by D'Ann Lindun
“Oh, thank God,” Mesa breathed. “I’d hate it if someone died because of something my father did.”
“Two guards died because of him,” Kade reminded her, his tone harsh. “Four, if you count the two who were killed when Gonzalez and Spencer got loose during transport.”
His sharp tone irked her. “Gonzalez shot the first two. That was proven during the trials. Dad was just the lookout.”
“He was part of it,” Kade said. “That makes him as guilty as Gonzalez.”
Mesa’s shoulders sagged. She didn’t know why she’d defended her father. He’d clearly been part of the robbery and murders. “I know he’s just as bad as Gonzalez. Those men’s deaths are on his shoulders just as much as they are Gonzalez.”
“You’re not responsible for his actions, though.” Kade softened his tone.
At his words, her heart swelled. So many people blamed her by association. It was refreshing to have someone not take out her father’s nefarious activities on her. “Thank you.”
“It’s the truth.”
She stared into her empty coffee cup. “Not everyone feels that way. Most people blame me, along with my dad.”
“That’s crap. You’re an innocent bystander, and you don’t deserve any blame.” His gaze was intense when she looked up and met his eyes.
“Not everyone agrees with you.” She fought to keep bitterness out of her voice. Sometimes the unfairness of it all got her down.
“Fuck them.”
She stared at him. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me. You’re not responsible for your father’s actions. He alone is to blame. If people can’t see that, then it’s on them. Not you.”
“You sound like you know a little bit about it,” she said.
He laughed. “More than you know. My old man never killed anyone, but it wasn’t from lack of trying. He attempted to beat us to death on a regular basis. Especially my mother. No one helped. They all treated us like pariahs, not worth saving.”
Mesa’s eyes welled with tears. “Oh, Kade.”
“It was a long time ago. But I know how it feels to be held responsible for your something you didn’t do. It sucks.” He sounded as harsh as she had a minute ago. “It really stinks to have the culpability laid on you for getting knocked around.”
They shared an understanding look.
Aching to hug him, to somehow take away the hurt, Mesa instead smiled through her tears. “Well, we’re still standing, so that must make us tougher than most.”
“Without a doubt.” His sad smile matched hers.
The doorbell rang, interrupting them. Mesa jumped, more scared than she wanted to admit. “Oh, someone’s here.”
“Stay here. I’ll go see who it is.”
His story played through her head as she waited. Who would have ever guessed the handsome marshal had such a terrible upbringing? They didn’t have that in common. Her childhood had been picture perfect. Until her mother died. Then her world turned upside down and never completely righted itself.
Until now. Thanks to Kade.
She started.
What was she thinking? With Spencer after her, her life had tilted more off-kilter than ever.
Although he was only here to guard her, the marshal seemed to fill the place that had been empty far too long.
CHAPTER SIX
Kade returned carrying a gorgeous bouquet of yellow roses. He handed them to her. “Will these do?”
She took them in disbelief. “How on earth did you get these here so quickly? You barely called an hour ago.”
“Rush order.” He shrugged. “No big deal.”
“That must’ve cost a fortune.” She closed her eyes and inhaled their sweet perfume. “I’ll pay you back—”
“No need. Consider it a payment for your hospitality.”
So thoughtful. Only the roses weren’t for her. When was the last time a man had given her flowers? She couldn’t recall. To hide her emotions, she turned away. “I need to put these in the anniversary couple’s room.”
She hurried upstairs, jumpy as a sheep with a coyote lurking, and placed the bouquet on the dresser in front of the mirror. “Lovely.”
After taking a quick turn, making sure every detail was complete, she ran back downstairs.
“Everything okay?”
“Fine, I was just nervous up there by myself,” she confessed.
“I’ll go with you next time,” he said.
She jutted out her chin. “This is my home. Nobody’s running me out of it. Not even Waydell Spencer.”
“Just stay alert,” Kade said. “I’ll be nearby if you need me.”
She looked out the kitchen window and pointed. “Looks like my guests are coming.”
