“Thanks, Phoenix. What’s for dinner?” Mary had put red on her cheeks and lips, but she still resembled a porcelain doll.
“Chinese,” Phoenix said, staring at her.
“Why are you all looking at me as if I’ve risen from the dead?” she asked.
“Because your color is such that you could have.” Phoenix rose and pressed Mary’s shoulder until she sat on the sofa.
Mary grabbed an egg roll on the way to the cushions. “Who’s looking for me?”
“Andee Waterman,” John replied.
“I don’t know you,” the doctor said. “I barely know Mary, but I do know she wouldn’t take something that doesn’t belong to her. She’s already been attacked. If Waterman is looking for her, then we need to create a plan to keep her safe.” Buckley lowered to the sofa beside Phoenix and placed a glass of milk in front of Mary.
“Stay in the house until the guy has been caught?” Phoenix suggested.
“Can’t. I need to purchase gold and silver wire to make accents for Mrs. Landware’s holiday decorations, and then go to a floral warehouse.” Mary glanced at Buckley. “I must get branches of holly, and pine boughs from the store.” She sipped from the glass of milk.
“I’m sure the kid who takes you home can deliver holly and pine to her house,” Buckley said. “Make a list and Phoenix and I will go to the warehouse. I wouldn’t know what to buy for gold and silver though.”
Mary sighed. “The warehouse doesn’t have the gauge I want. Frank will have to order it, and delivery is slow because of the holiday.”
“Can the wire be ordered from the internet?” John asked.
“Yes, if I had access to my credit cards, but I’m hiding out.” Mary huffed. “From you, and now Andee Waterman.”
“There will be no hiding from me.” John stuck his fork into her cashew chicken and stole a bite. “Can you get internet access in this godforsaken country?”
“Dane has dial-up,” Phoenix said.
“There’s an internet cafe in Cage. You can go there, but Mary needs to rest the remainder of today.” Buckley laid down the law. “Or you might have internet access at the hotel.”
“I’ll be staying here. Do you have a problem with that?” He ground his teeth. What exactly was their relationship? “I’ll use my phone to order the supplies.”
Silence prevailed while they ate, except for the clack of chopsticks or fork tines hitting pottery, providing an ironically musical cadence. Finished with the meal, Mary slumped against the sofa cushions. Buckley and Phoenix went into the kitchen. The clang of dishes being washed mingled with their whispering.
Mary glanced at him. “John, I need to take a couple of vitamins. They’re on the nightstand. Would you get them for me, please?”
“Sure.” He left the room, keeping her in sight for as long as possible. Her expression sent jolts of electricity through him. Deep inside he suspected something else, outside the threat of being hunted, was shady. More than that, she’d likely she’d bolt again. At the doorway, he pivoted.
Mary scurried into the kitchen and obtained a bottle of water from the fridge. “Okay, what’s all the whispering about?”
“We’re not sure you’ll be safe here. I need to leave the day after tomorrow. I’m sorry, fall break is over or I’d stay with you. Devon thinks you should go to his house.” Phoenix bit her lip.
“No.” John hadn’t shouted, but the forcefulness of the word coming from his mouth made the utterance seem like he was yelling.
Chapter 17
“We need to talk!” John stage whispered, as Mary escorted Devon and Phoenix toward the guesthouse door.
Mary nodded. “Devon, Frank has an account at the wholesalers. I’ll call him on my new pay-as-you-go phone.” She smiled at Phoenix, who’d provided it as well as the tool kit and winter clothing. “And let you know what he says to do. If you can’t find what I’ve written on the list, give me a jingle and I’ll try to think of a substitute.”
“Yes. I understand. Rest, Mary. If I see your stitches pulled tight, or your neck red and swollen, I’ll be miffed.” Devon folded the inventory sheet and shoved the paper into his pocket.
She choked back a sob, pasted on a small smile and nodded. John’s hand rested on her hip, his lower arm at her waist, reassuring her of his strength and presence. Mary shut the door, and he secured the locks.
