Summer Flash Burn

by Unger, Erin;

  “She is.”

  Ava plunked into a chair in the lobby. “I’m so excited she’s willing to work with us on the case. It’s important to get the backing of officials in cases like yours.”

  Moving up the stairs, Jillian bent over the railing. “Yeah. They don’t have to talk to us, and most places won’t. Text me when she gets here. I’m going to my room.”

  I joined Christopher on a loveseat. He lounged back and closed his eyes while I tried to keep from sitting too close. “I guess you wouldn’t be up for that walk after Ms. Renney leaves, would you?”

  Opening his eyes, he raised an eyebrow.

  I put up my hand. “I see how tired you are. Never mind.”

  “Perhaps a quick one if you want.”

  There it was again. He was thinking about me instead of himself. “You sure?”

  “Yes.” Little blood vessels in his eyes said otherwise.

  I wiggled under his intent gaze. “You can talk to me then…about whatever you wanted to say before dinner.”

  He nodded, and I gulped.

  Ava turned her chair toward us. “Christopher, what do you know about the ME?”

  I leaned away from him. There was no need to get Ava and Jillian talking even more about me and him.

  He put a hand on the seat, his fingers almost touching mine. I resisted pulling away a little more as the heat of it radiated to my leg. Wouldn’t it seem as if I found something repulsive about him if I did? Or would he think about it at all? What to do? Because it wasn’t helping me resolve not to like him more and more.

  When he sat forward, I took a deep breath. He shot me a quick glance that I deflected by staring at Ava.

  “She’s been here for less than a year. People around town say Dad is her first murder case in this area. And they say she came with high recommendations. It’s been easy to talk to her about things.”

  Things?

  “She worked hard on this case with the investigators.”

  The door flung open, and I jolted forward to see it. A tiny blonde thrust the door closed behind her and headed straight for Christopher. Please don’t let her be Leona Deguard. Not someone so perfect, from her petite heels to her blue eyes and perfect curls. No one could compete with that whole package…even if they didn’t need to, I reminded myself.

  When she stopped in front of us, I had no doubt she was definitely Leona.

  Ava texted Jillian.

  The woman put out her hand to me. “I’m the ME.” Pull the professional card, why don’t you. “You must work for Worthington Investigations.”

  Heat climbed my face. How had she already assumed I wasn’t the owner of the company? Not that I was, but still…Couldn’t I look like the owner—even if I wasn’t?

  Why did it matter?

  “I’m Shauna Pratley.”

  Should I stand to shake her hand? At least then I’d tower over the little thing. But that would be childish. Instead, I swallowed against a tight throat and remained where I was.

  Ava introduced herself. “Our other investigator will be down in a minute. It’s nice to meet you.”

  She gave Ava a big grin and spread her arms wide. Was she about to throw her arms around her? That would be awkward. Why didn’t I get the same reception? Was it because I sat right beside Christopher?

  A smile crossed my face, and I hunkered down at Christopher’s side an inch closer than before, but he went from warm to icy so fast I couldn’t tell if it was me or the ME that caused it.

  With as subtle a glance as I could manage, I tried to judge his sudden change. His frost seemed to extend more toward Leona, or so I hoped for some weird reason.

  “I heard you’re getting married in five months.” Leona almost gushed to Ava. “Christmas weddings are so beautiful.”

  That was the catch. Ava wasn’t competition.

  Laptop under one arm, Jillian entered the foyer. “Want to sit in the dining room for privacy while we talk?”

  Leona dropped Ava’s hand and folded her own together in front of her. “That would be a good idea.”

  As we all moved toward the dining room, Ms. Eena hurried out of her quarters. “I can tell how hard you all are working to solve my brother’s…the crime. Why don’t you take over my library while you’re here?”

  Would we be intruding? She shouldn’t have to give up her private space for us. “That’s really nice, but you don’t want us traipsing through your home all day long.”

  She raised her fist to her hip. “I insist. Don’t rob me of a blessing, young lady.”

  I didn’t dare disrespect Christopher’s aunt.

