by Lois Richer
“Okay, I’ve had enough. Let’s move on.”
“Thank you.” She waited till they were in the hallway, then let loose her giggles. “A little too loud for your taste?”
“A little too everything.” He glanced around, but saw no sign of the man who’d been standing there a moment ago. “Want to get something to eat?”
“Sure.” She walked with him to the dining room. “Since there’s no one else around at the moment, can I ask you something?”
“Shoot.” He glanced at the array of food and wondered why he hadn’t thought to bring something. It looked like everyone else had contributed.
“Why did you want to go in there, Ross? Don’t tell me it was because you couldn’t wait to hear them, because I won’t believe you.”
He assessed her frown, decided truth was the best option.
“I wondered if you might connect any of the voices to the one that phones you.” He held up a hand at her protest. “I know it was a long shot, but I figured it would be easier for you to identify if I didn’t tell you, if it came naturally, so to speak.”
“But those are my friends!” She stared at him, brown eyes wide. “Some of them have known me for most of my life. Why would they suddenly tell me to leave?”
He shrugged. “Maybe they wouldn’t. It was just an idea.”
“Don’t get any more. I’m sick of wondering about that caller. I just want to relax and enjoy tonight.”
But she wasn’t relaxed. For one thing, her complexion had paled. For another, she dithered over the crudités, vacillating between a bit of cauliflower and a small stalk of celery.
“I didn’t mean to upset you, but I can’t help wondering, Kelly,” he told her softly. “I am what I am. I like to solve mysteries. I want to know who is calling you.”
“So do I. But I’m not going to subject my friends to an inquisition or suspect them of terrorizing me.” She finally grabbed a ham sandwich and set it on her plate.
“Are you terrorized?” he asked softly.
She met his stare without flinching. “I don’t know. I certainly don’t like it that someone seems to be targeting me. But I don’t know what I can do about it, either. I just have to—” Her voice faded to nothing, her eyes glazed and she grabbed the table as her plate tumbled to the floor. The sound of shattering china brought someone running.
“Kelly?” Ross set his own plate down, supporting her until he could help her to a nearby chair. “What’s the matter?”
“What’s going on in here?” Lindsay Morrow stood in the doorway. When she saw the broken plate, a frown marred her lovely face.
“Kelly almost fainted,” Ross blurted out before she could lay into them for damaging her precious china, if that’s what she intended. Though come to think of it, she didn’t look like she was angry. She looked…strange.
“Does she need to lie down?” Mrs. Morrow pressed a button on the wall and a moment later a young woman in a black uniform with a white apron came running. “Please clean that up, Catharine.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I don’t want to cause a fuss. I’ll be fine if I just sit here for a moment.” Kelly glanced at Lindsay, her eyes pleading. “Don’t let me spoil your wonderful party. Not after you’ve gone to so much work.”
“That’s very kind of you to think of me, dear.” Their hostess almost preened as she said the words. “But you’re my guest. I don’t want you to worry about my feelings. If you feel unwell you must lie down. Catharine, please show Miss Young to the blue bedroom, would you?”
“Yes, ma’am.” The maid stepped forward as if to help Kelly.
“No, really, I don’t want to intrude into your home.”
“It’s no problem at all.” Lindsay Morrow looked unconcerned.
Ross took a second look at Kelly’s face, which had gone whiter than white. He stayed where he was, blocking the maid who would have assisted her. “Maybe you should rest for a minute, Kelly. If you went upstairs, no one would know.”
“I’m not some feeble invalid,” she whispered, but her sudden wince decried her words. “All right, maybe just for a few minutes,” she relented. “But I don’t want to make a scene. Just walk with me naturally.” She turned to Lindsay. “Maybe if we pretended that you’re showing me around?”
“Showing you…?” Lindsay’s dark brows lowered just for an instant before she recovered. “Yes, of course, my dear. A true lady never wants to display her private troubles. I applaud your discretion. Never mind, Catharine.” The maid disappeared.
