by Lois Richer
“The fire at the diner?” Ross asked, glancing at Kelly as he did. His hand tightened around hers. “You were responsible for that?”
“Of course. I couldn’t have that floozy poking around, making accusations that would cover us in scandal.” She preened. “And it worked. She stopped asking questions. Everything was fine until you came along and started working for sweet little Sandra.” She thrust the gun in Ross’s direction.
“But that fire killed Sandra’s mother.”
“Collateral damage, isn’t that what they call it?” Lindsay looked unconcerned. “The old goody two-shoes was always talking about Heaven anyway. Now she’s there. Everybody’s happy.”
“You were behind the breakin and the fire at Tiny Blessings a few months ago, weren’t you?” Ross shook his head as it began to sink in. “The graffiti, the broken glass the other night—you did that, too. And I was trying to pin it on Andrew Noble.”
“Andrew?” Lindsay twittered with laughter. “Oh, my, no. Dear Andrew has…other fish to fry, shall we say?”
“The phone calls to my house—the threats, that was you, wasn’t it?” Kelly couldn’t believe she’d ever thought the woman attractive. Now she looked vicious and mean, her eyes blazing with hate.
“Of course. What did you expect? I couldn’t give up everything I’d worked so hard to achieve just because Gerald’s brat was going to be exposed.” Lindsay pointed the gun at her, her aim steady. “You should have listened, my dear, and left town as I told you. Everything would have been so much simpler. Sandra’s out of the way, or she will be soon if she comes out of that coma. All that remains is to tie up a few loose ends.”
“Lindsay, this is crazy!” Gerald stretched out his hand. “Give me that gun.”
“Crazy? How dare you call me that?” She turned on him as if berserk. “I dragged you out of that dinky law office and made you into somebody. Because of me, you’ve been able to hold your head up, to meet with the elite, the powerful. It was my money that made you into what you are, my family’s status that got you the position as mayor.”
“Yes,” he agreed. “You did all that. But it wasn’t for me. You kept pushing me because you wanted to be the queen of everything. You could never be satisfied with what I provided. You always wanted more.”
“I certainly wanted more than my husband engaging in some tawdry affair, fathering some illegitimate baby. Did you honestly think I was going to let you ruin me with your nasty scandal? You are not worthy of me.”
She waved the gun in his direction, all the while her eyes grew wilder, more desperate.
“You mentioned a plan, Mrs. Morrow.” Ross’s voice emerged calm, soothing. Kelly glanced at him, realized he was trying to divert her attention. “I’m sure it’s a clever one. Tell us about it.”
She laughed hysterically. “Tell you? Oh, you’re going to learn firsthand.”
“But if you tell me, I can make sure there aren’t any holes in it. Remember, I was a cop once. Zach is pretty thorough. I can make sure you haven’t forgotten anything.”
“I seldom forget the details,” Lindsay told him. “I’ve spent years perfecting my life. But all right, if you must know, I’ll tell you. What we’ll have here is a vicious attack by a masked gunman. He’s going to have robbed us, been surprised by Gerald and you two whom he kills. I’ll be injured, of course, as I rush to my husband’s side. The sole survivor and a grieving widow. Brilliant, don’t you think?”
Her evil smile sent shudders down Kelly’s spine.
“It’s pretty good,” Ross agreed. He tapped one finger against his chin as if he were thinking deeply. “And you do have a knack for this kind of thing. Nobody ever suspected that you’d tampered with Barnaby’s car, or Kelly’s for that matter.”
“Sometimes Gerald’s connections do come in handy.”
“I’m sure. Were they the ones who got into Kelly’s house through the window?”
Kelly stared at him, shocked by the knowledge.
“No. I did that. I couldn’t get a key, at first. But then everyone takes off their coats at church. No one ever thinks about what’s in their pockets.”
“No, I don’t suppose they do. Very clever.”
“It is, isn’t it?” Lindsay leaned forward, her voice a mere whisper. “She left her keys in her coat. So careless. I simply removed them, had a second set for her house and the office cut and returned them to her home. She never even knew.”
