Die Before Nightfall
Shirlee McCoy
Raven Stevenson was in Lakeview barely twenty-four hours when she heard those ominous words. She'd come to the small Virginie town to reconcile with her brother and forget the haunting memories of her past. She didn't expect to find friends, community - or a thirty-five-year-old mystery of tragic love. Nor did she expect to meet Shane Montgomery, whose love for his ailing aunt Abby breaks through Raven's carefully built defenses.When Abby unwittingly shares some of the secrets behind that long-buried mustery, she and Raven are targeted by someone who wants those secrets silenced - and who's willing to kill both of them to do it.
“Running away, Raven?”
“Not running.” Raven turned away. “Going home.”
“What is it about me that makes you nervous?” Shane asked. Caught in the spell of sunset, Raven didn’t realize Shane had moved until he was beside her, his hand clasping hers gently. “Stay for a little longer. I promise I won’t talk about princes, frogs, or you.”
“No, it’s getting dark. I’d better head home.” Raven pulled her hand from his and moved through the overgrown cemetery, leading Merry along beside her. Already dusk was beginning to settle on the land, deep violet shadows creeping across the ground. The effect was eerie, the rustle of leaves and hum of insects only adding to Raven’s unease.
Her foot caught on a root and she stumbled, barely catching her balance. A twig snapped somewhere to the right and Merry growled low in her throat, lunging toward the sound.
“Hello?”
No one answered, nothing moved in the darkness, yet Raven was sure someone was there. She didn’t wait for more. Breath gasping, heart hammering, she raced toward the cottage.
SHIRLEE MCCOY
has always loved making up stories. As a child, she daydreamed elaborate tales in which she was the heroine—gutsy, strong and invincible. Though she soon grew out of her superhero fantasies, her love for storytelling never diminished. She knew early that she wanted to write inspirational fiction, and began writing her first novel when she was a teenager. Still, it wasn’t until her third son was born that she truly began pursuing her dream of being published. Three years later she sold her first book. Now a busy mother of four, Shirlee is a homeschool mom by day and an inspirational author by night. She and her husband and children live in Maryland and share their house with a dog and a guinea pig.
SHIRLEE MCCOY
Die Before Nightfall
Published by Steeple Hill Books
ISBN: 9781408967447
Die Before Nightfall
© Shirlee McCoy 2005
First Published in Great Britain in 2005
Harlequin (UK) Limited
Eton House, 18-24 Paradise Road, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1SR
All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. The text of this publication or any part thereof may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, including without limitation xerography, photocopying, recording, storage in an information retrieval system, or otherwise, without the written permission of the publisher.
This ebook is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise circulated, without the prior consent of the publisher, in any form or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.
All characters in this work have no existence outside the imagination of the author and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author, and all incidents are pure invention.
This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises II B.V./S.á.r.l.
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www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
For God will bring every work into judgment,
including every secret thing, whether good or evil.
—Ecclesiastes 12:14
Jude, Caleb, Seth and Emma Grace, if God lined up all the children in the world and let me choose any four, I would choose the four of you. And if you had dirty faces, messy clothes and were whining and crying, I would still choose you. I love you. All the way to the sun and back. Always. No matter what.
A special thank-you to Sara Parker, who read my first, second, third and fourth drafts without flinching, and who offered countless suggestions and advice. And to my editor, Krista Stroever, who walked me through the publication process with grace, humor and an unerring eye for detail. Thanks! This book is much better because of you.
In loving memory of Tony Trainer.
Sixty years wasn’t nearly long enough.
Dear Reader,
Life is filled with ups, downs, twists and turns. That’s not a bad thing when you like roller coasters. But if you’re like me and enjoy the more placid rides, sudden changes in direction can be disconcerting. A lost job, a lost love, illness or death in the family—when we experience those things, it can be hard to remember that God knows every bump and turn our lives will take and that He’s with us through them all, steering us forward, urging us on, quietly whispering to our souls that everything will be all right.
Raven Stevenson’s life is a roller-coaster ride, and she’s ready for it to stop. That means taking a break from her job as a home health-care nurse and moving to Lakeview, Virginia, to reconnect with a brother she hasn’t seen in twenty years. She hopes she’ll have time to think and to reassess the direction her life has taken. Instead she gets pulled into the lives of Abby and Shane Montgomery—an elderly women suffering from dementia and the nephew who is determined to care for her. Together the three of them must confront the past and uncover a secret that just might destroy them all. Only in doing so can they learn the true meaning of God’s grace and love for them.
I hope you enjoy taking part in their adventure. If you have the time, drop me a line. I can be reached by mail at 1121 Annapolis Road, PMB 244, Odenton, Maryland, 21113-1633. Or by e-mail at shirlee@shirleemccoy.com.
May God richly bless your life.
Contents
About the Author
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Epilogue
COMING NEXT MONTH
Chapter One
She’d never hung wash out to dry, but that wouldn’t keep her from trying. Raven Stevenson eyed the basket of sopping white sheets and the small bucket of clothespins sitting at her feet.
How hard could it be?
Five minutes later she’d managed to trample one sheet into the mud. The other two were hanging, lopsided and drooping, from the line.
“It could be worse, I suppose.”
“Could be better, too.” A pie in one hand, a grocery bag in the other, Nora Freedman came around the side of the house, her eyes lined with laughter. “Never had to dry laundry the old-fashioned way, I see.”
“I’m afraid not. Hopefully it won’t take me long to get better at it.”
“It won’t. And I give you credit for even trying. You wouldn’t believe how many renters have turned down this property just because I don’t have a clothes dryer.”
“Their loss. My gain.”
Nora beamed at the words, her deep brown eyes glowing with pleasure. “I knew the minute I saw you, you were the person for this place. I’ve been praying about it, mind you. So it didn’t surprise me when Glenda called and said she might have a renter. Here, I’ve brought you a welcome gift. Pecan pie and some things to stock your cupboards.”
“You didn’t have to—”
“Of course I didn’t. I wanted to. I’ll leave everything in the kitchen. Gotta scoot. Prayer meeting in a half hour. Call me if you need something.”
“I will. Thank you.”
“See you at church Sunday? You did say you planned to attend Grace Christian?”
The nerves that Raven had held at bay for a week clawed at her stomach. “Yes. I’ll see you then.”
“I knew it. Just knew this would work out.” Then Nora was gone as quickly as she’d come, her squat, square figure disappearing around the corner of the house.
In the wake of her departure, the morning silence seemed almost deafening. Humming a tune to block out the emptiness, Raven bent to lift the dirty sheet and caught sight of a strange print in the barren, muddy earth. A footprint—each toe clearly defined, the arch and heel obvious. Small, but not a child’s foot. Someone had walked barefoot through the yard, despite the lingering winter chill from the damp spring morning.
Who? Why? Raven searched for another print and found one at the edge of the lawn. From there, a narrow footpath meandered through sparse trees, the prints obvious on earth still wet from last night’s rain. She followed the path until it widened and Smith Mountain Lake appeared, vast and blue, the water barely rippling. There, on a rickety dock that jutted toward the center of the lake, was her quarry—white hair, white skin, a bathing suit covering a thin back.
Raven hurried forward. “Are you all right?”
“Thea?” The woman turned, wispy hair settling in a cloud around a face lined with age. “I’ve been waiting forever. Didn’t we agree to meet at ten?”
Ten? It was past noon. Two hours was a long time to sit half clad in a chilly breeze. Raven’s concern grew, the nurse in her cataloguing what she saw: pale skin, goose bumps, a slight tremor. “Actually, I’m Raven. I live in the cottage up the hill.”