“Thank you.” Relief flooded Kelly’s weak voice.
Ross was surprised by how heavily she leaned on his arm. Her face was the same shade as the gossamer fluff on a dandelion gone to seed and it turned more pasty with every step she took up the circular marble staircase. He was relieved when they finally made it to the blue bedroom.
“I don’t want to mess anything up,” Kelly murmured from her perch on the side of the bed, arms crossed over her middle. “You have such a beautiful home. I love the way you’ve integrated the shades of blue in this room.”
“Thank you, Kelly. Now don’t worry about the room. Just lay back and relax. Perhaps you’d like a glass of ice water? I’ll have Catharine bring one up. And maybe something to eat. You’ve gone a very strange shade of green.”
Ross took a second look at Kelly and realized Mrs. Morrow was right.
“Perhaps I should call a doctor? Do you have pain?” Lindsay waited by the door.
“No, thank you.” Kelly glanced at Ross. “I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
“All right. Rest then. If you need anything, you can send your boyfriend for help.” She closed the door soundlessly behind her.
Boyfriend? She made it sound as if they were having some kind of childish affair. Ross would have liked to tell Lindsay Morrow off, but Kelly’s groan distracted him. “What is it? Upset stomach again?”
“Sort of. It’s mostly passed now. Just kind of spasmy. I feel a bit woozy. Maybe if I eat something, though I’ll feel terrible if I leave a mark on this gorgeous spread. Do you think it’s silk?”
“Who cares?” He pulled a chair near, sank into it. “It’s just a bedspread.”
“But it isn’t. Don’t you see? It’s custom-made for this room. She has exquisite taste. My mother would have loved this room.”
Again with her mother. Ross was beginning to tire of hearing about the saintly woman who’d raised Sandra’s child. Which wasn’t nice at all, he supposed. But his feelings here were for the birth mother. How was Sandra supposed to compete in Kelly’s mind with a woman who’d been so perfect?
Catharine arrived with a tray carrying a glass of water, a drink of punch for Ross, a plate filled with bits from many different dishes he’d seen displayed downstairs and some dessert samples. Kelly’s chocolate cake was not among them.
“Can you eat anything?” he asked after the maid had left.
“Maybe.” She sipped the ice water, took a cracker from the plate and bit off the pointed corner. “Actually I feel a little better now. Guess I was just hungry.” But she didn’t eat much, just a few bites of cracker, some cheese and the water.
“Would you like to leave? I don’t mind going, particularly if you’re not feeling well. You’ve had a busy day. It’s no wonder if you’re tired.”
“It’s Sunday,” she murmured, her glance puzzled. “I haven’t done much.”
“You were ill last night, you got up and walked to church, made me lunch, went skiing, and then you rushed over here. Add on the holidays and the wedding and I think you’re probably feeling the combined effects.”
“Maybe.” She swung her legs over the edge of the bed, stood gingerly as if testing her ability to remain upright. “Everything’s staying where it’s supposed to, so I guess I’m okay. Let’s not leave just yet. I’d really like to see more of this house. You should meet people, too, and all you’ve done is spend the evening babysitting me.”
“Hardly babysitting,” he prote
sted, holding open the door. “You’re too strong for that.”
“You think I’m strong?” She paused at the top of the staircase to stare at him. “Why do you say that?”
“Because you are.” She looked skeptical so Ross ploughed on, slightly embarrassed that he was showing how much he admired her. “Zach told me about your work with the church. I heard all about the hours you spent on the Christmas toy drive for kids in foster care who are waiting for permanent homes.”
“It was more fun than work.”
“He also mentioned that you initiated a program which liaises with the church youth center. Even though those kids volunteer their time at Tiny Blessings, I know they have to be supervised and I know how wearing kids can be.” He studied her beauty under the light of the huge chandelier. She looked gorgeous in her burgundy cashmere sweater and black slacks. Only her eyes were sad.
