Darn, now she had to continue the lie. “Only a couple of times. Never got hurt. Sprained an ankle once but...” Rebecca shrugged it off like it was no big deal.
“Uh huh. So this time you broke your ankle.”
“Yeah, the doctor said it’s not a bad break. I just have to wear this boot for a couple weeks, and I’ll be fine.” Rebecca stood up and ran her fingers through her wet hair.
“Listen, why don’t you guys go check in while I blow-dry my hair. After you settle in, we’ll get breakfast. I’m half starved.”
“Good idea.” Allison jumped up. “Come on, Les, I want to freshen up a bit, too.” She winked at Rebecca. A conspiratorial wink that told Rebecca they’d definitely talk later.
“Okay.” Lester followed Allison out of the room.
“You don’t buy that malarkey about her jogging and falling, do you?” Lester said the minute the door closed behind them.
“Sure, why not? You know your sister is a klutz.”
“True, but something doesn’t feel right.” Lester put his arm around Allison and pulled her close. “I don’t like this whole thing. You are going to help me talk her into coming home aren’t you?”
“I’ll try, but she’s a big girl now, Les. She’s not a teenager anymore; she’s an adult. And she knows her own mind. She makes her own decisions.”
“Stubborn, too. But I still don’t like the idea of her being here.”
“Why don’t we try to enjoy the weekend? It looks like a great little town. When’s the last time you took a vacation?”
Lester stopped in front of the desk clerk. “We have reservations for Brennan. Two rooms.”
“Ah, yes, Mr. Brennan, here we are.” The young man looked at the computer, punched a few keys and while it printed out, he slid the credit card receipt toward Lester. “Sign here.”
Lester signed the receipt, and the young man handed Lester two key cards. “Rooms 112 and 114. To the left and down the hall.”
Lester took the keys and handed one to Allison. “Ready?”
Allison nodded, and Lester took her arm as they walked to their rooms.
“So you never answered me. When is the last time you took a vacation?”
Lester stopped in front of room 112. “I can’t honestly remember.” He looked at his watch. “I’ll see you in say ten minutes.”
“Ten minutes is fine.”
Allison inserted the key card, pushed open the door, and went inside. How was she going to take Lester’s mind off Rebecca and make him relax? They had such a nice time driving down here. Conversation was enjoyable and easy. As worried as Lester was about Rebecca, he didn’t show any of the tension he showed since they arrived. They talked about so many things. Their work, their likes, dislikes. Heck, he even asked her favorite color and flower. If he’d just relax again, they might actually enjoy the visit.
She set her travel case on the luggage rack and looked around the room. Not the Ritz, but not bad. Floral drapes covered the window. Light rose quilt topped by two floral pillows lay on the king-size bed. Sculptured tan and brown carpeting and two wall lamps added the finishing touches. Two chairs sat next to a round table in front of the window. Allison pulled the drapes open, and the view outside took her breath away. Lush, green, rolling meadows led to a wooded area. Four horses grazed in the meadow.
Allison looked at her watch. She’d better hurry. One thing she’d learned about Lester, he didn’t like to be kept waiting. She went to the sink, threw some cold water on her face, and dried it before opening her case, found her lipstick and a brush. With a quick flip of the brush, her hair went back into place. She loved this new short hairstyle. She just finished applying her lipstick when someone knocked on the door.
* * * *
Rebecca let out a deep breath. She wasn’t sure Lester bought the whole story, but at least he didn’t argue with her. She’d have to remember to thank Allison. Rebecca went back into the bathroom, blew dry her hair, and put on her makeup. Just as she finished putting on her lipstick, someone knocked on the door.
“Just in time.” Rebecca opened the door to whom she thought was Lester and Allison.
Jeremy smiled at her with that sexy shit-eating grin. “Just in time for what?” He backed her into the room and took her in his arms. Just as his mouth was about to come down on hers, she wiggled away.
“Not so fast, buster. My brother’s here. I thought you were him. We’re going to get breakfast.”
“Good, I’m starved.”
