Dark Deeds

by Jill S. Behe

  “Perhaps.”

  She laid a hand on his arm when he made to get up.

  His hand covered hers. “I’d best be getting home. It’s almost midnight, and I need to let Bella out.”

  He was pleased to see her face droop. She wants me to stay. How about that?

  An exaggerated sigh. “I suppose it’s necessary.”

  “I would definitely like to see you again, Teal. I want to see you, again and again.” He chuckled. “I still don’t know your full name.”

  Her head tilted. “Is that important?”

  “Not as much as it once was.” He shrugged. “Never met anyone named Teal before. And since you mentioned that your mom was at Woodstock, I can’t wait to hear what she was thinking when she named you.”

  She grinned. “I would love to see you again, and again, and again. Sorry, I shouldn’t show my…eagerness, but….” A shy tilt. “The sooner, the better.”

  All right. (Mental fist pump.) But she’s ignoring my question. Ah, well. One thing at a time. “You’re not working tomorrow, right?”

  “No. The library doesn’t reopen until Monday. It’s going to be so strange not seeing Bea.”

  “I imagine it will. I’ve been in there a few times, as you know, but I’ve only seen you, the children’s librarian, and one other person. How many of you are there?”

  “We could always use a few more, especially in the evenings. But there are nine of us right now. We’ll soon have to start interviewing to replace Bea. And that’s so sad to think about.”

  “Are you all full time?”

  “No. There are only five of us full time, well, four now, and who are actual librarians. Gail Hostas is full time, but she’s only a librarian’s assistant. Jacqueline Fontenot, as you know, is our children’s librarian. We have one guy who comes in the mornings, scans in the overnight book returns, and then puts them away, Jeremy Patterson. He’s part time. Goes to classes in the afternoons at the local satellite campus of the University of Colorado, Boulder.

  “Three more part timers, girls from Crescent Falls High School who come in after school for a couple of hours a few times a week. We call them librarian’s assistants, but they aren’t really. Chief Kincaid’s daughter, Sierra, is one of them.”

  “Really? I didn’t even know she was working.”

  “She’s a good worker. Doesn’t slack like some of them. She gets along well with the patrons, and is the first to volunteer to help them find something. I was so impressed, I’ve had her helping me at the desk when I’m working the later shifts. She’s doing very well.”

  “She’s a great kid. Took Levi and Bethany many moons to get her, but—”

  “Get? She’s adopted?”

  “No. They were married over seventeen years before Bethany was able to carry a baby to term.”

  “Oh my. Then Sierra is an extra special gift.”

  “That she is. And, my honorary niece.”

  “Good to know.”

  “I’ll have to make a point to come in and harass her some evening.”

  “Don’t let the director catch you. You thought I was pompous about the late fees rules. Clarice is a badger when it comes to someone giving her staff a hard time.”

  “Ah. I’ll try to keep it light.”

  Teal laughed. “Yeah, I can see you doing that.”

  “I don’t remember Jacqueline Fontenot being so flirty.”

  “Jacqueline? You know her?”

  “She and my daughter, Carin, met in their high school freshman year, in South Carolina when I was stationed there with the Marines. She was at our house all the time. Well, it always seemed like it. Liz used to tease me about it.”

  “Oh? Why?”

  “She said the girl was always asking about me when I was gone. Didn’t come over as often as she did when I was home.”

  “Really? And you wonder why she’s flirty now?”

  “Well, geez, Teal. She’s young enough to be my daughter.”

  “And?”

  “She didn’t ever…hasn’t approached me personally. Never any physical contact.” He shuddered. “It just gives me the creeps to think she’d be interested in that way.”

  Teal laughed. “Mrs. P thinks about you that way, why would you think it would be different for any of us younger girls?” She laughed again, watching his neck go red. “Aw, Decker. You know you’re a great looking man.”

  “Do I?” He frowned. “What does that have to do with it?”