“Back to bed with you.” He guided her the few feet to the mattress.
“I need to brush my teeth, and I’d love to have a bottle of water.” She kept her gaze on the floor, not wanting to show him her insecurities.
“Sure.” His light footsteps barely sounded on the wood floors as he went into the kitchen where she’d left the refreshment.
Mary used the facilities, scrubbed her blotchy face, brushed her teeth and settled on the bed. She drew the pale blue covers and was smoothing the Egyptian cotton sheet when he walked into the room. What would happen? He’d said she was innocent, but she wasn’t. She’d held onto the diamonds. How could she tell him without breaking the fragile bond holding them together?
He held a laptop under his arm and extended a container of water with the other hand. “I want to try and connect.”
“I thought insurance agencies didn’t have advanced equipment. You seem to have super powerful devices. You’re a techi with WiFi?” She took hold of the plastic and sipped the cool water.
“I’ve ordinary WiMAX. I can tell by your expression you don’t understand.” He lay beside her, his back against the white wrought iron bedrails. “WiMAX, or the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is a wireless digital communication system. Broadband access is available up to thirty miles for fixed stations and thirty-one miles for mobile stations. Longer distance, efficient bandwidth usage and less interference. Let’s see if we have a station nearby.” He booted and the sweet hum of a hard drive became background music. “If not, I’ll use the cell, but it will take longer.”
“Nice. Try jewelry warehouse dot com.” She placed the bottle on the table and leaned on her elbow to look at the screen.
A few snaps and clicks, and her favorite site flooded the screen.
“Silver and gold?” He caught her attention.
“Yes, gold over sterling silver is fine and it’ll cost less.”
“What gauge size?”
“I’m not sure what would work best. I’d planned to create a sample first.” Feather pillows always needed plumping, so she threw her fist into the softness and then laid her face on the fat end, facing him.
“What would you typically use in your work?” He brought large gauge silver wire onto the screen.
She yawned, and then covered her mouth with her hand. “Sorry. The size varies according to the project.” Another yawn slipped out. “Size ten or five.”
The wire was measured by inches. “Mary?”
* * * *
John glanced at her. Mary’s eyes were closed and soft, even breaths came from her slightly open mouth. He added twenty units of silver for both sizes and added it to the cart with overnight shipping.
She’d removed the bandage covering her stitches. Sliding the laptop to the table, he bent over her, evaluated her wound and was amazed that within a few hours the site already looked less swollen and red. That bastard Peabody would never get parole if John could prevent it.
He picked up the computer, requested five feet of gold-plated wire, covered, and an accessory kit to mold the stuff together. John didn’t have any experience in jewelry design, but he didn’t want to wake her. Better to have too much than not enough. Adding the items to the cart, he checked out and used his credit card for payment.
Mary rolled onto her side, away from him. He went into his work email account. Debbie had sent a video. Due to a weak signal, he couldn’t open the link. His search revealed a message that made his stomach nauseous. Waterman’s in Vermont, near Crazy or whatever town you’re located in.
John typed a response, asking for details and reinforceme
nts.
Only know what you know, was the reply. We’re not the police, simply investigators. She wrote in all caps. I’m delayed. I’ll see you in a couple of days. She signed out.
A solid hour had passed while he communicated over the net. A couple more clicks and sites visited, and he shut down the laptop. He slid from the bed, trying not to jar Mary, and replaced the sketchpad on the dresser with his computer.
It was easy enough to convince himself that snooping through her drawings could provide information about the size of the wire. He carried the booklet into the living area and flipped on a lamp. The first few pages consisted of floral arrangements. Nice, but elementary in style. Ten sheets later, he paused and his heart knocked into his ribs. His likeness had been sketched with the wave pool in the background. Grabbing a silver dish on the end table, he glanced at his reflection. Christ, when had he gotten lines around his eyes? He snapped his tongue against his teeth. She’d thought of him during the separation. He’d certainly thought of nothing but Mary and the danger surrounding her. He’d protect her life or die trying.
