“No, I need to be at a dinner ASAP. It’s not far from here, so I’ll walk there. Have your driver stop first by the rental and transfer my belongings into the new car. Then bring the new one to this address at…” Rick put down the wine bottle and dug into his pocket. He pulled out the slip of paper which had Amanda’s address.” He rapidly read the street name and stuffed the paper back into his pocket. “When the driver gets to the residence, have him call me on my cell phone, and I’ll come out to collect the keys and sign the new rental papers.”
“Very good, sir. We will do that. And, again, we are very sorry for your inconvenience. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”
Rick punched off the phone and started up the gravel road which led to James and Amanda’s home. If he hurried, he might not arrive too, too late.
Five minutes later he stood before their front door. He hesitated then shrugged. Whatever the evening would bring there was nothing he could do about it now. The game was in play, and he’d have to follow the rules. Be pleasant, witty…and…unsuspicious. Just an old friend coming for dinner. He reached out and pushed the doorbell. “One step at a time, ‘ole buddy. One step at a time.”
The door almost opened as if someone had been waiting for his arrival. Rick stood face-to-face with James Jackson. Instantly his P.I. instincts took over, and he critically studied the guy. A nice enough looking guy, and Rick could see how Amanda would be attracted to him. James was half an inch shorter than himself, with light brown hair, hazel eyes, and as soon as he smiled, deep dimples appeared on both cheeks. His overall presentation, as a man no doubt, pleased vulnerable women. Rick realized his entire body had tensed. Another warning sign.
“Hello, you must be Dawn’s brother?” Though he didn’t offer to shake his hand, James did step back so Rick could enter the house.
“That I am.” He held out the wine bottle. “A token of appreciation for the invite.”
“Thanks.” James took the bottle and looked at the label. “Pretty expensive for a late invite, don’t you think?
Three things immediately registered in Rick’s mind. One, the man knew about wine, which meant he was no cheapskate, but then, the size and elaborate design on the house would have told him that as well. Two, James wasn’t exactly happy to see him. And, three, Amanda wasn’t anywhere around. “I figured only the best would do for the man who married Amanda. She’s kinda special in our family. My parents look at her like another daughter. You’re lucky, James.”
The corners of James’ mouth lifted. “Yes, I am. Very lucky. Very lucky indeed.”
For a second Rick believed the man meant every word, but there was something sinister in how James’ eyes glittered as he smiled…like he had another reason for being lucky.
“Where’s Amanda?” Rick looked around the spacious entryway.
“In the kitchen. Come on. It’s this way.”
Rick nodded and tagged along after James. As he followed Amanda’s husband through the front of the house, he took it all in. Nice and tidy. Everything in its place. No clutter. Nothing seemed to say…Stay a while. Make yourself at home.
“Amanda, looks who is here?”
Rick stopped just inside the kitchen. With thick, gloved hot pads, Amanda was pulling from the oven a crispy, golden-browned whole chicken. She placed the hot pan onto a fancy designed large trivet waiting on the granite island top and smiled. Not one of those fake smiles James had given him, but a genuine, happy smile. “Rick, you made it. I’m so glad. For a moment there, when you didn’t arrive at seven, I thought maybe you had forgotten my invitation.”
“Not forgotten, Amanda. Just delayed by a flat tire.” He leaned over the counter and sniffed the chicken. “Smells awesome. You must be an excellent cook.”
“Thank you.” Again Amanda’s reaction to his compliment appeared genuine. Then she blushed. “This is the first time I’ve fixed a complete dinner for James. I wanted to surprise him that I could, in fact, do it.” She laughed somewhat. “Normally we eat out or dine in with fast food. Isn’t that right, James?”
Her husband had gone over to a wine cooler and withdrew two wine glasses and joined them with the one sitting on the counter. “What?”
“Haven’t you been listening?” Amanda appeared hurt by her husband’s lack of attention at her admission of not cooking before.
“About what?”
“Never mind.” Amanda brightened and walked oddly around the cooking island.
