Deadly Revenge

Tory Richards returns to North Carolina to help her mother set up a B&B, never expecting to stumble across several murder victims, fall in love, or get abducted by human traffickers.

Fortunately, when she’s run off the road on her way into town, Dave Miller, who is working undercover on the task force for human trafficking, comes to her aid. She blows off the near fatal accident as just that—an accident—but she rethinks her position once events escalate.

Someone is trying to kill Tory. Failing that, she’s being set up as a suspect in four murders. As Dave falls more deeply for Tory, how will he tell her who he is and what he does? Will she ever trust him?

Trust becomes a moot point when Tory is abducted and everything points to the group of human traffickers Dave’s had under surveillance. He calls in the task force, but will they reach Tory before she’s used as a sex slave?

Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Suspense
Length: 54,429 words

DEADLY REVENGE

Lorelei Confer

ROMANCE

www.BookStrand.com

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A SIREN-BOOKSTRAND TITLE

IMPRINT: Romance

DEADLY REVENGE

Copyright © 2011 by Lorelei Confer

E-book ISBN: 1-61034-471-5

First E-book Publication: June 2011

Cover design by Jinger Heaston

All cover art and logo copyright © 2011 by Siren Publishing, Inc.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission.

All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER

www.BookStrand.com

DEDICATION

My special thanks go to my husband and family members for allowing me the freedom to pursue my dreams.

I would like to acknowledge and thank the local task force of human trafficking for providing invaluable research information as well as continuing their hard work in the community. Also, many thanks to the International Advocacy Council for the awareness programs they provide.

Also, my local Chapter of Romance Writers of America (TARA), whose classes are invaluable and vital to learning the craft of writing.

Please take note of all Editors, Cover Artists, and people at Siren-BookStrand who work behind the scenes to make this book possible, and I’d like to acknowledge them as well.

And as always, thank YOU, the reader. As much as I love writing these stories, it’s always nice to know someone is enjoying them.

DEADLY REVENGE

LORELEI CONFER

Copyright © 2011

Chapter 1

At the usual morning briefing, Richard Mullins, agent in charge of the two task forces assigned to Human Sex Trafficking, asked partners Dave Miller and Wyatt Bowman to stay behind.

“Come on in,” Mullins said as he moved piles of papers around on his desk. His office was small and lined with filled book cases, just the way he liked it.

Wyatt and Dave sat in the two chairs made available for them while Mullins remained standing.

“Let’s get right to the point. As you both know we’ve been able to completely dismantle a number of human trafficking organizations. And that’s what we have to do with this next case, not just rescue the victims.”

Mullins began pacing in the small space. “Dave, you can take your six-month leave of absence in North Carolina as long as you’re willing to be on call and do some undercover surveillance. It’s our understanding that there may be a trafficking trail through the mountains into the Washington, D.C. area. We understand that North Carolina is the eighth largest state for trafficking because of easy access from Hwy 95 north and south and Hwy 38 east and west. That also leads a direct trail into D.C. We don’t want to catch the traffickers as much as we need to catch the leaders of their organization. A team here will be on standby, just make the call. Wyatt, I’d like you to handle the team going from here to there when or if it gets to that, understood?” Mullins asked as he looked back and forth between the two, first Dave and then Wyatt.

Wyatt drummed his lips with his fingers and ran his hand through his thick hair.

“Isabella’s due this month, so I can’t promise anything except to brief the agent-in-charge, when they’re ready to make their move.”

“That will be Sam Brower,” Mullins said as he pulled his earlobe and ran his hand across his face.

“Dave, how’s that sound to you?” Mullins asked as he sat in his chair behind the desk.

“Sure, I can leave in the morning. I’m actually looking forward to it but I’m not sure why.” Dave rubbed his chin as if thinking.

“Great! I’ll contact Chief Michael Carr in Hickoryville, North Carolina that you’ll be there, working undercover trying to locate the rendezvous location so he can assist you. Keep up the good work. It’s a small town with lots of interesting people. The locals are generally reliable, and we’ve worked with Carr before.”

Chapter 2

Well, well, well, Tory Richards coming back to town after all these years. I wonder what she wants. Or better yet “who?” This can’t be good.

Twenty-six-year-old Tory Richards’s white-knuckled fingers gripped the car’s steering wheel, as she drove around the sweeping mountain curves and switchbacks. Out of practice driving on narrow curvy roads in the North Carolina Mountains, she dreaded the trip home, and approached the challenge with caution. I could do without any additional tension. But when she partially rolled down her car window and took a deep breath of the fresh, woodsy, pine-scented air, she remembered how much she loved these mountains.

On this cool spring day, the age-old trees swayed in the light breeze, some just budding, others in full bloom. Blossoming Dogwood, Mountain Laurel, and apple trees peaked in all their glory among the majestic pines and oaks.

She dreaded the inevitability of running into Matt. The fear of facing the truth, the past humiliation, and deceit wouldn’t go away. Explaining her reasons for leaving Matt at the altar two years ago would mean closure for her. She’d face her demon and finally move on. The thought of seeing him again brought back familiar panic. Her heart pounded in her chest, constricting her breathing, and the lingering ache became almost uncontrollable.

Suddenly, a large black car with dark, tinted windows sped from behind, passed her, pushing into her lane of the road. Tory slammed on the brakes and jerked the steering wheel to the right to avoid being sideswiped. Her car bounced over and onto the berm, slammed into the side wall of a drainage canal running along the side of the road, finally coming to a stop in the shallow ditch.

The force of the crash whipped her head left, hitting the edge of the open window and then backward, hard against the headrest. Stars filled her eyes. A slow stream of something warm and wet trickled down her left cheek from somewhere above her left eye dropping onto her blouse. The pain started high on her forehead and radiated down the whole left side of her face.

Laying her head back against the headrest, she drifted down a dark tunnel. When she heard someone talking to her from a distance, she turned to the open window and looked into a man’s fuzzy, fish-bowl-like face. She blinked once or twice, and the man’s concerned expression came into focus.

She didn’t know him, but she’d like to. He had an attractive face, a strong jaw. He looked dependable, a take-charge kind of guy. He must have pulled off the road behind her to help, she thought.

“Do you need an ambulance?”

She shook her head and winced when a wave of dizziness along with nausea washed through her.

He punched numbers on the cell phone in his hand. “Hold on. I’ve got the police on the line.” He held the phone to his ear as she watched him glance around. “Whoever pushed you off the road is long gone by now. Do you know where we are?” he asked her as he held his handkerchief against her forehead to stop the bleeding.

He seemed like a man used to being in charge and looked so frustrated and out of his element without anyone around to issue orders to except those on the phone.

She would have laughed, but her body trembled as the trauma began working its way through her.

“Just hang in there,” he encouraged her. “The police will be here any minute. They were finally able to triangulate our location.”

Tory reached across the seat to make sure her camera and bag were still intact. As her hand curled around the camera case, she closed her eyes in relief. The graduation gift from her father was fine.

“Shh, try not to move,” he said softly.

She let out a deep breath. His voice soothed her. She reached her hand to her eyebrow, but he stopped her. Fresh blood dropped onto her fingers. She needed something more to stop the bleeding. Blood had already dripped onto the front of her blouse.

“I need to get out of here,” Tory insisted. She gulped air. “I feel trapped...need to stand up.”

“Okay, look at me. Do you hurt anywhere other than your head?” he asked her as he rearranged his handkerchief over her cut.

”No, it’s just my head. My legs and arms are fine. My neck is fine, too.”

“Let me help you. Go slowly.” He helped her out of the car. First one leg and then the other, he held her elbow and half lifted her out of the car. After standing on wobbly legs she finally got her balance. They walked slowly to a soft, grassy area on the bank behind the car and sat down.

He wrapped a protective arm around Tory’s shoulders, enveloping her with warmth and security.

“I’m Dave Miller,” Dave said as he offered her his hand.

“I’m Victoria Richards, but just about everyone calls me Tory.” She shook his hand and an electric tingle ran up her arm and through her body, settling in her core. She looked into his eyes and was transfixed. She wanted this man as only a woman could. She thought about what it would be like to lay with him, to have sex with him, and to have his children. She slowly looked down at their still held hands and began to pull apart.

She held his handkerchief against her eyebrow. With so much blood, she figured she’d need stitches and have a nasty scar to show for it.

Echoes of the approaching siren and flashing lights announced a police car. The tall man got out of the car with his radio in hand. “What’s the EMTs’ ETA?” he asked into a two-way radio. A muffled response echoed in the cool breeze, indecipherable to those even a short distance away.

As the officer neared, she recognized him. Michael Carr. Rumor said he had been elected Police Chief last year. He came directly over to Tory with a wrinkled forehead and dark circles under his eyes. She remembered him from high school. He was a few years older than her.

Chief Carr asked, with a little astonishment in his voice, “Victoria Richards? Is that you?” When she nodded, he continued. “It’s always nice to see you, but geez, this is no way to make an entrance into town.” He grinned. He had always called her Victoria, never Tory, as all her other friends had who had a crush on her at one time.

“The uniform suits you, Michael.”

“Thanks, I worked my way into it.” Michael looked at the man who held the handkerchief against her forehead.

Dave introduced himself. “I’m Dave Miller. I was behind her when it happened.”

Michael looked around and said, “The EMTs should be here any minute.” Michael pushed his hat back on his head. “In the meantime, Mr. Miller, can you tell me what happened?”

Dave and Michael stepped a short distance away from Tory. Dave identified himself further to Chief Carr. “I’m a former officer on the Suffolk, Virginia force. Now I’m a detective assigned to the federal human trafficking task force. I was on my way to Hickoryville to visit my parents. I’m also working as a possible trafficking interceptor.”

“Do you have any identification on you?” Michael Carr asked.

“Sure, here’s my ID and badge.” Dave flipped open his badge case for Chief Carr.

“Nice to meet you, Dave.” He offered a hand to shake and Dave took it. “I’ve known your parents for years and they’ve spoken of your work with great pride. Good for you. Now, can you tell me exactly what happened to Victoria, what you saw?”

“This car came barreling around the turn from behind and crowded her off the road. No, forced would be a better word for it. I was following her, and she had to move out of the way or get T-boned.”

“This might answer some unsolved mysteries we’ve been having in the area. We’re a straight shot from I85 or I95 and straight into Washington.”

Sirens blared, and red and yellow lights flashed from a fire truck and an ambulance as she saw them pull up nearby.

Chief Carr directed the EMTs to Tory. As the two EMTs carried orange cases in each hand, Tory recognized them from high school. They had all graduated together.

“Tory, is that you? Good to see you again. What happened to you?” Walt asked, looking at the wound on her eyebrow while Tim put a blood pressure cuff on her right arm.

“I was forced off the road and my head hit the edge of the open window.”

“Your blood pressure’s a little elevated,” Tim said as he continued to check her vital signs.

“Is that bad?” Tory asked.

“Naw. It’s within normal limits considering the circumstances.”

Tory glanced at Walt who cleaned her cut. “Am I going to need stitches?”

Walt briefly scowled. “A couple of butterfly bandages should do the job.” His fingers lightly pressed her forehead. “You’ll probably have a headache for a few days. You should see your family physician as soon as possible to make sure you have no lasting effects.”

Tory heard Dave answering Chief Carr’s questions about the offending car. “It was a newer model Lincoln Town Car, black with tinted windows. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the opportunity to get the tag number.”

Chief Carr immediately spoke on the radio, be on the lookout “BOLO” for a newer model Lincoln Town Car, black with tinted windows, heading south southeast on Old Route 53.” Then he turned to Tory for her side of the story. When she reiterated everything Dave had told Chief Carr, he said, “Let me warn you. There are tons of locations and places a car or person can hide in these mountains for an indefinite period of time, but we’ll keep the case open.”

Tory, up and about after the EMTs left, retrieved her purse and camera bag from the front seat of the car while Chief Carr made arrangements with a local towing company to get her car out of the ditch.

“They’ll tow it to the dealership in Hickory since it’s the closest.”

She watched as her car was pulled out of the ditch to be loaded on the tow truck. She was amazed at the amount of damage to her car. The entire right side of the car was smashed in from front to back. All the windows were broken. She was very lucky she wasn’t hurt more seriously and was glad she didn’t have a passenger in the car. They could have been killed. She quickly snapped a few photos of her car for further evidence if needed for the insurance company.

Now all she needed was a way to get home.

“I’ll tell you what,” Dave said. “How about a trade? I’ll take you the rest of the way to Hickoryville as long as you give me the directions to my parents’ house.”

Tory agreed, “Sounds like a plan.” She grinned at him while her head began to throb. She just wanted to get to her mother’s house to lie down. Dave seemed like a nice guy, really cute and all, and his parents lived in Hickoryville, too.

After Dave opened the trunk of Tory’s car amid more breaking glass and a loud creaking, he began transferring her luggage and other belongings to his SUV while she talked to Chief Carr.

“Thanks, Michael, er, Chief. Is it okay if I call you Michael?”

“Of course, Victoria. We’ve been good friends for way too long for it to be any other way.”

“I appreciate your help, Michael.” Michael nodded in agreement, tipped his hat, and went to his cruiser parked a short distance away.

She had things to do, important things, and not having her own car to drive wasn’t going to stop her.

As Tory and Dave made their way to her car to get the rest of the luggage, he offered, “Tonight you get a good night’s sleep, and I’ll take you to get your rental car tomorrow if that’s all right with you.”

Before Tory got into Dave’s car she looked at her car hooked up to the tow truck. She remembered the jewelry box in the glove box. She said, “Oh no. There’s something in the glove box of my car I have to have.” She started toward her car when Dave touched her arm.

“I’ll get it for you. What is it?” Dave offered.

“It’s a small white jewelry box,” she said to Dave as she waved good-bye to Michael, as he drove off.

Dave returned quickly, handed her the box, and helped her into the car. She shoved the box into her purse and said, “Thank you, Dave, for everything.”

“No problem. Now I know for sure I’ll find my way into town.” He grinned at her.

“Were you lost?”

“I’ve been all over these mountains looking for a good road in and out of Hickoryville.”

“Now you’ll know the best way.” She smiled back but halfheartedly, while she picked up her cell phone and called her mother.

“Hi, Mom, just wanted to let you know I’ll be a little later than planned. I had a mishap on the road and got pushed off into a ditch.”

“Are you okay, dear?”

“Yes, I’m fine. Just a little scratch on my forehead, and you know how head cuts bleed, so I have some blood on my blouse.”

“When do you think you’ll be here?”

“Probably within thirty minutes or so. I got a ride from someone who stopped behind me so I’ll be there soon, Mom. Don’t worry. See you then. Bye, Mom.”

“My poor baby. Bye, hon.”

Tory was anxious to get back on the road and make the short drive there. Her head began to really pound as they started out on their way to Hickoryville. Her hands trembled and her heart felt hollow. She wondered if it was an accident or if someone did this to her on purpose. Who would do this to her? Why?

She studied Dave’s silhouette as he managed to maneuver his car through the winding roads. She felt safe with him but also wary. Could he be in cahoots with the person who ran her off the road?

* * * *

On the drive to Hickoryville, Dave, suspicious by nature, interrupted Tory’s thoughts. “Do you have any enemies or know of anyone who would want to hurt you? Keep you out of town?”

“I haven’t been home in two years, and I can’t think of a soul who’d want to hurt me. No one except my family knows I’m coming.” She once again rubbed the back of her neck.

“I know how it is in a small town. Everybody knows everyone and everything about everybody.”

“You’re right about that.” She sighed. Yeah, they sure do. What will he think of me when he finds out I’m known as the runaway bride?

“I know how to do a great neck rub, if you’d like. It really relieves the tension.”

“I’m fine. Just a little shook up.”

“Where are you going in Hickoryville?”

“To my mother’s house on the edge of town. My mom turned the house into the Mountain View Bed and Breakfast, and my room and a bathroom are the last rooms to be converted. So I got my own place for six months, but unfortunately it isn’t quite ready yet.”

“I’ll take you home to your mother’s and make sure you’re okay. Then you can give me the final directions to my parents’ home.”

“I’ll write them down so you’ll be able to follow them better,” Tory answered, her head thumping with every beat of her heart. She was eager to get home and lie down. Away from any questions from anyone.

Tory dug in her purse for a piece of paper, and when she found one she quickly wrote down the directions from her mother’s house to Dave’s parents’ house.

“Thank you again, Dave, for rescuing me. I sincerely appreciate it. I don’t know what I would have done without your help. I owe you one.”

“Always glad to help a beautiful woman in distress,” Dave replied as Tory, not sure how to reply, continued to look out the window the rest of the drive home. The roadside vistas definitely looked like spring or early summer, green and blooming.

Tory and Dave made the final turn onto the street of her childhood home just as the sun set, casting its colorful hues on the mountains. The sight always took her breath away.

Tory thought about her reasons for coming here, about facing Matt one last time.

There was no way she could be prepared to deal with Matt. But she knew what she had to do and the task would not be easy.

Chapter 3

When Tory and Dave pulled into her mother’s driveway, Tory saw her mother, Anne Richards, standing at the front door nervously wringing her hands. The moment Tory stepped out of the vehicle, Tory’s mother ran toward her daughter’s open arms.

“I’m fine, Mom. Really. It’s just a little cut. Really, I’m fine. This is Dave Miller. He stopped to help me, wasn’t that nice of him?”

“Thank you.” She turned to Tory. “How is your car?”

“It had to be towed. Dave, this is my mother, Anne Richards,” Tory said in an attempt to make introductions.

“Ma’am,” Dave said as he put the last of the luggage on the front porch. “Tory, call me sometime tomorrow or I’ll call you and we’ll work out picking up the rental car.” He started to walk back to his vehicle.

“Dave, thank you so much for helping me out and giving me a ride home. I don’t know how to repay you for your generosity.” She joined Dave as they walked toward his truck.

Dave turned to Anne and said, “Bye, Mrs. Richards, nice meeting you.” He opened the truck door and got in, put the window down, and waved good-bye to Tory with a “talk to you tomorrow.”

Tory joined arms with her mother as they walked toward the house, her luggage waiting on the porch.

“Let’s soak that blouse.”

Tory looked at her mother standing tall and willowy, with soft green eyes and long dark hair beginning to show a little gray at the sides. She gave her a hug. Then she looked around at the tall pines, oaks, and maple trees spread across the front yard and especially the beautiful blooming pink and white azaleas along the front of the large porch. “Okay, but let’s have a cup of tea on the front porch so I can admire the sunset and the flowers. They’re so pretty, Mom. I’ll have to take some pictures.”

“Let’s get your things inside and get you settled.” They walked across the porch toward the wooden front door with a large oval of etched glass in the middle.

Tory had always loved the etched glass front door. To her it communicated security, safety, and love. When returning home after school, she loved to walk up to the door. She knew she would be safe behind it and not only from all the storms inflicted by Mother Nature but from all kinds of storms to weather in the future. This house, behind the door, had become her safe place, her haven.

Her parents built the house a short time after her older sister Sue had been born. Her father had always maintained it relatively well, but now the yard and the blooming azaleas looked better than ever.

Tory carried her bags through the front door, put them down on the stone foyer floor, and took a good look around.

“Wow, Mom, the hardwood floors look beautiful, sanded and sealed again.”

“Thanks. It’s merely part of the process of converting this large house into a B&B.”

To the right stood the grand open stair case leading upstairs to an open loft overlooking the great room and dining room. All the furniture remained in place as it had always been.

“Mom, remember the Christmas tree we always put along the side of the open stairs, and Sue and I would take turns putting the star on top of the tree?”

Tory’s eyes quickly filled with tears as she was inundated with a rush of memories. She remembered her father lifting her up in his strong arms to put the star on top of the Christmas tree when she was younger. How he taught her how to pop corn on an open fire in the stone fireplace while he told the story about building the fireplace by hand from the stones and rocks collected from the land while building the house.

The glass sliding doors in the large formal dining room opened onto a sunroom where many hot summer evenings were spent watching the glorious shades of the setting sun through the tall, regal, stately trees.

When her parents were younger and healthier, the living area was put to use entertaining, which both her parents enjoyed immensely. But the huge house seemed small sitting on all the acreage her parents owned.

The phone rang. Her mother hurried to the other side of the large granite-topped island situated in the middle of the large country kitchen.

“Hello?” Her mother looked at Tory and mouthed the words, “It’s Sue.”

Tory’s sister Sue lived on a nearby horse ranch with her attorney husband, Brandon. Her mother hung up the phone and turned to Tory.

“Sue wondered if you made it yet. She’s been worried about you. She’ll stop by in a few minutes.” She ran her hand through Tory’s soft brown hair.

“I’ve missed her.”

* * * *

Tory’s room, one of four large bedrooms upstairs, hadn’t changed since she left for college years ago. It still had the pink floral wallpaper, white-on-white dotted curtains at the two large windows, and pink and purple throw pillows on the window seat. The white-painted woodwork matched the bed, dresser, and night tables. The double doors leading into the walk-in closet still contained some of her clothes left over from high school.

Her unworn wedding dress and honeymoon suitcase had been removed from her room probably by her mother. She needed to thank her mom for doing that. Memories of choosing her dress with the help of her mother and sister flooded her.

She sat on the bed, slumped over, her arms resting on her knees, her head held in her hands. She still couldn’t believe the disaster her bachelorette party had become.

She had packed up her things, loaded them into her car, and headed back to Myrtle Beach.

Enough, enough! I’m back now. I can do this.

She put her bags on the bed and began to unpack. She threw some things into the dresser drawers and hung the rest in the closet. She changed her blouse and put her bloody one to soak in the adjoining bathroom sink. She had just put her suitcase in the walk-in closet when she heard her sister holler from the front door.

“Hey, Tory. Where are you?”

Chapter 4

Sue’s steps on the stairs and her boisterous voice meant a great big bear hug was to come. One that was long-lasting and much-needed for both of them. Tory looked Sue over as they stood in front of the closet mirror.

Sue never changed. She was so much like their mother, full of energy and effervescence with green eyes and long, light brown hair she usually pulled back into some kind of concoction at the crown of her head.

The opposite of Sue, Tory had a petite build and well-proportioned body shape, vibrant green eyes, and dark auburn hair cut short and feathery, close to her face. Sue had always been envious of Tory’s shapely physique and made sure everyone knew it, much to Tory’s embarrassment.

“Oh, how’s your head? Mom told me what happened.”

“It’s not as bad as it looks.”

“Oh, Tory, I have tons of things to do together, things we haven’t done in years,” Sue exclaimed with excitement and another big hug.

“Remember, this is only a trial period for a few months. We agreed before I made the decision to come back here,” Tory said, waiting until they were eye to eye with each other. “If things are all cleared up, I can return to Myrtle Beach, and you’ll stop harping at me.”

“Of course, but you’re home now. You just don’t know it yet. Come on downstairs.” Sue grabbed her sister’s hand and together they hurried down the hall.

“Oh, I almost forgot. I have a portfolio of some of our best family photos. I included some pictures of Dad, so we’ll always have him in our memories, too.”

“When are you going to get some of your pictures published and sold, Tory?” Sue asked while looking through the pictures. “They’re wonderful. You need to have a gallery or a showing or whatever it is they call it.”

Tory thanked them for the accolades while drinking her tea, and Sue left soon after so Tory could get settled in.

* * * *

After Sue left, Tory and her mother had a comfortable, quiet evening catching up, talking about work, friends, and how much they all missed her father. Had it been only eight months since his funeral?

“Mom, are you sure you didn’t make too many changes too fast with turning this house into a Bed and Breakfast?”

“Life is full of change, dear. We never know what’s going to happen next, but we have to be ready to accept them and move on.”

Tory squeezed her mother’s hand gently, and her mother continued.

“Sometimes I wish I could have back that time with your father. There are things I never got to say to him or do with him. I need his reminders around, so I don’t forget what he looked like, how much he meant to all of us.” Her mother stood, leaned over, and kissed her daughter good night. “I’m going to bed now. Good night, Tory. I’m so glad you’re here.”

Tory watched her mother take a slow walk to the large bedroom and bath downstairs they had added on after her father suffered his first heart attack years ago because he couldn’t handle the stairs.

After making another cup of hot tea, Tory returned to the family room. She settled into her dad’s favorite chair and looked around. His pipe rack sat on the end table beside his chair, the scent of cherry tobacco he always smoked permeating her senses. His wedding picture and a family portrait of all four of them were all part of the décor and natural charm.

She slowly got up from the comfortable chair and walked to the mantel. She picked up the picture she had taken of him on her graduation day from college. He was so happy and proud of his “baby girl.” A tear trickled down her cheek, and she wiped it away. She had to be strong, hard as it may be without her father.

Her tea finished, she put the cup in the kitchen sink and walked back through the family room and up the stairs to her room. She changed into a nightgown and got into bed. As she lay there listening to the quiet nighttime sounds, she made plans. She planned a timetable of things she needed to do in the next few months in order for her to get back to her job at the beach.

She needed to make sure all the necessary bills, taxes, and insurance on the house and property were in order. And she needed to be able to get over Matt breaking her heart two years ago, so she could get on with her life, too. How hard could it be?

Chapter 5

Tory, refreshed from her shower, dressed casually in light colored slacks, a button-front shirt, and a light jacket. She kissed her mom good-bye, grabbed her camera, and went out the door. She backed her mother’s car out of the driveway and started down the steep and winding road into the small town of Hickoryville nearby, population approximately fifteen thousand on a good day.

She looked at the surrounding green and lush, kudsu-covered landscape along the way, noticing two new housing developments, actually gated communities, in different stages of construction just outside of town. It’s a good thing Mom and Dad bought the extra acreage when they built their house or they would be crowded with neighbors.

Tory parked the car in front of the small one-teller bank building and went inside. There was one other customer ahead of her, so she waited patiently in line. The tall, well-toned woman with long, dark hair was talking to the teller.

“The bank must have made a mistake. I know there had to be more than enough money in our account, so the bank must have taken it out without my knowledge.”

Tory stepped back farther, not wanting to eavesdrop anymore than she already had, but the size of the bank made privacy difficult.

“This is the bank’s fault, and it’s going to pay, believe me, it’ll pay all right.”

The customer became louder and more belligerent, drawing the attention of the other two employees in the bank before she finally said to the teller in a huff, “I’ll have to take my business elsewhere then, and believe me, this bank will lose a lot of business.”

She marched out of the bank, her eyes furrowed, her nose in the air, her lips closed tight.

Tory walked slowly up to the teller.

“I’m really sorry about that, ma’am. Mrs. Wilson is a little out of sorts today, I’m afraid. How can I help you?”

Mrs. Wilson! Could she be Matt’s wife?

Tory looked at the teller and then at her name displayed on the counter in front of her. Angie Young. She looked so familiar to her, but she didn’t recognize the name and couldn’t place where she’d seen her before.

“I’d like to open an account, please.” Tory took her wallet and checkbook out of her purse.

Angie, the teller, looked at her oddly as if studying her for a portrait, and then she asked, “Of course, can I see a photo identification, please?”

Tory handed her driver’s license over to the teller and jumped when all of a sudden Angie reached across the narrow counter and hugged her neck.

“I can’t believe it’s you after all this time. You haven’t changed at all. You look great.”

Overwhelmed and dumbfounded, Tory wished for the life of her she could remember where she had seen Angie before.

“You don’t remember me, do you? I’m Angie Vickerson from high school, remember?”

“Angie, oh my god, I had no idea. It’s been what, six or eight years since we’ve seen each other? I’m so sorry I didn’t recognize you,” Tory exclaimed a little breathlessly.

“That’s okay. It happens, people change, get married, have children,” Angie said with great excitement, as she patted her gained baby weight in her abdomen region.

“Wow, children! You must be so happy. Who did you marry again?” Tory asked, sincerely glad to finally recognize her high school classmate.

Angie looked behind Tory for any other customers in need of service and seeing none came back to Tory. “You remember Jerry Young, right?”

Tory nodded.

“We married right after graduation.” Angie lowered her voice. “Jerry works construction for your ex-fiancé, Matt Wilson. When there’s any work, of course.”

“Matt’s married and owns a construction company? It’s hard to imagine.” Tory felt a red flush rising on her chest and face and hoped Angie couldn’t see the surprise on her face.

“You just saw his wife, or soon to be ex-wife, rumor has it anyway. She just left the bank with her panties in a wad. I heard they’re going through a bad time,” Angie said, shaking her head. “I always feel so bad for the children, even though they only have one little girl.”

“How old is their daughter?” Tory asked, her heart thumping loudly in her ears.

“She’s about two or three years old and the cutest little thing you ever did see,” Angie answered as she handed Tory back her license.

Tory ran her fingers through her hair, stood up straighter, and pulled her light jacket down in the back. Anything to busy her hands and mind to keep from panicking. Just to talk about Matt made her uneasy, her palms sweaty. Finding out he had a woman pregnant before he would have married her took her breath away. Her throat constricted, and sweat beaded down her spine.

“He owns Wilson Construction, and he did real well for himself moneywise until he got some competition. When his parents passed away, they gave him all their land, and he started building houses and developed all the area he could get his hands on. Now he’s hurting to keep business. Yes, he made a ton of money, but between his women, fast cars, electronic toys, and his wife’s elaborate lifestyle they ran out of money. Now he and Braedden Properties, who’s the other developer and his main competition, have a war going on between them. And Matt’s really hurting for money in a bad way.”

Tory rubbed her arms up and down with her hands as if she had a chill. She ran her hand across the bandage on her forehead, then ran both hands through her short hair, checked her nails. She looked behind her. She saw no one although she felt as if someone was watching her. No one. No one around to get her out of this jam she found herself in.

Angie surprised her by asking, “But what about you, Tory, married and kids?”

Startled by her question, Tory stuttered, “I’m single.”

“Oh, divorced? I’m so sorry.” Angie shook her head.

“I never married,” Tory clarified. Her palms were really sweating now. Sweat trickled down her back. Beads of perspiration appeared on her upper lip and forehead.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I just assumed someone as attractive as you would have settled down by now.” Angie studied the pen she held in her hands.

“What about you, Angie? How many kids do you and Jerry have?”

“Three. Two boys and a girl,” Angie said as Tory handed her a check to open the account.

Tory hung her head. She opened and closed her wallet, put her checkbook away. She did anything she could think of to keep her hands busy and her eyes down, so she wouldn’t have to face Angie, afraid she would read the anguish on her face.

Tory signed the signature card Angie passed to her and handed it back.

“What happened to your head?”

“I had a little fender bender on my way into town.”

“Really?” Angie exclaimed as she looked out the window at the retreating black car of Paige Wilson.

