Too Close to Home

by Alison Stone

  “I’ve been thinking about this whole mess,” Betsy said.

  “That makes two of us.” Kathryn leaned against the workbench. Her old baseball mitt hung on a nail on the wall. A smile came unbidden to her lips as the memory of her and Dad playing catch floated through her mind. He had always clung to the hope that one of his girly girls would play a real sport. She smiled at the memory. Her dad had deserved so much more. To watch his family grow up. To see the success of his business.

  Betsy scanned the shed, perhaps her own childhood memories replaying in her mind. Finally, her gaze drifted to Kathryn, her brows furrowed. “I can’t believe Peter Hill was behind everything. He had Nicholas fired. He killed Johnny.” Betsy ticked the items off on her fingers. “He sabotaged David’s car, killing Terry.” She shook her head in disbelief. “He seemed like such a normal guy.”

  “He was desperate.” Kathryn swatted at something that had brushed her face. She flinched as her eyes darted around the cobwebbed shed. “He freaked when he learned about the K-9 dog. He was about to be discovered.

  “The police believe he had a big shipment of drugs coming through. But his well-hidden scheme was unraveling. He was determined to remove anyone in his way. That’s why so many people got killed.” Kathryn pushed off the edge of the workbench and brushed her hands on her sweats.

  “He even encouraged Benjamin and me to go to Canada to get us out of the way. I really like to think he wanted to untangle himself from this mess. But he was trapped. Losing control.”

  Kathryn scanned the tools neatly lined up on hooks. Memories crowded in on her from all sides. “If he had been able to silence Benjamin—” she stifled a shiver coursing down her spine, “—he was probably going to go after David again.”

  “Poor Mrs. Thompson. She’s heartbroken that her grandson got caught up in all this. David was so eager to make an extra buck that Peter was able to use him and Terry to do all his dirty work and still keep his own identity secret—even from the two men helping him.”

  “You talked to David?”

  “Yes, I took his grandmother to see him in jail. She’s still frail, but I think she’ll be okay. The DA revoked his bail considering the new charges that have come to light. They suspect he orchestrated Johnny’s death in the plant. And it seems it was he and Terry who tied you up in the warehouse.” Betsy lowered her eyes briefly before meeting her gaze. “And the worst part…David stole the house key from me, allowing him to break in and threaten you. I’m so sorry. I should have been a better judge of character.”

  Kathryn took her sister’s hands in her own. “You did nothing wrong. How could you have known? Don’t waste another minute feeling guilty. Trust me. I’ve wasting ten years feeling guilty about Dad.”

  Betsy nodded and wiped away a tear. “I know. I just feel bad.”

  She looked past her sister at the bright fall morning. She didn’t want to imagine her father, standing in this same spot, while his friend stood in the doorway pointing a gun at him.

  What had been her father’s last thought?

  Betsy pulled away from Kathryn’s touch. Her sister hesitated for a moment before stepping farther into the shed. She picked up a tool from the workbench and ran her index finger along its edge. “I have so many great memories of Dad.” She tilted her head. “He loved to garden.” A smile curved Betsy’s lips, but tears glistened in her eyes. “I was only thirteen when he died. No one ever talked about him after that. Sometimes I wonder if my memories are even real.”

  “I know. Dad’s suicide was our family’s dirty little secret that wasn’t so secret. At least not around Midport.” Kathryn touched her sister’s arm. “I’m sorry I wasn’t around. It was too hard. I couldn’t deal. I thought by shutting myself off from everyone I wouldn’t ever be hurt like that again.”

  Betsy wiped away a tear. “I know.”

  “What are you two up to?” Sandy appeared in the doorway holding a tray of teacups. She hesitated for a moment before coming into the musty shed. Her gaze moved around the small space, seeming to take it all in. “Your father spent hours in here.”

  Her gaze dropped to the floor. Was she imagining Dad’s last moments on this earth? Kathryn couldn’t stand the pained expression on her mother’s face. “Come on, let’s step outside.”

