Valentine Wishes (Baxter Academy Book 1) (14 page)

W
hy is he here
, now? I was going to deal with Brett, my feelings and all the confusion about what we are, should be, shouldn’t be, and what I want later. After I’ve got Gran’s room set and she’s home.

Before I can figure out a way to make him leave, my uncles and Brett start carrying down all of Gram’s furniture. I hurry ahead to her new room so I can tell them where everything should go. I’ve planned it out so it’s easy for her to get out of the bed and walk to the bathroom or sitting room. It needs to be just perfect because she is going to hate being down here and not in the room she shared with Grandpa.

As they are setting up the furniture, I go back upstairs and start dragging her clothing from the closet and then hang it in her new room. I won’t even look at Brett. I can’t right now. Especially not with all of my uncles in the room.

When I’m done with the closet, I grab a box and head up to her bathroom and clean it out of all the essentials like her toothbrush and shampoo and everything else. I take my time, hoping they are done by the time I get downstairs. With luck, Brett would realize he isn’t needed and be gone.

After loading the box, I grab towels and washcloths from her linen closet and new sheets. I can’t take them all in one trip and deliver the linens before going back for the box. When I come back downstairs, Brett is making her bed and my uncles are gone.

Shit! I don’t want to be alone with him.

“Thanks for your help. I can get the rest.”

“I’m sure you can.” He straightens the bedspread and then folds it over the pillow.

“You can go,” I insist. “I don’t want to take up anymore of your time.”

“I’ve got nowhere else to be.” He then straightens up the rug that had been kicked aside earlier.

“Well, I’ve got things to do.” I carry the box into the bathroom and shut the door behind me.

I know I’m being stubborn and unreasonable, but I don’t care. I didn’t like feeling panicked, afraid he was dead somewhere when he didn’t call. It’s way too soon to feel those kind of emotions and I need to get some distance. This, whatever it is, is happening way too fast.

Besides, I need to concentrate on my grandmother now. And Theo, and don’t need some guy fucking with my head. With any luck, he’ll be gone when I’m done with Gram’s bathroom. He’s smart enough to take a hint. He’s a fucking FBI agent.

I take my time putting away all of her stuff, even making sure the toilet paper is in the right direction and then fold the corners neatly, just like they do in the hotel rooms.

I slowly turn, hoping I can find something else to do in here, but it’s pretty much done and ready for grandma. So, taking a deep breath, I open the door to the bedroom.

He’s not there.

Brett’s not in the sitting room either. I’m not sure if I’m relieved or disappointed.

I’m still pissed and want some distance to figure shit out. But, I’m not nearly as pissed as I was earlier, or want to be. He did come looking for me and helped move furniture and I kind of liked that he wasn’t giving up. But, he also left quickly too.

It’s my own fault for being stubborn. I should have answered at least one of his calls, but it’s so much easier to be mad than hurt. And it’s damn scary that someone can hurt you after a week. I’ve practically lived with guys in the past and wasn’t this vulnerable.

Still, I’m disappointed that he’s gone.

Shit! I don’t know what to feel when it comes to Brett. I get all hot just looking at him, and anxious when he’s not around. That’s too much power for one person to have over someone else and I’m so not sure I like it.

Maybe I’ll call him later and thank him for helping. It’s really the right thing to do.

With a sigh I step into the kitchen and am brought up short. Brett is sitting at the kitchen table drinking a bottle of Coke. “Your uncle brought these up. There’s more in the fridge.”

I can’t help it, but my heart gives a little jump that he didn’t give up, but I’m also not sure I’m ready for the conversation. And, one has to be had since he came here looking for me because I wouldn’t answer the phone.

J
ackie watches
me with trepidation as she walks to the fridge and takes out a bottle of beer. After twisting the top off and tossing it in the garbage she turns to me. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m not as willing to write you off as you are me.”

“I’ve a lot going on with Grandma and Theo.”

