Love Inspired Historical November 2015

by Linda Ford

  Jane’s composure slipped. “Excuse me? You call analyzing my every decision supporting me? You made it clear from the start that you didn’t like him.”

  “I was right, wasn’t I?” she retorted. “Maybe if you’d listened to me, you wouldn’t have been humiliated in front of the entire town.”

  She felt the color drain from her face.

  Jessica immediately looked contrite. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”

  Weariness cloaked her. “Let’s just forget it. It’s been a long day.” Turning away, she said, “I’ll be in my room for a while.”

  Her twin didn’t move to stop her. Once in her room with the door closed, she sank onto the low bed and dropped her head in her hands. No matter how irritated she got with Jessica, she wouldn’t stop worrying about her.

  The clandestine trip out to Lee’s had frightened Jane. After coming close to being dog food, she’d decided to abandon her amateur investigation. But now someone was dead. Murdered. A stranger close to Cavanaugh property. Coincidence?

  A chill skittered along her spine. Could it have been the man she’d seen at Lee’s barn?

  She had to find out the truth. Before her sister got caught up in something she’d never be able to escape.

  Chapter Seventeen

  This was a dumb idea. The worst ever.

  Tiny drops of sweat beaded her brow, and her midsection was one giant knot of tension. Three times now she’d almost turned around and returned home. She hadn’t. Jessica’s stubborn refusal to consider Lee might not be who he appeared kept her on her current course.

  If her deception were discovered… No, she couldn’t consider such an outcome.

  Holding the thin white shawl tightly about her shoulders, she forced her feet to continue along the boardwalk. The midmorning temperatures didn’t require a shawl. She had to have it in order to hide her wound. If Lee spotted the bandage, he’d know at once she wasn’t Jessica.

  What makes you think he won’t guess, anyway? her voice of reason chided. You’re not the most skillful actress even in the best of times.

  The fact she’d managed to keep Tom from guessing her true feelings had to count for something, didn’t it?

  Customers passed in and out of the post office entrance. Fridays were the busiest days because they were closed for the weekends. She’d learned from Jessica that Lee came into town every Friday morning to post letters and check for packages. Jane was counting on him sticking to his usual schedule.

  Before leaving Tom’s yesterday, she’d mentioned having an errand to tend to this morning and not to expect her until lunchtime. He hadn’t questioned her. Why would he? Assuming her twin’s identity was so far out of character he’d never suspect her of it.

  That’s what she was banking on to carry this off. They hadn’t switched identities since they were kids. No one would expect it of them now.

  Jane flinched when a hand clamped on her sore arm.

  “Jessica! I’ve been calling for you to stop.” Megan stepped into her path, slightly out of breath. “Didn’t you hear me?”

  Oh, no. Fooling Lee was one thing. How was she supposed to trick her sibling?

  Her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth.

  Megan’s brow creased. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine.”

  When Megan cocked her head to one side, considering her, Jane reminded herself to think and act like Jessica.

  “I simply didn’t hear you.” She flipped her ponytail—Jessica’s signature style—behind her shoulder. “No need to make a fuss, sister of mine.”

  “Where are you going in such a hurry?” Megan said.

  “Post office. I have a lot to do today.”

  If she wasn’t careful, she’d miss Lee. She couldn’t let that happen. Not after all the effort she’d put in. It had taken quite a bit of maneuvering to sneak one of Jessica’s dresses out of her wardrobe without her being aware, not to mention slipping out of the house without Jessica seeing her wearing it.

  “Listen, I wanted to ask your opinion on something.”

  “What is it?”

  “I’m worried about Jane.”

  Her stomach sank. This was wrong on so many points. “What about Jane?” she said slowly.

  Glancing around at the bustling street, Megan moved closer and lowered her voice. “Do you think she’s upset with me?”

  “Why would she be?” Guilt suffused her cheeks in a searing blush. Guilt for ever feeling jealous of Megan. Guilt for standing here pretending to be Jessica while she confided in her about her.