“These past few months I’ve been in Chestnut Grove, I’ve seen you involved in so many things. You’ve had a lot going on, Kelly. Not everyone can give so much back to their community and keep their lives balanced. It takes a very strong, giving person to manage so many things and do them well.”
She stared at him, eyes wide with surprise. “I—thank you for saying that,” she finally whispered. “I try but—”
“No more buts.” He grinned at her. “Just accept the compliment, will you?”
“Yes, I will. Thank you.”
After a soul-searching look she started down the stairs. Ross walked beside her, watching for any sign of unsteadiness. But Kelly had her “capable” mask back in place. If she was queasy, she didn’t show it. He couldn’t help wondering why she felt she had to be so strong.
They reached the bottom. Ross looked around. “Where is everyone?”
“Feeling better?” Mayor Morrow walked toward them. “Lindsay said you’d had a bad spell, that you were resting. Everything all right now?”
“Yes, thank you. I feel fine now.” Kelly smiled at him, her face changing to show the awkward admiration of someone intimidated by his commanding presence.
“Then you’d better come along to the great room,” the mayor decreed with what Ross privately termed his “photo-op” smile. “Lindsay’s got something special planned.”
Ross was left to walk on the opposite side of Kelly, content to listen as she chatted with the mayor.
“She’s done a wonderful job, as usual. The Christmas tree lighting was spectacular.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it. We like to open our home to the citizens of Chestnut Grove as often as we can. After all, they put their faith in me two years ago and I want to show I appreciate it.”
Not to mention the fact that he was up for reelection later that year and would need their support again, Ross thought to himself.
Gerald Morrow stood back and waited for them to precede him into the huge room. “Go ahead, find yourselves a place to sit. It looks like my wife’s about to get the ball rolling. One thing about Lindsay, she plans everything to the nines.”
Something about the way Gerald said that made Ross take a second look at him. The mayor wasn’t movie-star handsome, though with his white hair and blue eyes, he was a very good-looking senior citizen. His custom suits compensated for his expanding waistline but still lent him the air of power and authority. He had the kind of face that brought one word to mind—tough.
“There are some seats over there, Ross.” Kelly led the way to a couple of stools near the French doors that opened onto a pool.
As he stared at the area outside he noticed how someone had made sure it was perfectly lit. Though the pool had been drained for the season, it now held a magnificent ice sculpture that looked like a crystal snowman. Some type of revolving light changed it from red to green to gold, then flickered a show of colors across the entire area, turning it into something like a fairy land. Evergreen shrubs provided the backdrop for whimsical characters perched here and there around the pool. Sandra would have loved to see this display. Ross had enjoyed watching the festive season turn her into a little kid with great big eyes.
A movement to the left caught his attention and he turned to get a better look.
“Ross, what are you doing?” Kelly whispered, tugging on his arm.
Sensing he was drawing attention to himself, Ross adjusted his position, slightly turned so he could keep his gaze trained on the corner of the patio. The light display moved higher against the firs and spruce trees, leaving the deck in shadow. Moments later he watched someone slip across the area. The movements were furtive and the figure glanced over one shoulder. For a moment he seemed to glance at Ross. Then he hurried away.
An odd prickle of awareness skittered down his spine as Ross kept his attention focused on the patio. But the intruder was gone.
Who was he and why was he out there?
Chapter Six
“Ross, that’s the third time we’ve missed our chance. At this rate we’re not going to take home any of those great prizes Mrs. Morrow has up for grabs. What’s going on?” Kelly followed his gaze through the window, then twisted to face him. “What are you looking at?”
“Nothing. Just the display.” He smiled at her. “Sorry. Guess I’m just a little preoccupied. Anyway you don’t really need another coffeemaker, do you?”
“No, but Tiny Blessings could sure use it. Ours takes forever to brew just one cup of coffee.” She saw what was coming and shook her head. “Don’t say it because I’ve already cleaned it ten times. It’s just too old and I don’t want to buy a new one until we can afford one of the better models—like that pour through one that Peggy Cavanaugh just won,” she hinted.