The way his eyes raked over her, Rebecca guessed it wasn’t for food. Good thing Lester and Allison were here. Safety in numbers. She’d have to make sure it stayed that way. She didn’t trust herself to be alone with Jeremy. Not yet.
Although something told her she wouldn’t regret it. Not with Jeremy. But she was looking for a long-term relationship. She didn’t know Jeremy well enough to decide on that yet. The prospect of spending her life here in Morrisville appealed to her. The idea of spending it with Jeremy appealed to her even more. Funny, she’d never been one to make rash decisions—yet somewhere deep inside her—she knew she’d be happy with him. Call it psychic or whatever. Besides, no point denying it, she was falling in love with him.
A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. She opened it to Lester and Allison. “Come in. There’s someone I want you both to meet.”
Allison threw her a look.
Yep it’s him, Rebecca acknowledged with a nod. She linked her arm through her brother’s. “Lester, this is Jeremy Marlin. Jeremy, my brother, Lester Brennan, and my friend, Allison Heath.”
Jeremy extended his hand and shook Lester’s. He gave Allison an appreciative look, and Rebecca caught the dirty look from Lester. So there was something between those two. Hopefully it would blossom. When Jeremy let go of Allison’s hand, Rebecca saw the look of approval in Allison’s eyes and almost burst out laughing. Too bad Lester didn’t approve. Oh well, too bad for him. Nothing he said was going to change her mind about staying here.
“Were you with my sister when she fell?” Lester glared at Jeremy.
Rebecca held her breath. They had discussed this at length last night.
“Yes, I was. Too bad I couldn’t keep up with her. I might have prevented it.” Jeremy looked at her as if for approval.
Rebecca moved to Jeremy’s side and took his arm. “I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m starved.”
“Me, too,” Allison joined in. “Can we go eat now?” She batted her long lashes at Lester.
Rebecca almost fell over her own feet. Allison openly flirted with Lester, and his face turned red as a beet. She put her hand to her mouth to cover a giggle. When Allison hooked her arm through Lester’s, it was all Rebecca could do to hold back the laughter.
Chapter Twelve
Rebecca no more than sat down next to Jeremy in the restaurant, when his cellphone rang.
He flipped it open. “Excuse me, I have to take this.” He got up and walked toward the lobby while he talked.
Rebecca hoped it wasn’t an emergency; he looked so serious. He came back to the table, leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Sorry, I have to go. There was another robbery last night at the camera store. Chief wants me in on it.”
Rebecca’s heart fell. Another robbery, did that mean it was the same guy? “Okay, be careful.” She didn’t like this. Didn’t like it at all. Why did they need him in on it? He was supposed to be off duty.
“I’ll call you later.” He brushed his thumb across her cheek then straightened up and looked at Lester and Allison. “Nice to have met you both. I hope I’ll see you later.”
The look from Allison that said she couldn’t wait to be alone, and the look on Lester’s face, while he watched Jeremy walk away, spoke volumes. Probably thought without Jeremy here, he’d be able to talk some sense into his sister. No doubt Lester thought Jeremy influenced her.
“So what’s going on here, Beck? He’s awful familiar with you in such a short time. You’ve only been here less
than a week.”
What was going on here was simple. She fell in love with the town and with Jeremy, but she didn’t dare tell Lester that. “Nothing’s going on. What do you mean?” Rebecca took a sip of her coffee.
“You sure as hell know what I mean. The guy’s all over you.”
She set her cup down, put her elbows on the table, laced her fingers together, and glared at her brother. She didn’t need this. “Damn it, Lester, you keep forgetting I’m not sixteen anymore. I’m a grown woman. Jeremy and I have something special.” She lowered her hands and sat back in her chair. “You can’t tell me what to do anymore. I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself. I feel like I’ve known Jeremy forever.”
She held her hand up to stop him from commenting. “All right, I’ll tell you the truth. I’m falling in love with him.”
Lester glared back at her. Allison put her hand on his arm. “I know it’s none of my business, but you asked me to come along, so...”
