Deadly Influence

by Lakes, Lynde

“You fixed the door?” Meta’s face glowed.

  “Only a temporary job,” Howard said. “It’ll hold for tonight, but I’ll come do it right in the morning.”

  “You’re a good neighbor.”

  “You too, Meta. It was your testimony that plopped Gus Dunn in jail after he robbed my house.”

  Lisa bit her lower lip. “I didn’t want to worry you, Meta, but Gus is out of jail. He made threats earlier today.”

  Jay wondered if Lisa was muddying the waters to make Grandma depend on her—or was this ex-jailbird another serious threat to his grandmother’s life?

  The slam of the front door jolted Lisa out of her light sleep. She sat upright, instantly alert. That could be Bud coming in drunk, but she had to check. She slipped into her robe, grabbed her gun, and started down the stairs. The second step creaked. Her heart thudded in her chest. The house was quiet, too quiet, except for the steady ticking of the grandfather’s clock in the foyer below.

  When she reached the bottom step, she heard a rumble of male voices coming from the library. She tiptoed closer and pressed her ear to the door. It was Bud and Jay. They were arguing about her!

  “Bringing Lisa here is about to backfire on you,” Jay shouted.

  “Who sez I brought her here?”

  Bud’s slurred words confused her. What was Jay talking about? Bud didn’t bring me here.

  “Tom told me how you moved in here with your little playmate and fired all the help.”

  “As usual, he’s got it all wrong,” Bud said. “But why the hell are you here, sticking your nose in my affairs?”

  “Grandma said she never saw my telegram. You didn’t even tell her I was coming, did you?”

  “Why get her all excited for nothing? How would I know that after five years you’d finally favor us with a visit? But you can just pivot your ass around and head back. We don’t need you here.”

  “Tom is worried about Grandma. He sent for me to take care of things.”

  “Exactly what does Tom expect you to do?”

  “For starters, get rid of Lisa.”

  “Good luck,” Bud slurred. “You’ll find that ain’t so easy, little brother.”

  You got that right, Lisa thought.

  “You won’t act so cocky when I tell you the news,” Jay said, his voice lower now, more in control. “Grandma plans to put Lisa in her will.”

  Lisa knew of no such ridiculous plans. Was Jay just trying to get a rise out of Bud?

  “What?” Bud shouted. “Who told you that?”

  “Grandma.”

  Footsteps from inside the room came toward the door. Lisa slipped around the corner of the foyer and fled up the stairs. So, that’s what Jay is up to. Don’t count on getting rid of me, Jay Corning!

  The morning sun beamed without mercy through the window over the kitchen sink. The day would be a scorcher. Lisa slammed the kitchen cupboard doors. Who did Jay think he was? And just how did he plan to get rid of her? Not wanting to let him see that he had riled her, she forced herself to hum as she made breakfast. When she’d cooked the bacon brown and crispy, she turned off the flame and arranged the strips on a platter. Tantalizing aromas of bacon and freshly baked cinnamon rolls swirled around her, but she was too unnerved to appreciate them. Damn it, Jay was as devious and manipulative as Bud. Tom was part of it, too, and that SOB didn’t even know her. They all worried about her, when they should have been concerned about their grandmother. One of them could have been behind the attack, but it was clear that Bud and Jay were not in it together.

  Jay and Tom were another matter. Apparently, they were working together and against her. If they got her out of the way, Meta would be alone and defenseless. Well, that wasn’t going to happen.

  Lisa turned and steely fingers snaked around her upper arms, digging painfully into her flesh. She flinched. Bud’s silent entry had allowed him to sneak up on her. “What kind of game are you playing?” he asked, his voice a menacing rumble.

  “Game?” She glanced down at Bud’s fingers, then into his bloodshot blue eyes, warning him with a defiant look to remove his hand. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Jay slip silently into the room. “Jay told me—”

  “Never mind what I told you,” Jay said. “Take your hands off her, Bud, and keep them off.”

  “Who made you king, little brother?” Bud shoved Lisa aside and lunged at Jay with a ready fist.

  Jay grabbed it. “Wouldn’t do that, Bud.” Jay’s voice was low, deadly.

