Whispers of the Falls: Book one (Twelve Oaks Farm Series 1) (26 page)

After ten minutes of questions, Beth interrupted, “Don’t you see she’s about to drop?” Her sister tucked her arm into hers and helped her stand on shaky legs. “I think that’s enough for tonight. You can come back tomorrow or I’ll bring her to your headquarters.”

Nina let Beth lead her to her bedroom. She stumbled to the bed and collapsed like a ragdoll. Her sister pulled her shoes off and sat on the edge of the bed. “What happened with Grant?”

“I told him he was responsible for what happened to Juan and me. His lies caused all the turmoil we’ve been subjected to.”

Beth stepped into the bathroom and wet a washcloth. She returned and wiped the dirt from Nina’s face. “Grant is in love with you.”

“What makes you think that?”

“He could have been killed tonight. Not only when he saved Juan but also when he saved you. He shot a man in the leg to make him talk. He could be in a lot of trouble. That proves how much he cares.”

A garbled cry escaped Nina’s lips. “He told me he had feelings for me but not once did he say he loves me.” Why didn’t he tell her? Many times she had told him that she loved him, but not once had he told her. Maybe because they didn’t have any hope of a life together. He had his life and she had hers. She couldn’t leave the farm. She had commitments, responsibilities, family. People depended on her. Besides, she would always worry about him fighting in Iraq. Always worry that he would be killed. No, she didn’t need a Marine in her life.

Without knocking Josh pushed the door open and announced. “They found Collins’ helicopter about twenty miles from here in a cow pasture. He’s on the run.”

Chapter Twenty

Grant heard the music spilling from the church before he parked his car. He pulled into the parking lot next to the old blue truck and cut off the engine to his car. Loud voices sang one of his favorite hymns, “Amazing Grace.” It was a small white church with a high white steeple and a cross at the very tip top. It had been years since he had been to church. His mom took him and Josh when they were little but church didn’t seem so important to him and Josh after they grew up. He believed in God and he prayed, but never felt the need to enter a church.

One month had passed since he had seen Nina. He had called but she wouldn’t answer or return his calls. He let out a shuddering breath and opened the door. What if she wouldn’t talk to him now? He whispered out loud, “Stop being a coward.” The only way he would know is if he went inside and waited until the service was over. She wouldn’t kick him out of church. Well, he hoped she wouldn’t anyway.

Rocks crunched under his dress shoes as he crossed the parking lot, climbed the steps, and opened one side of the huge double doors. Before he stepped over the threshold, he straightened his tie. Nerves had his palms sweating. He wiped them on his black pants and with a purposeful stride he headed to the back pew. The congregation was on the last verse of “Amazing Grace” by the time he took a place beside a man drenched in cologne. Several people stopped singing and looked at him curiously.

With only about thirty people in attendance, it didn’t take him long to see Nina, Maria, and Juan sitting on the other side of the sanctuary two rows up. On the right side of Nina stood Jerry Bates, the man he met at the farmer’s market. Hot, bitter jealousy consumed him. The few times Juan had called him, Jerry came up in the conversation. The boy said he had been helping out on the farm. Grant may have waited too long. What if he had lost Nina forever?

Dressed in a royal blue dress, she looked stunning. Her thick, blond hair was loose and shining brightly. He felt a shudder down his spine wishing he would never have left her.

When the preacher told everyone to take a seat, Grant sat and crossed his legs. His eyes never left Nina. As the collection plate was being passed around, Juan glanced back and saw him. His smile came quickly. He whispered something to his mother and then stood, and made his way to the back pew. The grumpy old man beside him grunted his frustration when Grant slid over to make room for Juan. He wrapped his thin arms around Grant’s waist and squeezed. Nina peered over her shoulder and their eyes met and held. Jerry laid a hand on Nina’s shoulder which was his way of saying,
mine.

Eyes the color of the sky glared daggers at him. In that moment he knew it wasn’t going to be easy to convince her to forgive him. She was still angry at him for deceiving her. It didn’t help matters any that she had to have constant police protection for two weeks because Randal Collins slipped through the road blocks and disappeared. She finally convinced Uncle Tate she no longer needed protecting. More than likely Collins was in Mexico.

