Even though Dixie had returned after years away, divorced and apparently ready to start over, some things hadnt changed. She still attracted males like a magnet. After all, single women their age were a rarity in Echo Falls.
Im representing the library board, remember? Besides, I dont have the figure to wear something like that outfit. She nodded to Dixies bright top and formfitting jeans.
Dixie tossed her hair back, laughing. Sure you do. And Id like to see the expressions on the old girls faces if you turned up in this.
One thing about Dixie...she never apologized for anything she wore, said or did. It must be nice to feel that confident. Deidre never had, and shed settled for an updated version of her mothers style, typically small town, middle-class and designed not to raise a single eyebrow.
Im almost ready, and Kev is sleeping. I promised him youd come in and kiss him good-night, but I didnt promise youd wake him up. She retrieved her cell phone and tucked it into her bag.
Okay, will do. Dixie picked up the television remote but didnt switch the set on, a sign she had something to say. Did you see the new tenant next door yet?
Someone moved into the second-floor flat at last? The old Moyer place had been converted into three apartments, with Dixie renting the top floor. I hope theyre not going to be noisy.
Not they, he. Thirtyish, single and sexy. Just what we need in the neighborhood.
Deidre gave her a look. Had a long chat with him, did you?
Dixie grinned. We barely exchanged two words. But believe me, I didnt need conversation to make up my mind about him. Lean, dark and tough-looking. Hes the brooding, dangerous type, and that suits me fine.
She could only hope Dixie didnt intend to launch herself headlong into a new romance. Her past was strewn with the guys shed been convinced were the real thing. Needless to say, they hadnt been.
Who is this paragon? And what brings him to Echo Falls? Maybe youd better be sure hes going to hang around before you make a dead set at him.
Thats the thing. For a moment Dixie looked uncertain, an unusual expression for her. I hear hes actually the new lawyer in your sainted father-in-laws firm. Dixie gave her a sidelong look. You hadnt heard?
No, she hadnt heard. Silly, to be bothered by the news that someone was taking Franks place. After all, it had been almost a year, and the firm was constantly busy.
I knew they needed someone, but didnt know theyd made a decision. Funny that the judge didnt mention it when he was here today.
She didnt think her expression had changed at the mention of that visit, but Dixie knew her well.
Whats he up to now? She held up a hand to stop Deidres protest. Dont bother denying it. The judge is always up to something, isnt he?
Deidre shrugged. It would be a relief to vent to someone, and she and Dixie had been friends long enough for her to know Dixie was safe. The same conversation we had before. I thought it was settled, but apparently not. He wants us to move in with him and Sylvia. A chill slid down her spine at the thought.
Dixie abandoned her lounging posture on the sofa to sit bolt upright, anger flashing in her dark eyes. You cant be considering it. Move into that mausoleum? Id rather be dead.
No, of course Im not considering it. If I wouldnt move in there when Frank was alive, Im certainly not going to do it now. I couldnt raise Kevin in that... She couldnt find a suitable word that was compatible with her sense of politeness.
Mausoleum, Dixie repeated. Good. Dont you even think of giving in to him.
Im not, she protested. But you know what the judge is like.
Hes a boa constrictor. Dixie spat out the words with more than her usual emphasis. Get caught in his coils, and the next thing you know youll be digested, just like that poor wife of his.
Sylvia has other problems. Im not sure her husband can do much for her.
Hes probably the one who drove her to alcohol to begin with, Dixie muttered. And you know how he treated Frank when he was growing up. You cant let him get his hands on Kev.
Im not going to. She didnt know when shed seen Dixie so passionate. All I have to do is keep saying no. He cant force me. Honestly, Dixie, theres no need to get so upset about it.
Youre too trusting, you know that? You think everyones as nice as you are. Theyre not.
Dixies reaction was fueling her own, and she had to look at this sensibly. Ive got to get going. Again, thanks so much for staying with Kev. And dont worry about the judge. Im not. Really.
Deidre reminded herself of those brave words as she drove to the public library, just off the square in Echo Falls, and pulled into the parking lot behind the building. No worrying. Obsessing about Judge Morriss plans wouldnt do any good.