  Howard popped his head into the kitchen. “Front door’s all fixed.” His voice was jolly and his smile wide. “Good as new. Do I get a cup of coffee for my labor?” He seemed unaware of the conflict he had walked into.

  Lisa could have hugged him for his good timing. “Sure, Howard, sit down. You’ve earned more than coffee. I’ll get you some breakfast.”

  Jay and Bud still glared at each other, but Bud had lowered his fist. Both brothers had bruised and enlarged knuckles. It had taken many fights to damage their hands like that.

  Lisa looked for a resemblance between the brothers. Other than discolored knuckles, height, and well-muscled bodies, there was none. Jay was dark and dangerous, and Bud was a blond bully. A shiver went through her. She hadn’t counted on having to deal with two of Meta’s difficult grandsons—three, if she counted Tom. But he was no threat, not if he needed Jay to do his dirty work.

  Meta swept into the room, fully dressed, with an energetic, rustling-taffeta entrance that would have made Loretta Young envious. “Good morning, everyone,” she said. “Umm, the bacon smells wonderful.”

  Lisa sent up a prayer of gratitude, relieved that last night’s breakin hadn’t set back Meta’s recovery. “What are you doing out of bed?” This was the first time Meta had been downstairs since her return from the hospital. “I was just going to bring up your breakfast tray.”

  Meta headed straight for Jay and gently tugged on his shirt collar. He bent down and kissed her cheek. Then she went to Bud, and he kissed her, too. “I’m going to try to stay up for awhile,” she said. “At least until that real estate developer gets here.” Before anyone could respond, Meta whirled and headed for the dining room. The others—with stunned expressions that were priceless—grabbed full platters and followed. Meta seated herself at the head of the table. Howard quickly took the seat next to hers, looking quite pleased with himself.

  “I’m glad you’re all here. It’ll be easier to tell him a firm no with family around.”

  Jay laughed. “Who are you trying to kid, Grandma?” He passed the eggs to her. “You’ve never needed anyone to back you up.” His voice held admiration and sincere fondness.

  Lisa studied his handsome face. Could she be wrong about him?

  Meta chuckled softly. “You’re right, but I’m tired of being stuck in that bed. All the fun is going on down here.”

  Howard beamed, and Meta winked at him.

  “What time does what’s-his-name get here?” Bud asked. “I can’t hang around all day.”

  “Mr. Drake should be here by the time we finish eating, Bud. But if you have to go, dear, I’ll manage without you somehow.” Her tone was teasing.

  “Yeah?” Bud said. He plucked a cigarette from behind his ear, looked at his grandma, then put it back.

  Lisa was glad she didn’t have to call him on smoking in the house. She’d been there the day the doctor warned Bud that being around smoking was bad for Meta.

  “Well,” Bud said, “I’ll just stick around awhile and wait for what’s-his-name.”

  Howard laughed. “You know Cornel Drake’s name as well as I do,” he said. “And you’re far too young a fella to be forgettin’ things.” His eyes softened, and he met Meta’s gaze. “And Meta, my dear, maybe you shouldn’t be so quick to say no. Drake’s offer could be interesting. And if not, it might be jolly sport to toy with him a bit.”

  Meta smiled and patted his hand. “We’ll see.”

  “Howard’s right,” Bud said. “That Drake guy might cut
us a good deal.”

  “Us?” Meta asked, lifting an expressive brow.

  “You know what I mean, Grandma.” Bud’s face reddened.

  Lisa hadn’t seen Bud look that flustered before, and she pressed her lips together to stifle a chuckle.

  “I’ll listen,” Meta said, “but I’ve already made my decision. I’m not selling this place.”

  Howard frowned. “Maybe I should go, since you’ll be talking business and all.”

  Meta squeezed his hand. “You’ll do no such thing. You and Lisa are as much a part of my family as my grandsons.”

  Bud’s blue eyes narrowed, and a flush crept up his neck. The doorbell rang, cutting off whatever surly thing he was gearing up to say.

  Lisa led Cornel Drake into the library, then turned right into Jay’s arms. His muted steps had concealed that he was directly behind her. She looked up into penetrating brown eyes. A small, amused smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. She stepped away, out of the familiar heat of his arms. Her face warmed and she fought to regain her composure. “Please sit down,” Mr. Drake.”

