Ginger looked over her shoulder at Joe, wondering how she should answer. When he shrugged, she said, “They were certainly good. It’s one of the chef’s new recipes.”
“Are there others?” Vivian asked.
Ginger began naming some of the other recipes the chef had tried out on them. The club was trying to upgrade the quality of the food since they’d redone the Men’s Grill.
They spent about half an hour in the kitchen. When Joe and Ginger rose to go upstairs, Joe added, “Oh, Mom, we’re going out tomorrow night again. Ginger wants to see her friend Daisy. They haven’t had a chance to visit since the incident Thursday.”
“Oh, okay. In that case I’ll get your dad to take me out, too.” She nudged Ed, who rolled his eyes playfully.
“Yes, dear.”
Upstairs, Ginger went into the bath first and Joe gathered up what he’d need in the bathroom after her.
She emerged looking just as beautiful in her nightgown and robe as she had in the evening gown. Joe struggled to keep his hands at his sides, glad he had to close the bathroom door between them as he went in.
Ginger finished putting her clothes away, then climbed into bed. But she didn’t go to sleep. She wanted to ask Joe a question about the Wainwrights and the Carsons. She’d heard one of the Wainwright daughters had married one of the Carson men and wondered how the families could still be so distant, especially when a baby was on the way. She’d never before gone somewhere and then had the luxury of discussing things when she got home. And she knew Joe would indulge her.
As soon as he crawled under the covers, she began asking her questions, enjoying his responses and the several jokes he told her. She asked about one of the richest women in Mission Creek. “She wasn’t wearing a very nice gown. Why?”
“Some wealthy people are spenders and some are stingy as hell. That lady acts like she’s not going to eat the next day. But her money is all she has. I feel sorry for her.”
“Me, too.” She sighed. “The people in your life are more important.”
“That’s right.” He slid his arm around her neck and pulled her closer for a kiss on the cheek. “Did your mother—” He hesitated. “I shouldn’t ask that.”
“What?”
“Did your mother understand about the importance of people?”
“No. You’re very fortunate to have such wonderful parents.”
“I know.”
They both lay silent. Then, unconsciously, she snuggled into Joe’s arms and patted his shoulder. “Very lucky indeed,” she whispered.
Eleven
Excitement built in Ginger all day Sunday. Daisy was her only friend, and she couldn’t wait to talk to her, though she wasn’t sure how much Daisy would tell her with Joe present. Even though Daisy had told her about the baby, Ginger knew Daisy had more secrets she hadn’t shared. But, then, Ginger hadn’t told Daisy all her secrets, either.
That evening Ginger dressed in a casual skirt and jacket for dinner. It amazed her how quickly nice clothing gave her more confidence. She’d need to remember that when she’d have to live without Joe. Already, she had become greatly dependent upon him—which frightened her.
When she joined Joe downstairs to leave, he raised his brows in surprise. He held out his hand to take hers, but she ignored that action. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to hold his hand. She felt so safe, so loved, but she was misleading herself. It had to stop now.
“You okay, Ginger?” Joe asked.
She nodded her head and avoided his gaze. Then, since he still held out his hand, she gave in to his demand. A little smile glimmered across her lips. Joe was a determined man.
After they got in the car, they followed the roads to Daisy’s modest apartment. Ginger knocked on the door and led her friend to the car.
Joe was friendly and receptive, as she’d hoped he would be. It was important to Ginger that Daisy like her husband, even if it wasn’t a real marriage. Even if she knew those feelings were wrong.
At the club, the two women whispered to each other about how unusual it felt to be a guest where they worked.
Joe saw Justin across the room and excused himself to chat with him. Ginger was pleased since it gave her time for a private conversation with Daisy. She leaned closer to her friend.
“Daisy, have they found out anything about the baby?”
“No, but we’re getting closer.”
“But, Daisy, I think you should call the police.”
“The police are involved, Ginger. This is a special situation. I’m going to get my baby back, I promise.”
