by Tara Randel
As if her fingers had been zapped, she curled them together. This was so beyond her realm of experience. Now she didn’t know what to do. Tears burned, and before she could blink them away, Dylan pulled her into a comforting embrace.
Stiff at first, the rhythmic rubbing of his hand up and down her back calmed her in slow degrees. Before long she relaxed against his chest, allowing the tears to fall. Just a few more minutes of this, she promised herself, and then she’d pull it together.
“It’s okay to be upset,” Dylan assured her in a steady voice. “This has been a shock.”
“You think?” She choked on a half laugh, swiping at her eyes, trying for a little levity as she pulled from his warmth.
His hands braced her arms. “Once the police arrive, it’ll be all business. Take this time to collect yourself.”
Sage advice. “Voice of experience?”
His eyes were hooded. “Yeah.”
“Police!”
Kady shuddered again.
Dylan rubbed her arms. “It’ll be okay.”
“If you say so.”
Taking her by the elbow, Dylan led Kady to the back. An officer, making notes, looked up when they came in.
“One of you called this in?”
“I did,” Dylan answered. “Ms. Lawrence is the owner.”
“Are you okay, ma’am?”
“Yes,” she replied, her voice still wobbly. “Whoever did this was gone when we arrived.”
The officer focused on Dylan. “You are?”
“A friend,” Kady quickly answered to reassure the young man.
He nodded. “I have questions, but I’m calling in the investigation team first.” He spoke into the lapel mic hooked to his uniform collar. “B and E at Lavish Lily. Request additional assistance.”
“Ten-four,” came the crackly response.
The policeman stepped toward Kady. “I’m Officer Baylor. I need to ask you about a few things.”
“Of course.” Kady mentally prepared herself. She shot a quick glance at Dylan. After his brief nod, she joined the officer.
She answered whatever the officer asked her, but wasn’t much help. She didn’t know who would do this, nor did she have any reason to believe anyone had done it out of spite. Yes, her locks were up-to-date. Yes, she had an alarm system, but it was destroyed. This was all so bizarre. This was Cypress Pointe! After fifteen minutes of questioning, Bob Gardener entered the workroom. After a cursory glance, he approached her.
“You doing okay?”
How many more people were going to ask her that question? “Yes, Chief. More shaken up than anything else.” This must be bad if the chief’d been called out. “Why are you here?”
“A few other locations called in suspicious activity tonight. Someone tried to jimmy the lock at Charming Delights Catering. Broken glass at Milly’s Gifts and Things.” He scrutinized the scene before him. “Your shop was the only one broken into.”
“Any idea who’s behind this?”
The chief shook his head, his eyes narrowed. “Not yet.”
His answer did not inspire comfort.
“I’m sure your mama and daddy would want to know things are well in hand here.”
Oh, no. She hadn’t even thought about them. Great. They weren’t going to be thrilled about this latest event.
“I haven’t had a chance to call them. I’ve been—”
Before she could finish, Will stormed through the back door. His hair was a mess and his eyes, wild, roamed the room until he found her. He rushed over and tugged her into his arms, squeezing her tightly.
Surprised and touched by her brother’s concern, she reveled in his hug until the lack of oxygen made her light-headed. “I can’t breathe,” she mumbled.
He loosened his hold but didn’t release her. His eyes moved over her, as if to make sure she was in one piece.
“I’m okay. The shop was broken into before I got here.”
Clearly unable to speak, he hugged her again. This time his hold was firm, not life-threatening. She stayed in his embrace until he calmed down, knowing he needed it more than she did. Finally, he let her go.
The chief slapped him on the back. “Will.”
“Chief. What’s going on?”
“B and E, by the looks of it. Don’t know much more than you at this point. Kady gave my officer her version of events. The crime-scene guys will go over this place. Hopefully we’ll get some answers.”
Kady tried to relax. Answers. Yes, she needed them, too. By all indications, this was going to be a long night.
She glanced at her shell-shocked brother. “Earth to Will.”
“Huh?” He faced her, scrutinizing her. “Sorry. A lot to process here.” He frowned. “Why aren’t you more upset?”
“Had my meltdown before you got here. Now I’m numb.”
He squeezed her hand, and silently, they stood together for several minutes. “It could be worse, I suppose.”
Will’s brow rose. “Really? How?”
“No one was here when it happened, and nothing seems to have been taken. What kind of a robbery is that?”
The truth of her words made him grimace. “Robbery. What an awful word.”
“I guess we got lucky,” she told him, now that she’d had time to digest everything. “They didn’t take the money in the cash drawer or the digital camera right there on the shelf. Who makes a mess and leaves empty-handed?”
She decided to ask the police chief, but didn’t when she noticed him in heavy discussion with Dylan. Odd. It was almost as if they were thick as thieves. She cringed at the description.
As if reading her thoughts, Will asked, “Who’s that guy with the chief?”
“Dylan. A friend from the floral convention.”
