Vendetta (Otter Creek Book 10) Page 8

  “You’re not hurt?” Jo set Paige away from her to see for herself if Paige had injuries.

  “I’m fine. When Marcus and I returned from dinner, we saw the orange glow. I’m afraid to find out how many trees we lost.”

  “We’ll plant more. I’ll start looking online tomorrow for nurseries with the right apple trees.”

  “But it won’t be the trees your grandfather planted.”

  Jo patted her arm. “Those trees are growing on the left side of the orchard. The burning trees are the ones your father and grandfather planted when we expanded the orchard. As long as you’re safe, the rest will take care of itself, Paige.” She turned to Marcus. “So, you and my granddaughter went to dinner together.”

  He stilled. “Yes, ma’am. Should I have talked to you first?”

  “Don’t be ridiculous. You’re both adults and I trust you. I think it’s past time for this to happen. You and Paige have been circling each other for too long. You deserve to be happy, Marcus, and so does Paige.”

  A police SUV parked behind Jo’s car. Nick Santana climbed out and jogged toward them. “I heard about the fire on the police radio. You okay?”

  “We’re fine, Nick.” Jo sighed. “I’m afraid my apple orchard isn’t.”

  “Do you know how the fire started?”

  “We’ve only been here a few minutes,” Marcus said. “Paige and I saw the orange glow in the sky when we arrived. We called the fire department and Jo.”

  “There hasn’t been a storm or lightning strikes tonight. Is there equipment in the orchard that might spark a blaze?”

  Jo shook her head. “The highest tech thing we own is the trucks we use to collect apples.”

  The fabulous dinner Marcus had enjoyed at the steakhouse now felt like a rock in the pit of his stomach. From his friend’s body language and questions, Nick suspected arson.

  He moved to Paige’s side and threaded his fingers through hers. “How soon will you know if this is arson?”

  “The investigator will inspect the damage in the morning. If I’m not available, either Rod or Stella will be here.”

  Marcus squeezed Paige’s hand. Both of the detectives were the best in the business according to his friends from Personal Security International and Fortress. “Thanks for coming, Nick.”

  A nod. “Did you notice anything out of the ordinary when you arrived?”

  Paige frowned. “I was too worried about Gram to look around. We checked the garage for Gram’s car, then waited on the porch for the fire department.”

  “Would you mind if I looked through the house to be sure everything is secure?”

  Jo extended her hand with her key. “Go ahead.”

  “When I’m finished, you and Paige can go through with me to see if anything has been disturbed.” Nick turned to Marcus. “You’ll stay here with them?”

  “Of course.” No way was he leaving them out here alone. None of the firefighters were close enough to help if someone tried to hurt them. After Nick walked into the house with his weapon drawn, Marcus turned to Jo. “How was the movie?”

  “Fun. I love movies based on superheroes. The good guys always win in the end.”

  “Where did you go for dinner?” Paige asked.

  Marcus shrugged out of his jacket and draped it over her shoulders, hoping the extra cover would quiet the continuous shudders wracking her body. She smiled at him and turned back to her grandmother.

  “Delaney’s. We thought about going to the steakhouse, but figured the place would be full of people. We didn’t want to wait a long time to be seated.”

  Her granddaughter grinned. “Marcus took me to the steakhouse. You and your friends need to go next time. The food is amazing.”

  “And the company?” Jo’s eyes twinkled.

  “Better than the food.”

  Nick returned, his expression grim. “Paige, come with me. I have something to show you.”

  The blood in Marcus’s veins ran cold.

  “We’ll all go,” Jo said. “I assume we shouldn’t touch anything.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “How many rooms are involved?”

  “Only Paige’s room.”

  That rock in the pit of his stomach grew into the size of a boulder. Based on Nick’s face when he returned for Paige, this wasn’t going to be good.

  On the second floor, Nick turned left and led them to the end of the hall. “Remember not to touch anything. I’ll need to search for prints and anything else the perp left behind.”

  At the doorway, Paige hesitated, glanced around. “I don’t see anything wrong.”

