Death Under the Mistletoe

by Ashantay Peters

  Cold shivers ran down my body. “You’re not going to hurt that woman, are you?”

  Her mouth twisted in an odd smile. “Not her, no.”

  Hair raised on my arms and the back of my neck. “You’re scaring me. What are you talking about?”

  She glanced at me then back at the road. “An end to the farce.”

  Full darkness fell faster than a popover in an under heated oven. I couldn’t see much beyond the reflections from the SUV’s headlights. We’d left the interstate, though. The speedometer registered forty-five miles an hour, but I still experienced an urge to jump from the vehicle. This Alexa couldn’t be my friend. Some wicked person possessed her. My fingers closed over the door handle.

  “Don’t even think about jumping out.”

  Her tone demanded my attention. I turned and saw a pistol in Alexa’s left hand. Pointed at me. The even worse news: Alexa had ambidexterity and effective multi-tasking skills.

  Fragments swooped through my brain like flakes in an emotional blizzard. Could Alexa be crazy? Did she hate me?

  I should have called Dirk. Get my cell phone. Call 9-1-1. No, I couldn’t call. Alexa would hear the operator.

  So what if she heard? My hand crept toward my purse on the floor.

  “You’d better turn off your phone, Lily. I don’t want anyone tracking you.” She smirked. “Or you trying to make a phone call. I’d hate to kill you before we get to your resting place.” She ran her gaze over the luxurious interior. “Be a bitch to clean up.”

  I grabbed my purse and scrabbled for my phone.

  “I said turn off your phone.” Her command left no options.

  She watched me power down the cell then lowered my window from the master console. “Toss it.”

  Cold air rushed over my face and arm. My stomach churned as I threw away my lone opportunity for help.

  She turned onto a smaller road, one with no traffic. The lone car that had traveled behind us raced past. She backed up and we watched the vehicle disappear over a hill.

  I knew then. I’d die soon.

  Throwing the SUV into forward, we continued on my death drive.

  “Alexa, please don’t do this. We’re friends.”

  She laughed. “You’re joking, right? You think we’re friends?”

  “We’re not?” The words choked from between my lips.

  “Haven’t you ever heard the old saying about keeping your friends close and your enemies closer?” Her eyes glittered in the dash lights. “You always had everything I wanted. Perfect grades in school. Respect. The ability to get along with everyone. Worse, all the men I wanted went to you first. You attract people even looking like a plucked chicken.” Her right hand tightened on the wheel. “Worse, Roddy picked you over me.”

  My hands shook. “Did you kill Rod?”

  Her eyes didn’t leave the road. “You’re smart about everything but people, Lily. I may as well tell you.”

  Her gun hand dipped then leveled. “Rod and I were married in a civil ceremony a month ago.”

  I straightened. Married?

  She smirked. “Didn’t know that, huh? I wanted the second ceremony.” Her voice softened. “My fantasy wedding.”

  She paused. I held my breath.

  “Rod changed after we married. He turned impatient, became rude.”

  Her pistol wavered again before she firmed her grip. “He’d talked me out of a pre-nup, said a love like ours didn’t need contracts.” Her jaw clenched. “Shame on me. I believed him.”

  She turned to me. Tears glistened on her cheeks. “After our wedding rehearsal dinner at the Conservatory, I heard him talking on the phone. Called the other person “dear.” Said he’d file for divorce and they’d be sitting pretty on a private island within a month.”

  Rod did that? No wonder Alexa lost her mind. Even so, her stony profile chilled me. I knew I couldn’t save her, but I had to rescue myself.

  She spoke softly. “He’d never wanted me, just my money. What could I do? Rod ruined the wedding I’d planned all my life. Poisoned my future.”

  “But why kill him?”

  “I didn’t mean to hurt him.”

  My confidence crept back. If Alexa hadn’t meant to kill Rod, maybe I could talk her out of shooting me.

  “I know you wouldn’t hurt anyone on purpose. Especially someone you loved.”

  I saw her stiffen. Damnation. I’d said something wrong again. “What happened? Why did you hang him up and take his pants? That didn’t make sense to me.”

