“Things haven’t improved?” Sophie knew all about the up and down relationship her friend shared with Martin. She knew about the fight, but Rainy hadn’t told her what it was over.
“Haven’t heard from him since the fight. It’s not like him to pout this long.”
“Maybe he fell in a hole and died,” Sophie said. There was no love lost between her and Martin.
“Don’t say that. You’re horrible.”
“Just saying…”
“I know what you’re saying. You’re not known for keeping your opinions to yourself, girl.” Rainy locked the door and hit the button to unlock her car door. “Where are we going?”
“Your place,” Sophie said. “I’d love to show you what I’ve done at mine, but it’s not finished yet.”
“Have you eradicated all traces of Darlene?” Darlene was the woman Zeke lived with before Sophie.
“I think I’ve exorcised that spirit,” Sophie said.
“Good. Darlene was bad news from the start. I’ve never seen a woman try to change a man as much as she did Zeke. It was like she didn’t appreciate him for who he was at all. You two are a much better fit. I think it would be challenging to live in a house she decorated. Was it all expensive fru-fru?” Rainy wrinkled her nose like she was smelling milk that had gone bad after pouring it all over her morning cereal.
“Surprised me, but the place was almost empty. Darlene took almost everything but the carpet. I guess that’s a good thing for me. She did leave the king-sized bed. I made him burn it. We’re sleeping on my pillow-top now, with my yummy sheets.”
“And these sheets are yummy, or is it the man in the sheets?” Rainy asked as she elbowed Sophie. It was fun to watch her friend turn all shades of red. Rainy’s olive complexion was much better at hiding her embarrassment than her friend’s fair skin. Sophie was so different from Rainy. Sophie wore her heart on her sleeve. You never wondered what the girl was thinking because she was the first to tell you. Rainy held her cards close. She’d learned from a young age to keep her thoughts inside. No one knew the real woman she kept hidden from view, and she liked it that way.
“I’ll see you at your place,” Sophie said as they got into their separate vehicles.
“I’ve got a bottle of red with our names on it.”
“Sounds perfect.”
Rainy sat in her car for a moment, absorbing the sound of silence within. She let a slow breath escape her lips before starting the motor. She prepared herself for whatever she might face at home. If Martin had come back, how would he react to having Sophie there? The man was unpredictable at best, and the last months had been far from his best.
She backed out and followed Sophie’s tail lights, hoping for peace in her life. It had been some time since she’d had a girlfriend over. Martin’s lousy attitude had contributed to her isolation slowly until she was down to Sophie’s company on rare occasions. She didn’t want to think about that. It was something to deal with when and if Martin decided to show his face again. For tonight, she’d enjoy her friend and the bottle of wine they’d share.
She pulled into her drive, and Sophie parked on the street. Martin’s car wasn’t in the driveway. Rainy released a sigh. When had she started being happy to find her man was not at home? Oh yeah, three nights ago. She’d probably started earlier, but she couldn’t remember. Thinking about it was alarming.
“Tomorrow,” she said. “I’ll deal with whatever tomorrow brings tomorrow. Tonight is for me.” She hopped out of the car and hurried to unlock her back door.
“Come on in,” she said as she flipped the lights on in the dark house. She stopped in her tracks suddenly, and Sophie ran into her back.
“What?” Sophie asked.
Rainy stepped aside to show Sophie a ransacked kitchen. Pots and pans were on the floor, her mother’s china dishes were broken and lying in pieces, flour covered every surface as if it had snowed in her house. She couldn’t breathe. Sophie pulled her outside, stepping backward as fast as they could move.
“I’m calling 9-1-1.” Sophie had her phone in her hand and was punching the numbers before the reality of her situation hit Rainy.
“The door was locked.” She put her hand on the doorknob and started to turn, but Sophie stopped her.
“Don’t. Maybe the police can get fingerprints.”
Rainy snorted. Like that’s going to happen, she thought. To appease her friend, she stopped trying to get in, waiting until Sophie completed the 9-1-1 call.
“Let’s go around and see if any windows are broken, or if the front door’s been jimmied,” Rainy said. She was starting to think this wasn’t a burglary. It was Martin acting up. He’d thrown fits before when they’d fought, but nothing like this.
“Good idea.” Sophie held onto Rainy’s arm as they walked the perimeter. There was no evidence of forced entry.
“How?” Sophie asked. She stood in the front yard with a puzzled look as a patrol car pulled to the curb.
Rainy greeted the patrolmen with a relaxed demeanor. They didn’t need to know that she was angrier than she’d ever been in her life, and her heart was about to lurch out of her chest. She was itching to get inside to evaluate the damage. Her mind was already traveling to a meeting with that good-looking Hart brother-in-law of Sophie’s, Gabriel, or Gabe to his friends. He was the only attorney she knew. He was a corporate lawyer at his family’s construction business and a regular customer at Rainy Daze Café. He’d surely know someone he could refer with the right kind of expertise, because, oh yes, she was so going to sue Martin for this.
