by Jackie Zack
“Hmm?” Kory stretched out under the cover.
“Not you. Griff.” Dafina smiled. But she guessed Kory could be included in the label.
She rested her head on her pillow, thinking that getting any kind of sleep would be difficult. Her whole life was one big question mark.
The wind howled outside, and rain pelted the window. She said a prayer of thanks that Kory was safe. Goodness, she ought to see what could be done about his grotty clothes. She stood up and stepped out of the room, careful not to disturb Kory or Griff who had snuggled next to the man.
Chapter 9
Although not fully awake, Dafina smelled sausage cooking. She opened one eye. The sky that appeared through a crack in the curtains showed early morning, still a bit dark. Why would Nesta take over her kitchen and make sausage and who knew what all else? The woman had more nerve. She was determined to prove Dafina a poor hostess.
Dafina stretched. Why was her nightshirt so binding? Not her nightshirt. She’d fallen asleep in her clothes.
Kory—had he been able to sleep well? She turned to look at the floor where he’d been. A pillow on top of a folded up blanket sat in the place. Had he left? Without even saying goodbye? Oh, bother. She could write a book of her own—a very depressing one.
As she sat there, letting herself fall into the dumps, she noticed Kory’s backpack. Her outlook perked up.
Thirst sent her to the kitchen where she found Kory beating eggs with a fork in a bowl. When he caught sight of her, he smiled. “Hi, dear, sleep well?”
“I think I’m still asleep, thank you. I see you found your clothes.”
“Thanks for washing them.” He poured the eggs into the pan with the cooked sausage, chopped onions and sliced potatoes.”
She nodded. “Looks filling. What’s it called?”
“Eggs with potatoes and sausage.”
“And you call yourself a writer.” She tried to fix a bored expression on her face but smiled when he laughed.
“Okay, love. How about Skillet Scramble?”
Love? He used the name like a true endearment and not thrown around like the usual Englishman. A rush of emotion warmed her. “Skillet Scramble? Skillet Scramble. I like the sound of it. Kind of rolls off the tongue.” She laughed. “Well, not literally.”
“Not so fast. You don’t know…yet.” He gave her half a smile as he stirred the contents in the pan.
“All the same, it’s nice of you to make breakfast.”
“I…actually couldn’t help it. I’m starved.”
“Kory—you didn’t have dinner, did you? I’m so sorry. I completely—”
“Please don’t worry about it. I’m just thankful—oh,” his voice turned to a whisper, “Nesta’s coming.” He slipped his free arm around Dafina’s waist and pulled her close just as Nesta popped into the kitchen. “I love you, princess,” he said softly.
Dafina snuggled closer, giving him a hug. She turned to her aunt and gave a little jump of surprise. “Egad! You startled me. Good morning.”
Nesta’s glance went down to Dafina’s legs and returned to her face. “Dafina, I might say…why are you wearing the same clothes as yesterday?”
She giggled, keeping her focus on Kory. “Dear, me. I accidentally put on the wrong clothes.”
He smiled and turned red, the color creeping from his neck to his face. He cleared his throat and plopped a large spoonful of the scrambled egg concoction on a plate. “Breakfast is served.”
****
Kory breathed in foggy air and glanced across the street at the store fronts. Dafina had driven them to town, so Nesta could pick out a book from It’s a Mystery. The two women set off for the bookstore, and he the opposite direction to find a men’s clothing store.
Before they’d left, Dafina had called ahead to warn her boss and let her know that Nesta was under the impression that Dafina was married. Her forehead had wrinkled as she spoke in hushed tones.
Her boss’s voice came through the phone, “Well, who are you married to?”
“Kory Slate,” Dafina whispered.
“Oh! Good show!” The voice boomed.
Kory smiled at the thought. He looked across the street and did a double take. The police station. He ought to go and report the two hoodlums, shouldn’t he?
His feet took him to the building whether he wanted to go or not. He paused in the doorway then entered.
