Sneaking Suspicions (The Tharon Trace Mysteries Book 1) (24 page)

CHAPTER 44

Tom bagged two hen turkeys, field dressed them, but brought them to Maisy to pluck and finish cleaning.  “I’m sorry I don’t have time to properly clean them for you.  I was beginning to fear we’d be having a vegan Thanksgiving.”

Maisy gave him a bleak smile. “That’s fine.  I’m glad you got them.”

She seemed distant, not her usual self.  The sparkle and fire of her eyes dimmed, replaced with an edge of sadness.

Tom waited until she met his gaze. “Are Lista and Tharon alright?  Is something wrong?”

She waved her hands in a weak attempt to display her usual bluster.  “No, no.  Everything’s fine.  You go get ready.  I’ll fix a couple sandwiches for you to eat on the way.”

She was right, he had barely enough time to shower, pick up Matt and get to the meeting on time.  Still he hesitated.  He’d known her all his life and there were few occasions when he’d seen her like this.  In a gentle but firm voice he said, “Maisy, what’s wrong?”

When her eyes met his, her fear gave way to tenderness. “Go get cleaned up.  Lista can tell you while you change.”

He ducked his head into the living room.  Tharon, Helm and Kaid sat on the floor around the ottoman playing Chinese checkers.  “Who’s winning?”

Kaid spoke without taking his eyes off the board. “Tharon’s won three out of four games, but I think this one is mine.”

Lista got up from her chair where she’d been watching them play.  “I’ll keep you company while you change.”

When she stood, Tom noticed the bulge in her low hanging sweater pocket.  He also saw the set of her jaw and knew she intended to keep something from him.

He took her hand and led her into the bedroom.  When the door was closed, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her lips gently at first, and then with fervor as he let loose of the pent up emotions of the day, if not the week.

He pulled the pins from her hair and let her tresses fall about her shoulders.  Easing her onto the bed, he kissed her cheek, nuzzled her ear, tickling her with his whiskers, and ran his thumb along her jaw line.  He gazed into her deep brown eyes smoldering with desire and asked, “Honey, is that a gun in your pocket or are you happy to see me?”

She laughed louder than she intended and covered her mouth to stifle her amusement.  “Both.”

The tension she’d felt all afternoon shook loose with her laughter and eased from her shoulders.

He kissed her again with tenderness.  When their lips parted he smoothed a lock of hair from her cheek, “All right, beautiful, tell me what has you and Maisy so spooked.”

“I shouldn’t tell you.  You already have so much to do and worry about.”  She started to sit up.

He pinned her shoulders down and gave her a playful warning look.  “Do you want me to start kissing you again?”

She tilted her head to the side, thinking that would be a welcomed punishment.  “Absolutely.”

He hovered over her mouth without touching her but so close she felt his warm breath on her face, “Then spill it, or there’ll be no more kisses for you, woman.”

She narrowed her eyes at him, “You fight dirty.”

He nuzzled the tender spot below her ear, “Come on, what’s got you so spooked?”

She sighed and pulled the picture from her pocket.  “Tharon drew this today.  It’s the man who’s still loose—the one who threatened to come after her.  That’s Martin Cutler.”

Tom sat up on the edge of the bed and stroked his beard.  His shoulders sagged.  “That’s one face I never thought I’d see again.  If we’re going to stay here—,” he looked at her to make sure they were in agreement.

“Yes.  I thought about running, but then I saw Tharon asleep on the sofa with Helm and I couldn’t imagine taking her from Kaid and Helm again.  The bond they’ve formed is so strong.  Whatever is coming, we need to stand and face it here.”

Tom nodded, “We might need to tell someone the danger we are in and why.  I’m thinking Simon can be trusted.”

Lista grazed her fingertips across her husband’s back, “Okay.  Should we tell Dana too?  I don’t know what it is about her, but I trust her.”

Tom hunched his shoulders to redirect her fingertips lower.  “I trust her too.  When we were tracking the kids, she had a determination that she’d bring them home safe or die trying.  Who cares that much for someone else’s children?”

Lista sat up next to him and ran her fingers through his long brown hair.  “You do.  It’s just one of the many reasons I love you.”  She touched his face and kissed him with all the intensity of her passion and love for him.

He groaned and pulled away from her, “Now my shower is going to have to be a cold one.”  He got up and headed for the bathroom, leaving a trail of clothes as he went.

She lay on her side watching him, “Serves you right for trying to start something that you know I won’t be able to finish for several weeks.”