It was then he noticed her limping. On her left big toe was a fat, wrapped bandage.
He looked back up at her. “What did you do? Piss off a cactus?”
Amanda, this time, released a full-throated, amused laugh.
“No, James dropped one of the crystal wine glasses, and a broken piece flew across the room and hit my toe. It’s fine now. Just bandaged up so I won’t stub the toe on something and make it bleed again.”
Rick nodded. “Okay.”
James walked toward him with a half filled glass of wine. “Here.” He picked up the last two glasses. He handed Amanda one. “To us. May we always be as happy as we are now.”
“To us.” She held up her glass, then moved her glass toward Rick. “To family friends.”
Rick clinked his glass against hers. “To family.”
“I’m hungry.” Sounding disgruntled, James walked toward the table. “Let’s eat.”
An hour later, the three of them moved out onto the patio with coffee and the cherry turnovers. The evening was cold and cloudy, so James had lit a fire in the fire pit.
Amanda snuggled deeper into her comfy sweater and took in a deep breath. When she released it, she smiled at Rick. “Nothing is more beautiful than the desert on a lovely fall evening.”
James joined them. “I agree with Amanda.” As he settled into his chair, he looked at Rick. “You mentioned at dinner you’d hoped to get some late evening pictures around here. Why? There won’t be much to see.”
“Are you kidding me?” Rick put more emphasis on his words than he normally would have. It might help keep the man off center. “Look at the sky, man. He waved a hand at the darkening sky to the east. “It’s like velvet with only a few stars peeking through the blackness. It’s a picture waiting to be painted.” A bit of the cherry juice dripped onto his fingers. “You know, these are tasty.” He laughed and sucked on his finger where the juice had dripped. “But messy.”
Amanda looked horrified. “My goodness. I’m so sorry. I forgot to bring out the after dinner napkins. I had them sitting on the counter next to the desert plates. I can’t believe I missed them.” She shot to her feet and started hobbling toward the house.
“Amanda!” Rick called. “You don’t have to do that.” He held up his glistening finger and grinned. “See? I’ve got my mess taken care of.”
“No. No…” She glanced nervously at her husband. “I…I’m a terrible hostess. I shouldn’t have…forgotten. I’ll be right back.”
Rick frowned. Amanda had somehow done a three sixty on her personality. When he first arrived, she was full of laughter and good humor, proud of her new cooking skills. Now she acted nervous and unsure of her role as hostess. What had made her change?
The moment she disappeared into the kitchen, James leaned forward pulling Rick’s attention from Amanda. “What else do you do, Rick?” He snorted suddenly. “Besides paint pretty pictures.”
Ah…now we get down the real nitty gritty.
Rick laughed and acted as if the question amused him. “You mean what’s my day job?” He took another bite of his turnover, carefully this time. After chewing for a while, he swallowed. “I do a little this and that.” He took another bite. “Truthfully, one of my job titles is Specialized Private Investigator. I just wrapped a job here in Phoenix. Glad it’s done, it’s been a killer.”
Rick paused for a second to watch James’ reaction. Nothing.
But there had been a tiny flicker of his pupils. A sure indication Amanda’s husband wasn’t comfortable w
ith hearing the word, Killer. Rick thanked his lucky stars. He’d been trained in the service how to interpret face, eye, and body movements to transfer into Military Intelligence. The training had served him well over the years.
As if noticing Rick continued to watch him intently, James leaned back into his patio chair and studied the area outside of his property. “I suppose it’s a good idea for you to photograph these mountains over there now. Before too long developers will be scooping up that area for future houses, paved roads, and noisy malls.”
Rick went along with James’ change of topics. “What’s wrong with that? Don’t you like progress? You bought this house out here. It’s a new built.”
James shrugged. “Believe it or not, I’m all for progress. It’s how I make money. However, I like total privacy. That’s why I scooped up this house before anything else is built.” His expression turned stony. “I don’t, particularly, like noisy neighbors. Always looking into your business.” He studied his fingernails. “Once the building starts, I’m out of here.”
