So intent on the desire he was provoking, she didn’t hear Shadow racing through the forest barking loudly. Not until the deer broke through the forest into the clearing did she pull away from Dylan in time to see the buck, eyes wide in fear. He streaked across the clearing. He bolted to the left when he saw them. Without breaking his stride, he disappeared into the forest. Shadow, the farm’s border collie, emerged nose to the ground. He ignored them, caught the scent of the huge buck, and continued his pursuit.
Dylan laughed. “That dog terrorizes everything he catches scent of.”
She had wondered where Shadow had gone. He had accompanied the funeral procession, but the moment they left the truck and had to walk on foot, he had caught the scent of something and disappeared into the woods.
Dylan took her hand and kissed each finger. “Have you told your family you are going to move in with me?”
“Not yet.” Her voice sounded as if it were under great strain even to her. “Michelle is still grieving. I’m afraid to leave her.”
“I’ve already said she could move in with us. My apartment has two bedrooms.” Huge dimples popped out in his cheeks when he smiled and wiggled his eyebrows. “One for you and me and one for Michelle.”
Lacy knew she was using Michelle as her excuse for not moving in with Dylan. Truth be known, she was a little scared of Grant’s reaction. He was very protective and deep down she knew he wasn’t going to like the idea. It had taken him some time to accept the fact she was dating Dylan. Of course he would say she was moving much too fast when she divulged she was moving in with him.
“I’ll take you and Michelle out to dinner tomorrow night. It’s time to move out of that tiny dorm room. We can discuss it then.” When she didn’t answer, thick, dark brows drew together. “Are you delaying moving in with me for another reason?” His voice hardened, “You do want to move in with me don’t you, Lacy?”
She forced a smile to her lips. “Of course I want to move in with you, Dylan. I can’t wait until we can sleep in the same bed every night.” On many occasions Lacy had spent time at Dylan’s apartment, but she never stayed overnight. She still worried about Michelle and always returned to their small dorm room before it got dark. The discovery that her boyfriend, Chad Grey, had been a serial killer had almost been Michelle’s undoing. Something so vile would destroy any woman. She had been madly in love with him. Not once had anyone suspected him of being evil. He was warm, personal, and extremely charming. Everyone thought he was a great guy. He had fooled all of them.
Lacy felt a chill go through her when the memory of Chad Grey almost killing her slipped into her thoughts. Banish the bad thoughts she said to herself. Don’t let them ruin your time with Dylan. The sound of a lonely whippoorwill broke the silence and jolted her back to reality.
Dylan’s hands gripped her arms a little too tightly. Surrounded by an aura of power, she shuddered. “Do you have any idea how much I need you to live with me? Must I remind you, I gave up my undercover work for you?”
“I know how much you gave up, Dylan. I’ll talk to Michelle. Maybe I can convince her to move into your apartment with us.” She leaned against him. “I’ll make it work.”
“There is another reason, isn’t there?” He took her chin and forced her to look in his face. Seconds ticked by as he stared into her eyes. “You haven’t told your family we are moving in together?” She shook her head in the negative. “Why the hell not?”
“Because they are going to say I’m too young. I dread the confrontation.” Lacy knew she was a coward. She had always tried to please her sisters and not rock the boat. But then it wasn’t her sisters she was afraid of this time. She felt they would understand her feelings. Nina slept with Grant before she married him. Josh wasn’t the first man Beth had had an affair with. She could convince them it was the right thing for her. Grant and Josh were going to be a whole different scenario. They were going to be trouble.
“I’ll talk to them.” He took her hand and pressed it against his chest. Speaking rapidly, he wasn’t about to give her time to interrupt. “We’ll talk to them together. For heaven’s sake, Lacy. It is the twenty-first century. You act like it’s the dark ages.” He kissed her cheek. “Besides, you’re twenty years old. You can make your own decisions. We don’t need your family’s consent.”
