Larkin's Landing_A Tombora Springs Mystery

by SK Wee

  Fee took out all the papers and looked them over carefully. Most legal documents looked like Greek to me, so I just glanced through the papers lying on the desk. I knew that Vince was much more organized with all of the bar and kitchen receipts. Logan still did the books once a week, but until then, everything was thrown in a pile evidently. I tried to sort them out but didn’t know where they should go either.

  Fee looked through the stack I set aside. “We should go through these. I think you’re going to need a lawyer and I know a really good one who won’t charge you an arm and a leg. Just a few fingers and toes.” Fee smiled over at me. I knew she was trying to lighten the mood, but I was in way over my head. I knew next to nothing about the business.

  Still looking through all the papers, I received a call from Raine’s mother. They were planning to leave Chicago in the morning and would arrive early evening. I wasn’t looking forward to them being here at all, but we all needed to say our farewells to Raine. Just when I thought my life couldn’t get any worse, my long-lost brother stuck his head through the office doorway.

  “Hey, little sis. How are you doing?” I hadn’t seen Mel in over a year so his casual question caught me off guard. “I heard about Raine, isn’t that terrible? Why would he go off and kill himself like that? What happened to your face?”

  Melvin was three years older than I was. He left some years ago for fame and fortune in Las Vegas. Since then, I heard from him about twice a year—Christmas and around my birthday. Usually, about a week later, because he could never remember the exact date. I seldom bothered to call him because his phone number changed frequently, though I did attempt to let him know about my marriage—the number had been disconnected. I was sure that whatever he was involved in was nowhere near legal and didn’t really want anything to do with him. Now, here he was, just when I didn’t think matters could get any worse.

  “What are you doing here?” I didn’t attempt to hide my annoyance. “Did you get kicked out of Vegas? Don’t tell me the law is looking for you because I’m not going to hide you.”

  “Nothing like that so don’t you worry. I’m all legit now, got a business of my own and everything. Who’s your foxy friend here, sis? Mmm . . . Mmm.” I noticed him size up Fee right away. I didn’t trust my brother any further than I could throw him and that was not far at all.

  “Fee, this is my brother, Melvin. Mel this is my keep-your-hands-off friend, Fee. Now, tell me the truth, why are you here? I have nothing for you, Mel.”

  “I just stopped by to see how you were doing. Then I came upon all of the drama surrounding Larkin’s Landing. Town’s more exciting than when I lived here, that’s for sure. I don’t plan to stay very long unless of course, this little filly begs me to.” Once again his gaze landed on Fee. I could tell she was not at all comfortable with the attention. She bundled the papers back together and set them back into the safe, pocketed the combination and locked it up.

  As she came back to my side, I knew she had my back but I wasn’t worried about Mel. I realized he would be more willing to talk if she wasn’t around. “Why don’t you go back upstairs while my brother and I get reacquainted? I’ll be up there shortly.” I watched her leave and breathed a sigh of relief.

  “Ahh, sis, now how is that any fun? Sending a nice piece away like that. But, seriously, what happened to yer face? You look terrible.” Most of the swelling had gone down but the bruising would probably take a week or more to fade.

  “I fell down the stairs the other night, that’s all. Now, you are not to go near Fee. She has just gone through hell with her husband and I don’t want you bothering her. Raine’s family will be here tomorrow and I don’t want you anywhere near them either.” I hoped he wouldn’t cause any problems for me and still didn’t know why he was here, to begin with.

  “Come on let’s have a drink together and talk about old times.” What I wanted was for him to leave, but the small distraction helped pass the time.

  Chapter Eleven

  Fee

  Walking by Tara’s brother nearly turned my stomach. How could a nice, sweet person like Tara have such a disgusting, offensive brother? Maybe they weren’t truly related. He reeked of smoke and sweat, and I found myself holding my breath as I walked to the door. I wasn’t sure I should leave Tara alone with him, but I seriously didn’t think she was in any imminent danger from him, though I felt like I was. Even with all the events of the last few months, I still lived a sheltered life. Never had I encountered anyone as distasteful as Mel. I’m not afraid to admit that he scared me, even more than when I stood up to Raine in the hospital. At least Raine didn’t leer at me.

