Vendetta (Otter Creek Book 10) Page 7

  How was it possible? He’d been careful. Brent had given him a list of rules and he’d followed them exactly. Had he slipped? “Thank you. I hope it won’t be necessary.”

  “As do I.” He turned to Paige. “You notice anything odd or feel uneasy for any reason, call me. If I’m not close, I’ll know who is. I don’t care if you’re just seeing shadows when nothing is wrong. Trust your instincts, Paige. Keep your phone on you at all times, even in the house or car. Do not make the same mistake you made last night and leave your phone somewhere else. Always lock your vehicle. Check under it and through the windows before you get in. Don’t work late again by yourself. Until we catch this clown, you can’t take chances with your safety.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  The corners of his mouth tugged upward. “Sorry if I sound overbearing. I’m concerned about you. How is Jo handling this?”

  “She’s taking it in stride. Gram is a rock. You might want to warn Nick that if he doesn’t make some progress soon, she’ll be hunting him down to find out why not.”

  Amusement lit his eyes. “I’ll pass the word along. Has Jo been having more problems?”

  Paige wrinkled her nose. “More pressure from the developer. They’re not giving up easily.”

  “A lot of money is at stake. Tell her to call me or drop by the station if things don’t improve soon.”

  “I’ll do that. Thanks, Ethan.”

  With a nod, the policeman returned to his aunt’s room.

  As they walked to the opposite end of the hall to visit his next congregation member, Marcus asked, “What’s going on with Jo?”

  “A land developer is pressuring Gram to sell out so they can build the shopping center the whole town is buzzing about. Gram is refusing. Her father built the B & B. It’s not only a business to her, but a family legacy, one she’s giving me when she dies.”

  “Are they threatening her?”

  “Oh, no. Nothing like that. They keep upping the amount of money they’re willing to pay for the house and land. Apparently, Gram is the lone holdout and since she owns several acres, without her property, the project is dead in the water.”

  Marcus whistled softly. “I had no idea that was going on. The scuttlebutt I heard had the project all but approved.”

  “That’s Mayor Parks talking. He wants the project passed because of the potential tax revenue to fill the town coffers.” A wry smile curved her lips. “I don’t have proof, but I think the mayor will profit from the deal.”

  Parks always had his own best interests at heart first before considering Otter Creek’s benefit. “The nearest shopping mall is only thirty minutes away,” Marcus pointed out. “No one I’ve heard discussing it has complained about the drive.”

  “True, but the revenue is going to another town and county.”

  The next four visits went without difficulty. On the way to his truck, Marcus’s phone vibrated with an incoming text. This one was from Brent. She’s clear. Best of luck.

  He hadn’t expected otherwise although Marcus was pleased his gut instinct was on target. Once he was back at the parsonage, he would call Zane and see if his bots had flagged trouble. Marcus had more than himself to be worried about now.

  CHAPTER TEN

  A few minutes before seven, Paige and Marcus found seats near the front of the meeting room reserved for the town council. Paige was surprised at how many people were packed into the room. Usually these meetings were attended by the council and anyone with business to present. She estimated more than a hundred people were crammed into this space. The usual number was closer to twenty.

  As she scanned the audience, she spotted many of her friends and neighbors, including those who had property of interest to the developer. An air of excitement filled the room as evidenced by the loud conversations and laughter, and the animated body language. Paige, Marcus, and Ethan were the only somber people in the place. Even the council members appeared to be chipper.

  Marcus turned and surveyed the audience. “They act like the project approval is all but assured.”

  “I know. And that worries me. I’m afraid the pressure on Gram will increase.” From the expressions of the people with the most to gain, they might join in trying to persuade Gram to sign over her property.

  Mayor Parks pounded the gavel twice and called the meeting to order. For the first thirty minutes, mundane business matters were addressed and resolutions passed.

  “The next item on the agenda is funding for the community center.” Mayor Parks glanced up to scan the room. His gaze widened when Paige stood with her copies of the budget and her explanation for the requested increase. “Ms. Jensen, I’m surprised to see you here this evening. I was prepared to postpone the center’s funding discussion until the next session. I understand you were injured last night.”

  “I’m ready to proceed Mr. Mayor.” Without giving him a chance to put her off for the third month in a row, Paige launched into her explanation for the proposed budget for the center. At the end of her presentation, she said, “The community center needs another full-time employee. We’re open thirteen hours a day, six days a week, and five hours on Sunday. As the only full-time employee, if my part-time help can’t work his shift, I have to cover those hours. If I don’t, the center is closed.”

  Parks sighed. “There isn’t money in the budget to add to your bottom line, Ms. Jensen. That’s why this shopping center is the perfect solution to all our money woes. However, from your explanation, this problem appears to be more of a time management issue than a money issue. Perhaps your education should have included classes in management. If you’re unhappy with your job, you’re welcome to seek employment with better hours.”

  Her fists clenched. “I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration as well as a Master’s degree in the same field. Mr. Mayor, I love my job. The center is the heart of the Otter Creek community. We have classes and activities all throughout the day, activities you and your grandchildren have participated in. We serve as the town’s gym since there isn’t a privately-owned facility in the county, a fact which you know since you arrive at seven o’clock five days a week. We also have senior activities during the day to keep our older citizens healthy in body and mind.

