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Luke tilted his head back to study the sky. In the country, he could see the bright white lights instead of dull tiny pinpoints against a sky that never went completely dark. Amazing.
“You know at your old home it was only a matter of time, J.” As a police detective, Luke had learned to keep his mouth shut and his ears open at all times. Every little scrap of information he picked up might have value. Listening to the guys on the gang task force discuss troubles at Joseph’s middle school had been enough information for Luke. His mother wouldn’t make it through losing another kid to violence like that.
“Nah, I’m too smart to get caught in a mess,” Joseph said as he scraped a tennis shoe against the driveway.
“The wrong place at the wrong time is all it takes. Bullets don’t care how smart you are.” He’d seen that proven time and time again. Coming to Holly Heights, where he’d investigated the theft of bake sale money from an animal shelter, where not a single person was injured should be living the dream. Except this was so boring he was sleeping through it.
“They got bullets here, too, Luke. This is Texas.” Joseph’s grin was contagious. “Come on. That was a sweet one.” He held up his hand and Luke slapped it in a reluctant high five.
“If you ever wanted a fresh start, here’s your chance, kid.” Luke caught Joseph’s hand and held on. “Hear me. One way or another, you’re going to do your homework. Upsetting Mama right now? I won’t allow that. She needs peace and quiet.”
“Quiet? Around here? With so many of us? I want to see that.” Joseph tugged his hand. “I hate math. The rest is okay.”
Since he’d hated math, too, Luke found it hard to argue. “Do your best. That’s all she expects.” Joseph nodded and disappeared inside the house, which was closing in on Luke.
Luke walked slowly to his car and started it up. Instead of doing a U-turn and heading for freedom, he eased into the driveway and turned off the engine.
What would it be like to be living in Austin all by himself again?
He’d barely appreciated it for the time he’d had. Now he’d bask in every single second he had alone.
When his mother got stronger, he could reconsider what he wanted. Life in Austin had been too hectic to help her out with the family, and more than anything he wanted to give back. Whatever Connie Hollister needed, wanted or didn’t even know to ask for, he would do. She and Walt had saved him. For now, she thought small-town life would give her and her family what she dreamed of.
Luke missed his father. Walter Hollister would have talked her out of a move like this.
These nights, he wished he could turn to his older brother Alex for advice or to complain, but Alex was gone, too.
Luke had to keep it together.
And he was already exhausted. A trip into Austin to see his old desk, his old partner, his old chief and the case he’d dogged for months closed by someone else wasn’t high on his list of favorite day-off activities.
At this point, it didn’t matter. All he could do was what had to be done.
CHAPTER THREE (#ubfd31712-645a-50a8-91f4-44513ce7c533)
“WHAT DO YOU THINK?” Jen asked as she held up the drawing Cole had put together with suggestions for the landscaping outside her new house. “With the wrought iron fence. This place will be nice, right?” For their first day of work, the fencing guys seemed to be making good progress. They’d started as soon as the sun came up, so she’d missed out on her extra Saturday sleep, but it would be worth it. Posts would be finished along one side of her property by the end of the day.
Her mother snorted. “How much will that fence cost? There’s so much of it.”
Since she’d asked that about every single improvement Jen planned to the house, which was already almost three times larger than the home she’d grown up in, Jen snapped, “Forget that. Decorative fencing will add prestige to this place. How does it look?”
“Pretentious,” her mother drawled, standing in the driveway, scanning the area. “Like you don’t want anyone to visit. I mean, a fence like that with a gate? Who do you think you are? Royalty?” her mother scoffed. Working split shifts as a waitress had always kept her mom humble. “Do you think a fence with spikes at the top is necessary?”
“Most mothers would be happy their daughters were improving the security of their homes.” For a woman who could still remember the panic of being chased all the way home from the bus stop by a pack of kids who thought it was funny to watch a skinny redhead cry, this fence was a dream come true. Then, she’d wanted something else between her and the world besides a single flimsy door. Anyone who thought about coming over the top would be discouraged before even trying.
Once she was inside her fence and her house, she would have no worries anymore.
Jen waved the piece of paper at her mother. “It will mean you’re safer, too, after you move in. That’s important to me. Think of all the space we’ll have, and nothing but the best of the best. Just what you deserve.”
