Grave Insight (A Maddie Graves Mystery Book 2) (2 page)

“Are you ready to go?” Maude appeared in the doorway that separated the main house from Magicks, impatience flooding her shiny face.

“I’m not sure I can go,” Maddie said, her hands clasped on her lap as she stared out the window.

Tara had left about an hour before, her face flushed with excitement (and heat exhaustion), but she’d been happy with the reading. Of course, that was mostly because Maddie had recovered quickly and then proceeded to lie for the better part of an hour. Now Maddie was conflicted.

“What do you mean?” Maude was beside herself. “I want air conditioners.”

“I know, but … there was a woman in here,” Maddie said. “She wanted her cards read.”

“Well, great,” Maude said. “I’ll alert the media.”

Maddie made a face. “She said her name was Tara Warner.”

“The woman who works in the flower shop?”

Maddie nodded.

“What did you see in the cards?” Maude asked, sinking into the chair next to Maddie and sighing. “I’m assuming it wasn’t something good.”

“She’s going to die.”

“Well, that’s definitely not good. Do you know how?”

Maddie shook her head.

“Well, what are you going to do?” Maude asked.

That was a very good question. “I don’t know,” Maddie said. “I feel helpless. I can’t just blurt it out. People don’t like that, and then she’ll just freak out and see danger around every corner.”

“You could send her an anonymous note,” Maude suggested.

“Really? You don’t think that would be weird? What do you want me to do? Should I just write ‘you’re going to die’ on a sheet of paper and slip it under her door?”

“Don’t be sarcastic,” Maude said. “I’m trying to help.”

Maddie sucked in a calming breath. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

“You can’t just ignore it,” Maude said. “If you ignore it, and she really does die, you’re going to feel guilty for the rest of your life.”

“If I tell her, and she dies, I’m also going to feel guilty,” Maddie pointed out. “If I tell her, and she doesn’t die, then I’m going to feel like an idiot. I need to think of a better way to approach this.”

“I’m sure you could think better if we had air conditioners,” Maude said. “And Ruby Tuesday’s.”

Maddie scrunched her face up as she regarded her grandmother. “We’ll go tomorrow. I promise.”

“And what are you going to do tonight?”

“Think.”

Maude scowled. “You’re really not my favorite person right now. You know that, right?”

“I know.”

“Good,” Maude said. “I’m going to take a cold bath and curse your name. I don’t want to see you for the rest of the night.”

“Thanks for being supportive,” Maddie called to her retreating back.

Maddie returned to her deep thoughts. She needed perspective – and fresh air – to think. She wasn’t going to get either in the stifling heat of Magicks – or the frigid cold of Maude’s company upstairs. She needed space, and there was only one place to get it.

NICK WINTERS
strolled through the woods casually, taking the time to enjoy the darkness as it started to descend. It was still hot and humid, but the sun’s retreat offered welcome respite.

He’d stopped by Magicks, hoping to collect Maddie for an evening walk, but a pouty Maude had informed him she had no idea where her granddaughter was. As much as Nick loved Maude, he was glad she wasn’t his cross to bear. She was clearly in a mood, and if Nick knew Maddie (which he did) she’d escaped the house with visions of Willow Lake dancing through her pretty head.

Even though the light was waning, Nick never made a misstep. He knew these woods as well as he knew his own yard. He’d spent years frolicking in them with Maddie. They’d built forts under the shaded boughs in the summer, and hunted for mushrooms in the spring. It felt like home.

Nick slowed his pace when he caught sight of the lake, narrowing his eyes so he could scan the beach area. He didn’t see Maddie’s familiar figure. There was no hint of her honey-colored hair, or lithe frame. He was sure she was out here. Now he just needed to find her.

When he got to the edge of the lake, Nick found a familiar pair of Converse discarded on the small beach, as well as a pair of shorts and a tank top. She was swimming. That had to be a good sign. After she’d almost drowned in the lake, Nick had worried she would fear the one place that always offered her solace.

Nick lifted his head and peered into the water. Dusk made his task was difficult, but after a minute, he saw her about fifteen feet out. She was treading water, and her back was to him. Nick grinned as he stripped his shirt off and dropped his shorts on the ground next to hers. He kicked his shoes off, and waded into the lake wearing nothing but his boxer shorts.

