Not This Time (21 page)

“Possibly. They have Robert and they’re watching you and Sara. You can bet they’re watching the money too. I’d say they’re more apt to retrieve it at night than in broad daylight.”

“It’s creepy, them watching us and yet we can’t spot them.” Squinting against the harsh sunlight glaring off anything shiny in the parking lot, Beth took a long drink of water, then poured a little in her hand and smoothed it over her face and throat to cool her heated skin. The temperature had to be hovering near a hundred. “That rattled Jeff.”

“I don’t like it either. Makes me wonder if someone supposedly on our side is reporting back to them.”

Beth frowned at a stone on the ground. “Seriously?”

“It’s possible. Roxy assures me they’ve run extensive checks on everyone out there—and I have to say, you look a little cooler on the bench than you did in Jeff’s Tahoe.”

Shock pumped through her. “You can see me?” He was here?

“Do you really think I’d let you come out here and not watch over you?”

He’d come. He’d dropped everything and come. Her eyes burned. A smile tickled her lips. “Why don’t you show yourself? Frankly, I could use a hug.”

“Later. Right now, that’s not a good idea.”

“Why not?” She casually looked around, seeking a glimpse of him.

“I’d put you in more danger. I’m on NINA’s hit list.”

Her stomach knotted. NINA wanted to kill him? “Because of Lisa’s kidnapping case?”

“Among other things.”

Beth fixed her gaze on the Tahoe. “Then go away. You shouldn’t be here.”

“I have no choice, sha. You’re here.”

Her heart filled and some strange tenderness she hadn’t felt before settled inside it. “You really do care about me.”

“I’ve been telling you that for months, when you weren’t telling me I was being ridiculous.”

He had. But she hadn’t dared to believe it.
Max defining, even now
. Her mouth went dry and she forced the words out of her throat. “I really care about you too, Joe.”

“Finally.”

She squeezed her eyes shut. “Yeah.”

“Now that makes the risks worth it.” His smile sounded in his voice. “I’m hanging up.”

“Why?”

“Sara’s coming your way. Hide your phone.”

“Be careful, Joe.”

“You too, gorgeous.”

Beth thumbed the button and stuffed the phone in her pocket, then watched Sara approach. Her feet were still sore, gauging by her awkward gait.

“Anything new?” Sara sat primly on the bench next to Beth’s feet.

“Afraid not.” An uncomfortable silence settled between them. “Sara, we need to talk.”

“I know. But I can’t do it now.” She glanced out at the water, back at the pay phone. “Just know that if I could change things, I would. I can’t, so I’m doing what I can do.”

More obscure and cryptic. “Like what?”

“I talked to Dennis Porter. He’s put your money back into a holding account. You need to let him know where you want it.” Tears filled Sara’s eyes. “Thank you for doing that, Beth.”

“You don’t have to thank me. I told you, we’re family.”

“Yes. We’re family.” She squeezed Beth’s hand. “Without you I wouldn’t know what that means. I owe you and your folks so much.”

“You give as much as you’ve gotten and always have.”

“You didn’t have to take me into your circle. I’m grateful you did. I know it’s been hard—all the tension and everything—but don’t think for a minute that being part of the family hasn’t meant the world to me. It has.” She released Beth’s hand. “Just remember what I told you.” She swerved her gaze and looked Beth in the eyes. “Protect yourself from me.”

An awful feeling slithered through Beth, left a bitter taste on her tongue. “What are you doing to me that requires protection?”

Sara sank her teeth into her lip, blinked hard, and shook her head no.

“I’d have better odds for success if you’d just tell me the truth. Maybe together we could save us both and SaBe. We’ve always been a strong team.” She’d said all three were at risk.

“That would hurt you more.”

“Sara, that makes no sense. Would you please just talk to me? Whatever this is all about, we can figure it out.”

“Not this time.”

Beth bit back her disappointment. “Then at least tell me why you were in the hospital three times this year.”

“I had attacks. You know that.”

“I know that’s what you told me. Is it the truth?”

Sara clamped her lips and remained silent.

Shortly after noon, Jeff came over with a bag of burgers and fries. The wind shook the old oak’s leaves overhead and tugged at his damp hair. He had to be burning up in that suit, and with everyone else in swimsuits, shorts, T-shirts, and sandals, he stuck out like a sore thumb.

He passed the bag and two cups of soda with red straws. “We’re eyes-on and in position. The money is still floating.”

“Thanks.” Beth unwrapped a burger and took a bite. The tang of onion and tomato burned her tongue.

Ten minutes after eating, Sara started fretting. By twelve thirty, she was agonizing, and by twelve forty-five, tears flowed freely down her face. Terrified that she was setting herself up for another attack, Beth frowned at her. “Stop it. Just stop it.”

“I can’t help it.” Sara swept a hand over her forehead. “You don’t know—”

“That’s right; I don’t because you won’t tell me. If you don’t care about yourself enough to nix this, fine. Do it for me. Don’t put me through another attack. Frankly, I can’t take it.”

Sara looked at her as if she’d lost her mind. “What?”

“I’m worn to a frazzle and I can’t take any more. So woman up.” Close to losing her temper, Beth got down from the table. “I told you Joe said they were more apt to retrieve the money after dark. It’s a long time until dark. I’m going to the rest room. Get it together, Sara. For both our sakes.” Beth walked away without looking back.

When she stepped back outside, Jeff stood waiting. “Sara’s looking pretty frail. I’ve put an ambulance on standby.”