The office vibrated with a frenzy of activity. Each policeman was on a phone talking animatedly or scrawling down information in a hurried manner. Two uniformed men brought in a handcuffed man through a side door. All eyes turned to the three men. The two officers shook their heads to answer an unspoken question. A female officer at the front desk slammed down a phone and directed her attention to Kory. “How can I help you? Do you have information as well?”
“Information…yes…I—”
She frowned and repositioned her keyboard. “First off, what’s this about? Find a dead body?”
He laughed and then cut it short when he realized from her stern expression that she wasn’t kidding. “No…um…sorry. No.”
“Well—” She waved her hand in a forward circle. “Come on, out with it. Can’t you see we’re busy ‘ere?”
“I thought I should report the two men who bound me up yesterday and stole some money.”
“Two men, eh? That doesn’t fit the profile,” she muttered under her breath then spoke louder, “How much did they take?”
“About seven pounds.”
“Seven pounds?” She rolled her eyes. “Let’s make this fast. We’ve got bigger fish to fry than a two pence pick-pocket.”
“Oh?”
She swore. “Haven’t you seen the news?”
He shook his head.
“If you have any loved ones of the female persuasion, don’t let them out of your sight. We’ve got a slasher on the loose. A regular Jack the Ripper. But he’s not going for ladies of the night. No sir. Any decent woman that comes in his path. And right now this village and surrounding areas are in it.”
After Kory gave his account, he thanked the female officer and stepped out the door. Fresh air with spotty gusts of fog, nothing like it. And freedom—how he took it for granted. Halfway through telling his story, he got the idea that he had turned into a suspect. Her blue eyes traveled back and forth, taking in every detail about him. True he was vacationing alone. True that he wrote horror, and yes, some of it gory, but for goodness sake it didn’t make him a murderer.
The officer’s pallid face flashed in his mind’s eye. “You didn’t ever act out a scene?”
Her words made him sick inside. “No. Of course not.”
The whole encounter didn’t bode well. He couldn’t describe the two men in a way that satisfied her, and she smirked at the detail of the green shoelaces.
He looked at his own shoes as he walked. He could use another pair along with clothes. He came to a shop window with male manikins wearing casual clothes and a display with business suits. Steeling himself with a clenched jaw, he opened the door and stepped inside. Clothes shopping was his least favorite activity on earth, hence the fact that he hardly had much of a wardrobe. What he did have, he’d ordered on-line.
As he entered, a chime sounded and a rather pungent smell of new merchandise engulfed him. Two female clerks were engaged in a conversation, neither looked his direction. He headed for a section with pants. How many days would Dafina need his help? He should at least get several pairs along with shirts and sweaters.
“I tell you, I can’t believe it. So shocking it is.” A petite woman with brown eyes straightened a jacket on a hanger.
“None of us are safe.” Her grim faced, thin lipped, older co-worker adjusted shirts on a table.
Eesh. The villain would take one look at her and go the other way. Yes, she definitely was safe. He scolded himself for the thought. He’d feel awful if the slasher got her. No way to second guess the intentions of a serial killer.
Black, in his size.
He pulled the pants from the stack. Gray would work and brown, too. He headed for the shirts.
“Her family is broken. Simply broken. They’ll never be the same again.” Big brown eyes filled with tears.
“Tragic. Makes my blood boil, it does.” Thin lips turned into an even tighter line.
“She was so beautiful. Pretty blonde hair.” The younger woman touched her auburn curls. “So far all the victims have been blondes. Have you noticed?”
“Of course I’ve noticed. The bloke must ‘ave it in for an ex that was blonde, or maybe his ol’ mum was a mean blonde. Who knows? He has to be crazed in the noggin.” Her bloodshot eyes widened. “He needs to be put out of his misery. If he crossed my path, I’m livid enough to do him in with me own ‘ands.”
Kory conducted a quick study of the boney fingers. Blue veins snaked from her knuckles to her wrists. He shook his head to diminish the picture of her strangling the killer. But what bothered him most were the words that all his victims were blondes.
