“Oh. I’m sorry,” he apologized, his smile shark-like. “How rude of me.” He reeked of phoniness, along with some strong cologne that turned her stomach. She’d met handsome con men like him. During her childhood, they’d come around, wanting to buy the lodge. How could her sister be so blind to this man’s character?
Kat forgot Carl for a minute, and looked beyond his shoulder at her sister about to disembark. Cody offered to help Elizabeth from the plane. Kat groaned, seeing disaster in the making. She cringed when Elizabeth spoke.
“Who are you, and what are you doing on my property?” Behaving as royalty, she began her descent from the plane to the wharf. Kat was surprised that Liz consented to take Cody’s hand. Dressed in a silk sundress and wearing three-inch heels, Elizabeth was, as usual, dressed inappropriately for the occasion.
“Why, ma’am,” Cody drawled. “I’m here to serve.”
The anger in Cody’s eyes made Kat nervous, but her sister remained oblivious.
“Well, help me then.” At Elizabeth’s rudeness, Kat itched to run over and slap her face.
Elizabeth put one foot on the wharf, still grasping Cody’s hand.
Jude finished tying off one back of the floatplane, but the front end drifted away from the wharf.
“You’ll have to jump! I’ll catch you.” Cody said.
Elizabeth grabbed both Cody’s hands and did as she was told. She landed on the very edge of the wharf, close against Cody’s body.
Her voice was frigid as an iceberg. “You can release me now.”
Kat held her breath, hoping Cody would ignore her sister’s rudeness. She stepped forward to relieve the tension. She was too late.
“Sure thing, Princess.” Cody released her and stepped back. For a split second Elizabeth teetered back and forth, trying to keep her balance. As if in slow motion, Kat watched her fall backwards into the lake. She went under and surfaced choking.
“She can’t swim, Cody.” Kat ran to dive in after her sister.
Cody swore. “I’ll get her. For Christ’s sake, how can someone grow up on a lake and not be able to swim?” In a flash, Cody dove in the water and pulled up a sputtering Elizabeth.
“Let go of me you barbarian!” Elizabeth screamed, still choking on the water she’d swallowed.
“Whatever you say, Princess.” Cody let go of her, and she sank again. Arms flailing, she resurfaced, clutching at his arms. “Please get me out of the water. I don’t know how to swim.”
Without a word, Cody grabbed her from behind, cupped her bottom and hoisted her onto the wharf. “Why you….you….” Elizabeth sputtered, looking like a drowned rat ready to attack.
Kat covered her mouth, hiding a grin.
Jude laughed out loud.
Carl Winter, acting the gentleman, hurried over to Elizabeth. “Are you okay, sweetheart?” Kat noticed he didn’t touch her. Probably didn’t want to get his six hundred dollar suit wet.
“Come inside and change your clothes, Liz.” Kat called.
“Into what? Elizabeth shrilled. “I didn’t bring any extra clothes with me.”
“I’m sure Mom and Dad didn’t throw out all the clothes you left here.” Kat became annoyed at herself for placating her spoiled sister. “Either that, or stay in those wet ones. Your choice.”
Grumbling, Elizabeth walked with Kat into the lodge.
“You will be nice to my friends, Liz,” Kat looked into the green eyes, so identical to her own. “Remember, this is no longer your home.”
Elizabeth sniffed, as if she were going to cry.
“Knock it off, Liz. Those crocodile tears never worked with me. I’m not going to fall for your ‘oh woe is me’ act.”
The women made their way upstairs to their old bedroom. Kat opened the closet door and tossed an assortment of clothes on the bed. “I’m sure there’s something here that’ll fit you.” Kat turned, her eyes pinning Liz. “Why’d you lie to me?”
The green eyes widened, and Kat saw the guilt before the lashes fell. “What are you talking about? I haven’t lied to you.”
“The day of the funeral you told me you hadn’t been back to visit Mom and Dad. You and your friend, Carl, were here the week before they were killed.”
Liz brushed a wet strand of honey blonde hair behind her ear and busied herself looking through the clothes on the bed.
