Secrets Resurfaced Page 5

  Meatball began to whine from his box.

  “It’s okay. I’m right here.” Her eyes grew heavy. Blaze popped into her mind. She knew it had been him in that canyon. For five long years, the world had thought him dead. What was he doing in Driftwood now? And why had he tried to kill her? The panic she’d felt at being trapped and nearly smothered ballooned in her chest until a soft bundle launched itself next to her. Meatball immediately burrowed under the sheet, squirming up to Dory’s side.

  I belong up here next to you, she was sure he was saying. See? Now everything’s as it should be.

  Everything was absolutely not as it should be, but she thanked God for her blessings, including the odd creature snuggled up next to her.

  An hour later, the buzzing of her phone awakened her. It was a text from Danny sent to both her and Chad.

  Apologies. Held up at the collapse. Okay to get your statements tomorrow morning at ranch?

  Chad’s answer was immediate. He had obviously not been sleeping.

  Yes. We’ll be here.

  She felt a flash of irritation that he would answer for her. “We’ll be here.” It reaffirmed her decision not to tell him about Ivy.

  There’s no “we” anymore, Chad. Just like you wanted it.

  The smartest plan of action was clear. Talk to Danny. Help with the investigation as best she could. Get out as quickly as possible.

  Mind settled, she closed her eyes until a sound caught her.

  Glass breaking.

  She sat up so abruptly her head spun. Meatball popped his head from underneath the sheet and squirmed out as she bolted from the bed. Blaze was back to kill her. Terror coursed through her nerves.

  Easy, Dory. The sound had been distant, not near the saddlery.

  Heart thumping, she padded to the window, almost tripping on the dog.

  It was just before 6:00 a.m., still dark as she peered out onto the long drive. Her car. She pressed closer. Yes, there was a shadow, splayed by the moonlight, near the front fender.

  A human shadow.

  Blaze?

  As much as she dreaded the thought, there was only one course of action.

  Fingers cold, she sent Chad a text.

  * * *

  Someone is breaking into my car.

  As he read the text, Chad immediately yelled across the field to Mitch, pulled Zephyr into a tight circle and urged him into a gallop. They flew across the wet grass, stopping only to unlock a gate. Four minutes of hard riding and he was at the saddlery, sliding off the horse and grabbing his rifle.

  His boots crunched over broken glass as he approached Dory’s car. The front driver’s-side window was busted, the hammer still lying on the front seat where it had been tossed. He checked the interior and started in on the clustered oaks by the time Mitch brought his mare, Rosie, to a halt.

  “Gone,” Chad reported. “Probably on foot.”

  Mitch readied his rifle. “I’ll check the woods. Liam’s taking the ATV to sweep along the road. Stay inside with her until we call it clear.”

  Chad tied Zephyr to a post outside the saddlery to keep him from stepping on any broken glass. Dory opened the door as he jogged up. Her eyes were wide with fear. The look cut at him. He desperately wanted to say something to make that expression go away.

  “No one there,” he told her.

  She stepped aside for him to enter. Meatball galumphed around, greeting Chad and hustling back to Dory.

  “Did you see who it was?”

  She shook her head. “No, but I have a good idea. Blaze.”

  “Why would Blaze do it? Why not run? He’s got to know he’ll be in trouble after what happened at the canyon.”

  “For whatever reason, he has business in Driftwood.” He saw the muscles of her throat constrict. “And he’s got business with me.”

  Chad strode to the window, more to hide his emotions rather than check for any sign of Mitch’s return. “Well, I’ve got business with him, too. He owes me and my father an explanation.” His phone buzzed with a call from Danny, so he filled him in.

  Officers arrived within fifteen minutes to process the evidence at the car, and another quarter of an hour passed while they waited for word.

  Mitch eventually let himself in. “Hello, Dory. I found nothing. Liam couldn’t track him, either. We’re all clear.”

  Chad shoved a hand through his hair and looked at Dory. “What did he want in your car? Did you leave anything inside?”

