“I fell.”
“Down a flight of stairs?” he asked.
She twisted around. He got a whiff of alcohol and perfume. She chuckled. “Sarcasm is sexy in some men. You just happen to be one.” She stepped forward, stood on tiptoes and kissed him on the lips. Liam pulled away. Uncomfortable couldn’t even begin to describe what had just happened. “And shyness is a sexy trait as well.” She clutched the lapel of his shirt in her hand and yanked, but he wasn’t moving.
“Don’t confuse rejection for shyness,” he said.
Her features warped, as if she were in shock at his refusal. He’d guess she wasn’t unwanted often, but he sure as hell wouldn’t fall for her tricks. She’d tried this once before while he was in college and he’d walked then, out of fear more than principle. He was a man now, and had enough morals for the two of them combined.
“I can keep a secret, Liam. Discretion is my middle name.” The words stumbled out of her mouth like a choking kitten.
“I’ve learned long ago that secrets hurt those you care for.” He turned and reached for the knob, but Vicki wasn’t finished yet.
“Are you suggesting you care for my daughter?” Her words could have torched a gas station.
He looked at her. Revulsion rolled through his veins. “I’m not suggesting anything. I’m telling you I not only care for Holly but I love her. I also know you’re not her mother. Doris was the only real parent Holly knew. I’d say she already realizes you have no standards.” He kept his gaze hard and steady, enjoying the look of exasperation spinning through Vicki’s shallow eyes. “And forewarning, If I find out you had anything to do with the vandalism, I’ll see that you serve time. Do you understand?”
She reached for an object, which happened to be a crystal vase and lifted it high. Before she could toss it at him, he said, “I’ll warn you not to throw it, ma’am. I’d hate to arrest you. Jail wouldn’t be your cup of tea.”
Instead of throwing it at his head, like he was sure she wanted, she threw it hard against the wall. “Go to hell, Liam. Your relationship with Holly won’t last. Go ahead and kid yourself in believing you two have a future.”
He chose to ignore her words. He put on his best smile and said, “Good day, Vicki.” Then he was gone.
Liam descended the stairs and was at the door when Sue called out to him. “Chief?”
“Yes, Sue.” He had one hand on the door, ready to get back to the office.
“Did Officer Hartman catch up to you?” she asked.
“Officer Hartman? Was he here?”
“He came in right after you went upstairs. I figured he was looking for you,” she said.
This surprised Liam. Hartman was supposed to be at the office. “Is he still around?”
“No, he left.”
Liam wasn’t sure what the young man was doing at the bed and breakfast, but he’d sure find out. “Thanks,” he said to Sue and left.
Things were crazy. He had a feeling the truth would unravel very soon.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
WHEN HOLLY OPENED the door to find Liam standing on the porch, her heart skipped a beat. She hadn’t expected to see him tonight. “So what do I owe this pleasure?” she asked.
“I’m sorry it’s late.”
“Your charm would get you past the threshold at any hour of the day.” She wriggled her eyebrows. Pushing the door open wide, she stepped back as he passed. Shutting the door, she locked it then brought her attention on him. In the light, he looked tired. “I’m getting the idea this isn’t a night for kinky sex.” She started to laugh but choked it back when she saw his frown. “What’s wrong, Liam?”
He rubbed his palm across his forehead. “I’m not sure how to say this…”
“Then just say it. You’re making me worry the longer you stand there.”
“Vicki was found dead an hour ago.”
“You’re kidding me, right?” She searched his expression for any sign of humor, or anything to prove he was only testing her. Her throat tightened and her stomach turned. “I don’t understand.”
“Sue, the owner of the bed and breakfast, found her when she took up Vicki’s food order. The door was ajar and Sue walked in. She called an ambulance but it was too late.”
Holly’s knees grew weak as she stumbled into the living room and to the couch. “She’s dead?” Her brain spiraled. She couldn’t comprehend what he was saying.
He sat down next to her and placed his hand on her knee. “I’m sorry. “
“How did it happen?” she asked.
“I don’t know all of the details,” he said.
She looked into his eyes, searching for truth. “I want to know what happened.”
He hesitated, as if he combed for reasons not to tell her. “She was found drowned in the bath tub.”
The air seemed to vaporize from the room. “Did someone murder her?”
“I don’t have all of the details,” he repeated.
“And I know you better than that. You’re keeping things from me. Was it self-inflicted?”
“No. She had a scarf around her neck.”
A moan snapped through the air and she realized it came from her. Holly was at a loss. Her mother had her issues, but Holly would never have wished her any harm. “She was killed by the same person who killed Danielle.”
“We don’t know that. It’s still under investigation.” His voice was gentle.
“I want to see her.”
“No you don’t,” he said.
“Don’t tell me what I want. I have the right to see her!”
He rubbed his eyes and sighed. “There’s more I need to tell you.”
She leaned back against the cushion as her heart raced. “Okay.”
“I’d seen Vicki earlier today. The night Danielle was murdered Vicki and James were at the restaurant eating. I was interviewing anyone who’d been there that day.”
“Is there more?” she asked.
