Strangers in the Night (20 page)

A grin lit up his face. “You thought that? I was just speeding up to pass you.”

Abbie shook her head. “What you did was dangerous.”

“Sorry. Didn't mean any harm.”

I'll just bet you didn't
. “Let's go outside, Daniel,” Abbie said. “I could use some fresh air.”

The air was crisp and cool and Abbie felt a slight breeze through her sweater. Daniel walked beside her in silence as she headed for the main part of her little town.

Daniel stuffed his hands into his jeans pockets. “I can't believe how beautiful and green it is out here.”

Abbie nodded. “Of all the places we lived when I was a kid, the Northwest is my favorite. I love being near the ocean and in the mountains at the same time.”

“Perkins was telling me that you and your parents bought this place.”

“Yep.” She told him about the artists' colony and shared her ideas. Eventually, the talk ran out and they walked in silence.

“You said you wanted to talk with me about something,” she finally said.

He stopped and turned to face her. “First off, I want you to know that I disagree with my mother. Dad and I have been trying to talk sense into her from the beginning.”

“Thank you for that.”

“Taking Emma like you did broke her heart. She pushed too hard and her plan backfired on her. She wanted to go to the police, but Dad and I talked her out of it. In a way, I'm glad you surfaced.” He sighed. “And, in a way, I wish you hadn't. It's all started again. She's threatening to call the authorities this time. I told her to wait and let me talk to you first.”

“Why? To persuade me to move back to Iowa?” Abbie started walking again. “There's no way that's going to happen.”

“Abbie, please, just hear me out. She has the law on her side. Do you really think the court will grant you custody? You're living in a bed & breakfast. Your sister is using drugs and you're planning to have her help you take care of Emma. Mom will follow through this time, Abbie. You broke the law when you took Emma. She could have you put in jail.”

“How do you know all this about me?” Abbie's confidence seeped out like air in an inflatable mattress. Jake had been so sure of the attorney's ability to clear her.

“I had a long talk with Dawn.”

“I thought you were on my side.”

“I am. I haven't told my mother about Skye living with you. She already knows Skye's history.” He pressed his lips together. “Do you know how bad this looks? You're planning to live in a commune with your sister, who is a known addict. Are you really willing to put Emma in that kind of danger?”

“Commune? Since when is my artists' colony a commune? And come to think of it, what exactly is wrong with a commune?”

“From what I've heard, you'll have all kinds of artists living out here. How do you know you can trust them?”

“Where is all of this coming from, Daniel?”

“I'm just saying that you need to look at the facts. If you were a judge, who would you grant custody to? A woman like my mother, who's lived on a farm all her life, who is active in her church and is well-established, or a single woman, an artist with plans to build an artists' colony, who has a drug-addicted sister for a babysitter? Do you even go to church, Abbie? Do your parents? How stable are they? They raised you on the road.”

“My parents did a great job. Sure, they were entertainers, but—”

“That doesn't matter. What matters is how things look.”

Fear nipped at her nerve endings. What he was saying made sense. If a judge were to choose the suitable guardian for Emma, he'd choose Leah. What had she been thinking?

“I don't want you to lose Emma.” Daniel wrapped his hands around her upper arms. “I've been thinking a lot about this and I know how we can work things out.”

“How?”

“Marry me.”

“Excuse me?”

“I've always cared for you, Abbie. You can keep Emma with you and Mom will have her grandchild back. Come back to Iowa, live on the farm. I'll build you that house you always wanted. I'll even add an art studio with lots of light.”

Abbie stared at him. “How could you suggest something like this? You know how I felt living there. We talked about it often enough. And we're not—I don't… Your mother hates me.”

“No, she doesn't. When you left, she missed you as much as she missed Emma. She hates what you did. But I know she'll forgive you. Just like I have.”

“I can't—”

He silenced her with fingers pressed against her lips. “Pray about it, Abbie. My mother loves Emma. She deserves to have her granddaughter close.”

“So do my parents, Daniel. What about them?”

“They have money. They can come and visit. And stay in our spare room. I'll build the house big enough.”