  She shook her head. “Only a jacket and some Cracker Jacks.”

  He almost smiled at that one. Since he’d first known her, Dory was passionately devoted to Cracker Jacks. Her collection of tiny prizes was a thing to behold. No one had been as grieved as Dory when the company discontinued the plastic trinkets. He’d not thought of that for a long time.

  “Appears he was after information,” Mitch said.

  Chad saw Dory go pale.

  “Car registration?” Chad guessed.

  Mitch nodded. “It’s gone. Did you have your vehicle registered to a business address or home?”

  It took her a beat to get it out. “My business address in Rock Ridge.” She blew out a breath. “At least he doesn’t know where I live.”

  “All right.” Mitch checked his phone. “Liam’s at the house now and Danny just arrived. Family’s gathered. Let’s go over and brief everybody.” Mitch made his way outside and strode off.

  “I’ll walk you over to the main house before I tend to Zephyr.”

  “You don’t need to do that. I’m perfectly capable of...”

  “Blaze could be on the property still.”

  “He’s most likely gone, just like your brother said.”

  “I’m not willing to risk your safety on a ‘most likely’ even if you are a tough private eye.” His tone was uncalled for, and he knew it.

  Her eyes narrowed. “Chad...”

  “All right. Compromise. I’ll ride Zephyr halfway and keep eyes on you until you get to the main house before I go brush him down. Fair?”

  “Fair. What about Meatball?”

  “He can follow along. Jingles will be at the house if Liam’s there. Aunt Ginny usually has a slice of bacon for each of them.”

  Dory walked to the side table and picked up her locket. It slipped through her fingers and fell, skittering toward his boots. The heart opened and he caught a quick glimpse of a smiling toddler. She snatched it up before he could get a proper look at the photo.

  “Who’s that?”

  She didn’t meet his gaze. Looking over his shoulder, Dory bobbed her chin. “We shouldn’t keep everyone waiting.” She hurried out, Meatball dogging her steps.

  He untied Zephyr and climbed in the saddle.

  Had he been nosy asking about the picture in the locket? Probably. But something in the way she grabbed at it stuck with him.

  Five years, he reminded himself.

  It had been five years since their relationship exploded. She could have met someone. Been married even. Had a family he knew nothing about. Why did that thought feel like swallowing a shard of glass?

  You told her flat out you’d never forgive her.

  You had good reasons.

  God obviously hadn’t meant for them to be together.

  So whoever was in the locket was her business.

  Not quite settled in his spirit, Chad returned Zephyr to the barn and rubbed him down. Though he chafed to get to the main house to find out if there were any answers to the mountain of questions racing through his mind, Zephyr’s care came first.

  Once the quarter horse was fed and watered, Chad let him loose. Zephyr made his way over to Boss. The two horses exchanged a nickered greeting. Progress, he thought.

  As expected, Meatball and Jingles were polishing off their slices of bacon on the Spanish-tiled entry floor
. They seized the opportunity when he opened the front door to zip past him and bolt outside. He expected to find the family gathered in the great room. Instead he found Mitch and Jane and Liam’s wife, Maggie, counting small, folded baseball jerseys. Charlie was playing on the floor with a collection of trains.

  Mitch didn’t exactly smile, but he seemed lit up from the inside. “Baseball uniforms,” he said. “Jane’s the team mom.”

  His wife laughed and flipped her dark braid over her shoulder. “Well, since I’m a florist, you’re fortunate I didn’t order them with poppies and roses all over.”

  Mitch did smile then. “We’re the Tigers, so these are probably better.”

  Maggie held a jersey up for Chad to see. “Charlie’s number one.”

  “Of course,” Liam said, entering from the kitchen with a muffin in his hand. He nuzzled his wife’s neck until she squealed. “What else would my nephew be?”

  Jane pulled a face. “No bragging now, Coach Liam.”

  “I’m only the backup coach to Mitch and chief messenger boy. Aunt Ginny said to move you all into the kitchen.”

