Christmas on the Run (Bandit Creek Book 32)

by Louise Behiel

  Sadie nodded and yawned again as she squirmed into the bed.

  Lina hugged her close. “Sleep well, honey.” She crossed the room and looked back over her shoulder. Her little girl always fell deeply asleep at a moment’s notice. Hopefully that would never change.

  Downstairs, she put on her coat and hat. As she wrapped a scarf around her neck, Mrs. Murphy came to the front hall. “Is the little one asleep?”

  Pulling on her gloves, Lina nodded. “Dropped off right after her story. I doubt you’ll hear a peep out of her all night.”

  “I’ll check on her before I go to bed. Will she remember to come to my door if she needs anything?”

  “I think so.” Spontaneously, she leaned in and kissed the older woman’s cheek. “Thanks again for doing this for us.”

  The front door opened and Todd filled the doorway. “Ready?”

  Lina grabbed control of her senses and spun toward him. “Ready? For what?”

  “Todd’s going to take you to work, dear. The snow is still falling and the sidewalk is slippery.”

  She did not want to be alone with him. His presence overwhelmed her and she didn’t like the feeling. “You needn’t drive me, Todd. It’s late and cold.”

  “Exactly. So I’m taking you to work. I’ll be there to bring you home when you’re finished, too.” He didn’t sound like he would take any argument, but she had to try.

  “No, really, you don’t have to do either.” She looked through the window beside the door, watching the falling snow. “I appreciate your kindness, but it’s not necessary.”

  “There’s nothing to talk about. The truck is running and in the time we’ve been talking, you would be there already.” He pulled open the door. “Let’s go.”

  She hated being told what to do, but there was no point in disagreeing with him, since his mind seemed to be made up, so she preceded him outside.

  His long legs passed her and he opened the truck door. A blast of warm air and a Christmas carol pelted her. She reached for the overhead grip, but he was quicker, grabbing her by the waist with both hands. “In you go.”

  Damned man. Why did his touch have to make her warm and jittery? Or was it his scent? Musk and male combined in some lethal cologne. She’d like to rely on him but after her disastrous marriage, she knew she couldn’t trust her reactions to men. She’d been totally fooled by Ramon, in spite of how long they’d been married. How could she live with a man and not know what he was capable of. God, her life could be fodder for one of those daytime television shows. Heaven help her.

  ***

  “Damned woman.” Why was she so foolish? Bandit Creek was a quiet place but you never knew who might be hanging around. There’d been lots of strange happenings since he’d moved here. She thought she could simply sashay across town after dark in the snow? Then return hours later? Not on his watch.

  “Will you promise to call me when you’re done work or should I sit out here all night?”

  Her narrowed gaze and notched brow told him she didn’t like being outmaneuvered. But she would learn to cope. He wasn’t going to lose anyone else.

  “Fine. I’ll call and wake everyone.”

  “Not necessary.” He handed her a slip of paper. “I put my cell number on here.”

  “You have a cell?”

  He nodded.

  “You didn’t use it the other night.”

  “No service in the storm.”

  He’d led her to believe he was her only choice the night of the accident. He hadn’t lied but he hadn’t been totally truthful either. But given the look on his face, she knew there wasn’t any choice.” Fine. I’ll call when I’m done.” She snatched the paper from his hand.

  “Before you step outside.”

  She pushed open the door and slid off the seat. “Aye aye, captain.”

  For a nervous nelly, she had lots of spunk.

  Four hours later, Todd reached for the ringing phone. “I’m ready to come home,” said an exhausted voice when he answered. He held the phone between his ear and shoulder while he pulled on his jeans. After a quick shower, he’d dropped to the bed and dozed off. Hopping on his right foot, he pulled a sock onto his left.

  “I’ll be right there.”

  He hit the ‘end’ button and dropped the phone on his bed then pulled on his other sock before grabbing a T-shirt that he pulled over his head. He pocketed the phone and hustled out of the house. Mustn’t keep a lady waiting.

  Five minutes later, he stopped in front of the store and hurried around the front of the truck. Her steps were slow and measured. Her shoulders sagged and her chin rested on her chest. She was moving on automatic.

