Vendetta (Otter Creek Book 10) Read online

  “She didn’t do anything wrong. If you talk to Nicole, tell her to ask Mason about it.”

  The knots in her stomach loosened. “He talked to you.”

  “He did.”

  “I’m glad. What have you been doing since you left?”

  “You didn’t ask for details.” He sounded surprised.

  “You’re a pastor and counselor. People trust you with confidences. If you can tell me details, you will.”

  “Thank you for understanding.”

  “Back to my question. What have you been doing since you left the B & B?”

  “I mopped a flooded bathroom, ate lunch with Mason, stopped by the Wilder house, and visited with Nancy Kirkland. I’m on the way to the hospital to visit some ailing church members. After that, Nick asked me to stop by the police station.”

  “The detective is supposed to come by here in a few minutes for follow up questions.”

  “Do you want me to swing by the B & B first, then go to the hospital?”

  “You don’t have to do that, Marcus. I’m not afraid to talk to Nick by myself.”

  “Is your grandmother with you?”

  A smile curved her lips. “No, she and her friends went to a movie and then they’re going to dinner.” Her grandmother and her friends planned to watch an action film. No one would guess Gram was a closet commando.

  “Do your guests need an innkeeper in residence?”

  “They checked out right after lunch. We don’t have anyone booked for a few days. The group that was coming in canceled on us.”

  “I’ll come to the B & B. We’ll talk to Nick together, then I’ll take you with me on the hospital visits. We’ll go to the council meeting from there. If you get tired at the hospital, you can wait for me in one of the lounges. How does that sound?”

  “Like a good plan. I’ll see you in a few minutes.”

  Otter Creek wasn’t that large. She needed to hurry if she was going to freshen up. By the time Marcus arrived at the front door, Paige had raced through a shower, applied light makeup, and changed clothes since she wouldn’t be returning to the B & B until after her dinner date. The thought of that long hoped-for date sent a zing of excitement through her blood.

  Paige opened the door, smiled at the man she’d dreamed about during her nap.

  “Hi.” Marcus leaned down, kissed her cheek. “You look beautiful.”

  Oh, boy. Dating this man was going to be fun. “Thank you. Would you like a soft drink or more coffee to go?”

  “I wouldn’t turn down a bottle of water.”

  “Follow me. Do you want the water cold or room temperature?”

  “Cold, please.” Marcus trailed her to the kitchen. “Do you have any preference on restaurants for dinner?”

  “I’ve been wanting to try the new steakhouse. What do you think?”

  “Sounds perfect unless you prefer me to take you to a restaurant out of town.”

  Paige grabbed two bottles of water and an apple in case Marcus needed a snack before dinner. “The minute we step out of this house together, rumors will start flying around town. People will talk no matter where we have dinner.”

  “It doesn’t bother you?”

  “I do mind that people will also be talking about me in connection to the attack and Van’s murder at the center. But going on a date with you? No, it doesn’t bother me at all if they talk. Being with you makes me happy, Marcus.”

  His gaze softened. “I didn’t want to add pressure at the early stages of this relationship.”

  “Can’t be helped. I’ll handle the extra scrutiny.”

  Marcus cupped her cheek with his palm. “We’ll handle it, Paige. If the pressure bothers you, tell me. I’ll do what I can to alleviate the problem.”

  “Ha. Not going to happen. I hoped for a chance with you for more than six years. I’m not backing off because of a little notoriety.”

  “Good.” He bent his head, brushed his lips gently over hers. “Come on. I think I heard a car door slam. That might be Nick.”

  Whew! The preacher packed a punch without any effort. She drew in a careful breath as she trailed him to the front of the house.

  A moment later, the doorbell rang and she opened the door to admit Nick Santana.

  His smile widened when he saw Marcus. “Well, this is a surprise. I’d planned to talk to you in a couple hours, Marcus.”

  “Decided to save myself a trip.”

  The detective’s eyes twinkled. “Not sure I believe your presence here is a matter of convenience.”

  “Come in, Nick.” Paige waved him inside. “Would you like some water or a soft drink? We also have iced tea if you prefer that.”

