CHAPTER 4
Before exiting the truck, Aiden punched in Wilkins’s number on his cell.
The sheriff answered on the second ring. “Whatcha got for me?”
“What? No hello? Straight to business?” Aiden said.
“Damn right. That’s why I hired ya.”
“I’m in Lily’s driveway right now. I’m taking her out and just wanted to know how hard to push. You know her better than I do, and I don’t want to mess up right out of the gate.”
“That’s it? That’s why you called? Hell, man, feel her out, push as hard as necessary to get the truth out of her. Did she kill her sister, or is she involved in any way in her sister’s death? That’s what we need to know.” His tone held a touch of impatience.
Aiden felt the hot flush of embarrassment in his cheeks. What possessed him to ask such a stupid question? He sighed. There was something about Lily that made him draw back a bit, like he had to be careful with her, like he didn’t want to hurt her. He’d have to push those feelings aside, and quickly, if he was going to do his job.
“OK. I hear ya.” Aiden cleared his throat. “How’s Chrome? If he’s hurt, tell him I’m sorry. I’ll come by later and pay him. Guess he’d like his ‘get out of jail free card’ now.”
“Don’t worry about it—already paid him. Figured you’d be charging the department for his services anyway. He’s on his way back into whatever gutter he crawled out from.”
Aiden laughed. “Thanks, sheriff. Hope he didn’t overcharge you.”
“Guy like that can’t be trusted. I gave him half of what he asked for, and he seemed happy enough.”
“You’re a smart man,” Aiden said, relieved he didn’t have to stop by the station later that evening. More time with Lily. “All right then, I’d better get going. Can’t keep a lady waiting. I’ll check in when I have something for you.”
Aiden took a breath and readied himself for the role he was about to play. If he hadn’t been a private investigator, he could’ve easily been an actor, but he’d decided to take the practical road, the one more frequently traveled, and went into law enforcement. After ten years on the force in Chicago, even the steady pay, benefits, and pension weren’t enough to keep him at a job that was more paperwork than police work. He left, hung a shingle, and started his PI business three years ago. With cutbacks and the poor economy, police departments ended up being his best customers. Outsourcing was his cash cow. He fancied himself a freelance cop, which was perfect. There was intrigue, danger, and excitement without the tedious paperwork and red tape.
Aiden headed for the front door of Lily’s restored turn-of-the-century farmhouse. Nice place. Lots of property, well kept, but not what he’d expected of someone with as much money as Miss Valier. With her millions, she should be living in a mansion with servants and have a winter home in Palm Springs. Why did she stay in small-town America and work in a crappy diner? He knew she owned it, but with the freedom her money afforded, why would she choose to keep working there? Perhaps because it had only been a few months since she’d inherited her sister’s money, and she hadn’t had the time to spend it yet?
He knocked on the large cherry-red door, heard what sounded like a dog on the other side, not barking or growling, but scratching, and then the door swung wide.
Aiden thought back to the photos of Lily in the file Wilkins had given him. Stress and strain were written all over that face. Hooded eyes, dark and swollen, hair hanging limply, and a forehead creased with worry. They must have been taken shortly after her sister’s murder, because this woman, the one standing in front of him right now, was hot!
“Hi, come on in,” Lily said, a smile playing on her lips.
She was breathtaking in her simplicity, and he wanted nothing more than to just admire her. Silky auburn hair fell over her shoulders, tempting him to reach out and run his fingers through it. When she opened the door wider, he realized he hadn’t moved. He laughed and stepped inside.
The dog sniffed tentatively at his boots. “Who’s this fella?” Aiden bent to pet him.
“That’s Rex.” She crinkled her nose. “I know, it’s not a terribly original name, but he just looked like a Rex to me.”
The dog jumped up on Aiden, his tail motoring from side to side. “I love dogs.” He scratched behind Rex’s ears. “Are you a good boy?” The dog happily lapped up the attention and gave Aiden a few slobbery kisses.
“OK, that’s enough, Rex. Go, go on now. Go to bed,” Lily scolded and off he went, nails clicking on the hardwood.
“Aw, you didn’t have to do that. I really do love dogs.”
