Prey (BookStrand Publishing Romance) Page 12

  “Could it be a group of people with combined power?” Sam asked.

  “No.” Gillian’s voice was firm. “I can’t explain it, but conjuring like that would be impossible for me to miss. Nature’s delicate balance would have been skewed. Constance, Reggie and Ernestine would feel it too. As flighty as Constance can be sometimes, she was a Guardian and even she wouldn’t be cagey about a creature like this.”

  Reggie asked, “so what does that leave us with?”

  “Something created by man, my family in particular,” said Sam. “You’ve said all along that this thing was not created by Mother Nature so what does that tell us? Some kind of evil on earth hatched it. Who better than Daniels Pharmaceuticals?”

  They were silent. No one wanted to speak about Sam’s parents. He had to do it.

  And he did. “The first step is to confront my Dad. He’ll pat me on the head and tell me nothing, so I’ll have to throw my family name around his underlings at work. One of his minions is bound to be eager to impress the heir to the Daniels empire. People like my father don’t usually inspire loyalty.” He looked over at Jade. “Tomorrow’s Saturday, so it stands to reason that all the really keen, evil geeks will be working. The perfect time to get information.”

  Jade said, “I’ll stop by the clinic and make sure all is well while you’re gone. Will you be home by the evening? I have plans.” Her words were met with silence. Reggie, Gillian, and Travis looked at the ceiling. Travis took a breath, pursed his lips and was about to whistle when Gillian gave him a cross look and a nudge.

  Chase was surprised. “You have plans tomorrow night?”

  Blushing, Jade said, “Yes. I’m going to dinner with Tom Weatherby.”

  Chase was too busy being big brother to notice the pulse throbbing in Sam’s jaw, but Jade didn’t miss it.

  “I didn’t know you knew Tom,” Chase said in an ominous tone.

  Jade tried to be casual. “I met him through work. He seems like a nice guy.”

  Chase looked around the room and when no one disputed her claim, he said, “Uh, well I guess all I can say is have a good time.”

  With a smirk, Jade said, “Why don’t you get Reggie to talk to Constance? She’ll probably be able to give you a play by play of my date with Tom.”

  For a second, Chase looked like he was actually considering Jade’s suggestion. Reggie put a hand on his thigh. “Down boy.”

  Sam was silent.

  Travis changed the subject. “Okay, Reggie, you’re going to lean on Constance, so to speak. Sam will infiltrate Dante’s seventh circle of hell, otherwise known as Daniels Pharmaceuticals, and Jade, you’ll go out on a date.” There was laughter and Travis raised his eyebrows at Sam. He continued, “No, sorry, just a joke. Jade will continue to communicate with our animal friends. I’ll check on my buddies at the FBI and the Smithsonian. Chase, you search the internet for other cases that may resemble this one, Reggie tells me you navigate the internet with ease.” He smiled fondly at his fiancé and held his hand out, palm up. “Gillian spoke to Henry Simpson this morning. We’ve waited for you guys to get here to talk about it.”

  “I wish I had more to tell you.” She smiled apologetically. “Poor Henry doesn’t remember much consciously. The details are buried under his very natural outsider’s disbelief. What he saw that morning defied all he’s ever known. He is still in shock and his grief over the loss of his father is all he can access right now.” She took a sip of her coffee and teased Travis by saying “Jade isn’t the only one who has a date. Henry is willing to see me tomorrow, so I’ll try again then. I know he has information that can help us. He can’t get to it, but I can. I just need time.”

  “The Mayor is calling an emergency town meeting for tomorrow night. Sorry, Jade, you and Tom are going to miss it.” Travis ran a hand through his hair. In a resigned voice he said, “He intends to table a motion that the dog found in the trap yesterday is responsible for the murders. He wants him put to sleep and is going to ask the town to force you to do it, Sam.”

  “No!” Jade’s reaction was instinctive as she grabbed Sam’s arm and looked up at him, for help. “Dodger didn’t do anything!”