  Once I got back upstairs, I dug through Tara’s cupboards hoping to find something I could make for dinner. Neither of us had eaten since breakfast and that was many hours ago. There wasn’t much here, I assumed that Tara ate most of her meals in the restaurant. I gave up and turned the TV on, I could wait until Tara came up to decide what to do. She had an opened bag of chips, which would tide me over.

  A couple hours later, Tara yelled up the stairs that she started burgers for us if that was all right. I decided to go back down and help her. It seemed her brother must have found something else to occupy his time with.

  “Sorry about Mel, he can really be a jerk. I’ll make sure he doesn’t bother you again.”

  “Did you find out why he was here?” It seemed an odd coincidence that he shows up when everything else was happening.

  “Not really, he said he heard that I married and wanted to get in touch with me to see how I was doing, but somehow that doesn’t ring true. I’d be willing to bet that he’s wrapped up in some sort of illegal scheme. The man has zero ethics or morals. I hate to say such things about my brother, but Fee, try to stay as far away from him as possible. He’s used to just taking whatever he wants when he wants it and I’m afraid he wants you.”

  “Eww, thanks for the warning. I’m afraid he doesn’t do a thing for me.”

  “Well, I think he’s gone for the night anyhow. He said he would stop by in the morning, but unless he’s changed, his morning comes around noon.” We brought our dinner upstairs and had a nice meal in front of the TV. Tara didn’t have a dining table, but she set up small wooden tables in front of the sofa. Even though she wanted me to take the bed, I insisted on sleeping on the sofa.

  “It’s nearly the same as the day bed I sleep on at my parents’. I’ll feel right at home.” Once we shut the TV and lights off, I still had a hard time falling asleep and then I woke with every noise. Finally, I noticed it was beginning to get light outside. Tara was still asleep so I left her a note to tell her I was going for a walk. The day looked bright and warm.

  As soon as I entered the kitchen, I noticed Mel. “There’s my little filly! I was just getting the coffee ready.” He must have slept somewhere and it was obviously in the same clothes that still stunk.

  “Tara will be down shortly, and I have to go for my run.” When I glanced back at him he was smiling at me and rubbing his crotch. I wasted no time in getting out the door and down the road. I ran until I thought my lungs would burst. At least there was no pursuit. I didn’t think Mel was too much into regular exercise. I slowed down to a brisk walk, which I could easily maintain for a mile or so. As I went through the hiking trails, I began to feel trapped. I was unfamiliar with the landscape, and all the trees seemed to be closing in on me. When I heard footsteps to the right of me, I thought for sure that Mel had found a shortcut and was going to cut me off. I would have no protection from him at all.

  There were plenty of branches lying alongside the path, but I didn’t think I could swing one hard enough to stop him even if I could get one picked up. My only recourse was to turn back before he found me. I tried to be as quiet as possible, but my heavy breathing sounded ridiculously loud to my ears. My fear spiked as I heard the steps closing in behind me.

  “Hey! Where you headed in such a hurry?” Definitely not Mel, I would know that voice anywhere, anytime. Lo
gan. I stopped suddenly and turned, making him nearly lose his balance as he was right behind me.

  “Oh . . . you scared me, coming up behind me. I . . . I thought you were someone else.” I was still panting but wasn’t sure if it was due to my workout or something else. He stood close and was not winded one bit.

  “I remember you. From the hardware store, right?” When I nodded, he took hold of my arm to lead me down a side trail. For some reason, this did not frighten me at all. I think I would have willingly followed him anywhere. Like a lamb to slaughter. “I want to show you the river trail, it’s a little muddy yet, but the sight is beautiful this morning. Come along.”

  Logan led me farther down the trail, which eventually opened up to the river and many lovely little waterfalls. I could tell that it was a favorite picnic area during the summer months. There were picnic tables and trash cans off to the side.

