Die Before Nightfall Read online

  A sudden chill raced up Raven’s spine, and the fine hair on her arms stood on end. She didn’t realize she’d swayed until Jake strode toward her and put a steadying hand on her arm.

  “You okay? You’ve gone pale.”

  Raven straightened, stepped away from his touch. “I’m fine. I just wondered if the woman was related to my landlady, Nora Freedman.”

  “Nora’s husband was Thea’s cousin. He took care of the property after she disappeared. Guess he always hoped she’d come home.”

  “Her disappearance must have been hard on the family.”

  “It was. Though if you ask Nora she’ll say the one saving grace was that Thea’s mother passed away before it happened.”

  “It’s still a sad story. Whether or not the mother was around to know what happened to her daughter.”

  Jake didn’t respond, just watched Raven, his gaze sharp and focused. Could he hear her heart pounding in her chest? Did he sense that she was withholding information? Should she tell him about Abby’s strange ramblings?

  The shrill ring of a phone saved her from making a decision. He shifted and grabbed a cell phone from the cruiser. “Reed here.”

  He listened and smiled, the expression on his face changing so dramatically that he looked like a different person.

  “Sure, babe. No. I’ll be home in a couple of hours.”

  His gaze shifted to Raven. “No, no crime. I did meet Ben’s sister…me, too. I’ll tell her.”

  He threw the phone back onto the seat. “My wife. She said to tell you hi. Says she hopes to meet you soon.”

  “Oh, I—”

  “Better get used to it. It’s the way of things around here. Everyone knows everyone.”

  Raven nodded. “I got that impression from Nora.”

  “Nora Freedman’s a great lady. And now, I really do have to go. Take care.”

  Raven watched the cruiser disappear around a curve in the road and only then did she do what she’d been wanting to do all along. She turned toward the field and waded through knee-high grass. The far slope was just beginning to bloom with tiny purple flowers and tall, fluffy dandelions sparse but evident among the green. Raven could imagine what it would be like in a few weeks, the profusion of colors and textures beautiful and tempting.

  Had the woman who disappeared seen it this way? Had she wanted to breathe in the soft scent of flowers and earth, and collect some of the beauty that dotted the hillside?

  Theadora. Like Raven’s own name, Thea’s wasn’t that common. Raven shivered, her gaze traveling the width and breadth of the field. Questions filled her mind, then scattered as she hiked across the lush landscape, cresting the far hill and slowing as a white farmhouse came into view. A wide porch stretched across the front of the house, and two rocking chairs sat empty on either side of a small table.

  “Good morning!” A tall, auburn-haired woman called the greeting as she rounded the corner of the house. “You must be our new neighbor.”

  “Yes, I’m Raven Stevenson.”

  “Tori Riley. I heard you’d moved in. What was it? Yesterday?”

  “Yes.”

  “How about some coffee?”

  “I—”

  “Juice, then? I’m sure you’re busy, but Pops will have my head if I don’t invite you in.”

  Before Raven could ask who Pops was, Tori strode to the front door, shoved it open and called inside. “Hey, Pops, we’ve got company.”

  “So don’t just stand out on the porch, come in.”

  The voice was gruff and Raven wasn’t sure she wanted to meet its owner. “I really don’t want to disturb your morning.”

  “You’re not. Pops always sounds like that.”

  Tori led the way into a bright, airy kitchen. A man stood by the stove, his face lined with age, his eyes deep brown and curious. “This the new neighbor?”

  “Yep. Raven Stevenson, meet Sam Riley. Otherwise known as Pops.”

  “Nice to meet you, Mr. Riley.”

  “Sam to my friends.”

  “Sam, then.”

  “Sit down. I’ve got coffee or juice. Pancakes, too, if you’re hungry.”

  “Juice would be nice, thanks.”

  He nodded and poured a glass of orange juice, then slid it onto the table in front of her. “Looks like you were out for a run.”

  “Yes, it’s a beautiful morning for it and the scenery’s great.”

  “Still gotta be careful running by yourself.”

  “Jake Reed was just telling me that.”

  “Guess he told you about Thea Trebain.”

