Page 19

K atherine clenched her fists, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath in. She then slowly eased it out, as she’d practiced so many times. In. Out. In. Out.

“K, are you okay?” Tyler jerked the Bronco to the side of the road for a second time, shifting into park. “Katherine, look at me.”

She shook her head. “Home,” she managed to mutter. “Take me home.”

“Dammit, no. You are not going to drop out of life, Katherine. Not now, not when you’ve just gotten a taste of what’s beyond the end of your driveway. You’re having the fight-or-flight response because you feel safer at home. Relax. I’m right here, and I promise nothing is going to happen to you on my watch. Breathe deep. Deeper,” Tyler instructed. “Exhale slowly.”

Katherine nodded, following his instructions. Her heartbeat slowed a little; her fear was manageable now. What had caused that instant relapse? When she could speak, she said, “I don’t understand. One minute I’m my new—old—self, and the next I’m ready to hide.”

Tyler turned in his seat as much as he was able so that he could face her. “It’s very common. Panic attacks come out of the blue. You of all people should know that. Don’t let it discourage you, K. You have already accomplished so much more than many of my patients. Many took years to get where you are now.”

“Truly?” she asked.

“When you get to know me better as a man and a doctor, you’ll see for yourself and come to your own conclusions about me, but I’m not a liar. Yes, I am telling you the truth, but I can’t reveal my patients’ identities. It would be unethical.”

Katherine listened to his words. But it didn’t matter what he said, just that he spoke. She had realized what had prompted the attack. She was unsure if she should reveal the truth to Tyler. They had only known each other for a few days. How could he affect her so?

“You stopped talking after you got that phone call. I think that’s when it started.” She was embarrassed, especially at her age, so she turned away.

Tyler reached across the console, gently cupping her chin and turning her face toward him. “K, I’m sorry you had another attack. If hearing me run my mouth all the time helps, then call me a mockingbird.”

She leaned into him, and he kept her chin cupped in his hand. “Okay, Mockingbird.”

He grinned. “You’re sure you want to continue?”

She had the choice to opt out or go the full distance. “I’ll continue.”

“Wise decision.” Tyler removed his hand, then cranked the engine again.

Katherine guessed there would be many more episodes such as this.

“All of this will help us work on a treatment plan,” Tyler said, holding true to his promise to keep talking. “For now, let’s plan what we can do to surprise Doc.” Tyler came up with several suggestions, each one more outrageous than the last. Katherine realized he was trying to distract her and make her laugh, and he succeeded. Katherine felt calm listening to Tyler. He had a ripe sense of humor, and she liked that about him.

“I need to turn around,” he said, pulling to the side of the road yet again. “We passed the turnoff to Doc’s a mile back.”

“You’re kidding,” she said, laughing. But she couldn’t help wondering if he’d missed the turnoff for another reason.

“Are you distracted because of the phone call?” She knew it wasn’t her business, but she’d heard a change in his tone. Professional, yes, but there was more. If he wanted her to know, he would tell her.

“Actually, it was Detective Davidson.”

Alarm bells ringing, Katherine now had to know. “Did he find out who broke into my house?”

Tyler turned onto a dirt road. “He’s waiting on more results to come in.”

She sighed. “That’s reassuring. I’m glad Ilene convinced me to call him.”

“Here’s Doc’s clinic.” Tyler pointed to a large brick building.

Katherine was surprised at the size of the place. She had thought Doc Baker had a little mom-and-pop operation, especially when he came to her house in that old beat-up truck.

Tyler parked the Bronco in the back of the parking lot. “Stay here with the dogs—don’t let them out, or Doc will know something is up. I’ll tell him I brought in Pickles because he was acting funny, and now he won’t let me touch him for whatever reason. Then I’ll have him come out and examine him. He’ll know the surprise when he sees you. I’ll be right back.”

Katherine checked the time on her cell. Almost four. She was an hour late returning Karrie’s call. In her excitement, she’d forgotten to bring the burner phone. Her personal cell was off-limits in this situation. She realized she hadn’t been on her Friendlink page today. Using her cell, she logged on and saw that only two girls were active. Blondebookbabe and HotandCool . Before they could start chattering, she clicked out. No Karrie. Most likely she was waiting for Darby to call. And she would call, but later.