  “When I heard Rod on the phone planning to leave me, I lost it.” Her voice blended with the holiday music but then her words were clear. The dashboard lights highlighted tears falling down her cheeks.

  “I grabbed a hammer from a tool box on the floor. When he walked out of the room, I hit him.” She shook her head. “I didn’t mean to hit him so hard.”

  I held my breath, unwilling to interrupt her tale.

  “Rod accommodated me once more. He fell onto a scatter rug, so I didn’t have much to clean up.”

  Alexa looked down her nose at me. “The electric lift stood in the hall and I wanted to show his lying butt to the world. He’d have hated being seen like that.” Her lips twisted into an ugly smile. “You’d shown me how to use the lift, remember? When we catered together?”

  My stomach muscles twisted. I’d forgotten that. But I had, back when I considered Alexa a friend. A special person in my life. Now she’d become the last person I’d see. I yearned for a quick, final moment with Gray, even though he’d abandoned me again.

  I ventured two more questions. “The elderberries? The package on my porch?”

  “I added the berries later, when I heard the police car sirens headed for the Conservatory.” Her tears stopped, her face looked hard. “Then, when the stupid cops didn’t act, I left the package on your porch.”

  Had she acted in calculated misdirection or pre-meditation? Either way, I really didn’t want to know or push Alexa by asking.

  “The mistletoe above his head added a nice finishing touch, don’t you think?”

  Her macabre question chilled me. I remembered his silk boxers. She didn’t really show Rod’s butt though, did she? Alexa must have run out of time or nerve. Or maybe anger.

  My vision blurred. “I’m so sorry.”

  I should have kept my mouth shut. Again.

  Her face darkened. “Sorry? From Miss Ragtag who’s had popularity handed to her? I’ll show you sorry, you mealy-mouthed bitch.”

  She pulled onto a graveled drive. Further along, the headlights reflected off a prepared foundation for a home or small business. No other houses were in sight. My body hadn’t warmed after pitching my cell and Alexa’s recitation. Now I grew colder. My supposed friend planned a Jimmy Hoffa ending for me. Somehow I had to free myself.

  This would teach me not to trust anyone. Not that I’d live to have relationships.

  Alexa stopped the vehicle and switched the gun to her right hand. “You’ll disappear. The cops will think you skipped town to avoid prison. I’ll be home free.” She smirked. “Maybe I’ll move to that private island Rod wanted so bad.”

  Her eyes narrowed. When she spoke, her tone menaced. “Was Rod talking to you on the phone that night? Calling you dear?”

  I shook my head, all words long gone. My heart beat so fast my head spun.

  “Then I’ll kill you fast. I’ll give you one more question. I mean one last question. Because I’m feeling in the holiday spirit.”

  “Why hire a lawyer for me?” I felt some clarity return. “If you wanted me convicted for Rod’s death, why retain Tom Jenkins?”

  Her lips thinned. “I didn’t.” She straightened her arm, the gun inches from my face. “Enough girl time. Get out.”

  I fumbled with the door handle, my whole body shaking. She unlatched both seatbelts.

  “Move or I’ll shoot you here. I’ve got enough money to buy another ten cars. You’ll be a suicide in a stolen car.” She grinned evilly. �
�By the way, I bought that lottery ticket with our shared money, not my own. I figured the win should be all mine. You’d never have thought to buy tickets in the first place.”

  Her confession didn’t hurt me further. I’d already suspected she’d cheated. My hands steadied. Maybe I’d have a chance to get away outside. No way I’d lie still for death. I pushed out the door, turning to run.

  Alexa moved just as fast, standing next to her door. She held her body in a shooter’s stance. “Move toward the foundation. I don’t want anyone spotting your carcass for a few days.”

  The safety snicked off. I tucked my body and ran for the shadows. A rock tripped me. I fell to my knees as a shot rang out. No metal tore through me. Adrenaline urged me on. Getting to my feet, I ran for cover.

  What had looked like dark opportunity sprang to daylight under sudden illumination. I kept moving, running hunched over. I zigged. I zagged. I heard shouting. My heart beat so fast and loud I couldn’t understand the words. I ducked behind the foundation.

  “Drop your gun and put your hands up.”