“Not Thea’s cottage? She didn’t tell me she had guests.”
“She probably forgot. Were you planning a swim?”
“Thea and I always swim at this time of year. Though usually it’s not quite so cold.”
“It is chilly today. Here, put this on.” Raven slid out of her jacket and placed it around the woman’s shoulders.
“Do I know you?”
“No, we haven’t met. I’m Raven Stevenson.”
“I’m Abigail Montgomery. Abby to my friends.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Abby. Would you like to join me for tea? I’ve got a wonderful chamomile up at the house.” Raven held out her hand and was relieved when Abby allowed herself to be pulled to her feet.
“Chamomile? It’s been years since I had that.”
“Then let’s go.” Raven linked her arm through Abby’s and led her toward the footpath, grimacing as she caught sight of her companion’s feet. Torn and dirty, they looked painful and swollen. Another walk through the brambles would only make things worse. “It looks like you’ve forgotten your shoes.”
Abby glanced down at her feet, confusion drawing her brows together. Then she looked at Raven, and behind her eyes past gave way to present. Raven had seen it many times, knew the moment Abby realized what had happened. She waited a beat, watching as the frail, vague woman transformed into someone else, stronger and much more aware.
“I’ve done it again, haven’t I.” The words were firm but Abby’s eyes betrayed her fear.
“Nothing so bad. Just a walk to the lake.”
“Dressed in a bathing suit? In…” Her voice trailed off, confusion marring her face once again.
“It’s April. A lovely day, but a bit too cold for a swim.”
“What was I thinking?” Frustration and despair laced the words.
“You were thinking about summer. Perhaps a summer long ago.”
“Do I know you?”
“My name is Raven. I live up the hill at the Freedman cottage.”
“Raven. A blackbird. Common. You’re more the exotic type, I’d think, with that wild hair and flowing dress.”
Raven laughed in agreement. “I’ve been fighting my name my entire life. You’re the first to notice.”
“Am I? Then I guess I’m not as far gone as I’d thought.” Despite the brave words, the tears behind Abby’s eyes were obvious, the slight trembling of her jaw giving away her emotions.
Raven let her have the moment, watched as she took a deep shuddering breath and glanced down at her bathing suit.
“I suppose it could be worse. At least I wore clothes this time. Now, tell me, where are we headed?”
“To the cottage for tea.”
“Let’s go, then.”
“Here, slip my shoes on first.”
“Oh, I couldn’t. What about you?”
“I’ve got tough skin.” Raven slid her feet out of open-heeled sneakers and knelt to help Abby put them on. “They’re a bit big, but we’ll have your own for you in no time at all.”
They made their way up the steep incline, Raven’s hand steady against Abby’s arm. It hurt to know that the woman beside her was being consumed by a disease that would steal her vitality and leave nothing behind but an empty shell. Why? It was a question she asked often in her job as a geriatric nurse. There was no answer. At least none that she could find, no matter how hard she prayed for understanding.
“Sometimes it just doesn’t happen the way we want.”
“What?” Startled, Raven glanced at Abby.
“Life. It doesn’t always work out the way we want it to. Sad, really. Don’t you think?”
Yes. Yes, she did think it was sad—her own life a sorry testament to the way things could go wrong. Raven wouldn’t say as much. Not to Abby with her stiff spine and desperate eyes. Not to anyone. “It can be, yes. But usually good comes from our struggles.”
“And just what good will come of me losing my marbles, I’d like to know?”
“We’ve met each other. That’s one good thing.”
“That’s true. I’ve got to admit I’m getting tired of not having another woman around the house.”
“Do you live alone?”
“No, I forget things, you know. I live with…I can’t seem to remember who’s staying with me.”
“It’s all right. The name will come to you.”
Of course, it wasn’t all right, was never all right when someone’s memory had gaping holes in it. But Abby seemed disinclined to discuss it further. Instead she gestured to the cottage that was coming into view.
“There it is. I haven’t been inside in ages. Have you lived here long?”
“I moved in this morning.”
“You remind me of the woman who used to live here.”
“Do I?”
“Thea. Such a lovely person. It’s sad. So sad.” The vague look was back in Abby’s eyes. Raven saw it as she helped her up the steps to the back door. Was someone out searching for the woman? Raven hoped so, as she had no idea where Abby lived. Nora probably knew. She’d call her after she got her guest settled.
She led Abby through the laundry room and kitchen, into the living room. “Is there anyone I should call? Someone who might be worried?”
Abby didn’t respond, just sat on the couch, lost in a world Raven wasn’t part of.
“Let’s take care of your feet, then I’ll make tea.” She cleaned and dressed the cuts, then helped Abby lie down. “Rest for a while. I won’t be long.”
Abby blinked up at her, then smiled. “You’re very kind and have a nurse’s touch.”
“I am a nurse.”
But Abby had already closed her eyes and drifted into sleep.
“What do you mean, she’s gone? You’re being paid to take care of her. Not lose her.”
“She was watching TV, just as lucid as could be. Asked me to run out and get her some chocolate ice cream. I thought she’d be fine for a few minutes.”
“Martha.” Shane Montgomery stopped, raked a hand through his hair and took a calming breath. “We talked about this when I hired you. Aunt Abby cannot be left alone.”
“I know. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” Martha’s quiet sniffles turned to deep sobs. “I thought she’d be fine. I never imagined…What if she’s gone to the lake? What if she drowns? It’ll be on me. On my head. Lord, forgive me.”
Shane bit back impatience. He didn’t deal well with hysterics and that was where Martha was heading, her round face red and wet with tears. “Let’s not panic yet. Aunt Abby has gone off before. She always comes home. There’s no reason to believe she won’t do the same this time.”
Except that Abby had gotten worse in the past months. So much worse that Shane was beginning to wonder if home was the best place for her. Unfortunately there wasn’t another option. He’d made a promise to her. He’d keep it. “Let’s call the police. Get them started on the search. Then we’ll—”
The phone rang, adding fuel to Martha’s fear. “What if it’s the police? What if she’s dead? It’ll be my fault. My fault.”
“Calm down, Martha. I won’t be able to hear above your crying.” Shane grabbed the phone on the third ring. “Hello.”
“Is this Shane Montgomery?” The voice was soft and pleasant.
“Yes.”
“My name is Raven Stevenson. I’m renting the Freedman property. Nora said you have an aunt. Abigail Montgomery.”
“That’s right.”
“She’s here at the cottage with me. I’m afraid she got a bit confused and—”
“I’ll be right there.”
Shane knew he was being rude, knew he should have given the woman a chance to speak, but his relief at knowing his aunt was safe overwhelmed his social skills. Not that he had many to begin with.
“Is she—?” Martha’s voice trembled, her wide brown eyes still overflowing with tears.
“She’s all right. I’m going to get her. Do me a favor and brew some of that tea she likes. What’s it called?”
“Chamomile?”
“That’s the one. I shouldn’t be more than a few minutes.”
He knew the cottage. Had been there as a child and had no trouble finding it now. The driveway was still dirt and gravel, the house still pale yellow. Shane pulled up close to the porch and hopped out of his Mustang convertible.
The front door opened before he had a chance to take a step, and a woman walked out. Flower child. That was Shane’s first impression. Curly, untamed hair, flowy confection of a dress, and bare feet scraped and covered with dirt. He figured her to be flighty, naive, maybe a little scattered. Then he met her gaze and was surprised at the calm intelligence he saw there.
