A killer christmas wish, p.16
A Killer Christmas Wish, page 16
Cat turned to Andi, checking for any injuries in the dim light. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine, but who’s Dante? Is he really my father?” Andi stared out the barn door. Voices interrupted their conversation and after a few minutes, Seth walked calmly into the barn.
“You’re missing the tree decorating.” He strolled over and then pulled Cat into his arms. “Are you okay? I was so terrified they’d kill you before your uncle got here.”
“How did you know to call him?” Cat crushed her face into his flannel shirt and tried not to cry. She’d never told a story so well in her life. And with such high stakes. Usually the people she told stories to never even saw her face.
“When Andi didn’t come back, I walked out here and listened at the door. I thought I was going to be caught when I stepped on Ali’s tail, but I guess Brad couldn’t hear much from the outside. He was so determined for his plan to work; he didn’t care who got hurt.” He gently pushed her away from him and studied her face. “Are you sure you’re okay? You’ve very pale. Are you losing blood?”
Cat examined her wrists and forearms. “I don’t think so. I was tied up, that’s all. I hate to think of what my fate would have been if Ralph had gotten me into his car, which was the plan. I stalled. I wanted to give you time to find me.”
“You didn’t even know I was looking.” He leaned down and kissed her. “Don’t respond. I’ll give you this one.”
“You’re a prince.” She reached down and picked up Ali who was weaving through her legs. “And you, mister, are the reason I got caught in the first place. This thing might have been solved sooner if I hadn’t stepped on his foot.”
Seth rubbed Ali’s head. “He almost caught me in the web too. We need to talk about whose side you’re on, cat.”
Cat watched as Shauna came into the barn with Madeline. When they got closer, Andi ran to meet them and fell into her mother’s arms. Things were coming together.
Cat glanced in the mirror. She usually dressed up for the last night’s dinner, but tonight, she’d gone all out. She wore a silver cocktail dress that Shauna had lent her. Her hair was up in a slicked back bun, with a few wild tendrils hanging around her face since they wouldn’t stay tucked anyway. She looked in the mirror at herself. And for once, she didn’t find one thing to nitpick about. She was beautiful. Maybe her perception had changed just a bit after almost being killed the day before.
Saturday had been filled with talking and eating and finishing the decorating that had gotten put aside when they’d stormed the barn to save Cat and Andi. The writers were all on edge, Cat could feel it. It was like being next to a car accident. A reminder that life was short and things could happen to anyone. So the group didn’t get more writing done. Cat would work on her book tomorrow when Seth drove the writers back to Denver’s airport. There was always tomorrow. But, she reminded herself, she needed to live for today.
A knock sounded on her door and she called out, “Come in.”
Shauna came into the room. She wasn’t quite as shiny, but still dressed up. She had black tight jeans on with ankle boots and a white sweater that was so fuzzy, it called out to be petted. She had a large purple stone on a silver chain around her neck. And diamond studs sparkled in her ears. Her red hair was down and flowed around the top of the sweater. “I see you’re almost ready.”
“Wow, you just look amazing.” Cat grasped her friend’s hands and squeezed. “I pity any single guys at the restaurant. They’re going to be drooling so hard they won’t be able to eat.”
“We both know it’s more of a couples’ place but thank you.” She stepped in front of the mirror to face Cat and continued solemnly, “I’ve decided it’s time to open my life up to someone new. Kevin’s been gone almost two years. Life’s short.”
“Yeah, I’ve been on the same wavelength since last night.” Cat swallowed down the emotion that tried to surface. “I’m so glad you’re ready. Just be sure whoever you choose is worth you. Because you’re amazing.”
“Let’s get this mutual admiration society going. Seth passed me in the hallway, and he was giving the writers a five-minute warning. He’s out in the car, warming it up.” Shauna stepped toward the door and Cat followed her. “He’s going to be happy to see you, looking like that.”
“He already has a ring on my finger. What else could he need?” Cat smiled as they made their way downstairs.