He flashed a brilliant smile, performed a series of muscle man poses for her in the buff, winked and said, “Until then, my darling!”  He turned on the water and stepped into the shower.  “Brrrrrr!”

She shook her head and smiled.  Her eyelids drooped closed as she listened to the water thrumming against the shower curtain.

When the water stopped Tom wrapped a towel about his waist and walked to the dresser, picking up his dirty clothes on his way.  He tossed them into the hamper in the corner.

Lista stood and walked over to him as he rummaged for clean briefs and socks.  She wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him tight.  “Thank you.”

He twisted in her arms until he was facing her.  “Now what did I do?”

She caressed his solid chest with her palms, moving them downwards to rest on the miniscule love handles at his sides and went up on her tiptoes to kiss him, “You made me forget to be sad.  You made me smile and laugh.  Thank you.”

He tossed his underwear onto the bed and framed her face with his hands, “We’ll get pregnant again, and we’ll have healthy babies—a whole house full of them.  I promise.  And I won’t let Martin Cutler or anyone else hurt us or drive us from our home.”  He kissed her again.

The front doorbell rang.  Tom reluctantly parted his lips from her supple mouth, “That’ll be Chuck.  Much as I hate to, I’ve got to go.  Will you tell him I’ll be right out?”  He kissed her forehead.

With an impish grin, she said, “I’d be happy to.”  She loosened his towel as she broke from his embrace.

He caught the towel before it hit the floor and snapped the air behind her with it.

She turned and blew him a kiss before she ducked out the door.

The smile left Tom’s face as soon as the door closed.  He dressed quickly and reopened his top drawer.  He reached up under the bottom of the drawer and pulled out a digital bridge which had been taped to the underside of the drawer.  He slipped it into his wallet with a determination to do whatever it took to protect his family.

CHAPTER 45

Thursday, November 23, 2056: Thanksgiving Day

Lista tried to hide her frustration at not being permitted to help cook Thanksgiving dinner.  Every time she wandered into the kitchen, Maisy shooed her out to go rest.  If she got any more rest she feared she’d explode.  Instead of focusing on what she couldn’t do, she occupied herself with creating works of art with the dinner napkins.

Tharon set each place setting, standing back to make sure everything was even.  Lista said, “Do I step back and look at each place setting like that?”

Tharon tilted her head from side to side. “Uh huh.  I guess that’s why the table always looks so pretty.”  She looked at the napkin in her mother’s hands. “What are you making?”

Lista shook out the napkin she’d been working on.  “I’m trying to make a turkey but they just don’t look right.  I think I might just make a swan or a bird of paradise and be done with it.  What do you think?”  She quickly folded one napkin into a swan and another into a bird of paradise.

Tharon shrugged her shoulders.  “I guess if you can’t do a turkey, either one is okay.”  She bounced on the balls of her feet. “How much longer until everyone gets here?”

Lista smiled and pulled Tharon into her arms.  “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this excited for Thanksgiving.  What makes this holiday so special?”

Tharon melted into her mother’s side.  “Well, you know, we’ve only had Thanksgiving with the Walkers before.  And this year Helm’s family is coming and the Sheriff and Dana.  And Shep is home and well, it just seems like there’s a lot more to be thankful for this year.”

Lista’s eyes glistened.  “There is a lot to be thankful for.”

“Mom, don’t get all mushy and weepy.  You still have a lot of napkins to fold.”  She wriggled out of her mother’s grip and then planted a sloppy kiss on her cheek.

Lista playfully smacked Tharon’s bottom as she skipped away to finish setting the children’s table.

Lista thought about all the bad that had happened and weighed it against the good and decided Tharon was right, they had a lot to be thankful for.  She frowned at the floppy turkey shape in her hands and decided bird of paradise would be just fine for this year.

As she focused on the napkins she started humming and then when the tune in her heart turned into a familiar song she softly whistled a happy melody.  A movement caught her attention and she turned to find Tom leaning on the pillar by the dining room with his arms folded.  She stopped whistling and focused on her napkin folding. “How long have you been standing there watching me?”

He chuckled. “Not nearly long enough.”  He moved to her side and lifted her chin so she was looking at him.  “It’s good to see you happy.  Whistle that tune again for me?”

She puckered her lips to whistle and he bent down and smothered the tune with a kiss.  When their lips parted he said, “I know I don’t say it enough, but I love you, Mrs. Trace.”