She opened her mouth to contradict, but then quickly snapped it shut. He couldn’t understand family. His mother had been a drug addict and Dylan spent most of his childhood on the streets. He was in a gang by the time he was ten years old. While her childhood had been perfect with wonderful, loving parents, his had been cold and harsh. No way could she make him understand why she always asked her sister’s opinion before she made a serious decision. But it was inevitable that she would move in with Dylan. She might as well face the music. Prolonging the conversation would only make it worse.
****
As the pasture came into view, Lacy’s stomach fluttered in anticipation. Green waves of grass were dotted with the cows and large goats. The horses were munching on the rich grass. Rascal, Breeze’s foal was feeling frisky and ran circles around his mother throwing his head from side to side. Four white fetlocks gave him a strange appearance against his black coat. Scout, Sugar’s foal was black as soot just like Midnight. He stood by his mother watching Rascal with interest.
As usual Jack, their little gray donkey was in the middle always there to protect the small herd of animals from coyotes. She loved the farm, wished she had more time for the animals, but school took up most of her time. The only occasion she was able to come home was on the weekend.
Try as she might, she couldn’t help but worry about the conversation she was about to have with her family. She chewed her bottom lip. She searched for something suitable to say so Dylan wouldn’t know just how nervous she felt. Holding her hand, he smiled when she peered up into his face.
“Thanks for your help with digging the grave and carrying the casket.”
“No problem.”
Mouth dry, she moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue. Brows drawn, he fixed his stare on her. Color faded from her cheeks. “Let’s eat before we talk to my family.” She placed her hand over her stomach. “I’m starving.”
“I’m hungry too. I think that’s what I like best about Twelve Oaks; the food.”
They stepped into the dining room where everyone was already eating. An array of meat and garden vegetables were set on the counter. Dylan and Lacy prepared a plate and took their places at the huge table. The family had grown so large it took two tables placed end-to-end to accommodate them when they were all in attendance. The meal was full of talking and laughing.
Nina placed her hand over Lacy’s. “I hate Billy couldn’t make it today.”
“I wish he could have been here.” Billy’s health had been failing for the past month. His heart was getting weaker and weaker. She planned to stop by and see him before she returned to her dorm tomorrow after church.
At least he had been at the waterfall to witness the removal of Hilda and Darrell’s bodies from the small cave. Darrell had been Billy’s great-grandmother’s son from her first marriage. In fact it was Billy who had given her Hilda’s diary.
Conversation continued but Lacy wasn’t in a talking mood. She was just too nervous. Never one for confrontation, she feared the argument she knew was coming when she told Grant she was moving in with Dylan.
“Are you okay?” All conversation stopped and everyone at the table turned their attention toward Lacy.
She peered into Grant’s dark, chocolate eyes. “I’m a little tired.” He kept his black hair cut short just like he did when was in the Marines. Handsome and tall, she understood why her sister had fallen in love with him. He was a very impressive man inside and out.
Shrewd eyes stopped on Dylan. “Are you sure that’s all that is bothering you?”
“Yes. A load has been lifted off my shoulders now that Hilda is at peace. Bret Robertson and Chad Grey are both b
ehind bars. My life can return to normal.” That seemed to appease everyone because several different discussions started at one time.
Then everyone stopped talking and listened to Grant speak of his plans. “We have a lot of work ahead of us before October.” Using the napkin in his lap, Grant wiped his mouth. “We need to get the pumpkins in the ground.” Lacy could hear the excitement in his voice. “The corn maze should be a big attraction. It should bring in big bucks. We’ll have a hay ride, sell some of our crops.”
Grant had come up with some great ideas for the farm. Last year Nina had struggled to make ends meet. Now Twelve Oaks was a booming business. Of course Grant had to invest his own money to make those changes, but it had paid off in the long run.
As everyone finished eating, they made their way outside to the pool leaving Dylan and Lacy alone at the table. “Are you going to tell your family we are moving in together or not?”
“Give me time. It’s not something you just blurt out. I need to get my thoughts together.”
He took her hand. “Do you love me?”