Aiden looked around. From what he could see, she lived simply. No fancy furnishings, no polished marble floors, just old-fashioned hardwood, worn from years of use. There was barely any furniture in the living room, just a big comfy-looking easy chair by the window and a couple of bookcases jam-packed with novels.
“So, where are we going?” Lily asked. “Ready to go now, or did you want to come in for a bit?”
Aiden glanced at his watch. “It’s a surprise. We’d better get going.”
Lily’s brows lifted with interest, but she said nothing as she grabbed a jacket from the hall closet. He helped her put it on. Her hair smelled like apples and her perfume like a lilac bush in full bloom.
“So you’re really not going to tell me where we’re going?” Lily asked as they made their way to Aiden’s truck.
“Nope, but I’m glad you’ve got that nice warm jacket on.” He opened the door and helped her climb in.
She turned to face him with eyes the size of poker chips and he chuckled. “Don’t worry, it’s not like we’re going skiing or dog sledding. I’ll give you a hint. Think about what time of year it is, OK?” He closed the door and smiled at her through the tinted window before getting in the driver’s side.
“There’s not much to do in Higgstown,” she said, “so if I were to guess, I’d say either a movie or bowling.”
“Remember my hint? Your nice warm jacket? Besides, I’d never take a woman bowling on a first date. What do you take me for?” He gave her his mock hurt face before throwing the truck into reverse and backing out onto the road.
After a couple more guesses, each crazier than the one before, she finally gave up.
“Guess you’ll just have to wait and see then. In the meantime, why don’t you tell me about yourself?”
Her gaze fell to her hands. “There’s not much to tell. I’d bore you.”
She was lying. There was a lot to tell, and he certainly wouldn’t be bored. In fact, he’d be all ears, might even pull over so he could take notes. “Oh, come on. I doubt that. I told you a little about myself yesterday. Now it’s your turn. Brothers and sisters?”
“Huh?”
“Do you have any brothers or sisters?”
“Oh…no. I mean, I used to. I had a sister, but she…she passed away.” Her voice dipped into sadness, catching at the end.
He’d summoned up hurt. At least that’s what he thought it was. Then again, it could be guilt or regret.
“I’m sorry to hear that. I didn’t mean to touch on such a painful subject—”
“It’s OK.” She smiled halfheartedly. “Her name was Sara. She was my older sister. I just miss her is all.”
“Is it OK if I ask how she died? I…I don’t mean to pry; it’s just that she must have been young.”
“Thirty-six.” Lily glanced at him and he saw tears. “She was murdered just a few months ago.”
“Murdered!” Aiden injected surprise into his voice. “Oh my God, Lily, I’m so sorry.” He cupped her hands with his right hand. “It couldn’t have happened in Higgstown, could it? I mean this seems like such a safe place.”
Lily heaved a sigh. “First murder in twenty-three years.”
“Did they catch the killer?”
“Ha! The idiots who masquerade as cops around here are barely able to write speeding tickets. They’re muddling the investigation. Didn’t even secure the scene before dusting for prints. All the evidence they collected was inadmissible. No, they haven’t caught the murderer.”
Sheriff Wilkins hadn’t mentioned that little tidbit when Aiden asked about prints. Only said they hadn’t found any. He took note of the venom in Lily’s voice though, then forced a little optimism into his. “I’m sure they’ll get to the bottom of it.”
“Don’t be.” She was looking out the window now, her face turned away from him.
“Was there any sign of a forced entry?”
“It wasn’t a robbery. Whoever killed my sister was someone she knew.”
“Really? Who do you think…”
A steely look was all it took to get Aiden to switch gears. He knew when he was headed down a dead end and pushing the boundaries just a little too hard.
“Hope you don’t mind eating in a diner. I would’ve taken you somewhere nicer, but we’ve got to be quick if we’re going to make it to the surprise. I bet you’re sick of it, diner food, I mean.”
“Actually, no, not at all. I don’t get to eat a meal in my restaurant all that often. I grab a bite here and there, but I never sit down and actually eat like a customer does, so, believe it or not, that sounds like a real treat.”
Aiden smiled. “Good, ’cause we’re here.”
The Riverside Diner was bigger and a little newer than Lily’s place, but this diner wasn’t nearly as busy. That made her smile. Riverside was the competition despite the fact it was located twenty-five minutes away, in another town.