“You must be Shane.” Her voice still sounded pleasant, though decidedly cooler than it had on the phone.
“And you’re Raven.”
“Yes. Come in.” She stepped aside, allowing him to pass.
He caught a whiff of something flowery and light, heard the rustle of her dress as he brushed by, and thought of summer nights and fancy parties. Then he saw Abby and froze. She looked frail. Old.
“What am I going to do with you, Aunt Abby?”
Raven heard the pain in those words and her judgment shifted. She’d thought the man careless, unconcerned, but realized now she’d been wrong. She moved beside him, placed a hand on his arm and was surprised by a jolt of feeling. She’d thought herself immune to men, hoped herself immune.
Apparently she’d been wrong. She dropped her hand, but couldn’t resist the urge to comfort. “She’s all right. No harm was done.”
“No? I disagree. Look at her. Sleeping like a baby. How will she feel when she wakes up, not knowing where she is? Maybe not even knowing who she is?”
She sensed his frustration. He wanted to fix things, couldn’t, and was angry at his own inability. Raven could understand that. She was ready to say as much, when Abby surged off the couch, screeching, screaming, arms flailing as she lunged across the room.
“Dead! Thea’s dead!”
Chapter Two
Raven sidestepped, not quite avoiding the clawed fingers aimed at her face. Heart hammering, she moved behind the older woman, brushing against Shane who’d leaned in to help, and slipping an arm around Abby’s waist. “It’s okay, Abby. You’re dreaming. Wake up now. Your nephew is here.”
As she spoke she led Abby back to the couch and settled her onto the cushions.
“I need to go home.”
“Shane’s come to take you there.”
“Shane? Such a fine boy. It’s been years since I’ve seen him, you know.”
“Well, you’re in luck today. He’s here.” Raven wished the man would take his cue and step forward instead of watching with such concentration.
“Really?”
“Yes. Right there.”
She gestured in his direction and Shane finally got the hint, hurrying forward and placing a kiss on his aunt’s cheek.
“Aunt Abby. I’ve been worried about you.”
“Then you should have come to visit. I’ve missed you.”
“And I you. Come on, let’s go home.” He held out a hand and helped his aunt up, the look on his face more gentle than Raven would have believed possible from such a big, hard-looking man.
“Let me get some slippers for Abby’s feet.”
“I’m fine, dear. Don’t bother yourself.”
“Bare feet again, Aunt Abby? We’re going to have to do something about that. Can’t have you walking around town with your toes hanging out.” Shane smiled down at his aunt, kindly, smoothly taking the decision out of her hands.
Still, it stung. Raven could see it in the sudden coolness of Abby’s eyes. Her memory might be going, but pride still lived in the woman’s soul.
“I think I have just the thing.” Raven grabbed some sandals from the closet and held them out. “Perfect for a sunny day.”
“Lovely. Thank you, dear.”
Raven helped Abby slide her feet into the shoes, conscious of Shane’s gaze. When she straightened, she met his eyes and was surprised by the intensity she saw there. “She’s all set.”
“Thanks. I’ll return the sandals to you this evening.”
“Don’t worry about it. I won’t miss them.”
“I’ll return them.” He put a hand under Abby’s elbow and led her outside.
Raven closed the door and released the breath she’d been holding. There was something about Shane Montgomery that threw her off balance, made her jittery and tense. She didn’t like the feeling. She didn’t like it at all.
A harsh knock sounded at the door. Raven pulled it open, then stepped back. Silhouetted in the doorway Shane seemed even larger than he had before.
“I forgot to thank you. I do appreciate what you’ve done. Aunt Abby is…” His voice trailed off.
“She’s your aunt. A wonderful, strong, funny woman.”
“Yes. She is. It’s just harder to see that sometimes. Sorry about your cheek.”
His finger skimmed across her stinging flesh. Gentle, tender. Just as his touch had been with Abby.
But Raven was caregiver, not invalid, and she shifted away, uncomfortable with the gesture. “It’s nothing.”
“It’s something and I’m sorry it happened. Now, I’d better get her home.”
This time Raven waited at the door until the car disappeared from sight, wondering about the man who drove it. Shane seemed both gruff and caring. Devoted to his aunt, yet already burdened by her care. Would he be the kind to turn his back when the already rocky road got rockier? Would he stick it out until Abby didn’t know him anymore? Until she didn’t know herself? Or would he be one of the few that stayed until the last breath?
Raven wouldn’t even try to guess. Shane and Abby were family, and family was something she had little experience with, something she’d come to Lakeview, Virginia, to learn about. If she dared.
Her hands trembling just a little, she walked to the phone and picked up the phone book that sat beside it. She didn’t need to read the circled number. She’d memorized it earlier, had fought with herself about whether to call. Was still fighting with herself.
Had he changed much? As a scared eight-year-old, she’d seen Ben as a father, not a brother. It wasn’t until years later that she’d realized how young he’d been. Perhaps to him, being taken from their home had been a blessing. Perhaps he wanted nothing more than to put that part of his life behind him. If so, did Raven want to know? She’d been disappointed so many times in her life. Each time had hurt just a little more. Now she wondered if it would be better to forget the idea of reconciliation with her brother. Leave things as they had been so many years ago when she was too young to know that knights in shining armor were as tarnished as the rest of the world.
But it was too late to back out. She was here. All she had to do was work up the courage to reach for what she so desperately wanted—family.
Muscles tense with anxiety, she picked up the phone and dialed the number. Then closed her eyes as the phone rang. Once. Twice.
“Grace Christian Church, Penny speaking. May I help you?”
Raven swallowed hard and forced words past the fear in her throat. “Yes, I was wondering if Pastor Ben Avery is in today.”
“He is. Would you like to speak with him?”
“No. Well, yes, but I’d prefer to speak to him in person.”
“I’m sorry. His schedule is full. Would you like me to take a message?”
“Will you deliver it to him now? It’s very important.”
“Yes. Of course.”
“Tell him Raven called. Tell him I’m on my way to the church.”
“I—”
“Thank you.” Raven hung up, grabbed a sweater from the closet, slid her feet into clogs and walked out the door.
She didn’t think, didn’t plan. What good would it do? Life had a way of happening in exactly the way it was meant to. No matter how hard one fought against it.
The church parking lot was nearly empty, the man standing in the center even more noticeable because of it. Faded blue jeans, a dark sweatshirt, sandy hair just a bit long, he watched Raven’s car as she parked near the church. Watched as she got out. Even from a distance she could see his eyes—startling blue in a tan, handsome face.
And she knew. Knew before he took the first step, before he sprinted across the area that separated them. Ben. Older, broader. A man now, not a boy, but still it was Ben running toward her, pulling her into his arms. The embrace so familiar, yet completely different.
“Raven.” No shout of joy. Just a whisper against her hair.
She pressed her cheek against the thud of Ben’s heart, wrapping her arms around his waist, pretending for just a moment that twenty years didn’t separate them.
They stood that way for several minutes. Then Ben pulled back, loosening his hold but not letting go. “Do you know how long I’ve been praying for this?”
His gaze skimmed her face, her hair, the flowing dress she wore. “You’re all grown up. And beautiful.”
“Not beautiful.”
“Yes, beautiful. Come inside. We’ve got a lot of catching up to do.”
And as easily as that, he accepted her.
Raven allowed herself to be led through the church hall and into an office. A slim blond woman looked up as they walked in, her green eyes narrowing as she caught sight of Ben’s arm draped across Raven’s shoulder.