  “In the bathroom.”

  She walked inside the room and headed for the door to the left with Marcus a step behind. Whatever she would see, he didn’t want her facing it alone.

  Paige crossed the threshold and pulled up short. All color drained from her cheeks as one hand drifted to her throat.

  Careful to angle away from the door frame, Marcus stepped into the bathroom. He laid his hands on her shoulders and read the threat written on the mirror. Next time, you die.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  “Are you okay?” Marcus asked Paige, his voice soft. She sat at the breakfast bar and her skin seemed almost translucent. Although he longed to end her problem, he couldn’t, he didn’t know who was targeting Paige. His inability to do anything but offer comfort frustrated him.

  She glanced up from her mug of tea, a ghost of a smile curving her lips. “Not really. You should go home, Marcus. You must be exhausted.”

  Really? She was worried about him after the blows she kept taking from this unknown threat? He cupped the side of her neck, feathered his thumb over her jaw. “I’m not leaving you.” Something inside him rebelled at Paige and Jo staying here alone overnight. What if this guy came back? Two defenseless women against a man who already showed his willingness to hurt an innocent woman? Not good odds for two of his favorite people surviving the next encounter. He couldn’t let that happen.

  “Are you serious?”

  “Very.”

  “I appreciate the offer but you can’t stay. This is a small town. People will talk, especially since we’re a hot item on the gossip circuit. We have to guard your reputation, Marcus. Your ministry matters and I don’t want to compromise that.”

  “I have the logistics worked out and Nick’s permission as long as no one enters your room until he finishes processing the scene.”

  Curiosity replaced fear in her eyes. “You are a man of secrets.”

  More than she knew. “This is a good one and won’t remain a secret for long.” At that moment, the doorbell rang. “Stay here.”

  “The man who attacked me won’t ring the bell for admittance,” she pointed out.

  “I’d rather be sure you’re safe. Indulge me.”

  She grasped her mug. “I’ll wait here. This time.”

  He grinned. Oh, yeah. Paige was sweet, but not a pushover. Marcus checked the peephole. Perfect timing.

  He opened the door to admit Nicole Copeland and Mason Kincaid. “Thank you for coming at such short notice.”

  “Where’s Paige?” Nicole set her purse beside the sofa and shrugged out of her jacket.

  “Kitchen. She doesn’t know about the arrangements. I thought this would be a good surprise for her.”

  “I’ll bring our bags inside.” Mason turned toward the door.

  “I’ll help.” He trailed his friend outside, closing the door behind him.

  The construction worker glanced at Marcus as they headed toward the driveway. “How bad is it?”

  “Bad enough. Early reports from the fire chief says Jo lost at least twenty trees. They were able to keep the fire from spreading to the adjoining property. Inside the house, the only obvious place touched by the intruder was Paige’s room. No actual damage, just a threat written with lipstick on her mirror.”

  Knowing the man who attacked Paige had been in her personal space sickened Marcus. If she had been in her room asleep
when he broke in, Paige would be dead and Marcus would be planning yet another funeral this week, maybe two if Jo tried to save her granddaughter.

  Mason unlocked his truck and opened the back door. “What did the threat say?”

  “Next time, you die.”

  A scowl from his friend. “She okay?”

  “Shaken up. I didn’t want to leave her and Jo alone tonight in case he comes back after the fire is out.” He held out a hand for one of the bags.

  “Any idea what caused the blaze?”

  “I think Nick suspects arson. Jo said there wasn’t equipment in the orchard that could catch fire. No storms tonight. I’m afraid Nick is right. Someone deliberately set Jo’s orchard on fire.”

  A soft whistle from the contractor.

  Inside the inn, Marcus led Mason to the two rooms Jo assigned to the couple. “Paige is staying in the corner room until hers is processed by Nick. I thought Nicole might like the room next door so they could spend time together easily.”

  “Sounds perfect. The bag you’re carrying belongs to Nicole as well as this one.” He hefted the suitcase onto the bed.

  “Have you talked to Nicole yet?”

