Trouble [New Crescent 1] (BookStrand Publishing Romance)

by Mary Lou George

  “Of course. Regina will draw up the papers. You can move in whenever is convenient.” Ernestine smiled regally and patted Regina’s hand as it rested in the crook of her arm. “You’ll work this out for me won’t you dear?” It wasn’t a question; it was a command. Ernestine had made a decision and she’d brook no argument.

  “Thank you so much. I can’t tell you how much this means to me.” Gillian babbled, showing more emotion than she’d intended as her eyes welled up with tears. “There’s something about that house…” On impulse, she hugged Aunt Ernestine.

  The reaction was immediate, and she knew the old lady experienced the phenomenon too. A strong current ran through her to Ernestine and back again, like an unexpected meeting of spirits. This eccentric old woman understood and accepted her completely as if she’d been waiting for her a very long time. There was a great power here and something in Gillian reached out for it.

  It took only seconds, but for Gillian it felt like she and Ernestine stood hugging each other for a lifetime. The old lady broke the spell as she gently pushed away and said,

  “I’m sorry, my dear, but my nephew is here. I had hoped he’d wait a bit but…he’s a man.” Gillian could hear Reggie laugh but she couldn’t see any nephew until Ernestine guided them along the path closer to the water’s edge.

  The old lady’s radar was spot on. The sheriff leaned against a huge tree, arms and ankles crossed. Obviously, he had been expecting them but Gillian hadn’t been expecting him and was instantly on her guard. Hank’s solid body, resting lightly against her, offered silent support.

  The man seemed even larger than he had yesterday, making the tree he’d leaned upon appear just a little diminished. He didn’t look happy, especially when he glanced Gillian’s way.

  “Danger, Will Robinson.” Reggie said under her breath.

  Gillian frowned and Reggie reassured her, “Don’t worry. Ernestine will handle him. He sure is nice to look at though, all dark and brooding.” Gillian had to agree. She’d never seen a more attractive man. He was all man, and everything that was woman in her responded to him in spades. Alarm bells went off in Gillian’s head and when he trained that dark look on her, she felt an uncomfortable tingling on the back of her neck. His eyes met hers and she blinked. She hadn’t noticed their unusual color yesterday. White gold. That was the best way her designer’s eye could describe them. Fascinated, despite herself, she tilted her head back and held his gaze with all the courage she could muster.

  Gillian felt the atmosphere shift as she approached him. Mother Nature herself seemed to stand poised. Travis clenched his jaw and Gillian could almost hear his teeth grinding over the sound of the surf.

  Reggie chuckled, apparently enjoying the effect Gillian had on her friend.

  “Travis, meet Gillian Watson and Hank. Oh happy day, Aunt Ernestine has agreed to let her have the house. Now be polite and shake hands, like a good little boy.”

  Gillian didn’t want to touch him. She was afraid of what she might feel when they made physical contact but, mesmerized by his direct gaze and against her very will, she placed her hand in his. The instant their flesh touched, blue sparks flew from their fingers. She instinctively tried to pull away. He would have none of it and firmly grasped her hand in his. The sparks doused to mere tingles. He held her fast and ignored the strange phenomenon.

  Inclining his head, he said, “Welcome to New Crescent. You seem to have made quite an impression on my aunt.”

  Shaken from the spell by his harsh voice, Gillian pulled her hand from his and wiped it on her skirt in an attempt to stop the strange sensation. The action didn’t go unnoticed.

  “Your Aunt’s made quite an impression on me.” She smiled at Aunt Ernestine and the old lady took the hand Gillian had snapped from Travis’ grasp and held it in her own.

  Her voice was as firm as her grip. “Travis, I expect you to do all you can to make Gillian and Hank comfortable in the house and in this town. She’s my choice and that’s the end of it.”

  Reggie’s laughter overflowed and she linked her arm with Travis’, there was no electric spark at her touch. “Don’t worry Aunt Ernestine. I’ll keep an eye on him. Gillian, you must think we’re crazy.” She punched him in the bicep. “Relax, Sheriff. Gillian isn’t here to take advantage of your poor weak auntie. Ernestine’s been taking care of herself and this whole town for years and you know it. Don’t worry your pretty little head about it.” She patted the bicep she’d just punched.