  “But it’s unreasonable to expect me to work eighty hours a week. I daresay the only people in this room who work those hours are Marcus Lang and Ethan Blackhawk. You don’t work those hours, and you’ve had three vacations this year. I haven’t had a vacation in five years because there was no one to cover at the center.”

  The mayor’s cheeks flushed. “Ms. Jensen, this discussion isn’t about me.”

  “I was making a point of comparison, Mr. Mayor. The children and teens at the center need another full-time adult, preferably a male.”

  “You have many men who volunteer, including the police chief and Pastor Lang,” he pointed out.

  “Yes, sir, we do. I’m thankful for every one of the men who volunteer their time. But they have responsibilities elsewhere. They can’t be available all the time when the center’s doors are open. The kids know I love them, Mr. Mayor. However, they need a male role model who is consistently on site. Sometimes they just need a father figure to talk to. I can’t be that for them.”

  “A fact well documented since one of the punk teenagers attacked you last night.” Parks’ eyes glittered.

  Gasps were heard around the room.

  Paige leaned closer to the microphone. “I can assure you my attacker was a full-grown male. It was not one of my teenagers.”

  “That’s not the way I heard it,” said one of the female council members.

  “Whoever told you that was wrong.” She smiled. “I ought to know. I was there, after all.”

  A wave of laughter swept through the room, alleviating some of the tension.

  “We’ll discuss your proposal, Ms. Jensen. Unless new funding comes through, the most you can hope for is another part-time helper. If you really want to help the center, talk to yo
ur grandmother. She holds the key piece of property for the shopping center. The developer is promising a fair price for the land. She will be well compensated and I’m sure a real estate agent will find her a beautiful site to build a new bed and breakfast.”

  The applause breaking out in the room had Paige’s jaw clenching. Once the noise died down, she said clearly, “That is my grandmother’s decision. I will support her, whatever her choice. Mr. Mayor, council members, thank you for seriously looking at the community center’s budget and my request for hiring more help at the community’s heartbeat. The citizens of Otter Creek will be benefited by having their community center better staffed.”

  By the time she returned to her seat beside Marcus, Paige was shaking and her headache was back in spades.

  Marcus clasped her hand and squeezed gently. “Great job,” he murmured as the council moved on to other business.

  She felt as though she had wasted her time. Mayor Parks wasn’t interested in increasing the center’s funding. His only agenda was pushing the land sale to the developer and practically blackmailing her to persuade Gram to give up her family home in favor of progress.

  When the time came for questions from the floor, a handful of people jumped up and approached the microphone to ask clarifying questions about the possible shopping center. The mayor seemed to have a great deal of information to share. Where was the developer? Why wasn’t he attending this meeting to answer questions?

  All Paige wanted to do was go to dinner with Marcus. Didn’t know if she could eat after all this because of the knot in her stomach, but she wanted a glass of cold tea and time with the handsome man at her side anyway.

  Finally, the meeting ended. As friends and neighbors filed from the room, several stopped to talk to Paige and Marcus. No one asked about the B & B or encouraged her to consider selling out, thankfully. Many were curious about the attack and how Paige was feeling. Some wanted to know when the center would reopen, a question she would love to have answered herself. If she wasn’t out too late, she might call Nick and ask when she could go back to work.

  Fifteen minutes after the meeting adjourned, Marcus unlocked his truck and helped Paige into the passenger seat. “Are you still interested in dinner tonight? If you’re too tired, we can pick up something from Delaney’s and go back to the B & B.”

  She shook her head. “I’ve been looking forward to dinner with you for a long time.”

  He looked skeptical, but nodded. “All right. If you start to feel worse, tell me. I want to spend time with you, but not at the expense of your health.”

  “How did you know I’m not feeling the best?”

  “Your eyes.” He circled the hood and climbed behind the wheel. “You did a great job tonight, Paige. I didn’t know you were working that many hours a week, and I don’t think anyone else in that room did either.”

  “I’m not the only one who works long hours.” She slid a glance his direction. “You do the same thing without any help. At least I have Caleb to give me some assistance.”

  “I knew when I accepted the pastorate at Cornerstone what I was in for. I’m just thankful that not all weeks are like this one is turning out to be.”

  “How is Mrs. Kirkland?”

  “Missing her mate, but happy that Jeb is no longer in pain.”

  “How long were they married?”

  “Sixty years, a record I would love to match one day.”

  “Me, too.” She laid her hand on his arm. “Thank you for going with me tonight, Marcus. Knowing you were there helped.”

  At the steakhouse, he spoke to the hostess a moment. She nodded and pulled out the menus. “Follow me, please.”

  What was that about? Paige glanced at Marcus. Instead of an explanation, she got a wink. Huh. Guess she’d find out soon enough. The hostess took them to the back corner-table.

  Nice. They were in public, but the corner table was in a dimly lit portion of the restaurant and gave them a semblance of privacy. Marcus seated her, then sat with his back to the wall, catty-cornered to her.