  “No can do,” Maggie said, ducking Liam as he came in for another kiss. “I’m on my way to my shift at the Lodge. Scrambled eggs won’t wait, you know.”

  Liam wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “I’ll walk you to your truck.”

  “So you can steal more kisses?”

  “Nah.” Liam was serious now. “I told you about this Blaze character. Don’t want our ladies wandering around alone till we corner this guy.” He allowed a smile then. “But a few extra kisses won’t hurt, either.”

  Chad followed Mitch and Jane into the kitchen and Liam joined them a moment later.

  Danny, Aunt Ginny, Uncle Gus and Dory were already seated at the round table. In the middle was a haphazard spray of wilted wildflowers he’d seen Charlie present with great ceremony to Aunt Ginny. They all had plates of scrambled eggs and bacon in front of them. Aunt Ginny passed around a pot of coffee and a tray full of muffins.

  Chad stalled for a moment by going to the cupboard to grab himself a mug. He could not stop the thought of Dory with another family. A man who might have given her all the things he’d dreamed about having—What was the matter with him? Being close to her again made his nerves skitter like a spooked colt. Man up, Chad.

  As he headed for a chair, Liam scooted around him and sat next to Danny, leaving the only empty seat smack-dab next to Dory.

  Inwardly, he groaned. Something about Liam’s mischievous smile made him think his brother was enjoying the whole situation a bit too much.

  Danny sipped coffee and sighed. “If only I could get this kind of coffee at the station. Sometimes Jenn and the kiddos come to deliver me a cup to save me from the swill.”

  Aunt Ginny filled Chad’s cup. “How is your sweet little girl, Danny?”

  “Doing great. You’d never guess she had a partial liver transplant two months ago. The hard part now is to keep her from running around too much. I thank the Lord every moment of every day for restoring our baby’s life, and that’s no exaggeration.”

  “Amen to that,” Ginny said.

  He drained his cup and Ginny refilled it. “Okay. Down to business, Dory. I’ve got someone going over your car to check for prints. For now, tell me from the beginning who you’re tracking and why.”

  Dory recounted the story that led her to the man she believed was Mary Robertson’s stepson, Blaze.

  “Any theories about why he would disappear and then come back here?” Danny asked.

  “It’s nearly the anniversary of the boating accident,” Dory said. “Next month will be five years.”

  The anniversary. Why hadn’t he realized that?

  Chad saw something kindle in Danny’s expression.

  “After five years, a missing person can be declared legally dead.” Danny tapped his mug with a forefinger. “So could be he’s rolled into town to claim his inheritance before that happens.”

  “Who gets the money if he doesn’t?” Chad asked.

  “I looked that up this morning. His aunt. Angela Robertson, Mary’s older sister, is the next in line. I’ve got a call in to meet with her.”

  Liam took a hearty bite of muffin. “It’s a big haul, that inheritance.”

  Uncle Gus wrapped an arm around Ginny’s shoulders. “True enough. Mary’s husband, Scott Turner, was the founder and CEO of a high-end motorcycle company. They had that gorgeous property along the cliff side. Doesn’t seem like they were hurting for money, that’s for sure.”

  Ginny frowned at him. “Gossip, Gus?”

  “Just the truth, honey bun.” He kissed her cheek. “Scott had the good sense to go into something besides ranching.” His grin faded as he looked back at Danny. “But what did Blaze gain from playing possum all this time? He was nineteen at the time of the accident. Why hide?”

  Chad’s teeth ground together. “And let my dad take the rap for his death.” A thought sizzled through his mind. “If this is Blaze, he might be able to shed some light on what really happened that day.” He sensed Danny’s hesitation, the awkward silence around the table. His frustration spilled out in a gush of words. “I know you all think it’s cut-and-dried, that Dad was drinking and he capsized the boat, but maybe there’s something more.”

  He felt Dory’s gaze on him. “You must believe there’s something else to the story if you came back here to track him.”

