The Mountain Between Us (21 page)

Lucille waved to them from the front of the auditorium and they squeezed into two seats she'd saved beside her. Though she'd lost weight and hadn't fully recovered from the whole fiasco with that Gerald bastard, she looked more cheerful, Olivia thought. Less pale and haunted. “Don't you two look nice,” Lucille said. “Where's Lucas?”

“He went backstage. He's so excited and nervous he's making me nervous.”

“You know he'll do great.”

“What is he doing, exactly?” D. J. scanned the printed program they'd picked up on the way in. “He wouldn't tell me.”

“He wouldn't tell me either,” Olivia said. She found Lucas's name three quarters of the way through the listings, across from the words “The First Christmas.” Lucas was acting in a nativity scene?

The lights dimmed and the school superintendent, Mr. Kinkaid, came onstage to welcome everyone and introduce the kindergarteners, who brought the house down with an animated rendition of “Here Comes Santa Claus” that was more shouted than sung.

From there the program progressed through the rest of the grades, with alternating spoken and sung performances. When the sixth graders sang “Silver Bells” Olivia closed her eyes and let the music wash over her. How odd that a song about Christmas in the city was just as beautiful here in the remote mountains.

“Don't fall asleep,” D. J. whispered close to her ear.

She opened her eyes. “My butt is the only thing going to sleep.”

At last the time arrived for Lucas's performance. “Our next presentation is an original piece written by eighth grader Lucas Theriot and performed by the eighth-grade class of Mrs. Desmet.”

The curtains parted to reveal a stage set with a covered wagon against a backdrop of mountains and stars. One of Lucas's classmates, dressed in tall boots and suspendered trousers, lamented to a girl in an apron and sunbonnet that it was Christmas Eve and here they were, stranded on the road outside the town of Eureka, with no presents for the children and nothing but biscuits for their Christmas dinner.

Lucas, in miner's canvas pants, broad-brimmed hat, and an elaborate handlebar moustache, strode onto the stage. “What seems to be the trouble here, folks?” he intoned.

The man, joined now by a trio of children dressed in footed pajamas, explained the dilemma. “Santa will never find us here!” the smallest child wailed.

“We'll see about that,” Lucas said, and exited stage left.

A girl paraded across the stage with a sign that proclaimed: FOUR HOURS LATER.

Lucas reappeared, leading a group of boys and girls carrying canvas sacks. Behind them came what must have been the tallest student in the class, dressed as Santa, complete with fake white beard and pillow-stuffed tummy. “Ho, ho, ho!” he shouted, and the stranded family climbed out of their wagon.

As Santa distributed gifts and good cheer, Lucas stepped forward on the stage. “Every year in Eureka, we honor those first gift givers by carrying on the Santa tradition. On Christmas Eve, Santa and his helpers travel to all the homes around the mountains, giving gifts and spreading the spirit of Christmas.”

Olivia applauded until the palms of her hands stung, and blinked back tears. “He wrote that,” she said, marveling. “He did such a good job.”

She scarcely noticed the rest of the program, lost in a fog of pride and marveling at the change in the shy, awkward boy who'd come to town seven months before. Lucas was still bookish and sometimes awkward, but he'd become much more outgoing. Judging by the crowd of boys and girls he ran around with, he was even popular.

And then the show was over and she had no more time to ponder all this. The noise level in the auditorium rose ten-fold when the lights went up. Olivia was grateful for D. J.'s bulk as they pushed toward the side door where the students were pouring into the crowd. She stood on tiptoe, searching for Lucas, and almost collided with his teacher, Mrs. Desmet.

“You're just the people I've been looking for,” Mrs. Desmet said. She offered her hand to D. J. “I don't believe we've met. I'm Sandra Desmet, Lucas's homeroom teacher.”

“D. J. Gruber.” He shook hands.

“Let's step over here where we can talk.” She guided them into an alcove beside the stage. “We need a few more people to help with the Santa deliveries on Christmas,” she said. “I thought you two would be perfect.”

“You mean what Lucas was talking about in his play,” D. J. said. “The guys that go out dressed up like Santa on Christmas Eve to deliver food and toys and stuff to down-on-their-luck families?”

“Exactly.” Mrs. Desmet looked pleased. “We especially need someone who can get to some of the more remote homes. I thought since you're a snowplow driver, you'd be perfect for the job.” She turned to Olivia. “And you'd go along as Mrs. Claus, of course.”

“I don't think—”

“We always send at least one other person with Santa, to help with directions and carrying things,” Mrs. Desmet continued. “Some of them dress as elves, but Mr. and Mrs. Claus together are even more popular. Please say you'll do it. It's only a few hours on Christmas Eve and the families appreciate it so much.”

