by Nora LeDuc
“I’ll go.” Fast. “I won’t say anything to anyone.”
“About what?” Hank stood in the doorway between the kitchen and living room. His glance sharpened and darted from the weapon to her face, searching for an answer.
Oh, my God. Talk your way out of this. “Hank, when did you come in? Shouldn’t you be tending the bar?”
“I went to my truck and saw you walking up the hill. Bella’s usually at work by now, so I decided to check on her. I came up the front hall stairs.”
“Don’t be mad, Hank.” Bella’s face crumbled. “She found the handgun when I left the room.” Tears streamed down her face. “Don’t lock me up.”
Hank’s cold glare cut to Lucy.
Panic urged her to flee. “Well, thanks for showing me your place. I need to leave. You should head back, too, Hank. Sadie will miss you.”
“Hank,” Bella grabbed his arm. “Yes, I told you I threw the gun in your ice-fishing hole down at the river, but I couldn’t. It helped me speak to Ryan.”
“Stop talking, Bella. Lucy shouldn’t hear your problems.” Hank took a threatening step toward her, but he still blocked Lucy’s path.
Her mouth went dry. How would she get out? Where were the other stairs?
“I know I said I’d take care of the gun.” Bella wrung her hands. “You have to understand. Ryan told me to keep it. He’d be mad if I threw it out, and he wouldn’t come back.”
Sweat broke out over Lucy’s body. She glanced at Target. The dog was hiding under the table.
“Ryan wasn’t happy you shot him, Hank.”
“For God’s sake, Bella, shut up,” Hank yelled.
“Please, don’t yell. I needed to talk to Ryan again. I miss him. I tried to get rid of the gun the other day and hide it in Liam’s office, but I found Lucy in there. So I asked for a glass of water to get rid of her, but you came in. I’d already called the tip line and reported the gun was in Liam’s desk. The police searched, but there was no gun because I still had it and Hank, you had the rifles.”
Lucy’s mind spun. And she’d wanted to help Bella, who’d planned to frame Liam!
“I watched the cops go in when I was on the church steps.” She wiped a hand over her face. “Ryan and I were getting married.”
“Bella,” Hank hissed. “Ryan used you. He never was marrying you. Watson was a liar. He slept with you and his ex-wife. I followed her. I saw them together.”
Lucy made it close enough to reach down and grab Target’s collar.
“No.” Bella shook her head and covered her ears with her palms.
“He cheated on you with Clarissa. She couldn’t break away from him. You wouldn’t end it with him. The guy was poison.”
Forget the leash. Lucy grabbed the dog’s collar and slid behind Hank. The doorknob was inches from her grasp.
“Hank, you slept with Clarissa. Ryan loved me. You killed him because both Clarissa and I loved him.”
Please, let me get out. Please. She twisted the knob.
“Bella, you always mess up my life.”
“No, I don’t. I fix it. Lucy, wait.”
She tossed a glance at Bella.
The young woman was running at her, a teakettle clutched in her raised hand. Lucy ducked to the left. The edge of the kettle crashed against her shoulder. Pain vibrated down her side. She wobbled on her feet and stumbled against the chair, which broke her fall as she slipped to the floor. Fighting the burning hurt, she tried to gather her scattered senses.
“I make everything right,” Bella announced.
Target lowered his head and growled.
Hank or Bella was going to kill her. Fear ripped through Lucy. Get up. Get up. She moved her hand to brace herself and saw it. Lying by her hip was her key chain from her pocket. The mini stun gun! She covered it with her palm.
“Take the dog when you get rid of Lucy, Hank. Get rid of him too this time, and not on a street. He sheds on my rug.”
Lucy couldn’t control her trembling. The .38 was in the jar, but Hank and Bella were in front of her. He turned to her. “Guess you can go visit your scum brother.” He bent toward her.
She flipped the tiny on button with her nail and fired. A crackling followed by sparks lit the small space between herself and Hank.
He went spastic, his eyes blank. He fell forward. His skull clipped the wall as he crashed next to her and lay still.
