Chapter Twenty-Five
It felt as if there was something in the air making the people of Dry Gulch, Montana, happier than Josie had ever seen them. Or maybe it was just her own feelings of relief since she no longer saw dark clouds on the horizon. She felt as if she could breathe again.
Her sister had bounced back from her bad romance quicker than Josie had thought she would.
The day Josie had gone out to the farmhouse with several quarts of their favorite ice cream and a six-pack of beer, they’d built a fire in the pit out back and talked.
After a couple of beers each, Amy Sue had burned Shane’s letters.
It was as if the fire had released the spell the man had placed on her.
“You saw him coming after me, didn’t you?” Amy Sue said quietly as the fire popped and sparks rose, glowing in the darkness overhead before burning out.
“I saw someone coming who was more dangerous than Roger Grimes,” she said, staring into the flames.
“I’ve always made fun of your…gift, as Nana used to call it. I was jealous that you had one more thing to share with our grandmother that I didn’t.”
“It’s not a gift,” Josie said. “It’s a curse.
I hate it. I would love to wake up in the morning and not see anything, be totally oblivious to anything bad coming.
That would be a gift. What makes it worse is that I can’t see as clearly as our grandmother could see things.
All I usually see is darkness closing in until I come face-to-face with it. ”
“I’m sorry I’ve given you such a hard time about it,” her sister said.
Josie had smiled over at her and helped them both to another beer before throwing more wood on the fire. They were silent for a long time, listening to the music of the warm night.
“I loved the idea of Shane Wagner,” her sister said after a while. She had leaned back to stare up at the stars. “I hate that he played on my vulnerabilities to work his way into my heart. He knew exactly what to say and do to win me over.”
“He was a born con artist,” Josie said. “He would have fooled anyone.”
Her sister laughed. “Not you.” She pushed herself up on one elbow. “Did I ruin your weekend with Cordell? If so, I’m sorry.”
“No, it actually brought us closer together. Cordell’s been trying to prove to me that he’s a changed man. I saw that changed man and I like what I see.”
Amy Sue laughed. “You are always so cautious.”
Josie laughed with her. “I haven’t always been. I fell for Cordell when we were teens because he was Dry Gulch’s bad boy. It’s just been hard to wrap my mind around the change in him.”
“You liked him as the bad boy and you weren’t sure about your feelings for the changed Cordell,” her sister said. “I can see that. But I suspect that bad boy is still in him.” She chuckled. “You just have to bring it out.”
Josie had found herself smiling as she reached for her sister’s hand and squeezed it. “I never want anything or anyone to come between you and me again.”
“I don’t think you need to worry about it. I’ve given up on finding love— Why are you laughing?”
“Now that you say you’ve stopped looking, I wouldn’t be surprised if it snuck up on you when you least expect it.”
* * *
The upcoming grand opening of the new and improved Dry Gulch Hotel was the talk of the town.
Max couldn’t believe all the work his brother had done to bring the hotel back to its earlier glory.
At one time, the town had sported a hot mineral swimming pool behind the hotel that had brought in people from around the world. If Cordell had his way, it would again.
While his gunshot wound had healed, he often felt a twinge for no apparent reason, making it a constant reminder. But today, he tried not to think about anything but his brother’s success. The town had taken pride in what Cordell had done as if they’d swung the hammer and wielded the paintbrushes.
Max had noticed more people freshening up their property.
At first people had been skeptical about Cordell reopening the hotel.
But not anymore. Everyone seemed excited, as if Dry Gulch was coming back to life.
As usual, Cordell had started something and this time hopefully it wouldn’t land him in jail.
“Only you get the grand tour before the grand opening,” his brother said as he showed him around.
Cordell had purchased acreage behind the structure for the second phase of his resort.
“Guests will have the full Montana experience, from horseback riding into the hills to sleeping in fancy tents or even staying in tree houses. I have an entire section for kids planned, including several swimming pools.”
Max could only shake his head. “You really think enough people will come to Dry Gulch?”
Cordell laughed. “We’re already booked through next summer. Hot springs are really popular, especially where the whole family can come.”
He shook his head. “I’m really proud of you.”