Nick was purposely quiet as he stroked through the water, closing the distance separating him from Maddie. When he was right behind her, he finally opened his mouth. “It’s a nice night for a swim.”

Maddie let loose with a bloodcurdling scream, slapping back at him as she tried to move away.

“It’s me,” Nick gasped, inadvertently swimming backwards. “It’s Nick!”

MADDIE
fought to regain her breath, her heart hammering as she tried to calm herself. She had no idea how Nick had managed to get so close to her without sensing his presence. He wasn’t a threat, so her inner-danger alarm wouldn’t have gone off, but some awareness of her surroundings would have been nice.

“Nicky.”

“I’m sorry, Mad,” Nick said, instantly contrite. “I didn’t mean to scare you. I just … it was stupid. I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay. I just … I wasn’t expecting anyone.” Maddie swam in a small circle, collecting herself. “What are you doing out here?”

“I stopped at the house looking for you,” Nick said, studying her face. “I thought we could go for a walk. Maude said she had no idea where you were, and she’s pissed, by the way. I figured you came down here.”

“I … I just needed some air,” Maddie said, swallowing hard. “I’m sorry I screamed at you … and hit you.”

“It’s okay, Mad,” Nick said, his voice low. “I shouldn’t have scared you. After what happened, I … it was stupid. I’m really sorry.”

“I’m okay,” Maddie said. “I … I just wasn’t expecting anyone. People rarely come down here during the day. I definitely wasn’t expecting anyone after dark.”

“Still … it was a dumb move.”

“It’s okay,” Maddie said, gracing him with a genuine smile. Her heart was slowly returning to a normal beat. “How was your day?”

“Hot,” Nick said. “How was yours?”

“The same.”

“Why is Maude upset?”

“I promised her we would go to Traverse City and buy some air conditioners,” Maddie said. “Then I got … sidetracked.”

“With what?”

Maddie stilled, unsure how to answer. Nick was aware of her “peculiarity” now. He knew she was psychic and could talk to ghosts. She was still nervous about talking to him when it came to her abilities. “A woman came in the shop today to have her cards read,” Maddie said. She’d promised Nick nothing but the truth from here on out, and she was determined to keep her word. “It wasn’t good.”

“Who was it?” Nick asked, not missing a beat.

“Tara Warner. Do you know her?”

Nick wracked his brain. “Is she the woman who works in the flower shop?”

“Yes.”

“What’s going to happen to her?”

“She’s going to die,” Maddie said, her voice small.

“Do you know when?”

“No.”

“Do you know how?”

“No.”

“Okay,” Nick said, resolute. “We’ll figure something out. You can’t save everyone, Mad. We can only do what we can do. I’ll try to see what I can find out about Tara and who she hangs around with.”

“How are you going to do that?”

“I’ll go in and buy some flowers. You know, just talk to her,” Nick said. “I’m a trained officer. I’m good at my job.”

“I’m sure you are,” Maddie said, smiling. “You’re good at everything you do.”

“And don’t you forget it,” Nick said, stroking closer.

Nick’s proximity made Maddie aware of her current predicament. She’d come down to the lake to dip her toes in the water, not go swimming. The water had felt so nice, though, she’d risked wading into it. She’d been briefly worried it would still be cold enough to remind her of the worst night of her life. Instead of cold, though, Maddie only felt refreshed. Since she was alone, she’d stripped out of her clothing and dove in. She hadn’t been wearing a bathing suit under her clothes, and she hadn’t wanted to ruin her expensive bra and panties, so she’d entered the water bare of anything but her smile.

There was no way Nick could know that, and Maddie was positive she’d die of shame if he found out. She had no idea how she was going to get out of the water with her modesty intact.

NICK
was relieved to find Maddie relaxing. Somewhat. She wasn’t terrified anymore, but there was something else going on. He reached out to her instinctively, his fingers brushing against her bare midriff.

“Aren’t you going to give me a hug?”

Maddie balked. “What?”

“You always give me a hug,” Nick teased. “I haven’t had my daily dose of Maddie yet.”

“I … I can’t.”

Nick furrowed his brow. “Why?”

“Because I’m swimming,” Maddie replied primly. “I need my arms to stay above water.”

“I’ll hold you up.” Nick swam closer. “Come on. Give me a hug.” He reached for her, and when Maddie moved to swim away, Nick grew concerned. “I’m sorry I scared you.”

