"Do you have a screwdriver or something?"
"There's an old toolbox in the back, but I'm not sure what's in it."
Bruce looked at her and a half smile twisted his lips, but the expression seemed more sarcastic than friendly. "Why don't I see if there's anything I can use?"
The day seemed to take on a sinister chill as the stranger moved around to the pickup bed and dug through the rusty box. The breeze so welcome on her flesh only minutes before now caused goose bumps. She kept waiting for him to drop the ruse of a friendly Samaritan and assume his true persona of a psychotic serial killer. Instead, Bruce found a screwdriver and a few other tools, which Lee couldn't begin to name, and moved back to the engine compartment. A few minutes later, he pulled off a black plastic piece that resembled a cup. Bruce inspected the inside of the mysterious object and then looked at her.
"You've got a cracked distributor cap. I can probably patch it good enough for you to get where you're going, but you'll need a mechanic to fix you up. There are other problems, too though. The belts are worn and the battery is so old it might not be holding a charge."
Lee nodded. She was still too wary of him to actually verbalize what she was thinking.
Bruce nodded back and set to work. It didn't take long before he was reassembling the distributor cap and lowering the hood. When it slammed into place, Lee came out of her fear-induced stupor long enough to remember her manners.
"Uh, thanks. I appreciate that."
She reached into her pocket and pulled out a wad of cash. Lee didn't know how much money was there, but she was sure it was more than was really called for. Still, he had saved her the cost of a tow and the time she'd have spent waiting so she considered it money well spent.
His hands were just as dirty as the rest of him and she suppressed the urge to shudder in disgust. She quickly released the cash and averted her gaze. She was ready to get away from him, regardless how helpful he'd been.
"Cleo, come."
She grabbed the beagle and jumped into the pickup, setting Cleo in her lap. She didn't bother to shift the dog to the other seat as she slammed the door. Then she elbowed the lock into place as surreptitiously as possible before she started the truck. She was so intent on vacating the area, she didn't even consider it wouldn't start. Fortunately, the engine fired as soon as she turned the key. Without even glancing at Bruce, she threw the transmission into reverse and backed out onto the blacktop.
"That's it. Tomorrow we buy a new car."
A few minutes later, Cleo stood up and walked over to her own side. Lee was so lost in thoughts about the creepy man, it barely registered.
Who was he and why was he sneaking around the woods?
The phone rang as she crested the rise toward Mafdet Manor and she jumped a little in surprise. She fumbled for the cell at her waist and drifted toward the shoulder for a second.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Lee? It's Jamison."
"Hi," she said in delight, dismissing Bruce from her mind entirely. "Where are you?"
"I'm on my way back from Newton Falls. I finished early and wondered if I could change my mind about having dinner with you."
"Uh, well, I don't know," she teased, as though she really had to think about it. "Okay, you talked me into it. What time sounds good?"
Jamison laughed. "Is eight o'clock too late?"
"Sounds...wonderful. Is there anything you won't eat or that you're allergic to?"
"No allergies, but I'm not big on rabbit food."
"Okay, so no hay. Got it."
"You're feeling good today."
Lee could hear the smile in Jamison's voice. "Yeah, I had a pretty good run this morning and it always leaves me feeling sharp. I just left Keese Mills Road, too. Cleo and I had a great hike looking for those deer we saw signs of yesterday."
"I want to hear all about it," Jamison said. "I just hope all that exercise doesn't have you falling asleep in your soup."
"No chance. I'm wide awake and there is no soup."
"Glad to hear it. Not about the soup, I mean I'm glad you're wide awake. I'll see you tonight."
Lee grinned, pleased she seemed to have thrown Jamison off balance. She wanted to keep this woman curious, interested and intrigued. "Tonight, then. Bye."