  “I prefer to stand.” Drake planted himself by the desk, tapping his fingers on his briefcase. He was as big as Bud and Jay, but not as fit.

  “Mr. Drake,” Meta said, extending a hand as she and Howard strolled into the room. “I guess you know Howard West, and this is Lisa Dixon, and my grandsons, Bud and Jay.”

  Everyone shook hands. A look passed between Howard and Mr. Drake that troubled Lisa.

  “Would you like some coffee, Mr. Drake?” Meta asked.

  “Another time, perhaps.” He glanced around the room. “May I spread my plans out on this desk?”

  Meta gestured with an agreeable outward swing of her arm. Lisa admired Meta’s poise. She was always gracious, yet tough. Some people didn’t understand her toughness, but Lisa had discovered everything Meta did was based on her sense of fairness and her love for the family. Too bad Bud and the rest of the bunch didn’t understand that.

  “Will this take long?” Meta’s tone was polite.

  Drake raked his carroty hair with slightly trembling fingers. “A woman after my own heart. One who likes to get right down to business.”

  Even though Drake was well dressed and wore an impressive diamond ring, his shifty eyes and plastic smile reminded Lisa of a sleazy carnival barker.

  “As you know, I need this whole block for my project,” Drake said, pointing to the map. “And I’m prepared to give you a cashier’s check for $700,000 today.”

  “Money isn’t the issue, Mr. Drake. My grandfather built this house for my grandmother before he died. He intended it to stay in the family. And it has.” Meta’s voice was soft, reverent. “Grandpa did all the work himself.” Her face went pensive, and she was silent for a moment. “He was a navy man and he constructed this place like the core of a ship.”

  Drake frowned. “I’m sure it’s very sturdy.”

  “It’s more than that, Mr. Drake…” Her voice trailed away as though she decided not to bother explaining how it was like a core of a ship. Lisa was curious, but would ask about it later.

  “Yeah,” Bud said. “It’s one of a kind. You should offer Grandma more money.”

  “Didn’t you hear Grandma, Bud?” Jay strode to the chair where Meta was sitting and crouched down beside her. “This isn’t about money.” He covered Meta’s hand with his.

  Lisa stared at Jay. This chameleon-like man confused her.

  “If the issue isn’t the green stuff, what is?” Bud folded his arms and leaned against the fireplace. “It costs a wad of bucks to keep this place up. Grandma told me herself that with the hospital expense and all, money is getting scarce.”

  Howard leaned forward in his chair, looking animated. “Bud has a point, Meta. Maybe you wouldn’t have taken ill if you hadn’t had this big place to keep up.”

  “The staff did most of the work.” Meta darted a disapproving glance at Bud. “That is, until Bud ran them off.”

  “Even with the staff,” Howard said, “you were working around the place all the time. You know that.”

  “I did it because I wanted to.”

  “Of course you did,” Drake agreed in a booming voice. “The house shows the care you’ve given it. I can see that now.” He made a half-circle gesture with his right arm. “That’s why I’m taking Bud’s suggestion. I’ll up my offer to a million.”

  Meta sighed. “What some of you don’t understand,” she said, glancing meaningfully at Bud, “is that I could never leave this place. Never.”

  Bud’s face tightened, and his lips thinned. He cracked his knuckles, then paced a few steps. He paused and opened his mouth to speak, but Meta’s warning look stopped him.

  “You see, Mr. Drake,” Meta said, “when Grandfather Leroy built this place, it was a tribute to my grandmother’s love. My husband, David, understood, and kept it in perfect condition while he was alive to preserve the legacy. Grandfather built every inch himself, making the structure perfect and capable of lasting many lifetimes.” Meta stood and went to the fireplace. She ran her hand over the mantel woodwork. Her eyes misted. “No, no, I could never sell this place. It would be like selling memories, and I’m afraid my memories are priceless.”

  Drake glanced at Howard. Then he turned to Meta again. “That’s your final word then?”

  “Absolutely final,” Meta said.