“Sure I'll do it,” D. J. said.

Olivia couldn't very well say no now without looking bad. “All right.” She could spend a few hours with D. J. helping others, couldn't she? “Lucas can go along as an elf,” she added. And he'd act as a good buffer, lessening the tension between her and D. J.

“That would be lovely. Just show up by five o'clock on Christmas Eve at the school for your costumes and assignments,” Mrs. Desmet said. “And thank you.”

Olivia looked up to find D. J. grinning at her. “What?” she demanded.

“I'm trying to imagine you as Mrs. Claus.”

“You're one to talk, Santa.”

“Mom, D. J.? Did you see me? What did you think?” Lucas, his upper lip red from removing the moustache, appeared beside him. His hair was no longer slicked back and he was minus the tie, looking more like her little boy.

Olivia pulled him close in a hug. “You were wonderful,” she said. “Your story was great.”

“Mr. Prescott helped me with it. He knows all the local history.”

Olivia would have to buy old Bob a beer and thank him.

“You were great,” D. J. said, and Olivia couldn't help but notice how Lucas stood up straighter and practically puffed out his chest at this praise.

“Thanks,” he said.

Olivia put her arm around Lucas's shoulders. “Let's go find your grandmother,” she said.

“I saw her a minute ago near the door,” Lucas said. “I told her I'd come get you two.”

The crowd had thinned and they had no trouble walking up the aisle toward the doors. As they neared the exits, Olivia saw her mother standing with a silver-haired man in a fancy sheepskin jacket. She faltered, wondering if her eyes were playing tricks on her.

“Uh-oh,” Lucas said.

“What?” D. J. put a hand on Olivia's shoulder and followed her gaze to Lucille. “Who is that with your mother?”

Olivia swallowed down a mix of anger and revulsion. “That,” she said, “is Gerald Pershing.”

C
HAPTER FOURTEEN

“Y
ou're looking lovely as usual this evening, Lucille.”

An icy chill swept over Lucille at these words, spoken in a deep, velvety, and all-too-familiar voice. Objectively, she'd known this moment was probably coming, but she hadn't prepared for it. She had never been an actress, but for the sake of her tattered dignity, she did her best to compose her expression as she turned to face Gerald.

“What a surprise,” she said. “What brings you back to town, Gerald?”

“I've missed this place since I left,” he said. “With my family scattered, and living alone as I do, I couldn't think of a better place, or better people, to spend the holidays with.”

He smiled, a charming smile full of perfect white teeth and a wistful look around the eyes that would have melted her heart only a few weeks ago. “Eureka is a wonderful place to spend Christmas,” she said. She probably should have added something about being glad to see him again, or similarly encouraging words to play along with the town council's plan to sweet-talk him into investing in their bogus mine. But she couldn't force the lie past her lips.

“Gerald!” Cassie descended upon them, all flirtatious smiles and fluttering lashes.

Lucille had never been so glad to see the librarian in her life. “Gerald, you remember Cassie Wynock,” she said.

“Of course.” He nodded, though his expression was cool. Cassie appeared not to notice.

“To what do we owe this pleasure?” she asked.

“I was just telling Lucille how I wanted to spend Christmas with the people who meant the most to me.” He offered that winning, wistful look again. “And, of course, I wanted to take you all up on your kind offer to see this mine the town owns.”

“You won't see much of a mine with all this snow,” Cassie said.

“Oh, I don't think that will be a problem,” Lucille said, trying to signal Cassie with her eyes to, for God's sake, shut up.

“Of course, the most important part of a mine is underground, where the weather stays pretty much the same all year,” Cassie added, apparently getting the hint.

“Cassie is from one of the most venerable families in Eureka County.” Lucille saw her chance to distract Gerald from more talk of the bogus mine. “At one time, the Wynocks owned most of the property in the area.”

The expression in Gerald's eyes went from mild disdain to budding interest as he turned his attention once more to the gray-haired woman beside him. Never mind that Cassie didn't have anything left of her family's legacy but her grandmother's house and an outsized sense of entitlement, Gerald clearly thought he was in the presence of an heiress and turned on the charm.

“Such a pleasure to see you again, Miss Wynock.” He took her hand in both of his and favored her with a look of such intensity that Lucille felt a surge of hot jealousy, in spite of all she knew about the man.

“The pleasure is all mine,” Cassie simpered, clearly fallen under the con man's spell. Was she really so gullible?

“Is this man bothering you?” D. J., managing to appear even larger and more menacing than usual, loomed over them. Olivia and Lucas looked on, wide-eyed, behind him.