“Penny, this is my sister, Raven.”
“Sister?” Penny’s face relaxed and she stood, her hand extended in greeting. “I had no idea you had a sister, Ben. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“A pleasure to meet you, too.”
“Are you in town for a visit?”
“I—”
“No third-degree today, Penny. I’m going to grab my things and head home. Can you call Jim Ross? See if he minds filling in on visitation today.”
“Of course.”
Ben nodded, then ushered Raven into a small room. “This is my office, such as it is.”
She imagined him sitting behind the old wood desk, his brow furrowed in concentration as he worked at the computer. Imagined him standing in front of a congregation, preaching, teaching, ministering. It fit.
Her brother the pastor.
“You’re smiling. What are you thinking?” He spoke as he grabbed a briefcase and led her back out of the office.
“That this fits you. The church. The office.” They stepped into the hall, and Raven leaned close. “Even the jealous receptionist.”
“Jealous? Penny?” He laughed. “She’s got bigger fish to fry. Last I heard she was dating a doctor. You still like pink lemonade?”
“It’s my favorite.”
“You’re in luck, then. I always keep a pitcher of it in the fridge. My house is right through those trees.”
Decorated in neutral tones, the small, one-level house didn’t seem to reflect anything about the owner. No photos. No knickknacks. Just clean white walls, a few tasteful prints and comfortable furniture.
“Have a seat. I’ll be right back.”
Raven did as she was asked, easing down onto the sofa and trying hard to look relaxed. Ben was both brother and stranger to her. That made things awkward.
“You’re sad.” He handed her a tall glass of lemonade and sat beside her.
“A little. You’re not the big brother who gave me piggyback rides to the grocery store and bandaged my scraped knees.”
“I know. And you’re not the little girl with braids and ribbons. But we’re still siblings. Still family.”
“That’s why I came.”
“Then there’s nothing to be sad about.”
“We’re strangers, Ben. Not family.”
“Families are built. One day at a time. One experience at a time.”
“You seem so…accepting about this.”
“I guess I’m too happy for anything else. When I got your letters I thought—”
“Letters?” Raven felt the breath catch in her lungs.
“Six or seven years ago. You said you’d contact me if and when you were ready.”
“I didn’t write you.”
“I kept the letters. Come on, I’ll show you.” He led Raven down a short hall and into a room that was almost a replica of his office at the church. “Take a look.”
There were four letters, each dated more than six years ago. Each typewritten with Raven’s name scrawled across the bottom.
“I didn’t write these.”
“Sit down. You’re pale as a ghost.” Ben pressed her down into a chair and crouched in front of her, his vivid eyes filled with concern. “Tell me. If you didn’t write the letters, then who?”
“My husband.”
“I’d wondered.”
“Did you?” Raven ran a hand through her hair, felt the tangles and wished she’d tied it back prim and proper, the way she’d worn it for so many years. “I didn’t. I just assumed what Jonas told me was true. That you’d forgotten all about me. Gone on with your life.”
“You married young.”
“Not so young. I was twenty.”
“And your husband was what? Forty?”
“You seem to know an awful lot about my life.”
“Want me to tell you more? Mom regained custody of you the year after we were taken away. You lived in Chicago. Then Baltimore. You graduated high school there, at the top of your class, a year ahead of your peers. Four years later you received a degree in nursing from the University of Maryland. Married the same year. A doctor.”
“Like I said, you know a lot about my life.”
“I cared, Raven. There’s never been a time that you weren’t in my heart and mind. It just took me a long time to find you. Mom—”
“Was Mom.” Raven didn’t want to dredge up the past. Didn’t want to open the old wounds.
“She didn’t have credit cards. Didn’t use her real name most of the time. It was hard to track you down. Once I found you I tried to call. You didn’t want to talk to me. At least that’s what your husband told me. So I wrote a year’s worth of letters. And at the end of that year, I got those—” Ben gestured to the folder Raven held.
She wanted to offer an explanation, to tell him the truth about her life with Jonas, but she wouldn’t. Her past was something she didn’t share. “I’m sorry Jonas lied to you.”
“Don’t apologize for your husband. Let him do that.”
“He died three years ago.”
“Now it’s my turn to say I’m sorry. I lost my wife over five years ago. I know how much it hurts.”
“Were you married long?”
“Two years. Not nearly long enough.” There was sadness in his eyes, but he smiled anyway. “At least I have some wonderful memories. How about you?”
“I have memories.”
He eyed her for a moment, his gaze intense. Then, as if sensing her reluctance to discuss her marriage, he stood and held out a hand to pull her to her feet. “You left your lemonade in the other room. Let’s go get it.”
The phone rang as they walked back into the living room, the answering machine greeting cutting in after the second ring. Then Raven heard, “Hey, Ben. It’s Ray. Mom and Dad said you were flying in tomorrow. Said I should pick you up. What time’s good?”
Mom? Dad? She ran the words through her mind as Ben reached for the phone.
“Hi, Ray. Listen, my sister’s here—Yeah. I can’t believe it, either. Can you tell Mom and Dad I can’t make it this year? I don’t know. Maybe. Listen. I’ll call you tonight and tell you more. Bye.”
He hung up the phone and smiled at Raven. “Sorry about that. My foster family has a reunion every year. Ray’s in charge of coordinating it this time.”
“It starts tomorrow?”
“Yes. Two weeks at Camp Remington. Fifty adults. Dozens of kids. Lots of food.”
“You’re not going to cancel because of me?”
“I’m going to cancel because I want to.”
“Ben, no.”
“I see my foster parents every few months, the rest of the family a couple of times a year. They won’t miss me.”
“Please don’t cancel. I just arrived, I’m still settling in. I’ve got unpacking to do. A job to find.”
“I can help you with all that.”
“I need to do this on my own. Go to your reunion. Enjoy yourself. When you come back, we’ll talk more.”
He was going to refuse, Raven could see it. A memory flashed through her mind. Ben, much younger, but just as determined, begging the grocer to give Raven a sandwich from the deli. He’d been tenacious. Unwilling to take no for an answer.
The boy lingered in the eyes of the man.
But time must have tempered Ben’s will. He nodded. “I can see you need some time. I’ll give it to you. But just the two weeks. Then we talk. And I want your phone number, so I can call. Otherwise I’ll think this was all a dream.”
Raven smiled at his words, some of her tension easing. “You’re still bossy.”
“And you’re still my little sister. Which gives me the right to boss you. Come on. Let’s go into town. There’s a great diner there. We’ll get some lunch and I’ll show you around.”
He flung his arm around Raven’s shoulder, the gesture so right, so natural, that for a moment she could almost believe they’d never been apart.
Chapter Three
By the time Raven returned to the cottage, daylight had given way to evening shadows. She stood on the front porch, her gaze drawn to the horizon, watching as the last rays of light disappeared. Her time with Ben had been easy and comfortable, their reunion much like she’d always hoped it would be. Still she wondered—at the family he was so much a part of, at the wife he’d loved and still missed.
His path through life had been much different from Raven’s. Not easier, but perhaps more filled with love. She didn’t envy Ben, she only wished she’d made better choices in her own life, and that she were as content and at peace as her brother.
Somewhere in the distance a dog barked, the sound breaking into Raven’s thoughts and jarring her mind away from regrets and disappointments. A good thing. Life was too short to waste time worrying about things that couldn’t be changed.