  “Things have been strained between us since Tom’s return. If you’d seen her when he asked me to dance…” Biting her lip, she blinked away the sheen of moisture. “What she doesn’t know is why he did it.”

  Jane’s heart slowed in her chest. The sounds of wagon wheels rolling over the packed earth, horses’ hooves plodding by and townsfolk greeting each other faded to a low hum. Lee was all but forgotten. She couldn’t stop the question from forming on her lips. “What do you mean?”

  “Just like Jane and Roy, Tom and I have been under scrutiny ever since he came home. Folks have long memories. They’re waiting, and maybe hoping, for some tragic scene. He did what he did to show them that we’re still friends. That the past is no longer an issue for either of us.”

  It took every ounce of her self-control not to press for details.

  “I’m sure Jane isn’t mad at you. But you should really discuss this with her. Not me.” She tacked that last part on because it sounded like Jessica.

  “You’re right.” She sighed.

  Jane wanted nothing more than to hug Megan right there in the middle of town. But that wasn’t something her twin would do.

  “I’ll talk to you later, okay?” Jane hoped her expression didn’t betray her.

  “Thanks for listening, Jess. See you soon.”

  Fingers gripping the ends of her shawl, Jane didn’t notice the passersby as Megan walked the other direction. Soon she’d have to have a talk with her older sister. As herself.

  With a shaky breath, she pivoted and, pulling her mind to her task, searched the area around the post office for a sign of her target. She went inside, disappointed when she didn’t see him. Might as well make this trip look legitimate. While she was standing in line for mail, another customer entered. She twisted and her gaze clashed with Lee’s.

  For a split second, he looked disconcerted. Then he flashed his bold grin and winked.

  I can’t do this.

  A tremor worked its way up from the soles of her feet.

  Think of Jessica. Isn’t her safety worth it? Besides, this is your chance to prove to yourself that you can be brave. You can do whatever is necessary to protect her.

  Smiling what she hoped was a cheeky smile, she excused herself and joined him at the back of the line. “Hello, handsome.”

  His intense blue eyes sparkled. This close, she realized they were quite stunning. When the elderly lady in front of them frowned at Jane, no doubt due to her greeting, he chuckled. His fingers wrapped around her upper arm, and she struggled not to react.

  “Hello, beautiful,” he murmured very near her ear. “This is a nice surprise.”

  “I agree.” Her smile felt plastered on.

  He pointed to the long line. “Unless you’re waiting on something important, let’s go talk outside. I can come back later.”

  Perfect suggestion. The quicker she got this over with, the better. Jessica hadn’t mentioned plans to come to town, but plans sometimes changed.

  Lee guided her into the deserted alley between the post office and bank. She wished he hadn’t. Her nerves were already frayed without him isolating her, out of direct sight of pedestrians. This was her first time alone with the man and, forced to deal with him one-on-one, she was belatedly noticing his muscular build and the fact he was a good three inches taller than her.

  She’d never seen him angry and prayed she wouldn’t.

  Please
don’t let him act too familiar. There were certain lines she refused to cross.

  “I’m actually glad we ran into each other,” she rushed out, eager to be done.

  “Is that so?”

  “I’ve been thinking how nice it would be to have a picnic.”

  “I won’t turn down a chance to spend time with my girl.” He winked.

  “Great. Can we have it at your place?”

  He hesitated. “My place?”

  “Sure. Why not?”

  “It’s not as orderly as yours or your cousins’. I’m still learning this whole farming thing.”

  “I don’t mind. Please, Lee? I haven’t ever been there. I’d like to see where you live.”

  Folding his arms, he rocked back on his heels. “That’s never bothered you before.”

  Jane tamped down a surge of unease. She couldn’t appear too eager. Think like Jessica.

  Praying he wouldn’t detect her shakiness, she ran her fingertips over his thick biceps and smiled up at him. “We’ve gotten to know each other well these past months, but I feel as if there’s more I can learn about you.”

  He studied her for a long moment. When one corner of his mouth tipped up, she released her pent-up breath.

