Johnny lifted a hand to shield his eyes from the bright sun.
A storm brewed in Daniel’s chest. “Laurie told me what you put her up to last night.”
Johnny pulled the tweed cap from his head, clenching it in his hand. “That girl talks too much.”
“You said you didn’t want her involved. Now you’re going to drag her into it?”
“She didn’t even show up. I guess I should have figured as much. She used to have some spunk, but she’s been all ‘good girl,’ lately.”
Daniel struggled against the desire to grab Johnny’s shirt collar and shake him. “What kind of brother puts his little sister into that sort of position?”
Johnny’s eyes blazed. “The kind of brother who’s trying to keep a roof over her head.”
“I offered to help with that.”
Johnny’s face grew mottled. “Yeah, just what she needs, one more man to be beholden to. What kind of demands would you make on her?”
A growl rose in Daniel’s throat. Grabbing Johnny’s shirt, he yanked him close. “I seem to remember you cold-cocking me for saying something like that. Should I return the favor?”
Johnny’s hand flew up, clamping on Daniel’s wrist. “I’d like to see you try.”
Laurie’s face filled Daniel’s mind. He shoved Johnny, sending him stumbling backward. “For your sister’s sake, I’ll restrain myself.”
After regaining his balance, Johnny splayed his feet, jaw jutting forward. “We ain’t borrowing any more money. Not from you, not from anyone.”
“What if I gave it to you?”
Johnny snorted. “No.”
“You’d rather break the law—maybe end up in jail—than take money from me?”
“I ain’t taking money from anybody.”
“Then you’re a fool.” The words tumbled from his mouth. “You don’t really care about protecting Laurie. If you did, you’d find a way to raise the money without turning to rumrunning.”
Johnny’s brow furrowed. “We don’t all have your fortunes, college boy. Some of us got to make our own luck.”
“Keep Laurie out of it. You can go to prison if you choose, but leave her be.”
With a scowl, Johnny shoved his cap back onto his head and turned away.
Daniel crossed his arms. “Did you know Brown is following her?”
His words had the desired effect. Johnny turned, eyes dark.
“She spotted him last night. Can you imagine how she’d have felt if she’d led him straight to you? Do you think Brown is above arresting her, too?”
“For what?”
Daniel pushed his hat to the back of his head. “You can’t be that stupid.”
Johnny stalked off.
“Leave her out of it,” Daniel called.
Johnny swung his hand dismissively.
Daniel glowered at Johnny’s retreating form, sickened by the confident swagger in his walk.
Daniel rested against his automobile, a storm raging in his heart. He took a deep breath, blowing out the tension as best as he could manage. This evening needed to be an escape for Laurie, a diversion from the tension of the past few days. It would be his gift to her. If he could keep his mouth shut.
Laurie stepped out of the exchange, her blue flowered dress fluttering in the breeze, a smile bringing light to her face.
Daniel swallowed and reached for the Buick’s door, a rushing sensation in his chest. If a simple smile from this beautiful girl made him weak, he was a goner.
The door jammed. Frowning, he rattled it and tried a second time. Not exactly the suave moment he’d envisioned.
“Is there a problem, Mr. Shepherd?” Her lilting voice crossed the space between them.
He reached over the door and jiggled the inner handle with a groan. “Just a moment, I’ll get it.” He put his shoulder into it and yanked. The door remained stuck fast. “My automobile seems to have a mind of its own sometimes.”
Laurie hurried around to the driver’s door with a gleam in her eye. “If it thinks it can keep me out that easily, it doesn’t know me very well.” She slipped behind the wheel. “Are you going to join me?” She slid across the seat, bouncing the springs in her child-like enthusiasm.
Daniel walked around the car, the tension easing from his shoulders as he anticipated the evening ahead.
“Is that fish I smell?” She glanced over the back of the seat.
“I stopped at McCurry’s and picked us up some dinner. It’ll be cold by the time we get there, I hope you don’t mind.”
She breathed deeply, inhaling the scent of the greasy fried fish. “My hero.”
