Bruised and aching, she dropped her head into her palms. What should she do?
Call Jameson.
She dug into the depths of her purse for her cell and withdrew it. He answered on the third ring.
“I went off the Sheridan Road about five minutes from the Rutherfords’ subdivision,” she said without any preamble.
“Cassie? Are you hurt?”
The concern in his voice warmed her chilled body. She needed his arms around her and him whispering in her ear that everything would be all right. She needed him.
“Please come get me. I’ll explain when you get here. Hurry.” She clicked off before he started asking her a hundred questions, which would only slow him down.
She didn’t want to be out here exposed for the maniac if he decided to come back and finish her off. Was he some drunk? Or was he connected to Scott’s death? She didn’t think this was a coincidence. The man driving had meant to run her off the road and possibly kill her. Why? Was she getting too close to the real killer?
If that were the case, she wished she knew what the murderer was afraid of because she didn’t feel like she was close at all. She pulled her knees close to her chest and rested her head on them. The hammering against her temples intensified the longer she waited for Jameson to arrive.
Minutes ticked into twenty before she spotted another pair of headlights coming toward her. If he had hurried, that could be him. She had to take the chance it was Jameson. She shoved her body to a standing position and nearly fell when the dark world around her tilted and spun. Each inhalation caused her chest to ache. Cold burrowed into her, causing her teeth to chatter.
She moved out from behind the bush and waved her arms in the air. The car slowed down. Blinded by the headlights, she couldn’t tell if it was Jameson’s until it was a few feet away. Relieved, she collapsed against the hood, seeking the warmth of the metal.
The next thing she realized she was in Jameson’s embrace, being supported by him. He guided her to the passenger side of his car and assisted her to sit, then knelt in front of her and cupped her face.
“What happened?” Tension filled the short question.
“Someone forced me off the road.” She heard herself reply as though she were observing from a distance. The cold continued to seep deep into her bones. Trembling, she folded her arms across her chest.
Jameson shrugged out of his jacket and slung it over her shoulders, then rubbed his hands up and down her arms. “Do you know who?”
She shook her head. “Too dark.”
Jameson glanced behind him toward where her car was. “Have you called the police?”
“No, I didn’t have Jim’s number with me.”
“Why didn’t you call 911?”
“This has got to be connected to Scott’s murder. Jim should be notified.” Her mind still in a fog, she rubbed her fingers across her forehead as though massaging it would will coherent thoughts.
“Are you hurt anywhere?”
Taking stock of her aches and pains, she said, “My head and neck hurt. My chest where the bag hit. That’s all, I think.”
“Here, let’s get you completely inside the car and I’ll take you to the emergency room, just to be sure.” After helping her, he shut the door and walked around the front to the driver’s side. He settled into his seat and started the engine, then switched on the heater and placed a call to Jim.
Still dazed, Cassie listened to Jameson answer the detective’s question, but the words really didn’t make much sense. She still couldn’t believe she was alive.
Thank You, Lord.
Jameson flipped his cell close and then faced her. “Tell me what happened. Why were you out here alone?”
Somewhere in the back of her mind she knew she should bristle at his question, but she didn’t have any energy left except to answer him straightforwardly. “I took David Rutherford home after he met with Marcus for a practice session at the gym. Marcus agreed to be David’s mentor.”
“Who did you see at the gym besides Marcus?”
She tried to recall the scene with David and Marcus. For a long moment all that occupied her mind was a blank screen. Then slowly images of people materialized. “I think the whole basketball team. The coaching staff. There were four, but the only names I know are Coach Kirkland and Quinn Nelson. Why? You think somehow I got too close to something to do with Scott’s murder?”
“I don’t know what to think other than someone isn’t happy with you.” He stared in the direction of her car. “For the time being, don’t go anywhere alone, especially at night.”
“But—”
“Listen, Cassie. You could have been killed or at the very least hurt a lot worse than you are. Don’t give that person another chance. I’ll go with you if it’s somewhere you have to be. Promise me.”
Her thoughts fixated on the words you could have been killed, and she didn’t respond to him.
“Cassie, promise!”
The forceful urgency in his words struck her. “Fine. I won’t. But how can you make that kind of commitment?”
“I’ll find a way if it will keep you alive. I believe we’re getting close or the killer wouldn’t have tried what he did tonight. Now all we have to do is figure how why and who?”
“You had me so worried. Are you sure you’re okay?” Cassie’s mother hovered over her at the kitchen table.
“Yes, Mom. The Lord was looking out for me tonight.”
Her mom sighed. “Thank You, God!”
When Cassie saw her mother’s shoulders sagging, she said, “Go to bed. Jameson is here to keep me company.” She gave the man who had come to her rescue and taken charge when she wasn’t thinking straight a weak smile she couldn’t keep in place.
“Honey, I don’t mind staying up.”
Cassie lifted her cup of herbal tea, a slight trembling in her hands still. “I’m going to drink this and then go to bed. I’m just too wired at the moment to sleep.”
Her mother patted her arm, then left Cassie and Jameson alone in the kitchen. “I almost wish I hadn’t called her from the hospital. It didn’t take as long as I thought it would in the emergency room.”