  “Thank you for picking me up. I’m so tired that Murphy’s seems like a mile away. I’m not sure I would have made it.”

  He hated seeing her wiped out like this. “First day on a new job is always exhausting.” He lifted her into the cab then shut the door. As he walked around the front of the cab he kept feeling her warm body on his palms.

  Inside the house, Todd helped Adelina take off her coat and hung it on the hooks at the door. “Let’s get you up to bed. Morning comes early.”

  “How was Sadie?”

  He shrugged. “I assume she’s okay. I didn’t hear her.”

  “Good.” She yawned. “That’s good.” She grabbed the banister and pulled herself up the stairs. “I can’t believe how tired I am. I’ve lived an active life but I feel like I’ve been a couch potato.”

  She stopped at her door and smiled at him. “Thanks for all of this.” She waved her hand around. “I wouldn’t have made it home on my own.”

  She didn’t know much about Bandit Creek, so she had no idea how true her words were. Since the flood in the 1800’s, strange things regularly happened in town. He wouldn’t let anyone walk alone at night. No way.

  Chapter Five

  Lina sat at the table, inhaling her first cup of joe. Exhausted, she could barely sit up straight. Sadie ate quickly, then ran upstairs to get dressed. At the top of the stairs, she yelled, “Come on, Mommy. I want to make a snowman and snow angels and reindeer tracks.”

  “I’m coming.” Lina hugged her coffee mug in her hands and took a sip before rising to her feet. Regardless of her energy level, making snow angels was worth a bit of discomfort for a southern girl.”

  Mrs. Murphy chuckled. “Nothing like the energy of a little one to get you going in the morning.” She waved toward the closet. “I rounded up a parka and pants for her. Now she can play outside.”

  Gratitude and fatigue combined and Lina teared up. “Thank you, Mrs. Murphy. I don’t know what I’d have done without you.”

  “Get along with you. The little one is waiting.”

  After wiping her eyes, Lina took another sip. “As long as I’ve had my coffee, I can handle anything.” She rose and straightened her shoulders. “Best I get with Sadie’s plans or I’ll never hear the end of it.”

  They spent the morning playing in the snow. Around eleven, her heart beat a little faster when Todd’s truck pulled into the yard. As he stepped out, Sadie let fly with a poorly compacted snowball.

  He jumped, crouched and spun on his heel before hearing the giggles coming from both of his attackers. He made a big production of swiping his hand down his face to remove the snow. “Apparently there’s someone out here looking for trouble.” He stooped low and scooped up a handful of snow. He skulked around, hiding behind his truck then popped up and threw his snowball at Sadie.

  Wild shrieks pierced the air. She spun and fell to the ground.

  Todd, his face white, straightened and ran to her side. He slipped his hands beneath her back. “Are you all right? I didn’t mean to hurt you. Talk to me.”

  He sounded terrified. She watched him pat Sadie down, looking for an injury – much as she’d done after their accident.

  “Todd? She’s okay.”

  Before he could say anything, Sadie giggled again and opened her eyes. “Of course I’m all right. You can’t
hurt me with a snowball, silly.”

  Sinking back on his heels, he scrubbed his hands over his face. Took a deep breath. “Of course you’re okay. It was just snow.” He rose to his full height and turned to the house. “I’m going in for lunch.” Without another word he stalked inside.

  He’d relaxed in a way she hadn’t seen before and seemed to be enjoying their game. Now he was storming into the house.

  “What’s wrong with Mr. Black, Mommy?”

  Lina watched him go inside and carefully pull the door closed behind him. “I don’t know, honey. Maybe he’s tired from picking mommy up last night.” But she didn’t think so. Something else was going on with the bossy Mr. Black. Good thing his mood was none of her business because she was leaving as soon as her car was fixed. Otherwise, she might try to help him figure it out.

  “Come on, Kiddo. Let’s go inside for lunch.”

