Serenity's Deception (Texas Sorority Sisters Book 1) (5 page)

S
lashed? You mean—”

“Yes. Slashed. As in knife inserted into your tires.” He glanced about. “Wait here.”

He walked around the vehicle next to hers then did the same to the cars on the other side of the steps. He came back and stood in front of her. Lines of concern etched in his face.

“Seems like your Wrangler is the vehicle of choice today. Who’d you tick off?”

His smile let her know he was joking, but she wasn’t in the mood. “I’m not in the habit of ticking off people.”

His eyebrows inched up sarcastically.

She could strangle the man. He could provoke a monk into forgetting his vow of silence and cursing a blue streak. “I don’t—”

 “Okay.” He held up his dirty palms, feigning fear of attack, a glint in his eye. “Since we’ve established that you haven’t ticked someone off—”

“Funny.” She shot him a
I’m in no humor
look which by his laugh he didn’t seem to comprehend. “Why would someone single out my Jeep?”

“I don’t know. Maybe they don’t like Jeeps, or the color black, or the fact you came back to town.” He shrugged his shoulders. “Beats me. But none of the other cars have been vandalized. Just yours. You figure it out.”

She would’ve liked nothing better than to catch the culprit and wring his neck. “Is there a place in town where I can buy a couple of tires?” She worked hard to keep her tone civil. After all he was helping her. “Or do I need to call a tire company in Round Rock. Surely that town would have someone that could bring me two tires?”

“You won’t have to call anyone. Let me finish putting on the spare and take off the front tire. Crawford’s Home and Auto should have what you need. I’ll take you there.”

“Really, I’d rather you didn’t. I can handle this.” Her words fell on deaf ears. He ignored her completely. In short order both tires were sitting on the ground, one on top of the other, the front of her Jeep much like a drunken sailor—jacked high and listing to one side.

“Now, let’s get these over to Crawford’s.” Jason inspected his black-filmed hands.

“Just a minute. I’ve got wipes in the back.”

BJ rummaged around in a plastic storage container where she kept supplies for emergencies when off-road. She handed him the moist sheets and then held out her hand waiting for the dirty ones. Reluctant, he placed them in her outstretched palm.

“Get your stuff, lock the doors. I’ll bring my truck around and load the tires.”

“I don’t want to put you to all this trouble. You’ve got a ranch to run. Surely I could walk to Crawford’s. It’s only a few blocks. Someone there can help me.”

He chuckled. “I wouldn’t bet on it. Only one person runs the shop during the week. Not likely old man Crawford would close the place down to change a tire, even for honey-colored eyes and a sweet smile. He’s near blind and wouldn’t fully appreciate your efforts.” He grabbed his hat, shoved it on his head as he sauntered off.

“
W-ell
, of all things!” She wanted to pick up a rock and throw it at his retreating back
.
Instead, she kicked the tire then regretted the childish action. Her open-toed sandal proved no protection for her big toe.

A more appealing man, she couldn’t remember. A more aggravating man, she’d never met. And he was destined to goad her with his comments and little jabs to keep her feelings on tenterhooks.

Moving into Rose Mansion just might prove to be the death of her yet, regardless the distance that separated them.

B
J’s gaze followed the insufferable man until he rounded the corner. Her tightly balled fists crammed the soiled wipes into the trash bag. After locking the tire rack, she laughed at her foolish gesture. No spare to steal.

She turned and collected the contents of her purse, not wanting the aggravating man to drive up and find she wasn’t ready to leave. Leaning over her purse, she snatched up a white, folded slip of paper on the floorboard. Without looking at it, forcefully threw it along with everything from the seat into her bag. She winched at the loud
clank
, hoping it wasn’t her BlackBerry.

All right, BJ, take a deep breath. In … out. In … out. In …

After rolling up the windows, she slammed the door to the Jeep, dropping her keys in the process, causing her to fume more as she snatched them from the blacktop. The controlled breathing hadn’t helped one bit.

Embarrassing
. No, downright maddening. To imply she would think about flaunting herself in front of old man Crawford—
insane
. To be in this predicament and have to rely on a man who, as plain as day, didn’t even want to be in her company, beyond exasperating. Who asked for Jason’s help in the first place? She sure didn’t.