Beth nodded. “I spoke to her about it. Not sure how much good it did. She knows she won’t survive another attack right now.” While in the rest room, Beth had prayed hard, then called and asked the Crossroads prayer warriors to pray for Sara too. Now it was up to God and Sara. “I don’t know what else to do.”

“Being out here isn’t helping.” Walking back to the table, he joined Sara, still seated on the bench. “We’re forwarding the pay-phone calls to your cell, Sara. It’s time to go.”

“Has something happened?”

“We’ve deemed it too dangerous for you two to remain out here. We can’t continue to justify this kind of manpower without some kind of contact or development.”

She wouldn’t like that. Beth cringed. “We have to leave now for Clyde’s funeral.”

Sara squared her shoulders and didn’t move. “I’m not leaving.”

Beth lifted a hand. “You’ll get the call wherever you are.”

“Listen to me,” Jeff said. “They’re taking their time. It’s a delay tactic. You can’t be out here after dark, and that’s when we all think they’ll move in.”

Sara folded her arms over her chest. “I’m
not
leaving.”

“Sara, you’re not staying.” Jeff’s tone was sharp. “There are no security lights. Anyone could come through the woods from nearly any direction and kill you.”

Couldn’t argue that, and truth be told, Beth didn’t want to argue it. “He’s right, Sara. Let’s go.”

She still didn’t move.

Jeff’s face burned red. “Are you going to make me physically—?”

“Excuse us a second, Jeff.” Beth interrupted. The last thing they needed was Sara digging in her heels, and his was a surefire way to assure it.

Irritation flashed in his eyes. He nodded and walked out of earshot.

“He’s conscientious, remember? He will carry you out of here,” Beth warned Sara. “Spare your dignity. Get up off the bench and let’s go.”

Sara glared up at her and didn’t move.

“Look, maybe for Robert you’re ready to fight the professionals and risk your neck. But risking the necks of those protecting you is just plain selfish. These officers have risked plenty already, and I’ve risked all I’m going to. You can’t stay out here by yourself, you can’t drive if they should call, so get up and get in the car or I’ll help Jeff drag you, and I mean it.”

“I can’t believe you’re doing this to me.”

“I’m talking and not just leaving you here because we’re family.” Beth didn’t
give an inch. “Staying and making everyone else a target is just plain stupid. Do you think Jeff, Roxy, and the agents should guard us or find Robert?”

Sara digested that, got up off the bench, glaring at Beth, and then joined Jeff. “Promise me if anything happens you’ll inform me immediately.”

Relief slid over his face. “I promise, Sara.” Sincerity shone in his eyes.

Beth might just forgive him his earlier transgressions for that. Liking and not liking him didn’t make a lot of sense, but since when did any relationship make sense to anyone?

At the car, Sara got in on the passenger’s side.

“Will she go to the funeral?” Jeff asked about Sara.

“She will or I’ll have Nora send Nathara over to keep her company.”

“That’s cold, Beth.” Jeff shuddered. “You telling Sara that?”

It was cold. But justified. “If the need arises.”

“She’ll be at the funeral then. Makes my life a lot easier. I promised Nora I wouldn’t be late.” He rubbed at his earlobe. “You’re an effective negotiator.”

Something had changed. Did he not consider her a suspect anymore? “I have my moments.” No one wanted to disappoint Nora or to endure Nathara’s acidic attitude.

“I’ll follow you back, then to the funeral.” Jeff glanced at Sara’s car. “Her medical condition scares me, and frankly, I wouldn’t know what to do for her.”

“I know what you mean.” Beth had never felt so helpless as in Sara’s first attack. The memory of it still curdled her blood. “Harvey and Lisa will be there.” They were both fine docs and familiar with Sara’s condition.

“Mark and Ben will be at the service too. You’ll be well protected.” Jeff motioned to a second Tahoe parked three cars beyond his. “Roxy’s team will stay with the money.”

Beth nodded. “How long will you let it float?”

He urged her toward Sara’s car. “Until we’re convinced it’s a failed attempt.”

At least overnight. “Cover of darkness and all that.”

“We’re prepared for it.”

Everyone knew technologically the US ruled the night. “Be safe.” She slid into the Saab. Sara had reclined her seat and closed her eyes. Obviously, she was ticked and freezing Beth out. Needing the break, Beth grabbed the wheel, turned the key. The engine roared to life and the air-conditioning blast on her face was a slice of pure joy.

Sara slept—or pretended to sleep—all the way back to her house.

Avoiding you. Avoiding questions she doesn’t want to answer
.

Beth pulled into the garage.
God, if You could help me out here, I’d appreciate it. She says to protect myself
—
from her. What’s this about? Protect myself how? I need clarity, guidance
—
something
.

Without it, she didn’t just fear for her business. She feared for her life.

“It’s no wonder Clyde left this land. It’s a snake pit.”

Sitting behind Nora under the white tent top, Beth heard Nathara’s comment and inwardly groaned.

Nora patted her twin’s knee. “You should feel right at home, then, dearie.”

She was sad but still Nora, and not a soul sputtered. Peggy winked at Beth. Sara stared at Clyde’s coffin, her stony expression unchanged. Where was her mind?

Everyone from Crossroads was there—Mark and Lisa, Harvey and Roxy, Ben and Kelly, and Mel. Miranda Kent, the columnist, and the prayer warriors were manning the phones at the center.

Reverend Brown performed the service, and Beth learned a lot about Clyde Parker she hadn’t known. Wasn’t that just a shame? Someone she thought she knew well, she knew so little.
Learn from that
.

He’d been a vet, won a Purple Heart. Married his wife when they were teenagers, and he’d buried her and all three of their sons. Beth could only imagine that kind of pain.

The bugler played “Taps.”