The River Valley Series

by Tess Thompson

  “That’s when she came to live with you?”

  “Yeah, the state let me become her legal guardian. My mother would’ve wanted me to look after her. I know it probably drives Bella crazy because I treat her like a kid. Like my kid. But she’s all I have left. So I’m not rational.” He stopped, staring at his hands for a moment. “I know it’s no excuse, really. Just please forgive me for scaring you like that. I’m not a violent man, I swear. But when he said that about you something made me feel crazy.”

  “Please, it’s nothing.” She put her fingertips on his forearm. “I wanted to punch him myself. The guy’s a complete jackass.”

  “He’s right about something though. She does have abandonment and self-esteem issues. Why do you think she acts like such a pill half the time? Just faking it to cover up all her insecurities.”

  “I know.”

  He looked sheepish. “I wish to God Ben and Bella were shamelessly flirting on my deck right now.” He rubbed his eyes. “I worry about her so much.”

  “Well, in that way, it is like being a parent,” she said softly. “Because that’s how I feel about Alder.”

  Something passed over his face. She thought for a moment that he wanted to tell her something but then changed his mind. She knew better than to ask.

  Alder appeared in the glass door that led out to the deck. He mouthed, “Can I come in?”

  Alder. The poor kid had been out there by himself all this time. “Yes, baby, come in.”

  He stepped in the open doorway, his brown eyes searching their faces. Looking for clues. Was everything all right? She wiped under her eyes and rearranged her face into a smile. The most important thing was for him to feel safe.

  “Are you guys okay?” He came to her and took her hand, patting her arm like she was a child.

  “Yeah, we’re fine.”

  “You were crying. I know because you always get those little red blotches on your cheeks and your eyes are red.” He looked over at Drake. “And your face is all dark like it gets sometimes. What happened?”

  Drake turned to him. “I scared her, bud, but it’s okay now.”

  “But you didn’t mean it, right?” said Alder. “She just scares easy, right Mom?”

  “That’s right, honey. It wasn’t his fault.”

  “What did you do?” Alder said to Drake. “Usually I scare her by climbing a tree or something like that.”

  “I got really mad at Bella’s friend,” said Drake. “Too mad. And it made your mom cry.”

  “Oh, well, that doesn’t sound like much compared to stuff I do.”

  “But still, I’m sorry,” said Drake to Annie. “It was the last thing I wanted.”

  “I know,” she said softly. “I’m all better now.” She smiled at Alder to prove it. “I promise.”

  “Okay, Mom.” But he stayed next to her, keeping her hand in his.

  “Alder, I have some kind of disappointing news,” said Annie. “Bella is leaving.”

  “With her friend?”

  “Yes.”

  Alder shook his head like it was all too perplexing for the human mind to comprehend. “But why would she go with him?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “He makes her cry. I know because she cried all the way back from our hike even though she kept saying it was just allergies. I know different. And I don’t think you should have friends that make you cry.”

  She put her arms around Alder’s shoulders and reached for Drake’s hand. “You know what I think?”

  “What’s that?” asked Drake faintly, gazing at her hand.

  “I think we need breakfast for lunch. Pancakes. Sausage. Eggs. What do you say?”

  “That cheers a person up for sure,” said Alder.

  Annie smiled and kissed his cheek. “Let me shower and get dressed and then I’ll get started on it.”

  She was just outside the room when she heard Alder’s voice. She stopped, curious. “If someone like you got mad it means the person deserved it. I know you and you’re not a mad person. More sad than mad.” There was a pause and then Alder’s voice again. “Why are you so sad?”

  Drake’s voice was hollow but gentle. “It’s hard to explain, bud. Sometimes life can be hard for certain people and that’s how it is for me.”

  “Like something bad happened to you?”

  “Right.”

  “Like the same as with my mom?”

  “Kind of. Only your mom isn’t sad. Is she?”

  “Sometimes she is. Even before this stuff with my real dad I heard her crying in her room at night and stuff. I think she’s lonely.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “You know what else?”

  “What’s that?”

  “Even though she’s been afraid about things she’s been really happy here with you. I think she likes taking care of you.”

  “Your mother is a great woman. Anyone lucky enough to be around her is truly blessed. Don’t you ever forget it.”

  “I won’t.” His voice sounded so earnest that it made Annie smile through her tears.

  “Now come on, let’s help her with breakfast by setting the table.”

  She sat on the floor of the shower, sobbing into her knees as the water cascaded down her back, wondering how she could possibly go out to the kitchen and make a meal as if her heart had not just been reborn inside her chest, his words replaying in her mind over and over. Your mother is a great woman. Anyone lucky enough to be around her is truly blessed.

  Chapter 23

  They were finishing the rest of the eggs when they heard the gate intercom buzz. Drake looked at her over the rim of his coffee cup. “That’ll be Peter Ball.”