Bella screamed, “Hank. Hank.” She collapsed on her knees on the other side of her brother. “Get up. Don’t be dead. Don’t be dead.” Her sobs pierced the air as she rocked back and forth.
Lucy pushed to her feet while keeping her stun gun aimed at the hysterical woman. She’d no idea if any charge was left. She shoved her hand into her pocket for her phone, backed up and managed to grab the jar with the .38 Special.
Chapter 47
The day passed in a haze of legalities. Sullivan arrested Hank and Bella. Lucy gave her statement. Liam’s lawyer stopped by the Moose to assure Lucy that Liam would soon be free. At six pm, Sullivan called and set an appointment for eleven the next day. He refused to discuss Liam when she asked questions about him.
She woke throughout the night, counting down the hours until she entered the police station.
When the time arrived, she hustled down Main Street, waving to the cars that honked hello to her. Sullivan sat in his office behind a desk with a pile of folders on top. She perched on the fold-up metal chair. “When will Liam be released?”
“First, Lucy, I’ll update you on your brother’s investigation. My men discovered evidence that Ryan sold test answers to a few of the students in his tutoring group. Ali was one of them. Her boyfriend, Tate, had been jealous of Ryan’s meetings or tutoring sessions with the girl. In reality the sessions were just a way for him to pass on the exam questions. As we theorized, to get even, Tate posted the funeral picture online and glued the coins on the door.”
Lucy’s stomach fluttered with nerves over the truth. She knew this brother. “I appreciate your clarifying what went on between Ryan and Ali.” At least her brother wasn’t a pedophile.
Sullivan jumped into his next revelation. “The police searched Hank and Isabella Jackman’s apartments yesterday. They found a burner phone he used to send anonymous threatening messages to his ex and one to you at the Barley House. He probably hoped you’d think Clarissa sent it since he was angry with her for sleeping with your brother. But he couldn’t stop seeing her either. He has already confessed he’d gotten your number from Father Francis by pretending he wanted to contact you about Ryan’s funeral.”
Hank had seemed so normal.
“We found the rest of your grandfather’s rifles hidden in his shed. What looked like one of your dog’s white hairs was in the case.”
She edged forward on the seat. “Will you need a sample from Target?”
“Not at this point.” Sullivan stuck a toothpick in the side of his mouth. “We traced the tip about the rifle behind the Dumpster to Hank’s burner.”
“So Hank left the weapon near the garbage.”
“Hank or his sister. My men had already gone through the trash and the surrounding area during the Moose search. There was the chance McAllister moved the rifle around, so we took him into custody. Hank must have planned to sell the gun collection when the case cooled.”
She sat back. The truth thundered in her head.
“And McAllister will be released from the county courthouse in an hour.”
She went still, swallowed, and asked, “Liam’s free?”
“Charges dismissed. I let them know you’d be there to meet him.”
She sprang to her feet. “Thank you, Chief.” She paused and rummaged in her purse and produced the wrapped sandwich. “My thanks for arresting the real killer.” She set the food in front of him. “Bologna. I made it this morning since I knew you’d give me good news with Hank and Bella’s arrests. Enjoy, Chief.”
She dashed across the floor to the exit.
* * *
&n
bsp; Liam stepped out into the sunshine with his lawyer beside him. “Ah, freedom!” He inhaled the fresh air and held onto the feelings of relief that consumed him. He had his life back.
“Liam! Liam!”
Lucy? He spun toward the corner. She was running down the concrete walkway in her blue fleece jacket. He blinked while excitement lurched in his chest. The woman he’d spent the last few nights dreaming about was here in the flesh.
“I guess you have another ride.” His lawyer nudged him with a grin.
Liam broke into a sprint and grabbed Lucy in three strides. She let out a gasp of surprise as he lifted her into the air with a laugh. He grinned and set her on her feet. “You’re here and I’m a free man.”
She caught her breath. “I came as soon as Sullivan told me you’d be released. Gage brought me. He’s parking.” Her eyes clouded with tears. “I can’t believe everything is over.”