“Gerald, this is D. J. Gruber. D. J., this is Gerald Pershing.” Lucille made the introductions.

D. J. glowered at the older man. Lucille tried to give him a reassuring look, but he ignored her. “Are you bothering these ladies?” he asked.

“On the contrary, we were having a pleasant visit until you interrupted.” Gerald turned his back on D. J. and focused once more on Lucille. “I was hoping I could take you out for coffee,” he said. “Or perhaps a bit of Christmas cheer?”

Lucille struggled to craft an answer that wouldn't appear too harsh. She'd agreed to go along with the council's plan and do her part to seduce Gerald into giving back at least part of the money he'd swindled from the town, but she couldn't face being alone with him again. Not yet.

“Grandma, don't forget you promised to help me with my project for school.” Lucas, his voice half an octave higher and with the addition of a painful whine, inserted himself between his grandmother and Gerald. “I have to turn it in tomorrow and I can't do it without you.”

“Aren't you out of school for the holidays?” Gerald asked, frowning at the boy, who someone managed to look five years younger and snivelingly pathetic.

“I was supposed to turn this assignment in last week, but I've been sick.” He coughed moistly. Gerald wrinkled his nose in distaste.

“My teacher said I could have a little more time, but I have to get it to her tomorrow or I'll fail!” The last word rose in a siren-like wail that made Lucille want to cover her ears. Over Lucas's shoulder, Olivia had her hand over her mouth, as if trying to stifle laughter.

Lucille put a hand on Lucas's shoulder and gave Gerald an apologetic smile. “As you can see, I have another commitment,” she said. “Maybe some other time.” Never would be fine with her.

“I'm free for coffee.” Cassie spoke up.

For once, Gerald looked uncertain. Lucille could almost see the questions going through his mind. Did he risk offending one mark to latch on to a possible second?

“You should go with Cassie,” she said. “I'm sure the two of you would find a lot to talk about.”

“Yes, I'd love your advice on investing some funds I inherited from my late father,” Cassie said.

Lucille gave her a sharp look. Was she serious? Or even more devious than Lucille had suspected?

Gerald's hesitation vanished. “Then I'd be pleased to spend time with you.” He offered her his arm. “And, Lucille, I'll see you later.”

Lucille nodded, anxious to be away from him. How was she ever going to manage the “intimate dinner” the town council had planned, where she was supposed to persuade Gerald to invest in the mine?

“Yes, see you later, Lucille,” Cassie trilled, and carefully lowered one eyelid.

Lucille gaped, sure now that the world really had been turned upside down. Had Cassie Wynock
winked
at her?

“I could arrange for a snowplow to back over his car.” D. J.'s voice was a low, angry rumble.

Lucille managed a smile. “As tempting as that is, you'd better not.” She turned to Lucas. “You don't really have a project due for school, do you?”

“Nope, I just wanted to give you a good reason to get away from him.”

“Thanks.” She pulled the boy close. “You did a great job tonight.”

“It was fun. Can I ride home with you?”

He looked innocent, but he didn't fool Lucille. Clearly, he was trying to arrange things so that D. J. and Olivia rode home alone.

“We'll both ride home with you,” Olivia said. She turned to D. J. “Thank you for the ride over here.”

“Anytime.” He shoved his hands in his pockets and nodded to Lucille. “Let me know if you need anything.”

“Thank you.” Impulsively, she squeezed his arm. He was definitely one of the good guys. One of many in Eureka, she was finding out. She may have struck out romantically, but she'd hit the jackpot when it came to people she could count on in a crises.

 

“Any word yet from the mayor's office?” For probably the fifth time that morning, Rick stopped in front of Maggie's desk at the
Miner
and posed the question she suspected half the town was waiting for the answer to.

“Nothing yet.” This was the morning Reggie, Doug, and Paul were giving Gerald Pershing a private tour of the Lucky Lady, as they'd christened the hole in the ground chosen as the town gold mine. The site was an actual mine claim the county had taken for back taxes years ago, but as far as anyone knew it had never yielded so much as an ounce of gold dust.

“I hope they didn't get stuck in the snow.” Rick stared out the window. Drifts piled on either side of the street formed white walls in front of the buildings and sidewalks. “That wouldn't make a good impression.”

“D. J. plowed the road all the way up there,” Maggie said. “I saw him coming back when I went out to start my car this morning.” His route to the mine took him right past Maggie's place, so she'd had a freshly plowed path to work.

“I hear Bob salted it with some good-size nuggets.”