He put the tray down and reviewed another section of floral designs, much better than the initial ones. Finally, the best of her drawings, an angel. She’d drafted the creation from several different angles. The delicate wings, so fine they looked like spun webs of gold. Mary had a gift. Hopefully, he’d capture Waterman and she could go back to her true profession as a jewelry designer.
In all probability Mary Keefe would fight him the entire way, but he’d win. He always did, and he wasn’t going to let this case be the one to ruin his record. Nor would he allow her to ditch him again as she had in Kingston. They were going to be in constant contact.
He glanced into the bedroom. She’d left the bed. Water running proved she’d gone into the bathroom. Nap time was over. He checked his watch. Seven o’clock. His appetite had returned. Tonight he’d get take out from one of the down-home restaurants. Hopefully, Waterman would be caught by the Sheriff’s Department and John could pursue Mary whole-heartedly.
Two raps vibrated the entrance of the guest house. He placed the sketch pad on the coffee table and made his way to the door. At the third knock he snapped the lock. “Who is it?”
“Devon and Phoenix. What’s going on?” Devon’s angry tone could have punctured a hole in the portal.
Behind him the door opened. He glanced at Mary and waved his hand for her to return inside the bedroom. It was highly unlikely Waterman would simply walk into her home, but he wasn’t one to take chances. As she disappeared behind the wall, he opened the vibrating door.
“What’s with the cloak and dagger routine?” Phoenix asked as she barged into the room, carrying several plastic bags filled with greenery.
Devon dropped the large box on the floor and stood, white knuckled hands fisted at his sides. “Mary?”
She slid across the threshold. She’d applied make-up, but the pink on her lips made her face appear all the whiter.
“Damn, you look dreadful. You need to crawl back into bed,” Phoenix insisted.
“I’m concerned.” Devon snapped his cellphone from his belt holder. “I’ll call my friend over in Malby’s Crossing and see if he can examine you immediately.”
“I thought you were a doctor.” John finally got a word in.
“Plastic surgeon. He’s an ob–”
“A female doctor. I’m having iron issues. Devon arranged an appointment. With one of his friends.” Mary rushed the words out, too fast, and the sentences were short. She wasn’t telling the truth. At least she wasn’t telling all the facts. His little jewel was hiding something.
Her gaze clung to Devon as he walked into the kitchen talking into the phone. Phoenix wrapped her arm around Mary’s waist and led her to the sofa.
“How about ordering pizza?” Phoenix suggested.
“Can’t, it’ll give me heartburn. I’ll get a salad and you guys can have pizza. What if we order carry-out from Duck’s place and have it delivered or pick it up?” Mary asked.
Devon held his thumb on top of the receiver. “Monday at eight AM. Okay for you?”
“Yes. Can you give me a lift?” Mary sat on the sofa and folded her legs under her.
Devon nodded and gave the affirmation into the cellphone. Obviously he’d come to care for Mary in the past three weeks. She had that kind of effect on people. Men and women, in a short period of time, came to love her. Her problem was, she trusted everyone.
“I’ll take you to the doctor,” John announced as he dragged a phone book from below the end table. What was going on? The three amigos were covering something.
“Devon will take me,” Mary said, and directed a determined look at Phoenix.
She lifted an eyebrow. “I’m out of this little debate. Now that we’ve gone to the floral warehouse, I have to pack to go back to South Carolina.”
Mary fell against the cushions and closed her eyes. “I don’t want you to leave.”
“I don’t want to, but I must. I teach school, remember?” Phoenix kept her gaze on Devon. “I’ve a break in a few days and I’ll return.”
“You’re not leaving my side, Mary, so get used to me hanging around.” John flipped through the yellow pages, tearing a few as he did. “Write down what you want to order, and I’ll call it in.”
Phoenix scribbled on a slip of parchment. “Want a chef salad, Mary?”
As slow as a turtle, Mary went into her bedroom. Over her shoulder she said, “Yes. Sounds good, better than soft food.”
