by Неизвестный
Sheriff Tiddler ambled up the steps, his piercing eyes on Luna.
“Good morning, Luna,” he grated out, his teeth chewing on every word.
“Sheriff.” Luna inclined her head.
He settled into a chair at the nearest table, and his brow puckered as he turned toward her.
“I got a call this morning about your break-in. Luna, this has become a habit, and I am rather concerned for your safety.”
“Don’t be. Devin has that handled.”
“He’s moved into the place, has he?” His brows shot up.
“It was the best solution, since you won’t take the events seriously,” Luna pointed out.
He snorted. “You have every right to think that, but it isn’t the case at all. I’ve been looking into your contacts, business associates, your ex-husband, your attorney, and a slew of other things. Don’t think for one minute that I’m not serious about this town and what happens in it.”
“I have a question for you…” Luna hesitated before plunging ahead into dangerous territory. “Um, what do you know about Dilly’s investments?”
His eyes widened as his brows drew downward, gathering in the center. Sheriff Tiddler stared at her for a long moment.
“She’s got a small nest egg. That’s all I know. Why do you ask?”
“I overheard a conversation she had the other day and I think she’s about to make an investment mistake. You need to watch Thomas. I think he has her wrapped around his finger. He’s quite shameless where money is concerned.” Luna sat back. Her heart pounded against her ribs for fear the sheriff wouldn’t believe her.
“Can you prove that he’s about to pull a fast one on her?”
Luna nodded and opened her mouth to speak. The words stuck in her throat.
He leaned his heavy bulk forward as his elbows came to rest on the table. Sheriff Tiddler’s eyes took on a dangerous gleam.
“You shouldn’t make accusations you can’t back up, Luna. However, I’ll look into it. You do know Thomas better than everyone else, and personal experience must count for something.”
The dig wasn’t lost on Luna, but the man did have a point, she had firsthand knowledge of Thomas’s business acumen and his ability to hustle unsuspecting nitwits. Luna leaned closer to the bulky man.
In a whisper, she said, “He’s involved with the development corporation that’s trying to steal my land and close down the Junction. Arvi offered me a contract, but wouldn’t leave it for me to have my attorney look at it.”
One eyebrow arched as he listened. His lips puckered as his interest intensified.
Luna moistened her lips before continuing. “When Devin and I returned from dinner last night, I found the contract missing from the kitchen upstairs.”
“I thought you said you didn’t have the contract?”
“Well, um, I, uh, kind of made a copy while Annie kept Arvi busy. To be honest though, I think Arvi has his limits as to how far he’s willing to go to acquire my property.”
A gleam entered Sheriff Tiddler’s eyes and he studied Luna.
“How did you arrive at that conclusion?”
“He’s not a violent man, just a gullible one, Sheriff. He even seems a bit desperate. I feel sorry for him, if he’s being used.” She watched the sheriff lean back and heave a heavy sigh. “Not that it excuses him of anything,” she went on.
“Darned right, it doesn’t. If Thomas is involved with a land scheme, and Arvi has climbed onboard, and they have taken Dilly’s money, then they’ll be mighty sorry for that. I wasn’t a Boston cop all those years for nothing. You know, I still have contacts to help me out when I need it.”
“Did Devin call you about last night?”
With a nod, Sheriff Tiddler glanced around the place. His gaze returned to Luna. “He’s quite worried about the events that have taken place here. He’s a good man.”
“He is.”
The sheriff glanced at her folded hands resting on the table. He smiled and asked if her ring was of the engagement variety.
Luna nodded and grinned. “Devin gave it to me the other night. Ida Gregory is hosting a party for us on Sunday evening.”
“So I heard.” The faerie clock dinged the hour, and Luna rose from the chair.
“Would you like some tea and a cupcake before you leave, Sheriff?” Luna motioned for him to enter the shop.
“I thought you’d never ask,” he said with a grin and followed her inside. “Where’s Dilly today?” he asked when Annie came forward.
“She’s running late, but should be here within the hour. Her car needed inspecting.”