She gently caressed the side of his face. “The feeling is quite mutual, Mr. Trace.”

Their tender moment was interrupted by Tharon’s squeal from the living room. “They’re here!”

Roused from his bed by the fireplace, Shep barked as he wedged himself between Tharon and each visitor.  His wet nose sniffed each dish carried in as if he were a trained bomb sniffing dog.

The Walkers arrived first, each person carrying a contribution to the meal.  By the time Matt and Angela carried in their a sweet potato casserole, Shep had deemed anyone carrying food a welcome visitor so he barely acknowledged Simon and Dana, prancing eagerly around the fragrance of the chocolate cake in Simon’s hands.

Angela and Marilyn joined Maisy in the kitchen where they prepared the final trimmings of the meal, while the men stood in the living room, discussing the militia in hushed tones.

Dana and Lista shared a companionable silence as they listened intently to the men’s conversation.  Simon expressed his concerns about troop movements in Michigan and northeastern Illinois.  They had spotters positioned along the suspected incursion routes and if there were any movements, he was to call up the militia for a defensive maneuver.

Lista frowned. “Do you think they might have to fight tonight?”

Dana met her gaze.  “I hope not, but I wouldn’t be at all surprised.”

Lista folded her arms and tried to suppress a shudder.  “I’m glad we decided to have an early meal.”

Maisy bustled out of the kitchen followed by Marilyn and Angela.  “Dinner’s ready.”

After Tom herded his family and friends into the dining room he asked them to gather in a large circle.  “We have a Thanksgiving tradition in our family.  We join hands and after the prayer, we each take a turn to express our gratitude.  Please don’t feel pressured if you don’t want to participate, but if you do you are most welcome.”

Helm and Kaid each claimed one of Tharon’s hands while Tracy quickly wedged in between Helm and Angela.

Tom waited for everyone to join hands and said the prayer expressing gratitude for the safe return of Tharon, Kaid and Helm; for friends and family; for the food.  He asked blessings on the food and sought blessings of protection for their home and families, for the militia, for the state and for the nation.  When he finished a round of
Amens
expressed perfect agreement with his prayer.

After the prayer he said, “As head of this household, Lista has given me permission to go first.”

Lista gave Tom a gentle elbow in the side as a chuckle went around the room.

Tom continued, “I would be remiss if I didn’t express my profound gratitude to everyone who helped find the children.  I’m especially grateful for Dana’s determination, stamina, and her good eyesight to find Tharon in the tree.  I shudder to think what might have happened if she were even a minute later getting to them.  And I’m grateful for Tharon, Kaid and Helm and for how well they took care of each other.  There are always blessings that come through trials and we’ve cemented some great friendships after what we’ve all been through.  Thank you.” His throat tightened as he choked out the final two words.

Lista cleared her throat but when she spoke, her words were still choked with emotion. “I’m thankful for my husband whose skill in tracking and training helped find Tharon and the boys.  I’m also grateful that he knows just what to do or say to make me smile.  And I’m thankful for friends, old and new.”  She buried her face in Tom’s sleeve and he wrapped his arm around her.

For all his political speeches during election years, Simon struggled for words. “I’m grateful for new friends and my new bride.”  He slipped his arm around Dana’s waist.

Dana looked around the room; never had she dreamed her life could change so quickly.  Her heart was overcome with gratitude for so many things that she feared if she named them all she’d blubber like a baby.  “I’m grateful that Tharon likes to climb trees.  And I’m grateful to not be alone anymore.”

Maisy wiped her eyes on her apron.  “I’m grateful for many things, but right now, I’d be grateful if we can stop talking and enjoy this meal while it’s still warm.”

Another chorus of
Amen
resounded throughout the room.

Maisy clapped her hands together. “Just grab a plate and file out into the kitchen, feel free to refill it as many times as you want.  The fewer leftovers we have to deal with, the better.”

Conversations centered on the food as everyone settled around the table.

Marilyn nibbled at her modest portions. “Lista, this is delicious, but you did too much.  You should have said something, I’d have been happy to help.”

Lista smiled. “The turkey is perfect, isn’t it?  I wish I could claim credit for it but Tom and Maisy wouldn’t let me near the kitchen all week.  I’m afraid all I did this year was fold the dinner napkins.”

Marilyn pushed the turkey to the far edge of her plate. “Oh, well, it is a tad dry.”

Maisy’s smile faded as she cast her eyes down at her plate, her fork frozen in her hand.

