Out of Focus (15 page)

Chapter Seventeen

Kasey wasn’t about to let anyone else ruin her excitement today. She’d pick up boxes on her way home so she could start packing.

Of course, that turned out to be easier said than done. What happened to the days when you could stop in at the grocery or liquor store and pick up as many boxes as you wanted?

With folks so environmentally conscious, you can’t even get a good box for free anymore.

Determined to have her way, she stopped at Target and bought six large plastic containers with lids—probably a better plan anyway since she could use them for storage later.

She went home with her blue bins and considered what she needed to pack. She’d never been a lister or a planner, but she sure could use those skills today. Maybe she should call Riley. She was the queen of listing and planning.

Kasey lugged the bins into the house and left them in the middle of the living room. She decided that her first priority was to develop the pictures of her newfound paradise. That would remind her just how wonderful it was since, during their brief visit, Grem had managed to suck all the happy out of her day.

There was nothing like being up to her elbows in solution to lift her mood. Digital photography was fast, but she truly loved developing film. She could hardly contain her excitement as she lifted the pictures out of the developer solution and they came to life in front of her. They captured the serene beauty of the countryside.

Nick had matched her vision of their dreams so well, he might as well have been in her head.

She sat at the kitchen table, one foot tucked under her, the other swinging to the rhythm of the happy beat of her heart. Five enlarged photographs covered the table in front of her. Scrapbooking materials littered the rest of the table. She snipped, glued, and mounted several pictures onto large colorful pages of the scrapbook that held her dearest memories from over the years. Today she added the pictures that chronicled the trip with Mr. Huckaby to the Nickel Creek house. Today had been a good day.

The sound of a tap on the back screen door startled her. She was relieved when Riley pushed the door open with a
yoo-hoo
.

“I didn’t hear you drive up,” Kasey said.

“I walked over.” Riley went to the refrigerator, grabbed a bottle of water, and took a swig. She sat next to Kasey. “Your grandmother called me all in a huff. She said something about you being ungrateful, losing a grasp on reality, and that you were going to live in the woods. What is that all about?”

“She’s a maniac, isn’t she?”

“Hey, these pictures are beautiful.” Riley moved one of the two enlarged landscapes in front of her. “The colors are amazing.” She tapped her fingernail on the table as she looked over Kasey’s shoulder at the scrapbook pages she was assembling. “Is this where you were this morning?”

“Yep.” Kasey layered colored paper under the pictures, then added a couple squigglies around them with a colored marker.

“Nice house,” Riley said.

“Isn’t it?”

“Whose house is it?”

“Mine.”

“Yours?” Riley looked confused. “You bought a house?”

“No. Nick did.”

Riley eyed Kasey. “What...
exactly
...do you mean?”

“Don’t look at me like I'm
crazy. I know Nick is gone.”

Riley sighed.

“When I got back into town, there was a letter in the stack of mail. That’s how I found out about the house. Nick had been working on this place before…before the accident. It was going to be a surprise. Isn’t it wonderful?”

Riley picked up the picture of the house. “You didn’t know about it?”

“Not a thing. I guess you didn’t know either.”

“Nope.” Riley shook her head and looked more closely at the pictures.

“So sneaky, but it makes me love him more than ever. Do you think Von knew?”

“You would think so, but he never mentioned anything. It’s cute. Where is it?”

“Only about an hour and a half away. I think Nick was coming back from there the day of the accident. Chaz Huckaby is the guy who was coordinating all the renovations. He remembers seeing Nick and Jake that day. The house is off of Route 58.”

“You’re kidding.”

Kasey shook her head. “I met with him this morning. He knew both Nick and Jake. He confirmed the last time they were up there. It fits.”

“Oh, my gosh. That’s wonderful. I mean, it’s more proof that Jake was with Nick.”

“I feel stronger than ever that we’ll find Jake.”

“Kasey, while you were away there were a couple more shootings.”

“They have to catch the gunman.”

“Well, that’s just it. They did.”

“You’re kidding. Why didn’t anyone call me? Do they have Jake?”

“No. Nothing new on Jake. The gun used in those shootings was a shotgun. The casings at Nick’s crash site...they don’t match.”

“No?”

“Nope. That information was never released. Von thinks someone may have been copycatting, or actually targeting Nick.”

“Why?” Kasey felt the blood rush from her face. “No one would target Nick. Everyone loved him.” She stood and walked to the window. “Von thinks Nick’s accident wasn’t random?”

“He’s been working a few angles. He’ll find out who was responsible.”

“I’m not sure I want to know a person that would want to hurt Nick.”

“I hear ya. So what are you going to do with that house? There must be a huge mortgage on it. Are you in debt? I mean, you didn’t know about it, right?”

“No debt. I have the deed and the key.”

“Cool. That’s a nice-looking place. I bet it will bring a pretty penny.”

“Oh, I can’t sell it.”

“That’s understandable. I guess it wouldn’t be hard to rent out.”

“I’m moving there.”

