. Keep me posted on what’s happening in Otter Creek. I’ll do what I can to help. Darcy’s a sweetheart. She sent me books and magazines by the box when I was laid up in the hospital. I want to make sure she’s safe.”
“I hear you, Z. Thanks for the assistance.”
“I’ll let you know what I find out.”
Rio parked in a space at the DMV.
“Who’s Zane Murphy?” Mason asked.
“A friend who works at Fortress Security. My Delta teammates and I also work for them.”
“Delta?” Mason’s head whipped his direction. “You were Delta?”
“That’s right. Zane is in communications. He can find out anything about anybody. I’ve only met one other guy who’s better than he is.”
“He was laid up in the hospital?”
“IED in Afghanistan. Left him in a wheelchair.”
“Tough break. Was he Delta?”
“Navy SEAL.” He unbuckled his seatbelt. “Let’s go. Be prepared to wait. The DMV is not known for being fast.” He grabbed a book he had stashed in his console. Taking a hint from Rio’s actions, Mason selected a book from his bag. An hour later, Mason had a new driver’s license.
At the bank, Aaron Cahill greeted them. “Liz has been asking about you, Rio, complaining she hasn’t seen you for a while.”
“Tell her I’ll stop by soon. I want to introduce her to somebody special.” Josh’s mother had adopted her son’s teammates, especially Alex, whose family disowned him when he joined the Army.
Aaron’s eyes twinkled. “Would this be the beautiful young woman you’ve been seen around town with?”
Rio chuckled. “Yes, sir.”
“We look forward to meeting her.” He turned, held out his hand to Mason. “You must be Mason. Welcome to Otter Creek, son. What can I do for the two of you?”
“I need to open a checking account,” Mason said.
Aaron scanned the room, checking on the availability of his people. “Come with me.”
To Rio’s surprise, Josh’s father took them to his office. “We can wait, Aaron. You have more important things to do.”
“This won’t take long. Don’t forget, I started my career here as a teller and worked my way up. I can handle opening an account.” He handed Mason papers and a clipboard. “Fill these out for me. I’ll begin the preliminaries.”
While Aaron filled out the computer forms, he asked Mason questions and drew out the story of his arrest, conviction, and jail time.
“I have a job, sir.”
“Good for you, Mason. I need a phone number, son. Do you have one yet?”
“That’s our next stop,” Rio said. “Use mine until his is activated.”
A nod, then, “I recommend a joint account for a few months. You willing to do that, Rio?”
“Absolutely.”
“Is that necessary?” Mason asked, his voice soft.
“It’s better. You’re establishing a new track record here, Mason. Before long, it won’t be necessary.”
Within minutes, the account was opened and Mason was promised a debit card in the mail within two weeks. Back in the SUV, Mason sighed. “I’m sorry, Rio. I didn’t expect your name to be tied to mine like this.”
“It’s not a problem.”
“I won’t let you down.”
Rio reached over and squeezed his cousin’s shoulder. “I never doubted it.”
The next stop was Rio’s cell phone carrier where he bought a smart phone for Mason and added him to his account. In the SUV, he gave Mason his cell phone number as well as those of his teammates and Ethan Blackhawk. He nodded at the phone. “Text Ethan your number and tell him you’re working for Brian.”
As Mason figured out how to work his phone, Rio cranked the engine. His Bluetooth chimed an incoming call. He frowned, gut tightening with dread.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Darcy left the store, pleased with her afternoon’s work. The shop’s dishes were paid for and in storage until her deli opened. The next item on her list was furniture. Stella had told her about a wonderful store in Cherry Hill. Armed with instructions, Darcy drove onto Highway 18.
About five miles from Otter Creek, she noticed a dark-colored SUV trailing her. Rio? He hadn’t mentioned leaving Otter Creek. When the SUV stayed back and her phone remained silent, she put the vehicle from her mind.
In Cherry Hill, she parked in front of The Furniture Gallery, looking forward to the next few minutes. Who didn’t want to furnish a whole house? She spent over an hour browsing for comfortable furniture. How much should she buy? One floor at a time, she decided, starting with the first floor. She knew what she wanted on the second floor although she was reluctant to make the purchase. Her lips quirked. Unless, of course, they offered a big discount.