They were shown to their seats and handed menus by a woman well past middle age whose nametag read “Elvira.” Everything about the woman was gray, from her hair to her uniform to her sensible shoes. When they sat, Elvira filled their coffee mugs without being asked, then deposited a handful of creamers from an apron pocket onto the table between the cups and disappeared, only to return a moment later, order pad in hand, pen poised.
“What’ll it be?” she asked, staring out the window, her voice as flat as the pancakes on the breakfast menu.
Aiden leaned back and gestured for Lily to order first.
“Caesar salad with grilled chicken, please.” She closed the menu and handed it to Elvira.
Aiden ordered a mountain burger and mashed potatoes. Lily couldn’t help but giggle. The thought of a hamburger with mashed potatoes was like ordering a steak with a side of Jell-O.
“What are you laughing about?” he asked, grinning. “Is it the mashed potatoes? At least they’re healthier than fries.” He wagged a finger.
Lily raised a brow. “I don’t know about that. Did you forget I own a diner? The mashed potatoes aren’t exactly fresh. They’re powdered and then reconstituted.”
Aiden made a face and held up a hand. “Hold on right there. You’re ruining my illusion of some sweet old lady toiling away in the kitchen, whipping up a fresh batch of fluffy white spuds.”
Absently, she grabbed his hand and smiled. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to kill your dreams. You just go right ahead and think what you like.” A rush of excitement ran through her when she realized they were touching. Lily had taken his hand so naturally it was as if she’d done it a thousand times before. She peeked down at their intertwined fingers, and then her gaze rose to his eyes.
She tried to pull free, but before she could, he covered her hand with his free one. His were large and masculine. The hands of a man she knew could keep her safe.
“Any word from the sheriff on the guy who tried to rob you?”
Her stomach knotted with the question. She wasn’t sure whether it was the mention of Sheriff Wilkins or the burglar that caused the distress. “No, and I probably won’t hear anything. Wilkins and that deputy of his, well, let’s just say we’re not seeing eye to eye at the moment.” She rolled her eyes then laughed. “I’m not giving you a good impression of Higgstown, am I?”
“Are you kidding? I love the town, but I’m not so sure I’d like it as much if you weren’t in it.”
Truth was she liked Higgstown a whole lot more now too. She went to that “what if” place in her mind. The place she usually kept under lock and key. What if he did stick around and they got close? What if he found out about the money or, worse, what if he heard the rumors? The ones people whispered behind her back and thought didn’t get back to her; the rumor that was actually true—she was being investigated for the murder of her own sister. What then? He’d leave town, that’s what.
“Do you mind if I ask why the bad blood between you and the sheriff?”
She hadn’t said “bad blood,” only that they weren’t seeing eye to eye.
“We were friendly before my sister was killed. I’m just not crazy about how he and Deputy Deluca are handling the investigation. That’s all.”
“Does he give you updates?”
Lily drew in a sharp breath. Maybe one day she could tell him everything but not tonight. Not on their first date.
“So, what is it you’re retired from?” Lily asked, changing the subject.
He smiled contritely and pulled his hands from hers. “Sorry. I did it again.”
Disappointment shot through her now that his hands were settled safely on his knees. She forced a smile. “I bet you were a businessman, right? Oh, wait, maybe a race-car driver or a lawyer,” she added, throwing a finger in the air.
He erupted in laughter. “Wow! Businessman, race-car driver, lawyer? Why not all three?” He shook his head. “No, nothing as exciting as that. I was a stockbroker. Made a small fortune but hated the job, so I promised myself for my thirty-fifth birthday, I’d retire and move to a quaint little town to open up a business.”
“A stockbroker?” Her mind drifted to Zander Lyons, the man her sister was seeing at the time of her murder. The majority owner of the largest brokerage house in New England. Zander, with his long, narrow face and pointy nose, was well into middle age without so much as one gray hair. It looked odd to Lily, that shaggy brown hair. So fake.
Sadness tugged at Lily’s heart as she remembered the disagreement she’d had with Sara the day she was murdered.
“He’s no good for you,” Lily said. “You can do better.” Her sister had blinders on when it came to that man.
