Deadly Obsession (5 page)

Jillian pointed. “Park near the dock.”

Following her directions, he pulled into a parking space and turned off the engine. By the time he got out and rounded to the other side of the truck, Jillian was already out, the kitten in her hands, and was walking toward the long wooden wharf.

A tall, muscular man stepped out of a houseboat and waved. He crossed the dock and walked up the hill toward them, wearing sweatpants and a sweatshirt with Georgetown University embroidered on the front. “I didn't expect you back with my truck until tomorrow.”

Jillian handed him the keys and hugged him. “I had help to unload, so it took half the time.” She turned to Chance. “Chance, this is Dave Logsdon. Dave, Chance McCall.”

Dave extended a hand and Chance took it. The man had a strong grip and a tattoo on his forearm.

“Prior military?” Chance asked.

“Army.”

Chance nodded. “Same.”

“Deployed?” Dave asked.

“Four times.”

Dave held up three fingers. “Three.” He dug in his pocket and pulled out a set of car keys. As he handed them to Jillian, he asked Chance, “Action?”

“More than I cared for.”

Dave stared at Chance for a long moment.

Chance returned the stare, unwaveringly.

Finally, the tension left Dave's stance and he jerked his head to the side. “Care for a beer?”

“Would love one, but I'm supposed to deliver Miss Taylor to the B and B for dinner. We're running short on time.”

“Gotcha.” Dave turned to Jillian. “Everything all right at the house?”

She held the kitten beneath her chin and smiled. “Things are moving along.”

Chance wondered why she didn't mention she'd passed out at the bottom of the basement steps and the basement door had been locked from the other side—and she had no idea how she'd gotten that way.

“Glad to hear you found a crew to work it. Let me know if you need anything.” Dave hugged her and kissed her forehead.

A rush of heat feathered across Chance's cheeks. The longer Dave held Jillian, the warmer Chance grew. And his gut knotted. It was as if he was jealous of the other man. But then, how could that be, when he'd only known the pretty real estate agent for a few hours?

Dave glanced across at Chance. “Looking forward to that beer.”

Chance muttered something, but a second later couldn't recall what he'd said.

Jillian led the way to a four-wheel-drive Jeep, opened the driver's door and got in.

Chance slipped into the passenger seat, his gaze on Dave as the man strode across the dock and entered the houseboat. “Does he live there?”

Jillian handed the kitten to Chance. “The outside looks like hell, but he refinished the inside.”

Holding the tiny feline in his hand, he stroked its fur. “Are you two together?” As soon as the question was out of his mouth, he wished he could take it back. It wasn't any of his business, nor did he have a stake in the Jillian game since he had no plan to form any kind of relationship with her or anyone else. Still, he had a burning desire to know more about this woman who wasn't too terribly concerned about passing out on the floor of a basement.

She laughed. “Oh, goodness, no.” Jillian shifted into Reverse and turned the Jeep around. “He's in love with Nicole Steele.” Jillian glanced across at Chance. “You might know her. She works for the same organization as you and Nova.”

“Ah, yes, I've run into her a couple times in the Virginia office.” He pulled his gaze away from Jillian and reengaged his brain cells. “I haven't been with them long.”

“She's supposed to come to the wedding. But, like you, we won't know until she shows up.”

Chance snorted. “That about sums up my life. I'm glad I could be here for Nova.”

“I know he was sweating it. What about you? Are you bringing a date to the wedding? Do I need to set another plate at the main table?” She didn't glance away from the road.

“No.” Chance hadn't dated anyone on a long-term basis since he was in the army. Relationships didn't last when one of the parties involved was deployed more than he was home. Since he'd joined SOS, he saw no need to change his single status.

Jillian smiled. “Good to know.” She navigated through Cape Churn, her confidence obvious in the directions she took and the smooth way she made the turns.

By the time they were on the highway to the McGregor Bed-and-Breakfast, Chance had settled back against the leather seat, his gaze straying to Jillian. “Have you always been a real estate agent?”

She shot a glance his way. “When I finished college with a marketing degree, the jobs just weren't available in Portland. So I put my marketing degree to work on creating ads for a real estate firm. Did the training, got my license and voilà! I've been doing it ever since.”

“I'll bet you're good at it.”

She tipped her chin, her cheeks darkening with a blush in the light from the dash. “I am. I have a knack for finding just the right house for my clients. Granted, the market was much larger and more lucrative in Portland than in Cape Churn, but I like it better here.”

Once they left town, the road ahead climbed, twisted and turned around the cliffs hugging the coastline. When Chance had arrived earlier, he could see the water, the rocks below and the horizon. Now the darkness was also shrouded by fog, creeping in from the ocean.

Jillian slowed. “The fog's getting thick. The weatherman predicted a devil's shroud night.”

