by J. H. Croix
I wasn't comfortable with how much I wanted to climb in my SUV, drive through the dark, cold night to curl up beside Audrey and sleep. As I was sitting at my desk going through a few more things, my phone rang. I glanced at the screen and saw it was Thea.
I answered quickly. “Hey Thea, what's up?”
“Not much. I was just checking in. How are things up in Maine?” she asked.
“They were fine when I left yesterday afternoon. I'm in Boston right now,” I explained.
Thea’s heavy sigh echoed through the speaker on my phone. “Seriously Dallas? You need a vacation.”
“I know. I'm going back up tomorrow. We had a big arrest on a case, and I came down for the interview.”
“You'll always be able to find a reason to go back to work, but it doesn't change the fact that you need a life outside of work.”
Some variation of this conversation had happened with Thea many times. She worried about me. Most of the time I brushed it off. Just now, all it made me think of was Audrey.
“I know, I know. I promise I’ll be back in Haven’s Bay by tomorrow, and I promise I'll stay the rest of the month.”
I could practically feel her eyes rolling through the phone when she spoke. “Yet, you promised you were going to stay for the month before, and you're already in Boston. It hasn't even been a week.”
“Thea, cut me some slack, okay?”
“Fine,” she muttered. “Anyway, how is Audrey? I'm worried about her.”
“I think she's okay,” I offered. “She says it's for the best.”
Thea was quiet for a beat. “Yeah, I'm relieved it’s over. I told her after the fact I suspected something was up. I wish I'd known what he was doing. I should’ve said something.”
“Thea, what would you have told her?”
“I dunno, nothing I suppose. I didn’t know anything until she found out,” she said with a sigh.
“Thea, you didn’t have anything to tell her. Stop feeling bad about it.”
“I was trying to be supportive, but all along I didn't think he was the right guy for her. He just wasn't… I don't know. I didn’t think he was good enough for her,” she finally said.
I wholeheartedly agreed, but I wasn't about to get into all the reasons why with my little sister. If she knew what I'd been doing with Audrey the last two nights, she’d run me up one side and down the other. She was fiercely protective of her friends and Audrey was her best friend. My heart clenched, emotion tightening my throat. What the fuck was I doing? I needed to think about what was smart right now. I forced my attention to my call.
“I’ll be back in Haven’s Bay tomorrow. What are you plans for Christmas?” I asked, shifting gears away from Audrey.
“I don't know. I called Noah and told him we should all go up and meet you in Haven’s Bay. We could go to the house,” she offered.
The holidays had been a loaded, rather depressing time for my family the last few years. With our mom passed away and our father in jail, it was just the four of us. While everyone understood why our father was sitting in jail, there were definitely some feelings about how it had all played out. Our family had splintered. Ian had been furious at me at first because he had a hard time believing our father had done what he did. When everything came out publicly, he’d accepted it, but he’d been pissed I hadn’t shared more to begin with. He didn’t quite grasp that I couldn’t go around spilling investigation details like that. He’d argued that since I’d been taken off the case once I knew our father was involved, I should’ve told them more. It had been awkward to say the least.
Thea and I were the closest, probably because I was the quintessential overprotective older brother, and I had no problem admitting it. Noah had followed me into the FBI, so while he’d been no less devastated by our father’s actions, he’d had a better understanding of why I had to stay quiet. Ian was busy trying to rebuild our family fortune again. I didn’t give a damn about money. Money didn't make anybody happy. That much I knew. It made people greedy though. Once they had it, they often wanted more. That's exactly what had happened with our father.
“Dallas?” Thea asked.
I realized I’d been silent too long. “If you want to come up to Haven’s Bay, that would be nice. Audrey would love it,” I offered.
“Oh, is she staying through the holidays?”
“I'm not sure, but it sounds like she might. Can't say I blame her. I spoke to Warren. I think he’d love for her to come down there, but I’m guessing she’d rather not spend too much time dwelling on her canceled wedding.”
Thea sighed again.
“You’re about to set a record for sighing today,” I said with a chuckle.
She sighed more dramatically this time. “Maybe I am. I just feel bad for what happened.”
“Well, I think we’d all feel a lot worse if she ended up marrying that idiot.”
My desk phone rang, so I wrapped up our call. Thea said she’d be in touch with our brothers and let me know their plans. After our call, I glanced around my office. It was quieter here at night, but there was still a low hum of activity. The FBI never closed. I gave myself a mental shake and tried to focus. I took care of a few things and then drove home to my apartment, letting myself into the quiet space. This was my usual routine—work, work, work, come home, sleep, work out in the morning and go back to work.
Tonight, my place felt lonely, if only because I missed Audrey. I fell asleep wondering if I'd been flat insane to let her know I missed her and contemplating just how it was she had such a powerful hold on me. I kept telling myself it didn't make sense I could feel this much in this short of a time. Yet, it wasn't as if I didn't know her. I'd known her forever. I tried to chalk it up to lust, but it was becoming more apparent it wasn't simply that.
