“I know. It’s your job to worry. Just remember you don’t have to take on everyone’s problems. I see you doing that and it’s not healthy.” He reached over and grabbed her hand.
“I can’t seem to help it.” She had to admit, talking to him like this seemed to put things into perspective. It was nice to kind of share her load.
“That’s what makes you so darned cute.” He kissed her nose. “It’s useless, I know, but don’t worry about her. She’s a smart gal and knows what she’s doing. I’ll see you in the morning.”
She leaned in, giving him a hug that hopefully conveyed some of the things she hadn’t been able to explain. Being with him like this had only confused her more. He actually listened to her and respected her opinion.
The problem was, so did Marshal. Both were equal, and Sydney had no idea how to make a decision. Her head hurt and so did her heart. How could she have managed to put herself in this position? Trapped between two attractive, nice, romantic, and perfect men?
As tired as she felt, she knew she wouldn’t be able to settle in any time soon. For one, there was Daisy to worry about. She might not even come back tonight. Sydney had no idea how long something like Daisy’s little ménage would take. She would hope at least hours.
Shaking her head, she stepped over a cat, wondering again where they came from. Tomorrow she’d call the local shelter to see if anyone had reported missing pets.
She’d never had a cat. But she wasn’t sure she wanted to give them up now. The pair made the cabin feel like a home. With every chore she could think of done. She went to bed. Maybe she’d wake up with a brand new perspective.
As if.
She locked the door and went to her room. If Daisy wasn’t back by now she wouldn’t return tonight. The guys would keep her safe, no matter what happened.
CHAPTER 20
Sydney rolled over, feeling a warm body protest her movement. Make that two warm bodies. Both cats were curled around her, one at her side and the other at the top of her head. She stretched, further displacing them and was subjected to threatening meows.
She was still tired. Now that she’d opened her eyes and thought about Daisy, she wouldn’t sleep any more. Besides, she had a long list of things to take care of today. If she was lucky, she’d get them all done. The cats followed as she made her way to the kitchen, meowing and trying to rub against her legs. An echoing meow sounded from the main room and Sydney stopped in her tracks.
A third cat. This one white, sat in the middle of the table. The beast seemed a little haughty and impatient, maybe because she’d taken so long to become aware of its presence.
“Well, hello.” She reached out, letting the cat come the remaining distance to her hand. Scratching the soft head, she picked up the cat and sat her on the chair. “Another girl. What are you two, his harem?”
The white cat meowed and jumped back onto the table.
“I don’t know if that’s going to work. See, people eat there. I’m not real sure I want your cat butt where I put my food.” She shooed her off the table. A waste of time.
Soon she’d have cats everywhere. Her home would belong to the four-legged purr boxes. Everything she owned would be subjected to claws, fur, and hairballs. She might as well get used to it.
She filled the dish with a sigh, and then grabbed the coffee can. “You already have me trained. I’m feeding you before my caffeine needs.”
“You’re already turning into that cat lady. I didn’t think I’d ever hear you actually talk to cats.” Daisy’s voice startled her and she jumped, sending coffee grounds all over the counter.
“I didn’t think you were home.” That came out a little more accusing than she’d meant.
“I know. You locked me out. I had to crawl through the window. I felt like I was back at home, sneaking out because Mom grounded me.” Daisy laughed and Sydney compulsively hugged her.
“You okay?”
“Just peachy.” Daisy sighed and sat down. “Hey. Where did this one come from?”
The white cat had jumped onto Daisy’s lap and almost glared at Sydney.
“She was here when I woke up. I wonder if she came in with you when you crawled in the window.” That made sense.
“Doubt it, but maybe. Now we have to name two more cats.” The white cat rubbed its head against her chin.
“I believe our first girl is to be called Princess.” Sydney pointed and the cat meowed.
“How’d you come up with that? I think she likes it.”
“Actually Jace. She meowed exactly the same way when he said the name.”
“Jace was here? When?” Daisy stared at her.
“Last night when you were out. What are we going to call the white one?” Hopefully that changed the subject, at least for now. She was dying to ask Daisy for details, but couldn’t bring herself to just yet.
“Snow White.” Daisy grinned and the cat meowed.
“Fine then. Next we’ll have Cinderella.” Sydney shook her head.
“I think we’ll have the dwarves next. Miss Snow White has been fooling around. She’s got kittens in there.” Daisy had her hand on the cat’s belly. “They’re moving.”
“Great. Dwarfs. Perfect. I’m a cat lady already.”
“So. What happened with Jace?” Daisy pointed at the chair across from her and Sydney sat.
“Nothing to tell. Except he’s a great dancer and kisses like a dream.” She smiled and Daisy narrowed her eyes.
“And? Did you?”
“No. And it really makes me mad. He was so understanding. He didn’t get mad or try to convince me. Jace being a jerk would make this whole decision much easier.”
“Ah. Sorry to hear that. You really didn’t think he’d get all mad did you? I didn’t think he was that kind of guy. Of course, you never do know. Sometimes the ones that seem really great are the biggest assholes and think no means yes.” Daisy rambled a minute before she caught herself.