“Honey, he’s not as bad as you think,” Sara said, then narrowed her eyes and tilted her head. “This isn’t about Daddy and the money, is it? What he did to us—how he pitted us against each other all our lives, even from the grave? I know that’s got to be bothering you. Is this where all the anger is coming from? ’Cause I’m more than willing…”
“No.” Lily silenced her with a palm. “This has nothing to do with Daddy and the fact he left all his money to you, Sara.” She took her sister’s arm and linked hers through it, walking her over to the shade of a large maple tree. “As far as I’m concerned, I don’t want one red cent of his money, your money. I’m perfectly happy with the diner, and I appreciate you signing it over to me. I know it doesn’t hold the same sentimental value for you as it does for me.” She looked earnestly into her sister’s eyes. “I’m worried about you and what you’ve told me about Zander. He was really upset when he found out you were pregnant, remember?”
Her sister nodded, eyes downcast.
“And do you remember what he said?”
Sara’s head shot up with those words. “He didn’t mean it. He’s just got a temper. It’s his wife, you know, she causes him a lot of stress, and sometimes he lets his frustrations out on me.”
“He told you he’d make sure one way or another that you’d lose the baby. He threatened the life of your child! Please, Sara, you’re all I have left in this world, just you and the baby. We can’t take any chances.” She remembered the sudden surge of determination that gripped her at that moment. There was only one thing she could think of that would help Sara. “Just a sec, OK. I’ll be right back.” She left her sister and ran inside.
When she got back, Sara was sitting in her Lexus, engine running.
“Where’re you going?” Lily asked as she approached the car.
“I’ve got some stuff to do.”
Lily wasn’t used to arguing with her sister, so she didn’t know exactly what to say. Instead she put out her hand. She was holding a small-caliber pistol with a pearl handle. It had been their mother’s. “Please take the gun. You probably won’t need it, but I’d feel better knowing you have it.”
Sara huffed and started to roll up the car window, but Lily pulled open the door. “Please.”
“No,” Sara yelled.
“I’ve got a feeling…a bad feeling. I know, sounds stupid, right? But I think you need this gun.” She held her sister’s gaze until, finally, Sara relented and took it, probably to appease Lily and no doubt just to be able to get the hell back home.
Lily pulled herself from her thoughts and back to Aiden. “Lucky for you to have so much freedom at such a young age,” she said. Of course, she could have that kind of freedom too, if she wanted it. For now, she’d keep that bit of info to herself.
Aiden sipped his coffee. “Yeah. Guess I got lucky.”
Their food arrived. When Elvira had refilled their cups and taken her leave, Aiden asked, “What about your parents? Do they live in Higgstown? Mine are in Chicago. Both retired and taking life easy.”
And would there be a wife, ex-wife, or girlfriend you’re not mentioning? Lily wondered as she forked the salad around her plate and fixed her meal with a concentrated stare. For the sake of the evening, she let the worry go.
She looked up from her food. “I’m afraid if we keep talking about my family you’re going to bolt, and I’m looking forward to a lovely evening.” She crunched on her salad. “How’s your burger? Mashed potatoes any good?”
“Well, how ’bout I give them a try?” With a fork piled high, Aiden opened wide and shoveled them in. “Ummm, pretty good.” He glanced at the wall clock over the cash register. “I suggest you start eatin’, lovely lady. We’re running out of time.” His dimple came to life and her concerns melted away.
After dinner, instead of heading back to Aiden’s truck, they walked a block and stopped in front of a historic three-story building. A brass plaque affixed beside the front door read “Dunnsville Town Hall, built 1897.”
Soon a small crowd gathered beside them. “What’s going on?” Lily asked, looking around at the growing group. There were couples, families, and a gang of noisy teens.
“Hope you’re not scared of ghosts,” Aiden whispered, taking her hand.
Again, the electric thrill of his touch raced up her arm. “Are we going on a ghost walk?”
Aiden nodded.
“How cool. I’ve always wanted to do that. What made you think of it?”
“With Halloween just weeks away, what could be more appropriate?” He moved closer and whispered in her ear, “Besides, I was thinking if it gets cold, we can cuddle up and I’ll keep you warm.” The heat of his breath on her neck turned her legs to rubber. She clutched his hand tighter and leaned against him.