  He ignored her and turned to his stern-faced aunt. “Why are you all of a sudden willing to unload Cliff House…to a stranger, yet? What’s so different now?”

  “The person makes all the difference and you know it. She’s the one. It’s my decision to make and if you can’t be polite, you can leave. I mean it, Travis. Leave right now. Off you go.” She made shooing motions with her hands and turned away from her nephew, certain her command would be obeyed.

  Before he walked away, Travis said, “I’m sure I’ll see you around.” Careful not to touch her again, he leaned forward and under his breath added, “I’ll make sure of it.” Only Gillian and Hank heard him. The dog showed his impressive teeth and growled. Ignoring the chill his final words caused, Gillian gave Hank a reassuring pat.

  Despite her uneasiness, Gillian couldn’t help but watch as Travis strode away. It was sheer pleasure, almost performance art. He was wonderfully proportioned and moved with athletic ease. His jeans fit him just like jeans should fit a man, not too tight, not too loose.

  “He sure is worth lookin’ at.” Reggie laughed. “I don’t always like listening to him though. Something tells me you agree with me.” As if the thought gave her great pleasure, she laughed heartily.

  Not one to be ignored, Ernestine chimed in, “Yes, I have to agree with you both. My nephew has been favored by nature. However, he’s just a man.” Her smiled died and she went on seriously, “Travis is very protective of the things he cares about. He’s a good boy underneath and he has seen his fair share of pain. No one could do his former job and not know altogether too much about human suffering.” She tapped the ground with her walking stick. “Enough of him. Gillian, you have a house to get to know and I’m sure I’ve taken up enough of your time.” She turned to leave. “Come by for a visit again, soon. Welcome to our little community.”

  “I can’t thank you enough.” Gillian responded “I hope you’ll visit whenever you want.” Trusting Ernestine completely, Gillian opened her arms and hugged the older woman enthusiastically.

  There it was again, the power.

  Ernestine whispered cryptically in her ear, “It’s ok dear. I knew you’d come, I know what you can do, let go...trust your instincts.” When Gillian moved to pull away in surprise, Ernestine held her more tightly and added, “This is where you need to be. Have faith in that.” She pulled away gently, ignored Gillian’s confusion and embraced Regina.

  “Don’t be a stranger either my girl.” Together, they walked back to the residence and as they drove away, Ernestine waved happily at them, from the window.

  “She’s a wonderful character. I’m so glad she approved of me.” Gillian pushed Ernestine’s strange parting words from her mind and concentrated on savoring her success.

  “Ernestine is the best. In fact, Travis is pretty great too. Please don’t take offense at his behavior. He’s a really wonderful guy, once you get to know him.”

  Gillian looked skeptical and Reggie laughed. “No, he is, really. It’s his profession. He’s learned to be suspicious of everyone.” Abruptly, she changed the subject. “I have an appointment later this afternoon, so I won’t be able to show you inside the house until tomorrow, but I have just enough time for a quick lunch. Would you like to join me?”

  “If you don’t mind eating with Hank, I’d love to.”

  Chapter 6

  “I’m not sure anyone would have had a problem with Hank even if he didn’t have the vest on. The people around here love animals, of all kinds, to us, animals ar
e nature’s blessing. Actually, Travis wouldn’t have it any other way.” Reggie looked up from her burger and gave Gillian an encouraging smile. “He has a soft spot a mile wide when it comes to children and animals, though he’d never admit it. Maggie is a perfect example.” She took a sip from her lemonade.

  “Maggie?” Gillian asked.

  “A Shepard, Collie mix, Travis rescued her. She was in very bad shape. He was furious. He spent the next three days and nights at the vet’s on the floor watching over her until she rallied. He lost his heart to her.” She smiled tenderly.

  Gillian nodded, “A man who loves animals. Well, I guess he’s not all bad, but that’s as far as it goes because I don’t think your sheriff likes me very much.”

