Die Before Nightfall Page 17

  “I’ll use that fold-up cot. That way if Abby wakes I’ll be here.”

  “I’ll do that.”

  “If I’m staying I’d like to be useful. Besides, what if you have strep and Abby doesn’t? It would be better to keep your distance until you know for sure.”

  “I’d argue, but I feel worse than I have since I had mono my senior year of high school.” He stepped into the bathroom, returned a moment later, and handed Raven gauze, tape and antibiotic cream. “Let me see your hand.” He bent over the blistered skin and slathered ointment across the stinging flesh.

  Raven sucked in a breath.

  “Sorry.” Shane glanced up, and Raven caught her breath again.

  He looked pale, tired, and more handsome than any man had a right to be. She wanted to brush the hair away from his brow, to let her fingers linger against his skin.

  That, more than anything, made her pull her hand back. “I’ll do the gauze.”

  For a moment she thought he’d refuse. His eyes flashed irritation and something else, something knowing. Then he handed her the gauze. “I’m going to set the alarm. Then I’m lying down.”

  He was gone before Raven could say anything. She finished wrapping her hand, pulled out the cot, turned off the light and lay down. Merry jumped up and curled near her knees, and Raven let her hand drift along the dog’s warm fur.

  “I should make you get down, you know.”

  But her hand throbbed, her body ached and she felt more lonely than she had in years, so she let the puppy stay as she watched sunlight slowly drift across the ceiling of the room.

  Chapter Seventeen

  The dream came and she was running, racing down the hall, fleeing from Jonas and his hate. Fire raced with her, eating at the walls, licking at her feet, and she realized Abby was beside her. They ran together, tumbling over the first step, falling into nothingness.

  Raven jerked upright, her heart pounding, her breath ragged, her gaze flying to the other bed. Abby was still there, sleeping deeply, a flush staining her cheeks. Fever? Raven scrambled up from the cot, upending Merry who slid to the floor with a disgruntled bark.

  “Sorry, mutt.”

  Abby’s brow felt warm to the touch and Raven rooted through the medicine cabinet, searching for dissolvable tablets. She found them and hurried back into the room.

  “Abby?”

  The older woman moaned, opening her eyes and gazing at Raven with fever-bright eyes. “Thea? What are you doing here?”

  “I’ve brought you something for your fever.”

  “You can’t be here. I left you near the tree.”

  “I came back.”

  “It was the baby. Everything would have been fine otherwise.”

  Raven froze at her words, wondering what they meant, how they were connected to Thea’s disappearance. “Thea’s baby?”

  “It would have been a beautiful baby.”

  “Is that why Thea left? So people wouldn’t know?”

  “There’s a tree in the cemetery. I wonder if I can find it?” Abby allowed Raven to slip a tablet into her mouth, her eyes drifting closed.

  “It’s okay, Abby. Whatever you need to find, I’ll help you.”

  “Will you?” Abby’s eyes flew open, tears falling and washing over the heated flesh of her cheeks.

  “Of course. Just tell me.”

  “Two crosses. Not there but close. It’s been so long, I don’t know if I can find it by myself. But it’s time. It was time long ago, but I didn’t want to hurt anyone. Didn’t want people to think poorly of you. It was so important to you.”

  “You were a good friend, Abby. Thea knew that.”

  “Sin is sin.” And then she slid down under the covers, closed her eyes and drifted back to sleep.

  Raven let her hand rest on Abby’s frail shoulder. Did Abby sense that she was drifting away? Slowly but surely heading toward eternity?

  A phone rang, the sound muted but insistent, drawing Raven’s thoughts away from the sadness of Abby’s life. Footsteps sounded in the hall, a door snapped shut, then there was silence again. Time passed and Raven sat vigil, watching for signs that Abby’s fever was worsening.

  She wasn’t surprised when the bedroom door swung open. Some part of her had been expecting it. Had known that once he woke Shane would be here.

  “That was Dr. McMath. Abby does have strep. He’s calling in a prescription for her and one for me, as well.”

  “Without examining you?” She turned, met his gaze.

