Deadly Dancing

by Nicolette Pierce

  “Make up a name for me, and I’ll go by that name.” He paused. “But be nice. I don’t want to be called Shirley or something like that.”

  I grinned. This could be fun. I’ve never had the opportunity to name anyone before. Would he go for Ralph? I smirked.

  “I saw that smirk,” he said. “Be nice.”

  I stared at him and said, “Brett.”

  A puzzled look cast over his face.

  “It’s a good name,” I said.

  “Why Brett?”

  “It seems to suit you. It’s a strong and handsome name,” I said. “But don’t let it go to your head.”

  “You’re turning red.”

  “I know. I always turn red.”

  Pete came out with a giant platter with cheese fondue and everything that you could possibly want to stick in it . . . and I could think of a lot. I looked at Brett and shook my head. Food first, then fun.

  I started salivating. I had nearly forgotten how hungry I was. I picked up the spear and stabbed a cauliflower floret. I then moved to the bread. I was about to head over to the apples when I became aware of Brett’s eyes set intently on me. I looked up from my spear to find Brett watching me.

  “I’m hungry,” I explained. “I haven’t eaten for . . . thirty hours.” I checked my watch.

  “Why not?”

  “Does there have to be a reason?” I didn’t really want to tell him. “Can’t a girl just starve herself without getting questioned?”

  He examined me with a serious face but didn’t say anything. Good, let him assume what he wants, as long as it’s not the embarrassing truth.

  He gently tugged my hair. “You drive me absolutely crazy.”

  That makes us even.

  * * *

  Angela and Pete waved good-bye as we stepped out to the sidewalk. I was about to say goodnight to Brett when I noticed a black town car sitting at the curb near my car.

  “Uh-oh.”

  “What’s wrong?” he asked.

  “Uh, I forgot to tell you the reason I called today.” I glanced at the town car. Brett followed my gaze.

  “Who is that?”

  “I don’t know. They said you have something they want,” I said. “I tried to tell them I didn’t know you. They said I’d make a good bargaining chip if you didn’t cooperate. Now they’re here and we’re together. What am I going to tell them now?”

  “Damn it! Let’s take my car.”

  “But my car is over there.”

  “Yeah, next to the people who threatened you.”

  “How will I get my car?”

  “Just get into my car. We’ll figure it out later.”

  When I didn’t move, he hauled me over his shoulder. His hand rested on my rear as he stomped over to his car. He plunked me down into his Viper.

  “You didn’t have to manhandle me, you brute.”

  “Brute?” A sly smile grew. “I kind of like that. I may have to use that as my next stage name.”

  I groaned.

  His car was black and sleek. Just sitting in it made me sexy by association. The seat curved with my body. I was sure it was made for me.

  “Nice car,” I said as he pulled out of the parking lot. “Can you really afford this working as a dancer?”

  “Not really,” he said. “Tell me again what happened?”

  “On Sunday, a Neanderthal with a tarantula tattoo grabbed me and brought me over to the town car. The window was only cracked, so I didn’t see who was inside. The guy in the car said you have something of his.”

  “You should have told me this sooner.”

  “I would have, but you keep flustering me. How am I supposed to remember things when you’re always . . . doing what you do?”

  “Hmmm,” he said as the edges of his lips slightly curved. “I know of a way to remedy the problem.”

  “See, you’re doing it again. I had something else to tell you.”

  “Yeah, like what?”

  “I’m pretty sure some lady has gone bonkers for you. I was having lunch with my mom yesterday. When I got back to my car there was a note on the windshield that said I should stay away from you or I’d regret it. It could have been referring to a different guy, but it just seems odd that both of these occurrences happened on the same day. It has to be about you.” I thunked my hand to my head. “I must have a death wish to be in the same car with you!”

  “Where’s the note?” he asked.

  “It’s in my car, where I should be.”

  Brett pulled to the curb next to my house. I blinked. How did we get here so fast and without giving him my address?

  “How did you know I live here?”

  “It’s not important,” he said. “Tell me about this other guy the note could be about.”

  He seemed irritated.

  “It’s not important,” I mimicked him. I was playing with elements out of my control, but I was itching to burn off a little built-up steam. Brett had me wound up like a spring ready to vault.

  “I just meant so I could rule him or myself out as a target for the note,” he said.

  “He’s an EMT. His name is Evan West. Kym assumed it could be about him because he uses girls like tissues. I’m not one of them, but we are friends and someone may have the wrong idea.” I huffed. I can’t believe I’d caved. Brett can keep secrets and I blab them. No wonder he doesn’t want to tell me anything.

  “Was that the guy parked outside Longhorn’s you were talking to?”

  I thought back to Saturday morning. “You saw us?”

  “I watched you get out of your car and walk up to his truck.”

  I noticed his hands were clenched on the steering wheel.

  “And?” I asked.

  “And what?”

  “That’s it?” A thought hit me. He’s jealous. That’s why he looked at me with his scary, narrow eyes when I left the club. He had no idea that Evan and I weren’t seeing each other. And he obviously detected some flirting going on. This jealousy bit was new to me. Should I tread carefully or make him suffer? I smirked—suffer, of course.

