Love Inspired Suspense June 2014 Bundle 1 of 2: Undercover Marriage\Collateral Damage\Forgotten Past (31 page)

Gerard watched Alec walk away, then frowned at Nick. “I think I'll take a walk around the perimeter. Hey, Alec, wait up.” Gerard fell into step as Alec strolled toward his car, which was parked at the back of the house.

Sarah opened the back door of John's sedan and found a full box of albums and photos her parents had taken of Emma over the years. “Emma won't be interested in looking at these for the thousandth time,” she said.

“If she's a typical teenager, she'll be embarrassed,” Nick said. “But I can't wait to get my hands on them.”

“Good. Everyone else in the house would love to see these.” She paused, glanced at him, pulled open one of the album covers. “Her junior prom photo.”

He grinned. “As beautiful as her mother. The only two things I want more than to delve into these pictures is to protect this child—which means I'll stay out here for a while with Gerard—and before he finishes his rounds, I want to do this.” He reached up. Cupping her chin with his hand, he lowered his lips to hers. She caught her breath and then allowed herself to drift with the moment.

His lips were firm, reassuring, filling her with so much joy she didn't want to contain it. His touch gave her courage she hadn't realized she had, and she felt safe.

When he released her, she stared through the darkness into his eyes, questioning.

“Do you remember our first kiss sixteen years ago?” he asked.

She shook her head.

“Neither do I. Not well, anyway.” He sighed and drew her against him, his arms strong and protective—the way she knew they would protect their daughter. She hesitated, then allowed herself to rest her cheek against his shoulder.

“For so long I wondered why God allowed your father to take you away from Jolly Mill,” he said.

“I think Alec gave us an inkling about that. I believe Dad knew he'd mismanaged the situation with Nora and Eaton Thompson, and he hated that Alec left the church.”

“Your father was an excellent minister. Dad always said so. He was young and inexperienced. I'm sure he developed all the experience he needed.”

“Our church in Sikeston thought so.”

“Mark Russell left a church of hurting members behind, and they've never been satisfied with anyone since he went away.”

“Dad wouldn't have been happy about that.”

“I understand from our daughter that he also wasn't happy that you never dated much, and you could have had your pick.”

“Wasn't interested in picking.”

“That's what I heard. Emma's words, not mine. But really? Sarah, you're so beautiful.”

She felt a flush travel up her face. “Skin deep doesn't mean much.”

“I'm not talking about skin. I'm talking about your heart, your loyalty. You couldn't leave Emma.”

She allowed his words to flow over her. It was nice to know he appreciated her maternal instincts, but that wasn't enough.

“And now Emma has a biological father and grandfather she has yet to get to know,” she said.

Nick took Sarah's bare, ringless hand and caressed it, making her breath skitter from her lungs. “She also has a wonderful mother who loves her more than life itself.”

Her heart took a few seconds between beats. “It nearly killed me to give her to them for adoption, even though I got to name her and stay near her. I fed her naturally and spent as much time as possible with her.”

Despite all that, she'd ached with the knowledge that Emma wasn't hers in the eyes of the world.

“I desperately need time to get to know my flesh and blood,” Nick said. “I want to give Dad time to get to know her. You didn't see him before Emma arrived last night, and I saw his face when he saw you for the first time this morning. Having you and Emma here has made all the difference in the world, not just for Dad, but for me. I'm being totally selfish.”

“Of course. I understand.” She did understand. How painful this could be.

“And why should you and Emma rattle around together, just the two of you, in that house in Sikeston, when you could be surrounded by old friends and family here for the summer? It would give us all time to heal together.”

He'd already convinced her Emma would be safer here than in Sikeston with a killer still on the loose. But afterward?

“All she's ever known were Mom and Dad,” Sarah said. “The truth is going to be such a shock. I can only imagine what that could do to her.”

“But you'll have to tell her.”

“I will, of course, but maybe I should choose the time carefully.”

“Don't you think she's going to find out very quickly what everyone else is already guessing?”

“Yes, and I can't help thinking her heart will be broken when she discovers those wonderful people she loved as her parents weren't actually her parents.”

“That heart can heal.”

“Not as easily as people expect.”

“I know there's an old adage about never being able to return home again, but are you brave enough to try?”

“I'm here now, aren't I?” In sixteen years, Sarah realized she'd never stopped looking for Nick in the eyes of other men. If she spent the summer here, close to him, seeing him every day, or at least several times a week, wouldn't she suffer heartbreak all over again when the summer ended and she had to return to Sikeston? She didn't want Nick to make some noble gesture simply because he believed marrying his daughter's mother was the right thing to do.