“And the poison?”
“Carol Young once told me that Kelly loved milk, that she often drank a glass before bed. Simple, really.”
“But where did you—” He stopped, stared. “I saw you at the hardware store one day. You were buying some pesticide.”
“Yes.” Lindsay shrugged. “But you couldn’t put it together. Tsk, tsk. Why do you think you should advise me about my plan, Mr. Van Zandt?” She moved around until she was on Kelly’s other side, unprotected by Ross. “Now then, if we do this well, the entire event will be past by the time the Valentine’s gala arrives. I’ll be the belle of the ball and achieve my goal.”
“What goal is that, Mrs. Morrow?” Ross let go of Kelly’s hands, stood and rubbed the back of her neck with an intensity that surprised her. She tried to pull away, but he wouldn’t let go. “Please, will you tell us? I haven’t quite got it all clear in my mind.”
“That’s because you’re a man. Men are so stupid about these things.” She tapped one foot on the hardwood floor, shook her head at him. “Especially men from the gutters of New York.”
“Yes, it was pretty gross. But I’m trying to learn. You can’t fault me for wanting to better myself,” he said softly as he took a step backward so the sofa was in front. He pressed Kelly’s hand one last time, then let go.
Kelly listened, terrified to turn her head and watch him lest she draw Lindsay’s attention.
“No, I think it’s admirable to enrich one’s education in all things. It’s unfortunate Gerald couldn’t understand how important social pedigree is.” She shot her husband a nasty look. “I guess mixing in with the riffraff does that to you.”
“Yes. He lowered his standards.” Ross took another step.
Kelly’s heart was in her mouth. Lindsay had only to turn a little and she’d have point-blank range on him. What could she do?
Nothing, she realized. She had absolutely no control in this situation. All she could think of was that Ross would be hurt and she’d never get to tell him how much she truly loved him.
I am the way. Trust Me.
Yes, that was all she had left. But it was also the best way. God knew Lindsay’s heart. He would lead Ross, help him find a way to talk this demented woman down.
Please, God, keep him safe.
“What about the gala, Mrs. Morrow? Why is that so important?” Another step, just a little closer.
“Because it’s going to put me on the state list of who’s who in Virginia.”
“And that’s important?”
“My dear fellow, you really don’t have a clue, do you?” Her tone grew condescending. “But with your background, why would you? That list is my ticket out of this burg, away from the pettiness I find here. Once I’m settled in Richmond, I’ll be able to move in better circles, among those who are like me.” The gun aimed for his chest. “Don’t bother with your tricks, Mr. Van Zandt. It’s not that hard to shoot this gun.”
“I’m not going to try anything.” Ross stepped back, sat on the back of the sofa behind Kelly. “But there is a flaw in your plan.”
“What flaw?” Lindsay frowned. “My plans are always most detailed.”
“Of course they are.” Surreptitiously, his hand slid down, grasped Kelly’s and lifted it to rest on his jacket pocket. “But you’ve forgotten something this time,” Ross explained. He gave Kelly a funny look then held out his hands toward Lindsay. “The police will do a GSR test.”
Kelly felt a shape under her hand, slid her hand inside the pocket which was blocked from Lindsay’s view. Ross
’s cell phone. He wanted her to call for help.
“GSR? What’s that?”
“Gunshot residue. It’s standard procedure. If you fire that gun you’ll have it on your hands and they’ll know you were the shooter.”
“Ah. The details of police work.” She stared at her hands for a minute. “Fortunately, I brought my gloves along.” She stepped back, reached toward a small marble-topped table that stood by the door. “I’ll wear these, then dispose of them. Thank you, Mr. Van Zandt. You do have your uses after all.”
When Lindsay turned away to pick up the gloves Kelly dialed 911. The older woman had one glove on, was pulling on the other when an operator answered.
“The Morrow mansion. Hurry!”
Lindsay looked up, strode closer, saw the phone. “Just the authenticity we need,” she murmured, her smile pure evil. She turned, pointed her gun at Gerald. “You first, darling.”