Chapter Eleven
LEE PAUSED TO check her appearance in the full-length mirror on the walk-in closet door. A critical assessment was necessary on this most important occasion, so she started at the top and worked her way down. She had pulled her shoulder length blonde hair back at the nape of her neck and secured it with a silver, jewel-encrusted clasp. Half-carat diamond studs glinted in her ears and matched her great aunt's pendant resting in the hollow of her throat. Her clothing was Armani, beginning with the three-quarter sleeve satin blouse with wide, buttoned cuffs. Lee thought the light, eggshell blue color set her eyes off nicely and hoped Jamison would notice.
The shirt opened down the front and the closures started at the mid-line of her breasts.
Just a hint of cleavage, she thought with satisfaction.
She tucked the shirt into navy, featherweight wool pants with wide legs and added a black leather belt to complete the outfit. Her favorite pair of Cole Haan chukkas gave everything just the appearance she was hoping for, chic but approachable. She had taken the time to buff the short boots that added four and a half inches to her height. Fortunately, they had a three quarter inch wide base so she wouldn't have to worry about staggering around on stilettos.
Overall, she was pleased. Lee took a moment to add some eye shadow and mascara before misting her body with a healthy dose of Cashmere. Then she hurried to check on dinner and to see if Cleo intended to behave. She'd already fed her, but that didn't mean Cleo was above begging, especially with the meal Lee had spent the last four hours preparing.
As soon as they returned from St. Regis, she had set the two-inch porterhouse steaks to soak in a Caribbean marinade of garlic, cumin, oregano and lime juice. Then she'd sat down at the computer to print out recipes from Food Network and her favorite Iron Chef, Cat Cora. It hadn't taken too long to create stuffed dolmades from grape leaves, ground beef, onions, parsley and rice, but the blueberry mascarpone cheesecake was another matter.
Mixing the ingredients exactly, she finally managed something she thought her guest might appreciate.
It was only after the dolmades and cheesecake were chilling in the fridge that Lee realized she had neglected to purchase some wine. Chances were slim she'd find anything more than the cheap variety around Harmon, but she managed to avoid a complete panic when Lee remembered the wine storage in the basement. Holding her breath, she ran down the kitchen steps to see if there was anything remotely palatable in the cool, dark room. To her surprise, she located a few bottles of stunningly expensive Sloan Proprietary Red-2007. She Googled the internet to find the cabernet was known for the high tannin content, but was richly balanced by the flavors of espresso, white chocolate and black currants.
Perfect.
She decided the entire idea of a romantic dinner was saved by that discovery.
Now, she walked into the formal dining room to make sure everything was set and ready to go. Cleo followed her every move, clearly understanding something was going on and not wanting to miss out on the excitement.
"I want you to be good tonight, Cleo. Do you understand me? If you're very good, there'll be a steak bone in it for you later." Lee wasn't above bribery at this point. Cleo responded by walking out the dog door and into the backyard.
"Good girl."
Finally, Lee was satisfied everything was going nicely. The steaks had a few more minutes under the broiler and then dinner would be ready. She glanced down at her ceramic Fossil watch and her heart sped up when she saw it was five after eight. At the same time, she heard a car pull up in the front and the engine shut off. A huge smile curled her lips and Lee walked out onto the front porch to greet Jamison.
The woman stood at the front corner of her pickup and Lee
was so captivated by her appearance that she couldn't speak.
Jamison's short hair was feathered back on either side with a part just right of center. She had on a white, sleeveless button-down shirt tucked into the waistband of dark, boot-cut jeans and a pair of black, Hush Puppies, loafers. Negligently slung over one shoulder, she carried a well-worn blue-jean jacket. She was a dichotomy of everyday comfort and casual elegance.
After Lee managed to drag her eyes back up Jamison's, she started to say hi when she realized Jamison was staring off to the side of the house where Cleo's doggie door was located. The expression on her face was indecipherable, but it didn't seem to be one of joy.
What's she looking at?
Lee glanced to see what was going on, curious but unconcerned. At first, she couldn't believe it. Cleo stood near the block where Lee had been chopping wood a few days before. That side of the house was closest to the forest on the south side, standing only twenty feet away from the tree line.
