Deadly Reunion (The Taci Andrews Deadly Series) (11 page)

Directing my attention back to the present I gazed out across the empty lot’s I’d ended up at. Frowning I dug the printed contracts out of my side pocket, sure I must have read the address wrong. Glancing at the paperwork I sighed, looking up again to view the lot’s in question. Why was Owens so interested in the sale of a few empty lots? From what I could see they weren’t anything that special, just lot’s full of field grass in every direction. The only thing it had going for it was when Rosehill was up and running it would have a pretty nice view.

Turning on my heel I surveyed the Rosehill construction site from afar. The properties I stood on were off the highway, far enough away from Rosehill and the busy traffic that noise wouldn’t be a problem. In fact, the longer I stood there the more I realized if someone were going to build anything, these spots would be the perfect place for it. Not only did it have immediate access to the highway it was noise free plus had a pretty nice view depending on how you located a building.

Something hovered in the back recesses of my mind but it was gone before I could pinpoint what it was. Frowning I chewed my lower lip, the nagging question that I’d been asking myself for the past twenty minutes running through my mind; why was Richard interested in these properties? Tucking the paperwork back into my purse I trudged slowly to my car, giving my surroundings one last look around. Guess I’d seen all I could here, time to move on to bigger and better things. Or see if I could get kicked off the construction site; that could be a good time too. Climbing in my car I turned it around and headed down the hill to Rosehill.

Things were in full swing at the site with large machinery moving piles of dirt back and forth across the highway. I waited my turn in a line of cars for what seemed like an eternity before I could make the left turn into the construction zone. Large signs warning of trespassing loomed up at me, reminding me that I was in no man’s land, or rather no woman’s land. Better stick to the basics and seek out the main trailer first I thought, cranking the wheel hard right to head towards the Fox River Construction Company trailer. I remembered their name from the article in the paper when it’d first come out about the new construction. Guess we’d start with them.

Easing to a stop in front of the trailer, I gathered my purse and left the car. Climbing the steps to the trailer door I raised my hand to knock, only to halt at the angry argument I heard through the door. The voices were hushed but even I could pick out the angry tones. A funny feeling in my stomach told me this was probably not a good time however the thought flew from my brain when the trailer door flew open and a man came barreling out. Jumping to the side to allow him to pass my gaze met his and the hairs on the back of my neck stood up at the piercing look in his cold grey eyes. Swallowing I turned back towards the open doorway and to the man standing inside it.

“Hi, I’m Taci Andrews with the Riverdale Times. I was wondering if I might have a moment of your time,” I said with a beaming smile, holding out my hand. He was the man from Jason’s waiting room, I recognized him instantly. I could tell he recognized me too but he quickly hid his surprise behind a tentative smile.

“A pleasure to meet you Miss Andrews, Tom Kincaid. Please, do come in. To what do I owe this unexpected visit?” he asked politely, motioning for me to come inside. The door shut with a resounding bang and I jumped, nervously eyeing the man behind me.

“Tricky door, it must get stuck a lot,” I said casually, masking my nervousness. I tried to make it a general rule never to allow myself to fall into a position of vulnerability; looks like I need a refresher course on my rule book.

Tom shrugged, giving an apologetic smile. “These construction trailers aren’t of the best quality so yes, it does tend to get stuck from time to time. Would you care for a cup of coffee? Tea perhaps?”

I shook my head. “No thanks, that won’t be necessary. Actually I came here seeking your advice on something. See, I have a friend who’s interested in purchasing some property close to here but he’s kind of new to property values and such. I was wondering if you could fill me in on some pointers so he doesn’t get suckered.”

Giving a smile Tom motioned for me to take a seat on the small couch gracing the room. “To my knowledge there isn’t any more property close to Rosehill that’ll be going up on the market for quite some time, and I’m afraid when it does the property values will be through the roof. Does your friend have a certain price range he’d like to stay in?”

“Money’s not really the problem, it’s really a matter of finding the right property. To tell you the truth I had an inside tip that there were some empty lot’s just north of here that I believe would be perfect for him. I was wondering if you knew of the current owner of the properties so that we might get in contact with them,” I continued smoothly.

The smile on Tom’s face wavered but remained in place. “And which properties would you be referring to, Miss Andrews?”

