Deception at Dark Hall (The Briony Martin Mystery Series) (13 page)

“Nothing’s going to happen,” she assured.

Paige’s hand covered hers. “I want to apologize again for all you went through with Daniel and those people at Dark Hall. I never should have gotten you mixed up in it.”

“It’s over and done. There’s no need to fret on my account. All of life is a learning experience.”

“What do you think about Daniel? I’m still worried about him.”

“Give him time. Naturally, he’s a little sad because he did care for Sharlyn and thought their relationship might go somewhere. But I believe he’ll be okay. When it’s the right time, he’ll meet someone wonderful and this experience will become one of many memories that will have helped him on his way to true happiness. You’ll see.”

“I hope you’re right.” Paige changed the subject abruptly. “Are you excited about John coming to visit next weekend?” She chortled. “What am I talking about? Of course, you must be dancing a jig inside.”

“I am. I hope he still likes me after not seeing me for three months.”

“What’s not to like? You’re the best person I know. Besides, if he didn’t like you, he wouldn’t be flying all the way from Maine to Kansas, and on Valentine’s weekend, no less. I can’t wait to hear what he gives you as a present.”

Briony felt a blush creep into her cheeks. “I doubt he’ll give me anything for Valentine’s Day. We’re not exactly sweethearts. He hasn’t told me he loves me.”

Paige winked. “He may be waiting for just the right occasion. It wouldn’t be romantic to say
I love you
for the first time over the phone. The first time your soul mate tells you he loves you, you want those three little words to be accompanied by a passionate kiss.”

“Soul mate. I like the sound of that.” They giggled like the schoolgirls they used to be. Then Paige hugged her friend and said good night. Their time together had come to an end.

CHAPTER TEN

Briony had been home only one hour when the telephone rang. “I’ll get it,” she called to her mother. She nearly slipped on the floor rug as she ran to the den to grab the receiver. The beats of her heart picked up their pace when she heard John’s deep voice on the other end.

“Welcome home, world traveler.”

She chuckled. “Thank you, John. I’m not quite a world traveler yet, but maybe someday. At least my knuckles didn’t turn white when I got on the plane this morning. That’s progress.”

He laughed, and she felt electrified while imagining his dark eyes and his crooked smile.

“Are you ready for me to invade your life next Friday?” he asked.

“I’m counting the days and minutes. Do you know your flight schedule yet?”

“Yep.” As if he had it memorized, he told her the flight number and the time he’d be arriving at the airport.

“Perfect. I’m off work at four o’clock, so you won’t have to take a taxi. I’ll be there to meet you. Mom wants to make a special dinner that night. Do you mind? She’s looking forward to getting to know you.”

“I’m in your hands for the weekend, Briony. I’m fine with whatever you want to do, except for Saturday night. I’ve got a special surprise planned for just the two of us.”

Saturday was Valentine’s Day. A pleasant sensation rolled through her torso and her heart beat faster. “I like surprises.”

“Good. I hope you’ll love this one.”

“You’re being so mysterious.”

“Mysterious is my middle name.”

Every nerve in her body tingled. If she didn’t switch the subject, she just might swoon. “Do you know where you’re staying in Wichita?”

“I’ve made a reservation at the Starlite Motor Lodge and Motel.”

“That’s great! It’s not far from our house.”

“I know. That’s why I chose it. I want to be as close to you as possible.” His voice was thick with emotion. It touched her. “I’ll see you soon, Briony. And this time I mean it.”

“Soon,” she repeated. Although she wished he could stay longer than a weekend, she felt grateful for the little bit of time they’d have together. Anyway, she’d already used her vacation hours to go to Maine and now Chicago. No matter how badly she wanted to play hostess, she couldn’t take more days off from work.

She returned the receiver to its cradle, and a shriek of pure joy gave wings to her feet. As she bounded up the stairs two steps at a time, she knew there was no need for a clairvoyant to tell her next weekend would be the best of her life.

~ * ~

The days couldn’t pass fast enough. The moment Briony saw John saunter through the airport gate, her heart skittered to a stop. Seeing him before he saw her, she drew in a deep breath. He was dressed in denims and black boots and a heavy wool coat. A duffle bag was slung over his shoulder. His hair was still styled in the pompadour she loved.

