Riddle (10 page)

Chapter 14

Grace pushed the button for the fifth floor and the doors swished softly closed. She watched the numbers light up as she passed each floor wishing the elevator would move faster. Her legs and feet were practically throbbing. When the elevator stopped on the third floor and the door opened she moved to one side expecting someone to get on. When no one did she stepped forward and looked both ways down the hall. It was quiet except for the distant sound of canned television laughter. Shrugging her shoulders she stepped back inside and pushed the close door button repeatedly. Slipping her door card into the lock she went into the room and locked the door behind her.              

Grace set her purchases in a corner of the room and turned on the television. That was something she would miss when she moved into the apartment at the Timbers. Pulling off her shoes she fell across the bed suddenly aware of how very tired she was. It had been a long and strange day and her mind was spinning as she tried to sort through all that had happened. She barely heard the news report in the background as she dozed promising herself she would only sleep for a few minutes. She would have broken that promise if the motel room phone had not rung loudly startling her awake.

She almost knocked it over as she reached to answer it. After saying hello several times she realized there was no one there although she thought she heard the soft click of someone hanging up. Glancing at the clock she was relieved to see she had only slept for twenty minutes. Resisting the impulse to lay back down she forced herself to go into the bathroom and start the shower.

As she undressed she could hear the television in the other room as a reporter announced the body of a man had been found in the mountains near the river. “Doug Sutton of Riddle was found by hikers this morning apparently drowned in the Long River. An investigation is underway by the Department of Criminal Investigations to determine if this was an accident. Bikers reported seeing a black compact car speeding away from the trail shortly before the discovery. Investigators are asking anyone with information to call local law enforcement.” The report continued as she stepped into the warm spray so she did not hear any more.

By the time she had finished showering the news was over and some reality show was coming on. Not even bothering to dry her hair she turned off the television and tumbled into bed. Morning would come soon enough and tomorrow would be another exhausting day. As she drifted into a deep sleep she wondered if she would see Kort the next day. It was the last thought she had. But her dreams were filled with being chased by a tall dark shadow that eventually turned into Kort Eriksen.

Chapter 15

Norma pulled into the hospital parking lot and got out of her car quickly. Swinging her workout bag over her shoulder she headed for the employee entrance. As a rule she didn’t like to work out late at night as it tended to get her endorphins racing and made it hard to sleep. But lately she’d had trouble falling asleep anyway so she hoped the exercise might tire her out enough so she could doze off.

There were only a few people in the employee gym as she hurried to the dressing room. Stripping down she examined her body in the full length mirror. Her body was firm and well toned, her muscles usually hidden beneath her uniform or casual daily attire. Once she had changed into her workout clothes she headed for the elliptical machine. The room was dark and a movie was playing on a wide screen in front of several ellipticals, treadmills, and stationary bikes. No one else was using the machines and Norma was pleased to have the room to herself. She started out slowly but had worked up to a strenuous pace quickly. A thin sheen of sweat stood out on her upper lip. Then she began doing it in reverse, something few could manage.

The movie was an action film she had never seen before and as the brawny male lead raced and fought his way across the screen she challenged herself to match his pace. Forty minutes later she was perspiring heavily but her breathing was not strained. Wiping her face and hands with her towel she headed for the weights.

After almost another hour Norma was ready to go. She felt invigorated and didn’t care if she slept or not. She took a short shower where she scrubbed her skin until it was rosy. Then she dressed and headed for her car.

Crossing the quiet parking lot she became aware someone was hurrying to catch up with her. Slipping her kubaton out of her pocket she held it at her side, ready to use. The footsteps were close behind her when she spun to face her pursuer. Seeing who it was she frowned. “What do you want?” she asked the man dressed in dark clothes as he stepped closer to her.

“Just to talk,” his voice was low and difficult to hear even in the silence of the parking lot.

She wondered briefly what he could what he could possibly want to say to her. Soon she would find out.