Abbie had no words to give him.

“I know you don't love me—not like a wife should love a husband, but we could make a good team. And maybe we could even learn to love each other that way.”

Abbie turned and walked away, leaving his insane suggestion hanging in the air.

It wasn't until she'd gotten ready for bed and reached for the light on the bedside stand that she saw it. A note had been neatly folded and propped up against the lamp with her name on it.

Her hand shook as she unfolded it.
Hi Abbie, Jake called. I told him you were out and he said he'd see you in the morning. Sleep well. Dawn
. Relief settled her racing heart back into its parameters. She was far too jumpy.

Abbie slept very little as Daniel's comments echoed through her head. Maybe his suggestion wasn't as crazy as she first thought. What if he was right? Could her plans and her lifestyle cause a judge to rule against her? Could she end up losing Emma after all?

She'd always gotten along with Daniel. Living with him wouldn't be so bad, especially if she could be in her own home. If she had to, she would do this for Emma. Much had changed since she'd plotted her escape two years ago. She had matured and moved beyond her grief. There had been times she had even missed the farm. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad. She could almost envision herself painting again and possibly working with local artists much as she had in Grand Forks.

What about Jake?
She turned to her side and punched her pillow. Abbie had come to love him, but if walking away from him meant she could stay with Emma, then she had no choice. Abbie prayed herself to sleep, asking for strength and courage and wisdom.

Morning broke with far too many uncertainties—too much confusion. Emma was still asleep so Abbie slipped on her robe and made her way down the hall following the scent of fresh coffee. Dawn must have heard her, because a steaming cup sat on the counter along with an envelope bearing her name. Dawn gestured toward it. “I found this tacked to the front door this morning.”

Abbie examined the smudged white envelope, noting the pinprick in its center. Her name had been written in block letters. Alarm bells went off in her head again. “I'm almost afraid to open it.”

“You think it might be another threat?” Holding her mug in both hands, Dawn rested her elbows on the counter just across from Abbie.

Abbie hauled in a long breath. “I feel silly. I went through this last night when I saw your note about Jake.”

“I'm sorry. You were with Daniel and I didn't want to bother you.”

Abbie nodded.

“Would you like me to open it for you?”

Grinning at her, Abbie said, “Thanks, but I think I can manage.” She slipped her finger under the flap and ripped it open. Inside was a folded piece of notebook paper. She hesitated for a moment before unfolding it. When she did, a lock of gold hair fell to the counter. “What in the … ?” On the note, written in red ink, were the words:
It's time for you to go. Your life is not the only one in danger
.

The hair was the exact color and texture of Emma's.

Adrenaline soaring, Abbie raced back to her room. Emma still lay sleeping, safe and alive, but on the pillow lay several strands of hair. Someone had come in during the night—possibly while she'd been with Daniel—and cut off a lock of her baby's hair. She gripped the railing on the youth bed, willing her insides to quiet.

Dawn had followed her in and now placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Thank the Lord she's okay. We need to call the sheriff.”

Abbie nodded. “Could you? Please. I need to stay here with her.”

“Of course.” Dawn hurried out and Abbie reached down to pick Emma up. Threatening her was one thing, but this—this blatant violation of her baby… She could hardly take it in. Who would do this? Emma stirred and Abbie held her close. “There, there, sweetheart. Mommy's got you. Everything's going to be all right.”

But was it?

She lowered herself into the easy chair and stroked Emma's head and back. When she heard a knock, she lifted her gaze to see Daniel filling the doorway. “Can I come in?”

“Please.”

“Dawn told me what happened.” He strode to the chair and kneeled beside her, cupping Emma's head. A lump caught in Abbie's throat as she took in his gentleness and read the love in his eyes.

She blinked away the sudden tears. “Someone doesn't want me here.” Anger began to replace her fear. She didn't want to give in, yet what choice did she have? She felt cornered and bewildered.

“I know. She told me about the first threat too.” He shifted his gaze from Emma to Abbie. “Come home with me. Let me take care of you. Both of you.”