He shot her a sidelong glance. “And he was with you late at night because...?”
“You’re actually going to question the company I keep? After what happened here?”
“I’m your brother.”
“And I’m glad Dylan was with me. He called the police and kept me from a major freak-out.”
“In that case—”
“Thank you.”
She caught Dylan’s eye a moment later, waving him over to introduce her suddenly territorial older brother.
“Dylan, this is my brother, Will.”
Holding out his hand, Dylan acknowledged him. “Good to meet you.”
“Under these circumstances I don’t agree necessarily, but I get it.”
“Tough night all around.”
An hour later, the police finished their initial investigation. Will called Christine, which Kady found interesting, and she arrived with coffee. With the final okay from the crime-scene unit, the four were left alone to clean up the mess.
Kady winced. “Where do we start?”
“I’ll gather the bins,” Christine volunteered. “Let’s put the supplies on the worktable and sort from there.”
Glad someone had devised a plan, Kady got busy. She found herself beside Dylan, who’d pushed up his sleeves and dived in with the rest of them.
“You don’t have to stay,” she told him.
“What kind of a guy do you think I am?”
“Generous?” she ventured.
“And concerned. Besides, you’ll be here all night if everyone doesn’t chip in. Honestly, I don’t mind.”
Her eyes welled up again. She turned away, not wanting Dylan to think she couldn’t handle her emotions. But the fact that he’d volunteered to stay and clean up, well, it touched her.
Changing the subject, she said, “So. You and Chief Gardener?”
“I’m a stranger in town, so he needed to question me.”
Sounded logical. Anyone out
of place would be on the chief’s radar.
“I’m not a suspect.”
She grinned. “Mainly because you were with me?”
“There is that.”
“I just can’t get past the idea that whoever went to all this trouble didn’t take the money. It’s like this was deliberate, to get my attention away—” She sank back on her heels and sent Dylan a horrified look. “Please do not tell me this is your mother’s plan to distract me.”
Dylan rose, his face tight. “I can’t believe you would even consider that.”
Pushing herself up, she stood before him. “I didn’t see you until late this evening. Where were you before then?”
“Excuse me?”
“Answer my question.”
“It doesn’t deserve a response.”
She crossed her arms over her chest.
“Really? You think my mother and I would sink this low to win a stupid flower competition?”
“It’s not stupid.” Her burst of anger suddenly spent, her shoulders slumped. “What is wrong with me?”
He put a hand softly on her shoulder. “Delayed reaction to stress.”
When her eyes grew wet again, she didn’t try to hide it. “I’m so sorry, Dylan,” she whispered.
Glancing at her brother, then back to her, he pulled her into his strong arms. “It’s okay,” he murmured against her hair.
The tears fell freely. She let them, wanting to get this emotional ordeal over with. Once she’d dried her eyes, she moved back. “I am so sorry I accused you.”
“Apology accepted. We’re even. Again. You laughed at me at the workshop earlier, then accused me of B and E. We’re nothing if not wary of each other.”
She choked out a laugh. “What a pair.”
Will dropped a few bins on the table and walked over to them. “You okay, sis?”
“Yes. Once we get this place back to normal I’ll be fine.”
They continued cleaning. Dylan stayed near her, watching her as if afraid she’d fall apart again. Will darted around, doing one task, then another, while Christine worked silently, her face pinched with worry.
“Not a great way for you to start off with us,” Kady said to her new employee as she refilled the bins.
“I’m just... It’s a lot to take in.”
“I won’t be upset if you decide to quit.”
“Quit?” Panic crossed Christine’s face. “No. I can’t do that.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, especially after tonight.”
On impulse, Kady hugged her. “Thanks.”
Soon all the supplies were in bins and everything had been put back on the shelves. Will swept up the floor and Dylan found duct tape to cover the crack in the cooler door until a repairman could replace it.
Kady restocked the items dragged from the cabinets. Something was missing. The package of white corsage boxes with the name of the shop printed in a lovely lavender script. Strange. She stood, examining each shelf. Empty. The small boxes from the wholesaler she kept for deliveries were missing.
“Christine?”
“Yes?” Christine said, joining her.
“Where are the corsage boxes?”
Christine frowned as she searched the room. “You know, I don’t remember coming across them tonight.”
“How about those empty delivery boxes?” She pointed to the shelf. “Did they get tossed in the garbage?”
“I have no idea.”
“It’s not a big deal, but it’s odd we can’t find them.” She glanced around the room again. “I’ll have to order new corsage boxes.”
“Are you looking for these?” Will called out from the hallway, carrying in the larger, now flattened delivery boxes.
“Where’d you find them?”
“By the cooler up front.” Will grabbed hold of a stepladder and climbed up. “Must have gotten moved in all the commotion,” he said, placing the boxes on a shelf in their usual spot.
“What about a package of small, new white boxes?” Kady asked.
“Didn’t see them.”