After the service, Grant and Juan made their way to a huge sycamore tree in the churchyard to wait for Nina and Maria. Juan talked a mile a minute. One question after the other was asked about what he had been doing since he last talked to him on the phone. With patience he answered each and every question even though he wasn’t in the mood for conversation.

It was warm for October. A gentle breeze blew the limbs overhead. It felt great to be back in God’s country. On the ride in he felt like a great burden had been lifted from his shoulders. The patchwork of fields and forests eased his troubled mind.

People congregated on the church porch and steps but nowhere did he see Nina. The sound of the old blue Ford being started caught his attention. She must have slipped out the back door to keep from having to talk with him. She slammed the truck into reverse, pulled to where they stood, and cranked the window down. “Let’s go, Juan.”

Maria gave him a weak smile. “Hello, Grant.”

“Hi, Maria. I hope you are doing well.” Instead of an answer she nodded her head. It was obvious she was nervous.

Juan leaned against the door and asked Nina, “Can Grant have lunch with us?”

“No, get in the truck.”

Crestfallen, his shoulders slumped. “Please, Nina.”

Grant was at the truck in two strides. “I need to talk to you.”

“We have nothing to say to each other.”

He placed his arm over Juan’s shoulder. “Juan can ride with me. I’ll follow you.”

A tear slipped over her cheek. She angrily wiped it away before she popped the clutch and pulled out onto the blacktop.

****

Nina was waiting for Grant on the front porch. She wrung her hands together as she watched him get out of the car and cross the yard. Even in the dress clothes he looked rugged. His full mouth was set in a grim line. The bright October sun shone on his dark hair which was still too long for the Marine Corps. Fit and strong, he walked with pride and arrogance. The way a strong Marine walked.

“I’ll see you inside.” Juan made a beeline for the front door and disappeared inside knowing they needed privacy.

“The place looks good.” His eyes swept over the pasture where the animals grazed and then they stopped on her. “You look good. I’ve missed you.”

She said nothing for a moment. Not able to look him in the face she looked at her hands still in her lap. “Why are you here?”

He took two more steps and stood directly in front of her. Her gaze started at the toes of his shoes and drifted over him until she met his eyes. “Why do you think I’m here? I came to ask you to marry me.”

A hysterical laugh escaped her lips. “I wouldn’t marry you if you were the last man on earth. I hate you.”

He took her hands and pulled her to her feet. Hands on her shoulders, he gave her an impatient shake. “Do you hate me, Nina?” Her eyes dropped to his chest. He took her chin and forced her to look in his eyes. “Look at me and tell me you hate me.”

There were those blasted tears again. They had come often and with no warning over the last month. Now he was back to cause her more pain. With all the strength she could summon she fought to keep them from falling. She failed miserably. They cascaded over her cheeks. He wiped them away with his thumbs. He kissed her on the forehead. “I love you, Nina. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

She stared at him with confused eyes. “Where have you been the last month?”

“Helping my uncle look for Collins. I don’t like the fact he’s still out there somewhere.”

“What about the Marines? Didn’t you re-enlist?”

“No, why would I go back to hell when I can live in paradise?” He kissed each tear stained cheek. “I want to marry you and become a farmer.” He kissed her lips. “I love you. I love you. I love you.” A huge smile split his face. “I should have said that a month ago and saved us both a lot of pain and grief. I have been miserable without you in my life.”

Emotion poured into her heart. “Nothing would give me more pleasure, Grant. Yes, I will marry you.” She threw her arms around his neck. “I love you.”

****

Josh handed Grant a platter of raw steaks. “Thanks.”

“Don’t forget I like mine medium.”

“I know how you like your steak.” He arranged them on the grill and turned when he heard Lacy scream. Juan was trying to dunk her. He peered around the pool and smiled. Nina, Beth, and Maria were sitting at the glass table looking through some designer books for Beth and Lacy’s dresses for the wedding. It was hard to believe they would be getting married in just one week. At least Nina was planning a small wedding to take place at the waterfall. Something simple with family and a few friends.

When he heard his phone ringing, he shouted, “Josh, come watch the steaks.” He trotted to the table and grabbed his phone. He flipped it open and said, “Hello.”