  “Pops, don’t start.” Tori slid into a chair beside Raven, a plate filled with pancakes in her hand.

  “I’m not starting anything. Just warning her to be careful.”

  “You’re getting ready to spin one of your tales.”

  “It isn’t a tale. It’s God’s truth.”

  “Your truth, you mean.” She turned to Raven. “Don’t believe a word my grandfather says about Thea Trebain. He likes to make it sound more mysterious than it is. Most people think she got fed up with small-town life and left.”

  “Without telling her family? Without packing her bags?”

  “None of that is fact, Pops, and you know it.”

  Their argument seemed an old one, well worn. Their affection for each other peeked through the words, even as their so-alike brown eyes shot flames. The similarity between the two was obvious, the connection between them filling Raven with longing.

  She pushed away from the table and stood. “I hate to drink my juice and run, but I’d really better get home.”

  “Now look what you’ve done, Tori. You’ve chased her off.”

  “Me? You’re the one trying to scare her.”

  “Warn—not scare.”

  Raven smiled at the banter, forcing aside her own feelings of loneliness. “Neither of you chased me off. It’s just time for me to go.”

  “Now, don’t go rushing off, Raven. I’ve got something for you. A welcome gift. Something a woman who likes to run shouldn’t be without. Come on out to the barn, I’ll get it for you.”

  Raven opened her mouth to protest, but Tori shook her head. “You may as well go with him. If you don’t, he’ll be pounding on your door this afternoon. I’ve got to run. Work won’t wait. Much as I’d like it to sometimes. Maybe we can have lunch.”

  “I’d like that.”

  “Great. I’m in the book.” She paused, glanced at Sam who was stepping out into the hall. Then she whispered, “And listen, if Pops gives you a gun or a sword, just take it and smile. He means well. I’ll get it from you when we have lunch. Gotta run. Bye, Pops.” She rushed forward, kissed her grandfather on the cheek, and was gone.

  “Come on, Raven. I may be retired but that doesn’t mean I’ve got all day. You’re gonna like this. I guarantee it.”

  Raven quickened her pace and prayed that his granddaughter’s prediction about the gift proved false. Guns? Swords? Maybe Jake was right, maybe walking along a country road wasn’t the safest thing she could have done with her morning.

  Chapter Five

  A barn stood open behind the farmhouse, a green tractor its only visible occupant. Sam stepped into the dimly lit interior and gestured for Raven to follow.

  “This barn used to be filled with farm equipment. Now it’s empty. Seems a shame really. Tori plans to till the land again. An organic farm, she says. Should be interesting.”

  “Your granddaughter seems very nice.”

  “Nice? Tori? Sometimes. Mostly she’s busy. Too busy, if you ask me. She’s got a vet business down the road a ways. Works hard.”

  “She’s a vet?”

  “One of the best.” Sam spoke as he led Raven deeper into the barn. “Up these stairs here. In the loft.”

  Raven followed, cringing a little as something scurried in a dark corner.

  “Now, you’ve gotta be quiet. Don’t want to startle her.”

  Her? Raven didn’t like the way this was going.
Didn’t like it at all. “Sam—”

  “Shh! Come on. Quietly.”

  What choice did she have? Raven moved up the stairs behind Sam, wondering how she could gracefully refuse his gift.

  “Ah, there she is. Now take a look. And tell me if that isn’t just the cutest thing you’ve ever seen.”

  He stepped to the side, allowing Raven into the large area and gesturing to a box in the middle of the floor. Something was in it. Something with eyes and fur. Something very, very ugly. Raven took a step back.

  “What is it?”

  “It? It! Gal, use the eyes God gave you. Haven’t you seen a dog before?”

  “A dog?” It didn’t look like any dog Raven had ever seen.

  “Of course a dog. What’d you think she was? Come on close and take a look. She’s a darling, all right.”

  Raven inched closer and peered into the box. The animal looked more like a giant rat. Pointy snout, pointy ears and a skinny little tail. “What kind is it?”

  “Not it. Her name is Merry. Short for Miracle. Found her on the side of the road tied in a plastic bag. She’d managed to paw through the plastic and had her nose sticking out. Her litter mates weren’t so lucky.”