Anxious to see Doc’s reaction, Katherine spoke to Sam and Sophie, who waited patiently in the back. “Good dogs,” she said to them. For never having traveled with her, they were being well-mannered in Tyler’s vehicle. She thought about hiding so Doc wouldn’t see her as he came closer to the SUV, but decided that was too juvenile. Besides, the dogs would give her away as soon as they spotted Doc Baker.

Sure enough, before Katherine even saw Doc, the dogs started whining, so she knew he was close by. Katherine stepped out of the SUV, a huge smile on her face. Doc wore his usual jeans and dress shirt, though he also wore a white doctor’s jacket she’d never seen him in before.

“What in the world are you doing in my parking lot? I suppose Tyler performed his magic on you? I’m sure glad to see you, and those two, out of the house,” Doc exclaimed.

Katherine nodded, tears streaming down her face.

Tyler let the dogs out of the car, and they took off.

“Sam, Sophie!” Katherine called.

“They’re going to find the other dogs. I think they want to play,” Doc said. “The few times they’ve been here with me, they frolic around with the other dogs that are out of their kennels. I board a few dogs for friends. I don’t lock them up, before you ask.” He smiled at her. “You know if I knew your dad, I’d tell him how proud of you he should be. All in one day! Tyler told me what you did. Heck, I’m proud of you, kiddo.” Doc gave her a hug. “I’m honored you chose to come see me first. Come inside, and I’ll show you around.” Doc placed an arm across her shoulders. “How does it feel to be out of your safe space?”

“Like thirty-seven Christmases rolled into one,” she said, as they walked to the front of the clinic. Tyler caught up with them just in time to hear her say it.

“Why thirty-seven? Why not a hundred and thirty-seven?” Tyler teased, as Doc opened the back door using a code and keypad.

“You both know that I’m thirty-seven, so that’s why I used my age. I never had too many Christmas celebrations as a child, or when I was in college—”

“K, you don’t have to explain,” Doc interrupted.

“I need to. My family is from generations of big money. But they had no instinct to share their money in a charitable way. I have all their money and the refineries now, and I plan to do something with it once I figure out who needs it most. They died tragically—fittingly for my father, as he was a bastard. Mom wasn’t all warm and fuzzy, either, but she didn’t deserve to die so horribly. They were on safari in South Africa when their guide got too close to a group of lions, and they attacked. Everyone perished except one woman, but I heard she was maimed so horribly that she frightened people. Being here with you guys, not locked away in my house, not being ignored by my parents, not being bullied at school, is better than all of the Christmases I’ve experienced.” She waited for either to react, to tell her to have some wine with her cheese, but they didn’t.

“Good grief, who treats their child like that?” Doc asked.

“I just wanted to get that off my chest before going inside. A clean slate. Forget about it, and I will, too,” Katherine said.

Doc nodded and pulled the heavy door aside. “Welcome to my world.”

Tyler followed them inside, but hadn’t spoken since hearing Katherine’s story.

“I’ll show you where I operate on my patients first,” Doc offered.

Katherine followed Doc until they reached a large room occupied with long tables with lights above them.

“We use this space for minor surgeries, mostly spaying and neutering,” Doc Baker explained. “I have two techs, but they’re gone for the day. Steph and Bethany are staying here tonight, since it’s Friday. Both love animals, maybe more than I do. I stay with them, so it’s basically a family get-together.”

“This way,” he said, and directed them to a room across the hall. “I have six exam rooms, all basically like this one.” He stepped out of the room, since there was barely enough room for the three of them. “And this is my family area.”

“Nice,” Katherine said. “A mini apartment.”

“I spend much of my time here, so when I had the place built, I figured I’d need some place to rest my old bones. Sit down while I get us a cola.”

Katherine thought that Doc’s home-away-from-home suited him. It contained a small round dining table, maybe made from hard rock maple, with four matching chairs with red-and-white-checkered cushions. In the center of the table sat a red napkin holder and matching salt-and-pepper shakers. Across from the table was a mini kitchen, including a small stovetop with an oven and a microwave. An old Mr. Coffee maker was on the countertop. Katherine figured that might be the reason Doc liked her coffee so much. In the living area were two dark brown leather sofas, each with an end table and lamp on opposite ends. A large table in the center between them was covered with magazines.