It was only later, as she lay wrapped in spring-scented sheets, that the questions she’d shoved to the back of her mind surfaced again. Was Ben really happy to have her in Lakeview? Or was she a bump in the smooth road of his life? His reaction had been open and loving, but still Raven couldn’t shake the feeling that she’d intruded on his well-ordered and contented existence. Perhaps leaving Lakeview before Ben returned from his family reunion was the best thing she could do for both of them.
She took a deep, calming breath. She’d spent so much time praying about this, so much time wondering if finding her brother was the right thing to do, she wouldn’t second-guess her decision, wouldn’t torture herself with the possibilities. Only God knew what the next few months would bring. All Raven could do was wait and see.
With a frustrated sigh, she pushed the sheets off and went into the living room. Her Bible lay on the coffee table and she picked it up, opening to the Psalms and losing herself in words of comfort, in promises of hope, until finally, her eyes closed and she drifted to sleep.
She was there again. In the room at the top of the stairs. Already decorating. Jonas said she was silly and frivolous. That twenty-three weeks was too soon to plan for the new life that grew inside her. She didn’t care. She was so happy. Finally, a baby! She’d begged, pleaded for so long to have this chance.
Something creaked outside the door. A loose floorboard that Raven knew meant he was awake. Her heart beat heavily. Would he be angry that she’d left the bed and come here to finger tiny baby booties? The door crashed open and a baby’s cry filled the air.
Raven started awake, biting off a scream before it took wing. Sweat beaded her brow and layered her skin, seeping into the cotton of her nightgown and making it cling uncomfortably. She needed to get up, to move. To run from the memories that haunted her dreams. The high-pitched wail of an infant followed her as she fled across the room and opened the bathroom door. She’d take a shower. Cool her skin, ease her tension and block out the sobs that echoed through the night.
She paused with her hand on the faucet. Sobs. Not wails. Loud, bitter, hopeless. Definitely not a baby, but someone…Not a dream, but reality.
Heart in her throat, Raven stepped out of the bathroom and strained to hear the sound again. There it was, faint but still audible. She hurried to the front door, hesitating with her hand on the knob. Was this a trick? Some bizarre scheme to get her to come outside? She grabbed the long-handled umbrella from the coat closet, swung it over her shoulder and pushed the door open.
The sobs were coming from the side of the house. Raven followed the sound, moving cautiously in the darkness. Bright stars speckled the moonless sky, pinpricks of light against the blackness. Someone crouched at the far edge of the house, a dark shadow beside the pale siding.
“Hello? Are you okay?”
No response came. Just the same long, bitter sobs.
“Are you hurt? Lost?”
The person straightened and lurched into Raven with enough force to knock her backward and onto the ground. The umbrella flew from her hand and she twisted, scrambling to find it, her heart thudding painfully, a scream catching in her throat.
“Thea. Thea.”
The name was familiar, the trembling voice one Raven recognized. “Abby?”
The soft cries continued.
“Are you all right? Are you hurt?” Raven spoke as she eased from Abby’s grasp, moving gently so as not to hurt her fragile neighbor.
“She’s dead. Dead. The blood. What have I done?”
Raven went cold at the words, her hands sliding along Abby’s arms, her face, then across the silky material of the blouse she wore. No blood. At least none Raven could feel or see in the dark. Relieved, she grabbed Abby’s hand and helped her to her feet. Then put an arm around her waist and led her toward the house. “Let’s go inside. Make sure you’re not hurt.”
“She’s dead. She’s dead.” The mantra continued as they walked into the living room, Abby’s quiet chant a chilling background to the too-fast beat of Raven’s heart.
“Who’s dead, Abby?”
But Abby was gone, her eyes unfocused, reality lost somewhere in the depths of the mind that was failing her. Raven checked her for injuries, found nothing but layers of dirt caked on her hands and streaked across her face. She’d worn shoes this time and they, too, were covered with grime.
“Where have you been, Abby? What have you been doing?” Raven asked the question as she brushed dirt from the woman’s cheek. She expected no answer.
“Making amends.” The words, whispered on a sigh, hung in the air.
Raven met Abby’s gaze. She was there again, in the moment, her dark eyes begging something from Raven.
“What do you need? How can I help you?”
But the moment was already gone, the shift as quick and unstoppable as a wave cresting over the shore. “Where am I? What’s happening?”
“You’re at the cottage.”
“I’m tired.”
“Then why don’t we get you back home. I’m sure Shane is wondering where you are.” At least Raven hoped he was. That Abby had wandered from home twice in less than twenty-four hours didn’t say much for the kind of care she was getting.
That bothered Raven. A lot.
She grabbed the phone and dialed the number she’d written down earlier. The phone rang several times before an answering machine picked up. Frustrated, Raven turned to Abby. “Do you live nearby, Abby?”
“Oh, yes. Just down the road a bit. I used to walk here all the time. Thea’s mother made the best cookies and never minded if Thea had friends over. She was a great mother. Very warm and sweet. It was so sad when she died.”
“Was she young?” Raven walked into the bedroom and pulled on a pair of jeans.
“In her fifties, I think. Thea came home to care for her. It would have been better if she’d stayed away…” Abby’s voice faded to silence, and she didn’t speak again as Raven led her outside and into the car.
The long country road was unlit by streetlights. Raven drove carefully, searching for another driveway and finding it easily. “Is this it?”
“Yes. Born here. Grew up here. Raised a son here. And I’ll die here.”
“Not for a long time, I’m sure.”
“Life passes quickly. More quickly for some than for others.”
Raven glanced in Abby’s direction, but in the dark she could see little of the older woman’s expression.
A porch light glowed a welcome as Raven pulled up in front of a large house. “Ready?”
“I’m tired, dear. You go on inside.”
Raven didn’t bother arguing. If Abby felt as tired as she did, the prospect of walking up the porch steps would be daunting. “I’ll get Shane.”
There was no answer when she rang the doorbell, and she twisted the knob, hoping the door was unlocked. It wasn’t. She waited another minute and then went back to the car.
“Abby, do you know where Shane is?”
“Shane?” Abby turned at the name, her eyes wide and filled with pleasure. “Is he in town?”
“Yes. I thought he might be staying with you.”
“I don’t remember seeing him.”
“Do you have a key to the house?”
“A key? I’m sure I do.”
“Do you know where it is?” Raven’s teeth chattered on the words, the chilly night air seeping through her nightgown. She should have worn a jacket. Would have if she hadn’t been in such a hurry to get Abby home.
“I think I do, but I can’t remember.”
“That’s okay, I’m sure we can find a way into the house.”
“Good. I’m very tired.”
“Let’s go around back and see if there’s an open door.”
“I’ll stay here. You go.”
Not a bad suggestion, but Raven didn’t dare leave Abby alone. “I know you’re tired, Abby, but we have to do this together.”
“Why? Because I need a babysitter?” A sharp edge was there, almost hiding the fear.
“No, because I don’t know the house or the grounds. We can do a much quicker job together.”
“I’m too tired. You go.”
Raven bit back a sigh and rubbed her hand against the back of her neck. She’d faced this kind of situation before. That didn’t make it any easier. She’d ring the doorbell one more time. If that didn’t work she’d have no choice but to bring Abby back to the cottage.
As she took a step toward the house she saw a dark figure stroll around the corner.
“What’s going on? Who’s out here?”
Shane. Finally. “Raven Stevenson. I’m with your aunt.”
“What? Why…? Never mind.” He came toward them, his movements easy and fluid. “Aunt Abby, you’re supposed to be asleep.”
