Vendetta (Otter Creek Book 10) Page 5

  “Ma’am?”

  “Don’t ‘ma’am’ me, Marcus Lang. I know when someone is holding out on me. Let’s hear it. What else is going on?”

  “You’re right, Gram.” Paige wrapped her hands around the warmth of her tea cup, the heat doing little to alleviate the chill sinking deep into her bones. “Something else happened at the center that I didn’t know about when I called you from the hospital. Van Wilder was found dead in the boys’ locker room.”

  Jo set her coffee mug down with a thud. “Oh, dear. His father will be devastated. How did the boy die?”

  Paige frowned, exchanged glances with Marcus. “We don’t know. Nick didn’t say.” A deliberate omission on the detective’s part.

  “Did the man who attacked you kill Van?”

  “We don’t know that either, Jo.” Marcus carried his dishes to the sink and rinsed them before placing them in the dishwasher. “Nick Santana is excellent at asking questions, but terrible at disseminating information.”

  “If he was good at the latter, Chief Blackhawk would have fired him despite the fact Nick is his brother-in-law.” Jo crossed to the coffee pot. “Would you like to take some coffee with you, Marcus?”

  “Please. I’m afraid the days of me being awake for more than 24 hours without drawbacks are long gone.”

  She poured the steaming liquid into a to-go cup and handed it to him. Jo kissed his cheek. “I have to check on our guests. I’ll see you later, dear.”

  “I’ll walk you out.” Paige slid from the stool and walked with him to his truck. He set the cup in his holder and turned.

  “Take it easy today, Paige.” He wrapped his warm hand around hers. “Would it be too soon to ask you to dinner tonight?”

  She smiled. “I would love that. What time should I be ready?”

  “Seven o’clock okay?”

  Paige started to say yes, then winced. “Oh, man. I have to go to the council meeting at seven. Can I take a raincheck?”

  “What if I pick you up for the meeting, then take you to dinner afterward?”

  “Are you sure you want to do that? The meeting may run long.” Although she seriously hoped it didn’t. She’d rather spend her time with Marcus than Mayor Parks and his cronies.

  Marcus lifted his hand and ran the backs of his fingers gently down her cheek. “I’m sure. I’ll pick you up at 6:30. Will you be here or at the center?”

  “Center. My part-timer doesn’t arrive on site until four today. He has an afternoon class at the community college.”

  “Be alert. I hope the attack was a random thing, but I’m not comfortable assuming it was.” He squeezed her hand. “If you need me, call.”

  “I’ll be fine. Go rest, Marcus.” As she watched him drive away, she prayed it wouldn’t be necessary to call him for help. She wasn’t sure she would survive a second attack by the same man.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Marcus sat bolt upright, threw the blanket aside, and swung his legs over the side of the couch. He glanced at the clock as he crossed to the front door. Not quite noon. To be honest, he was surprised his sleep wasn’t interrupted before now.

  He opened the door, stared at the construction worker standing on his porch with a tool box in one hand. “Mason, what are you doing here?”

  The other man pulled off his sunglasses, his gaze puzzled. “You wanted me to check the leak in your master bathroom.”

  “Right. I forgot.” Marcus stepped back. “Come in. How have you been?”

  “Better than you from the looks of it. You just getting up?”

  He glanced at the rumpled blanket on the couch. “I was up all night at the hospital with Paige Jensen. Some clown roughed her up at the community center last night and I didn’t want to leave her alone.”

  “I heard about the attack. Nicole would have stayed with her if Jo couldn’t.”

  “Although Jo had guests at the B & B, I wanted to be with Paige and would have stayed at the hospital regardless of who else was there.”

  Mason’s eyebrow soared. “As the pastor or something else?”

  “Not as the pastor.”

  “You’re interested in Paige.”

  “Very much.”

  A nod from the other man. “This will be fun to watch.”

  Marcus chuckled. He imagined a lot of people would find the new relationship entertaining. Like he’d told Paige, they would be dating in a fishbowl. The whole town would keep tabs on their progress or lack thereof.