Chapter 16
Audrey
It was dark when I woke and heard footsteps downstairs. Fear flashed through me. I suddenly recalled my car was in the garage and Dallas’ SUV was gone from the driveway. From the outside, it would look as if no one were here. I lay still, my heart pounding frantically in my chest as I wondered who was in the house. My bedroom door was closed, and I contemplated whether I could get out of bed to tiptoe over and lock it without anyone hearing me. Molly had fallen asleep at the foot of my bed. She lifted her head and whined softly. I considered shushing her, but then I realized if I let her bark, she might chase away the intruder.
I stayed quiet, barely breathing with my heart racing as I prayed whoever was here would stay downstairs and get whatever they wanted. There was a clatter and then Molly leapt off the bed and barked sharply. A few more barks, and I heard footsteps quickly making their way down the front hall and the door slamming shut.
I grabbed my phone. I should’ve dialed 911. Instead, the first thing I did was text Dallas.
I think someone just broke into the house.
As soon as I sent the text, I wondered what the hell I was doing. There wasn't anything he could do to help. He was in Boston, and I was here. Yet, my instinct had been to reach out to him because somehow he made me feel safe. I stood and carefully looked out the front window. I could see taillights receding in the darkness down the driveway. I quickly dialed 911, reporting the burglary and letting them know the car was taking a left on the road. The other line rang as I was finishing my call. I glanced at the screen to see Dallas’ name flash.
I wished I could undo the text I’d sent. I contemplated whether or not I should answer and then realized it would seem ridiculous if I didn't. I’d just texted him, so it was obvious I was awake.
“Hello,” I answered.
“Are you okay?” he asked quickly.
“I've already called 911. I'm fine. I shouldn't have texted you.”
“What happened?” His voice was low and taut. He sounded almost angry.
“I woke up because I heard footsteps downstairs,” I explained.
“And?” he asked, prompting me to continue.
“Molly barked and who
ever was here left.”
“Molly?”
“The dog I texted you about last night.”
As I spoke, she sidled against me, and I stroked her head.
“Oh right. Well, thank God for Molly. What happened after they left?”
“They took a left on the road, which I just told the police. The police said they’re on their way here.”
“I'm driving up there now.”
“Dallas, that's ridiculous. It's three in the morning.”
“Don't argue with me about this, Audrey. I'll be there.”
The line went dead. I stared at my phone. It was absolutely pointless for him to drive four hours right now. I quickly texted him.
There's no need for you to drive here in the middle of the night. The police are already on their way.
I'll be there soon.
I turned and sank down onto the edge of my bed. It shouldn’t have felt so good to know he was coming, but it did. I missed him, and it made no sense. How could I care so much in such a short period of time? With a mental shake, I stood and dragged on a pair of fleece pants. I needed to be halfway decent for when the police arrived.
***
I padded through the kitchen the following morning, starting coffee and checking the fridge for what I might want for breakfast. After my unexpected awakening, the police had stopped by and done a quick check to make sure everything was safe. Whoever had broken in had punched through the window by the kitchen door and unlocked the door that way. I wondered if the sound of breaking glass might've been what originally nudged me out of my sleep. The police had done a walk-through to find nothing missing and assured me they would be patrolling the road for the rest of the night. I barely slept after that. Frankly, I wouldn’t have slept at all if it hadn't been for Molly. Her presence was a comfort.
She was following me around like a new shadow. Her fur was ragged and dull, and she was too thin with her ribs and her hipbones showing. It hurt my heart. I wondered where she’d come from. I’d asked the police last night. None of them had seen her before, and one of them made a passing comment that she might've been a puppy somebody got over the summer and then left behind. She didn't look that old. It was hard to know with her so underweight. When 9 o'clock rolled around, I planned to call the local vet and bring her in as soon as I could.
Meanwhile, I made her more chicken and rice, intending to go to the grocery store today to stock up on dog food. The coffee maker beeped just as there was a sharp knock at the front door. Molly let out a bark and ran to the door. My heart jumped. I couldn’t help but wish for Dallas to arrive. My feelings were all a muddle inside. Dear God. Talk about confused. I had feelings about my feelings.
On the one hand, I wanted Dallas here because I didn't quite feel safe staying here alone after last night. I also missed him like crazy, and I didn't know what to do with how fast I was falling for him. In my fitful hours after the break-in last night, I’d had many a conversation with myself about how ridiculous it was to think I was falling for him. I might've lusted after him for years, but that didn't explain the emotional intensity I felt when I was with him.
I wondered what Thea would think if she knew what had happened. She would probably tell me I was setting myself up for heartbreak. I’d heard her bemoan Dallas’ lack of a social life for years. She worried about him and thought he worked too much. I walked to the door, slid the bolt free and swung it open. Cold air rushed in. Dallas stood there, his dark hair rumpled and his eyes weary. His gaze swept over me, breaking away when Molly barked again.
Dallas knelt down and held his hand out. “You must be the girl who scared the bad guy away last night,” he said softly.
Molly leaned forward, carefully sniffing his hand before sidling up to him. He stroked her head and murmured something.