“Well, your account is completely set up. Have you moved back home permanently?”

“I’m not sure how long I’ll be here. I need to take care of some matters with my mother and see how things go.” Tory was getting a little tired of all the questions. Anxious to leave, she picked up her purse.

“Maybe we can get together for a girls’ night out. As you can imagine, I need one every now and then for sure, just to get away from the kids.” Angie patted Tory’s arm and winked at her.

“Sure, that would be great. Give me a call.” She waved good-bye.

As she turned she ran into what felt like a brick wall dressed in a light-weight dark turtleneck and blue jeans that fit his physique perfectly. When she glanced up, she was relieved to see Dave’s smiling face. He was so handsome. She jumped back quickly. Her heart started beating out of control, her breath quick and fast. Her eyes met his and she was mesmerized, unable to speak. Emotions, fulfilling her every sexual fantasy, spread throughout her body. Her nipples became hard and protruded through her light shirt. She pulled her jacket across her chest.

“Well, hi there, beautiful. How’s your head?”

“I’m feeling much better, just a slight headache, thanks for asking. I see we both had the same idea this morning.” Tory played with the handle of her purse, casually looking back at Angie.

“I guess so. But while we’re here let’s go get a cup of coffee somewhere and work out the rental car pick up arrangements?” Dave smoothed the collar of his jacket down around his neck.

“It sounds like a great idea, but I have some other errands to run.” She fiddled with her purse, moving it from one shoulder to another.

“It won’t take long, I promise.” He looked at his watch.

“Okay, where did you have in mind to go for coffee?”

“Oh, Tory,” Angie, the bank teller, interjected, “sorry for eavesdropping, but Lana’s Coffee House two doors down brews a good cup of coffee.”

Dave and Tory both looked at Angie and then at each other.

“Thank you, Angie.” Tory waved to her as they left the bank.

“Let’s meet in an hour at Lana’s. That should give us both enough time to take care of business,” Dave said as they walked to her car, his hand on the middle of her back.

“Sure, sounds perfect.”

Chapter 6

Dave was already at the coffee shop when Tory arrived, and he waved her to her seat. The shop was a no-frills place that reminded Dave of the diners of the fifties. “Hi, once again,” Dave said as he helped her off with her jacket and hung it up on the hook at the end of the booth beside his.

“Thank you, Dave. I need coffee.” Tory sat in the booth across from Dave.

“I already ordered it. Did you hear anything about your car?”

“No, I’m using my mom’s car now. I need to call the dealership and get all that information.” She waited for the waitress to set down two steaming cups of java.

He took a sip of his coffee, raised the cup, and said, “Not too bad, actually, in my opinion. And I’ve had some really bad coffee in the past, too.”

“With everything happening yesterday, Dave, I don’t remember much about you.” Except how handsome you are and how good you smell. “Where did you say you were from?”

“I’m from a small town outside Suffolk, Virginia called Stoney Creek. What about you?”

“Right here, in Hickoryville, born and raised. Left for college and never came back except, well, let’s just say I never came back, until now anyway and, it’s only temporary.”

“Oh, okay.”

“What do you do for a living?”

“I come from a long line of Law Enforcement Officers. I followed in my dad’s footsteps and was a cop on the Suffolk Force for a number of years. Then I was promoted to a detective and soon after that I was assigned to the human trafficking task force. I’m taking a break right now and visiting my parents here in Hickoryville. It’s been a rough couple of years for me, and I needed a change of scene.”

“Wow, I’m impressed. Not sure what that is or what you do specifically, but it sounds important.”

“What about you, Victoria?”

“Please call me Tory, everyone else does.”

“Okay, Tory. What do you do, and where do you do it?”

“I’m a Property Manager for a number of condo complexes in Myrtle Beach. Just here for a visit with my family.”

“Doesn’t your husband worry about you traveling alone?”

“I don’t have a husband, never have had one. I take care of myself just fine.” Becoming defensive, she balled her fists, and her hair bristled on the back of her neck.

“Ouch, I’m sorry, didn’t mean to touch a hot button. You’re lucky, marriage isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. I was married once, went through a messy, almost unending divorce settlement, and finally ended up losing my shirt anyway. Good thing we never had any kids. They’d be in therapy for life.” He chuckled.

It’s a good thing Matt and I never got married or had children. We’d all be in therapy for life.

Tory remembered thinking about what their children would look like. One boy that looked like him and one girl that looked like her—the four of them would have such a happy, perfect life. They would live in a big house with a white picket fence and a dog running around the yard. Have garden parties and sleep together after a hot, sexy romp every night for the rest of their lives.

Dave asked, “Why hasn’t someone like you ever married?”

“What?” Tory, stunned back to reality, stared into his dark blue eyes. She thought about looking in those eyes while having sex and watching them change colors as his passion heightened. Her nipples hardened and she crossed her arms in front of her chest. Her heart lurched in her chest and pounded in her ears. Her breathing quickened, making her out of breath.

“Never married?” he asked quietly.

“I, I never found the right man I guess,” she answered, as she played with a ring on her right hand.

She settled her hands in her lap to keep them still.

“I’d think an attractive, sensuous woman like you would be fighting off men.”

“My heart was broken about two years ago. I delved into my work and it became my life. What about you? Why aren’t you married?”

“I was married for a couple of years. It didn’t last long, didn’t work out, and as I said we divorced,” he said, taking a slurp of his coffee.

“Why didn’t it work out?” Tory asked as she fidgeted in her seat, and twisted her napkin in her nervous hands.

“Well, from the very beginning she knew my job came first. I had to leave sometimes within minutes of a phone call. It was like I went to bed with Dr. Jekyll and woke up with Mr. Hyde. She wasn’t the right person for me, and we drifted apart.

“And here’s the kicker. She wanted me to give my house to her. The very house my brother and I grew up in.” He spread his fingers over his chest. “My parents gave it to me when they moved to Hickoryville shortly after my brother Dan died in Iraq. To make a long, messy divorce story short, I finally got to keep the house, but only if I took on all her debt too. So for a few years I lived on a tight budget, went without the newest car, drank a few less beers with the guys.” He sat back in his chair and folded his arms over his chest.

“I agree with you entirely. I would only marry someone I could trust explicitly.” She managed to form the words and get them out, hating to be reminded of Matt’s infidelities. She sat still.

“Trust is number one in my book, too,” Dave said, putting his hands on the table and moving closer to her for a more intimate conversation. “Sounds like you learned about trust the hard way.” He folded his napkin and his hands together in front of him on the table.

She sighed deeply, tried to relax, and took a sip of her coffee. “I suppose I’m lucky. I found out my fiancé was a cheater the night before we were supposed to get married.”

“Ouch,” Dave said as he looked at his watch and sighed. “I’ve got to be somewhere shortly.” He jotted numbers on a small slip of paper. “If you need anything, anything at all, just call me either on my cell or at my parents’ house. Okay?” He handed her the paper.

“And I’m staying at my mother’s, so let me give you my number as well.” She scribbled two phone numbers on her napkin. “If you need any directions, call me.” She laughed as she slid a piece of paper across the table to him.

“How about dinner tomorrow night, Tory? Do you have any plans?”

“Not sure,” she said, drinking the last of the coffee and putting the empty cup down on the table. “I haven’t spent much time with my mother or my sister, and I’m sure they have some things planned for us to do, but I’m not sure of when or what. But I’ll let you know.” He stood to leave. “And, Dave, thanks again for your help yesterday. I appreciate it more than you know.”

* * * *

With a smile and a wave he left her sitting in the booth at Lana’s Coffee House alone with time to think. What was it about him she found so appealing? He certainly brought out the best in her because she had the feeling she’d do anything for him. Also, he’s so attractive, so handsome. His sparkling blue eyes seemed to bore right through her, dark hair long enough to touch his shirt collar, and his strong jaw all gave her a sense of safety, especially if she were on his side of the law. If on the wrong side of the law, she felt he would be able to get any answer out of anyone. Having just met him, she was already imagining a long-term relationship with him. Definitely trouble.

The hair on the back of her neck bristled and she rubbed it with her hand. She thought she felt someone watching her but didn’t recognize any of the other patrons in the shop nor did any one person draw her attention. She quickly gathered up her purse and jacket and left. That was weird!

Chapter 7

The following morning Tory called the dealership about the repair on her car and the possibility of getting a rental. They estimated her car would be fixed in about two weeks or so. Most of the passenger side needed either heavy bodywork or replacement. There went the deductible.

“I’ll take you to Hickory tomorrow to pick up your loaner,” Sue said eagerly. “I’m looking forward to spending girl time, sister to sister.” Sue winked at Tory.

Tory called Dave to tell him about the loaner car.

“Too bad,” he said. “There goes my excuse for seeing you today.” He chuckled.

“How about another time?” she asked him.

“Sure, I’ll call you in a day or two, and we can set something up. Bye for now.”

“Bye.”

After enjoying her mother’s homemade chicken salad sandwiches for lunch, Tory called Trevor Braedden of Braedden Properties to check on the status of her town house rental. Finding out it was finished and ready to move into, the three excited women decided to go get the key so Tory could start to move in her things a little at a time.

They drove to Braedden Properties and entered a small, quite simple white building with minimal curb appeal. Tory gathered from the outside of the building Mr. Braedden put his money into landscaping at his rental properties and not necessarily around his office. Sue and Anne sat down in two of three black leather and chrome chairs while Tory perused the property listings tacked on the walls.

A tall, broad-shouldered, handsome man with dark hair and dark blue eyes entered the building.

“It’s so nice to finally meet you, Mr. Braedden. I’m Sue Mitchell and this is my mother, Anne Richards, and my sister, Tory Richards.” Sue stood and offered her hand to him.

“Hello,” he shook Sue’s hand. “Sorry to disappoint you, but I’m Dave Miller.” His gaze settled on Tory. She stood tall for her short stature, a sincere smile on her face.

Tory felt a jolt shoot through her body as their eyes met and he smiled, reached his hand out to shake her offered one.

“Are you the man who rescued Tory after her accident?” Anne piped up, offering her hand as well.

“I suppose I am.” Dave turned his attention to Tory. “How are you?”

Tory only had time to nod her head at Dave’s question of her physical welfare before her mother interjected herself into the conversation.

“Dave Miller, I’ve heard that name before. Why, you must be Don and Darlene’s boy. Now I see the resemblance. Your parents have been friends of mine since they first moved here years ago. I’m sure they’re just thrilled you’re finally here for a visit and so happy you’ll be staying for a little while. They’re very proud of you and all the good work you’ve done.”

Dave heard what the older woman said but couldn’t take his eyes away from Tory’s face nor did he release her hand until the door opened again.

“Hello, everyone. I’m Trevor Braedden. Sorry for sneaking in late. My wife Amber usually comes to work with me, but she’s having a difficult pregnancy and isn’t feeling well today.”

“My daughter Tory has experience with rental property management. That’s the kind of work she did in South Carolina after college. Maybe she could help out part-time till your wife is back on her feet?” Anne looked back and forth between Trevor and Tory.

Tory’s eyes widened with surprise and bewilderment. She ran her hand through her short hair and stood up tall. She couldn’t believe what just came out of her mother’s mouth. Always generally friendly to everyone she met, she didn’t expect her mother to open up this much and especially to offer Tory’s services.

“Well, I sure could use you, Tory, for a couple days a week for a few months anyway, if you’re interested. What do you think?”

Tory looked back and forth between her mother and Trevor, trying to think fast and find a way to get out of saying yes. She was on vacation after all. She had to remember this was a small town, not what she was accustomed to with thorough interviews and background checks before hiring even kitchen personnel. She couldn’t think of any reason to say no.

“We can give it a try, but on the condition it would be part-time and short-term. I need to return to South Carolina and my job in the fall. And I’m used to South Carolina lease laws, so I’ll need to be brought up-to-date with the paperwork.”

“I’m glad that’s settled.” Trevor shook her hand to close the deal.

“Mr. Braedden, sorry to interrupt, but I’m Dave Miller,” he offered his hand to exchange a healthy handshake. “I came by to schedule a time to take a look at some short-term condo rental properties. When can we do that?”

“I’m pretty sure Tory will be able to do that in a couple of days once she gets acclimated with the properties. Can you call or come by then, and we’ll get you all taken care of?”

“Sounds good to me. I’ll see you in a couple days then.” Dave grinned at Tory.

Chapter 8

Because Tory’s town house came completely furnished with linens, tableware, and small and large appliances, she was able to move in her personal belongings over the course of a few hours the next day. The two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath home was large with a panoramic mountain view from each of the wide windows which were open now. The cool, fresh scent of pine and springtime air wafted in helping her easily envision herself staying for a long time to come.

Her town house had two levels with a large deck off the living dining room area, a modern, sleek gourmet kitchen, and a half bath on the first level. The master bedroom, with a view of the mountains from a large window, came with a sizeable bath and closet. Another bedroom and bath were also on the second level.

With her personal things plus a few new decorative items she’d splurged on, she felt at home at last. Being on her own was important to her. She’d been on her own since she graduated from high school eight years ago.

She had started working for Trevor Braedden as his assistant yesterday and found it was as exciting as her job in Myrtle Beach with many similarities. She saw herself soon falling into her usual routine. Work during the day, run after work, and then a quiet dinner and bedtime.

As Tory was leaving for work early the next morning, she ran into someone she recognized. Laura Peterson wore wire-rimmed glasses as thick as Coke bottles and her extremely curly dark brown hair was pulled away from her face and was fastened with hair pins. She was wearing the same outfit Tory had seen her wear many days in high school. A brown paisley print pleated skirt with a multi-brown striped blouse. Short and thin, her reputation as the worst dresser in school aggravated her natural shyness. She was bullied and called “mouser” all through school. Tory pitied her.

“Hello, Victoria, nice to see you back in town. Are you here to stay or just visiting?” Laura asked in a soft but screechy voice while adjusting her glasses on her nose.

“I’m visiting for now. How have you been?”

“I’ve been good, still working at the library. You know something, Victoria? You were my only true friend throughout high school and even now. Do you know how many people cross the street to avoid talking to me? You never did stuff like that. You never snubbed me like all the rest. You’ve always been my friend, and I will never forget it.”

“Laura, I’m very flattered. I consider you one of my friends, too.”

“Thank you. Maybe we can get together for a cup of coffee some time and get caught up. Stop by the library and we can make some plans.”

“Okay, Laura. That sounds like fun. I’ll try to get by sometime during my stay here. But wait. I want to take a picture of you. Let’s step out into the sunlight where the light is better.”

As they made their way outside to the bright spring sunlight, Laura said, “Now I’m the one who’s flattered.” She pushed her curly hair away from her face.

“How about standing over by the big oak tree? That way neither of us will be looking into the sun.”

Tory looked at her watch. She was running late and needed to get going. She quickly took a few pictures of Laura and then held out the camera in front of them together and took a couple shots.

“I promise I’ll stop by the library and drop off a copy of our pictures, okay?” She hollered on her way to the car, waving good-bye.

“I’d love that, Tory. Please keep your promise,” Laura yelled after her as Tory drove away.

* * * *

A day or so later Tory and Trevor went to lunch at a small local cafe.

“How did you start your business, Trevor, if you don’t mind my asking?” Tory asked after they had placed their orders for big salads and glasses of sweet tea.

“The traditional, old-fashioned way, with a lot of hard work and a strict budget. Our company is now prospering and growing, just like our family, but that wasn’t always the case. We started our business together from the bottom up.” He answered as their lunch was delivered by the waitress.

“We waited until we had established ourselves in a community where we could live, work, and raise a family before deciding to start a family, not expecting to have any problems. Hopefully, with bed rest, Amber and the baby will be fine. Finally, everything is falling into place.” He took a long drink of sweet tea and “aahed” as he set it down.

“It sounds like everything is coming together for you now, doesn’t it? You’ve planned everything so well. Well, except for Amber’s difficult pregnancy.” Tory shrugged her shoulders and ran her fingers through her hair.

“During our first conversation when I first showed you the town house, you interrupted my musings by asking questions, like ‘Are the appliances new? Do they have warranties?’ You were definitely all business and I decided I liked that trait and was looking forward to working with you, if only for a short period of time. You are already helping me immensely.”

“Thank you, Trevor. I find that I’m even enjoying myself by staying busy. Otherwise, I don’t know what I’d be doing.”

Chapter 9

Two days later Dave came into the office when Tory was out of the office. He spoke with Trevor.

“Hi, Mr. Braedden,” Dave said, holding out his hand.

“Trevor. Please, call me Trevor,” Trevor said as he shook Dave’s outstretched hand.

“Okay, Trevor. I wanted to talk to you about the rentals you have available. I looked at the one-bedroom town house with a loft, but couldn’t make up my mind. Now I want to take another look at it and some others you may have available for a six-month lease.”

“No problem. Just let me talk to Tory first. I think I heard her come back in the office.” He buzzed Tory on the phone and asked her to come in his office.

* * * *

A surprised-to-see-Dave Tory arrived at the doorway. “Tory, would you mind showing Dave some properties? He kind of liked the one bedroom with a loft but wants to look at some others as well. I need to go home and check on Amber. I can drop you both off at the properties and pick you up on the way back, if that’s okay with both of you.

Tory looked at Dave with apprehension. She didn’t want to be alone with him since he brought out emotions in her she wasn’t ready to explore. Her nipples hardened, and her heart thudded in her chest. Surely he can hear it. She was so attracted to him, she wanted to be close to him, to smell his masculine scent, hear his voice—imagining his whispering sweet nothings in her ear as he kissed her neck. She wanted to taste his kisses on her lips, and feel his strong arms around her.

But she didn’t have a choice. It was part of her job.

“Sure, that’s fine with me. I’ve shown lots of properties and would be glad to help,” she heard someone saying in her voice. “What about you, Dave? You okay with that?”

“It’s fine with me. You’ll tell me everything I want to know, right?” Dave said teasingly, with a smile and a wink of his eye.

“Of course!” she exclaimed.

Tory stopped at her desk to grab her bag and always-handy camera, and then led Dave outside to Trevor’s big SUV with Trevor right behind them.

They drove the short distance to the town house complex in silence. Trevor stopped in front of the buildings long enough for Tory and Dave to get out. He quickly handed over keys and rental information to Tory and left with a quick, “I’ll see you in a few.”

Tory snapped a picture of the well-manicured grounds which created attractive curb appeal. She found herself excited to see inside. They made their way into the first unit which was a one bedroom with a loft, a modern kitchen with granite countertops, island, and stainless steel appliances. The deck from the living/dining room overlooked a golf course and included a gas grill. The model unit was expertly furnished, so it was easy for her to point out the positives to Dave.

* * * *

Dave didn’t hear many of her words, so fascinated with the movement of her lips, thinking about how they would feel under his. Moist. Warm. Soft. His shaft became aroused and pressed against the zipper in his pants. He imagined what it would feel like to lay naked with her, throbbing for her, or to feel her nipples pucker and harden at his touch. How she would taste when he kissed her from head to toe. He could smell her soft, feminine scent.

Tory shocked him back to reality when she said his name.

“Well, Dave, what do you think?”

“I think,” he paused then slowly walked closer to her, “I want to kiss you. I’ve been thinking about it ever since we first met.” He reached for her arms at her sides.

“What, oh,” she stuttered as she turned away quickly, a bright pink blush spreading onto her neck and face. She ran her fingers through her hair and fiddled with the buttons on her blouse as she stared out the window at nothing.

“I meant about the space, not me!” She turned around and was in his arms.

Her bright green eyes twinkled as she looked into his, and her lips opened to speak but no words emerged. When he touched her sensitive neck her knees buckled, and she grasped his upper arms to steady herself to keep from falling. Then slowly his lips began touching her neck, and she wrapped one arm around his neck for better support, to draw him closer. He kissed her neck, her ears, and her chest, and then he settled on her lips.

His erection pulsed, throbbing against her abdomen. She wanted to touch him, to taste him. It had been so long since she had been with a man. Her heart raced as she clung to his neck, absorbing his life’s breath from his lips, kissing his neck, running her hands through his hair. She felt his chest hair through his light shirt. She opened the buttons of his shirt, while mindless lust and wanton need consumed her.

* * * *

Dave moved his arms behind her and pulled her against him. Her breasts pressed against his chest as their bodies locked together, nipples to knees. He backed her onto the nearby sofa. The taste of her intoxicated him, along with her sweet scent and her soft touch. He wanted more of her. So much more.

He unbuttoned her blouse. He groaned, a deep guttural sound, as he cupped her breast, an overflowing handful, rubbing his fingers across the little bud. He squeezed her nipple between his fingers, making it hard and erect while he continued to pilfer her soft, hot lips.

He became breathless, his heart raced, as he pushed himself closer to her. His swollen shaft throbbed against her abdomen. She has to know how much I want her. He wanted to feel her legs wrapped around him while he was inside her. He wanted her. He wanted to feel complete.

* * * *

Beep! Beep!! Beep!! Beeeeeeeeepp! Beeeeeeeeeeeeeep!!!

Dave moved away from her, startled, breathless. She looked at his face, confused. What! This is it? You get me all hot and then quit? She reached for his neck to draw him to her, wanting to feel the warmth of his body on hers, to bring his lips back on hers. Her body was on fire everywhere he touched her, and only he could put out the flames. She felt his erection and surged toward it, wanting to feel more of him. She ran her fingers through his hair, and then reached for his chest. His nipples became hard as she rubbed across them, feeling his soft chest hair.

He held up his finger. “Listen!”

Tory lay on the couch, her blouse undone as Dave lay half over her with his shirt unbuttoned, listening intently.

Beep! Beeeeeep! Beeeeeeeeeeep!!!

“A car horn. It must be Trevor back to pick us up.”

“Oh, my god,” Tory said. “I’m so sorry. I’m really not this kind of woman, really.” She hastened to button her blouse and straighten her pants.

“What kind? Sensual, attractive, passionate?”

She shook her head, running her fingers through her hair.

“Yes, you are, Tory,” Dave answered without giving her a chance to respond. “You’re all those things and more, much more. We can talk about them over dinner tonight. Right now, I’ll run down and keep Trevor occupied, so he doesn’t come busting in. You can lock up and come down whenever you’re ready.” He kissed her once more, leaving her breathless.

* * * *

“Yes, of course, I’ll be right down,” she said, but she was talking to the door closing behind him. She shook her head trying to get a grip on what had just happened. What am I doing?

She raced down the short hall to the bathroom. One look in the mirror told her she was in trouble. Her face glowed bright red, and her lips were swollen from being so thoroughly kissed. Her hair looked like something wild ran through it.

She finger combed her hair, trying to make it lay flat. The water wasn’t turned on in the unit yet, so she couldn’t wet her face, not that it would help her very much. She fanned herself with her hands, but not much changed.

Oh well, nothing I can do about it now.

She rushed to the door, pausing to pick up her camera and take a couple of pictures to refer to later. She picked up her purse and the keys on the kitchen counter and headed to the door.

* * * *

Dave stood by the back of the car as traffic flowed by. When it cleared, he strolled to the back door on the far side of the car.

Tory addressed Trevor through the open passenger’s side window. “Did Dave tell you what he thought about the space?”

“He said he found it absolutely irresistible.”

Tory stood and glanced over the roof at Dave, who was grinning. He winked at her. She opened the door to the back as Dave opened the opposite door.

“I can’t thank you enough for showing it to him. We’ll go over the paperwork later and then you can get it signed whenever he makes up his mind.”

“And tonight, you’ll be having dinner with me,” Dave said. “So we can sign the papers, right?”

Tory glanced out her window to compose herself as her face heated. She had to say yes. It was part of her new job after all. “Sure, we can do dinner. What time?”

“How about I pick you up around six o’clock?”

“Six will be fine.”

“I can make a couple of good recommendations for a nice dinner if you want to drive to Hickory,” Trevor said as he maneuvered the Land Rover into a parking spot in front of his office building.

The doors opened. While Dave and Trevor talked about where to eat, Tory walked toward the office door.

* * * *

Nobody noticed the dark car parked nearby that had followed and watched Tory’s every move since she had arrived in town. Nobody heard the ruminations of the occupant waiting inside the car while Dave and Tory dallied inside. And nobody could have imagined the evil plans being formulated in the head of the occupant. Evil plans soon to be put into action!

Chapter 10

Dave parked his car in front of Tory’s town house and checked his watch. Six o’clock. Right on time as usual. He prided himself with his punctuality. He wanted to make a good impression. Eager to see her again, he walked to her door and knocked.

Tory opened the door. She could have been a cover model on a magazine.

“Hello there. You look beautiful,” Dave said somewhat breathlessly. He was in awe.

She smiled. “Thanks. I hope I’m not overdressed.”

“Not at all.” Dave was unable to take his eyes off of her. She looked the next best thing to naked.

“You don’t look so bad yourself. Let me get my jacket and we can go.”

* * * *

She swirled around and left the room, thinking about how she was going to be able to get through dinner with the most attractive man in the place. He was so handsome in black dress slacks, a crew neck, ivory color silk T-shirt, and a sports jacket in a soft tan color. Her whole body trembled after one glance at him.

Tory returned to the foyer carrying a matching short lacey bolero jacket and picked up her bag. He helped her put on the jacket and held the door open for her. She handed him her key, and he locked the door. They walked to his SUV, his hand on her back, guiding her gently. He opened and held the door for her, assisting her into the higher seat.

* * * *

As Dave walked around the car to the other side, he thought about how beautiful she looked and her sweet scent. He remembered how she felt when he kissed her earlier at the town house. He could feel the beginning of an erection tightening and he quickly adjusted himself before he got into the car.

Once settled in the vehicle and on the way to Hickory, Tory asked, “How was the rest of your day today? Have you made a decision on which property you like best?”

“No, I’m torn between the one and two bedroom units. But I need something pretty fast. Mom and Dad’s place is fine for a couple of days, but not for six months. I’m not sure how many more nights my back can take the cruel and unusual punishment of the old pull-out sofa bed, if you know what I mean. So I need a place now or sooner.”

“Let me show you my town house. Maybe you’d like it better. It’s more spacious than the other ones I’ve shown you. It’s a two bedroom, two and a half bath, multi-level unit. I love it. Completely furnished, all you need is your toothbrush.”

“When can I move in?” Dave asked, winking at her. “It’d be kind of a waste of money for both of us to have the same place but separate, don’t you think?”

She felt her face blush, probably her chest as well. “I wasn’t suggesting that you move into my place. You need a place of your own.”

“Oh, I get it now,” he said with a sour-faced grin.

“Tell me about your job,” Tory said to change the subject. “I’ve never heard of a specialized task force.”

“Well, it’s classified, but let’s say that I work with various Law Enforcement Agencies throughout the region.”

“But what exactly do you do?”

“I arrest bad guys who abduct women and children.”

“But how are they abducted?”

“Some are abducted right off the street on their way to their car after a day of shopping, or from a park or playground. You’d be amazed with the stories I could tell. One strong person, man or woman, can easily overpower a small woman or child.

“Others are befriended for a certain period of time. Once they start trusting their ‘new friend’ they’re usually drugged and driven across state lines. All the proof of who they are, their identity, is left behind. One woman we were able to rescue was purposely targeted by an ex-boyfriend to be abducted and sold to a gang boss for a large sum of money. She escaped and ran into my partner, and we eventually arrested the entire gang.”

“No wonder you need to take a breather every now and then. Your work appears very intense.” Tory listened carefully but continued to turn and look behind her through the back window.

Dave finally asked, “Are you looking for someone?”

“No. Have you ever had the feeling you’re being watched?”

“It’s a small town. We’re probably being watched. Let’s plan on a nice, quiet dinner, okay?”

“I’m probably overreacting,” Tory replied as she made one more glance over her shoulder.

Dave pulled up and parked at the restaurant in Hickory that Trevor suggested. He got out of the car and rushed to Tory’s side before she could open the door. He opened her door and helped her out, ushering her into the restaurant, his hand at the small of her back sending shock waves throughout her body.

The restaurant was small with dim lighting, white linens, uniformed waiters and waitresses, the ambiance of romance and intimacy. Candlelight reflected off their wine glasses. The band played a soft melody in the background.

Dave held her chair for her. She sat down, putting her small clutch purse on the table beside her. A waiter handed them menus including a wine list. Dave ordered a bottle of Chardonnay, and they studied their menus until the wine arrived. After Dave agreed to the sample taste, the waiter poured wine in both their glasses and took their order. They sipped their wine while studying each other.

“There’s something about you. I don’t know what it is yet, can’t put my finger on it, but I feel this energy between us,” Dave said with a smile after a sip of wine.

“Tell me about it,” Tory replied.

“I don’t think I have the words. I can’t explain my attraction to you.”

“So what makes you think it’s an attraction? Maybe it’s just friendly companionship that draws you to me.”

“I’ve never been the kind of guy to talk about things like this. I guess you bring out the best in me.”

“Or possibly the worst.” Tory smiled as she swallowed the last of her wine.

After dinner, Dave poured more wine for her. They ordered crème brûlée for dessert, he wiped some whipped cream from her lip with his finger and licked it clean. He imagined the taste of her lips when he kissed her and then began a slow nibble along her ear and down her long neck, settling between her breasts. He wanted to be closer to her than across the table.

“Would you like to dance?” Dave asked. When she said yes and took his hand, he felt her heart racing in her pulse at her wrist. The music was soft and melodic.

* * * *

Tory relished the feel of Dave’s strong arms encompassing her, comforting her. She laid her head on his chest and inhaled the scent of man, spicy woods, and musk. She was lost in erotic fantasies that stirred her to the core. Her arms tingled where they touched his neck as she ran her fingers through his thick hair. Her nipples, pressed against his chest, were hard and erect. Her body throbbed in all the right places, making her more aware of him than before.

She was lost in his arms. All thoughts of signing paperwork fled her mind. When the song ended, she was reluctant to leave the safety of his arms and stood still.

“Would you like to dance again?” Dave ventured once more.

Reality set in with the sound of his voice.

“No, I–I’m tired and it’s been a long day.” She was afraid of getting in too deep, afraid of the feelings she felt for him, and afraid one more dance would make her crumble at his feet.

After paying the bill, they walked in silence to the car with his hand splayed at the middle of her back, burning her where his fingers touched, sending vibrating jolts through her body.

Once inside the vehicle, Dave said, “Why so quiet all of a sudden?”

“Dave, it’s not you, it’s me. It’s my fault. It’s something I haven’t come to terms with and that’s part of my reason for coming here now. It’s only been two years since I left him at the altar. I’m not ready for a relationship with you or with anybody. I have a job to get back to in South Carolina in a few months, too.”