They stood that way for a small forever. Not talking, just enjoying each other’s company. When the crowd grew to a sufficient number, a man wearing a long black cape and holding a lantern came through the front door of the building. He stood on the top step, peering ominously down at the crowd. What was left of his frizzy, white, shoulder-length hair stuck out from under a beat-up top hat.
“Good evening, folks, and welcome to historic downtown Dunnsville.” He stared out at the crowd with hooded eyes and a gruesome smile. “Follow me, if you dare.” He let loose a cackle that brought gooseflesh to Lily’s arms.
After a short lesson on the history of the town, the tour began, but Lily found it hard to concentrate. She could only focus on the man she was hanging onto. How ruggedly handsome he was, how tall and broad shouldered.
The tour was an hour and a half, but it flew by. They must have walked miles through the main streets of Dunnsville, and by the end of it, Aiden had wrapped an arm around her, pulling her in tight to warm her from the chilly night air.
“Do you believe in all this?” she asked as they walked, listening to the tales of hauntings of the old buildings that lined the downtown core of the small town.
“Believe what? What he’s saying is true? That ghosts exist?” Aiden asked, a look of incredulousness on his face as if he was about to burst into laughter.
“Yeah.”
“Are you kidding? It’s just entertainment. There’s no way what he’s saying is true. Ghosts don’t exist.”
Lily flinched. “Where do you think we go when we die then?”
“Nowhere. Dead is dead. When we die, our bodies rot in the ground, and that’s the end of us.”
“I guess we all have our opinions.” She forced a smile.
* * *
When they pulled into Lily’s driveway, the inevitable sprang to mind. Should she invite him in for a drink or coffee? Would he kiss her? Butterflies sprang to life in her belly. For the most part, it had been a good date, relaxed and comfortable. Maybe it was best to keep it that way for now. Inviting him in for a nightcap might give the wrong impression. She smiled inwardly. Part of her wanted him to get that “wrong” impression.
“So,” Aiden said, leaning in close once they got to her front door.
Her heart banged against her ribs. She knew he was going to kiss her. He didn’t. Instead, Aiden gathered her in his arms and hugged her warmly. “I had a wonderful time tonight. Can I see you again?” he whispered into her hair.
“Yes. I’d like that,” she said, trying to keep the disappointment from her voice. She’d wanted the kiss.
Aiden glanced at his watch. Lily sighed. Looked like the evening was over.
It was only 12:30. Aiden didn’t want their date to end. “Then how ’bout right now?” he said with sudden inspiration.
An eyebrow raised into a question mark. “Whaddaya mean?”
Suddenly, he thought she might be thinking he was asking for sex in a roundabout way. “I mean this evening doesn’t have to end. We could go somewhere for dessert. We didn’t have time for any at the diner.” He spoke quickly, wanting to get the words out so she’d understand what he’d really meant.
A smile unfurled on Lily’s lips. “I know just the place.”
They soon found themselves sitting in what was fast becoming “their” booth—the middle one by the window. Lily hadn’t turned on all the lights, just a couple in the back for some ambience.
“Be careful. It’s hot,” she warned as she placed a dish of steaming hot apple pie in front of Aiden. “Ice cream with that?”
“No thanks.”
She poured each of them a cup of freshly brewed coffee and added a scoop of French vanilla to her own plate. The ice cream began to melt when it met the slab of pie.
“You know, you didn’t have to do this. I feel bad.” Aiden frowned. “I meant we could have gone somewhere other than your diner for dessert. Somewhere you didn’t have to serve me.”
Lily waved him off. “Ah, it’s nothing; besides this is the only place in town to get dessert at this hour.” She pulled the keys from her pocket and dangled them. “Higgstown Diner is open twenty-four hours a day for select customers only.”
Aiden took a bite of his dessert. “Whoa, you’re right. It is hot,” he said around a mouthful of steaming apples.
“Fresh from the microwave.”
He nodded and waved a hand in front of his open mouth in an attempt to cool the bite he’d taken.
“Shoulda had some ice cream, cools it down quicker.” Lily stood, looking a little concerned.
He covered his mouth with a napkin, a little embarrassed. She left him for a moment and returned with a glass of ice water.