They pulled up at Crescent Beach just as the sun dipped on the horizon. Laurie grabbed the basket from the back seat.
Daniel stepped out of the Buick and held out his hand to her.
Laurie grasped his fingers, sliding across the seat toward the driver’s door. As she stepped out, an odd sensation rushed through her. This is good. It had been a long road, from that first night on the bluff to now. A shiver raced through her gut. Too good.
They walked down the trail, fingers laced together. Daniel carried the basket while Laurie kept a hand planted on her hat to keep it from loosening in the breeze. Her heart jumped around in her chest. She didn’t deserve such a good man. How long would it be until he figured that out?
The beach was edged with massive logs. Daniel gestured toward a large one. “Is that a good spot?”
Laurie surveyed the colossal tree and laughed. “I don’t think I could get up there.”
“Allow me.” His eyes gleamed as he handed her the basket and scrambled up the sand-encrusted log. Crouching, he reached for the hamper.
She handed it up to him, looking around for an easier approach.
“Here.” He bent down on one knee and stretched out his arm to her.
She took his hand, her stomach fluttering. “I don’t think—”
“Grasp my arm up higher.”
She stretched higher and gripped his forearm, his strong fingers circling her wrist in return. She placed her other hand on top of the log and dug a toe in a large crevice. “All right. If you’re sure.”
His grin was her answer. With a firm pull, he hoisted her upward.
The next thing she knew, she sat on her backside gazing at the waves crashing against the jagged stone outcropping just off-shore. “This is amazing!”
“I thought you’d like it.” He crouched, pressing a palm to the salt-washed timber for balance before kicking his leg out and plopping down beside her.
She brushed the sand from her hands and enjoyed the warmth of his thigh next to hers in the cool evening air.
Daniel reached into the basket, a boyish smile lighting his face. He laid a wrapped gift on her lap.
“What’s this?”
“Open it.”
She untied the ribbon and gazed in wonder at the set of watercolor paints and brushes of various sizes. Her heart skipped, her fingers stroking one of the wooden handles.
“I just wanted to add a little color to your life.”
A lump formed in Laurie’s throat. “I can’t wait to use them. I’ll paint something for you, first thing.”
After eating, the two sat in silence, watching the waves darken and the sky streak with red and purple. A tickle ran up Laurie’s arm every time Daniel’s thumb rubbed across her wrist. She licked her lips, growing dry and salty in the marine breeze. “You can see some lights over in Canada.” She pointed toward Victoria. “I can’t believe Johnny and those men row all that distance in the dark. How frightening.” After a pause, she added, “I promised myself I wouldn’t talk about him tonight.”
Daniel turned toward her, the last glow of the sunset reflecting across his face, accentuating the curve of his jaw. “Let’s not.” He pulled her hand under his arm. “Let’s have one evening where it’s just us. No family. No federal agents. No rum-runners. No drugstore.” He slid his arm behind her and settled it around her waist. “Just us.”
/> She felt the warmth and security of his arm and smiled. “I’d like that.”
The intensity in his gaze sent a shiver of anticipation through her. As he leaned in, she closed her eyes. Their lips met, his mouth warm against hers. After the gentle kiss, Daniel kept his face close, brushing his chin against her cheek.
Her breathing quickened and she lifted her lips back to his, wanting nothing more than to fall into their softness and not let the moment pass. Too good.
He pulled her closer, his lips traveling across her cheek and temple. His fingers wound through the hair at the nape of her neck.
She pulled off her hat, enjoying the contrast between the cold wind and the warmth of his hand. She slipped her hands under his jacket, her cold fingers sinking into the warmth between his coat and his shirt. She slid her palm up the smooth fabric until she touched his shirt collar.
Daniel’s breath moved the hair just behind her ear and she closed her eyes, a tremor racing through her. His lips kissed her neck and she slid her hands around his back, pulling him closer.
Daniel paused, as if holding his breath, drawing back a few inches.