With a nod, he perused the cupcake-filled cases. He chose two and sat at the nearest table.
The rear door closed and Dilly’s voice echoed down the corridor. Sheriff Tiddler smiled, waiting for her to enter the tearoom.
“Good morning, Henry,” Dilly said with a wide smile. “What brings you to the Junction so early?”
Luna and Annie stood together watching through the wide window opening of the galley kitchen. Luna noticed the sheriff’s demeanor softening and Dilly becoming giddy. Luna wondered if her vision might have been wrong, but shook her head, knowing they were always concise.
The couple seemed an odd combination, but one that fit well together. In her heart, Luna hoped Dilly wasn’t being used by Thomas, though feared she was.
A glance from Dilly sent both women scurrying around in an effort to appear busy. They chuckled and glanced knowingly at one another as Dilly joined them in the galley.
“The first customers have just parked in the lot along with a tour bus,” Dilly announced as she set Sheriff Tiddler’s empty teacup in the dishwasher. She folded the flaps of a to-go box and tucked them in place before placing the leftover cupcake into it. Dilly left the galley, handed him the box with a smile, and promised to meet him later in the evening.
After Sheriff Tiddler left, the room buzzed with conversation and gifts sold like wildfire.
Luna watched the crowd as they wandered the Junction inside and out.
Several customers bought sun catchers while others became enthralled with the handmade wind chimes. Luna restocked the shelves whenever the crowds dwindled. The day passed, and she hadn’t noticed Devin until he moved through the crowd with a purposeful stride.
“Have you taken a break yet today?” he whispered to her as his lips met her brow.
“It’s been so busy, I haven’t had a chance. Thanks for contacting Sheriff Tiddler. He came by this morning. I wasn’t going to call him due to his disinterest, but it’s a good thing you did. It seems he’s come around to our way of thinking at last.”
“It took some persuasion, but I made my point when we spoke. He’s a decent fella, but is set in his ways.” Devin smiled and drew her toward the side door.
Luna glanced over her shoulder, catching Annie’s look. With a wave of her hand, Annie motioned them away. She and Dilly could handle the few customers left. Luna smiled and winked at the woman as she left the room.
Luna and Devin settled at the last table near the far corner of the porch toward the rear of the bungalow. Dilly stepped up with a tray of sandwiches, a teacup and a pot of tea. A large mug of steaming coffee sat next to the fare.
“This is great,” Luna said with a wide grin.
“You need to eat more often. You’re wasting away,” Devin warned after Dilly left them alone. “I don’t know how you keep going all day with nothing but a cupcake.”
“I eat, I really do. You have no idea since you’re busy in the basement.”
“Speaking of which, a couple of friends are coming over tonight to move your desk downstairs and set the office up. We can paint later when time permits.” Devin put his hand up to stop Luna from talking when she opened her mouth to speak.
“After last night’s intrusion and the loft being tossed, it’s important that you have all your paperwork in the basement. Everything. I mean it, Luna. If you’d been home alone, sound asleep, God knows what would
have happened.”
Devin shrugged. “I’m not willing to take the chance, that’s all there is to it.”
Warmed by his concern, Luna leaned over the table and kissed him lightly on the lips. She smiled with satisfaction when Devin’s eyes danced with pleasure.
Hours turned into days without problems, intruders or mysterious visions. Luna’s office took shape, and Devin’s construction project came to an end. She realized her love for him grew steadily with each passing day.
Toward the end of the week, Luna stood facing the meadow after the shop closed. She left the porch and wandered over the brick path. Scents of foliage filled her lungs as she waded through knee-high grass. A huge tractor mower, owned and operated by a nearby farmer, made its way across the vast space, leaving a swath of fresh cut grass behind.
The sweet smell of it reached her as she stood and watched. Birds darted into the wake of the tractor, snapping up crickets and whatnot left available to them. She turned away toward the porch. Devin waited on the top step, his gaze fixed on her.
“Has Thomas been by at all this week?” Devin asked.