Rebecca couldn’t believe Allison’s boldness, and Lester’s reaction to her. Allison looked at Lester as if to see his reaction. He didn’t look like he was going to disagree, so she continued.
“Rebecca has a point. Besides you always wanted her to go to college. Give her the eleven weeks. Let her take her course and see what develops.”
Lester shook his head. “No good can come of this. Nope, I don’t like it. Rebecca doesn’t know the world the way I do. Hell, she’s still just a kid.”
Lester looked from Allison to Rebecca. Rebecca swore she saw the light go off in his head. She and Allison were the same age, yet he thought of Allison as a woman. And Rebecca had a feeling, Allison would be Lester’s woman before long. She had to suppress a giggle at the bewildered look on Lester’s face.
“Hell...” He ran his hand through his hair. “Eleven weeks. That’s all. And you keep in touch. First I want to check out this school. I don’t know anything about it.”
Rebecca knew Lester caught the conspiratorial smile from her friend. Brats, that’s what Lester would call them. He put his hand on Allison’s. “I should have known you’d side with her. Why I thought bringing you would make a difference is beyond me.”
Rebecca cringed, but Allison laughed, and Lester smiled when he said it. Definitely something going on with those two.
“Besides, I never even heard of that college before.” He threw his napkin on the table and looked at both of them.
Allison coughed, and Rebecca caught the smile she tried to hide behind her napkin. “Actually, I checked it out on the Internet before we came. It has quite a good reputation.”
“Oh you did, did you?” Lester leaned back in his chair and grinned. “Something tells me I’m fighting a losing battle here. How could I have forgotten how you two stick together?” He winked at Allison.
Rebecca laughed. So big brother was willing to admit defeat. Would wonders never cease?
“I still want to check it out,” Lester said.
Rebecca leaned back and watched her friend and brother. If Lester didn’t make a move on Allie soon, she was going to have to intervene. Good grief, did the guy need a brick to fall on him to see how Allie felt? He obviously felt the same way, so what the heck was his problem.
“Okay, so we’ll check it out. I haven’t registered yet anyway. Since its Saturday, I doubt if we can talk to anyone..”
Rebecca stood up after the waiter brought their change. “Come on, we can start now.”
She led the way out of the restaurant and to the parking lot. “We may as well take my car, since I’m familiar with the area.” She wished Jeremy were here. Then one of them didn’t have to sit in the back seat alone.
Rebecca drove to the campus and parked. “That’s the community center.” Rebecca pointed it out as they walked around.
“Hey, Miss Brennan, what are you doing here?”
“Hi, Alex, showing my brother and friend around. You?”
“I’m thinking of registering for class. Thought I’d check things out.”
“Great. What are you taking?”
“Not sure yet. I thought about Forest Ranger.” Alex glanced at her brother.
“I’m sorry, Alex, this is my brother, Lester, and my friend, Allison Heath. I met Alex at the pizza shop,” Rebecca said.
Alex looked at his watch. “Sorry, I have to run. I was lucky to arrange an appointment with one of the counselors today. They only do Saturdays by special request.”
Lester shook hands with Alex. “Nice to meet you.”
“Thanks, you too.” Alex dropped Lester’s hand and hurried off.
“You sure get around.” Lester said. “So you’ve already met some of the locals.”
“A few. It’s a friendly town.” She led the way into the student activity center. “I’m afraid other than this, we’re not going to see much today. I didn’t know you could make appointments on Saturdays.”
“Listen, you’ve already made up your mind, and it’s obvious I’m not going to change it. How about we go someplace else?” Lester rubbed the back of his neck.
Rebecca laughed. “Okay, but I’m going to warn you, there’s not much to see and not many places to go around here. It’s really a small town.”
“How about a hike?” Allison said. “When I checked the Internet, there’s a lot of hiking trails around here. Even cabins up in the hills. Lake Morris, I think it’s called.”
“Yeah, Lake Morris State Park. Suits me fine, but I don’t know how much hiking I can do with this boot.” Rebecca looked down at her foot. “Maybe you two should go it alone. We’ll stop and get directions.”