Their gazes fused. His mouth broadened into a smile, and they waved at each other. His long-legged strides ate up the space between them. Standing in front of her, his dark eyes smoldered with an intense hunger. Without a thought to the people around them, he dropped the duffle bag on the ground and whisked her into his arms.

A thrill raced down her spine. “You’re really here.” He burrowed his face in her neck, and his warm breath tickled.

“Did you have doubts?” he asked, setting her back. She shook her head, and they stared into each other’s eyes. Unexpectedly, he covered her lips with his. Although she’d been raised to believe a public display of affection was unbefitting, Briony ignored her mother’s voice in her head. John was an unconventional man with a fierce passion for life. She met his passion, and a soft groan tore from his chest as he deepened the kiss. Despite the chill inside the airline terminal, she felt every inch of his warmth radiate through their clothes and into her body.

“I’ve missed you,” he said, when their mouths parted.

“I’ve missed you, too.”

He lifted the duffle bag from the ground and wrapped his arm around her waist. It was impossible to wipe the smile from her face as they made their way to the parking lot.

John climbed into the Buick and tossed his bag into the backseat. Dizzy with excitement, Briony jammed the key into the ignition. She couldn’t believe he was sitting in the car next to her. Worry that their months apart might have stifled their new relationship melted like snow on a hot roof.

He grinned at her. “Can you talk and drive at the same time?”

“Of course,” she chuckled. “I’m an excellent driver.”

“Good, because I want you to tell me all about your experience in Chicago.”

~ * ~

The next day, Briony drove John around town showing him the sights, such as the Orpheum Theatre, the historical museum, the zoo, and the courthouse where she worked. It gave them alone time away from the house. While she tooled them around the city, they talked about everything under the sun. Although they came from different worlds, it overjoyed her to see how much they had in common where it counts.

Over lunch, the subject of Chicago and Dark Hall came up again. John held her hand from across the table. “I’m proud of how well you depended on your intuition and observation skills for handling that bizarre situation.”

His praise made her blush.

“You may have to give up your job as a court stenographer and begin a new career as a private investigator.”

She rolled her eyes in jest. “There’s a lot more for me to learn about being a detective before I could think about quitting my job. But I do appreciate your confidence in me.”

That evening, John arrived promptly at six o’clock. “Your carriage awaits,” he said, when she opened the door. He directed her attention to the luxury car parked at the curb. Briony’s jaw dropped. It was a beautiful silver Cadillac with tail fins and a stainless steel roof.

“That’s an Eldorado Brougham. Only four hundred of those babies have been made and they’re hand built. I found one right here in Wichita to rent for the night. You deserve the best.”

“Oh, John, I feel like Cinderella. I’ve never ridden in such a fancy car.”

“Neither have I,” he chuckled. “But I wanted tonight to be special. It’s our first real date.”

“That’s so thoughtful of you.” She welcomed him out of the cold. “Come inside and I’ll get my wrap.”

“Are you hungry?” he asked.

“Famished. I’ll be just a minute then we can go.” Before she turned, her gaze subtlety raked over him. Under his winter coat, he wore slacks and dress shoes. His hair was soft and shiny, and his face clean-shaven. The masculine scent that lightly wafted off him was intoxicating. Dressed for a romantic night out, he was more handsome than ever.

She felt his heated gaze between her shoulder blades as she reached into the coat closet for her swing coat.

“You look beautiful, Briony.” His deep voice drew her attention. She couldn’t help but smile when his eyes roamed over her figure before helping her into the coat. To celebrate the evening, she’d chosen to wear a mid-calf length red dress with a full skirt, a scooped neck, and fitted waist. Since flats were as popular as heels, and the walks were still slushy from recent snowfall, she opted for red flats. A beret hat and clutch completed her ensemble. She hoped to make an impression with her outfit. From the expression in his passion-clouded eyes, her mission had been accomplished.

“We’re going now, Mom,” she called.

Her mother stepped out of the kitchen wiping her hands on a tea towel. “Hello, John. Nice to see you again.”

