Deadly Countdown

by Margaret Daley

  Remy was slipping into police mode—alert, intent. “I put it down on a table nearby. I didn’t hold it all the time. You know me. I talk with my hands. I figured no one wanted my drink all over them.”

  “Okay, so there were several possibilities that someone could have slipped you a date rape drug.”

  A chill streaked up her spine at the implication of what Remy said. Allie hugged her arms to her chest.

  “I was following you home, so no one got to you. I’m not even sure that was the person’s intention by giving you something like a roofie.”

  “Then what was his point?” Aunt Evelina asked Remy, her forehead wrinkled, her eyes diamond hard.

  “Exactly what happened—a wreck? If she’d gone off the stretch of road where the bayou comes right up to the pavement, it could have been worse. Maybe his goal was for you to be stranded so he could rescue you and appear to be a hero. Until we find this guy, we won’t know his reason, but I promise you, Allie, I’ll find him.”

  The steel in his voice reassured her she wasn’t alone in this, because right now she was scared. In a short time, this guy’s “gifts” went from harmless to dangerous. What if Remy hadn’t been here? Would her stalker have rescued her or assaulted her?

  “I’ll begin interviewing people who were at the party, starting with Paul and the men you talked to.” Remy’s gaze seized hers and held it for a long moment. “I’ll find out what happened to you.”

  Finally, Allie glanced away from Remy’s intense resolve, glad he was on her side. “Remember Paul is my boss and the one who hired me. He’s been a friend. I don’t see him doing this. He’s been upfront about wanting to date me. Nothing sneaky.”

  Remy rose and came toward her. “He gave you one of your drinks, and if he’s frustrated with your answers when he’s asked you out, no telling what he would do. I have to question him. A person who resorts to stalking isn’t thinking straight.”

  “That’s just it, the word question. It makes him sound like a suspect. Paul has only been supportive, even when I’ve declined his invitations to go out.” She couldn’t be that wrong about people, but then she’d never thought someone would come after her in Port David. She’d known most of the townsfolk for years.

  Remy’s lips thinned. “He is. Everyone is until I find the person responsible.”

  Aunt Evelina looked up at Remy. “Even me and your grandfather?”

  The tension in Remy’s face eased. “Technically both of you were at the party and had access, but I think I’ll rule you two out.” One corner of his mouth lifted, a dimple appearing in his cheek.

  Aunt Evelina stood. “Good. That’s comforting to know,” she said with a chuckle. “I’m going to make a big pot of strong coffee. I certainly need it. That chair isn’t comfortable to sleep in.”

  “You’ve been in here all night?” Allie couldn’t believe she didn’t remember anything past getting into her car and driving away.

  “Yes. Remy carried you in, and Celeste examined you to make sure there wasn’t something accident-related causing you to pass out.” Aunt Evelina left the bedroom.

  The heat of a blush spread over Allie’s cheeks. “You carried me in here?”

  “And to and from my car. You kept stumbling. Did you want me to drag you instead?” A twinkle glinted in his eyes.

  “No. I just can’t believe I didn’t know any of this. I’ve never not known what I’ve done. This isn’t a good feeling, blacking out. Did I do anything embarrassing?” She thought of the drunks she’d seen in town and at parties. She remembered how her mother used to be after drinking or taking drugs. She’d promised herself she would never be like her.

  Remy squatted next to the bed and grasped her hand. “What happened on the road stays on the road.”

  “I’m glad you followed me home. What if you hadn’t? What if the guy who did this intended to follow me and assault me?”

  “That thought has crossed my mind, so as I said earlier, I’m going to escort you to and from work until I find him. What I need is for you to be extra careful.”

  Her gaze connected with his, and in the gray depths of his eyes, she saw how much she meant to him—as a friend. That was all she could handle. “I can assure you I’ll be scrutinizing everything I drink and eat. I don’t want a repeat of last night.” She swung her legs off the bed and sat where Aunt Evelina had. “I would have made a fool of myself at the celebration if I had stayed. Maybe that was what the guy wanted.”

