Every Move She Makes (20 page)

Rachel waited until Chandra finished with her customer and they had the shop to themselves then smiled at her gathered employees. “First, I want to thank you all for doing such a terrific job in my absence.” She stopped for a moment to take a breath. “I also want you to be aware of a situation I had while I was on vacation.”

Ellen’s eyes widened. “What happened?”

Rachel took another deep breath. “I have a stalker.”

“Holy shit.”

She glanced over at Tim. “That about sums it up. A man attacked me while I was up in Tahoe. The police have reason to believe he may try again.”

Chandra stepped forward to put a hand on her arm. “Oh, my God, were you hurt?”

“Not badly, but I was lucky to get away. Anyway, a friend is acting as a bodyguard, and he doesn’t want me left alone. That means one of you needs to be around while I’m in the shop.”

Ellen squeezed Rachel’s other arm. “Of course we’ll do anything you want. Do the police know who this person is?”

“They think it’s someone who was up at Granite Lake with me, but there are several suspects.”

Chandra shuddered. “Wow, that’s scary. Why did this creep pick you to stalk? Did he like the way you looked in a bikini?”

Rachel had to laugh at that, then she shook her head. “Apparently he’s been obsessed with me since I was an actress back in New York, but I haven’t a clue why he chose now to come after me.”

Tim stared. “You were an actress?”

She smiled at the question. “I was on a soap opera about a million years ago. It’s not something I brag about.”

“Which one?” Chandra’s eyes lit up. “I love soaps.”

“I played Jordan Hale on
Days of Desire
. It was back when you were just a little kid.”

“Wow, that’s so totally awesome. Everything but the stalker part.”

“That part doesn’t thrill me either. So, do you guys mind having a little less freedom? I think this man has watched me at work, maybe even come into the shop. Kane is worried about what he might do if he finds me in here alone.”

Tim raised a brow. “Who’s Kane?”

“He’s a friend, but he’s also a cop. He’s on vacation right now and agreed to keep an eye on me until the police catch this guy.”

“Must be a good friend if he volunteered to spend his time off keeping you safe.” Chandra’s tone was speculative. “What does he look like?”

Rachel cheeks heated. “You’ll meet him soon. He’ll be by to pick me up later.” She grimaced. “I’m not allowed to drive anywhere by myself either.”

Tim winked. “I’m guessing he’s hot.”

A harried-looking woman rushed through the door, and Rachel let his remark pass. “That’s it. Thanks for being good sports about this.”

“Why wouldn’t we be?” Tim posed the question, and the others nodded.

After he left, Chandra went to help the stressed customer locate a book. A teenage girl came in soon after wanting a latte, and Ellen made it for her. Rachel escaped to her office.

With the payroll finished, she was ready and waiting when Ivy and Jade burst through the door shortly before six. Kane walked in behind them and glanced around the store.

Ivy skipped up to the counter. “Hi, Chandra. Hi, Ellen.”

Rachel dropped a hand on Jade’s shoulder. “How was soccer camp?”

“Really fun.”

“Good. Ellen, Chandra, I’d like you to meet Kane Lafferty.”

While Kane shook Ellen’s hand, Chandra gave her two thumbs up behind his back.

Rachel grinned and picked up her purse. “We’d better go. I don’t want Lark waiting around by herself if we’re late.”

“I agree. Girls, get back in the car. Ladies, it’s been a pleasure.” Kane followed the kids out the door.

Chandra grabbed Rachel’s arm before she made it past the counter. “Wow, he’s unbelievably hot. Way to go, girl.”

Ellen’s expression was wistful. “If you found a guy like that, maybe there’s still hope for me.”

“Any man would be lucky to have you.”

Ellen smiled. “You’d better go. They’re waiting.”

“Have a good evening. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Rachel left the shop and climbed into the car then glanced at Kane. “How’d the shopping go?”

“It went great. We got everything on the list plus some other stuff.”

Rachel looked over the back of the seat at Ivy. “What other stuff?”

Her daughter giggled. “Kane noticed you left all the good stuff like chips and popsicles off the list. We figured it must have been an oversight.”

“I’ll bet you did.” She stared at Kane’s profile. “Are you planning to turn my girls into junk food addicts?”

“I may feed a few of their bad habits.”

“Terrific.”

Jade laughed. “I knew having Kane around the house would be awesome.”