He chose several shirts. “Excuse me, may I try these on?”
The older one nodded and pointed a direction to the back of the store, not missing a beat. “On the telly, the police sergeant—”
“Goodness, he’s a handsome chap—”
The clerks’ conversation turned to hushed excited whispers, evidently about the sergeant.
Kory spotted a doorway. Sure enough, dressing rooms were located inside. He stepped into a room with a mirror and closed a shuttered door behind him. He tried on the pants, surprised that they actually fit. They gave him a lean, fit appearance. Not at all like his baggy kakis. The shirts fit well, too. His worn brown sweater looked even more threadbare next to the new clothes.
A heavy burden of worry over Dafina’s safety weighed heavily upon him. Her beautiful hair would mark her as a target for the killer. After he stepped out of the dressing room, the clerks went into depth about the gory details of the last victim with whom they were acquainted. It turned his stomach inside out. He had written some grisly scenes, but they were nothing compared to that. Real life trauma and loss were always worse.
He left the store with their largest sized shopping bag. He’d even found two sweaters, a jacket, and casual shoes. He looked forward to wearing the new clothes—something he hadn’t felt since college.
He made his way back to Dafina’s car, popped the truck lid, and slipped the bag inside. She had given him a set of keys before they’d left her house, explaining that Nesta would think it odd if he didn’t have keys to the house or car. True, so true.
As he headed to It’s a Mystery, Dafina and Nesta surprised him by coming out a nearby linen store. “Good news.” Dafina’s bright-eyed, upset expression said the opposite. “Aunt Nesta is staying with us for a week.”
Chapter 10
Dafina’s breath caught as she waited for a response. Kory hadn’t so much as flinched. What went through his mind, she had no idea, but she sure could guess his plans. Act nice for the rest of the day then take off. He’d be right in thinking that she’d caused her own problems by leading Nesta to believe she was still married. Yet still, hope glimmered. He’d said that he’d get more clothes, so Nesta wouldn’t see him in the same thing, if she stayed.
“Wonderful. That’s great, darling.” Kory smiled and cradled Dafina’s arm at the elbow.
“I bought one of your books.” Nesta bounced with excitement and shook her bag.
A flash of worry crossed Kory’s face. “Which one?”
“Why, the first one. You don’t think I’d read them out of order.” She regarded him with half lidded eyes.
He tilted his head down and smiled. “They are all different stories, but that is very kind of you.”
“In that case, I can read the last one—that you have.” Her gaze bored into Dafina. “I might say, you don’t have any other copies at home? That seems odd.”
“They are at Kory’s apartment in the States.” Dafina broke out in a sweat. She had to make it sound reasonable, and of course, it would sound reasonable if they were married. But as it stood, she only dug herself in a deeper hole. Koorry, help me out.
Nesta’s eyes widened, the whites of her eyes practically glowing around her irises.
“You see, it’s rather selfish of me.” Kory didn’t seem the least bit phased. “My lease runs out in the fall, and I’d planned on taking Dafina to see New York. It will be a great place to crash, and then I can tie up any loose ends and be done with it.”
“What a jolly idea.” Dafina had always wanted to see the States. Oh, wait—he didn’t mean it. She struggled against a scowl and forced a smile.
He held her hand. “I meant it to be a surprise.”
Her eyes wanted to roll heavenward in the worst way. Were all men so good at lying? She couldn’t be totally mad at him because he was doing it for her.
“And I had to go and spoil it for you.” Nesta’s eyes sparkled, and she smiled like a cartoon cat that just ate a bird. Could she see through the remarkable farce?
Dafina struggled with telling her the truth. She wanted the deception to be over, but she couldn’t bring herself to put it into words. Drowning, she was.
“I don’t know about you two—” Nesta looked at Kory then back to her.
What just happened? Had Dafina missed something? She glanced at Kory who was already looking at her. His expression intent, like he was willing her to know something. What? He needed to will it a bit harder. She had no idea.