  Ava put a hand on the older woman’s shoulder. “We’ll take you up on that offer. Thanks so much.”

  Christopher trailed behind with me. Score. Leona could eat that. “I’d never hear the end of it from Aunt Eena if you all had said no.”

  I snickered.

  When I looked at the ME, Leona was scrutinizing us, and from the expression on her face, she had rival written all over it.

  20

  Christopher

  I’d have to thank Shauna later for taking the seat beside me before Leona had a chance. Not that her presence was any less distracting. The ten-foot ceiling of Aunt Eena’s library stopped the endless rows of books that traveled up the walls. And I knew where every one of my favorite classics were located. Even with all the clutter of books setting two rows deep. I breathed in the old paper smell and relaxed against the leather sofa that had seen better days.

  Leona. The first time she’d seen me in town, she’d almost chased me. As much as I appreciated all her work, I couldn’t date her. Well, wouldn’t.

  Aunt Eena returned with a large tray of muffins and coffee. “I see how much your eyelids are drooping, so I thought you’d like a cup of coffee and a snack. I made them from scratch…well, from a box, but still.”

  We all laughed.

  After she set it on the turn of the century oak desk, Ava went straight for the coffee but left the muffin, and Leona did the same. They chatted.

  “I’ll leave you all to your peace.” Aunt Eena closed the door with a hushed click.

  I went to the tray and scooped up a muffin and one of the cups of coffee, the aroma of banana reaching up to entice me. When Shauna didn’t move to join the others, I held up the cup for Shauna to see.

  Her shoulders dropped and her face lit up. “I’d love a cup.” She brushed back her silky-looking hair. I’d like to brush it over her shoulder—no I wouldn’t. “Just dump the sugar until it looks right. Lots of the Italian creamer would be great too.”

  She liked a ton of sugar in hers as much as I did. Interesting. I stirred her coffee and brought it to her with a muffin on a paper plate.

  “Thanks. It’s very thoughtful of you.” She took the coffee and sipped it then took a bigger swig. “You know how to make a good cup of joe.”

  “You like your sugar the way I do.”

  That made her smile. And warmed my belly—when it shouldn’t.

  I returned to the desk and got my own mug. After four spoons of sugar and a few drops of creamer, I grabbed a stirring straw and turned to take in the group.

  Everyone but Jillian had a cup in their hand. I got her attention. “Would you like a mug?”

  “No, thanks. But I’ll take two muffins.”

  I loaded another plate and carried it to her as she sat on the chair in the corner, her tablet perched on her lap. She thanked me and nibbled on the first muffin.

  Leona glanced at me several times but continued her conversation with Ava. No doubt, she was keeping tabs to make sure I didn’t get too close to Shauna. Would I be a jerk if I sat closer to Shauna on purpose? Better not, even if I wanted to annoy her. I clenched my teeth and feigned interest in the steam rising from my coffee. A couple muffins would be nice. I made a plate for myself and took one giant bite into the moist treat. Box mix or not, the banana flavor had my mouth watering for more.

  Shauna took the last bite of hers. Did she want
another one? I shoved the rest into my mouth and signaled to her.

  “No, thanks. I’m good.”

  Back at the sofa, I dropped onto it and wiggled away from the spring that pressed into my thigh. Shauna’s mug teetered in her hand and sloshed as my movement made the cushion bounce in opposition. I jolted off the love seat. “Sorry. Let me get you a napkin.”

  Had Aunt Eena brought any? I checked the tray that was devoid of napkins and headed to get one.

  She stood and put a hand under the mug to stop the drips from falling. “It’s fine. I can hunt down some.”

  “Let me.” I didn’t give her a chance to reply as I headed out the door, but the door clicked behind me as she followed. I slowed. “I really don’t mind.”

  Shauna kept her hand under the mug. “It’s my cup. You shouldn’t have to worry over me.”

  What if I wanted to? Did I? “I’m sure there’re some in the dining room.”

  Together we checked each table until we spied a stack on the black sideboard across the room. We both reached for one at the same time and our fingers touched. I couldn’t deny the tingle of her touch. She took the napkin from me, wiped the mug, and then her hand.