  “I wouldn’t put money on that.” Reggie took a fry and dipped it into her ketchup. “He’s spent too much time suspecting people of horrendous things. His work at the FBI was pretty gruesome from the little he’s told me. He tracked serial killers. There’s only so much of that anyone can take and not have it affect the way you treat people. Give him time, he’ll come around. He’s a great cop and a wonderful friend. You’ll see.”

  Gillian raised her eyebrows with skepticism but Regina judiciously ignored her and continued.

  “When we were younger, I think our folks hoped we’d end up together, all neat and tidy, but that wasn’t to be. No passion there.”

  Gillian nodded, understanding. “At that time in life, you want urgency, not reserve.”

  “You’re right, damn it. Actually, at this time in life, I want urgency, not reserve.” Reggie laughed.

  “Me too.” Gillian agreed, joining in the laughter.

  “But at least we’ve got the friendship still.” She grew quiet.

  Feeling close to Reggie in that moment Gillian plucked up the courage and asked, “What about Marcus? You looked a little strained when I mentioned him yesterday.”

  “Ah, so you noticed, huh? Oh well, that’s no big secret. All the passion I didn’t have with Travis, I thought I’d found with Marcus.” She smiled ruefully at Gillian’s surprised look. “Yeah. Marcus was what you could call my first love. I was crazy about him and he was about me too, at least for a time.”

  “What happened?”

  Regina sighed “We’re all from the Old families, founders of New Crescent...known each other all our lives, along with Sam Daniels and Chase McCann. Oh, I had girlfriends when I was a little older, but I was a tomboy at first. I guess once hormones interfered with our friendship, nothing was the same. Everyone knew Marcus had a crush on me for ages. I’d always been close to Travis and Marcus was jealous of that. Things got a little awkward. They had a major blow out or something, because one day, they weren’t friends anymore.”

  “That must have been tough for you.”

  “Yeah, but even harder on Marcus, I think. Travis had lots of friends, but Marcus was more of a loner and after his trouble with Travis, he withdrew even more. He turned to me and before long, our relationship developed into more. I guess I was seduced by the thought of being so important to someone. Then his father died and his mother demanded more and more of his time.”

  Gillian nodded with understanding. Marcus had told her how dependant his mother had been upon him, how close they were.

  “It was hard for me to share him with his mother. I just couldn’t understand. We started fighting, it got ugly and we broke up.” She shrugged. “Devastated me at the time, you know…first love and all that. Travis was there for me, but I think my sorrow only fueled his feud with Marcus. They’ve never reconciled.”

  Appreciating Reggie’s candor, Gillian felt she owed her new friend the same. Regina had been open with her, now it was Gillian’s turn to confide.

  “I’m sorry things didn’t work out for you with Marcus.” Surprisingly she meant it with all her heart. “He’s been a very good friend to me. Yesterday, I told you I’m here recuperating from an accident.”

  At the hesitation, Regina looked at her with concern, “Look Gillian, you don’t have to tell me anything.”

  “No, it’s all right. I’d like to explain.” She stroked Hank’s head for support. “Accident isn’t really the right word. I was attacked.” Shock reflected in Reggie’s eyes but she let Gillian go on. “I was in a coma, actually. When I awoke, I didn’t remember what happened. I still don’t. From maybe a couple of days before they brought me into emergency until I woke up in the hospital, it’s a blank. All I remember is working at my latest project. I’m a freelance graphic designer.” Hank shifted and moved closer to Gillian. Reggie was speechless.

  “They tell me I wasn’t raped or anything, thank God. The guy didn’t have time. I was found in the lobby of my building. Luckily, it’s a pretty busy place. I think that fact probably saved my life.”

  Reggie finally spoke, “What did the cops say?”

  “At first they had all these questions about boyfriends or enemies but I couldn’t tell them anything. I’m not a nun, but my dance card’s been pretty clear in that area lately, or at least as far as I can remember. There were no witnesses and no leads. The case is still open.”

  “And all your other memories are in tact?”

  “Yes. There’s just this one, small hole. My parents passed away years ago and my friends offered what support they could, but it’s been hard. I’ve been so disconnected. I figured the best thing was to retreat for a while. My doctor agreed. I was getting pretty anxious.”