I tapped my finger on my chin as if trying to remember the exact location of the properties I’d just left. “I believe they’re on Mill Creek Road. From what I’ve learned there are a few lot’s just sitting empty up there that would be perfect for building a large house on. Do you know which lot’s I’m referring to?”

I must have a struck a chord because the man’s face paled slightly and the smile was definitely gone. Hmm, an interesting sign for just fishing for information.

“I’m sorry Miss Andrews but I’m not certain which properties you are referring to. Actually from my knowledge there aren’t any properties close to Rosehill that are for sale, so your friend might have better luck looking in the north end of town,” he stammered quickly, a bit too quickly for my liking.

Giving a disappointed look I nodded, replying, “That’s what I was afraid of. Too bad about those empty lot’s though. I happened to take a drive by them myself and they really do have a spectacular view of Rosehill. I hope the current owner puts the land to good use if they’re going to hang on to it.”

Tom’s face got flushed at that and he stood from his seat. Reaching down he assisted me to my feet, holding fast to my elbow when I went to pull away.

“From what I know that’s private property up there Miss Andrews and you’d be wise to steer clear of it. People don’t take kindly to folks trespassing around here and they won’t take kindly to a reporter nosing around,” he warned softly, his grip tightening painfully on my elbow. The air in the trailer became quiet and a menacing feeling rushed over me as Tom continued to stare at me with hard assessing eyes. Shit, this was a fine mess I’d talked myself in to. Me and my big mouth. The welcoming ring of my cell phone broke the silence and I fished it out of my purse with my free hand.

“Andrews,” I answered as normally as I could, wanting to cry out with joy at the welcoming sound of Tony’s voice.

“You hung up on me,” he accused.

I met Tom’s eyes and gave a small smile. “Officer Parsons how nice it is to hear from you! Tell me, how are the wife and kids doing? Do tell Annie hello for me, will you?”

Tony was silent for a moment while I continued to keep an eye on Kincaid. I couldn’t tell if he was believing my story or not but for the time being I felt safe talking to Tony.

“You’re in trouble,” he stated tensely.

I did my best not to roll my eyes. I really wanted to shout out no shit Sherlock but I somehow thought that might blow my cover with Kincaid. Instead, I gave a laugh before sweetly replying, “Well of course I am, you know how well I do with that. I take it you got my message about the meeting with Fox River Construction? Mr. Kincaid has been such a huge help today but I’m afraid I’ve taken up too much of his time already.”

Tom’s eyes narrowed and he released his hold on my elbow. Obviously he wasn’t such a tough guy when it came to involving the police, or rather the supposed police.

“Can you wait ten minutes or do I need to call in some back up?” Tony asked quietly.

I continued to smile, forcing myself not to run out of the trailer now that I was free. “Actually I’m on my way out now so no need. I can catch up with you later as previously planned.”

Tony was quiet, then replied, “Be careful. Call me if you need me, otherwise I’ll pick you up at 6:00.”

The disconnection of the call left me feeling a bit panicky but I pushed the feeling down. Turning towards Tom I gave a warm smile, saying lightly, “Thank you so much for your time today Mr. Kincaid. I believe you’re right; the north end of town may be the place for my friend to look. I appreciate your help.”

Not waiting around for a reply I bolted out the door and down the steps, making my way quickly to my car. Not bothering to look back I jumped into the front seat and cranked the engine over, pulling out of my parking spot and back onto the highway. My hands started shaking a half mile down the road and I pulled off, leaning my head against the steering wheel while I forced my nerves to calm down. My cell phone rang and I picked it up, already knowing who it was.

“I’m fine,” I answered wearily, lifting my head from the steering wheel. Checking over my shoulder to make sure it was clear I pulled back onto the highway.

“What the hell happened and who’s Kincaid?” Tony demanded angrily.

“Tom Kincaid is the foreman for Fox River Construction Company. They’re the ones doing the new development project out on the highway. I came across some interesting info in Richard’s computer earlier today and I was doing some double checking. Needless to say my nosing around wasn’t exactly met with open arms,” I replied, steering easily through the traffic as I made my way back to my apartment. I had a bubble bath calling my name and there was no way in hell I was going without it. I needed it too much.

Tony sighed. “Where are you now?”