BJ threw her keys into her purse and waited by the two damaged tires.

Men—Impossible!

The smell of diesel fumes and the sound of a chugging engine alerted BJ her chariot had arrived.

Does man in these parts drive a dually?

Jason stopped his silver-blue Chevy in the street. One at a time he hefted the tires into the truck-bed. When he was finished, BJ offered him some more wipes for his hands. He nodded toward the truck, apparently indicating she needed to get in.

With oversized tires and lack of running board, the climb up into the dually was an obstacle course. She barely got inside the cab and shut the door before Jason stepped on the accelerator, thrusting her back into the soft leather seat.

 “Buckle up. I don’t have time for Greene to give you a ticket.”

His words managed to ruin the small measure of calm she’d manage to acquire. He couldn’t have made it any clearer she was encroaching upon his precious time and an inconvenience. BJ set her jaw, then witnessed his clenched, face tired and regretted her thoughts. After all, he was doing her a huge favor taking time to help her.

 “Greene? Any relationship to Robby Greene? The same one who hung pink panties on Seth’s bronze fingers?” BJ grinned at the mental picture fresh in her mind. The bronze statue of Seth Loveless sitting on his horse Lightning, hand uplifted, and from his pinkie finger dangled a pair of lacy panties blowing in the wind.

Jason’s severe features relaxed into a smile. “One and the same. But if you see him, that subject’s best left forgotten. He just might feel obliged to thrown you in jail on principle. He’s a town cop.”

She laughed, snapping the belt in place feeling much better hearing his jovial tone. “I’ll try to heed your advice if I run across him. Is he married?”

“No. He’s single.” His words clipped.

“
Hmm
.” She nodded her head wondering why the change in attitude?

“Did you ever marry?” She regretted the words the moment they popped out of her mouth, wishing she could gather them back. In the meeting, she’d taken note he wasn’t wearing a wedding band but knew it didn’t mean a thing. Most farmers or ranchers in these parts didn’t wear one for fear of losing a finger in the heavy equipment they dealt with on a daily basis. Maybe this was his case. Hoping his answer would be no, she figured with his rugged good looks, the chance was slim.

“Yes.”

A simple word—yes. Yet, it sounded harsh, cold, and jabbed and mocked her, slicing like a blade through her heart.

 
Why did it matter so? He’s meant nothing to me for years.

Liar.

 She turned her face, watching the alleyway they’d entered. The backside of buildings passed in front of her eyes unnoted. Why should Jace’s marital status matter? She really hadn’t expected anything less after all these years.

Good grief!
Horrified for practically salivating over a married man, BJ scolded herself for foolish thoughts. Never in her life had she given one thought or a second glance to another woman’s husband and she wasn’t about to start now.

 “Do you have any children?” Why didn’t she stop with the
yes
? She glanced over at Jason knowing he’d make a fine father. Protective, but strict to a point, fun, loving and playful. In her mind she could almost see him romping with his children. Something broke on the inside leaving an open wound for her to contend with.

“No.” This time, gritting the word through his teeth.

Apparently touchy on the subject of kids. Maybe they couldn’t have any.

Surely his wife would be moving into the mansion with him. She thought she’d better quit with the questions before he stopped the Silverado and bodily threw her out into the alley.

Now wouldn’t that be a pretty sight?

“What’s so funny?”

Her mind preoccupied, she hadn’t realized she’d grinned until he spoke. “What?”

He rolled his eyes as though she were dull-witted. “I said—”

“Nothing. Nothing’s funny. It’s just … I thought about Robby and his old buddy, Frankie Goodstone.”
Second lie today
“All the antics they used to get into. And now he’s a cop. Hmm. Take some getting used to.” She turned her head away embarrassed at her falsehood.

Why had she lied to the man? He definitely brought out the worst in her.
She couldn’t let it happen again.

“He and Melanie Pritchard are a pretty tight item. Have been for the last three years. He won’t even glance at another woman.”

“Oh. How nice.” In high school Melanie had been two grades below her. BJ didn’t know her very well, but she appeared sweet. She didn’t seem a likely partner for prankster Robby Greene though. But then maybe he’d changed. “They’ll make a nice couple.”