“But I’m parched. Could we set off for that café down the street?” Nesta pointed a direction.
“I’m thirsty, too.” If only a cool drink would take away her problems. How could she go through a whole week of misleading her aunt? But Dafina wasn’t hurting anyone. Ruby had even told her in confidence that she didn’t want to be saddled with the property. Her cousin wanted to live in new places, experience different things. When Dafina asked why she hadn’t told that to her mum, she heaved a sigh and said that one doesn’t tell Mum anything.
“Well?” Nesta questioned.
“What? Sorry.” She’d really zoned out that time, but easing her conscience took a great deal of energy.
“After the café, dear. Where would you like to go? Er, shop-wise.”
“Kory?” Let him decide. That’s the ticket.
“A second-hand store or antique shop?” Kory answered and squeezed her hand.
She looked down at his hand. His left hand. Egad. He had no wedding band. How could she have spaced that? Had Nesta already noticed that Kory had no ring? Putting on her own was like second nature because of Hoover. She had to think fast. Hopefully Kory could too.
“What happened to your ring?” She held up his hand.
He abruptly stopped. Nesta stopped mid-stride and nearly stumbled. Kory’s eyes widened, then closed. His shoulders slumped.
Dafina struggled to keep from tapping her foot. Come on, Kory—writer of six bestsellers. Surely, he could come up with something. She focused on the ground, her lower lip trembled, and she wiped the corner of her eye. Blasted hormones. Not only that, her ankle decided to ache.
“Sugar plum.” He turned toward her and gently held her arms.
Nesta’s eyes peered at her from behind his shoulder.
“I’m so sorry. Last night when I fell, I must’ve lost it then. I wanted to tell you, but I thought perhaps…”
“Thought what?” She searched his eyes.
“That I could find one at a store,” he whispered and let his hands drop to his sides.
“Well, we ought to go and search for it. On the spot.” Nesta gave a sharp nod of determination.
“The distance on the path is too far. I can’t expect—” Kory tried to explain.
“It will ruin your visit if we go traipsing out into the wilderness,” Dafina added.
“I’ll go by myself.” He looked at Dafina then back to Nesta. “After your visit is over, of course.”
Dafina sighed sadly without thinking. Well, how could it
even matter? Neither-one would notice the twinge of melancholy.
A glance at Kory told her otherwise.
****
Kory said a prayer of thanks that the day was over, and he could finally speak to Dafina without Nesta hanging on every word. Auntie had decided to turn in.
He’d brought in the new clothes and set them inside Dafina’s closet, showered, and changed into Pop’s clothes. Since they were bigger, they served well as pajamas.
As he exited the bathroom, Dafina clung to his sleeve and pulled him to her room. “Kory, we need to talk.”
From her stern expression, he must be in some sort of trouble. How could that be? He’d been on his best behavior. “Are you breaking up with me?”
She smiled at his humor, and he relaxed. “Kory, if I had my way—oh, bother.” She fanned air to her face with her hand. “I wanted to apologize. What a load of mischief I’ve gotten you into. I should come clean and tell her the truth. I don’t feel right telling porkies.”
“Telling porkies?” He laughed. “What on earth does that mean?”
“Lying,” she whispered.
“Look, I imagine someday you will tell her everything, and both of you will get a good laugh out of it.” He sat on the floor and picked up his pillow and blanket.
“You are willing to help me out for the week?”
“How could I say no to a damsel in distress?” He worried about her. Terrified for her safety was more like it. With that serial killer on the loose, he wouldn’t let her out of his sight. Where had his strong emotions come from? His resolve had thickened and solidified.
“It shouldn’t be difficult to entertain her. Like she said, she plans on riding to the village with me and spending her time reading or shopping.”
He nodded and covered up. She didn’t have to convince him. “It’s already been a thrilling vacation.”
She smiled and said something else then turned out the light. He hadn’t been able to catch her words as he prayed for protection for her.