by Nora LeDuc
She sat up with a jerk, panting. A lamp on the bureau burned in the night. She stared into the space until the room’s shapes took on meaning. No, she wasn’t in the cemetery. She was at Liam’s. Everything was okay. She shivered.
The images of horror faded from her mind. She relaxed. What woke her? The nightmare?
Silence roared in her ears. She tossed onto her side. Think of something else. She’d gone to sleep with a smile on her face thanks to Teagan and Noah’s short but uplifting visit. Noah had taken a few minutes to report that Matt’s accomplice, Seth Bodell, would soon get a court date. Otherwise, they avoided talk of death and stalking.
A snarl broke through her thoughts. Target growled. Lucy put her hand over the mattress edge to pat the dog and felt empty air. She blinked in the dimness.
He’d slept beside the bed since she’d brought him to the Moose. “Target? Come here, boy.”
The tapping of the animal’s claws against the wooden floor alerted her to Target’s presence in the other room. The dog’s yips grew louder.
She strained to catch the whisper of movement that would tell her someone had broken inside. She twisted the end of the blanket. No one could get in. Both the downstairs door and her apartment door were locked.
Target let out a bark.
Liam’s truck! Lucy tossed away the covers. The wooden floor chilled her bare feet. She wrapped her arms around herself and crept into the kitchen. She paused on the threshold. The light on the electric stove cast a dim illumination over the room. Target paced from the rear door to the window by the table as he let out another low snarl. Lucy looked outside.
A gust of wind swirled snow across the parking area. No one was near Liam’s truck. Maybe someone was hiding. She scanned the counters and threw open the fridge and grabbed one of Liam’s beer bottles for a weapon. If anyone forced their way inside, she could hit them over the head. “Target. Come.”
The dog crossed the floor to her, and Lucy gripped the pet’s collar. Not a sound penetrated the apartment. After several seconds of silence, she relaxed her grip and wandered into the front room. The animal followed at her heels. At the pane, she leaned forward and searched the street and sidewalk on the chance a prowler was wandering around the Moose.
The new floodlight illuminated the landscape up to Gage’s gas pumps. What time was it? She read two am on her watch. Target nudged her leg. She petted his head.
Movement near the garage snagged her attention. A person darted away from the building and ran away into the darkness. Gage?
A flicker of orange light danced in the blackness behind the station’s pumps and by the office. She pressed her face to the glass. Flames! Gage’s business and home were on fire.
Her breath left her. She stuffed her weapon, the beer, under her arm and seized her cell and key from the table. She unlocked the apartment’s front door and flung it open. The dog shot past her down the stairs.
“Fire. Liam!” she screamed, fleeing the apartment. Gas and flames.
She had to wake Liam and Gage. The phone fell through her fingers.
Chapter 18
“Lucy?”
She turned around and ran smack into Liam’s chest. Stunned, she stared up into his face while Target barked and circled their legs.
Liam gripped her shoulders. “What’s wrong?”
“Fire.” She gulped a breath. “Flames are coming out of Gage’s Garage.”
“Did you call 911 yet?”
“I dropped my phone, but I got it now.” She held it up and hit the numbers.
He glanced at the bottle in her other hand. “You were drinking?”
“Weapon.”
“Explain later. Go into the restaurant. Report it, and I’ll check on Gage.”
Liam sprinted across the road.
She walked into the dining room with Target tagging after her. The 911 operator answered, and Lucy described the fire and did her best to answer questions. While she talked, she looked out the window, waiting for Liam and Gage to appear. Where were they? The dog whimpered from his spot near her feet.
An orange flicker burned in the dark. The operator reported a fire truck and cruiser were on their way. Sure enough, the wail of alarm bells broke the silence. Had Liam found Gage? She couldn’t stand around any longer. Clicking off her phone, she rushed through the hall and into the street. Target stayed by her side.
