by Debra Jupe
“How’s it going?” he asked Reed as he approached the workers laying a new sprinkler system in a newly built greenhouse.
“Almost done.” Reed grinned. “Your boss paid you another visit?”
“I wish she’d stay inside and chitchat with Mike.”
“Guess she can’t help herself.” Reed chuckled. “She wants to be with you, heartbreaker.”
“Whatever.” Ethan squinted against the sunshine, studying a greenhouse behind them.
A ladder was placed on the far side, in the house’s shadow almost as if somebody wanted to conceal its existence. A silhouetted figure was on top of the house, ducking low as they carefully straddled the roof’s beam. Ethan glared harder, before he aimed Reed a confused glance. “What’s Ortiz doing up there? We didn’t have any roof cover work scheduled today, did we?”
“As far as I know we didn’t.” Reed frowned looking in the direction of the employee’s outline. “Quinn may’ve sent him with one of her hair brained schemes.”
“Yeah, that’s a possibility. Somebody needs to reel her in.” Ethan took a step, still watching the guy on the rooftop. He’d maneuvered off the gable’s edge and stepped onto the extension ladder, a foot planted onto the top rung. He started to climb down.
The ladder swayed, then tilted to one side. The man clutched the edges, stuck in the middle with no means of escape. He attempted to step down to the next rung.
“Ortiz, stop.” Ethan took off in a full run toward the catastrophe in progress with Reed at his heels. “We’re on our way.”
The stepladder lurched, the right side completely lifted off the ground, and toppled over in what seemed like slow motion. Ortiz dropped, his body smacked into the dirt, bounced once, then lay still in the graveled dust.
Ethan and Reed rushed to him. He wasn’t moving. Ethan knelt down beside him and gave him a gentle shake hoping the unthinkable hadn’t happened. “Ortiz. Ortiz, wake up.” Bit by bit, the man lifted his head, his expression dazed. “You okay?”
Ortiz nodded and groaned as he pushed himself to his butt.
“Can you stand by yourself?”
Again he bobbed his head with a grunt. Ethan put a hand around the heftier man’s upper arm and helped him to his feet. “We should call for an ambulance. You need to be checked out.”
“I’m okay.” Ortiz insisted. “Maybe a little bruised is all.”
Ethan observed him. He didn’t appear to be in any obvious pain, and his limbs seemed to be working properly. “Fine, but you still need to have a doctor look at you.”
Reed motioned for an employee from his crew over. “Take Ortiz to the office. He needs to fill out an accident report, and then send him to Vivian. She can make an appointment for the doc to examine him. Ethan and I’ll be up later and explain everything to Mike.”
Ortiz opened his mouth to protest.
“If you want to work, you’ll get a doctor’s okay.” Again Ethan wondered why this guy was on the top of the house. He resisted the urge to interrogate him now, but he’d be sure to question him later.
Reed walked over to investigate the extension ladder’s placement. He swiped a foot at the dirt. “One leg was set in a hole. Looks fresh.” He glanced at Ethan. “Wonder if the leg was sunk in after Ortiz placed the ladder.”
“Without anyone noticing?” Ethan strolled to where Reed stood.
Reed shook his head. “We were busy. Had no idea Ortiz was up there.”
Ethan stroked his chin, studying the situation. Why anyone would want to harm Ortiz?
The nursery had become quiet, as the crews had broken for lunch. The engine of a tractor rattled nearby. Ethan’s brows lowered, his attention drawn to the sound. If everyone was gone, who was on the tractor?
An urgent chill dashed through him.
His eyes narrowed against the burning sun. The huge piece of machinery was on the path nearby and seemed to be closing in on them. The operator was a mere shadow but appeared to be covered from head to toe, their identity enigmatic.
Within seconds, the tractor was upon them. The driver suddenly bailed, vanishing into a nearby greenhouse. The machine continued to roll toward them at a high rate of speed. Ethan pushed an unobservant Reed hard. He fell to the ground. Ethan dived in the opposite direction, the instant the monstrous contraption barreled between them. The forks attached to the front, ripped into the greenhouses sturdy Polycarbonate as it bowled inside, crushing pots and flats and an assortment of plant material before hitting an iron pipe, bending in the conduit, before coming to the stop.