“So, tell me how this came about,” Doc said, as he handed Katherine and Tyler sodas and glasses of ice.

“Frank, let’s not put off the inevitable, okay? Katherine needs to hear this,” Tyler said.

Katherine almost choked on her sip of soda. “Hear what? I thought this was a tour of the clinic.”

Doc looked at Tyler. “He’s right, kid. Go on, Tyler. It’s yours to tell.”

“Detective Davidson did get a hit on the fingerprints,” Tyler admitted. “I didn’t tell you because you looked so peaceful. I didn’t want to ruin your first day out, even though I just did anyway.”

“It’s fine. Who is it? Is it someone from around here? Do either of you know this person?” She looked both men up and down.

“No,” Tyler said. “It’s the name of the father in that obituary. Jameson Thurman.”

It took Katherine a full minute to absorb this news. Karrie was right. Her father was insane. But how could he be in North Carolina, when just a few hours ago, he’d been at work?

“Karrie thinks he’s at work—I’m not sure where, but that’s what she told me. The break-in was last night. Do you think he’s still here?” Katherine asked.

“I’m not sure. That’s why I had Ilene put those watchdogs in place. They’re trained. Special Forces and then some. That’s all I’m at liberty to disclose to you. If he’s lurking around your place, he won’t be for long. Right, Doc?” Tyler said.

“Yes,” said Doc.

“What’s next? What do I tell Karrie?” Katherine was shocked at this news. But hadn’t Karrie warned her?

“Let’s go down to the police station and talk with the detective,” Tyler said. “He can give us more details about what Jameson was charged with previously.”

Katherine hadn’t even thought of that. So Karrie’s dad was not only mean and abusive; he was a criminal, too.

“I can look after Sam and Sophie, and introduce them to the girls, if you wouldn’t mind,” Doc Baker offered.

“Uh, sure, they need to meet other people,” Katherine told him. “Doc, I cannot thank you enough for sending Carson to use my stables. If not for that, I would still be inside.” She truly couldn’t express how grateful she was. “I’ll call when I can,” she told Doc. “You have that special food for the dogs, right?”

“Yeah, kid, don’t worry. I plan to spoil them while they’re here.”

Back in the Bronco, Katherine had more questions for Tyler. “Why didn’t you tell me Detective Davidson knew who those fingerprints belonged to? Am I so unstable I can’t take part in this investigation?”

Tyler shook his head. “Of course not. I think you’re brave as hell. We should go back to your place to get your burner phone before we go to the police. See if Karrie’s tried to call you again. If not, try calling her and see what story she comes up with.”

Five minutes later, they returned to Katherine’s house. “Doc’s place is close. No wonder he always gets here so quickly,” Katherine observed.

Tyler parked behind the house again. Katherine decided that this would be his spot if he were to become a regular visitor. Once inside the house, Katherine quickly located the burner phone. In and out in under five minutes, Katherine was eager to put this nightmare to rest.

On the drive to the station, Katherine decided it was time to explain who she was to the detectives and to the folks in Blowing Rock if she planned to continue living amongst them. She would definitely give the folks on the community website something to gossip about. Rather than seek revenge for their petty gossip, she would do something special for them instead. She wanted to be part of this community and hoped they would accept her.

“How do you feel?” Tyler asked for the tenth time that day, interrupting her thoughts.

“Strange. Excited. A little sad.”

“All normal emotions. This is good. Don’t keep issues bottled up; it’s damaging. Most people do just that, keep everything in. The next thing you know, they explode. Not necessarily in a mass shooting kind of way, but they throw something across the room, say mean things to someone they love, just because they happened to be there when they couldn’t take it anymore. They hurt people and destroy relationships.”

“I understand. I’ve had my moments. When I lived in Spain, the girls at the boarding school were so hateful. They mocked my accent and teased me when I had to stay behind at Burgess Hill for most of the holidays. There were moments I wanted to pull their hair and scratch their eyes out. Instead, their bullying ways inspired me to write the GWUP books.”

Tyler parked in front of a small white brick building, shut the car, and turned to Katherine. Taking her hands, he said, “You are amazing. You took those negative emotions and turned them into something that has delighted so many. I have no doubt now that you’re going to be fine. Remember, I won’t ever let anyone hurt you.”

“My knight in shining armor.” She squeezed his hand.