Brenda Barnes shook her head slowly. “How many times are you going to bring this up? I’m not moving in with you. One of us would murder the other in the first week and then what would happen with all your precious lottery money?”
“Well, you could take it and run off to Mexico. We aren’t that far.” Jen fluttered her eyelashes at her mother. There was no doubt in her mind who would kill whom. The Great Cake Baking Assignment of 2016 had proven beyond any doubt that her mother was tough as nails. They’d managed to make dozens of cakes for the Paws for Love bake sale, and only extreme love and true devotion had prevented Jen from telling her mother where she could put her measuring spoons. “If I’m dead, I won’t be slowing you down, will I?” That had been her mother’s number one complaint—Jen worked too slowly in the kitchen.
Since Brenda had been waiting tables at Sue Lynn’s for as long as Jen could remember, she was an Olympic-level star in the kitchen. Jen might as well have wandered in off the street. Between Brenda and Rebecca, she spent zero time cooking and liked it that way.
Jen had worked every job she could find for years to pay off all the debt she’d picked up in college, yet having to cook had never been one of them.
After she’d hit the lottery, Jen had concentrated on the job she was good at, teaching math to surly teenagers. The baking thing had been a moment of insanity that turned into a two-week long sentence and dishpan hands.
“You need to get a hobby.” Her mother slid into the Honda Civic that had been missing the back bumper ever since she bought it.
Jen wandered over to the driver’s window and motioned for her mother to roll it down. “I have a hobby. Spending money completes me, Mom.”
A reluctant laugh escaped her mom’s lips. “Lie to everyone else, but your mother knows.” She narrowed her eyes. “We are never going to live together again, Jenny. My house is perfectly spacious now.”
“Can I buy you a new car, then?” Jen motioned at the back. “I know bumpers are extravagant and all...”
“Have you talked to your brother about your investments lately?” Brenda asked as she always did when she was ready to end a conversation.
Jen and Will, her stepbrother, were closer now than they ever had been. Since they’d mixed like orange juice and toothpaste when they were kids, that wasn’t saying much. This time Will brought with him the world’s coolest daughter, a niece Jen wished lived in Holly Heights instead of Austin. If Chloe were here, she’d have opinions on every bit of the landscape drawing.
“I saw him just last night. Besides, you know we meet every week to talk about investments and charities and Paws for Love. Don’t worry. Will’s got his eye on me.” Since he was the golden boy who always reassured her mother. The fact that Brenda was only his stepmother had never convinced her to take Jen’s side over Will’s.
And the guy was smart, even if he had fallen like a rock for Sarah Hillman.
“Get a hobby.” Her mother pointed to punctuate every word. “Or a date. And if you put up razor wire or hire men with dogs to patrol this compound, I will ask Bobby Hillman how to steal every penny you have for your own good.”
Brenda tilted her head. “You understand? Now give me a hug. I’m going to be late for the dinner shift.”
Jen awkwardly stuck her head in the window and wrapped her arm around her mother’s neck. For so much of her life, Brenda had raised her all alone. When she’d married Will’s father, they’d had a hard time working two new people into their lives and her mother’s tiny house. After her divorce, her mother had done her best to make sure Jen and Will stayed connected. Her mother’s smell of fresh laundry and lavender was expected and reinforced Jen’s decision to convince her mother to move.
Brenda worked too hard. Now that Jen was a woman of luxury, she could spoil her mom. She felt so guilty as she watched her mother pull out of the driveway.
Jen refused to accept a no. That’s who she was.
Her mother didn’t want a roommate. Fine. Maybe a house next door? Jen crossed her arms as she walked the large expanse of yard to the empty lot beside her property.
How long would it take to build another home?
Jen bent down to pat Hope, the pit bull mix she’d adopted from the Paws for Love shelter. All the noise had rattled Hope, but she was sprawled out in a sunny spot next to the lead Jen had put in the yard. When the fence was finished, Hope would have total control of a truly spacious kingdom. “Getting what we both deserve, right, Hopey?”