Devon, having finished his phone call, sat across from John. Phoenix slid the list and pen into his hand and rushed into the bedroom.
“Write down what you want from Duck’s.” John glanced at the ladies to find them deep in conversation. “Waterman has been sighted in Vermont. I’m confident he’s discovered that Mary’s in Cage and he is determined to find her.”
“Do you have a photo that we can post in our county sheriff’s office and the surrounding counties to alert people?” Devon typed into his mobile.
“Yes. I’ve already sent his data to the local sheriff.” John drew his briefcase from the sofa and sorted through the few documents he carried. “Average Joe.”
“So ordinary features, height of…” Devon confirmed.
“Five seven. Here is a photo.” Cellphone in hand, John brought Waterman’s mug onto the screen.
“He could blend in anywhere. Brown hair, dark eyes, as you said, there’s nothing outstanding about him.” Devon rubbed his chin, the phone still snug in his hand. “We’ll keep Mary within sight at all times. I’ll call my office and try to rearrange some appointments for the next week.”
“That won’t be necessary. I’ll always be at her side and protect her.”
“You can investigate, while I protect her.” Devon didn’t meet his stare. He was withholding something, and John planned to find out what it was.
“I intend to keep her safe until the full truth about the case has been disclosed.” John held out his hand for the carry-out list.
Devon wrote on the paper and slid it across the table top. “The way you look at Mary, I would have sworn you thought of her more than just a client needing a guard.”
John tore the paper from his hand and stood. “That would be my private business.”
The doctor firmed his lips into a straight line, but didn’t get the chance to make a comment, as Phoenix came out of the bedroom.
“Dinner ready?” Phoenix asked.
“I’m going now.” John nodded at Mary, who leaned against the bedroom door frame. “I’ll be back in about thirty minutes. Stay inside.”
“Okay. Thank you.” She shot a look at him and then Devon. In the past few weeks, a relationship had developed between the two. Could it be stronger than a simple friendship? John hoped it wasn’t intimate, because that would change now that he was back in her life. Christ, when had he become so alpha?
He climbed into his car and phoned in the food order. A quick call to his par
tner proved she was in a dead zone or her phone was out of service. John drove into the town of Cage. As he waited for time to pass before he could collect the food, he went to the two hotels in town. He flipped his phone to an image of Waterman and asked the clerk and any of the workers if they’d seen the man. All denied any knowledge of his whereabouts. Probably valid, as there were at least a hundred chalets in the vicinity for rent. Waterman could he hiding out in any one of those.
Tomorrow John would check out the bed and breakfasts.
Parking in front of Duck’s, he shot from his BMW. Focused on Mary and the possibility she had a thing for the plastic surgeon, John held the door open for a guy walking out. His shoulder bumped into John’s left arm. The lack of apology drew his attention. About his height, narrow face, full lips, long beard and languid-looking. The physical attributes nagged him.
“May I help you?” a tiny brunette asked. Her curls were held firm beneath a sailor’s hat.
“Pick up for Kajiyama.” Fuck! John fled the restaurant and glanced around the parking lot. He ran into the street, scoping the traffic, trying to see the man. It had to be Waterman. All of the characteristics, despite the full beard, fit the criminal.
Waterman was closer than John cared to imagine.
Chapter 18
“John, hand me the end of the ivy, please.” Mary surveyed Mrs. Landware’s transformed living room. The colonial furniture fit perfectly with the southern style Christmas trims. The elder woman was going to be very surprised.
“Didn’t I tell you no climbing on ladders? That I would take care of everything requiring elevation?” She was sure his tone was meant to intimidate, so she stifled a laugh. He dipped to the floor, coming up with the fake vine dangling from his fingers.
She tucked the bit of ivy into the mass of pine boughs tacked near the crown molding. “Posh, I’m part monkey.”
“Get down!”
Finished anyway, she held out her hand. As he reached for her, she fell directly into his arms. He “oomphed” and stepped back a few inches.
Jewel Hiest Page 15