“No, he hasn’t as a matter of fact. Strange that he didn’t show up. He has a bad habit of doing so when I least expect it.” She paused. “Why do you ask?”
Gleeful laughter reached her. Apparently, Devin knew something she didn’t and wanted to share it.
“I ran across him when I filled the gas tank on my Jeep. His neck and arms were covered with a wicked rash. Quite a sight, I might add.” Devin snickered.
She tilted her head, laughed and said, “I told you he was allergic to cats. His reaction to dander was always the same, a terrible rash that spread like poison ivy. The more he itched, the worse it became.”
“Sheriff Tiddler is questioning him on his whereabouts for the night of the contract theft.”
“I wonder what alibi he’ll use. He certainly can’t say he was with Dilly, or he’ll end up in jail for sure. Sheriff Tiddler wasn’t happy when I mentioned Thomas might be working Dilly for whatever money he could squeeze from her. Apparently her nest egg is small, but it is her life savings,” Luna said, as she came abreast of him.
Devin drew her into his arms, kissing her deeply. When he released Luna, she drew a deep breath.
“What was that for?” she asked, her voice husky with desire.
His eyes grew dark and smoldering. Devin opened the door, pulling her inside and nudged her up the stairs. At the top, he swung the loft door aside waiting for Riddles to leap past on his way to the tearoom for leftover crumbs.
Curtains billowed in the breeze blowing through the windows. The only sounds were those of passion as the couple melded together.
Much later, a yowl interrupted the comfortable silence invading the room. Riddles wanted out. He continued to whine until Luna sluggishly reached for her clothes and got dressed.
Dusk lay across the yard. The cat raced forward and jumped into the hydrangeas. Faeries flittered out of reach. Their squeals of laughter pierced the air. The cat sprawled across the middle of the huge bush, the tip of his tail flicked to and fro while a growl of discontent issued from his throat.
His body sagged when Luna hauled him from his unbecoming slump within the flower covered shrubbery. She chuckled, admonished him gently and set him on his feet. With a sniff, Riddles marched past the corner of the porch in search of some other unsuspecting treat.
Luna peered after the cat, watching as he disappeared under a shrub. A shiny object on the grass caught her eye. She retrieved it, gazing at the imprinted silver button in the palm of her hand.
Searching her memory for the answer to where she’d seen it before, Luna plopped onto the bottom step of the porch to wait for the answer to surface.
A mist glazed her vision as images came forward. Someone on the top step. A hand, shooting out from the cuff of a denim jacket, shoving her off the stairs. A button falling to the ground, bouncing into the grass beyond the brick path… The images receded. Luna leaned back against the porch rail to ponder what she’d seen.
“Do you intend to sit out here by yourself all night?” Devin asked in a soft voice.
“I figured you’d join me sooner or later.” The button curled into her hand, she slipped it into the pocket of her shorts.
Chapter 18
The weekend proceeded without incident. Sunday evening loomed as Luna closed the shop for the day. In haste, she swept the floor, straightened the tables and closed all the windows. Time was of the essence, as worry over the party niggled at Luna. Who would attend, what was expected of her and what if Devin decided he really didn’t want her? Questions clogged her brain, made her sweat and sent a nervous tingle of excitement through her.
She showered, blow dried her hair, made up her face and donned the outfit she’d purchased for the occasion. The lovely pendant rested against her skin and set the dress off perfectly. Sapphires glittered in the diamond ring on her hand as she gazed at the beauty of it.
A thump on the rear door brought her downstairs. She grasped the clutch bag under her arm and locked up after Riddles settled in for the night. Devin stood outside dressed in a suit and tie. She’d never seen him more handsome than now and smiled her appreciation.
“You’re looking handsome,” Luna remarked with a wide grin. The rich, pleasing scent of his cologne wafted through the air. She stepped back to admire his dark suit, the cut fitting him to perfection. She marveled at the change, especially since she always saw him in jeans and a jersey. There was no doubt in her mind that Devin was sure to attract attention.
Awed, he scrutinized Luna’s changed appearance.