  Now that Mason knew, he would be sure to tell Nicole, his girlfriend. From there, word would spread around town that he and Paige were involved. Marcus wanted that information to spread as fast as possible. Maybe whoever attacked Paige would think twice before going after her again if he realized her boyfriend was watching out for her.

  And that term sounded strange after all these years. It had been a long time since he’d referred to himself that way. Pain squeezed his heart. Grateful the hurt wasn’t as severe any longer, he closed the door and led Mason to the master bedroom.

  Marcus opened the vanity doors to reveal the mop bucket under a pipe currently dripping water like it was Niagara Falls.

  Mason whistled softly. “Not good.”

  “Tell me about it. I especially don’t like getting up twice a night to empty the bucket. Gets old, let me tell you.” Unfortunately, when he returned home after leaving the B & B, he’d been faced with cleaning up a flooded bathroom before he could go to sleep.

  “I can imagine. If you have things to do right now, I’ll take a look, then hunt you down to let you know what I find.”

  “I’ll take a shower in the guest bathroom and be back in a few minutes.”

  “No problem.” Mason set down his tool box and knelt on the tile. “Take your time.”

  Marcus grabbed a change of clothes and headed for the guest room. While he showered, he considered the day ahead of him. The only bright spot was his promised dinner with Paige. He’d waited a long time to approach her. He had valid reasons for that beyond the ones he’d given her.

  Shoving his woolgathering aside, Marcus mentally listed the things he needed to do before picking up Paige for her town council meeting. First on his list was a stop by the Wilder place to offer his condolences to Van’s father. Afterward, he’d circle around to see Nancy Kirkland to confirm the details for Jeb’s service. Now, instead of one midweek message, he needed to also prepare a short message for Jeb’s family and friends.

  When he emerged from the bathroom refreshed and dressed, he sought out Rio’s cousin. “Tell me you can fix the leak with plumber’s putty or even duct tape.”

  Mason glanced up, grinned. “According to Rio and his teammates, duct tape is a necessary part of their equipment bags. As for your pipes, I can temporarily patch the leak.”

  “Uh oh. That doesn’t sound good.” He leaned against the doorjamb. In fact, Mason’s careful choice of words made his muscles tense. “Let’s hear it.”

  “Your house was built in the seventies, Marcus. At that time, it was common practice to use iron pipes for the plumbing in houses. After a while, those pipes corrode. Eventually they break and have to be replaced.”

  He could feel the bite in the church coffers already. “And the solution to my problem?”

  “Replacing all your pipes.”

  Yep, definitely not what he wanted to hear. The board, namely, Mayor Parks, would be unhappy with this news. “What will this run the church?”

  “I’ll have to work up an estimate for you. I’m sorry, Marcus, but it won’t be cheap. A lot of man hours involved.”

  “Patch the pipe for now. After I look at the estimate and present it to the board, we’ll talk about doing something more permanent.” A wry laugh escaped. “I don’t suppose you offer discounts to clergy.”

  “Not to clergy specifically, but I’m sure Brian would allow me to apply my employee discount to your bill.”

  “Excellent. I would appreciate any help Elliott Construction sees fit to offer and so would
the church’s bank account. Have you had lunch yet?”

  Mason shook his head.

  “I’m not sure what Serena left in my refrigerator and freezer yesterday, but I’d love company for lunch if you can spare the time before your next job.”

  “I’d like that. Thanks. I’ll patch your pipe and be out in about ten minutes.”

  Marcus went to the kitchen and rummaged in the refrigerator. Serena Blackhawk had outdone herself yesterday. His refrigerator and freezer were full of food and drinks appropriate for his diet. Somehow, Serena always made his meals and snacks look appealing even if they were healthy. The best thing he’d done for himself since he was diagnosed with diabetes was sign a contract with Home Runs, Inc. The personal chef was worth her weight in gold. Dr. Anderson also heartily approved of Marcus’s glucose numbers since Serena had taken over preparing his meals.