“Devil's shroud?” Chance asked.

“That's what they call the thick fogs that roll into Cape Churn. I think it makes it sound mysterious. Just another thing to love about this place.”

“You love a place that calls a dense fog the devil's shroud?”

“It's kind of creepy, but still adds to the ambience of the area.”

As that aptly named fog thickened, the Jeep careened around a bend in the road. Chance gripped the armrest with one hand, clutched the kitten with the other and dug his foot into the floorboard, aiming for a brake that wasn't there. “Shouldn't you go a little slower?”

“Oh, sorry. I know the roads really well, but the fog is getting pretty thick.” She eased up on the accelerator and continued through the haze.

At one point they rounded a curve carved out of the side of a cliff. Something big crashed onto the road and rolled in front of them.

Jillian yelped, swerved and slammed on her brake just in time to keep from falling off the edge of the road.

“Are you all right?” Chance asked, peeling the kitten's claws out of his shirt and skin.

For a long moment, Jillian didn't respond. Finally, she said, “I'm okay.” She turned to Chance. “What was that?”

“I don't know, but let me take a look.” He climbed out of the Jeep and checked the road in the area. He found a boulder the size of big watermelon on the edge of the road ahead. When he got back to the Jeep, Jillian stood at the edge of the cliff.

Seeing her so close to the drop-off made Chance nervous. He circled her waist with his arm and eased her back. “Do you want me to drive?”

“I can do it,” she said, but her body trembled and her gaze remained on the edge of the cliff. “If we hadn't stopped we'd have hit that boulder or...”

“But you did stop and we didn't do either.” He turned her to face him and brushed a strand of her silky blond hair back from her cheek. “Come on. Molly was making fresh bread. I haven't had fresh bread since...well, hell. I don't think I've ever had fresh bread. Mom wasn't much of a cook because she worked full-time.”

He guided her back to the Jeep and settled her in the passenger seat. Then he took the wheel and eased away from the cliff and back onto the right side of the road. The rest of the trip was completed in silence, with Chance focusing all of his attention on what little he could see of the road in front of him.

Devil's shroud was an accurate description of the fog. But what had been the white aberration that had nearly caused them to fly off the edge of the cliff?

Chapter 5

J
illian had almost stopped shaking by the time they pulled into the parking area in front of the McGregor mansion Molly and her brother, Gabe, had converted into a bed-and-breakfast. The wide front porch and the lights glowing from inside warmed her and made her eager to get out of the Jeep and into the house.

She liked the mystery of the devil's shroud and respected the danger involved, but she'd never had something drop out of the fog in front of her when she'd been driving. Jillian knew that section of the road. If she had driven off the cliff, they would have died the instant they hit the rocks two hundred feet below. A shudder rippled through her, and she hugged the kitten closer. “Poor baby,” she cooed softly, stroking the animal's fur.

Chance shifted the Jeep into Park, got out and opened her door for her before she could unwind the clingy kitten from her hand.

Jillian stepped out of the Jeep and stumbled.

Chance looped an arm around her waist and clutched her to him. “I gotcha.”

She laid a hand on his chest, the kitten pressed between them in her other hand.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

Jillian looked up at him; the light from the porch reflected in his eyes made her knees weaker. “Yes. I guess I'm just a little tired.”

He brushed his knuckles against her cheek. “You've had an interesting day.”

His hand was warm on her skin, making tingles spread throughout her body. “I have. Thank you for all the help.”

“My pleasure.” He stared into her eyes, his arm tightening around her waist.

When he leaned toward her, Jillian thought he might kiss her again.

“I can stand on my own now,” she whispered, then her gaze shifted to his mouth.

All coherent thought deserted her head. When his head lowered more, Jillian rose up on her toes, her lips drawn inescapably to his.

“There you are,” Nova's voice called out. “Molly just sent me out to find you and bring you back before her clam chowder gets cold.”

Chance stepped back, dropping his arms to his sides.

Jillian swayed toward him, then straightened, remembering where she was. She turned toward Nova with a strained smile. “Sorry we took so long. Since we got everything out of the trailer, I thought it best to return it to Mr. Runyan. Which meant taking the truck back to Dave.”

“I'm not worried, but Molly might have a heart attack if we don't stick to the schedule.”

“I will not.” Molly emerged from the house and swatted Nova's arm. “I'm absolutely flexible...as long as everything is going according to plan.”

Nova laughed and pulled his fiancée into his arms, planting a loud kiss on her lips. “Now that everyone is here, can we eat?”

“The truth comes out. He was coming to look for you because he was hungry, not because I sent him after you.” Molly winked. “The table is set. I could use help bringing everything out.”