Chapter 16

Kort woke early, dressed in jeans, boots, and a tee shirt. Tossing a hoodie over his shoulder he went down to the kitchen. Agnes jumped when he swung open the door. “Oh goodness! You startled me!”

He apologized as he grabbed a glass from the cabinet and poured himself some orange juice. “I thought I’d get there a little early.” Moving the curtains aside he looked out at the sky. “I hope we have good weather today.”

Agnes studied him closely. “Do you want some breakfast or coffee?”

Downing the juice in a few quick gulps he shook his head. “I’ll pick up a container of coffee at a drive thru.” He smiled. “See you later.”

She watched him hurry out to the garage and followed him to the door. “You really should eat something,” she called.

“I’ll be fine. Don’t worry.” With that he was in the truck and driving off.

Agnes shook her head, puzzled by his apparent enthusiasm. Nothing more had been said about the previous night. A cold breeze blew a few leaves across the lawn and Agnes wrapped her arms around herself and glanced up at the sky. Fall was coming early this year. As she turned to go back into the house she noticed a low black car drive slowly past. For a moment she thought she saw Norma driving but there was no reason she would be in this part of town. Shrugging she went back into the house.

Keeping his eyes on the road, Kort turned on the radio switching stations until he found a weather report. The meteorologist predicted good weather for the next five days with only a twenty percent chance of rain that afternoon. It was hard to believe since the sky was clear and the sun was shining brightly.

Somewhere in the back of his mind Kort had known why he had gotten up early. When he reached the road that led up the hill to the Timbers construction site he passed it and instead pulled in to the parking lot of the Skyview Inn. Staring up at the front of the motel he wondered what he was doing. Shaking his head he pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and pulled up Grace’s number. “Oh what the hell,” he muttered and pushed the button to dial her number.

Grace was still asleep when her cell phone rang and it took her a moment to realize what the sound was. Glancing at the clock she answered the phone groggily.

Kort was just about to disconnect the call when she answered. He could tell she had been asleep and said what everyone seems to say when they wake someone. “Hi. I hope I didn’t wake you.”

Rubbing her eye, Grace assured him she had been awake because that is the lie people usually respond with.

“I was on my way to work and I wondered if you need a ride before I head up the hill.” Suddenly Kort felt foolish. She only had to cross the road. He had no real reason to call her or to offer a ride.

Grace was on her feet pulling clothes out of the closet. She said a silent thanks that she had showered before bed. “I was just getting dressed. Would you mind waiting about ten or fifteen minutes?” Then she wondered why she was rushing. She had plenty of time. It was only a quarter after six in the morning.

“Sure, that’s fine. Maybe we can grab some coffee before you start work.” Kort wanted to bite his tongue but instead just closed his eyes tightly feeling awkward and foolish.

“That sounds great. I’ll be right down.” She hesitated. “I’d ask you up but it’s just one room…”

“No that’s fine,” he reassured her. “I’ll be out front.”

In a little less than fifteen minutes Grace hurried from the elevator giving a quick wave to Tony as she headed out the door. Kort had pulled his truck into an empty parking space and as she got closer she could hear the radio playing. She tapped lightly on the passenger window before climbing into the truck. “Good morning. And thank you. I hate running across this road.”

Kort nodded and backed out of the space turning the radio off with one hand. “I’ve been thinking I can help you move your stuff up the hill when you’re ready. I get off around five as long as it doesn’t rain. Would that work for you?” He avoided looking directly at Grace instead watching the flow of traffic and waiting for an opening.

“I don’t want to put you out Kort. I know you’re probably exhausted by the end of the day.” Her mind was racing even faster as she tried to figure out why he was being so kind.

  Almost as though he read her thoughts he said, “I know it has to be hard since you don’t really know anyone here. And I also know this town can be unfriendly to strangers sometimes. To be honest I’m not the most popular person in town these days anyway.” He parked the truck and turned to look directly at her.

His eyes were intense, the brown so dark they were almost black. “You don’t realize it but you have been really nice. You could easily have avoided me after learning about my past. But you didn’t. You’re pretty much the first person I’ve had a real conversation with since I got back.”

