Chapter Twelve
Jack sat at his desk, eyes skimming over the lines of text on his computer screen as he reviewed case files. His gaze drifted to the clock on the wall… again. Frustration simmered beneath his calm exterior, fueled by the knowledge that Randi was at home, waiting for him. The thought of her presence there was enough to unsettle his concentration. He hoped she felt at ease, hoped she was settling in and making herself comfortable. A slow grin spread across his face at the thought. Most people would offer the invitation to “make yourself at home,” but rarely did anyone truly embrace it. Jack genuinely wanted Randi to feel that she belonged.
“Jack?” A voice pulled him from his reverie. He turned to see Sam standing in the doorway. Jack grinned in response.
“Hey, Sam.”
Sam stepped into the office, his bootheels clicking on the worn hardwood floor, and settled into the old wooden chair opposite Jack, his hands clasped comfortably over his stomach.
“So, how’s it going for you? Do you miss the Marshals?” Sam asked, his tone casual, yet curious.
“Not at all,” Jack replied with a chuckle. “It’s a little busier around here than I expected.”
“It gets a little slower once the tourists leave,” Sam assured him, nodding.
“Yeah, I’m sure, but that’s fine with me. It’s nice to go home every night.”
“You got that right. How’s Randi?” Sam inquired, leaning back slightly in his chair.
“She’s scared. I took her to my house,” Jack admitted.
Sam raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise mingling with curiosity. “Is that right?”
“I didn’t like the idea of her being alone in her apartment when that man could be lurking anywhere,” Jack remarked.
“That’s a good idea. I’d like to know who he is and why he’s bothering her,” Sam said, his voice laced with equal concern.
“The strange thing is, he actually knew her name. How could that be?” Jack’s voice dropped to an almost whisper.
Sam shook his head, his eyes filled with uncertainty. “I honestly haven’t the faintest clue.”
Jack frowned, “I wish I had a photo of him. I’d swing by the motel to see if that’s where he’s staying, but since he gave me a fake name, pinpointing his location is like searching for a ghost.”
Sam’s tone turned speculative. “He knows you’re on to him, though. If he suspects that you’ve figured out his ruse, he might just vanish.”
Jack exhaled heavily, “I’m convinced he’s up to something, and until he lays all his cards on the table, we’re in the dark. I called every one of the Bridges in Massachusetts, and not one of them recognized his name.”
“Maybe you should go by the motel and inquire whether someone matching his description is staying there.”
Jack nodded, “I think I will. It’s driving me nuts, and I know Randi is terrified.”
“Be sure to check on her, there’s always a chance he might have followed you.”
“I know,” he admitted, his voice tinged with worry. “I didn’t see anyone tailing me, but that doesn’t mean anything. With the rain being so heavy, I doubt he’d be out.”
“Head out early, Jack. The longer she’s left alone, the more fearful she’ll become.”
“How early are we talking?” he asked.
“Around five,” Sam replied as he stood and walked over to the doorway. “I doubt we have anything pressing, and I’ll stick around.”
“You’re staying past three?” Jack teased, his tone light despite the gravity of the situation.
“Don’t be a smartass. This isn’t the first time, and it certainly won’t be the last. I’d love to be home with my family, since Tessa closed the animal hospital due to the weather, but right now, Randi needs you. If the rain gets any worse, she won’t have to worry; no one will be out braving it.”
“Alright. I’ll call her and let her know. Thanks, Sam.”
“Sure. You’ll owe me later,” Sam said with a knowing grin before he walked out.
“I had a feeling there would be a catch.”
Jack couldn’t help but grin as he heard Sam’s chuckle. He then picked up his phone and dialed Randi. The call rang several times until she finally answered.
“Hey, Jack.”
“What were you up to?” he asked.
“I was just getting a glass of water. My phone was sitting in the living room,” she explained.
“Make sure you keep it with you at all times,” Jack snapped, sounding sterner than he intended.
“Don’t yell at me, Jack,” Randi protested softly.
Jack sighed, his tone softening. “I’m sorry, but you really need to keep it close, please.”
“You’re right, I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. I shouldn’t have snapped at you. So, Sam said I could leave early today, meaning I’ll be out by around five. I’m planning to swing by the motel and see if anyone there knows anything about that man.”
“But he gave you a fake name,” she reminded him.
“I can only go off his description for now,” Jack replied.