Rachel sat forward and smiled. “I’m glad you’re getting along so well. Did you talk to my mom when you picked Lark up earlier?”

“She was on the phone, so I hustled Lark out the door in a hurry. I did introduce myself to your dad. He shook my hand and sent us on our way.”

“That’s Dad’s style. He goes with the flow, but my mom could pry information out of a rock.”

“Sounds like we could use her as an interrogator down at the station. Maybe I should bring her along with me when I question our suspects.”

“That’s an idea. When we were kids, all she had to do was look at us and we’d spill our guts.”

Kane pulled up to the door of the dance studio at the community college. Lark came out with her bag slung over her shoulder then climbed in next to Ivy.

Rachel glanced back. “I hope you didn’t have to wait.”

“No, I just finished changing a couple of minutes ago. The teacher was really cool. She taught us moves I’d never tried before. Most of the girls in the class are older than me.”

“Is that going to be a problem?”

“The teacher said I have raw talent. She’s hoping to refine it a little.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. Are you ready for dinner?”

“Yeah, I’m pretty hungry. Grandma was dying to ask about Kane earlier, but she didn’t. She kept opening her mouth then mumbling under her breath. It was hilarious. I’ve never seen her have that much self-control.”

“Don’t make fun of your grandmother, Lark.”

“It was a compliment.”

Rachel rolled her eyes.

Kane turned the SUV onto the dirt road that wound through the vineyard to the house. He parked next to a Volvo.

Rachel nodded at the car. “My brother’s still here.”

Lark slammed the car door. “He and Aunt Sharon are coming to dinner.”

“We may as well tell everyone and get it over with.”

Kane touched her arm. “True. Let’s go do it.”

Rachel couldn’t remember ever walking into her mother’s kitchen when it hadn’t smelled like heaven. The scent of freshly baked cookies or a delicious meal always filled the air. Tonight the rich aroma of pot roast made her mouth water when she pushed open the kitchen door.

Kane took a deep breath. “Wow!”

“My mother’s cooking is addictive. Chances are you’ll put on a few pounds if you stick around long enough.”

“Who cares? If it tastes half as good as it smells, I’m going to ask her to either adopt me or marry me.”

Rachel’s father, a heavyset man with dark hair, crossed the room and enfolded her in a hug. Brown eyes twinkled as he smiled down at her. “How’s my girl? Did you have a good time in Tahoe?”

“I’m fine, Dad, and our vacation was...adventurous. I’ll tell you all about it later. Did you meet my friend, Kane? This is my dad, Chet Hanover.”

“We met. Welcome.” He extended his hand. “We’re happy to have you with us.”

“Thanks, Chet. I’m sorry for that remark about stealing your wife.”

“Who wants to steal me?” Rachel’s mother hurried through the dining room doorway and smoothed back a wisp of gray-streaked red hair.

Her husband laughed. “Kane does, but he only wants you for your cooking. He wouldn’t love you the way I do.”

“You’re full of bologna.” She squeezed her husband’s arm then hugged Rachel and kissed her cheek. “Introduce me to your friend.”

“Mom, this is Kane Lafferty. Kane, this is my mother, Audrey, the creator of the fabulous pot roast you smell.”

When Kane extended his hand, Audrey pushed it away and gave him a hug instead. “Any friend my daughter brings home to dinner gets a proper welcome.”

“I’m pleased to meet you, Audrey, and I appreciate the dinner invitation.”

“Any time. Chet, go pour the boy a drink and introduce him to Will and Sharon. Rachel, you can help me finish dishing up our meal.”

“Sure. What can I do to help?”

Her mother waited until Kane and Chet left the room. “I’d like you to tell me where you met that gorgeous man. He’s a friend of your sister’s?”

“He works with Nolan. Have you met Nolan?”

“Not yet, and don’t try to change the subject. So, Kane is a policeman?”

“He’s a detective, but he’s on vacation right now.”

“He’s staying in town? Have you known him long?”

“Just a few weeks, and yes, he’s staying in town.” Rachel took a deep breath. “Actually, he’s staying with us.”

Her mother frowned. “You know I’m pleased you’re finally interested in someone, but do you really think having him stay in your home is a wise choice? After all, you have impressionable girls to consider.”

“I know, and it isn’t what you’re thinking. Let’s have dinner, and I’ll explain everything.”

“What’s to explain?”

“Plenty. You make the gravy while I dish up the potatoes and carrots. Do you want me to carve the roast?”