A fire engine blared its siren, and she stepped back onto the sidewalk, holding Target by his collar. The truck turned into the gas station. Firefighters jumped out and grabbed their hose.
Lucy rushed forward. An ambulance and police cruiser with flashing lights screeched to a halt beside the curb. EMTs bounded out of their vehicle and headed toward the firefighters. Two officers emerged. One approached the engine while the other ordered Lucy to return to the sidewalk by the Moose.
“My friends, Gage and Liam, might be in the rear apartment of the garage.”
“We’ll locate them.” He skimmed a glance over her.
She was outside in drawstring sweatpants, a T-shirt, and bare feet. Her toes were already turning numb, and the breeze blew through her clothes.
“For your own safety, miss, go inside your home. It’s too cold to be out here without proper gear.”
She and Target trotted back into the Moose. Where were Liam and Gage? She waited in the hallway with the door open and strained to peek around the emergency vehicles. No use. She scrolled through her contact numbers. Who else could she call for help?
Target stood on the threshold and stared down the street into the gloom where the business section and streetlights ended. He emitted a low, frightened whine.
“What’s wrong, boy?” She squinted into the blackness beyond the flashing strobe lights. An uneasy feeling came over her. The dog whined louder. “We’re going into the bar, where it’s safer.”
“Lucy!”
Liam loped toward her from Gage’s. Thank God, he was safe.
She ran forward, gave him a hug, and stepped away. The warmth from his body still clung to her skin. “I was worried about you. Where’s Gage?”
“He’s talking to the emergency responders.”
“He’s okay?”
Liam nodded. “A fire started in the trash barrel in front of the garage. The sparks could have set off a major blaze, especially with the wind. Gage will thank you later.”
“His building wasn’t burning?” She shoved at the strand of hair the breeze had blown in her face and shivered.
“No. You’re cold. Let’s continue our discussion where we have a furnace.” His gaze traveled over her with frank approval. He slung his arm over her shoulders, and she leaned into his warmth.
“We’ll head into my office and enjoy the heat.” He led her into the restaurant. “I’ll put on the coffee, and you can borrow a warmer shirt. Not that I don’t appreciate your nightwear, but an officer will come over to interview us when he’s finished at Gage’s.”
“Sounds wonderful. A hot drink, I mean.”
The pet raced ahead into the dining area. His nose pointed to the floor, sniffing. “I hope he’s not undercover for the health department.” Liam whistled. “Target, this way.”
He led them to the back room and paused to rub his hands together. “I’ll be happy when the nights get warmer. At least I had time to yank on my jeans and a T-shirt.”
Better not ask what he’d been wearing before he’d run outside. Lucy’s gaze landed on the couch with the pillow and sleeping bag on it. “You can’t be too comfy, Liam.”
“Nah, I’m tough.” He swept up the night gear in his arms and dumped it on the desk chair. “Take a seat.” He grabbed a button-down shirt from a backpack in the corner and passed it to her.
“Can you squeeze out one more of the million favors you’ve done for me?” she asked him. “Before I spotted the fire, Target was at the kitchen window, growling at a noise in the lot.”
“Did you see anyone?”
“Someone ran away from the garag
e. The dog might have heard the person who set the barrel on fire. I’ll sleep easier if you check out your pickup.”
“Be sure to tell the police when they arrive. In the meantime, I’ll look around outdoors. The scum who broke my truck’s window must have paid us another visit.” From a desk drawer, he pulled out a gun.
“You own a weapon?” She paused in buttoning his shirt.
“It was a gift.”
“When did you get it?” She stepped closer. “I’m glad it’s not a .38.”
“You recognize the caliber? Who are you, Annie Oakley?”
“I’ve been educating myself, and Gramps and I used to target practice with tin cans in his yard. I agreed because it made him happy, not because I was into shooting. Don’t call me if you need a firearms expert.” She wrinkled her nose at the Magnum. “I’m not sure whoever gave it to you was a friend. Maybe he or she wanted the cops to think you lied about owning a weapon.”