  “You’re jealous,” I needled him.

  “Good God, you drive me crazy!” He slammed his head back to the headrest, staring at the ceiling for a moment. Brett then glanced at me. It was dark out, but his eyes were burning a hole through me.

  “Yes, I was a little jealous. Happy? I caught the way you looked at each other; your eyes were so animated.” He paused before adding, “I knew I wanted to be the one who could make you smile like that. I walked over after you entered the club and asked him about you. He said you were the one he was waiting for.” Brett’s lips curled into a devious smile. “I should have just punched him. It’d have made me feel a whole lot better.”

  I sat in silence. I didn’t know whether to be shocked by Brett or by what Evan had said. I wasn’t aware Evan thought about anyone like that, let alone me. I assumed I was just one more fling to be added to the scoreboard. Of course, Evan could’ve been blowing smoke for the hell of it. He does like to mess with people’s heads when he can, especially if a girl is involved.

  “Hmmm, that’s interesting,” I said.

  “I just spilled my guts like a complete moron and that’s all you’re going to say?”

  “I believe so. You seem to have a lot of secrets you don’t feel the need to share with me. Until you tell me what’s going on here, I’m not saying another word except ‘goodnight’!” I opened the door and stepped out.

  “Hang on. I’m coming in with you just to make sure there aren’t any creeps in your house.”

  “You’re not coming in. I’ll never get you to leave with my dignity still intact.”

  He expelled air to keep him calm. “You don’t have a choice. Either you let me look around your house, or I’m taking you home with me and then, believe me, you’ll definitely lose all dignity,” he said. His eyes pinned me and his lips tightened, waiting for my answer.

  Jeez, I liked him better when he was trying to get
in my pants. “Fine, search it.”

  He left me at the door, moving swiftly through the house.

  He reappeared with a quizzical look. “What’s with the color scheme?”

  “You’re really going to talk about colors now?”

  “No, you’re right. I have to go.”

  Brett stepped past me and out the door. I watched as he angled into his Viper and drove away. No good-bye or a single kiss goodnight. I flopped into bed and sulked. Idiot! I scolded myself.

  * * *

  The next morning I woke up and spotted a crumpled twenty dollar bill on my nightstand. Brett must have left it there last night when he searched my house. With the roller-coaster ride of ups and downs we’d had on our date, it was a sweet touch. As I held the bill, I heated from the image of where it touched him.

  If our first date was any indication of what a future would be with him, I should call it quits now. Maybe he won’t call me. Then I won’t have to worry about it. The thought made me gloomy.

  I didn’t have time to dwell on it today. I quickly dressed in jeans and a v-neck T-shirt. If I had to do maid of honor duty today, it was going to be wearing comfortable clothes.

  My cell phone rang.

  “Hey, Mars, it’s Jonathan.”

  “Tell me you have good news for me.”

  “You’re going to love me. I found the cutest heart-shaped lockets. I’ll start engraving them today and give you call you when they’re finished.”

  “Jonathan, you always amaze me!” I feigned enthusiasm. I knew he could get the lockets. If there was a dollar to be made on selling gray hair, he’d shave his grandmother bald.

  “I do tend to amaze. It’ll take me a while to engrave them, so I’ll talk to you later,” he said and hung up.

  I didn’t have to arrive at the bridal shop until two, which gave me plenty of time for errands. I made a list in my head. I pondered for a minute until I was jolted by the popping sound of a gun firing rapidly.

  I ran to the window to see Mrs. Janowski in the middle of the road firing a gun larger than she was. A dark-blue Suburban raced away and squealed down the street. She shook her fist when the car finally peeled around the corner.

  I whipped out of the house and ran across the street.

  “Did you see that?” she asked, beaming. “I got ’em on the run!”

  “Mrs. J., what are you doing? You can’t fire a gun on the street. You nearly gave me a heart attack,” I stated. “Where did you get the gun?”

  “It’s my grandson’s paintball gun.”

  “Oh, thank God. I was afraid you were shooting bullets.”

  “Wouldn’t that be something?” She smiled. “He left it over at my house a few days ago, and I’ve been itching to use it. It has a sound card and everything. Makes it sound like a machine gun. Good thing, too! Those two no-good scoundrels had it coming. So, I came out here and gave ol’ Bessie a test run. They ran with their tails between their legs.” She wagged her finger in the direction the car raced off.

  I sighed. “Tell me what happened.”

  “Those two guys were sniffing around your place. They waited outside the whole night and watched your house. At first I called the police, but no one came. I should have known they were going to be useless, so I decided to take care of them myself.”

  “You should have called the police again. I don’t want them hauling you off to jail because you’re shooting at suspicious people.”

  She shouldered her gun. “They’d have to get me first. I’m going to have to get more backup involved with securing the perimeter. This place is going to hell in a hand basket. You want to come in for some coffeecake while I make some phone calls?”

  “Thanks, but I have things to do,” I said. “Just don’t shoot anyone else today.”

  I watched her scurry back to her house, and I walked back across the street looking for clues or evidence that someone was actually snooping around my house. I didn’t know what I was looking for, and I couldn’t see anything out of place, except . . . where’s my car? A recollection sparked my memory. I had left it at the restaurant.