  Lunch was stressful without anything being said between her and Todd. Thankfully, Mrs. Murphy kept Sadie giggling while she ate, because Todd didn’t say a word throughout the meal. Tense, it seemed he would spring up at a moment’s notice.

  Todd cleared his throat and his voice was raspy. “What time are you working tonight?”

  “Same time. Nine o’clock.”

  Todd nodded. “I’ll be here to take you.” He turned to Mrs. Murphy as he rose to his feet. “I won’t be here for dinner. I’ve got to make a trip into Missoula for Mack. Do you need anything?”

  “Actually, I do. I’ve got a list started somewhere.”

  “In the usual place?” He crossed the room and dragged a scribbler from a drawer. “They’re forecasting snow this afternoon. If it starts to fall while I’m gone, leave it. I’ll shovel when I get home.”

  “You know I can handle my own walks, don’t you?” The older woman’s voice was cool, although Lina thought this was an oft repeated argument.

  “If Mr. Murphy was here, he’d be taking care of the shoveling. But he had to go see his sister, since she was in the hospital. I can take care of it.”

  Lina was surprised to hear mention of Mr. Murphy. His name hadn’t come up.

  “Maybe. Maybe not. But no point in finding out when I’m here. After I’m gone, you can shovel to your heart’s content.”

  “Where are you going, Mr. Black?” Sadie had been following the conversation in silence but had to be part of the adults’ conversation.

  He frowned at her. “Missoula, for work.”

  “No, I meant when you’re not here to shovel for Mr. Murphy.” Sadie stared at him for a minute. “We’ll miss you, won’t we?” She looked at each of the adults in turn.

  “Sadie, it’s none of our business. Hush.” Although she had to admit she was curious as well. Wasn’t he from Bandit Creek? How long had he been here? There had been something comforting about picturing him here after they’d gone to Seattle.

  Todd gasped and his lips parted. For a moment, Lina thought his mouth might hang open in surprise, but he recovered quickly. He shook his head. “I gotta go. Is this your list, Mrs. M?” He handed her the notebook.

  She handed him the page torn from the coil-bound notepad.

  “But where would you go?”

  “Sadie, I said it’s none of our business.”

  “But–.”

  She shook her head. Her daughter was persistent, if nothing else. Todd stood there, looking at the paper in his hand, removing the triangles left from tearing it from the notepad. “I don’t know,” he finally said.

  “Then why would you leave?”

  He stopped tearing the paper and one hand fisted.

  “Sadie, if Mr. Black doesn’t want to share his plans, he doesn’t have to. Remember, everyone is entitled to their privacy.”

  “Like us, right Mommy?”

  “That’s right, pumpkin.” Lina nodded but cold fear settled in her stomach. She didn’t want to get into a conversation about their plans. It was safer for everyone if they were silent. “Come, young lady. Let’s get you washed up from lunch and your teeth brushed. Then we’ll figure out what we’re going to do today.”

  Sadie stopped. “Could I go with Mr. Black in his truck?”

  Color drained from his face.

  Why was he so hot and cold with Sadie. Sometimes he was playful and fun. At others, he looked terrified. “No. Absolutely not.”

  “But I want to.” Mulish determination marked by a heavy sigh and folded arms showed her daughter’s opinion.

  “I know you do. But Mr. Black is going for work and you might get in the way. That wouldn’t be fair to him or his boss.”

  “But I want to go with him.” Sadie threw herself at her mother, big sobs heaving her shoulders.

  Six year olds don’t cope well with turmoil and uncertainty. They constantly tried to create their own vision of the world. Sadie was usually agreeable, but with everything going on, she was entitled to a meltdown.

  Lina rubbed her back and looked up at Todd, who was shuffling from foot to foot, watching Sadie. Before she could say anything, he leaned in and patted Sadie’s back. “Maybe next time.”

  “Mr. Black, Sadie is very tired from playing in the snow. That’s why she’s being rude.”

  “Am not tired.”

  “Please accept my apology on her behalf. Drive safely.” Lina looked down at her daughter. “Please say you’re sorry and then we’re going to our room.”