She read compassion and concern in his eyes. Part of her wanted to say yes. “After the first note, I decided not to allow fear to dictate my life. Giving in to this maniac isn't the right answer. I can't let him win.”

“You can't take the chance that he'll hurt Emma,” he said. “You'll be safe on the farm.”

“Would we? Nathan wasn't.”

He looked away, but not before she saw the pain she'd inflicted. Daniel had been as affected by Nate's death as she had. “That was an accident. Nate didn't deliberately set out to get himself killed. It's one thing to get hit by a car you don't see. It's another to step in front of a moving truck.”

“I know.” Abbie placed a hand on his sun-browned arm. “I'm sorry.”

He stood. “I'm going home tomorrow. I'd like to take you and Emma with me. If you decide not to come, I'll need to take Emma. There's no way I'm leaving her here, Abbie. I have a court order and if I have to, I'll use it.”

He bent to kiss Emma's forehead. Then he cupped Abbie's chin and looked directly into her eyes. “Please do the right thing.” He brushed his lips against her cheek. His kiss went through her like a gentle rain. She could do nothing but stare after him.

Emma opened her eyes, cuddled for a few moments, and then wanted to know why she wasn't in her bed. “I wanted you to wake up, sweetheart. Uncle Jake will be here soon and we're going to spend some time with Nana and Papa.”

A plan formed as she uttered the words. Perhaps the safest place for Emma right now was at her parents' home. Perhaps for her as well. With four or five adults present, Emma wouldn't be alone for a minute, and Tim would be there to provide police protection.

Jake and Sheriff Moore arrived just as Abbie finished dressing herself and Emma and packing their bags. Dawn showed the note to the sheriff.

“Abbie.” Jake drew her forward and settled an arm around her shoulder. “I'm sorry. I thought we were in the clear.”

The sheriff set the note on the counter and shook his head. “There's nothing I can do here.” Annoyance tinged his gravelly voice. “We have no idea who wrote it. And unless it's acted on, there's nothing I can do.” He lifted his belt with both hands, but it quickly settled below his stomach again. “For all we know, you could have written the notes yourself.”

Abbie gaped at him, too angry for words. How could he be so unconcerned?

“That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard.” Jake's nostrils flared as he balled his hands into fists.

Sheriff Moore shrugged. “Her parents are in show business. These people will do anything for attention.”

“Thank you for enlightening us, Sheriff.” Jake opened the door and stepped aside. “Sorry we bothered you. We'll let you get back to work.”

When the sheriff stepped out, Jake slammed the door behind him.

“Can you believe that guy?” Dawn asked.

“He's an idiot.” Jake stepped over to the phone. “I'm calling Jeff.”

“What's the point?” Abbie asked. “The best we can do is to make certain Emma is safe.” She told Jake about her plan to go back to her parents'.

“That's a good idea,” Dawn said as she headed back to the kitchen and set out plates for breakfast. “Keith can keep an eye on things out here until Brent comes back.”

Jake agreed and made his call to Jeff, asking him to meet them at her parents' place.

Perkins joined them for breakfast and seemed taken aback about the note. His concern surprised Abbie, especially since he topped her suspect list. Actually, he was her only suspect other than Floyd and Elsie. And maybe Travis, but somehow, she couldn't see him as a person who would threaten a child. As soon as they'd finished breakfast, Abbie called her parents, who were more than happy for them to stay. Abbie didn't tell them about Daniel. Time enough to do that when they got there.

After breakfast, Abbie drove into town with Jake following. She tried to get her mind around this latest threat. The writer hadn't followed through on the first warning. Several weeks had passed. She had not only purchased Cold Creek, she had begun the renovation. Why wait this long to surface again?

Once more she thought about Barbara and wondered if there might be a connection. And Brent—had the same person run him off the road? The questions circled around in her head and mingled with Daniel's ultimatum. Should she forget this craziness and go with him?

If she did go back to Iowa, it would be a permanent move. She wouldn't run away this time. And if Daniel didn't build the house he'd promised, she would do it herself. After all, she still owned Nate's part of the farm.