  He pulled lunchmeat, cheese, whole-grain wraps, and lettuce from the refrigerator. Another trip netted him fresh cut fruit and cherry tomatoes, a weakness of his, plus a couple bottles of unsweetened sparkling water. He hoped Mason didn’t mind having a wrap instead of a regular sandwich. Processed foods, including bread, messed with his glucose level and he’d rather not have to resort to taking insulin unless it was absolutely necessary.

  By the time he had the wraps assembled and fruit and tomatoes on their plates, Mason walked into the kitchen and set down his tool box near the back door. Once he’d washed his hands and sat at the dining table, Marcus prayed over their meal, then slid one of the loaded plates to the construction worker. “Eat what you want, Mase. The sparkling water is unsweetened. Serena also made tea for me if you prefer to drink that. I have a natural sweetener you can add to the tea.”

  “The sparkling water is fine. Nicole drinks it all the time.”

  “Things seem to be working out well for you two.” A fact which delighted Marcus. Mason and his girlfriend had been through a rough time. They both deserved happiness.

  Mason’s face lit up. “I don’t know why she gave me a chance, but I’m grateful she did.”

  “Nicole sees the real man, not the label.”

  “I wish others in town would do the same. I still have problems doing my job in some homes. I can’t tell you how many people have refused to let me inside the house without a co-worker from Elliott Construction along to keep an eye on me and make sure I don’t steal anything. I didn’t do time for stealing.”

  No, his friend had spent 13 years in prison for manslaughter. He’d driven his vehicle while drunk and ended up killing a mother and her child. Mason Kincaid paid a steep price for a lapse in judgment. Since his release, Mason had lived in Otter Creek and worked hard to rebuild his life and earn the trust of those around him.

  “Do what you’ve been doing, Mason. People are noticing your work and integrity. You have many staunch supporters, including me.”

  “I won’t win over everyone.”

  “You’re right. Your boss and co-workers trust you. The woman who looks at you like you hung the moon certainly trusts you. You have good friends and family who believe in you. You’ve turned your life around and you’re gifted in construction. You contribute much to this community, Mason. I’d say you’re doing everything right. What do you think?”

  Mason’s haunted gaze locked with his. “I wish everyone else would see who I am now, not the stupid 22-year-old who made a terrible choice. I’m not the same man. I haven’t touched a drop of alcohol since I was released last year. But no one will let me forget the past.”

  Marcus thought about the tone of his voice, the demeanor. “Mase, has the family of the mother and daughter been harassing you again?”

  “Today would have been the little girl’s sixteenth birthday. Her family sent another age-progressed picture of her in the mail.”

  “I’m sorry, buddy. Her family is still grieving and important dates like this one bring the loss back.”

  “I know, Marcus. I understand that. But what good does it do to send me the pictures? I can’t bring them back. Why won’t they drop the reminders? It’s been fifteen years.”

  His heart hurt for his friend. “If the family stops sending the reminders, it’s like they have moved on and forgotten their loved ones. The family doesn’t want to let go of them.”

  Mason dragged a hand down his face. “I don’t want Nicole hurt by this. Maybe I should talk to the family, tell them how I’ve turned my life around, and ask them to lay off.”

  “Won’t do any good, my friend. They have to forgive you and heal enough themselves to stop sending the pictures voluntarily.” He reached over and laid his hand on the other man’s shoulder, squeezed. “You don’t have to keep the reminders, but when you receive them, pray for the family’s healing and for your own. No matter how much pain they cause, you can’t give in to bitterness and anger. If those emotions take root, they will affect everything in your life. You can’t change them, Mason, or control what they do. The only control you have is over your own reaction. The rest is out of your hands. Don’t let them derail what you’ve accomplished and the progress you’ve made, the new life you have.”

  “How did you become so wise?”

  A snort. “Hard experience. Let’s talk about more pleasant things. Are you taking Nicole to dinner tonight?”

  “I was afraid to make plans. Haven’t been in the best mood since yesterday.”

  “Call her. Do something special for her and yourself.”

