by Chris Taylor
What Lane told him had to be true. There couldn’t be any other explanation. Perhaps it was the drugs that had done it? The Bobster had always had a weakness for ice. It was common knowledge the drug made many people violent and unpredictable. Good people became monsters. They became something no one ever dreamed they could be. Some became dangerous. He vowed silently to track down his former cellmate and demand a few answers.
“You need to stay close to Toby,” Lane was saying, snapping Jacob out of his reverie. “This Robert guy is up to no good. I’m sure of it. He had life insurance policies on two of his work colleagues and now they’ve both turned up dead. We know he has a policy on Toby, too. I’m going to talk to my boss and try to get a court application to exhume the body of Christopher Lowrey. We need to find out if foul play could have been involved in his death. In the meantime, I have some more checking to do—but we need to protect Toby.”
“Of course, I’m happy to stick to him like glue. He’s been staying with Hannah. I’ll call him and see if he’s ready to move in with me.”
“I’d offer to have him at our place, but we’ve recently moved the twins into the spare room. All I could offer him is the couch. We’re full to bursting.”
Jacob chuckled. “Don’t stress it, bro. I’m sure we can work something out. I have plenty of room. It’s just a matter of convincing Toby it’s in his best interest to move to my place.”
“Get Hannah on side. Lay it all out for her and don’t sugarcoat it,” Lane urged. “This Grace fellow’s dangerous, but until we have something more than circumstantial evidence linking him to a crime, there’s nothing we can do. In the meantime, he’s on the streets and remains a threat. I’m sure she’ll understand.”
“What if Toby refuses?” Jacob asked.
Lane sighed on the other end of the phone. His voice turned grim. “Then, I guess you’ll have to convince Hannah to let you move in with the pair of them until this is resolved. With all due respect to Hannah, I’m not leaving Toby without any protection other than that offered by a woman.”
Jacob instinctively opened his mouth and offered a protest. “I don’t think that’s fair. Hannah—”
“Is very capable of defending herself, I’m sure,” Lane interrupted, “but from what I’ve seen of Robert Grace in the police files, she’s no match for the likes of him. I’d feel a lot better if you were close by, for both of them.”
“So would I,” Jacob agreed, his protective instincts for both Hannah and his brother coming to the fore. After all, Toby was the target. Hannah was putting herself at risk by sheltering him on her own. Determination surged through him. “Don’t worry, Lane. Either Toby agrees to move over to my place pronto, or I’ll move in with them. That’s a promise.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Dear Diary,
They’re exhuming Christopher’s body. I saw it on the news. They don’t know what they’re looking for, but the fact is, they’re looking. I can’t rely on the possibility the next forensic pathologist might be as incompetent as the last.
It’s time to make plans for my glorious exit, to put final preparations in place. It was fun while it lasted and I wish it had lasted longer, but there’s no sense in putting greed over sensibility. No, the best thing to do is fade into the shadows. Go quietly, stealthily before I am missed.
Before it’s too late…
* * *
As soon as he was able, Jacob left the hospital and climbed into his truck. Burning some rubber as he left the car park, he headed the relatively short distance to the Max Grace Funeral Home. The afternoon traffic was building, even though peak hour had yet to hit. Jacob hoped to speak to Hannah and his brother, get them to agree to the plan, and then return to work until his shift ended at midnight. It would be a long day.
Finding a parking place across from the funeral parlor, he switched off the ignition and climbed out. He spied Hannah’s Mazda on the other side of the street and swallowed a sigh of relief. At least she was there.
He hadn’t wanted to phone ahead because they’d ask why he was coming over in the middle of the afternoon and that would give either or both of them a chance to argue. He’d wanted to speak to them in person and try and convince them what he had to say was the only way. He would impress upon them the importance of staying safe and that meant having him nearby.
He might not have the brawn of The Bobster, but he could handle himself in a fight and he’d do whatever was necessary to protect the people he loved.
Loved. Yes, he loved them. Had never stopped loving them. Even when he didn’t have a clue about Toby’s whereabouts, he still yearned for his twin’s company and to know that he was safe. As for Hannah, no boyfriend, no conviction with time spent in jail, and no anger and hurt could stop him from feeling the way he did.