Reed was laid out in a muddy ditch. He pushed to an elbow, ignoring the wet dirt. “What the fuck?” Scrambling to his feet, he sprinted inside to inspect the rumbling machine.
“Pretty obvious, I think.” Ethan followed Reed. Gassy fumes saturated the small area, the stench almost overpowering.
He stared at the tractor as the motor chugged slowly then whizzed to a stop.
“Someone tried to take us out.”
Chapter 7
“Good morning, Betty.” Gracie struggled through her office entrance, her arms full. Betty stood near the doorway, fists planted on her hips, and her scowl deeper than normal.
Gracie squeezed past her secretary to get inside. “This is terrible. I’m never late, and here I am running so far behind. On a Friday, no less.”
This week had been a hectic one. New landscaping jobs, dodging questions, or sympathies over her ex-husband’s pre-nuptials, and the very brief interview with Sheriff Bud took turns occupying her thoughts. To top things off, she had Mike’s party to contend with-Krystal was still insisting she attend.
Then there was Ethan McCarthy. He remained a constant in her mind the entire five days. The guy unraveled each and every nerve in a way she’d never experienced. Despite a previous firm decision to avoid him, she wavered, seesawing from excitement from seeing him again to wanting to hide until he rode out of town.
Most of last night was spent awake, debating whether to attend tonight’s get together or stay home with a good book. The chance of another encounter sent her over the edge. She’d drifted off to sleep around five, snoozing through her alarm, hence the reason for her tardiness.
Betty dropped her arms with a shrug. “I guess it’s okay if you want to run your company into the ground. The business is yours to lose.”
Gracie spun around almost spilling her armload. “What’s wrong?”
Betty’s fists returned on her hips only this time she added a foot tap. “Where to start? Pea gravel order didn’t show up at the Sable’s residence. The customers won’t let your crew onto the property until the shipment arrives. Your lead guy phoned the rock company. They can’t find the truck. Looks like the cargo is lost.”
Gracie sprinted toward her office.
“Also—”
She stopped and twirled back to Betty.
“Flu’s going around. Three people called in sick, with a couple complaining of upset stomachs and threatened to go home if they weren’t better soon. Your able crews are at the condo job, which means there’s no one at the Hawkins Court subdivision.”
“Is that all?”
“Let’s see.” Betty pulled at her chin. “Ronnie’s made it to the Anderson’s. He can’t get the riding mower to turn over. They’re trying to find a mechanic who can come right away, but they haven’t had any luck.”
Gracie flew into her office, dumped her work in a pile on her desk, and picked up the phone. The business issues took her nearly all morning to resolve, therefore she was late getting to her seminar. Her tardy arrival forced her to copy notes from other attendees, which made her departure later from the conference.
She weaved through the crammed, parking garage. With each step, her confidence waned over attending this party. She was exhausted, and she preferred to go home. Pajamas, reading, and bed superseded loud noise, overindulgence, and small talk. After all, she was a grown woman. If she wanted an early night, who’d tell her no?
Key inserted, she star
ted her pickup and maneuvered the garages heavy traffic, her body tense as she manipulated the aisle’s tight squeeze until she exited into the late afternoon sunshine.
After a quick stop by the office, she’d be heading for home.
Betty was tying up loose ends when she arrived.
“How’d the meeting go?”
“It was good.” Gracie strolled inside, bending at the mini-fridge for a soda, then opened the bottom drawer of her desk for several bites of chocolate. Because of the hectic, problematic morning, she forwent lunch, and she was starved. She plopped down behind her desk with a sigh. “Right now I want to enjoy my drink. Then I plan to pack up and go home for a quiet night.”
Betty had trailed in behind her. She sat down in a chair across from Gracie. “I’m ready to head that way myself.” She hesitated. “You’re not attending Mike’s get together?”
She unwrapped a piece of candy, barely glancing at her secretary as she stuck it into her mouth. “I thought about it, but no.”