  “Are you kidding? With the rumor-mill having you a war hero, and the way you look? AND, you’re single? Eye candy at its best.”

  He shook his head. “I’m nothing special.”

  “So humble. So wrong.” Her eyes sparkled with mischief. “Are you blushing?”

  “Cut it out, Teal. I never brag about being in the military. Most people don’t even remember Levi and I enlisted together. We were gone a long time.”

  “And most people admire the discipline of military service. Why do you think they elected Levi so quickly?”

  “You were here then?”

  She nodded. “I’ve been here eleven years, remember. You moved back a year after I got here.”

  “I can’t remember, but I don’t think we were here yet when Levi was elected.” Decker gave her a look. “Still, having Jacqueline think of me that way—”

  “I have to set the record straight here. Jacqueline has never given me any reason to think she is a flirty type of girl. I haven’t actually witnessed any exchanges between the two of you, neither have I ever seen her act that way with any other male patrons, so I can’t comment on that. What I am aware of is that she is reserved, usually incredibly snooty, and has been known to show her catty side more often than not. But, she’s good with the kids. They love coming in for her events.”

  Hands on hips. “So it’s just me?”

  “I don’t know you all that well, yet, but from what I’ve seen of you and your personality, I’d say you wouldn’t make something like that up. And for that matter, would never admit it to me, of all people. Maybe she makes sure you’re alone when she does her flirty thing.”

  “That doesn’t make me feel any better.”

  “You said she and your daughter met as freshmen in high school. Could be her best friend’s father made her raging hormones go into overdrive whenever he was around, and she remembers how you made her feel and wants to feel it again.”

  Decker shivered. “At my expense.”

  A shrug.

  “Okay. But just so you know, I am only interested in a relationship—yes, I said that out loud—with you.”

  She smiled. “That’s good to know. And, to reciprocate, I feel the same way.”

  “Good.”

  “Good.”

  “Teal?”

  “Yes?”

  “Since the library is closed, would you like to come out to the house tomorrow? I’d like to show you around my place, introduce you to Bella Mia…spend the day with you.”

  Her heart stuttered, in a good way. “That would be wonderful. What time should I be there?”

  He winked. “Is dawn too early?”

  “Um.” Her breath caught. “Seriously?”

  “Not really, unless you’re an early riser. I’m enjoying your company.”

  “Same here.”

  “I could offer to come get you, but—” He paused. “Maybe that would be better. Then you wouldn’t have to drive back to town alone, or in the dark, whichever comes first.”

  She studied his face. His offer was sincere, of that she was certain. And he wasn’t putting any pressure on her for anything other than what he’d mentioned. He gave her a choice, and was looking out for her safety, but still letting her know he wanted to spend time with her.

  “Yes. I agree. I think that would be— Um, I’d like that. A lot.” Who could refuse? “I’m not a feminist—although I do enjoy my independence. Your offer to be my white knight is very appealing.”

  He smiled and stood, reaching for her
hands to help her up. “Part of our date was sad, certainly, another part volatile, but it was special. I had a great time. Thank you for allowing me to escort you.” He chuckled. “Wow. That really sounded corny. You’ll have to excuse me. I haven’t had a date in decades.”

  “No worries. I like the corniness. Makes me feel less awkward. But, I have to confess—”

  “Ooh, a confession? Already?”

  Her dimples went deep. “I’ve fantasized about you.”

  That caught him off guard. “Fantasized? About me?” A grin. “Hot sweaty sex fantasies?”

  Face pink, she laughed, nodded once. “And I would wait, every time you came into the library, for you to notice me. I always envisioned you asking me out.”

  “Then why all that…hesitation, when I did ask?”

  “Silly man.”

  “You’re really going to give me a complex with that phrase.”

  “I was afraid I was dreaming.”

  “Honey, I noticed you. Every single time. I just wasn’t ready.”

  “And now you are.”

  “Oh, hell yeah.” He stepped closer. “Do people—? Is a kiss appropriate on the first date?”