Once inside the police station, Katherine saw it resembled others she’d seen when working at the Globe , though on a much smaller scale. A woman in her mid-fifties with short-cropped, dark brown hair was busy clicking away on her keyboard. Bulletproof glass separated them. Tyler tapped on the glass.

The woman jumped, placing her hand over her chest. “Oh dear Lord, rest my soul, you scared the bejeezers out of me. Now what can I help you with, Dr. Newlon?”

“I’m here to see Detective Davidson,” Tyler said. Katherine was surprised the lady knew Tyler. But he was a doctor, and this was a small town. Katherine wondered if this woman was a patient of Tyler’s. She wondered if his patients all knew one another. Did they compare visits? Medications?

“Of course, Dr. Newlon. He’s waiting for you. You can go on back, sugar,” the woman said. Then she looked at Katherine as if she were an annoyance. “Ma’am, how may I help you? Did you schedule an appointment with one of our detectives? Or do you need a permit for a yard sale? We only issue those on Fridays, and only two per year per person.”

It was time. Katherine couldn’t pass up this opportunity. She couldn’t have chosen a better place than the police station to reveal her identity. “Ma’am . . . I’m sorry, what is your name?”

“I’m Miss Lucy Anne,” the receptionist replied.

Tyler stood to the side, giving Katherine enough space, so it didn’t appear that they were together. Miss Lucy Anne hadn’t seen them enter together.

“What a pretty name,” Katherine continued. “So, Miss Lucy Anne, there’s this rumor—and I do hate to repeat rumors, but I have no other option. Do you know of the ‘crazy lady on the mountain’?”

“Ohmygosh!” Lucy Anne said it so fast that Katherine had trouble understanding her. “I have heard of her, yes. She’s a recluse, doesn’t leave her house. Some say she stares out the window all day and talks to herself. Such a waste, her living in that mansion. How in the world can she afford that place?”

Katherine glanced at Tyler. He gave her a slight nod.

“Miss Lucy Anne, could you please do me a favor? I’m sure this news will spread quickly, with you working on the police force and all.”

Lucy Anne’s brown eyes opened wide. She reminded Katherine of a cow.

“I would be more than happy to help you out. I didn’t get your name, either.” She pronounced “either” as eether.

“That crazy lady on the mountain is me. Katherine Celeste Winston, also known as K.C. Winston, the children’s author. If you could pass this info around, I’ll donate a book to the library in your name. Heck, I’ll even sign it for you.”

Miss Lucy Anne seemed to be at a loss for words. She stared at Katherine, then walked around her desk to the reception area where Katherine waited. She got as close as she could without touching her. She stretched her thick, flabby arm out in front of her, her index finger pointing at Katherine like a knife. “Listen up—I don’t spread lies around this town. I don’t know why you think I would do such a thing, but you need to leave now.”

Tyler moved toward her, but Katherine held her palm out, indicating she didn’t need him to intervene. “No, Miss Lucy Anne, I won’t leave. I’m with Dr. Newlon, and we have an appointment with Detective Davidson.” She turned her back on the woman, confident that she would spread the word about the “crazy lady on the mountain” as soon as they were out of sight.

Taking his cue, Tyler took Katherine’s hand, guiding her through the ugly cement block halls, painted a dull gray like many of the police stations she’d been to before. They were all the same: ugly and depressing. They passed two doors before she saw the plaque on the door of Detective Davidson’s office. Tyler gave a quick knock.

“Come in.” Detective Davidson stood when they entered. “Have a seat.” He motioned at the two utilitarian steel-gray chairs placed in front of his matching desk.

As soon as they were seated, the detective opened a file folder. “This Thurman has quite the record in Dallas. I can’t imagine why he’d travel this far to break into your home. Do you have any idea why, Miss Winnie?” Katherine did not like this man. She felt the old Katherine emerging. Sort of like how the Hulk transformed when he was pissed off.

“No, Detective, I do not. And please don’t call me Miss Winnie. You may call me Ms. Winston.”

The detective leaned back in his chair, his muscular arms across his chest. “Ms. Winston then. Do you have any idea why this”—he picked up the folder, using it to fan himself—“guy from Texas would come all the way to North Carolina just to break into your home?”

Katherine wouldn’t let him get under her skin. “Isn’t that your job to figure out? I’m not a detective.”