  Annie and Alder cleared the table, making haste, and a few minutes later a handsome blond man and one of the loveliest women Annie had ever seen entered the foyer. He was of medium build, compact, with soft blond curls hanging slightly over his forehead. When he shook her hand and she looked into his eyes, Annie could think only, this is a man of strength, both physically and mentally. His new bride was Cleo Tanner, who told Annie right away how they were married two days ago and were on their honeymoon. Cleo was lovely in a way that reminded Annie of classic movie stars like Grace Kelly, despite very modern, long, honey-hued hair that flowed about her shoulders. Both of them glowed the way people in love do.

  They went into the front room while Alder fetched them all glasses of iced tea. Peter had the inquisitive eyes of a detective, surveying the room in a way she suspected took note of every detail.

  Cleo’s eyes were wide, looking around the room. “This is the most beautiful home I’ve ever seen.”

  “Thank you,” Drake said.

  “It’s a great tribute,” said Peter. “She was obviously very talented.”

  Who was talented? What did he mean? Annie searched Drake’s face but he wore the same guarded expression when she asked him questions he didn’t want to answer.

  “She was,” said Drake. “Please sit.”

  Alder came in then, carrying a tray with a pitcher and four glasses, walking with careful, slow steps. Cleo jumped up and took the tray from him. “Well done,” she said to him as she set the tray on the coffee table. “I’m Cleo.” She held out her hand for him to shake, which he did, staring at her with an instant look of adoration.

  “You’re so pretty,” he said.

  She flushed. “Oh, thank you.”

  “Are you an actress?”

  She looked startled, glancing over at her new husband. “No. I mean, not anymore. I used to be. In college, that is. But I don’t do it anymore.” Something showed in her eyes. Was it pain? No, perhaps more like regret.

  “Why?” asked Alder. Only children could get away with asking what everyone else wanted to, thought Annie.

  Cleo smiled, kindly. “It’s a long story. But do you know what I am now?”

  He shook his head, his brown eyes never leaving her face.

  “I’m a Montessori teacher.” She pointed at
the tray on the table. “And we use a lot of trays at my school.” She proceeded to tell him of the Montessori method of teaching with hands-on tools, all of which were kept on trays, each called a ‘lesson.’

  “Cool,” he said. But Annie knew he wasn’t listening to a word. His eyes were glazed over and his mouth turned up slightly in a way that made him appear bemused and besotted. Her boy was in love with Cleo Tanner. What was it about this house that made everyone fall instantly in love?

  After she shooed the lovesick Alder outside to play, the four of them sat together in the front room, sipping tea, while Drake filled Peter in on Annie’s situation. “Any advice for us?” Drake asked when he’d finished.

  Peter’s brow was wrinkled, his green eyes taking in Annie sympathetically. “I’m afraid there’s not much we can do but wait, which I know must be excruciating. But I’m assuming he’ll be on probation, so the minute he steps out of the state of California, the authorities can nail him and bring him back where they’ll throw him into his old jail cell. And you should file a restraining order against him. That way if he comes near you, the police can pick him up.”

  “If they can find him,” said Annie.

  “That’s right,” said Peter.

  “What about the cell phone calls?” asked Drake.

  Peter shook his head. “Can’t trace them is my guess. I’ll take a look but if this guy is as dangerous as we think he is, there’s no way he’s using a registered phone. Burner phones is what they call them. All the drug dealers use them because they can’t be traced.” He sighed, cocking his head to the side, looking at Annie. “Listen, I’m going to call some buddies I have in the L.A. police department and tell them what’s going on. They’ll put special attention on it.”

  “I would appreciate it very much,” said Annie.

  Peter smiled at her. “My pleasure. Drake and I have quite a history together. Meantime, I think it’s a damn good idea to stay here. There’s no way anyone’s getting in here without a severe electric shock.”

  Drake nodded. “And I take her to work. They have a system down there where she’s never alone.” Drake took in a deep breath. “Let me ask this, though. What do we do once he shows up?”

  “Call 911.”

  “No offense, Peter, but this town has one cop and he’s worthless. How is she supposed to defend herself if he has a gun?”

  “We have to hope it doesn’t come to that. He’s clearly not that careful if he’s making all these threatening phone calls.”

  Later, while Alder stayed inside to read, Annie took Cleo outside to show her the gardens while Peter made some phone calls to the precinct in Los Angeles. They were approaching Bella’s quarters just as she and Graham came out the door. From Bella’s face, red and splotchy, she could see they’d been arguing. Perhaps Graham was leaving? Dare she hope for that?

  They came to stand before them, and Annie made introductions.

  Graham was staring at Cleo. What was it with this woman that no one could take his or her eyes off her? It was a shame she’d given up her acting career.

  “Cleo Tanner?” asked Graham. “Is it really you?”

  Cleo was staring back, her eyes wide with surprise. “Graham Rouse?”

  “My God, how long’s it been?” asked Graham.

  “Over ten years, I guess.”

  “At Simon’s memorial, isn’t that right? Remember, the one we had at the film school?” asked Graham.

  “Yes, I believe so.”

  Graham looked over at Bella. “Simon was my friend at film school. He was killed in a motorcycle accident near campus.”

  “At USC?” asked Bella.

  “Right. We were graduate students when Cleo was an undergrad. I finished my masters the spring Simon was killed, and I lost touch with Cleo. I heard you changed majors from acting to English or something. And then no one ever heard from you again. What happened?”