If she'd learned anything since the night she became pregnant, it was that no matter that he'd held her, if it wasn't her he believed he was kissing and holding, it meant nothing.

Nick pulled her close again, and despite all her inner fear and resistance, she relished the feel of his arms around her and the sound of his voice so close to her ear. Had that been her response the night of the party, as well?

He placed his hand at the back of her head and kissed her cheek. She closed her eyes and resisted the urge to turn her head and meet that kiss full on.

“You obeyed your parents. You honored them. You gave up the child you obviously love for unselfish reasons— because you believed your parents could give her the solid foundation she needed.”

“I've often wondered if I was simply afraid of the responsibility.”

“Not you. I never saw you back down from anything.”

She raised the box of photos. “I know Edward and Carmen will want to see these. As soon as you can come back in, you'll see them, too.”

He pulled a high school photo from the loose ones and studied it in the low light. “Alec was right. She really does look like Mom did at that age. I'm still in awe of Emma.”

“She's her own person.”

“Like you were, only without the black goop.”

Sarah chuckled. “Actually, she takes after her aunt Shelby.”

Nick took Sarah's hand and kissed it. “Emma needs her parents, and that's us.”

A movement of brush reached them from the shadows, and Sarah gasped.

Gerard's hulking shadow rounded John's car. “A guy can learn a lot if he treads lightly.”

Nick groaned aloud. “Everyone on the planet's going to know we're Emma's parents before we have a chance to tell her.”

“Believe me,” Gerard said, “there's nothing I'd love more than to hear this story, but Megan just alerted me on my earphone that she saw someone running across the road from the direction of the clinic, then disappear in the hedges. Nick, if you'll stay put for a minute I think I'll put Sarah's cousin to work.” With casual movements he climbed the porch steps toward the front door. He didn't appear alarmed, and his calm demeanor kept Sarah from panicking. Still, she followed him, and her heart rate had increased a couple of miles an hour.

THIRTEEN

N
ick was stepping onto the porch behind Sarah when John came rushing out of the house, looking grim as he strapped on a chest holster and slid a weapon into its slot.

“Get into the house, cuz. Nick, you got a weapon?”

“I brought Dad's extra .380, but—”

“That'll do,” John said. “Sarah Fey, you never did listen well. I'm serious. Get into the house
now.
Alec got another call from Gerard's wife, Megan. She's been watching over the town from the hillside through this really cool night-vision telescope gadget. Wish I had one. Anyway, she caught the outline of someone leaving Parker's Diner and coming on foot in this direction, keeping to the shadows.”

“But that's the opposite direction of the clinic, where the Chapmans saw their culprit,” Nick said.

John shrugged. “We're being proactive here, okay? Could be anyone. It's not as if we've got killers all over town, but it won't hurt to check everything out. Megan's pretty sure the figure she saw coming from the diner wasn't big enough to be Billy Parker, and the diner closed over an hour ago.”

“Well, sure, but sometimes it takes over an hour to clean and prep for the next day,” Sarah said.

Nick considered Petra Journigan, but Alec had left to see her a few moments ago. Right? “Any idea who it might have been?”

“She couldn't make out much, and whoever it was wore all black clothing and a stocking cap.”

Nick nudged Sarah toward into the house away from the open front door. “Stay inside for now, please?”

“Okay, but this house is already being guarded like Fort Knox. Do you mind not hitting the streets in search of trouble? Emma's the one we need to protect, and she's right here. Ever heard of a red herring? What if those two people are just distractions—one friend going over to another friend's house to watch TV? If you men take off looking for trouble, who's going to be around if trouble comes here from another direction?”

Dad stepped through the door, nodding. “This girl always did make sense.” He sounded perfectly relaxed. “Besides, she's an author in her spare time, and she knows all about red herrings.”

“I thought you wanted to show everyone pictures of Emma,” Nick said. “Now's a good time for that.”

Sarah continued to hesitate. The woman always did have that stubborn streak. Now was not the time for it.

“Sarah, now. Remember what I told you,” he said. “First, I'm seeing to her safety. There's a psychopath who isn't afraid to kill to protect himself.” He reached for the door, still holding her gaze.

“Relax, Sarah,” Gerard called through the door to her. “Nick's hit more bull's-eyes than I have.”

Nick caught Sarah's pointed look. “Okay, I have to admit, Sarah, you used to outshoot me in high school, but I've had practice since then. Turn on the alarms and stay in the house.”

He couldn't bear the fear he saw in her eyes. “Make sure Emma's aware she's still in danger.”

Sarah nodded. “Be careful.” She pressed her hand against the window. “Please, please be careful.”

“Don't worry, I'll stay behind Gerard. He's the biggest shield in town.”