  Perfect. With this seating arrangements, they would be able to talk without having trouble hearing each other. Paige glanced around the restaurant, noticed that several of the patrons were watching them with avid interest. “We’re attracting attention.”

  “Does it bother you?”

  “Ha! Not a chance. The sooner the single women in town know you’re off the market, the better.”

  He burst into laughter, his eyes twinkling. “You think so, huh?”

  “Absolutely. Female hearts will be breaking before midnight.”

  “I needed that laugh. Thanks.”

  “Anytime. Now, what looks good?”

  “Besides you? Everything.”

  Her cheeks burned. Oh, boy. This was indeed going to be fun. “You are turning out to be a charmer.”

  “I have my moments. Order whatever you want. I bet your appetite isn’t quite up to par yet.”

  “Hmm. Charming and smart, a hard combination to beat.” She skimmed through the menu and chose something light. Once they gave their orders to the waitress, a string of busybodies stopped by their table to greet them. Paige wanted to laugh, but restrained herself. The interest was more than obvious though no one dared to ask the question burning in their eyes.

  After their orders were brought to the table, Marcus covered her hand with his and asked the blessing over the food.

  At her first bite, Paige sighed, delighted with the taste of the perfectly seasoned grilled chicken breast. “No wonder this restaurant is popular.”

  “I’m glad you suggested this place. This steak is practically melting in my mouth.”

  The interested patrons of the restaurant kept their distance long enough for Paige and Marcus to finish their meal. When the waitress brought out refills of their iced tea, the parade started again as more people arrived and others who hadn’t spoken to them earlier stopped by on their way out of the restaurant.

  By the time Paige finished her tea, she was more than ready to leave. Good grief. If she’d known the town residents would be so nosy, she would have suggested eating someplace out of town.

  When Marcus cranked the truck, he glanced at her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize we would generate that much interest. I guess I should have insisted we go over to Cherry Hill for dinner. At least there, you would have been able to take more than two bites before having to answer questions.”

  “Next time we’ll do that. Actually, it was probably good that I ate slowly. My stomach was in a knot after the council meeting. At least this way, I was able to eat a whole meal and enjoy it. We’ll have to go back to Tennessee Steakhouse when we’re not such a hot gossip commodity in town.”

  By the time Marcus turned onto her street, Paige was ready to drop. She didn’t think she’d ever been this tired in her life, but she didn’t want the evening to end. Maybe Marcus would like to sit on the porch swing for a while. Gram wouldn’t be home for at least another hour, maybe more. She and her buddies loved to go to Delaney’s after a movie and drink coffee together.

  As she thought about how to propose an extended evening with her date, she noticed a strange orange glow lighting the night sky. “What is that?”

  Marcus glanced where she pointed. The truck surged forward. “Fire.”

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Marcus’s hands tightened on the steering wheel as he raced to the B & B. “Call the fire department.” He slowed for the turn into the driveway and parked on the grass, leaving room for the fire trucks.

  Paige pulled her phone from her pocket and threw open the door. She sprinted toward the inn.

  “Paige, no!” Marcus raced after her. What if this was a trap? She could walk into an ambush.

  “I have to make sure Gram isn’t here.” She didn’t slow her stride as she skirted the corner and ran toward the detached garage.

  Marcus caught her and stopped the frenzied race to the structure. “The inn isn’t on fire. Look.” He pointed towar
d the grove of trees at the back of B & B.

  “Oh, man. The apple orchard.” She called 911 to report the fire, then said, “If Gram’s car is in the garage, I need to check on her. She would have been out here if she was able.”

  “Agreed. Let me check for her car.”

  She frowned. “Why?”

  “In case this is more than a fire.” He cupped her cheek. Her skin was so soft. “I want you safe.” He led her to the garage and positioned her against the wall. “Stay here.”

  Wishing he was armed, Marcus covered the twenty yards separating him from the window. He peered inside, breathed a sigh of relief. Empty. He returned to Paige. “She’s not here.”

  She sagged against the wall. “Thank goodness.”

  “Come here.” When she straightened, he wrapped his arms around her and held Paige until her trembling subsided. “Let’s sit on the porch and wait for the fire department. We’ll call Jo from there.”

  He sat on the wooden swing with her and draped his arm around her shoulders. Warmth wrapped around his heart when she leaned into his side as she talked to her grandmother. To gain the interest of such a beautiful, kind woman was a miracle.

  At the end of her call, the fire department’s pumper truck turned into the driveway and raced to the orchard’s access road. From the size of the blaze, Marcus wasn’t sure Otter Creek’s fire department could handle the flames alone. He wouldn’t be surprised if they called in another engine from a neighboring town.

  Ten minutes later, Jo parked in front of the house. “Gram!” Paige met her grandmother at the foot of the stairs and the women embraced.

  Marcus stood by the stair post, wanting to be close if either woman needed him. He scanned the area. No obvious signs of someone lurking in the darkness. Two incidents involving Paige within a 24-hour period wasn’t a coincidence. He prayed his past hadn’t caused trouble for the Jensens. Yeah, calling Zane at the first opportunity was a definite priority.