Pulling into Crawford’s drive, Jason replied with a grunt. He turned the engine off, didn’t bother to grab the keys. After hopping down out of the truck, he strode into the back entrance to the store. Left to trail behind him, BJ fumed over the lack of courtesy in men these days.

Thirty minutes later, the new tires were safely stored in the back of Jason’s truck. They were almost back to her Jeep when she noticed lights flashing down the street. A police car parked behind BJ’s Wrangler had drawn quite a crowd of spectators.

“I assume that’s Robby. Who called him? You?” She didn’t even try to hide the annoyance in her voice.

“Yeah, that’s Officer Greene. And
I
called him. The vandalism needed to be reported before it happens again.” Jason stopped the truck in the street behind the police car.

“I would have rather—”

The noise of the seat belt buckle hitting metal and the door opening alerted BJ Jason had already jumped out of the truck, ignoring her completely.

“Lord, give me patience. Ever since I’ve come to this town my life’s taken on the characteristics of a nightmare, starting with Mr. Jason Lynn O’Connell.”

BJ breathed deeply then exhaled, doing her best to release the tension and frustration, her constant companions since entering Serenity. “No time like the present. Might as well get out and face the crowd and the questions.”

H
owdy
, Billy Jo.” Robby Greene lowered his aviator sunglasses, peered over the rims, then gave her a wink before shifting them back on the bridge of his nose. “Good to see you again. You here to stay or just passing through?”

Somewhat chafed by the question, BJ smiled at her old school chum. Like Jason, Robby hadn’t changed much, just older, and still a flirt. Jason and he were best friends all through school, even played on the football team—Jason the quarterback, Robby a wide-receiver, and by the looks of it, still pumped iron. He had the same dimpled, bad-boy smile that could charm a girl right out of an unintended kiss. The uniform didn’t hurt his cause one bit either. Gave him a certain appeal. She could envision all the young girls in high school speeding or running the one red light in town just to catch his attention.

The charged atmosphere by the small group of onlookers validated BJ’s notion … nothing much had changed in Serenity.

“Well, now Officer Greene, that just depends. So far—” She gave a meaningful glance at the raised front portion of her Jeep without a tire. “—my reception leaves a lot to be desired.”

Robby shook his head and gave her one of his crooked, endearing grins.

“I see what you mean. Well, little lady, you stick around and I’ll make sure you come to like the town a whole lot better.”

His response caused some chuckles and a few murmurs from the bystanders.

“Oh, give me a break.” Jason’s mumbled retort wasn’t lost on BJ and, by the look of Robby’s smirk, not on him either.

“Why, Myrtle, isn’t that the little orphaned girl, what’s her name, Billy—”

“Mable, keep your voice down, she’ll hear you.”

The Misses Kent, in flimsy, flower print dresses, straw hats, with wisps of white hair floating around their identical, wrinkled faces, stood away from the onlookers. They held a purse on one arm and in their hand a bag from Henley Brother’s department store. In their late seventies, they didn’t look a day older than when BJ had lived here. Today’s excitement would carry them through the remainder of the week as a topic to rehash over their afternoon tea.

At least her tire slashing was good for something. It had livened up the twins’ otherwise dull world. She offered a warm smile and nodded in their direction. “Miss Mable. Miss Myrtle.”

“It is her. See, I told you, sister.” Mable, the shier one was shocked to be correct for once.

“Good afternoon, Billy Jo.” Myrtle offered a small nod as though it was an everyday occurrence seeing BJ on the streets of Serenity, and then she gave a tug on Mable’s arm. “Come along, sister. We best be on our way or we’ll miss our tea.”

Mable looked a little frustrated at her sister, then smiled at BJ. “Good day to you Billie Jo. So nice to have you back.” Her words trailed off as she did her best to catch up with Myrtle.

Robby glanced around at the spectators. “Move along, folks. Move along.” He waved his hand at them as if he were shooing a bunch of errant children. “There’s nothing to see. Give the pretty lady some privacy. You go on home, Pete. I’m sure Gertie’s calling all over town asking your whereabouts.”

The potbellied man gave a response under his breath that scorched BJ’s ears and had some of the other men laughing. When Robby turned his aviator lens on the man, he and most of the others sauntered off. The few who stayed behind, ambled on down the sidewalk after taking a good long stare at BJ.