“I trust this person.” Liam kept his voice light. “My shirt is perfect on you.”
Before she could mumble a protest, he kissed her.
She blinked in surprise. Then with the idea of surprising him, she rose up on her tiptoes, pressed her lips to his again, and stepped away. When confusion glinted in his eyes, she added, “Thank you.”
His lips rose in a grin of approval. “Tonight’s not a total write-off.” He shrugged into his jacket. “Don’t worry. I’ll be right back. Don’t forget where we left off.”
The thought of him alone outside sobered her. “Maybe you should take the dog.”
“I’ll shout if I need reinforcements.” He strode out of the office.
She listened to the sound of his footsteps fading. Now what? Target jumped up on the couch and settled down. “I guess you’re not worried.”
A breeze drifted through the doorway. Uh, oh. She’d never shut her door upstairs, and the main entryway was unbolted. She trotted through the restaurant and headed to the second floor. She’d grab more clothing while there. Yup, the apartment was wide open like she’d left it. Not good.
She entered and found the rear door closed, but unlocked. How could that be? Had someone raced up the front stairs and through the back while she ran across the street?
She headed for the bedroom. Reaching inside, she flicked on the overhead light.
Everything looked normal. She relaxed her shoulders until her gaze fell on the headboard. Something was stuck on it. She forced herself closer. A holy card hung over her pillow. A cold chill shivered up her spine.
Matt Hastings had been in her apartment, her bedroom.
Chapter 19
March 24
“Lucy, what is it?” Liam stopped a foot from her.
“Matt was here. I was fooling myself. No one can catch him. No place is safe. I can’t stop shaking.”
He put his arms around her and held her snug against him. She buried her face in his chest and soaked up his strength and warmth with each breath. He kissed her forehead and released her. “How did Matt get in?”
She squared her shoulders and raised her chin. “I unlocked the doors and left them open when I ran to warn Gage about the fire. When I crossed the street, Matt must have run upstairs and left through the rear entry. It’s my fault. I should have locked up.”
“Don’t blame yourself for the sicko’s actions. I’ll call the police. Touch nothing. I’ll be right back.” He stepped into the other room to talk on his cell.
What if Matt was hiding inside her apartment? What if he was in the closet or under the mattress? She froze. Look, the functioning part of her mind told her. She squeezed her eyes shut. Give me the courage to change what I can.
She swallowed hard, bent forward, and swept a gaze under her bed. No one. She went to the wardrobe and yanked it open. Empty.
Liam walked into the room. “I called dispatch. The police are coming over from Gage’s. What are you doing?”
“I’m searching for Matt. We should check the Moose and make sure he’s not hiding in the Moose. I left Target on your couch. I’ll get him.”
“I’ll do it. Will you be okay by yourself?”
“Fine. Go rescue your sofa from the dog.”
“Scream if you need me,” he tossed over his shoulder. The fall of his footsteps flying down the stairs faded and disappeared.
She’d feel better with Target upstairs.
“Liam McAllister,” someone shouted from the front of the building, followed by loud knocks on the Moose’s main entryway. “Miss Watson. McAllister. It’s the police. Open up.”
At least she’d have plenty of company for her sleepless night.
March 25
Liam cooked while Lucy called Teagan. Yesterday had been a hellish one. Today would be better. Sullivan’s men were doing door-to-door interviews about the fire and Matt’s invasion into the bar. The wind continued to blow, but at half its force. Sunshine shone overhead.
Lucy’s conversation with Teagan and Liam’s plan for tighter security bolstered her confidence.
Finished with her call, she went into the living room. The sleeping bag and pillow that Liam had used last night lay in a heap on the couch. The odor of coffee hung in the air. She peeked into the kitchen.
He sat at the head of the table. Target was next to him, leaning against his leg.
“Now there’s a sight.” She walked toward him and inhaled the scent of caffeine.