  Sam put an arm around her. “There is no evidence that points to that dog as anything other than a victim. I will not comply, to hell with the Mayor.” He looked down at Jade. “Don’t worry, Jinx. Dodger is safe. I won’t let anything happen to him.” Sam kissed the top of her head and pulled her closer to him. “I’ll take care of everything.” His expression was deadly serious.

  * * * *

  Saturday night. For most people just those two words conjured up images of all kinds of freedoms. For Jade, it had always been the same as any other day. When she’d worked with her father, Saturday night meant waiting to see how drunk he’d get. Early on, she’d learned to hide his car keys then make herself scarce. Now that her father was gone, Jade usually felt ambivalent about Saturday night. She didn’t date and she wasn’t the kind of person who needed to be endlessly entertained. Her needs and tastes were simple. Jade attached no expectation to the day.

  This Saturday was different, however. As she prepared for her date with Tom, Jade wondered what would happen at the emergency town meeting. Tom had offered a rain check, but Jade said that if it was okay with him, she’d rather go out. The town meeting would prove too frustrating to Jade. He’d laughed and agreed with her.

  They went to Luigi’s, a very popular Italian restaurant. Jade loved Italian food and managed to almost finish her meal. Tom was a good companion. He entertained her with amusing stories of his first teaching job. For a while, Jade was able to forget her troubles.

  After they’d finished dessert, Tom asked if Jade would like to take a walk. She looked at him with indecision. He laughed. “I’ll understand if you refuse, what with all that’s been going on in town lately.”

  Jade smiled at him tentatively. “If you don’t mind, I’d rather not go for a walk.” Tom got the message, and he smiled understandingly.

  As he walked her to her car, Jade could feel a strange craving. She wanted to run, not from fear but from joy. Looking up at Tom, she was shocked to realize the impression was coming from him.

  She said, “It’s a beautiful night. I understand why you wanted to take a walk, but be honest. You want to go at a faster speed. I can tell.”

  He laughed. “You really do belong here in New Crescent. You read my mind. I moved here because I wanted to get away from the concrete jungle. I got tired of pounding pavement when I ran. Now I take any number of trails, and I love it. Gridlock joins me usually, but since his unfortunate encounter with the porcupine I’ve made him stay behind.” He shrugged. “I’m going to take him out for a short run tomorrow. What do you think?”

  “Oh he’ll love it. I’m sure he’ll be okay by then. He recovered beautifully. It might be a good idea to get him out running again. You know? Get back up on the horse.”

  “I thought the very same.” He leaned down and opened her car door. When he straightened, his face was so close to hers he could incline his head an inch and touch his lips to hers. She waited, completely still.

  Tom didn’t take the liberty, instead he straightened and said wryly, “Don’t worry, Jade. I got the message. I could always use another friend.”

  She smiled up at him with relief. She hugged him, and he laughed. “Now that’s the first time I’ve gotten more physical with a woman after we’d agreed to be just friends.” He hugged her back. “You are a unique woman, Jade.”

  “Are you insulting me?” She laughed lightly.

  “No. I’d never insult you.” He tilted his head. “How much does your brother weigh?”

  Her laughter joined his. Since she’d driven herself to the restaurant, Tom insisted that he follow her home in his car and walk her to her door.

  “Sorry, Tom, I should have just let you pick me up here. Old habits.” She shrugged.

  “No problem.” He moved to leave and then paused. Over his shoulder he said, �
�If you don’t have plans for tomorrow evening, come by the school auditorium. We’re rehearsing the Christmas pageant. I think you’d enjoy it. The rehearsals are so much fun.”

  She smiled at the idea. “I think I’d like that. I’ll see you tomorrow at what? Seven p.m.?”

  “Yup and wear clothes to laugh in.” He walked to his car and waved goodbye.

  After he’d left, Jade leaned against her door and slid down to the floor to snuggle Rags. She’d had a really wonderful time with Tom. It was easy. She could actually eat. She was comfortable around him. Just the thought of Sam, and Jade’s heart tripped, and her chest tightened in a familiar way. What would have happened if she’d been out with Sam instead of Tom?

  Aloud, she said, “Ah Rags, Tom is a good guy. He doesn’t deserve to be compared to anyone. I’m not being fair. I had a good time, and there’s nothing wrong with that.” Rags tilted his head.