  “Frankly, I’d rather that happen than what did. You could have killed yourself. I didn’t like seeing your car spinning when I couldn’t do a thing to help you until you crashed.” He shoved to his feet and assisted her up.

  With her body inches from his, her heartbeat doubled. Surprised by the reaction, she quickly sidestepped, finger combing her hair while she made her way into the hall. As she strolled to the kitchen, the scent of coffee brewing filled the air, and she was conscious of him right behind her. What just happened? She’d been near him before.

  She’d never find another man like Landry to marry, although at one time before she started dating Landry, she’d fantasized about her and Remy. But he had said from a young age that he would never marry. He’d seen firsthand how unimportant marriage was to his mother, just as she had been determined to stay away from drugs and alcohol because of her mother.

  Remy and Allie were friends. That was all.

  * * *

  Remy parked his car near the headquarters of the marina, and when Allie opened the door to leave, he did too. Allie worked Tuesdays through Saturdays due to the nature of the business. The marina was always filled with tourists during the weekend seeking anything from a fishing charter to leasing the condos. Paul would most likely be in his office as well.

  On the other side of the hood, she faced him. “I think I’ll be okay walking into the building.”

  “As I said this morning, I want to talk with Paul. Have you told him about the note?”

  “No. I had too much to do yesterday. I was planning to tell him today.”

  “Why didn’t you tell him last night?” He rounded the front of his SUV and fell into step next to Allie.

  “Too many people around at the party. You know how fast rumors fly around this town. I hate being the center of gossip.”

  He held the door for her to go inside first. She looked and moved as though she were exhausted. Whatever she’d been given had taken its toll on her, not just physically but mentally too. He’d never seen such vulnerability in her eyes as he had this morning when he told her what happened. With this latest action, her stalker had upped his game. He was no longer pulling pranks but seeking to hurt Allie.

  At her office door, he waited until she unlocked it and inspected the room before he said, “Call me when you want me to pick you up.”

  “Thanks. I’m just glad you were here. Tell Paul that I’ll talk to him later if he needs me.”

  “Remember, be careful and don’t go anywhere alone that might make you a target.”

  Remy left Allie and made his way toward Paul’s office suite. He couldn’t shake the feeling he should stay close to her. She was always the one helping others in town. Many had turned to her in need, and now she was in trouble. Had Port David changed that much? When he’d been growing up here, he would never have imagined this happening to Allie or anyone, but the population had grown with the success of the marina and condos, especially lately, according to his grandfather.

  In the reception area, Remy stopped in front of Mrs. Martin. “I’d like to have a word with Paul.”

  “I don’t remember you having an appointment.”

  Mrs. Martin had always been standoffish with Remy, probably because his mother used to flirt with her husband before she left town. “That’s because I don’t. Tell him Remy Broussard is here to discuss a problem.”

  The middle-aged, large woman’s dark eyebrows rose. “He has a full schedule, but I’ll check with him.” Paul’s gatekeeper stood and walked toward
a set of double doors, her back ramrod straight as though she’d had military training. She’d tried to keep Landry away from him, but their friendship had been too strong for her barbs to destroy it.

  When she came back, she gestured toward the inner office. “He’ll see you. He has a few minutes before he’ll have to take a scheduled conference call.”

  Remy nodded once. “Thank you.”

  Mrs. Martin thrust her shoulders back.

  He felt the bore of her stare as he entered Paul’s office and shut the doors. He crossed to the man’s desk, and Paul stood and shook his hand.

  Paul retook his chair. “I was surprised you needed to see me about a problem. You only arrived two days ago. Is there anything wrong with your grandfather’s retirement check?”

  “No.”