“Heard you’re getting married.”

Grant raked his hands through his hair as the pain in his stomach almost doubled him over when he recognized Randal Collins’ voice. “What do you want?”

“A wedding invitation would be nice.”

Grant stepped away from where Nina sat not wanting her to hear any part of his conversation. “If you show your face around here again, I’ll kill you.”

Loud laughter on the other end of the line had Grant feeling weak. “Just wanted you to know you haven’t heard the last of me.” Then the line went dead.

Shadows of the Falls

Book two in the Twelve Oaks Farm Series

Turn the page to read a chapter

Chapter One

Beth Reynolds moaned. For months she had wondered what sex with handsome Josh Wilson would be like. Strong hands slid down to her wrists and held them over her head. She could taste his warm breath on her lips as she anticipated his kiss. The candles lit on the nightstand illuminated his face enough for her to see the desire and want in his eyes. Caught in the spell of his touch, she let the sensations swirl around her. Her whole body tingled when his lips pressed against hers. She felt a pulse throbbing between her legs as his tongue lured her into passion. The kiss stole her breath. The feeling was indescribable. She tugged until he released her hands because she wanted to feel him. Her hands roamed over hard, firm muscle. He was exquisite. She wanted to explore every perfectly male inch of him.

The sheer bliss had her moaning louder when he pressed his hand between her thighs. She arched her hips against his hand begging him to slip his finger inside. His mouth moved to her breast and he tugged on her nipple. Seconds ticked by as she waited for him to send her over the edge. Just a little more pressure between her thighs was all she needed. She was so close.

She almost screamed when he pulled his hand away. She was breathless by the time his impatient hands returned to their exploration. Her skin came alive as his hands streaked over her body. Then he slowed and inched his way down to her thighs again. Violent heat burned as his fingers grazed between her legs. Anticipation had her squirming against his hand.

Beth sat straight up in bed and peered around the room. It took a few seconds for her brain to clear. Her gaze flicked around the room. There were no candles lit on the nightstand, no Josh in her bed. The only light came through the shades from the streetlight in front of her apartment building. Drenched in sweat, she kicked off the covers and took several calming breaths. A dream, it had been nothing but a dream. It felt so real, as if Josh had been in her bed doing all kinds of wicked things to her. She placed a shaky hand to her chest to slow her rapid heartbeat. She had been so close to an orgasm she could still feel sensations between her legs. Heat radiated in the pit of her stomach. A sense of lost consumed her.

She covered her face with her hands. What was wrong with her? Josh Wilson was not the type of man she should be attracted to. He wasn’t the type to settle down and have a family. Women only meant sex to him. He said so himself at Grant and Nina’s one night when he had a little too much to drink. His exact words,
I never sleep over after sex. I never bring a woman back to my place. Love ‘em and leave ‘em is my motto.

“What an ass,” she whispered. It wouldn’t do to forget Josh Wilson was a scoundrel. The man was nothing like her brother-in-law, Grant. It was hard to believe they were even brothers. Well, except for the family resemblance. Both had thick, black hair, broad shoulders, and the dark brown eyes a woman could get lost in.

Grant adored her sister Nina. He would die for her. He gave up his career as a Marine to marry Nina and had since devoted his time and energy to the farm and their family. Life changed for all of them when Grant stepped into the role of savior.

After their parents’ deaths they had barely survived. Their family farm had been in danger of bankruptcy, huge debt threatened the possibility of Beth finishing law school, and her oldest sister, Nina worked long hard hours to keep it afloat. Grant paid off the outstanding debt and Nina was able to go back to NC State and get her degree in Veterinarian Medicine. The man was a saint in her mind.

Josh was more concerned with himself. It was doubtful he would have taken on all the responsibility his brother did. Yet she couldn’t stop thinking about him. Knowing his flaws, she wondered why she still had such a strong attraction to him. Lust was a powerful emotion, and she told herself lust was all she felt for Josh.