He shoved his phone to the side of his dish and picked up his fork.
“Get an important message?”
“Checking out new locks. Your scrambled eggs are in the skillet. Pop a piece of bread in the toaster. I didn’t know when you’d finish talking, so I waited on the toast.”
“Thanks. Do you cook for all your renters?”
“For you, I’ll fire up the stove anytime. For others, only in an emergency.”
She finished getting her plate ready and slid into the chair near him. “What happened to the drink contest?”
“Hank’s working on the tasting, and I’m on security.”
“Are you entering your creation in the competition?”
“Of course, and my drink ingredients are top secret.” He grinned. “What’s the news from Teagan?”
“She offered to drive to Barley and bring me home with her. Basically, she wants to keep me under lock and key like she’s trying to do with Lisa, her soon-to-be adopted teenager.”
“Lisa’s the girl Hastings kidnapped. I remember. What did you say?” he asked as he brought a forkful of eggs to his mouth.
“I told her I was already in a secure place and she had her hands full. Lisa is an escape artist. Besides, I can’t keep running. I need to stand on my own two feet.”
“They’re a perfect size.”
“I’m serious. When we broke up, I ran away from Barley. I ran from Hawick Falls because of a bad relationship compounded by my affair with a priest. Now I’m back. I want justice for my brother, and I’m staying until the police arrest his killer. I’ve got to get something right.”
He laid his palm over hers. Startled, she looked into his hazel-green eyes that glimmered with the light of approval. Why did the mere touch of his hand send a warming shiver through her? After all these years, she wasn’t immune to him. Their brief kisses had confirmed it.
“Luce, I’m sorry I hurt you. Do you believe me?”
“I do, Liam.” If only they could sit together for a while, comfortable in each other’s presence without worry or need to talk.
The voice of her counselor sounded in her mind. “Life has no guarantees, but we can learn a lot from our history.”
“We’ll begin fresh,” he said, grounding her thoughts.
“Yes, you and I will be friends.”
The glow in his eyes vanished with her last words.
“I can’t leave Barley with unresolved issues,” she said. “It’s too late for Ryan and me, but not us. What do you say?” She held her breath, hoping he’d accept.
“If that’s what yo
u want.” His face became unreadable, and he sat back, breaking their contact.
She’d said the wrong thing. Mentally, she shrugged. Get on topic— Ryan. “What time do you start work? I’d like to head to my brother’s and clean. The bio company will deal with the hall, but I’ve other rooms, cabinets, and closets to go through.”
“Then I volunteer to help.”
“Thanks. This is going to be our third trip to Ryan’s. I hope to finally finish up there.”
“We’ll drive out after lunch. The beer distributor is coming by this morning, and I woke up the locksmith already. I’m having new locks installed. We’ll be going high tech. I’m having motion sensors set up on the restaurant doors, which will send me an alert when they open after a certain hour. I’ll get the alerts on my phone.”
“You know how to make a woman happy, McAllister.”
“As long as we return from Ryan’s before the supper rush, I’ll be delirious.”
“I was thinking. My brother must have kept his truck in the garage, right?”
“He did. Why?”
“I can use it and save you the hassle of carting me around town. Besides, the truck shouldn’t sit around unused,” she persisted.
He shoved away from the table. “Agreed. Just another normal, boring day ahead. I bet others wish they had this much fun. So, I’ll take Target out while you shower and change.”
Late morning, the locksmith arrived. The whine of his drill filled the bar and the apartment. Lucy kept herself occupied looking at more sites where Ryan’s missing guns could be sold. She followed up by contacting the website owners with an explanation of her interest and the description of Gramps’s weapons.
After the midday crowd left the Moose, Liam handed over a new key for the doors and drove Lucy and Target down Ryan’s winding driveway. Flakes fell from the gray sky and clung to the trees surrounding the house.
Her stomach tightened as he parked and cut the engine. “Are you ready?” Her lips were too stiff for a smile of assurance.