TEXAS ROADS (A Miller's Creek Novel Book 1) (23 page)

She eyed the crowd. Many members of the community nodded in agreement. Not only did Steve love these people, they loved him.

“This town has survived in spite of difficulties. Some of you have seen seven or eight decades here. You’ve weathered lots of storms.” His words grew more forceful. “We face a tough problem, but we’re tough people, and we’re going to finish what we started.”

The crowd responded with applause, whistles, and shouts as Steve shook hands with the city council members. He was no ordinary man and as different from Richard as a horse was from a cow. She struggled against the sudden lump of pain in her throat. Could he ever forgive her and let her close again? Or was it too late? Her thoughts traveled to the feel of his arms around her last night at the fire. How cherished and loved she’d felt. But when Andy showed up, he’d stood and strode away in the fire-flickering darkness, leaving her on the ground like discarded trash.

An unexpected longing to connect with her new friends surged through her. She had to let them know where she stood. Let them know they could count on her. She turned to the people nearby, but her “hellos” seemed to fall on deaf ears. No one responded or made eye contact. Something wasn’t right. She spotted J.C. and pressed toward him through the throng. “Hi, J.C.”

“Miss Dani.” He bobbed his head at her with a sad smile, ambled straight past her, and disappeared in the crowd. What had she done to offend him?

“Dani!” Mama Beth shouted from across the street where she stood with the Millers and motioned for her to join them.

She hurried to her aunt and enveloped her in a hug. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”

Mama Beth didn’t answer, but pivoted away and spoke to Trish instead.

Was fatigue playing tricks on her? Even her aunt’s kind eyes held an angry distance.

A minute later the older woman faced her, lips compressed. “Let me say a quick word to Steve and then we’ll go.”

Dani watched her walk away then turned to smile at Trish and little Bo. “Hey, Trish.”

Without glancing her way, Trish grabbed her son’s hand and moved away. “See you around. We were just leaving.”

More tears surfaced, and she blinked against them. What was happening? She made her way to Steve and Mama Beth. His wary eyes scanned hers momentarily then flitted away. The emotions reflected there pierced her heart. Sadness. Hurt. Disappointment.

Dani rubbed her forehead. She wasn’t imagining this. Her friends were upset.
At her.
Mama Beth tugged on her arm. “Come on, we need to talk.”

“What’s going on? Why is everyone treating me like a pariah?” Her voice cracked.

Her aunt’s lips thinned as she opened the car door. “Well, it may have something to do with your behavior the past couple of weeks.”

The anger and displeasure on Mama Beth’s face cut into her like a filet knife. “My behavior? What are you talking about?”

Her aunt glared and started the car.

Dani studied Mama Beth’s drawn profile as they drove toward the house. “I’m sorry, but I don’t understand what’s going on.”

“I can’t talk about it right now. I’m too angry. Let me get home and get a cup of coffee to settle my nerves. Then we’ll talk. You obviously still have a lot to learn about living in a small town.”

She did have a lot to learn. Like what rule she’d broken to make them treat her this way. The stabbing pain in her heart worsened. Had she lost her only chance at home and family?

Chapter Twenty-Four

L
ater that same day, Steve wandered Main Street and   surveyed the devastation from the fire. Half a dozen buildings had sustained serious damage, and Granny’s Kitchen was completely gutted. He reached the corner, his heart taking a dive as he viewed what was left of the city park. Many of the ancient oaks were charred, and the thought of having them removed sickened him.

He tucked his bottom lip between his teeth and dropped his chin to his chest. Could Miller’s Creek recover from this? Would the donor be willing to give more money to rebuild, or use this as an excuse to pull out? Would insurance cover the loss? How many of these people even had insurance? The questions churned in his brain and tangled in a giant knot.

With a heavy exhale, he pinched the bridge of his nose and turned to join Ernie and Will in front of Granny’s. “Well, guys, how bad is it?”

Ernie’s eyes narrowed and his mouth formed a grim line. “You’re not going to like what we have to say.”

He tried to bolster himself for whatever news they had, but his reserves were bone dry. “Let me have it.”

Will and Ernie exchanged looks. “The fire wasn’t an accident.” Will’s expression matched his matter-of-fact tone.

Steve groaned and lifted his gaze to the clear blue morning. What had happened to their peaceful little town?

The fire chief continued. “See these?” He pointed to a clump of burned rags lying right inside what used to be the front window. “They were most likely soaked in an accelerant and used to start the fire.”

Ernie stepped to the end of the sidewalk and pointed down the alley. “Whoever did this broke in through the back door leading from the alley, laid out the rags, and then caught it on fire. That explains why it went up before anyone could get here.” He jerked his head toward Will. “These guys arrived quick enough to dowse the rags in front. I’ve already called for an arson investigator.”

Investigator. He’d forgotten his appointment with Mike Brady. He checked his watch. Still a few minutes to spare, but only if he hurried. He offered a handshake to his two friends. “Thanks for all your work, guys. I have a meeting to get to, but if you need me, you know where to find me.”