“It’s not that,” Maddie said, glancing around helplessly. “It’s just that … .”

“Mad, you’re starting to scare me,” Nick said. “Why won’t you let me touch you?”

“I … I can’t tell you. You’ll never let me live it down.”

Nick was confused. His gaze bounced between Maddie and the shore she was longingly staring at, and then realization dawned. “Are you naked?”

“What? No!”

“You are, aren’t you?” Nick was intrigued. Maddie clothed was a sight to behold. Maddie naked could be nothing short of breathtaking.

“I … I thought I was alone,” Maddie admitted, miserable. “I didn’t think anyone would see.”

“I haven’t seen anything,” Nick reminded her.
I just want to.
“I promise to be a gentleman if you give me a hug.”

“No,” Maddie said, scandalized. “You’ll … feel everything.”

“You know I’ve felt that before, right?”

Maddie frowned. “How many women have you brought down here to go skinny dipping?”

“None. That’s not what I meant. I just meant you don’t have any parts that would mystify me,” Nick said. “I … if you don’t want to give me a hug, you don’t have to. Just know, you’re really hurting my feelings.”

He was messing with her, but he wanted to see how she would react.

“You don’t play fair,” Maddie said, chewing on her bottom lip.

“You want this to be fair?” Nick challenged.

Maddie nodded.

Nick reached under the water and tugged his boxer shorts off, holding them up so she could see them, and then tossing them toward the shore. He had no idea if he would find them again, and he was beyond caring. He was much more interested in finding out what Maddie would do next. “Now we’re both naked.”

“Oh … my … oh.”

Nick grinned. “Now give me a hug.”

Maddie swam toward him, still uncertain. Nick had to fight the urge to kiss her the minute he felt her skin touch his. Instead, he kept his breathing even and wrapped his arms around her back, relishing the feeling of her body as she pressed in closer. He almost lost himself when he felt her breasts, the nipples erect, press against his chest. Nothing had ever felt this right.

Nick purposely shifted his lower body so Maddie couldn’t feel the excitement pooling in his groin. She definitely wasn’t ready for that. Nick held her for a full minute, breathing in deeply as she rested her head against his shoulder.

“See, that wasn’t so bad,” Nick said when he finally released her. Maddie moved away, but only marginally. He could still feel her warmth when she looked up at him. “Nothing bad happened. You were perfectly safe.”

“I’m always safe with you,” Maddie said, her breathing ragged for an entirely different reason than a few minutes before.

“You are,” Nick agreed. Her lips were right there. He could taste her. Finally. She would let him. They could be together.

Maddie increased the distance between them slightly. “So, how is your girlfriend?”

Nick scowled. He really needed to take care of that situation.

Maddie’s question was pointed enough to kill the mood.

Nick cleared his throat, uncomfortable with the way her blue eyes were searching his face. He knew she’d been excited to be in his arms. Her flesh had quivered when they touched. That was why she was asking about Cassidy now. She was trying to create distance between them. She wasn’t the kind of woman who moved in on someone else’s turf.

“Mad … .”

“No, it’s fine,” Maddie said, pointing herself in the direction of the shore. “It’s none of my business.”

Crap. This situation was getting out of hand. “Maddie, we need to have a talk.”

“It’s fine,” Maddie said. She was farther away now, almost to the shore. “Turn around until I’m dressed.”

That was the last thing Nick wanted, but he obliged. After a few minutes of facing the opposite shore, Maddie spoke again. “Okay, you can come out. I’ll turn around until you get dressed.”

“Great,” Nick said, his tone dull.

He didn’t bother to look for his boxer shorts. When he was dressed, he crossed his arms over his chest and watched Maddie for a moment. Her blonde hair was damp and hanging down her back, and she was steadfastly refusing to even peek in his direction. It was kind of cute. Oh, who was he kidding, it was outright adorable.

“You can turn around,” Nick said. “Your virtue is perfectly safe.”

Maddie’s face was unreadable when she faced him. “Did you find your boxers?”

“I think I sacrificed them to the lake gods,” Nick teased. “They died a good death.”

Maddie couldn’t help but giggle. “Funny.”

“I try.”