I nod. “I’m sure you do, but answering one of my phone calls isn’t exactly going to keep you from being the devoted granddaughter and sister.”

Jackie blows out a sigh then takes a swig of the beer. “I need to get out of here.” With that she stomps out the back door but stops at a seating area and plops down on a chaise.

I follow. “Are you really that mad that you are going to write me off the first time I can’t be somewhere when I said I would?”

“You didn’t call.”

“I called the first chance I had.”

She stares at me. “You couldn’t call before that? Really?”

“It was fucking triple homicide,” I yell, my frustration growing. If this is how she’s going to be every time there is an emergency, maybe I don’t want to date her. “And, two children were missing. I’m sorry, but that took precedence.” I push my fingers through my hair. Yelling will solve nothing. “As soon as I was in route to the scene. I knew what we were getting and knew then that I probably wouldn’t be making it to the hospital.”

“So, why didn’t you call?”

“It was four in the morning. I didn’t want to wake you. I never dreamed I wouldn’t get another chance to call until late morning.”

“I would have appreciated a 4 a.m. phone call over the wondering what the hell happened to you.”

“Look, you were at the hospital all evening. I dropped you at home at midnight and you were beat and I knew you were getting up at six to go back to the hospital and would have a rough day. I didn’t want to be the one that interrupted the sleep you needed.”

“You don’t get it, do you?”

I throw up my hands in frustration, spilling a little Coke. “Obviously. Why don’t you explain it to me?”

Jackie leans forward, her green eyes intense and I sink to the lawn chair. At least now I’ll get some answers.

“Do you know what it’s like to wait for someone and they don’t show? The sick feeling in the pit of your stomach, afraid something is wrong.”

“I’ve not spent a lot of time waiting on people.” I never knew if my parents would make a game or awards ceremony. Dad always had to work and if Mom wasn’t at work, she couldn’t bring herself to leave the house, always coming up with an excuse. The few times they did show was a surprise. “What happened to you?” Something big had skewed her intolerance for a late call or arrival. I get that it’s rude, but her reaction is beyond that.

Jackie glances down at her beer but doesn’t say anything.

“What? Have you always been like this? The first screw up and you’re done with the person?”

She blinked up at me, pain in her eyes. What the hell was going on with her? As much as I like Jackie, I’m not sure I want to be with someone if I’ll always have to guess why or how I screwed up or if I’m going to get the cold shoulder if I’m a minute late for something. I don’t need that shit in my life and I sure as hell don’t need it in a relationship.

“When I was a kid, Mom and Dad came to everything me and my brothers were involved in. When I was ten, I was so excited because I had the lead in our school play.” She laughed. “Third through sixth graders, but to me it was a big deal.”

My stomach clenched. That’s the age she was when her parents died.

“I peeked before the show but couldn’t find them in the audience. I didn’t really let it bother me because sometimes they walked in just as something was starting. They always showed up. But this time they didn’t and then neither of them came to get me and my brothers from school. We sat outside on the front steps and waited, a teacher with us. The more worried Mrs. Smith got the more worried I did. One of them was always there to get us. Always. The office called the house and their jobs, but nobody knew where they were.”

“The explosion?”

She nodded.

“So, when people don’t show when they are supposed to or are late, you assume the worst.”

“Not exactly.” She took another drink.

It sure seemed that way to me. Or maybe I’m just special.

“Only people I care about.”

Care about
?

“It didn’t bother me so much with the guys I dated in high school and college. I just got irritated at their inconsideration and eventually, I just broke up with them if it became a habit. I wasn’t really invested and didn’t really care one way or the other.” She looked up, meeting my eyes. “I was scared when I couldn’t reach you and you didn’t show.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I know, and you explained and I am being unreasonable.”

I was kind of surprised she admitted it.

“But what really scared me was how much I worried and how much I cared about you. I’ve never felt this way about anyone and I only met you a week and a half ago.”