Jillian loved the way Nova and Molly sparred, laughing and picking, with their love shining from their eyes. She envied that deep, everlasting emotion, wishing she could find someone who made her feel that complete. With a sigh, she held up the kitten. “I'll help. But first I need to find a place for this guy.”

“Oh, sweet heaven. Where did you find him?” Molly descended the steps and took the gray tabby kitten.

“He was in the basement of Jillian's house,” Chance said.

A shiver rippled down Jillian's back as she recalled the stairs, the kitten calling to her and the light going out. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't remember anything else until she woke to find Chance leaning over her. Though she hadn't let on that it bothered her, it did. That wasn't the first time she'd passed out in a stressful situation.

“What?” Molly lifted the kitten up in the air. “How did you find your way into Jillian's basement? Come on, we'll find a soft towel, a box and a bowl of milk for this little one.”

“How about a bowl of soup for me?” Nova said.

“You can help carry the food out to the dining table. The other guests have already eaten and gone to their rooms, so it'll only be the four of us.”

Jillian followed Molly into the house, through the living room and into the kitchen.

Molly found a box and an old towel in the pantry. She carried the kitten into the downstairs bathroom, gave it a bowl of warm milk and then settled it in the box. “I'd leave it loose, but I'm afraid it might get lost in this big old house.”

“The bathroom should be fine for now. I'll take him to my bedroom later,” Jillian said.

When Molly straightened, she grinned and touched Jillian's arm. “So, what did you think of Chance? He's gorgeous, isn't he?”

Heat rushed up Jillian's neck into her cheeks. “I don't know. He was helpful unloading all my things into the house.” She didn't add,
And he rescued me from the basement and kissed me
. She wasn't ready to admit to having passed out in her own home, and she couldn't come up with a good reason for the latch being locked on the basement door. Molly would have her brother, Gabe, out to investigate before the chowder got cold on the table.

“Helpful?” Molly shook her head. “Well, I think it's about time you started dating. Before you know it all the good ones will be taken.”

“Molly, we've been over this before. I'm not in the market for a man in my life. I'm too busy with my business, your wedding, my house and now a kitten. I don't have time to cater to anyone else.”

“I'm sorry, Jill. If the wedding is too much for you to handle at this point, I can take care of the rest. You have far too much on your plate.”

“And you don't?” Jillian took her friend's hand. “I love planning your wedding. I'm so happy for you, I'd do it all again.” She hugged Molly. “You really do love him, don't you?”

“With all my heart,” she said, her voice choked with emotion.

“Then we better get out there before he starves to death. Can't have the groom dying of hunger a few days before the wedding.”

“No, we can't.” Molly skipped out of the bathroom.

Jillian lingered on her haunches beside the box. The kitten had filled his belly with milk and now circled on the towel before curling into a furry ball.

Like every young woman, Jillian dreamed of falling in love and living happily ever after with the man of her dreams. Only that man hadn't come along yet. Here she was, twenty-six years old and still single. An image of Chance leaning close to her, his mouth nearly touching hers, came to mind. God, she wanted to kiss him again. Like Molly said, he was gorgeous with his dark hair, sexy eyes and those broad shoulders a woman could really lean on.

“He seems to be happy,” a deep, resonant voice said behind Jillian.

She started and fell back, landing on her bottom.

“I'm sorry. I thought you heard me walk up.”

“No, I didn't.” Jillian couldn't admit she'd been thinking about him and when they'd kissed.

He reached down and lifted her to her feet as if she weighed nothing, pulling her up to stand in the circle of his arm, confirming the muscles weren't just for show.

“I'm not always this awkward,” she said. “Sometimes I can stay on my feet for an entire day. You can let me go. I promise, I can stand on my own, thank you.”

“Humor me.” His arms tightened around her. “I'm beginning to think I jinxed you.”

She tilted her head and stared up into his eyes. “You know, you could be right. It wasn't until you showed up that I started having all these problems.”

“I'd offer to leave, but I was asked to be in the wedding of my dear friend.”

“Then we just have to survive together for another few days.”

“I suppose I should let go of you,” Chance said.

“You should.”

“Although...I have the crazy urge to...”

Jillian's pulse raced and her breath caught in her throat. Without realizing it, she leaned up on her toes.

Then Chance sighed and straightened. “We'd better get to the dining room before Molly and Nova come looking for us.”

To hell with Molly and Nova!

Chance took her hand in his and drew her out of the bathroom, closing the door behind him. Then he led her back to the safety of the dining room, where Molly and Nova were wrapped in each other's arms, kissing.

Chance cleared his throat.

The happy couple broke apart, laughing.

“Sorry, we didn't hear you coming,” Molly said, smoothing back her hair. “Shall we?” She motioned to the table. Homemade bread, a tossed salad and a big tureen of soup filled the table.

Nova held out a hand. “Pass me your bowls, I'll fill them.”