Ginger looked at the pain on her friend’s face and hoped she was right. Daisy was a wonderful person and she deserved happiness.
As if Daisy read her mind, she said to Ginger, “I’m so happy for you. Joe seems like such a nice man.”
“He is,” Ginger said with a sigh. But Daisy didn’t know that their marriage wasn’t real, which meant the future held nothing but pain.
Joe came back to the table, smiling at both of them. He was followed by the men who had caught his attention when they entered.
“Look, Ginger, it’s Luke Callaghan and some friends. Did you meet him last night?”
Ginger shook her head, but she was distracted by a panic-stricken look on Daisy’s face. Was something wrong?
Joe continued on without noticing Daisy’s strained reaction. He took Ginger’s hand and pulled her closer, putting her hand into Luke’s and introducing her. Then he bent down and whispered into her ear, “He’s blind, remember?”
“How do you do, Luke? I’m delighted to meet you.”
Then she took Daisy’s hand and placed it in Luke’s. Daisy’s cheeks flushed as if in a flash fire. “I’m—I’m…Daisy Parker,” she stammered. An alert look came over Luke’s face.
“Have we met before?” he asked.
“No,” Daisy said fiercely.
“Are you sure? Your voice sounds familiar. Have you ever been to the Saddlebag?”
“No.”
Ginger thought her friend was a little abrupt and hoped it didn’t offend Luke. She noticed Joe was staring at Daisy also. Daisy pulled her hand away from Luke’s and said, “I really need to go, Ginger.”
Joe stepped closer to them.
“Are you sure, Daisy?” Joe asked. “Luke is about to tell us about his adventures in Central America.”
Daisy stared at them. “Central America? No, no, I can’t stay. But I’ll take a cab home. I don’t want to mess up your evening.”
Joe shook his head. “Nonsense, we’ll catch up with Luke another time.”
Fortunately, they had met Daisy for an early dinner. Joe escorted them to the car and Daisy apologized several times for cutting their evening short.
“Don’t worry about it,” Joe said. “This evening was planned for Ginger. She’s missed seeing you.”
Once they were in the car, Joe asked her casually, “You’ve never met Luke before?”
“No, I haven’t.”
Ginger felt the tension in the air.
Desperate for a change of subject, she told her friend about Vivian’s plans for a wedding party, hoping that would keep the topic of conversation from Luke. It did until they reached Daisy’s apartment. Daisy got out, hugged Ginger goodbye and then hurried to her apartment. After they could see she was safely inside, Joe backed the car down the narrow drive and headed for his parents’ home.
“Did you enjoy yourself?” Joe asked, smiling at Ginger.
“I had a wonderful time, but I don’t know why Daisy was so tense.”
“I don’t, either, honey. But it’s nothing to worry about.”
“But I wanted you to like Daisy.”
“I do.”
“Oh, good.”
The car phone rang as he turned into the alley. He snatched it up.
“Hello?”
“Joe, it’s Justin.”
“Yeah?”
“Where are you?”
“Entering the alley behind m
y parents’ house.”
“Have you seen a black limo tonight? The one Frank Del Brio uses when he wants to impress someone.”
“No, why do you ask?”
“Frank’s limo picked up three people at the airport tonight.”
“Do you know who they were?”
“No, but I can guess. There was an older man, about your dad’s age, a middle-aged man and a younger woman who looks a lot like your new bride. I suspect they’ll try to make contact with her. Keep your eyes open and call if you need me.”
Ginger had been watching Joe and realized the call meant there was trouble. But she didn’t say anything until after they’d pulled into the garage and closed the door behind the car.
“Joe, what’s wrong?”
“Later, honey. Once we’re inside.”
They hurried into the house, where Vivian and Ed were waiting for them. Ginger figured Joe wouldn’t tell her anything until they were upstairs.
“I’m very tired,” she said. “I think I’ll go up and have my bath.”
