Arrested Romance (Oak Spring Series Book 2)

by Sherri McDuffie

  Dr. Cook shook Pete’s hand and looked from Mikki to Pete. “Her what?”

  “Husband, didn’t she tell you? A week tomorrow.”

  “Ignore him,” Mikki said.

  Nate Cook pulled his hand away. “I . . . ah . . . I, no, she didn’t.”

  Pete dropped an arm around her shoulder. “She forgets to mention that bit of information from time to time.”

  Mikki shrugged his arm off. “Stop it, Pete.” She looked at Nate and said, “I’m sorry. We aren’t really married.”

  “Really married? What does that mean?”

  “I’ll explain it later. It’s nothing.” She glanced over her shoulder at Pete. “And I do mean nothing.”

  Dr. Cook looked from one to the other. “Okay, if you say so, but I think I’ll go ahead and leave.”

  When Mikki walked him to the door, Pete followed.

  The doctor leaned toward Mikki and lowered his voice. “There’s a car show next weekend. I’m going to take this sweet little sports car I just bought. I’d like you to go along if you want. The weather is supposed to be nice, so we can put the top down. How does that sound?”

  “Great, I’d love to. And thank you again for tonight. The banquet was fun.”

  “Thank you for going with me.” He looked behind her and said, “Nice to meet you, Sheriff.”

  “Yeah, same here,” Pete said before reaching over Mikk’s shoulder and shutting the door in the doctor’s face.

  Mikki whirled around and said, “What are you doing here?”

  “I told you, I came to visit Lisa and the kids.”

  “Where is everyone?”

  “Lisa took Chloe to a sleepover at the library, and Austin went to bed after the movie was over.”

  “Well, you can go now.” She went to the kitchen.

  He followed her and leaned against the doorway with his hand in his pocket. “You look very nice tonight.”

  “Thank you, now go away.”

  “I’ve tried to call several times. Why won’t you answer?”

  “Because I don’t have anything to say to you. Go home.”

  “Who’s this doctor you’re dating?’

  She poured herself a glass of water and stared out the window. “He started at the hospital a couple of months ago, and we aren’t dating. Well, we went to the banquet tonight, but that’s it.”

  She jumped when she heard his voice beside her ear. His breath caressed her neck as he said, “He mentioned next weekend. Are you going out with him again?”

  Her back stiffened. “As a matter of fact, I am.” She spun and came face to face with him. “He’s nice, and I had a good time. Why shouldn’t I go out with him again?”

  Pete took a step closer. “Because you’re my wife, remember?” He kissed her on the nose and turned to leave. “Good night, dear.” He stepped out and closed the door just before he heard something crash against it.

  Chapter 45

  Pete drove along the highway, squinting against the Saturday morning sun. He turned left and followed the slow traffic down the dirt road. A man and a woman, wearing orange vests and gloves, directed him to a parking place in the field to his right.

  “Holy cow,” Austin said, craning his neck to look at the two acres of automobiles displayed on the other side of the drive. “There’s a Camaro. Did you see that, Derik? Over there, on the third row.”

  “Yeah, sharp, isn’t it?” Derik said.

  “Don’t worry, we’ll see them all.” Pete parked and said, “Hold on a minute, guys.” He pulled three sheets of paper from his pocket and handed one to Austin and another to Derik. As they each unfolded the picture of a man with a thick mustache, Pete said, “I want you to keep your eyes open for this dude. Let me know if you see him, but whatever you do, don’t approach him or try to make contact. Is that clear?”

  Both nodded.

  “Austin, do you have your phone?”

  “Yeah, sure,” the boy said. “Why are you looking for him? What did he do?”

  “I don’t know for sure, but he may be involved in all this drug mess in town. If either of you see him, give me a call and keep an eye on him until I get there. Just don’t let him know you’re watching him.”

  Austin grinned. “Wow, it’s like a real-life stake-out. We’re going undercover. This is so freaking cool. I can’t wait to tell Page.”

  “Austin, I mean it. No contact and no heroics.” Pete looked at his nephew and raised his brow.

  The boy kept studying the picture. “Sure, whatever.”

  “Hey, I’ve seen this man somewhere,” Derik said. He tapped the photo with his finger. “I remember that mustache.”

  “A few weeks ago, in the diner. He was sitting with two other men in the back corner,” Pete said.

  “That’s right. Penny said they come in every couple of weeks or so. What’s going on?”

  “I’m not sure. Just let me know if you see him.”

  Austin picked up the sling lying on the seat beside him and said, “Mom told me to make sure you wear this.”

  Pete shook his head. “I’m okay. Leave it there.” He moved his shoulder around and said, “I’ll put it on if my arm starts bothering me. Let’s go have some fun.”

  The three left the truck and walked across the dirt road.

  People of all ages were wandering through the cars and trucks on exhibit. Food vendors had carts at the far end of the lot. Next to them was a large enclosed tent with picnic tables inside. Voices, laughter, and revving engines filled the air. A flatbed truck in one corner served as a stage for the four-man band playing country music. The scent of burgers, barbeque, and cotton candy mingled with exhaust fumes.