  Huh? I didn’t have a gun. Wait, Alexa had a higher voice.

  “Drop your gun. Now.”

  I edged around the concrete blocks. Bright lights in my face and adrenaline made focusing difficult, but I saw Alexa drop her gun and raise her hands. Four cops in vests and holding rifles hustled to her.

  “Lily? Lily, where are you?”

  Gray. My legs trembled. I pulled myself up, leaning against the wall. “Here. I’m here.”

  A dark shadow passed in front of the light then warm arms pulled me into a strong embrace.

  “Lily.” Gray’s lips covered mine.

  Maybe I didn’t trust wisely, but I felt safe. For now.

  ****

  Once again, my butt filled the hard chair in front of Dirk’s desk. This time, Gray held my hand. With him beside me, I could almost handle the fluorescent lights and nasty coffee. The energy flooding me earlier had dissipated. Now I wanted my bed, with or without Gray. I was that tired.

  Dirk had our statements but asked us to wait. He’d gone off a few minutes earlier, and I mulled Gray’s story while awaiting Dirk’s return.

  Gray said he’d seen me leave home and tried to catch up but been hobbled by holiday shopper traffic. Stuck behind a car blocking two lanes in front of the mall, he saw me park and join Alexa. Gray said he wondered why Alexa had lied to him, saying I’d left town against police warnings. Then he’d watched us get on the interstate. He called Dirk and kept him apprised of our location. Alexa, intent on her deadly plan, hadn’t recognized Gray’s car as he’d shot past us on the dimly lit county highway. Dirk followed a few minutes behind, riding to the rescue along with county deputies.

  Two facts circled my thoughts. Gray hadn’t left after all. Alexa had deceived both Gray and myself.

  Expensive aftershave scent wafted to my nose.

  “Lily, there you are.” Tom Jenkins had arrived, holding two cups from my favorite coffee joint, Java the Hutt. He handed them to Gray and me.

  I sipped the heavenly brew and sighed with pleasure. Then my brain woke. “Why are you here? Didn’t you hear I’m innocent?”

  He chuckled. “Final paperwork. The D.A. is dropping the charges. I’m working through that right now.” He leaned against the desk. “Are you holding up?”

  I nodded.

  “In that case, you may want to hear some additional information.”

  I turned to Gray then looked at Tom. “Information?”

  “My investigator had been digging into Rod Vandiver’s past.” He tilted his head. “Standard procedure for me. Anyway, when Vandiver’s history didn’t check out, the P.I. looked harder. Found out Vandiver had a different last name. Crowley.”

  Gray’s hand squeezed mine. I looked at him, but he’d focused on the lawyer.

  “Crowley?” The name didn’t sound familiar. Why had Gray reacted?

  Tom smoothed his hair back. “Mr. Crowley had a wife. The investigator couldn’t find a divorce.”

  My thought processes worked to catch up. “So legally Alexa hadn’t married Rod?”

  He shook his head. “We’re trying to find the wife and/or divorce decree now.”

  Gray cleared his throat. “Have you checked Johnny’s? Hard-looking blonde about thirty-five?”

  The two men exchanged long looks. That’s when I realized who’d hired my attorney.

  Tom straightened. “I’ll mention the bar and woman to Detective Johnson.”

  “Sooner the better. I suspect she’ll leave once Alexa’s arrest is announced.”

  Tom took my free hand. “Lily, if you’d just waited, we’d have proven your innocence. You wouldn’t have had to face death the way you did. If you ever get into a tough spot again, find someone you can trust and hold on.” He nodded to Gray then strode off.

  Easy for him to say. Everyone I’d trusted had either left or tried to kill me. Well, almost everyone.

  Gray whispered in my ear. “I came back.” His thumb pad rubbed my lips. “I’m back for good, Lily.”

  Tired, bone, muscle, and heart sore, I searched his face and felt a spark of trust ignite.

  Chapter Twelve

  The cool air hit my overheated cheeks when Gray and I left the station. I inhaled and filled my nostrils with sweet smoke from the chestnut-roasting stand nearby. Christmas loomed close according to the sign at the organic grocery store. A luxury car with a wreath attached to the grill motored past. Granville Falls bustled with shoppers filling the downtown streets that twinkled with colored lights and echoed with holiday songs. I had plenty to be thankful for tonight, but sadness filled my soul.

