Strangers in the Night by Patricia H. Rushford

Author:Patricia H. Rushford
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Guideposts

CHAPTER 23

Jake found Abbie in the library shortly before noon. The smile that lit up her eyes when she saw him quickened his heart. He’d brought the paperwork for her to sign and hoped she’d be open to an invitation to go into town for lunch.

“Let’s take care of the paperwork first,” she told him. “Then we can eat. I went through several places this morning, and I’m even more convinced that this place is perfect for our artists’ retreat.”

“I can’t tell you how happy I am that you’ll be staying, but are you sure about Cold Creek?”

“Yes.” Abbie took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

“But…” Jake held his breath as her determination seemed to fade.

“I’m scared, but I can’t let my lifelong dream slip away because one person opposes my being here. Or because I’m afraid I won’t be able to pull it off.”

“One person?”

“Well, more than one, but someone felt strongly enough to threaten me. Last night Elsie Hunter basically told me to pack my bags. Though she relented a little when Isabelle told her what our plans were.”

Jake couldn’t help but smile. “If that’s who wrote the note, you don’t have anything to worry about. Elsie and Floyd and a few of the other older residents who actually own the property around here have been worried. Rightfully so.” He hesitated, not sure whether or not he should tell her of his suspicions.

“Abbie.” Jake placed his hand over hers. “About that note. I think it might have been from the developer.”

“Right. Dawn mentioned him. He’s the one who thought his offer came before my parents put down earnest money?”

Jake nodded. “He hired a survey crew to determine the actual boundaries. He also raised his offer on the place.”

Abbie’s hand formed a fist as she withdrew it from his. “So he thinks I’ll fold. I won’t.”

With her jaw set and fire lighting her gray-green eyes she added, “Let’s do this, Jake. There’s no way I’m backing down. I’m not going to let that man ruin this town and its beautiful buildings.”

Watching her determination, Jake felt as though his heart had expanded to twice its size. He wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss her, but he wouldn’t. He wanted Abbie to stay, and part of him felt like cheering. At the same time, he wanted her safe and worried that she might be stepping into dangerous territory.

Jake withdrew the papers from his briefcase, all the while praying that he was doing the right thing. His mind went back as it so often did to Barbara Nichols. There was no evidence to connect Perkins to Barbara’s death, but that meant nothing. The man was a bully and seemed determined to win. Jake vowed to protect Abbie. When she asked about a contractor, he had just the man in mind. Brent would not only do an exemplary job, he’d be around to see that she didn’t get hurt.

“Brent O’Brien,” Jake said. “He’s my brother-in-law. Brent built all the houses in the development where your parents and I live.

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