Die Before Nightfall Page 16

  But he didn’t get a chance to explain further. Jake was coming toward them again, his scowl obvious even in the shadowy darkness. And flanking him on either side were Adam and Mark.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Raven stepped back as the three men approached, but Shane twined his fingers with hers, not willing to let her go before he explained. Unfortunately, the time for that explanation was not there.

  “I told you hiring her was a mistake.” Adam glared at Raven, his eyes hot with anger.

  “This doesn’t have anything to do with Raven.”

  “That’s not what the sheriff said.”

  “What I said, Mr. Meade, is that someone is trying to hurt either Raven or your aunt.”

  “Obviously Aunt Abby isn’t the target. She doesn’t have any enemies. The community loves her. So does her family.”

  “I don’t have enemies, either, Mr. Meade.” Her hand trembled in Shane’s, but Raven’s voice was strong.

  “Why don’t we go inside to discuss this?” Mark suggested as he helped Abby to her feet. “You okay, Mom?”

  “There was a flood. But we’re fine now.”

  Shane almost smiled at her mistake. Water was still spewing onto the charred remains of the garage—a mini-flood of water streaming over the earth. Then he remembered the missing caregiver.

  “Renee’s still missing. Her car’s gone, too.”

  “She came in after you went to bed. Then seemed to disappear. She must have left then.” Raven tugged her hand away as she spoke.

  “Who’s Renee?” Jake’s voice cut into the conversation.

  “Abby’s caregiver. Renee Winslow. She’s supposed to be on duty from twelve to eight. Seems she decided to leave early.” Shane glanced around.

  “She a short, big-boned lady? Think I saw her as I was running over here.” Sam gestured to the driveway. “Got in a car as I was cresting the hill. Then took off. Right, Tori?”

  “Yes. We both saw her. It could be she was shirking her duty when things went bad. Maybe she got scared and ran.”

  Or maybe she’d had something to do with the fire. The knowledge hung in the air as they made their way to the house, Jake speaking into his radio, issuing orders, asking Shane a few questions as he began the process of tracking down the missing caregiver. By the time they settled into the living room the commotion outside had died down.

  Unfortunately, the commotion inside had just begun. Shane rubbed at the ache behind his eyes as he listened to Mark and Adam argue over who would take Abby up to her room. Each insisted the job should be his. Neither had shown any desire to help in the past. If he had more energy, Shane would have gotten up and taken care of the problem. As it was, his head ached, his throat hurt and his body felt like it had been run over by a truck.

  This was not a good time to be sick.

  “Thea will help me.” Abby’s tone was one she’d used often when Shane was younger. It was just as effective now. Both men fell silent, glaring at one another over Abby’s head.

  “Mom—”

  “I’m tired. You stay here and have a nice chat.” She grabbed Raven’s hand. “You don’t mind, do you, Thea?”

  “Not at all.”

  Raven glanced around, and Shane could see wariness in her eyes. But no one argued with Abby’s preference, and the two women walked out of the room together.

  Adam didn’t wait long to make his unhappiness known. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

  “What?” Shane tried to sound like he cared.

  “Letting that woman take Aunt Abby upstairs. She got her into that mess out in the garage. Abby might have been killed.”

  “And she wasn’t because Raven used her head and got her out safely.”

  “She shouldn’t have been out there at all.”

  “Aunt Abby insisted. We should be thankful Raven went with her instead of abandoning her like her caregiver did.”

  “I still think—”

  “What you think is irrelevant.” Mark’s voice was weary, his eyes rimmed with fatigue. “Mom has bonded with Raven. Let her have what comfort she can. Life is hard enough for her lately. Any idea what’s going on, Jake?”

  “Wish I could say yes. But I’ve got more questions than answers. Three incidents in the past few days. The runaway car, the break-in at the cottage and the fire. They’re connected. I’m just not sure how.”

  “But you’re sure the fire is arson?”

  “There’s no doubt. We’ll know how the doors were blocked sometime tomorrow.”