Allison looked at Lester. “Want to?”
“Sure, but I’m not exactly dressed for hiking.”
Rebecca shook her head. As usual Lester wore casual dress slacks and loafers. She couldn’t remember the last time she saw him in jeans and tennis shoes.
“I know! There’s a place in town you can buy some hiking boots, jeans, the works. You’re going to love it. I was going to stop in there myself until this happened.”
Five minutes later, Rebecca parked her car in front of Booth’s. “Come on, I’m sure you can find everything you need.”
“Do they have women’s hiking boots, too?” Allison asked. “I could use a new pair.” She took Lester’s hand. “You do like hiking, don’t you?”
Lester smiled. “You know it’s been ages since I’ve hiked. But yeah, I do.”
Rebecca liked the idea of Lester going off with Allison alone. No point hanging around and feeling like a fifth wheel.
“Hey, back so soon?” Tom Olsen met them at the door.
A shiver crept up Rebecca’s back. What was it about this guy? She just didn’t like the vibes he gave off. “Hi, Tom. Yeah we’re looking for some hiking boots.”
“You came to the right place.” Tom glanced at her brother and Allison. “So where’s Jeremy?”
“Got called into work. Tom, this is my brother, Lester, and my friend, Allison.” No point in being rude even if she didn’t like him. Besides, Jeremy seemed to think a lot of him.
Tom looked at her foot. “What happened to you?”
Thank God, she’d been able to cover her eye with makeup. “Jogging accident. I fell and broke my ankle.”
Tom shook his head. “Tsk, tsk. You better be more careful. Looks like you’re not going to be doing any hiking.”
“Not now I’m not.”
“Well, look around, help yourself.” Tom waved his hand. “There’s every kind of boot or shoe you could possibly want.”
“Thanks.” Rebecca grabbed her brother’s arm and hurried off. The back of her neck still prickled. Something didn’t feel right. Something to do with Jeremy.
Chapter Thirteen
Jeremy looked at his partner, George Barker, and sat down next to him across from Dan's desk. “So what’s going on, Chief? What’s so important you needed to call me back to work?”
Dan sat down and sighed. “We had another robbery last night. The camera s
tore. But I already told you that on the phone.” Dan fingered his mustache. “I don’t know how to tell you this. Guess it’s best to just come out with it. We found a watch from the jewelry store robbery.”
He paused and looked at Jeremy. “Along with a bullet, the same caliber that you were shot with. Ballistics matched it to the one they took out of you.”
“What do you mean it matched? How could it match?” Jeremy stood up. All of a sudden his skin crawled. What the hell?
“It was a spent bullet. Someone wanted us to check it. Someone has it in for one of my guys.”
“So whoever robbed the camera shop is the same person who shot me?”
“Looks that way.”
“And you think he left the bullet as a warning to me?”
“Can’t think of no other reason.” Dan sat back on his chair.
Jeremy shook his head, paced the small office and ran his fingers through his hair. “Who the hell has it out for me? And why?”
George stood up. “Whoever it is wanted us to know he hasn’t given up. You’re going to have to watch your back.”
Jeremy stood with his hand on the back of his neck. Rebecca! “He’s after Rebecca, too.” Maybe he should send her home.
“Why’s he after Rebecca?” George leaned back in his chair. “And who the hell is she? I heard some girl came to town looking for you. What’s going on? Old flame?”
Jeremy looked at Dan. Should they tell him? The less people that knew the better. Dan nodded. Jeremy sat down. “You’re not going to believe this.”
After Jeremy finished explaining the strange situation, he sat back in his chair and took a deep breath. Even now, he had trouble believing it. If it hadn’t happened to him, he’d still be in doubt.
George sat forward in his seat. “Wow, I’ve heard of stuff like that but...” He scratched his head. “Wow. You actually had one of these visions?”
Jeremy nodded. “Don’t think I would have believed it otherwise.” He looked at the chief. “So what are we going to do?”
“I want you on this case. I know you’re supposed to be recuperating. But it’ll be mostly desk work.”
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