  “Water, please.”

  “Here.” She handed him the bottle in her hand. “Living room okay for your questions?”

  “Will we be interrupted by guests?”

  She shook her head. “The family we’ve been hosting checked out today, the other guests due to arrive this afternoon canceled, and Gram is with her friends at the movies.”

  “Living room is fine, then.” He waggled the manila folder in his hand. “Good thing I brought both of your statements with me.”

  “Now who’s capitalizing on convenience?” Marcus broke the seal on his water.

  Nick shrugged. “I see you several times a day. Otter Creek isn’t the size of Nashville or Knoxville. I figured there was a good chance I might run into you.” He chose the recliner.

  Marcus sat beside Paige on the loveseat. “There are a couple things I need to tell you before you begin the questions.”

  A shuttered look settled on the detective’s face. “Go ahead.”

  “I stopped by the Wilder home and spoke to Van’s father. I wanted to offer my condolences. While I was there, he asked me to officiate the service for his son.”

  “Oh, Marcus.” Paige’s heart hurt for the man at her side. She laid her hand over his, squeezed. “That’s two funerals in one week.”

  He raised their clasped hands and kissed the back of hers. “Can’t be helped.”

  “I’m glad you can offer help and comfort during this time.” Nick pulled out his notebook. “What’s the second thing you wanted to tell me?” His lips curved slightly. “Although I can probably guess.” His gaze dropped to their clasped hands.

  “Paige and I are dating.”

  “I’m happy for both of you, but why tell me that news?”

  “Feel free to mention that Paige and I are involved in casual conversations around town.”

  Paige’s brows knitted. What was up with that?

  A snort from the detective. “Have you ever known me to be a gossip?”

  “Nope, but I’m hoping you’ll make an exception in this case.”

  Nick was silent a moment, then, “You want word to spread so Paige’s attacker knows he’ll have to tangle with you when he comes after her again.”

  Wait. When her attacker came after her again? “Hold up. Are you telling me I’m still in danger?”

  “I’m afraid so.”

  “But why? I can’t think of anyone who wants to hurt me. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.” Wasn’t she? From the expression on Nick’s face, he wasn’t convinced. Oh, man. Definitely not what she wanted to hear. And what about Gram? Was she in danger?

  “Did you hear anything that stood out last night at the center besides the metal on metal sound?”

  “Like?”

  “Anything.” His gaze was intense.

  Paige glanced at Marcus, not sure if she should say what she was thinking.

  “No matter how odd or strange you think it is, tell him,” he murmured.

  She turned to Nick. “This is going to sound stupid, but I thought I heard a cough. When I saw Dalton, I assumed he coughed while he was retrieving his backpack.”

  Beside her, Marcus stiffened.

  “A cough.” Nick frowned. “You heard the cough when you were in your office?”

  “That’s right.”

  �
��You’re sure?”

  “Sound carries in that gym. The builders didn’t bother insulating the walls. Guess they figured the gym would be noisy anyway and no one would notice.” Either that or the builders were best buddies with Mayor Parks and followed in his cheapskate footsteps. “When it’s quiet, I can hear conversations in the locker rooms from my office.”

  “How did Van die?” Marcus asked.

  “Shot once through the heart.”

  Shock rolled through Paige. “How is that possible? I would have heard the shot.”

  “Silencer.” Marcus’s voice was grim.

  Nick’s eyebrows shot up. “That’s my guess. Keeping secrets, Marcus?”

  “Plenty.”

  Hmm. Something there. Paige wasn’t sure what she was hearing, but she had a feeling the man who had caught her interest wasn’t talking about confidences from a counseling session.

  “Any you can share?”

  A sigh from the man beside her. “I’m familiar with weapons.”

  “Yeah, I figured that much from the short conversation you had with Rio when you were shot at the church. Can you tell me more?”

  “No.”

  “If I decide it’s relevant to my case, I’ll have to insist.”

  Marcus inclined his head, but remained silent.