“I went for a walk. This kind young lady brought me home.”
“Let’s get you inside.”
Shane leaned past Raven, his shoulder brushing against her arm as he lifted his aunt from the car. “Let’s go.”
“I don’t need to be carried, young man. I’m not an invalid.”
“You’re a damsel in distress. Let me play gallant knight.”
“You always were silver-tongued.”
Shane laughed, the sound vibrating through the predawn air. “True.” He glanced at Raven as he stepped toward the house. “You coming in?”
She wanted to say no. Wanted to go back to her warm house and her comfortable bed and pretend she didn’t care about Abby Montgomery. She couldn’t do it. There were things that needed saying. Things that couldn’t wait.
“Yes.”
Shane didn’t go in the front door as Raven had expected, but went back around the side of the house, carrying Abby as if she were featherlight. Raven followed him across the backyard toward a large outbuilding, feeling uncomfortable in a way she hadn’t with other patients, in other homes. But then, Abby wasn’t a patient.
“My office is above the garage. I do most of my work there. Looks like that might have to change.” There was pain, regret and a tinge of frustration in his voice.
Raven had heard them all before, had watched others experience the same during the past three years. But she couldn’t allow her empathy to stop her from saying what needed to be said. Abby needed proper care. Without it she’d continue to wander off, and eventually she might not return.
An outside staircase led to the upper level of the garage. Raven followed Shane up and into a large room, her gaze caught and held by myriad prints lining one wall. Colorful, bold, striking. All scenes from some fantasy adventure.
“Scenes from my books.”
“What?” Raven turned to Shane.
He’d settled Abby on a long couch and covered her with a blanket, his hand lingering for just a moment on her cheek. “The prints. They’re scenes from the books I write.”
“You’re an author?”
“I write inspirational fantasy adventures for kids.” He stepped to the back of the room and gestured Raven over. “Abby’s asleep. Let’s go in the kitchen.”
“I’d rather not leave her alone.”
“And I’d rather not have her wake and hear us talking about her. Life is hard enough for her right now.” Shane stepped through the doorway before Raven could argue further.
She hesitated, then followed.
The tiny kitchen sported a sink, a microwave and a small refrigerator. There wasn’t room for much more, and barely space for two people to move comfortably. Raven didn’t move. Just stood in the doorway, eyeing the man whose presence seemed to fill the kitchen. Jonas had been like that—so vital that everything around him paled in comparison.
“She wasn’t alone, you know.”
Raven blinked, tried to focus on Shane’s words. “Alone?”
“Isn’t that what you’ve been waiting to accuse me of? Leaving my aunt alone. Letting her wander around by herself when she needs to be supervised every moment of the day.” His words weren’t angry, just tired.
Raven could understand that. In the last days of Jonas’s illness she’d been tired, too. But not for the same reasons. “I don’t want to accuse you of anything. I just want to make sure you understand what you’re dealing with.”
“Believe me, I know. Abby’s been suffering from dementia for two years, and I’ve been her primary caregiver for the past three months.”
“That’s a lot of responsibility for one person, Shane.”
“I’m not doing it alone. I’ve hired people to come in and help out when I can’t be here.”
“That’s good, but not just any caregiver will do. You need trained professionals.”
Shane leaned against the counter. “Obviously you’re right. She’s wandered twice today.”
“Does she have other family? Other people who could pull shifts?”
“Abby’s son, Mark—but he’d rather have her in an assisted living facility than spend time caring for her. A few months ago he was ready to sell the house and move Abby.”
“And you said no?”
“Abby could never stand the thought of moving. I promised that if the time ever came when she couldn’t care for herself, I’d take care of her. That time is now. What choice do I have but to follow through with what I said?”
Plenty. Promises were as easily broken as they were made. “I understand you want to care for your aunt, but sometimes home isn’t the best place for a person with Abby’s problems.”
“In this case it is.” He straightened, opened the refrigerator and grabbed a soda. “Want one?”
“No, thanks.”
“I’m sorry Abby disturbed your rest.”
“She didn’t. I was already awake.”
Shane studied Raven over the rim of the soda can. She looked tired. Dark smudges marred the skin beneath her eyes and her face seemed a shade too pale. The white cotton shift she wore half tucked into a pair of baggy jeans could only be a nightshirt. Obviously she’d tried to sleep. Had worry kept her awake? Nightmares?
That he was curious worried Shane. He had too much to do, too many responsibilities to take on any more. Not that Raven was asking anything from him. On the contrary, she seemed quite capable of taking care of herself and everyone around her.
Did anyone take care of her?
Raven shifted and edged toward the door, nervous, it seemed, in the face of Shane’s scrutiny. He set the soda can down, purposely turning away for a moment, giving her the space she seemed to want. “About what happened tonight…”
“You don’t have to explain. Even the best caregiver makes mistakes.”
“Yeah, well, I’m afraid this time the caregiver in question isn’t the best.”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself, Shane.”
He couldn’t help it, he laughed, turning to meet Raven’s gaze again. “Not me. Not this time, anyway. I hired a college student to stay nights with Abby. Sherri’s been reliable and responsible so far. And she says she’s a light sleeper and hears Abby when she starts to wander. I’m surprised she didn’t this time.”
Raven tensed at his words, something that looked like fear in her eyes. “Have you seen Sherri? Talked to her tonight?”
“Earlier. I was getting ready to check on them both when I heard you out front. Why?”
“Abby was hysterical when I found her. Sobbing. Covered with dirt. She said something about a woman being dead. Said it was her fault. It probably means nothing—”
“Stay here. I’ll check.”
It was nothing. It had to be. There was no way something had happened to Sherri. No way Abby could be responsible for it. Shane ran anyway, down the stairs, across the yard and into the house. The alarm hadn’t been set. Setting it was one of the responsibilities of the caregiver and the only way to be sure Abby didn’t walk outside at night. Sherri had never forgotten before, so why tonight?
“Sherri?” Shane’s heart pounded in his ears as he waited at the closed bedroom door. He knocked twice and swung the door open.
He wasn’t sure what he expected to see. He only knew he was relieved to find Sherri asleep on the foldout cot.
“You okay?” He nudged her shoulder, his tension easing as she groaned and sat up.
“What? What’s going on?”
“I was hoping you could tell me.” Shane flipped on the light. Saw her flushed cheeks, her bright, glassy eyes. “You feeling okay?”
“I’m all right. Just a scratchy throat.” She looked around. Her eyes widened and she leaped from the cot. “Abby. Where is she?”
“A neighbor found her wandering around outside.”
“That’s not possible. I would have heard the alarm.”
“You must have forgotten to turn it on.”
“No. I did turn it on.”
“Everyone makes mistakes sometimes, Sherri.”
“Yeah? Well, not me. Not when it’s this important. I turned on the alarm right after you left. My head was pounding and I wanted to lie down once Abby fell asleep, so I punched in the numbers before I even walked out of the foyer.”
Shane wouldn’t argue the point. There was no sense in it. “Maybe you did. But when I came in a minute ago the alarm wasn’t set.”
“I don’t understand.” She shook her head, winced and swayed.
Shane put out a hand to steady her, and was surprised at the heat of her skin. “You’re sick. You need to go home. Sit down. I’ll get Abby and give you a ride.”
“I don’t need a ride. Thanks for offering, though.”
“Humor me. Stay put until I get back.”
He ignored her sputtered protest and headed back outside.
Raven was waiting at the office door, anxiety clear in the fine lines around her mouth and eyes. “Is she all right?”