  Her daughter’s eyes narrowed and she looked as if she was going to argue but after a moment she relented. Looking at the floor, she mumbled quietly, “Sorry, Mr. Black.”

  “It’s all right.” He was fascinated with something on the floor, uncomfortable with the conversation.

  Lina led Sadie away from the confrontation. Her daughter was an inquisitive, opinionated little girl…more so when she was tired. She’d have to have a chat with her and remind her of good manners.

  Todd’s reaction was interesting. He seemed to have both an innate sense of children and yet no practical experience at all. It was kind of charming, if she was interested in someone like that.

  ***

  Todd sprawled on his bed, flipping through the channels on his television and eating cookies when the door across the hall opened. A second later someone tapped lightly on his door. It could only be one little person.

  “Mr. Black? Are you awake?” Sadie stage-whispered.

  Damn.

  Another knock. “Mr. Black?”

  She wasn’t going to give up. Todd swung his legs off the bed and rose. Two steps took him across the room. “What?” he asked, pulling open the door.

  A barefooted Sadie stood in her princess nightie, holding a tattered bear. She looked up at him with huge brown eyes. “Are you angry with me?”

  “I guess not,” he grumbled. What on earth was the kid doing at his door at almost ten o’clock?

  “Mommy said I was being a nosy brat and I had to apologize nicely.”

  He couldn’t help but smile. She had been, but she didn’t know better.

  “Uh huh.”

  She looked around him at the night table. “Are those Oreo cookies? They’re my favorite.”

  Mine too, he thought. “I suppose you’d like one?”

  She nodded. “Yes please.”

  Maybe if he gave her a couple she’d go back to bed, he thought, stretching for the bag. When he turned, bag in hand, she was on his bed, as comfortable as could be, feet tucked beneath her.

  “What are you doing up there?”

  “My feet were cold. Besides, Mommy says I can’t eat in our bed. It makes it all crummy.”

  He nodded. “Smart woman, your mom.” Cookie crumbs weren’t comfortable in anyone’s bed.

  She patted the quilt beside her. “You can sit here while we eat our cookies.”

  “Thanks.” How nice of her to invite him to sit on his bed. He pulled the door wide open, to ensure everyone knew things were cool in here. “Thanks.”

  Her little hand dug into the package and pulled out two cookies. She handed on
e to him and took a bite out of the other. “What ‘cha watching?”

  He hadn’t been watching anything. It was noise to drown out his thoughts. “Nothing.”

  “I like the Disney Channel. I was watching it in the living room before dinner.”

  Deducing that her comment was an indirect request to change the channel, he leaned across the bed and grabbed the remote. “Let’s see if we can find it.”

  “Thank you.” She munched on her cookie as he channel surfed, looking for her favorite.

  “There it is.” The kid recognized it before he did.

  “Good.” Hopefully a couple of minutes of television and a cookie or two and she’d go back to bed.

  After a minute of watching the tube, she tapped his arm. “Do you have any milk? I like chocolate with my cookies.”

  While he’d considered bringing a beer upstairs, milk hadn’t crossed his mind. “No, I don’t.”

  A deep sigh was her response. “I’d sure like some milk. Or pop.” She looked at him with a big smile. “Diet Coke would be great.”

  “You aren’t getting soda at this time of the night, but I guess I could go downstairs and bring up a glass of milk. But that’s it. One more cookie, a glass of milk and then you have to go back to bed.”

  Her huge grin lit up her face and made her eyes sparkle. When she got older, she was going to be hard on any man in her vicinity. Poor saps.

  Her mother was the same, he thought, crossing the kitchen to the fridge. Huge brown eyes sparking fire and sass but a vulnerable side that begged a man to step up to the plate and protect her, even if she didn’t want his help. Good thing he was immune. He liked big-breasted blondes with long legs. Not petite brunettes with a kid.

  Returning to his room, he handed Sadie the milk. “That’s it. Drink it up and then back to bed with you.”

  She nodded. “Okay.” She wet her lips on the milk then handed it to him and scrunched down on the bed. The television had her total attention and she ate her cookie mindlessly, going so far as to reach for another one without looking for the bag.