  “That’s terrible.”

  “Yep. It is. I called the sheriff, but there’s nothing he can do. No way to find the person responsible.”

  “It’s kind of you to give her a home.”

  “Now, see, that’s the problem.”

  Raven braced herself for what was coming. Told herself there was nothing wrong with saying no. Reminded herself that she didn’t need or want a dog—especially not one that looked like a rat.

  “See, my granddaughter, she’s not real happy with all the strays I’ve been picking up lately. Says I’m running out of room. She’s got a point. I’ve got three dogs already. And two cats. I’ve been bringing strays to her, and she’s done a good job of finding them homes.”

  “Wonderful. I’m sure she won’t have trouble finding Merry a home. Lots of people are looking for puppies.”

  “True. True. But Tori made me promise not to bring any more strays to her office. Told me if I picked up another one I’d have to find it a home myself.”

  “I bet you’ve got lots of friends who’d love to have a dog.” Raven backed toward the steps, ready to run while she had the chance.

  “You’d think, wouldn’t you? I’ve had a few over to take a look at the pup, but they don’t see her potential. I’ve had her for two weeks and not one person’s willing to take her.”

  Raven could understand why. She took another step back. “That’s too bad.”

  “I thought so. Then you walked into the kitchen wearing your running gear and I knew why no one else wanted Merry.”

  “You did?”

  “Yep. That little gal is meant for you.”

  “Sam, I—”

  “Just take a look and then tell me I’m wrong.” He lifted the puppy, set her on the floor. “See those long legs? The lean torso? The tail?”

  “Uh…yes.”

  “She’s got greyhound blood. Not purebred, but that makes it even better. She’s got the lines, the speed, but not a timid nature.”

  “I don’t see how—”

  “Of course you do. You’re a runner. She’s a runner. It’s a perfect match.”

  “But Sam, I’ve never owned a dog. I wouldn’t know what to do with her.”

  “What’s to do? You feed her. Run with her. Give her some love. She’ll be your friend for life. Here, just hold her for a minute. Then tell me you don’t want her.”

  Raven gritted her teeth and put out her hands to take the puppy, telling herself it was only for a minute—that she’d hold the dog just long enough to find an excuse to say no.

  Twenty minutes later she was back on the road, heading home. Merry, sporting a rhinestone collar and faux leather leash, tumbled along behind, her long legs and big feet tangling until Raven gave up and lifted the awkward puppy.

  “Greyhound, my eye. You’re no more greyhound than I’m a world-class sprinter. That man’s a menace. He could sell sand in the desert.”

  And Raven would probably be the first in line to buy it.

  She shifted the dog in her arms and tried not to notice the comfortable warmth against her chest. “I’d rather have a gun or sword. At least that I could hand over to Tori.”

  The dog wiggled in Raven’s hold and turned just enough to lick her cheek. “Oh. Yuck. Hold off on the kisses, mutt. I’m only keeping you as long as it takes to find you a home.”

  A sporty black car sped around a curve in the road and screeched to a stop a few feet away. The door flew open and Tori Riley jumped out.

  “I knew it. I knew that man was up to no good. Got to the office and it all clicked. The secrecy, the sly questions about puppy care. That’s one ugly mutt.”

  “She’s not that bad.”

  “How’d he talk you into taking her?”

  “I don’t know. One minute I was saying ‘no thanks’ and the next I was walking home with a puppy.”

  “Didn’t even have the guts to give you a ride home. That’s low.”

  “He was probably afraid I’d come to my senses.” Raven glanced down at the wiggling puppy. Merry wasn’t that ugly. Actually, she was kind of cute…in a homely sort of way.

  “Uh-oh. I know that look. You’re hooked.”

  “I’m not. I’m going to find her a home.”

  “Right. Come on. I’ll give you a ride and then take a look at her. Make sure she’s healthy. You’ll have to make an appointment to have her shots done. The sooner the better.”

  “Okay. But I’m not keeping her.”

  “Of course you’re not.”