“I’m here for you if you want to talk about it. Just let me know. Let’s spend the rest of the drive home talking about something more pleasant than our screwed-up relationships.”

“I agree. Okay, why don’t you tell me about your parents? Your childhood?” Tory murmured.

“I was born and raised in Stoney Creek, Virginia. My older brother Dan joined the Marines right out of high school. He was the ‘to honor our country’ type and paid for it with his life. After that, Mom and Dad moved here for a fresh start. They didn’t think it would ever be the same in the house without Dan there. They gave me the house, hoping I’d change the feeling of it when I filled it with lots of little grandkids for them to smother and spoil. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. Now I work a lot. And that’s about it. What about you?”

“I was born and raised here in Hickoryville and have one older sister, Sue, who’s married. I went to college right after high school. Two years ago, after my fiasco the night before my wedding at the church, I was dubbed the runaway bride. I got a job in Myrtle Beach and worked a lot to fill the empty hours of the day. When my Dad passed away about eight months ago, I did a one night stay at Mom’s, attended the funeral, and left right after to get back to work.”

“What brings you back now?”

“My sister Sue practically begged me to come home and help her deal with Mom.”

“What’s wrong with your mom? She looked fine to me both times I saw her.”

“We’re concerned Mom opened the B&B too quickly without taking enough time to grieve for Dad properly. She didn’t even talk to Sue or me to get our opinions about it. She just jumped in and did it. She’s always been very open with us about everything.”

“Tory, I think everybody grieves differently. My parents grieved by moving away from family memories. Your mother jumped right in and started something brand new. You have to commend her for that.”

Tory tried to absorb everything Dave said and was so grateful she had someone like him to share and talk things out and listen. She shrugged and folded her hands in her lap.

“Mom’s still a young woman, and I want to help her get her life back and make it the best it can be.”

“I think opening the B&B is a great start for a new life for your mother. Think of all the people she’ll meet and all the experiences she’ll have.”

“You’re right. Thanks for taking the time to listen to me and helping me to get everything into proper perspective.”

* * * *

Dave knew the first time he’d touched her that she was more than a little gun-shy when it came to the opposite sex. He knew the look, the feelings, and the reactions. He’d been burned himself and didn’t date for months. It took a while to trust again, and he wasn’t at that stage yet himself. But there was something about her that made him want to be with her, hear her breathing, her voice, smell her special one-and-only scent, and see her green eyes light up with surprise or darken right before a kiss.

When he and Tory reached her house, Dave parked the car and hurried to open her door. Dave helped her out of the car, keeping hold of her hand. Her face became flushed as he continued to hold her hand loosely as he walked her to the door.

His eyes turned a deeper blue as desire burned in his gaze.

When he placed his hand on the back of her neck, he felt a shock all the way to his toes.

He drew her closer for a soft kiss. Her arms slowly came around his neck as the kiss deepened, their tongues tangling. He loved the taste of her. He continued kissing her mouth, but then moved on to her neck, her ears, and back to her mouth. Breathless, he invaded her mouth once more while his hand rescued a breast and kneaded it. Her nipples puckered up, aroused, hard and erect. He could feel her heart racing in the vein in her neck as she grabbed hold of his upper arms for support. His erection throbbed against her stomach as he reached behind her and opened the front door. He half lifted, half carried her into the house kicking the door closed with his foot. He reached behind her and unzipped her dress while she reached for the front of his shirt and pants, unbuttoning and unzipping. Her dress fell into a puddle at her feet, leaving her standing there with only matching bra and panties on.

“You are so beautiful. I want all of you,” Dave said, his voice quivering.

He removed her bra and they lay beside each other on the couch, their kisses uncontrollable. He ran his fingers along her inner thigh and caressed the soft skin until he reached her soft, satin and lace panties. He pulled them aside and stroked her innermost feminine parts. She writhed in ecstasy, calling his name, as he inserted one finger and then two. Quickly he removed her panties and leaned down to kiss her feminine curls. His mouth went deeper as he licked her more and more, his tongue going deeper and deeper.

“Dave, I want you to take me now, Dave, now.” She reached down and pulled up his head.

He stood and removed his pants and boxers and lay beside her one more time. He took a breast in his mouth, suckling like a baby, and wondered at the response he got. Her nipples were so hard, so erect. He rubbed the nub between his thumb and index finger, making her wiggle even more.

He rose above her and with one quick thrust he was inside her, taking her breath away, as she surrounded his shaft. She surged toward him as he thrust in and out, in and out, over and over again. She screamed in wild abandonment as she met his eyes and watched them turn a very dark blue as he groaned one last time before falling gently to her side.

She still held him in her arms and didn’t want him to leave; she wanted to stay this way all night, making love to him.

They were both quiet as she lay catching her breath while she watched Dave do the same. She knew he would need to leave soon, but for now she wanted to covet whatever of him she could. His arms wrapped around her, enveloping her in his cocoon.

“I wish I could stay the night but, surprisingly enough, my parents might worry about me,” Dave murmured.

“I wish you could stay too, but I understand,” Tory whispered as she reached up and kissed his lips.

* * * *

Later, at the front door and after a long absorbing kiss, they came apart. Tory said, “Good night, Dave. I never new making love could be like this. I had a wonderful time this evening and I hope we can do it again.”

Dave pulled her closer, his fingers of both hands interlocked behind her back. “Oh, we’ll do it again all right. How about tomorrow night?”

“How about I call you tomorrow”—she giggled—“and let you know. I may have to work, and I never know what Mom or Sue might have planned for me.”

“Okay if I call you?”

“Of course. We can’t have you getting lost.” She smiled, opened the door, and waved good night.

Tory closed the door and leaned her back against it, a smile on her face. So that’s what it would be like to make love to someone like Dave. It was the best I’ve ever had.

* * * *

Neither Tory nor Dave saw the dark car sitting across the street waiting for their return.

Chapter 11

The next morning Tory presented the quick business plan for the additional money needs for the Mountain View Bed and Breakfast to the loan officer at the bank.

“You’ll hear from us in a couple of days,” he replied sourly. “I don’t foresee any problems with the loan considering the amount of collateral available.”

As she left the bank, she ran into her biggest, greatest fear of all. Matt Wilson. Both surprise and anxiety hit her as if he had suddenly slapped her face. Her heart jumped into her throat. Her mouth went dry, unable to form words. Her hands trembled. Her knees shook. She was trapped.

“Tory, I didn’t know you were in town. Long time no see! How’re you doing?”

“Hi, Matt, it’s been quite a while, hasn’t it? I’m doing quite well actually. How are you and your family?” Tory wiped her sweaty hands on her pants then stuck her trembling hands in her jacket pockets. Her heart pounded in her chest.

She looked around and behind her, the feeling of someone watching her ever present.

“I’m good. I guess you heard I finally got married and have a baby girl. Paige and I are separated, so you can see how well that worked out or didn’t work out. How about you? Are you married, any kids?” He said rocking back and forth on his feet, hands in his pants’ pockets playing with his loose change.

“No, not married, no kids, great career though.” She smiled at him.

“Why don’t we get together some time? We can go to dinner and then out to lookout point. It’ll be just like old times, okay?” Matt asked with a smirk on his face. He hadn’t changed one bit.

Tory thought for a moment about the torture of sitting across the table from someone who she once thought would be “the love of her life,” knowing it would never amount to anything. Also knowing it was something she had to do. She had to give him his ring back and make sure he understood. There was nothing between them anymore. She had to set the record straight once and for all.

“Dinner sounds fine, one last time for old times’ sake, but we leave out lookout point, okay?”

“Sure, how about tomorrow night? I’ll pick you up around seven if that’s okay with you?”

“No, that doesn’t work for me, I’ve got other plans. How about the next night?” Tory asked.

“Suits me fine. See you at seven the night after tomorrow night then.”

Sweat appeared on her upper lip and trickled down the back of her shirt. She had to wipe it off her upper lip. Her hands shook and her legs were weak as she walked toward her car parked down the street. She opened the car door and got inside. A shiver passed through her body again as if someone was watching her. She looked over her shoulder but saw no one.

* * * *

Dave walked out of the hardware store and recognized Tory’s parked car. He stopped and looked inside and was surprised to see Tory looking extremely upset and scared. He opened the passenger door and got in the car.

“Is everything all right?” Dave asked with concern.

She was unable to talk. She merely nodded, her lips trembling, tears welling up in her eyes as she looked out the window.

* * * *

No one noticed the black car with tinted windows sitting three parked cars behind her, watching and waiting. Waiting for the perfect opportunity to get the ring.

Chapter 12

Early the next morning, Tory unpacked a couple more small boxes left over from the move. She answered the phone and was excited to hear Dave’s voice on the other end.

“Good morning, Tory. How about going for a horseback ride this afternoon?”

“Sounds like a great idea,” Tory answered. “It’s a gorgeous day, and I’d love to get some fresh air. It’s a perfect day for a ride up the mountain. Let me call Sue and make sure it’s okay. Maybe she and Brandon can come along.” She took a swallow of her near-cold coffee.

“That’s not exactly what I had in mind.” He chuckled.

“What did you have in mind?” She giggled.

“Being alone with you sounds ideal to me.”

Tory laughed and rolled her eyes. She liked Dave well enough but didn’t know him as well as she’d like to. He made her innermost feelings come to the foreground, and it scared her.

“I’ll give Sue a call and make sure it’s okay and call you back.”

As soon as she hung up the phone with Dave, she called Sue. After a short conversation with Sue, the ride was on. They would meet at Sue’s around two o’clock that afternoon and the four of them, Sue and Brandon, Dave and Tory would all go together.

* * * *

Tory chose a clean pair of jeans and a long-sleeved T-shirt and changed into them. Even though it was a beautiful spring day, there was still a cool breeze, and she would need the long sleeves. I wonder where I put those old boots I used to wear riding all the time? Dave would be here any minute. She hurriedly dug around in the bottom of her closet, opening and closing all her shoe boxes looking for her boots. Finally the last box she opened she found them. She slid them on, and the worn leather molded around her feet. They were scuffed and dirty, and she grabbed a clean cloth and wiped them off. She had just finished when the doorbell rang.

She answered the door and warmness spread through her body from the sight of Dave. Her stomach quivered, and she had a tingling feeling down deep. He had on a button-front shirt with the top three buttons undone. His chest hair showed, and she wanted to touch it, to feel its softness against her skin again. His shirt was tucked into his just-right hung jeans. Her eyes traveled down his long, muscular legs to his leather riding boots.

“Hello, Dave,” she said breathlessly.

“Hi there. Are you ready to hit the trail?”

“I sure am, just let me get my purse and sunglasses. I can leave my things in your truck while we’re riding, okay?”

“Sure, no problem.”

She grabbed her things and after locking the front door joined him on the front porch.

Dave had already started toward his truck when he turned around and asked, “You comin’?”

“I’ll be right behind you.” And what a behind it was. Her heart quickened and she felt the heat rise in her cheeks as she saw how his jeans fit his backside. His butt was gorgeous, begging to be squeezed. Oh, my God! Did I just think that? What’s the matter with me?

He held the door of the truck open for her and helped her into the higher seat. He got in the truck on the other side, and they were soon on their way to Sue’s.

“I’m sure you’re going to like Sue and Brandon. They were high school sweethearts, and she helped put him through law school. Now he has his own practice and does pretty well for himself,” Tory told Dave.

“How’d they get in the horse ranching business?”

“They both love horses and bought the ranch a few years ago. They intend to make trail rides available to tourists and have trails all over this side of the mountain.”

Tory remembered Sue always telling her she would be happier here in the mountains where she grew up, where she could face her demon and be herself, enjoy life with family instead of work, work, work. Sue had said many times she couldn’t get a clear picture in her head of Tory living at the hot, sandy beach with the ongoing threat of hurricanes every summer.

* * * *

Tory and Dave arrived at Sue’s a few minutes later, and once again Dave assisted Tory out of the truck. Sue and Brandon came out of the barn to greet them. The guys shook hands, and the girls hugged each other.

“It sure is a beautiful day for a ride, Dave. I’m so glad you thought of it. It’s always more fun to ride with a group than alone. Although, Brandon prefers to ride alone early in the morning before dawn, and I’m afraid the horse will stumble into a hole or something,” Sue said as she smiled at her husband with adoration in her eyes.

Miguel, their ranch foreman, had already saddled up the four chosen horses, and they were ready to ride within fifteen minutes. Sue led the way with Brandon following her in single file, then Tory and Dave bringing up the rear.

The cool, fresh wind blew gently through Tory’s hair. The tails and manes of the horses flew freely in the breeze. It had been some time since Tory had ridden, but it came back to her as easily as riding a bike.

Soon the trail began to wind around uphill, and the horses stumbled and scattered small rocks. But none lost their footing. Sue and Brandon had trained them well. Soon they broke out into an open meadow just right for a fast ride.

Tory looked at Dave, eyebrows raised. Dave nodded and the race was on. They took off across the meadow to see who could reach the other side first. Tory looked over her shoulder and found Dave only a few paces behind and sped up.

Sue and Brandon had stopped at the wood line to take a break and remained at the edge of the meadow watching the race unfold before them.

* * * *

Suddenly, Dave heard a shot and saw Tory flying through the air. She landed on the ground and didn’t move.

Dave quickly pulled his horse up and jumped off. He grabbed his snub nose forty-five from his ankle holster and ran crouched to the ground to Tory’s side. He searched the area where he thought the gunshot had come from. Damn! I wish I had my binoculars. He returned his gun to its holster and directed his attention to Tory. When he felt for a pulse in her neck and found a strong one, he was relieved. He exhaled a deep breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding.

With squinted eyes, he searched again for a sign of movement or a reflection of any kind in the direction from which the shot had come. When he didn’t see anything out of the ordinary, he waved to Sue and Brandon across the meadow as he reached for his cell phone and dialed 911.

Tory coughed. Dave turned to her while waiting on the line. When the call dropped for the second time, he threw his phone on the ground and muttered to himself, “damn thing.” Then he gave Tory all his attention. He patted her cheeks and talked to her.

“Tory, can you hear me? It’s Dave. Remember me? Tory, can you hear me?”

Tory turned her head from one side to the other while Dave ran his hands along her arms and legs feeling for anything broken.

“Dave, I’m okay, I think.”

Dave moved within view and looked at her face, and she was smiling, her eyes wide open.

“Can you tell me how many fingers I’m holding up?” He held up two fingers in front of her.

“Two. Listen, I just fell off my horse. I’ve done it lots of times before. Just gotta get back on, that’s all.” She sighed.

Dave laughed. “I think it was a little more than that, sweetheart. Someone shot at you, spooked your horse and you went sailing off. Do you remember anything?”

Tory rubbed the back of her head. “Ouch, no wonder my head hurts. I have a big bump on it.”

Dave reached behind her head to feel the lump and brought his hand away with blood on it. “I think you’ll need to see the doctor and maybe get a few stitches, Tory. Do you hurt anywhere else? Can you move your arms and legs?”

She raised her hand, rubbed his cheek and gazed into his concerned eyes. “I’m fine, really. I just have a little bump on my head. Stop worrying, okay?”

“Do you remember anything that happened before you fell?”

“Uh, I don’t know. I heard something near my ear like a big whistle, but that’s all,” she said as she sat up.

“That ‘big whistle,’ as you call it, was a bullet meant for you, me, or one of the horses. Who do you think would try anything like this?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t been in town long enough to make any enemies or cause any trouble,” she said with a grin. “Give me time though, and I’ll probably have a few.”

* * * *

Sue and Brandon both heard the gunshot coming from the left, and Sue started to cross the meadow when Brandon stopped her.

“Whoever’s shooting may still be out there and able to shoot at us. We’ll head back to the barn and change out the horses for the truck and come back. Tory may need our help and a ride to the hospital. We need to call the police, too.” He flipped open his phone, punched in 911, and explained the situation. Chief Carr was on his way.

Without wasting time and at a much faster pace, they turned the horses around and headed to the barn. The return trip was always shorter since the horses were anxious to get back to their stalls.

“Miguel, would you brush down the horses and put them away? Also, be on the lookout for anyone suspicious that may have been on our property. Someone shot at Tory. If you find anyone, you’ll need to detain them until Chief Carr can get back to the ranch. I’ll have the radio with me at all times if anything comes up. Also, better keep your pistol nearby.”

“Si, senor.”

Sue ran to the house for the first-aid kit, and when she returned, she and Brandon jumped into their beat-up pickup truck with rifles on the back window and headed to the meadow, taking the dirt road along the main highway. They kept their eyes peeled for anyone coming onto or leaving their property.

* * * *

Brandon and Sue arrived within minutes in their pickup truck and pulled in beside Dave and Tory, who was now standing, wobbly, but standing. After Dave explained to them what had happened and that he’d already attempted to call the police, Brandon filled him in on his 911 call and told him the police were already on the way.

Sue opened up the first-aid kit and held a clean bandage to the back of Tory’s head.

“Where exactly do you think the shot came from, Dave?” Brandon asked.

“I think it came from over there,” he pointed to the woods to the east from where he thought he heard the sound coming from, “but I can’t be sure because of the echoing mountains.”

“That’s what I thought, too. Since our land is posted, we can press charges for trespassing if nothing else. That’s assuming we catch the shooter.”

They didn’t have long to wait for Chief Carr to arrive.

“Howdy, boys. What kind of trouble do we have here now?”

Dave explained what happened with a few interjections from Tory. The three men searched for a bullet or fragment of one that had been meant for Tory, but their search was futile.

They went to the approximate site of the shooting. Dave got down on his haunches once they reached a clearing and ran his hand around the stomped or smoothed down tall grasses. He checked for heat but found none. He ran his hands through the tall grasses looking for and hoping to find a shell casing but came up empty-handed. There was no evidence left behind if indeed this was the place the shooter stood within to make the shot. The flattened grasses could have been made by a deer or some other animal bedded down for the night.

“Pretty clean shot from here though,” Chief Carr said as they looked to where the pickup sat with Tory and Sue. “You and Tory were really lucky the shooter wasn’t a very good marksman or markswoman.”

“What makes you think it could be a woman?” Dave asked.

“A lot of women around here hunt with guns and bow and arrows. So it stands to reason it could be either,” Brandon answered.

“You’re right about that Brandon. If we could only find some evidence that would point us in some direction. I really feel Tory’s in danger and being threatened by someone. She’s been run off the road, and now she’s been shot at. I hate to think who may be doing this to her and what they might have planned for her next. And why choose her? Why pick on her? She hasn’t been in town long enough to cause any trouble. I can’t imagine what kind of message they’re trying to send.”

“Who has the most to lose by you being in town, Victoria?” Chief Carr asked.

“No one, I can’t think of a soul I’d be hurting by being here.”

Brandon stood looking across the meadow, rubbing his chin. “Maybe they just want her out of town for some reason. We’ll have to think about this and see if we can come up with something the two incidents have in common and see where it takes us. To me, family comes first, and nobody’s going to get away with hurting one of mine.”

“Now, you boys, don’t go taking the law into your own hands. I’m all for protecting Victoria but abiding by the law at the same time,” Chief Carr said as he made his way back to where he had parked his car. “We’ll be working on this from a lawful angle, and we’ll find the culprit.”

* * * *

Sue checked Tory’s injury herself and decided she didn’t need stitches after all. “Tory, I think you’ll live to ride another day. I’ve got you all cleaned up and bandaged for now. All you can do is apply an ice pack to take down some of the swelling and ease the pain.”

Tory took the ice bag and winced when she placed it on the back of her head.

Because they weren’t exactly sure of the whereabouts of the unknown assailant, they took extra precautions.

“Who’s riding with whom here?” Dave asked.

“Tory and I will take the pickup back to the barn,” Sue said, “and you fellas can take the horses, okay?”

“I’m going to get back to the office and see if anything has come in about snipers in the area,” Chief Carr said as he got in his car and started across the meadow.

Tory waved out the window as Dave and Brandon mounted their horses and headed back to the barn.

* * * *

Missed, damn it. How could that have happened? Especially after almost 75 hours of target practice. There was a clear shot, a wide-open shot. The perfect opportunity, the perfect alibi, perfect wide-open space. Maybe it’s time to implement plan B.

Chapter 13

After returning home, Sue parked the truck beside the barn, got out of the truck, and helped Tory get out of the high vehicle.

“I have some beef stew in the crock pot. How about you and Dave stay for dinner? Then I won’t have to worry about you sitting at home alone with a huge headache.”

“Dinner sounds great, but I’m going to have to go home at some point tonight, aren’t I? Besides, by then the perpetrator will be off doing in someone else, I’m sure of it. Let me talk to Dave and see what he thinks,” Tory said as they walked slowly to the house, holding the ice bag on the back of her head to quell some of the raging headache making itself known.

“Dave, would you and Tory like to stay for dinner? I’ve got beef stew in the crock pot and dinner rolls ready for the oven,” Sue hollered to the guys as they walked behind them toward the house.

“Her beef stew is nothing to turn your nose up at either. I think she got her cooking skills from her mother,” Brandon muttered to Dave.

Dave looked at Tory for an answer. She nodded. It was finally agreed they would stay for dinner.

* * * *

While Sue and Tory put the finishing touches on dinner, setting the table and baking the rolls, Brandon and Dave had meandered into Brandon’s study and had their heads close together talking seriously about something when Tory interrupted them.

“Just wanted to let you guys know dinner is ready and on the table,” Tory said.

After a comfortable dinner and a few more ibuprofen, Tory didn’t feel too bad. She helped Sue clean up the kitchen and was ready to make an exit. The events of the day seemed to come falling down around her, and all she could think about was lying down in her own bed and getting some much needed sleep. One look from Dave and he must have read her mind because he stood up from his comfortable chair in Brandon’s den and took her by the elbow.

“I think it’s time we hit the road. Tory appears to be done in and we all have had enough excitement for one day,” Dave said as they made their way to the front porch. “Good night and thanks so much for the delicious dinner. We’ll probably talk to you tomorrow. In the meantime, I think your ranch should be on full alert since we’re not exactly sure who the shooter was aiming for. Right, Brandon?”

“Don’t worry about us. We’re always on alert to trespassers and such. You take care of yourselves, okay?”

Sue hugged Tory good-bye and whispered something in her ear before giving Dave a hug as well. Brandon shook Dave’s hand and gave Tory a hug, and then they waved to them as they made their way to Dave’s truck.

Once settled in Dave’s truck, neither one said anything for the first five minutes or so. Both were so involved with their own thoughts of the day’s events.

“What did Sue whisper in your ear?” Dave asked as he laughed out loud.

“Are you really sure you want to know?” Tory asked in return.

Dave thought a minute and then said, “Yes, I’m sure. I want to know what I’m up against.”

“If you must know, she told me you’re a keeper, don’t screw it up.” Tory giggled as she said it.

“Wow, sounds like I passed big sister’s qualifications, huh?”

“You sure did.”

“What about you, Tory? Have I passed muster with you yet?”

“I need more time.”

“How about tomorrow night we go someplace nice for dinner?”

Dave asked as he turned into her driveway and parked the truck.

“Unfortunately, I think we need a break, a night off to think about what we’re doing and where our relationship is going, okay with you?”

“How about the next night? Wednesday?”

“That’s good for me. Let’s say I pick you up about seven, okay?” Dave asked as he put his hand on the door handle.

Tory answered, “Sure, seven is fine.” Dave opened his door at the same time Tory did, and he was there to help her down. His arms closed around her, and he leaned down to kiss her soft, moist lips. She put her arms around his neck and ran her fingers through his thick, wavy hair. His hands roamed up and down her back, holding her closely as the kiss began to deepen. She opened her mouth for him and there was a tangling of tongues that lit him on fire for her. He put one hand behind her head, and the other one reached for a breast. Her nipples were hard and erect and begging to be sucked. He slipped his hand underneath her shirt and unfastened her bra, then realized where they were. He slowly turned around and headed toward her doorway, kissing her off and on the entire way.

Once inside her house, she pulled her shirt off and reached for his, wanting to feel their naked, hot bodies touching each other.

He pulled her closer until his erection was totally against her abdomen. She unfastened his belt and unzipped his pants while he struggled with getting her jeans unbuttoned. She helped him unfasten her jeans and quickly threw them aside. He removed his pants and underwear and reached for her. He slowly drew her to the couch while he removed her panties. Once there, he kissed her urgently, as if it would be the last time. His hands roamed her body, reaching between her legs to caress her tender thighs. He felt her quiver. He moved his hand to her feminine curls and played with her, inserting first one finger and then two. She thrust her hips against his hand. He knew she was ready for him. He kissed her lips, her ear, her soft neck, and then her nipples. He moved on top of her and entered her. She was so hot inside. He began thrusting into her back and forth while kissing her and nuzzling her neck and breasts.

She was enthralled with each stroke, each kiss, nibble, and nuzzle. She had dreamed about this, about how it would be to have sex with Dave again. She couldn’t believe how good it felt. She became delirious with sensations. She grabbed the edge of the couch and reached for Dave’s arm. She closed her eyes to concentrate on just feeling. She was overwhelmed with all the emotions. Awe-inspired. She felt such sensitivity and awareness to what was happening. It was wonderful, she couldn’t get enough. The flames were getting higher and higher and finally consumed her. She turned her head back and forth, her vision blurred.

Dave groaned a deep guttural sound and fell toward her, his breathing labored, his heart pounding in his chest. They lay side by side on the couch clutching each other until their breathing returned to normal.

* * * *

“I’ll see you Wednesday night at seven, okay?” she asked just to make sure while they walked hand in hand to her front door.

“Yes, Wednesday at seven.”

“Good night, Dave, see you then,” Tory said as she reached up and lightly kissed his lips.

“Good night. Make sure you lock all your doors. And windows, too. I know how you like to sleep with the windows open, but until we find out what’s going on with these attacks, it’s better to be safe than sorry.” He kissed her lightly and stood on the front porch until he heard her close and lock the door and saw lights go on as she made her way through the house.

He looked down the street and was relieved to see an unmarked security car parked there, doing what he was being paid to do. “Protect Tory at all costs.” Too many things were happening too fast.

Chapter 14

Tory tossed and turned, unable to sleep with all the windows closed. She lay awake in her bed, wondering what she would or should say to Matt at dinner. She played out different scenarios in her head. How would he react to her words? Words previously left unsaid. Words she had waited almost two years to say to him. You jerk. You fool. What have you done, what did you do? You ruined it all, you ruined everything. Where are those women now? Did sleeping with them give you peace, satisfaction? What? A reputation? Where is it now? Where are they?

For the rest of the day, Tory couldn’t get Matt off her mind. How handsome he still looked, how he smelled. She remembered how it felt when he caressed her, how he tasted, and the way his eyes darkened when he was aroused.

Stop, stop! What am I thinking? This man is not a one-woman man and never will be. Haven’t I learned my lesson yet?

But what about all the fun they’d shared, all the good times over six years? Could she take him back? Did she and Matt even have anything left in their relationship to salvage?

I think you know by now it’s over, you’re married, “we” are in the past. Should she tell him before dinner or after dinner? Where were they going for dinner? What should she wear? Why did she ever agree to go out with him to dinner? After all, he was still a married man.

All the hurt feelings from the past came to the surface once again. After all, she had loved him enough to agree to marry him and spend the rest of her life with him. Did she have any feelings left except anger and bitterness? She pondered these things while tossing and turning until the early morning hours and finally gave up trying to sleep.

A couple of cups of coffee and a shower later had her almost ready to face the long day ahead of her.

She dressed for work in dark slacks and a silk, cream colored blouse all the while contemplating what she would wear to dinner. She looked in her closet and pulled out her sexiest, body-hugging dress. She went to her dresser drawer looking for undergarments. Should she wear granny panties or a thong? She chose a matching black thong and a satin, lacey bra and threw them onto the bed. Just knowing the sexy underwear was there would give her confidence. Dave found her sexy enough. There was no doubting he brought out something in her Matt never could. Maybe it was because Dave was a thoughtful lover, and Matt was a selfish one.

She made sure the white box with the blue diamond engagement ring was beside her purse on the bed. One last look of her choices for tonight and she headed downstairs. She grabbed her purse and was out the door to her car.

Tory drove to work as usual, but there was nothing usual about this day. How can I get through the day and face tonight?

* * * *

When she arrived at work, Trevor was on the phone. As she passed his open door on her way to the coffee pot, she poked her head in his office door and said, “Good morning.” He waved and mouthed, “Good morning.” Trevor hadn’t made coffee yet, so she set about completing the task. I wonder where Matt will take me to dinner. She filled the water container too full, and it spilled all over the small counter area. After cleaning the mess up with paper towels, she put the filter in the basket, added coffee, and put the pot under the basket on the warmer. She didn’t have this much trouble when thinking about Dave taking her out for dinner. She turned the button to “on.”

Suddenly, coffee grounds mixed with hot water started spewing out of the machine, running out of the basket and not into the pot. With her hands shaking, she grabbed for a roll of paper towels to stop the flow, but the paper towels dropped and rolled onto the floor. Then it dawned on her to turn off the coffee machine. Another sip would be one too many anyway. She’d already had a number of cups at home and really didn’t want any more anyway, so she gave up on that endeavor after cleaning up the mess.

Just as she dropped the last of the mess into the trash, the phone rang. In her haste to get to her desk, she tripped over the floor mat, plopping unexpectedly into her chair. She picked up the phone and began to speak. “Good afternoon, I mean good morning, Braedden Properties, how can he help you?” She rolled her eyes. “Excuse me, how can I help you?” she said.

She searched for a pencil and piece of paper to take a note, and after finding it she took the message for Trevor and hung up the phone. If this is any indication of how my day is going to be, I should call it quits right now. I should’ve stayed in bed this morning.

She heard Trevor hang up the phone and waited until he walked into her office before she sighed.

After one look at her, Trevor said, “Bad day, huh? Funny thing about bad days. We all have them at some time or another, and I guess today is yours. What can I do to help make it better?”

“Old memories are plaguing me, and I didn’t sleep at all last night. I’m overcaffeinated right now and don’t even know if it’s morning or afternoon. I’m a mess,” she blurted out. She usually kept these things to herself. So she wondered why she was now all of a sudden confiding in her boss.

“Let’s see. We don’t need any more coffee, that’s for sure. The answering service does a very good job answering the phones when we’re both out. Why don’t you take your bad day and try to enjoy it. Maybe go shopping in Hickory, visit your mother, or go horseback riding with your sister. You’ve been working very hard lately. Stop and smell the roses.”

“You’re right, of course. I haven’t been in town very long, and so much has happened, I guess it’s all hitting me at once. I think a day off will help me get everything back into proper perspective.”