Joe leaned over and kissed her cheek, whispering in her ear, “I’ll be right up.”
That was what she wanted to hear.
That was what Joe wanted also. He needed a chance to warn his parents without Ginger hearing him. As soon as he heard the bedroom door close, he turned to his folks.
“Mom and Dad,” he said quietly, “we’ve got problems.”
Vivian’s eyes widened. “What?”
“Ginger’s mother and her stepfather are in town.”
“Why is that bad? Won’t Ginger be glad to see her mother?”
“Mom,” Joe said in exasperation, “I told you her mother isn’t like a regular mother. She’s not here to help Ginger.”
“Surely you don’t think she’ll hurt her?”
“Yes, I do. Keep her away from Ginger. Think you can do that?”
“Of course I can.”
“I’ll be here most of the day, but I have to go see about renting the office space I want. Justin will also be keeping an eye on things. I have to go upstairs and tell Ginger now.”
“Oh, the poor child. It’s going to be hard for her to hear that her mother will betray her,” Ed said.
“It won’t be a shock to Ginger, unfortunately.”
Joe turned and hurried up the stairs, anxious to tell Ginger the bad news.
The bathroom door was still closed, but he could hear Ginger moving around. Hopefully she’d come out soon. He gathered his necessities for the bathroom, and when the door opened, he slipped in without waiting and closed the door behind him. He took a quick shower and came out again. Ginger was waiting by the door. She slipped into his arms, hers going around his neck. Joe drew a deep, scented breath; she smelled of flowers, youth, tenderness.
“What’s wrong?” she whispered.
“Your mother’s in town.”
She jerked back, but he held her closer.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, she’s accompanied by two men. They sound like Leo and Harold.”
Ginger hid her face in Joe’s chest.
“Will they come get me?”
With a sigh, Joe said, “They’ll probably try, but we’re going to fight them. If they come to the house, stay up here. Mom won’t tell them you’re here.”
“But I don’t want to put her in danger.”
“I’m sure they won’t do anything to Mom. No one wants you to go. It’s going to be all right. Justin will keep an eye on them.”
He pulled back so he could see her face.
“Will you be all right?”
“Yes, of course.”
They got into bed, but made no pretense of sleeping apart. Ginger snuggled up to Joe, needing the warmth of his body, his strength. After several moments of silence, she whispered, “Joe, do you remember when we talked about me being a virgin?”
“Yes.”
“Don’t you think it would be good if you made love to me now, in case they take me?”
Joe drew a deep breath. “Ginger, you’re going to be all right. We’re not going to let them take you. I told you that should be a special time with a special person.”
“But, Joe—” Ginger began.
“I want you to wait. I want that time to be special. Now close your eyes and go to sleep. I’ll keep you safe.”
Joe prayed she did just that. He didn’t think he could handle the temptation to take Ginger in his arms and make love to her as he wanted to. But that would be a betrayal of Ginger’s trust. He couldn’t do that.
He didn’t relax until he heard Ginger’s even breathing, telling him that she had gone to sleep. Thank God. Now he, too, could relax, knowing he’d need his rest for tomorrow. Tomorrow, when he’d have to make good on his promise to protect her.
The next day was tense. Of everyone, Ginger seemed the most calm. She sewed the baby blankets and read another mystery.
No one bothered them.
When the time came for Joe to meet the Realtor, he checked in with Justin.
“Can you keep an eye on those three while I check with the Realtor?”
“Of course,” Justin assured him. “It’s quiet around here.”
Joe kissed his mother and Ginger goodbye, promising to be right back. He almost turned around and went back to the house, but he didn’t want to miss his opportunity on this hot property. With determination, he got in his car and drove through the quiet streets of Mission Creek, keeping an eye open for the black limo.
When he reached the Realtor’s office, he got out of the car and headed inside. Just as he put his hand on the door handle, the town erupted in a cacophony of sirens. Joe came to an abrupt halt and stared around him. What was going on? He rushed inside, pulling out his cell phone and calling Justin’s private number. “Justin, what’s going on?”