“You’re stunning. I’m so used to your shorts and Junction shirt, I didn’t expect this.” He leaned in and kissed her.
The kiss deepened until Luna pushed him away with laughter. “We have to leave now before we end up in bed.”
“We could always use the counter in the galley.” His eyebrows waggled as he smiled jauntily.
“Never mind that, let’s go or we’ll be late.” She grabbed his hand and pulled him through the door. It closed behind her and Luna checked to make sure it had locked. Satisfied, she strode along the porch, hand in hand with Devin.
Rounding the corner, she drew in a breath. A black Mercedes Benz sat in front of the shop, the passenger door open, awaiting her. She turned to Devin, a question in her eyes.
“Yes, it’s mine. I don’t take it out much since I use the Jeep for work. I figured it was suitable for tonight though, and after seeing you like this, I was right.” He chuckled and assisted her into the passenger seat.
The ride to Ida’s was brief. Cars filled the driveway, sat parked in the side yard and along the road to the house. There would be a crowd. Luna drew a deep breath of nervous anticipation.
She glanced at Devin as they came to a stop under the portico. A young man Luna recognized as her lawn care worker came forward with a huge smile on his face. He took the keys from Devin, drove the car away, and parked it.
Noisy conversation filled the house as Rudy opened the door to admit the couple. His eyes held a haughty regard, but he welcomed them with a nod and asked that they follow him.
Excitement filled Luna to the brim. Her hand tightened in Devin’s when they walked into the huge salon packed with people Luna knew, and many she didn’t. Acquainted with them all, Devin smiled broadly as the crowd turned. A round of applause followed the couple as they crossed the room to Ida, whose outstretched hands beckoned them.
Ida stepped aside and William Kinney moved to her side. He embraced Luna, chuckling at her surprise. Ida rambled on and on about Luna’s dress, while William reached out and shook Devin’s hand.
The evening wore on. Luna found herself hugged, engaged in conversation about her shop and business, and more often than not, questioned on how she’d managed to land Devin Radford. She answered all but the last question. With honesty, she said it was a mystery and left it at that.
Dinner consisted of a buffet
stretching from one end of the long room to the other. Platters filled with giant-sized shrimp, lobster meat and succulent oysters filled one end of the table. Salads, pastries and beverages were all tended by wait staff dressed in white, with gloved hands. In the center of the table stood a blue-tinted ice sculpture of a Faerie holding a wand over a couple embracing. The meaning was clear, and Luna gazed with amazement at the finely detailed work.
Luna turned as a movement caught her eye. Rudy stood at the edge of the doorway leading to the inner sanctum of the house, his cold, speculative gaze upon her. He regarded her for a moment before he turned away.
Silent questions arose, and she struggled to cast them aside. As she moved away from the sculpture, a hand clasped her elbow. Luna glanced into Devin’s inquiring eyes.
Devin whispered in her ear, “Are you all right?” He guided her to the double doors, onto the wide balcony overlooking the gardens which slanted toward the shoreline. When they reached the rail, Devin placed his hands on her arms and turned her toward him. “What is it, Luna?”
“I’m not sure. Rudy gave me a strange look earlier as I admired the ice sculpture. He has a real attitude for a servant, doesn’t he?”
“I hadn’t noticed. He’s not usually in attendance when I visit, so I don’t see him often.” He regarded Luna with open fondness. “I have to ask you a question, and I want an honest answer.”
Luna straightened. She stared into eyes that sparkled blue as the ocean below. Steadying her nerves, she nodded.
“Will you marry me? A real, true marriage?” Devin asked.
Luna let out pent up breath.
“This isn’t a joke, is it?” she asked, her nervous stomach clenched.
Devin’s dark eyebrows hiked and then drew together in a frown. He stepped back and studied her for a moment.
“No, Luna, it isn’t a joke. I mean it. I want you to become my real, honest-to-goodness wife.” Devin paced back and forth a few steps before he turned to her. “I know we’ve joked about the engagement and you never seriously considered it, but I’m asking you now. Be serious. Marry me.”