Robby swung back to BJ, giving a quick tilt of his head in the onlookers’ direction. “Sorry about that.” He glanced at her Jeep. “Looks like some truant decided to skip school and got into a little mischief. You don’t have reason to believe otherwise, do you?”

“No. But does this occur often?”

“Negatory.”

Jason groaned and rolled his eyes.

“Come on, bro, help me out here. You know how I love to impress the ladies with my police jargon.” He gave Jason a feigned punch on the arm.

Jason dodged, clearly agitated. “Will you get her information so we can get on down the road?”

“You don’t have to stay. I can take it from here.”

Jason gave her a scornful look.

A bit of devilment in his face, Robby hooked his thumb in his belt and leaned casually against the railing of the steps.

He nodded in Jason’s direction. “Before our buddy here gets all bent out of shape, I’ll get down to business. Did you notice anyone lurking about?” He addressed the question to Jason.

Jason moved to stand next to BJ. “No. I came from Hampton’s. Saw Billy Jo standing beside the Jeep. Then I noticed the car listing to one side.”

“Hmm.” Robby rubbed his chin. “I don’t recall something like this happening before. Could ask Chief Doggett though.”

It took a moment for BJ to realize who Robby was talking about then it hit her. She stiffened slightly, but wouldn’t allow the panic to show at the mention of Doggett’s name.

“Please, that won’t be necessary.”

Robby grimaced in the Jeep’s direction. “Well. Not much I can do here except take down your information and make out a report. This way I’ll have something on file if we catch the little juvies. I’ll get in touch with you if we do.” With notebook in hand, pen poised and ready, he asked, “Name?”

She laughed. “I think you know who I am.” When he didn’t smile or look up, she answered. “BJ Spenc—sorry. Billy Jo Spencer. I go by BJ now.”

“BJ, huh?”

She noticed his brows rise and could feel his stare through the shades.

“Suits you. Short ‘n’ sassy.” His quirky grin had her smiling.

“For Pete’s sake, Robby. Get on with it. You’re not on Get a Mate.com.” Jason’s impatient, sarcastic words brought about a round of chuckles from Robby.

Were his remarks directed at her? She sidestepped, trying her best not to make it obvious she needed him out of her personal space.

Robby asked several more questions, noted her answers, then snapped the notebook shut. He strolled around the Jeep, checking over the exterior. “You didn’t find a note or anything, did you?”

She thought it odd he would ask. “No.”

“And your doors were locked?”

“Yes. I used the keypad to open them.”

“All right then.” He gave a quick nod, slipped his black book in his shirt pocket. “Billy … BJ. Seriously, don’t judge the whole town on the actions of one or two.”

“I wouldn’t think of it, Officer Greene.” She gave him a salute.

He laughed. “I see you’ve still got sass.”

“Try as I may, there were some things I just couldn’t quite get rid of, sir.” Hearing Jason’s disgusted grunt, she continued, “All kidding aside, Robby, thanks for coming. I’m sure it’s as you say, just some kids out to do mischief.”

“Most likely the case. You’re fortunate they didn’t key your Wrangler. Had some of that going on awhile back. You sticking around town or heading out?”

“No. I’m on my way back to Galveston.”

“What a shame. Good seeing you again. And I might add you’re just as pretty as ever, maybe even more so.” He bent, placing a kiss on her cheek.

“Don’t you have someplace to be?” Jason sounded surly.

Robby laughed under his breath.

“Watch out for this guy.” He pointed to Jason. “But then I’m not telling you nothing you don’t already know.” He gave Jason a thumps up and a lopsided grin then got in the patrol car.

Jason didn’t acknowledge the remark or the jester, just stared at his friend, his jaw set plainly agitated.

“I would say it has been a pleasure, but under these circumstances, probably a poor choice of words.” He snapped his seat belt in place. “Well, you take care. And if you ever come back through town, run the red light and I’ll arrest you, then we’ll have a bite to eat and talk over old times.”

“If we can forget about the arrest part, I’d love to.” BJ smiled down at her friend thinking Robby was just the same, a tease, flirt, and tormentor all rolled into one. Small doses of him were about all she could handle, at least for today.