  “The doors won’t lock or unlock without a key. They’re the old-fashioned skeleton ones. Like the one in that door—” Shane gestured to the door that opened into the hall. “Usually the keys are in the keyholes.”

  “But not tonight.”

  “Doesn’t seem like it.”

  Jake nodded, paced the room. “Someone has a bone to pick, either with Abby or with Raven. Eventually we’ll find out who and why. For now, keep close tabs on Abby and call if you think of someone who might be holding a grudge against the family.”

  “Maybe it would be best to get Mom out of here for a while.”

  “You don’t really think someone is after your mother, do you?” Adam barked out the question, and Shane wanted to tell him to go home. To take his frustration somewhere else.

  “I don’t know what to think. I only know that I don’t want Mom hurt. She’s not healthy and can’t defend herself against this kind of threat. What do you think, Shane? You’ve been caring for her for a few months. Should we move her?”

  “I wish I knew. She’s been safe here. We’ve got an alarm system. As long as she’s with someone trustworthy, I don’t see how here is any different from anywhere else.”

  “I’d agree with that.” Jake glanced around, and Shane knew he was looking at the windows, trying to calculate how good a defense they’d be.

  “Do what you think is best, then. I’m going to head home. I’ve got an early meeting.” Adam stalked away, his footsteps echoing in the hall as he left.

  “He always this difficult?”

  Shane shrugged at Jake’s question. “More so than usual lately. Campaigning must be getting to him.”

  “I’m going up to check on Mom again. Then I’m heading out. Call me if anything comes up.”

  “I will.”

  Shane turned to Jake. “What do you think?”

  “Wish I knew. Raven isn’t admitting any problems. Abby doesn’t seem the kind to have enemies. But there might be other motivations.”

  “Like money? You’ve been talking to Marshal.”

  “Wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t check out every angle. For what it’s worth, I don’t find much merit in the murder-for-inheritance theory. Abby’d be dead already.”

  “That makes me feel better.”

  Jake shrugged. “Take it however you want.”

  “Can I come in?” Raven stood in the threshold. She’d washed her face and hands, but soot still streaked her skin. “Mark’s with Abby. I wanted to give them some time alone.”

  “Come on in. I’ve got a few more questions for you, then I’ll give you a ride home.” Jake ushered Raven to the couch, motioned for her to sit and took the chair opposite her.

  Shane leaned against the fireplace mantel, not wanting to interrupt but not willing to leave. The smell of smoke hung on the air, probably from Raven’s hair and clothes. A few seconds, that’s all that had separated her from death. He forced his mind away from the thought. No sense dwelling on what might have happened. She was fine and so was Abby.

  Jake’s questions rumbled across the room. Questions about Raven’s life before she moved to Lakeview. Questions about her job, the people she’d worked for, enemies she might have made. Questions about her husband. She glanced in Shane’s direction as Jake mentioned Jonas, her hesitation obvious.

  “I’m going to brew some coffee. Anyone want a cup?”

  Both declined and Shane stepped out into the hall, knowing he was doing t
he right thing, but wishing he could stay and hear about her husband. He didn’t bother brewing coffee, just drank a glass of water, put the cup in the dishwasher and walked back to the living room.

  “You filed charges against him?”

  Shane heard the question as he entered and his gaze flew to Raven. She looked tense and unhappy, her hands clenched into fists in her lap.

  “Yes. A police officer encouraged me to because Jonas had been threatening me before I fell. I dropped the charges because what happened wasn’t his fault. My husband had a mean streak but he wasn’t physically violent. If I’d been more careful—”

  “Stop blaming yourself.” They both turned to Shane, but he didn’t back down from the truth as he saw it. Though he did force some of the sharpness from his voice. “What happened to Micah was no more your fault than what happened to Abby.”

  “I don’t want to have this conversation now.”

  “Too bad. Things happen sometimes. Things we can’t control.”