His brother shrugged. “It’s always been something I’ve dreamed of doing. Dry Gulch is home. I’m anxious to start a family and settle down.”
Max thought of the family he’d dreamed of starting here and felt the pinch of pain that came with that dream’s loss. “Good for you, but shouldn’t you get started on that? What’s going on with you and Josie?”
Cordell got a twinkle in his eye. “I think I’m making progress. She’s coming to the grand opening with me.” He reached into his pocket, looked around to make sure it was just the two of them and pulled out a velvet box. As he flipped it open, Max pretended to be blinded by the diamond ring inside.
“When are you going to pop the question?”
“After the grand opening. I want you to be my best man. Is that going to be a problem since Goldie will be Josie’s maid of honor?”
He held up his hands. “Slow down. Josie hasn’t even said yes yet. Let’s wait and see before you start planning the seating at the reception.”
* * *
Cordell felt as if he were floating. This grand opening was really just a party for the town.
The hotel wouldn’t be open for guests until spring, when more of the amenities would be available.
There was still a ton of work to be done, but he had faith that it would be finished before the first guests arrived.
Tonight was a celebration he wanted for the town.
He’d made a point of not allowing anyone inside the hotel until it was done, except for Josie and his brother.
He knew people couldn’t wait to see what he’d done.
He just hoped they liked it. Goldie was catering the event.
He’d let her hire whatever people she needed.
As he dressed, he saw the folded sheet of paper from his dinner with Josie in Billings. He hadn’t opened it and read what she’d written. Oh, he’d been tempted more times than he wanted to admit. But he’d told her he would wait, and he had.
Cordell glanced at the time. Josie would be here soon. He felt his excitement rise. If all went as planned, he and Josie would be planning their wedding after tonight. He picked up the sheet of paper and folded it into his pocket, patting it for luck.
At the sound of the back door buzzer, he hurried down to let Goldie and her crew in with the food and drinks.
“You look so handsome,” she said, her eyes flooding with tears. “I’m so proud of you.”
He hugged her, thinking how much he wished she was his sister-in-law.
He had learned not to mention Goldie to his brother.
But he still couldn’t understand what had happened.
Or maybe Max had never planned to marry her.
Cordell feared it had something to do with their mother, Roger Grimes and his brother’s fears that their earlier life had twisted them in ways that they might not even know yet.
But that was his brother’s problem—not his. Cordell refused to let the past define him. He glanced around the hotel. Tonight was his night. He touched the tiny velvet box in his jacket pocket. Nothing could ruin this night for him.
* * *
All dressed and ready for the opening, Josie stopped at her apartment door, hesitating. She awakened this morning with a bad feeling. Of course, she couldn’t see what it was, but it made her stop now and call to check on her sister.
Amy Sue had a date tonight to the grand opening with local plumber Rick Baker.
He was picking her up at the farmhouse soon.
Everyone had been looking forward to this night for some time now.
She knew how important it was to the town, but so much so for Cordell.
It angered her that something might go wrong tonight.
What she’d told Amy Sue that night under the stars had never been truer. Her second sight was a curse, one she would give anything not to have. Why couldn’t it have been more like her grandmother’s where she could more clearly interpret what was coming?
“All set,” Amy Sue said when she answered. “Oh, there’s Bob now. Got to go. See you there.”
Josie started to put her phone away, but on impulse called the sheriff’s department. Max had been working long hours. It didn’t take a psych degree to know that he was hiding from his true feelings and avoiding Goldie. But he wouldn’t be able to tonight.
“You’re going to the opening, right?” she asked the moment he answered.
“Yes, I plan to make an appearance.”
She sighed, knowing what they meant. He’d show up and leave as quickly as he could. “Goldie is catering the event, so she’ll be busy. You should be safe.”
“Josie—”
“That isn’t why I called. Has Shane Wagner been picked up yet?” She heard the answer in the silence that followed.
“There was a sighting in Idaho, but to answer your question, no.”
“Tell me he isn’t going to show up tonight at the hotel.”
“Josie, unlike you, I can’t see past the nose on my face what is going to happen.”
“I can’t see much, either, but I have this bad feeling that whatever it is, it will happen tonight.”