Why would someone go to all this trouble to take the small boxes that were of little use outside the shop? The feeling that something was off continued to plague her.
“What?” Dylan asked as he watched her circle the room.
“I can’t put my finger on it.” She checked the entire room, still not sure what was bothering her. “Maybe I’ll figure it out tomorrow when I’ve had some sleep and have a fresh perspective.”
A frown wrinkled Dylan’s brow as he searched Kady’s face. She glanced at her watch. Going on 4:00 a.m. “We should call it a night—I mean, morning.”
“We cleaned most of it up,” Dylan agreed. He tossed the duct tape on the counter. “How about I get you home?”
Kady shook her head. “You’ve done enough. My car is out back. I can get home myself. Go to the hotel and get a few hours’ sleep.”
His dark eyes met hers. “Sure?”
“Positive.” She collected her tote and purse. “Will, we’re heading out.”
“We’re right behind you. I’ll lock up.”
“Thanks.”
Kady stepped into the alley, pulling on her jacket. The early morning temperature had turned downright frosty in the hours they’d spent inside the shop. The sky, a murky black, held only a smattering of stars as clouds hung overhead. Humidity dampened the air.
“Dylan, thanks. You went above and beyond.”
He shrugged. “I’d do it again.”
A yawn sneaked up on her and she tried to stifle it.
“Get home. I’ll see you later at the convention.”
The convention. Right. It seemed worlds away.
Dylan turned, but Kady reached out to stop him. When he looked at her, she went on tiptoes and brushed her lips over his rough cheek. “I mean it. Thanks. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
“You’d have handled the situation.”
“I’d like to think so.”
He ran his thumb over her lower lip. “You would have.”
They stood still, Kady waiting to see if he’d kiss her again. Instead, he nodded and strode down the alley.
“My hero,” she whispered under her breath. Not that she’d ever tell him that. After all the false starts between them, she’d never hear the end of it.
* * *
“WHAT’S WRONG?” WILL ASKED Christine as soon as Kady and her friend left. She’d been quiet, which he supposed was not uncalled for given the situation, but in the little time he’d spent with her so far, he could read her mood. And right now, she radiated more than concern for her bosses. No, that twinge of guilt he noticed in her eyes told him otherwise.
“What are you talking about?”
“You’ve been jumpy all night.”
“I’m helping to clean up after a break-in, so, yeah, I’m jumpy.”
“It’s more than that.” Will set the broom in the corner and ambled to the worktable. “I get being wary after the break-in, but it’s something else. I can’t put my finger on it.”
“Then don’t try,” she said, her reply clipped. Christine held a spool of wire in her hand and was turning it over and over.
“Whatever is going on, maybe I can help.”
When she looked up again, doubt troubled her features. “It’s not that easy.”
He leaned his hip against the table. Crossed his arms over his chest. Waited.
Finally, she put down the wire. “Fine. I’m afraid my brother might be behind this.”
Words Will hadn’t been expecting. “Come again?” he sputtered.
“My brother has a drug problem. And he’s broken into businesses before looking for ready cas
h or items he can sell.”
“But why would he be here? Did you move to Cypress Pointe with him?”
“No. I followed him.” She waved her hand. “It’s a long story, but I need to find him. Help him get out of whatever mess he’s gotten himself into.”
“The complication you mentioned the day you started working?”
She hesitated. “Yes.”
“I’m assuming you haven’t talked to him since you arrived.”
“I was able to follow him here, but I’ve lost his trail. He hangs out with a group of guys who move around, selling that synthetic drug stuff. Bryce got caught up with them and, well, he’s not the same sweet-natured kid I grew up with.”
“So he’s dealing?”
“I think so.”
Will shook his head. “You realize you can’t do this alone.”
“What choice do I have? I can tell the police what little I know, but they’ll search for him and probably arrest him. I can’t let that happen.”
“Maybe that’s the best thing for him.”
Her eyes went wide. “How can you say such an awful thing?”
“He has to own up to what he’s done.” Will winced at the irony in his advice. He hadn’t told the truth about his family’s financial situation. Who was he to tell Christine what her brother should or should not do? Yet deep down, he knew it was sound advice.
“He’s my brother,” she cried in an anguished voice.
“I know what I’m talking about, Christine. He has to come clean.”
She tilted her head, her gaze questioning.
Okay, so she’d let him in on her secret. Not that he needed to reciprocate, but he did want to tell someone. Share his guilt before it weighed him down so heavily he couldn’t hold up under the strain any longer.
“I’ve been keeping something from my family. A financial secret that affects their future.”
She blinked. “I’m not sure what to say.”
“Me, either. Otherwise I would have told the truth already.”
A calm settled over them. Christine carried the wire over to the shelf and placed it in a bin.
Will spoke again. “So what’s your plan?”
“Find him. Talk some sense into him.”
“If he’s taking drugs, what makes you think you’ll have any influence over him?”