He walked with her to the front door, and they watched her black Suburban come up the newly plowed driveway. It pulled to a stop in front of the front door and Joe, a middle-aged man with a paunch around his middle, stepped out from behind the wheel and opened the passenger door. An older Oriental gentleman with a caramel colored coat and a fur hat exited, turning to help his wife, a slender woman wearing a hot pink ski coat.
Mesa stepped forward. “This must be Dr. and Mrs. Chen.”
“Hello,” the man said. “Nice to meet you.”
“Call me Lisa,” the lady said with a warm smile. “And this is my husband, Robert.”
“I’m Mesa.” She indicated Kade. “Please meet Kade Cahill.”
He shook both their hands as they eyed his gun without comment. “Pleasure.”
“Please come inside,” Mesa invited.
The couple moved to the fireplace, holding their hands toward the flames.
Mesa and Kade watched as a tall, slender man opened the rear passenger door and stepped out. He looked around with a slight sneer. His derisive expression quickly masked when two women, both blonde and slim, but three decades apart in age rounded the vehicle. He stared at the younger one with a predatory gleam in his eyes.
The trio climbed the stairs as Joe and Anna moved to the back of the SUV and began gathering luggage.
“Welcome.” Mesa greeted them with a smile. “Mrs. Levore?” The older lady nodded. “And your daughter?” The younger woman, a stunning blonde about Mesa’s age, spoke.
“Yes, I’m Emery.” Her gazed roamed Kade. “And you are?”
Mesa fought back a wave of irritation at the open admiration in her big, blue eyes. “Please meet Kade Cahill.”
“Nice to meet you, miss.” He nodded at Mrs. Levore. “Ma’am.”
“Mr. Cahill,” the lady said with a regal nod that reminded Mesa of Grace Kelly. She glanced at his weapon. “That’s a big gun.”
“Not so big,” Kade said with a smile.
Her lips quirked upward. “If you say so.”
“And last but not least must be Franklin Pearce,” Mesa said as the last guest climbed the steps. He wore a bright red ski jacket with a popular brand name emblazoned across the chest. He didn’t offer to shake hands with her or Kade when she introduced them. “Please come inside.” Something about him made her uneasy. Fighting her instant dislike of the man, Mesa waved at the open door.
She waited until her guests entered, then hurried down the stairs to welcome Joe and Anna with hugs. Quickly, she filled them in on the events of the past day and night. “That’s why there’s a cop car stationed at the bottom of the driveway.”
Anna’s eyes grew huge. “Oh my goodness.”
Mesa motioned to Kade. “This is Marshal Cahill. He’s here to look for Spencer and keep us safe, but I don’t want the guests to know all that. To them, he’s just another guest.”
“A guest who’s packing a big gun,” Joe said.
“Some people carry one.” Kade picked up a suitcase. “Let me help you with this.”
Anna furrowed her thick brows. “Should you help if you’re posing as a guest?”
“No reason why I shouldn’t.” He winked at her. “It’s called common courtesy.”
“I bette
r see about lunch.” She hurried inside with her cheeks flaming.
Mesa turned to follow her. “I need to show the guests to their rooms, then help Anna with lunch.”
Inside, she cleared her throat. “Welcome to my home, your home away from home for the next week. If you’ll follow me, I’ll show you to your rooms.” She led the way upstairs and opened the first door on the left. “Mr. Pearce, this one’s yours.”
He walked inside and closed the door behind him with a firm click.
A little taken aback by his rudeness, she motioned to the door directly across from his. “Mr. and Mrs. Chen, this one is for you.”
They crossed the threshold and turned around to face her with happy smiles. “This is lovely. Thank you for the flowers.”
“You’re welcome.” Pleased that they liked the bouquet, she left them talking quietly and continued to the next suite with the mother and daughter. “Mrs. Levore, I have you here.” She hoped the regal lady would like the country charm of the rooms.
“Oh, how nice.” Mrs. Levore smoothed a hand over one of Mesa’s mother’s quilts. “I love this pattern.”
Mesa forced down the lump in her throat. “My mom made it a long time ago.”