“Alright then. Are you still picking up dinner, or should I fix something?”
“I’ll grab some burgers.”
“Okay.”
Jack’s tone shifted back to business. “I need to get back to work. I’ll see you later.”
“Is it alright if I take a hot bath?” Randi asked.
“I wouldn’t expect you to take a cold one,” Jack joked, grinning, though when she didn’t immediately respond he cleared his throat. “Sorry, couldn’t resist.”
Randi laughed. “You’re such a smartass, Jack Lawrence, but yes, a hot bath would relax me. My shoulders feel so tense.”
“I told you to make yourself at home, so do whatever you want. I could even massage your shoulders when I get home,” he offered playfully.
“I might just let you,” Randi replied teasingly.
Jack chuckled. “Or perhaps you could massage mine.”
“We’ll discuss that when you get home. I’m off to the tub,” she said, the finality in her tone clear.
“Alright, sweetheart. I’ll see you later. Keep your phone with you. I’ll send a text when I’m leaving the diner,” Jack promised.
“Okay,” she said before hanging up.
Jack set his phone on the desk and returned to his work. An hour later, he pushed back his chair, stood up, and stretched his arms high above his head. Perhaps he really did need a good massage. He left his office heading over to Sam’s.
“Sam?” Jack called as he approached the doorway.
“Yeah?” came the reply from inside.
“I’m going to run by the motel. That all right with you?” he asked.
Sam glanced at the clock on the wall and nodded. “Sure.”
“I’ll be back soon,” Jack assured him.
After a brief nod from Sam, Jack walked back toward his office, removed his hat from the rack, pulled it on, and left the room. He chose the stairs over the elevator.
When he stepped out into the chilly air, a gust of wind nearly took his breath away. But then he grinned as he spotted Nevada hustling up the steps.
“Hi, Nevada,” he called out.
“Hey, Jack. Damn, it’s nasty out here,” Nevada replied.
“Yeah, it sure is. Hey, is Courtney Bennett your wife?” Jack inquired.
“She is. Do you know her?” Nevada asked, a hint of warmth emerging in the conversation.
“I’ve known her a long time. You’ve got a good woman there.” Jack grinned broadly.
“Oh, I know that. I’m just heading inside now. But where are you off to?”
“To the motel,” Jack explained, telling him about Randi.
“Damn. Want some company?” Nevada offered, concern thick in his voice.
“No, thanks. You’re soaking wet. Go dry off,” Jack replied.
“I’ve been out in this for over two hours. There was a wreck earlier. Logan and I took care of it. He headed off to lunch.”
“I’m sure there’ll be plenty more on our hands before the day’s out.”
“True. I need to get back to my office to write up a report. Be careful, Jack.”
“I will. You too. Talk soon, Nevada.”
With a nod, Nevada entered the building. Jack paused for a moment, watching as the rain swirled and condensed before him. Jack was never a fan of thunderstorms, especially when he had to be out in it.
He strode purposefully down the steps, climbed into his SUV, started the engine, and drove off from the parking lot. Cruising along Main Street, Jack noted that the sidewalks were deserted; who could blame people for seeking refuge indoors on such a miserable day?
Once he reached the Dalton Motel, he pulled up close to the door, parked, stepped out, and walked into the lobby.
“Hello, is there something I can help you with, Deputy?” A woman behind the reception counter regarded him with courtesy.
Jack nodded. “Yes, ma’am,” he began describing the man he was looking for as he detailed every nuance of his appearance.
“I think I know who you mean. He’s very quiet,” she murmured, briefly shaking her head in slight disbelief. “Does that make sense?”
“Yes, ma’am. I understand. So, you believe he’s still here?” he asked.
“I haven’t seen him, but anyone could have checked him out,” she said.
“Do you happen to know what he’s driving or his real name?” Jack inquired, hope threading through his voice.
“Give me just a minute to look through the computer; I believe I was the one who checked him in,” she replied, tapping at the keyboard.
“I’d appreciate that,” Jack said, glancing around the lobby.
After a short pause, the woman turned the monitor so that Jack could see a crisp image of a driver’s license. “I’m pretty sure this is who you’re looking for.”
Jack leaned in, scrutinizing the photo. “That’s him. Could you print this out for me, please?”
“Sure. Just a moment.”