She threw her legs over the side of the bed and slipped into her bedroom shoes. She didn’t have time for fantasies. A week ago she passed the bar exam and had a position at Phillips, Robbins, and Daniels, a prestigious law firm in Raleigh. With her first pay check she planned to repay Nina some of the money she put toward her education. If everything went as planned, she would have all of it paid back in five years. Wealth and prestige were her goals for the future. Work hard and climb the ladder to the top.

So what if she couldn’t find a man that could satisfy her needs. She didn’t need a man. She had a career.

****

Beth placed her name plate on the mahogany desk and centered it perfectly. A dazzling smile split her face. She circled her office and giggled. It was absolutely beautiful. Pristine, white walls were adorned with expensive art work from well known artists. A huge window overlooked the city of Raleigh. She had to pinch herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming.

She walked to the window and peered down on the busy street. Cars, taxis, and city buses moved along at a snail’s pace. Since law school was behind her, she was ready to make a name for herself. She was going to become the best lawyer in the firm.

Her giddiness disappeared quickly when her assistant entered and placed a stack of files on her desk. “Mr. Phillips would like for you to start with this high profile case first.” Timothy Maynard took the file on top and handed it to Beth. “It is set for trial in one week. You’ll be second chair.”

Her framed degrees and certificates were lying on her desk. “I’ll decide where these need to be hung.” He leaned in close. “You know I’m good at this sort of thing.”

Even though she had known Timothy for only a few hours, she already felt a connection. He was efficient and gorgeous, but gay. But then maybe that was a good thing since office romances were frowned upon. They could be great friends without the sexual tension. Tall and fit, he looked immaculate in his dark suit and light blue striped tie. Not a hair on his golden blond head was out of place. A gold ring with a diamond in the center adorned his left finger. She wondered if it held any significance, maybe a wedding ring. When she knew him better, she would ask.

Before she opened the file, Timothy conveyed what he already knew about the case. Without stopping for breath he related, “Chase Powers is a suspected assassin. Evidence leads him to the attempted murder of Kathy Lassiter. He had the knife to her throat when her fiancé came home and foiled the attempt.” His hand swiped through the air and his eyes got kind of dreamy. “Her fiancé is some kind of a football player or something; big and muscular. He chased Powers out the window of their condo.” He took a moment and Beth assumed he was fantasizing about the football player. “Well, anyway Powers gave him the slip. A car was waiting and he sped away. A forensic sketch artist did a composite from the description Miss Lassiter and Mr. Lewis gave. Someone at the FBI recognized him because their children go to the same private school.” He slanted a look at her. “Powers swears he didn’t do it, swears he was home with his wife. He’s adamant it is a case of mistaken identity.”

With a flamboyant wave of his hand, he continued, “Miss Lassiter and her fiancé are in protective custody and you’ll have to go through the FBI to speak with them.”

“How much evidence does the FBI have?”

He placed his hand on the sleeve of her designer jacket. “Tons. I’d say he did it.”

It wasn’t going to be easy to defend the guilty. But then she had no other choice until she was able to pay Grant and Nina back. They even paid for her new clothes since she had to have a whole new wardrobe for her new position. She couldn’t very well go into court wearing clothes she bought at a consignment store. Money was important for the next few years. She would just have to harden her heart.

Timothy’s green eyes sparkled. “Love your hair swept up like that. The color is to die for. You can’t get that color from a bottle.”

Beth touched her auburn hair. When she was a child, she hated the color. As an adult, she liked the unusual rich color. She usually stood out in a crowd. “Thank you.”

He leaned in close and whispered, “Watch out for Wendy McDonald. She doesn’t like new, shiny things.”

“Yes, I got that feeling when Mr. Phillips introduced us during my interview.” The sneer on Wendy’s face had led her to believe she was jealous.

“Women like her are an aggravation. Never trust them because they are always ready to put a knife in your back.”

Beautiful with dark hair and a curvy body, she was probably accustomed to getting her way. Wendy probably feared she wouldn’t be the main attraction now that she wasn’t the only single female. The other female attorneys were married. A few compliments and some of Maria’s chocolate cake should go a long way in making them friends. During law school she had to deal with petty females on many occasions. She learned if she couldn’t avoid poison, she could make people love her with gifts and flattery.