  “Are you looking for an excuse to get me alone, Jessica O’Malley?”

  “I—”

  Bending at the waist, he brought his face near. Too near. His cologne, too pretentious for her taste, clogged her airway.

  “All you had to do was say so, sweetheart. When did you have in mind?”

  “Tomorrow?”

  “Can’t. I’m meeting with a man about a horse I’d like to buy. How about Sunday?”

  “No.”

  His forehead wrinkled at the slightly desperate edge to her response.

  “I mean, we have family plans that day.” And the real Jessica would be free to discover her perfidy. “How about today?”

  He hesitated.

  “I’ll bring your favorite.” As soon as she asked Jessica what that was and somehow got her out of the house.

  “Fried chicken?” His smile had a strange twist to it.

  “Yes. Fried chicken and all the fixings.”

  “Then I accept. I’ll pick you up.”

  “No. I, um, will meet you right here at noon.” Already scooting sideways along the notched-log exterior wall, Jane moved toward the boardwalk.

  He dipped his head, his blue eyes more piercing than ever before. “See you then.”

  *

  Tom knew instantly that the woman entering his yard was not Jane.

  It wasn’t her hairstyle or outfit that set her apart. It was the way she carried herself. Jane comported herself with grace and understated dignity. Jessica, on the other hand, practically oozed confidence.

  Long strides carried him to her side. “Is something the matter with Jane?”

  Reaching far into the wagon bed for her crate, she tossed him a sidelong glance. “Good afternoon to you, too. I’m fine, thanks. How are you?”

  His shoulders bunched. “Jessica.”

  “She’s fine.” Rolling her eyes, she slid the crate to him and snagged a second one. “She simply needed a chance to rest. I agreed to come and watch Clara. You don’t mind the switch, do you?”

  Yes. He did mind. He’d been expecting Jane. The morning hours had dragged, the place too quiet without her humming a tune or practicing letter sounds with Clara.

  What did it say about him that he’d missed her when he saw her nearly every day?

  “I appreciate the help,” he said at last, earning him another speculative look.

  When they’d taken her things inside and he was confident Clara would be content to stay with her, he returned to the fields and the backbreaking task of cutting hay. The scythe sliced through the stalks with a soft thwack. Wasn’t long before he was drenched in sweat, his back and arm muscles protesting the repetitive movements. As demanding as farm work was most days, he didn’t regret his choice to sell the barbershop. The land and livestock demanded a lot from him, both mentally and physically, and he relished the challenge.

  He continued to work through the lunch hour, not interested in sharing a meal with Jessica. It wasn’t that he didn’t like her. He found it strange to be in her presence, though, because she looked exactly like Jane and he was disappointed when she didn’t speak and act like her.

  Hunger drove him to take a break sometime after two o’clock. Jess and Clara were in the kitchen scarfing down cinnamon cookies when he finally went inside. She didn’t ask him any questions, just pointed him to a bowl of vegetable soup and a thick slice of corn bread.

  When he’d finished, he announced his intention to visit Jane. Jess contemplated him with eyes that saw too much.

  “Take your time. We’ll be fine, won’t we, sweet pea?”

  Clara nodded, still a little in awe of the woman. Tom ducked out of the cabin and hurried to the barn to saddle his mount. By the time he reached her place, he regretted the spontaneous decision. What if she were napping? She’d told Jessica she needed rest.

  But he felt responsible. She wouldn’t be exhausted to the point of needing a day off if he hadn’t pressured her into helping him with Clara.

  I’ll stay long enough to make sure she’s truly all right. Then I’ll give her the space she requires.

  At his knock, there was no sound inside signifying anyone was home. He tried again, louder this time. When she didn’t come to the door, he strode around to the rear and peered in the window. The kitchen was empty.

  He didn’t know whether or not Jane was a sound sleeper, but he wasn’t about to invade her privacy by peeking in her bedroom window. No harm in checking the barn stalls, however. What he discovered confounded him.

  A single horse occupied the barn. Jessica’s palomino. Jane’s horse, Rusty, was gone.