No way was she going to play a role in his intimidation game. She wasn’t a criminal, though he made her feel like one. She wondered if he treated all victims like this. She guessed in his youth, he’d been the type who stole girls’ lunch money and pulled their pigtails.

Tyler spoke up. “Tell us what other crimes he committed, Detective. I seriously doubt Ms. Winston has any clue about this man’s identity. She’s the victim here, as I’m sure you know.”

Detective Davidson began. “He committed arson and served eighteen months in juvie when he was fourteen. At sixteen, he stole three cars from a Home Depot parking lot. He worked there, which was one of the terms of his probation after his arson conviction; he had to hold down a job. All three vehicles were recovered, minus their catalytic converters. He was sent back to juvie for a year. He’s currently a suspect in a string of home invasions in White Rock.

“In yet another incident, three women claim he attacked them when they were coming home from working a late-night shift at three separate local bars in Irving, Texas, on three separate occasions. You want me to continue? There’s more if you do. This man is bad news, any way you look at him. So, I’ll ask again—why would a thief travel this far when the Dallas area has been his prime location all these years?”

If this man was Karrie’s father, Katherine needed to know. “Is he married? Does he have children? Any family you could reach out to?”

“We’re working on that now, Ms. Winston ,” the detective replied.

The way he said her name made her feel dirty. He reminded her of her father. How could Ilene vouch for this condescending jerk?

“This is off the books. Otherwise, I would use all my resources, and I might have more answers for you,” he added.

“Then get the investigation on the books now. I don’t care who knows about it. Better yet, maybe you and your fellow officers should alert the public that we have a criminal on the loose. Isn’t that what small-town police officers do in a situation like this? Or do you call in the big guys?”

“It depends.”

“On what? If the person has a reputation as crazy? Loony? A nutcase? I could go on, but I’m sure you know what I mean. I believe the safety of a young girl might be at stake, so use all the resources you have. You have my permission. If you need more, let me know. I’ll pay. Money is no object.” This was more of the new version of herself. Normally she would think flaunting her money in this way was tacky. But now that it suited her current situation, she would do what she needed to protect Karrie. If her story were true. She felt it possible that the blood of Karrie’s evil father might flow through her veins.

“Why do you believe there is a young girl involved? Is there something you aren’t telling me?” Detective Davidson asked. “Hiding evidence or witnesses is against the law.”

“Tyler, let’s go. I can’t sit here any longer. I’ll have my attorney activate Winston Oil Refineries’ best investigators. I’m sure they can get the job done without making me feel like I’ve done something wrong.” Katherine stood, then turned her back on the misogynistic moron. She didn’t wait for Tyler to follow her. If he didn’t, she’d find a way home herself.

She reached the main entrance before Tyler caught up with her. Outside, the sun had set, and it was downright cold.

“Katherine, slow down,” Tyler said.

Standing beside his Bronco, she waited for him to unlock the door. “I didn’t mean to make a scene back there. He was just so damn condescending, treating me like I did something wrong! And that receptionist! I’m sorry . . .”

Tyler held up his hand to stop her. “No need to apologize. I’m not a fan of Davidson, either. And Miss Lucy Anne is harmless enough. Just a big gossip. I think you hit a sore spot. But I’m glad to see you standing up for yourself. I don’t claim to know the old Katherine, but I say she’s coming back.”

Katherine smiled. “I actually think I’m a new, improved Katherine. I’ve missed out on so much and was treated so poorly for so much of my life. I won’t go back there.” Katherine shuddered. “Can you put a little heat on? It’s been forever since I’ve actually experienced being outside. I’m freezing. I need to acclimate to this weather.”

“Of course. Turn it as high as you want.”

“Thanks, but this is fine. I remember what it was like to be in an overheated car. In Texas, there’s not much cold weather. Sometimes I would go out with my mother and her driver, Teddy. I remember once, in December, a cold front hit Texas. I must’ve been ten or eleven at the time. I don’t recall what the temperature was, but she had the heat up so high, it made me physically ill. I threw up in the back seat. She slapped me in the face and had Teddy take me home. She was so angry, she made me clean myself up, and then I had to clean up the vomit in the car. I couldn’t complain, because she’d been in a mood that day, and I’d had enough of her wrath. There wasn’t any help at the house to watch me. She had to take me with her, and for days, all she said was I’d ruined her Christmas. I didn’t receive any gifts that year.”