  “Said I have classic symptoms and it’s better to treat us both. I think he doesn’t want to be bothered doing another culture.” He ran a hand through his hair and tried to smile. His skin was pale, his cheeks flushed and a lock of dark hair fell across his brow.

  “You need to rest for a while longer.”

  “Can’t. It’s almost nine. I need to call the insurance company, get someone out here to look things over. Then run to the pharmacy and pick up the prescription. We’re out of chocolate ice cream and it’s the only thing Abby eats. Plus I don’t think we have any other food in the house. I meant to go to the store two days ago, but things didn’t work out.”

  “I can do all those things. You have your policy number and the company phone number?”

  “Got it out earlier.”

  “I’ll make the call, then run to the store to get groceries and the medicine. By tomorrow you and Abby will be feeling better.” She stood and started to move by Shane.

  He put a hand on her shoulder, the heat of his skin searing through the cotton of her T-shirt. “Careful, Raven, you don’t want to make yourself too useful.”

  “Being useful is part of the job.” Raven tried to make light of the moment, but Shane didn’t smile. Just stared down at her, his eyes deep green, his hand easing along her shoulder and cupping the nape of her neck.

  “You’re more than useful. You’re compassionate, hardworking and very lovely. I could go on, but you’re blushing.”

  “It’s warm in here.”

  “Is it?” He skimmed his palm up to her jaw, traced the line of her cheek with his finger.

  “Shane, I—”

  “Don’t worry, I’m too sick to steal a kiss.” He smiled, but the look in his eyes said he wasn’t joking.

  Before Raven could comment or pull away, Abby shifted and opened her eyes, her gaze surprisingly alert. “Well, it’s about time. I didn’t think you’d ever get married.”

  “How’re you feeling, Aunt Abby?”

  “Happy. I wanted to see you married before I die.”

  “You aren’t going to die. Not yet anyway.”

  “Everyone dies. It’s part of life.”

  “Yeah, but since Raven and I aren’t married, you’re going to have to wait to make your journey to the other side.”

  “Not married?”

  “Nope.”

  “You’re acting like you are.”

  “Since when is touching someone’s cheek acting married?”

  “Since I saw the look in your eyes.”

  Raven cut in before Shane could comment. “Shane’s not feeling well. That’s fever you see in his eyes.”

  “You’re sick?” Abby shifted and sat up, reaching to feel Shane’s forehead. “You’d better get in bed.”

  “I’m fine, Aunt Abby.”

  His words didn’t seem to register. Abby turned to Raven. “If you marry him you’ll have to keep him in line. He likes to do things.” She stopped, looked confused.

  “I write books. And you’re jealous because I’ve got more talent than you. Now lie back down. You’ve got strep. The doctor said you need to rest.”

  “When are you getting married? You’re not letting him stall, are you?”

  Heat bathed Raven’s cheeks as Abby and Shane both gave her their full attention. “I…don’t know.”

  “Christmas Eve,” said Shane. “Raven’s going to wear a long, pale gown and a crown of flowers. I’ll be in black tie with a ribbon from her hair tied around my arm
. We’ll have the ceremony at the church, then borrow that old white pony from Sam Riley and the fancy cart he has. Ride back here for a big party to celebrate.”

  “Oh! Lovely. We have to go shopping. I’ll need a dress.” She looked down at the loose flannel nightshirt she wore. “And I need to eat. I can’t look like a scare-bird at the wedding.”

  “Which is why Raven is going to the store to buy food and you’re going to rest. You need to stay healthy.”

  “Yes.” She closed her eyes, a smile curving her lips, her expression more relaxed and happy than Raven had ever seen it.

  “Shane, you shouldn’t have told her that,” she whispered, not wanting to disturb Abby.

  “Why not?”

  “You lied to her. Just because she might not remember, doesn’t mean she won’t. And look how much it means to her. Look how happy she is.”

  “She probably will remember. I hope she does remember. As far as I’m concerned it isn’t a lie.”

  “What?”

  “It’s what I want. Maybe not this Christmas, but one Christmas.”

