Chapter Sixteen
The damn film wasn’t in the bitch’s purse. He sorted through the pile of crap he’d dumped out on the ground for the third time, shining a light over the accumulation of odds and ends just to be sure. Definitely not there. Math papers scattered in a gust of wind, blowing toward the parking lot. Not that he gave two shits at this point. Everyone had long since departed the school grounds. After he’d ditched the bag in the woods, he’d waited until it was safe to come back to search through it. The last thing he’d wanted was to be caught with the damn thing by some fluke, and he still hadn’t replaced that burned-out taillight. Better not to risk having incriminating evidence found in his possession if he was stopped.
Rising to his feet, he shoved the few dollars he’d taken out of Leah’s wallet into his pocket to make the cops think it was a simple robbery, then gave the bag a hard kick before heading back toward the parking lot, keeping the flashlight beam low.
What a colossal waste of time watching for a chance to knock the woman out had been. The freaking film was nowhere to be found. Not in her house or her car or her bag. He’d even snuck into the school after hours when he’d found the cafeteria door propped open for a delivery, jimmied the lock on her classroom door, and searched her desk . . . for all the good it had done.
Taking a quick look around, he ran up to the dumpsters where he’d parked out of sight of anyone cruising past the school. No reason to advertise his presence. Breathing hard, he sat in the dark interior of his car and stared out at the night to ponder his next move. When his phone rang, he answered without bothering to check the display, knowing very well who would be calling.
“Yeah.”
“Well, what happened?”
“I grabbed her purse and searched it. The film wasn’t there.”
“Fuckin’ A!”
He let out a slow breath and held his temper. “I’m beginning to think she actually lost the roll for good. Maybe tossed it out with the trash or something by accident.”
A short silence followed. “That would certainly be a lucky break for us. Still, we can’t assume we’re safe.”
“Then we’ll keep our ears open. Surely if the damn thing shows up, Leah will mention it to someone, and word will get back to one of us.”
“I guess that’s the best we can do at this point.”
He slumped against the seat in relief and changed the subject. “How’s the search for a sacrifice going? We don’t have much time left.”
“Nothing definitive yet. I picked up a prospect hitchhiking, but then she called her boyfriend before I could get the phone away from her. Too risky after that.”
Apparently I’m not the only one who screws up. Not that he’d ever say so. Even if he hated the fact he hadn’t been voted the Chosen One, he wouldn’t show flagrant disrespect to the man who held that honor.
“Too bad, but now that I don’t have to focus exclusively on looking for the film, I’ll venture further afield. Maybe take a trip over to the university.”
“Sounds like a solid plan. Keep me in the loop.”
“Right.” He disconnected and dropped his cell on the seat, then started the engine. To hell with Leah and the damned roll of film. He’d find a sacrifice instead. Someone worthy. A surge of raw power shot through him in anticipation. Only two weeks until Samhain.
He could hardly wait.
* * *
Leah leaned against the counter in his mother’s kitchen and sniffed air scented with the aroma of garlic and herbs. “Wow, dinner smells terrific. What can I do to help?”
Ryan pulled the lasagna dish out of the oven to set on the cooling rack. “Sit. Right now, all you need to do is take it easy.” Brushing past her, he pulled out a chair at the table and guided her toward it.
“Absolutely.” His mom peeled back the foil covering the baking dish. “I can’t believe you were attacked here in Siren Cove. At the elementary school, of all places. What is this world coming to?”
“Apparently, no good.” Ryan studied Leah’s tight lips and wondered if the pain meds she’d taken were strong enough. “At least Dr. Carlton said you only have a mild concussion.”
“Isn’t that just peachy.” Her tone was laced with irony. “No brain damage.”
He couldn’t help smiling. “Good thing you have a hard head.”
She glanced over at his mother. “You raised a funny boy, Mrs. A. I bet you’re proud.”
“Oh, I am.” She paused with her good hand on the refrigerator door. “But I like knowing you can put him in his place.”
“Everyone needs a hobby.” Leah planted an elbow on the table and leaned her cheek against her open palm. “Thanks for the dinner invitation. I’ll admit I’m not up to cooking right now.”
“You just sit back and relax.” His mother set a salad bowl on the table then returned with plates and flatware, maneuvering competently despite her cast. “Ryan, the bread in the broiler should be done. You can slice the loaf.”
He followed orders before loading the waiting basket with the slices. “Are we ready to eat?”
“I’ll just pour a round of iced tea. I’d offer wine, but Leah probably shouldn’t mix pain meds with alcohol.”
She straightened in her chair. “Please, you two go ahead.”
“No, we’ll all have tea.” His mom let out a yell. “Don’t even think about it, Charlie!”
Ryan spun, then made a lunging grab as his cat sprang from the tile floor toward the lasagna resting on the counter. He caught him mid-leap and locked gazes with irritated gold eyes. “Bad cat.”