“No wonder you’ve been hiding. I might’ve resorted to doing the same if I’d had a parent like yours.” Tyler backed out of the parking spot. “Why don’t you and I have dinner? We can drive to Asheville. While we’re there, you can get a jacket or whatever you need. Call Doc and tell him we’re going to Asheville for dinner. Also tell him what a jerk Detective Davidson was and that you want this investigation made public. You can keep Ilene’s men stationed at your house on your dime. Will that work?”

“Absolutely.” Katherine made the call, explaining what had happened. When she finished, she realized she still hadn’t called Karrie back. “Doc is good with it all; he’ll tell Ilene what happened,” Katherine relayed to Tyler. “I’m going to call Karrie now.”

“Are you sure it’s not too late?” Tyler asked.

“I don’t care what time it is. If this Jameson Thurman has returned home, she’s going to be faced with the brunt of his anger. If I can prevent it, I don’t mind pretending to be Darby.”

Tyler glanced at her, then placed his hand on her leg. “How do you feel? I need to know before you make your call.”

“Like myself. I’m good, I promise.” She laid her hand on top of his. Katherine couldn’t believe this change had happened so fast. Being with Tyler had a lot to do with it. Before she had a chance to change her mind, she dialed Karrie’s cell. It rang several times before going to voicemail. Expecting to hear Karrie’s voice message, she was surprised when a gruff male voice said, “Karrie is grounded and does not have phone privileges.” Then the automated female voice said if she wished to leave a message to press one. Katherine hung up.

She told Tyler what the voicemail message had said. “It must be her father, but does that mean he’s home? You said she called the night of the break-in. She had her phone then. This is weird.”

“I agree. Let’s try to figure it out over dinner. Listen, I need a change of clothes. My place is close by, do you mind?” Tyler asked.

“This day has been focused entirely on me. I don’t mind at all.” Actually, she was curious to see where he lived. Plus, she wanted to meet Pickles.

Still heading in the same direction, Tyler turned left. He clicked a button on the car’s visor, and two large gates in front of them opened.

“Talk about fancy,” Katherine said.

“It’s too much, I agree, but I have drugs at my place. Prescription medication for emergencies. Can’t be too careful these days.”

His driveway went steeply upward, then curved to the right. Katherine saw the driveway rounding off as they reached the front of a large brick home. It was Colonial style, with evenly spaced windows and large columns on either side of the main entrance. Kathrine smiled. “Nice, Tyler. And classic.”

He drove the Bronco close to the entrance, then shut the engine off. “You want a quick tour?”

“Yes, but let’s do it another time. I’m worried about Karrie.” She hoped that he didn’t take offense.

“You’re right. Come inside for a minute while I get changed. I’ll have you over again as soon as we get this business with Karrie and her father resolved.”

As soon as Tyler opened the door, lights came on, showcasing a grand staircase curving up to a landing. “I’ll just be a minute.” He ran up the stairs with the energy of a young boy, which reminded Katherine that she didn’t even know Tyler’s age. Not that it mattered. She watched him turn to the right, and then she could hear drawers opening and closing and water running.

Tyler’s home was beautiful, yet it lacked the lived-in look she’d tried to create downstairs at her place. She doubted he cared about little details such as throw pillows, sweet-smelling candles, or soft blankets tossed about.

Tyler returned, running down the stairs. “Okay, let’s go have dinner or do whatever else we need to do. I think we should see if we can locate where Thurman’s been staying, try to figure out if he’s still here. Check the airlines in Asheville.”

While dinner with Tyler would be her first choice, Katherine needed to solve this Karrie thing and move forward with her life. Knowing Lisa Pratt-Stevens, all Katherine needed to do was call and ask, and Lisa would track down any information she requested. “I didn’t see Pickles.” It was totally off topic, but Tyler had talked up his kitty, and she wanted to see the furry little guy.

“He’s at my mom’s today, frolicking with his sister. I’ll make sure he’s here next time. Here, put this on for now, until we can get you some warmer clothes.” He gave her a blue sweatshirt with D UKE U NIVERSITY embroidered on the front and back.

“Thanks.” She slipped it over her head. It was too big, but warm enough for now.