“It’s beautiful. She’s quite gifted.” Mrs. Levore continued to admire the intricate handiwork on the quilt.
“Mom, come on. I want to see where I am.” Emery gave Mesa a sly grin. “Hopefully close to that sex on a stick downstairs.”
A wave of jealousy pinched Mesa’s stomach, but she forced a smile. “I have you next door to your mother, actually. Both gentlemen are across the hall.”She was determined Kade would not sleep with her again.
“That works, too,” Emery said.
“Em, behave yourself,” Mrs. Levore admonished, but the girl only pouted.
“Hey, if Amity can find a man in Black Mountain, so can I.”
Mesa doubted the blonde bombshell would have any trouble finding a man anywhere she went. But not Kade. Anyone but him. He was the first guy to pay any attention to her in ages, and she hated to admit it, but she liked him. A lot.
She opened the last door on the right. “This is yours, Miss Levore.”
They entered the room together, and Mesa held her breath while they looked around. She hoped the pastel tones of the quilt and watercolors on the walls would appeal to the young woman.
“This is delightful,” Mrs. Levore said.
“Yeah, nice.” Emery flopped on the bed and spread her arms wide. “Perfect for the hot guy and me.”
Mrs. Levore shook her head. “Em, stop. We’re not here for flirting. We’re here to help Amity.” She glanced at Mesa with an apologetic look. “My eldest daughter is getting married on Christmas Eve, and we’re here to assist her.”
“Is she marrying someone local?” Mesa straightened the lamp on the dresser.
“R.J. Hadley,” Mrs. Levore said. “Do you know him?”
“Slightly. I went to school with his brother, Nick.” She thought of the shy boy she’d known since Kindergarten. He wore glasses and seemed content to stay in the shadow of his wild older brother. “I can’t believe R.J.’s settling down. He was always so footloose and fancy-free.”
“Well, so is Amity,” Emery sat up. “They’re a perfect match.”
For the first time, a slight frown marred Mrs. Levore’s perfect features, but she didn’t contradict her daughter.
Mesa held her tongue, too, guessing the reason for the lady’s unhappy look. R.J. Hadley was the definition of a lady’s man. Never one to stay tied to one woman for long. This one must be pretty special to snag him. “Tell them congratulations, please.”
“I’ll be sure to do that. Your first name is Mesa?” Mrs. Levore smiled gently. “So pretty.”
“Yes, and thank you.”
“Please call me Marilyn.” She waved her manicured fingers at her daughter. “And this is Emery. We won’t be here much, Mesa. Most of our time will be spent with Amity. We’ll sleep here, of course, and we’ll eat breakfast here, and probably dinners, too.” At Mesa’s slightly puzzled look, she elaborated. “Amity’s house is quite small, and her spare bedroom is packed with wedding things.”
“I see,” Mesa murmured as unexpected longing went through her. An ache for a handsome husband took her by surprise. She’d never longed for one before. “I better help Anna with lunch. Let me know if there’s anything you need in the meantime.”
“Thank you, dear. We’ll be fine.”
Mesa turned to leave, nearly bumping into Kade, who held two suitcases. “Where would you like these?”
Emery jumped to her feet. “The red one is Mom’s, and it stays here. The black one is mine.” She gave him a suggestive smile. “I’ll show you where to put it.”
“Sure thing.” Kade’s return smile was warm.
Mesa’s stomach knotted watching them. “Excuse me. I need to talk to Anna.” She hurried away, so she didn’t have to watch them flirt. As she rushed down the stairs, tears threatened. She blinked them back. Good grief. She barely knew this guy. He was free to flirt with anyone he chose.
None of the guests had shown themselves, so Mesa went in search of Anna. She found her in the kitchen, stirring a pot of homemade chicken noodle soup.
“Smells good in here. Need any help?” Mesa took a seat by the island.
“No, I have it covered.” Anna gestured at a stack of bowls on the granite counter. “I just need to set them out in a little while and put rolls in the oven.”
“Everyone’s settling in now.” Mesa toyed with one of the folded napkins laying by the dishes.
Anna turned to face her. “That marshal is something else. Sexy as hell.”
