by Jill S. Behe
Resting her head on Teal’s knee, Bella basked in the attention the human was giving her ears.
“Your water, ladies.” Decker set Bella’s bowl on the floor, and handed Teal a bottle. “Lunch will be ready in a few minutes.”
“Thank you, Decker. You know, I could get used to this.”
He grinned. “That’s the idea.”
She pointed to the distant darkening skyline. “It’s going to storm.”
“Yes.”
“It’ll be a bad one.”
“Are you warm enough?”
“I’m okay, right now.”
Decker stared at the horizon, and the dark sky, the gray/black clouds moving steadily towards the house. “Would you rather be home?”
“No. I’m safer here, for the time being. And I’m comfortable.”
There was a rumble in the distance.
“I won’t argue.”
“If you’re going to call your daughter, you should do it now.” Teal shook her head, stunned at what she’d blurted. “I’m so sorry. Forget I said anything.”
“No. You’re right. I should call her now.”
“Bella and I will stay here on the porch and watch the storm come in. This is a great spot, Decker.”
“I know it. I’ll join you in a few minutes.”
“We’ll be here.”
He paused halfway through the door. “You know, I could get used to this, too.”
“What?”
“Having you here.”
Teal smiled. “Go make your call.”
He dreaded making the call. Carin would be expecting him to keep his promise, though. What would he say? What could he say? Nothing he hadn’t already said.
He’d just let her do the talking.
Decker used the landline. Carin’s cellphone rang six times and went to voicemail. At least she hadn’t turned the thing off. “Carin, this is your father. Duh. I promised you I’d call today. You recognize this number as mine, so if you’re screening your calls, I’m disappointed you didn’t pick up.
“I can’t guarantee I’ll be here to answer your return call, if you choose to. Know that I love you. Take care. Bye.”
He hung up and stared at the phone, willing it to ring but hoping it wouldn’t. After a few minutes, he sighed. Okay. He’d fulfilled his obligation. Now it was up to her.
Time to make lunch. Teal had to be hungry. He sure as hell was.
Instead of using lunchmeat, he made tuna salad, toasted the bread, layered on lettuce and tomato. With everything on a tray, and with another water bottle for him, Decker carried it to the porch and set it on the small table between the rocking chairs. “Lunch is served.”
Teal watched, keeping her questions and comments to herself.
“Carin didn’t answer. I left a message.” Decker handed Teal a plate and napkin. “I can’t decide if I’m going to answer, if she calls back.”
Teal accepted the plate. Remaining silent, she began to eat.
Decker looked over after sitting in the other rocker. “What?”
She nodded at the distance. “It’s getting closer.”
“The killer?”
She frowned. “The storm. Wind’s picking up. The lightning flashes are getting brighter.”
“You’re not worried about your house, are you?”
She sipped her water. “Should I be?”
“Teal? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing that I know of.” She set her plate on the table. “My house will still be there when I get back. Are you anxious to be rid of me?”
“What? No. What gave you that idea?”
“Twice you’ve asked, or implied, if I wanted to go home.”
He thought a moment. “I have, haven’t I? I wonder if it’s significant.” He took a bite of sandwich, and contemplated.
“I’m not sensing anything. But then, I didn’t when that man tried to get in, either.”
“Maybe because the house wasn’t the target.”
“You might be right.” She picked up her plate again. “This is new territory for me, Decker. And I’m rusty.”
“I never really explored mine, so I’m more oblivious than rusty.”
“Do you have your lanterns, or candles, ready, in case the lights go out?”
He stopped chewing. “You know something?”
She shook her head. “Just curious.” But eyed the storm, again.
“I’d have to dig for them. The power goes out fairly often, but I have a generator that kicks on automatically.”
“Sweet.”
“Necessary. Practical. Logical.”
“Hmm. Another of Liz’s ideas?”
Decker laughed. “After the second power outage, she insisted.”
“And gave those three reasons, too, I’ll bet.”
“Absolutely.”
They finished their meal and were contemplating their own thoughts on the peace and quiet of the place.
“Oh, look.” Teal pointed. “You can see the rain falling all the way out here. Must be fifteen, or so miles away. Looks like it’s moving fast, though. I think we’re going to get wet soon. It’s a bad storm, Decker. Worse than I first thought.”
Bella began to bark, focused on something to the right of the porch.
Teal turned, sensing an intense threat.
“You’re right. We’d better move this indoors.” Decker, too, had a sudden impression of danger. He stood and picked up the tray. “Grab our water, would you?”
“Sure.”
“Come on, Bella Mia. Inside.”
Bella raced through the door.
There was a flash of light, and simultaneously, a loud crack and boom of thunder.
Teal stopped. “Oh. Bella’s bowl.”
“She has several. Come on.” There was urgency in Decker’s voice. “Don’t worry about it.”
In the kitchen, Teal set the bottles on the counter, then laid her hand on his arm. “No. I need to bring it in. What if the wind sends it flying through a window?”
She started to turn, but he grabbed her arm. “Not without me.”
She looked him in the eye. “Stay inside. Please. I have a very strong feeling of malevolence. Please, Decker.”