“Rance and I will be at the opening,” Max said. “If Shane shows up, we’ll handle it.”
“Thank you.” She disconnected, feeling a little better. All she could do was warn Max. Still she had no idea what was coming. It might not even be Shane she had to worry about.
Josie glanced at the time. She’d promised Cordell she wouldn’t be late. She reached for her wrap and headed for the door. She wanted this night to be everything he’d dreamed possible. He deserved this. She hated that something might spoil it for him.
The hotel was aglow, the light shining through the large front windows to paint the sidewalk in gold. Music spilled into the streets as the front door opened and closed, guests moving into the large lobby. Dry Gulch hadn’t seen anything like this in years.
Josie felt the excitement and tried to relax as she heard laughter. She let herself in the back way. Goldie was catering the event. She wanted to say hello and make sure that her friend wouldn’t be stuck in the kitchen all night. She’d offered to help but Goldie wouldn’t hear of it.
But as Josie walked into the huge commercial kitchen, she was surprised to find it empty. She saw trays of food on the counters, but no one was around. Maybe they were already out in the lobby offering the guests appetizers, she told herself.
Leaving the kitchen, she went through the large restaurant area with its white tablecloths and beautiful dishes. She was in awe of the job Cordell had done.
But before she could reach the doors that opened out onto a hallway to the lobby, she heard a sound behind her. She turned, expecting to see Goldie or one of her helpers.
Shane was on her before she could run, let alone scream.
Not that anyone would have heard anyway with the noise and music coming from the lobby.
His hand clamped over her mouth as he lifted her off her feet.
“You should have stayed out of my business,” he whispered in her ear as he carried her toward the back stairs.
She struggled, kicking and clawing at him, but he only chuckled as he dragged her up the stairs. The music wasn’t as loud in the stairwell. Not that she could have screamed loud enough even if he wasn’t covering her mouth.
“Time to make your spectacular entrance into the party,” he whispered as he pushed open the first-floor door and Josie found herself on the balcony overlooking the lobby.
The room roared with voices and laughter and music.
No one looked up as he carried her over to the railing.
With his arm still around her waist, he swung her legs over the railing so she was dangling from the second floor facing the party.
He took his hand off her mouth to pull the gun from his jacket pocket.
The first shot fired at the ceiling had little effect.
The second caused some people to look around.
The third report of the gun stopped the party as people began to gaze up to see Josie being dangled over the railing.
There were screams and shouts. The music died and Josie saw Cordell headed for the stairs.
“Looks like your boyfriend wants to join the party,” Shane said. “And your sister, too. Hey, Amy Sue, didn’t really appreciate being stood up at the altar in Vegas.”
Josie saw Max and Rance, both trying to work their way through the crowd, their weapons drawn. If they shot Shane, he would drop her. That’s if he didn’t shoot her—after he shot her sister.
“Shane!” Cordell called as he started up the staircase. “You don’t want to do that.”
“Oh, you have no idea how badly I want to drop her. I’d like to drop her sister, as well. You need to stay back, Cordell. I can barely hold on to her now.”
“Do what he says, Cordell. Please,” she called to him.
But he hardly seemed to hear her. “It doesn’t have to end like this,” he said, still moving toward them.
She saw Amy Sue come running up the stairs, but Cordell held her back with an arm.
“Nice party, sorry to ruin it,” Shane said, and Josie felt his hold on her loosen.
Below her, Max and Rance had men moving the table and chairs that had been set up in the lobby out of the way.
Shane wouldn’t be able to see what they were doing, but they were making a place for her to fall, she thought with a wave of terror.
She heard dishes crash to the floor as they pulled several tablecloths from the tables, and now a half-dozen men were holding them directly under her.
Josie could feel Shane about to let her go so he could turn the gun on Cordell and her sister. She saw it as clearly as she’d ever seen anything. Her sister lying on the floor bleeding with Shane standing over her.
She nodded to Max and sank her fingernails into Shane’s hand around her waist. He let go immediately and she felt herself falling as gunshots rang out over the screams.
Then the back of her head connected with the balcony floor’s edge and everything went black.