  Acknowledgment but no agreement. Nick wouldn’t be happy about that. Hopefully, Marcus would be able to tell her these personal secrets at some point. “Any more questions, Nick?”

  “Did you think of anything you want to add to your statement?”

  She shook her head. “What happens now?”

  “I find Van’s killer and the man who attacked you.”

  Paige stilled. “It’s the same person, right?”

  “Maybe.”

  Goosebumps surged over her body.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Marcus laced his fingers with Paige’s and walked with her into the hospital. As they crossed the lobby to the elevator, he felt eyes on them, followed by the excited whispers.

  Good. Let them talk. The sooner word got around he was involved with Paige, the better he’d feel. He didn’t want to alarm her, but he was certain her attacker would try again. The question was, when and where? A question that bothered him more was why Paige was a target. Marcus wanted to believe she was in the wrong place at the wrong time, much like he had been seven years ago, but he couldn’t quite convince himself that was the case.

  He couldn’t keep Paige with him all the time. Both of them had jobs and he wouldn’t cage her. He had to trust she would take precautions.

  His jaw tightened. Didn’t mean he wouldn’t give her tips to minimize the risk. He’d probably make her angry with him if he offered suggestions. Too bad. Sharing tips based on experience would make him feel better.

  As the elevator rose to the fifth floor for his first stop, he glanced at Paige. “You aren’t going to ask me questions?”

  “You’ll tell me what I need to know when you’re ready. Have to admit, though, the curiosity is about to get the better of me.”

  “I have a good reason for the secrecy.” Man, the last thing he wanted was to scare her off. Marcus never thought this conversation would be necessary. The attacker had forced his hand. He couldn’t wait for the perfect timing to take the next step in their relationship. There never would be a perfect time. He also hated the real possibility his past could endanger the woman who had fascinated him for long months.

  “When you’re ready, Marcus.”

  In a perfect world, he’d never be ready and wouldn’t have to tell Paige the truth. This wasn’t a perfect world.

  The elevator stopped and the gleaming doors slid open. He steered her to the left toward Ruth Rollins’ room. He knocked, smiled when the querulous voice told him to enter.

  “Hello, Ruth. How are you today?” He walked further into the room to see the white-haired aunt of Otter Creek’s police chief covered with the white sheet and blanket to her waist. A metal frame surrounded her arm and held pins in place. Shew! He hurt just looking at her arm.

  “Ready to get out of this bed.” Her scowl morphed into a surprised smile when she saw Paige. “Hello, my dear. What a pleasant surprise.”

  “I hope it’s all right that I tagged along with Marcus to visit you.”

  “Of course. Please, sit down.” She waved to the chairs at her bedside. “Ethan just went to the cafeteria for me. I had a craving for ice cream.” She sneered. “The menu options are lacking in this place.”

  “How is the arm?” Marcus sat beside Paige.

  “It’s fine. I don’t know why Dr. Anderson won’t spring me. It’s not like I don’t have experience with broken bones, you know.”

  “I remember. Has Ethan forbidden you from riding another skateboard?”

  A scowl from the best-selling mystery writer. “Of course. He never lets me do anything fun these days.”

  “I heard that.” The police chief’s voice rumbled from the doorway. Ethan Blackhawk, a six foot four Native American, crossed to her bedside in a few strides, a container of chocolate ice cream in his hand. “Keep it up, Aunt Ruth, and I’ll be eating the ice cream myself.” He nodded to Marcus and Paige. “Thanks for stopping by to visit my favorite troublemaker.”

  “Hand over the chocolate.” Ruth held out her hand.

  He opened the container and handed it to her along with a spoon. Ethan turned to Paige. “How are you feeling, Paige?”

  “Better. Slight headache. Throat is still sore. Grateful to be alive to complain about a few aches and pains.”

  “Wait a minute.” Ruth’s spoon hovered over the treat. “I’ve been out of circulation for a couple days. What happened?”

  “Paige was attacked at the community center last night.” Marcus tightened his grip on her hand. “The guy choked her.”

  “What did he want?”

  “I don’t know.” She grimaced. “He wasn’t interested in talking.”