  Gray hugged me to his side. “Want company?”

  I rested my head against his chest. His heartbeat wasn’t audible through the layers of clothes we both wore, but I could imagine the sound, steady and strong. Reassuring.

  Angling my head, our gazes caught and held. “Yes. I want you with me tonight.”

  We climbed into his car, and arrived at my home without further comment. When we’d parked, Gray put his hand over mine.

  “Wait, I’ll get your door.”

  I sat, too tired to move. Gray swung open my car door and extended a hand to help me exit. He pulled me close, tucked against his side while he secured his car. We turned together, headed for my home.

  This time we didn’t grope and kiss on the porch. He stood at my back, sheltering me from the chill breeze that had sprung up since we left the station. My hands shook. Taking the keys, he opened the door and ushered me inside.

  Gray pushed the door closed with his foot, simultaneously enfolding me in an embrace. Once warmed by his heat I suggested, “How about wine and Christmas lights?”

  “Sounds good.”

  We settled on the couch, glasses of Rioja and holiday illumination not quite defeating emotional and physical gloom.

  “You okay?”

  “No. You?”

  He leaned his forehead against mine. “Not really.”

  We breathed in each other’s essence, but the hurt remained. I broke the silence. “I don’t know what to think or how to feel.”

  “You mean because my cousin tried to kill you? Or because she stole your lottery money? Or both?”

  He didn’t interrupt my thought processes, which earned him high marks in my book.

  “Neither. I never realized she hated me. It’s like we lived a giant lie and now I don’t know what’s real.” I slipped back into thought. “All those years I thought myself lucky Alexa wanted me as a friend. I never considered myself good enough for her.” A tear dribbled down my cheek. “And all along she detested every minute we spent together.”

  “My cousin has a lot to answer for.” He wiped my tear with his thumb and followed with a light kiss. “I never did like that branch of my family. Bad genes.”

  “So why did you agree to be best man for her wedding?”

  “Family is family.”

  Figured. Gray had proven himself
that kind of loyal. I guess we matched that way.

  “Plus I figured I’d have another shot at fixing the past.”

  I looked a question.

  “Alexa is the one who told me you were manipulating a marriage with me, you know, five years ago.”

  “So you left town.”

  He nodded. “Shouldn’t have, but did.” Kissing my forehead he murmured unintelligible words that held comfort.

  Because that nasty memory didn’t need reviving, I moved on. “Do you think she wanted you for herself? That sounds kinda creepy, but she acted possessive about you.”

  “Her side of the family has inflated ideas about who should join their ranks.” He shifted. “I doubt she cared about me or you. Alexa wants what she wants and she doesn’t give a damn about anyone else. She never did, even as a kid. Did I tell you she broke my favorite toy truck when I refused to play with her?”

  “So you think she lied about not meaning to kill Rod?”

  “I think her actions were all about the money and Alexa’s ego.” He squeezed my shoulder. “She can’t hurt you, not anymore, and not on my watch.”

  “There’s the trial to get through.”

  “I’ll be with you, every minute, every day, until she’s convicted and put away for good.”

  I nodded, but my heart knew the healing hadn’t begun. Not yet, and the task loomed large, weighing me down.

  Gray pulled me to him. We nestled on the couch, light kisses and caresses gaining heat. Soon the wine and holiday lights faded from consciousness, replaced by desperate need.

  We shed our clothes and slipped onto the floor.

  Gray smiled. “Maybe we’ll hit the bed next time.”

  I grinned and kissed the soft spot behind his ear. “More room to rock and roll here.” Throwing my leg over his, I rubbed against his erection, pushing my boobs against his chest.

  He grabbed my waist and lifted me over him. “I’m up for a magic carpet ride.”

  I hadn’t known I could purr until my answer reverberated between us. “Honey, you can rock me all night long.”

  Accepting my invitation, Gray took one boob in his mouth and palmed the other, sending heat directly to my core. All thought disintegrated, especially when he moved his hand to massage my butt while nipping and licking my nipple.