  “Oh . . . it’s lovely back here.” When I looked up at him, he wasn’t looking at the water but was watching my reaction intently.

  “Hey, you want a cup of coffee? My place is just over that hill and I could really use a cup.”

  “Sounds wonderful.” I accepted his offer without even thinking. “I haven’t had any yet and could use one myself.” I didn’t ask if his wife was home. It didn’t matter. I just wanted to spend some time with him. I hadn’t yet figured out why his mere presence made me feel more alive and vital than I have ever felt before but I wanted to bask in those feelings as long as I could.

  Along the way, he pointed out several other areas that were quite scenic and sure enough, up over the hill, I could see a few of the lake homes. He indicated to one of the smaller ones, and I looked over the two-story house with cedar siding and many huge windows.

  He unlocked the back door and held it open for me. Just inside was a mudroom and I slipped off my shoes. There were several other pairs already sitting there, both men’s and women’s. The mudroom led into the kitchen, which was huge and opened all the way to the front of the home. I could see the lake already from the bay window of the living room.

  “I’ll get the coffee started. I should have put it on before I left. Go ahead and make yourself comfortable. It shouldn’t take too long.” I wandered into the living room and over to the window. The view was breathtaking. The trees were all beginning to bud out and the water looked clear.

  “What a beautiful view.” I didn’t say it very loud, so I was surprised when I heard his answer right next to me.

  “It sure is.” I looked over at him, and he was leaning against the wall and not looking out at the view but staring right at me. I was a little embarrassed at being studied like that and I’m sure I started to blush.

  “Outside, the view outside.” I couldn’t help but smile at him though. Boy, the man got me flustered. I was getting all sorts of fluttery feelings all through my body. Tingling with anticipation, I realized that I truly wanted him to touch me and when he did, I gasped.

  Logan drew me toward him and bent to capture my lips. What began as a tender, almost timid kiss soon turned hungry and wanton. I’m positive it was me who deepened our contact. I felt like I could not get enough, could not get close enough, I needed more. I felt a quick flick as his hand released my bra easily and I thought to pull away until his other hand softly fondled me. I could feel his arousal and instead of pushing away from him, I attempted to pull him even closer to me. Before I knew it, Logan had my all my clothes off, and I was seated on an ottoman, still in front of the window but he was kneeling in front of me, still kissing and touching me. Wherever his mouth and hand touched left a searing flame behind, I had never felt anything like this and didn’t want it to ever stop.

  There came a point when Logan stopped to unfasten his trousers, and that was when my mind cleared a little. “Logan, we need to stop this, I can’t do this.” My plea lacked any conviction, though.

  “Are you sure?” He cupped my chin so he could meet my eyes. “I’m right at your door, but I won’t enter without an invitation. What do you want, Fee?” When I stared back at him and saw the matching lust and desire on his face, I knew I never wanted to stop. I had always believed I had a normal sex life while I was married, but I was wrong—completely wrong. I wondered if other women experienced what I did. Nothing in my life prepared me for such a profound awakening of both body and spirit I felt from such an unbelievable experience.

  Afterward, we both struggled to catch our breaths. Though I still clung to him, he began to pull away from me. “Well, I think the coffee is ready.” Logan gave me a quick kiss and stood up like nothing momentous had just occurred. My whole world was now altered, but then I realized that it was my world and nobody else’s.

  “Whatever fallout arises from this experience,” I said as I began collecting my clothing. “I just want to go on record saying that it was all worth it, Logan.” He stood in the kitchen with pot in hand, completely dressed while I was still nude and it didn’t bother me in the least. I was always embarrassed when Rich saw me naked, but surprisingly, this didn’t bother me at all. The thought of Rich inspired feelings of hypocrisy. I had judged him severely for having sex outside of our marriage and now I had taken part in Logan doing the very same thing. I chose to set the self-recriminations aside for the moment and enjoy the warm, inner glow instead.