“She’s a real bitch.” Timothy took her hand and his eyes twinkled with mischief as he divulged more work place gossip. “Also watch out for Martin Groden. He is a married man, but has an eye for beautiful women. Rumor has it he has had several office romances, some of them ending nastily. Wendy was his last dalliance.” He wagged a finger in front of her face. “Someone as gorgeous as you will definitely catch his eye. So don’t let him catch you alone or he might try to seduce you.”

Dignity was something she learned from her mother. She wouldn’t sleep with a man that belonged to another woman. Beth giggled, “I promise you, I’m not that easy to seduce.”

“Am I interrupting something?”

Beth twirled around and saw Josh standing in the doorway. It was the second time she had seen him in a suit and tie. The first time was when Grant and Nina were married at the waterfall on their land.
God he looked sexy.
The dark suit and tie made him look even more dangerous.

Memories of the dream surfaced and she suddenly felt hot. Sweat pearled on her brow. She felt her cheeks turn pink. The unwanted way her body reacted to him had her frustrated.

“Are you okay? You look a little flushed.” His eyes shifted to Timothy. Again he asked, “Am I interrupting something?”

Timothy’s shoulders squared. His eyes started at Josh’s head, roamed to the tips of his shiny black shoes, and returned to his face. “I don’t think we have been introduced.” He sauntered to Josh and offered his hand. “Do come in. I’m Timothy Maynard.”

Josh took his hand with a little reluctance. “Josh Wilson, a friend of Beth’s.” Hand on his forearm, Timothy guided him into the center of her office.

It was obvious Timothy was infatuated. He stood staring as if he were ready to devour Josh. “Will you please give us some privacy, Timothy?”

He gave Beth a quick bow. “Please excuse my rude manners. One must not stare.” He glided from the room without saying another word.

Dark, intense eyes peered into hers. “Sorry, I got the wrong idea. I thought you two were into each other when I came into the room. I had a moment of jealousy.”

Beth snorted. “You know I don’t take a serious word out of your mouth.”

“Swanky place. I love your office.” A huge smile on his face, he replied, “You did it, Beth. Passed the bar and ready to make your mark in the world.”

There was the heat again. He stood a foot away and all she could think about was tearing his clothes off and falling to the desk with him. In her mind she could feel his hands touching her. She closed her eyes to block out the image. “Are you sure you are okay. You’re sweating.”

She grabbed one of the files from the stack on her desk and began fanning herself. Her tongue felt thick. “It’s just so hot in here.” She fought to get a hold on her emotions. “Why are you here?” Because of her frustration at being alone with him, she sounded angry.

“FBI business. Matthew Collins wants to talk and he won’t talk to anyone but you. He asked for Nina first, but when I told him she was away on her honeymoon with Grant and wouldn’t be back for two weeks, he insisted on speaking with you immediately. He says he has important information.”

A trickle of alarm coursed through her. “You didn’t tell Matthew where Nina and Grant are did you?”

“Of course not. This is not my first rodeo. I know I’m new to the FBI, but I have had experience with murderers. I was a homicide detective.”

She had insulted him. “I’m sorry. I overreacted.” Thoughts of being in the same room with Matthew Collins had her trembling. “Do you think it pertains to Randal? Do you think he knows where he is?”

“I’m not sure what he wants.” She propped on the edge of the desk too weak to stand. For six months they had all been looking over their shoulders fearing Randal would do something violent. He had made a phone call to Grant and said they hadn’t seen the last of him.

Randal Collins had been growing marijuana on their land. When the FBI discovered he was responsible, he kidnapped Juan and later Nina. Then he escaped to Mexico where he disappeared into thin air. He was probably sitting on a tropical beach planning what he would do to them next. The FBI had not been able to locate him.

“I wouldn’t ask if I thought there was another way.” He took her hands. “I know you want Randal behind bars as much as I do. I’ll be with you the whole time. Matthew Collins will be handcuffed and shackled. He will not be able to harm you.”

“I’m more afraid of what I’ll do to him.” The heat from his hands calmed her and she felt stronger. “You’re right. I do want Randal behind bars forever. The man is a murderer and should be put away for his crimes.” She stood. “Let’s get it over with. The less time I have to think about seeing the man that assisted in kidnapping my sister the better.”