“Give my regards to Melanie,
Officer Green
.”

“Ten four, good buddy.” Robby was grinning from ear to ear, and though she couldn’t see his eyes, she figured they were dancing with merriment. “See you later. Dinner at Melanie’s, six-thirty sharp. Don’t forget.”

“I’ll be there.” Jason gave a short nod, then tugged on BJ’s arm to move her back from the patrol car as Robby sped off.

His fingers continued to hold her arm, searing her skin through her sleeve. She knew she would feel the burning sensation long after his hand was gone. His touch sent scrambled signals to her brain.
BJ, he’s a married man. Stay your
distance.

With more force than she intended, she jerked her arm free and stepped away putting space between them.

Jason watched her with a dark expression.

She wondered what hornet flew up his pant leg. Maybe he thought she had been flirting with Robby and he didn’t want his friend straying from Melanie, especially with the returned prodigal.

That’ll never happen.
Not my type.

“It’ll take me a few minutes before the tires are on. Then you can head back to Galveston.” Jason almost spit out the last words.

 “I really appreciate your help. You have been a lifesaver. But, please go on. I can finish putting on the tire. I’m sure you’re needed back at the ranch by now.”

He scoffed at her suggestion. “I don’t—”

“I know …
men in these parts don’t leave women to change their own tires.
” She heard him chuckle as he took the tires out of the truck and made short work of what would have taken her twice the time.

She chose to sit on the step again and occupy her eyes elsewhere instead of watching Jason’s well-toned body work.

Everything about town, though the same, was different. Probably seeing Serenity through mature eyes, instead of a kid’s, gave the impression of a homey, almost welcoming atmosphere. Many of the buildings, painted in deep historical tones, looked prosperous.

If she’d stayed and never left town, would things have turned out okay? She shivered at the images her mind conjured up. No. She couldn’t have stayed with the threat of Chief Doggett causing trouble, more trouble than she at seventeen could handle. After all, as the chief of police, his word was respected and he pretty much ruled the town.

There wasn’t a doubt in her mind he would have followed through on his threats. He gave her one choice and only one. Her survival and Jason’s depended upon her leaving town without telling anyone. She shivered, feeling like someone watched.

“Earth to BJ.”

“Oh. Sorry.”

Jason stood beside the backend of her Jeep, door open, scrubbing his hands with the wipes again. Both tires were on and everything back in place. “You were zoned out and in another world.”

“I wish,” she mumbled, moving to where he stood. Her steps hesitant, mind weigh down by the memories the town invoked while her eyes searched the street and darkened alley.

“Well, that should about do it.” Jason waded up the dirty wipes and threw them into her trash holder. “You might want to think about staying the night at Flossie’s B & B and heading out in the morning. It’s already close to five.”

BJ glanced up at him. His eyes stared off over her head, shoulders squared.

“No, I’m going home. It’s about a three hour drive. Anyway, I’m used to traveling at night.” She motioned at her car. “My little Jeep practically drives itself. I just point it in the direction of Galveston, turn on auto pilot, and she gets me there.” She smiled, wishing she could lighten the mood and his hardened features.

It worked …
almost
. Jason gave her a dry grin.

“Jason thanks so much. I—”

“Don’t mention it. I’ll start getting things around at the ranch, just in case you decide to move into The Rose.” He still hadn’t made eye contact with her.

“If you’d like, give me your phone number. I’ll give you a call with my answer. I should have my decision in a couple of days. I have to think through some things. See if it’s even possible.” She dug inside her purse trying to find her Blackberry.

“Just call Hampton. He’ll let me know.” His words were clipped and cold.

BJ stopped her search, dropped her hand to her side. She felt like she’d been slapped. Color began to rise up her neck and she prayed it wouldn’t climb any further. What did he think she’d be doing … calling him every little minute of the day? Become a nuisance? A stalker? Not likely. Good grief. He has a wife. She wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize his marriage.

“Sure thing. Whatever my decision, I’ll call no later than Friday.”

He picked up his hat shoving it over his short waves. “Later then.”

“Thanks again, Jason. You were a lifesaver.”

He didn’t acknowledged her words or even give her another glance. Just sauntered to his dually, started the engine, and drove off down the street.