“What happened?” Sydney leaned forward, her worry tripled. Why else would she have said that?
Daisy shook her head. “Nothing.”
“What do you mean nothing? I saw the way the three of you left. Things were happening right then.” She tried to keep her voice neutral.
“That’s true. That was the hottest dancing. I knew Tucker had those kinds of moves, but had my doubts about Graham. He didn’t even want to dance. He warmed up pretty quick.” She fanned herself and leaned back in the chair.
“I saw that. You had them right where you wanted them. Or where they wanted you. The whole thing seemed mutual.” And yeah, she was still jealous, just a little.
“Definitely. And then Graham suggested we take our dance party somewhere private. Seemed like a good idea. I knew what I was doing and didn’t care. I mean, both of them? At the same time? Isn’t that a fantasy? Well, at least a lot of women’s anyway. Whether they admit it or not, the idea of having two hot guys attend your every need is pretty damn hot. Right?” Daisy talked a little too fast.
“Okay. I’ll agree with you on that. So did it live up to your expectations?” Sydney wasn’t sure she wanted to know.
Daisy shrugged. “I don’t know the answer to that one. We went to Graham’s cabin. It was incredible. The things they said, the feel of their hands . . . well, you get the picture. Someone took off my shirt and things were progressing. I didn’t have time to think about what was going on.”
“You said ‘were’. What happened?” Sydney relaxed a bit. Right now it didn’t seem like she’d have to help Daisy pick up any emotional baggage.
“I don’t know. I just couldn’t. It was like I suddenly heard this voice in my head that said I was about to make a huge mistake. That if we went through with it, I’d lose them both. I didn’t want to do that because what if one of them is
truly meant for me? That’s weird I know.” Daisy shook her head.
“Not as weird as you think. That’s pretty much the same reason I put the brakes on Jace last night. Almost like so much hinged on that decision and even if he was the one for me, going any farther would totally impact the outcome of whatever is happening.” Sydney sighed as Daisy nodded vigorously.
“Exactly. And they were both totally cool about the whole thing. We played cards for a while. Graham and Tucker actually managed to speak civilly to each other and we had a great time.” Daisy jumped up and grabbed two cups as the coffee maker finally stopped gurgling.
“Weird night. I have to admit, I was a little jealous. I doubt I’d ever be bold enough, but hell, it’s nice to think about.” Sydney accepted the steaming cup with a smile.
“I think it’s better as a fantasy. I’ve had one other experience with two guys. Things went a little farther. I realized a threesome wasn’t for me when the guys seemed more into each other. Kind of killed the passion, you know?”
“I would imagine. That’s what most guys want, though. Two girls who are just as into each other so they can watch. At least that’s what I hear.”
“I guess that’s the difference. I have no desire to watch two guys get it on and I really have no interest in two girls and a guy. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. I just want it to be all about me.”
“I’m jealous. I don’t have nearly as much experience.” Sydney didn’t realize how much she’d needed to tell her sister that.
“I don’t have as much as you think I do. Tucker and I didn’t make love until we’d been dating for about six weeks. So, regardless of what you might think, I’m not a slutty girl.”
“I have never thought that. Really. You’re more open. I don’t know half of the stuff you know. I didn’t mean I thought you’d actually done them.” Sydney hoped she believed her.
“I know. It’s my own fault if you did with the way I talk and the suggestions I make. I should probably try to tone that down a little.”
“No. I don’t want you to. The way you talk makes me laugh, makes me think, and breaks up the monotony. Like when you suggested what our bald electrician could do with his head. That’s something I would have never thought of. It’s a pretty hot scenario.” Sydney still thought so.
Daisy jumped up and came around the table to hug her. “Thanks. I was feeling like a jerk.”
“I’m really getting tired of thinking about this, you know?” Sydney patted her arm.
“I do. Just when I think I have it all figured out those two surprise and confuse me even more.” Daisy moved back to her seat and dropped down with a sigh.
“Exactly. Both Marshal and Jace suit me perfectly. I can see myself with either of them. I’m going crazy.” Sydney set her cup down a little harder than necessary.
“You and me both. Let’s forget about them and try to open early. I’ve been thinking about what we still need to do and we could be ready for the weekend before Memorial Day if we hustle.” Daisy leaned back and grabbed a notepad from her briefcase.
“Our stipulations say nothing about opening early, just that we have to open by June first. Let’s check with Al to be sure.” Sydney leaned forward.
“What about the ghosts? Are we going to advertise them or wait?” Daisy numbered the page, putting advertising at the top and website reservations second.
“Let’s talk to Marshal. He’s been doing a lot of recording and we haven’t heard much of what he’s caught on tape. If he’s not going to say the place is haunted I don’t want to advertise it. I’m not sure I do anyway. What if it scares families away?”
“What if we don’t tell people and they end up having an experience that makes them never want to come back? If they know there’s a possibility, they’ll know what they’re getting into.”
“True. Okay, write it down. Maybe we’ll know which areas have a higher level of activity and we can designate campsites accordingly.” Sydney watched Daisy write as she laughed and shook her head.
“What’s so funny?”