He strode down the street to City Hall. Who set the fire? He pushed on the old wooden door and headed for the coffee, pouring himself a cup of the aromatic brew. The front door opened, and a tall, bowlegged cowboy entered, removed his hat, and sauntered toward him, the heels of his boots scuffing the floor, and an arm extended. “Mr. Miller?” His drawl was slower than a blue-haired driver.

Steve grabbed his hand. “You must be Mike Brady.” The man looked as if he’d just returned from a cattle drive, cheeks bronzed and leathery, with a forehead as white and smooth as baby’s skin where his hat had protected it from the harsh Texas sun. He blended in so well everyone would assume he was a local cowhand. “Care for some coffee?”

“You betcha.”

After he handed the steaming cup to Mike, Steve motioned him to the office. He offered the detective a chair and moved around behind the desk, gathering his thoughts.

Brady initiated the conversation. “I noticed y’all had a big fire. Last night?”

Steve gave a tired nod. “Yeah.”

“Accident?”

“Nope.” He plopped down into the desk chair and leaned back. “We’ve had an outbreak of vandalism here lately.”

“Is that what you want me to investigate?”

He considered the question. Yes, he needed to stop the vandalism, but he also had to find out what Andy and Dani were up to. Besides, Ernie had already called an arson investigator. “Yes and no.”

Brady didn’t speak, but his heavy eyebrows rose slightly as he slurped from his cup.

“I don’t know for sure, but there’s a chance your investigation might lead to the vandals.” Steve leaned forward, rested his elbows on the desk, and entwined his hands, plowing through what he didn’t want to say. “I want you to investigate an attorney, Andy Tyler, and a woman by the name of Dani Davis.”

Half an hour and several questions later, Steve saw Detective Brady to the door. He returned to his desk and took a drink of the now-cold coffee, not near as bitter tasting as what he’d just done. Though he still couldn’t bring himself to believe Dani had anything to do with setting the fire, she had been downtown at an unusual hour. He rubbed his eyes, gritty from ash and lack of sleep. It didn’t make sense for her to set the fire, and then place herself in danger in an attempt to put it out, but what were she and Andy doing roaming the town in the middle of the night?

Hands folded behind his neck, he lifted his head to gaze at the ceiling. Why would Dani tell him she wasn’t ready for a relationship then veer straight into one with Andy? He shook his head. It didn’t matter. For whatever reason, she’d chosen Andy, not him. Without warning, his prayer from the night of the movie date with Dani entered his mind. He’d prayed for God’s will, and God had answered. The One who controlled the universe also controlled this situation. It was something he needed to accept.

Ignoring the mound of paperwork on the desk, he dragged himself to his feet and gathered his things. He’d grab a meal and a quick nap then tackle the work this afternoon. As he reached the door the phone jangled.

“Your Mom’s leaving us, son.” The urgent cry in his father’s voice snatched the air from his lungs. “You need to get here quick.”

* * *

Nothing made sense.

Dani attempted to glean answers from her fog-stricken brain, but the fatigue made it impossible. She’d done something to upset everyone, but what? More tears leaked from beneath her eyelids and made their way to her chin. Why had her efforts to help landed her in such a predicament? Surely there was a way to clear up this misunderstanding. Then again, it might just be further proof of what she’d suspected all along. She was impossible to love.

Haunted by Steve’s expression from last night at the fire, she rubbed at the furrows on her forehead. The hurt and disappointment in his eyes when Andy had stepped from the shadows ripped through her like a chainsaw. She’d longed to tell him the truth, to explain, but she couldn’t. Not without giving away the very secret she’d worked so hard to keep.

She laid a hand across her chest, her heart feeling like someone had mistaken it for a bug and squished it under the toe of their boot. Last night’s fire was a tragedy, but she couldn’t deviate from the original plan no matter how much she missed Steve.

Dani brought her wrist close to check the time. Almost an hour had elapsed since Mama Beth stormed into the house to make coffee. What was she doing? Roasting and grinding her own coffee beans? As if on cue, the door squeaked and slammed. Mama Beth bustled onto the porch with two cups of coffee and sat on the swing next to Dani, her expression drawn and angry.

She swallowed against the emotion clumped in her throat. Mama Beth’s fury only made everything worse. Dani took the cup her aunt offered, but her empty stomach reeled at the smell. “I’m sorry for whatever I’ve done to make you upset.”

Mama Beth’s eyes searched hers. “You honestly have no idea why I’m angry, do you?”

“No, but whatever it is I want to make it right.” Tears filled her eyes, threatening to spill.

Her aunt studied her for a moment, then scooted closer and wrapped an arm around her neck. “It’s all right, sweetie.” She crooned her words, and pulled away. “I know this is none of my business, but what’s going on with you and Andy?”

Dani uncrossed her legs and shifted uncomfortably. Had she learned the truth? “We’re just friends.”