Whew. I’m glad I wasn’t the only one falling fast.

“It’s too fast. I don’t even know you, but my heart didn’t seem to care.”

She takes another drink and then blows out a sigh. I’m not sure what to say.

“I can’t be involved with someone who has no consideration for my feelings, or my time, and would keep me worrying and guessing. I don’t want to be hurt and I was hurt and scared, and pissed.”

“I’m sorry. Next time I think I may be late or not make something because of work I’ll call. Even if it is four in the morning.”

Her sad eyes look up at me. “Promise.”

“I swear.”

“I still think we moved too fast. Or my heart did, not that I should tell you that.”

“No,” I cut her off. “Mine has done the same. Normally, I wouldn’t have bothered to keep calling and would have relegated you a list of someone I had dated, but there’s something about you, Jackie. I’m not done.”

A small smile comes to her lips and I finally relax. We both care and it’s too damn quick for two people who want to proceed cautiously.

“Can we slow down a bit, so I can breathe and figure this out?”

“Yep.” I have to agree with her. I’m not even sure what my feelings are, but they run deep and I’m just getting to know her. “When does your grandmother come home?”

“Tomorrow.”

“I’ll wait until the weekend, then give you a call to see how things are going and take it from there.”

“I’d like that,” she says before biting her lip.

I take our now empty bottles and throw them in the trash, then grab her hand. “Walk me to my car.”

“I guess I could do that,” she gives me a quirky smile.

We stop at the side of my car and let go of her hand before pulling her close. “I was afraid if I kissed you back there I’d drag you up to your room.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

“That’s not slowing down.”

Jackie wrinkles her nose. “I guess you are right.”

I give her a quick kiss. “Until this weekend.”

“Until this weekend,” she says as she steps back so I can get in my car. She watches me as I drive away. I look in my rearview mirror one last time before pulling onto the highway, but she’s looking down at her phone.

I
grab
my phone from my back pocket when it dings. I’ve kept the phone with me constantly in case the hospital tries to get a hold of me.

How can I turn your love to me?

It’s a strange number again. None of the telephone numbers have been the same and the messages are odd.

The phone dings again and I read.

You would be queen to me
.

“Not wife,” I finish the lyrics not texted and my blood runs cold.

Why would someone text song lyrics?

My heart skips a beat. That’s why all the messages were a bit familiar. On their own they meant nothing, but… Grandma keeps a pad of paper by the telephone in the kitchen and I grab it and start writing down the texts from the beginning then sit back and read them again.

Dream girl unimpressed
-
Everybody’s Got the Right
-
Assassins
.

Such a Pretty face, such a pretty dress, such a pretty smile
–
I Feel Pretty
-
West Side Story

I would do anything for you
–
Unworthy of Your Love – Assassins

Everybody’s got a right to some sun shine
–
Everybody’s Got the Right - Assassins

It’s only just out of reach – Cool – West Side Story

Some men have everything and some have none – Ballad of Czolgosz – Assassins

A boy like that wants one thing only – song same name – West Side Story

How can I turn your love to me? – Unworthy of Your Love - Assassins

You would be queen to me
–
Unworthy of Your Love - Assassins

My heart is pounding. I know my musicals. Lyrics to most of them. Why the hell didn’t I pick up on this before? Each text is a lyric from a song in either
West Side Story
or
Assassins
. The last two shows I performed in.

But, who is sending them to me and why?

Why the hell is someone texting me song lyrics? This isn’t random. It’s intentional.

The hair stands up on the back of my neck and I slowly turn. Theo is at the camp, my uncles have gone home and Brett just left. I’m all alone in a huge house, away from everyone and I start remembering every murder mystery and horror movie I’ve ever seen.

Slowly I walk out of the house and toward the camp where there are lots and lots of people, constantly looking around while I punch in Brett’s number.

M
y phone rings
as I’m pulling into my uncle’s drive. I cut the engine and grab my phone, surprised to see that it’s Jackie.