I tried to tamp my emotions down. My reaction was ridiculous. For God’s sake, he was simply being kind to a dog. Matthew’s dislike of dogs had bothered me. Dallas stood slowly after one last stroke for Molly. Seeing how weary he was made my heart clench. I stepped back, gesturing for him to come in. He toed his boots off, hung his jacket and tossed his bag on the floor. I led the way into the kitchen with Molly following us.
“Come on. I have coffee ready. I can't believe you drove all the way up here in the middle of the night. You really didn't need to,” I said as I poured him a cup of coffee.
He slipped into a chair at the table and ran a hand through his rumpled hair. He eyed me, his rich blue gaze searing me. His jaw was tight, and he looked tense all over. My chest knotted with emotion. I didn’t like seeing him this way. I handed him his coffee and sat down across from him. He took a gulp of coffee and then sighed.
“So what did the police say last night?”
I quickly summarized.
“Any word yet if they ID’d the car?”
“No. I didn't have a car description because it was dark.”
He nodded tightly. “Okay, I'll go talk to Howard today.”
I didn’t particularly want to dwell on last night. Thinking about it made me anxious, and I was relieved everything was okay. My attention swung to him. “How did everything go in Boston?”
“As well as could be expected,” he replied before taking another gulp of coffee.
I wanted to ask more questions, but I reminded myself he didn't have the kind of job he could talk much about. I took another sip of coffee and leaned back in my chair.
“So you’re staying through Christmas?” he asked abruptly.
I stared at him for a long moment and then finally nodded. I supposed when I started hanging Christmas lights, my actions had cemented my plans. That’s what I had planned to do before I knew he was here anyway.
“I think so. If you need to go back to Boston, you should. Seeing as I’m here…”
He shook his head sharply. “No, I'm sticking with my plan. I was asking because Thea wants to come up and persuade Noah and Ian to join us too.”
“That would be fun,” I said. “I’ll call her later today.”
Dallas drained his coffee and stood abruptly, striding to the sink and setting his empty mug beside it. “I could use a shower,” he said before spinning and walking out of the room.
I didn't know what to make of the way he felt. He was tense and seemed irritated. I spun my phone around on the table, pulling up the text he’d sent the other night before I’d texted him about the break in.
I miss you.
I wondered why he'd said that. It didn't seem like he wanted to be back here, most especially not around me. I felt Molly’s warm presence rub against my leg and looked down at her, stroking my palm over her head.
“Hey sweetie. That was Dallas. He loves dogs,” I explained.
Her warm brown eyes held mine as if though she somehow understood what I was saying.
Chapter 17
Dallas
I shook the snow off of my jacket as I stepped into the police station. I looked ahead to find a familiar face. Patsy Johnson had been the receptionist here as long as I could remember. Her once dark hair was streaked with gray, but her blue eyes were still bright. She flashed a smile when she saw me.
“Dallas! I thought you might be in to see Howard today. He said he had a call from you. So good to see you.”
“Always good to see you, Patsy. How are you?”
“Good, good. I have three grandkids now. I bet…” She paused, her mouth twisting with a sad smile. “I’m sorry. I was about to say your mother would love for you to have grandkids, but she’s not here to see them.”
“It’s okay, Patsy. She’d have been crazy for grandkids.”
This would usually be the point when we checked in about family, but Patsy was one of many locals my father had fleeced. She’d gone out of her way to let me know I didn’t need to feel bad for my father’s actions, but it was still an awkward point for me.
“Howard available?” I asked, skipping past the moment.
“Of course.”
Sh
e tapped a button on her desk, buzzing the door to the back open for me. I stepped into the back hallway, recalling the only time I’d actually been in the back of the police station was when I'd shown up to bail my youngest brother, Ian, out of a bit of trouble. He’d been sixteen and got caught drag racing on a vacant road with his friends outside of town. He'd always been the wildest of us. He’d turned that energy toward work these days and for that I was relieved.
I heard Howard call my name and followed the sound of his voice into a doorway.
“Good to see you, Dallas. How the hell did you get back to Haven’s Bay so fast?” he asked, waving me to a chair across from his desk.
I shrugged as I sat down. “Hit the road early this morning,” I replied, leaving out the fact I’d left within minutes of Audrey’s text. “Damn glad Audrey found that stray dog yesterday. Sounds like the dog barking sent whoever was there running.”
I shifted my shoulders, trying to ease the tension there. To say I'd been tense for hours was an understatement. I’d been sleeping restlessly before I got Audrey's text because I should've just driven up here earlier. That was what I'd wanted to do. After her text and our quick call, I’d thrown on my clothes, grabbed my bag and left.
Howard leaned back in his chair with a sigh. “That’s what the guys told me this morning. She doin’ okay?”
“Oh yeah. She says she’s fine. A bit rattled and freaked out, but okay.”
My words sounded calm, but my tone belied the fierce concern I felt. It had taken an act of will to leave the house after I arrived this morning. I didn’t want to leave her alone, but she’d announced she was taking Molly to the vet and had some errands to do.
“Where the hell did she find that dog anyway?” Howard asked.
“Showed up whining at the back of the house. She’s already named her Molly. She's a sweetie, definitely a keeper, but not much more than a skeleton with fur. Audrey’ll spoil her rotten,” I said with a chuckle.