The cool air rushed into the space between them. Laurie’s pulse fluttered. “What’s wrong?”
He pulled back, his eyes unreadable in the growing darkness. “I—I think we should go.”
Laurie took a deep breath, releasing her hold on his waist, even as her heart cried for more. “Of course.”
39
Laurie snuggled deeper under the covers, trying to preserve the remnant of the dream before it slipped away.
“Laurie!” Her father’s shout came a second time, startling her awake.
She flung back the covers and grabbed her robe from the chair beside her bed. “Just a minute,” she called back. Morning light filtered through the curtains, illuminating the motes of dust suspended in the air.
As the heavy footsteps approached, she pushed her arms into the sleeves of her robe and pulled the belt snug.
Her father stood framed in the doorway, shoulders hunched. “Where’s breakfast?”
She ran fingers through her tousled hair. “I overslept. I was out late.”
His brows rose. “Yes. I noticed you didn’t get home before I had to leave for work.” When she didn’t respond, he took a step forward. “You been gone a lot. Is it that Shepherd fellow?”
Laurie spotted her slippers hiding under the nightstand. She jammed her toes into them. “Yes, well, I have been spending some time with Daniel.” She felt a flush climbing up her cheeks. “I can make you breakfast now, if you’d like.”
He stepped aside and let her pass. “I was a little harsh with him the other day.”
She padded into the kitchen and reached for the breadbox. “I had heard something of the sort.”
He followed her, his voice gruff. “I’m your father. It’s my duty to look after you.”
Laurie cracked an egg into the frying pan. “Of course.” When it’s convenient.
“Yeah, well. I’ll go wash up for breakfast.” He paused. “And if you see your brother today—tell him I need another couple of bottles, will you?”
She braced her hands against the counter. “He’s not bringing any more.”
Her father’s eyes narrowed. “He’ll bring it if he knows what’s good for him.”
Laurie gripped the robe’s belt, the corners of her vision fogging. “He won’t be bringing more because he’s knows what’s good for you. You need help. Daniel knows of a hospital where they can teach people to stop drinking.”
Dad wrapped his fingers around the back of the kitchen chair. “Oh, Daniel does? So he’s behind this sudden mutiny?”
Laurie crossed her arms. “No. I am. I’m sick of your drinking. I’m sick of cleaning up your messes and putting up with your tirades. Johnny’s not bringing you any more booze and I’m not waiting on you hand and foot—not until you agree to get help.” She plowed forward before her courage failed. “You can cook your own breakfast.” Laurie snatched the pan from the stovetop and dropped it into the sink, the hot cast iron protesting with an angry hiss. The half-cooked egg smeared into a streak of yellow slime. She hurried past her father, darting into her room and slamming the door.
Her dad pounded on the door. “Where do you get off talking to me like that? I’ve been working all night to keep this roof over your head. Get out here.”
The door rattled, but she kept a firm grip on the knob, tremors racing up and down her body. His footsteps tramped down the hall.
The silence sent a chill through her heart. She dashed to the closet and pulled on the first dress she found, her trembling fingers fumbling with the buttons.
When her father’s hand banged against the glass window, she shrieked. Dashing from the room, she pulled on a shoe as she hopped down the hall on one foot.
Hearing the glass break, Laurie sprinted for the door. When she arrived at Amelia’s home, her friend pulled her inside, eyes wide. “Laurie, why are you here so early?”
Laurie adjusted the belt on her dress. “My father’s in a rage. I didn’t know where else to go.”
“You said he never hits you.”
Laurie shook her head. “No, but . . . ” She chewed on her lower lip. “I told him I wouldn’t stand his drinking anymore. And I convinced Johnny and Daniel to both stop supplying him with whiskey.”
Amelia took Laurie’s hand and led her over to the sofa.
Laurie perched on the very edge, digging her fingers against her knees to keep them from trembling. “I’ve never seen him so angry. I wasn’t sure what to do.”
Her friend sat down beside her. “You did the right thing, coming here. You can stay with us until this blows over. I’m sure Mama and Daddy won’t mind.”