“It’s fine with me,” Trevor replied.

“Okay, but let me give you my cell phone number in case things get too hectic, you can call me and I’ll come in, okay?” She wrote her number on a sticky note, tore it off, and gave it to him.

“Have a good day. You deserve it,” Trevor said as she headed out the door toward her car.

* * * *

Once Tory arrived at home, things didn’t improve much. She checked three times to make sure the ring was on her bed with her purse, swapped out the dress two times, contemplated trading the dress for slacks and a jacket, then settled on her morning decision. She decided she had to get out of the house.

She grabbed her keys and purse and headed to her car. She would call her sister Sue on the way and see if she could stop by for some sisterly advice, a girl-to-girl chat, and then maybe she’d feel like her old self, garner some of her old strength and self-confidence.

She had a sudden anxiety attack. What if Sue wasn’t there? Tory started the car, and while digging in her purse for her cell phone, she backed out of the driveway. Anxiously, she dialed Sue’s number. “Be home, be home,” she chanted into the ringing phone. “Answer, Sue!” Tory needed someone to talk to about the upcoming evening which was closing in on her quickly.

Sue answered on the fourth ring.

“Sue, it’s me. Do you have a couple minutes? I need some advice.”

“Sure, come on over. I’ll make some iced tea.”

“I’m on my way. Skip the tea though. I’m backing off caffeine for the moment. See you in a few.” She hung up the phone without waiting for a good-bye.

* * * *

Tory knocked then opened Sue’s front door, not waiting for an answer. “Sue, I’m here.”

“I’m in the kitchen. Come on in and have a seat.”

“Hi,” Tory said as she threw her purse on the couch on her way to the homey kitchen of the small, two-story log cabin, found a seat at the table, and made herself comfortable.

“Boy, that was quick. You must have been halfway here when you called. Why aren’t you at work?”

“I’m having a super bad day, so Trevor gave me the day off to enjoy my misery and get out of his way. I went home for a while, but couldn’t stand the four walls closing in on me. I had to get out of the house.”

“What’s going on?”

“I’m going out to dinner with Matt tonight.”

“Oh. I didn’t realize you two had set something up so quickly. You do know he’s married, right?”

“He’s separated at the moment, and besides, it’s not what you think. I’m only meeting with him to tell him I want nothing to do with him and to give him back his grandmother’s ring. I’m just not sure how, when, or what to say to him. There’re too many options.”

“Oh. Separated, you say? That’s odd because I just saw them together yesterday coming out of BJ’s jewelry store. When did they separate? Overnight?” Sue asked with a smirk on her face while she stirred lemonade.

“I ran into him yesterday, we talked, and he told me they were separated, for what that’s worth, I guess,” Tory answered, unsure of herself now.

“You know what I think? A leopard doesn’t change his spots. Want my honest opinion?” Sue asked Tory as she set down two tall glasses of lemonade on the table and sat down opposite Tory.

“Of course, that’s why I came here.”

“Okay. I would sit down to dinner with that bad boy and have some wine. It’ll settle your nerves. Then before you have a chance to place your order for food you need to just blurt it all out.”

“Which is what? What would I blurt out?” Tory asked as she ran her hands across her face and rubbed her eyes.

“Get all your pent-up hostilities out. You could say something like, ‘I’m only here to give you this ring, and I don’t want anything to do with you ever again. I don’t trust you, you cheating bastard.’ Something like that.”

“Uh-huh.”

“That is what you want to tell him, isn’t it? You haven’t had a change of heart or changed your feelings for him?”

“Of course not, don’t be silly,” Tory said as she squirmed in her chair, running her sweaty palms on the legs of her pants.

“So, what’s the problem? You’ve been practicing for two years what to say. Now all of a sudden you have, what, cold feet?”

“I think I have another man in my life now, and he could be the one. Do I want to muddy the waters with Matt?”

“So you want to back out of dinner?” Sue asked taking a sip of her drink.

“I don’t know, Sue. I have such confusing and mixed emotions about the whole thing.”

* * * *

Tory arrived back at her town house after a long walk and a lot of thinking. Thinking that had gotten her nothing except a tense, throbbing headache. She wasn’t any closer to any decisions now than she was before.

As she prepared for her night out with Matt, she looked in the mirror to apply some light makeup. Oh, great! She had dark circles under her eyes. Thank God for concealer. Her cheeks were flushed, tension lines appeared on her forehead, and sweat beaded on her upper lip. Her heart ached, and her palms were sweaty as she dressed in her slinky black dress. She took a deep breath, ready to show Matt what he was missing.

She was just slipping into her heels when the doorbell rang. The five-inch stilettos might be her weapon of choice. Then again, the low-cut bodice exposed all the ammunition she needed. She grabbed her purse, securing the ring box inside, and raced downstairs to open the door.

“Hi, Matt, I’m ready to go if you are.”

“Tory, you look beautiful.”

“Thanks.”

“I made reservations at The Ranch House in Hickory. I hope that’s okay with you.”

Good, they didn’t need a lot of local speculation about this meeting. “Of course, we better get on our way then,” Tory said as she retrieved her keys from her purse and backed Matt up so she could come out, close and lock the door.

“Did I say, wow, you look...wow?” Matt walked Tory to his car and opened her door.

Tory laughed. Good, that’s the effect she was aiming for. “I think you already mentioned something like that.”

After she got in the car, he closed her door. He was a good-looking man, but his swagger turned her off. Had he always been so self-absorbed and arrogant?

Matt got in, started the car, and backed out of the parking spot. Tory looked out the window to avoid looking at Matt. His smooth good looks somehow made her cringe. She caught a glimpse of Laura, her old friend who was now the town’s librarian, walking down the street. They waved at each other.

“Who was that?” Matt asked.

“Just Laura.”

“That geek from school?”

“Laura is not a geek—”

“Okay, okay, sorry, you always did defend her.”

“Everyone was always so mean to her. She is a very nice—”

“Freak. I swear she stalked me after you left. I found dead flowers from the wedding on my doorstep every day for a month after you left town.”

“I don’t want to talk about Laura. I do want to—” Tory didn’t know how to start. She looked out the side window just as they passed a side street. Dave’s car was stopped at the stop sign waiting to enter the road. She turned her face away and slouched in the seat, hoping he hadn’t seen her.

Why was she hiding? Should she have told him she was going out with Matt?

“Were you going to say something?”

“What? Oh—nothing.” The conversation had waited this long, it could wait a little longer.

“How has your stay been here so far in good old Hickoryville?” Matt interrupted her thoughts.

“It’s been fine. You’ve probably heard Mom opened a B&B in the house and it’s doing well, too.” Tory blabbered over all the inane details of the B&B to keep the conversation going.

“Yeah, I’ve heard about all that stuff. I want to know about your new boyfriend, what’s his name?” Matt smiled.

The question pissed her off, and the words she’d been wanting to spit out spilled from her mouth unbidden. “And I want to know about your wife. Are you or are you not married? I don’t date married men and you, of all people, should know that, or haven’t you learned a thing since I left you at the altar?” Tory asked as she squinted, pursed her lips, and balled her hands into fists.

“I told you I’m still married, at the moment, but we’re separated, soon to be divorced. We both realized our mistakes, and we’re ready to take the next step toward freedom. So, who’s this guy you brought home with you?”

“You don’t need to concern yourself with him just as I’m not going to concern myself with your wife or soon to be ex-wife.”

“I don’t want to argue with you. All I want is for us to have a good time reminiscing over a nice dinner, okay?” Matt asked her as his white-knuckled fingers gripped the steering wheel.

Tory said nothing for a while, focusing on the scenery passing by her window. She needed to be calm and remain calm in order to get through the night and end it once and for all.

* * * *

Dave was running surveillance with a couple LEOs (Law Enforcement Officers) when he stopped at the end of the street for ongoing traffic. In the last car to go by before he could pull out onto the main road, he saw what looked like Tory in the passenger seat. His heart lurched in his chest. The thought of Tory with someone else on a date made the hair bristle on the back of his neck. He rubbed his chin while trying to envision again the passenger in the front seat of the car.

He had no hold on her. She could date whomever she wanted, they had no ties.

Then why do I feel this way? Why do I feel like I’m being cheated on? Why do I care so much?

Anger filled his chest as he pursed his lips, hitting the steering wheel with his fist. They had a date tomorrow night, but right now he didn’t want to see her again. Maybe he had been too quick to react to her sensitivities, thinking they’d had a strange relationship from the start. It was way too easy for him, and he was way too attracted to her. She responded to his advances so quickly. Had he assumed she felt the same way? Was he being played?

* * * *

Matt parked the car in a space close to the front door of the restaurant. He got out of the car and opened Tory’s door, assisting her out onto the pavement.

Once inside the restaurant, a waiter escorted them to an intimate corner table with dimmed lights. Just what Tory did not want.

Matt ordered a bottle of wine, Chardonnay. The waiter returned with the bottle and two long-stemmed glasses. He poured a small portion in a wine glass for Matt, who tasted the liquid and nodded to the waiter. The waiter poured the wine in each of their glasses and left the table. Matt lifted his glass to Tory.

“To old times together,” he said with a big smile.

Old times indeed. Tory met his glass with a “clink” and took a sip of her wine. Very good. Maybe with a few more glasses and I’ll be able to get through the night.

She studied the menu and decided to order light. When the waiter came back to take their orders, Matt nodded to Tory.

“I’d like the chicken Marsala and house salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.” Tory handed the menu to the waiter, folding her hands in her lap.

Matt ordered the filet mignon with a salad and Italian dressing and handed the menu back to the waiter. Then he gave all his attention to Tory.

“Do you remember when we ate here before?” Matt asked Tory.

“When was that?”

“The night you graduated from high school. Remember now?”

“Oh, right. The night we planned our entire life together. How could I have forgotten?” Tory answered.

“No reason to get your panties in a wad. I thought it would be a nice drive down memory lane tonight.”

“Memory lane was a bumpy road the way I remember it. I hope you don’t have anything else planned for tonight. We really need to talk.”

“Okay, Tory, what’s so urgent? Let’s get this talking over with so we can enjoy the rest of the evening.”

Tory squirmed in her seat not sure how to start. Her friends she had known most of her life and had graduated with in high school had started working or got married and had children by the time she had graduated from college and planned her wedding to Matt Wilson.

After a few drinks and loose lips, she found out what she had suspected all along. Matt had been cheating on her. She had rushed out of the party and chose once again to seek her safe haven behind the wooden door with the glass etching.

She lay awake most of the night while time passed slowly. The following morning after her ruined party, she came to the realization there was no way she could put on her “special” dress and walk down the aisle of the church she had been baptized in to marry Matt. She took another gulp of wine to settle her nerves just as the waiter appeared with their salads.

“How’s your dinner?” Matt asked Tory halfway through the meal.

“It has a very nice atmosphere, the food is good, and the service has been excellent.”

With the table cleaned off and their wine glasses refilled, Tory reached into her purse and took out the white jewelry box. She handed it to Matt.

“Since this was your grandmother’s, I thought you would like to keep it in the family and pass it on to your daughter or daughter-in-law one day.”

Matt opened the treasured box and his eyes grew large.

“I didn’t remember how big and beautiful it really is. Thank you for returning it, especially under the circumstances. It’s going to be hard to hold onto it in this tough economy.”

“It belongs in your family.”

“I was hoping we could take things slowly, maybe see how things go. I never stopped caring about you, Tory. I got trapped into marrying Paige. I keep searching for someone like you, with your soft, sexy voice, your cute laugh, your overall sexy and generous demeanor.”

“I think we better go now. We have a long drive ahead of us,” Tory interrupted Matt.

“Yeah, I think you’re right,” Matt answered as he stood from his chair. Tory stood ready to go as well, and together they made their way through the restaurant and out to the car.

Their conversation on the way home was stilted, talking about Wilson Construction, the hard financial times he was going through, the new business plan he had in mind, and her job in Myrtle Beach. It was a relief when they finally reached Tory’s house.

He walked her to her front porch. He turned her around to face him and started to lean in to give her a good night kiss. She pushed away from him, shaking her head back and forth.

“Thanks again for a nice evening, Matt. Good night!” Tory turned the lock in the door, turned the doorknob, entered her house, and shut the door. With the door firmly closed behind her, she leaned up against it and slowly slipped to the floor. She had remembered the first time they’d eaten at the restaurant and all the other good times they’d had back then, but now it was a blurry past she wanted to bury. A cold numbness filled her body as if she were grieving for something she never had.

On the drive home Tory prayed she could forget all the recent bad experiences and simply enjoy Dave. Now that the worst was behind her, thoughts of him made her smile. When they had arrived home she noticed one of her potted plants had been turned over. “Must have been the wind,” she muttered to herself.

When she reached the porch and bent to upright the plant, she noticed a small footprint in the dirt. I wonder who was here snooping around while I was out. Or maybe they were here last night snooping around while Dave and I...That’s an awful small footprint for a male, so it must have been another woman, maybe a teenager.

She reached up the wall far enough to find a light switch. Flipping it on, she was dumbfounded at the sight of her living/dining room. Everything was moved and helter-skelter throughout. Drawers on the floor, their contents strewn around as if a small tornado had ripped through, papers and books littered the floor in front of an empty bookcase, and cushions from the sofa and chair lying in the center of the room. Someone had ransacked her house while she was out.

Chapter 15

Tory stared at the disheveled mess that had been her nice and neat
“home.” She picked up her cell phone and looked at the numbers. She wanted to call Dave but didn’t want to explain to him where she was tonight. She felt like she had cheated on him, and it made her feel dirty and cheap. She called 911 instead.

“911. Is this a medical emergency?”

“No, not medical, but someone turned my place upside down.”

“Is the perpetrator still there? Do you hear anything?”

“I don’t hear anything, so I don’t think they’re still here.”

“Stay on the line with me until a police officer arrives, okay? Can you do that?”

“Sure.”

“This is what I want you to do. I want you to go outside and wait there for the officer. Turn on all your outside lights so it’s nice and bright.”

“Okay, I turned on all the lights and I’m going outside on the porch right now.”

“An officer is on his way.”

“I see the police car.”

“Good. They will take it from here.”

“Thank you. Good-bye,” Tory said as she stood in the bright front porch lights, watching a police cruiser pull up in front of her house. Two officers got out and asked her to sit in the car while they checked everything inside, especially to make sure no one remained in the house. Tory sat in the cruiser, trying to slow down her breathing with long deep gulps of air. She realized her legs were trembling and tears were welling up in her eyes. Why me? What do I have that someone wants so badly? I feel so violated and stomped on.

The two officers soon emerged from her front door and motioned for her to get out of the cruiser. She stood on wobbly legs, searched her pockets for a tissue, and finally found one.

She didn’t recognize the officers at first, and then she vaguely remembered one of them from the car accident.

“Ma’am, whoever was in your house is now long gone. We found a jimmied back door lock. You’re going to want to get that replaced with a deadbolt for more security. We’re going to see if we can get some prints from the door. You’re welcome to come inside now if you want to.”

She wobbled on trembling legs inside the house and looked around. Amazed. Baffled. Disbelieving.

“If you see anything missing, please let us know, okay?” one of the officers said to her. “Otherwise don’t move anything just yet.”

“Sure, okay,” Tory said in a fog as she surveyed her surroundings. Chairs were turned on their sides, the cushions removed from the couch, lamps broken on the floor.

She quickly took out her camera from her purse and began taking pictures. When she went upstairs she found her bedroom was in even worse shape. All the dresser drawers were open, her clothing hanging from the sides and tossed everywhere. Everything in the closet was on the floor. The mattress on the bed was only partially on the box springs.

At the recommendation of the police officers, she called her landlord. Trevor immediately arrived on the scene and installed a deadbolt lock on the back door.

The officers gave her the “go-ahead” to start the cleanup and Trevor stayed to help with the larger things. The rest would be done tomorrow. Tory felt safe enough to stay for the night thanks to the new deadbolt. She tested it to verify it was working properly.

“Are you sure you’re okay with this?” Trevor asked Tory.

“Of course, you heard the officers. They don’t expect anyone to come back. They did a thorough enough job looking for ‘whatever’ the first time. I’ll be perfectly fine, I swear. And I do know how to call 911 all by myself.” Tory smiled.

After Trevor left she went through the house again, checking her jewelry one more time. She couldn’t find anything missing. Not that she had anything except her camera worthy of stealing, and it had been with her in her purse.

Chapter 16

Tory woke the following morning thinking about Dave, not Matt. Her dealings with Matt were over, thank god, and she could devote all her thoughts and plans to Dave and their planned date tonight. She thought about how kind and generous he was, so unlike anyone else she’d dated. He was also very easygoing, enabling her to relax in his company and enjoy herself. It was an easy relationship.

She showered, hurried with her coffee, and planned to have a good day at work, leaving the past in the past.

The aroma of coffee greeted her as soon as she opened the office door. Trevor was helping himself to a cup.

“Good morning, Tory. Feeling better? How about a cup of coffee?”

Tory nodded at Trevor for the coffee and said, “Thanks for yesterday. I really needed the day off. Coffee smells great, by the way.” She accepted the cup of coffee from him and added cream and sugar. While she stirred her coffee she asked him, “How did yesterday go? Were there many calls?”

“The usual. Mr. Walker called. He’s interested in looking at one of the larger factory buildings with office space. I told him what we have available and he’ll call back in a day or so. Otherwise, it was quiet.”

“What do I need to do to get caught up?” Tory asked as she made her way to her desk.

Trevor went over some paperwork with her and disappeared to his office. The day progressed quickly.

Tory, anxious to leave to get ready for her date with Dave, wondered where he was taking her. “Out” could be anywhere. On her way home, she debated whether to dress casually or formally.

Shivers went through her as she thought about Dave. Her heart started to race and she felt butterflies in the pit of her stomach. Her nipples became erect and showed through her T-shirt. She could hardly wait to see his handsome face again, feel his lips caressing hers, and smell his masculine scent that was only his. She wanted to feel his strong arms around her holding her tight and spend time with him making love. Spending time with him doing anything would be wonderful. Spending time with him doing nothing would be wonderful, too.

She finally decided to wear dress slacks and a soft silk blouse with a scarf she could remove to be casual or fix to be more formal. She changed her purse to match her outfit and came down the stairs. She checked her watch. Dave was ten minutes late. He had been very prompt for their previous dates. I hope nothing’s happened to him.

Twenty minutes later, after tidying the living and dining rooms and repeatedly looking out the front window and at her watch, Tory began to pace the floor. Annoyance turned to anger. Her heels pounded into the floor, her one hand fisted at her side while the other was in her mouth biting her fingernails. As more time passed, her footfalls increased and her sighs became louder and more frequent.

She thought about whoever was in her house last night. Could it have been Dave? After all he claimed to be a detective, could he be doing some illegal “detecting” on the side?

By ten o’clock, when he hadn’t arrived or called, she knew she had been stood up.

Chapter 17

“Hey, Tory, it’s Sue. Did you get everything put away and cleaned up before Dave showed up?”

“Sure, I had plenty of time to get everything done that needed doing.”

“How was your date with Dave? Where did he take you?”

“Nowhere.”

“What? You stayed home?”

“He never showed, never even had the nerve to call. I thought he was different from all the other men in this rotten town.” Tory paced again, her hand clenched the phone, her lips tight.

“Just because he didn’t show up is no reason to take it out on the town, for heaven’s sake. Maybe something came up with one of his parents and he hasn’t had time to call yet.”

“That’s very unlikely though, isn’t it?”

“I’m so sorry. I know how much you were counting on this date. So he’s a rat, now you have to move on to something else. What are your plans for today?”

“I’ve got to meet with the loan officer from the bank and sign the note paperwork so Mom can finish the house. And we want to try to get some volunteers to help with the finishing touches, things like that. What about you?”

“I may as well come with you. When were you leaving for the bank?”

“In about a half hour.”

“I’ll meet you there, and we can go to Lana’s and talk, okay?”

“Sure, we can talk about anything but men. I’ve had enough already.”

* * * *

Tory and Sue met at the bank, signed the loan papers, and began the short walk over to Lana’s. As they walked to the coffee house, Tory kept glancing over her shoulder.

“Who’re you looking for, Tory? You’ve been looking behind your back ever since we left the bank.”

“I don’t know. I have this feeling I’m being followed or watched. I’ve had it ever since I got to town, but when I look there’s never anybody there. I had the same feeling last night.”

“You’re just being paranoid now. You’re probably feeling insecure because it happened before. Where does it happen at and who do you think it could be? You maybe are just having aftereffects because of last night with Dave and your feelings for him,” Sue said as they entered the door to Lana’s. “Speaking of Dave, he’s here in the back corner booth reading the paper.”

“You’re kidding. Stop it, it’s not funny.”

“Look for yourself then,” Sue said as she moved toward a booth at the opposite end of the room.

Tory looked toward the booth that Sue had indicated, and there sat Dave, as handsome as you please, reading the paper and drinking a cup of coffee. He looked up at her when she glanced his way. Their eyes met and locked. Neither could turn away from the other.

Finally Sue interrupted. “Tory, come and sit down. I don’t have all day,” Sue said with annoyance. “Do you want to leave or sit somewhere else?”

Tory made her way over to Sue and sat down in the booth facing her.

“I already ordered us each a coffee. It should be here any minute. Did you want anything else?” Sue asked.

Tory shook her head and moved farther into the booth so she couldn’t see Dave and he couldn’t see her.

“Do you suppose he saw me with Matt when we left town? Maybe someone else did and told him and that’s why he stood me up.”

“You can still talk to Dave and explain the break-in, your relationship, or lack of it, with Matt. It’s not too late. Maybe you can talk to Dave now and explain what you did and why—like you talked to me—open, honest, and sincere.”

“You’re right. But it’s so awkward.” Tory took a long gulp of her coffee.

“It has to be soon, Tory, or you could lose him. You don’t want to start a relationship based on secrets or lies. It won’t last. I have to leave soon anyway. Why don’t you take your coffee over and ask if you can join him. Then neither of you will be sitting by yourselves.”

“Okay, but if it doesn’t work out, I’m blaming it on you because it was your idea.” Tory picked up her purse and coffee cup and walked hesitantly toward the corner booth, her heart pounding and her palms sweaty.

She saw Dave look up at her as soon as she came closer.

“Hello, Dave. Do you mind if I join you?” she asked as he folded up the paper and put it aside.

“No, have a seat. We need to talk anyway,” he answered with a gentle smile.

“We do,” Tory said with a stiff upper lip, trying to keep her emotions under control. She didn’t know whether to scream and yell at him or be nice and apologize for going out with Matt. Does he have a right to be mad at me? After all, we aren’t dating exclusively. I should be able to see whomever I want. It’s my life and I can do whatever I want to with it.

“I’m sorry about last night,” Dave said as she watched him run his fingers through his thick hair. “Something came up that I had to deal with right away, and I couldn’t make it.”

“Which are you sorry about, the ransacking of my place, or standing me up, or not bothering to call me?” Tory said.

“Whoa. Your placed was ransacked? Did you call Chief Carr?”

“Of course, who else would I call?”

“Did they take or steal anything?”

“Not that I could tell, but they had to be looking for something.”

“Do they know who did it or have any suspects?”

“No.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t call,” he said, “but how can you think I would ransack your place?”

Her gut clenched when she thought about him, and she tapped her fingers on the table. She pursed her lips, frowned, trying to stay stern. Was he another smooth-talking liar, like Matt?

“This isn’t the time or place to talk about last night. How about if we take our time when we can discuss it to death if you’d like, but not right now,” Dave said while tapping his fingers on the table loudly.

They glared across the table for a few moments.

Tory broke the stare down. “Actually, I don’t have any plans, but I don’t want to go out. Would you like to come to my place?”

“How about seven?” he asked.

“Seven will be fine.” Tory stood. “My place at seven. If you don’t show up, then don’t expect another chance.”

* * * *

Dave sat for some time in the corner booth after Tory left, wondering about what to say later. He felt adrift after last night and still couldn’t believe he actually saw her with another man. He had only met Matt one time at the bank when they had run into each other. He wondered about her relationship with him. What about their relationship, or did they even have one? He really screwed her over bad last night, but it couldn’t be helped. He wasn’t able to tell her the entire truth, so what kind of relationship could they have? She wasn’t being honest with him, and in all fairness, he couldn’t tell her everything he was doing. Would their secrets drive them apart? Did he want a relationship with her? She was unlike any woman he’d been with before, in so many ways. They were good together—the easygoing way they fit was almost too simple, and he wanted that feeling back. Would talking to her fix their problems and get them back on track? But he couldn’t tell her about his mission. Could he make something up that was believable? Should he?

Chapter 18

Dave arrived at Tory’s at seven sharp. He was anxious and rang the bell with sweaty hands. He waited a few minutes for her to answer the door. He wasn’t exactly sure what to say to her. He would have to wing it.

When she opened the door, her wholesome beauty stunned him speechless. She was dressed in a short beige skirt, a light blush top, and barefoot. She looked very much at home.

Maybe it was because of this he wanted her so badly, and his feelings were mounting faster than he could manage. He looked at her flushed face and smiled.

“I’m glad you could make it tonight,” she said, talking faster than usual. “Have a seat.”

“Hi, Tory,” he leaned in to give her a kiss on her cheek, and when she moved away from him, he decided to sit down and take a chance. “I’m really sorry about last night, but as I said at Lana’s something came up that I couldn’t get out of and I couldn’t call.”

“Fine,” she said.

“What did you do Tuesday night?”

She stiffened. “Why do you ask?”

After a moment of quiet, he said, “On Tuesday I thought I saw you in a car heading out of town with Matt Wilson, that’s why.” He hadn’t intended to blurt that out, but with her he couldn’t seem to garner any self control.

“Is this an interrogation?”

“I guess it is. I want to know what you did Tuesday night and with whom.”

“Oh, really? What business is it of yours who I see? Are you jealous? Or is this professional curiosity?”

“Why don’t you answer me?” He stood before her, his hands on his hips.

She stood facing him, looking him in the eye, her hands on her hips. “So you saw me with someone else and got jealous. Is that why you stood me up?” Tory asked as she whisked her hands through her hair.

He thought a minute or more about his answer. If he claimed jealousy, he wouldn’t need any other explanations of his actions. “Hell, yeah I’m jealous. I care about you, and I don’t want to see you hurt again by that two-timing scumbag.”

“You don’t have to worry about me. And you don’t have to keep tabs on me.” Tory began to pace the hardwood floor, her hands fisted, and her lips pursed tightly closed.

“I’m not keeping tabs on you. I know you can take care of yourself. I just don’t want to see you get hurt again.” Dave spoke sternly, his voice louder than normal.

“If you must know, Matt and I went out, but it wasn’t a date. I had to end our relationship once and for all. I gave him back his grandmother’s ring, a family heirloom. I made it clear to him I wasn’t interested in him or a new relationship. Are you happy now?” Tory replied. Her fists clenched at her sides, forehead wrinkled. She didn’t want to have to tell him everything, she was feeling so vulnerable. And it wasn’t his business. Was it?

“So I have nothing to worry about with you and Matt?” Dave asked.

“I’ve made it clear to both you and him, haven’t I?”

“I’m sorry for jumping to conclusions. I don’t know what got in to me. I’ve never…” Dave said in a whisper as he moved closer to her.

“It is kind of nice to know you care enough to be worried.”

“It is, is it?” Dave moved closer. He took a step, his pants brushed against her bare legs and he put his hands on her waist. He pulled her closer to him. His heart lurched in his chest with the feel of her in his arms. He kissed her lips, a soft caress, then kissed her deeper. He caressed her shoulders and back with his hands, rubbing them up and down her spine. He moved his lips to her ear and nuzzled it, then kissed her in the hollow of her neck.

“Yes, it is,” Tory whispered as Dave pulled her closer and kissed her again.

“So, are we friends again?”

She answered him with a passionate kiss.

* * * *

Dave watched the light breeze flutter through Tory’s hair. The temperature was perfect to have a casual dinner outside on the deck of her apartment. The simple pizza, salad, and wine were everything he’d hoped for. The candlelight reflected off Tory’s wine glass as she touched it to her soft, smooth lips. Those lips he remembered kissing and wanted to kiss again left a lipstick impression on the glass.

They sat at the small bistro table on the deck overlooking a park, and Dave took a sip of wine. She was personable and strong, despite the circumstances. He wanted to be there for her. During the day he couldn’t stop thinking about her, what it would be like to hold her..., to sleep beside her all night and to wake up to her every morning. He wondered what she was doing and who she was doing it with. His heart began to race with thoughts of her wandering through his mind—her soft, sweet lips, her musky womanly scent, and her soft caresses. He wanted to do something to make her stay by his side. He noticed her serious expression and asked, “What are you thinking about?”

“I was thinking how much I like your company, and how you always lift my spirits.” She toyed with the stem of her wine glass. “And how sad it is when everyone in town knows your business.”

“I grew up in a small town. I can relate to that.”

“Anyway, how do you like Hickoryville now that you’ve been here a while?” Tory asked Dave.

“I like it fine. As I said, in certain aspects it’s very similar to where I grew up. But I’m really drawn to the people here, certain ones especially.”

“Oh, and who might they be?” She fidgeted in her chair.

“Well, you for one,” he said with a smile, somewhat self-conscious about his bluntness.

“Who else?” Tory leaned in closer to him. He could see pink blotches on her chest where her light blouse was unbuttoned. Her face flushed.

He cleared his throat and crossed his legs. “That’s about it, just you. My parents?” He rubbed his forehead, knowing the rest of his admission wasn’t going to be easy to say. He took another sip of his wine. “You have bewitched me, woman. I can’t keep you off my mind. When you’re at work, I’m thinking about what you’re doing. At night, if we aren’t together, I’m wondering if you’re out with someone else. And to tell you the truth, I don’t know what to do about it.” His voice softened to a whisper.

“Dave,” splaying her hand on her chest, “I’m flattered. But there’s something I have to admit.” She took a sip of her wine and smoothed the short silk skirt down over her thighs. “I find myself consumed with you as well. So I can’t help you out, I’m afraid.” She smiled.

“Oh, I think you can.” He put his napkin on the table and stood, walked to her side of the table, and extended his hand to her. She took his hand and stood up, leaning in close to him. He bent his head down, touched his lips to hers, and took the slow, simmering kiss to hard and hot in under sixty seconds. He pulled her against him and felt her hands drift up into his hair. His breath came in rapid bursts and his heart began to pound in his chest as all the blood raced to his erection, now hard and throbbing against her abdomen. His eyes closed to concentrate on all his senses; he could feel her soft caresses in his hair, smell her sweet fragrance, hear her heavy breathing, and taste her wine flavored lips.