“She’s sick. A fever, headache, sore throat.”
“Sounds like strep throat.”
“Yeah?”
“That or a viral infection.”
“Sounds like you know something about it.”
“I’m a home health-care nurse. Or I was. I’ve taken a leave of absence.”
A nurse? Shane didn’t know why he was surprised. Thus far, Raven’s reaction to Abby had been relaxed, friendly, concerned—all the things Shane would expect from someone used to dealing with patients. But a nurse? It was much easier to imagine her a wandering flower-child.
“I should have guessed that. You’ve been great with Abby.”
“I’ll go in and see how Sherri’s doing.”
“She’s in the bedroom at the top of the stairs,” he said. “The back door to the house is unlocked.”
“I’ll check back with you before I leave, just so you know what’s going on.”
Shane nodded and watched her move across the yard, only turning away after she disappeared inside the house.
Obviously there was more to Raven than flowing dresses and wild curls. But he’d known that when he’d looked into her eyes earlier in the day. What surprised him, what he hadn’t expected, was how interested he was in knowing more.
He shook his head. Now wasn’t the time for curiosity. Not when he had so many other things occupying his mind. He glanced at the computer, still turned on and begging his attention, eyed his sleeping aunt, looked around at the piles of papers and stacks of mail he needed to sort through.
Raven’s suggestion had merit. Professional caregivers could offer round-the-clock assistance for Abby and free up some of Shane’s time. But would they care about her? And would she be comfortable with people she didn’t know? Thus far the caregivers he’d hired were residents of Lakeview, people Abby was familiar with. How would she react to strangers?
“Shane?” Abby’s voice trembled from behind him.
He turned toward his aunt, bracing himself for the vagueness he’d see in her expression. Instead she was alert, her gaze bright, curious and maybe just a little scared.
“Hey, you’re awake.”
“Awake and covered in filth. What happened? Why is all this…?” She gestured to her clothes, the words lost.
“Dirty? You decided to take an early morning stroll.”
“Did I?” She spoke on a sigh, her lined face weary. “Well, good for me. Now I think I’ll go get in my own…chair.”
Shane didn’t correct her words, just offered a hand and helped her back to the house and into her room. Raven was still there with Sherri. Both looked up as he entered the bedroom.
“Aunt Abby’s ready for bed. I’m going to get her settled.”
“Why don’t you let me?” Raven spoke as she moved to put an arm around Abby. “Do you mind, Abby? Sherri isn’t feeling well.”
Her words flowed in soft, comforting waves, and Shane could imagine her using the same voice, the same tone in her profession.
Abby peered at Raven as if trying to place her face. “I know you, don’t I?”
“Yes, I’m Raven.”
“A nurse?”
“And a friend. Come on, let’s get you cleaned up and settled into bed.”
And as quickly as that she took control of the situation.
Sherri mumbled her thanks, refused again Shane’s offer to give her a ride home and shuffled from the room.
Shane shifted so she could pass, but remained in the doorway, watching as Raven helped Abby gather clean nightclothes and led her to the adjoining bathroom. He heard the water start. Heard the soft murmur of voices. Saw the weariness on Raven’s face when she stepped out of the bathroom.
She left the door ajar and leaned against the door jamb, then straightened when she saw Shane. “I thought you’d gone.”
“And leave an obviously exhausted woman to take over my responsibilities? That’s not my style.”
She shrugged. “I didn’t think it was, but I offered to stay with Abby and I’m happy to do it.”
“You’re not up to it.”
“Taking care of people is what I do. Whether I’m up to it or not.”
“Not here. Not now. Go home and sleep.”
“Abby—”
“Will be fine. I’ll stay here until her day companion arrives. Kaylee’s an LPN and she’s very good with Abby.”
Raven shrugged again, the movement emphasizing the thinness of her shoulders beneath the cotton nightshirt she wore. “All right. I’ll head out, then. Tell Abby I said goodbye.”
“I will.” Shane walked her to the door, wondering why he suddenly felt as if he were kicking her out. He’d thought she would be happy to be freed from the responsibility, but instead she seemed reluctant to leave. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.”
Shane wanted to press for more but knew he had no right. They were strangers, after all. “Thanks again for all you’ve done for Abby.”
“It was no problem.” Raven stepped outside and moved toward her car, the shadowy predawn world enveloping her.
Shane caught one more glimpse of her as she opened her car door, the interior light flashing on, her profile illuminated in its glow. She looked worn, lonely and unbearably sad.
He felt a gut-level instinct to go after her, to try to ease the burden that weighed her down. Instead he stood rooted to the spot, unable to turn away. Only when the car disappeared did Shane step back inside the house and close the door.
Chapter Four
The phone rang just after morning light first streaked across the sky. Raven dropped the book she’d been reading and fumbled for the receiver. “Hello?”
“Hey, sis.”
“Ben?”
“Yep. Sorry for calling so early. Did I wake you?”
“No. I was reading.”
“Still love books, huh?”
“Always. I thought you were leaving this morning?”
“That’s why I’m calling. I’ll be driving past the Freedman place in five minutes. Mind if I stop in?”
Mind? She’d love it. Anything to fill the empty hours. “You won’t miss your plane?”
“Nope. I’ve got plenty of time. Hold on—I’m here. Took me less time than I thought.”
As he said the words, Raven heard the rumble of a motor outside. She rushed to open the door, smiling as Ben got out of a dark blue sedan. “A sedan? I figured you more for a motorcycle.”
“I have one of those, too.” He came up the stairs and hugged her hard. “I’ve been up all night. Afraid if I fell asleep I’d wake up and find out you were just a dream.”
“All night?”
“Okay, most of the night. Here—” He passed her a white paper bag. “I brought you something, but you have to share.”
“Must be something good.”
“It is. Got any coffee?”
“I don’t know. I’ll check.” Raven started toward the kitchen, but Ben stopped her with a hand on her arm.
“Sit down. I’ll look.”
“Ben—”
“I’m not the only one who’s been up all night. Those dark circles under your eyes aren’t from a good night’s sleep.”
“I’m fine.”
“And I’m your big brother, which gives me the right to boss you around. We agreed on that yesterday, remember? So sit.”
“Suit yourself. I’ll just eat everything you brought before you get back.”
“Now that would be cruel and unusual punishment. I couldn’t allow it and still feel good about myself.” He snagged the bag from her hand, pulled out a chocolate-frosted doughnut and handed the bag back. “Everything else is yours. Be back in a minute.”
He was back in five. “No coffee, but I did find orange juice. Here.”
“Thanks.”
“Now, tell me what kept you up all night.”
“Do you know Abigail Montgomery?”
“Sure do. She’s been in Lakeview longer than either of us has been alive. She used to be active in the community but has had to step back from her responsibilities these past few years.”
“Do you know why?”
“I do, but I’m not sure if it’s common knowledge and I don’t want to break a confidence.”
Raven stood and paced the floor. “Then you know she suffers from dementia. That it’s gotten worse in the past few months.”
“Yes. Shane and I have talked about her condition several times. He’s concerned. And rightfully so.”
“He definitely should be concerned. Last night Abby wandered from the house. Ended up here, digging around near the side of the cottage, sobbing and crying. I found her and brought her home.”
“Thank God.”
“That wasn’t the first time. I found her on an old dock down by the lake yesterday afternoon. Again, she’d wandered away.”
“I thought Shane hired people to help him care for Abby.”