She shifted her focus firmly to the upcoming meeting. At least she wasnt the first arrival. The lights were already on, a welcome given the fine mist that was forming.
She picked up the tote bag with the coffee and doughnuts and ducked through the mist to the back door, hurrying inside. In the flurry of greeting people and getting the refreshments ready, she managed to shove Judge Morris firmly to the back of her mind. Like Scarlett, shed worry about that tomorrow.
The meeting was being held in what was normally a quiet reading area in front of the fireplace. Folding chairs had appeared to supplement the sofa and love seat donated by some library patron whod probably been redecorating. Concentrating on refilling the doughnut tray, Deidre didnt notice that someone was coming toward her until he spoke.
Hard at work as always, I see. Adam Bennett, the pastor of Grace Church, was mature enough to be aware of the status his collar gave him and young enough to be made a bit uncomfortable by it. He flushed now, as he often seemed to when he spoke to her.
Not very, she said, smiling. Will you have a doughnut?
No, no, thank you. He shied away as if his wife had lectured him about the dangers of fatty foods. I wanted to introduce someone to you. Deidre, this is Jason Glassman, the new associate in Judge Morriss office.
For an instant Deidre could only stare at the man whod come up behind Adam. Brooding and dangerous-looking indeed, as Dixie had said. His tailored suit and tie would be more at home in a big-city office, and his lean face gave one the impression of a man stripped down to the essentials and ready for action. There was nothing casual about the assessing look he turned on her, and she was suddenly aware of the sticky icing on her fingers.
When in doubt, take refuge in good manners, her mother always advised. Deidre wiped her hand on a napkin before extending it.
Mr. Glassman, its a pleasure to meet you. Im sure my father-in-law is relieved to have someone to... Shed started to say assist, but this man didnt look as if hed ever been an assistant to anyone. To take over the extra caseload. I know the office has been very busy.
Please, call me Jason. His deep voice held nothing more than conventional courtesy, but the clasp of his hand lingered a bit too long, and his dark eyes studied and probed, as if to warn hed know everything about her before he was finished. Im just getting settled in. I understand were neighbors, as well.
Were all neighbors here in Echo Falls. Adam glanced from one to the other as Deidre pulled her hand away, his voice uncertain. I was just telling Jason how happy well be to have his help with planning the celebration.
Not planning, just listening. I understand no one else was available tonight, and the judge thought the office should be represented. Im just holding a watching brief. The way his eyes held hers made it sound as if she were the one he was watching.
Deidre gave herself a mental shake and took a step back behind the protection of the coffee urn. Jason Glassman would have better luck turning his measuring look on Dixie. Shed know just how to respond.
I see the chairwoman is ready to begin. She nodded toward the fireplace, where Enid Longenberger was shuffling through her notes. Maybe wed better take our seats. Busying herself with the arrangement of trays, Deidre gave the two men plenty of time to find chairs before she slipped into one as far away from Glassmans disturbing presence as possible.
What had the judge been thinking? Surely he couldnt picture this man settling into a quiet career in Echo Falls. He looked as if hed be bored to death in a week. Certainly he did nothing to dismiss that opinion as he sat, eyes half-closed, through the inevitable suggestions, ranging from the mundane to pie-in-the-sky ideas that would only happen if a benevolent billionaire decided to lend a hand.
The meeting dragged on even longer than shed expected, with Enid obviously determined to give everyone a chance to offer an opinion. Deidre found herself taking surreptitious glances at her watch. Dixie claimed to enjoy staying with Kevin, and shed never let Deidre pay her, so she made a special effort not to keep Dixie out too late.
Finally, the subcommittees had been assigned, a general outline of ideas approved and the last grumbler had been satisfied. Enid banged down her gavel with an air of decision, and people started filing out the doors, some lingering to rehash the meeting with their friends, as they often did. Deidre kept herself busy clearing up the coffee service as the room slowly emptied. She didnt think Jason Glassman would approach her again, and she didnt want to give him any excuse to do so. Something about the man set her nerves on edge, and she didnt think it was the attractiveness and underlying masculine sexuality that Dixie had obviously noted.