  “If I hadn’t—”

  “Guilt is the easy road. Take it and you get to punish yourself by keeping distant from everyone who cares.”

  “That’s a ridiculous thing to say.” She surged up from the couch, her eyes blazing.

  Shane knew he should keep his mouth shut, but something spurred him on. “Not from where I’m standing. Everytime something goes wrong you blame yourself and back away. You say you don’t want to hurt people, but the truth is, you’re afraid to be hurt.”

  Raven didn’t speak, but her expression conveyed everything she was feeling—anger, hurt, fear. She stared at Shane for a moment, then turned and left the room.

  “Nice going.”

  Shane whirled, ready to let off some of his frustration, but there was something in Jake’s eyes that said he understood. The anger seeped out of Shane as quickly as it had entered.

  “I’m an idiot.”

  Jake shrugged. “We’re all idiots sometimes. Especially around women we care about.”

  “I—”

  “Don’t bother. I won’t buy it.”

  “She needs someone to care, she just won’t admit it.”

  “She’s got Ben. I’ve already called him. He’s taking the first flight home.”

  “You think she’ll be happy about that?”

  “I think she’ll have her brother here in case something else happens.”

  “She’s got me, too.”

  “So tell her.” Jake stood, rolling his shoulders and neck. “It’s been a long night. I’m heading home. Tiffany’ll be up waiting. Wondering why I’m not there yet. Worrying that something’s happened.”

  “Must be nice.”

  “Yeah. It is. But it isn’t something I thought I’d ever have. Isn’t something I thought I deserved. I met Tiffany and knew she was special, but it took a while longer to realize God had plans for me and her, plans that meant giving up my fears and trusting in Him. Raven’s like I used to be, wanting to control life because she’s afraid of hurting or being hurt.”

  “That sounds right.”

  “When she learns to trust God and herself, she’ll be able to trust other people. So pray for her, be there for her. And wait. There’s nothing else you can do. I’ll call when we have news. Stay safe.” And he was gone.

  Shane walked to the window and stared out into the lightening world, wondering if Raven was okay, if he should go after her and apologize. Wondering if Jake was right, if the only thing that stood between them was her lack of trust. He didn’t know. He could only hope that in His time, in His way, God would reveal His plan for their lives. With that in mind, he took Jake’s advice, and began to pray.

  Raven stood on the porch, tired, shivering, angry. When the door opened she didn’t turn.

  “You ready to go?” Jake’s voice broke the silence.

  “Yes.”

  “You sure?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Shane’s got a big mouth, but he means well.”

  “I know.”

  “Then why’d you walk out?”

  Raven didn’t answer. What could she say? That Shane had been right. That it had hurt to hear the truth? That she was a coward, too afraid of what she saw in Shane’s eyes to stay?

  “Might be best if you stayed. For Abby and for you.”

  “I’d think the opposite—that if we’re apart it’ll be easier to figure out who the real target is.”

  “That’s true, but there’s strength and safety in numbers.”

  “There wasn’t earlier.” She glanced at the debris that littered the yard.

  “Only because you weren’t on guard. Now you will be.”

  “What do you want me to say, Jake? We both know I’d be pretty useless at protecting Abby.”

  “I want you to say you’ll stay here today. It would make me feel better if you didn’t go back to the cottage. At least until we track down the missing caregiver.”

  “Do you think I’m the target?”

  “I don’t know. What I do know is this house has an alarm system, yours doesn’t. You’ll be safer here.”

  Raven wanted to argue, but she knew he was right. Despite her rush from Shane’s presence, she had no desire to go back to the empty cottage. At least not until the sun was high and bright and the shadows gone.

  “I have to find my puppy anyway, so I guess it wouldn’t hurt to stay for a while.”

  “That’s the homely little rat dog, right?”

  “She’s cute, kind of, but her tail is a little ratty looking.”

  “Saw her inside a while ago.”

  “I’ll go see if I can find her.”

  Jake stepped down off the porch. “Take care.”

  “I will. And thanks.”