Feeling sorry for him she said, “That’s terrible. What about your mother or that woman you had breakfast with? She seemed like a good friend.”

Kort turned and looked out the window. “Norma is a friend but there’s a lot there that makes it difficult to talk to her.” He sighed heavily. “Anyway I appreciate you and if I can give you a hand I’m happy to do it. I mean I know you won’t be here long so if I can make it a little easier for you I will.”

“You’re very kind. And I will gladly accept your offer.” She smiled. “But only if you let me buy you breakfast. I think I get a discount.”

Laughing Kort agreed and they went into the diner. Jack was behind the counter and he took a quick look at his watch before saying, “You’re early.”

It was Kort who responded. “We thought we’d have breakfast before we start slaving away.”

If Jack was surprised he gave no indication. “Grab a table and I’ll bring you coffee.”

Sliding into a booth across from one another Kort asked, “What time do you get off today?”

Jack set two cups of coffee on the table and answered for Grace. “Three o’clock. How about some breakfast?”

While Kort ordered a big breakfast Grace only wanted an English muffin. Jack chuckled. “Grace you’re making us look bad eating like a bird.”

Grace made a face at him. “You don’t need a fat hostess.”

“You have a long way to go before you get there. How about some juice at least?” Leaning over he added, “You get a discount you know. Heck I’ll even give your boyfriend here a discount.”

She looked quickly from Jack to Kort and back again. “Oh, it isn’t like that.”

“She’ll take an orange juice and I will too if that’s okay.” Kort smiled easily at Jack who winked and went to fill their orders. Shaking her head Grace started to apologize, when Kort cut her off. “That’s the biggest compliment I’ve gotten since getting back in town.” He added sugar to his coffee and stirred it slowly. “I hope it didn’t embarrass you too much.” Looking up at her he grinned. “After all I hear I’m a killer of a boyfriend.”

Grace’s mouth dropped open. “That isn’t funny.” She glanced around to see if anyone overheard his remark just as Jack returned with two glasses of orange juice.

As he set them on the table he leaned close to Kort. “Do you remember Dougie Sutton? He went to school with you and Desiree; testified against you at the trial.”

Sipping his coffee Kort nodded his head. “Yeah. I actually saw him at the bus when I got into town. Why?”

“Hikers found his body up by Long River in the Crystal Cove area yesterday. Troopers and police are all over the place.”

Kort’s hand shook slightly. “Really? What happened?”

Jack said softly, “They say he drowned. He probably got drunk or high and fell in. He’s been screwed up for years.” Tapping his fingers on the table he turned to go get their food.

Grace was studying his face closely. “Are you okay?”

He nodded. “Yeah. It’s just, well, I just saw him.” He looked into her eyes. “It’s a little unsettling. He was mouthing off when Norma picked me up at the bus.”

Grace’s eyebrows went up slightly at the mention of Norma. “Well it sounds like he’s been living on the edge for some time. It’s just a coincidence.”

Kort agreed as Jack returned with their food. “Enjoy! Let me know if you need anything else.”

Kort watched him walk away before turning back to Grace. “You’re right. I’m just edgy I guess.” Forcing a grin he picked up a piece of bacon and offered it to Grace who accepted it with a grin. “Better eat so we won’t be late for work.”

They talked about Grace’s moving plans as they ate but in the back of Kort’s mind a little bell was ringing. Something did not feel right.  After they finished he insisted on paying for both of them before telling Grace he would swing by the inn when he got off from work. She watched him walk out to his truck, his hands in his pockets and his shoulders slightly hunched.

Suddenly Jack was behind her. “He’s a good kid. Well I guess he’s not a kid anymore. He got a raw deal here.”

Grace merely nodded and softly agreed. “It seems so.” Then she looked at Jack. “But we aren’t dating. I’m not going to be here very long Jack.”

He smiled slightly. “Well, let’s get to work. We have customers.”

A group of teenage girls stood at the hostess station waiting to be seated and Grace hurried to get them settled.