“He did. I’m not sure how qualified they are though. At this point, Abby needs professionals. People who understand her condition and are trained to deal with the symptoms.”
“Like you.”
Raven sat back down on the couch. “It doesn’t have to be a nurse. Though that wouldn’t hurt.”
“Did you tell Shane this?”
“I told him Abby needs more than what she’s getting right now.”
“He’ll hire more qualified people. Shane’s that way. He loves his aunt. Wants what’s best for her.”
“I sense that.”
“So Abby’s wandering woke you up and you couldn’t get back to sleep?”
“There were other things on my mind, but I’m fine now.”
“Then maybe you’ll consider coming with me today.”
“I can’t, Ben. I have to get settled. Look for a job. Do a million other little things that come with a move.”
It was Ben’s turn to pace the room, his movements abrupt, his long legs covering the floor in three long strides. “You were upset yesterday. You can say I’m wrong a thousand times and it won’t change what I know.”
“No—”
“It isn’t because I’m going to the reunion. I know that. So what is it, Rae?”
Rae. Ben was the only one who’d ever shortened her name. She’d forgotten until now, the memories too bittersweet to dwell on. “I felt awkward yesterday. I should have called, set up a meeting, then you wouldn’t feel torn between me and your family.”
Ben came to a halt in front of her, his blue eyes blazing, the muscle in his jaw tense. “You are my family.”
“Ben, you call them Mom and Dad. How can they be anything less than family to you?”
The anger seeped out of him as quickly as it had arrived. “So that’s what this is all about.”
Raven felt petty and jealous. She didn’t like the feeling, and her own anger rose because of it. “Yes. That’s what it’s all about.”
Ben eyed her for a moment, then took a seat on the sofa. “You remember Vacation Bible School? The year Social Services was called in?”
“Yes.” How could she forget? She’d told a kind VBS worker that Ben took care of her. That her mother was never home. That sometimes there was no food to eat.
“Remember when we prayed? When we committed our lives to Christ? You were young. Only eight.”
But old enough to know what it meant. Old enough to understand that even if her mother didn’t love and care for her, her Heavenly Father did. That had meant a lot to her as an eight-year-old. “I remember.”
Ben nodded, smiled. “I’ve wondered. Anyway, I was angry when we were separated. Angry with Mom, with the system, even with God. I got into trouble. Spent five years being shipped from foster home to foster home. Spent some time in a group facility. Right before I turned seventeen, Mike Spencer came to see me. Said he and his wife had heard about me and they wanted to offer me a home for as long as I wanted to stay.”
“Your foster father?”
“Yeah. I figured anything was better than where I was, so I packed my things and went home with him. I made their lives incredibly hard for a few months, but no matter what I did, no matter how foulmouthed and awful I was, Mike and Andrea never turned away from me.”
“It sounds like they’re good people.”
“Better than good. They’re amazing, loving and tough. I might have pushed the limits, but it felt good to know there were some.”
“I’m glad, Ben. Glad you found a family, people who love you.” And she was, despite her own wish that she’d been there with him. Maybe if she’d had limits and love she wouldn’t have made so many mistakes.
“I am, too. But that doesn’t mean I don’t need you in my life. You’re the best of what I remember from childhood. Remembering you, imagining finding you again—that’s what kept me from getting involved in the kind of crime that would have put me in jail.”
“Good. I’d hate to be visiting you in prison.”
“There’s that. So, why don’t you come with me? Mike and Andrea would be thrilled to meet you. And I’d love to spend more time getting to know you.”
“Not this time. I really do have to get settled in and look for a job. But tell them I’m looking forward to meeting them. And thank them for doing such a good job with you.”
“I will. And now I’d better get going.” He stood and walked to the door, then turned back to Raven as he stepped outside. “If I didn’t think you needed space, if I wasn’t sure I’d smother you with attention and drive you away from Lakeview before you had a chance to settle in, I wouldn’t go. I’d camp out in this house and ask you the million questions that are buzzing through my mind. But you’d run—leave here for someplace where you could think. So I’m giving you the time, Rae. And I’m praying for you.”
He was gone before his words could register, before Raven could realize how right he was, and wonder how it was possible he could know her so well after so many years apart.
She waved as he drove away, refusing to acknowledge the sadness she knew she shouldn’t feel. She’d found her brother, reunited with him after years apart; her heart should be overflowing with joy. Instead she felt hollow.
It was a feeling she was all too familiar with. Luckily she had a cure—running. It was something she’d been doing both literally and figuratively for years. She could see no reason to change the pattern now. Especially not with the sun bright overhead and a cool spring breeze wafting across the yard.
Ten minutes later she began a slow jog up her driveway and onto the road, increasing her pace as she followed the curves and bends of the country lane. Birds chirped and called to one another, the sounds mixing with the pounding of her feet and the soft gasp of her breath. She lost herself in the rhythm of the run, racing across the pavement until there was nothing in her mind but the pulsing of blood. Then, when she couldn’t run another step, she turned and began walking home.
She hadn’t gone far when a police cruiser passed and stopped several yards ahead of her. An officer stepped out. “You all right, ma’am?”
“I’m fine. Just out for a stroll.”
“Not much around here but trees and grass. You must have walked quite a ways.”
He spoke as Raven approached, and she could see the suspicion in his dark blue eyes.
She stopped a few feet from the cruiser, trying hard not to look guilty of something. “I’m renting the Freedman property. It—”
“I know where it is. Like I said, you’ve walked a long way.”
“Not so far. I run marathons. Five or six miles isn’t much.”
He studied her for a moment longer, as if trying to ascertain the truth of what she was saying. Then he nodded, extending a hand. “I’m Jake Reed. County Sheriff.”
“Raven Stevenson.”
His eyes flashed recognition, then surprise. “Ben Avery’s sister?”
“That’s right.”
“He know you’re in town?”
“Yes.”
“Good. You need a lift home?”
The conversational tangents were making Raven’s head spin. Or maybe it was fatigue and too much emotion. “No. I’m fine. It’s a nice day for a walk.”
“It is. But remember, even out here in the country bad things happen.”
“It can’t be any more dangerous than other places I’ve lived.”
“You’re probably right, but it’s always best to err on the side of caution.”
“And walking along a country road isn’t being cautious?”
Sheriff Reed gestured toward an open field to the left of the road. “See that field? Thirty-five years ago a woman went to pick wildflowers on the far hill. She never returned.”
“She was murdered?”
“No one knows. Could be she ran away. Could be she was abducted. Could be she was killed. All anyone knows for sure is that she was here one day—the next she was gone.”
“Isn’t that old news?”
“Stories like that one get told over and over, the plots twisted and changed until the facts are layered with so much embellishment it’s hard to tell where one begins and the other ends.”
“You must have an opinion about what happened or you wouldn’t be warning me to be careful.”
“Actually, I would. I’m the cautious type—just ask my wife.” He smiled, his face softening.
“I am, too, Sheriff. So don’t worry, I’ll be careful.”
“Call me Jake. Everyone else does. And make sure you’re as careful as you say you’ll be. Ben would never forgive me if I let something happen to you.”
“You and Ben are friends?”
“Friends and fishing buddies.”
“I wouldn’t want to ruin that.”
“Me, neither.” He smiled again. “I’d better get back to work. Nice meeting you.”
“You, too.” Raven took a step away, then turned back. “Jake?”
He stopped, half in, half out of the cruiser. “Yeah?”
“Who was the woman? The one that disappeared, I mean.”
“Theadora Trebain. Use to live in the cottage you’re renting.”
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.
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