"I know," Ardin agreed ruefully. "It's just so difficult, not having anyone to talk to about things."
"Well, you can always talk to me. And don't forget Brett."
"Mother! He's as much a suspect as Bill, remember?"
"Says who? How long did they say it will take to repair your car?"
"Three days, if I'm lucky."
"Well, you can use Julia's car in the meantime."
Ardin winced at the thought of driving around in her aunt's large Cadillac. "I suppose, if I have to. I'd better go. Speak to you later."
"One more thing, Ardin dear. Remember that woman we passed the other day, arguing with her nephew?"
She thought a moment. "Your friend, Renata? The one with all the money?"
"Right. The poor thing started feeling ill two days ago and had another one of her spells. They took her to the hospital. Would you mind stopping by her room when you're there visiting Julia? Just peek in and say hello."
"Mo-om! She doesn't even know me."
"She's never met you, but I've told her all about you."
Ardin groaned. The tow-truck driver was climbing down from his truck. "Have to go, Mom. The tow truck's here."
"Just look in for five minutes. It'll do her good to see a friendly face."
"Oh, all right. Good-bye for now."
"Take care, Ardin, dear. I don't want anything to happen to you."
Ardin called the police from the gas station. She felt relief when Officer Devine and another young policeman came into the small office jammed with automobile supplies and took her statement. No, she hadn't seen anyone break the window, and yes, she had the note in her pocketbook. Officer Devine took it gingerly from her, and placed it in a plastic bag. She accepted his offer to drive her home, and made no protest when he insisted on escorting her into the house and looking around.
It was only as she watched the two officers drive off that she felt the full impact of what had happened. She began to hyperventilate, her shoulders rising up and down as she gasped for breath. "Get a grip," she muttered. "You're fine, you're fine." She repeated the words over and over, until her breathing returned to normal. But she couldn't stop the prickling feeling in the back of her neck.
Someone--maybe Suziette's murderer--had followed her to the hospital, and risked the chance of being seen to teach her a lesson. It was an act of anger and desperation. She'd rattled somebody's chain, and he wanted her gone. Away from Thornedale.
Me and my big mouth, babbling on about evidence and tally books, and making it my business to find Suziette's killer.
She tried to recall everyone she'd spoken to recently: Frank, Detective Rabe, Bill, her mother.
Maybe Suziette's notebook was important, despite Bill's insistence that it went too far into the past to mean anything. She shivered as she wondered if the attack had anything to do with her decision to adopt Leonie.
A strong cup of tea would set her right. While the water heated, she rummaged through the bags of baked goods she'd bought that morning, until she found what she was after. She bit into the huge cinnamon danish and moaned with delight. The sweet, familiar taste soothed her, took the edge off her fear. She felt stronger now, strong enough to remind herself that no matter what, she wasn't going to leave Thornedale.
She had fifteen minutes until the school bus brought Leonie home. Just enough time to pull herself together and put on a smiling face. The poor child had had enough upheaval in her short life without having to deal with her jittery Cousin Ardin.
She'd taken no more than a sip of her tea when the sound of a car in the driveway caught her attention. She went outside in time to see Brett helping Leonie out of the Jeep.
Contradictory emotions unsettled her already frazzled nerves. The glorious sight of Brett in jeans, white t-shirt, and work boots sent shock waves throughout her body. At the same time, she resented his presence. This was her time with Leonie, time she'd been looking forward to. And here was Brett, announcing to the world that Leonie was his daughter and he intended to look after her, no matter what.
"Cousin Ardin! Cousin Ardin!" Leonie shouted. "Daddy drove me home from school."
Ardin shaded her eyes. "So I see."
Leonie torpedoed into Ardin, throwing her arms around her waist. "I missed you."
"I missed you, too," Ardin answered, and realized it was true.
A minute later, Brett strode into the house, Leonie's backpack slung over his shoulder. "I had to bring back her sleepover stuff, so I figured I'd deliver Leonie and her things at the same time."