Having her so resistant to his attentions would prove a challenge—and he knew she had good reason. Even so, he was sure, with patience and time, he could overcome that. She wasn’t as immune to him as she liked to say she was. The passion in her kisses spoke volumes. She was a mass of contradictions.
For a fleeting moment, he considered telling her the truth about what happened that fateful night and then, just as quickly, he dismissed it. What good would it do to dredge up that awful time all over again? No, it was better if they pushed it aside, back to the dark recesses of their minds. They needed to focus instead on starting fresh, looking to the future. And right now, that future meant convincing both Hannah and Toby it was best for both of them that they share a house with him.
Jogging up the short flight of stairs that led to the front door of the funeral home, he pressed the buzzer and waited for it to be answered. Thinking about the last time he’d seen Hannah, he was filled with a sudden wave of nervousness.
Just like she had the very first day, Hannah met him at the door. Her mouth parted slightly in surprise and almost immediately, a wariness shadowed her eyes. He could tell she was recalling the night of the rodeo, when he’d kissed her.
“Jacob, what are you doing here?”
“I’m looking for Toby. I need to talk to him. To both of you, actually.”
She frowned. “Here? Can’t it wait until later? We’re at work.”
“I understand; but no, this can’t wait. Is Toby here?”
“Yes, he’s in the back, but—”
Jacob pushed past her. She opened her mouth to protest, but he ignored it, intent on reaching his brother.
“I’m sorry, Hannah, but this is important,” he threw over his shoulder. “I’ve been speaking to Lane. There’ve been some new developments.”
She closed her mouth, bringing an end to any further arguments. In silence, she overtook him and led the way down a corridor, past a waiting room and an office. She continued to the far end of the hall, opened the door and waited for him to catch up.
“Toby’s in here. We’re in the middle of an embalming. Are you sure you’re up for this?”
He raised an eyebrow. “I’m a doctor, Hannah. I’ve seen more than my fair share of blood. I think I can handle it.”
A tiny smile tugged at the corners of her lips. “Oh, there’s no blood involved, Doctor. The blood’s long since been drained away.”
She turned on her heel and by doing so, her ponytail escaped from her cap. The scent of her shampoo wafted toward him. Strawberries and cream and vanilla—it was the same scent that had driven him wild with need when he’d held her in his arms the Friday night before. With an impatient sound in the back of his throat, he pushed the distracting thoughts aside and followed her through the doorway, into a large room.
The embalming room looked more like an operating theater, with its whitewashed walls and gleaming instruments. Two stainless steel gurneys dominated the room. Only one was occupied. Toby was bent over the cadaver. He looked up as they entered and smiled widely with pleasure and surprise.
“Jake! What are you doing here?”
Jacob walked over and slapped his brother on the shoulder in a frie
ndly greeting. “Good to see you hard at work, Tobes. So, this is where you spend all your time.”
Toby’s grin got wider. A flush of pleasure crept across his cheeks. Jacob’s heart clenched. The man before him was so different to the one he’d found in the emergency room. Had it only been six weeks ago? It seemed like a lifetime had passed.
“Jacob’s here to talk to us about something important, Toby,” Hannah said quietly.
She put on her latex gloves, ready to get back to work, but leaned up against a counter that was lined with equipment and other supplies. Her arms were folded across her chest. Now that the moment was upon him, Jacob wasn’t quite sure where to start.
He cleared his throat. “It’s about Robert Grace.”
Toby looked at him in confusion and his gaze flicked to Hannah. “Who’s Robert Grace?”
“It’s Bobby, Max’s nephew,” Hannah supplied.
Toby’s expression sobered and fear flickered in his eyes. “Oh, him. I don’t like him. He says he knows me from somewhere and he keeps looking at me kind of weird, but I’ve never set eyes on him until I came here. I’m sure of it.”
“It’s all right, Tobes,” Jacob hastened to reassure him. “It’s not you Bobby thinks he’s seen before. He’s mistaking you for me.”