Gerard grunted. “If I didn't need you for backup I'd—”

“Yeah, but you've been out of the business for a while.” Nick waited until he heard the door latch click. He turned back to Gerard and walked down the steps beside him.

“The kid looks like you,” Gerard said.

“Please never tell her that,” Nick said. “No pretty young woman wants to be told she looks like her father.”

“I just found out today.” Dad strolled across the lawn beside Gerard. “You know that high-speed chase we had? That was my reaction.”

“You had a high-speed chase and I missed it?” John complained. “I knew I should've come with Sarah last night.”

“Have you tried to reach the sheriff again?” Nick asked.

“And tell him what? Someone's walking around town and we think they might be killers? Most of the deputies are tied up with a meth lab bust down south of Neosho. It would take someone at least forty-five minutes to reach us.”

“So we're on our own,” Nick said. “Where did Alec really go when he left here?”

“He said he was going to see his girl.”

“Oh, that's right, his excuse was a jealous girlfriend.” Nick couldn't keep the sarcasm from his voice. “Since when did Alec Thompson let a neurotic female keep him on a leash?”

“That's what I asked him when I walked him to his car.” Gerard chuckled. “My opinion wasn't appreciated.”

Nick glanced over at him in the light from the porch. “You still don't trust him.”

“I'm not sure what to think, but not all the facts are in yet. I checked the tires and bumper of his car earlier, and there was no evidence that he could have rammed poor Chaz into the river.”

“I don't suppose you checked Nora's automobiles? She has an old farm truck in the barn she seldom uses.”

Gerard nodded. “Granted, I've had my run-ins with Alec, but he's not the kind of man to drag his mama into his fights, or use her automobiles to kill someone. I checked anyway. All clean. I have an idea Alec suspects something he's not telling us, and I've seen Nora watching him strangely from time to time today—after all, a mother knows her child.”

“Maybe someone should ask Nora.” Nick looked at Dad.

“I could have a talk with her,” Dad said. “But if she suspects Alec's involved, you know how she'll be. Like a mama tiger.”

“But she's always had a soft spot for you, hasn't she?” Gerard asked.

“She and Peg were good friends, and Nora's brought her fair share of meals by since...” He swallowed.

“Dad, you and John need to keep watch from here,” Nick said.

“Stay in the shadows,” Gerard said. “Nick, coming with me?”

“You can be sure John's not getting far from his baby cousin. Besides, it could be a false alarm. We don't have any idea who we're looking for, do we?”

“Someone dressed in black.”

“I knew I should've worn my uniform,” John muttered. “Why doesn't this town have a police force?”

“Don't usually need 'em,” Dad said.

“But when we need them, we need more than one,” Gerard said. “Guess that's why the good Lord brought you across the state, Officer Russell. You know, this town could always use another ex-cop for support at times like this.”

“Tempting offer,” John muttered as he fell back. “But I'm not an ex-cop, I'm about to become a detective.”

Nick continued walking with Gerard. “Have you considered why Alec didn't loop us in on his plans tonight?”

“Do you go around telling everyone when you're going out on a date?”

“That was a flat-out lie and you know it.”

“He and your cousin Billy used to be friends.”

“You still suspect my cousin?” Nick asked.

“Mr. Parker Jr. might be related to you, but he's a hot-headed, coldhearted businessman. If he thinks there's still a chance you could inherit that diner out from under him...” Gerard shrugged. “Sarah's parents could have been collateral damage. After all, his father's still alive, so the way father and son seem to dislike each other, Billy might have been afraid his father might still want to give the diner to his sister.”

“My cousin's a jerk, but he wouldn't have killed his own flesh and blood.” Nick felt uncomfortable even saying those words. How would he know what Billy would or would not do? They'd never gotten along.

“You've studied psychiatry?” Gerard asked.

“Not criminal psychology.”

“You know this town. You need to help me figure out who has my wife stirred up enough to call about her suspect. She has a special sense about these things.” Gerard nudged Nick into the darker shadows beneath the mature trees that lined the street. “Meanwhile we can check in at the diner and find out who just left there.”

“Or intercept whoever's coming from there.”

“Good idea.” Gerard's voice dropped to a whisper as they continued down the street. He tapped his right ear, spoke softly, tapped it again. “Time to head west. Megan saw our shadow turn right into that copse of trees behind the general store.”

“Carmen and Nora offered to take a turn keeping watch outside,” Nick murmured softly.

“That's what Megan told me. She's keeping in contact with the house, as well,” Gerard whispered. “Now hush.”

Nick glanced over his shoulder. All seemed quiet. He couldn't see Dad or John, and he doubted they could see him or Gerard.

But the farther away from the house he and Gerard got, the less comfortable he felt. He didn't like leaving Sarah and his daughter there without him.