  “We have all day, so let’s take our time and have fun. But don’t forget to keep your eyes open,” Pete said. “We can split up. You guys look around if you want. I’ll check in with you in a few minutes, and we’ll grab a bite to eat.”

  “Hey, Derik, do you want to take a look at that Camaro?” Austin said.

  Derik looked at Pete and winked. “Sure, come on, kid.”

  “You guys go on. I’m going to start over there,” Pete said, nodding to his left.

  He searched the crowd for Mustache Man, Mikki, and Dr. Cook. He walked the aisles, scanning the vehicles and the faces. On the fourth row, he saw Mikki leaning against the fender of a red and white sports car. The hood was up, and Dr. Cook was talking to a man examining the engine. Mikki was eating a funnel cake and watching the people.

  Pete turned and went the other way, taking his time and feigning interest in a car or two. He met up with Austin and Derik, and the three strolled around talking about automobiles. Pete kept his eye on Mikki.

  “Take a look at this,” Derik said, walking around a Mazda Miata. “This is the MX-5. Man, I wanted one of these so bad when I was in school.”

  “Sharp-looking car,” Pete said.

  “Yeah, I like it,” Austin said. “Think we can pop it open?”

  A large man with a thick neck and receding hairline was standing beside the car. He reached inside and pulled the lever. “Sure, go ahead.”

  They secured the hood, and Derik and Austin both began to look at the engine. Pete slid his hands in his pockets and scanned the crowd. A woman with long blond hair was checking out Dr. Cook’s car, but neither Mikki nor the doctor were anywhere in sight.

  “Hey guys, I’m going to get a drink,” he said.

  “Sure, we’ll catch you later,” Austin said, his head still under the hood of the Mazda.

  Pete walked around, searching both sides of the path. Just as he started to turn a corner, he spotted Mikki at a picnic table with two women. He released the breath he had been holding and slowed his steps. He ordered a soda and walked to the edge of the tent. He was leaning against
a tree, enjoying the shade, when a familiar face appeared in the crowd. He took a sip without taking his eyes off the man with the long mustache.

  Pete dialed Derik’s phone and said, “I’ve spotted the guy. He’s close to the Porta Johns.”

  “Okay, what do you need me to do?” his friend asked.

  “Nothing. I’m going to keep an eye on him awhile. Stay with Austin.”

  When Derik assured him he would keep the boy close, Pete slid the phone in his pocket. He watched the man wander through the people, making his way to the edge of the field where several portable toilets were lined up away from the activities. Larson walked toward them then disappeared between the first two.

  Pete began to stroll in the same direction. He looked around then stepped behind the last porta-potty. He ducked behind a tree when he saw the man with the long mustache talking to Nate Cook. He watched the two but couldn’t hear their conversation. The doctor pulled several pieces of paper out of his pocket and handed them to Larson then took a thick envelope in return. They walked off in different directions.

  Cook was putting the envelope in his hip pocket when he saw the sheriff leaning against a tree, drinking a soda, and watching him. Pete looked over the doctor’s shoulder at Mustache Man disappearing between the blue outdoor toilets, then back at the doctor.

  When Pete pushed away from the tree, the doctor veered to the right and darted between two of the blue structures. Pete tried to follow him. When he stepped into the crowd, the doctor was missing, and so was Larson. He turned and started toward the tent but found himself caught in a large group with young children, balloons, and strollers. By the time he worked his way around the people and made it to the tent, Mikki was gone.

  Chapter 46

  Derik and Austin were walking around a BMW M3 when the boy stopped and pointed to the next row. “Isn’t that the car Uncle Pete’s looking for over there?” he said.

  Derik peered through the crowd and saw a teen and a bushy-headed man wearing a Yankees’ ball cap standing next to a black car. “Yes, it is. Can you take a picture and send it to Pete? Don’t let them see you.”

  Austin’s hands shook as he pulled the phone from his pocket. “Is it the one Uncle Pete is looking for?” He pointed the phone toward the two and snapped a picture then sent it to his uncle with the message that they had found the car.

  Derik moved to the next vehicle in line, a Toyota MR2. When Austin joined him, he said, “Did you send him a picture?”

  “Yeah,” Austin said. “That red-headed boy is Frankie. He’s in my class, and he is bad news.” He took a picture of the car in front of him and a few more of Frankie and the man with the ball cap. Another man rushed up to the car and said something Derik and Austin couldn’t hear.

  Derik took a step to the side and noticed the guy who had just walked up was the same one in the mug shot. He glanced over and saw Austin staring at the new arrival.

  Austin’s eyes were huge when he looked at Derik and pointed toward the trio around the car. “Is that him? It’s the guy in the mug shot, isn’t it? We found him. What do we do now?”

  “Shhh, try to stay calm and pretend to take some pictures of the cars. Snap one of the guy and send it to Pete. Hurry before they leave, but don’t let them see you.”

  Austin snapped a few pictures then looked at Derik and nodded.

  When the three started across the lot at a brisk pace, Derik called Pete and said, “I think we saw that man you’re looking for. Austin just sent you a picture. He is with a kid about Austin’s age and another man. They are headed toward the parking lot. What do you want me to do?”