  Jade stood up with a sigh and picked up her phone. She dialed Chase and Reggie’s number. Chase answered on the first ring.

  “I knew it was you. So maybe I’m not a supernatural wasteland after all. What do you think?”

  Jade laughed. “Good luck with that, big brother.”

  “Well how’s this for mind reading? You’ve called to find out what happened at the town meeting.”

  “Oh my God, you are psychic! So, Amazing Kreskin, what am I thinking right now?”

  “That your brother is a buffoon?”

  “Ooh, got it in one. You’re a wonder.” Jade laughed. Chase’s much deeper laugh harmonized with hers, and it felt so familiar. She sobered a little and said quietly, “I love you Chase.”

  She could hear the smile in his voice when he responded. “I love you too, sis.”

  Jade could hear Reggie in the background. With amused disbelief she asked, “What is that braying I hear in the background? Is that your wife singing?”

  Chase sounded long suffering, but deliriously happy. “Unfortunately, yes.”

  Jade didn’t feel sorry for him. “Give your ears a break and put her on. She can tell me about the meeting.”

  “Have I told you I love you lately?” To Reggie he called out, “Crash! It’s Jade. She wants to talk to you.”

  Reggie’s speaking voice was heard on the line. “Hey Jade. I can’t explain it, but I love to sing these days. I know I sound bad enough to raise the dead. Constance said she knew of many deceased people who would happily rise up and stuff a sock in my mouth. But I can’t help it. It makes me happy.” She laughed with feeling, but finally she sobered. “You didn’t miss much at the meeting tonight. It was exactly what Travis said it would be.”

  “How’d the vote go?”

  Reggie paused, and Jade’s heart sank. Finally, she said, “Mayor McDweeb, the bastard, packed the place with his people, and they voted that Dodger is to be euthanized.”

  In a defeated voice, Jade said, “Was Sam there?”

  “No, he was still doing recon at Daniels Pharmaceuticals. He didn’t make it back in time. Don’t worry Jade. You heard him. He’ll protect Dodger. The Old Families, our families, have more power in this town than that pudgy old mayor. It’s not over yet.”

  Jade sighed. She hoped Reggie was right.

  Chapter 16

  Jade felt the chill of winter when she woke the next morning and regretted not wearing flannel to bed like any other practical woman would. She caught a glimpse of her reflection as she walked to the bathroom. She smiled. Reggie had always freely admitted she had a fatal attraction to shoes, for shy little Jade, her weakness was lingerie. Wearing it simply for the secret pleasure it gave her, Jade had a dresser filled with beautiful little slips of fabric in every style and color. Her lingerie represented the best that the human imagination could conjure. With regret, she slipped a warm thick robe over her frothy little green number and headed for the kitchen.

  The coffee she’d set to brew last night tasted good, especially with a generous dollop of cream and two lumps of sugar. She didn’t really like coffee that much. She preferred the smell to the actual taste. The cream and sugar made it palatable.

  When she was alone, Jade never sat at the table to eat. She always sat in the living room and ate from her lap while watching television. She liked to watch television and wasn’t ashamed of it. However, she’d never planned her day around it.

  This morning she ate a slice of toast with peanut butter while standing at the kitchen sink. She wasn’t eating because she was hungry, but rather because she knew she needed sustenance. That kind of a breakfast didn’t take long to eat, so she and Rags were out walking in the chilled air before too long.

  Jade hadn’t seen Sam at all yesterday, and she’d missed him. Ridiculous really, she’d lived without him for years. Now that he was back in her life, she felt like the day wasn’t complete if she hadn’t seen him.

  The wind cut through her unruly hair. She hadn’t braided it today. She needed to feel nature’s hand run through her hair and against her scalp. It made her feel connected. The sea air was unlike any fragrance that could be bottled, and she welcomed it into her lungs with deep greedy breaths. She walked until she’d exhausted her excess energy then headed back home.

  She could hear her phone ringing as she mounted the porch stairs. Its intrusive pealing sounded wrong, contrived and jarring after her brisk nature walk with Rags. On edge, she frowned as she answered.