  “Haven’t the foggiest notion. But I’ll be disappointed if you don’t.”

  “I’m going to like this dating thing.”

  She squinted.

  “Uh oh. I know that look. I said something bad. Tell me what.”

  “I’m the only one you’re dating, right?”

  “So soon she forgets.” He laughed and placed his hands on either side of her face, staring into a turquoise sea. “Oh hell, yeah.”

  Her arms slid up and around his neck. On tiptoe, she whispered, “Good to know.”

  Goosebumps cascaded down his arms, and he slid them around her slim waist. “You feel wonderful here, too.” Bending forward a few inches, he claimed her mouth.

  Her hands tightened on his neck, then moved into his hair. A small moan escaped as she returned his kiss with equal heat.

  They broke apart, each gasping for air.

  “Oh my god, Deck.”

  “Same here, sweet stuff.”

  He bussed her lips, and made for the door, reaching for his keys. “I’ll expect a call in the morning.”

  “Deck?”

  He turned. She was well-mussed, lips puffy from his attention, a big big temptation. “Yeah?”

  “I’ll be ready at oh-six-thirty. Will that be early enough?”

  He let go of the door. “Are you sure?”

  “I won’t be getting any sleep, anyway. Might as well get an early start and spend more time with you.”

  “All righty then.” He grinned. “I’ll be here.”

  She wrapped her arms around her waist. “Mmm. Night.”

  “Lady, you make it almost impossible to leave.”

  “You’d better go before I drag you back.”

  “Sassy, too. Good god, this is fun.”

  She locked up when the door closed on him and went to sit in the recliner until she heard the sound of the engine fade. She contemplated, worried and excited. Had she been too forward? Was she rushing things? Maybe she should back off, give it some time. Gran always told her not to play the floozy. ‘Your mother got herself in trouble that way. She didn’t even know who your daddy was. Men don’t want women like that to keep. You want to hang on to a man, you gotta make ’em wait.’

  Teal wasn’t so sure about that. Times had changed some since then. Still, it probably wouldn’t be a good idea to jump him tomorrow.

  What she’d told him about not sleeping? That was true, but it wasn’t because of his kisses—spectacular though they’d been. And it would be a small factor in the whole scheme of things, but mostly, she was worried about the visitor coming back. What was his motive? Obviously he’d wanted to gain access to the house. But why? Why her?

  She straightened the living room, took their cups to the kitchen and washed them, then made sure the doors and windows were locked before heading to her bedroom.

  Her house had always been a sanctuary. Now, she was apprehensive about how secure it was.

  No, she was not going to get much sleep.

  And another thing— If Decker came for her that early in the morning, when would he have time to call his daughter?

  Quickly, before she could change her mind, she grabbed her cell and dialed his.

  “Brogan.”

  Huh. “You don’t ever say hello, do you?”

  “Teal? What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. I was just thinking—”

  “About me? I’ve been thinking about you, too.”

  “Well yes, but that’s not why I was calling.” Faintly, in the background, she heard the engine of his truck. “Oh, you’re still driving.”

  “I am.”

  “Sorry. I don’t get out of town very often. I forget how long it takes to get places.”

  “We’ll have to work on that, and you don’t have to apologize.”

  “Sounds like a fun lesson.”

  “More than one, I hope. So, how can I help you?”

  “With you coming to get me so early, and me staying until, well, you mentioned me not driving home in the dark, when will you get time to call your daughter?”

  “You have been thinking.”

  “Yes.”

  “I will come by for you whatever time you’d like, and will return you home when you want. I’m hoping for all day, but it’s your choice if you want to stay that long. I really want to spend some quality time with you, alone time.” He paused. “Am I moving too fast?”

  “Probably, but we—I feel like I’ve known you forever, but I haven’t, not really. I want to spend time with you, too. I guess that puts us on the same train.”