  “I have to take off. Mikki’s in trouble, but I need you to keep your eye on them. Just don’t let them see you. Try to get a description of their vehicle if you can. And be careful.”

  “I didn’t know Mikki was here. What’s going on?”

  “There’s no time for details right now. I’ll explain everything later, but she was just forced into a red and white two-seater by one of the doctors she works with. I’m not sure, but she could be in danger. I’m going to follow them. You just watch those guys and take care of Austin.”

  “Okay, I’ve got him. Don’t worry.” Derik hung up and said, “There goes Pete.” He pointed to the man holding his arm against his side and sprinting along the edge of the pasture.

  The sound of a car horn filled the air. People scurried out of the way, and children were yanked off the path as a convertible sped down the aisle filled with spectators. Mikki was in the passenger seat, trying to buckle her seatbelt. The car hurried out of the lot and turned onto the dirt drive.

  “Hey, was that Mikki in that car?” Austin said

  Derik watched the little car. “Yes, Pete’s going to follow them.”

  They saw Pete’s truck turn onto the gravel road. The tires squealed when he followed the sports car onto the highway.

  “He wants us to get a description of the vehicle those guys leave in.”

  “They’re over there,” Austin said, nudging Derik and pointing to three figures near the lot entrance.

  Derik scratched his head and observed the three jog across the gravel drive.

  When they climbed into an old white pickup, Austin said, “Hey, that’s a white truck, like the one Uncle Pete said ran him off the road.” He nudged Derik again and pointed his finger. “Look, it even has paint on the side, the same color as his truck.”

  The white pickup pulled onto the gravel road. “There they go,” Austin said. “What do we do now? They’re getting away.”

  When the white truck reached the highway, it turned left.

  Derik elbowed Austin. “Come on. We’ll keep an eye on them.”

  “You mean we’re going to follow them?” Austin started jogging after Derik. “How? Uncle Pete took the truck.”

  They hurried back to the automobiles on display. Derik stopped and shaded his eyes with his hand. “Where is their car parked?”

  Austin pointed to the row of automobiles. “It’s over there, why?”

  “Come on,” Derik said, breaking into a trot.

  They ran to the car, and Derik slammed the hood. “Get in,” he said.

  Austin’s eyes grew wide. “Were going to take it? This is so freaking cool!” While he settled into the passenger seat, Derik reached under the dash, popped off a panel, and pulled out a bundle of wires. He used his pocket knife and cut two of them, then touched the exposed ends together. The engine roared.

  “Wow, that’s so awesome. Will you show me how to do that?” Austin said.

  “No! Buckle up.” Derik put the car into gear and eased into the crowd. He honked and waved people aside until they reached the highway then turned left after the white truck.

  “I can’t believe we’re doing this. Just wait until I tell Mom and Chloe.”

  “I don’t think that’s such a good idea. Hang on. There they are.” He pointed at the white vehicle several car lengths ahead of them.

  Chapter 47

  Pete came around a curve in the highway and spotted the convertible. It was three cars ahead of him, caught in slower traffic. The doctor turned right at the first intersection, and Pete followed. The side road was narrow and full of potholes. Pete’s truck bounced along with no problem. Cook fought the low-riding car as it was thrown from side to side.

  Pete called 9-1-1 and explained who he was and what was happening. He asked for assistance and hung up.

  He had followed Cook more than two miles when his phone rang. Answering it, he heard Austin say, “Uncle Pete, we’re behind the white truck.”

  “What white truck?”

  “The one the guy with the mustache is in. I think it’s the same one that ran you off the road. It’s all dented and has paint on the side the same color as your truck you wrecked. Derik hotwired
the guy’s car. This is so freaking awesome.”

  “Put me on speaker.”

  “Hey, man,” Derik said. “They took off, and we’re following them. Don’t worry. I’m just keeping them in sight. I can’t get close enough to get a license number, or they’ll spot us. What do you want me to do?”

  “You stole their car?”

  “Technically I’m borrowing it.”

  Pete groaned. “Give Austin your phone. Austin, keep me on this line and use Derik’s phone to call 9-1-1. Tell them where you are and give them a description of the truck. Listen to me carefully. Tell them the man in the truck is Mitchell Larson, and he’s wanted by the DEA. Do it now.”

  “Yes, sir, hang on.” Austin took Derik’s phone and called 9-1-1. Pete could hear him relaying the information. Austin came back on the line and said, “They want to know how I know its Larson in the truck.”

  “Tell them your uncle is a sheriff, and he showed you his picture.”

  Austin talked to the dispatcher for a few more minutes then came back on the line with Pete. “Okay, they said they’re sending someone.”

  “Good job. Be careful, Derik. I don’t know what those guys will do. Larson has already shot one man, and they meant business when they ran me off the road. Don’t take any chances.”

  “Okay, man, I’m staying back. They aren’t speeding or driving crazy. There’s a semi and a couple of cars between us now. I don’t want to get too close, because they’ll notice the car for sure. How’s Mikki? Did you catch up to them?”