When they got to the restaurant, Andi was there waiting. Cat went to greet her as Shauna went to check in at the hostess stand.
“I’m so glad you decided to come tonight.” Cat gave her a quick hug. “How’s your mom?”
“She’s good. Jessi said that Dad, I mean, Brad, had dropped off some pills that were supposed to be good for depression. Said her doctor called him to pick them up since Mom couldn’t get out and Jess is a minor. Since Mom had been really sad about the divorce, Jessi thought it was nice of him. That he was trying to help. Your uncle took the pills and said he was going to test them, but he assumed they were something that would change someone’s mood and make them forget what they’d done.”
“He was drugging her and using your sister to do it?” Cat shook her head. “That’s cold. But she’s doing okay now?”
“The pills are out of her system. She decided to stop taking everything until she could figure out what was going on and if it was one of her meds that was doing it. She went to her doctor this morning. They did blood work and went through what she’s on to make sure she’ll be okay now. I can’t believe he’s been drugging her for years.” Andi wiped tears from her eyes. “Sorry, I’ve been crying off and on since last night. I can’t decide if I’m happy my mom isn’t crazy or sad that my dad, or the man I thought was my dad, is bonkers and in jail.”
“Let’s just be happy your mom is all right. At least for tonight. You need to say goodbye to your friends.” Cat took her arm and led her to the group who was now moving in toward their table. “Besides, the food here is great.”
“One more thing.” Andi stepped in front of her. “My real dad. You know him. My mom says I need to think about what I want before I go to talk to him. She says he’s dangerous.”
“He’s not dangerous, at least I don’t think he tries to be. But his situation is dangerous. Your mom is right. You do need to think about it before you go looking. You might not like what you find.” She nodded toward the group. “Come by the house next week and we’ll talk. Tonight’s not the time for serious conversations.”
Andi nodded and waved at Teri who was waving her forward. “I’ll come by after class on Wednesday.”
Cat watched her walk away and wondered if Dante already knew. If he’d guessed so long ago by just looking at Madeline’s child. And if he knew, what had he already done to protect her? Would Andi’s decision put that protection in danger?
“I’d say a penny for your thoughts, but you look like you’re in a higher price point.” Seth gave her a strawberry margarita. He had a bottle of Coke. He clinked his bottle. “Nice job this week. Another retreat in the books.”
“And another murder solved.” Cat laughed at the look on Seth’s face. “What, I know you were thinking it.”
“I just hate that you were in danger. If I hadn’t come looking…”
Cat touched his face with her free hand. “You came to find me. You always do. Even the night I married Michael, you were there, waiting for me to need you.”
“I’m a romantic sap.” He leaned in and kissed her. “And I have a surprise for you when we get back to the house.”
“What is it?” She took a sip of the margarita. Cold and strong. She loved this place.
He turned her toward the dining room. “Now, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise if I told you, now, would it?”
After dinner, they bundled into the car. Cat had the shotgun seat and after two margaritas, she was feeling light and without a care in the world. The snow sparkled in the afternoon light. Seth had the radio station on a twenty-four hour Christmas station. The group in the back started to sing along with a rowdy version of Jingle Bells. Cat and Seth joined in.
Pulling up to the house, the group was singing Silent Night. She looked at the unlit house and then back at Seth. “Tomorrow when you get back from Denver, we’re getting the outdoor decorations done. The house looks sad.”
Seth cocked his head and nodded to the house. “Sad? What? Don’t you love Christmas?”
She turned back to point out there was no Christmas on the house when all of a sudden, lights blazed to life and the house exploded in color.
“Oh, that’s so pretty!” Eliza called from the back seat.
Cat heard the back door open and people clamber out of the car. She sat frozen in the seat, watching the colors changing. She loved it. Every bit of it and she knew who’d done it. Seth. Her door opened and he held his hand out to help her out of the car.
“Do you like it?” he asked, searching her face for the answer.
She nodded. “I love it, but how did you do this? Is it on a remote or something?”