"Sure," Ardin said, though she failed to see the connection. He was close enough for her to breathe in his own special scent. Male. Musky. Her body started to hum.
"Shall I take the knapsack up to her room?"
"You don't have to-- Okay, I guess." He was already bounding up the steps.
"Cousin Ardin, we made paper umbrellas for April showers," Leonie said, "and I colored mine purple and pink."
"That's nice. Are you hungry?"
"I'm starving!" Leonie rubbed her stomach.
"How about some chocolate milk and cookies?"
In the kitchen, Ardin chatted with Leonie as she ate her snack, all the while wondering what Brett was doing upstairs. Finally, he came into the kitchen.
"I noticed the vertical blinds in her room needed some tweaking."
She must have been staring at him in a skeptical way, because he laughed and held up a hand. "Scout's honor. I wasn't searching for jewels or hidden secrets."
"Secrets?" Ardin echoed. She felt light-headed, as though she were about to faint.
Brett stepped closer and eyed her intently. "Are you okay?"
"Yes, no.," To her horror, she began to sob.
Two pairs of hands--one strong and firm, the other small and plump--reached out to comfort her.
"Don't cry, Cousin Ardin," Leonie crooned. "Don't cry."
* * * *
Brett coaxed Leonie into the den and turned on her favorite program.
"What's wrong with Cousin Ardin?" She was clinging to Mr. Bonkers with one hand, to him with the other.
He could see she was on the verge of crying. His heart twisted. The poor little tyke was terrified yet another adult in her life was going, going, gone.
He sat on the one comfortable chair in the room and perched her on his knee.
"I think she's just tired. You know, from looking after her mother, your grandma, and you."
"But I was in school all day," Leonie said.
Brett kissed her forehead. "Still. We're all upset."
She nodded solemnly. "Because of Mommy?"
"Because of Mommy," he agreed.
He went back into the kitchen. Ardin was wiping her eyes with a soggy tissue. He pulled out his handkerchief and handed it to her.
Ardin blew her nose then hesitated, as if not sure what to do with the handkerchief. She gave a dim smile. "I'll throw it in the wash."
"That sounds nice and sanitary."
The color had returned to her cheeks. He took a deep breath, debated what he was about to say, and tossed caution to the winds. "I picked up Leonie and brought her home so I could see you."
Yes! A slow, warm smile brightened her face.
"I'm not weak-minded," she said, "but I've had quite a day."
She told him about finding Suziette's notebook, her aunt's poor prognosis, then finding the smashed window and the note telling her to leave Thornedale.
He had to exercise considerable restraint not to gather her up in his arms and kiss her full, sensual lips. "I wish I could stay, but I have to get back to work for another hour or so. The signs just came in, and we have to put up at least some of them today if we're to finish on time."
"Why don't you come for dinner?" she said.
His heart revved up at the thought of coming back here, but he considered all she'd just been through. "You're too upset to worry about cooking a meal."
"I want to. It will keep my mind occupied."
Delighted, he reached out to caress her cheek. "In that case, I'll be back quick as I can."
* * * *
After Brett left, Ardin went into the den and snuggled on the couch next to Leonie.
"Are you feeling better?" Leonie said.
"Uh huh. I was upset about something, but now I'm fine."
"Mommy used to get upset lots of times." Leonie settled Mr. Bonkers on her lap.
"Did she?" Ardin stroked the long, blonde hair.
"I hated when she and Daddy used to fight."
Ardin took a deep breath. "What happened?"
Leonie shrugged. "They yelled and banged doors. Sometimes Daddy drove away. Sometimes Mommy."
Did she go to her lover?
"Daddy's coming for dinner later."
"Oh, goodie." Leonie moved closer and hugged Ardin. "I'm glad you're taking care of me, Cousin Ardin. And Daddy, too. It's nice when we're all together."
"It is, isn't it?" The three of them together was better than nice. It was cozy and comfortable and wonderful. And it was going to end the moment Brett learned of her plans.
She forced herself to rise from the couch. "I'd better start dinner."