The sound of giggling girls brought him back to the present. Too public. He focused on the people walking by down below and said, “Let’s take this inside.”

Tory lowered her eyes and brushed her hair forward. “Okay.”

A blush covered her cheeks. She cleared her throat when he took her hand and walked hand in hand inside the sliding glass door into the living room.

“Are you sure this is what you want?” Dave asked as he pulled her closer to him and locked his hands behind her back. Her skin felt sizzling hot under his touch, sending jolts throughout his body, all the blood rushing to one area of his body—his erection.

He looked deeply into her eyes trying to read her answer there. He saw her green eyes deepen to a dark emerald color. Dave drew her against him for a long, deep kiss. He felt her soft, moist lips beneath his and didn’t want it to end.

She slipped her arms around his waist. He was so aroused. He plundered her lips and tasted her sweetness. She opened her mouth to let in his tongue, and he couldn’t resist licking her full, sweet lips.

Her hands caressed his waist, her fingers painting circles across his back. He rubbed his thumb up and down her arms, then her sides. Then unable to stand it anymore, he began feeling her breasts through her blouse. He unbuttoned the blouse with one hand while his other hand held her up by the waist. He moved aside her top to run his hands over her satin- and lace-covered breasts.

He wondered if he should move forward. Is it too soon? Would he scare her off? He pulled her closer, breathing in her scent and rubbed her back up and down soothingly. He was so hot and his shaft so hard for her. He kissed her neck, the lobe of her ear, the tip of her chin, her shoulder. He ran his hand down along her thigh.

She groaned and gasped for air. And stiffened.

“Are you okay with this?” he asked her.

“Yes, I want you, too.”

She arched her pelvis against him, her nipples, hard and erect, rubbed against his hairy chest. He felt her tense with anticipation and moaned. He kissed her pulse in her neck and felt her heart beat rapidly, her breathing heavy.

He wanted to give her so much more and make her forget about Matt. Dave groaned as he slipped her blouse and bra strap down her soft, smooth shoulders, kissing them all the way. He rubbed his fingers across her nipple, sending a quiver through her body.

He walked her up the stairs, their emotions out of control. His hands groped at her clothing. He finally got his shirt off.

They continued to kiss, a soul-searching kiss, evolving into an open-mouth, plundering, tongue-tangling kiss, leaving him breathless and wanting for more. He wanted all of her. He wanted to be inside of her.

Dave caressed her breasts, first one then the other. A nice handful, they were perfectly proportioned for him. He rubbed his fingers over her nipples, squeezing them between his thumb and index finger.

He lifted her skirt as he ran his fingers up her velvety thigh…and quickly found her wet and ready for him. He removed her silky bikini panties in a single swoop with one hand.

Her hands fumbled at his belt and then at his pants. Impatient, he unzipped his pants as they stumbled up the stairs and down the hall, bouncing first from one side and then the other.

With Tory flattened beneath him against the wall, Dave put his knee between her legs and separated them. She clung to his neck, kissing his face, his shoulders, and his pulse point. She ran her fingers through his hair.

He moved his knee up higher to separate her legs. He couldn’t get enough of her. He wanted to feel her sheathed around him. He lifted her up, putting her legs around his waist. His erection rubbed against her hot and wet opening.

Standing in the hall, he placed his hands on her butt and entered her, then started to move. He moved her back and forth, his shaft moving in and out of her wet opening. She moaned. Her sexual forces overwhelmed him as his legs tightened and his body stiffened. He exploded inside her, releasing the tension that had been mounting for days.

Satiated, exhilarated, and content, he gazed at her face. She smiled slowly until it filled her face with pure, wild satisfaction. Knowing he put that smile there made him feel like a superhero. He carried her into the bedroom and together they collapsed onto the bed.

* * * *

Exhausted and trembling from the excitement, Tory lay wrapped in Dave’s arms on the bed. She needed to know he cared. She gasped, tried to purse her lips long enough to wipe the smile off her face. Shouldn’t she feel trampy and mad for hopping into bed with the first man she’d met since she arrived in town? No. Not when it felt so good. She heard his heavy breathing. She inhaled his musky sex scent. I can’t believe I just did that and I want to do it again.

“What are you thinking?” Dave asked as he slid from inside her and laid on his back, catching his breath, a smile on his face.

“I can’t believe we just...I hardly know you.”

He sat up on one elbow and leaned over her. He kissed her neck and walked his fingers up her thigh. “Want to get to know me better?”

She couldn’t help herself. She kissed his hairy chest, licked his nipples and played with them until they grew hard and erect, just as his erection did as well. She felt a poke in her abdomen. She looked up at his face and he smiled, raising his eyebrows and shrugging his shoulders.

Tory loved how he leaned down and kissed her lips. It was a long, slow, simmering kiss that had her gasping for breath. She put her arms around his neck and ran her fingers through his hair, pulling him closer. He spread her legs and placed his hand on her tangle of curls. She stroked his manhood. He entered her with one finger then two fingers. She squirmed on the bed and pulled at the bed clothes, her hands in fists. He rolled her on top of him and plunged into her, letting her ride him. She matched his quick rhythm immediately. She moaned and climaxed instantly.

He rolled her over onto her back and when once again he was on top, he thrust into her with slow even strokes. She licked her lips as he bent down to kiss them, then he moved onto her breasts, licking and kissing each one while moving in and out of her. He groaned and sped up his thrusts. She arched her pelvis toward him, wanting to give him all she had. He moaned and climaxed, spilling his liquid seed into her.

He rolled to his side beside her, holding her until they fell asleep.

Chapter 19

In the early hours of the morning, Dave slowly disentangled himself from Tory and got up from the warm, comfortable bed. He found his scattered clothes, dressed quietly, kissed her forehead, and left in his car. He had surveillance work to do.

* * * *

Later that morning Tory stretched, remembering every sequence of her actions the night before. She reached for Dave on the pillow to her side. It was cold. What? He left without saying good bye?

She heard footsteps on the stairs, and Dave appeared around the doorway with two steaming cups of coffee. I have never had a man bring me coffee in bed.

“Good morning, sleepy head,” he said as he set the two coffees on the night table and reached for her. She gave him a quick morning kiss and a great bear hug. “How do you feel this morning?”

She yawned. “Last night was wonderful, and I had the most restful sleep since I came to town. All thanks to you and your male prowess. How about you? Did you sleep well?” she asked him before taking a drink of coffee.

“I slept so well I want to do it all over again,” he said, raising his eyebrows in question. He quickly removed his clothes.

She giggled and lifted the covers for him and he crawled in beside her. She felt his staff ready for her. Slow and sensually he caressed her arms, her neck and shoulders, her velvety skin all over. He kissed her eyes, her nose, her cheeks, then caressed her lips. He licked her lips then opened her mouth to touch her tongue. He plundered her mouth as he caressed her breasts, then moved his mouth lower to suckle her breasts, bringing her nipples hard and erect, making her ache for more. Then he moved his mouth lower to her flat stomach, her belly button, and her tangle of hair at the apex between her thighs.

He smoothed his hand through her curls and slid a finger into her, then two fingers.

She bungled the covers in her fisted hands while breathing heavy. “Oooooooooh, I can’t stand it. I need you now.”

He eased onto her and gently entered her.

She exhaled loudly. “It feels so good.”

This time his movements were teasingly slow, as if savoring every stroke. He leaned forward and kissed her gently on the lips, and then he took her tongue into his mouth. He increased his thrusts, and they exploded into ecstasy simultaneously.

Both breathing heavily, they collapsed side by side.

“Why is it that sex with you is always like my first time?” Tory asked after catching her breath.

“I don’t know. I feel like a school kid with my first big crush.” He rubbed his hands up and down her arms.

They lay together in each other’s arms until Tory looked at the time. “I have to get to work.” She kissed him again. “What are you doing today?”

“Not sure just yet, but I’ll find something to get into,” he answered.

She jumped off the bed and rushed to the shower saying, “I’m going to be so late for work.”

* * * *

Dave lay in bed with a myriad of thoughts bombarding his head. Sex with Tory was the best he’d ever had. He felt childish and overwhelmed with emotions he’d never had before.

She meant so much to him in such a short period of time. He couldn’t imagine his life without her, but could he jeopardize his career?

He needed to get her out of his system to concentrate seriously on his job.

Chapter 20

The next morning Tory awoke to an empty bed along with the smell of coffee.

“You must be an early riser. I never even heard you get out of bed this morning.”

“I do get up early and most of the time it’s a good thing. But this morning it was a really hard decision to make,” Dave said as he pulled her close and clasped his hands behind her back.

“And why is that?” Tory asked with a smile on her face and a glimmer in her eye.

“Because I was so comfortable with you lying beside me. Your warmth and one-of-a-kind scent made me want to stay there wrapped in your arms forever.” He kissed her on the mouth while she reached her arms up and around his neck, wanting more. He hadn’t left me because he wanted to. She ran her fingers through his thick hair while the kiss grew deeper, senses heightened.

Finally Tory remembered she needed to get to work now or she would be late. They pulled apart quickly.

“I have to get to work, Dave. What are your plans today?”

“Oh, a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Nothing in particular.”

“I’m going to stop and visit with my mother after work and find out how everything is going with the B&B. Want to come along?” Tory asked without asking for a dinner date.

“No, I promised Mom I’d be home for dinner tonight. She’s making her favorite meatloaf and I don’t want to miss it. Why don’t you call me tonight when you get home from your mother’s?”

“Okay, that’s a good idea. I’ll talk to you then. Can you lock up here? I really need to get going.”

“Wait, I’ll go with you.”

Chapter 21

The Mountain View Bed & Breakfast was ready to officially open its doors. Anne had her first guests scheduled for the following week, thanks to the website Tory had created to help advertise the grand opening to Hickoryville and friends and family out of town.

In the early evening, Tory stopped by her mother’s house after work for a visit. She had just sat down with her mother and a cup of tea on the long front porch when her cell phone rang.

“Hi, Trevor!”

“Hi, Tory. I hate to ask you to do this but can you stop by the Mountainside Building and pick up the rent check from Mark Montgomery? He moved in last week and we haven’t been able to get together. I promised I would come by and pick up the check but never got around to it. I just spoke with him. He’s working late tonight and it should be on your way home from your mother’s. It’ll save me another trip into town. Would you mind?”

“Of course not. I’ll be glad to do it for you. I was planning on leaving my mother’s soon anyway.”

“Thanks so much. I really appreciate it.”

Tory finished her tea, put her cup in the sink, and decided to cut her visit short with her mother so she could run her errand for Trevor. She would still be able to get home before dark. Tory left her mother’s house and arrived at the office building in a matter of minutes.

* * * *

Tory parked in front of the tall, wooden office structure. It had been named The Mountainside Building because it was built on the side of the mountain. She parked the car, got out, and walked up the sidewalk along the nicely manicured landscape and façade of the office building.

Her hair bristled on the back of her neck, goose bumps appeared on her arms and legs as if she’d taken a chill as she walked up to the front door. She felt like someone was watching her. She stopped and looked around. Seeing no one, she knocked on the door of Mark Montgomery’s unit. The door opened on its own.

Tory just stood there, staring into the first room, a receptionist’s office, while a cold knot of fear and icy dread settled in her chest. It still smelled of fresh paint, new carpet, and another unfamiliar smell.

“Hellooo! Anybody here? Mr. Montgomery? Mr. Montgomery, are you here?” she called out. No one answered. She looked around. Nothing seemed out of place. All the usual and necessary front office equipment appeared intact. Maybe he had to run to get something to eat and left the door open and unlocked, she thought.

She was about to leave when she decided to take pictures of the office space for future reference in case there was an insurance claim. She took out her camera as she moved to the middle of the room. Then she heard water running. She looked around the corner, down the hall toward the bathroom all the while taking pictures. Was the toilet acting up? The bathroom door was open. Was someone in there?

“Helloooo? Anybody here?” she shouted louder again. She looked inside the bathroom through the lens of her camera to snap a couple pictures for insurance purposes. Her finger pushed the button before she realized what she saw. A young man in a dress suit lay slumped in the inside corner of the small bathroom, his legs doubled back under him. Blood and bits of gray matter were splattered all over two of the newly painted walls. He held a small caliber weapon in his left hand.

Her body began to tremble and her hands shook. Her camera fell to her chest, held only by the strap around her neck. Her legs became weak and she trembled all over as she stared at the floor. She heard screaming and more screaming before she recognized her own voice. She covered her mouth. The new, unfamiliar, coppery smell of blood permeated her senses. She got out her cell phone and called 911.

“Nine-one-one,” the operator said. “What is the nature of your emergency?”

“I found a body. I think he’s dead.”

“What is the address, ma’am?”

It took a moment for her to recall the address of the office. She stammered it out.

“Is there anyone there with you?” the operator asked.

“No,” she said. “Oh, I mean I don’t think there’s anyone else here.” Panic rose through her, riveting her in place.

“Stay on the line with me and go outside, okay?” the operator asked.

“Yes, yes, I’ll do that.” Glad to get away from the smell of death, she dashed back to the sidewalk.

“Emergency vehicles are on the way and should be there soon.”

“Okay.”

“They’re just around the corner. Are you there?”

“Yes. Yes. I’m outside,” Tory said. Soon sirens and flashing lights eased her terror. “I see a police car!”

“Good. You’re doing fine. Stay calm and tell the officer what you found. Can you do that?”

“Yes. Thank you. Thank you for your help.”

* * * *

Tory stood outside while officers rushed into the building. She ran to her car to enclose herself safely away from the smell of death.

Her cell phone rang and she answered it.

“Hello? Hello?” she said with trembling lips, her legs and hands still shaking. Images of the victim appeared when she closed her eyes.

“You sound funny. Are you okay?” Dave asked.

“No, I’m not okay. I just found a dead body and I’m scared out of my wits.”

“Did you call the police?”

“They’re here.”

“Where are you?”

She gave Dave the address and directions to get there.

“I’ll be right there.”

The police secured the area inside and outside with yellow crime scene tape. The outside area became active, uniformed men and women were scattered throughout the yard and the office. Chief Carr got there shortly after the first team. No one was allowed in or out until a forensics team, of sorts, arrived. Then the local mortician arrived on the scene from the only funeral home in town and pronounced the victim dead and got ready to remove the body. One of the local patrol officers located Chief Carr and revealed the identity of the victim. His name was Mark Montgomery.

* * * *

Dave arrived and found Tory in her car. She reached for him as soon as he reached her. She clung to him like he was a life raft in the ocean.

“Everything’s going to be all right. As soon as the police are through with you, I’ll take you home,” Dave said with strong reassurance as if there was no other way to do it.

And then the questioning began.

“Hi, Michael. I’m so glad to see you. This is horrible, just horrible,” Tory said as Chief Carr approached her.

“I know you’re upset right now, Victoria, but I need to ask you some questions and then get a statement from you. Okay?”

“I’ll do the best I can.” She took a deep breath.

“Did you know the victim?”

“No, I didn’t recognize him. He was a new tenant. Trevor just asked me to stop by and pick up the rent check.”

“Why didn’t Trevor pick it up himself?”

“He called and asked me to do it on my way home from my mother’s to save him a trip into town.”

“Did you touch anything?”

“I knocked on the front door, but it opened on its own. I thought Mr. Montgomery left it open for me.”

“Were you the only one here?”

“Yes.”

“How long ago did you get here?”

“Probably close to fifteen to twenty minutes by now.”

“Did you hear or see anything out of the ordinary when you arrived?”

“No. Nothing specific but I did feel like someone was watching me as I walked toward the building, but I’ve been having that sensation ever since I arrived in town. But didn’t see anyone.”

“Have you reported this to the police?”

“I’ve never seen anyone and there’s really no reason anyone would want to follow me. It’s foolish to bother with it.”

“Do you remember anything else out of the ordinary?”

“No.”

“That’s it for now, Victoria. I only ask that you stick around town for a while in case we have any other questions.”

“I was only planning to stay a few months. Will that be long enough, Michael?”

“I honestly hope so,” Michael said as he stood. He sighed and rubbed his eyes. He had dark circles under his eyes.

* * * *

Dave walked with Michael Carr to the door of the office building surrounded by yellow tape.

“Chief Carr, do you mind if I take a look at the crime scene?” He pulled out his badge for a reminder. “I’d like to help in the investigation any way I can, if that’s okay with you.”

“Sure, we can use all the help we can get before I call in the State then the Feds. Oh, wait, you are the Feds.” Chief Carr smiled. “You know the drill then. Just don’t get in the way of the forensics team or the funeral director.”

Dave entered the office and looked around. Then he went to the bathroom door. He took some notes on a notepad he seemed to never be without and then went to find the Chief.

“Chief? I’ve got some info to share when you’re ready.” Dave put his tablet and pen in his jacket pocket.

“Why don’t you help Tory get home and meet me in my office first thing in the morning? We can compare notes and take a look at the murder book.”

“Okay, I’ll see you then,” Dave said already on his way back to Tory’s car.

“Tory, do you want to go home or stay at your mother’s tonight?” He put his arm protectively around her shoulders.

“What did he mean by murder book? Wasn’t it a suicide?”

“No more questions. Right now I want to get you home. Do you want to go home to your house or to your mother’s?”

“I need to go to my own home. I have work in the morning. And I’ll have to find a special cleaning crew for the office when it’s officially allowed,” she said through trembling lips. She wiped tears away from her cheeks.

“I’ll follow you home so I know for sure you get there okay.”

“Sure.”

Dave followed Tory back to her town house and parked his SUV beside her car. He helped her out and walked with her to the front door.

“Dave, do you want to come in for a drink? I sure could use a glass of wine to settle my nerves.”

“Sure, I could use a drink.”

Tory was, of course, still upset over the sight of someone dead. Even after two small glasses of wine, she trembled. They settled on the couch, sitting side by side, Dave’s arm around her shoulder. Eventually her head fell onto his chest and she was asleep. When Dave’s arm became numb, he eased her down on the couch, covered her with a blanket, kissed her good night, and locked up on his way out.

Chapter 22

Dave took a chance Chief Carr was at his office around five o’clock in the morning. The office was a small, red brick building tucked in between the Fire Department and the City Water Works building.

“Dave, come on in. Have a seat,” Chief Carr said as he rubbed his eyes.

“Good morning,” Dave said as he sat down in one of two chairs in front of the desk. “I’m an early riser. Had some thinking to do and wanted to share my notes with you.”

“Hickoryville is a small mountain town where people still leave their doors and cars unlocked. This is shocking news for the residents here and we need to act fast.”

“I agree with you there,” Dave said as he nodded his head.

Chief Carr opened the murder book and began reviewing it. “We’ve identified the victim as Mark Montgomery, a local man who grew up here. He went to North Carolina University and then returned to his roots. He was employed by Wilson Construction and was either fired or quit about six months ago. Rumor has it he spouted off around town that Matt Wilson owed him a good sum of money, but Matt refused to pay up. I have someone questioning Matt for an alibi right now.” He looked up at Dave who nodded at him. “Montgomery had recently started to work for Braedden Properties, Wilson’s only competition and arch enemy. It appears he died from a self-inflicted small caliber gunshot wound to the left side of his head.

“At first I thought it was a suicide, but I couldn’t get all the pieces to fit together. After questioning his girlfriend, Nancy Cordes, we found he hadn’t given any indication of being unhappy in any way. He wasn’t depressed about his recent divorce. So, the big question was why would he kill himself? He had no motive.”

“Did you bag his hands at the scene?” Dave asked.

Chief nodded as he checked the notes in the murder file or book. “No gun powder burns or even residue on his hands. So that pretty much rules out suicide. We’ve put a trace on the gun to find out who it belongs to and how he may have gotten hold of it. So, it looks like we have a murder victim and a killer in our small mountain town.”

Dave thought for a moment.

“What about the brain and blood spatter? From what I saw, it looked as if he was on his knees and shot from the left side to appear as a suicide. According to his girlfriend, he was right-handed, and after looking at his hands it appears to be true. The right hand definitely has more usage. Why would someone that’s right-handed use his left hand to shoot himself? And why would he do it when he was expecting someone to stop by?”

“I agree with you, but I don’t want to offer an opinion of conjecture. I’ll wait for the undertaker’s report.”

“You’re right, Chief. It still leaves a lot of unanswered questions though. Why leave the water running?”

“I haven’t figured that one out yet, Dave. What do you think about it?” The Chief rubbed his chin.

“It could have been to draw attention to him as soon as someone walked in the door. As it turned out, it worked.” Dave shrugged.

Chief Carr sat back in his chair listening to Dave, nodding his head.

“I just have one more question,” Dave said. “And that is why and how long ago did he get a divorce. Maybe his ex-wife has some kind of vendetta against him and finally now, since he’s successful and has a new love interest, she’s pulling in her markers or acting out her revenge.”

“That’s a possibility. I’ll put someone on her right away so we can find out, how about that?”

“It seems to be a very well-thought-out, premeditated murder, doesn’t it?” Dave asked as he put his notebook and pen in his jacket pocket.

“It sure does, Dave, and you know what that means. We need to solve this and quickly.” Chief Carr sighed deeply.

Chapter 23

Tory’s mother Anne, along with Dave, Tory, Sue, and Brandon attended the funeral of Mark Montgomery. It was a rainy, gloomy day for the celebration of a man’s life here on earth. Almost everyone in town made an appearance at the somber occasion. They remembered him as a child growing up. Some were able to talk about how Mark had touched their lives, others were not. Some remained stunned that a murder had taken place in their small town. And others, members of his immediate family especially, remained numb.

During the graveside services, Dave looked around at those gathered together. Any one of them could be the murderer.

When the service concluded, Dave invited Tory and her family for coffee at Lana’s and they all agreed.

After they settled into a comfortable corner booth and ordered their coffees, their conversations turned to the crime.

“I still can’t believe Mark’s gone,” Sue said. “I’ve known him forever and now there will be such an empty void. I also can’t believe that somebody in our town is responsible for his murder. It has to be an outsider. But who could it be?”

Everyone looked at Dave, innocently stirring his coffee. When he realized everyone had become quiet, he glanced up at those seated around him, staring at him, waiting for an answer. He raised his hands up in self-defense.

“Don’t look at me,” Dave said. “I’m a federal officer and I take every one of my sworn declarations seriously.”

“What can we do?” Sue asked Dave. “After all, I don’t think any of us are safe until the killer is behind bars.” Sue ran her shaky hands through her long hair.

“Other than being careful and aware constantly of your surroundings, you need to start locking your doors at night and during the day if you’re alone.” Dave rubbed his tired face with his hands.

“If you learn anything be sure to give us a call, all right? Brandon and I need to leave, so keep us posted. And, Tory, try to stay out of trouble, okay?” Sue laughed as she waved at them while ushering her mother out the door.

* * * *

“I guess you’ll be staying here in Hickoryville then?” Tory asked directly of Dave.

“That depends,” he answered with a smile.

“Depends on what?” Tory couldn’t help but ask.

“Whether or not you stay.”

Tory smiled, feeling warm and fuzzy under his gaze. But then the pressure began to build and the warm, fuzzy feeling receded. She realized her actions would result in his reactions, and she didn’t want to be responsible for his career.

“Dave, I, I like you a lot, but I can’t advise you on what to do when I don’t know what I’m doing myself yet. I think we both need more time. I’m only here for a few months, remember?”

“I know. I don’t want to put any more pressure on you than you already have. We can continue to get to know each other.”

“How about dinner at my house tomorrow night? I’ll cook,” Tory asked.

“I think that sounds wonderful, Tory.”

She nodded.

* * * *

Later that day, Matt Wilson whistled as he got into his car and left his house. He made his way to meet with his latest mistress, a young woman he met at the local office supply store. She was married, but what the hell, so was he for now, technically anyway. They immediately hit it off and she soon let him know when her husband was working late so they could set up another rendezvous.

Very early the next morning, Matt again whistled as he left Patty’s house, preoccupied with his recent conquest.

* * * *

The occupant of the black car parked a block down the street, donned with dark glasses, slouched down in the front seat, making notes, went unnoticed.

Chapter 24

Tory dragged herself to work the next day. She’d been working more hours than she had originally anticipated since Mrs. Braedden’s due date was approaching quickly and she had to be on total bed rest. Mid-morning Tory answered the phone at the office. It was a new client, Larry Walker, and he was interested in looking at one of the new office buildings still in the midst of construction. His company was growing and he needed a larger facility.

She arranged to meet him later at the job site but first she would need to prepare an estimate for any custom and necessary build-outs he might like to suit his specific needs.

She arrived early and waited in the car until her client arrived and they walked toward the building together.

“Hi, Mr. Walker, right?” Tory asked as she held out a hand to shake.

“Yes, but please call me Larry. It’s nice to meet you and put a face with a voice on the telephone,” he answered as he shook her hand.

“Same here,” Tory said as she unlocked the door to the large warehouse community building. Larry held the single glass window industrial door for her as they entered the warehouse area.

They walked around the unfinished inside perimeter of the sizeable empty warehouse in the back. Tory took pictures from every angle and noted measurements for review later if Mr. Walker decided he wanted any build-out done. Then they turned to the office spaces in the front of the building—Tory snapping pictures as Larry opened the door to one of the offices. At first Tory couldn’t see what she was looking at through the camera lens but snapped a few pictures anyway. When she heard Larry gasp, she dropped the camera which was caught by the strap around her neck. She covered her mouth and screamed bloody murder.

* * * *

“Oh my god! Oh my god! Not again?” Tory fell to her knees, staring at the young woman hanging by her neck, her head at a bizarre angle, her blank eyes bulging, the tissue around her eyes discolored. A rope was secured to an exposed rafter, wrapped around her neck. A chair sat nearby but not close enough for the victim to have stood on. She was dressed in a simple summer dress and sandals.

Larry rushed over to the hanging young woman. He checked for a pulse on her ankle but realized they were too late. She was already dead. Rigor mortis had already set in.

Larry waited patiently nearby while Tory placed the call to 911 on her cell phone.

“Nine-one-one, what is your emergency?”

“We found a girl hanging from the rafters. She’s dead.”

“What is your location?”

Tory gave out the address of the building.

“We have officers in the area and someone will be arriving shortly. Can you stay on the line with me?”

“Sure, I’m on my cell phone.”

“Can you leave the building?”

“Yes, yes of course,” Tory answered as she headed to the outside door and motioned for Mr. Walker to follow. When they reached the outside steps, Tory heard the sirens nearby.

“Officers will be arriving shortly, so we can hang up now,” the 911 operator informed Tory.

“Okay, good-bye,” Tory answered bleakly.

Officers arrived quickly and were securing the area when Tory and Larry made their way to the safety and security of their cars. Tory’s body trembled all over. She couldn’t get the vision of the hanging girl out of her mind. It was as if it was frozen in time, and every time she closed her eyes she saw it.

The police were scattered from one end of the large warehouse to the office area. Two murders in one week and I happen to find them both? Can it truly be coincidental?

Chief Carr arrived on the scene and ordered everyone out of the building until a forensics team arrived as well as the funeral director.

Forensics arrived next with the mortician shortly after. An approximate time of death—about 4:00 a.m.—was declared, pending autopsy results. Larry was questioned by a detective and provided a solid alibi for himself.

Trevor Braedden was called to the scene because of his ownership status of the building. He was questioned for a considerable long time, about two hours. His alibi was secure.

“Hi, Victoria,” Chief Carr said when he arrived on the scene. “We’ve got to stop meeting like this, don’t we?”

“I would love to. I’m not sure how many more scares like this I can take. I’m becoming a nervous wreck.”

“You know I have to ask you some questions. We need to do it while it’s still fresh in your mind.”

“I understand.”

“Did you know the victim?”

“No, I didn’t really look at her that well. Michael, I’ve only been here a couple weeks and I haven’t gotten to know or meet very many people.”

“Have you seen her before?”

“No, I don’t think so,” Tory answered with quivering lips.

“Who else knew you were coming here this morning?”

“Only Trevor knew, no one else.”

“Did the victim ever come into the office?”

“I came here to meet a client, Larry Walker, who called to look at business property,” Tory said.

“How well do you know your client, Larry Walker?”

“I only spoke with him once on the phone and met him for the first time here to show him the property.”

“Were you ever here before today?” Chief Carr asked Tory.

“No. I had to print out the paperwork on this place to be able to answer any questions about square footage and such.” She held up the papers to show him.

“So did you hear any noise out of the ordinary while you were here? See any strange cars or people, anything at all?”

“No. Mr. Walker and I walked around the inside of the warehouse first and then into the business offices. I was taking pictures and didn’t see her at first but that’s when we saw”—she swallowed hard—“that’s when we saw her, the victim.”

“Okay, Victoria, I think that’s enough for now. If I have any further questions I’ll get back to you. Can you stick around for an hour or so?”

“Sure, I’ll be waiting in my car.” She turned away and walked to her nearby parked car, her body trembling.

* * * *

Chief Carr watched the medical team remove the body from the rafter, place it in a body bag, then onto a gurney. The undertaker determined a first good estimate of time of death, without an autopsy and further tests, was around four this morning. He would know more, such as exact cause and time of death, once they had her at the funeral home. He would do an autopsy and be able to do more extensive tests.

Michael now had one more question.

* * * *

Victoria sat in her car, her head in her trembling hands, trying to wrap her head around everything that had happened to her since she first came to Hickoryville. She couldn’t believe it. What had she done to deserve this agony? Did I piss someone off? Say the wrong thing? What? She couldn’t imagine in her wildest dreams what she may have done. She leaned her head against the steering wheel and cried her heart out.

That’s how Dave found her.

* * * *

“Tory, sweetheart. It’s okay. It’s not your fault. You didn’t do anything,” Dave said as he pulled her out of the car and gave her a hug. She hugged him back, always so glad to see him.

“But, Dave, why me? Why are the bodies in places where I go?” She drew away from him to look into his face.

“I don’t know, sweetheart, but I sure as hell am going to find out. In the meantime, we have to take one day at a time.” He hugged her again.

Dave heard Chief Carr approaching and pulled away from Tory.

* * * *

Chief Carr walked with a tired step. He sighed deeply. What was happening to his town? Two murders in as many weeks and Victoria finding both coincidentally and both on Braedden Properties? Not to mention her being run off the road just outside of town, shot at while out horseback riding, and her house being ransacked. Something was going on and he intended to get to the bottom of it. And soon.

He approached her car in the parking lot with just one more question to ask.

“Victoria, Dave.” He nodded at them. “I have just one more question for both of you and then you can go home.”