“You’re what?”

“Please don’t try to talk me out of it. Grem was so ugly about it this afternoon. Trust me on this. Moving there is the right thing to do. At least for now. I haven’t felt this alive in months.”

“No wonder your grandmother is going off the deep end. She’ll never be able to control you from an hour and a half away. You sure this is the right thing to do?”

“Yes. It is the most peaceful place. No neighbors. It’s like the wilderness.”

“The wilderness? You won’t be afraid?”

“No way. I’ve traveled all over the world, and to some of the most dangerous cities in the US, for work. I can manage a little rural life.”

Riley laughed. “I don’t know. Even this much country living is a stretch for two city girls like us, and we’re like within mall distance.”

“I’ll have Nick and Jake watching over me.”

Riley looked around. “How will you move all this stuff?”

“I’m not going to. The new place is furnished. I’m just going to pack a few things and take them out there with me tomorrow. Do you want to come along?”

“You aren’t wasting any time. Are you sure you want to do this? I’m going to miss you. I don’t think I’m ready for you to move.”

Kasey put her hand on Riley’s. “I’ll miss you, too. I can’t stay here, though. When you see the Nickel Creek place, you’re going to know why I have to be there. It’s...a feeling. It’s safe.”

“I’m being selfish. You know I’ll support any decision you make. So do you need Von to help you pack?”

“I think I can get what little I’m planning to take into the RV. If y’all could bring the Thunderbird up for me, that would be great. My car is acting up. Jeremy is going to come by and take a look. Probably the electrical system again.”

 
“Again?”

“I know. Hopefully, Jeremy can fix it tomorrow. I’ll come back with y’all and drive it up on my next trip.”

“Whatever you need,” Riley said. “Von loves a road trip.”

Chapter Eighteen

Kasey woke to a gray and drizzly day—not a perfect day for a drive. But she’d already put the few boxes and the plastic bins she intended to take with her into the RV, and her heart was ready to be in Adams Grove. Rain or shine. She flipped on the television and watched the forecast. The meteorologist called for morning drizzle with clearing skies in the afternoon. According to the fancy radar, the sky would clear from the west, so she’d get better weather sooner by driving to the new house.

She called Riley, who must’ve known there was no talking her out of the plan, because she didn’t even try.

They agreed to hit the road at ten o’clock sharp.

They pulled out onto the highway right on time and it was a regular convoy. Riley drove Von’s SUV, following Von in Nicks T-Bird, behind Kasey’s lead in the RV. All they lacked were CB radios and cool nicknames. They had driven for about forty-five minutes when they took the exit to Route 58 where the scenery became far more rural. The Cotton Gin was Kasey’s mental halfway mark. As soon as they passed the long row of warehouses, she punched speed dial to Riley’s phone.

“Breaker, breaker, Lucky Charm,” Kasey said in an exaggerated southern accent. “This here is Shutterbug.”

Riley laughed and responded in kind. “Ten-four, good buddy.”

“Halfway home,” Kasey said.

“That’s a big ten-freakin’-four, because my butt’s already numb. I hate driving Von’s truck.”

“I know, but thanks for doing it,” Kasey said. “I’m glad you’re sharing this moment with me.”

“My pleasure, treasure. Now hang up. It’s nasty out here. We don’t want to cause an accident because we’re not paying attention.”

“Breaker, breaker. Ten-four. I’m signing off. Over and out.” Kasey pressed end. It would be hard to live so far away from Riley, but she chased those doubts away.

Forty-five minutes later, the convoy paraded into the driveway of the house on Nickel Creek Road. Just as the forecast had promised, the late morning sky was bright and clear.

They stepped out of the vehicles and stretched.

“It’s even prettier than the pictures,” Riley said as she caught up to Kasey.

The rain had made everything look fresh and green.

Kasey reached for Riley’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “I know. Wait until you see inside.” Every tiny doubt that had crept in had drifted away as soon as she pulled into the driveway today.

This is home.

Von nodded and said, “I can’t believe he didn’t tell anyone. This might be the only secret Nick Rolly ever kept in his whole life.”

“I know. I can’t believe it either.” Kasey thought about how Nick couldn’t even keep a Christmas present a secret. “He was terrible at keeping things to himself.”

“Yep. That was Nick.” Von wrapped one of his arms around his wife, the other around Kasey. “It must have meant more to him to surprise you. He loved you so much.”

“I know.” Kasey’s voice softened. “I was lucky.”

“I grew up out this way, you know,” Von said, dropping his arms from around them. “There’s great hunting and fishing around here.”

“That ought to come in handy for me.” Kasey laughed.

She and Riley walked toward the house.

“I’m going to check out the manly stuff.” Von turned and headed to the huge garage. “I’ll get the T-Bird stored away and under the cover the way Nick would’ve wanted.

Riley and Kasey went inside.

“Wow. I love the open floor plan,” Riley said. “This is amazing. Nick even did all this decorating? Picking out paint colors and furniture? Everything?”