  A smile curved Mason’s lips. “Didn’t know you offered advice for the lovelorn as well as words of wisdom.”

  Marcus grinned. “Pastors are multipurpose counselors. This advice, though, is coming from a man who considers you one of his best friends.”

  “I think I’ll follow your prescription tonight and ask Nicole to dinner. Thanks for letting me vent about the other stuff.”

  “That’s what friends are for, Mase.”

  “I’ll think about your advice.” Mason stood, carried his plate to the dishwasher. “I need to go. I’ll send you the estimate later tonight.” He grinned. “After my date with Nicole. If board approves changing out the pipes, the parsonage won’t have water for a couple days. You can stay with me if you want.”

  “Appreciate the offer, Mase. I’ll let you know if I need to take you up on it.” As he watched the construction worker drive away from the parsonage, Marcus’s cell phone rang.

  He glanced at the screen, eyebrows raising. “Lang.”

  “How are you, Marcus?”

  Hearing Brent Maddox’s voice was a surprise. If anything, he’d expected a call from Zane Murphy, but not from Fortress Security’s CEO. “A little tired. Had an interesting night.”

  “So I hear from Zane. Glad you were on hand to help. Did you get a piece of the creep who roughed up your friend?”

  “Unfortunately, no. He shoved me against the wall and ran out the front door. I could have chased him down, but I was more worried about Paige than I was catching him.”

  “Understandable.”

  “What do you need, Brent?”

  “A favor.”

  “Ask.”

  “Would you be willing to serve as a counselor for my operatives and PSI trainees in Otter Creek?”

  “Absolutely. It’s a small favor to ask considering what you did for me.”

  “You’ll be compensated, of course.”

  “Don’t care about that.”

  “Figured that would be the case. You’re still getting paid.” He named a retainer fee that surpassed his monthly income from his pastor’s salary.

  Marcus blinked. “Are you serious?”

  “Business is booming.”

  Must be. Good grief. “It’s not necessary to pay me, Brent. I’m glad to help.”

  “You’re a Fortress consultant. You will be paid for your services.”

  Knowing he would lose an argument with the stubborn SEAL, he changed the subject. “How is your family?”

  “Fantastic. Rowan is keeping busy with the coffee shop.
Alexa is doing great in school, and taking ballet and karate. She knocked me off balance and took me to the ground the other day.”

  Marcus chuckled even as a longing for a family of his own welled up in his heart. “You must be proud of her.”

  “Being a father is the best thing that’s ever happened to me besides being a SEAL and marrying Rowan. So, tell me about Paige Jensen.”

  “She runs the community center in Otter Creek.”

  “Rio tells me you’re interested in this woman.”

  “He’s correct. I’ve been interested in dating her for a while.”

  “You should have called me to run a background check on her.”

  Marcus flinched at the stark reminder of the past he’d rather forget. “I know. Our first date is tonight.”

  “How long have you known her?”

  “Since I moved to Otter Creek. Paige and her grandmother are members of Cornerstone Church, and they’ve lived in Otter Creek their whole lives.”

  “It’s probably not going to be a problem, but you can’t take chances.”

  “I understand.” Hated that it was necessary. “If things become serious, I’ll have to tell Paige the truth.”

  “Only if you know beyond a doubt that she can be trusted with your life, Marcus.”

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Paige’s phone chimed. She opened her eyes, blinked at the glaring afternoon sunshine pouring through the blinds. Grabbing her phone, she read her message, and smiled. Marcus checking on her.

  Instead of replying by text, she called. “I’m okay, Marcus. Did you sleep?”

  “About four hours. How’s the head?”

  “Still hurts some,” she admitted. “At least my vision isn’t blurry now. Would you mind picking me up at the B & B? Nick called and said the center will have to remain closed at least until tomorrow, maybe the day after.”

  “No problem.”

  “Do you know what’s going on with Mason?”

  A pause. “Why do you ask?”

  “Nicole is worried about him. He’s been moody the last two days. She’s afraid she did something to make him angry.”