  The three McNabb women moved into the fresh air. Sandy set the tray on a nearby tree stump and handed each of her daughters a cup. Her mother’s gaze drifted back to the shed. “I suppose a good cleaning and some yellow paint and it will be as good as new.”

  “I’d love to help, Mom,” Kathryn said.

  Sandy’s eyebrows shot up. “Really? I thought you’d be going back to Buffalo soon.”

  Kathryn tilted her head. “You act like that’s the other side of the world.”

  Her mother mirrored her expression. “As far as you’re concerned…” She let her words trail off before taking a sip of tea.

  Kathryn leaned over and kissed her mother’s cheek. “Well, from now on, no matter where I go, this will always be home.” Home. She hadn’t felt that way in a long time. “I promise not to be a stranger.”

  Sandy blinked back tears. “I’ve enjoyed having both my daughters around.”

  “Look at you two drama queens.” Betsy laughed and brushed away a tear of her own. She put her teacup down, reached into her sweatshirt pocket and pulled out her phone. She touched the screen and presented it in a flourish. “I have some exciting news.”

  Kathryn squinted at the shiny screen. “What am I looking at?” She took the phone from her sister and angled the screen away from the sun’s glare. A picture of the diner with a brand new sign mounted on the roof—Betsy’s. Kathryn lifted her head slowly and met her sister’s eyes.

  “You always hated that generic sign.” Betsy smirked. A twinkle lit her eyes.

  “What does this mean?”

  Betsy spread out her hands. “You’re looking at the new owner of Betsy’s diner. Mrs. Thompson co-signed the business loan, and she’s going to let me pay her back monthly. She’s ready to retire and spend more time with her family.”

  Kathryn glanced at her mom, who was beaming ear to ear. She obviously already knew. Kathryn pulled her little sister into an embrace. “I am so proud of you.”

  Mom set her teacup down and hugged them both. “I’m proud of both of you.” The familiar scent of her mother’s lotion and shampoo brought more tears to the surface.

  She heard the smile in her mother’s voice as she whispered into her hair, “Your father would have been so proud too. Of both of you.”

  This time Kathryn believed her mother’s words.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Benjamin took a sip of his coffee and then checked his watch. Kathryn had said six, right? It was nearly six-thirty. He was sure he had the right location. She’d picked a quiet restaurant down by the lake just outside of town.

  Where in the world is she?

  Benjamin had been surprised to hear from her earlier today, considering she had made herself scarce the past month. She had become even more distant since Peter’s foiled murder-suicide attempt and his confession. Although Benjamin wanted to be there for her, he knew she needed space. She had her own demons to slay.

  The only thing he knew for sure was her steadfast determination to sell Midport Industries. She claimed she had an offer he couldn’t refuse. He knew she had met at some point with Xenon, the potential buyer. He figured she had news. He’d agreed to meet her, not for the offer, but rather to see her.

  He absolutely admired her determination. Her loyalty to her family. His gut tightened when he thought about how his own uncle had killed her father. How his father hadn’t seen his brother-in-law for who he really was. No one had. The Nowaks had ruined Kathryn’s family.

  Benjamin had contacted the family lawyer. With everything that had transpired, the lawyer had finally released some of the details surrounding George Nowak’s eleventh-hour change to his will. The secret was out.

  The lawyer re
vealed his father seemed agitated after a deathbed visit from Peter Hill. He demanded Peter be removed from the will and Kathryn be given half ownership of Midport Industries. Since his father had passed and Peter wasn’t talking, Benjamin could only speculate on the topic of conversation. Had Peter unwittingly revealed himself as Frank’s murderer, thinking George’s support all those years ago meant complicity?

  Or was the answer simpler? Perhaps the ravages of illness had made his father regret his estrangement from his former business partner. Peter Hill had been cut out in the process. Benjamin would never know. But he had found peace. He knew in his heart of hearts his father would have never condoned Peter’s actions.

  Benjamin lifted his hand to get the waiter’s attention. He needed a refill. Just then he noticed Kathryn in the doorway, scanning the room. Her auburn hair flowed in waves past her shoulders. She had on jeans and a blue blazer that flattered her figure. Her mere presence created a ball of tension in his gut.