Cleo stood rooted to the spot, nearly crouched in her anxiety. Right in front of her was a forest animal that showed not the slightest fear of the canine. The raccoon was big for his species and stood upright on his hind legs like a person. He looked intently into the dog's eyes and very slowly, Cleo approached him.
As Lee watched, the furry bandit reached out and placed one soft paw on the crown of Cleo's head. The dog flinched slightly and blinked in surprise, but again grew still.
It wasn't unusual to see a raccoon so close to the forest or even around people's homes. They were notorious scavengers and not above digging in the garbage for a meal. Lee had also heard stories about how mean-tempered they could be, ripping any dogs or cats that molested them into pieces. However, she could see right off this creature wasn't exhibiting typical behavior.
With a paw still resting on Cleo, the animal scrutinized Lee and Jamison. He showed no concern, but seemed to be scrupulously studying them. Thoughtful brown eyes rested on Jamison the longest before he lifted his head and sniffed the breeze. Without the slightest show of fear, he turned to Lee and repeated the odd little ritual. Then he focused his attention back on Cleo.
Lee was flabbergasted as he drew his paw across the dog's head and down one side to gently stroke her face and she was sure he was petting her. A moment later, the raccoon turned around and ambled toward the woods. He dropped to all fours right before he disappeared from sight. Cleo never took a step in pursuit, but only watched as her new friend faded into the trees.
Lee snapped out of her shocked confusion, suddenly worried the dog might have been injured.
"Cleo, come here, girl," she said, leaving the front steps and meeting her halfway across the yard.
Jamison joined her and they crouched down to check the dog over. Cleo wagged her tail happily at all the extra attention she was getting, but was unharmed.
"Do you think it was sick or something? I've never heard of a raccoon doing something like that."
"No." Jamison shook her head. "He didn't seem rabid or violent in any way."
"How do you explain it then?"
Jamison frowned as she considered the question. "Sometimes, people will find one as a cub; maybe the mom was killed by a predator or in an accident. They'll raise the raccoon but as soon as it's old enough to take care of itself, they'll take it down by the river to release it."
"So, what? You think it was like that because it's used to being around people?"
"It's the only explanation I can think of."
Lee shook her head. "This has been the strangest day."
LEE AND JAMISON sat on the thick, cushioned sofa in front of the fireplace sipping red wine. Dinner had been wonderful though Lee would have preferred a more intimate setting. She usually took her meals in the breakfast nook because the small chamber in the south turret was not quite so intimidating, but it hadn't really suited her needs on this occasion. Instead, they had shared a romantic dinner on her great aunt's long, highly polished mahogany table. The place settings were side-by-side at one end and a corner. It was close enough that Lee was still reeling from a sound Jamison made when she first bit into a dolma.
It was a low sound, a soft sigh deep in her throat that reminded Lee of many things, none of which had to do with food.
Now sitting on the sofa, she quietly thought about that moan and the images it conjured. Although she had fought the attraction since the moment she met Jamison, she couldn't ignore it anymore. She watched strong hands cup the fine crystal wine glass and wondered what they would feel like on her skin. Would Jamison be soft and gentle, or would she be demanding? Did she enjoy kissing as much as Lee did, or would she be more interested in the base carnality of sexual gratification?
Lee shivered slightly. She imagined Jamison naked beside her on cool cotton sheets, her body on fire with need, her hair in erotic disarray.
Jamison broke into the fantasy by asking, "So, what else happened today?"
"Huh?" Lee glanced over at her, mesmerized by the way the firelight flickered off her chiseled features.
"You said today had been really strange. What happened besides the raccoon?"
"Oh, that." Lee smiled. "I told you we were going back up to follow those deer tracks?"
"Yes, I remember."
"We didn't find anything, but when we got back to the pickup it wouldn't start."
Jamison laughed. "You really need to get rid of that thing."
"You're not wrong, especially considering the kind of help I received to get it going again."