Hope turned her head to give Jen’s hand a lazy lick and she stretched her legs out behind her. The spot of fur that had been cut out where she’d been wearing the collar when they rescued her was growing in nicely, but she seemed to like the pink bandannas Chloe had insisted were the perfect accessory.
This dog. Jen blinked away tears as she considered what Hope’s life had once been. Everything was so good right now. With Hope snoozing peacefully in the sunshine it was difficult to remember all the hard times.
Which made her think of Sarah.
Since she’d been clutching her phone like a lifeline ever since two o’clock had rolled around, she knew she had no messages. Surely Sarah would let them all know about how the visit with Bobby went.
Maybe her friends had made plans to get together after she’d left the dinner party.
The old familiar feeling that everyone was having fun without her rolled across Jen.
“Don’t be an idiot. They care for you. There’s no news yet.” Jen shoved the phone in her pocket as Luke Hollister’s car came down the street.
She didn’t return his wave but started for the driveway.
Then she realized Luke would have the news she was so anxious for.
Suddenly wishing she’d done a bit more than pull on a faded orange University of Texas sweatshirt and gray sweatpants with a hole in the knee, Jen marched across the street in order to catch her prey before he disappeared inside. No way was she knocking on the door.
Instead of hustling to avoid her, Luke Hollister slowly pushed down the lock on his car door down and closed it. He didn’t lean against the vehicle, but waited; his careful stare seemed to be cataloging details as she approached.
“What’s the news?” Jen asked. She would not run her hands through her hair in an effort to make it look less Saturday stay-at-home matted to her head. She would control the conversation.
“Hi, I’m Luke Hollister. We didn’t introduce ourselves last night but I like to observe the usual pleasantries.” He offered her his hand which she studied carefully before slipping hers inside. Luke Hollister was sharply dressed with dark pants, a white button-down and a beautiful gold tie. Last night, his vibe had been more undercover cop with a scruffy beard. Today, he could be the department’s chief spokesperson. “And you are?” He didn’t squeeze in a manly move to dominate, but there was no mistaking his power when he shook her hand.
Remember what you’re doing. Staring in wonder at his very nice hand should not be it.
“Jennifer Neil, but you knew that.” She brushed her hand through her hair because she couldn’t help it. “Last night. Anyone who’s hounded Sarah the way you have has a roster of her friends.”
“And enemies. And people like you who’ve been both at one time or another. That is one long list.” He shrugged. “I’m a thorough cop.”
Jen rolled her eyes. “So I’ve heard. All I wanted to know was whether Sarah got in to see Bobby. Then I’ll return to my side of the street.”
“Yes, Sarah was still with him when I left. Will had a list of lawyers they were contacting.” Hollister closed his eyes for a minute. “And that’s all I know. Once you’re out, they don’t tell you much. Sarah will have to give you any updates about a court date and what happens next.”
If she didn’t know Hollister’s methods, Jen would have guessed that was a sign of regret on his face. The corners of his mouth turned down, but she had the feeling he didn’t spend much time with regret.
“Fine.” She took one step back. “Thank you.”
Before she could turn around, Hollister said, “I wanted to mention, that work crew that start at dawn on Saturday could be construed as an act of war in some places.” He rubbed a finger over the frown wrinkling his forehead. “A house with a four-year-old who manages to sleep in is one of those places. Could you make sure they wait until a reasonable hour?”
She was paying them extra to work as fast as they could. No way was she going to alter their schedule. Annoying Luke Hollister would be the cherry on top.
Jen wondered what the story was. Besides his wife and daughter, how many people lived in that house? At least one of them liked loud guitar solos and open car windows, no matter what time of day it was.
Then she realized she didn’t have much to lose. They weren’t going to be friends. “Funny you should mention the noise. Exactly how many people live in your house anyway?”
“There are six of us.” Hollister braced his hands on his lean hips. “And you? What with the fence going up, I’m guessing that number is going to be low.”
Jen glanced over her shoulder. What was wrong with her fence? She’d seen similar on all kinds of nice houses. A cop should appreciate security measures. “Just me. And a few frequent visitors, none of whom will disturb your peace.”
“Great. They’ll be the only ones,” Hollister muttered.
