Dear God in heaven, I need air! Gasping for breath, he sat up and rested his elbows on his knees.
Get a grip, Hunter.
He thought of people like Nelson Mandella. And a man Brendan once met who’d been a long-time prisoner of war. How had those men retained their sanity for years when he’d only been held a few hours? Surely he could endure the time until Kevin managed bail.
He took a deep breath and reached for pleasant recollections. The lake, Mom laughing with Dave, Deirdre. He summoned the memory of Deirdre on the dock, smiling up at him, Prince by her side, sunshine reflected on the water. He leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes, holding on to her image.
His terror subsided. Not exactly calm, at least he could think clearly. He began cataloging clues and waited. That’s how he was hours later when the jailer opened the cell door.
“Okay, Hunter. Your fancy lawyer’s sprung you.”
Thank you, God.
Brendan stood. “About time.” He hurried through the door for fear the man would change his mind and slam it shut in his face.
The jailer laughed. “What? You don’t like our hospitality? You oughta be here on a Saturday night.”
Kevin waited for him. Dressed in a gray pinstriped Armani with pale gray shirt and red tie, he sent out vibes that he was wealthy, successful, and took shit from no one. Perfectly styled dark hair and thick-lashed brown eyes reportedly set women’s hearts a flutter. His tan didn’t come from some lame tanning booth but from time spent in the sun, usually with a luscious woman by his side. He was shorter than Brendan by a couple of inches, but looked whipcord fit.
Brendan signed for his possessions. He hated that his hand shook. “Let’s get the hell out of here. I’m staying at the lake for a while. Guess Mom filled you in on the fire at my place?”
“Yeah, tough. My car’s over there.” Kevin pointed left. “Your insurance company must love you. A house and a car totaled by fire in one week.”
Brendan slid into the sleek black Jaguar. “They weren’t happy, but they’re the least of my problems.” He’d probably end up paying for Kevin’s fancy car before this mess was over. He didn’t care. As long as he never had to be locked up again.
Kevin drove toward the lake. “Never saw you so jittery, not even in the hospital after you were shot. You gonna be all right?”
“They’ve suspended me. My career’s over, my reputation’s ruined. Someone who wants me dead blew up my house and my car. Who knows what they’ll try next? On top of that I may go to jail for life.” He pounded a fist into his hand. “No! I am not gonna be all right!”
“Calm down, man. It’s not as bleak as you think.”
Easy for him to say. He was pulling down megabucks an hour and his career wasn’t in the toilet. Brendan crossed his arms. “Yeah? Then maybe I should have driven and sat over there, because from where I’m sitting it sure as hell looks bad.”
“Brendan, calm down. You’re innocent. We’re building a case, you’ll be exonerated.”
Maybe. He exhaled. “Remember, I told you at the jail that you cannot involve George Holt. Or the kid, Trey.”
“Hmph. Without Holt, your case is weakened. This Conor Wilson is not about to talk. He’s sitting pretty right now with you looking like the bad guy and him a victim.”
“Yeah, but the bastard’s guilty as the devil.”
“I believe you. We have to convince a jury, Brendan, and you can’t do that without witnesses.”
“Do what you can. George’s already had enough misery. He almost died taking out a guy who’d robbed a convenience store, he limps, and he’s in constant pain. Has four kids and a wife.” Whereas, by contrast, I have no one.
His mom didn’t count in that way. She had Dave, and Dave would take care of her. She’d miss her son, sure, but she could get along without him.
Deirdre’s face swam in his head and he closed his eyes, picturing her as she looked when she rushed to greet him. Her face shining with pleasure from seeing him.
The memory changed to her tear-filled expression after he’d hurt her. Damn, he wished he hadn’t wounded her tender feelings. She’d warned him of danger, even though she’d thought it was Owen instead of Conor.
“Hey, you somewhere else?”
“Sorry.” He looked at Kevin. “Did I miss something?”
“Well, yeah. You wigged out and missed my brilliant strategy to get you off.”
Brendan was relieved to hear there was a strategy. “As long as you keep Holt and the kid out of this and it works. I can’t figure how the blame was shifted to me.”