“I promise I’ll try harder,” he whispered, but the saucy look in his eyes told her she was being humored.
“You wouldn’t have to try hard if you’d just keep your eyes trained on what’s inside this room,” she reminded.
“I’m looking.” He faked a leer at her and she poked him in the side. “And I like what I see.”
“Be serious. I could use this next prize.”
“What is it?”
“A day at the spa. For two.”
“Not interested.” He crossed his arms across his chest, his expression adamant. “I do not need a mud bath and I’d rather not have my follicles cleansed or exfoliated.”
“Spoilsport.” She couldn’t quite smother her laughter at the mental picture he’d created. “It could be fun.”
“No.”
As it turned out they did win a prize—the last one. Kelly gaped as one of Lindsay’s helpers placed a five-foot metal sculpture, outlining a man with a golf club, in front of them with a flourish. She endured the teasing of the others as they moved out of the room to listen as the pastor expressed thanks on behalf of everyone to the Morrows for a wonderful evening.
“I’m so glad that each of you could come.” Lindsay Morrow’s voice carried clearly from the other room. “And I hope you’ve enjoyed yourselves. Gerald and I are delighted to host this event each year. As mayor, he enjoys having the public in his home and I consider it my duty to be a leader in the community. I take that role very seriously. Which is why I want to invite each of you to the charity costume party I’m hosting on Valentine’s Day to help support the Noble foundation. Please get your tickets early.”
“Did you hear that?” Rachel stomped up to them, her face red. “The woman is not even in charge and she’s issuing invitations. I’m going to set her straight this instant!”
“Now, honey.” Eli Cavanaugh hung onto his wife’s arm, preventing her from charging toward Lindsay. “Let’s not be too hasty. You’re the one in charge, everyone knows that the Noble Foundation is your baby. Let this go for now. Everyone’s enjoyed their evening, don’t spoil it. You can speak to her tomorrow when no one’s around.”
“I intend to,” Rachel snapped, then patted his cheek. “Sorry. I’m taking it out on you, aren’t I? Come on, let’s go home.” She waggled her fingers at Ross and Kelly. “See you and your, er, trea
sure.” She and Eli left chuckling about the unusual item.
“Bye.” Kelly looked down at the item, sighed, then felt Ross’s arm nudge her ribs. “What?”
“What are we supposed to do with it?” Ross whispered after he’d made sure they were really alone.
“You’re asking me? You won it.” She walked around the piece, trying to come up with some purpose for its creation. “I suppose you could put it in a pot and let ivy creep all over it.”
“Wonderful! And since you’re the gardener, you should have it. I’ll even carry it into your house for you.” He grinned as if he’d been given a “get out of jail free” card.
“Maybe I could talk Peggy into trading,” she mused.
“Would you trade this for a coffeemaker?” Ross asked, eyes dancing with fun.
“No.” She fixed him with her most severe look. “It’s all your fault. I should have taken Kimberly Forrester up on her suggestion to switch partners. She and Samantha won those gorgeous designer bags.”
“I didn’t even try to find an answer to that question when Mrs. Morrow asked it,” he admitted, then shrugged at her glare. “Well, what would I do with a designer bag?” Quickly he raised a hand to stop the comment she was ready to offer. “Don’t go there, Kelly. Come on, time to go home.” He hefted the unusual piece into his arms, pretended to collapse, then carried it toward the front door where Catharine waited with an array of coats.
“Act grateful,” Kelly whispered in his ear as they waited in line.
“That’s a stretch when I’m lugging this monstrosity,” he whispered back.
She smothered a giggle, delighted by his comical look. Ross was fun. It was nice to have someone to share special moments with. Simon would have been busy working the room, trying to make contacts. Ross didn’t seem to care about that and suddenly it didn’t seem so awful that he’d spent most of the game peering out the windows.
She glanced at the happy faces around her, content to watch the others repeat their appreciation to the Morrows for the wonderful party. At last it was their turn.