* * * *
"You sure ate a lot, Daddy," Leonie declared.
"I sure did," Brett agreed. "Your Cousin Ardin is a first rate cook."
"Hamburgers and salads? That's not exactly gourmet cooking."
He winked. "In my book, homemade potato salad ranks high up there, next to caviar. Besides, it's a lot better than my own cooking."
His lavish praise made the blood rush to her face. Ardin reached for the pitcher and poured herself more iced tea.
"Cousin Ardin, I'm going to draw in the den."
"Okay, honey." And then calmly, as if this weren't the first time she was asking, "Can I have a kiss before you go?"
"Sure." Leonie's lips grazed her cheek.
Brett helped Ardin clear the table. He sponged the placemats, and then lounged back in his chair while she stacked the dishes into the dishwasher. "Feeling better?"
"Much." She turned to look at him. "Do you think the murderer left the note?"
"I sincerely hope not. But someone wants you to go."
"Well, I'm not leaving town."
He looked startled, and the sickening thought occurred to her that he might have written that note. But her moment of doubt passed. The concern she read in his eyes was genuine.
"You could go home to Manhattan, if you like," he said. "I'm sure the judge will let me look after Leonie, under the circumstances. You can visit Julia and your mother on weekends."
She gave a derisive snicker. "I see you've thought this out. You've managed to cover all bases."
"For God's sake, it's you I'm thinking of! I don't want another death on my conscience."
Fingers strong as pincers gripped her shoulders. She flinched but held her ground, determined to remain calm at all costs. "On your conscience? How do you figure that?" She felt a loss as he released her and turned away.
"I'm partly responsible for what happened. No matter how bad things were between Suziette and me, I should have realized she was in trouble." He met her gaze. "I won't let anything happen to you. I swear I won't!"
The quivers of joy rippling through her body were almost too much to bear. Ardin had to clasp her hands together so she wouldn't be tempted to pull him close and press his parted lips to her own. "Please don't worry about me, Brett. I'll be careful, I promise."
"I know you want to stick around to help with Leonie's adoption, but my lawyer has a pretty good handle on things. I told her about Suziette's will and Julia's bad heart." He eyed her closely. "You don't think Julia's planning to adopt Leonie, do you?"
"No, I don't." Ardin cleared her throat. Now was the time to tell him the truth. Tell him she wanted to adopt Leonie and bring her back with her to Manhattan.
Leonie dashed into the kitchen with her latest work of art. "Daddy, Cousin Ardin, look at this."
Ardin and Brett praised the three stick figures standing next to a house under a large yellow sun.
"Very nice, Sugarplum. Is this us?"
"Well, of course it's us. Who else? Grannie's in the house, with Aunt Vera."
"I see," Ardin said.
"Now I'm going to draw a doggie. Daddy said I could have a dog."
Brett laughed. "I said I have to think about it. And now I have to say goodnight. Come and give me a hug."
Leonie threw herself into Brett's arms and wrapped her legs around his waist. She kissed his nose.
"Good night, Daddy. Are you coming for dinner tomorrow night?"
Ardin looked up at him. "You're invited," she began.
At the same time he said, "Sorry, I can't tomorrow night."
She shrugged, feeling foolish. "Sure, I understand."
"I'm having dinner with Frank and some of the others involved in the condo deal," he explained as she walked him to the door.
"Persistent Frank. Sounds like he's putting pressure on you."
"It sure as hell feels that way." He winked, making her heart do a flip-flop. "Not to worry. I'm a hard guy to push around. Thanks for dinner." He kissed her cheek. "And for everything else."
He drew her close and his lips met hers. She felt an urgent pressure, the flick of his tongue, and she welcomed him inside her mouth. When they moved apart she felt forsaken.
"We won't tell Leonie about our special friendship," he whispered. "At least, not yet."
"No," she said, astonished that he'd put into words what she hadn't the courage to admit. "Let's keep it private for now."
He ran his hand along her hip, making her tingle with desire. "Private's good." He wore a wide grin when he opened the front door. "Can't wait till Saturday night."