  Ruth frowned at Ethan. “You didn’t tell me about this.”

  A snort from the chief. “I don’t tell you a lot of things. Somehow you find out anyway.”

  “How are Serena and Lucas?” Paige asked.

  “Perfect,” he said, pride and love evident in his expression and his voice.

  “Since Ethan won’t tell me about what’s happening at the community center,” another frown at her nephew before she returned her gaze to Paige, “Why don’t you tell me about you and Marcus.” Her eager gaze fell on their entwined hands. “That is bound to be a good story.”

  Marcus chuckled. Good grief. The woman was determined to get a story of some kind. Might as well be one he wanted to spread around town anyway.

  Would the story end up in Ruth’s next Olivia Tutweiler mystery? He was a big fan of her mysteries, but wasn’t sure he wanted his personal life included in a best-selling novel, even with the names changed. Too much risk. “This is new, Ruth. In fact, I’m taking her on a date for the first time after the council meeting tonight.”

  Ethan growled. “Don’t remind me about that meeting. In my opinion, the council meets entirely too many times a year.”

  “Can’t argue with that. I hate those meetings. Seems like it’s just a platform to tout Mayor Parks’ latest agenda,” Paige said. “Ruth, there isn’t much to tell yet.”

  The woman scooped up a spoonful of ice cream. “I don’t believe that for a minute. I’m an old woman. Indulge me. I want details.”

  Paige glanced at Marcus, an exasperated look in her eyes. He winked at her and turned to Ruth. “I’ve been interested in her for a while, but held off asking her out.” With good reason. “When I walked into the center last night and saw the attacker with his hands around Paige’s throat, I realized I’d been foolish to delay asking her to go on a date with me. If I had been a minute or two later, I wouldn’t have had the chance. We’re friends, Ruth. Have been for six years. I didn’t want to mess that up.”

  “I can understand that. What about you, Paige? Anything to ad
d?” Her sharp gaze narrowed. “Wait. You haven’t dated anyone since I moved to Otter Creek. Is Marcus the reason for that?”

  A soft laugh from the woman at Marcus’s side. “You are one smart lady, Ruth. I’m beginning to think no secrets are safe from you.”

  Triumph shone in her eyes. “I wish other people would keep that in mind.” She slid that gaze to her nephew who rolled his eyes.

  “Is there anything we can do for you before we leave?” Marcus asked. “More ice cream maybe?”

  “No, thanks. I plan to have Ethan run all my errands while I’m laid up with this broken arm. After all, I can’t have Serena running everywhere with my great-nephew in tow.”

  “Good plan. What will you do about your writing? I assume your keyboarding will be limited for a while.”

  “Ethan bought me a digital recorder and Gladys agreed to type my dictation into my computer. We’ll see if I can create that way. If not, I’ll have to investigate computer programs that will transcribe for me.” She scowled at her arm. “I’d rather not have to use the second option. It’s bound to be an exercise in frustration teaching the thing to recognize my speech patterns. I have a book deadline looming in four weeks. I don’t have time to fiddle with a computer program.”

  “If Gladys can’t type for you, let me know.” Paige gently squeezed Ruth’s fingers. “I’ll be happy to help out. Besides, that would give me a sneak peek at your next book.”

  Ruth’s eyes narrowed. “You would be sworn to secrecy.”

  “I’m a vault when it comes to keeping secrets.”

  Marcus hoped that was the absolute truth because when he told Paige his secrets, she would hold his life in the palm of her hands. He turned, caught Ethan’s somber gaze on him.

  His heart skipped a beat, then thudded madly against his ribcage. No. Ethan couldn’t know the truth. Could he? Something in the police chief’s gaze told Marcus that Ethan knew more than he should. Was there a leak in his security or was Ethan just that good?

  He should touch base with Zane to make sure there wasn’t a problem. Before he and Paige left, Marcus prayed with Ruth and Ethan, then escorted Paige from the room.

  The police chief followed them into the hallway. He handed Marcus and Paige a business card each. His cell phone number was written on the back. “If you need me, call.” His gaze lingered on Marcus.