“Hey,” I answer. We weren’t going to talk until this weekend, but I’m not going to complain.

“Can you come back?” She sounds panicked.

“What’s wrong?”

“Please, come back.”

She sounds like she could be near hysterics. “What is wrong?”

“It’s just…those texts aren’t random. I know what they are.”

“Do you know who they are from?”

“No.” Her voice cracks and I start the engine on the car. “They’ve all come from a different telephone number.”

“I’ll be right there.”

“I’m at the camp. I don’t want to be alone.”

“I’ll find you.”

I drive as quickly as I dare, but even the speed limit seems like a crawl. I don’t know if someone is messing with Jackie or she has a stalker. At the moment it doesn’t matter because she’s scared. I could hear it in her voice.

After parking the car, I hurry past the house and down to the camp, looking for Jackie among the kids. She’s standing off with two adults that I don’t recognize. When she sees me, her shoulders drop and she hurries forward, grabbing my hand and pulling me away from everyone.

“What are the texts?”

She pulls a sheet of paper from her back pocket. “Lyrics from
West Side Story
or
Assassins
.”

I take the list and look it over. I hadn’t realized she’d received so many. “Do these shows mean anything to you?”

“I was in West Side Story last year and in Assassins the year before. I like to do community theatre but didn’t have time to audition for any of the summer shows this year.”

“When would auditions have been?”

She frowns for a minute. “End of May usually.”

“And cast lists, when did they go up?”

“For the season, they would have been posted the first week of June.”

“About the time you started getting texts.”

She swallows and nods.

“Has there been anyone that was part of those productions that made you uncomfortable? Came on to you and you rejected? Anything like that.”

She’s staring at me blankly. “Nobody.”

It has to be someone connected with those shows or the theatre. Or, maybe someone who just saw her in those shows. Though I really hope it is someone connected, to make it easier. “Do you have a list of everyone involved in both productions?”

“I have copies of the programs.” She glances up at the house. “In my room. There is a box on the top shelf in my closet next to a makeup case. They should be in there.”

I nod. “I’ll be right back.”

I find the box where she said it would be and take out the two programs.

“Let’s make a list of the guys who were part of both productions,” I tell Jackie when I get back outside.

She nods and walks me to a table. I read off of one and she checks the other. We mark the names that are in both programs and end of up with a list of fifteen guys. I’m assuming a girl isn’t doing this, but if the guys don’t check out, I’ll investigate the women.

Jackie leans back and studies the names.

“Does anyone stick out as having been odd, or maybe attached to you?”

“No, but some of them I didn’t know that well.”

“Like who?” Those are ones I’ll start with.

“If they were on tech, but not part of the stage crew, I didn’t always meet them because they’d be at the back of the theatre with the lights or sound. They hardly ever came down to the stage and I didn’t really go back there.”

“Tell me about the texts. Did they come in at the same time? Same day?” I hadn’t paid that close attention when she got them and now I wish I would have.

She jots the time and dates behind each message and sits back and studies them. There is no set pattern.

Except.

I study them again. “You got these when you were with me or after I left you.”

“I got one with I was with Ashley.”

“Were you talking about me?”

Her face blushes. Of course. Ashley probably wanted details since it was the Friday after that first weekend we were together.

“Where were you?”

“At the diner.”

“Did you recognize anyone there?”

She shakes her head and shrugs. “Just farmers, truck drivers. Nobody I remember or knew.” Then she winces. “I didn’t really pay attention to anyone else there.”

“One of them you got when we were going into Sullivan’s, but the square was so crowded it’s hard to tell who was there.”

“But, the first one came in when I found out you had a flat tire.”

“Do you remember who was in the bar?”

She closes her eyes and bits her bottom lip. Then slowly shakes her head again. “Sorry. I don’t.” Tears begin to fill her eyes.

I pull her close. “It’s okay. We’ll figure out who it is.”