Too dazed to think of a witty comeback, Ardin nodded.
She double-locked the door, suddenly certain of two things. She was in love with Brett Waterstone, and after Saturday night, she wouldn't see him again.
CHAPTER TEN
"I left my rubber duck at Daddy's house," Leonie complained.
"No, it's right here. He remembered to send it along. See." Ardin squeezed the duck to make it quack, and tossed it in the bath beside Leonie.
"You got me all wet!" Leonie's face puckered up. She was about to cry.
Ardin felt a moment of panic. Where was the sunny child she knew? She's tired, that's all. Relieved to have hit upon the obvious, Ardin gave Leonie a big smile. "You know what? We don't have to wash your hair tonight."
"Oh, goodie." Leonie let out a huge yawn.
Pleased with her newfound mothering skills, Ardin took hold of the washrag and hurried the bath along. Two minutes later she was toweling Leonie dry and helping her into her pajamas.
"Do you want me to read to you?"
Leonie nodded as she slipped under the covers. "Read me a Dr. Seuss book."
Ardin began reading Horton Hears a Who. By the second page, Leonie's eyes had shut. Ardin closed the book and kissed her forehead. "Night, night."
Blue eyes opened. "When can I move back to my house?" Leonie's words were slurred but understandable.
"Soon," Ardin answered, and then realized what she'd said.
Leonie smiled. "And you'll come, too, right?"
She swallowed the lump in her throat. "Good-night, honey."
"You have to come, too. Now you're my new mommy."
"See you in the morning."
Ardin went downstairs. The house, which had been cozy only a minute ago, now seemed too large. Cavernous. She yawned and realized she was tired, too. She'd watch some TV and get to bed early. Today's ugly incident and the roller coaster ride of her emotions had taken their toll.
She was turning pages of the newspaper, scarcely noting the headlines, when the phone rang. The voice was male and heavily accented.
"Hello, is this Miss Ardin Wesley?"
"Yes, it is." Her heart thudded against her ribs.
Her reluctant response evoked a trill of musical laughter. Wh
en her caller spoke again, his voice exuded intimacy. "There's no need to be afraid, Miss Wesley. I am Dimitri. Dimitri Costas."
"I see." Ardin found herself grinning at his impudence.
"I am calling you against the advice of my attorney," he continued, "but I have the greatest need to give you something."
"I don't know, Mr. Costas--"
"Dimitri," he broke in smoothly. "And fear not. My desire is to restore, not to take from any member of poor Suziette's family."
"What do you want to give me?"
"Can you meet me tomorrow morning at the small park across from the gym? Perhaps in front of the fountain at ten o'clock? By then the little one will be in school."
She felt a twinge of guilt because she'd promised Brett she'd be careful. But meeting Dimitri in a public place was being careful. Besides, he might know something crucial about Suziette's murder.
"Okay, Dimitri. I'll see you tomorrow at ten."
She heard his delightful laugh again. "Suziette was right. You are a smart cookie to realize Dimitri can only help not hurt."
"You're not a bad judge of character yourself."
"I have to be," he said modestly. "My job depends on it."
* * * *
Dimitri was shorter and broader than she'd expected, but every bit as sexy and handsome as his voice had led her to imagine. His wavy black hair, firm chin, and the tiny chip on his front tooth all added to his charm.
The hand he offered was soft yet firm, and, like the rest of him, exuded a warm, humane quality. Ardin could well understand why Suziette would be attracted to this man, if she hadn't had Brett Waterstone at home.
"Shall we?" With a graceful gesture, Dimitri ushered her to a bench.
Once they were seated, he reached inside his wine-colored blazer and withdrew an envelope. "This is what I want to give you."
Ardin opened the envelope. Inside was a check for seven thousand dollars. She gasped when she saw it was made out to her. "What-- Why?"
The one-arm hug was both brotherly and seductive. It left Ardin feeling they were two mischievous children playing a trick on their teacher.
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