  He nodded and waved as he left.

  Raven turned back to the house, stepped into the hallway and saw Shane. “I’ve lost Merry.”

  “Last time I saw her, she was heading upstairs.”

  “I’ll go find her.” She moved toward the steps, but wasn’t surprised when he put a hand on her arm, holding her in place.

  “I’m sorry. Sometimes my mouth runs a lot faster than my brain.”

  “And sometimes I’m defensive, even when I shouldn’t be. So I guess we’re even.”

  “Guess so. Does that mean you forgive me?”

  “There’s nothing to forgive.”

  Shane smiled, slid his hand around Raven’s. She winced as his fingers brushed against tender skin.

  “You’re hurt.” He pulled her hand up and examined the blistered flesh on her palm. “Why didn’t you say something when the ambulance was here?”

  “It didn’t hurt until now. Too much adrenaline pumping through me for a little pain to register.” She shrugged and would have pulled away, but he didn’t loosen his hold. She glanced up. There were questions in Shane’s eyes. Questions he wouldn’t ask. Questions about what she wanted, what she’d accept from him.

  And she wanted everything. Wanted to trust him with her feelings, wanted to believe he really was the knight in shining armor rushing to the rescue. She couldn’t, though. It would hurt too much if it turned out the armor was tarnished and the knight nothing more than a rogue in disguise.

  He seemed to sense her reservations and released her hand. “Let’s go see if we have some ointment for your hand. There are gauze pads in the medicine cabinet.”

  Raven followed him up the stairs. She felt weary suddenly, as if her legs would no longer hold her weight.

  Shane knocked on Abby’s door and stepped inside. Abby was where Raven had left her, tucked in bed, with Mark sitting vigil by her side. He looked up as they entered, smiling sheepishly as he placed the empty pudding bowl back on the bedside table.

  “I ate Mom’s pudding.”

  “I don’t think she’ll miss it. She hasn’t eaten much at all lately.” Shane stepped close to the bed and his eyes filled with sadness.

  Raven wanted to put a hand on his shoulder, tell him to sit down and take a break
from his worry.

  She didn’t. It wasn’t her right to say anything and so she kept silent—just watched while he wiped a smudge from Abby’s cheek.

  “You sticking around for a while, Mark?”

  “I need to get back home. I’ll stop by tomorrow after work. If you need me, give me a call.”

  “All right.”

  Shane ran a hand over his forehead and winced. Mark didn’t seem to notice, but Raven did, and as the two men said goodbye, she walked into the bathroom and grabbed the bottle of aspirin, took two out and brought them into the bedroom.

  “Here, take these.”

  “Thanks. Now, let’s find that puppy.”

  As if on cue, Merry peeked out from under the bed, her tongue lolling.

  “There you are. I’ve been wondering. Too much confusion, eh?” Raven knelt down and scratched the puppy behind her ears, smiling as Merry slipped out from under the bed.

  “I’d offer to give you a ride home, but I’d rather not wake Abby.”

  “It’s okay. Jake said he wanted me stay here for a little longer. Do you mind?”

  “No. I’m getting kind of used to having you around.” He smiled, his eyes filled with something Raven had to turn away from.

  “What are you going to do about your writing? Everything’s been destroyed.”

  “Changing the subject?”

  She turned back, saw he’d knelt down beside her and was just inches away. “You’re making this personal.” She gestured toward Abby. “It isn’t.”

  “It feels personal. Can you say any different?”

  “I don’t want anything personal. I agreed to help care for Abby because she seems comfortable with me and because it’s what I’ve been trained to do. Anything more than that is something I won’t allow.”

  He watched for a moment, silent, solemn. Then he nodded. “My writing isn’t a problem. I send copies of my files to my home computer and to my laptop. Nothing’s lost that can’t be found again.”

  “I’m glad.”

  “I’m going to find the gauze and ointment for your hand. After that we both should try to get some sleep. There are two guest rooms. You’re welcome to either.”