“Yes?” Tory asked while Dave searched Chief Carr’s eyes for any sign of suspicion.

“Where were you at four o’clock this morning?” Michael asked Tory.

“I was at home in bed.”

“Excuse me for having to ask,” Chief Carr said as he looked back and forth between Tory and Dave, “but were you alone?”

Tory was mortified. Then she realized her answer would not eliminate her as a suspect. “I was alone. You don’t think I had anything to do with this, do you?”

“Of course not, Tory, he’s just doing his job,” Dave said as he pulled her to him.

“Dave, where were you at four o’clock this morning?” Chief Carr asked, looking point blank at Dave.

“At my parent’s house, asleep on the pull-out sofa bed. I have the bruises and back ache to prove it, too,” Dave answered with a smile to relieve the tension as he rubbed his back.

“I’m just doing my job. I don’t think you or Dave had anything to do with this. But someone did. We’re looking at another murder, Dave. Anything you can do to help would be greatly appreciated. In the meantime, I’ll call in the state boys for assistance. You can stop by my office later and we can compare notes,” Michael said as he began to turn away. “Victoria, one more thing. Be careful, okay?”

* * * *

So Tory was home alone, was she? But for how long?

Chapter 25

Tory couldn’t concentrate. Every time she closed her eyes she saw the faces of the dead. She was frightened to answer the phone, scared it would ring and be someone wanting to meet her to look at an apartment or other property, and feared that her next appointment meant finding another body.

Not to mention being shot at and run off the road. Someone was trying to tell her something, and she wished they would just send her a note or call her directly and tell her to get out of town if that was what the message was supposed to be. No more killings. No more bodies.

She decided to take the rest of the day off and visit with her mother and sister. The first thing she saw when she arrived at her mother’s was the big wooden door with the etched oval glass. She relaxed right away. Her refuge was at hand.

* * * *

Tory spent the remainder of the day with her mother and sister. They managed to talk about everything and everyone except the murder victims. She talked about riding again to get herself back on a horse and also about the B&B and how everything seemed to be running very smoothly. Her mother seemed very happy with her hands full of guests and meals to prepare for them.

She left her mother’s early to go grocery shopping and get home in time to prepare dinner for Dave. As she drove her car to the grocery store, her thoughts of him made her hot and she smiled. What would my life be like with him in it all the time? She squirmed in her seat. The heat rushed to her face when she thought about the way he kissed her at the apartment and how he talked to her so bluntly about how he felt and what he wanted to do to her. She longed to be that uninhibited, too.

Arriving home and after setting the table with candles and dinnerware, she prepared the salad. She had just cut the first slice of a tomato when the phone rang. She rushed to wipe her hands and answer it, but there was no one on the other end of the line. She went back to her task of salad preparation when the phone rang again. This time she was able to pick it up on time.

“I know why you’re here and you won’t get away with it. I won’t let you,” said the disguised man’s voice on the other end.

Tory was about to respond when she heard a click and then a dial tone. The son of a bitch had already hung up the phone.

What could he possibly mean? He knows why I’m here. I’m here to help my mother, who and why could anybody have anything against that?

She finished the salad, put it in the fridge, and took out the steaks. She placed them in the marinating container and added the necessary ingredients on top. She put the lid on and placed the container back in the fridge. Dinner was already well on its way.

She took extra time than usual fussing with her hair, wetting it and spraying it into place. She also took extra care in choosing a dress she thought Dave would like, finally settling on a sleeveless sundress with a square neckline in soft shades of pink. She smiled at her reflection in the mirror, happy with the look she’d created. She ran her fingers through her hair one more time and the doorbell rang.

* * * *

Dave looked forward to dinner with Tory. They had so much to talk about, so much to learn about each other. He always strived for punctuality and checked his watch. Good! Right on time. He even remembered to bring a bouquet of flowers and a bottle of wine. He wanted this evening to be perfect.

He parked his SUV truck next to Tory’s car, checked his hair and face in the mirror one more time, and got out of the car. Her door was just a few steps away from where he parked, but he was nervous as hell. It was like his first high school date all over again, and he hoped she liked him. He stood tall and straight as he rang the bell.

Tory answered the door and took his breath away. She had on an adorable sundress, showing just enough skin to make a man want to caress it and then look for more.

“Hello, beautiful. You look gorgeous. These are for you,” he said, handing her the flowers, “and this is for dinner. I thought it would go great with the steaks.” He handed her the bottle of white wine and he wiped his sweaty palms on his light khaki pants and straightened some invisible wrinkles out of his white linen shirt.

“Thank you, Dave, the flowers are beautiful. Come on in and get comfortable. I’ll just put these in water and be right with you.” She turned and headed toward the kitchen.

Dave came in to the combined living room dining room and saw the candlelit table set for two. His chest constricted at the thought of just the two of them having an intimate dinner together.

“I put the flowers in water and stuck the wine in the fridge just to chill it a little.”

“Perfect. You do have a grill, right?” he asked to fill the space of silence.

“Of course, it came with the place. It’s gas, and to tell you the truth, I know nothing about it, so I hope you do.”

“I can handle it.”

“Great, please have a seat. The steaks can marinate a little longer.” She took a seat on one end of the couch and turned toward the other end, her legs drawn up underneath her.

Dave took a seat facing her on the other end of the short couch. “So, how was the rest of your day?”

“It was fine after I talked to my mother and Sue. For some reason they always make me feel better, more grounded.”

“I worry about you. I wish I could help you feel safe and secure.” He caressed her hand that lay across the back of the sofa.

“Oh, Dave, don’t get me wrong. You do make me feel safe. That’s why I call you first after the police. I don’t know who else I would turn to if you weren’t here.” She smiled.

He leaned in and kissed her hand. “That makes me feel good.” He continued kissing her hand. He kissed all the way up her arm, her shoulder, her neck until he reached her mouth. He gave her a light butterfly kiss—his lips barely touching hers. Then he deepened the kiss. When she opened her mouth for him, their tongues tangled together. His arms went around her and he pulled her closer to him. Her arms went around his neck as she clung to him.

The pre-heat buzzer from the oven brought them both back to reality. The dinner rolls were ready to go in. Both of them broke apart quickly.

Tory put the dinner rolls into the oven while Dave started the grill. She handed him the marinated steaks and the utensil to use with them. Dave grilled the steaks while Tory tossed the salad. Once they were both seated at the table, Tory sipped her wine, the candlelight reflecting off her glass as she touched it to her lips.

“So, how is your steak?”

“Done to perfection.” Tory cut another piece of steak and quickly put it in her mouth.

Dave watched her lips as she ate and talked, remembering the taste of her. “The whole dinner was great, Tory. Would you like more wine?”

“Sure, I could drink a little more,” Tory answered as she once again ran her hands through her hair.

Dave helped Tory clean up the dishes after dinner, and even cleaned the grill.

After dinner, they relaxed on the sofa.

“Why do you think these murders are happening?” Tory asked.

“I don’t know. Since you have some knowledge of both the victims, can you think of anything they had in common, like did they both belong to the same club, drive the same kind of car, or frequent the same restaurant? Anything at all?”

“The only things I can think of that they had in common was that I found them and they were both on Braedden Properties.” Her voice quivered. “And to top it off, I think the police suspect me as the murderer.”

“That’s nonsense. The Chief never mentioned anything like that,” he said as he moved over closer to her, picked up her hand and rubbed her fingers. “I’m more concerned about you. We both know that can’t be true. When we finish the investigation and put all the facts together, we’ll find the real murderer. In the meantime, we should forget about all that. We need to relax and enjoy each other.”

* * * *

Dave moved in closer to her and picked up her hand. He kissed her every finger. “I care for you, Tory. I’ll take care of you. You don’t have anything to worry about.”

Dave kissed her lips and wiped the tears from her cheeks with his thumbs. Dave wanted to console her. He had a hint of remorse about everything she was feeling bad about. He wanted her to be sure about him, to trust him, be strong for him, and know he would protect her in any way possible.

He deepened the kiss. Her fiery response surprised him. He forced open her mouth and put his tongue inside. He savored the taste of her, the taste only she had. He pulled her close, wrapping one hand around her neck to pull her closer and the other around her waist. She responded by wrapping her arms around his waist and shoulders, pulling him closer.

He kept his eyes tightly closed. In the absolute darkness, she was all heat and sensation to him, her lips a source of cool fire that burned everything they touched, spawning jolts of desire that spiked through his body, leaving him mindless and weak. He kissed her earlobe and tear-stained cheeks, making her gasp. He slowly pushed her down onto the sofa, making her draw in her breath sharply.

He kissed his way to her earlobe and whispered sweet nothings in her ear. She put both her hands on each side of his face, looked into his eyes.

He kissed her as he gently lay on top of her.

She arched her pelvis against him, her nipples already hard and erect. She tensed with anticipation and moaned. Her breathing heavy. She unzipped his pants and ran her hand over his erection, squeezing as she stroked it up and down, up and down. Dave writhed beneath her ministrations, and she didn’t want to stop.

Dave groaned as he slipped her bra off her soft, smooth shoulders. He rubbed his fingers across her nipples, sending a quiver through her body.

Suddenly his mouth closed around her nipple. She gulped for air, a flabbergasted sound of pleasure. He licked her.

* * * *

She wanted to thrash and gyrate and beg for more. Her nails dug into the cushions. He found her other nipple and rubbed it between his thumb and forefinger, with just enough force to make her abandon all effort at quietness. She moaned out loud.

She murmured while he kissed her neck and shoulders, “Dave, oh, Dave. We shouldn’t do this. I’m not that kind of woman. I don’t want to get involved in another relationship right now.”

“Tell me to stop and I will,” he said just as he slid his hand up her velvet thigh to her wet-for-him panties. He moved her panties to one side and began gently stroking her outer lips. She was so hot and wet. He used one finger and entered her. She arched her back toward him.

She wanted more of him. No, she wanted all of him. She continued to stroke his penis, rubbing the moist droplets around the head.

He stood and quickly removed his pants and shirt while she removed her remaining clothes. When he lay beside her again on the couch, he kissed her and began moving his hands all over her soft and smooth body. He caressed her breasts then replaced his hand with his lips, suckling like a baby. His hands continued to roam over her body, under her arms, down her stomach, up her thighs until he reached her hot, wet spot. He again entered her with one finger, then two fingers. She tried to move closer to him to take more but couldn’t. She moaned and rolled her head to the left and right in sexual frustration.

Dave removed his fingers and moved his body on top of her. His shaft was ready to enter her when she reached down and touched it, rubbing the velvety soft head with her fingers, smoothing the lubricant all over. She directed it to her opening and Dave thrust into her.

* * * *

He groaned. She was so hot and wet inside, he was on fire. As he thrust in and out of her, she quickly matched his rhythm, arching into him to take all of him.

“Dave, oh my god, it feels so good.”

A deep guttural moan came from within Dave.

Tory was breathless as she pulled Dave’s mouth down to hers. He kissed her lips, and then moved to her neck and ears, reaching even lower to suckle her breast one more time. Tory couldn’t hold out anymore. She let all her inner inhibitions go and soon found herself in ecstasy. She closed her eyes and saw stars, the world spinning around.

Dave called her name, “Tory, Tory.” She soon felt his hot, liquid seed spilling into her.

He kissed her as he gently lay beside her.

Both full of wonderment, disbelief, and bliss.

Both content.

Chapter 26

The following morning was cool and rainy. Neither Dave nor Tory wanted to leave the warm comfort of each other’s arms, let alone the bed they had shared all night.

“Hummm nice,” Tory murmured as Dave caressed her breasts.

“See why I like your place better?” Dave asked with a smile as he kissed Tory good morning. He still hadn’t decided which town house or apartment he liked best but enjoyed staying at Tory’s.

“Hmmm, I like my place better too,” she answered with a kiss, snuggling closer to him.

“You do know I have to go to work today, don’t you?” Tory reminded Dave with another kiss.

“I know. And I need to get to work, too. Let’s take a shower together for a good morning send off,” Dave said as he yanked the covers off of both of them at the same time, pulled Tory gently to the edge of the bed, took her hand, and escorted her to the bathroom.

They walked hand in hand into the bathroom. Tory turned on the water in the oversized shower and got clean towels out of the closet while Dave adjusted the water temperature and jumped in the shower.

“Come on in, the water’s great,” Dave said with a smile.

Tory stepped into the shower and was quickly grabbed by Dave and pulled under the shower’s spray. Water sluiced over both of them as he quickly plundered her mouth. His hands caressed her breasts with soap, along with her stomach all the way down to her feminine curls. Tory took the hint and soaped up her hands and massaged Dave’s entire body with a thick, soapy lather.

Their bodies burned where they touched, locked together nipples to knees. Dave’s erection throbbed between Tory’s thighs.

She slowly opened her legs to him. His arms went around her and lifted her up by her hips as she wrapped her legs around him. He pushed her back against the wall as he slowly entered her. He started moving in and out of her, taking her breath away. She moaned and muttered, “Dave, oh, Dave.” She knew as soon as he reached his climax because he pulled her tight to him, held his breath as he filled her with his seed. They held each other close until they could control their breathing.

* * * *

Tory had a job to do and quickly found herself dressed and at her desk. Mid-morning, Tory left the office to drop some papers off to one of their tenants about a rental increase. When she reached the cottage-like house, she parked her car along the sidewalk. She got out of the car, walked up the driveway past a parked car and onto the porch. She knocked on the door two or three times. That’s odd. I just spoke to her a couple of hours ago and she was expecting me. She was going to take a relaxing bath and said to “come on over.”

The hair on the back of Tory’s neck bristled as it had before when she felt someone was watching her. She didn’t know what to do. Should she call the police? Should she go inside? Or should she call Dave since he had been elected lead detective on the murder cases? She called Dave for advice.

“Just sit tight. I’ll call the police and be there in a few minutes.”

Dave got there before the police and attempted to calm Tory down. There was no reason for Tory to be alarmed. They had no reason to think the worst, that she would find another body. He kept Tory occupied outside by their cars until the police arrived on the scene. He explained the expected procedure to her, different now since there had been two murders. State officers were now involved, all reporting their findings to Dave.

After no response through open windows, three local police officers broke down the front door to get into the house. Shortly thereafter, the area was secured with yellow crime scene tape and a flurry of police officers scurried throughout the house and yard. Dave had briefly looked at the body and recognized it for what it was—a murder.

Outside, Dave reminded the attending officers that no one was allowed inside the house or across the crime scene lines unless they were a part of the forensics team, then the area was truly secured until the forensics team arrived.

Chief Carr was assigned to guard the scene.

Once the death was labeled a murder, local and state police began to gather at the scene. So within about ninety minutes of the first request for an ambulance, five police officers, two state and three local police officers, were on the scene. A member of the County Attorney’s Office and the county medical examiner were there as well. Neighbors started showing up, coming out of their houses to see what was going on, and were able to identify the victim. Her name was Ellen Wells.

* * * *

Chief Carr soon met with Dave who then explained the routine to him for complete clarity.

“We found the body of a young woman, assumed to be the tenant, Ellen Wells. She was naked, lying in the bathtub, the water having slowly drained out, looks like an accidental drowning.”

“Oh, my god,” Tory said as she turned her face toward Dave. “I just spoke with her on the phone a few hours ago. How can this be happening? This town is my home, yet everywhere I go there’s death.”

“Tory, when was the last time you met with Ms. Wells?”

“I, I’ve never met her,” she said through quivering lips. “As I said, I spoke with her on the phone a few hours ago about signing the papers I brought with me about a rent increase. She was fine. She said to come over anytime today, she was going to take a long soak in the tub.”

“Was there anyone here when you arrived?”

“No, just the car in the driveway. I assumed it was hers.”

“When you knocked on the door did you hear anything strange, like someone moving around inside, running or slamming or closing a door?”

“No, I can’t recall any of those things.”

“Did you smell anything or see anyone leaving the area when you got here?”

“No, I don’t recall either. I waited on the porch until Dave got here then we waited in the car.”

“What about you Dave? Have you ever met Ms. Wells?”

When Dave shook his head Chief Carr put his hat back on and sighed loudly. Dave turned and hollered to one of the local officers to start canvassing the neighborhood, door to door questioning for anything or anyone they saw in the area, anything out of the ordinary. Then he headed back into the house.

Tory turned around and ran into Laura Peterson, the librarian.

“Hi, Laura. What brings you to this part of town?”

“Just trying to figure out what’s going on. Do you know anything yet?” Laura asked.

“No, we’re waiting to hear something just like everyone else. I can’t imagine what happened, can you?” Tory asked Laura.

“No, but a lot has been happening in this town, so I’m not surprised,” Laura said with a smirk.

“We’ll just have to wait and see, won’t we?”

“Yes, poor Ellen though, I wonder if she felt any pain?” Laura said as she slowly walked away.

Dave came back from the house and looked at Tory who was looking behind her to where Laura had been standing. She was gone, lost in the crowd that had gathered waiting for word of what happened.

“Why would she wonder about Ellen, if it was an accidental drowning?” Tory asked Dave, who shrugged his shoulders and shook his head as Tory turned again to search the area for Laura.

Dave followed Tory home after the county medical examiner left with the body.

“I need to spend the night with my parents. They’ve been a little concerned about me. Are you sure you’ll be all right tonight by yourself? You remember the rules, right? Don’t answer the door to anyone except me and keep all the doors and windows locked with the poles in place.”

“I understand. But I’m going to miss you tonight. You’re becoming a habit I don’t want to give up.” Tory giggled shyly.

Dave chuckled. “I’ll see you tomorrow and I’ll even call you later and check on you, okay?”

“Of course, but not too late,” Tory said as he walked her to her car. He opened her door for her and helped her inside. He kissed her gently once on the lips. He put his hands around her neck and plunged into her mouth, sticking his tongue in, touching her. Tasting her. He snagged her tongue and sucked it into his mouth. Tory laid her hand on the side of Dave’s face. When they finally came apart, they were both breathing heavily, another quick kiss good night, and Dave closed her door.

He returned the wave from her and walked to his own car. He still had a lot of work to do and knew he wouldn’t be getting any sleep tonight.

Chapter 27

Dave and Chief Carr met early the next morning at the police station to discuss the surveillance operation as well as the hanging victim, identified as Carolyn Robison.

“This is what we know so far. She was an employee of Ted’s Pizza but was last seen at Red’s Hideaway Lounge with Matt Wilson and some of his buddies. She was a former girlfriend of Matt’s. The murderer used the same MO as before—set up to look like a suicide. However, the coroner found rope fibers on her slacks as well as rope burns on her wrists. If you recall, we didn’t find a rope at the murder scene.” Dave leaned back in his chair with the murder file open in front of him rereading the notes.

“But the one thing that bothers me, Chief, is the placement of the chair. It wasn’t under her to be kicked away by the victim. It was off to the side and upright. Something else someone wouldn’t be able to do is push the chair out from under them and have it remain upright. So was she dead before she was hanged and it was only made to look like a hanging?” He rubbed his face with his hands and ran his fingers through his windblown hair.

“I agree that it doesn’t make sense. The chair was needed for the victim to stand on before the hanging, unless like you say she was dead before hanging. Maybe the murderer was cleaning it of prints and accidentally put it back in the wrong place.”

“We’ll have to wait on the autopsy report for this one, I think, Chief.”

“Waiting is tough.” Dave stood, shook his hand, and waved as he went out the door.

* * * *

Tory awoke slowly, reveling in the warmth of the bed, her eyes shut, listening to the sounds of the house. She remembered how uninhibited she was last night and how good she felt this morning. Ashamed of herself, she wasn’t quite sure how to face Dave. Will he think I’m a slut? She peeked out under closed lids to where he had slept last night, holding her in his arms. His side of the bed was empty again.

She sat up quickly. Maybe he was making breakfast or taking a shower. She didn’t hear the water running or even smell coffee brewing. He hadn’t spent the night with her last night. He spent it with his parents. She looked at the time. Crap.

It was after nine o’clock. She never slept this late. Not even on weekends. What’s wrong with me? She quickly ran to the bathroom and jumped in the shower. She had to get to work. She had an appointment at ten o’clock.

She quickly dressed in casual slacks, a silk blouse, and sandals. As she fixed her hair she heard a key in the door.

Dave soon rounded the corner into the bedroom, saw the empty bed, and immediately looked toward the bathroom.

“Tory, there you are.” He walked to her, leaned down, and gave her a kiss.

She was so relieved to see him and his reaction to her.

“Good morning, beautiful. Did you sleep well?” Dave asked as he pulled them apart to look into her eyes.

“I did. It was very warm an–an–and peaceful. How about you?” Tory stuttered as she stepped back from him, releasing her hold on him.

“The best night of sleep I’ve had in some time. I’m an early riser and had some things I needed to get done.”

She wanted to tell him how afraid she was when she woke and he wasn’t there anymore and how relieved she was when he came back. But she didn’t know what to say that wouldn’t sound clingy.

“I made coffee. Let’s get a cup and we can talk. Okay?” Dave asked as he ran his fingers through his hair.

Was he agitated with her?

Then she remembered how rushed she was and looked at the clock. It was already after ten o’clock. She needed to call Trevor and see if he could take her appointment. She picked up the phone and dialed the office number. Trevor answered on the second ring.

“Hi, Trevor, it’s Tory. I’m running late for my ten o’clock appointment with Mr. Whitman. Would you be able to fill in for me?”

“Sure, no problem. In fact, the paperwork is caught up and we have no more appointments scheduled today, go ahead and take the day off. I’ll see you tomorrow and give you a complete update on Whitman then.”

“Gee, Trevor, thanks so much. See you tomorrow then.”

* * * *

“Dave, I have all day to talk. How about you?” she asked as she fidgeted with her hands.

“What do you want to do today?” Dave asked.

“Let’s go for a drive up in the mountains. I’ll take you to a special place my dad used to take me, and we can relax. I can take some pictures. You look like you could take a nap. There is a wooden walking bridge, mountain streams, and small waterfalls. A lot of the trees will be in bloom now and it‘ll be beautiful. We can enjoy the scenery.”

They both got into Dave’s car and set off toward the mountains. His SUV handled the terrain well and they soon found themselves almost at the top when the single-lane, dirt and stone road ended. Parking the car was easy, just leave it where it was.

“Come on,” Tory said as she opened her door and quickly jumped out. “This is perfect.”

“Where are we going?” Dave asked.

“Just a little farther up the mountain. I’m so glad my dad loved these mountains enough to keep them preserved naturally.” They continued hiking for about twenty minutes before Tory stopped and said, “Listen.”

“What? I don’t hear anything,” Dave said as he placed his hand at his ear.

“Exactly my point. It’s so peaceful here. Sit down here on the bench. Dad and I put it here years ago. It’s a great place for meditation and serious thinking.”

* * * *

It was exactly what Dave needed. So much more she didn’t know. Should he tell her why he needed a nap and his real reason for being in this area of the North Carolina Mountains and jeopardize their relationship as well as his career? He stretched out on the bench, put his head on her lap, and relaxed. He quickly dozed off.

Chapter 28

The next day, Dave and Tory attended the funeral of Carolyn Robison. “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust,” the minister said while Dave looked around at the crowd in attendance to respect the memory of Carolyn Robison. The sadness on the faces of her family and friends was almost overbearing. A young woman dead before she barely had a chance to live and without any kind of justification.

He had learned a lot about the victim from the time she died until the funeral. Carolyn Robison was an old high school friend of many of them, including Tory, Chief Carr, and Matt Wilson. Carolyn had worked as a waitress at Ted’s pizza shop where Tory had stopped the night before Carolyn was found hanging. Tory had always resented Carolyn because Matt had cheated on her with Carolyn and loved to rub it in her face.

Tory remembered passing Carolyn walking out of the pizza shop, along with Matt and some friends, as she was walking in to pick up a pizza for Dave and her to share for dinner just two nights before.

Matt Wilson and his wife Paige also attended the funeral. After short and formal greetings to everyone, they quickly left. Matt’s eyes were red and swollen, obviously from grieving. Paige’s, not so much.

* * * *

“Hi, Pop, what are you up to today?” Dave asked his father as he stepped inside the door and took a seat on the couch.

“Oh, a little bit of this and a little bit of that. You look like you could use a friend to talk to. What’s wrong?”

“All these murders. They just won’t quit and we’re not any closer now in finding the murderer than we were in the beginning. I don’t know what to do. We’ve called in the state troopers and we’re getting a lot of cooperation from everyone, you’d think we’d have a suspect by now, wouldn’t you?” Dave had spilled his guts and felt a heavy burden lifted from his shoulders even though he still had no answers.

“Son, you know as well as I do that these things take time and a lot of work, hard work, and concentration of every fact in the murder books, looking for similarities, etc. You’ll get there, son, you just may not like where or how it takes you there.”

“I know you’re right, Dad, I’m just impatient.”

“I know you are, son, and I also know some of our cases lasted months, sometimes years and years, but we solved them. Sometimes the answer is right under your nose, where you’d least expect it. Everything takes time, son.”

“Dad, unfortunately time is the one thing we don’t have. I’m afraid for Tory. We have to find the murderer before he strikes again.”

* * * *

Dave called Matt to set up a time to interview him. They had things to talk about. They met at Lana’s coffee shop as opposed to the “box” at the local police station. Matt was already at the coffee shop when Dave arrived and parked his car. He was slow getting out, necessary questions mulling around in his mind. He wanted to give the questions the same way he expected to get the answers—straight and forward.

Matt waved to Dave when he entered the coffee house and Dave joined him along with a waitress to take his order.

That done, Dave asked Matt, “How have you been holding up, buddy? I understand most of the murder victims were involved with you in one way or another.”

“I’m holding up okay, I guess. But I think the police think I’m a good suspect when I’m just a ladies’ man. Always have been and probably always will be.”

“How are you involved in any of the murders?” Dave asked solemnly.

“What do you mean? I wasn’t involved with any of them in any way. Those girls were my friends and I gave them respect just like I would Tory. I’d take her back in a second if she’d have me back. But she’s so hoity-toity now she wants nothing to do with me.”

“How are you and your wife getting along through all this?”

“We’re separated.”

“What’s that tell you?”

“The divorce will probably be effective within the month. There’s no going back this time. Although Paige has made it perfectly clear that if she can’t have me nobody can.” Matt took a drink of coffee and made a face. “Strong brew today, huh?”

Dave nodded. “Where were you when the murders occurred?”

Matt rolled his eyes.

“I guess I was either home and asleep or busy elsewhere during most of them, since they were all committed in the early morning hours.”

“How do you know that?” Dave asked.

“Know what?”

“Know what time they were murdered?” Dave rubbed his eyes and shook his head. What a thick head.

“Because when the police investigators came to question me they told me about the victims, how and when they died. Then I proceeded to tell them where I was when each murder occurred. I have solid alibis and witnesses to vouch for me. When the first two murders happened, I was with my wife. For the last one I have a validated alibi. What else do you want to know?”

“How do you know it’s the last murder?”

“I don’t for certain. But I’m hoping this is the last of them,” Matt said with snide grin.

“Isn’t it true your business is going belly-up and you’re hurting for cash? Lots of cash?”

“That’s my business, and what’s it got to do with the murders, anyway? So what if I’m short on cash,” Matt answered, moving away from Dave, backing up on the booth seat and crossing his arms over his chest.

“Okay, what else do you know about the murders?” Dave asked again.

“I know enough that I want my attorney present for any further questioning, how about that?” Matt said, slapping his hands on the table.

“Go ahead, lawyer up. But the truth will come out one way or another, it always does. If you have something to hide, just tell me the truth now. I can help you, buddy, with the prosecution not going so hard on you but only if I know the truth now. Did you have anything to do with the murders of Mark Montgomery, Carolyn Robison, or Ellen Wells? This is your last chance.”

“Talk to my attorney,” Matt said stubbornly as he got up and left the coffee house.

* * * *

Tory went to her mother’s. As soon as she stepped on the front porch and saw the door with the oval glass etching, she felt relief. Her sister Sue came over a few minutes later, and their family conversation included the murders and the investigations. The one bright arc of light out of the day was that Tory left her mother’s early to go home to prepare dinner for Dave.

Chapter 29

Chief of Police Michael Carr was an early riser. Always had been, probably always would be. He enjoyed the quiet in the wee early hours between four and six and did his best thinking then. As an unmarried elected official after many years on the police force, he had worked his way up from the bottom of the ladder and had grown along with the town. He wondered now what had happened to his peaceful little town of Hickoryville with three murders and one attempted murder.

He was to the point where he trusted no one, especially someone new in town like Dave Miller or even Victoria, for that matter. But the background check he ran on Dave was outstanding, years on the police force, just like himself, and then on a special Federal Task Force. He was honored to have him in his town, especially now.

Murders were happening too fast. They hadn’t been able to solve any of them so far, even with the assistance of the state police and Dave’s expertise. But they would. The murderer would slip up eventually, and they would catch him, but they needed him now! Before any more deaths. Dave had been appointed as agent in charge of the murder investigations, but Michael had to sort things out for himself.

He rubbed his chin and ran his hands across his face as he sat down at his desk. He had studied the murder books of each victim thoroughly from one end to the other. He started to work on a white board to lay everything out. He listed all the victims, their method of death, place of death, and any known affiliations or commonalities.

Mark Montgomery, Shot in head with small caliber weapon, new tenant of Braedden Properties, initially ruled a suicide but no powder burns on hands or fingerprints on gun left at scene. Set up to look like suicide, owned a pizza place downtown, divorced and had a new girlfriend, previously worked for and was owed money from Matt Wilson Land Development Company. Common with other victims was Mark’s ex-wife was an ex-girlfriend of Matt Wilson, found by Victoria Richards, on Braedden property

Carolyn Robison, Hanging, Braedden Property rental. Initially looked like a suicide but rope fibers found on back of dress as well as on wrists. Common with other victims was that it was set up to look like suicide, ex-girlfriend of Matt Wilson, found by Victoria Richards, on Braedden property.

Ellen Wells, Head Trauma, Braedden Property rental. Initially looked like suicide by drowning but Coroner’s report indicated no water in lungs, died of fractured skull from blunt instrument. Head trauma was inconsistent with falling in the tub. The injury didn’t match the evidence. Paid the rent on time. Common with other victims was that she was an ex-girlfriend of Matt Wilson, found by Victoria Richards, on Braedden properties.