Laurie’s throat squeezed. “What will they think of me?”
Amelia laid her hand on Laurie’s back. “They won’t ask. We’ll just say your father is working night shift and you don’t want to stay alone. That much is true—isn’t it?”
Laurie sniffled. “Yes. He’ll be working nights for two more weeks, at least.”
“Perfect. And with him working nights and you working days—you’ll hardly see him anyway. It’ll give him time to cool off. Maybe sober up.”
Laurie leaned back against the soft, cushioned back, her knotted stomach muscles unwinding. “Maybe.”
Daniel pulled open the back door as an angry voice cut through the store. “I’ve had a standing prescription here for years, Larson!”
Daniel leaned against the frame and listened. No need to rush in and stir the pot.
His grandfather’s calm, soothing voice answered, “Yes, Mr. Burke. I know that. But our files are still a jumbled mess, thanks to that federal agent and his colleagues. Your prescription is missing, it seems. I’ll put a call in to Dr. Pierce and have him issue you a new one.”
“And how long is that going to take?”
“I’ll send a message over to him this morning. If he’s in the office and gets right back to me—perhaps by this afternoon. I could telephone you as soon as we have it filled. Perhaps your daughter could pick it up on her way home from work. We’ve been seeing quite a bit of her around here. She’s a good girl, your Laurie.”
Daniel held his breath, but he couldn’t make out Mr. Burke’s response. From where he stood, it sounded like a guttural growl.
His grandfather’s voice remained even. “That’s fine. I’m sure we’ll get this figured out quickly, Mr. Burke.”
Daniel edged down the stairs to the basement, running his hand along the cold metal handrail. The cabinets and cupboards stood in neat order, all reorganized and cleaned since Brown’s visit. What had seemed a disaster at the time had actually proven to be a benefit. Daniel and his granddad had gone through every paper, discarding the old, filing the important, and doing a thorough reorganization.
Granddad’s voice echoed down the stairs. “You hiding out down there?”
Daniel chuckled. “Is the coast clear?”
“For now, but I think your young lady’s father is on the warpath and you’re on his ‘most wanted’ list. Now get up here. We need to talk. And I’ve got a stack of prescriptions for you to compound.”
Daniel took the steps two at a time, retrieved his white coat from the storeroom peg, and joined his grandfather at the pharmacy counter. “At your service.”
Granddad snorted. “And in my debt, I believe.” He handed Daniel the first slip and gestured toward the supply shelves. “Now while I’ve got you as a captive audience, would you care to tell me what’s going on?”
Daniel glanced over the prescription before meeting his grandfather’s eyes. “Ray Burke is a lush.”
“Tell me something I don’t already know.”
“He’s a mean drunk. He’s hurtful to his family. I can’t condone that. I refuse to contribute to it.”
Granddad leaned back against the counter and crossed his arms. “Is he hitting Laurie?”
Daniel gathered the list of ingredients and began making measurements. “She says he isn’t. But I know he used to knock Johnny around when we were kids. And I’ve witnessed his temper. We shouldn’t be handing him more ammunition.”
“I’ve told you, that’s not our decision to make.”
“We don’t have to sell it to him. There are other options folks could use.”
His grandfather pulled another slip off the stack. “And many of those options are worse than liquor—you know that. Not everyone who buys alcohol is a drunk.
Daniel reached for the pestle. “But we do choose what items to carry in the store. And we can choose not to serve certain customers.”
“Not if we want to stay in business for long.”
Daniel brought the pestle down with a bang. “Granddad, Burke is a miserable drunk and I refuse to sell him his poison of choice.”
His grandfather narrowed his eyes. “Raymond Burke is the father of the woman you love. Don’t you think you’re a bit too close to this for a rational decision?”
Turning to face his grandfather, Daniel pushed down the emotions threatening to overwhelm him. “It’s because I’m so close to this that I understand Ray Burke’s problem.” His chest ached. “Granddad, I’ve been there.”
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