A shot rang through the room. Gerald gasped, turned gray. Kelly closed her eyes and prayed harder than she’d ever done. Surely she hadn’t found Ross and her father just to lose them.
Trust me.
“Yes, Lord.”
Chapter Fourteen
The dull thud of a bullet making contact scared the daylights out of him, but Ross couldn’t turn to see who it had hit. He only knew he had to get that gun or no one would be left to tell the truth.
I trust in You, he prayed mentally as he burst forward with speed he hadn’t used in a long time.
“You will not ruin this!” Lindsay screamed as she battled with him for the gun. A second shot pumped into the ceiling.
“God help us!” Ross felt himself stumble on the edge of the carpet. It was now or never. With a twist of his wrist he heard Lindsay cry out, then the gun dropped to the floor. He grabbed it, trained it on her. “Kelly?”
“I’m fine. Gerald’s been hit, though.”
“It’s not serious. Just a shoulder nick. I’m fine.” Gerald wobbled into view, leaning on Kelly. “Oh, Lindsay, I’m so sorry.”
He tried to reach out and touch her, but Lindsay turned away, sank down into a chair and stared blankly across the room. All life seemed to drain away from her. Ross kept the gun on her, asked Kelly to call an ambulance. It wasn’t long before the screech of sirens could be heard outside. A moment later Zach came charging into the room. Five minutes after that Lindsay was being escorted out to a waiting police car.
When it was finally safe, Ross wrapped his arms around Kelly, content just to hold her while he thanked God for His help and Kelly silently wept on his shoulder. Gerald stepped toward them.
“I’m so sorry,” he whispered, his face haggard. “My behavior caused problems for everyone, ruined so many lives. I don’t know how I’ll ever make it up to you.”
“It’s over, Gerald.”
“I have to go with her now. After that I’m going to resign as mayor. But I would like to see you again, Kelly. Is that possible?”
She studied him for several moments, then glanced at Ross.
“Zach said we have to go and make a statement at the station so we’ll probably see you there later. But until then I want to tell you that Mrs. Morrow helped me learn something.” She looked him straight in the eye, glimpsed the shame that filled him. “We can’t make up for the past, or change it, but we can make the most of the future. Call me whenever you like. I promise to listen.”
“Thank you.” He shook Ross’s hand. “And thank you. Without your quick action, Lindsay might have hurt us all.”
“Just doing what I’ve been trained to do.”
“Maybe you should talk to your friend. We could use another good man on the police force.”
“We’ll see.” Ross tightened his grip on Kelly. “We don’t have our future all ironed out, but God knows. He’ll show us a way.”
Gerald nodded, then left.
Ross stared at the beautiful woman in his arms, felt a rush of joy that she was his. “I love you, Kelly Young. Don’t forget it.”
She wiggled a little to get her arms free then lifted them around his neck. “I love you, too, Ross. More than life. I’m so glad God brought you into my life.” She stood on her tiptoes to kiss him. “I’m never letting you go so don’t try it.”
“As if!” After an appreciable amount of time had passed, Ross loosened his grip on her, stood back to study her. “What now? The police are going to want details after the last thirty-five years of secrets. Should I drop you at work first?”
“You know what?” She looped her arm through his and walked with him to the foyer. “I think I work too much. I love my job but sometimes I let it control me. I think I’ll take today off. After all, we have wedding plans to make. Sooner or later we’ll get to Zach, answer whatever we can.”
“I vote for later.” Ross held her coat, helped her into it, then waited while she buttoned it up. All the while his mind was racing. Once they were in his car, Ross headed downtown, stopped in front of a store.
“What are you doing?”
“You said you wanted to get started on wedding plans.”
“Yes.” She glanced at the store. “This isn’t a wedding store.”
“Sure it is.” He climbed out of the car, went around to the other side to help her out. “You make your very first plan for the future right here.” He led her inside the jewelry store. “My plan is to get a ring on that finger that will make it really hard for you to back out. Then we’re going to see Sandra, visit my mother and call up my sister. Wedding plans. Do you like them?”