Suspects:

Victoria Richards—is run off the road on her first day coming in to town, shot at while out riding horses with Dave Miller, Sue and Brandon Mitchell, found all three murder victims. No solid alibis, left town about two years ago after leaving Matt Wilson at the altar. Was she back for revenge and killing off all love interests of Matt? If so, why hasn’t she attempted to kill Matt’s current wife? (No known motive)

Dave Miller—ex cop and current detective for Federal Task Force, spotless career, seeing or involved with Victoria Richards. (No known motive)

Matt Wilson—rumored to be separated from wife, always a ladies’ man, had affairs with every female victim and associated with male victim through affair with ex-wife, money problems, owed money to a lot of people in town that he refused to pay.

Mary Montgomery, ex-wife of victim Mark Montgomery—rumored to have had an affair with Matt Wilson, could she be thinking and acting upon revenge?

Trevor Braedden—all victims were his tenants or would-be tenants since he was the owner of all the properties where all the victims were found. (No known motive)

* * * *

Chief Carr continued to study his work board until he heard a knock on his door. He looked up at the time—almost five am. He looked toward the door and saw Dave. He motioned for Dave to enter his office. “Good morning, Dave, you’re here early. How are you?”

“I’m fine, Chief. Gave it a shot you’d be here.”

“Take a seat. I’ve been making some notes and I want to hear what you think.”

“Figured we might be able to compare notes. I want to set up a meeting with the State Troopers and your troopers, as well, to go over all the evidence we‘ve gathered so far. I’m having the neighborhoods canvassed, and all associates interviewed.”

“I’ve been doing some thinking, Dave. And I’ve come to the conclusion there are a number of common threads connecting the dots.”

“What do you have?”

Chief Carr took out his work board and referred to it as he spoke. “All the victims died on Braedden Properties. Another common thread is they all had the same MO—all of the deaths initially looked like suicides but turned out to be homicides. Also, the female victims were ex-mistresses of Matt Wilson. The male victim’s ex-wife was an ex-girlfriend of Matt Wilson. A lot of evidence points to Matt and his soon to be ex-wife.”

“I’ll do the interrogation of Matt myself. I think I’ll even enjoy it especially in the box. I already talked to him at Lana’s and got nowhere. He threatened to lawyer up so maybe the box will work its usual magic.”

“Here we call it the ‘pen’ because it’s the last place they go before they go to the penitentiary. It’s pretty bleak. Not a lot of furniture and has a two-way mirror and one door in and out.”

“That’s pretty classic. I bet it still does the job though, doesn’t it?” Dave laughed.

“It sure does,” Chief Carr said as he rubbed his chin.

“We’ll get some concrete answers this time around, I’m sure.” Dave stood to leave along with Chief Carr.

They shook hands and Chief Carr turned back to his paperwork. There had to be another piece to the puzzle, something they were missing.

Chapter 30

Dave had made his own study board, and if he had made a comparison to Michael’s study board he would have seen the distinct similarities. They were definitely remarkable.

He knew he had his work cut out for him and he was eager to get started, but first there was the funeral for Ellen Wells.

He picked up Tory at her place and then they met Sue and Brandon at Tory’s mother’s house and they all rode together to the cemetery. As the large crowd was singing “Amazing Grace,” Dave looked around at the stoic faces of the people in attendance. Since Ellen had been born and raised in Hickoryville, her friends and family amounted to almost the entire town. Another community loss left everyone in shock. People were locking their doors day and night for the first time in their lives. Single girls started traveling as couples or in a group.

Dave remembered the notes he had made. There were five days between the first and second murders but only two days between the second and third murders. Today was the third day from the third murder. Unfortunately, that suggested another murder was imminent any day now. How could he prevent the next murder?

Dave, with great relief, called Chief Carr and told him he had put tails on both Matt Wilson and Tory for safety reasons only. He welcomed any safety measures they could enforce.

* * * *

“How’ve you been, Tory?” Matt asked as he stopped in front of her as everyone began filing out of the cemetery on their way to their cars.

“I’ve been doing good, considering. How about you?”

“These funerals are beginning to get to me. They were all my friends and yours, too. Remember Carolyn from high school? It’s really a shame.”

“Yes it is, Matt, it’s a real shame.”

“Would you ever want to go back there, to when we were in high school, before you went away to college?”

“We did have some good times, didn’t we? But we can never go back. It wouldn’t be the same.”

“We can try it again, at least.”

“I can’t believe you’re even suggesting something like this? Have you forgotten our dinner conversation when I returned the ring? What about your wife? Have you forgotten about her?”

“I haven’t forgotten. We’re separated and probably getting a divorce. It should be final in another month or so. You and I were supposed to be together. There hasn’t been anyone to take your place, Tory.”

“I can’t believe you…”

“Is everything okay over here?” Dave asked as he joined them and interrupted Tory’s response.

She hadn’t noticed him watching them talk and didn’t hear him as he made his way to them slowly.

“No, no, everything’s fine. We were, um, just reminiscing about high school and how things used to be, right, Matt?”

“That’s right,” Matt said. “No need to get your boxers in a wad. I was on my way out anyway. Tory, think about what I said and give me a call.” Matt swaggered down the slight hill to his car, leaving Tory staring after him astonished, speechless at his audacity.

“Let’s go. I’ve had enough for one day.” She turned from Dave and headed toward the car. Dave motioned to Brandon who gathered Anne and Sue together, and they soon followed Tory and Dave to the car, out of the cemetery, and back to Anne’s home.

Chapter 31

Heather Hall was so excited—so excited she couldn’t sleep during the night and got up earlier to make sure everything was in order. Today she was leaving to take a Caribbean cruise she had dreamed about, thanks to her father. He came to house and cat sit for her so she could fulfill her dream. Once the word was out that she was leaving, she had so many friends and neighbors coming by in the last few days to wish her bon voyage. She couldn’t help herself but to become as excited as them.

“Dad, do you want another cup of coffee while it’s still hot?” Heather asked her father.

“No, honey, I’ve had my quota of caffeine for the day, but thanks for asking. Are you sure you’ve got everything packed that you’ll need?”

“Yes, I’m sure. Are you sure you understand all the directions about taking care of Mogwai? You feed him twice a day and fresh water, too. He likes it cold from the fridge. You’ll need to clean the litter box every couple days, you’ll know when. And the big thing is, don’t let him near the door. Every time it opens he tries to escape, okay?”

“Don’t worry about Mogwai and me. We’re best of pals, aren’t we?” her father said as he petted the huge grey tabby sitting on his lap.

“When is your ride expected to pick you up?” her father Harold asked.

“In about fifteen minutes. Let’s see. Is there anything else we need to go over? I stocked the fridge and pantry with all your favorites, but you can always take my car and get groceries if you need to. I’ll be back next Saturday, so you’ll have a mini vacation yourself as well. Are you sure you’re okay with all this?”

“Of course, it’s a gift from your mother and me as well as from Ralph. I know you weren’t married to Ralph very long before his accidental death, but he would want you, just like your mother, God rest their souls, would want you to have a great time and live your live to the fullest. Do things you’ve only dreamed of doing…”

“There’s my ride. Thanks so much, Dad, for everything,” she said as she gave him a big hug and kiss good-bye. “I’ll see you in a week. Have a good time and get some rest.”

“You have a good time, honey, and don’t worry about anything. I’ve got everything right up here,” he said, pointing his index finger to his head. “Hurry now, you don’t want to be late, do you?”

Heather hurried out the door with her luggage in hand to the cab waiting to whisk her off on her dream vacation.

* * * *

A car parked outside a nice suburban house on a dark, moonless night. An hour after all the lights went out in the house, the car’s occupant got quietly out of the car and removed a heavy container from the trunk and carried it to a side door leading into the laundry room in the far corner of the carport. Thinking about how smart it was to have visited the house in advance and make nice with the owner to find out about the gas dryer and anticipating the results from all the hard work that went into soaking the kitty litter with gasoline. Now all that had to be done was to unhook the gas dryer and place the container of gas-soaked kitty litter nearby and kaboom! No one saw the figure in the dark of night making the delivery and driving away.

* * * *

Two days later Heather Hall’s father, Harold, sorted his dirty clothes and decided to do a load of laundry. He took the basket of clothes out to the detached laundry room, put the clothes in the washer, added detergent, and went inside to finish reading the morning newspaper. When the washer buzzed, indicating the wash was finished, he went to the laundry room again and took the wet clothes out of the washer and put them into the dryer, turned the dial, and pushed the big start button. He turned to go back into the house but never made it.

Kaboom! Within seconds the entire house exploded, rocking the entire neighborhood of small Braedden Properties rental homes. Sticks and mortar along with pieces of furniture and personal belongings flew up in the air only to land nearby the large fire now consuming the house. Mr. Hall never made it back into the house.

* * * *

Within minutes the fire department arrived from its location a short distance down the street. Once the fire was under control and had cooled down, the Fire Chief found the source and kind of accelerant used for the explosion as well as a torso. Chief Carr arrived and called the funeral director while waiting for a forensic team to arrive as an array of official uniforms bustled about the yard, taking pictures, measurements, and notes.

Suicide was the initial determination by investigators and police swarming through the remains of the house.

Neighbors identified Mr. Hall’s remains which were held at the morgue for another five days until Heather returned home to a burned-down house, her father gone, as well as all her possessions. And soon enough, there was another funeral to arrange for the father of another Braedden property tenant and an ex-girlfriend of Matt.

Chapter 32

Tory and Sue both knew Heather well. They had been best friends in high school and Sue and Heather remained friends after graduation. Everybody knew everybody in a small town. Heather’s husband died a few years earlier in a construction accident. Now she worked at a local restaurant as a hostess just to keep busy and volunteered at the local elementary school since she and her husband never had any children. Tory met with her at the police station.

“Heather, I am so sorry about your father. Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Thanks, Tory, but right now I have so much to do with all the arrangements to make, and I have to find some place to live. I didn’t have tenant insurance so I have to start from the bottom again, I guess.”

“I can help with the place to live part. You can stay at my mom’s place. She has an extra room right now, and until she rents it out I’m sure she’ll let you stay for free. As for making the arrangements, Sue and I will be glad to help in any way. Just let us know what you need. Let’s go to Mom’s and have a talk, okay?” Tory said as she wrapped her arm around Heather’s shoulder and squeezed.

“Thank you so much,” Heather said as she turned to Tory and hugged her. “I don’t know how I can ever thank you for your generosity.” Tears ran down her cheeks.

Tory, Dave, and Heather arrived at the B&B at about the same time as Sue and her family. The arrangements for the funeral were made and everyone agreed they would lend their combined support to Heather throughout this ordeal.

Heather sat quietly sobbing, grieving and thankful for such good friends.

Chapter 33

Tory and her family arrived at the Oak Hill Cemetery, named after all the mighty oaks throughout the area, along with the procession. They didn’t think twice about the fact that Matt was at the funeral. They didn’t think twice about his wife’s absence. It was rumored Matt and his wife happened to be on the “outs” this week again. It was a small town joke that Matt was in the dog house for a few weeks and that divorce was imminent every time she caught him cheating. Again. She always took him back until the next time.

After the funeral graveside service, Tory made her way to the car while Dave stopped to talk in private to Chief Carr. All the other mourners had already left and only Dave’s car and Chief Carr’s car remained.

As Tory was about to enter Dave’s car, a woman in a long black coat and hat with sunglasses stepped out from behind a large oak tree. Tory was startled and tried to get into her car.

The woman pulled out a small gun, pointed it at Tory, and said, “Get out of the car or I’ll drop you right here and now. Keep your mouth shut and no one gets hurt.”

Tory’s entire body trembled as she stepped out of the SUV. She looked away for a second to try to get Dave’s attention, but both he and Carr had their backs toward her.

“Walk backward toward me with your eyes to the right. Do it! Now!” she whispered loudly so as not to attract any attention.

“What do you want from me? Do you want my purse, my jewelry? You can have it. Here!” She handed her bag to the lady in black, who simply knocked it out of her hands, spilling the contents on the ground including her camera and rolls of undeveloped film.

Tory gasped. “Why did you do that?”

“Turn around and walk toward me. Now! I won’t say it again.”

As Tory turned around she again tried to look toward Dave for help when she was hit with something on the side of her head. She fell to her knees and was hit again. Tory felt herself falling forward onto her face before total blackness consumed her.

Chapter 34

Dave and Chief Carr finished their business talk at the graveside and walked to their cars. When Dave reached his car he was astounded to not find Tory waiting in the truck. She had planned to ride to and from the cemetery with him. Had she decided to take a ride home with her mother or Sue and Brandon since he got hung up with Chief Carr? Before he got in the truck he took out his cell phone while he surveyed the cemetery in hopes he would catch sight of Tory. No such luck today. He called Anne on his phone.

“It’s Dave. Did Tory get a ride from the cemetery with you or Sue?”

“No, she insisted on waiting for you. Is something wrong?” Anne answered with fear in her voice.

“Okay, thanks, Anne. Talk to you soon.”

Dave hurried to catch Chief Carr before he left. “Chief, have you seen Tory?”

“Not since the funeral service. Why?”

“She’s missing. She wasn’t waiting for me in my car like we agreed,” Dave said as they both walked to his truck. A short distance away, Dave saw something scattered on the ground and went to investigate. He found Tory’s purse and all its contents all over the ground as if it had been thrown there, along with her camera and rolls of film having rolled some distance away. She never went anywhere without her camera.

Chief Carr and Dave searched the area grounds looking for further evidence. They saw what appeared to be parallel grooves in the dirt as if someone had been dragged along the dirt road. The tracks disappeared and near tire tracks. She was gone. She’d been kidnapped.

Chapter 35

Tory woke up with a splitting headache. Her vision was blurry. She was in a small compartment with almost total darkness and felt like she was moving. A car trunk perhaps? She tried to remember what had happened to get her in this situation. She listened intently for any sounds to indicate her location, but she heard nothing over the sound of an engine. The vehicle rounded a turn and she rolled across the trunk, closer to the interior, toward the backseat. She heard voices but couldn’t make out the words. They were garbled.

Her purse and all her possessions were left at the cemetery. She prayed Dave would find them and come looking for her. She checked her jacket pockets and found her cell phone. She tried to call Dave but there was no signal. Frightened, out of contact with Dave, she was alone and dependent on herself. She dozed off again with the vibration of the vehicle. Her head was ready to burst or so she thought.

* * * *

Dave sat in his SUV, his hands on the wheel and his forehead of his flushed face on his hands. His jaw clenched, nostrils flared, and his mouth dry. He was so angry with himself for not keeping a better watch on her. Especially when he suspected someone was stalking her or threatening her. He broke out in a cold sweat.

He sat back, folded his arms, and chewed his lip. And thought, would the kidnapper call her mother and ask for ransom? He would have to tell Anne her daughter was missing just in case anyway. He arched an eyebrow, wondering how she would take it. How strong would she be?

He looked across to the other seat and saw her camera with the untouched rolls of film. Maybe he would find a clue by searching through her pictures. He started his truck and left the cemetery on his way to the pharmacy to get the film developed.

After dropping off the film and finding out it would take one hour to get the pictures developed, he decided to visit Anne and prepare her for any phone call she may receive, but first he stopped by Chief Carr’s.

“Hi, Dave, come on in.”

“Chief, Tory’s missing and we have to find her before she becomes the fifth victim. I’m on my way over to her mother’s to tell her and want to take some audio recording equipment in case there’s a call for ransom. Do you have that kind of recording equipment or do we have to go outside to the county or to the state guys?”

“No, fortunately we do have some of the equipment and a specialist to go along with it. Now keep in mind this is older equipment, not as technically advanced as what you may be used to, but it does the job. I’ll send Bob over to Anne’s right away.”

“Great. I dropped off all the rolls of film to be developed thinking maybe we’d find some kind of clue in the pictures.”

“I already BOLO’d her, but in these mountains just as at the cemetery there are so many places hidden and obscure.” Chief Carr sat in his big, high-back chair.

“I look for missing people for a living and none of the cases are easy. The first twenty-four hours are critical. Sometimes we’re too late. We have teams of people especially trained for just this situation. I’d like to call in a team if within a few hours we haven’t found her. Okay with you?” Dave sat, solemn now, in the other chair.

“Absolutely. Because chances are, if we find Tory’s kidnapper we’ll find the murderer who’s been terrorizing this town.”

* * * *

Dave left the police station perspiring, breathing rapidly, ready to hyperventilate. Anxious to find a clue, any kind of lead, he hurried over to the pharmacy to pick up the pictures before going to Anne’s.

“Anne, can I come in?” Dave asked when he arrived at her door without Tory.

“Sure, sure, come on in. Is something wrong?” Anne asked as she opened the door and ushered him in.

“Let’s have a seat.”

“Okay.” She sat down on the couch while Dave sat in her husband’s favorite chair.

“Tory left the cemetery but not with me. I’m not sure who she went with, but I don’t think it was a friend. Her purse and its contents were strewn about on the road a short distance from my truck. She also left her camera behind, and you know how she’s never without the darn thing.”

“Who did she leave with then?”

“I don’t know. Chief Carr and I were the last to leave and I thought she was waiting for me in my truck. Chief and I found her things and some different tire tracks we’re following up on now. He’s already put out a bulletin on her, so if anyone sees her they should call the police.”

“Let me call Sue and make sure she’s not there. They’re very close you know,” Anne said with a snarky smile.

Chapter 36

While Anne called Sue to tell her the news, Dave stepped outside to call his best friend and partner, Wyatt Bowman in Stoney Creek, Virginia.

“Dave, how are you?” Wyatt answered the phone.

“I’m in deep doo-doo and need your help, buddy. Remember Tory, the girl I told you about?”

“See how the mighty fall.” Wyatt chuckled.

“She’s been abducted and I need you and a team here pronto.”

“Hold up now, partner. I’m no longer on the force or I would drop what I’m doing to help you. Isabella is ready to have the baby any day now and I can’t be away.”

“Oh, I didn’t realize her time was so close. What about a team?”

“Listen, I’ll talk to Mullins and get a team up there ASAP. Everyone on any team is good, so you should have lots of help. It’s what they do for a living, just like we did.”

“Thanks, Wyatt. I knew I could count on you. Give Isabella my best and let me know when I can expect the guys.”

“Right, talk to you soon.”

Dave walked in the house. Anne was crying, almost hysterical.

“What’s happened?”

“Tory didn’t get a ride with Sue. Sue hasn’t seen her. It’s just sinking in. My baby girl’s gone.”

“She’s not gone for good if I have anything to say about it,” Dave told Anne as the doorbell rang.

He answered the door to a clean-cut guy with audio recording equipment. Dave wasn’t taking any chances.

“Can I see some ID?” Dave asked.

“Sure, I’m Bob Elkins, Detective on the Hickoryville Police Force.” He flashed Dave a badge and ID, but Dave took it from him and thoroughly looked at the information.

Then he called Chief Carr who verified the data. Once that was done, Dave ushered Bob into the house with the equipment and watched as he began attaching it to Anne’s phone so they could trace a call if one was to come in, and also to record any portion of a call. Dave looked outside and noticed he drove a plain minivan. Good undercover.

* * * *

After the equipment was arranged and set up properly, Bob stepped outside for a smoke while Anne cried softly on the couch.

“Anne, come help me look at Tory’s photos.” Dave wanted to ease her pain as well as his own by keeping them both busy. “Maybe we can find something in them that would give us a clue.” He opened the package and spread the pictures out on the table. He saw images of himself at the town house the second time they met, beautiful landscapes, pictures of the azaleas out front, picturesque sunsets, parked cars along busy streets downtown, Ted’s pizza parlor, Wal-Mart, the pharmacy, practically every building and person in town. Lots of people pictures. Most of the people Dave had never met and didn’t know but Anne did and pointed them out to him as he made notes and attached them to the pictures.

“She loves the architecture of the buildings,” Anne said through trembling lips. “Look at this one, how she captured the likeness of Ted along with the street and his pizza shop.”

Dave studied the illustration of downtown Hickoryville and put them together as he’d seen them downtown. He needed Anne’s help with most of them. When he finished he had re-created downtown Hickoryville. It was truly amazing.

The front door opened and Sue and Brandon rushed in. Sue’s eyes were red, and she had dark streaks running down her face from her mascara. She immediately went to hug her mother.

“Mom, Dave will help us find her. Remember how resourceful and independent Tory is, too. She’s been on her own for a few years and can take care of herself,” Sue said through tearing eyes, wanting to be strong for her mother.

Brandon came to shake Dave’s hand and stood over the photo depiction of downtown.

Dave and Brandon continued to pore over the photographs, looking for anything that seemed out of place, out of the ordinary. Dave added a couple more pictures and took one away.

* * * *

While waiting for the team to arrive, Dave decided to go to Tory’s place and check for anything that would tell him she’d received a threat or anything else that could be revealed. He also needed a breath of fresh air. He needed to be doing something.

As he turned into the parking lot, it seemed so empty. Tory’s car parked all alone in its usual parking space. He used his key, opened the door, and entered her town house. It was so quiet and cold. He sat on the couch where he and Tory had sat together and snuggled and talked and talked the night away. They had talked about the future, the past, and the present.

He leaned over, putting his elbows on his knees and his hands to his face, covering his eyes. He had to get a grip on himself. He didn’t come here to mourn her loss but to look for clues. He got off the couch and started an in-depth visual of the entire downstairs. Then he went upstairs to their—uh, her room and then the second bedroom. He rummaged through her desk. The only thing he found was another envelope of pictures. He looked through them quickly. There were many duplicate pictures of the same girl alone and with Tory. He decided to take the photos to Anne’s and try to get them identified.

Chapter 37

Two hours later Dave, Anne, Sue, and Brandon sipped fresh coffee and gathered around the table. They all looked at Dave for answers since Tory had been with him, adding guilt on top of his anxiety and loss. There had not been a ransom phone call.

When the doorbell rang Dave answered it to find members of his old team, Sam McClellan, Tim Rose, and Ron Dixon. Sam had worked undercover and had been injured in a sting. It was good to see him back on the team. Dave gave Sam a generous hug as he slapped Tim and Ron on their backs. They were ready to go.

“Wow, guys, you really made good time. Did you get lost on the way from the airport?” Dave asked as they all patted each other on the back.

“No, not at all. It was a straight shot. Why?” Sam asked.

“Just wondering. Let’s get to work. This is what we have so far…”

Dave reiterated the happenings and showed the guys the photos. Sam stood away from the crowded table, sipping his coffee and listening intently.

“So she was dragged into a car and the car drove off, right?” Sam asked.

“Yes,” Dave answered.

“Are there any visuals from the cemetery of the parked cars there?” Sam asked while moving toward the table.

“No, just the usual cars,” Dave said as he ran his fingers through his hair. The hair on his neck bristled. “But you know, now that I think about it, Tory got run off the road on her way into town the first day she arrived.” He pointed to a black car with tinted windows in one of the pictures. “The car looked just like this!”

Everyone crowded around the table to look for more replicas of the car. And they found them. The car appeared in almost all the photos. It was wherever Tory was. Tory probably didn’t realize it, but she was being followed. Stalked.

“We find the car, we’ll find Tory!” Dave said excitedly but confident. He stood erect, taller, his hands on his hips. “We need a plan.”

He walked to the couch and sat with his elbows on his knees, his hands together in front of him. He lowered his head. I have to come up with a plan.

Chapter 38

Dave gathered all the local and state officers as well as the team at Anne’s house. He explained about the black car and how they put together all of Tory’s photos and laid out a replica of the town. It also showed the same vehicle on every picture. It looked identical to the vehicle that ran her off the road. “I think she was being stalked, because everywhere she went this other car went, too.”

Dave called Chief Carr.

“Can you come over? I have a plan in mind, but I’m going to need your help.”

* * * *

After Dave made the introductions, he said, “We need aerial support. Do you have a helicopter?” He directed his question to Chief Carr.

“No, but I know where we can get one. The county has one, but we don’t have anyone to fly it.”

Dave looked at Sam. “Is your license still in effect?”

“Sure is and glad to do it,” Sam answered.

Chief Carr got on the phone.

“This is Chief Carr from Hickoryville Police Department here with federal detectives. We need to request the county helicopter to search for a young woman who was recently abducted. The Feds have a licensed pilot of their own and I know you’re supposed to fly so many hours a month on the chopper,” Chief Carr said into the phone.

“Then this is a good thing, isn’t it? And I’ll take care of all the requisition forms, don’t worry about it.” Chief Carr spoke into the phone as he gave Dave a thumbs-up for the chopper.

“Okay, if that’s the soonest you can have it ready, we’ll take it then. See you in about two hours. Thanks!”

Chief Carr told everyone the county helicopter had to be used so many hours in the month, and so far it hadn’t been used at all so they were more than welcome to it as long as they supplied the licensed operator.

Dave looked at the sun on the horizon. They would be running out of daylight in about four hours. He hoped they would find Tory by then.

* * * *

Dave revealed the plan. Sam and Chief Carr would take aerial support while everyone else would be on the roads searching until they found the car. Brandon and Sue both volunteered themselves and their vehicles.

“Thank you both very much. I’ll take you up on the vehicles, but, Brandon and Sue, I think you should stay here to help your mother and Bob in case the kidnappers call offering a ransom.”

“You’re right, Dave. Good idea!” Brandon said as he settled on the couch for a long night.

Dave reached for his weapon he had retrieved from his glove box in the truck and realized he still had the envelope of photos from Tory’s place. He took them out of his inner jacket pocket and opened the packet. He handed them to Sue and Anne and asked, “Do either of you know who this young woman is in these photos and why she would be with Tory? I found them in Tory’s desk at her place. They’re mostly people, but I can’t identify any of them so if you can, write their names on the back. Maybe we’ll find something in common with them.”

“Wait a minute, Dave,” Sue said after looking quickly through the pictures. “Most of these photos are of Laura Petersen, the librarian. They were good friends in high school. They must have run into each other and Tory took all these pictures.”

“Let’s get a team over to her place and see what we can come up with. Maybe, just maybe, Tory got a ride there after the funeral. Trooper Pulitz, you take care of that while we secure the helicopter. We’ll meet back here at dusk,” Dave explained.

* * * *

When Chief and Sam arrived at the county heliport, they were quick about checking everything out and getting off the ground. They only had a few hours of daylight left. Chief Carr knew the area well and guided Sam to locations in search of the black car. Dave and the team traveled all the back roads looking everywhere for the car, even downtown, in backyards and open garage doors, but to no avail. Darkness crowded them from searching any further, and they ended at dark for the night.

* * * *

Dave began to worry. He paced the floor of Tory’s bedroom, knowing there was no reason trying to get any sleep. Too much time had passed for the abductors, enabling them to escape. He hadn’t realized how much he cared for Tory, what he would do if they never found her, how his life would be changed. He never told her he loved her. I love her? I do! Why didn’t I ever tell her how much I cared for her? How much he appreciated and loved being with her? He’d taken their great sex life for granted. What would he do without her in his life?

Chapter 39

After a non-sleeping, coffee-drinking night studying the pictures again and again, the team was back in the air and on the ground at daybreak. Two men to a vehicle, one LEO, Law Enforcement Officer, would ride with each member of the team from out of town to help them find their way around the roads. They had to find the car and Tory today because once they started moving the victims it would be much harder to locate them. They had to.

Sam and Chief Carr took to the air at daybreak while the rest of the team continued their searches on the ground. Finally Sam spotted a dark vehicle traveling one of the back roads and relayed it to his office, who in turn called it in to the LEOs in the cars. They found and followed the vehicle, but it ended up being a pickup truck.

The search continued.

* * * *

Trooper Pulitz visited Laura’s bleak, small house. He found no one home but an unlocked front door. He immediately left and got a search warrant processed and returned. He methodically searched the sparsely furnished premises for anything pertaining to Tory’s whereabouts.

What he found in her desk drawer was a daily diary with important information. Information Dave needed to know about as soon as possible. Information that could save Tory’s life.

Chapter 40

The road was rough, up, down, and around as Tory rolled around in the large trunk of the car. Her head throbbed and her throat was sore from screaming for someone to help her, to stop the car. But no one heard her.

Finally, the car came to a stop. Tory heard a door open and footsteps toward the trunk shortly before it burst open. She was blinded momentarily by the bright light of day but soon her eyes adjusted. It was the woman from the cemetery.

“Ah, you’re awake. Good. Now get out. And don’t try anything funny. You wouldn’t be the first person who’s died recently.”

As Tory rolled to the edge of the trunk she felt her cell phone in her pocket. She put her hand in her pocket and pushed the button she thought was “last call” on her phone. Her last call had been to Dave, and she hoped he would pick it up. She pushed herself up into a sitting position and then kind of rolled out of the trunk and onto the ground.

“What do you want from me?” Tory asked.

“Shut up!” she said.

“At least tell me where we are, it’s a beautiful spot, barely touched by humans, and the cabin is stunning, blending in with all the surrounding tall tr—”

Slap! A slap to the side of her face interrupted her.

“I said shut up. What part don’t you understand, the shut or the up? I don’t want to hear another word. Now move it.” She nudged Tory in the side with her gun.

Tory followed instructions and walked to the cabin in the woods. She looked around frantically for a way to escape.

They reached the cabin, took the two steps onto the porch, and stood in front of the door while “black coat” dug in her pocket for a key. Once she retrieved the key, unlocked and opened the door, she pushed Tory inside.

The cabin had all the comforts and features of a small cottage. Living-dining-kitchen combo and a hallway that probably led to the bedrooms and bath. It was decorated in eclectic furniture and features which just added to the charm.

Tory looked around in amazement. How could such a mean woman have shown such comfort? “Excuse me, but I have to say this is a beautifully decorated cabin. It’s so comfort—”

Whack!

“Showing your stupidity again, aren’t you?”

“I just thought we could talk woman to woman,” Tory said as she backed up and put her arm out in front to ward off another blow. “Will you stop hitting me? Geez!” Tory said as she rubbed her cheek. “I’m not going to hurt you.”

“No, but I’m going to hurt you,” Black Coat said as she turned around and took off her dark hat and glasses.

Tory recognized her from the bank and from the recent funerals. Paige Wilson.

“Paige Wilson. What have I done? Why are you so angry with me?”

“You really are stupid, aren’t you? I didn’t like the idea of you coming back to town. You were always number one in Matt’s book. I was never as good as Victoria, he claimed constantly. He only married me for my money and because he thought you were never coming back. Then when you did, I saw him talking to you on the street, making plans to see you. I’ve been following you since before you arrived in town. Now I want the blue diamond ring he gave you.”

“But all the girls murdered, did you have something to do with them?” Tory asked.

“Oh, my God, you are mentally challenged, aren’t you? Of course not. I can’t believe you could even think that.” She pulled out a dining room chair. “Sit down. Now!” She motioned with the gun.