Way to give a great impression, tough guy, he chided himself. The skin on the roof of his mouth had blistered. He finally got the pie down with the aid of the water. “Thanks.”
“It’s my fault. Guess I had the pie in the microwave a touch too long.” She splayed a hand over her chest and looked genuinely concerned. “You OK now?”
He nodded. His eyes were drawn to those long, tapered fingers and her breasts. God, she was sexy. His mind flitted to how much he wished she would touch him with those hands. Run them through his hair, across his bare chest…
“So, where are you staying?” Lily asked.
“I’m renting a log cabin just a few minutes outside town, on Ryan’s Road. Basically in the middle of nowhere.”
“Yeah, I know the place. It’s beautiful, but it’s pretty deserted up there. Old man Hutchinson built it for his son, Ryan, a few years back. It’s been empty for a while.”
“Ah, hence the name ‘Ryan’s Road’.” Aiden grinned. “Why isn’t Ryan living in it?”
“He was killed in Afghanistan. His father passed away shortly after. Everyone says he died of a broken heart.”
Aiden gave his head a solemn shake. “Damn shame. What about his mother?”
Lily looked thoughtful. “You know, I don’t know anything about her. Never met the woman. I think they’d divorced when Ryan was just a boy.”
“Wow, that’s a sad story. Who owns it now?”
“One of Hutchinsons’ nephews, I think. He usually rents it out to the summer people. I’ve never seen the inside, but it looks gorgeous from the outside.” Lily’s brows knitted in contemplation. “How come you didn’t know that? I mean you rented the place.”
“Oh, I didn’t ask any questions about the history of the cabin. I just called a real estate agent before coming out here. He’d sent some pictures and that was enough for me,” he lied, then forked up another piece of pie, but blew on it heartily before letting it pass through his lips. “Would you like to come see it tomorrow?”
After a moment’s hesitation, she nodded. “Sure.”
“Great! What time do you get off work?”
“It’s my day off, but I’ve got a few errands. Every Thursday morning I go to the Evelyn Harrison Seniors Center and visit with a few…friends.”
“I don’t have much planned. What time would you like me to come get you?” Aiden asked.
“Don’t worry about picking me up. I know where the cabin is. How about I come up around four? I can bring some groceries and make us dinner.”
Aiden held up a hand. “No way. You can drive up on your own, but I’ll make dinner.” He did a mental scan of his cupboards and fridge. There wasn’t much except junk food and beer. Looks like grocery shopping would be on his to-do list. But what would he cook? The only dish he knew was spaghetti and meatballs. “Hope you like Italian.”
Lily leaned back in her seat, looking content. “Wow, a man who can cook.” She smiled. “I love Italian. Can’t wait. Can I bring anything?”
Nothing, he thought, except that sexy little body. And all your secrets of course.
A sly grin unfurled on his lips. “No. Just you, Lily…” Aiden stopped himself just in time. He’d almost said her last name. “You know, I don’t even know your last name.”
“Geez, you’re right.” She tilted her head and took him in. “It feels like I’ve known you forever. I keep forgetting we’ve only just met. It’s Valier. My father was French Canadian.”
Here was his opportunity. He knew a little about her family from what the sheriff had told him, but Wilkins had warned him Lily was notoriously private. A hard nut to crack, were his exact words.
“Tell me about your dad. What kind of man is he? What does he do for a living? Or is he retired?” Aiden feigned ignorance. Starting in about dear old dad would be a good segue into the whole sibling rivalry. He couldn’t imagine a father leaving his fortune to only one of his children. That had to have pushed a few of Lily’s buttons.
She smiled, but it was without humor. “Let’s talk about something more interesting, like when you’re going to start looking for that little business you want to open. Maybe I can help.”
Wilkins was right. Lily Valier was a hard nut to crack. How many more times could he risk bringing up her family before she became suspicious?
Aiden got to his feet and took Lily’s hands, tugging her up with him. “Maybe we shouldn’t talk at all.” He pulled her in close, wrapped an arm tightly around her waist, and lowered his mouth to hers. The feel of her soft lips on his stirred him. She let out a low moan, and her hands were suddenly in his hair, pulling him hungrily toward her.
Outside, snowflakes fell, twinkling in the streetlights.