Chapter Two – Gabe
Gabe flipped the burgers on the grill in his backyard as Nat and Zeke told stories about each other from their wilder days. Gabe was the middle child and assumed the role of peacemaker when his brothers got too rowdy. The guys were in good moods, and Gabe was able to let his guard down. Nat was young enough that he still had some of those wild days, or nights more likely, but Zeke had settled into a comfortable routine after marrying Sophie. Two dogs ran circles around each other, barking and playing tug-of-war with an old sock filled with sand. Gabe noticed that the sand was leaking out quickly.
"If you don't want those dogs eating dirt," he said to Nat, "you'd better take that filthy sock away from them. They've about shredded it."
Nat gave a command, and both dogs heeled at his side obediently. Their bodies quivered with the desire to keep playing, but they stayed still while Nat retrieved their toy and threw it into the trash can.
"Better shut that lid," Zeke said.
"They won't bother it." Nat was secure in the training he'd instilled in the two rescue pups.
"I'm thinking of the raccoons tonight," Zeke said.
"Ah, good idea."
"These are done. Want to bring me that platter?" Gabe asked.
Zeke got up to get the plate. His phone rang out from his pocket, so he stopped to swipe it open. Gabe and Nat rolled their eyes. They were getting used to Sophie calling their brother often when he was with them. Before either could say anything about him being hen-pecked, Gabe's phone starting ringing. He'd left it on the picnic table they were planning to use for their dinner, so he motioned for Nat to take up the burgers.
Rainy's picture came up when he checked to see who was calling. He snagged the phone quickly, not wanting his brothers to see the picture. He'd taken it in her café while she wasn't aware. Her sweet and easy smile warmed his heart, and he'd hate for his brothers to know that he had a soft spot for the woman.
"This is Gabe," he said. He couldn't imagine why she'd be calling, especially since she was supposed to be with Sophie, and Sophie was on the phone with Zeke.
"Thanks for picking up. I've got a bit of a problem here," Rainy said into his ear.
"What kind of problem? How can I help? Aren't you with Sophie? Zeke's on the phone with her right now. Are you both all right?" He had at least one hundred other questions running through his mind, but she stopped him.
"We're both fine. We
came to my house after closing the café, and someone ransacked my home. I'm sure it was the work of Martin since there was no break-in, and only my favorite things are broken."
"Why would he do that?" Gabe watched Zeke to see if he could tell what Sophie was telling him, but his brother may as well have been playing poker.
"We had a big fight a few days ago. He's been gone since then. Doesn't answer my texts or emails. Won't pick up when I call. He's done this before. Likes to sulk, if you know what I mean?" She huffed. He could imagine her frustration. He'd seen Martin around town with a woman who'd gone to high school with him but didn't think it was his place to tell Rainy. Maybe he should have said something.
"Has he ever hit you?" Gabe would find the guy and break his nose if she said yes.
"Not really. He just throws things around that make a lot of noise, but he's never laid a hand on me in anger. Don't worry about me, Gabe. I'm a big girl." Gabe didn't like the sound of her voice when she answered his question. Was she telling the truth?
"I know you can handle yourself. I didn't mean that." He paced around the yard, and the dogs followed in his wake. At least they'd stopped barking. Zeke seemed to have finished his conversation and was talking to Nat.
"What can I do to help?" Gabe asked when he was sure she and Sophie weren't in immediate danger.
"The police are here. I've asked them to dust for fingerprints, but they laughed since Martin has been in and out of here a lot. I don't know how to prove he did this, but I want to sue him for all he's worth. He can't get away with this. Can you recommend an attorney I could talk to?"
"Sure. How about me?" Gabe wondered why she didn't just come right out and ask him in the first place.
"Well, I thought you were corporate law. This is a family dispute. Isn't it?"
"Doesn't matter. I don't specialize in that, but I can help you. Do you want me to come over right now? Zeke looks like he's getting ready to head your way. I could ride with him."
"You don't have to do that. Tell Zeke to stay there and enjoy himself. We just wanted to get the ball rolling and let you guys know what's happening. We really are OK for now."
"I'd like to see what he did. Pictures don't do justice to this sort of thing." He'd temporarily lost his appetite. Might as well head on over there. It was an excellent excuse to see her. He'd never admit it to his brothers, but Rainy had been on his mind quite a bit.
"If you put it that way. Come on. And Gabe?"
"Yeah?"
"Thank you." She sounded relieved, and that made him glad. He'd have to assess the damage and then hit the law library at SMU to hone his skills on domestic violence cases.
"Thank me when I've done something to help," he said. "See you in a few minutes."
Zeke had his keys out and was ready to go. He'd wrapped two burgers in paper towels.
"We can eat on the way," he said.
"Thanks," Gabe said as he took one of the burgers and picked up a few extra napkins.
"I'll clean up here. You guys take care of the womenfolk," Nat said. He hadn't moved from the table where he'd seated himself and dug into his burger. He had half a plate left and didn't appear anxious to go with his brothers.
"Good. Lock up if you leave before I get back," Gabe said. He patted his brother's shoulder and left with Zeke.
"What did Sophie say?"
Zeke told him the same story he'd heard from Rainy.