Tory sat on the chair because she was afraid of being shot at close range if she didn’t do as she was told. Paige tied Tory’s hands behind her back and to the chair.

“Please don‘t tie my feet. I promise I won’t run away, please?” Tory pleaded, but to deaf ears.

Paige did the same with her ankles. Then Paige stepped outside.

Tory could hear her shoes clip-clopping across the porch. She tried to loosen the ropes on her hands and feet, she tried standing up, but fell over sideways in the process.

* * * *

Paige clip-clopped her way to the far corner of the porch. She pulled a cigarette out of the pack in her jacket pocket and lit it. After taking a deep breath and exhaling smoke, she smiled. All the weight-training exercise she did on a daily basis had helped her immensely. Especially with a little one like this one.

I’ve finally done it. I’ve captured Matt’s only true love and perfect little Tory won’t be getting away this time. Matt would always be married to me no matter what. Nobody would want him because they’d all die. Nobody is going to want Tory either from where she’s going.

She had planned this day for years, and nothing was stopping her now. As soon as she finished her cigarette she would implement the best plan of all. She was lucky that Matt was so careless and left his business papers laying around for her to peruse or she would never know of the human trafficking hideout here in the mountains. Girls and young kids picked up along the road were brought here until they were sold and then taken to their new “masters.” And the money they paid. “Wow!” It would definitely get them out of debt and Matt would love her and her alone forever and ever.

She heard a loud bang from inside as if something had fallen to the floor. She threw her cigarette out as she clip-clopped her way back inside, a big frown on her face, pursed lips, rolling her eyes and shaking her head with disgust.

Once inside Paige saw Tory lying on the floor on her side still attached to the chair. Perfect, she thought, no one would find her here until “they” came for her. One quick phone call and she’ll be out of my life forever. This cabin was at a barely used dead-end road and nobody else knew about it. She smiled and laughed, a high-pitched cackle.

* * * *

Tory heard her coming in the door and wondered what would be next. When she heard Paige laugh she was reminded of Cruella De Vil from 101 Dalmatians. Not a pretty sound.

“Now, look at you. Right where I want you.”

“Why are you doing this to me? What have I ever done to you?” Tory asked from the floor. Tears of frustration ran down her cheeks.

“You ruined my marriage, you idiot! You are all Matt can think about. He continues to look for someone just like you. He’s put you on some kind of pedestal and no one can equal you, let alone even come close. But he keeps looking under every skirt in town.”

“What are you talking about? Matt and I split a long time ago. He cheated on me, over and over. Why do you think I left him at the altar?”

“Huh, that’s not what he told me. He’s still looking for you and now that you’re back in town it’s only a matter of time before you’re together again and I’m left out in the cold.”

“I don’t want Matt. I’m in love with Dave.”

“You think I’d believe someone like you, flirting with every man in town. I know what you’ve been doing with that other man. I know all about you. But when I saw you talking to Matt, I knew I had to take you out of the picture so Matt would love me again.”

“I only talked to Matt twice, and I told him we couldn’t be together. I wasn’t interested in him then, and I’m certainly not interested in him now. Ask him, go ask him right now.”

“Oh, you’d like that, wouldn’t you? For me to leave you alone just long enough to get the ropes untied and for you to get away.”

“I don’t even know where we are, so how could I get away? Take me with you. In the trunk if you have to. I’ll make Matt tell you himself I’m not interested in him at all. I made it perfectly clear to him the one and only time we talked about it. I even gave him back his engagement ring, the blue diamond,” Tory said, desperately trying to make her understand. “So, if that’s what all this is about, you have to go to him to get it, not me.”

“Shut up, shut up!” Paige said as she kicked her in the side. “Let me think.” She walked out the door leaving it open behind her.

Tory heard Paige talking on her phone, telling someone she was ready, and giving directions. ”As soon as possible” were her final words.

Chapter 41

Paige paced on the porch of the cabin, back and forth, back and forth, clip-clop, clip-clop. She was excited about all the money she would soon have in her hands. She would have also outsmarted her stupid husband. Thanks to him for leaving his paperwork lying around with the ad circled for this deal to make a lot of money. Her only fear was she wondered who else may have seen the ad in the newspaper. What if Chief Carr or that federal guy, Dave, saw the same deal? Well, it didn’t matter anyway. She beat them to the prize of Tory anyway.

She just hoped they would come and pick her up soon, so she could get back to town and back to her normal life with Matt.

She hoped she would have a normal life with Matt anyway, but since all the unsolved murders and no suspects, the whole town was in an uproar. She would have to be more careful than ever.

“Here they come,” she muttered as she saw a dark van make its way down the narrow road to her cabin. Yippee!

She clip-clopped to the edge of the open end of the porch and waited until the van came to a complete stop. Three men got out, dressed in black from head to toe. She could only see their eyes.

“Hello, so glad you made it here so quickly. I’m ready to get rid of her. She’s in there on the floor.” She pointed behind her with her thumb.

“Better not be damaged goods, lady, or no deal.”

“Talking about deal, when do I get my money? I got the girl, I need the money now.”

“You’ll get the money soon as we get the goods, lady.”

They walked into the cabin and saw Tory lying on the floor, bound to a chair. They sat her up and looked at her.

“What do you want?” Tory asked. “Leave me alone. Paige, where are you?”

“Just do as they say and nobody gets hurt.”

“She’ll do,” one of the men said. Then they began to cut the tape that bound her. And soon she was free.

Tory hollered, “Get your hands off me and keep them off. Stop pawing me.” Tory screamed.

* * * *

Two masked men lifted Tory up under her arms and started toward the van. Tory kicked at the men, and the third man picked up her feet. She struggled and screamed until one of the men covered her mouth with his hand. They carried her to the van, opened the side door, and settled her inside, strapped down within a seat belt, and put masking tape over her mouth.

Paige had followed them to the van and now expected her money.

“Okay, guys. Time to pay up, I want my share.”

“You’ll get paid, don’t worry. As soon as we get her back on the road and to the other van, you’ll get paid. A man named Aaron will be here soon, and he has the money. He’ll pay up.”

“Oh, no, that wasn’t the deal. The deal was I get you a young woman and you pay me for her. I got her for you, now you pay up.”

Two of the men had already gotten into the van and the last man closed the side door, turned around, and round-house righted Paige. She dropped to the floor of the porch, knocked flat on her ass and unconscious. He jumped in the passenger seat of the van and tore off down the road, making a hasty retreat.

* * * *

“Where are you taking me?” Tory asked once the van had left the cabin area. She knew she had to escape. Different plans ran through her head randomly, none coming to fruition. She couldn’t count on anyone but herself from this point forward. She only knew she had to get away.

Chapter 42

Chief Carr and Sam were in the air at first light, and everyone else had already hit the roads in search of the black car with tinted windows. Dave had answered Tory’s phone call and heard most of the beginning conversation. He heard Tory talking to a woman and trying to get the woman to tell her where she was but no such luck. They didn’t have enough time to triangulate the call before his phone went dead.

He worried too much time had gone by. The murderer’s MO was always a quick snatch and kill.

In the copter, they began searching in circles, beginning in the center of town and going farther out each time in hopes the car would be visible and they would find Tory in time. The Chief was in constant contact with the ground patrolmen in cars.

They had been at it the entire day and by mid afternoon there was still no sign of any black car. None that they didn’t investigate and verify anyway.

It was the dark car parked at a small cabin in the distance that caught Sam’s attention in the helicopter.

“Do you know about this cabin, Chief?”

“No, I’ve never been out in this part of the county. It must be a hunting cabin. What do you think the chances are Victoria’s in that cabin?”

“Wait, look. There’s a black van going away from the cabin.”

“Let’s get the coordinates to Dave ASAP, and he can follow the van. He’s had a black van under surveillance for a couple weeks now and maybe this is it,” Sam said. “We’ll get another LEO to get to the cabin ASAP.”

Chapter 43

Officer Pulitz returned to the police station and studied Laura’s diary, making notes and checking them against the murder books of each of the victims. He was extremely surprised at all the details revealed and their accuracy. They needed to find Laura as soon as possible. He immediately called Dave.

* * * *

Brandon, Sue, and Anne continued to pore over the photos that Dave gave to them from Tory’s desk. Sue identified Laura in a number of the photos and then went to the table and studied the outline of the city. She found Laura standing behind a tree, shrub, street light, et cetera, in almost every picture. Not only was Tory being followed by Paige in the big black car, but also for some reason by Laura, the librarian.

Everything was beginning to fall into place.

Chapter 44

Something wasn’t right with this picture. The hair on Tory’s neck bristled as the van bumped along the back roads as if the drivers had been here before and knew the way. They knew exactly where to go—which turns to make.

“Who are you and what do you want with me?” Tory tried to ask through taped and trembling lips.

“Shut up or I’ll do it for you,” the guy sitting beside her said.

She took them seriously. She inched her hands toward the seat belt button, to try to unfasten it and get out the side door of the van, but the guy sitting beside her grabbed her hands.

She had no idea who these people were or what they wanted from her. She knew she needed to get away from them before she got sold into the sex slave market.

* * * *

An hour or so later, the van slowed and finally came to a stop. One of the masked men opened the side door and helped Tory out, only to secure her hands behind her back with masking tape. She was then taken to a wooden building, similar to a barn, with the door open. Tory was pushed inside and lost in the crowd of other people there as well, mostly young women and children. There were about twenty others inside the barn, all with hands secured behind their backs with masking tape. They were sitting, standing, and some even lying on the barn floor.

The inside of the barn was unpainted and had only one other opening in the far back corner which was dark. There was no furniture. Another black van, longer than the one she rode in previously, was parked inside the barn.

Tory was pushed into their midst and was soon lost among them all. No one spoke. No one moved. No one knew they were there.

* * * *

Sam called Dave with the coordinates of the cabin and Chief’s comment about Tory’s chances she might be in the van.

Dave and his LEO for the day sped along the seldom-used road in the direction of the coordinates. Sam radioed Dave to “take care and wait for backup. That’s what we’re here for.”

“I’ll take care all right. Don’t worry about me.”

They soon had the cabin in sight and found Mrs. Paige Wilson unconscious on the front porch of the cabin. Who else had been here?

He’d hollered and searched the cabin for any sign that Tory had been here but found nothing. He looked for a common underground hideout—a trapdoor under a rug, freshly dug dirt of a grave, et cetera. She simply wasn’t there. He searched the grounds but found nothing. Tory was nowhere in sight.

Dave radioed Sam and asked for the coordinates of the black van.

“Dave, the van stopped at a barnlike building which is connected to a larger building, hard to see from the air and even harder to find on the road. It might be the exchange location you’ve been working on. Do you know how to get there from where you are?”

“I think so. I’ve been out this way before. I never noticed the cabin because it sits back off the road quite a ways. I’ll follow the trail of the van while you take the chopper back and get out here for backup.”

“Will do. Over and out.”

* * * *

Dave heard the helicopter turn and head back to the pad. He hoped Sam made good time out to the barn. He would surely appreciate his backup. He still had other LEOs who had been called along with the others, Tim and Ron on the team. So he felt confident as he traveled the road leading to the barn. What could go wrong? He searched his brain for a plan. He needed a definitive plan—a job for each person to get Tory out and any others who may have been stuck in there.

* * * *

The gunmen also heard the helicopter, and one of them fired his rifle into the air and everyone shut up immediately. Tory could hear a pin drop among the sorrowful sobs.

“Let’s start loading. Everyone get in the van. Stand up so there’s enough room for everybody,” he said grumpily as everyone started to move quietly out of the building and into the van. The windowless van was already hot from the afternoon sun beating down on it. Tory could only imagine how hot it would be once they were all crowded inside.

While the gunman was on the other side of the van Tory felt a tug on her right shoulder. What now, she thought. She turned to look and saw Laura the librarian there with a finger held to her mouth to be quiet. Laura quickly led Tory away from the group and into the woods, where they remained perfectly quiet until the van was loaded and had driven off down the road. Even then, they both remained quiet to make sure no one was left behind to guard the building.

“Laura, thank you, but how did you find me?”

“I followed Paige and then followed the van here.”

“Laura, why did you do that? You really are the best of friends.”

“Oh yeah, we’re so close you never call me, you never stop in to see me, you never shared the pictures we took together, nothing. Your Miss Goody Two Shoes attitude is over.”

Laura grabbed Tory by the arm and started dragging her further into the woods.

“Wait, wait, wait! Where are we going? Do you know a shortcut back to the main road?”

Laura laughed, a sick, loud, cackling sound which echoed closely in the dense mountain forest.

“You were the nicest girl to me in high school, but when you went away to college you never kept in touch like you said you would. When you had your engagement party, everyone in town was invited. Except me. How do you think that made me feel? When you had a bridal shower, was I invited? No! When you were going to get married, was I invited? No, again. I was only your friend when you wanted me to be a friend. True friends don’t forget about their friends when they go away to college, now do they? But you did, didn’t you? And now you’re going to pay for it big time. See how you like being left alone with no friends to help you.”

“But Laura, I didn’t have a say in any of those things. My sister did the invitations for my bridal shower, and my mother did the ones for the weddi—”

“And who wrote to me when you were away at college? Did you? Or your sister or mom? No one, that’s who. You are not my friend.”
Slap! Laura slapped her across the face.

Tory turned on Laura, and—slap!—Tory slapped Laura’s face as she wrenched herself clear. She had had enough playing around for the last day or so and wasn’t going to let a meek and mild librarian mess with her anymore.

“Let me go! I’m tired of being messed with. And don’t try anything either. I’m much stronger than I look,” Tory yelled. “I don’t care what you think of friendship, but I’ve had enough of it and you for one day. I’m going back to the cabin and back to town. You can walk along with me or stay here by yourself. I don’t care one way or the other.”

Tory turned around and started back to the barn when she heard a gunshot behind her.

* * * *

Dave had arrived at the barn, and as he had feared everyone was gone. He had had surveillance on this building for two weeks waiting for them to make their move, and then when they did he hadn’t gotten there in time.

Then he heard a gunshot and started running toward the sound in the woods.

He found Tory, crouched down on her knees, leaning over a slim young woman, about Tory’s age, with blood running out of her mouth. A gunshot wound to the abdomen, the gun still in her hand.

“Laura, lay still, concentrate on breathing. Don’t talk now,” Tory said.

“Tory, you don’t understand. I killed them for you. So you and Matt could be together like it was always supposed to be. You were the only friend I ever had, and if you’re not going to be my friend then my life is worthless. I may as well be dead, just read my di–diary. Everything’s in my di–diary,” Laura said in between deep breaths, hesitating between her words, blood now spewing from her mouth.

* * * *

Dave called for an ambulance. By the time he reached Tory, Laura had stopped breathing, and Tory jumped into Dave’s welcoming arms.

“I didn’t think you would find me. I managed to get my phone out of my jacket pocket and I told you I loved you, but I think my phone was dead by then.” Tory managed to say in between sobs, her body trembling with remorse and fear.

“I heard you, sweetheart. Those were the sweetest words to my ears. I will cherish them always.”

Chapter 45

Dave contacted Sam for his ETA, Estimated Time of Arrival, and found out that Sam and the rest of the team had apprehended the vans. They were all headed to jail while the victims, once questioned, were soon picked up at the police station by their loved ones. Matt and Paige Wilson were arrested on trafficking charges.

Sam would meet Dave at the compound as soon as possible.

Tory overheard Dave talking to Sam and wondered what he meant by traffickers. So when he was finished on the phone, she asked him.

“When I first planned on coming to Hickoryville, it was strictly for pleasure. Then we got word that a large trafficker was working the area pretty hard, and Sam called and asked me to do some reconnaissance in the area, so I’ve been doing surveillance on them at night when they move. I just needed the team here to help me capture them.”

“So when were you going to tell me about any of this? If I had known I could have been more careful and maybe never would have been abducted in the beginning. I told you about the feeling I was being followed. Who was doing that?”

“It wouldn’t have mattered if I had told you or not. In fact, it may have been more hazardous to you. Paige had her eye on you from the beginning or even before you hit town. You were the other woman and she didn’t want you here. Laura Peterson had it out for you as well, once you broke your promise to come by the library and share your pictures with her.”

“Then are we still looking for a murderer?”

“No, Laura’s diary explained all the murders. She actually had a list, and Paige was next on it. But we don’t need to worry about that now, do we?”

“What else haven’t you trusted me enough to tell me?” she asked with pursed lips, fisted hands on her hips, fury in her eyes.

“That’s about it. I told you what I did for a living and sometimes life and work intertwine like this time. It’s all very much classified information since I can’t take any chances of blowing my cover. You understand that, don’t you? It wasn’t that I didn’t trust you. I couldn’t take the chance that you would get more involved. Unfortunately, Paige had other plans. They needed money and she found a quick and relatively easy way to get it.”

Tory relaxed and leaned against the table. Could she trust him to tell her the truth in the future?

Chapter 46

Sam arrived at the barn, and both Dave and Sam entered the building with weapons drawn in case anyone may still be there. It was built close to the ground with low ceilings and very little daylight exposed. They walked down a long hallway that opened up into a family room of sorts with a couple of large-screen televisions and miscellaneous chairs and sofas spread around. They left that room and entered a room for food preparation with a scant amount of food. They moved on after searching through it and entered a room lined with computers.

Everyone was gone. Seats still warm and their computers still humming, Sam sat at one computer and looked through the databases.

“Wow, they were a huge organization, Dave. They even maintained records of where each individual was sent and how much money they made, everything.”

“We’ll need to send them to the main office so they can have their techs go through them,” Dave said as he perused the large filing cabinets that sat against one wall of the room.

With no way out of the building except from where they were, they headed back the same way they had come.

Chapter 47

Tory sat on her bed to take a break from packing her car. It had been one hell of a summer, and she was somewhat anxious to get back to her own place. Even though she had her own place here, it was different from her place in Myrtle Beach. And she wasn’t sure she could withstand the cold winters and shoveling snow that waited for her every day in the mountains. It had already gotten downright cold at night, and some days it was never warmer then fifty-five degrees. At least here she had a fireplace, and she and Dave had taken advantage of it and its warmth every single chance they got.

Dave. What would she do without his comforting arms around her every night? She could kick herself for getting so involved with him, but she was ready for a man in her life. Someone protective of her and her feelings. After all, he would be going back to Virginia and they could still stay in contact with each other. But she would miss the warm, cozy nights and early-morning trysts.

Dave had told her he liked her place better than any he had seen available for rent and had more or less moved in with her during the summer. He would be making his move back to Virginia any day now, and she knew she had to move on, too. Her mother was doing well. She even had a man in her life now and didn’t need another daughter meddling. Sue was enough, for sure.

Tory thought about what it would be like in South Carolina without Dave, and she didn’t like the feelings that rose to the surface so quickly. She thought she would be lonely but hoped she would soon get back into her usual routine.

What else could she do? Dave had only told her once that he loved her, and he had never repeated those words. She thought maybe he had mistakenly jumped the gun, got caught up in the moment of her rescue and didn’t really mean them. They both knew a day like this would come.

Dave had been in a sour mood the last few days, so Tory had stayed out of his way. He hadn’t started packing his things yet. Did he intend to stay in Hickoryville rather than return to Virginia? He had told her she would be making the decision of whether he stayed or not. She wondered about that since she herself didn’t know exactly what she wanted.

She was torn. One minute she wanted to stay and go wherever and whenever Dave went. On the other hand, she needed to carry her own weight and get back to her life in South Carolina. She had an urge to stay and let Dave make the first move, but it just wasn’t in her character.

* * * *

Dave stood at his parents’ big picture window and watched the snow flurries fly through the air, listening as they hit the windows and slid to the bottom. He wasn’t looking forward to the accumulation of snow in the mountains, let alone the shoveling for his dad that he had offered to do. He thought about Wyatt and Isabella and their new baby girl. He would love to be back in Virginia and see them all again, but for some reason he felt the tug to stay here. He didn’t think it was his parents. They both appeared in great health and were used to the cold and the changes in the weather at a moment’s notice. Unlike Dave who kept up on the weather and knew what it would be like for the next three to four days. He shivered. Something was bothering him, and he wasn’t quite sure what. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but thought it had something to do with Tory. They both went into this relationship with their eyes wide open and knew it would be short-lived, that they both had to get back to their own lives as they were before this summer.

Tory was one special girl though. She was strong and sexy as hell. And he could not get her out of his mind. He thought about her day and night. He couldn’t stand to be around the town house when she started packing and talking about leaving for South Carolina. He needed a reprieve from this hopeless feeling. He had gone to his parents for company, but they were at the church making and selling soup for the day so he ended up alone anyway.

He thought about what it would be like without Tory in his life. Could he make it alone? Did he want to?

* * * *

Tory made another trip to the car with small boxes of cosmetics. She had accumulated many more things over the last few months so had to pack and repack everything just right in her car for it all to fit properly. She looked around and wondered where Dave was. She was missing him already.

Snow flurries were in the air but no increase on the ground expected this time, and she wanted out of here and back on flat land before she was snowed in for the winter. Especially if Dave left and she was all alone.

She went back in the house and looked around. So many memories, so many happy times. She remembered her sister’s birthday party when someone spilled the entire bowl of spiked punch. Good thing she had hardwood floors. She would miss her family and also her safety net, but she had to make it on her own. I guess with or without Dave, since he seems to be avoiding me.

She sat on the arm of the couch and played with her cell phone. Should she call him and ask him to come home so they could talk? She planned on leaving tomorrow morning, depending on when she got the car packed, and she had told him that before he decided to take a drive. Whatever!

She went upstairs to her room and made the bed and again so many memories assailed her, tears welled up in her eyes. She had to be strong. She opened her dresser drawer and took out her things and packed them into the suitcase on the bed. She decided what she was wearing tomorrow and put those things on top of the dresser. She methodically went through each dresser drawer and did the same. When that suitcase was full she replaced it with another and did the same with the hanging clothes in the closet.

She went through the bathroom one more time and left out what she would need to shower in the morning and packed the rest in a box and another suitcase. “There, everything seems to be ready upstairs, now off to the kitchen and the bath downstairs,” she muttered.

Tory meandered down the open staircase looking over the entire living and dining rooms. Everything was in its place. Dave’s boots sat by the front door and the newspaper he had read during breakfast was lying on the couch ready for another perusal.

Making her way to the kitchen she opened the fridge. She wet a paper towel and wiped down a couple of the empty shelves, reorganizing the contents. She closed the fridge and opened the pantry door. She removed a box of crackers she wanted to take on the trip along with an apple and an orange and packed them in a small box along with a couple other food stuffs. She would have those for lunch and stop for dinner outside of town.

She returned to the living room and heard Dave at the front door.

* * * *

“Wow, is it ever cold out there,” he said as he shook snow off his head and ran his hands through his hair. He hung his winter jacket on the coat rack inside the door and made his way to the couch, rubbing his hands together. He stopped at the fireplace and began to start a fire.

“Thanks, Dave,” Tory said as she stood by the fire to warm her cold hands.

“You’re welcome,” he answered. His heart had fallen into the ground when he walked by her car and saw it was loaded. Just inside the living room door sat three more suitcases and a small box, probably ready to go into the car. She was leaving him.

How could she just pack up and go without talking about it? How could he stay here after she was gone? The house would be empty without her happy laughter and presence. Instead full of memories of making love for the first time, and spending Sunday mornings in bed reading the paper and drifting off to sleep after making love again.

“When were you going to tell me you were leaving?” Dave asked without looking at Tory, still staring at the newspaper he had picked up from the couch.

“When were you going to be here for me to talk about it? For the last week or so you’ve been avoiding me. You’ve known all along that at the end of a few months we would go back to our former lives. A few months are up now, and you need to make some plans of your own since I’m not going to be renewing the lease here.”

“What if I don’t want to go back to my old life? What if I want to renew the lease and stay for the winter, take care of my parents?”

“Is that what you want to do?” Tory asked with a dumbfounded look on her face.

“I’m not sure what I want to do. I want you to be a part of it but you don’t seem to be willing to even discuss it,” he said as he stormed out of the room and up the stairs.

* * * *

Tory stood in front of the couch, her hands still outstretched to the warmth of the fire, and wondered what she should do. Leave tomorrow or stay with him. Even though he never did ask her to stay, it would be her decision as well.

She heard his shoes drop to the floor upstairs and headed up the steps. They would have their talk right now.

“Dave,” she said as she walked in the bedroom and saw him lying on the bed, his hands behind his head, his eyes staring straight up toward the ceiling.

“Dave, we need to talk,” she said as she sat down on the other side of the bed, one leg bent under her with her hands in her lap.

“Yes, we do,” Dave finally said after some hesitation.

“I have a job waiting for me, friends I haven’t seen in months.”

“So do I, Tory, but I’m seriously considering not going back to Virginia. I think I’m burnt out on my job. I want to start over, I just don’t know where or doing what.”

“I don’t want to go, but I feel I have to go,” Tory said, “and I definitely don’t want to leave you. I was hoping that when you saw my bags packed that you would pack yours and come with me. It’s amazing living on the beach, and you’d love my friends, too.”

“What about our parents? I’ve been away from them more than I’ve been with them. They aren’t going to live forever, and maybe I should spend my time here with them in their old age. Have you thought about that, or are you so intent on leaving me you don’t care?”

Tory got up off the bed and stood at the foot end, her hands on her hips, tears in her eyes.

“Leave you? This has never been about leaving you, Dave. My leaving is about something we both have to do. It’s breaking my heart.”

“We don’t have to leave. We could renew the lease and spend the winter here and see how we like it. Take some time to put things into perspective,” Dave answered without looking at her.

“I spent my entire life here except for the last eight years and these last few months have helped me put things into perspective. Come with me to the beach, Dave, please, I’m begging you. Don’t make me leave without you.”

“I can’t Tory. As much as I care about you, I can’t.” Dave finally looked at her and her heart lurched. He still couldn’t say, “I love you” to her. So this past summer has been nothing but a fling for him.

“I’m sorry, Dave, but I’ll be leaving in the morning. I knew our relationship was too good, too easygoing to last forever,” Tory said as she turned and walked out the door and down the stairs.

Chapter 48

Tory packed the remainder of her bags in the car and was ready to go the night before. All she had to do was shower in the morning and drop the keys off to Trevor. Maybe she could get Dave to do that for her.

Dave had left the house again shortly after their talk although his SUV remained parked beside her car. He must have gone for a walk in the bitter cold.

Tory was exhausted and wanted to get an early start in the morning. She went to bed early. It felt good to lie down. She closed her eyes but sleep did not come. She heard Dave come in and take his boots and coat off and head up the stairs. She feigned sleeping so they wouldn’t have to have another argument.

She heard Dave undressing and felt his weight on the bed when he got into bed beside her. Their bodies didn’t touch. She yearned for his caresses just one last time, to say she was sorry, she would stay with him, but she couldn’t, she had to leave. If he could only love her like she loved him, she would stay without a question. But how could he really love her if he couldn’t even say so? She turned on her side but his back was toward her. She again tried to sleep.

* * * *

In the middle of the night Dave awoke to the sound of Tory sobbing. Thinking she was having a bad dream he attempted to caress her and she lunged into his arms. She cried out, “I love you, Dave, please come with me. I don’t want my old life back without you in it.”
He kissed her cheeks and wiped her tears away. He kissed her lips, her neck, and her ears. He caressed her breasts until both were fully erect and alert, so sensitive. His hand moved lower to the apex of her thighs and her womanly curls.

“Will you make love with me one last time?” she asked.

He didn’t answer, didn’t have to. He was already holding her so close, so tight, it was inevitable. His hand found her opening and he entered one finger, then two. Tory clung to him for dear life, trying to embroil their actions in her mind forever. He slowly got her ready for him and then entered her swiftly. Their tongues tangled with lust as they matched each other’s rhythm in the age-old act of sex. But this was much more meaningful, for both of them. Knowing it would be the last.

She couldn’t stay and he wouldn’t go.

Chapter 49

Early the next morning when Tory woke up, Dave was gone. His SUV was gone but his clothes and personal things remained. After scraping ice from the windshield of her car and packing her few overnight items she made one more pass through the house. The house that held too many happy memories and so many sad ones, like now.

She got in her car and headed to her mother’s to say good-bye to her and to Sue’s family who were all waiting for her. She didn’t see Dave to say good-bye.

At her mother’s, Anne and Sue both were crying. They had enjoyed Tory’s company over the summer so much they didn’t want her to go. Sue always thought Tory belonged in the mountains anyway. After quick hellos and fast good-byes Tory made her way out of town. She remembered her first drive into town with dear sweet Dave following her and helping out with the accident. What a way to meet a man.

She looked into her rearview mirror and saw in the distance a large black vehicle behind her. It frightened her. Memories of the past, bitter and sweet, all returned. She again had the feeling of being followed. How could this be happening to her again?

Tory slowed her car and pulled into the next available gas station not too far out of town. The black vehicle followed her there as well, but now that she was closer she saw it was Dave. Couldn’t leave town without saying good-bye, after all.

She rolled down her window as he approached her car.

“Tory, please don’t go. Stay with me throughout the winter. I talked to Trevor and he said we could rent the town house month-to-month, so whenever we get this settled and know where we’re going we can go, together. But I want us to be together. I love you, and I don’t want to be without you.”

Tory stared at Dave’s mouth as he spoke and when he said the much-awaited-for three little words she began to tremble.

“I don’t want to go either, but I want you to love me. I’ve been waiting my whole life for someone like you to come along and sweep me off my feet and love me,” Tory said through trembling lips.

“I do love you, Tory. But actions should always speak louder than words. Let’s go back to our place and I’ll show you how much I love you!”

Tory opened the door, jumped out, and launched herself into Dave’s arms.

“I love you so much, Dave.”

THE END

www.loreleiconfer.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lorelei Confer lives on a peninsula in the mid west coast of Florida with her husband, two cats, and AJ, her long-haired Chihuahua.

She wrote her first story in the fourth grade in the form of a play which actually was produced by her teacher for parents and students. She continues writing and majored in English in College. She practices every day to improve her craft.

An author of romantic suspense she loves reading almost as much as writing. She has filled her book shelves with her favorites, i.e. Harlan Colban, Eliza March, Johanna Lindsey, Kathy Carmichael, Terri Garey, Karen Rose, Kathleen Woodiwiss, Andrew Gross, LuAnn Rice, and Bobbi Smith just to mention a few, as well as all the classics.

She loves hearing from readers so please visit her website: www.loreleiconfer.com. Or blog at www.loreleiconfer.blogspot.com.

Also by Lorelei Confer

Siren Classic: Deadly Deception

Available at

BOOKSTRAND.COM

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