  “There’s a powder room over there if you want to get cleaned up.” Logan set the coffee cups down at the breakfast bar and sat down. I took that as a hint that I should wash up and get my clothes back on. My brain was beginning to work once again.

  Though I shut the bathroom door, I could still hear his voice from the kitchen. “You’re like some random catalyst spinning all around, changing or altering everything you touch and yet, you seem totally oblivious to it all.” I had no idea what he was talking about, but smiled as I sat down to join him. The coffee smelled so darn good right then and I suddenly realized the cloud of depression I had been living in for months now seemed to have dissipated. I felt strong, optimistic, and satisfied with myself and my life.

  “Coffee tastes great. Thank you. I suppose I should get back to the Landing. Tara should be up by now and she can handle her obnoxious brother.” Logan choked on his coffee when I said that. “Are you all right?” He waved me off but continued to sputter.

  Once he could catch his breath again, he gave me a devastatingly charming smile. “Fine, my coffee must have gone down wrong. Hey, I should talk to Tara about the financial situation. There are a few reports I need to go over with her, so I’ll walk you over there.” I waited while Logan changed and watched as he sent out a few texts. I figured he was probably sending one to his wife and wondered why that didn’t bother me at all. I realized that the gift I just received from Logan was all I really needed. I didn’t need him nor any other man. I would be fine on my own.

  Most of our walk back was silent, well, with the exception of Logan receiving and answering text after text. He didn’t comment anymore on our little rendezvous. When we came closer to the Landing, Tara ran out to greet us.

  “Fee! I was getting worried about you. I thought maybe you got lost out there. Mel said you went for a run, and I know you’ve never been on these trails.” Tara sounded very upset and gave Logan suspicious glances.

  “I was fine.” I felt terrible for letting her worry when she already had enough on her plate. “I met up with Logan on the trails and he pointed out some of the more scenic sights. The hiking trails are wonderful, and I can’t wait to explore even more.” Tara seemed to calm down considerably and we all went inside together. Mel stood just inside the door with a smirk on his face. He was still in his soiled clothes from the day before, and I began to wonder if he brought a change of clothing along with him. If not, I certainly hoped he wasn’t staying very long.

  Chapter Twelve

  Tara

  Everything in my life was coming apart. When I got up and read Fee’s note, I felt nothing but fear for her safety. With Bonnie’s murder still unsolved, Raine’s deat
h, and then Mel’s arrival, there were so many unknowns that it felt like impending doom was upon us. I saw Mel in the kitchen glancing out the window but when I entered he spun around so quickly, I thought he was going to strike me.

  “What has you so jumpy?” I probably should have cleared my throat so I wouldn’t startle him. “I thought you were going to hit me.”

  “No, that’s your husband that did that, little sis. Oh, don’t give me that falling down the stairs bull crap. I’m not an idiot.”

  “Have you seen Fee?” I needed to change the subject, my marriage was none of Mel’s business.

  “Your hot friend? Yeah, she ran away from me and into the woods like a frightened deer. Hope she knows how many wood ticks she’ll need to pick off. Maybe I can help her with that. Hehe. That was over an hour ago, and I haven’t seen her come back.” Mel’s phone buzzed and he checked his text before he quickly put it into his pocket looking very guilty. I was still wondering what he was up to. I would have to keep my eye on him.

  “I’m sure she’ll be fine, and if she does get any ticks I’ll help her with that, not you. I told you to leave her alone and I meant it, Mel.” The doomsday feeling was still making me nervous. Something bad was about to happen or just did. I could feel it and almost taste it. I had a terrible night’s sleep, my dreams were awful but when I woke up, my thoughts were equally disturbing. It was my first night without Raine and even though our nights together weren’t always pleasant, I still missed his presence.

  “Here she comes now, looks like she found someone else to squeeze between her thighs. Hmm. Yep, she definitely got some this morning. I know that look.” When did my brother become so disgusting? When I got outside, I thought she did have a certain look in her eyes but I believed it was due to her hike, there wasn’t any way she would have anything to do with a married man.