“How can you even think about going back?”

“Who's going back, Mommy? Back where?”

Abbie didn't realize she'd spoken aloud until she heard Emma's question.

She smiled and reached to take her daughter's hand. “Nowhere, honey. I was just thinking out loud.”

“Oh.” She didn't seem convinced. “Can Nana and me go to the 'musement park again?”

“Nana and I,” Abbie corrected.

“You want to come too?”

Abbie chuckled. “Maybe.”

“Can Unca Daniel come too? I like him.”

“He's very nice.”

“And Unca Jake too?”

“Hmm.” Abbie made the noncommittal sound, wishing she and Emma had driven with Jake as he'd wanted, but she thought she might need her car. Somehow being with Jake gave her stability and made her feel safe. She sure could use some of that stability about now.

After seeing Abbie safely to her parents' place and waiting there to talk with Jeff and Tim, Jake had gone to work. Perkins had made yet another appointment, and he had plans to meet three other potential buyers as well. “I'll be back after dinner,” he said as he kissed Abbie good-bye. She hugged him, wishing he would stay and shelter her against the tide of confusion that threatened to wear her down.

“Are you going to be all right?” he asked. “I could cancel…”

Please stay. I need you here
. Aloud she said, “You don't need to do that. I'm shaken up, but I'll survive.”

“I'll see you as soon as I can get away.”

He kissed her again and as he drove away, Abbie ached with the realization that she might have to say good-bye forever.

That afternoon, after Abbie had put Emma down for a nap, she made iced tea and joined Skye on the porch swing. Most of the swelling had gone down on Skye's face, but the bruises had grown darker, more purple, blue, and green.

“You look better.”

“Liar.” Skye's mouth slanted in a lopsided grin.

Abbie sipped at her tea, glad her sister was there and safe.

“What are you going to do?” Skye asked after a long silence.

“About the note?”

Skye nodded and pressed the chilled glass against her jaw.

“I don't know.” Should she tell her about Daniel? “I need to do whatever I can to keep Emma safe.”

“Are you going to run away again?”

Abbie shook her head. “Not this time. But… there is a chance I'll need to go away for a while.”

“Like where?”

“Iowa.” Abbie told Skye about Daniel and the court order.

When Abbie finished, Skye leaned her head against Abbie's shoulder. “You can't go, Abs. It's not fair. Leah can't do that to you— to us. And what about Jake?”

Abbie sighed. “I haven't had a chance to tell him.”

The swing stopped and Abbie set it to rocking again.

“He won't let you go.”

“He won't have a choice.”

“Daniel's a jerk.”

“He's doing what he thinks is best for Emma.”

“Humph. He's following mommy dearest's orders. And to think I used to have a crush on him.”

“Really? I didn't know that.”

“You were too starry-eyed over Nathan. Daniel danced with me at the wedding.” Skye sat up. “He was so cute. I wrote to him for a while—before I went south.”

“South?”

“That's how Dad refers to my…indiscretions.”

“Hmm.”

“I really messed up, didn't I?”

“Yes.”

“Don't go with him, Abs. Stay here and fight.” She frowned. “Hey, I just thought of something. Don't you think it's strange that you get this note threatening to hurt Emma the same time Daniel shows up to take her away?”

“Are you suggesting that Daniel wrote that note?”

She shrugged. “Do the math.”

Abbie was just about to retire for the night when Jake showed up. He was wearing his tennis shoes and casual slacks and had a sweater over his shoulder. “Ready for that walk?”

She smiled. “I am. I got your telepathic message just as you pulled into the driveway.”

“I'm sorry I'm late. One of the couples I showed houses to today decided to buy.”

“And Perkins?”

“Perkins is still looking for the perfect place.”

“Maybe he'll get his wish. Maybe if I sell Cold Creek to him the threats will stop.”

“Are you serious?” Jake took her hand as they descended the stairs and headed for the beach.

“Daniel is here.”

“I know. Dawn told me last night when I called. I wanted to come out, but I was over at Brent and Peggy's taking care of the kids.” He pulled her closer. “How did they find you?”