“Your father will do it. There’s a salad in the refrigerator and rolls in the oven.” Her mother studied her with drawn brows. “I trust you have a reason for all this secrecy.”

“I’m not trying to be secretive. I just want to explain in my own way. Which basket do you want to use for the rolls?”

“The big one. I made a double batch.”

Sharon hurried into the kitchen and paused to give Rachel a hug. Short and plump with a head full of dark curls, her eyes were round with curiosity. “Where’d you find the hunk?”

“Through Grace.”

“Don’t tell me Gracie let that one get away? The girl needs to have her head examined, but her loss is your gain.”

“They weren’t dating.”

“This must be serious if you’re bringing him home to meet the family.”

Rachel rolled her eyes. “You’re as bad as Mom.”

“Don’t make it sound like such an insult.” Audrey poured rich, fragrant gravy from the pan into a bowl.

“Would I do that?”

“Yes, you would. Go tell the men dinner is ready, and make sure the girls wash their hands.”

Rachel laughed. “Yes, ma’am.”

When they were all seated at the table, Chet said grace, then loaded their plates.

Kane took a big bite of pot roast and sighed. “This is delicious, Audrey.”

“Thank you. Now, Rachel, we’ve all waited long enough. Why are you being so evasive about inviting a friend to dinner?”

Rachel exchanged a look with Kane then set her butter knife on her plate. “I had some trouble up in Tahoe. Kane is staying with us until we get it cleared up.”

Her father frowned. “What sort of trouble?”

“Apparently, I have a stalker.”

Her mother pressed a hand to her chest. “Honey, what happened?”

“Someone tried to grab me when I was out running.”

“Oh, dear Lord.”

Chet jumped up from his chair. “Were you hurt?”

“Just a few bruises, but Kane and a couple of sheriffs are afraid whoever grabbed me might try again.”

“Do the police have a suspect?” Creases marred Will’s forehead.

Kane laid down his fork. “There are a few suspects. It’s possible the man was up at Granite Lake with us. I was helping out at my brother’s camp, which is where Rachel and I ran into each other again. I’m personally pursuing all possible leads.”

“Kane is staying with us to keep me and the girls safe.” Rachel’s lips firmed. “This guy won’t be able to get anywhere near us.”

“We’re in your debt for looking after our girls.” Chet resumed his seat. “Thank you, Kane.”

“I’m happy to do it.”

Will cleared his throat. “How can we help?”

“I don’t feel comfortable leaving the girls alone, so I might need everyone to pitch in to help with that.”

Audrey nodded. “Well, of course we will.”

Kane rested his forearms on the table. “All of you can keep your eyes open for anyone hanging around who doesn’t belong, especially when Rachel or the girls are here.”

Sharon frowned. “We give tours of the vineyard and have wine tastings. There’re frequently strangers around.”

“If anyone strays away from the crowd, keep a close eye on him.” Kane lifted a shoulder. “Otherwise, I don’t think it’ll be a problem.”

Her father cleared his throat. “Why did this man choose Rachel to target?”

“He called me Jordan. He has some sort of fixation with me from when I was on TV.”

“That was so long ago.”

“I know, Mom. Something may have happened recently to trigger him to act on what was once only a harmless fantasy.”

“I’ll look into our suspects’ backgrounds with that in mind.” Kane picked his fork back up. “When I discover who he is, this nightmare will be over.”

Rachel looked around the table. “Now you know why I was being so mysterious, so let’s finish our dinner before it gets cold.”

“You should have called us.”

“There wasn’t anything you could have done to help, Dad. I didn’t call because I didn’t want to worry you.”

“You called Kane.” Lark crossed her arms over her chest.

Rachel frowned. “I called him because he can protect us.”

Audrey looked up, her eyes wide with alarm. “Are the girls in danger, too?”

Kane spoke up quickly. “Hopefully not, but we aren’t going to take any chances. If this guy can’t reach Rachel, I’m not sure what he’ll try next.”

“Sounds like you’re covering your bases.” Her father nodded in approval. “Please, everyone, let’s not waste this good meal.”

“And please, can we talk about something else while we do?” Rachel looked around the table and smiled. “I’m sure we’ll get through this intact.”

Amid murmurs of agreement, they went back to eating. When dinner was over, Rachel collected the dirty plates and headed to the kitchen. Her mother followed with a load of glasses.