  I leaned against the sideboard and watched her. Her self-confidence was refreshing, and it exuded out of her every pore. She didn’t need a man to take care of her. What would it be like to date someone like her? I pushed away the thought and put a little more space between us. “We better get the meeting started. I’m sure everyone’s ready to be done for the night.”

  Crumpling the napkin, Shauna shook her head and laughed. “I don’t know. After all the coffee flowing like spiked punch on prom night, we all might be up for a while.”

  Her laugh was boisterous and full. I could hear that sound every day and not tire of it.

  Was the temperature going up in this room or what? As I pulled at my shirt, something outside the window whizzed by. What in the world? I closed the gap between the window and sideboard and pulled back the sheer curtain. What was Tony Slaiger doing in Aunt Eena’s yard this late in the evening? I strode to the foyer and stopped when the door flew open and Tony stormed toward me.

  He pointed a sharp finger at me. “You. How dare you send those women out to the village.”

  Shauna’s hand came to rest on my arm with enough pressure to tell me she’d stop me if I went after the guy. Not a soft touch but one with strength and precision. I should’ve figured Tony would get bent out of shape when my team went to talk to Chief Johns. “I’m only looking for answers.”

  Tony’s eyes flicked to Shauna. He cursed. “And you want to rely on a bunch of women?”

  At that comment, Shauna launched past me. It was my turn to stop her. In almost a whisper, I uttered, “No, Shauna.”

  Her tight lips and narrowed eyes held enough angry fuel to start a fire, but at least she stopped her pursuit of Tony. “Mr. Slaiger, you will not interfere with this case.” To me, she said, “How do you know each other, Christopher?”

  “We’ve both lived in this town our whole lives. Went to the same school. You name it.”

  Shauna held her ground. “Well, woman or not, Mr. Slaiger, I won’t let anyone get in the way of this investigation.”

  Everyone from the library rushed down the hall.

  Ava started toward Shauna but stopped when she saw the scowl on her face. “What’s going on?” She paused, her eyes growing wide. Then she looked to the intruder. “Mr. Slaiger.”

  I didn’t need this right now. I worked to regulate my voice. “Tony had some concerns about your visit to the Monacan Village.” I returned my gaze to him. “You can’t come storming in here and make demands. I have to find out what happened to my dad. If that means my team has to talk to the chief, then so be it.”

  Shauna strained against my hand for a millisecond but then halted. “I can assure you a woman will solve this case.”

  Her hand on her heart, Leona held back and kept her mouth shut.

  “Well, you better get prior permission to approach the chief next time.”

  “Oh?” Shauna scoffed. “She didn’t seem to mind us being there today. In fact, we’ll be back soon.”

  I eyed her then looked at Tony. “Is that request for an appointment coming from Chief Johns?”

  Ava shot daggers at Shauna.

  Tony’s taut shoulders and muscles bulged a little more as he maintained his fighting stance. “Does it matter?”

  With a little more pressure against my hand, Shauna opened her mouth to speak. What should I do, intervene again? But then wouldn’t it be fun to see her take down the guy?

  She evened her tone, “It does matter.”

  I released her and rocked back on my heels and crossed my arms. “There you go. You heard her.”

  Shauna caught Ava’s stare and clamped her jaw closed. She even relaxed a little as if at ease.

  Ava closed more of the gap between her and us. “We aren’t here to cause you trouble. And we understand that you have boundaries. We fully intend to respect your chief and to keep the boundaries as best we can, OK?”

  It wouldn’t do to let it out that we’d been on Monacan land only a couple hours ago. Please, Shauna, keep quiet about it. Because the dare in her eyes spoke otherwise, I needed to diffuse the situation fast. “Please, don’t make a big deal out of this. We hear your concerns. We’ll do what we can, as Ms. Worthington said.”

  The guy moved back a step. “And make sure you stay off our property. That little shop included.”