“Well?” Kat took Liz by the arm, forcing her to turn around. “I want the truth, Liz. What’s going on?”
A slide-show of emotions crossed Liz’s face, fear, guilt, anger, even sadness, which was a first. “Carl said we shouldn’t mention our visit here…you know, because of the murders. He thought we could be considered suspects.” Her eyes narrowed. “How did you know we were here?”
“Brian Richardson.”
“Oh, I should have known. Was he hiding behind one of the islands, spying on us? We didn’t see him.”
“He was fishing, Liz. Besides, who saw you isn’t important. I want to know why you were here.”
Liz put on an old pair of jeans and a tank top, making her look more like the sister Kat had grown up with. She experienced a tug of regret that they weren’t as close as many sisters were.
Kat moved to her bureau and retrieved some dry clothes for herself.
Liz sat on the bed and sighed. “Carl’s interested in buying the property. We visited so he could make an offer to Mom and Dad.”
“And their answer?” Kat asked pulling on a dry shirt.
Liz’s mouth turned down into her famous pout. “What do you think? Dad would’ve been willing. Mom refused to even consider it.”
“I assume you’re here today for the same reason. Or did you drop by to pay a loving sisterly visit?”
Liz shrugged and shifted her eyes away from Kat.
“Thought so. Do you know why he wants the lodge?” Kat had her own suspicions, but wanted to hear what her sister said.
“No. I’ve asked him a few times, but he gets angry so I let it drop. He’s…he’s got an explosive temper.”
“Why are you with him then? How involved are you?”
Liz squirmed. “I’m hoping things will get serious between us.”
“Meaning that right now you’re just friends?”
Elizabeth’s eyes pleaded for understanding. “He’s rich, Kat. You know I’ve always wanted to marry someone with money.”
Kat scoffed. “What about love? Don’t you want to spend your life with someone you care about? Someone you want to be with?” Someone like Jude Callahan?
“Dad always said it’s as easy to fall in love with a rich man as a poor one.”
“Are you willing to risk being hurt, Liz? And I’m not talking about emotionally. I’ve only just met the man, and he gives me the creeps. He probably abuses women.”
Her sister’s mouth tightened, and she refused to meet Kat’s eyes.
Kat had a bad feeling in her got, but gave up. “Right. Let’s go downstairs and get it over with. You know damn well I’m not selling this place. You should have saved your boyfriend a trip.”
Liz rose. “I did tell him that, but he insisted we come.”
*****
After several attempts to draw Winter into conversation, Jude suggested they go inside. It seemed Carl Winter had nothing to say, at least to him.
When Cody returned after changing his clothes, he’d seemed reticent. Jude figured Liz was the reason. Although how anyone would be attracted to her boggled his mind. In his opinion, a man might as well bed a scorpion.
Jude played host, pouring whiskey for himself and Winter. Cody opted for a beer.
Kat’s arrival ended the heavy silence hanging over the room. “Okay, Carl. Let’s hear your spiel about buying the lodge so I can say no, and you two can fly away into the sunset.”
Jude chuckled. That’s his Kat. Direct and to the point. He moved across the room next to her. “Want a drink, honey?” He ignored the glare of those green eyes. “I’ll get you a whiskey.”
“Since when do you dr
ink whiskey?” Liz blurted out.
“We haven’t seen each other for four years, Liz.”
Carl sped into his sales pitch. “Capt. Tenney...”
“I’m on leave. You’re not in the military. Call me Kat.”
“I’m here to make you an offer you can’t refuse.” Reaching into his briefcase, he pulled out a stack of papers. “I took the liberty of drawing up a purchase and sale agreement. Read it, please. I’m sure you’ll find my offer far more generous than you’d ever get on the open market. All you need to do is sign the document, and I’ll present you with a certified bank check within the week.”
Jude leaned against the counter, sipping his whiskey and waited for the fireworks. He wasn’t disappointed.
Kat didn’t even glance at the document he handed to her. Her eyes locked on Winter with the precision of a jet fighter. She tore his purchase and sale agreement into tiny pieces and let them flutter to the floor. “That’s my answer, Mr. Winter.”