“Just pulling on to my street. I’ll be home and tucked safely away in a few minutes, so don’t worry your precious head about me,” I replied.

“I’m coming over and don’t even think about arguing with me. I’ll be there in ten minutes,” he replied, disconnecting before I could reply. Damn it. Coming over or not, I
was
going to get a bubble bath today if it killed me!

CHAPTER EIGHT

I sank lower in the hot steamy bubbles, reveling in the steamy heat of the water. God this felt good, so good it should be outlawed I thought with a smile. I knew Tony would be here any minute but I didn’t care. I deserved this bubble bath after the day I’d had. He could sure as hell wait until I was ready to get out. A knock sounded on the door, interrupting the tranquility of bath time.

“What?” I growled out, refusing to open my eyes.

“It’s me, mind if I come in?” Tony spoke through the door. Heat that had nothing to do with the hot water flooded through me at the sound of his voice.

“I’m in the bathtub. Just talk through the door,” I called out. I could hear the rattle of the door in response and I smiled, glad I’d had the good sense to lock it. When the door came flying open I gasped, grabbing the shower curtain and jerking it over my naked form as Tony stormed into the bathroom.

“Guess you didn’t hear me,” I shot out angrily, arching an eyebrow at his cocky grin. I heard Reese laughing in the other room as Tony shut the door and I flushed even angrier. Traitor.

“Sorry, I heard you were in the tub and thought that was an open invitation. Was I wrong?” he replied innocently.

I sighed, leaning back in the tub once again. Thankfully with the shower curtain pulled he could only see my face. At least I hoped that’s all he could see. To tell the truth right now I really didn’t care.

“Whatever. What do you need that couldn’t possibly wait for 6:00? And let me forewarn you, I’m in a definite drinking mood tonight so I hope you can afford me,” I informed him.

Tony laughed at that, obviously undaunted. “I hardly think paying for three beers will break me Angel Face but whatever you say.”

I smiled. “Well bring your check book Parsons because I may just go for broke and do five tonight. It’s been a helluva day.”

Tony sobered at that, leaning a lean hip against the bathroom vanity. “Are you really all right? He didn’t hurt you did he? Because I can be all macho and go out and kick his ass if you want me to.”

“I’m fine and no, he didn’t hurt me, just bruised my elbow a bit. Don’t worry, I didn’t take two years of Tae Kwondo to let myself be battered and abused by some wimpy foreman. I could’ve taken him,” I replied.

Tony swore softly, reaching out to jerk back the curtain. I gave a gasp, sitting lower in the bath bubbles to try a cover myself while he grabbed my arms, inspecting each one until he came across the purplish bruises.

“I’ll kick his ass for this,” he said softly, leaning down to press butterfly kisses against my bruised skin. My stomach did a flip flop and I was pretty sure my insides had turned to mush.

“I’m really OK Tony. He didn’t really grab me that hard, I just bruise easily. Don’t worry about it, it’s just the hazards of the job,” I reassured him softly.

Tony sighed, reaching down to cup my cheek. “You shouldn’t have to worry about hazards on the job, especially not hazards like this. I don’t like it Taci, not one bit, especially when I heard that message that creep left for you. You should have told me about it from the get go.”

I wanted to lean in to the warmth of his hand, to reassure him that everything would be OK and what the hell, maybe even encourage him to slip into the bath water with me, but I couldn’t do that. I’d worked too long and hard to get where I was today and I wasn’t going to back down because of a stupid phone message and an idle threat. Instead I pulled away and tugged the shower curtain back in place.

“You don’t have to like it Tony; it’s not your job, it’s mine. I like what I do and I like the challenges I get no matter what form they come in. I’m not going to back down just because some psycho left me a nutty message on my machine or some guy tried to bully me around. You of all people should know I wouldn’t just turn the other cheek and hope for the best,” I said quietly.

Tony leaned away from the tub, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “All right, we’ll do this your way…for now. But if I think you’re getting in to too much trouble I’m pulling the plug. Now, where do you want to go for dinner tonight?”
I stared at him, open mouthed. Did he seriously just lay down the law with me or were my ears deceiving me? The ringing of his cell phone saved him from a scathing set down. Glancing at the screen Tony grimaced. “I need to take this. I’ll be over later to pick you up.”