When she told the store employee that she was furnishing an entire house, the woman’s face lit. “Show me what you like.”
An hour later, Darcy owned furniture for the Victorian’s three floors. The saleswoman had offered Darcy a deal she couldn’t pass up. The Furniture Gallery agreed to store her furniture until the renovations were complete.
She climbed into her car, laughed at herself. One floor of furniture, huh? She’d had fun, though. Kara, the saleswoman, had great taste and amazing ideas. Darcy hoped Rio liked the furniture.
Her face heated. Making long-term plans already, Darcy? She shoved the question of Rio’s response aside. Their relationship was in the early stages, though it didn’t feel that way to her. She had traveled a long way down the relationship road in the past few days. The furniture was for her, though. If she and Rio stayed together, they could choose other furniture if he didn’t like her choice. He probably wouldn’t care as long as the furniture was comfortable and not too fussy. Trent also preferred comfortable, sturdy furniture.
Darcy headed for Otter Creek. Not long after she left Cherry Hill, she glanced into the rearview mirror and spotted a dark-colored SUV several car lengths behind her. She frowned. How many of those things were in the area? Many, considering the guys who worked for PSI and the long line of black SUVs that brought the trainees to her house. SUVs and trucks were the vehicle of choice in and around Otter Creek. Maybe she should trade her car in for an SUV. She’d noticed a problem climbing out of her car in recent months. Perhaps Rio knew a good place to buy her next vehicle.
She returned her full attention to the curvy road, a hazardous proposition when covered with ice and snow. Yet another reason to purchase something to handle this mountainous terrain. She glanced at the edge of the road, grateful for the guardrail. She didn’t know how far down the drop went on this mountainside and didn’t want to find out. If she slid over the side, her small car would fold up like a fan.
A racing motor drew her attention to the rearview mirror again. Her eyes widened. Oh, man. Was this
guy crazy? The dark SUV was careening toward her with no room to pass. What was this guy thinking?
If he insisted on passing, she’d pull as far to the right as possible. She glanced at the edge of the road again and prayed he’d slow down. He sped up, coming close enough Darcy could see the driver, a man with sunglasses, a dark hood pulled over his head.
Darcy’s hands clenched around the steering wheel, uneasiness punching her pulse rate up another notch. Another quick glance to the edge of the road. She swallowed hard. Not a good place for aggressive driving.
She pressed down on the accelerator to put distance between her and the SUV. Unfortunately, on this steep incline her four-cylinder engine had the speed of a snail while the SUV actually gained on her.
Her hands tightened on the wheel. She really wanted off this road. Darcy scanned ahead, hoping for a visitor’s lookout to get her car off the highway. Nothing but road, trees, and guardrail. Two hundred feet ahead, the shoulder of the road widened enough to move off the pavement and allow the SUV to pass.
As the vehicle edged closer and closer, a cold sweat broke out over Darcy’s body. She pressed the accelerator to the floor and, though her vehicle gave all it had, the small engine didn’t offer much more power. She was definitely trading in her car. Her beloved vehicle handled this road as though it were a golf cart with a top speed of twenty miles an hour. Time for something bigger with more power. She never wanted to go through this again.
She glanced in the mirror. Her breath stalled in her lungs. A few more seconds and the SUV would catch her. “Go around me, buddy,” she muttered.
Darcy prepared to slow to allow the SUV to swing around her. Another check informed her the guy was right on her tail. Instead of darting around her, the black SUV surged forward and slammed into her bumper.
Her scream filled the interior of her car as the big vehicle shoved her car toward the guardrail. Darcy hit her brakes, but only slowed her forward progress. She needed a new plan.
Up ahead, the road was clear with no on-coming traffic. Praying her desperate plan worked, she took her foot off the brake, floored her accelerator, and eased to the left, away from the guardrail. Another hard hit from the SUV. Darcy spun her wheel hard to the left. The SUV hit the rear panel of her car, sending her into a spin. Her vehicle careened toward the mountainside on the other side of the road. Seconds later, metal shrieked and glass shattered. Pain exploded in her head.