“I had a little help.” He nodded to a tall, dark haired man talking to Shauna. “Drake stayed here and set up the yard while we were gone to dinner. But the lights have been up for a while. You’re not very observant.”
“And you’re amazing. Thank you.” Cat leaned on his arm and took in the magic of the house. It was beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Finally.
18
Cat sat at the breakfast table with the writers. Andi chatted excitedly to Eliza about her thesis project. Teri worked in a notebook, nodding along when she was asked to join in the conversation. Julie flipped through pictures in her phone and made checks in a notebook every so often in between eating Shauna’s breakfast egg bake.
Seth sat by her and put another cinnamon roll on her plate.
“Whoa. I was trying to only eat one.” Cat held up her hands in protest.
He dished up his own roll. “If you don’t want it, I’ll eat it. I just wanted to claim it before these vultures eat everything on the table.”
“Hey, I heard that. And I’m not a vulture.” Teri grinned up at Shauna who sat next to Seth. “I am going to miss having food available all the time. I live alone and usually eat alone so this week has reminded me of my childhood. I’m going to have to call my sister when I get home and wish her a merry Christmas.”
“Thanks for the compliments, both of you. Just to let you know, I have another pan of the rolls in the kitchen. So if anyone, besides Seth, wants another one, just let me know.” Shauna turned toward Teri. “Where does your sister live? Are you visiting family this year?”
“Not this year. It’s just us. She’s living in London now with a new husband.” Teri laughed as she set aside the notebook. “I’d consider remarrying if it came with a London or Paris home address.”
“I’m sure you could put that in your internet ad,” Eliza joked. “And make sure you call me to plan the wedding. I’m thinking June under the Eiffel Tower?”
“June might be a little soon since I’m not even dating right now.” Teri nodded to Cat and Seth. “Besides, I don’t want to compete with Cat and Seth’s plans. Are you getting married here or doing a destination wedding?”
“My mom wants us to go to Florida but Seth and I have picked out the perfect park up on the trailhead outside of town. It’s beautiful in the summer.” Cat smiled at Seth and he took her hand under the table.
“Now all you have to do is find a dress,” Shauna reminded her.
Cat took a bite of the roll. “Way to ruin a perfectly good cinnamon roll. I hope Georgia’s new designer has something because I don’t really want to go to California just to find a dress.”
“We can add in some beach time. It’s a girls’ weekend. We can do anything we want.” Shauna pointed at Seth who was staring at Cat. “I take it you didn’t mention this yet?”
Cat turned to Seth. “Shauna and I are taking a weekend soon and flying to Los Angeles to find me a dress. If Georgia doesn’t have one for me Monday night.”
“Okay then. Have fun. Maybe Sam and I will go snowshoeing.” He leaned down and petted the dog who laid underneath his chair. “He loves hiking through the snow.”
“Even with the cold temps, that sounds like more fun than shopping for a wedding dress.” Cat took another bite of her roll.
“You need to envision the dress you want. See yourself at the altar or, in this case, a trailhead, and look down at what you’re wearing. Then, when you try on dresses, you’ll already know what you’re looking for,” Eliza suggested. She glanced at the clock. “Are we still leaving at eight? I need to finish packing.”
“Me, too.” Teri stood and followed Eliza out of the dining room.
Julie stood to follow, then paused. “Cat, you’ll be down here to say goodbye, right? Or should I hug you now and thank you for the amazing week?”
“I’ll be here.” Cat took a sip of coffee. “And I didn’t make the magic this week, you all did yourself. But I’ll see you in a few minutes.”
Andi popped up too. “I need to pack up. Mom’s doing a Sunday dinner which really means lunch for the three of us. We need to talk about everything.”
Cat nodded. “You’re always welcome here, Andi.”
“I know. And I’m coming over on Wednesday, but Mom explained that my dad didn’t want me. Or at least the responsibility of a kid, any kid. I can get that. And Brad was a good dad until he freaked out with the divorce. I’m not wanting for anything. I guess I can excuse bio-dad for a decision he made as a kid.” Andi shrugged. “I’m not going looking. If he wants to meet me, he can put the energy in.”