  Annie, like watching a tennis match, moved her eyes back and forth between the three of them. How strange they would run into one another at Drake’s home.

  Cleo’s eyes were sad again, like earlier. “I couldn’t do it after Simon died. We were so close and had all these dreams. They died with Simon.”

  Graham’s face held something between disbelief and disgust. “But you were the finest actress on campus. And let me tell you something, I’ve worked with some of the best and no one has anything on you. You should get back in the game. You’ve grown more beautiful since then, I might add. I know some casting directors that would eat you up with a spoon. You’ll have to drop ten pounds. Just the way it is these days. Can’t have an extra ounce on you what with HD and all that.” He paused, taking a breath. “We’re casting my latest project right now. I know a role you’d be perfect for. Kind of a minor part but requires acting chops. I can put you in touch with the right folks. Get you an audition.”

  Cleo put up her hands in protest. “I’m so rusty. There’s no way.”

  “Ridiculous. Get yourself a coach. I know a great one. She works with all these idiots they hire for the reality shows. Teaches them how to cry for the camera and rustle around on the ground, releasing their inner crazy bitch. She could whip you into shape in a minute.”

  Bella nodded. “She’s really good, Cleo. I’ve seen her take some of the biggest bimmers in the business and turn them into Oscar nominees.”

  “Bimmers?” asked Cleo.

  “Bimbos,” said Bella, grinning. “They’re everywhere. I’m a make-up artist so I know all the dirt. You should hear the conversations I hear while getting them ready for their close-ups. They seem to forget I’m there and just chat away on their cell phones. It’s hilarious.”

  “I’m headed home to Los Angeles later today. Call me. I’ll fly you down myself if I have to. You know who I am now, right?”

  “Yes,” said Cleo, smiling. “I’ve followed your career from afar. Simon would’ve been proud to see how far you made it.”

  Graham looked over at Bella again. “Simon and I had big dreams back then. I was going to produce and he was going to direct.”

  “And I was going to be their actress,” said Cleo, still with the sad note in her voice. “But then everything changed.”

  “Speaking of films,” he said, glancing over at Annie. “I thought of a way to get you and Drake to like me.”

  “Yeah?” said Annie.

  “Don’t look so skeptical.” He smiled and placed his hand on his chest as if she’d hurt him, which Annie knew was impossible for a narcissist. “This film I think would be good for Cleo. I want to film it here.”

  For once, Annie could think of nothing to say. What was he talking about?

  “That’s right. I’m doing it for Bella. To prove how much I love her and want her back. Apparently, it’s important that her brother embrace me.” He cocked his head to the side, looking at Annie like he’d just challenged her to a fight behind the bleachers. “That make you like me any better?”

  A movie filmed here? Think of the revenue for the town, she thought, not to mention Linus’s inn and their restaurant. And Tommy. Maybe more of his songs would get noticed for the movie soundtrack. Her mind was racing, thinking of the possibilities.

  She kept ice in her voice, not wanting to let on how exciting his idea really was. “Having that happen would make a lot of people in this town very happy. Whether that makes Bella happy or not certainly remains to be seen.”

  From behind, Peter and Drake approached, both of them looking somewhat grim. What had Peter discovered?

  “Honey, it’s time to go if we want to reach Eureka by dinner time,” Peter said to his wife. The scotch Drake had gotten him earlier was tucked under his arm. “I’m looking forward to drinking a tumbler or two of this, watching the tide come in.”

  “Oh, you and your scotch,” said Cleo with a shiver. “But yes, we should go.” She continued to look somewhat shell-shocked over what Annie assumed could be a life-changing offer from Graham. Powerful men could make things happen, she thoug
ht. For better or worse.

  Graham reached in his pocket and pulled out a business card. He handed it to Cleo while introducing himself to Peter.

  Cleo held the card, staring at it for a moment before turning it over and over in her hands.

  “What’s this all about?” asked Peter, indicating the business card.

  “I’ll tell you in the car,” said Cleo, but her eyes were shining, making her even more lovely than a moment before. “Probably nothing.”

  “Call me, Cleo. I mean it,” said Graham.

  Peter motioned to Annie to follow them to the car. Once there, tugging at the collar of his shirt as if it choked him, he looked up at the fir next to his car before turning to look her in the eyes. “There’s no easy way to say this. I didn’t learn a thing that’s helpful. No one has any clue where he is. I have every reason to believe he’s here in town and just waiting for the opportunity to grab you.”

  She felt the fear coming inside like it did, spreading from her pounding heart to her stomach and then out to her limbs. “I knew it,” she whispered. “It’s only a matter of time.”

  Drake moved closer to her, taking her hand that was limp at her side. “It’s all right. We have our plan.”

  There is no plan, she screamed inside her head. Only me living here like a trapped animal, in love with a man who can’t love me back. But she was silent, merely nodding as if everything were fine.

  “We’ll be in touch,” said Peter, holding his hand out to Drake. “It’s really good to see you again. I know it’s been nearly impossible to go on living but I see you’ve made good progress here.”