The Hunk Next Door(40)

Ordeal felt a little strong, but Deke enjoyed formality and drama. It showed in his work as well as every other facet of his life, including impersonating a floral delivery driver. And she wasn’t about to quibble over semantics with a friend.

“Thank you. The flowers are gorgeous and definitely brightened my day.”

His gaze roamed around the room and she was afraid to ask what he thought. Compared to the grand expanse of his home, hers must be a laughable disappointment. But none of those reactions showed on his face.

“I heard you had a little trouble yourself.”

“Someone broke into my garage and tried to tie me to a murder.”

“That’s absurd. Do you need a lawyer?”

She was sure he could afford the best. “No. I cleared it up with the Baltimore P.D. first thing this morning. While no one knows how my shovel got involved, it wasn’t the murder weapon.”

“What a relief. For all of us.” His smile was kind and friendly as he pushed to his feet and donned the ball cap and gloves. “Tomorrow’s opening day will be a resounding success,” he declared. “I’m sure of it.” He gave her a quick hug. “And the city will have you to thank.”

“Not just me,” she said, uncomfortable with his effusive praise. “Everyone has worked together to make this the best season ever. Thanks for everything, Deke.”

“It’s my pleasure.”

She locked the door when he returned to his car. On her way back to the kitchen she paused to enjoy the flowers. It was a thoughtful gesture, a bit over the top, but thoughtful. The arrangement was too big for her small kitchen table, but she felt too exposed working in the front room.

If this was her worst dilemma today, things were looking up.





Chapter Eleven


Home from his errand, Deke tapped an impatient rhythm on the cold pane of the window. He was surrounded by idiots. The man on the ladder hadn’t had the decency to die. Somehow no one had put Chief Jensen into cuffs for bashing a repeat offender over the head with her shovel, despite her lack of a believable alibi. And now, rather than inciting fear, the fire had seemingly fueled the woman’s determination to maintain her hard stance against the attacks on her town.

He cursed the skills that had put him in this precarious position. It wasn’t his job to micromanage something as pedestrian as the crime-versus-law balance in Belclare and yet those who kept him in business insisted he clean it up. Fools. They were wasting his talent.

His job was creating the strategies that furthered the cause. Tempted to ignore his orders in favor of more effective strikes elsewhere, he soothed himself with the small progress he’d made with the police chief.

The only other consolation was that revenue from the Christmas Village would surely be down in light of the current violence. No amount of greenery and twinkling lights could hide the stain on Belclare, and the shopkeepers who needed the financial infusion would force their once-beloved chief of police out of the way long enough for him to take a giant leap forward in making reparations.

The latest drug shipment was half the size of the one Abby had discovered. Thanks to the distraction of the fire, it had come and gone already with no one the wiser. Now, with his superiors slightly at ease, he could focus on vengeance. He picked up the phone and relayed his next orders.

Waiting for the fun to start, he contemplated all the ways things could go right. And wrong.

If he couldn’t bring Chief Jensen to him with the promise of a friendship, he could certainly prey on her need to defend and protect. Either way, he would be thrilled when she finally came running right into his trap.

Her new neighbor was no match for Deke. If he got in the way he would be just another casualty of this war.





Chapter Twelve


Riley spent the morning much as he’d spent the night: thinking of Abby. Not just the kiss, but the serious threat chasing her around town. Personally and professionally, the woman and her predicament consumed his attention.

His arms full of plastic wrapping and cardboard boxes, he headed out to the Dumpsters and recycling bins. He pulled out his knife and sliced through the tape, breaking down the boxes for recycling. The decorating team was nearly done setting up and not a moment too soon. A light snow was predicted for this evening, which would surely make tomorrow’s opening day perfect for all the expected visitors.

As he walked back into the warehouse, he spotted a black wallet caught between the Dumpster and the warehouse. He pulled out the tri-folded leather, only to realize it was a woman’s wallet. Looking around, he didn’t see any of the women who were part of the crew. Figuring someone would come forward soon, he walked on into the supervisor’s office. “Anyone looking for this?” he asked, holding it up.