“You sure you’re up for this?” Tyler asked. “If you need to do whatever makes you feel safe, you’ll tell me, okay?” He was so close to her, she could smell the mint toothpaste he’d just used.

She nodded. “I will.”

Outside, Tyler unlocked the Bronco, then opened the passenger door for her. “Katherine.” Tyler said her name differently than others, as though it were special. Time stopped for a moment when he lowered his mouth to hers. His lips were firm against her own. She responded with equal passion that had lain dormant far too long. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close to him before ending their kiss. “We’re going to finish this. Later.” He brushed her hair away from her face. “I want to say words to you that I shouldn’t right now. I know you’ve come a long way in a very short amount of time, and I don’t want my personal feelings to interfere with your recovery.”

“I understand, but I believe . . .” She hesitated. “ You are part of my recovery.”

There, she’d said it. She’d leave it alone for now, because she should, but when the time was right, she would let Tyler have a place in her life. She didn’t expect him to elaborate on her admission, so she eased into the seat and buckled up while Tyler started the Bronco. They headed back the way they’d entered.

“I’m going to call my attorney and ask if she can help us out. Everything she touches turns to gold, but I’ll tell you more about that another time.” Lisa had been on speed dial ever since Katherine had first hired her after firing her father’s attorney. She hit number three on her cell, and Lisa answered on the second ring.

Katherine delved right in. “I need a favor. Can you check the airlines in Asheville and see if a man, a Jameson Thurman, was on any flights within the past week or so, headed my way? Or headed back to Asheville from here. Also, a young girl, Karrie, with a K. Karrie Lynn Collins. She’s about fourteen or fifteen. They would’ve left out of Love Field, or possibly a smaller airport in that area that flies into Asheville. Check Raleigh and Charlotte, too.” After further confirming the details with Lisa, Katherine ended the call. “She’ll get right on it. So, what’s next?”

“Like I said, if this Thurman is staying locally, there aren’t many choices. A couple of folks rent their homes out on Airbnb. Let me make a call. You need to eat something first. Are you hungry?” Tyler asked.

“A little.”

“You won’t mind having a bite at Willie’s Hot Dog Palace? It’s on the edge of town.”

“Sounds fine to me.” Katherine didn’t care where they ate. One, she was out of her house, and two, she was with someone she cared about, and was pretty darn sure he felt the same.

“Then we’re going to have our first date at Willie’s. It’ll be easy to remember.” He grinned at her, then reached for her hand. “Willie’s son-in-law, Kyle Avery, rents his place out, since he travels a lot for his job. He works for a Napa winery. He has another place in Winston-Salem. I think that’s his home base.”

Fifteen minutes later, Tyler parked in slot number seven, according to the number on the sign displaying the menu. “Can I help you?” came a very Southern voice from the nearby speaker.

“It’s Tyler. Is Willie around?”

“You don’t want no food?” the Southern voice asked.

“Yes, I do, but I need to speak to Willie first, if he’s around.”

“I’ll tell him,” the Southern voice said. “You wanna order now?”

Tyler turned to Katherine. She smiled, her palms outstretched. “Burger, fries, and a vanilla milkshake?” she suggested.

“Perfect.” Tyler ordered for them both.

A few minutes later, Willie tapped on the driver’s-side window. “Hey there, Dr. Shrink, what’s up? Lulu said you wanted to talk.” Willie had to be in his late seventies at least, Katherine thought, as she peered across Tyler’s shoulder. Willie’s hair was almost as long as her own, though it was as white as snow, and he had a matching lengthy beard that reminded her of the singer Charlie Daniels. He wore a pair of faded coveralls and a red shirt with a picture of a smiling hot dog that read, “Welcome to Willie’s, where the dogs eat dogs.” She couldn’t help but laugh. There was so much to discover in Blowing Rock. She couldn’t wait to see the town she lived in.

“Is anyone staying at Kyle’s?” Tyler asked.

“You ain’t gonna use your own place?” Willie stretched his neck to get a glimpse of Katherine. She smiled and gave him a finger wave.

“It’s not what you think. I’m serious, I need to know. It’s kind of important,” Tyler said, in what Katherine recognized was his doctor’s voice.

“Yep, he’s got some folks there now. Not sure when they’re leavin’, but I can find out for ya.” Willie’s accent was similar to Lulu’s.