"What do you mean?"
"This weird guy with shockingly bad hygiene suddenly popped out of the woods and offered his assistance."
Concern suddenly colored her expression and Jamison set the wine glass on the coffee table. "Are you all right? Did he try anything?"
"No, I'm fine." Lee rested a hand on a naked shoulder. She meant it to be a reassuring gesture, but abruptly found herself fascinated by the feel of warm, muscled flesh. Her voice was more gruff than intended when she spoke again. "But Cleo didn't like him much and he was really creepy. I won't even go into detail on how seriously he could use a manicure."
"I don't want you going out by yourself again."
Lee blinked and looked at Jamison like she'd lost her mind. She might like her, but no one ordered her to do anything. "Now wait a minute."
"I'm sorry." Jamison held up a hand to stop her. "But you can't prevent me from worrying about you."
"That's sweet, but how about if I just let you take me over to Gloversville in a few days to buy a new vehicle. I'm planning on going over there tomorrow and setting things in motion. I know it's a long drive, but it's the largest town around and I might have better luck finding something that suits me over there."
Jamison shot her a playful look, almost a challenge and said, "All right, if I can't convince you to stay locked inside the house for the rest of your life, I guess I'll have to settle for a reliable vehicle."
"Thank you." Lee grinned. "Now can you answer a question for me? It's something I've been wondering about since I moved here."
"Shoot. I'll answer anything you want to know."
Lee closed her eyes for a moment as her mind immediately went in the gutter. Focus, she told herself.
"Why are there so many steak houses in Harmon?"
"What?" Jamison had been caught off guard by the unexpected question.
"It's just that there's at least one on every street, sometimes two. And when the restaurant isn't advertised as a steakhouse, they still have it on the menu. Like Andy's."
Jamison shrugged. "I guess everyone likes a good piece of meat."
Lee froze and then burst out laughing while Jamison flushed in embarrassment. "Please tell me that was unintentional."
"It was, I promise."
"Fine, I'll let you off the hook."
"Any other questions you want to ask?"
"Let me think, since I do have you hostage at the moment."
"Oh really? Maybe I should be asking you
the questions."
"Fire away," Lee said.
"Okay." Jamison picked up her glass and took another sip, looking thoughtful. "Why did you move back to Harmon? I know Chris always wanted you and your mom to live here, but you never did. I guess I'm wondering, why now?"
The question was fair. Jamison and everyone around knew her aunt, but she was a stranger who had come in and taken over Mafdet Manor like she had every right. Legally, she did. But that didn't mean there might not be a few people who took offense. If Lee wanted the possibility of something more with Jamison, she'd have to start with honesty. Of course there were certain things she wasn't willing to share until she got to know Jamison a little better, but one thing at a time.
"I've been to some of the most rustic places in the world and I absolutely love it. I've done more than most people have in a lifetime. Anything to do with nature or being outdoors and feeling free, but I was raised in New York City. My father is a senator and no matter how I've tried to assert my independence, I've lived in his house my whole life. Aunt Chris willed me the manor and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to get out from under his thumb."
"You don't get along?"
"Well enough, I guess. The truth is that he really isn't interested in anything I do. I'm an embarrassment to him."
"I find that hard to believe," Jamison said. "You're intelligent, caring and beautiful. How could he not be extremely proud of you?"
Lee was thrilled by the assessment, but answered, "Let's just say he can't handle my orientation."
She had dropped the bombshell to see how Jamison would react. This was her opportunity to deny what was going on between them. Lee was scared that she'd take the easy way out and quietly held her breath to see what would happen next.
"Then that's his loss...and my gain."
Lee felt a little juvenile looking out of the corner of her eye to check Jamison's expression, but she was too nervous to look at her directly. The comment was unexpected. Jamison was facing the fire and staring into the dark purple liquid in her wine glass. She looked as uncomfortable as Lee; not because of any mutual feelings, but rather the fear of rejection.
Under the Midnight Cloak Page 10