  “That’s fine. Spinning a tale about your wedding is wonderful. Just don’t put me in it.”

  “Sorry. Without you, there is no tale.” The truth of it was in his eyes—all the promises he wouldn’t give, all the things he’d like to say but wouldn’t because she wouldn’t let him.

  Raven backed toward the door. “Should I leave Merry here, or bring her back to the cottage?”

  “Leave her. I’ll let her out. Come on. I need to turn off the alarm before you open the door.” He draped an arm around her shoulders, the gesture so easy, so right, she couldn’t protest.

  Still, she couldn’t allow him to forget the truth of who she was and what she wanted. “I’m never getting married again. Once was enough for me.”

  “Okay.”

  “I mean it.”

  “I know.”

  “You’re going to have to find some other woman for your Christmas Eve fantasy.”

  “Not possible. The story’s already been told, can’t change it now.”

  “Are you always this obstinate?” Raven glared at him as he punched in the code to the alarm system.

  “Yes. Are you?”

  She laughed and shook her head. “Only when it matters.”

  “Then we should make a good team. Here—” He reached into his pocket, pulled out a wallet and handed her a thick fold of cash. “Buy what you want. There’s a pharmacy at the grocery store. That’s where the prescription will be. And take my car. Here are the keys. I don’t want you walking back to the cottage.”

  “What about the insurance company?”

  “I’ll make the call, then rest once it’s taken care of.”

  “Anything special I should bring back?”

  “Chocolate ice cream, the medicine—and you.”

  Raven was smiling as she walked down the porch steps and into bright morning sun.

  It didn’t take long to pick up the prescription and buy some groceries. She returned to the Montgomery house two hours later, and was surprised to see a beat-up pickup truck and a motorcycle parked in the driveway. Merry raced around the side of the house to greet her, and Raven let the bags tumble from her hands as another dog bounded after the puppy. Big, black and weighing a hundred pounds at least, he looked like he could eat Merry in one gulp.

  “Stop!” Raven ran toward the dog, and was surprised when it skidded to a stop a few feet from her. “Good. Now go home. Merry is a dog, not Puppy Chow. You can’t eat her.”

  “I don’t think he planned to. Though I can understand why you’d worry.” A tall woman with golden red hair and an open, friendly smile had come around the side of the house. “I’m Tiffany Reed. Jake’s wife.”

  “Nice to meet you. And your dog.”

  “That’s Bandit. I adopted him last summer. He’s big, but harmless. He and Merry were playing.” She held out her hand. “You must be Raven.”

  “That’s right.”

  Before either could say more, Jake stepped onto the porch, nodded at Raven and smiled at his wife. The expression changed him and Raven could see how love made him softer. “All set, Tiff. Sorry to hold up the plans.”

  “No sweat. The fabric store will still be there.”

  “I know, but we’ve been planning this for a while and things keep coming up. I want to keep my promise to you.”

  “And you are.” Tiffany linked hands with Jake and smiled as he bent to kiss her.

  Raven felt like an interloper and turned away, uneasy in the face of their love for one another. She bent to pet Merry and Bandit, pretending she hadn’t felt a twinge of envy at the affection between the couple.

  “You have any problems in town?”

  She turned back to face Jake. “No. Everything was fine.”

  “Good. Just stay alert. I don’t like how things are shaping up. I’ve got patrols driving by, but that won’t help if someone’s determined to cause trouble.”

  “I’ll be careful. Did you find Renee?”

  “No. The agency she works for hasn’t heard from her, either. We got her address, checked her house—looks like she packed up and left. We’re trying to trace her now. Once we find her, we’ll have answers. There’s more. Shane will fill you in. If you have questions or concerns call the station. I’ll be back on shift tomorrow. We’ve got to head out. Stay safe.”

  “Thanks. It was nice meeting you, Tiffany.”

  “You, too. Hopefully we’ll have more time to chat next time.” They got in the truck, Bandit jumped in the back and they took off.

  “Come on, girl. Let’s go see what news Shane has.” She scooped Merry up, picked up the bags she’d dropped and walked into the house.