  Mason smiled, his cheeks turning red. “I did. After she scolded me for scaring her into thinking I wasn’t interested in her anymore, she kissed me senseless.”

  He clapped the construction worker’s shoulder. “Told you.”

  “How are things going with you and Paige?”

  Marcus led the way to Mason’s room across the hall. “Asking her out was the best decision I ever made, a step I should have taken months ago.”

  “I agree.” Jo’s amused voice had both men twisting around to face Paige’s grandmother.

  “How are you, Jo?” Mason wrapped one arm around her.

  She patted his black t-shirt covered chest. “I’m fine. Trees can be replanted. I’m more worried about Paige than I am myself. Who would want to hurt an old woman like me? My granddaughter, on the other hand, seems to have attracted a boatload of trouble.”

  “Now that Mason and Nicole are here, I’ll go home and pack a bag. Do you need anything while I’m out?” Marcus pulled his keys from his pocket.

  “I’m in the mood for apple pie. What about stopping at Delaney’s for one of their pies? I have vanilla ice cream in the freezer. While you’re gone, I’ll start brewing a pot of coffee. I can’t think of anything better for a late-night snack.”

  “I’ll be happy to get one for you.” He wouldn’t be able to indulge in a slice of pie. Delaney’s menu didn’t include sugar-free desserts. He was thankful Serena had experimented with baked goods using stevia for him. He didn’t indulge often, but enjoyed the treats when he did. “I’ll stop by the kitchen and tell Paige where I’m going. I won’t be gone long.”

  Jo patted his arm. “We’ll be fine until you return.”

  Marcus returned to the kitchen, relieved to see the bloom of health in Paige’s cheeks. When Paige smiled at him, his heart skipped a beat. “I’ll be out for a few minutes. Jo has a craving for apple pie.”

  “That’s her comfort food when she’s stressed. Want company?”

  “Visit with Nicole. I’ll be back soon.” He leaned down and kissed the top of her head. Later, he hoped to win a real kiss from the lady.

  As soon as he turned onto the street, Marcus hit his speed dial.

  “Everything okay, Marcus?” was Zane Murphy’s greeting.

  “There’s been another incident in Otter Creek.”

  “Talk to me.”

  He explained about the fire and the ugly message left on Paige’s mirror.

  “How is she?”

  “Scared, but trying not to let it show. Jo is furious. If this guy thinks Jo Jensen will wilt, he’s in for a surprise.”

  “Do you want Fortress to relocate you?”

  “I’m staying, no matter what happens. You’ve been monitoring the Internet for any mention of my name?”

  “No hits on the bots. I would have called if there had been any searches for you. I’ll dig deeper into the communications, see if something pops that even hints of a hit.”

  “Keep me posted. Paige and Jo’s lives are on the line as well as mine. If what’s happening to them is because of me, I need to know.” He would do what was necessary to keep them safe, even if it meant calling in favors with the Delta team assigned to PSI. Josh Cahill and his teammates were the best in the business and Marcus counted them all as friends.

  “Copy that. I’ll update Maddox and Cahill.”

  “You have more than enough to do. I’ll call Josh although I suspect Nick and Ethan will get to him before I do.” In addition to working for Fortress and training bodyguards at PSI, Josh was also a local cop, an excellent one from what he’d seen and heard.

  “Watch your back, Marcus.”

  His next phone call was to Delaney’s to request two apple pies to go. By the time he finished that conversation, he’d parked in his driveway.

  After a quick check to be sure his home was undisturbed and secure, Marcus packed a bag. Ten minutes later, he drove to the 24-hour diner.

  When he walked into the B & B, laughter and the scent of coffee greeted Marcus. He scaled the stairs two at a time and dropped his bag in his room, then headed for the kitchen.

  “You’re just in time,” Jo said when he walked in with the two pies. “The coffee is ready. Nicole, we need plates and cutlery. Paige, you’re in charge of pouring coffee. Mason, the ice cream is in the freezer, dear.”

  Jo and the others bustled around the room, filling bowls and mugs. Marcus waved off the offered dessert. “Just coffee for me.”