“Bad cat?” Leah snorted as he set Charlie on the floor and pushed him toward the doorway with his foot. “That’s how you discipline your fur ball? And I thought I was lax with Barney.”
Using a pair of potholders, he set the steaming casserole dish on the table. “I guess we’re both suckers when it comes to our pets.”
“Better to be a sucker for an animal than to spoil kids.” His mom joined them at the table.
“Oh, I have a firm hand when it comes to my class.” Leah took a sip of her tea then squeezed a slice of lemon into it. “I don’t let them get away with much.”
“I meant if you two have . . .” His mother’s voice trailed off as she met his grim stare. “Never mind. Here, have some lasagna.” She served Leah a large scoop.
After that, the conversation became general, mainly a discussion of the psychological thriller his mother was reading for her book club. One that Leah had also apparently enjoyed. Ryan was happy to eat in silence. The last thing he wanted was his mom assuming his relationship with Leah was permanent. . . and flapping her mouth about it. At this point, they didn’t need that sort of pressure.
“Ryan?”
“Huh?” He dismissed his brooding thoughts when Leah jogged his elbow.
“I asked if you could drive me back to the school to get my car.”
“Oh, sure.” He pushed away his empty plate.
“Right after I help with the dishes.” She rose to her feet, steadying herself with a hand on the chair back.
“I’ll take care of those.” His mom sprang up from the table. “I’m great at loading the dishwasher one-handed. If Ryan will put the leftover lasagna in the refrigerator first? That dish is heavy.”
“Got it.” He kept an eye on Leah as he stood. “You look exhausted.”
“The pain pills are pretty strong, and they’re making me a little sleepy.”
“Then go home.” His mom shooed her toward the door. “What you need is a good night’s sleep.”
“I won’t argue with that. Thank you for dinner, Mrs. A.”
“You’re welcome here anytime.”
Ryan covered the lasagna with foil and placed the dish in the refrigerator. He squeezed his mother’s shoulder as he passed. “Don’t wait up. After that knock to the head, I think I’ll stick around in case Leah needs anything tonight.”
“Excellent idea. Good night, dear.”
“Night, Mom.” He met Leah at the front door where she’d slipped on her pink jacket and boots. Tucking her hand into his, he stepped out into the chilly evening air. “We don’t have to go get your car right now. I can drive you to work in the morning.”
“Thanks, but with all the crap that’s happened to me lately, I’d rather not leave it at the school overnight.”
He nodded. “Okay, but are you sure you can drive?”
“Yeah. It’s only for a couple of miles.”
“Fine.” He opened the passenger door of the Jeep for her, then got in on his side and started the engine. “Uh, sorry my mom was so blatant about her expectations for us.”
“Your face was priceless when she mentioned kids.” Leah patted his thigh and left her hand resting on the worn denim. “Don’t worry about it. I know how moms can be. When I discussed the option of Gram moving in with me, my mother told me I might as well sign a death warrant for any chance of hooking a new husband.” She sighed. “In Mom’s defense, my grandma’s brazenness can be a tad off-putting until you get to know her, and her presence probably will put a crimp in my sex life.”
He backed out of the driveway. “Serious? Your mom said that?”
“Yeah, ever since my divorce, she’s made it clear she believes I’m doomed to live life as an old maid. More importantly, I won’t produce the required grandchildren.”
“What, is thirty too old to attract a man?”
“I think it’s more about being a bad risk. If I couldn’t hold on to Brock . . .”
“Give me a break. You dumped him.”
“Yeah, but apparently I should have tried harder to make it work.” Her grip on his thigh tightened. “Make the best of a bad situation.”
“That’s total BS, and you know it.”
“I didn’t say I agreed with her.” She turned to face him when he pulled into the school parking lot and stopped beside her car. “Are you coming back to the house with me?”
“I’d like to. Rest is your top priority, but I need to know you’re safe tonight.”
“Thank you.” Stretching across the center console, she pressed a kiss to his cheek. “I appreciate that.”
“I’ll follow you home.”
With a nod, she climbed out and bent to scoop something off the ground. “You ran over a few papers.” She held a white sheet with a tire track across it in the glare from his headlights. “Hey, this is one of the homework assignments I stuffed in my bag earlier. There’s another one just out of reach under the Jeep.”
He turned off the engine but left the headlights on and opened his door. “Those weren’t in the lot earlier.”
“Definitely not.” She took a few steps then bent to pick up another sheet. “What the heck. There’s a whole trail of papers.”
“A few more are caught in the bushes over by the woods. I wonder . . .” He headed in that direction, grabbing papers as he went.
Leah hurried behind him. “What are you thinking?”
“If the homework was in your bag, maybe whoever took your purse ditched it nearby.”
“Oh, geez, I hope so. I’m not looking forward to going to the DMV for a new license, or canceling all my credit cards. If I can remember which ones I have.”
He plucked two damp papers out from under a giant fern. “You should keep a list of those numbers in a file.”