“Of course I love you.” She pulled her hand away, stood, and placed her plate in the sink. Hands braced on the counter, she took a deep fortifying breath. She turned and faced Dylan. “I guess there’s no better time than the present.”
He stood. “I’ll go with you.”
“No, this is something I need to do on my own.” Dylan had a hot temper. If the conversation turned ugly, he wouldn’t be able to hold his tongue. She felt it best she talk to her family without him being present. While Grant tried to hide his doubts, it was obvious he worried about Dylan’s past. He would never consider Dylan her equal.
The back door swung open and Josh entered with his cell phone in his hand. By his expression, Lacy knew something was wrong. “What is it, Josh? Did something happen?”
“I just got a call from Uncle Tate.” He crossed the room and took her hand. He led her to the table. “You might want to sit down.”
Heart racing, all kinds of horrible images entered her imagination. “Is it Billy?”
“No.”
Lacy sat in the chair next to Dylan. “Bret Robertson is talking. He said he knows where Chad Grey buried one of his victims.”
She pressed her trembling hands to her nauseous stomach. “What do you mean? What are you talking about?”
“One night while doing drugs, Chad Grey had bragged to Robertson about killing another young woman before he murdered Tiffany Swift. Robertson claims to know where he buried her body.”
“I’m going to be sick.”
Dylan pressed his hand to her back. “Take deep breaths, Lacy.” Taking in deep gulps of air, she tried to remain calm. Tears streamed down her cheeks as the memory of Chad Grey almost killing her took over. Strong hands holding her under water, her lungs begging for air. His plan was to drown her and make it look like an accident.
Josh dropped to his knees and took both her hands. “Robertson wants to make a plea deal. He will tell us where the body is located if all the charges against him are dropped.”
“Surely you are not considering his demands. Bret Robertson is a rapist. Rapists do not get an option to make deals. Bret does not deserve a deal. He drugged me and almost raped me. He was with Chad Grey when he strangled Tiffany Swift. He watched while Chad Grey wrapped his hands around her neck and choked her to death.”
Lacy looked at Dylan. “You told me he was also going to be charged with murder. How can this be happening?” She turned and glared at Josh. “How can you even consider dismissing the charges against Bret?”
“A deal is not up to me. That is for the district attorney to decide.” Josh gripped her hands tighter. “Robertson is demanding to speak to you. He will not divulge where the body is until he gets to talk to you.”
Dylan stood up so fast the chair crashed to the floor causing Lacy to jump in fright. “No way! She is not going to be in the same room with that scumbag!”
Eyes still fixed on Lacy, Josh whispered, “I agree. I don’t think you should meet with him. Robertson is obsessed with you. It will only feed his obsession.”
“Does Nina and Beth know?”
“No, I didn’t say anything to anyone. We’ll wait until later tonight to tell them.” Of course Josh didn’t want to ruin family night. It would be difficult to put on a brave face and pretend nothing was bothering her. It seemed Bret would never be out of her life.
Josh raked the back of his hand over her cheek. “You’ve been through a lot. I’m sorry it hasn’t been the end you hoped.”
Lacy forced a smile to her lips. “It’s okay, Josh.”
He righted the chair Dylan had knocked over before he sauntered to the refrigerator. “Come outside and go for a swim. Everyone will know something is out of the ordinary if you stay in here.” He opened the fridge and grabbed three beers. Without looking back, he disappeared through the back door.
Dylan plopped into the chair, wrapped his arm around her shoulder. Time passed as both sat there at the table neither speaking. She placed her head on his shoulder. “Maybe somebody will shank Robertson.”
A chill went up Lacy’s spine. “Don’t you dare do anything, Dylan.”
“I don’t commit murder, Lacy. I bend the law, but I do not break the law.”
“Is there a difference?”
He stroked his hands over her arms and smiled. “I like to think so.”
Without a doubt Dylan would do anything to protect her. While she would love to have Bret out of her life, she didn’t want Dylan to jeopardize his career. She sat up straight and peered into his eyes. “Promise me you will not get involved with Bret.”