“I don’t know. We’ve got a lot of crimes being called in. It could be something to distract us.”
“Then I’m going back to the house.”
He waved off the Realtor as he started toward him and then turned and ran out the door. He jumped into his car and rushed back toward his parents’ home.
“What’s going on?” Vivian asked as she walked into the den, the sound of the sirens ringing in her ears.
Ginger looked up and frowned. “Maybe there’s an accident.”
She was looking at Vivian as Vivian looked out the window. Tension filled Vivian’s eyes.
“Ginger! The black limo! Get upstairs!”
She looked over her shoulder and caught a glimpse of her mother.
“Now, Ginger! Come on. I promised Joe.”
Ginger moved toward the stairs, knowing she had to hide, but she wanted to face her mother. As she started up the stairs, she took Vivian’s hand.
“Don’t take any chances,” she whispered. “Don’t get hurt.”
Vivian smiled and patted her hand. Sadly enough, though, Ginger believed her mother was capable of hurting anyone who got in her way. She moved up the stairs, but stayed close enough to the ground floor to be able to hear the conversation. A knock sounded on the door, and Vivian moved toward it.
“Can I help you?” Vivian asked in a pleasant voice.
“Hello,” Ginger’s mother snapped. “I wish to speak to Virvela Waltek.”
Ginger could hear the puzzlement in Vivian’s voice.
“I’m sorry. I don’t know anyone by that name. Do they live in Mission Creek?”
“Yes, she married your son.”
“Oh, you mean Ginger.”
“Yes, I do. Where is she?”
“I don’t know. They went on their honeymoon.”
Ginger heard Vivian gasp and wondered what her mother had done.
“You are lying. Either produce her or I will kill you.”
Ginger couldn’t believe her mother’s words.
“Mama, no!” she screamed, and sprang down the stairs, facing her mother for the first time in almost two years. Her mother, who held a small gun in her hand pointed at V
ivian, chuckled, as if she’d pulled a good joke.
“Come quickly, Virvela. We do not have much time.”
Helplessly, Ginger followed her mother from the house, after giving Vivian a swift hug.
“I’m glad you are reasonable, Virvela.”
Actually, scared was more like it. She didn’t doubt her mother would shoot Vivian. Not that Ginger was giving up. She had hidden her savings on her that morning, so that if she did get taken she might have a way of escaping. She had no intention of going with them quietly.
Her mother pulled open the door of the limo and shoved her in. She landed in a sprawl across the two men she least wanted to see. Harold helped her sit upright, but Leo let his hands linger. How she hated him.
Harold snapped, “To the airport, Dennis. And step on it. That bozo is already on his way back here.”
Leo leaned back against the seat. “Who cares? We’ll just shoot him. He doesn’t matter.”
“No!” Ginger exclaimed. “He’s a good man. He doesn’t deserve that.”
“Be quiet,” Leo growled.
When they got to the airport, Ginger noticed her mother putting her small gun in a pocket in the limo door.
“Aren’t you taking the gun with you?” she asked curiously.
“Don’t be silly. With all the restrictions today, I’d never make it. So we borrowed weapons for our trip.”
Ginger sat back, thinking. So, once they were in the airport, they would have no firearms. She could walk away from them and they couldn’t do anything. They didn’t have a legal hold on her. There would be armed personnel in the airport who would protect her.
Suddenly, her future looked a lot brighter. She began hurriedly making plans. Once they left the limo, Ginger waited for her moment. When they reached the security gate, her mother shoved her toward the metal detector, but Ginger refused to walk through.
“Come through, miss,” the guard ordered her.
“No, I’m not traveling today.”
All three of her captors stared at her.
Harold, her stepfather, whispered in her ear, “Of course you are, or we’ll go back and kill that woman.”
Ginger knew this was the real test. Coolly, she stared at Harold.
The Last Bachelor Page 12