“If my renovations are bothering you, feel free to look for someplace new to live, someplace not in Holly Heights.” Jen turned and retreated to her own driveway. “They’ll be here early again on Monday, before I go in to work. If you have students, we’ll be on the same schedule.”
“So, you’re a teacher? What school?” Hollister asked. He didn’t have a notepad in hand, but she had the feeling he was filing away every detail. No doubt, he could remember this picture of her as a fashion disaster any time he wanted to.
She’d done her best to always put her best foot forward with respect to how she looked, ever since she’d learned she had a knack for making secondhand and vintage fabulous. Not that he’d know that. He’d have to have seen her years ago to understand how far she’d come.
“The high school.” She thought his eyes widened a bit but it was hard to be sure at this distance and she wasn’t going to get any closer. Not today. For their next skirmish, she’d be dressed for battle.
“Interesting.” The small smile that curved his lips was easier to see and made her twice as nervous. Before she could escape, the front door of his house opened and a little girl in a tutu came running around the car.
Jen expected a shriek or a giggle. That was what all little girls did when they were excited.
Instead, Hollister picked the little girl up and settled her on his hip. Watching such a sweet face press close to his for a kiss made her simultaneously make an inward aw sound that she would deny ever happened and wonder how this guy, who obviously loved his daughter, could be the same jerk who’d made Sarah miserable.
Her confusion froze in place for too long. Before she could move, the little girl was on the ground and charging her direction, swinging what appeared to be a plastic sword.
Jen had no other choice but to brace for impact.
CHAPTER FOUR (#ubfd31712-645a-50a8-91f4-44513ce7c533)
“MARI, WAIT,” LUKE YELLED as he watched his niece race across the road, tutu bouncing with each step. She was small but she was fast. Being so quiet tricked people who didn’t know her well. They mistakenly thought she was shy. Instead, she had no fear of anything except being forced to speak.
And dogs? Mari couldn’t resist them.
He watched Jen hold out both hands as if she was ready to catch the little girl, but before he could warn her that she was not the ultimate destination, the pit bull on the bright blue lead in the yard jumped up and issued a warning growl. Now everyone froze.
“I’ve never heard her do that,” Jen said as she stared at the dog.
In his experience, dogs had one of two reactions when confronted with Mari. Either her exuberance sent them running for cover or they were putty in her hands. This dog was still a huge question mark.
But the brindle tail was wagging cautiously.
His neighbor squatted next to the dog and immediately dodged a long pink tongue.
“I think she was afraid I was in danger,” Jen said slowly.
Mari immediately clutched her lightsaber closer and took a slow step forward.
“You shouldn’t have a dog like that out where it can hurt someone,” Luke snapped as he caught up to Mari and picked her up. Her wrinkled brow reminded him so much of his sister Camila that he did a double take. “Your dog scared her.”
Jen ran a hand down the dog’s back and immediately the animal flopped down to offer up a bright pink belly. It almost matched her bandanna.
In an instant, Luke cataloged that detail about his neighbor. She was the kind of woman who dressed her man-killer dog in pink.
“A dog like that,” she said carefully, as if every word leaked out around the grim line of her lips. “What do you mean by that? She was a dog who was dozing in the sunshine in her own yard before she was awakened by a kamikaze in purple high-tops.” Jen scratched her hand over the dog’s belly and got the immediate feedback that it was good by a quickly dancing right foot.
Mari’s silent laugh next to his ear turned down his adrenaline a notch.
“You know those dogs are dangerous,” Luke insisted. He was supposed to watch out for Mari. The fact that she’d find trouble if he blinked was no excuse.
Jen slowly straightened and tugged her sweatshirt down. No matter how tall she stretched, she’d come no higher than his collarbone. Still, she didn’t back down. With one jab, she pointed at him. “My dog. My yard. If you’d teach children to approach all dogs slowly, cautiously and after she’s asked permission, neither one of us would be pulling gray hairs tonight.” She ran a hand through the hairdo that had definitely seen better days and huffed out a sigh. “I don’t think most dogs react well to being attacked in their sleep.”
Mari hung her head in the way she always did when she was pretending she was so sorry but making sure that everyone knew how cute she was. One quick look from her through her batting eyelashes was usually all it took to convince Luke to fold like a weak hand.