“No, no. Don’t bother them. I was asking for a friend, so no worries. Thanks, Willie.” Tyler stuck his hand out of the window to shake the old guy’s hand.

“You’re welcome, son. Now let me get in there so I can fix your dinner.” He walked away from the Bronco, giving a half-wave.

“Old Willie is a good guy. Country all the way, but he and Lulu are good people,” Tyler explained.

“I’m sure they are,” Katherine agreed. “Tyler, do you mind if I ask your age?”

“I don’t mind. I’m forty-three and counting.”

“Okay, that’s good. I mean I really don’t care about age, but I was just curious.”

“There’s usually a follow-up question. ‘Why aren’t you married and settled down with a family?’ My stock answer is I haven’t met anyone I want to share my life with.”

Ten minutes later, a young girl wearing tight jeans and a red shirt identical to Willie’s roller-skated over to the SUV, carrying a tray high above her head. Tyler turned the key over so he could lower the electric window.

“Hey, Tyler. Poppy said to tell you the burgers are a full pound,” the girl said.

“That’s my man,” Tyler replied, removing his wallet from the center console and taking out three twenties. “Keep the change, Tressie.”

“Thanks,” she said, and then skated away.

“She’s Willie’s granddaughter,” said Tyler.

Katherine and Tyler ate in silence for the next fifteen minutes. When they finished, Tyler returned the tray before they left. Back in the Bronco, he explained, “Kids take off with the trays still on their windows. Raises the price of a burger. They don’t realize it yet, but they will soon enough.”

Katherine had never thought about money in the sense most people did, because she’d always had access to everything she needed. Though her childhood hadn’t been pleasant, she’d been given the best of everything. Shoes, clothing, books—whatever she’d asked for was hers. What she didn’t get was attention from her mother and father. Looking back, she knew it had never been her fault. They had been older than most parents when she was born, and she’d upset their lifestyle in ways that a child naturally would for a wealthy couple used to traveling the world whenever they pleased.

“Are you ready to see who’s staying at Kyle’s?” Tyler asked, interrupting her thoughts of the past.

Was she? If this is what it took to put this craziness to bed so she could begin a fresh start, she was game for just about anything. “I’m ready. I want this over with.”

“You’re sure? We don’t have to.”

“Let’s get it over with.”

Tyler pressed down on the accelerator as soon as they were on Red Oak Road. “Kyle’s house sits off the road ahead. I’m pretty sure whoever is staying there will see us if we park in the drive. The windows face the road. If this Thurman guy is there, he’ll be watching.”

“It’s worth taking the chance. Let me out so I can walk to the back of this place. Maybe I’ll see Karrie.” This is so ridiculous , thought Katherine. She wasn’t Nancy Drew, and Tyler wasn’t one of the Hardy Boys. Did the Hardy Boys even have first names? If so, she didn’t remember them.

“We’ll both go on foot,” Tyler said, as he pulled the Bronco off the road. “We can walk from here. No one will bother the car, and if they do, we’ll deal with it later.” He got out and shut his door quietly.

Katherine opened her door, careful to close it without making too much noise. “How far is this house?”

“Right there.” He pointed to a white house with dark shutters framing the large windows. Tyler took her hand. “Stay close to me.”

“Okay.” Katherine’s heart began to pound. She feared she was on the brink of another panic attack. When nothing happened, she motioned Tyler to go on. She was good.

When they reached the property, what little bit of light the moon provided was now blocked by dozens of lush trees. Tyler motioned for Katherine to stay close to the side of the house. Every sound they made seemed to be amplified. Once they reached the edge of the house, Tyler glanced around to the back. He nodded, which she interpreted as meaning they were still safe. Rounding the corner behind Tyler, Katherine jumped when she saw a light in the window.

“Shhh.” Tyler placed his index finger on her lips, mouthing the word bathroom . Katherine nodded. Her adrenaline pumped as they waited for someone to shut the light off. Maybe a minute passed, and then the light extinguished. She breathed a sigh of relief until she heard glass doors glide open. She stopped. Holding her breath, she tapped Tyler’s arm. He held his hand palm up. There again came a whooshing noise, a subtle, almost whispering that indicated whoever had opened the door had now closed it.

Katherine’s senses were hyperalert. Had the person gone back inside? Or were they now outside? Watching. Waiting. Ready to attack.