“I promise, Lacy. That is as long as he is behind bars.” He paused. “If he is released from prison, I may have to act to protect you.” He kissed her on the forehead. “I take care of what is mine.”
In that moment she wondered just how far he would go to protect her. Would he find a way to get rid of Bret? The thought troubled her.
Chapter Two
The clock ticking on the wall over Billy’s bed was driving Lacy mad. Ten minutes had passed while waiting for him to wake. The nurse said he had a bad night. His breathing was so ragged they had called the doctor. The doctor decided to put him on oxygen, giving him some respiratory help. The nasal cannula was hooked around his ears and two prongs were placed in his nostrils. A portable oxygen generator sat by his bed. His breathing was normal and she was thankful he was no longer struggling for breath.
Unable to stand the suspense, she shook his shoulder. Worried because he didn’t wake, she felt his pulse. It was weak. She shook his shoulder with more force. His eyes flickered open. It took a lot of effort but he managed a smile.
“Hello, Princess.” He reached out and she took his hand. “How was the funeral?”
“It was lovely. I hate you were not able to attend.”
“It’s okay.” He struggled to catch his breath. “I’ll see Hilda and Darrell soon.”
His words depressed her. Maybe she was being selfish not wanting him to die. It was obvious his body was worn out. She should pray for his suffering to end. But then he was her last connection with Hilda. Too bad she hadn’t known him for a longer period of time. He had been so lonely until she had brought a little sunshine into his life.
She patted his shoulder. “Don’t talk. You need to rest.”
She adjusted the controls on the bed, being mindful of his oxygen tube, so Billy was propped up higher. Handing Billy his glasses, she explained, “Since you couldn’t be there, we videoed the funeral.”
He placed his wire-rimmed glasses on the tip of his nose with jerky motions. It was apparent he was in pain. She held the tablet and tapped play on the video. She described the funeral doing her best not to leave out any details. She pointed out Russell Reynolds’ tombstone. “Bet that rock cost a pretty penny.” Placing a tissue over his mouth, Billy began to cough. After he caught his breath, he continued, “More than likely the whole county came to
his funeral. People stood by his grave and wept thinking he was a saint. Too bad they didn’t know what we know.” After the video ended, he closed his eyes but she knew he heard every word as she continued to talk about Hilda and Darrell’s funeral. A look of tranquility appeared on his face.
Eyes still closed, he whispered, “Thank you for videoing the funeral. From your description, I feel like I was there with you.” His voice trembled with fatigue.
She squeezed his weak, wrinkled hand. Deep, blue veins crisscrossed the back of his hands. “We all missed you.”
She took the novel, The Grapes of Wrath, from the table by his bed and opened to the last page she had read. Only halfway through the book, she felt an urgency to finish the novel by John Steinbeck. “I’ll read to you.” Now that he was too weak to carry on a conversation, she read to him during each visit. No matter how busy her life, she made an effort to visit at least three times a week. Her days with Billy were numbered. She planned to enjoy each and every one of them.
He raised his hand and she stopped reading. “I remember this part from the movie. Henry Ford played Tom Joad, one of the greatest actors of his time. The Depression was a horrible time. My great-grandmother told stories of people standing in soup lines to get fed.” He hesitated several seconds to catch his breath before he continued, “Men committed suicide because they couldn’t face the trauma of poverty. Pure stupidity because they were not thinking of their families.”
“I can only imagine the horror.” Sometimes Lacy took her wonderful life for granted. Never had she been hungry or had to worry about a place to live. Of course she had known tragedy, but mostly her life had been pretty great.
Billy closed his eyes and she continued to read.
The door opened and Dylan stepped inside. The confines of the small, stuffy room were difficult for him to tolerate. After five minutes of waiting for Billy to wake, he had made the excuse he needed to take a walk. He tiptoed to her side and placed his hand on her shoulder. She stopped reading and Billy opened his eyes. “Hello, Dylan.”
Blood of the Falls (Twelve Oaks Farm Book 4) Page 2