“And I’m coming home, Luce.” He reached out and touched her cheek. “I missed you.” Then he frowned. “And I almost had a heart attack when I heard about you and Hank. If I’d been there, the guy wouldn’t be breathing.”
“Then you’d be staying in jail for sure. What I want is—”
“Liam,” a man yelled. “What will you do first when you get home?”
He looked over her head. A group of men and women, some with cameras, approached from the parking lot.
“Who are they?” Lucy asked.
“Press.” He grabbed her hand. “I hope Gage chose a close spot. We might have to run to his truck.”
“More are coming.” Lucy pointed to the end of the sidewalk, where a local news van pulled up.
“Who knew I was a celebrity?” Liam said, wishing he were alone with her. “C’mon. Let’s go find our ride.”
The media approached and moved with them as they attempted to make their getaway. They peppered them with questions about Matt and Ryan. Cameras and phones snapped away. Liam and Lucy crawled across the walk on a wave of congratulations and queries.
A whistle drew Liam’s attention. He glimpsed Gage on the edge of the crowd, waving to him.
Liam paused and held up a hand. “Thank you for the good wishes. I want to resume my life in Barley as quickly as possible. Everyone who has supported me is invited to the Mad Moose to celebrate and ask more questions.”
“Everyone?” Lucy stared up at him.
He shrugged. “Sorry, once a bar owner, always a bar owner.” He leaned toward her ear and whispered, “I spotted Gage. We can make a run for it.”
“No more running for you or me.”
He grinned and slipped his arm around her shoulders, and they plowed forward.
When they reached Barley, people trickled into the Moose. Word spread about Liam’s party, and the guests increased as work let out. He shook people’s hands and thanked them for caring. The day was a whirlwind of visitors, customers, and reporters. Cheers and toasts were sprinkled through the day and evening.
Teagan called Lucy and wished Liam a happy life when she passed the phone to him.
Lucy sat beside him in the booth while the town residents asked them to repeat their stories of today. He held her hand, wanting her close.
Near eleven pm, the gathering still had not thinned. She closed her eyes and leaned her head against the high seat.
Liam bent toward her. “Luce, are you okay?”
“I’m sorry. I have to head upstairs. The day has wiped me out.”
“I’ll go with you.”
“No, these people are here for you. Enjoy.” She rose.
He placed a hand on her arm, wrestling with the desire to convince her to stay. While in the county jail, he’d made plans he needed to share with her, but not surrounded by a crowd.
“I’ll grab Target from your office,” she said. “Tomorrow, when the celebration is finished, we’ll talk.”
“I’m certain I’ll be celebrating for days, Luce.” He rose and kissed her. “I’ll walk you up.”
“If you don’t mind, I enjoy these small moments when I’m alone, but not afraid.”
He nodded. “Tomorrow.”
* * *
Morning arrived, bright and sunny. Lucy lay in her bed replaying images of Liam and questioning what she should do next. Her reasons for living at the Mad Moose were gone except for one: Liam. Today was decision day. She swung back and forth between leaving and staying.
If only she could be certain he wasn’t like the other men and that he meant it when he said he’d always loved her. After life returned to normal, would he still treat her as the woman he wanted? Too bad she didn’t believe in miracles or signs. Okay, maybe she trusted them a little.
She closed her eyes. “Dear God, please help me understand my relationship with Liam.”
She opened her eyes. No reply floated into her head. Disappointment speared her. Oh, she was acting like a child. She needed to concentrate on her job and earning a living, not declarations of forever devotion. That type of love existed in fairy tales.
She showered, dressed in her jeans and azure blouse, and hit the number for Teagan. Lucy would soak up her friend’s level-headed calm before speaking to Liam.
Teagan answered on the first ring. After the greeting, she added, “I’m proud of you.”
“I didn’t do that much.”
“Yes, you did. Why don’t you visit Hawick Falls and stay with me and Lisa? I have big news, too, but I’m not telling until I see you.”