Kasey nodded. “Everything.”

Riley walked through to the kitchen and looked out back where Von opened the garage doors. They were the carriage house kind.

“Look, a perfect rainbow!” Riley pointed to the east. A long rainbow with bands of yellow, orange, pink and purple spread high and wide.

“Rainbow, good luck,” they said at the same time and high-fived.

Kasey smiled. “I knew it, and you should see all the cardinals.”

Riley nodded. “It does feel like a lucky place. I’m going to miss having you so close, but I can see why you’d want to be here. I’ll visit a bunch, I promise.”

“I know, and there are always phone calls and instant messaging.” Kasey opened one of the boxes and put things away.

A few minutes later, Von came in the house carrying two boxes stacked on top of each other.

“Thanks, honey,” Riley said, reaching for one.

“You should see that garage. It’s sweet.”

Kasey smiled. “Nick sure did love his man cave, didn’t he?”

“Can’t blame him,” Von said as he went outside to get the last of the boxes.

When Von came back, Chaz Huckaby was with him.

Chaz made himself at home, heading right for the kitchen. “Hi, folks. I stopped by to surprise ya with a basket of local goodies. My wife makes the best applesauce cake in town. Just wanted to officially welcome you.”

Kasey dug into the basket and took out the cake. She unwrapped it while Chaz told one of what must have been his favorite stories to Von—the same ones she’d heard the day she met him. No surprise, the two men hit it off. But then it seemed that Chaz never met a stranger. He was just that kind of guy.

“What size piece do you want, Chaz?” Kasey asked, offering him some cake.

“I’m not staying. Besides, I’ve got to watch my weight.” Chaz rubbed his belly. “Thanks, but y’all enjoy it.”

Von walked Chaz to the door. Kasey served up the cake on small plates and took them out to the deck. The three of them sat at the wrought iron bistro table. Nearby, the outdoor kitchen had a gas grill and a fire pit for smoking brisket. Nick’s specialty.

Von moaned when he took a bite of the scrumptious dessert. He waved his fork toward Kasey. “I hope this town teaches you to bake like this. This cake is delicious.”

“Don’t hold your breath. I’m not sure I have that gene,” she said. “I’m a lost cause in the kitchen.”

“Told ya my wife makes the best applesauce cake. It’s good.” Chaz nodded and looked for confirmation.

“Oh, yeah.” Von took another bite and twirled his fork. “Kasey, you’d better suck up to Chaz’s wife before each of my visits.”

“Now that I can do,” Kasey said.

Chaz didn’t stay long, and they quickly finished the chores they’d plan to complete today. Von agreed to take care of the transition of the Rocking R to the 4-H camp Nick had provisioned in his will. They all agreed that the old farmhouse and its contents should remain untouched for a year to give Kasey the chance to decide what she wanted to do with the things she’d left behind. Even without Kasey around, the Rocking R was never empty. Local 4-H-ers came and went to take care of their project animals and pitch in as needed.

The sun began to sink, turning the sky bright orange and pink above the horizon.

“I guess it’s about time for us to head back,” Von said. “We’ll want to get home before it’s too late. I need to feed the dogs, too.”

 
“Are you sure you want to come back with us tonight?” Riley asked Kasey.

“Yep. Jeremy said he’d have my car ready, and I have that meeting in Richmond tomorrow with Prescott Banks to go over the final contracts for the annual International Auto Show.”

“You can’t do that online or by fax?”

Kasey rolled her eyes. “Nope. Those folks are so old school. They still require me to meet with them, even after doing that show for ten years. If it didn’t pay so darn well I wouldn’t bother.”

“I hear ya. It’s a sweet contract,” Riley said.

“It is. Anyway, I’ll come back here after that.”

“It doesn’t look like you want to leave.” Riley raised a brow.

“It’s hard. But I need to go back. I’m good.”

“Let’s load up then,” Von said. He picked up his plate, stacked their plates on top, and took them to the kitchen.

Riley washed the dishes, Kasey dried them, and then they all headed out to Von’s SUV. They talked about the property almost the whole way back.

Beneath a starry sky, Von pulled into Kasey’s driveway. “Home safe and sound,” he said.

“Thanks for everything, y’all.” Kasey hopped out of the truck. “I appreciate ya.”

“We’re happy for you. This is the right thing to do,” Von said. “We’re here for you, no matter what decisions you make. You know that.”

“Thanks. I know.” Kasey waved as they backed out of the driveway.

She was lucky to have such true friends to support her.

Jeremy had left a note under the windshield wiper of her car. The Porsche was ready to roll. Perfect.

Kasey went inside, reviewed the list Riley had made for her, and started piling items near the door. Since her meeting in Richmond was midday she wanted to get as much pulled together tonight as possible. She hoped the meeting would wrap up early so she could drive to Adams Grove while it was still daylight.

Home. It felt good to have a place that felt like a home again. Now if she could just get a lead on Jake and bring him there, life would be perfect.