“She has good reason to be worried. And that isn’t only my opinion, but Jim’s, too.” Jameson took a long swallow of his black coffee. “What that driver did was bold and desperate.”
“Which could mean he will make a mistake.”
“But at what cost?” Jameson frowned. “Jim wasn’t too happy that we’re continuing to dig into Scott’s murder after all that’s happened.”
“He can’t do much. It’s out of his jurisdiction, and the Savannah police don’t have any leads, at least not any that amount to anything.”
“Well, at the moment neither do we.”
Leaning against the table, Cassie rested her chin in her palm. “Maybe when my brain isn’t so fried, we could go over what we’ve got so far.”
“You need to go to bed.”
“I would if I could. All I can think about is heading toward those trees.” She shuddered and curled her hands around the warm ceramic mug.
“What are you going to do about a car?”
“I’ll drive Scott’s Mustang until I can get another one.”
“Are you going to school tomorrow?”
Cassie glanced at the wall clock. “If I go to bed right now, which I can’t, I’d only get a few hours’ sleep, so I’ll probably stay home at least until the afternoon.”
“Good. I think you’ll find you ache in places you don’t right now.” He finished the last dregs of his coffee. “Remember your promise to me. No going off on your own.”
It had been years since she had answered to someone. It felt strange to now.
“Cassie! Are you reconsidering what you promised me at the wreck?” Tension held his body rigid.
“I should be irritated with you. What do you want me to do? Check in every hour?”
“I want you to take this situation seriously.”
&
nbsp; She kneaded her hand along the back of her neck where it hurt. “Oh, I take it seriously, and yes, I’ll keep my promise.”
He sagged back against his chair. “Then, when will you be through at school tomorrow?”
“After gymnastics practice. Around five.”
“Good. Come by my office and pick me up. We’ll go to dinner before the last night class.”
She arched a brow. “Is this a date, Dr. King?”
“Well, no…” His words melted into the silence while his eyes grew round. “Actually yes, it is. I need to put my past behind me.” He bent forward and captured her hand in his. “I care about you. I want to see where this will take us.”
Her heart fluttered at his words. Her lousy day had turned into a good one. If she had the energy, she would jump for joy. Instead, she smiled and clasped his fingers. “When did you decide this?”
“I’ve been having a few conversation with God lately. Every evening I’ve been reading my Bible, and last night when I closed it I felt at peace.” His mouth tilted in a lopsided grin. “Now, don’t let this go to your head, but you were right. I shouldn’t have given up on Him.”
“I’ll try not to.” All the exhaustion she’d been battling for the past few hours pressed down on her. She slipped a hand from his grasp to stifle a yawn.
He rose and pulled her to her feet. “Come on. I think when your head hits the pillow you will go to sleep. Time to walk me to the door.”
“You may be right.”
He slung his arm over her shoulders and guided her from the kitchen. “I know I’m right. I’ll see you tomorrow a little after five. I’ll even let you pick the restaurant. Somewhere near campus so we won’t be late for the last class.”
She leaned into his strength as they walked toward the foyer. “I know what you’re doing. You just want to drive the Mustang again.”
“Am I that transparent?” He stopped at the door and faced her, smoothing her hair behind her ears.
His touch heightened her awareness of him. The rough pads of his fingers, his scent that reminded her of the ocean, the appreciative gleam in his eyes all centered her full attention on him. He dropped his head toward hers, slowly, as though giving her a chance to back away. There was no way she would. She wanted him to kiss her again and again.
The words I love you almost slipped out of her mouth, but she stopped short of them. She didn’t want to add any more guilt to a guilt-ridden man. She knew the real reason he wanted to go to dinner tomorrow night. He was protecting her the best way he could, because of what had happened to Liz.
When his lips settled over hers, sensations whirled in the pit of her stomach. His arms enfolded her against him while he trailed tiny kisses to her earlobe.
“I don’t want to leave,” he whispered between nips.
Goose bumps rose from her head to the tips of her toes. “I don’t want you to leave.”
His mouth found hers again and laid claim to her. His hands delved into the thickness of her hair, holding her still. She felt as though a dream had been granted. Hope for the future took root in her heart.
Suddenly he set her at arms’ length, his chest rising and falling rapidly. “I need to leave now. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
As he yanked the door open, she saw the war of emotions play across his features. Her hope blossomed. He wanted to be with her—not as a friend but as someone much more.
Jameson stood at the window looking out onto the campus. Not far away was the memorial garden he’d helped Cassie plant for Scott. Did everything lead back to the skeleton found months ago?
The ringing of his office phone jarred the silence. He snatched it up and sank into his chair when he heard Jim’s voice.
“I thought I’d let you know that we found a black vehicle with white paint on its right side abandoned in a field not too far from where Cassie was forced off the road.”
“Whose car?”
“An elderly woman who hasn’t been driving for the past month because she broke her hip. Her car had been sitting in her driveway. She noticed it missing this morning and reported it.”
Jameson changed the receiver to his other ear. “Does she have any connection to someone at the college?”