  Was Tony going to go there again? I’d just finished stopping Shauna from doing anything physical and now I couldn’t fight the urge to lunge at Tony as Shauna had. My hands balled at my side and my chest tightened. If I had to hear about it one more time… “The souvenir shop is my property. The courts ruled, and you can’t do anything about it. Keep this up, and I won’t ever grant it back to you.” I winced on the inside. Why’d I suddenly feel the need to keep the fire going between us when it seemed Tony was about to back down? I spoke through clenched teeth. “Just go home.”

  Shauna bounced her gaze between the two of us, blinking. I’d failed. Why’d I do that after trying to keep her from jumping on Tony? I’d have to apologize later.

  Tony glared at us then flexed his hands. Everyone stood on alert, bodies tight.

  “You’ll answer some day, man. And it may be sooner than later.” He stalked out the door and slammed it so hard the mirror on the wall shook.

  Trotting into the room, Aunt Eena went straight to the mirror and fingered it. “What was that all about?”

  I rubbed my eyes and swallowed the bile burning my throat. “It’s OK. It was Tony Slaiger, that’s all.”

  She scurried over to me, her eyes bulging like a poppy fish. “Say no more. I’ve heard about his antics in town.”

  A threat from Tony was dangerous. He wasn’t known for making empty ones. I accepted a quick squeeze from her—more for her sake than my own—before she disappeared into the dining room. I motioned for everyone to return to the library. “All right everyone. Let’s get back to business.”

  The women stared at me, their eyes wide.

  Leona pulled one of her heels off and held it by the toe end. “He’s lucky I didn’t use this on him.”

  I snickered, and the others gaped at her before busting out in laughter themselves.

  Ava uncrossed her arms. “You do appear scary like that. I like you already.”

  Putting back on her shoe and losing her balance in the process, Leona snorted. “I’m serious.”

  Ava grabbed Leona’s hand and helped her catch her balance.

  But Shauna didn’t seem as ready to agree with Ava. She held back and adjusted her clothes, keeping her eyes averted from them.

  In the library, I tried to calm down, but my hand shook. I couldn’t sit still. Would Tony be back? Did he have anything to do with the fire?

  Leona pranced to the center of the room. “I just want you all to know I’m glad to work with you.” She pu
t up both her hands and arched an eyebrow. “Not a lot happens in this town, and I’ve enjoyed this case immensely.” She shot me an apologetic squint of her eyes. “Well, not that I don’t wish your father was still alive, Christopher.”

  Shauna gave me a surreptitious look that I pretended not to notice. My back stiffened. I didn’t need anyone’s sympathy. Dad was gone. I had to deal with it. Plain and simple.

  “I’m glad to share everything I legally can,” Leona stated more to Ava.

  Perhaps I should leave and let them talk. Then they wouldn’t keep acting as if there was a white elephant in the room every time they mentioned Dad.

  Besides, I had a good excuse. I’d better go double-check all the window locks and the doors. Besides, the guests’ room keys also opened the front door, and I didn’t want a repeat of the saga with Tony.

  Or worse.

  21

  Shauna

  Would it be too weird if I ran and jumped onto the bed in my suite? As I flopped against the back of my chair in my suite, I eyed the quilted, queen-sized bed covered in pillows. My grandmother’s house was so like this place. When I’d spent the night as a kid, it had always been a place full of fun. And jumping on the bed was the biggest perk afforded us. But my grandma had always been lots of fun and a good ear to listen when I couldn’t figure things out. Too bad she lived in Michigan. It might as well be on the other side of the world right now.

  I eyed Jillian typing away at her computer. She knew me well enough to not care if I did something crazy now and then. She was used to it as a state of normal for me, and she’d likely get a good laugh and keep on working.

  But I wasn’t ten anymore. I’d better refrain.

  Fidgeting with my cell, I looked at Grandma’s number and my finger hovered over it. No, it may be an hour earlier there, but it was still pretty late, and Grandma liked to be in bed by eight. I locked the screen and set it on the table.

  Better text the sergeant. But what should I say? Yes? No? I closed the door as quiet as I could after picking up my phone again. I didn’t want to disturb Jillian who continued to investigate on her computer.