“You are. When we first moved in here you said didn’t believe in ghosts. Now you’re talking about them like an expert. It’s just amazing.”
“Yeah, well. Nothing like having dead people show up in your bedroom to change your mind. God, our lives have turned out weird. Seriously, we have a box of money, ghosts, kidnappings, and sexy, hot men at our beck and call, more men than we need. My old life was very dull compared to this.”
“I heard that one. I think the kidnapping stuff, and my birth mother, is a little too much to deal with though.” Daisy’s demeanor changed when she mentioned Nadine.
“I know. I agree. Maybe she’s gone.” Sydney doubted that.
“Yeah. Okay. She left without a dime from me.” Daisy didn’t appear to be as angry as she sounded.
“You’re not planning to give her money, are you? She’ll never quit coming back.” Sydney couldn’t stop her from giving her mother money, but she hoped she’d at least listen to reason.
“I don’t want to, but I don’t want her hanging out here either. If I give her a couple of bucks, she’ll go away.” Daisy didn’t seem like she believed that would solve the problem anymore than Sydney did.
“Yeah, until she needs a fix. She’ll drain you in no time and you know it.”
“I know. I’m going to have to tell her straight out I don’t want her in my life unless she’s clean. After she dries out, we’ll take it from there. I did realize that she did me a huge favor by dumping me with you. Otherwise, who knows how I would have turned out?” Daisy smiled, tears shimmering in her eyes.
“You’re right. I understand. At least I think I do.” Sydney reached out and patted her hand.
A knock sounded on the door and Sydney got up to answer, not expecting the sheriff this early.
“Ladies.” He didn’t smile as took off his hat and stepped into the cabin. “I have some news.”
“From the look on your face, I don’t think it’s good.” Sydney tried for a laugh, but failed miserably.
“Kay and Ed were in a car accident on their way home last night.”
Daisy shrieked, and Sydney dropped to a chair. “Are they okay?”
“In County General. Kay is in stable condition. She has a few fractures and a goodly amount of stitches. Ed is in critical care. They don’t expect him to make it through another night.”
“Oh my God. What happened?” Daisy wiped at the tears streaming down her face. “Neither one of them even had a drink while they were here.”
“Run off the overpass by a van and flipped onto the highway below.” The sheriff shifted his stance, and Sydney had a feeling there was more bad news on the way.
“And?” She wished he’d just get on with it. Dishing out bad news in increments was never a good idea.
“We’re fairly certain Nadine was involved. Kay said the driver was male. The female passenger fit Nadine’s description.”
“Shit. I won’t post bail. When you pick her up tell her I said to leave me alone. She can sit in jail and rot for all I care.” Daisy stood, shoving the chair back with a force that made it topple. She had her hand on the doorknob when the sheriff told her to stay put.
“I’m not asking you to bail her out, but you should know she’s going to be behind bars for a long time. Not only is she wanted for questioning for the accident, but she’ll be charged with your kidnapping.” The sheriff held his hand up when Daisy swore loud enough to disturb the cats. “She’s already been arrested. She arranged the kidnapping. One of her boy toys squealed when we picked him up for attempting to purchase illegal drugs from an undercover officer. He said if you wouldn’t give her the money willingly, then she’d take you. She planned to hook you on the same stuff she’s on. Said she figured it would be easier to ge
t money from you if you needed a fix, too.” The sheriff moved quickly, catching Daisy before Sydney had a chance to move from her seat. “Come on, girl. You’re going to be just fine.” He sat her in the cushioned chair, patted her hand and stepped back.
“What kind of a monster is she?” Daisy spoke quietly.
“The worst kind. We’ve arrested all her cohorts. They’re singing now. She planned to use you as a source of income when your inheritance ran out. Prostitution, drug running, anything to keep you all in supply. Not pretty, but you’re safe.”
Daisy collapsed into Sydney’s arms, her sobs deep and soul rendering. Sydney couldn’t help but cry with her. To think Daisy had come to some kind of peace with the way Nadine dumped and forgot her.
Anger surged as Sydney released Daisy, handed her a wad of tissues and faced the sheriff. “Daisy’s been through enough because of Nadine. I don’t want that woman even attempting to contact her. Ever.”
“I understand. You may want to retain legal services to counsel you through this. You’ll most likely have to appear in court when she faces the kidnapping charges.” The sheriff turned to leave, his expression revealing his compassion.
“What about the other threats? We know they didn’t all come from Nadine.” Sydney’s brain reeled with a million questions. “Is there a chance Violet put this kidnapping idea into her head, or paid her to do it?”
“I don’t know yet. Time will tell. Call me if you have any questions. I’ll be in touch.” He put his hat back on and let himself out.
Daisy stared straight ahead, her expression as blank as her eyes.
“Come on, honey. Everything is going to be okay. You’ll see.” Sydney hugged her, but Daisy didn’t respond. “Get mad. Cry. Do something. Don’t sit here and let her do this to you.”
Still, Daisy didn’t move. Sydney wasn’t sure what to do. The reaction was the last thing she’d expect from Daisy, but clearly, her sister had taken all she could handle from the woman who was supposed to love her and protect her.
Prelude of Lies Page 22