* * *

Sarah tucked her bare feet beneath her and placed two scrapbooks between herself and Carmen on the love seat. Nina seemed to have trouble deciding whether she loved Emma or Sarah the best, but since Emma was willing to roughhouse on the floor with her and give her special treats, her stomach issued the verdict.

Kirstie and Lynley Marshal had scooted their chairs closer to Nora to peruse the loose photos John had brought of the whole Russell family.

Carmen paged through the first scrapbook and giggled, pointing to one shot of Emma with long braided deep brown pigtails. “How old was she here?”

“Nine. She cut them off soon after, and Mom saved the hair.”

“I think I have a picture just like this of me at that age,” Carmen said. “And now I remember my real hair color.”

“Dark brown?”

“With nice, wide streaks of white now, which is why I keep it blond.” Carmen narrowed her eyes at Sarah. “You know, you look somewhat like a turkey two days before Thanksgiving.”

Sarah ran her fingers through her hair. “I took a shower, I used your shampoo, and if I must say so myself, your hair dryer did a great job with the layers, so I don't know what you mean.”

Carmen gave her a toothy grin and binked her on the nose with a forefinger. “Your eyes give you away. Look, we've got all the curtains and blinds pulled shut, and, honey, believe me, I'm a crack shot.”

“I'm better,” called black-haired, exotic Nora from the table.

“Only because you have a better revolver.”

“And why is that?” Nora asked.

“Because you have the wisdom to purchase the best,” chorused Kirstie, Lynley and Carmen together.

Carmen placed a hand on Sarah's shoulder. “Honey. We have three doors on this level, none upstairs, only one basement entrance, and the men can see them all from where they're posted.”

“Even though the poor fellas don't realize it's not necessary to surround the house,” Kirstie said, “we'll let them think they're big, strong men, and we poor, helpless ladies couldn't do without their help.”

Nora grunted. “I've done without a man around the house for as long as your sweet Emma's been alive, and believe me, it can be a lot of fun.”

Kirstie muttered, “Here we go again.”

While the women continued to chatter and badger one another in the dining room, Carmen leaned over and whispered in Sarah's ear. “Guess you heard about Nora's husband.”

Sarah nodded.

“Hey, kiddo,” Nora called. “You gossiping about me in there?”

“Sure am,” Carmen drawled. “What're you gonna do about it?”

“You know those cinnamon biscotti I make for your birthday every year?”

“Nonsense. I no longer have birthdays. I'm forty-nine and holding.”

“Oh, pshaw,” Kirstie snorted, and then her daughter got tickled and giggled. “You can't hold on to your age.”

“I plan to.”

“Anyway,” Nora said with raised voice, “since you'll no longer have birthdays, those yummy biscotti won't be in your birthday basket when the date comes around again.”

“Not fair!”

“Ha! And tell me how you'll convince that gorgeous Edward Tyler five years from now that you're still forty-nine?”

Carmen shot Sarah a sheepish look. “I'm not trying to trick Edward Tyler into anything, Nora. A man who appreciates a woman for her inner beauty is the best kind of man of all.”

“So!” Kirstie said. “You did date Edward, after all.”

“He robbed the cradle. He was a senior when I hit high school.” Carmen glanced at Sarah. “It's nice to have a small school so we younger girls had more opportunities with the upperclassmen.”

“And you were heartbroken when he started dating Peg.”

Carmen hesitated. “For about two days, then I developed a crush on—”

“Yeah, we know. You liked older guys,” Nora said. “I'm surprised you ever settled down long enough to get married.”

“And widowed,” Carmen reminded her.

Silence reigned for a few seconds.

“And then there was Nick and Sarah,” Kirstie said. “Madly in love for years.”

“We were the best of friends,” Sarah said, casting a quick look toward Emma, who seemed not to be listening.

“Well,” Nora said, “I still think Carmen cares about Edward. Oh, not the heart-racing, breathless love of youth—may we never be cursed with that hideous experience again—but her affection is more mature, almost manageable, and I wouldn't mind at all if Carmen and Edward would one day—years from now—become friends again.”

“I don't suppose you'll give Edward a choice?” Sarah asked the ladies.

“Oh, fiddlesticks,” Nora said. “Everyone knows a man needs a woman more than a woman needs a man.”

“Who said that?” Carmen asked.

“Me. Just now. Get a good one, and you'll feel like a queen. Get a rotten one, and your life is over.”

“Aha!” Carmen said. “I just happened to remember something. Maybe Alec really did have a good reason to rush away and find Petra. Did you know that when she arrived here with her family her sophomore year, Nick was nice to her, and she immediately developed a crush on him?”