  Smiling hesitantly, he stood to greet her. She offered him a gentle kiss on the cheek. This woman held the future of Midport Industries and this small town in her hands.

  Too bad she seemed determined to sell the company.

  Kathryn sat down across from him and smiled. “Sorry to keep you waiting. I wanted to stop by the plant.”

  The mere mention of work was like a cold shower. Before he had a chance to ask any questions, the waiter approached. “Drink, ma’am?”

  She seemed to take notice of his coffee. “Yes, I’ll have a hot tea.” Kathryn smiled up at the waiter. Benjamin understood why she wore that shade of blue. It matched her eyes. “Can you give me a minute to read the menu? I’d love to order some dinner.”

  “No problem. I’ll get your tea and come back in a few minutes.” The waiter walked away and quiet settled around them. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. She looked different. Relaxed.

  “Sorry I kept you waiting.” She broke the silence. She unwrapped her silverware and spread the napkin on her lap. “You’ll never believe who I ran into at the plant. Bud Farley.”

  “Oh yeah?”

  “He wanted to tell me the guy that threw the bottle was fired.” One corner of her pink lips tilted in a half smile. “Go figure.”

  “I knew they’d come around once cooler heads prevailed.” Benjamin glanced out the window, the lake nearly impossible to see under the dark sky. “I think the membership put a lot of pressure on him to root out the culprit.”

  “That’s good to know.” She picked up the teacup the waiter had delivered and took a sip, her blue eyes seeming to look through him. “I also had to run home to change.”

  “I noticed.”

  Kathryn’s face grew pink and she briefly played with a strand of hair at her neck before seeming to catch herself.

  Twisting his hands, he realized he couldn’t keep delaying the inevitable. “What happened when you met with Xenon?” His gut tightened as he waited for the answer.

  “Xenon is willing to offer us a sizeable amount.” She lowered her eyes and ran a finger along the rim of her teacup.

  Benjamin reached across the table and covered her hand. “I have a counter proposal.”

  “You haven’t heard me out.” Kathryn’s eyes grew bright, a hint of amusement played beneath the surface. Had he misread her?

  He squeezed her hand gently. “Please. Let me finish.”

  She lifted her free hand in a surrender gesture and shrugged.

  “Okay.” He scrubbed a hand across his face, taking a moment to collect his thoughts. “It took me a long time to realize this, but the reason my father and I always butted heads was because we didn’t have anything in common.” He took a sip of coffee, letting the warm liquid flow down his throat.

  “I worked with my hands fixing cars. He used his mind to develop products. He started an entire factory. But in the end, I realized we had more in common than I thought. I love Midport Industries as much as he did.”

  “I think sometimes we put ourselves in a box and are afraid to explore outside it.” Kathryn lowered her eyes and fidgeted with her silverware.

  “I wish he was around to see it.”

  They locked eyes. “He knows.”

  Somehow hearing her say it made him feel better. His father did know. Benjamin had returned when his father needed him, hadn’t he?

  “Well,” he continued, not wanting to get overwhelmed with emotion, “I talked to my business partner in Atlanta. He’s willing to buy me out of the motorcycle shop. It might be enough to give you the money you need for your mother’s retirement. When business turns around, I can pay you another installment.”

  He paused then added, “My family owes yours that much.”

  Kathryn’s expression gave nothing away. He knew it probably wasn’t in the financial ballpark of Xenon’s offer, but still he expected something. A flicker of consideration. For old time’s sake.

  “What? You don’t think I can pull together enough capital?” Benjamin asked. He pulled his hand away and unrolled his silverware and flicked the cloth napkin before placing it on his lap. Her inflexibility began to grate on his nerves.

  “Xenon’s offer is big.” Kathryn swilled the tea in her cup. “If you pay me off you won’t have any money to make improvements in the plant. That should be priority one.”

  “Did Xenon make a promise to keep jobs here?” He tried to contain his growing frustration. “You have to keep that in mind.”