“Another guest staying at the bed and breakfast overheard Vicki and James arguing during the night.”
“Have you arrested him,” she asked.
“Slow down, Holly,” he urged.
“So the answer is no.” She jumped up and paced the floor. Walking helped her relax. Stopping at the fireplace, she looked inside the decorative mirror. When her grandma died, Holly had cried for days. Where were the tears now? She felt only pity.
Liam came to stand behind her. Watching his reflection in the mirror, she saw his gaze slant and the lines at the corners of his mouth became noticeable. Turning on her heel, she looked up at him. “Is there something wrong with me?”
“What do you mean?” he asked.
“Shouldn’t I be crying?”
“I know you’re upset.” He reached up and gently ran the pads of his fingers along her jaw. “It’s shock.”
“Shock or am I numb? She was my mother, Liam.” The words caught in her throat. She swallowed but the tightness remained.
“Was she?” he said.
“We’d never had a mother and daughter relationship, and any chance of bonding is gone,” she whispered.
“You can’t feel guilty. She was the adult and made bad choices.”
Lowering her eyes, she couldn’t look at him. “We had a fight the last time we’d spoken. I was hateful and turned her away. I was just so tired…” She couldn’t find the words to describe what she’d felt.
“You gave her opportunity after opportunity. Her death has nothing to do with the relationship you two shared.” His voice soothed her.
“The deaths, they are connected. But how?”
“I’m trying to find the missing link, sweetheart.” He looped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her against his chest. Fulfillment blanketed her. Laying her face against his chest, she listened to the comforting beat of his heart. The rhythm lulled her. She didn’t want the moment to end. If only she could forget all of the past and pain and stay right here.
Yet, there was no forgetting. Her life
was plagued with misfortune. Now, she needed to know why her mother died.
“Hey, you’re crying.” Liam brought her face up and touched her chin. Holly didn’t respond. A sudden feeling of solitude raced through her.
“Vicki wasn’t much of a mother, but she was all that I had left. Now they’re both gone. Vicki and Grandma. I’m alone now.”
“You’re not alone. I’m here,” he said.
His words didn’t bring peace. She once thought he would be there forever. Then he’d chosen to marry someone else. Loving Liam was a risk and she wasn’t sure she was ready for it. After all, she was her mother’s daughter. Her mother had never been good at any relationship. Holly wasn’t any different. Her life was all about losing. Since Liam, she’d dated men who’d never touched her heart.
Losing Liam again would break her.
Holly moved away.
“The person who did this belongs behind bars,” she said as she dried her tears.
“You’re not safe,” Liam said. “We need to take necessary precautions to protect you.”
“Do you think Vicki and Danielle are dead because of me? Is someone sending me a message? Am I next?”
“I won’t let anything happen to you,” he said. Wrinkles of concern appeared around his eyes.
“I know you’ll find the killer. I’m certain of that.”
“Do you know anything about your mother’s husband? His family history? Where he grew up? Jobs he worked?” he asked.
“No. Nothing,” she said.
“We have an APB for his arrest, but that’s a wait and see game. I looked him up and I can’t find any information for him.”
Holly wrapped her arms around her waist. The sickening churning in her stomach spread. “They were only married a short while. They moved around a lot and I don’t even know if he had a job.”
He ran his hand along his jaw. The severity of his expression told her the depth of his alarm. “You need to pack a bag.”
“What?” Had she heard right? “A bag? For what?” she asked.
“You’re going to stay at my house for a few days.”
“That’s not necessary.” Her home was her private sanctuary.
“Why don’t you allow me to decide what is and isn’t necessary in this situation,” he said firmly.
“Yeah, that tone makes me want to stay with you.” She knew he was tired, but so was she.
His features softened. “I’m sorry. I’m only worried for you.” There was a new tenderness to his voice.
“I’m flattered that you’re worried, but how will I be any safer at your house?”
“There’s a killer on the loose, Holly. Chances are if he’s still around here he won’t take a risk by searching the entire town for you, but he most certainly will target your house. Can we try and not make this simple and easy for him? We have two dead. We certainly don’t need a third.”
The harshness of his words sent a chill through her. “I get that you’re doing your job, but please don’t allow obligation to be the deciding factor.” Once the words were out, she realized how ridiculous they sounded.
He just stared.
She swallowed. “Okay. I’ll pack a bag.” She had to choose her battles. When someone encouraged her to do the right and safe thing, she shouldn’t make his job any harder.
* * * *
Holly had been in Liam’s childhood home many times as a teenager. Being there brought back memories of her and Liam watching movies, eating popcorn and making promises on forever. They had been kids. What did they know about love and the future? They had no clue. Everything seemed fancy and glorious until true life interrupted their fantasy world.
Although there were no framed photos of Liam and his late wife, her mind conjured up images of the pretty, petite brunette, Tiffany. She’d been everything Holly wasn’t.
Holly forced her mind to dissect the situation.