Rick mentally counted the number of times James said I. Everything he said centered on himself. “What about Amanda?”
“What about her?”
“What does she think about your plans on moving?”
“It won’t matter. She’ll—
“I found them.” Amanda appeared at the sliding glass door, her eyes filled with tears. In her hands were half a dozen small napkins. “They…they were in with my…my silverware drawer. I have no idea why I would have put them there.”
“You were probably busy preparing dinner and got distracted. That’s all.”
James words were supportive, but his tone indicated it meant differently.
“I suppose so.” Amanda slowly sank into her chair and gave each man a napkin. “I have been a bit absentminded lately.”
“That you have.” He smiled at Rick. “The other day she’d said she misplaced her purse, but I found it in the dirty clothes hamper.”
She gaped at him. “I did not. You told me you found it on the dresser.”
James patted her hand. “Relax, darling, I only said that so you wouldn’t be upset with yourself. You’ve been distressed quite a lot these days.”
“I haven’t.” Amanda turned and looked pleadingly at Rick. “Honestly, I’ve not been that bad. Just every once in a while, when I misplace things.”
“Which reminds me. Amanda, did you know there’s a ghost who lives around here?” James took a sip of his coffee.
“What?” Amanda dropped her fork onto her plate.
“You know…” James’ smile widened. “You told me about him a week ago.”
“Him? Who?” Amanda’s eyes widened. “I did?”
“Sure. Remember you said you saw a man walk…” He waved a hand toward the southern edge of their property. “Out there. He went behind a cactus and stepped out as a dog.”
“I told you that?” Amanda appeared totally surprised. “I thought I’d kept that to myself?”
“Well, you did.” James turned to Rick. “At first, I figured she imagined things, but at work, I heard about an old legend accepted around here. An Apache, I was told, roams the mountain searching for his wife and child. They were killed by a raiding party. He blames himself for not being there to save them. To this day, he’s out there waiting.”
“Waiting for what?” Amanda’s whisper was so soft Rick almost didn’t hear her.”
“Revenge, I guess. I was told the ghost is looking to avenge the death of his family.” James reached over, and, again, patted Amanda’s hand. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I won’t let him get you.”
“Nice story,” Rick added flatly. The conversation was getting to be a bit unusual. Plus, Amanda’s sudden change of personality bothered him.
His cell phone suddenly rang. “Excuse me. That’s probably my new rental arriving.” He rose and walked away from the table slightly out of earshot. He returned a few seconds later. “I was right. The driver is here. I have to go.” He snapped his phone into its holster and smiled at his hosts. “Amanda, your dinner tonight was delicious. Thank you for inviting me. James, it’s nice to meet you. Good night.”
“Wait!” Amanda’s sudden shout cracked. James, on the other hand, looked relieved and appeared to have no intention of getting up to see him out.
“Let me walk you toward the door.” Amanda shot to her feet.
As much as he hated to leave her Rick waved a hand for her to stay put. “You don’t have to. I know the way out.”
She slumped back into her chair. Seeing it, Rick turned abruptly on his heel and headed for the front of the house. He had to get out of there as fast as he could. It was time to go to work. Time to keep the P.I. in him super vigilant, but he also needed to activate his bodyguard mentality.
Danger was brewing in that house. Amanda was the target. He needed to find out how and why.
Starting right now!
CHAPTER SIX
Dawn tossed restlessly under the covers. It was late, well after two in the morning. Every time she’d dropped off, a dream would come, each one playing off the past one.
She fluffed her pillow and turned onto her other side. It didn’t help. Releasing a frustrated breath air, she rolled onto her back and stared up at the ceiling. Why was she having such a hard time going to sleep and staying asleep? And, what was with her dreams? Why so many? The same, yet different?
The sound of the ceiling fan hummed. She closed her eyes. The drip of water assaulted her senses. Drip, pause, drip, pause, drip, drip, drip, faster and faster. Her eyelids closed. She mentally counted the drops. Sighing, she relaxed her body into the mattress.