“Can you give me a hint? Is it about Noah?”
“When you visit, you’ll find out. What about you and Liam?”
Pain gnawed at Lucy’s stomach. “That verdict is still out.” She tried to keep her tone light, but her voice sounded tired.
“I love you, my friend.”
Teagan always knew what to say. “I love you, too, Teagan. Take care.” Lucy disconnected as a knock sounded on the door. She unbolted the lock to find Mr. Carlyle.
The teacher stood with a bouquet of daffodils in his hands.
“What a lovely surprise. Come in.”
“Sorry to intrude,” he said, stepping into the living room. “I brought these for you fresh from the store. Ours won’t be blooming for a while yet.”
“How thoughtful.” The yellow flowers prompted visions of green grass, warm spring days, and walks with Liam.
“Their blooms will brighten your sad days and add to the happy ones.”
“The flowers are beautiful. Are you sure you can’t stay for a while?”
“Thank you, but I can’t. Every Saturday, I meet a friend for an early lunch, but I wanted to let you know how glad I am that you can put these horrible times behind you.”
She gave him a hug. “You’re kind.” She lifted the bouquet and inhaled their fragrance.
“I will come again when I am free of obligations.” He turned and paused in front of the painting on the wall. “You have a picture of the castle.”
“What?” She squinted at the scene. “No.”
“We’re looking at an earlier version, before they boarded up the place, but that’s the main door with the pink rosebush. Look, Mount Washington is in the background.”
She peered closer. He was right. “It is the castle.” Why had she never noticed? Because the picture reminded her of Liam’s short marriage, she had avoided it. But the canvas wasn’t about his wedding.
“Such a shame the structure has been allowed to erode. The building was such an unusual home and rather magical.” He smiled. “They used to say a wish made at the castle would always come true. I hope they can save the dwelling and restore it to its former beauty.”
“Me too.” The spot of her first date with Liam had been right in front of her all along. She stepped closer and froze. Was this her sign?
She turned to Mr. Carlyle with her heart pounding. “I need to speak to Liam. I’ll walk you out.”
She left the daffodils in the kitchen and followed the teacher down the stairs, where he wished her well and left. Lucy continued onw
ard to Liam’s office, her mind grasping at the truth. She paused outside the room. Her nerves jangled. Now or never. She ran a hand over her hair and entered without knocking.
He glanced up from his paperwork. “Luce. Are you okay?”
“Fine,” she lied, tapping her fingertips against each other. “You’re alone?”
“Unless someone is hiding under the sofa. I have been working on clearing up last-minute business. Then the day is ours.” He rose and crossed the floor to her. A slow smile lit his face. “I’m glad you’re here.”
He looked as handsome as ever in his flannel shirt and jeans. She swallowed. “I’ve a few things to talk over.”
“Talk? That’s right.” He walked back to his desk and picked up the piece of paper. “I read your note about cleaning out the top floor. What’s up?”
Not the conversation opener she’d wanted, but she’d go with it. “I’ve got a deal for you. Gage suggested it yesterday while you were busy with other guests, and I left the memo to remind myself.”
“You’ve grabbed my attention.”
He was standing a foot away. The scent of his soap lingered around him and distracted her. Refocus. “Okay, here’s the idea.” On the off chance he hated her proposal, she’d say it quickly. “Gage’s nephew is moving to town to work for him. He needs a place to live and wants to rent the smaller top-floor apartment. The income will help pay the Moose’s expenses, and Gage has agreed to store your belongings at the garage. Good news? Huh? Oh, in case you didn’t know, he towed your truck and is working on it.”
“Excellent on all accounts.”
“I have more.” She glanced from the papers next to his computer to Liam’s expectant expression. Her courage faded. “You’re busy. Do you want to meet later?”
“Now works. Should we sit down first? You look upset.”
She shook her head and clasped her hands together in front of her. Her mind whirled with questions and ideas, but she forced herself to start at the beginning. “When I came back to Barley, I wanted nothing to do with you.”