  Paige handed him a mug filled with the steaming brew. “Would you like a different snack, Marcus? Another apple or a banana?”

  He lifted the mug. “This is fine.” Thanks to the steakhouse meal, he wasn’t hungry.

  “I apologize, Marcus.” Jo sat across from him at the dining table. “I forgot about your diet restrictions.”

  “Paige offered an alternative, but I’m more interested in the coffee than anything else.” Except for the kiss he wanted from Paige. With a house full of guests and her obvious fatigue, that kiss would have to wait for a better time. He just hoped it was soon.

  By unspoken consent, the conversation around the table remained light. Nicole kept them in stitches with the antics of her grooming clients and Mason contributed funny stories from his childhood, several that included mishaps with his cousin Rio.

  When the food and coffee were gone, they carried the dishes to the dishwasher. When Mason followed Nicole upstairs, Jo turned to Marcus. “Ed told me he would check for hotspots in the orchard throughout the night. He promised to stop by before the fire truck left the premises.” She yawned. “I thought he would have been here before now.”

  “If you want to go on to bed, I’ll wait for him and come get you if Ed needs to talk to you.”

  “Thank you, Marcus. I’ll take you up on the offer.” She hugged Paige. “Don’t stay up too late, dear. You’re still recovering and should take it easy for another day or two at least. Wake me if you need me.”

  “I will. Good night, Gram.”

  As Jo walked upstairs, Marcus clasped Paige’s hand. “I enjoyed dinner with you. After the parade of interruptions, do I have any hope for another date?”

  She grinned. “As long as the next one is out of town. I’d like you to myself for a couple hours.”

  Thank goodness. “I know a quiet restaurant in Cherry Hill you might like. Is Friday night too soon?” He wanted more time with her before then, but his responsibilities made the chances of an evening out with Paige before Friday slim. When the community center reopened, he could bring lunch to her office. They could spend time together without attracting unwanted attention.

  “Sounds great.”

  “Six o’clock?”

  She nodded. “Since Caleb works Friday evenings, the center will be covered.”

  “Nicole’s waiting for you,” he murmured.
“I’ll be close if you need me.”

  “Thank you for asking Nicole and Mason to stay. That was a great surprise.”

  “The arrangement was the best way for me to stay as well. I wasn’t comfortable leaving you and Jo here alone.”

  Paige hugged him. “You’re a thoughtful man, Marcus.”

  He tightened his hold and just held her for a few minutes. To have this chance with her was a miracle, one he’d never take for granted. He knew how easily life could flip you on your head and change everything. “The typical end to a date includes a good night kiss.”

  “I’m out of practice.”

  “Are you?”

  “I’ve been waiting for a certain man to notice me and I’m afraid my skills are rusty.”

  Marcus cupped the back of her neck. “Let’s find out.” He leaned down and brushed her lips with his own once, twice, then captured her mouth for a longer, deeper kiss. Minutes later, he eased back, pleased to see her eyes filled with heat instead fear. He brushed her swollen bottom lip with his thumb and turned her toward the stairs. “Go visit with Nicole.”

  She flashed a smile over her shoulder. “Good night, Marcus.”

  He held himself still as she climbed the stairs when his instinct was to go after her and demand more kisses. He couldn’t do that to her or himself. She needed to rest and he needed to cool off.

  To keep his mind occupied, Marcus checked his emails and text messages. Nothing from Fortress, an excellent sign. Knowing his life was on the line, Zane would have made the deep search a priority if Fortress didn’t have a crisis pulling his attention elsewhere. Marcus also added reminders to his electronic calendar and replied to two messages requiring a response.

  Heavy footsteps crossed the porch, followed by a knock on the door.

  After checking the peephole, he stepped out on the porch. “Hello, Ed.”

  The fire chief’s eyebrows shot up. “Pastor Lang. Surprised to see you here.”

  “What’s happening in the orchard?”

  “Fire’s out. Damage wasn’t as bad as I feared. Jo lost fifteen trees. Could have lost them all if the wind had shifted on us. We’ll check for flare ups through the night.”