He held fast. “What about you?”
“I’ll be fine.”
“How do you know? How can you tell?”
“I have no idea how I know.” She tugged. “Let me get the bowl before the full force of the storm hits.”
“I’m staying right near the door.”
She rose on her toes to kiss his mouth. “I’ll be right back.”
She went to the door and looked out, cautious. Trying to discern the direction of the threat.
Somewhere in the woods, to the east.
Chapter 17
Opening the storm door, she stepped out, and bent for Bella’s bowl. She stayed low, tossing the water through the railing. Another crack sounded, this time from a rifle, and a thud sounded behind and above her as a round embedded itself in the siding, instead of into her.
“Teal! For god’s sake get in here.”
“Holy shit that was close!” Shaking with adrenalin, hardly able to breathe, she duck-walked to the door.
Decker yanked her inside and jerked her upright. “I thought you said you’d be fine?”
“I am fine, just shook up. I’ve never been shot at before.” Gulping in air. “I didn’t want you shot, and since I was aware of the threat, it was more logical that I be the one to get the bowl.”
“I felt that threat, too, you know. Why the need for retrieval at all?”
“I gave you a reason.”
“I need a better one.”
She studied his face. “All right. It wasn’t actually all about the water bowl.” A pause. “It was personal. A progression of events, and I needed proof that there really was something there. I’ve gotten premonitions before, or what I thought were premonitions, that didn’t amount to anything.” The shakes were getting worse. “This one was so ve
ry strong. Now I know for sure.”
“But at what cost?” Decker pulled her into his arms. “I could have lost you before I even had you.”
She clung. “You don’t trust me, I get that, but—”
“What?” He arched away. “Of course I do.”
“Then—” She shook her head, fighting the rising nausea. “Did you not notice that I never stood up?”
“I did, yes, and wondered, at the time. Now I know why. That’s not the point.”
“Oh, Decker,” she patted his cheek, wishing he’d let her sit down. “You’re such a sweet, caring man.”
He frowned, still angry. Why was her hand so icy? “Sweet? Caring? I’m not feeling either of those emotions.”
“Decker?”
Exasperation answered. “What?”
“Would you hold me? Please?”
“With pleasure.” He paused. “Why?”
Teal laughed, the sound—to Decker’s ear—bordered on hysteria.
Bella moved closer to Teal, and barked at Decker.
Damn. “All right, Bella. I’m beginning to understand.”
The dog sat, alert, at Teal’s feet.
He gentled his voice, but tightened his hold. “Tell me what’s wrong, sweetheart.”
Closing her eyes, she breathed in and out, once, slowly, before answering. “I just want to feel secure. I had a pretty intense scare a few minutes ago, in case you forgot. I’m kinda shaky.”
“I’d say you were borderline shocky.” The way he was feeling, she wasn’t the only one. “And how could I forget?” He bent his head, now understanding why her hands were so cold, but wanting her to know he was frustrated with her actions, too. “I’ll give you all the hugs you want, but this is for scaring the crap out of me.”
The kiss was not gentle, or tender, but that, and the snug feel of his arms around her, was exactly what Teal needed. Affirmation that she was still alive, and in good hands.
She wanted to cry, but didn’t want him to think she was weak, or delicate. But dammit, right this minute she was…kinda. It was terrifying, the knowledge that she’d just dodged a bullet. The phrase was such a cliché, but fit so well.
Decker lifted his head. “Don’t ever do that again. At least, not without preparing me first.” He ran his thumb over her lower lip. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?”
She rolled her eyes. “If I know enough in advance, I’ll do my best to give you notice of impending peril. And, just to let you know, you can kiss me like that anytime you want.”
“I’ll remember.” He nodded, resting his forehead on hers. “God, Teal. I felt so helpless.”
“I’m fine, Decker. My insides are still jittery, but I’m okay.”
Outside, the wind picked up as the storm made its way towards them. Strong winds, sharp lightening, and cracking, pounding thunder.
She took another calming breath. Okay. Time to change the subject. “I’ve always loved the onset of a storm, that first rush of wind. Especially when it’s hot as blazes. It’s a little rare for thunder and lightning at this time of year, though.” She rubbed her arms, dread in her belly. She loved storms, but this one was ugly. No, not true. Getting shot at was, and frightening. The storm might actually calm her down, along with some TLC. “There’s never been a hurricane this far west, has there? They’re fueled by warm tropical water. This storm is ferocious.”
“It is, but the weather in Colorado is always unpredictable. Liz loved the storms out here.” He watched her now, concerned about her true state of mind. “You’re not ignoring what just happened, are you?”
“Decker, I’ll be okay. I’ve been shot at before. I told you about my time with the Tucson PD, right? The situations they need my help weren’t always the safest of scenarios. The first time the bad guy aimed at me, I almost had a breakdown. It never got easy, but with the help of a good therapist, I learned how to cope. This will be a little different, but with some help from you, I’ll…mellow out.”
“I didn’t anticipate anything like this happening.”
“Who does?”
“Still. Anything I can do to help.”
“Be here.”
He pulled her in, arms encompassing.
She held on.