After the printer whirred to life and spat out a neatly printed page, the woman collected it and handed it over with a polite smile. Jack took the paper and studied the image of the man who had been terrorizing Randi.
“Yeah, that’s definitely him. Do you know what he’s driving?” Jack asked.
She checked the computer again and relayed the make, model, and license plate of the man’s car.
“Thank you. I really appreciate your help,” Jack said.
“Anytime,” the woman replied, her smile warm.
Jack stepped out of the lobby, walked toward his SUV, and placed the printed photo on the passenger seat. He then retrieved his phone, snapped a clear picture of the document, and sent it to Randi along with an urgent text message.
I’m pretty sure this is him, but I’d like you to verify.
Her reply came almost instantly: Yes! Where did you find him?
He’s staying at the Dalton Motel. As you can see, his name isn’t Kent Bridges. According to his driver’s license, his name is Colin Phillips, and he’s from Colorado.
Randi’s response was quick: I still don’t know who he is.
I’m going to find out. I have the make of his car and the license plate number, so I’m heading back to the office. I’ll see you later.
Be careful.
Always.
Jack drove back to the sheriff’s office, parked, and stepped inside the familiar building. He walked to the elevator, pressed the button, and waited; his eyes fixed on the photo of the mysterious man.
“Hey, Jack,” came a familiar voice.
Jack turned to see Logan Townson approaching, extending his hand for a firm shake.
“Logan, damn, it’s good to see you. I kept missing you in the office,” Jack said.
Logan grinned. “Some days, I barely see my own desk.”
“I was surprised to hear you were back here, working as a deputy.”
Logan’s smile faded slightly as he replied, “I came back for my dad. I promised him I would return,” his voice heavy with sorrow.
“I was really sorry to hear about your dad. Clint was a good man.”
“Yeah, he really was.”
“So, I hear you’re back with Dixie now?”
Logan laughed. “Yes, and it wasn’t easy. Damn, that woman has a temper.”
Jack chuckled softly. “Most do. We learn quickly not to piss them off, yet somehow, we still manage to do it.”
“And sometimes, we don’t even know why,” Logan said, shaking his head.
Jack laughed. “Yep!” As both men stepped into the elevator, the conversation continued.
“What do you have there, Jack?” Logan asked, curiosity in his eyes.
“This man has been stalking and frightening Randi,” Jack explained.
“Randi?” Logan’s eyebrows rose in surprise.
“Randi Guthrie. She’s the owner of Randi’s Scented Haven; a new shop.”
“And you’ve already taken her out, haven’t you?” Logan teased.
“Maybe.” Jack smirked.
“No maybes about it, Lawrence. Good for you. You deserve a good woman in your life. There’s nothing better,” Logan said, his tone both sincere and teasing. “Even though Dixie can scare the hell out of me, I’m absolutely crazy about her.”
Jack laughed. “I’d love to see her.”
“She works at Dewey’s.”
“I’ve been there, but haven’t seen her. I’ll have to swing by again.”
“I’m sure she’d be happy to see you,” Logan replied, shaking his head. “I actually had to arrest her one night.”
“Are you nuts?” Jack asked in disbelief.
Logan chuckled. “I didn’t have much of a choice. She hit a guy with a drink tray. He put his hands on her, and well, he got what was coming.”
Jack laughed. “Sounds just like Dixie.”
“Yeah, she hasn’t changed a bit.” The elevator doors slid open with a soft ding, and the men stepped out onto their floor, the polished tiles reflecting the fluorescent lights above. They made their way down the hallway, the faint hum of office chatter growing louder. Upon entering the office, they parted ways. Jack settled into the familiar creak of his chair behind the desk, laying the paper down before tapping the keys on his keyboard to enter the information into the computer.
“Did you find out anything?” Sam asked, his silhouette framed by the doorway as he leaned casually against the frame.
“Yeah,” Jack replied, handing the paper over to Sam, the edges crinkling slightly in his grip.
“I think we need copies of this so we can all keep an eye out for him,” Sam suggested, scanning the document thoughtfully. “We don’t have a reason to bring him in yet, or pull him over, Jack.”
Jack exhaled deeply, a weary sigh escaping his lips. “I know.” He leaned back, the chair groaning in protest. “I want to talk to him, Sam.”
“I’m sure you do, but he hasn’t really done anything other than talk to Randi,” Sam pointed out, his tone measured.
“And scare her.”