  My cell phone rang.

  “Are you okay? I heard a gun being fired.”

  It was Brett. My pulse kicked up a notch.

  “Yes, I’m fine,” I answered warily. “And what do you mean you heard a gun being fired? Where are you? Are you the one Mrs. Janowski fired at? And how the hell am I supposed to get my car?” I rapidly fired my round of questions at him.

  “Sweet thing, calm down,” he sighed. “I can see you’re in the same mood as I left you.”

  “Calm down? Calm down! How can I possibly calm down with people following me, an old lady going bonkers and shooting at people, and no possible mode to escape from this loony bin? I’m stuck here with all the nuts!”

  “Are you done?”

  I sucked in air. “For now.”

  “Do you know who she shot at?”

  “It was a blue Suburban, and it was only a paintball gun.”

  He gave an amused chuckle. “Tell her to stop shooting them. I know who they are.”

  “Of course you would know them. Are you having me followed?”

  “Yes, but only for your protection.”

  “I don’t see how they’re going to protect me when they run away from a paintball gun. Anyway, tell Mrs. J. yourself. She’s all hopped up on adrenaline. If I go over there now, she’ll probably shoot me by accident. Are you coming over to drive me to my car?”

  “Your dad is on his way to pick you up. I don’t feel safe with you right now. You might kick me again,” he teased.

  “My dad? When did you call my dad?”

  “Sweet thing, I have to go,” he said, dodging the question. “But if Mrs. J. does shoot you with paintballs, just call me. I’ll be more than happy to come over and scrub the paint off.”

  He hung up. Damn, he irritates the hell out of me. He always seems to be one step ahead and know everything about me. I don’t even know his name. He didn’t even say when he’d see me again.

  I settled on my porch, and within a couple of minutes, my dad pulled into my driveway.

  He rolled down the window. “Hop on in. I heard you need a ride to your car.”

  My dad is a cool, outer-space geek. He’s always gazing up at the night’s sky and pointing out stars and constellations. One night, when I was really young, he roused me out of bed to go outside where he pointed to a red dot called Mars. I often wondered what would’ve happened if he’d pulled me out to see a blue dot instead. Would my nickname be Uranus?

  Through the years, he’s gathered books, charts, telescopes, and other stargazing paraphernalia and keeps them tucked away in a little shed in the backyard. This was where he did his stargazing. He said it was darker in the backyard, away from the house. This may be true, but I believed it was because it was quiet and secluded—away from the noise of everyday life.

  “It’s over by Pete and Angela’s restaurant,” I said.

  “Who was it that called me? He seemed like a nice man.”

  “I had a date with him last night. He drove me home, and I left my car at the restaurant,” I explained.

  “When you bring him over to dinner, I’ll take out my telescope and give him the night-sky tour.”

  “I can’t bring anyone to dinner right now. I’m swamped with work. Plus, I have Kym’s rehearsal dinner on Friday and her wedding on Saturday.”

  “But we already arranged it for tomorrow night.”

  “What do mean it’s already arranged?”

  “Well, when he called me, he seemed like a nice man. I mean, not many men would call their date’s father on her behalf to make arrangements for a ride. So, I asked him what he thought of the universe. He replied it was too big to even comprehend.” Dad nodded knowingly. “That shows he knows his place in the world.”

  I’m not sure how that shows anything, but he seemed to pass my dad’s challenge question.

  “That doesn’t answer my question.�
��

  “I asked him if he liked to stargaze, and he said that he never did. Can you imagine that?” He shook his head. “I told him to come over and stargaze with me. He said you both were free on Wednesday night.”

  “Oh, Dad, the guy could be a nutcase, and you just fixed me up with him again.”

  “Hmm. Well, when you come over on Wednesday, I’ll ask him more questions about the universe. That should settle any doubts,” he said reassuringly as he patted my knee.

  What just happened?

  “Is there something I should know about?” Dad asked.

  I looked over at him and followed the direction of his eyes. I gasped when I caught sight of my car. SLUT, WHORE and a few other colorful adjectives were spray-painted all over, covering the car completely.

  “Shit!”

  “I take it you didn’t write this,” he said. “And really, Mars, that’s not the language a father wants to hear.”

  “I didn’t graffiti my own car!”

  “Do you want me to call the police?”

  “No, I’ll deal with it later.”

  I stomped over to my car, got in, and slammed the door shut. My dad drove off once I had started my car and pulled away from the curb.

  I had to get to the bottom of this fiasco. Somehow I had wedged myself in the middle of scary men with a mission and a psycho stalker. I had no idea if it was the same person or several people. What I did know was that I needed to start taking action on my own. Brett seemed to be a great guy and all, but he’s not the one that this is happening to.

  Chapter 6

  I’ve never investigated anything in my life, but I did watch enough detective shows to know I should probably start at the beginning with Longhorn’s. Annie may be able to tell me more.

  I drove the short distance to Longhorn’s and parked in the empty lot. There didn’t seem to be anyone around. I tried the front door and found it open.

  “Hello?” I called.

  Annie came out of the small office near the bar. She recognized me and waved me in.