After everyone had been served, Jillian started off the conversation with, “I double-checked with the photographer. He's still on for the wedding and will be here two hours early with his team to photograph and film the bride and groom preparing for the nuptials.”

Molly laughed. “Two hours?” She reached for Nova's hand. “We should have eloped, like I suggested.”

Nova lifted her hand to his lips. “I wouldn't miss this part for anything. My mother and sisters will be in seventh heaven helping you get dressed and do your hair.”

Molly closed her eyes. “I don't know. You and I have been so busy, we haven't had time to visit your family. What if they don't like me?”

Nova kissed her fingers. “What's not to like? They will love you because you are strong, beautiful and an amazing cook.
And
because they will love whoever makes me happy.
Mi amor
, you make me very happy.”

“They'll love you, Molly,” Jillian said. “Everyone loves you.”

“I love all of you, too.” Her cheeks flushing pink, Molly pulled her hand from Nova's and dipped her spoon in her chowder. As she lifted her spoon to her lips, she said, “Nora came out to the B and B today to bring me samples of the cakes she'll be baking for the wedding.” She poked the spoon in her mouth.

“And?” Jillian prodded. “Did you decide on a flavor?”

Molly nodded, swallowing. “I'm going with the almond flavoring in the wedding cake and the fudge chocolate for the groom's cake. They were both to die for.”

“Good.” Jillian broke a roll in half and slathered it with butter, the warm, rich smell of fresh bread making her mouth water. “I only have to double-check with the florist and the party rental company to make sure they show up on time, early the morning of the wedding.”

“You're too good to me. I couldn't have done this whole wedding thing without your help.”

“How is Nora?” Jillian asked. “Did she get over her cold?”

“Yes, she's much better.” Molly stirred the chowder in her bowl. “She's a little worried about you, though.”

“Me?” Jillian frowned. “Why me?”

“Seems the whole town is a little worried about you.” Molly smiled. “You've made quite the impression in the two years you've been in Cape Churn.”

Jillian forgot about the roll in her hand. “Why are they worried?”

“Because of the house you bought.” Molly handed the basket of rolls to Chance. “Have another.”

He accepted, selecting one and setting the basket back on the table.

“It's just a house,” Jillian said, defending her new home. “And I don't believe in ghosts.”

“Nora said there was some trouble at that house almost twenty years ago. Something about a missing little girl.”

“I've heard the tale.” Jillian set the buttered roll on the plate beside her bowl, having suddenly lost her appetite. “I suppose I'll spend some time in the library looking up the history of the house and the town to put the story to rest.”

Molly sighed. “You know how people can be superstitious. And I wouldn't have believed in ghosts if I hadn't had that experience here in the B and B during our annual ghost tour last year. It was just too real to discount.”

“Well, I don't believe in ghosts.” Jillian laid her napkin beside her plate and pushed back from the table. “Molly, the meal was wonderful, but I'm wiped out. I guess all the moving wore me out.” She stood. “If you'll excuse me, I think I'll call it a night.”

Molly stood. “I'm sorry if I upset you, Jillian.”

Jillian smiled at her friend. “No, you didn't. I've heard the same story at least a half dozen times since I bought the house. I'm not worried about stories. I love the house, and I don't regret buying it. It'll be beautiful when I'm finished remodeling.”

Molly hugged Jillian. “I'm sure it will. You have a keen eye for tasteful design. Get some rest, sweetie.”

“Thank you.” Jillian hugged Molly, feeling lucky to have such a good friend in a town where sometimes she was still considered an outsider. She hadn't grown up here, therefore she was a transplant.

She left the dining room, collected the kitten, box and all, and climbed the stairs to the room Molly had offered to let her stay in for the next couple of days until she had running water and electricity in her haunted house.

“Haunted.” She stared down at the kitten in the box, curled up in a ball, lifting his sleepy head as if questioning her. “Don't look at me like that. I know what I'm doing. The house can't be blamed for what happened in or around it. It's just a house. You and I will bring it back to life and make it a happy home to live in. Just wait and see.”

Jillian settled the box next to the white iron bed decorated with a beautiful, old-fashioned quilt. Then she gathered toiletries, her nightgown and robe, and walked down the hall to one of the shared bathrooms. Not all of the rooms had a connected bathroom. But Jillian wasn't picky. Having no home to go to, she was glad for a room in the B and B, where she could be close to Molly.

In the bathroom, Jillian locked the door, stripped out of her dusty clothes and stepped into the claw-foot bathtub. She loved how Molly had decorated with care, going with early-twentieth-century furnishings. Each bedroom had a brass, white iron or rich mahogany four-poster bed. The electricity and plumbing had been brought up to code during her remodel, but she'd used old-fashioned tile and bathroom fixtures to give the guests a feeling of entering a bygone century.