“Yes, she’s the head basketball coach’s mother.”
“Interesting.” So many questions flittered through Jameson’s mind. Is there a connection between the skeleton and the basketball team? What had Scott discovered? A murderer? And above all, what does Kevin have to do with it?
“It could always be teenagers out for a joyride.”
“Do you really believe that?”
“No. There were no fingerprints on the steering wheel. Obviously it was wiped clean, as well as the driver’s door. That doesn’t rule out teens joy-riding, but this doesn’t feel like that.”
Restless energy flooded Jameson. He rose and turned toward the window. “I’m not surprised. That would be too easy.”
“I’m not going to waste my breath telling you to let me do my job. I’ve known you too long. Be careful.” Jim hung up.
Jameson saw Cassie heading toward the English building. The strong wind whipped her hair across her face, and she kept trying to brush it out of her eyes. She glanced up toward his window. Her step slowed as their gazes connected. A smile touched her lips, which caused his heart to pound against his chest.
She had too much power over him. That scared him. What if she died like Liz? What if…He shook the depressing thoughts from his mind. Right now all he should think about was keeping her safe. After Scott’s murderer was found, then he could figure out where their relationship should go. He couldn’t afford to lose his focus on what was important: Cassie’s safety.
A few minutes later a knock at his door alerted him to her presence. He crossed his office and stepped out into the corridor, ready to enjoy her company. “How was your day? Uneventful, I hope.”
“I’ve matched a few more high schoolers with mentors, so I feel pretty good.”
He guided her toward the exit, her scent of lilac teasing his senses. “I thought we could eat at the Mossy Inn.”
“Sounds delicious. They have a to-die-for triple chocolate cake.”
“I’ve had a couple of slices before.”
“All at once?”
He chuckled. “Over a couple of dinners. I like chocolate, but I try to do things in moderation.”
“I wish I could say that.” Cassie tossed Jameson the keys as she made her way to the passenger side of the Mustang. “I’ve been known to have eaten two pieces before.”
Shaking his head, Jameson tsked. “Restraint, Cassie. I’ll have to show you how it’s done.”
“You’ve got yourself a challenge tonight at dinner.”
Jameson drove the car out of the parking lot. “Dueling forks?”
“I’ll have you know I wield a mean fork.”
His glance cut to her face. “I like seeing you smile. You have a nice one.”
Her cheeks reddened. “Thanks. I’ll remember that. Although it’s hard going around smiling all the time.”
“Better than frowning.”
Her laughter spiced the air. “True.” She settled back in the seat, laying her head on the cushion. “I’ve been looking forward to this dinner and your last lecture all day. I need something to take my mind off what’s been going on lately.”
“So no talk of murder and mayhem tonight?”
“We probably should at some point, but frankly I’m at a loss. I don’t know where to go next.”
“Jim found the car that ran you off the road. It was abandoned in a field. It belongs to an elderly lady who hasn’t been driving since she broke her hip. She reported it stolen.”
“No one saw anything?”
“Not that Jim told me. Even though we’re friends, he has no reason to share everything with me.”
“Like the description of the locket I found. Nothing has been said about that. All they’ve released is that a piece of jewelry is a possib
le new lead in the ten-year-old cold case.”
“There’s still the possibility, it isn’t.” Jameson pulled into the parking lot at the inn. When he switched off the engine, he patted the dashboard. “I could fall in love with this baby.”
“What is it about cars with you guys?” Cassie opened her door and climbed out. “You sound just like Scott. All his money went into this.” She laid her hand on the roof. “I hadn’t planned on driving it, but with mine totaled, I’m glad I have it.”
Jameson caught her gaze. “And knowing Scott, he would be happy you could use it. He wouldn’t want it sitting in a garage.”
Cassie averted her face and started toward the entrance, hugging her coat to her as the wind slapped against her. Jameson rushed after her. He’d seen the sudden tears shining in her eyes. He knew from experience grief would hit her at odd moments. He could almost feel her hurt. He wished he could wipe it away.
He hurried around her to open the door to the lobby. Inside, the warmth chased away the chill of the approaching evening. “I’m glad we’re in here and not out there. I wonder if a storm is blowing in.”
“I haven’t listened to a weather report.”
Cassie was still turned away. Jameson stepped around to face her. “We don’t have to go in right away. We are a bit early for dinner.”
“You have your class tonight. I don’t want to rush through our meal.” She studied him for a moment. “Just one question. Are you going to be with me the whole time I’m not working?”
“Pretty much.”
Her mouth scrunched into a frown. “You don’t have to do that. I can take care of myself.” She spread her arms wide. “I’m alive, thankfully, after last night because I can—”
He pressed his fingers against her lips. “Don’t. I have to do this. Please humor me.”
“Fine, but I’m not promising anything.”
Her breath on his skin sent goose bumps up his arm. He let it drop to his side. “Thanks.”
“It may be early, but I’m hungry, so let’s eat.”
“Even though it’s not quite six?”
“We need to get back to the college by eight.” She slipped out of her coat and slung it over her forearm.
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