“Why? I hear the place he’s holding it is real nice. Good food, located on the river. Pretty area.”
“I live on the other side of the river. My backyard is on the water. I even have a pier leading into the canal. It’s lovely there too, and much quieter. Not a huge draw for me.” Gracie reclined and tilted her head against the chair’s back. “After the week I had, I’m worn-out. I want to sleep the entire weekend.”
Betty studied her for several seconds. “Are you sure tired is all you are?”
“What else would it be?”
“Ethan?”
Gracie’s head popped up. Her face heated with a loud gasp. “Ethan?”
“You didn’t forget tall, dark, and dangerous. You haven’t been the same since his visit.”
No she hadn’t. But seeing him again wouldn’t change that. Even with his overconfidence, Ethan somehow managed to seep under her skin, and if she saw him once more, he’d never go away until she got him out of her thoughts if that were possible. A motive to avoid him at all costs.
“Will he be at this shindig tonight?”
“No idea. I don’t know much about him other than he’s worked at the nursery for several weeks and caused quite a stir with his rule changes.”
“This guy is the real reason you’re bowing out.”
Gracie’s gaze dropped to her desk as she tucked her bottom lip between her teeth. “I’ve decided not to go because I choose not to.”
Betty eyed her, evenly. “You’re not going because you’re attracted to him, and it scares you.”
Gracie picked up her soda and took a lengthy drink, then undid another chocolate. “I’m not afraid. This isn’t the right time for me.”
“If you’re not ready, you’re not ready. You should most definitely skip this evening.” Betty pushed out of her chair and onto her feet. “Just remember one thing while you’re enjoying a peaceful, uneventful night alone.” She smiled and reached into the slacks pocket and brought out an envelope. “Stewart didn’t find his new fiancée by sitting at home in sweatpants, watching television, and eating chocolate.” She paused. “Speaking of your ex, he stopped by a while ago.”
“Stewart was here?” Gracie asked her voice high and squeaky.
Betty tossed the envelope onto the desk, landing in front of her. “He feels you two are on good enough terms that he can invite you to his wedding. Here’s his invitation.” She turned and walked toward the exit. “Enjoy your solitary weekend.”
****
She was so firing Betty on Monday. Gracie stomped down the pier leading to the restaurant. A young hostess opened the door as she approached the Saskia’s Fine Food and Dining. The girl ushered her inside and directed her to a private room where Mike’s festivities was already in full swing.
She froze in the doorway. The interior was lit in a dim, smoky almost romantic glow. Cuisine aromas seeped through the atmosphere inciting her empty stomach to rumble. Krystal gave her the impression this was to be a small gathering, but a swarm of guests filled the place with wall-to-wall people. The music was loud, the dance floor packed.
“Gracie.” A voice yelled above the crowd. “Gracie. Hey girl, over here.” Krystal stood at a table near the dancing area, swinging an arm over her head.
Gracie stepped inside, maneuvering through multitude of individuals. She hugged Krystal when they met, shook Charlie’s hand, and sat down. Quinn was on the other side of the table. She shaded her eyes in dark blue giving her a raccoon appearance, and she lined her mouth in bright red, which was stuck in a frightening smile.
Gracie said hello, but her only answer was a moaned grunt. Two full shot glasses of clear liquid sat in front of her. Five empties sat in a row next to the filled ones. Gracie raised her eyebrows at Krystal, who shrugged in return.
“I’m so glad you came. I was afraid you’d chicken out and go home to your pajamas and novels.”
Gracie interlinked her fingers and clasped her fists, resting them in front of her on the table. “Stewart dropped off a wedding invitation by the office.”
Tiny lines puckered between Krystal’s brows.
“He left me a note telling me how excited he is because of my supportiveness over his remarrying, and he believes we’ve bridged our gap. He thinks we are now at a place where we can be happy for each other.” She rolled her eyes. “Friends.”
Krystal picked up her glass and drained the contents. “Kinda makes me glad my ex just left to get a pack of cigarettes and never came back. Trust me, if I ever see him again, it won’t be to rekindle a friendship.”