  “Then I don’t see—”

  “This is concerning Allie Martin and what happened last night.” Paul leaned forward. Once he told Paul about the wreck, the rumors would begin. Remy wanted the man behind Allie’s harassment to know he was coming after him. At first he’d wanted to keep his involvement low key, but not now. The stalker’s intentions were to harm Allie. Remy wanted this settled before he had to leave Port David.

  “She was fine at the celebration.”

  “I believe something was slipped into her drink. When she left and was driving home, she passed out at the wheel. She doesn’t remember anything about the wreck, but I saw it. She could have been seriously hurt.”

  Paul sat forward, concern in his expression. “But she’s okay?”

  “Yes. I brought her to work. I’ll be pulling her car out of the ditch today.” Remy studied Paul’s reactions, looking for any tell that would indicate he’d known about the doctored drink or wreck.

  “I’m surprised she didn’t come in here and tell me.”

  “I wanted to talk to you because you spoke with her last night. I’m going to interview as many people who attended the party as I can.”

  Paul’s eyes flared when Remy said interview. “You’re investigating the incident?”

  “Yes, I talked with the sheriff this morning. I’m lending him a hand. He temporarily deputized me. Did you see anyone by Allie’s lemonade? She said she put it on a nearby table part of the night. I think that’s when it was doctored unless something happened between you getting her a drink and bringing it to her.” Remy held eye contact with Paul to see what he would do.

  Paul returned his look. “Nothing. I poured her and me a cup, then came right back and handed it to her. After that, I moved on to another group, so I didn’t see anything…” His forehead crinkled, and he stared off into space. “Wait. Come to think of it I saw Dutch move behind her when she put the cup on the table, but I can’t see Dutch doing that to anyone.”

  “Dutch Calvert?”

  “Yes. He may be crotchety but harmless.”

  Remy rose and slipped Paul one of his cards with his cell number on it. “If you remember seeing anyone else near her drink, let me know. Also, Allie was going to tell you someone got into her locked office yesterday when she left it to go to the marina. The person left her a threatening note. I think this is all connected.”

  Paul’s mouth fell open. He shook his head several times then walked with Remy toward the exit. “I’ll have Dutch change…No, I’ll change her lock after my conference call. I’m sure the general store carries a good sturdy one. If not, I’ll get one as soon as possible in Houma.” At the door, he added, “Thanks for letting me know.”

  Remy went by Allie’s office to tell her about the meeting and to make sure everything was okay. The door was closed and locked. When he emerged from the building, he caught sight of her at the pier. He noticed several of the fishermen staring at her as she walked by.

  His gut constricted. The crews on some of the boats went in and out of the port during the week, often staying out for days or weeks at a time, but that didn’t mean one of them wasn’t responsible for what had been going on.

  He started after her. With it being Saturday, the harbor was especially busy with boats coming and going and a lot of activity. He increased his pace when she disappeared from his view. He didn’t feel good about this at all.

  Chapter Four

  As Allie navigated through the maze of boats in the marina, she was aware of the shadows hovering in areas she never really considered dangerous before someone started stalking her. She assessed each person she saw now in a new light, and that bothered her. Most of these men she’d known for years and considered friends. The vacationers were only here a short time. The stalker couldn’t be one of them. Like the fog that often crept through Port David, the stalker’s effect on her was insidious.

  She came to the boats moored at the pier all the time in her duties as the leasing agent for the Sundowner Corporation, and nothing had happened. She enjoyed seeing everyone and getting out of her office for some fresh air, even in the heat of summer. She wouldn’t let her imagination get so carried away that she couldn’t do her job well. Letting the stalker change that meant he had control over her life. She’d given that to the Lord when she realized there was nothing she could do to bring her mother or husband back to her.

  She sighed and headed toward the far row of boat slips at the marina. When she found the back deck on David’s Folly vacant, she hopped on board and went in search of the captain.

  Bo came out of the wheelhouse and waved. “You’re always someone I like to see.”

  “Where’s Captain DuBois?” Allie thought about what Remy had said concerning Bo as the possible stalker. The idea made the hairs on her arms stand up. Again, he had openly shown interest in her, so why the anonymous gifts?