“Then why have you been sneaking off in the middle of the night? Last night wasn’t the first time your bed hasn’t been slept in.”

Her eyes widened. Surely her aunt didn’t think...oh no, and the rest of the town, too!
No wonder they were upset. They thought and believed the worst. Acid coiled on her tongue, and her brain accelerated. “It’s not what you’re thinking. Andy’s helping me with some private business.” She frowned. “Is that what this is all about?”

Mama Beth lowered her head, peering into her cup. “Not entirely.” A weary breath escaped her. “You’re not going to like hearing this, and there’s no easy way to say it.” She raised her gaze. “Everyone in Miller’s Creek knows you and Steve were seeing each other, and now—”

“—and now we’re not.” The truth had finally come out. She took a long slow sip of smoky air to fight the sudden rush of anger. They still felt entitled to stick their noses in her personal affairs.

Her aunt’s expression hardened. “I don’t think you understand how much Steve means to this town. How much he means to me.”

She turned her head to watch a couple of squirrels at play in the oak tree then faced her aunt, struggling to keep her ire in check. “I do understand, but this is my private business.” Her voice trembled. “No one else, including you, has the right to meddle in my life. The decision not to see him was my choice. Not yours. Not Steve’s. Not the people of Miller’s Creek.”

Mama Beth’s eyes grew sad, and she glanced away, staring into space. “I tried to warn you about what living in a small town would be like.” She brought both hands up and smoothed her silver curls. “Miller’s Creek is a tight-knit community. When you hurt one, especially one as highly regarded as Steve, you hurt us all.” Her gaze turned back to Dani.

“This isn’t about Steve. I think he’s wonderful. It’s just...” How could she make Mama Beth understand her trust issues when she didn’t fully understand them herself? No one could comprehend how much suffering she’d endured because of Richard.

“What is it?”

She looked away. There was no use in explaining. “Never mind.”

“I think it was rather cruel to go out with Steve two nights in a row and then dump him for Andy. Don’t you?”

Dani snapped her head around to view her aunt’s cold anger, and her fingers fisted. Back in the same familiar spot—alone—with no one to take her side. Just like her parents and Richard. She planted an elbow on the arm of the swing, and rested her forehead against her open palm. If only her muddled brain could function.

Mama Beth let out a ragged breath, her eyes bright with tears. “Sorry, I’m just tired. I don’t understand any of this, but it doesn’t change how I feel about you. I love you.”

The pain in her throat made it impossible to reply.

Vehicle tires crunched in the driveway drawing her aunt’s attention. “I wonder who that is.” Mama Beth pushed herself from the swing and hurried to the corner of the porch.

The gate creaked, followed by the sound of boots on the wooden steps. “Hey Mama Beth, I’m here to see Dani.”

Ernie? She moved to the front. Her life experience had taught her that a personal visit from a policeman was never a good thing.

He saw her and removed his hat. “Mornin’, Miss Dani. Mind if I ask you a few questions?”

“No, not at all. Is something wrong?”

Casting a glance at Mama Beth, he sent a close-lipped smile, but didn’t answer.

Her aunt stepped close and squeezed her hand. “I’ll be inside. Ernie, would you like a cup of coffee?”

“Yes ma’am, please.”

Mama Beth bustled away, and Dani took a seat in the rocking chair, her knees wobbly with fatigue. “Please have a seat, Ernie. You look ready to collapse.”

He nodded and plopped into the other rocker. “I am. This shouldn’t take long.” He rolled his lips. “Several people saw you downtown late last night. Can you tell me why?”

Dani’s heart lurched at the implication of his words. “I was visiting Andy.” Her befuddled brain grappled with the words. “H-he’s helping me with some legal matters.”

The door squeaked. Mama Beth shuffled onto the porch, handed Ernie his coffee, then re-entered the house. He took a sip, his blue-gray eyes searching her face over the edge of the cup. “What time did you get down there?”

“I’d guess around ten. I know that’s late, but I was working on some paperwork here then left to meet him. Mama Beth might know the exact time. She was headed upstairs to bed about the time I left.”

“Did she know you were going?”

“Yes.”

Ernie stopped to scribble a note on a notepad. “And how long were you there?”

She caught her breath. This wouldn’t look good, but she’d tell the truth no matter what happened. She took a slow breath to steady her nerves. “The last time I remember looking at a clock it was 2:30 in the morning.”

He didn’t respond as he jotted down the note, but judging by the set of his jaw he disapproved. “Did you see anyone else downtown?”

“No, but Andy and I both heard glass breaking. We looked out the window, just as Granny’s Kitchen went up in flames. That’s when we called the fire department—”

His head shot up, his eyebrows raised. “You called the fire department?”

“Yes.”

He lowered his head to write. “And then?”

“We left the building to see what we could do to help. We reached the area just as you were setting up the roadblock, remember?”

“Yes, I remember.” He finished writing, clicked his pen and stuffed it in his front shirt pocket. “The fire was set on purpose, Dani.”

Her mouth sagged open. Who would do such a thing?