Cold Case Christmas. Jessica R. Patch

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СКАЧАТЬ the car from the water to right this second. No, it might not have been an accident, but chances are it was, and this attack on you might be from someone who is afraid you’ll discover...you know...an affair. If even a quarter of the rumors are true, then there are a lot of people who won’t want the past hauled into the present. Next time it might not be a punch to the face.” He skimmed the bruise with his fingertips, bringing a wave of emotion she’d tried to bury years ago.

      She turned away enough to force him to keep his hands to himself. She didn’t need the attraction or the old feelings. But he did have a point. “Then those men shouldn’t have had those affairs. What happened to nobility, fidelity and honesty? If their dirty secrets get exposed, then so be it. They shouldn’t have done it.” Mom shouldn’t have either. Why would she?

      Rush’s nostrils flared, but he didn’t respond.

      “What happens when you investigate? Secrets will be exposed. One way or the other.”

      He drained his coffee and set the cup on the hearth. “I’m not worried about my safety. I am worried about yours. Besides, I’m going to be more discreet than you.”

      “You’re going to have to talk to more than men you suspect could be guilty. You’ll have to talk to neighbors, friends and, sadly, wives. It is what it is. I don’t want to hurt people. But I do want the truth about that night. Someone has answers to my thousands of questions.”

      One being why Dad never stayed on top of the investigation. Why didn’t he hire a private eye? Was he glad to be rid of Mom? Was he tired of having an unfaithful wife? Nora couldn’t ignore these rumors like she had as a teenager. They were staring her down and now that she’d been attacked and told to back off, denying that even one of them were true would be naive. Mom, why? Did you not love Dad? He was amazing and wonderful. He gave them everything.

      Or maybe Nora was only seeing what she wanted to see.

      A faithful mom.

      A devoted husband.

      Maybe neither were who they seemed.

      “What if you never find out why your mom was heading out of town?”

      “How do you know she was?”

      Rush stood and turned away from her. “Because we found two cases in the trunk. One had clothing in it.” He faced her. “She was going somewhere, Nora.”

      Nora’s hands trembled, and she steadied her cup between her knees.

      “I know that’s not what you want to hear. And you have to understand that no matter what turns up, you won’t get every single answer to your questions. And that’s not even the most frightening part of this.”

      “No?” She peered into his eyes, firelight casting shadows on his face. “What is?”

      “You won’t back down, and I don’t believe whoever did this to you is going to back down either. Which means you’re not safe as long as you’re snooping.”

      Nora swallowed the fear clawing in her throat. “I can’t sit back and do nothing.”

      He collapsed beside her again and groaned. “I had a feeling you’d say that. I think you should stay up at the main house. You’ll be safer there.”

      Her first instinct was to say no, but Rush was right. However... “Hailey is staying with my dad. Which means Dalton is also. He’s only six. If someone comes after me again, he could be in harm’s way. Hailey too. While I agree that I should stay at the main house, it scares me not to stay here.” Scared her to stay here too.

      “I heard she was living back home for a while.”

      Nora shrugged. “I don’t suppose any marriage is perfect. Except maybe your mom and dad’s.”

      Rush grunted. What did that mean? Bringing up Rush’s parents gave her an idea. “Hey, your dad was a part-time deputy back then. I remember him coming to talk to my dad. Maybe he knows something about that night or he overheard a conversation that would help. We should talk to him.”

      Rush’s jaw flinched. “Yeah... I’ll talk to him.”

      Nora wasn’t so sure she believed him. Something was up with his parents, but now wasn’t the time to pry. She had to stay somewhere safe. The main house wasn’t it. “I can’t stay at the main house. Just in case. Besides, Dad has security that patrols all night. Guests love added security measures.”

      Wind howled and sleet started up again, pelting the windows. “I don’t like it, but I understand. Take my number. Call me if you need anything. Anytime of night.”

      Rush rattled off his number.

      Nora laughed. “Seriously? The last four digits of your number is four, five, six, seven?”

      “Hard to memorize, huh?” he teased.

      “It’s probably the only number in my phone I can.” She saved his contact information and closed her eyes. “Rush, you do think it’s only a threat, right? No one will actually try to kill me?”

      Rush stopped at the front door, raised his coat’s wool collar. “Nora, you’re about to unleash an avalanche. What do you think?” He bent over and lifted his pant leg, retrieving a handgun from an ankle holster. “This is my personal piece. Lock the doors and keep it on your nightstand.”

      Nora accepted the gun and prayed she wouldn’t have to use it. “Rush?”

      He turned before leaving. “Yeah?”

      “You said two cases. What was in the other one?”

      “It was your mom’s camera case.” His mouth formed a grim line. “With two hundred and fifty thousand dollars inside.”

       TWO

      “How’d you sleep, honey?” Dad looked up from his desk with tired eyes.

      “I’m guessing about like you. Harrison stopped in at first light.” Dad’s Chief of Security had scared her half to death. He ought to be thankful he’s alive. She almost shot him.

      “I should have called and told you he’d be by to paint over the graffiti. I wanted it done before too many people saw it. I’m sorry that happened.” He scooted out from his mahogany leather chair and crossed the room. Dressy jeans. Dress shirt that brought out the lighter flecks of brown in his eyes. She’d always wished she’d been blessed with her father’s eyes. He opened his arms to her, as he always did.

      She walked into them and let his comfort shield her and make her feel safe. A different safety than how she felt in Rush’s arms last night. She didn’t want to think too much on that. There was nothing left between her and Rush romantically.

      “I had him put more security around the chalet for you.” He touched the tender area on her cheek. “Rush taking care of this?”

      “He is.” She pulled away, cleared her throat. “Dad, I’ve never asked because I never wanted СКАЧАТЬ