After Seth and the writers left for the airport, with much emotion, hugs and a few tears, Shauna grabbed her purse. “I’m going out for a bit. I’ll be back to make dinner since we’re having a guest.”
“Uncle Pete coming?” Cat glanced at the dining room that needed a deep cleaning after being the writers’ break room for a week. She thought about her book upstairs that still needed an ending. Sam was at her heels. Seth had left him with her since the drive to Denver and back was a little long and the car was pretty full anyway.
“He is, but so is Drake, Seth’s friend. I’m meeting him for coffee now and I’m going to ask him to come to dinner.” Shauna’s cheeks pinked.
“You like him?” Cat could feel her grin covering her face.
“I think I like him. But I want to get to know him more. In a safe manner. Like with a lot of people around.” Shauna pulled on her coat and paused at the door. “Don’t look at me that way. I don’t know if this will go anywhere.”
“But it’s a start. I’m so happy for you.” Cat watched as Shauna left out the front door, walking into town to the coffee shop. She reached down and petted Sam. “I guess it’s just you and me, boy.”
She turned and started to go upstairs, but a knock on the front door stopped her. She retraced her steps to the door and threw it open. “What, did you forget your key?”
Shauna wasn’t standing there. Dante stood in a dark wool coat and fedora. He nodded and took off his hat. “I’m afraid I don’t have a key. But if you want to give me one, I promise to be discreet in its use.”
“I thought you were Shauna. Do you want to come in for coffee?” She glanced out and saw his black SUV sitting, running at the curb.
“I’m sorry, I’m heading out to Boston today. I have some things to take care of. I was wondering if I could ask you a question.” He didn’t move from his spot on the porch.
“Of course.” Cat was glad she had on a thick sweater and slippers. Otherwise, the cold air would be making her teeth chatter.
He turned his hat in his hands as he spoke. “I want to know if Andi knows about me.”
“Does she know you’re her father?” Cat shook her head. “I don’t think so. She knows it’s not Brad but that her bio-dad didn’t want to be involved. She’s leaving it alone.”
“That’s good.” He turned to leave, then turned back. “I want you to know, Catherine, that I knew about the baby. I waited for Madeline to tell me, but when she didn’t, I didn’t press. I know why she doesn’t want me in Andi’s life, and I can’t blame her. But she’ll always be protected.”
“And taken care of. You were the one that made sure she got into the retreat,” Cat guessed.
“Brad tried to block her admission into Covington. He was petty and jealous. But I was able to fix that. She’ll be taken care of, always. I promise. Goodbye, Catherine.” Now he did turn and started going down the stairs.
“Sometimes, a daughter needs more than just monetary support from her father. She needs to feel his love,” Cat called out to Dante’s back. “Goodbye, Dante.”
She watched as he climbed into the car. He waved to her as he dropped into the seat but he didn’t respond to her words.
She shut the door. She knew he’d heard her. But she couldn’t judge his decision. If anyone knew Dante Cornelio had a child, Andi could be seen as a way to control him. He wouldn’t respond that way, but the unlucky opposition wouldn’t know that.
Sam yipped as she stood in the lobby, thinking.
“What do you want?” She knelt and Sam came into her arms, giving her doggy kisses and hugs. She stroked his warm fur and thanked the universe that she wasn’t Dante. She loved who she was right now. Cat Latimer, author, friend, fiancée, and homeowner. She stood and tapped her hand on her leg.
“Let’s go upstairs and finish this book. You can sleep on my couch and play watchdog.” She headed upstairs, Sam at her heels. The world was good right now. She just had to remember this feeling when things went bad.
Recipe
Too Easy Christmas Shortbread Recipe
One bowl Chocolate Shortbread
In a bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup cocoa, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir in a cup of melted butter. Press the dough into the pan and bake 35 to 45 minutes.