“We can’t bring him in for scaring her. You know that, Jack.”
“I do, Sam. I’m just frustrated,” Jack admitted, rubbing a hand across his jawline.
“I get it. I’ve been there. And since he’s only been in her shop once and across the street, we can’t arrest him or even talk to him about stalking. If she sees him watching her shop again or goes into it, we could talk to him, but not before.”
“I know.” Jack nodded. “I’m going to see what I can find out about him.”
“I’ll make copies and hand them out,” Sam said.
“Sure, I appreciate it, Sam.” Jack turned his attention back to the glow of the computer screen, the keys clicking softly under his fingers.
****
Randi sank into the warm embrace of the tub, leaning her head back against the cool porcelain edge and closing her eyes. The tension coiled within her was intense, all because of that man... Colin Phillips. Who on earth was he, and why was he fixated on her? What had she possibly done to provoke such scrutiny? She had no connections to anyone in Colorado, a state she hadn’t even set foot in.
After soaking for twenty minutes, Randi decided to leave the soothing waters. She washed thoroughly, then stood, reaching for a plush towel hanging nearby to dry off. Her movements were abrupt and sharp, betraying the fear and anxiety still gripping her. She was very scared.
Randi made her way to the bedroom, where she found her cozy sweatpants and a soft T-shirt, pulling them on. She then slipped into a pair of thick, comforting socks before heading back to the living room. Sinking into the embrace of the recliner, she switched on the TV, its glow casting a gentle light across the room.
Her eyes flicked to the clock, noting that it would be another hour before Jack finished work. Since he needed to pick up burgers, it would be close to five-thirty or a little later before he arrived. Her heart ached with anticipation to see him, but as her gaze wandered to the window, her jaw dropped at the sight of the heavy rain soaking the landscape.
“Please be safe, Jack,” she whispered into the quiet room, her voice barely audible over the hum of the TV.
A little while later, a faint noise caught her attention, causing her to wonder if Jack had forgotten to text her upon leaving the diner, but it wasn’t time for him to be home yet. Rising from the recliner, she moved toward the kitchen, ready to greet him at the door, yet he didn’t come inside.
The noise echoed again, louder this time, and her heart raced with fear that Colin Phillips had tracked her down. But could he really be braving this weather? Surely, no one in their right mind would venture out in such a storm unless absolutely necessary.
She slowly walked toward the door; her footsteps quiet beneath her feet on the hardwood floor.
As she peered out through the frosted glass, all she could see was a vast expanse of rain coming down so heavily that she could hardly make out anything outside. Her eyes drifted down to the porch. Just then, a flash of movement caught her attention; a cat leaped gracefully onto the stack of logs neatly piled on the porch. She sighed with relief and shook her head with a smile. She watched as the cat darted off the porch and disappeared into the barn, its tail flicking like a shadow. She made a mental note to ask Jack about the feline visitor when he got home. Turning away from the door, she retraced her steps back to the cozy warmth of the living room. Settling into the plush embrace of the recliner, she let the soft fabric envelop her as she turned her attention to the flickering images on the television, watching the news and waiting patiently for Jack’s return.
When her phone buzzed, she picked it up to see a text from Jack telling her he was leaving the diner, but it could be a while before he got home because he’d have to drive slow in this weather. She messaged back to be careful.
After setting her phone down, she stood and nervously paced the living room. She didn’t care how long it took him to get home, she just wanted him to be safe. She knew that he was used to driving in this type of weather, but it was the other drivers he had to watch out for. People don’t realize how easy it was to hydroplane and lose control of a vehicle.
Forty-five minutes later, she heard the garage door open, and she jumped up and ran toward the kitchen. She heard his truck door close, then his footsteps as he entered the mudroom. She watched him press the button for the garage door to close and set the bag from the diner on the dryer. He removed his hat, then hung it on the peg. He then sat on the bench and toed off his boots.
“Hi,” she said softly.
When he looked at her and grinned, her heart went into overdrive. He pushed to his feet, strode toward her, and stopped in front of her. He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her lips.
“Hi, sweetheart. I’m sorry it took so long to get home. The roads are bad.”
“I was worried about you.”
“No need. I know how to drive in this stuff.” He kissed her again.
“Do you have a cat?” she asked when he lifted his lips. She watched as his eyebrows rose.
“I’m sorry… what?”
“A cat. Do you have one?”