  It was Kathryn’s turn to reach across the table and rest her warm hand on top of his. “I have kept that in mind.”

  He looked down at her hand, then up into her eyes. “Spill it. What have you done?”

  A smile spread across her face and her bright blue eyes sparkled. “I made a sale.” Her perfectly shaped brows arched as she leaned in conspiratorially. “I sold my townhouse in Buffalo.”

  Kathryn struggled to swallow over a lump in her throat. She had actually sold her house in Buffalo. It was a done deal. Nowhere to run and hide now.

  Benjamin pulled his hand out from under hers and leaned back hard in his chair, a blank expression on his face. The restaurant suddenly felt hot. Perhaps she should have let him in on her plans before they became final.

  No, I made them final so I wouldn’t chicken out.

  “What about Xenon?” His brows drew together.

  She brushed a strand of hair from her face and tucked it behind her ear. “They offered to buy Midport Industries, but I wasn’t convinced they were committed to staying in town.”

  “No.” Benjamin stated matter-of-factly.

  “I had hoped they’d commit to this area.” She hitched a shoulder. “But it wasn’t looking that way. I decided it was time for me to make some serious decisions.”

  “Really?” He lifted one brow.

  “Really.” Surprisingly, she felt confident in her decision. She raised her cup in a toast. “Goodbye Xenon. Hello McNabb…and Nowak.” She added the last hesitantly. She studied his blank face. Her pulse roared in her ears as she waited for him to say something.

  Benjamin’s eyes narrowed. What have I done? She planted her hands on the surface of the table to stand, suddenly feeling the need to flee.

  He reached across and grabbed her wrist. “You’re serious?”

  Slowly, she sat back down and tilted her head. “When have you known me not to be serious?” Her casual comments belied her trembling insides. She had offered herself to him. Put herself out there. Risked getting hurt. She freed her arm from his grasp and took another sip of tea, more for something to do than to quench her thirst. What in the world was she doing?

  She knew exactly what she was doing.

  “I’m tired of being afraid. Of making excuses. Of casting blame.” She wasn’t going to let Peter Hill ruin any more lives. “I was using my mother’s financial security as an excuse to sell the company and run away again. I can still help my mother out if she needs financial help. More importantly, she’s thrilled both her daughters will be living ne
arby.”

  Benjamin reached over the table and ran a hooked finger down her cheek, sending a tingling trail in its wake. “So…” the hard edges of his face softened and a smile lit his eyes, “…you think we could make a go of it?”

  “Well,” she said, clearing her throat, “the money from the townhouse is a lot less than Xenon offered, but it should be enough to start making improvements. And if you’re able to get money out of your business…” She shrugged. “The first thing I thought we could do is invest in new—”

  Benjamin leaned forward and brushed a soft kiss across her lips, then sat back and studied her with intense eyes. The initial surprise was replaced by tenderness deep within. She cupped her cheeks with her cool hands. Nervousness fluttered in her belly. “Do you think we can make a go of it?” Benjamin repeated.

  The same question. A different meaning. A much different meaning.

  “When have you known me not to accept a challenge?”

  Benjamin reached across, pulled her hand away from her face and squeezed it. “You really are something, Katie.”

  “Could you imagine if our fathers could see us now?” Kathryn was only filled with love when she thought of her dad. Gone was the bitter resentment, the nightmare. Now the pleasant memories weren’t crowded out by the bad. One evil act couldn’t define his life. Or hers. She wouldn’t allow it to.

  “They’d be happy to know we’re carrying on their legacy. It’s everything they worked for,” she said.

  Benjamin stood and pulled her to her feet. Kathryn glanced around at the watchful eyes of the other restaurant patrons.

  “Forget about them,” he whispered huskily. Taking her chin, he tilted her face toward him. His eyes flashed dark. He leaned closer, covering her lips with his. She closed her eyes. A tingling awareness filled her. He pulled away much too soon.

  A satisfied smile graced his lips. “And our mothers will be happy to know we’re going to make them grandmas someday.” His voice held a tenderness that swelled her heart.