“Don’t worry, I’m the best. Modestly said, of course.”
“That’s why I asked Mom to call you. You are the best, here or anywhere in Texas.”
Kevin chuckled and placed one hand on his heart. “I’m wounded you limited my fame to Texas.”
Let Kevin laugh. Brendan’s sense of humor had deserted him. “Far as I’m concerned, this is the only place that counts.”
Kevin guided the Jag into Blossom’s driveway. “I’ll call you tomorrow after my investigator checks a couple of possibilities. I’ve already put people on this. We’ll get the guy responsible. Tell your mom that I’ll come in another time.”
Home had never looked better. He opened the front door and staggered in.
Deirdre cried out. She flew down the hall. “We were worried and didn’t know how to find out anything. Blossom even called that evil Owen.”
In spite of her slur against his mentor or all his own best intentions, Brendan embraced her. “Ahhh, roses and lemon.” He inhaled deeply, hoping to erase jail from his nostrils. Nothing could extricate it from his memory. “Holding you is what I needed.”
“Aye, I needed it too. I’ve fair worn a path in the carpet pacing since you’ve been gone.” She kissed his cheek, his neck, his chest in the vee of his collar.
He hugged her close. “Must be true. Absence does make the heart grow fonder.”
“You’ve no idea,” she said around kissing him.
“Son, you’re finally home. I thought I heard a car.” Weeping, Blossom leaned into him and Deirdre stepped back.
Brendan hugged him mom. “Hey, no need to cry now I’m home.” He wished he believed that.
Dave laid a hand on his shoulder. “We were on the dock and Blossom told me a car had stopped. Good to see you’re home again.”
“This calls for some of that lovely new ice cream we have.” Deirdre went to the kitchen. “Let’s make a celebration, shall we?”
Brendan wanted a shower but he allowed his mother to pull him to the kitchen. “Sit there and let me look at you, son.”
Deirdre scooped ice cream into bowls and set out the toppings. Brendan tried to act festive, but his heart wasn’t in it. He wanted to wash every inch of his body and get into fresh clothes with no jail stench on them.
They’d finished the ice cream and Brendan stood to escape for his room. The doorbell rang.
Blossom leaped up. “This time, I’ll answer the door. If it’s bad news, I’ll tell them we’ve moved.”
He heard a familiar voice.
Deirdre apparently heard it too. “It’s him!” she whispered, and grew so pale he feared she’d faint.
Apparently Dave noticed, for he hurried to her side, concern on his face.
His mother led Owen into the kitchen. “You remember Dr. Roan, and this is Deirdre Dougherty. She works for me at the shop. We’ve just had some ice cream. Would you care for some?” Mom smiled, but Brendan noticed her smile didn’t reach her eyes. Her voice sounded cold in spite of her invitation.
Owen held up his hands. “No, I can’t stay. Just came to tell Brendan here how sorry I am this all came down like it did. Don’t know who leaked this mess to the press.”
Brendan waved aside his protests. “Doesn’t matter. It’ll all be straightened out.” He hoped he sounded optimistic when he sure as hell felt the opposite.
“Well, you know the arrest was only procedure? Ch
ief Gordon had to make an arrest after someone leaked that the drugs were missing. Public outcry and all that.”
“Yeah, I know how it goes.” But Brendan didn’t. How could the blame have shifted to him instead of Conor?
“Something wrong, miss?” Owen asked.
That’s when Brendan noticed Deirdre appeared frozen, her blue eyes wide with fright. “Deirdre?”
She glanced at Brendan, then rushed from the room in tears.
Hell, he’d have to talk to her later, reassure her Owen wasn’t the bad guy she imagined. That damned Conor was the one she should fear.
Owen looked at him, obviously perplexed. “What did I say that upset her?”
“Nothing.” Brendan shrugged. “She knows something about this that she won’t tell me. Don’t worry. I’ll learn what it is.”
Owen looked back the way she’d run. “Pretty girl, but she certainly acts odd.”