Nick gestured to the sandy beach. “Why don’t you sit with me? There’s nothing but a hot house and an even hotter Maude waiting for you at home. At least it’s comfortable out here.”

The duo settled onto the beach, shoulders touching. There was still an unspoken wedge between them, and it revolved around Cassidy. Nick didn’t want anything between them. He just had to take it one step at a time. He couldn’t make a move on Maddie – at least not yet.

“I’m breaking up with Cassidy,” Nick announced. Maddie’s face was blank, so Nick plowed on. “I’ve been planning it for some time, but … I hate being the bad guy.”

Maddie pursed her lips. “It’s really not any of my business.”

Nick sighed, running his hand through his dark hair. “You’re my best friend, right?”

“Of course.”

“Don’t best friends sit and listen when people complain about their romantic problems?”

Maddie’s face softened. “You’re right. Why are you going to break up with Cassidy?”

“I was going to break up with her before you even came back,” Nick said. “I just got … distracted.”

“With me?”

Nick smiled. “Amongst other things.”

“Christy says you have a six-month cycle,” Maddie said carefully. “You date a woman for six months and then end it like clockwork. Is that true?”

“Yup.”

“Doesn’t it bother you that everyone knows about your cycle?”

“Nope.”

“Really?” Maddie seemed surprised.

“Really,” Nick said. “I figure, if people know about the cycle, they won’t be offended when the end comes. They’re less likely to take it personally when everyone in town already knows it’s true. The problem is, even though everyone told her about the cycle, Cassidy is refusing to see the writing on the wall.”

“So, tell her.”

“I usually prefer it when they break up with me,” Nick said. “In the past, I’ve just distanced myself and they’ve gotten the hint and dumped me. I like it that way.”

“You never could handle being the villain,” Maddie said, laughing. “When we played as kids, you always had to be the cop and not the robber.”

“I’m fond of my white hat.”

“I don’t pretend to understand your relationship with Cassidy,” Maddie said, cautiously choosing her words. “If you’re not happy, though, you should do what makes you feel better.”

Nick smiled internally. She was trying to hide her excitement, but he could feel it positively rolling off of her. She was entrenched in “friend” mode, but she was ready to climb a new rung on their relationship ladder. The realization made him indescribably giddy. He tempered his enthusiasm. “She knows I’m not in love with her,” he said. “She just refuses to accept it. She wants to go to couples’ counseling.”

Maddie snickered. “Really?”

“She told me the night Todd went after you,” Nick said. “She was in my office, and I was going to do it then, but Maude came running in and … well … there was a damsel in distress who needed me.” Nick winked at Maddie, charming her to the tips of her toes.

“That was two weeks ago,” Maddie pointed out.

“I know,” Nick said. “I haven’t had a chance to pick up where we left off.”

“She hasn’t called you in two weeks?” Maddie was doubtful.

“Oh, she’s called. I just haven’t answered.”

“You’ve been dodging her calls for two weeks? Nicky, that’s horrible.”

“I know,” Nick said. “I just … I can’t break up with her over the phone, and I really don’t want to do it in a public setting.”

“So, take her out to dinner, be polite, and then do it on the ride home.” Maddie was warming to the topic.

Nick grinned. “Yeah, that will be a fun ride.”

Maddie sighed. “Sorry. You’re right. You have to do it in your own way.”

“I do,” Nick said. “I just need to figure out how to do it without crushing her.”

“I’m not sure if that’s possible, Nicky,” Maddie said. “She’s very much in love with you.”

“You’ve been around her twice,” Nick pointed out. “How do you know that?”

“You can just tell when someone loves someone,” Maddie said simply. “It’s written all over their face.”

“You can indeed,” Nick said, studying Maddie’s beautiful cheekbones. “You can indeed.”

“WHERE
have you been?” Maude asked.

She was sitting at the kitchen table, a glass of iced tea and a flask of bourbon in front of her, when Maddie returned to the house.

“I went swimming down at the lake.”

Maude straightened in her chair. “By yourself? Was that smart?”

“It was fine,” Maddie said, sitting in one of the open chairs. “I was in no danger.”
From anything other than losing my heart
, she added silently.

“You were gone a long time,” Maude said. “I was starting to get worried.”

“Nick showed up, and we talked for a little bit.”

Maude smiled. “Did he swim, too?”

“Yes.”

“Were you naked?”