“I’m not excited about the new direction our relationship is taking either.” Gracie glanced at Quinn’s empty shot glasses. “Quinn, I think you have the right idea. Which way is the bar?”
Quinn picked up the glass of liquid and downed it in one gulp. She glanced at Gracie with glassy eyes, her mouth opened wider, but she didn’t say a word.
Charlie scooted his chair away from the table and stood. “I’ll go. What are you drinking, Gracie?”
“A margarita, frozen no salt.”
“Krystal, another?” Her husband didn’t wait for her to answer but picked up her empty and disappeared into the crowd.
“Bring me one, too,” Quinn shouted.
Gracie took in the huge gathering and nodded at her former boss, who appeared jolly, holding a drink, and laughing. “Mike looks relaxed.”
“For once,” Krystal agreed. “After this week, he needs to wind down.”
“Anything else happen?”
Krystal leaned closer and lowered her voice. “A ton of plants came up missing this morning, and as of yesterday we had two more mishaps.”
“Like Ethan’s?”
Krystal nodded. “One of the big tractors crashed into a greenhouse, right after an unidentified driver jumped off. Ethan and Reed jumped away to avoid being crushed.”
Gracie gasped. “They weren’t hurt, were they?”
“Thankfully no, though there’s some minor damage to the house and a little dent in the tractor. Right before, Ortiz was on top of a greenhouse roof. Somehow one side of the ladder he’d used was placed in a newly dug hole and tipped over on his trip down.”
“Is he all right?”
“Bruised and understandably shaken, but yes, he’s fine.”
“Did he see anyone mess with the ladder?”
Krystal shook her head. “It’s like we have a ghost.”
“Has Mike conceded and brought in the real police?”
Krystal lifted her glass and took a long sip. “Nope. He and Sheriff Bud are still conferring, but that’s about it.”
“In other words, they’re scheduling a tee time.”
“Hey,” Quinn shouted and pointed to the dance floor. “Who’s the woman with Ethan?”
The women whipped around. Gracie’s heart raced, beating twice its normal speed. Her jaw dropped. Ethan was only a few feet away, dancing with a tall, cool blonde. Together they gyrated, as he spun her, keeping in time with mus
ic.
Krystal stared. “I’ve never seen her before.”
“She was at the nursery the other day,” Gracie said. “He and I were talking, then after she drove up, he kinda made a quick getaway.”
“Must be his girlfriend.”
Charlie returned with their beverages and set glasses in front of them. Gracie picked hers up, taking a lingering swallow, and then she gulped a mouthful, still staring at the impeccably dressed woman dancing with Ethan. Her clothes, hair, and jewelry shouted sophistication. Gracie zeroed in on the sparkle, blinking from the woman’s left hand. Her heart stopped. An engagement ring. The lady had to be Ethan’s fiancée.
An instant jealous rage ballooned in Gracie’s chest as the couple moved compatibly across the floor. He was engaged. Her throat constricted. She forced the liquid in her mouth down. Never the bitter type, her instant fury caught her off guard.
It took every morsel of willpower for her not to rush to them and pour her drink over their heads. Several deep breaths later, she calmed. She’d need two beverages to make that plan work. She glanced at them again. One question answered. He definitely liked older women.
She looked one more time. Her eyes narrowed.
Much older.
She downed the rest of her margarita and pushed back her chair. “I’m going to get me another and do a little circulating.”
She sashayed past Ethan and his lady friend, keeping her focus on the bar. After she placed her order, she mingled with some of her competitors and former co-workers. Reed strolled in her direction.
She peeked at Ethan, who was still on the floor with his woman, doing her best not to stare as she sipped her drink. Someone stroked her arm. She jerked.
A smiling Reed stood next to her.
“Gracie. I haven’t seen you on the dance floor yet. How ’bout I be your first partner?”
Her initial response was no thanks, but again her gaze gravitated toward Ethan and his date swaying in time. She tipped her mug up and guzzled down the rest of her margarita.
She set the empty glass on the bar and held out her arms. “Love to.”