"Did you know he had a temper like that?"
"Sophie doesn't tell me much. But she's said for the longest that Rainy would be better off without the creep. I hear he's been hanging out at Bart's Bar with some blonde bimbo. I didn't say anything to Soph. She would feel conflicted. You know, should she tell Rainy or keep it to herself? I didn't say a word, but the guy's no good." Zeke ran a hand through his hair and hit the steering wheel.
"She deserves better," Gabe said quietly.
"You like her, don't you?" Zeke asked the question that had been on his mind for half a year. He'd watched his brother in the café. Gabe couldn't keep his eyes off the woman.
"What makes you say that?"
"Just the way you watch her."
"Well, the woman's got moves. I can't help but look."
"OK. I was just asking. You don't have to get defensive. It's all right to like her, though. She's good people."
"I don't like her. Leave it, bro." Gabe stared out the window as they drove on in silence. When they got to the house, the police were gone. Sophie opened the front door when Zeke pulled up to the curb. He jumped out and grabbed his wife in a bear hug.
Gabe saw Rainy standing in the doorway. Their eyes met and held, and he felt all the blood run out of his brain and into a part of his body he didn't care to admit was happy to see her.
"Down, boy," he said to himself as he walked quickly to her front door.
"Thank you for coming," she said. She pulled the door open wider and motioned for him to step inside.
The place was a disaster. He couldn't believe Martin would do something so destructive.
"That must have been one hell of a fight," he said before he caught himself.
Rainy stood straighter and pursed her lips.
"I'm sorry. That was uncalled for."
"I guess it's understandable. He did make a scene, didn't he?" Rainy was the master of understatement if that's what she thought about the mess he was seeing.
"Mind if I take a look around?"
"Please do. It's mostly downstairs. He didn't disturb much up there." She pointed her chin toward the stairway. "Most of the damage is in the kitchen."
"Show me."
She led the way. Zeke and Sophie followed them. Gabe let out a low whistle when he saw the broken china, flour, scattered utensils, and pots and pans. He took his phone out and started snapping pictures.
"We'll need some visuals," he said.
Rainy stood quietly with her hands clasped in front of her and let him work.
"Is it all right for me to clean up now?" she asked when he finished. She was visibly shaken up. He saw more emotion on her face than he'd seen in the years he'd been going to her café.
"Yes. We'll help," Gabe said. He checked to see Zeke and Sophie nodding their heads in agreement.
"This was my grandmother's china. He knew it was special to me." Rainy picked up a piece of a broken dish and held it up. Gabe saw tears welling in her eyes and wished he could wrap her in a protective hug, but he didn't know her like that. Sophie stepped up and did the deed for him.
"Oh, honey. We'll nail Martin's butt to the wall like a butterfly on exhibit at the museum," Sophie whispered. It wasn't that loud, but Zeke and Gabe could hear.
Gabe stole a glance at his brother.
"She's fierce," he said.
Zeke smiled and nodded. He was proud of Sophie, no matter what she did. Gabe felt a sting of jealousy. He'd like to have someone like that in his life but hadn't found anyone he could stand more than a few months. He watched Sophie and Rainy disengage.
"Got some heavy-duty trash bags?" he asked.
"Here," Rainy said. She opened the utility closet door and jumped back when a cat flew out. The tabby became a blur in his vision as it bounded past and ran into the living area. He heard it on the stairs.
"I can't believe he did that to Samson," Rainy said. "That is cruel. I thought he was upstairs all this time. That's where he usually stays unless I'm feeding him."
"Go check him out," Sophie said. "We'll get started here." She shoved Rainy past Gabe. She took a broom from the closet and handed it to Zeke. "I'll hold the dustpan," she said. Gabe bent to pick up the larger pieces of china. They worked for over an hour before the place started to look livable again.
Rainy said the cat was terrified and hiding under the bed. She'd been so startled by the damages; she hadn't checked on the animals. When she realized her dog wasn't in the house or back yard, she panicked.
"He better not hurt my dog," she said.
"We'll get her back," Zeke said. He loo
ked like a man with a plan. Gabe waited until Sophie and Rainy went into another room before asking his brother what he was thinking.
"I've seen the creep with a blonde," he started.
"Yeah, me too. It's Toni, from Hartford High. The girl he dated back then. They were always fighting and making up. He used to brag about the makeup sex. I always thought he was a braggart and made it all up to sound tough. I think he's messing around with her behind Rainy's back."
"Do you know where she lives?"
"No, but I know how to find out." Gabe located the washing machine and started a load with all the cleaning rags.
"Good. Do that. I think we need to pay a little visit."
"No violence. If Martin has the dog, we call the cops. We can get him for dog napping. That's a provable offense I can use in court. It'll be better than trying to prove he did all of this."
"I'll try, but if the guy gets in my face." Gabe watched his brother close his fist tightly and squeeze. He felt the same but knew that hitting Martin wasn't the way to go. Yet.
This is the end of the sneak peek. To finish Gabe and Rainy’s story, go to Amazon.com.
Hook, Line, and Sinker Page 19