“Oh, yes.” Kelly patiently tried on every ring he chose and finally agreed that the emerald-cut solitaire set in platinum was the nicest ring she’d ever seen.
“It’s awfully expensive,” she whispered when the jeweler left them alone for a minute.
“I’m only doing this once,” he told her with a grin. “I intend to do it right. And that ring looks exactly right.”
Once they were out in the car again, Kelly held out her hand, admiring the sparkle of the sun against the facets of the gorgeous diamond.
“It’s beautiful. Thank you.” She leaned over and kissed him. “What’s next on your list?”
He patted his pocket. “Wedding rings chosen. Next we visit Sandra. Then my mother.”
“I’m going to New York?” Kelly stared at him.
“No. She’s in a place in Richmond. I wanted to be able to see her more often so I had her transferred there before I came here. The doctors thought that might help her.”
“I’m glad.” She slid over next to him. “You know I was just thinking,” she murmured as he headed for the hospital.
“Uh-oh. That spells trouble.”
“Be nice.” She leaned her head back on the seat, closed her eyes. “It’s a good thing I already gave the controls over to God because it seems like nothing is under my control any more.”
“Does it have to be?”
“No.” She grinned at him. “As long as God’s working it out, I’m perfectly happy. After all, He brought you here. Now I’ve got a new mother and maybe a father, too. As director of Tiny Blessings, I couldn’t have arranged anything better myself.”
Chapter Fifteen
“Have you ever seen a better day for a wedding?” Leah Cavanaugh looked to her friend Anne for confirmation. “June is always so lovely. It’s the perfect bridal month, with flowers blooming and everything so lush.”
“I’m just glad the Harcourts got their public apology out of the way yesterday. It was noble of them to apologize for Barnaby’s actions. Now the focus is fully on Kelly and Ross. As it should be,” Meg Kierney interjected before greeting the group. “Hi, all.”
“Yeah, that’s all well and fine for the Harcourts,” Ben muttered. “But I’m not so sure about their promise to investigate the other falsified records. Who knows what else lies buried in time?”
“Relax, Ben.” Jared Kierney thumped him on the shoulder. “Whatever it is, I promise to be discreet about publishing it in the Gazette.”
“Grandma’s. We’ll pick her up after the reception. We’ll probably leave early because Meg doesn’t like being away from our new baby too long.” Jared glanced around the people preparing to enter the church. “I’ve been trying to locate Andrew Noble for ages. Anybody seen him?”
“Have to ask Rachel and you can’t right now because she’s inside fussing over the flower arrangements.” Pilar lowered her voice. “Who is that?”
They all turned to survey the young woman who stood staring at the church.
“That’s Trista, Ross’s sister and Kelly’s matron of honor.” Zach walked over to talk to her, before leading her to the group. “Trista, here are some of our friends. There’s too many of them for you to remember now, but don’t worry. You’ll get to know us all in time.”
“Thank you. I intend to visit Ross often now that I’m living in Richmond.” She seemed to teeter a little bit, her face paled.
Zach grabbed her arm. “You all right?”
“A little nervous?” One hand fluttered to her stomach.
“You’re not by chance pregnant, are you?” Anne leaned in and whispered when the focus had shifted from Trista to another guest. “I only ask because I am and you looked exactly how I felt this morning.”
“I don’t know how you guessed, but yes, I am.”
“Come on, then,” Anne murmured. “Let’s get you inside and out of the sun. You can sit down for a few minutes before the ceremony. I’m Anne Williams, by the way. My husband Caleb is the youth minister for Chestnut Grove Youth Center. Welcome to our church.”
“Thank you.” Trista waited while Anne called her husband over, then they mounted the stairs together.
Leah heard the sound of a car, turned, caught her breath as Sandra Lange stepped out of a cab.
“You look fantastic, Sandra,” she said, grasping the other woman’s hand to help her.
“Thank you, Leah. Though it’s only been a week since I really woke up, I’m feeling much better. It was so kind of all of you to visit and send your encouragement,” Sandra told them, including the group in her smile. “Is Sunday brunch still on?”