  “Excellent. Don’t fret about Carin. If I have a sudden urge to call her while you’re with me, will you have a problem with that?”

  “Of course not. I’ll— Do you have a porch?”

  Decker wondered at her change of subject. “Yes.”

  “Are there chairs?”

  “Rockers.”

  “Fabulous.”

  Going with the flow seemed easiest. “There’s a swing, too.”

  “Even better. I’ll just sit out there with Bella until you finish your call.”

  There was silence on the other end. Teal looked at her phone—still connected. “Are you there?”

  “I’m here, yes.”

  “Good. I thought I lost you. The connection, I mean.”

  “Honey, our connection is perfect, and you’re not about to lose me. I’m probably going to make a pest of myself.” Decker cleared his throat. “You may not think your offer was any big deal, but it was. Thank you.”

  “I’m glad. Then I’ll see you tomorrow morning. Sleep well, Decker.”

  “I have a feeling I’ll sleep better than anticipated.”

  Teal was smiling as she clicked off. “Me, too,” she whispered. “Me, too.” Then, I’ll have to remember to have him stop at the store for a present for Bella. She snuggled down and fell asleep. All thoughts of the possible intruder gone from her mind.

  Decked stopped in the middle of the driveway and hit the button to open the garage door, pulled in and parked, shut off the engine, then closed the garage door. He sat for several minutes thinking about everything that had transpired since he’d walked into the library a few days before.

  Felt like downhill skiing, fast and furious and dodging obstacles. The jump coming up was a deciding factor. Could crash and burn, or sail smooth and flawless over it.

  And what awaited him at the finish line?

  He heard Bella bark from the kitchen entrance, and got out of the truck.

  “I’m coming.”

  Chapter 13

  Were Bea and Rosalinda’s deaths related? Were they tied to Teal’s visitor? What was the connection, the common thread? Did they know each other? Obviously Teal knew Bea, but did she know Rosalinda? He couldn’t see any way for the first victim to know, or ha
ve anything to do with, victim number two. But then nothing was impossible at this point.

  Once inside the house, Decker grabbed Bella’s leash from the mudroom while she danced beside him. “Sorry it’s so late, Bella Mia. That librarian is something else. I’m bringing her out to meet you tomorrow. Okay?”

  Bella barked once.

  They walked in silence to her favorite spot. Decker waited for her to do her thing, and they returned to the house.

  Decker secured the doors and started up the stairs, stopping halfway. “I wonder if it’s somehow linked to the library. I need to show Teal a picture of Rosalinda, see if the face is familiar.”

  Bella barked from the bottom step.

  He looked down. “Are you psychic?” Wondered if he was crazy to think so.

  She barked again.

  Decker laughed, but speculated as he made his way to the guest bedroom. Thinking too much inside the box. Maybe it was time to think about there being no box.

  After five years alone, he still hadn’t moved back to the room he and Liz had shared. “I need to get my groove back, Bella. Should I ask Teal to help me clear out Lizzie’s closet and dressers? All her things?”

  A bark.

  “Too morbid?”

  A double.

  “No?” He stared at his pet. “I’m not sure I’m ready to get rid of everything.”

  Bella stared back.

  “You understand me?”

  One bark.

  Huh. Um, okay. Time to experiment. “Do you like Cade?”

  One.

  Hmm. “Carin?”

  A growl, and two barks.

  Eyebrows raised, he studied the yellow canine. “Well. Okay.” Maybe this animal was psychic. His head tilted. “You aren’t Lizzie reincarnated, are you?”

  Bella tilted hers, too, but kept steady eyes on him.

  “Okay, yeah, that is a little far-fetched.” He stared. “I didn’t really think so, you know. Come on. Gonna be a short night. Better set the alarm.”

  Stripping, he climbed in bed. The nights were getting cooler already. He’d have to remember to get another blanket from the linen closet.

  His last thought before he fell into the dream was that if he asked Teal to spend the night, would he confuse her with Lizzie and make a fool of himself?