“I hope whoever shot at us—”
He waited, but she didn’t say anymore. “Finish your thought.”
She shook her head. “No. Whoever it is may need to be in jail, or a psych ward, but I won’t wish them harm.”
He rubbed her arms, and stepped back. “You’re too soft.”
“I don’t care. We do need to let Levi know about this. You can’t be super cop without a badge.”
“You’re right, we should call Levi. But, for your information, I do have a badge, though it’s temporary.”
“How cool is that?”
Smiling, he nudged her around the corner. “Come, my dear, let us retire to the living room. We can call Levi, and watch the storm from the comfort of the sofa.”
“Sounds cozy. The view from your bay window is almost as good as the one from the porch.”
“Bella, come.”
Just inside the tree line to the east, wind and torrential rain played havoc with a popup tent. The occupant fumed. Even stuffing cotton in the ears couldn’t keep out the sharp cracks and booms of thunder that sounded like they were coming right through the flimsy thing. At least it didn’t leak. Though the possibility of being blown away was a worry.
“Next time, pay more attention to the weather reports.”
Chapter 18
Levi, Roe, Abigail, and two uniformed officers were being bombarded by phone calls. Levi had called in Abigail, and some of the crew normally off on weekends, to help field calls. Abigail’s husband, Tank, had braved the elements to drive her in, and then drove to his bar to make sure everything was still battened down.
The storm was still raging over them, and Levi was half tempted not to answer the phone. Though he’d never personally experienced it, he’d heard stories of people getting struck by lightning through landlines. But with the fire department overrun with calls, and the overflow coming in through central dispatch, he and the others knuckled under and answered when they rang.
Abbie had just passed him a call from Esther Reynolds, an elderly pissant of a woman who would spread the hint of a rumor as smoothly as spreading peanut butter on bread. Seems one of her neighbors’ trees had decided to fall over and break the property-dividing fence, damage her shed, and throw its broken branches all over her superbly manicured lawn.
“I’m sure Jim and Nancy already called their insurance agent.” Or, probably would as soon as the storm blew itself out. “There’s nothing I can do for you, Mrs. Reynolds.”
“Well, my goodness, Chief Kincaid, you could at least come by and look at all the mess they made. I’m a voting citizen. You should appreciate that fact since you’re up for re-election this year.”
Levi squinted. “They didn’t make the tree fall over on purpose.”
“Um, no. I don’t suppose they did. Still—”
“Jim’s a good man. His insurance will take care of getting the tree moved, repairing the fence, and replacing your shed. It’ll be good as new.”
“I’m sure you’re right about that.” She sounded resigned to him—a good sign she was giving up her mad. “Thank you, Chief Kincaid. But if this matter isn’t cleared up by next week, I’ll be calling you back and pressing charges. And just so you know, I didn’t vote for you in the last election either.”
Levi rolled his eyes. Huh. Kinda figured that. He did wonder who she was going to press charges against. The tree? “Thank you for calling, Mrs. Reynolds. Just so you know, I take my responsibilities as Chief of Police very seriously. As you are a citizen of Crescent Falls, it’s my duty to protect and serve you, whether you voted, or will vote, for me, or not. Have a good evening.”
“Humph,” was all she said before hanging up.
He let out a sigh, rubbing his hands over his face.
“Chief,” Roe yelled down the hall. “I’m patching through a call from Ira Hayes.”
“Good Lord, not again.” Another hardnosed citizen.
Why did it always seem that storms made grumpy people grumpier?
“Sorry, Chief. He’s insistent.”
“He’s something,” her boss muttered, and waited for the transfer. “What can I do for you now, Mr. Hayes?”
“You need to get out here and chase off these people. They’re still blocking my driveway.”
“I told you before, they probably just pulled over until the storm passed. Where do you need to go in such a hurry?”
“Not the point.”
“I’m sure they’ll leave soon. The storm seems to be easing up.”
“Not good enough, Chief Kincaid. They need to get out of here now. They’re trespassing on my property.”
Levi hung up on Ira then groaned as his phone rang again.
He heard Abigail’s voice from down the hall, “That wasn’t me.”
Roe’s voice echoed down too. “Or me.”
Only three people had the number of his private line. His wife, daughter, and Decker Brogan. He answered, thinking it was his wife wanting to know when he’d be home. “This better be an emergency.”
“Not so much, but—”
“Decker? What’s up?”
“We’ve had another incident.”
Levi’s gut rumbled. “Another one? This is getting old.”
“Tell me about it.”
“What happened?”
“Someone took a shot at Teal.”
Levi almost fell out of his chair. “What? Shot? She okay?” Somebody sure had a hard-on for that sweet little gal.
“Yeah. They missed.”
“Good god. What else?”
“Isn’t that enough?”
“Did you catch ’em?”
“Didn’t try. It was just as the storm hit. No way was I going out to tromp around in the woods in a thunderstorm.”
“Guy’s probably long gone, by now.”
“Wouldn’t doubt it. Only shot the once.”
“We’re spread a bit thin here, at the moment. Traffic accidents, storm damage, irate citizens, etcetera. I hate to put you at the bottom of the list, but are you two all right for the time being?”