“Is he? I hadn’t noticed.” Mesa kept her gaze on the napkin.
“Liar,” Anna said softly.
Mesa’s gaze flew to Anna’s knowing gaze. “Is it that obvious that I think he’s hotter than the Fourth of July?”
“Only to me,” Anna assured her.
“It doesn’t matter,” Mesa said. “Emery Levore is crawling all over him, and you saw her—she’s gorgeous.”
“If you want him, then don’t stand by and let her take him without a fight,” Anna advised.
“I refuse to play the helpless, simpering female,” Mesa said.
Anna poured them each a cup of hot cider from an electric pot on the counter, then sat across from Mesa. “Good for you. I doubt a man like that would appreciate a clinging vine. I imagine he sees plenty of those in his job. Be yourself, the strong, capable girl you’ve always been and he’ll take note.”
“I’m actually scared spitless,” Mesa admitted reluctantly. “Waydell Spencer has proven he’ll kill to get the money Dad and the Gonzalezs stole.”
“I don’t blame you for being afraid.” Anna put her hand over Mesa’s and squeezed. “But you’re not hiding under your bed. You’re carrying on and I’m sure the marshal appreciates it.”
“Can you believe the whole scandal is starting up again? I’ve worked so hard to put it behind me.” Mesa shook her head. “I just can’t wrap my head around it.”
“Has the press been bothering you again?”
“Surprisingly, not a lot. A couple of calls from the local papers.” Mesa’s mind traveled back to when the robbery first occurred. Coverage had gone national and members of the press hounded her endlessly, sure she knew more about her father’s involvement than she claimed. The torment seemed to go on forever. A month ago, when Reuben Gonzalez and Spencer Waydell had escaped, coverage had begun again, although not as intense.
She prayed it didn’t escalate.
Bad press could ruin her business.
Anna must have had similar thoughts. “I hope this dies down before our clients get wind of it.”
“Me, too. Marshal Cahill said he won’t give up until Spencer’s behind bars again.” She sipped her cider without tasting it. “But he can’t stay here forever.”
“Do you think we should tell our guests for their safety?” Anna asked.<
br />
“No.” Mesa repeated what Kade had told her when she asked the same question. “Marshal Cahill says he doesn’t think Spencer will hurt anyone but me and he’s promised to stick by my side until Spencer is arrested again.”
“For all our sakes, I pray he’s right,” Anna said.
“Me, too. That reminds me, a locksmith is coming today to change the locks. Is anything missing from your apartment?” Mesa shivered, thinking of someone going through their house.
“Not that we can see,” Anna said.
“Thank goodness.” Mesa would blame herself if anything happened to her friends’ home or possessions.
Their conversation was interrupted by Mrs. Chen. “Something smells wonderful in here.”
Anna leaped to her feet. “Chicken soup. Also, apple cider. Would you like some? It’s made from apples picked right here on the farm.”
“I’d love a cup,” Mrs. Chen said.
Anna bustled to comply.
Mesa watched the women, and as she sat in her bright, homey kitchen, could hardly believe a lurking killer wanted her dead.
CHAPTER SEVEN
After lunch, Mesa walked into the kitchen, hoping Kade would follow her.
He did, carrying a platter. “Good lunch.”
“Anna always outdoes herself,” Mesa said. “Everyone has requested a sleigh ride, so I need to hook up the team.”
Kade looked as if he might argue, then nodded. “Okay. Where’s Joe?”
“I believe he went to bring in wood for the fireplace.” She reached for a bowl. “Why?”
“Because I want to ask him to watch the house until the locksmith gets here.” Kade handed over a lid.
Mesa placed the soup in the fridge. “I need to go get my snowsuit and boots.”
“Meet me back here in five minutes, and I’ll go with you to the barn,” Kade instructed.
“Okay.” Although she didn’t like his high-handed manner, Mesa did appreciate how he had her back.
In the mudroom, she slipped into her Carhartt snowsuit and Sorel boots. Gloves and a wool cap completed her look. Not very sexy, but she would be warm. Why on earth was she worrying about how she looked?