The man’s face turned ugly. “That was a big mistake, Ms. Tenney.”
“Call me Kat, and I don’t think so. I have no intention of selling this lodge. If the day comes that I can’t afford to keep it, then it’ll be turned over to the Penobscot Nation. That’s what my grandmother wanted.”
The stubborn tilt of her chin told Jude she meant what she said. Would Winter be that perceptive? He stepped in before things got ugly. “Okay. Business appears to be over. Liz, would you and your friend care to stay for supper?” Jude ignored the scowl Kat bestowed on him for making the request.
Liz’s face turned pale. She sank down on a chair at the table. “Kat, won’t you at least consider Carl’s offer?”
“You heard your sister. She’s not interested.” Cody’s voice didn’t sound friendly.
Liz directed her anger at him. “No one asked your opinion.”
“You got it anyway,” Cody retorted.
“I’ll repeat myself, Ms. Tenney.” Carl’s body stiffened with anger. “You won’t get a better offer than the one I’m offering. It would be extremely wise for you to think it over.”
Kat responded without hesitation. “My answer will never change.”
“That’s too bad. I’m afraid you’ll soon regret your decision.”
Jude recognized a threat when he heard one. His first impulse was to pummel Winter to within an inch of his life. He went with his second impulse.
“Sweetheart,” Jude reached out and put his arm around Kat, drawing her close. He wanted her safe against him. “I think now might be the right time to break our news to your sister.”
Jude swallowed his laughter at the uncomprehending look on Kat’s face. She recovered and closed her mouth, when he squeezed her arm. He trusted she’d go along with whatever he said.
“It’s up to you, honey,” Kat’s voice was low and husky.
Jude’s look encompassed everyone in the room. “Kat and I are getting married.”
Liz gasped as if someone had announced the world was coming to an end in ten minutes. Cody choked on the mouthful of beer he’d been swallowing. Only Winter remained silent, but the hard contemptuous look in his eyes spoke volumes. Kat stiffened but managed to keep her smile in place.
Cody recovered first. “Hey, man, congratulations.” He came over to shake Jude’s hand. “You, too, Half-Pint.” He gave Kat a big bear hug. “You two belong together.”
“This is crazy,” Liz spoke up, her voice harsh. “How long have you known each other?”
“Long enough.” Kat answered sharply.
“But, Kat, men don’t…..I mean…you aren’t…” Liz shut up, as if realizing the inappropriateness of what she was about to say.
Cody jumped to Kat’s defense. “Kat’s a fine woman. Any man should consider himself lucky to have her.” His dark eyes bore into Liz as if daring her to say another word.
Kat poured herself more whiskey. Jude arms came around her from behind. He whispered in her ear. “Trust me. It’s important that Winter knows you’re protected. I’m afraid he might harm you.” At her nod, he released her.
“Winter,” Jude walked toward the other man. “Since I’ll soon be Kat’s husband, all business dealings should come through me. I suggest we shelve your offer for a while. Perhaps we’ll talk again at a later date.”
Carl frowned, but agreed with a slight nod of his head.
“Liz? Carl? Are you staying for dinner?” Jude asked.
Liz glanced at Carl.
The man shrugged. “Actually, we brought a nice roast and some wine. I thought we’d be celebrating a real estate deal. It’s in a cooler in the plane. I’ll go get it.”
As soon as Carl left, Jude gave a heads up to Cody who went out the door soon after Carl.
*****
Carl Winter stood on the dock near his plane, pulled a phone from his pocket and punched in some numbers. After a short conversation, he climbed in the plane.
Cody slipped back in the lodge before the other man emerged.
“Well?” Jude’s eyebrows rose in inquiry.
“He went straight to the dock. Pulled out a phone and made a call. Has to be a satellite phone. Why didn’t you bring one with you? Sure would make life a lot easier.”
“Believe me. I’ve asked myself the same question a number of times. Did you hear any of the conversation?”
“Not much. Something about producing goods. Then he turned his back.” Cody reached in the refrigerator and grabbed another beer.