  Raven shot a look in Tori’s direction, but decided not to argue further. The fact was, she was already starting to like the idea of having a dog. She pushed Merry into the car and climbed in behind her. Tomorrow would be soon enough to make a final decision. For now she’d accept the ride that was offered, and be thankful for it.

  Shane stepped out of his office, trying hard to control his irritation. He had work to do, plenty of it, before his manuscript could be sent out. The last thing he wanted was a visit from his cousin. Not that he minded Mark stopping by to see his mother. On the contrary, he wished he’d come by more often. Unfortunately, this time he hadn’t come alone, he’d brought Adam.

  The son of Abby’s only brother, Adam was a savvy businessman and aspiring politician who hadn’t had time for his aunt until recently. Now, with election year looming, he made bimonthly visits and mentioned those visits to anyone willing to listen. That bothered Shane. What bothered him more was that Adam had plenty of opinions about Abby’s care, but not a lot of ideas about how to help.

  He sighed and stepped into the house, following the sound of voices into the parlor. “Hi, Aunt Abby. Mark. Adam.”

  Abby’s smile was vague, her eyes fixed on the television.

  Adam didn’t bother smiling at all. “She was sitting in front of the television when we got here and she won’t budge. Didn’t the doctor say she shouldn’t spend so much time doing nothing?”

  Shane bit back an angry response. “She’s enjoying herself. That’s what’s important.”

  “Would you let a child sit in front of the television for hours on end?”

  “Abby isn’t a child.”

  “That’s not the point.”

  “Then what is? She’s almost seventy-three. Shouldn’t she be allowed to do as she pleases?”

  “Let’s not argue. Not in front of Mom. Why don’t we let her finish watching the show, and we’ll go into the kitchen?” Mark, as always, was the voice of reason.

  “Good plan.” Adam stalked from the room.

  Shane would have followed, but Mark placed a hand on his arm to hold him in place. “He’s in a mood today. Says he thinks Mom should be in a facility designed to meet her needs.”

  “That’s not his decision to make.”

  “Maybe not, but
Adam is her nephew. He has a right to voice his opinion.”

  “I’m her nephew, too. Just because Meade blood doesn’t run through my veins doesn’t mean I don’t want the best for Abby.”

  “I know. If I didn’t believe that, I would have put her in an assisted living facility months ago. I just want you to understand how Adam feels.”

  “I don’t. I can’t. Love isn’t something you give when it’s convenient—”

  “Are you two coming? I’ve got a meeting in half an hour.” Adam’s voice drifted from the kitchen, cutting off the conversation.

  “Just play it cool. You two have never gotten along and I’m not in the mood for an argument,” Mark hissed as they walked into the kitchen.

  Shane nodded agreement, stepping aside so the caregiver he’d hired for the afternoon could go back into the parlor with Abby.

  “We’ve got a problem.” Adam didn’t bother with niceties.

  “What’s that?”

  “Abby. Obviously she needs more help than you can give her.”

  “Obviously?”

  “She wandered away again last night, right?”

  Shane shrugged, not bothering to ask how Adam had gotten the information. No doubt Sherri had told a friend, who’d told someone else. News traveled fast in Lakeview.

  “Adam and I are concerned, Shane. Mom could get lost or hurt.”

  “I’ve got an alarm system. I’m not sure what else we can do.”

  “We can put Abby in Winter Haven.” Adam pulled a brochure from his pocket. “I visited there last week. It’s—”

  “No.”

  “Hear me out. Winter Haven has qualified, twenty-four-hour staffing—people who know how to deal with someone like Aunt Abby.”

  “I said no. Abby wants to be home. That’s where she should be.”

  “Come on, Shane, do you think she really cares at this point?” Adam ran a hand through his hair, then carefully smoothed the thick, salt-and-pepper strands back into place.

  “Yes. I do. And even if I didn’t, I wouldn’t shove her away somewhere and let strangers care for her.”

  “Sometimes it’s necessary.” Mark sank into a chair and rubbed at the back of his neck. He looked tired, older than his forty years.

  Shane sat down across from him. “I know that, Mark. Sometimes it is necessary. Sometimes there isn’t someone available to be home round-the-clock. Sometimes it gets to be too much of a strain on finances and family. But in this case, none of those things is true.”