“There are plenty of things I should do.” Her tone was dark as she used the flashlight app on her phone to illuminate the woods. “A few more pages are caught . . . hey, my bag!” She sprinted through the trees. “Damn. The asshole who hit me scattered stuff everywhere.”
Ryan hurried after her. “What the hell? Why spread everything out on the ground like that? Can you tell what’s missing?”
Leah opened her wallet. “About twelve bucks in cash. My credit cards are still here, though, and my driver’s license. That’s a relief.”
Ryan retrieved the canvas bag crumpled beneath a tree and stuffed the math homework into it. Dropping to his knees, he gathered together a ruler, a Phillips screwdriver, a box of matches, and a flat container he suspected held birth control pills. Thank God they’d found those, not that Leah would be in the mood . . .
She dumped Post-it notes, glue, sunglasses, a bottle of lotion, and a tube of toothpaste into the bag along with her wallet and a checkbook. “I think that’s all I had in there.”
“So some moron knocked you over the head to steal twelve dollars? Seems unlikely.”
“Maybe he or she—whoever—thought I carried around more cash. If that’s the case, the person obviously doesn’t know me very well.”
“We may have lost a few of the math papers.” He flashed his light over the needle-coated floor of the forest. “But, I’d say we retrieved everything else. We’d better call the police to report you found your bag.”
“I’ll do it when I get home.” She rose to her feet. “My head is starting to hurt again. Shall we go?”
He stood to slide an arm around her. “Sure. It’s been about four hours since the doctor gave you those pills. You’re probably due for more.”
“Plus, I’m exhausted. I can’t wait to go to bed.”
He smiled. “Lucky for you, I won’t take that the wrong way.”
“Good thing, because tonight you’d be doomed to disappointment.”
He waited while she unlocked her car with the keys Edgar Vargas had found on the floor in the school, and then followed her home. Thankfully, the house was exactly as they’d left it that morning, with no unpleasant surprises. Barney’s greeting, however, made it clear he’d been abandoned for far too long.
“I’m sorry, baby.” Leah headed straight toward the dog food container in the pantry. “I’ll feed you right now.”
“He probably isn’t wasting away from malnutrition.”
She scooped kibble into his bowl. “He thinks he is. I meant to come home earlier, but after hanging around at the doctor’s office, then meeting Chris Long to give him a formal statement . . .”
“Your dog survived.”
“I suppose.” She clenched her fists at her sides. “I just want life to get back to normal.”
“It will.” He went to the sink to pour a glass of water. “Take another pain pill and go to bed.”
She pulled the bottle out of her jacket pocket. “Excellent idea. Right after I shower. I still have blood in my hair, even though the nurse sponged most of it out.”
“Fine. While you’re doing that, I’ll call to report we found your bag with the contents intact. Minus twelve dollars.”
“My wallet must have been a serious disappointment to the thief.” She swallowed the pill, set the glass on the counter, then wound her arms around his neck. “One problem solved, at least. Now if only I could make my grandma’s issues go away.” Standing on her toes, she kissed him. “Thanks for helping me out. I’ll see you upstairs in a few minutes.”
He stared after her as she walked away. He knew Leah better than to think she’d been hinting that he could solve her—or rather, her grandmother’s—financial problems easily enough. Guilt ate at him, along with the knowledge he had more money than he knew what to do with. Sure, he gave a lot of his wealth to charity and made certain his mother didn’t lack for anything she wanted, but if he started handing out cash to everyone he knew . . .
Not just anyone. Leah.
He ignored the voice. Money and friendship didn’t mix. Greed had destroyed his relationship with his former roommate and business partner. Uneasiness slithered down his spine. Leah wasn’t like Jay. He shook his head. No way. She didn’t have a mercenary bone in her body.
Thrusting the disturbing thoughts aside, he pulled out his phone to call the number on Chris Long’s business card. After reporting Leah had recovered her purse, he let Barney outside and strolled into the yard behind the dog. A crescent moon rode high in the sky, shedding a glimmering light over the waves rolling into shore. He’d stood in the same spot with Leah countless times in the past. Nothing about the view had changed, but anxiety destroyed his calm. Something . . . or someone. . . with a sinister edge had tainted the tranquility of his hometown.
A chill shook him. Whistling for Barney, he herded the dog around the house to the back door, where a pool of light welcomed them inside. After locking up, Ryan left his shoes in the kitchen before heading upstairs. He brushed his teeth in the bathroom, steamy warm from her shower, using the spare toothbrush Leah had given him, and took out his contacts. He padded into her room in the dark. After stripping off his clothes, he draped them over a chair and slid beneath the covers.
Leah rolled over and curled against his side.
“You aren’t asleep yet?”
She shook her head, soft hair brushing across his bare chest. “No, I was waiting for you.” Her voice slurred. “Now, I feel . . . safe.” Slow breathing followed.
Ryan held her close and pressed a kiss to the top of her head, but it was a long time before he was able to relax into sleep.