  Voices were coming from the kitchen and she followed the sound, stepping into the scent of vanilla and sweet bread. Shane sat at the kitchen table, a pencil in one hand, the phone to his ear. He looked up as Raven entered the room, smiling in her direction, his cheeks still flushed with fever. Something warm wove its way through her heart and she turned from his gaze, finally noticing the man standing by the stove. “Ben!”

  He set down the pan he was holding and moved across the room. “How’re you doing?”

  “I’m fine. What are you doing home? I thought you weren’t getting back until Friday.” She stepped into his arms, allowed herself to be hugged.

  “Only two more days. I cut the trip short.”

  “I’m glad you’re back, but you shouldn’t have come on my account.”

  “How do you know that’s why I’m back early?”

  “You’re Jake’s friend. He probably called you this morning. You got worried, took the first plane back and came looking for me.”

  “Guilty. But we can talk about that after I get the cinnamon buns out of the oven.”

  “Homemade?” Raven reached into one of the grocery bags and pulled out the chocolate ice cream.

  “Yep. Got here a few minutes after you left, so I figured I’d make myself useful. Now, no talking. I’m not a multitasker and I’d hate to mess up the glaze. It’s the best part.” He turned, and Raven mouthed bossy at his back. Then she caught Shane watching, a grin tugging the corners of his mouth.

  She shoved the ice cream into the freezer and pulled from a bag the medicine bottles she’d picked up. “Time to get healthy. Abby first, then you, Shane.”

  “Do I get a spoonful of sugar with that?” Shane winked as Raven handed him a pill and a glass of water.

  “How about a glass of juice instead?” Ben filled a glass and set it in front of him, and Raven saw the way his gaze traveled from Shane to her.

  If he noticed anything, if he could feel the connection between them, he didn’t comment. Just went back to the counter and slathered white glaze on hot rolls.

  “They’re getting married, you know.” Abby’s voice drifted into the silence, and Raven’s hand froze on the box of rice she was putting in the cupboard.

  “Ben, you didn’t tell me how you
r reunion was,” she said quickly.

  “It was great. I’ve got plenty of photos. Sit down and have a roll—they’re best when they’re fresh out of the oven.” He slid a plate in front of Shane, one in front of Abby, then one at each of the two extra places.

  Raven sat and fiddled with the edge of a napkin, hoping the subject of marriage would be dropped. “And were your mom and dad happy to see you?”

  “Thrilled. So, who’s getting married?”

  Raven choked on a bite of cinnamon bun and felt the firm, smooth slap of Shane’s hand against her back as he spoke.

  “I’m planning a Christmas Eve wedding, but Raven’s not quite ready to commit.”

  “At Grace Christian Church?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Candlelight?”

  “Hadn’t thought about it, but it sounds good to me.”

  Raven finally managed to stop her coughing long enough to get a word out. “No!”

  “You don’t like candles anymore, Rae? You used to love them when we were kids.” Ben took a bite of roll, his eyes glinting with amusement.

  “It’s not funny. I’m not getting married again. Not ever.”

  “That’s a long time.” This time Ben looked more serious, but seemed disinclined to continue the conversation. “Are you going to eat, Ms. Abby? Let me help you with that.” He used a fork to stab a piece of sweet bread and fed Abby a bite.

  “Do I know you?” Abby picked up the roll and took another bite.

  “I’m Ben Avery. Pastor at the church you attend. Also Raven’s brother.”

  “How nice. It’s wonderful to have a brother. My brother’s gone.”

  “I’m sorry. That must be painful.”

  Raven let the sound of their conversation drift over her, allowed herself to enjoy the warmth of the room, the comfort of knowing people who cared were nearby.

  “You two are a lot alike.” Shane spoke in a low tone, his voice not breaking into the quiet rhythm of Ben and Abby’s conversation.

  “He’s much kinder than I am.”

  “No. I don’t think so.” Shane yawned, pushed his half-eaten roll away. “Sorry, that was delicious, Ben, but I’m beat. Hopefully the medicine will kick in soon. For now, though, I think I might need some more sleep. How about you, Abby—want to take a nap?”