“Who told you that?” Maddie’s eyebrows flew up her forehead.

Maude cackled loudly. “You just did. Wow. Did you two … ?”

“Of course not,” Maddie said. “He has a girlfriend. It was … innocent.”

“Oh, sure. One hot boy, plus one beautiful girl, plus no clothes … yeah, that usually equals innocence.”

“We just talked,” Maddie said.
And hugged. Oh, God had they hugged.

“What did you talk about?” Maude asked.

“If I tell you, you have to promise not to tell anyone else,” Maddie cautioned.

Maude leaned forward, practically drooling with anticipation. “I promise.”

“Nick says he’s going to break up with Cassidy.”

Maude’s reaction was blasé. “Of course he’s going to break up with Cassidy,” she said. “That was never in doubt. What else did he say?”

“Just that he’s been trying to do it for weeks,” Maddie said, taken aback. “I thought you would be excited.”

“Why would I be excited about that?”

“Well … .” Maddie wasn’t sure what to say. “I just thought … I don’t know. Forget it.”

“You’re so darned adorable I can’t stand it sometimes,” Maude said. “Nick told you that he’s going to break up with his girlfriend, and now you’re starting to wonder if he has feelings for you. You can’t wait for Cassidy to get the heave-ho because you want to see what Nick will do.

“News flash, Maddie girl, Cassidy was never standing in your way,” she continued. “Nick was never torn between the two of you. He just doesn’t want to hurt Cassidy. He’s a good guy, but he’s a wuss when it comes to things like this.”

“I … well, what do you think he’ll do once he breaks up with her?” Maddie was being coy.

“I think he’s going to make a beeline here so he can kiss you senseless.”

Maddie exhaled heavily.
What would that be like?

“I still think he’s going to have to get up some courage to cut Cassidy’s knees out from under her,” Maude said. “You’re going to have to be patient.”

“I’m patient.”

“Of course you are,” Maude said, patting her hand. “You’ve been waiting for him for eleven years. A couple more days aren’t going to kill you.”

Maddie shook her head, fighting the urge to smile, but ultimately losing. “You’re loving this, aren’t you?”

“I love you, Maddie girl,” Maude said. “I love Nick, too. The boy has always been loyal, and funny. And let’s face it, he grew up to be a real looker. I want you to be happy.”

“But?”

“But he’s not going to dump Cassidy right this second,” Maude said. “He’s too much of a gentleman to swim naked with you and then drive straight over to her house and dump her. He’s going to have to buy her dinner first.”

“That’s what I told him to do,” Maddie said, surprised.

Maude giggled. “Great minds.”

“Well, speaking of dinner, I promise to take you out for a nice one tomorrow,” Maddie said. “In fact, why don’t we leave early in the afternoon? I’m running over to the salon to see Christy in the morning, but we can leave right after lunch to go to Traverse City.”

“What about the store?”

“It’s too hot for anyone to come into the store,” Maddie said. “Once we get the air conditioners, more people will be willing to brave the shop.”

“Why are you going to the salon?”

“Um … I just want to get my hair trimmed up a little bit,” Maddie replied evasively.

“You mean you want to make sure you’re looking good for when Nick comes calling,” Maude supplied.

“That is not true,” Maddie protested.

“Oh, whatever,” Maude said. “You just got your hair trimmed two weeks ago.”

“Fine. I don’t have to go to the salon. We can leave first thing in the morning.”

“No, you’re going to the salon,” Maude said.

Maddie arched an eyebrow. “Are you sure?”

“Make sure you get your eyebrows waxed while you’re there,” Maude said. “You need to look perfect when destiny comes knocking.”

Maddie stuck her tongue out at her grandmother.

“Brush your teeth, too,” Maude said, ignoring the gesture. “Use a lot of mouthwash. You don’t get a second chance to do a first kiss the right way.”

“Thank you, Granny,” Maddie said.

“Oh, and shave your legs.”

“Okay.” Maddie snatched the bottle of bourbon from the table. “You’re done with this for the night.”

Maude blew an unladylike raspberry in Maddie’s direction. “You might want to buy some cuter underwear, too.”

Can people die of embarrassment? Maddie was worried she was about to find out. “I’m going to bed.”

“Sweet dreams,” Maude chortled. “Or, in your case, naughty dreams.”

“Granny!”