Toby frowned again. “How would he have seen you? You don’t work here. You’ve only been here once and that was my first day.”
Jacob glanced around him and then looked at Hannah. “Is Bobby here now?”
Hannah shook her head. “I don’t think so. I haven’t seen him all day.”
Jacob released his breath and looked back at his brother. “The thing is, Tobes, I met Bobby in jail.”
The color left Toby’s face. He stared at his brother in shock. “What? Bobby’s been to jail? But…but… I don’t understand.”
“It’s all right, Tobes. I know it’s not what you expected. The thing is, Bobby’s been in and out of trouble with the police for a long time. I met him when he was nineteen and it wasn’t the first time he’d been to prison.”
Toby’s eyes narrowed. “I knew there was a reason I didn’t like him. He’s been to jail!”
As if only just becoming aware of what he’d said, Toby gasped and his eyes went wide. He looked at Jacob, blinking furiously. “I’m sorry, Jake. I didn’t mean… I mean… Going to jail doesn’t mean you’re a nasty person. I just—”
Jacob’s heart went out to his brother. “It’s okay, Tobes, I understand. And the fact is, Bobby is a nasty person.”
Toby looked on the verge of tears. “Was he nasty to you in jail?”
“No, buddy; in fact, he was my friend. But that was a long time ago and a lot has happened since then. Lane’s been looking into a few happenings here at the funeral home—as a police officer.”
Toby’s brow furrowed. “Lane? Why would Lane be worried about this place?”
“We had a couple of other guys working here before you started,” Hannah explained. “They both died from accidents. The last one died not long before you arrived.”
Toby shook his head. “Wow, that’s kind of weird.”
“Yes,” Jacob agreed, “and that’s why Lane’s been doing a bit of investigating. He just found out that at least one of the deaths wasn’t an accident and he thinks Bobby might be involved.”
Toby’s eyes went wide. “You mean, Lane thinks Bobby killed them?”
“Lane’s not sure of anything at the moment,” Jacob hurried to clarify, “but he’s concerned about you working here. We both are.”
Toby smiled. “Just because I work here doesn’t mean Bobby’s going to kill me, right Hannah?”
Hannah gazed back at him, her expression solemn. “I’m not sure what it means, Toby, but your brothers are right. Until we know what Bobby’s involvement is, you need to stay out of his way.”
A look of panic filled Toby’s face as the implications became clear. “I’m not leaving here, Hannah! I’m not giving up my job. Not for Jake, not for anyone! I’m not scared of Bobby. He wouldn’t dare hurt me. He has you and me to stand up to him. Doesn’t he?”
His voice had turned almost pleading. It tore at Jacob’s heart. He loved seeing his brother passionate about his work, but not to the point he would risk his life. He cleared his throat and delivered the bad news.
“Until we get to the bottom of this, it’s not safe for you to be here, Tobes. I want you to think about taking some time off and just keeping low for a while.”
Toby shook his head frantically, his gaze jumping from one to the other. “No! I’m not leaving. Hannah can keep me safe! Can’t you, Hannah? Bobby won’t try anything on me. I’ll… I’ll knock him flat if he does. I know how to fight, Jake. You’re not the only one who’s done it tough.”
Jacob drew in a deep breath and eased it out between his lips. “I know, buddy and I’m sure you know how to handle yourself, but what if he takes you by surprise? What if he has a weapon? Maybe even a gun?”
“Did he use a gun on the other guys?” Toby asked.
“No, not as far as I know. One fell in front of a car and the other guy was pushed down a flight of stairs.”
“See, he doesn’t have a gun or he’d use it, wouldn’t he?” Toby stated, a triumphant gleam in his eyes.
Jacob swallowed a groan. “The thing is, Tobes, it’s not safe for you around here until Bobby’s either cleared of any wrongdoing or arrested and tossed into jail. I don’t want to have to worry about what might or might not be happening to you whenever I’m not around. And that’s another thing. I want you to move in with me.”