What could he say to that? Hell, odd was an understatement, but he wanted to defend her. “Um, she’s Irish, you see, from a small place called Ballymish. Had an unusual upbringing, but she’s very nice.” He had to protect Deirdre. How much should he confide to Owen?
Blossom bristled. “She’s a special person and I love having her here and helping me in the shop. With Brendan’s arrest, we’ve all been under a great strain. You can understand that, can’t you?”
Brendan grimaced. Why couldn’t he have said that?
Dave nodded. “It’s been a bad past week, what with someone trying to kill Brendan, the arrest....” He apparently started to say more.
Brendan feared Dave would mention the unusual way Deirdre arrived.
Instead the doctor waved in dismissal. “Terrible time for the family.”
“Of course. That’s why I came straight over here as soon as I could. Just missed Brendan at the jail.” Owen looked at Brendan. “What’s this about someone trying to kill you? Son, why didn’t you tell me?”
Brendan told Owen about the wreck. Then he told him about the two men at the bar looking for Michelle, that he suspected they’d been the ones who ran him off the road and killed Frank.
“So she barely got away. Where’d she go?” Owen asked.
Surprising himself, Brendan shrugged. “No idea. We dropped her off at DFW.”
Why he lied, he didn’t know. At the last second a tiny niggle of doubt sprang into his mind. Deirdre’s predictions proved true before. He knew Owen wasn’t involved and that Conor was to blame, but he couldn’t stop the lie. Damn. Now Deirdre had him doubting his friend.
“Who’d have thought Mick was a woman?”
“Surprising, huh?” Brendan couldn’t hide his shock.
“Well, I’d better let you folks get back to your reunion.” He laid his hand on Brendan’s shoulder. The injured shoulder. “I’ll be in touch. Don’t worry about a thing.”
After Owen left, Brendan turned to go to Deirdre’s room and talk to her, but she came into the kitchen. “Deirdre? Why did you run away?”
“Because you didn’t believe me and I know he intends to kill you.” She grabbed his arms. “Brendan listen to me! I don’t care what you say. He is the same man! I don’t know how it happened, but he looks and sounds exactly like the one who tried to kill me in Ballymish, except for wearing your kind of clothes and being cleaner. His hair’s the same color only shorter, his size is the same, so is his face, only older.” She shuddered. “And his eyes hold the same cold look in them. The man has no soul.”
She relaxed her grasp. “But I heard you tell him you didn’t know where Michelle went. Thank you for that much.”
He put his arm around her. “I don’t know why I said that, but I couldn’t take a chance. Not with her life.”
“What about yours, Brendan Hunter? You’ve taken too many chances with your own.”
“I’m like that little bunny on television, I keep on going.” Realizing she wouldn’t understand the reference to the battery advertisements, he amended, “I’m still here.”
“Promise me you’ll heed my warnings.”
“Didn’t I already prove it with Owen?” He pulled her to him. Admitting he might, even for a second, have doubted Owen’s integrity came hard. Did that mean he believed her version of who engineered the murders?
No, he couldn’t. Owen had helped him, been his friend all these years. This time she had misunderstood her vision. She should have seen Conor. Yeah, Owen and Conor were near the same size, same color of hair. She probably did see Conor in her vision and only thought he was Owen. Easy mistake.
He shook his head to clear his thoughts. They needed a distraction. “I’ve an idea to cheer us up. No more rental car. Tomorrow, I’ll go down and buy a new one. What color should I get?”
She looked up at him. “You want me to choose?”
“Yes. What’s your favorite?”
“I like the silvery ones best. Oh, white cars like Blossom’s are lovely too. So are blue like your old one.” She looked alarmed, as if she feared she’d hurt his mom’s or his feelings.
“Silver it is. I’ll drive by the shop and show you when it’s mine.” He kissed her forehead. “Now, I’m going to shower and fall into bed. See you in the morning.”
Chapter Twenty Nine
“Aren’t people wonderful?” Deirdre asked Blossom. “All day, customers have stopped by to offer encouragement.”