When she went outside, locking the back door behind her, Deidre realized she had dallied almost too long. The lot behind the library was empty except for her sedan, and darker than it usually seemedor maybe that was just her mood.
The streetlamp in front of the building was blocked by the roof of the library, and the closest one in the other direction didnt extend its light this far. The massive brick block of the bank building on the other side of the lot effectively hid it from view of anyone passing on Main Street, giving it an isolated feeling.
Deidre walked quickly to the car, heels echoing on the concrete, fingers clasped around her keys. Shed never felt unsafe in Echo Falls after dark, and she wasnt going to let an odd case of nerves make her start now. Unlocking the car, she slid in and slammed the door, feeling like a rabbit darting into its hole.
She turned the key in the ignition, listening for the comforting purr of the motor. The engine gave a sputter, a grinding sound and then stopped. Nothing. She tried again. She couldnt have stalled it. But there was still nothing. The engine was dead.
It was pointless to keep turning the key. Fumbling for her cell phone, she tried to come up with the most sensible course of action. If she called the auto club, theyd undoubtedly send someone out from Williamsport, a good thirty miles away, and shed be stuck here for an hour. She could try one of the people whod been at the meeting, but they wouldnt be home yet, and she suspected none of them were entered on her cell phone. If Dixie werent babysitting
A sharp rap on the window next to her sent her heart jolting into overdrive. She turned to see Jason Glassman peering in at her, his strong-featured face an ominous mask in the dim light.
Trouble? He raised an eyebrow, giving his face a hint of caricature, and she was swept with a feeling that trouble was exactly what the man represented.
CHAPTER TWO
JASON TILTED HIS face to the available light, making sure the Morris woman recognized him. With a slight nod, Deidre lowered the window manually, apparently deciding he was trustworthy.
She was wrong. Her car wasnt starting because hed made sure it wouldnt. Nothing serious. A mechanic would spot the loose connection in thirty seconds, but he was banking on Deidre not even looking under the hood.
My car is dead. She glanced at her watch. I cant imagine whats wrong.
He shrugged. Im not much of a mechanic, but Ill be glad to wait with you while you call your garage. Or my car is here, and I can easily take you home.
Now she managed a smile. The garage will have closed at five, and nothing short of a three-car pileup would get George Frazer away from his television at this hour. If youre sure you dont mind... Deidre was already opening the door.
Not at all. Were neighbors, arent we? So easy. She didnt suspect a thing. Too bad the drive was so short, but at least hed have some chance of talking with her. Im parked out front.
They walked together along the alley toward the street, their footsteps echoing on the concrete. Shadows lay around the building, and it surprised him that Deidre didnt seem warier. Maybe small-town living deadened the instincts.
I appreciate the offer. Its certainly time I relieved my babysitter.
Teenagers always have the meter ticking, I suppose, he said lightly, wondering who watched the judges grandson when she wasnt there.
Its not that. A friend of mine is staying with my son. I hate to call a teenage sitter on a school night, especially when I think a meeting might be lengthy.
Theyd reached his car, and he opened the passenger-side door so she could slide in, then went around quickly to get in and start the car. It wasnt my imagination then. It did go on and on.
And on, she said, amusement in her voice. Im afraid it wasnt a very good introduction for you. But typical. Everyone has to have their say.
Even if someone else has already said it. He slanted a smile at her.
Especially if someone has already said it. No one wants somebody else claiming credit for his or her good idea. I have a theory that the amount of work that gets done is in inverse proportion to the number of people on the committee.
He had to laugh at Deidres dry tone.
I shouldnt laugh at them, she said, shaking her head. They all mean well. I just hate keeping Dixie out late, even though she insists she doesnt mind.
Dixie? The name rang a bell. I think theres a Dixie in my building.
The same one. Dixie James. Weve been friends since kindergarten, although she just moved back to Echo Falls a couple of years ago. Speaking of which, I hope youre settling in all right. She sounded like a good hostess, checking on a guests comfort.
All in all, he was beginning to wonder if Deidre Morris, with her honey-colored hair and candid blue eyes, wasnt just a little too good to be true.