“Here’s the roast and wine,” Carl came through the door, smiling. “Who’s cooking?”
“I am,” Cody answered.
Liz snickered from the table. “Figures.”
“Something wrong with a man cooking?” Cody challenged her.
Liz tossed her head and looked away.
*****
Kat sipped her whiskey, appalled that her sister was so insensitive to other’s feelings. Jude’s announcement ran through her mind like a recording. Her stomach continued to somersault. Her gaze moved through the room, coming to rest on Jude. Heat flooded her face. He gave her a smile that sent her pulse racing, and then winked at her.
A devil lurking deep in Kat’s mind jumped to attention. Two could play this game. She blew him a kiss. He frowned and started toward her.
“Enjoying yourself?” he asked softly, as he nibbled on her ear lobe. His look swept over her, bringing a shiver to her body.
Kat’s heart filled with longing for this man. An intense wanting flared between them. Her body ached for his touch. Jude’s previous withdrawal was forgotten.
“Hello?” Liz waved her hand in front of their faces. “I asked you what type of wedding you two are planning.”
Kat felt disoriented. The driving need she felt for Jude shocked her. “What?”
Liz heaved a sigh. “I said…”
“We haven’t made any plans yet, Liz.” Jude answered the question. “When we do, you’ll be the first to know.”
“Where did you two meet?”
“Hey Lizzie,” Cody hollered from the kitchen. “I need some help. Come lend a hand and leave the lovebirds alone.”
Liz looked as if she were about to choke on her fury. “Don’t you ever call me that.” She marched into the kitchen. “I hate that name.”
“Okay, Princess.” Cody bowed in eloquent fashion. “Would you please assist me in the preparation of this meal?”
Kat giggled, watching her sister and friend spar. Carl Winter appeared oblivious, looking out the window toward the lake, drinking his whiskey.
“Cody’s infatuated with your sister.” Kat’s head snapped up at Jude’s comment.
“You’re not serious?” Her eyes pleaded for him to say no. Liz would shatter Cody’s heart into pieces.
“Sorry.” Jude sounded sympathetic. “I’m surprised you haven’t noticed. I told him he was crazy.”
“That’s putting it mildly. My sister is not only a bitch, she’s prejudiced.”
Jude’s eyebrows shot up. “Prejudiced?
She’s part Indian, and she’s prejudiced?”
“She never admits to her Native American genes. Look at her. Would you know if I hadn’t told you?”
Jude considered the question. “I suppose not. Is her hair natural?”
“Yep. I ended up with my mother’s black hair. She got my Dad’s honey blonde.”
Jude’s hand slid into her hair. “I prefer yours.” His voice was deep and husky.
Kat reached up and held his face in her hands. “Callahan, don’t play games with me. If you’re not planning to take this flirting to a natural end, then stop it now.”
“I have no intention of stopping.”
Goosebumps spread like wildfire down her arms.
Chapter 10
Cody’s voice dragged Kat from her sensual thoughts. “Let’s eat. Military style. Plates at the end of the counter. Work your way on down the line.”
No one spoke as they helped themselves to the juicy prime rib, scalloped potatoes and green beans topped with slivered almonds.
“Wow, Cody, this is delicious.” Kat spoke with her mouth full. “Best prime rib I’ve ever eaten. If I get the lodge up and running, I’ll hire you. Guests would flock here for the meals.”
“Thanks, Half Pint.”
Kat noticed Liz picked at her food, a sullen look on her face.
Carl Winter drank his wine, ignoring everybody.
“Carl, tell me about your business ventures.” Jude’s knee bumped Kat’s leg under the table as soon as she asked the question. He scowled at her when she paid no attention.
“What do you want to know?” His voice carried an edge, and his eyes grew suspicious.
Kat shrugged and glued a relaxed smile on her face. “I’m wondering what plans you had for the lodge if I changed my mind and decided to sell.”
“I don’t have immediate plans. I buy properties for investment reasons.” He poured more wine in his glass.
“If I decided to consider your offer, I’d want it in writing that the property would never be subdivided and sold for cottage lots.”
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