Having steamy, passionate sex with Liam was one thing, but expecting or believing that one day they could be the couple they once were was ridiculous. They were different. He was different. And maybe, problem was, she wasn’t as different as she should be. She’d been good at pushing away anyone who reached the deepest parts of her. Her life had always been about survival, and living in survival mode for so long, how could she possibly change?
“Your bag is upstairs in the guest room.” Liam told her when he returned to the room.
She offered him a smile. “Thanks.”
“I know this isn’t easy, Holly. I know you’d rather be home, or maybe as far away from this town as you can get, but my home is your home for now.”
His last words “for now” were like lead to her bloodstream. What was she expecting? She was foolish, she knew. “I know it can’t be easy having me here.”
“It’s easier than you think. Do you understand that I have to go back into the office?”
“I know. It’s enough that I’m staying here. I need to get my head together. Alone time may be exactly what I need.” But was that the truth? A part of her wanted to crawl into Liam’s arms and cry until she fell asleep.
“I could stay,” he said.
“And do what? You have an investigation going on and you’re needed.” The words burnt her tongue. Lies usually did. “I’m fine. You should go. You have people depending upon you.”
He stared at her with a penetrating gaze. She knew he was looking for any weakness so he could stay. Then he left. And she was alone. Silence spoke volumes.
* * * *
Holly took a long hot shower. She dried off then did a quick combing of wet hair, applied moisturizer, and was left wondering what she would do next. She could have gone to sleep, but emotion had her restless.
Downstairs, she found herself in the kitchen. Opening the double doors on the fridge, she peered in. Just as she’d expected, it was empty unless a green pepper, cucumber and a beer could be considered substantial. She sighed and shut the door.
Filling the kettle and starting the stove, she rummaged through the cabinets for tea and settled for an herbal cinnamon blend. Leaning against the counter and staring at a picture of Liam in his uniform, she jumped when a knock came on the door. No one would come visiting when Liam’s car wasn’t out front.
Switching the stove knob to off, she walked as light-footed as she could to the front door and pressed her ear against the wood. There was nothing but the faint sound of the wind whistling. Peering through the spyglass, she saw no one. She waited, counting to ten, then finally opened the door. Still no one.
Starting to close the door, she saw the large white envelope. Glancing around the front yard and along the street, she couldn’t see anyone or anything suspicious.
A car slowly drove by and she realized it was a police car. She waved and she received a beep in return.
She quickly bent, grabbed the envelope and hurried to shut the door. Her name was scrawled on the front. Fear skipped along her nerve endings.
With trembling fingers, she turned the packet over and unclipped the metal clasp. Flap open, she reached in and brought out the contents. Pictures. The darkened foyer made it difficult to see anything. Switching on the light, her mother’s face stared back at her. Holly’s stomach turned. She looked at the next photo. Her heart sank. It was a picture of Liam and Vicki, his hands on her mother’s shoulders. Vicki was wearing a slinky gown. Holly had a sudden urge to vomit. Her eyes blurred as she dropped the pictures to the floor.
This wasn’t possible. She knew Liam, didn’t she? He wouldn’t do this. He wasn’t like this. But would Vicki? Holly wanted more than anything to believe her mother, her flesh and blood, could never do this.
She looked down at the proof lying at her feet. Through a fuzzy gaze, she saw that on the back of one picture were bold black words:
The evil is all around you.
Holly had always been sensible; however, no logic remained. Everything was out of control. Her grandma’s death. Her love affair with Liam. Danielle’s death and then V
icki dying. Now pictures.
Her cell vibrated. Taking it from her pocket, she read the ID. It was Liam. She couldn’t talk to him now. Holly dared not look at the pictures again. She needed to get away, from Liam and from everything.
Pound! Pound! Pound!
Someone was at the door.
Her mind spun in circles. What should she do?
Liam’s words rolled through her mind. “You’re unsafe.”
Rushing into the kitchen, she scanned the room for something to use for protection. She grabbed the first thing she came to—a butcher knife, much like the one used to kill Danielle.
Clutching it tightly, Holly willed herself to go to the door. Through the safety of the barrier, she asked, “Who’s there?”
“Holly?”
“Who is it?”
“It’s Officer Hartman. The chief sent me.”
Stepping away from the door, Holly glanced through the glass again. Officer Hartman stood on the porch. Breathing in a long breath, Holly chastised herself. She was losing her mind. How long could she live in fear?
Unlocking the door, she remembered she still held the knife, which could be hard to explain. Her purse sat on the table in the foyer and she dropped the blade inside. Next were the pictures. She used her foot to push them into the shadows. By the time she had the door open she was breathless. “Officer Hartman, sorry it took so long.”
His gaze narrowed. “Are you okay?” he asked.
“I’m fine under the circumstances. Did you say the chief sent you?”
“Has he spoken with you yet? About apprehending the suspect?”
“They caught James?” That was quick, she thought. Relief took some of her tension away.
He nodded. “He asked me to come over and get you. He needs to speak to you about details of the murder.”
“Details? Does he need me tonight?” How could she face him after seeing the pictures? Now that James was behind bars, she could go back home and figure out her next step.
“I’m afraid so, Holly. I can’t let the chief down.” He chuckled.
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