“There are three barn cats. Why?”
“One was on the porch earlier. I heard a noise and got up to investigate. I thought Phillips had found me.”
“Darlin’, even if he had, there’s no way he’d be out in this.”
“But if he was hellbent on finding me, the weather wouldn’t matter.”
“True, but trust me, with the rain not letting up, it’s too bad to be out.”
“Yeah, you’re right.”
“I’m sorry… did you say I was right?”
“You can be such a smartass, Jack.
“He’s not going to show up here.”
“I know. I’d just like to know what he wants.”
“You and me both.” He quickly kissed her lips. “We’ll probably have to heat up those burgers.”
“I’m hungry.”
“I’m hungry for you,” he whispered against her lips, then took them in a deep, passionate kiss. As they kissed, she could feel the warmth of his tongue exploring her mouth. Her hands wandered over his broad shoulders and down his back, feeling the muscles tense beneath her fingertips.
“The burgers can be heated up anytime,” she said, making him grin.
Jack placed his face in the crook of her neck and inhaled deeply. “You smell so good.” His lips brushed against her skin, trailing kisses from her collarbone up to her ear.
“I was hoping you’d light a fire in your bedroom to take the chill of the rain off.”
“Oh, I can light a fire, but it won’t be in the fireplace.” He moved his lips up her neck to her earlobe, taking it between his teeth and nibbling gently. He grinned when she shivered.
“I like it when you make a fire.” She unbuttoned his khaki shirt and pulled it out of his jeans. Her fingers trailed across his chest, feeling the hair that tickled her palm before teasing at one of his nipples.
“I want you so much, Miranda,” he whispered in her ear.
She slid her arms around his neck and pressed her body against him. His hands moved down her sides to around her back, gripping firmly before travelling lower to cup her ass. He lifted her effortlessly and she wrapped her legs around his waist as he pressed his lips to hers in a deep kiss.
As Jack strode down the hallway, Randi nipped at his earlobe with her teeth, moving her lips down his neck, and sucked enough to leave a mark.
He entered the bedroom, carrying her to the bed, placing her on it. She eagerly undressed as he stripped off his clothes. Lying there naked, she gazed up at him, watching as his eyes roamed over her body. He removed a condom from his wallet, rolled it onto his hard cock, then lay down beside her. They shared a searing kiss before he started tracing his fingers along the curve of her breast, circling around her nipple.
He leaned down, put his mouth over her nipple, then trailed down her stomach, letting his tongue dip into her navel before continuing lower. As he positioned himself between her legs, Randi felt a shiver of anticipation run through her. He began teasing the sensitive skin of her inner thighs with his teeth and tongue, making her gasp. Finally, he let his lips touch the heat of her core, tasting and exploring. She could feel the sensations building within her as he sucked on her clitoris.
She couldn’t hold back any longer and cried out in pleasure as waves of ecstasy crashed over her. Her body trembled beneath him as Jack kissed his way back up to meet her lips once more.
As their breath mingled together in a passionate kiss, she reached for him, gripping his thick cock firmly in one hand and guiding him to where she craved his touch the most.
Feeling the tip of him pressing against her made Randi’s heart race. Her eyes met Jack’s as he slowly pushed inside of her, relishing every inch that brought them closer together. The moment he was fully sheathed within her warmth, they both let out sighs of contentment.
Jack began to move gently at first, their bodies moving together in sync; each thrust drawing out soft moans from both. Randi’s hands roamed to his back, her nails digging into his flesh as the pace increased.
Their sex intensified as Jack’s hips sped up, driving deeper and harder into her. Randi could feel another orgasm building within her as they moved together.
As their bodies collided one final time, Randi cried out as Jack groaned deep in his chest. They clung to each other tightly as the waves of pleasure washed over them, leaving them spent and breathless.
Jack collapsed onto the bed beside Randi, their bodies slick with sweat. After a few minutes, Randi leaned over, kissed his lips, then got up and walked toward the bathroom.
“I’ll be right back,” she said, then entered the bathroom. When she re-entered the bedroom, Jack was just getting back into bed. She assumed he had used the other bathroom. She crawled in beside him and sighed when he wrapped his arms around her.
“You should put the burgers in the fridge,” she murmured.
“I did. Let’s get some sleep, darlin’.”
They shared one final tender kiss before pulling the covers over themselves and drifting off to sleep in each other’s arms.