  Returning to the cabin, he pounded on the door until it rattled. No way could she not hear that. Turning to scan the terrain, he shook his head. Where could she be? And why wasn’t she at home resting as she’d told her sister?

  Chapter Eighteen

  “Mmm… This fried chicken is mighty tasty.”

  Jane wouldn’t know. Nothing she’d consumed had registered in her haze of nervousness. Fanning herself with Jessica’s black-and-white-striped fan, she said, “I can’t take the credit. I was running short on time, so I picked up an order from Plum’s.”

  Lee took stock of the long-sleeved jade blouse she’d snatched from Jessica’s wardrobe. Not because it was a good choice for a steamy spring day, but because it hid her bandage.

  “You look uncomfortable.” After wiping his hands on a cloth napkin, he tucked a stray lock behind her ear, large hand lingering on her neck. “Your skin is flushed.”

  “I, ah, didn’t realize how hot it was going to be.” Casually but deliberately moving out of reach, she began to pack up the remaining food “You live quite a ways from town. The isolation doesn’t bother you?”

  They’d chosen the nicest spot in the yard, a grassy knoll beneath a weeping willow tree, behind which trickled a shallow creek. The cabin stood about twenty steps away. She’d glimpsed multiple outbuildings behind the barn.

  She’d seen no sign of the dogs.

  “I had my fill of nosy neighbors in Virginia.”

  “On the other hand, neighbors can help guard against criminals. Town’s abuzz with the news of the unidentified man murdered not far from here.”

  Jane’s hopes of getting a reaction were dashed. His lips twisted. “Are you worried about me, Jess?”

  Something in his manner set her teeth on edge.

  “Not really.” Lifting one shoulder, she continued to wave the fan in a lazy back-and-forth motion.

  He arched a brow. “No?”

  “You know how to take care of yourself.”

  “That’s right. I do.”

  The glitter in his eyes made her uneasy. “I’ll have to be getting home soon. Will you take me on a tour of your property?”
r />   “There’s nothing special to see, really. If you’ve seen one barn, you’ve seen them all.”

  Jane bit down on her frustration. How was she supposed to find out if he was engaged in illegal activities if she couldn’t look around? He wouldn’t have a still here close to the main residence. Most stills were located high up in mountain hollows, hard for revenue agents to find. But there’d likely be other clues.

  Lee edged his powerful upper body closer, his manner predator-like. And she certainly felt like prey. “I’d much rather spend the remainder of our time right here with the most beautiful woman in the Smokies.”

  Suddenly his mouth loomed close. Tom’s face flashed in her mind, followed quickly by Jessica’s. At the last second, she turned so that his kiss landed on her cheek.

  He went still. Jane was certain he could hear her heart thundering against her rib cage, see the guilt written across her face. He’s going to confront me. Right here. Right now. She had no clear notion of how he might react to her deception.

  If he had something to hide, probably not well.

  His hand cupped her cheek, the restrained strength in him unsettling. Jessica might trust this man, but Jane didn’t. For the hundredth time that day, she wondered what on earth she’d been thinking to go through with such an outrageous plan. This was why she was the practical twin. Impulsiveness usually got a girl into trouble.

  “What’s the matter?” His thumb scraped over her cheekbone.”

  “N-nothing.”

  Lee studied her with an enigmatic expression that didn’t so much as hint at his thoughts. Touching the ribbon restraining her hair, he closed his hand over the mass and ran it down the length of it. “Why don’t you ever wear your hair up like Jane?”

  The question threw her. Licking her dry lips, she said, “It’s less time-consuming this way.”

  Jessica wouldn’t ask whether or not he liked it or if he’d rather she fix it another way. So Jane didn’t.

  “You know, I never imagined I’d be courting a lady with an identical twin sister. Guess it’s fortunate for me you two wear your hair differently. I’d hate to get the pair of you mixed up.”

  Jane swallowed hard. Did he know? Was he playing with her like a cat played with a mouse before pouncing and tearing it to pieces?