  “And in walks Marcus, to the rescue.” Reggie said gently.

  “Yes, kind of.” Gillian smiled. “He was just amazing when I was hospitalized. We didn’t get much of a chance to get to know each other before. I was always a little distracted and work-oriented, but when I was hurt he was there for me…even more than the friends I’d known for years.” She continued in a lighter tone, “Believe me, it doesn’t hurt to know a medical doctor on a personal basis. They know just how to cut through all the red tape. I sure got the best of care.”

  “I’m glad. What do they say about your memory? Will you get it back?”

  “Well, my specialist, Dr. Smythe tells me this isn’t as uncommon as you might think. It’s called retrograde amnesia and he’s tested me to within an inch of my life. I’ve literally had my head examined.” She smiled wryly. “The memory loss could be a form of post traumatic stress and it’s possible it might all come back to me eventually.

  Reggie took hold of her hand as it lay on the table beside her plate.

  Gillian felt her concern in her touch. “The police were as helpful as they could be, given the circumstances, but what more could they do? That’s one of the reasons I got Hank here. I don’t leave home without him.” She patted him vigorously.

  Reggie looked tentative. “A silver lining, I guess.”

  Gillian smiled and nodded. “Yes, he’s that for sure and I love this town, too, so it’s not all doom and gloom. There’s a wonderful atmosphere in this place. I feel better here than in the city; fewer people, I guess. I don’t feel quite so exposed or vulnerable.”

  “Are you in any pain or anything?”

  “Not so much anymore. At first, the headaches were searing, but they’re not bad now.”

  Reggie looked at her seriously and said, “Maybe you should tell Travis about what happened to you? He might be able to help. When it comes to crime, the man is seriously connected.” She laughed, “Um…that sounded better in my head, but you know what I mean.”

  Gillian considered her suggestion. She didn’t relish the thought of confiding in the sheriff given their recent exchange, but common sense told her it might not be a bad idea to provide the local police with some pertinent details regarding her recent past, for her own security. For the moment, she pushed the thought away and decided Reggie had heard enough of her sad story for the time being.

  She steered the conversation in a slightly different direction.

  “I’m going to have to explain to Marcus I no longer need his hospitality. I wonder what he’ll think.”


  “I’m sure he’ll be happy for you. Marcus is a pretty good guy.” Reggie looked whimsical for a moment and took another french fry.

  A man entered the restaurant and drew their attention. He was tall and he moved with cocky confidence, greeting everyone he passed. No one seemed too anxious to speak to him. His eyes met Gillian’s and he grinned. It wasn’t a pleasant smile. It was predatory, and he headed towards her.

  “Hello there Reggie. Sweet…two hot honeys, all alone. How about introducing me?” He leaned heavily on their table. Gillian could smell the liquor on his breath.

  Reggie cut him cold, “Get lost Roger.”

  He pressed a hand to his chest and feigned hurt.

  “You break my heart with talk like that. She doesn’t speak for everyone here, does she?” He leaned close to Gillian who recoiled.

  “Please leave.” Gillian was firm.

  A look of naked aggression crossed his face and he leaned even closer, “So cold. I bet I could warm you up a bit, make you lose some of that control. How ‘bout it?” He lowered his voice. “I love a challenge and, oh baby, I’ve saved the good stuff for you.” He rubbed a hand down his thigh.

  Hank, who had, until this moment, watched the man with a jaundiced eye, decided it was time to interfere. He raised his huge head and rolled his lips back revealing sharp, white teeth.

  “You might want to take the “good stuff” home and sober up before Hank here decides he’d like the sample platter of cheese balls and cocktail weenies after all.” Gillian giggled at Reggie’s humiliating comment while Reggie looked up at him with a deadpan face. Hank growled a little more pointedly to back her up. Roger hesitated a second or two, muttered something that sounded like, ‘Bitch’ and walked away.

  Reggie watched him leave. “I guess there’s good and bad in every town. That guy’s a menace. And he has a rather bad reputation when it comes to women. Strange, he doesn’t usually ooze out until after dark.” She looked at Gillian with concern. “I hope he didn’t upset you.”