  Bo took a couple of steps toward her. “He went to the marina office. Why did ya need to see him?”

  Allie moved back several paces, aware that the vessels on either side of David’s Folly were gone, and the closest one looked vacant. She didn’t want to tell the man why she’d come to see the captain, and yet she didn’t think it was wise to antagonize Bo. “When are y’all going back out?”

  “Tomorrow. How about grabbing a cup of coffee at the marina café?”

  “Too much to do. I’m showing one of the condos in thirty minutes and won’t be free for a couple of hours.”

  “Then I’ll take you to lunch.” He started back toward the cabin. “I’ll pick you up at your office at noon.”

  Allie opened her mouth to tell him no, but he disappeared inside, sliding the door closed. For a moment, she debated whether to go in search of him and tell him no, but then maybe if she went, she could find out what he’d been up to lately. That would help Remy in narrowing down her stalker’s identity. Besides, she would be safe at the café, especially on a Saturday. She wanted to meet him there. She’d tell him that, then find Captain DuBois and still be able to make her appointment with the Lawsons on time.

  She knocked on the back door to the cabin, but Bo didn’t answer. Was he in the wheelhouse in front? She hurried along the side of the seventy-foot boat deck, recently washed down. Clad in sandals, she slipped in her haste and lost her balance. She tried to grasp the railing to keep from going down.

  But before she hit the deck, arms came around from behind her, and her rescuer hoisted her to her feet. She glanced over her shoulder into Remy’s scowling face. She’d been so focused on finding Bo that she didn’t know Remy was behind her. So much for being more alert to her surroundings.

  He steadied her, facing him. “What are you doing?”

  “My job. I was supposed to meet Captain DuBois. He wanted to talk to me about bringing another boat here. I think we got our wires crossed. I told him I was coming to the marina and would see him then. I think he went to my office instead.”

  Remy peered down at her sandals. “Not the safest shoes to wear on a boat.”

  “When I dressed this morning, I didn’t have a meeting with the captain.”

  Remy held out his hand. “I’ll help you off. The deck is slippery.”

&nbs
p; “Yeah, I know.” Heat—that had nothing to do with the temperature—scorched Allie’s face.

  After Remy assisted her to the pier, he turned to her, his eyes narrow. “I saw Captain DuBois going into the marina office. What is really going on?”

  She drew herself up as tall as her petite height allowed. “Nothing. I thought we agreed to meet here.” Which was true.

  “I saw you talking to Bo.”

  “He’s the one who told me where the captain was.”

  “Then why were you going into the wheelhouse?”

  Allie glanced down the pier.

  Remy stepped close and lowered his voice, “You were snooping. Your curiosity has gotten you into trouble before.”

  “Bo asked me to lunch, and I was going to tell him I’d meet him at the marina café instead of him coming up to the Sundowner’s headquarters.”

  A storm brewed in Remy’s eyes.

  She hurriedly added, “It’ll be safe with tons of people around. That way I can see what Bo’s been up to lately.”

  “Sure. No doubt Bo would confess he left you all those gifts.”

  The sarcastic twist to his words knotted her stomach. “Maybe he saw something when he came out of the post office yesterday. He might say something to me but not to you.”

  “Leave the investigating to me. You could have been seriously injured last night. Remember that when you have the urge to snoop on your own.”

  Pivoting, she swept her arm across her body. “It’s daylight, and we’re in the middle of a crowded…” She swallowed the rest of her words when she realized this part of the marina was deserted—all the boats out except David’s Folly and another one with nobody on it. “What are you doing here?”

  “The job I told you I would do. First, Sheriff Guice is meeting me for coffee so I can fill him in on what’s been happening.” Remy started walking down the pier. “Then I’m going to talk to Adrien about when boats have been here in the marina. After that, Pierre Fontana is coming for lunch here.”