  “I’m not sure, Chad. I just know Blaze faked his death. That was enough for me to want to track him down. Your father shouldn’t have been prosecuted for two deaths.”

  “You didn’t defend Dad then. Why bother getting involved now?” The words, flung like acid, made her flinch.

  Cheeks flushed, she turned to Ginny. “Thank you very much for your hospitality. It was more than kind of you. I’ll be going now.”

  “You’re leaving?” Chad said.

  Still she didn’t look at him. “Danny, you have my contact info. I’m going to pack up and I’ll be out of here as soon as your officers release my car.”

  She got up and carried her plate to the kitchen sink, washing and wiping it dry. At once, everyone seemed to be extremely busy. Liam and Mitch kissed Ginny and left, Gus right behind them. Danny thanked Ginny again for the coffee and exited, also.

  Ginny followed Danny. “I have some coloring books for your girls. I’ll get them for you.”

  And then Chad was left alone with Dory and a deep well of uncertainty. Of one thing he was sure: he had been rude. Such a thing was inexcusable in Aunt Ginny’s kitchen.

  Letting out a breath, he tried again.

  “I apologize for mouthing off. I know...” He cleared his throat. “I mean, I know you loved my dad, too.”

  “Love,” she shot back. “I love your dad. I didn’t stop loving him because you pushed me out of your life.”

  He studied his boots. “Anyway, I’m sorry. I’ll clean the glass out of your front seat.”

  “No, thank you. I’ll do it myself.”

  Her phone beeped and she checked the screen.

  The change was instantaneous. All color drained from her face. Her mouth pinched in fear and she clutched the phone so hard her knuckles went white.

  “I...I have to go.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. I have to go now.”

  He reached for her arm but she pulled away. “Never mind about the glass. It will be fine.”

  “I’ll go with you. It will just take a minute.”

  “No.” She snapped the word out like a cracking whip. “I have to be alone right now.”

  In a moment, she’d practically run, leaving the kitchen door open behind her.

  What had spooked Dory? What message could have unsettled her to such a degree?

  He made his decision in the span of ten seconds.
She’d come here, upended his life, and she figured she’d disappear just as abruptly?

  “Not gonna happen, Dory.”

  SEVEN

  Dory shivered as she hurriedly grabbed her meager belongings from the saddlery. The text was burned into her mind.

  Meet me at the old bridge at sundown. Don’t bring the police.

  The attached photo had flipped her heart into useless quivering.

  Two faces pressed close together. Hers...and Ivy’s. She’d forgotten about the personalized photo iPad cover she’d bought, the one she kept in the glove box. There were also some business cards with her cell phone number. She’d made it so easy for him.

  Some private investigator.

  The text had to be from Blaze. He didn’t know where Ivy was, she told herself, her pulse beating against her throat. But now he knew her work address. She’d done enough online sleuthing to know that, with enough perseverance, most information could eventually be unearthed. Though she would be moving in a matter of months, her office was currently a scant twelve miles from the tiny home she rented for her and Ivy in Rock Ridge. It was fifteen miles distant from her parents’ house, where Ivy was staying over spring break from the school where she was in a prekindergarten class.

  “Calm down,” she told herself. First, she dialed her parents’ number. Her mother picked up.

  “Hi, Mom. How are you and Ivy?” Her heart pounded until she heard the report.

  “Great. We finished baking a chocolate cake with about three pounds of sprinkles on top. I don’t know how we are going to even lift it from the counter to the kitchen table. She’s in the bathroom, washing up. Are you okay? You sound worried.”

  “I’m fine. Thank you for watching her for a few days. Mom, um, I know this is going to sound weird, but can you keep her home until I get back? I mean, no park or playdates?”

  The pause lingered. “Dory, what aren’t you telling me?”

  “It’s the case I’m working on. Someone I’m tracking got my business address. I’m sure it’s nothing, but I’d just feel better knowing Ivy was staying close to you.”

  “All right. Why don’t you come home and work this thing out with your father? He’ll know how to handle it.”