“I hope he didn't overdo it,” Maggie said. “Bob has a tendency to go overboard at times.” He'd promised a few fireworks at the finale of the Founders' Day parade and ended up with a huge explosion that emptied the theater.

Rick turned away from the window. “What does a dude from Texas know about mining? He probably expects to see big nuggets lying all over.”

Maggie hoped for Lucille's sake that Rick was right. Having Gerald back in town was placing a real strain on the mayor that was visible, at least to those who knew her well. She wore the tense, defensive expression of someone waiting for a blow.

“I saw Cassie with Pershing at the Last Dollar last night,” Rick said.

“That sounds suspicious.” Cassie knew what Gerald had done to Lucille—and to the town. Why would she want to have anything to do with the man? “I hope Gerald hasn't decided Cassie is his next target.”

“I don't know,” Rick said. “I'd say those two deserve each other.”

“Rick!” Yes, Cassie could be unpleasant, but she was also a lonely woman who might be an easy mark for a man like Gerald Pershing.

“She probably knows about the town council's plan with the gold mine,” Rick said. No one had broadcast the plan, but keeping a secret in Eureka was impossible.

“I hope she hasn't decided to share the information with Gerald for some twisted reason.”

“If he doesn't bite, we'll know who to blame,” Rick said.

The front door to the newspaper office opened and Lucille slipped inside, closing the door softly behind her. She looked exhausted, dark circles shadowing her eyes, shoulders sagging. “Well?” Rick asked.

She frowned at him. “Hello, Rick. I came to talk to Maggie.”

“What happened with Pershing?” He stepped between the two women, as if he intended to keep them separate until Lucille told him what he wanted.

“I can't tell you that,” Lucille said. “You print anything about this in the paper and the deal will fall through. We might even end up in a lawsuit.”

“I'm not asking as a newspaper publisher. I'm asking as a concerned citizen. I promise, I won't publish a word.”

“I'll make sure he keeps that promise,” Maggie said, peering around Rick at her friend.

Lucille hesitated, then nodded. “Doug said the mine visit went well. Gerald seemed really interested. Bob did a good job spreading the gold around, not making it seem too obvious. Gerald had done his homework. We were a little worried about that at first, because he said he'd asked some geologist at the University of Texas to examine the assay report Bob sent. But apparently everything checked out. Gerald is convinced the mine really does have the potential to yield some gold. He asked good questions and appeared satisfied with the answers the men gave him.”

“What happens next?” Maggie asked.

Lucille slumped into a chair beside Maggie's desk. “Now I'm supposed to invite him to dinner and seal the deal.”

“Why do you have to do that?” Maggie asked. “Can't the council just give him the paperwork and ask him to sign?”

“They thought it would be more convincing if they didn't do a hard sell. I'm supposed to use my powers of persuasion to make the deal seem too good to resist, all in the guise of asking his advice.”

“They want you to seduce him,” Rick said. “The way he seduced you.”

Maggie glared at him, but Lucille's expression hardly changed. “Yes, that's what they want. But I don't think I can do it.”

The front door flew open and Cassie Wynock bustled in, rattling the glass as she slammed the door behind her. “I thought I saw you come in here,” she said, stalking toward Lucille as only a determined woman in sensible shoes can stalk.

“Cassie, I am not in the mood right now to talk about library shelves,” Lucille said.

“I didn't come here to talk about shelves. I came to find out what happened this morning at the mine. Did Gerald bite?”

“Cassie, if you breathed one word of our plans to Gerald, so help me—” Lucille didn't finish the threat, merely drilled the librarian with a warning look.

Cassie waved away the threat and plopped into the chair beside Lucille. “I wouldn't give your little plan away. After what he did to this town, I'd like to see Gerald Pershing get his comeuppance as much as anyone.”

Lucille blinked, probably as surprised as Maggie was. Cassie and the mayor were not usually on the same side of any argument.

“So what happened up at the mine?” Cassie pressed. “Did Gerald fall for the ruse?”

“I think so,” Lucille said. “I'm supposed to talk with him more over dinner.”

“At least you'll get a nice meal out of it,” Cassie said.

“I don't think I can go through with it.” Lucille rested her chin in both hands, elbows on her knees.

“Then let me do it,” Cassie said.

Three heads swiveled to stare at the librarian. “What?” Cassie asked. “You don't think I can talk the old swindler into falling for the town's swindle?”

“But why would you?” Lucille asked.

“I saw you having coffee with Pershing last night,” Rick said. “You two looked pretty cozy.”

“We were a little worried you'd be his next victim,” Maggie said. Well,
she'd
been a little concerned. She doubted Rick cared.