“Hello, Mrs. Martin. Happy Valentine’s day.” He presented her with a single long-stemmed rose that Briony hadn’t noticed hidden behind his back. Her mother’s hand fluttered to her heart, and her face opened into a bright smile Briony hadn’t seen in years.

“Thank you, John. How kind of you. I’ll put this in a bud vase right away. You kids have a good time tonight.”

“We will, Mrs. Martin,” he answered.

“Good night, Mom.” Briony felt the clasp of John’s strong hand once they were outside. She smiled as he escorted her to the Cadillac. “I didn’t have any idea you were so charming,” she said, as he helped her into the car and shut the door.

“If you’re Cinderella, I must be your prince.” He winked. “And the evening has just begun.”

With directions given to him by the man he rented the Cadillac from, John drove them to the eight-story Broadview Hotel downtown. Briony knew there was a nice restaurant inside, but she’d never been to it before. “I’ve always wanted to see inside this hotel. It’s supposed to be beautiful. And there’s a rooftop garden where people eat in the summer,” she told him as he parked the car.

He took her hand and helped her from the car. “Maybe we can eat up there together sometime.”

Her eyebrow arched. That comment meant he was planning another visit.

The interior of the hotel was just as magnificent as she’d heard, and the restaurant itself was elegantly decorated for Valentine’s Day. Glass vases of red roses sat in the middle of each table, and a man in a tuxedo played romantic tunes on a piano sitting on an elevated stage. Due to all the mouth-watering items on the menu, she had a difficult time deciding what to order.

“Order whatever your heart desires,” John said. “I want this night to be perfect. I’m going to have a steak.”

After lively conversation and a delicious meal, they each had a dessert of chocolate mousse with fresh whipped cream and strawberries. When Briony thought the night couldn’t get any better, John retrieved a small box from the inside pocket of his jacket. It was wrapped in shiny red paper and tied with a silver bow. When he gently placed it in her hand, she nibbled her lip.

“What’s this?” she asked.

“One of your presents from me. Open it.”

Her fingers trembled as she flicked the ribbon and tore the paper. When she lifted the lid of a small blue suede box, a necklace with a gold pendant shaped in a heart with tiny diamonds around the edges stared at her. “John, it’s beautiful!”

To surprise her even further, he rose from his chair and removed the necklace from the box and placed it around her neck. When his fingers grazed her throat, shivers raced through her body. “Thank you,” she said, as he returned to his seat. “I’ll always treasure it.”

“You’re welcome. But that’s not all. I have one more surprise for you.”

She couldn’t imagine more. “You’re spoiling me. Spending this evening with you is more than I ever dreamed of.”

“Well, I want you to spoil you more. And I want you to dream bigger, Briony.” He slid an envelope across the table.

Her head tilted.

“Go ahead,” he urged.

Her finger slipped under the flap. When she stared at the airline ticket inside, her eyes enlarged.

John grinned. “Right before I left Maine, I took on a new client. I received a phone call from an old friend of my mother’s. Seems she’s got a mystery needing solved in Savannah, Georgia. I’d like you to go with me and help me solve it.”

Speechless, she inhaled several deep breaths, like she always did when she became nervous.

So many questions raced through her mind. What would her mother say? John had won her over, but that didn’t mean she’d accept her daughter traipsing around the south with him unmarried. And how could she quit her job? She loved being a court stenographer. Her independence and confidence had grown due to her career.

As if reading her mind, John said, “We can be partners, Briony. Expenses for this case are being paid by my client. We’ll split the fee I’m getting. I know it’ll be a big sacrifice for you to leave your job. But I really think we have something great starting between us. I don’t want to lose it.”

“I don’t either.” She cared for John more than she’d cared for any other man. But it was difficult for her to step out of her comfort zone. Was she strong enough to take such a leap of faith?

When his mouth tipped in a crooked smile, her heart twisted with longing.

“It would be a real adventure,” he promised, moving to her side and kneeling next to her. He cupped her hands in his. “We only have one life to live. Let’s live it together, right here, right now.”

She thought of Ben and how his young life had been cut short. And how her mother had wasted so much of hers bitter and angry.

“What do you say, Briony? Take a chance and go with me to Georgia?”