Tom shoveled a large bite of turkey into his mouth. “Dry my eye, it’s perfect.  Thank you, Maisy.  Everything is superb.”  He winked at her and Maisy returned a warm and grateful smile.

Lista nudged Tom’s foot under the table and when she got his attention, she took a spoonful of Marilyn’s gelatin salad.

Tom spooned a heaping mound of the cranberry salad into his mouth.  “Mmmm.  Marilyn, you’re cranberry salad is wonderful.  It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without it.”

Marilyn sat a little straighter. “I’m glad you like it, Tom.”

Lista rubbed her toe gently on Tom’s ankle.  He leaned over and kissed her neck, his beard tickling her and sending a shiver down her spine.

Dana felt perfectly happy.  She reached for Simon’s hand under the table and held it as she wondered how long it would be before she and Simon were able to communicate without words.

Simon put down his fork, tipped her face towards him and kissed her gently.  Conversation stopped in honor of their tender kiss.  Simon said, “Sorry folks, technically, it’s still our honeymoon.”

Simon’s phone rang.  He answered it. “Ellis here...Right....We’ll be there.”

He ended the call, sent out a blanket text message to the militia.  Tom, Matt and Doc’s phones chirped when the text came in.

Simon stood. “Grab your guns, gentlemen, we’re up.”

While the wives each gathered their husband’s coat, Tom opened the gun cabinet and armed himself with his rifle, complete with night scope, a Glock and a Bowie knife.  He filled his pockets with as much ammunition as they would hold.

Matt took a .22 rifle and Doc picked up a shotgun and stuffed his pockets with slugs.

Marilyn helped Doc on with his coat.  She buttoned his top button, “Graham, don’t be a hero.  Come home to us.  Do you hear me?”

Doc kissed her forehead.  “Don’t worry,” he said.  He drew her into a fierce hug and kissed her soundly on the lips.  When their lips parted he cupped her face in his hands and said, “I want you and the kids to stay here until we get back.”

Marilyn blinked rapidly and nodded.  She stepped back so Tracy and Kaid could hug their father.

Angela and Helm helped Matt on with his coat.  Matt tousled Helm’s hair.  “You take care of your mom.  Doc’s right.  I want you two to stay here as well.”

Angela kissed Matt and held him as they walked out onto the front porch.  “What about Black Friday?”

Matt shook his head. “No.  I don’t care if we go under.  I want to know you two are safe.  Stay here.  Be safe.”

Tom picked Tharon up and hugged her tight.  “Listen to your mom and Maisy.  Be a good girl.  I’ll be home before you know it.”

Tharon hugged Tom and kissed his cheek.  “I love you, Daddy.”

Tom put her down and kissed Maisy on the cheek.  “Will you stay here until I get back?”

Maisy wiped her palms on her apron. “You just remember everything Frank taught you and you’ll be fine.”

Tom nodded and then turned to Lista.  He drew her into his arms and kissed her deeply.  His hands caressed her sides until he felt the gun resting on her hip.  He parted from her lips and smiled. “Still happy to see me?”

She smiled back, “Always.”

His tone turned serious.  “Lock up all the doors and windows.  Keep that handy.  I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

They moved out onto the porch.  Simon and Dana were embracing at the bottom of the steps.  Dana said, “Let me come with you.  I can help.  You know how good a shot I am.”

Simon framed her face with his hands.  “You’re not completely healed.  Besides, you’re Sheriff Ellis now.  I want you to stay here.  I don’t want you to be alone tonight.  I’ll let you know when we get done.  Call Jackman and Murphy to let them know what’s going on.  Don’t use the radio if you can avoid it; I’m sure those channels are being monitored.”

Dana nodded and kissed her husband.  “I love you, Simon.  You be careful and come home to me.”

Simon hugged her tight, taking care not to crush her still tender shoulder.  “I love you too.  We have to go.”

Dana climbed back up the steps and stood with the other wives watching the men load up in their cars.  Chuck Miller pulled in behind them and Doc got in and sat in the truck cab next to him.

Lista watched Tom settle his rifle in the trunk of Simon’s cruiser.  Panic seized her chest.  “Tom!”

Tom grinned and treated her to a few muscle-man poses and then blew her a kiss.

She laughed and blew a kiss back to him.

Dana grinned. “What was that all about?”

The tension eased from Lista’s shoulders. “We have a date scheduled in a few weeks,” her fingers touched the smile playing on her lips. “That was his way of telling me he intends keep it.”