  Drake stuffed his plans back into his briefcase and slammed it shut. “I hope you don’t come to regret your decision.” He paused in the doorway and regarded Meta with steely blue eyes. “I can’t build my project without this property. You’re blowing the deal for every owner in the area. And some people might not like that, Mrs. Corning. You’d better think about how many people you’ll be hurting.”

  “I think you’d better leave, Drake.” Jay’s voice came out low and threatening.

  Drake didn’t hesitate. Red-faced, he stomped out of the library.

  Howard followed him. “Don’t use those roughshod tactics on Meta,” he warned loudly. The front door slammed, muffling Drake’s answer.

  Drake’s steely eyes had told Lisa he was a man capable of violence. Did he want the land badly enough to hurt Meta?

  Chapter Five

  Lisa stared at the empty doorway, suspicions prickling the fine hairs on her neck. It was odd that Howard had left with Drake. She started as Bud brought his fist down on the mantle.

  “I don’t believe this!” he said.

  A large china cat teetered in place. She rushed forward and steadied it and prevented it from toppling.

  “You’re making a big mistake, Grandma,” Bud shouted. “You heard what Drake told you. You’re hurting the whole neighborhood!”

  “Drop it!” Jay ordered. “Grandma feels bad enough already. Can’t you see that? Why do you care, anyway? It’s not your house. It’s hers.”

  Bud’s face contorted with fury. “I’ve had enough of you, Jay!” The brothers glared at each other. Tension charged the air between them. Seconds passed slowly, and then Bud pivoted and stormed out of the room. A moment later, the front door slammed.

  “Don’t let them bother you, Grandma,” Jay said. “If it were mine, I couldn’t sell it either…not the house Great-great-grandpa built, not the house you raised us in.”

  “You have heart, Jay.” Meta patted his arm. “You always have. Now,” she said, standing, “I’m going upstairs to lie down awhile. All of this has been a little too much for me.”

  “Let me help you,” Lisa said.

  “No, dear. I need to do it on my own, to build my strength.” Meta smiled. “Jay, can you amuse yourself while I nap?”

  “Of course, Grandma. I have to make a few phone calls. I’ll just stay in here in the library where it’s quiet.”

  Lisa nibbled at the corner of her lip. Jay had conflicting traits. With Meta, he had shown extraordinary gentleness, and with Bud and Drake, he’d shown unyielding strength. That blend of gentleness and toughness struck a vulnerable chord
within her and made her want to hug him. For a moment, she’d almost forgotten he was there to get rid of her.

  Fighting the dangerous emotions, she whirled around and escaped the room. In spite of Meta’s objections, Lisa followed her upstairs, tucked her into bed, and kissed her forehead. Meta smiled and her eye lids drifted closed. Good, the dear woman needed her rest. Lisa glanced out the bedroom window. Howard stood on the edge of the walkway, just beyond the porch, talking with Cornel Drake. Drake was gesturing like an angry traffic cop, no doubt still venting because Meta had refused to sell. When Howard looked up, she stepped back and quickly adjusted the blinds to darken the room. She wished she could hear the conversation going on outside. With her focus firmly back on the intrigue, she strode toward the kitchen, while her mind churned into a tangle of speculation. She hastily wiped off the stove, the counters, and loaded the dishwasher. The threatening phone calls had begun around the time Drake started approaching people in the neighborhood. Did someone want her to sell enough to frighten her into it? Bud, Drake, and Howard were just too darn eager to get Meta to sign away her rights to the property. She paced a few steps. What about that motorcycle-riding Gus? He was a criminal. He could even be mixed up with Drake in some way.

  Jay’s image flashed in her mind. Why had he been spying rather than just coming to the door like any normal, loving Grandson would do? Lisa rubbed her aching head. As much as she hated to consider it, the one behind everything could live not only in the neighborhood, but in this house.

  Damn it, she needed some straight answers from Jay. She poured a couple mugs of coffee and headed for the library. She glanced out the beveled glass portion of the door. Howard and Drake were still out there, waving their arms. Even with their raised voices, she couldn’t make out what they saying. Maybe if she opened the door just a little…

  Lisa placed the mugs on the entry table and eased the door open. Most of Drake’s words were low and unclear. But she heard Howard’s last words, “Wait a few more days, and I promise you won’t be disappointed.” Howard glanced toward the house. “Need something, Lisa?”