“No!” Toby’s objection was loud and immediate. “I live with Hannah. I love living with Hannah.” He threw a look tinged with desperation in Hannah’s direction. “I even pay a little rent… We have a great time, don’t we, Hannah? We talk all the time and sometimes we play cards. You tell him. There’s nothing to be afraid of at home.”
Jacob turned to stare at Hannah. “Does Bobby know where you live?” he asked quietly.
Her shoulders slumped. Slowly, she lifted her gaze to his and nodded. “Probably. It’s listed on all of my employment papers. It wouldn’t be hard to find out.”
“But nobody knows I live with her!” Toby protested again.
Hannah’s expression froze. Jacob rounded on her. “What is it, Hannah?”
She flushed and averted her gaze. “I… I think I mentioned to Max that Toby was sharing my house. I don’t know if he mentioned it to Bobby. There wouldn’t have been a reason to, but…”
Jacob stared at her, feeling grim. “We can’t take that risk.”
He turned back to his twin. “Toby, you’re to stop working here until we know for sure what’s going on with Bobby Grace and what kind of threat he poses and you’re going to move out of Hannah’s and come home with me. I have plenty of room and I promise I won’t cramp your style.” He tried for a grin, but it fell flat.
His twin looked furious. Toby’s eyes flared and twin spots of color reddened his cheeks. “No, Jake! No! You can’t tell me what to do! I’m not a child! I’m perfectly safe here with Hannah and we’re perfectly safe at home. You have to work and so you won’t be there all the time. Bobby’s not going to hurt me. He barely knows me.”
Jacob’s patience snapped. “For fuck’s sake, Toby! Wake up and open your eyes. The man has a life insurance policy with your name on it. Do you even know what that means?”
Toby’s face filled with shock. “Life insurance?” He turned to Hannah, his expression dazed. “Is that the same thing that doctor talked about?”
Hannah nodded. “Yes, Toby, it is. You told me the doctor said you were there for a medical check-up for life insurance purposes.”
Toby continued to stare at her. “What does it mean?”
“Bobby Grace took out a life insurance policy with you as the insured,” Jacob explained brusquely. “It means that if you die, he’ll receive money. A lot of money. It was the same with the other guys,” he added.
Toby’s face paled again. “You mean, Bobby took out insurance on them and then killed them for the money?”
Jacob nodded grimly. “It looks that way.”
Toby turned away, his shoulders slumped in defeat. Jacob felt bad for him, but he was doing this for his twin. Toby needed someone to look out for him and Jacob was in the best position to do it.
Jacob turned his attention to Hannah. “I’d like for both of you to come and stay with me for a while, just until this is all sorted, one way or the other. It’s the only way I’ll know for sure the two of you are safe.”
Hannah opened her mouth. He could see she was about to protest. Before he could speak again, Toby spun on his heel and faced her.
“Yes! Please, Hannah! Say yes! And don’t worry about Pepper. Jacob loves cats, too! If I have to go, so should you. You already said Bobby knows where you live. What if he comes after you? I’d die if anything happened to you!”
Hannah’s gaze flew from Jacob’s to Toby’s and back again. “Toby, I don’t think… I mean, what Jacob’s saying is right. You need to stay somewhere safe, somewhere that Bobby doesn’t know about, just in case, but it doesn’t mean I’m at risk. I’m happy to stay where I am. I don’t need to—”
“If you’re not going, then I’m not going. Besides, he could take insurance on you, too,” Toby declared, folding his arms across his chest. His mouth set in a stubborn line.
Jacob gritted his teeth. “Tobes, be reasonable, buddy. I need to know you’re safe. I’m more than happy for Hannah to come with us and Pepper, too, but it’s you who appears to be in Bobby’s sights. You’re the one named in the insurance documents. You’re the one who has a price on his head.”
Toby continued to stare at him stubbornly. “I’m only going, if Hannah goes with me. I won’t leave any other way.”
Jacob sighed and looked over at Hannah. She shuffled her feet and recrossed her arms and wouldn’t meet his gaze. He could only imagine she was remembering the last time they were together. Was every detail seared into her mind, as it was in his?