  “Jade?” It was Sam. “Are you all right? You sound funny.”

  It was good to hear his voice. “Do you mean funny peculiar or funny ha ha?”

  “It doesn’t matter now. You sounded more like yourself just now.” She could almost see his crooked smile. “I won’t make it back to New Crescent until late tonight. Would you mind checking in at the clinic to make sure everything is okay?”

  She was disappointed she wouldn’t see him, but happy to help out and was just about to say so when she heard a woman’s smooth voice in the background. Michelle. Jade would recognize her seductive tones anywhere. Jade was shocked into silence. She’d almost forgotten about the beautiful other woman. If Michelle was with Sam this early in the morning then…Jade’s fertile imagination ran wild.

  Sam sounded concerned, “Jade? Are you still there?”

  She responded flatly. “Yes, I’m here, and yes, I’ll check in at the clinic. Is that all you called for?”

  He sighed. “I talked to Travis and he told me how the vote went last night. Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine.” She said in the same tone, then with spirit she added, “I’m going to hold you to your promise, Sam.”

  He laughed, “Which one is that, pray tell?”

  “The one where you promised that you wouldn’t let anyone kill Dodger.”

  Solemnly he vowed, “Cross my heart, Jinx. He is safe. Even if I have to give him a perm and put him in the witness protection program, he is safe.” Michelle laughed huskily, and Jade’s jaw tightened.

  “Good.” It was hard to speak through gritted teeth. “I’ll see you tomorrow then, Sam.”

  Jade hung up. She didn’t want to talk to him anymore. It wasn’t his fault really. He had every right to be with another woman, in fact that was what he’d always done…been with women. She was just getting overwrought. She took a deep breath, collected Rags and walked out to her car.

  The clinic was quiet. The place was shipshape. Dodger was recovering nicely and was in good spirits. The weekend staff had everything under control. Jade felt a little superfluous until she walked out to the stables. Petra was happy to see her. She really was a sweetheart. Just like she did with Rags earlier, Jade took Petra for a walk. Jade loved the idea of taking a horse for a walk. She’d never even considered riding another creature even though many horses loved it. Jade figured most of the horses she knew had been used enough by humankind. They deserved a break. She’d never taken up riding because a horse had never invited her. It was a simple reason and one she’d decided to keep to herself.

  Walking along one of the trails on Sam
’s property, Petra blew air at Jade. It was cold enough that her breath rose from her nose and mouth like smoke. The chestnut was content to amble beside her. They shared a silent companionship that humbled Jade. She was honored that the gentle horse had become her friend. They had something in common. They both loved Sam.

  * * * *

  It had been dark for a few hours already when Jade pulled into the school parking lot. She looked forward to watching the Christmas pageant rehearsal, but sat in her car for a moment. It was snowing, nothing that would accumulate, but rather the kind of snow that looked almost unreal. The snowflakes were huge, and they drifted to earth so flirtatiously. Jade found it delightful and took a moment to appreciate the childish thrill of Christmas time in New Crescent. She counted the number of houses adorned with brightly colored lights. By tomorrow night the number would probably double.

  She was smiling broadly when she entered the auditorium. There was so much going on that it took her a moment to get used to the noise after the silence outside. Tom was dressed as a rather thin Santa Claus, and Jade couldn’t help but laugh. He caught a glimpse of her and as if reading her mind, he pulled out the waistband of his Santa suit and stuffed a pillow inside.

  “Hello, dear.” Jade was startled to hear Aunt Ernestine’s voice behind her. The old lady was sitting in one of the chairs set aside for the audience. She looked almost regal, as if the rehearsal was a command performance just for her.

  Jade smiled, leaned down and kissed Ernestine’s wrinkled cheek. “This is a pleasant surprise. I didn’t know you’d be here.”

  “Just checking on things.” Her sharp eyes pinned Jade. “I understand you went out with Tom last night.”

  Jade was taken aback, and Ernestine laughed. “I know just about everything that happens in this town Jade. Surely you know that by now.”

  “If I didn’t before, I sure do now.” Jade grinned. “Quick, what color underwear am I wearing?”