Heavy water drops pounded. No. It was the sound of rain hitting canvas.
The day of the funeral started out mild with a slight breeze, though somewhat cold. By early afternoon dark clouds rolled in and covered the cemetery with gloom and the promise of a heavy shower.
Dawn stood next to Amanda. They were crammed like sardines under the canvas tent. The church had erected it for family and friends who attended the graveside service
“We come together this afternoon…” The words of the minister floated in the distance.
Dawn paid little attention to him. An older woman, dressed in a simple dark, longish dress, and a grey coat, sat in the front row crying. The man beside her put his arm around her and pulled her to him. His face looked tired and drawn. He too wept. She’d never seen a man cry before. As a matter of fact, she’d never attended a funeral before.
Tears also rolled down Dawn’s cheeks. She hadn’t known the seventeen-year-old girl who lay inside the white coffin very well, but she and Amanda, along with the other girls in the cheer line, felt obligated to attend the funeral. After all, they were classmates, and for a brief while, they all had been cheerleaders together.
Keri Kramer had been her name. She and her family moved into Turtle Creek only a few months ago. The only time she and Amanda had seen her was during cheer practice.
The new girl had been on another cheer team from the school she’d last attended. Everyone was delighted to hear that and offered her a spot on their team. Even more surprising, Keri’s transferred grades put her on the short list for Valedictorian. As luck would have it, Amanda had won the honor by two points.
Dawn looked into the open casket. Keri had been a small, dark-haired girl, with a beautiful smile. Usually, she’d hide behind large framed glasses, but when she took them off, her eyes were lovely. Large and bright blue. The color Dawn always envied.
Suddenly, Keri’s eyes opened. She stared at Dawn. Her arms lifted and held them out to her as if pleading for something. Blood, red and bright, ran down from her wrists and pooled around her light blue burial dress.
“Let us pray.” Dawn covered her face as the minister spoke his final words, hoping it would help dispel her vision of a pleading Keri.
After the service closed, she and Amanda, along with the other cheerleaders, stood in the line to speak w
ith the family. Keri’s mother was first. Her hair was swept back behind her ears and covered with a small black hat. Her eyes were red and plaintive.
Amanda met her first. “I can’t tell you how sorry I am. Keri was lovely. I know we would have become great friends.”
The woman gave her a simple smile, but it did not quite reach her eyes. Their puffy and bloodshot color intensified as if the woman turned incredibly angry. Finally, she nodded and said, “Thank you for coming.”
Dawn was next, and she opened her mouth to speak, but Keri’s mother continued to stare at Amanda. Fury now replaced anger. It was written all over her face. But it wasn’t Keri’s mother she visually saw. It was someone else’s face. A male, younger, and unfamiliar.
Dawn swallowed and tried to move but found she couldn’t. The rain stopped. She must have been standing in a mud puddle. She glanced down at her new boots and cried out…horrified.
It was no puddle of mud. It was blood. Red and warm. It rapidly rose until it covered the tips of her boots. Higher it rose. Up to her knees. Dawn couldn’t catch her breath. She was drowning.
She woke up screaming.
An hour later, Dawn shoved open the entryway to the Turtle Creek police station. She needed help. Her dream was too prophetic to ignore. Heading immediately to the lobby counter, she reached across and tapped Sam Diaz, the older officer who always was there to greet people. “Where’s Kenny? I need to speak with him.”
Kenny Thomas was a former classmate of hers and knew about her ability to see things others could not. As soon as he graduated, he went to a police training center and returned home to work in town. They’d renewed their friendship and had been seeing each other a lot.
“He’s not here at the moment,” Sam grinned at her, “He lost the toss. He’s gone to get the donuts. It’s been a long morning, and it’s not even nine yet.”
The entryway door suddenly opened. Kenny shoved a filthy looking man, with oily strands of shaggy brown hair covering half his face into the building. “Keep going, Roger. You know the way.”
BodyGuard (Butterscotch Martini Shots Book 2) Page 40