“I suspect some stopped by from curiosity as well.” Blossom’s laugh tinkled like bells. Deirdre loved hearing her. Blossom hadn’t laughed the past few days and Deirdre missed hearing it.
“Oh, there’s my friend.” Deirdre hurried over. “How are you today, Mildred? You look especially nice. Is that a new caftan?” Deirdre asked, pleased she remembered the correct word for the robe.
“Do you think it’s too bold?” Mildred smoothed the beautiful purple, pink, orange, and red swirls flowing up and down silk fabric. She wore her customary bangles and necklaces and the bracelets jingled whenever her arms moved. And the heavy scent of summer roses surrounded her.
“It’s perfect for you. And doesn’t it look lovely with your hair? The purple headband is nice too.” Deirdre thought Mildred was what Gran had called a handsome woman. Not really pretty, she was attractive and carried herself straight, with a walk that neither dallied nor wandered.
Mildred touched the band that held her hair from her face. “You’re a wonderful young woman, Deirdre. Blossom is lucky to have you here.”
“Oh, but I’m the lucky one. I love working here and living with Blossom.” She leaned near and whispered, “I used to think I wanted my own place, but now I realize I prefer Blossom’s home.”
Mildred smiled and whispered back, “Could it have anything to do with Blossom’s handsome son?” She nudged Deirdre. “I heard he’s been staying there too.”
Deirdre giggled. “He is handsome isn’t he? And so kind.” She looped her arm with Mildred’s. “I’m also lucky to have met you, Mildred. You’re a good friend and one I treasure. Can I help you with anything today?”
After Mildred left with her purchases, Blossom gave Deirdre the mail. “Do you mind, dear? I hate going out in this sticky heat. It frizzes my perm, but it seems to have no effect on your gorgeous, thick hair.”
“I’ll post these and be back in a minute to straighten the front display of that new organic salsa from Austin.” Deirdre carried the letters outside and dropped them into the box on the corner across the parking lot. She turned to start back.
A huge black car apparently had been parked at the back of the lot by the Dumpster and pulled alongside her. She saw the dented fender before the door opened. Then she realized the two scary guys from the bar were inside, partially obscured from view by the tinted windows. The blond stepped out and reached for her.
She understood his intent so she screamed for help and ran away from him. People came to the store window.
Polly rushed to the door. “Blossom’s calling the police. Hold on, Deirdre, we’re coming.”
But
no one rushed to her aid. What could a few ladies do against these two frightening men? She’d have to save herself, so she screamed again.
The blond caught up with her and grabbed her arm. “No use screaming, lady. You’re coming with us.” He dragged her toward the car.
She kicked him and screamed again, clawing at him with her free hand. She drew blood along his arm and scratched his face.
He jerked her and grabbed both her hands. “You’re gonna be sorry you made me mad. I have lots of ways to get even.” He told her what he planned as he yanked her toward the car’s back seat.
Strong as an ox, the man held her in an iron grasp so her feet barely touched the ground. He heaved her toward the open door. Suspended above the ground, she braced a foot against the car’s body. With her other, she kicked him between the legs, just as Ma had taught her.
He turned red and released her as he doubled over and dropped to his knees. Without him supporting her, she hit the pavement hard. Her back took the force of her fall and the air whooshed from her. She couldn’t stand but she rolled away.
The driver pointed a gun at her. “Get in or you die right here, right now.”
What had Brendan said about this situation when they watched television?
Never get in the car with anyone.
But how could she resist without him shooting her? She recalled the blonde’s threats. If she had to die, she’d rather it be here quickly than at the hands of these two later. She made the sign of the cross and prepared herself for death.
A horn honked and tires squealed. Brendan yelled. “Deirdre, I’m coming.”
Blossom and Polly hurried toward her, each carrying a broom and wielding it as if they intended to beat on the blond man. Several associates came with them and lobbed jars of something at the car. In the heat, the jars exploded like small bombs. After one loud crack, red oozed along the spider-webbed glass windshield.
“What the hell?” The scary man in black turned back toward the steering wheel. “Damn it, Rod, with or without her, get the hell in here.”
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