Chapter Five
Gracie parked her car in the visitor parking space at the apartment complex and slammed her car door. She was getting bloody tired of having to go to the manager’s office every other week because some yahoo kept taking her assigned spot. Was it asking too much to have one lousy thing go right for a change? She was a decent tenant, paid her rent on time and in full every month. Didn’t play her music too loud. And it seemed like every time she came home from work, somebody had the gall to take her space.
Was she overreacting? Sure. But after her conversation with Rafe, she’d been on edge. Antsy. The urge to grab her go-bag and run almost won. The feeling of security, of finally having found a place she could call home without the shadow of Jeremy Brewster hanging over her had come crashing down around her with one simple phone call.
Joaquim Alvarez was a Texas Ranger, one of the good guys and someone she considered a friend. Older than her by a good ten years, he’d become like the older brother she never had. With his non-nonsense attitude and rigid demeanor, at first, he’d scared her. Having a cop, especially a Texas Ranger, interrogate her? The thought had scared her spit-less. Yet the first time he’d smiled at her, it seemed like they’d made a connection. Nothing sexual or even romantic. No, he had instantly felt like family.
He’d helped her after the whole fiasco with Jeremy, stood by her side when she’d testified. He’d even helped her obtain the documents giving her a new identity. Heck, he’d been the one who’d pointed her in the direction of Shiloh Springs. At the time, it had seemed like a godsend. Now, with his phone call to Rafe, the bubble of her safety exploded like a water balloon, leaving her soaking wet and shivering.
Drawing in a deep breath, she slid her key into the lock on the front door and stepped inside. Then she went through the motions of what she did every single day. Walked the entire apartment, opening closet doors, and even checking inside the shower, pulling the curtain aside. No matter how much time had passed since Jeremy was incarcerated, it was a ritual, because she never felt safe until she was sure nobody was in her space.
I wonder if I’ll ever feel safe again?
Flopping down in her favorite chair, she kicked off her shoes and drew her knees up against her chest, closing her eyes. She needed to breathe, do her meditation, get herself centered and calm. But the thought of Jeremy getting out of prison had her wanting to sit in the corner, rocking and sucking her thumb like she used to do as a little kid.
She thought she’d finally managed to put her past behind her, turned around all the ugliness of what her life had been like. Choices she’d made that almost landed her in prison, just like Jeremy. The sole difference between them—she came from a middle-class background—was a second-generation Texan, and Jeremy Brewster came from one of the most prestigious families in San Antonio with loads of money and clout. And parents who didn’t mind using their influence to protect their baby boy.
Blind to everything but his good looks, his charisma, and his money, she’d fallen under his spell. Head over heels for the first time in her life. She’d been young and foolish and thought she was in love. And like a besotted fool, she blindly believed he’d felt the same.
No, she wasn’t going to lie to herself and call what they’d had love. Obsession was a more appropriate word for what he’d felt for her, along with a jealous streak a mile wide. She’d never understood exactly why Jeremy had been attracted to her. From what she’d seen and read about him, back before she’d realized he wasn’t the man she’d thought, he’d seemed perfect. Tall, blond hair and blue eyes, he’d been Prince Charming and, like a fool, she’d allowed herself to be swept off her feet.
“I was an idiot.” There, she’d said the words out loud, acknowledging their truth. She’d been such a fool. Didn’t matter that she’d just turned eighteen, fresh out of high school with stars in her eyes, about to begin her big adventure of attending college. She’d been the first person in her family to attend university, and her parents were so proud. The scholarships she’d received would pay for everything except food and books, and Gracie didn’t have a problem working part-time to cover those costs. She was used to picking up extra shifts at the fast food place she worked at during her senior year. It would be tough, because she’d have to manage it around classes and studying, but the end goal made it all worthwhile.
Until Jeremy Brewster walked into her life, literally sweeping her off her feet. She’d been carrying a tray loaded with food and soft drinks to a group of kids from her school, and had looked down to make sure she wasn’t spilling anything when she’d collided with a hard body, knocking her off her feet. Although she hadn’t hit the ground; she’d been rescued by the man who’d crashed into her.
It wasn’t until much later she realized it had been a set up. The whole thing had been arranged, a manufactured meeting because he needed her. Planned to use her from before they’d even spoken their first words.
A shiver raced across her spine, remembering the promise Jeremy made as they led him from the courtroom. The words rang in her ears over and over for months afterwards. She’d wake up in a cold sweat from nightmares, hearing his whispered promise.
“I can’t keep living like this,” she whispered, wrapping her arms tighter around her pulled-up knees.
Jumping at the loud knock on her door, her hand flew to her chest, and she drew in a shaky breath. Great, now she was freaking out at somebody showing up at her door. She knew it couldn’t be Jeremy. Chance had checked and he was still behind bars, at least for the moment.
Opening the door, she found Tessa, Camilla, and Jill standing outside. In her hands, Jill held a big pink box from her bakery, the name and logo emblazoned across the front. From their expressions, she realized Tessa and Camilla must’ve heard everything at the coffee shop earlier and had put their own spin on it. They’d likely decided she needed a babysitter or something. Awesome.
“Ladies, nice to see you again.”
Jill held out the box, practically shoving it into her hands, and shimmied past her into the apartment, the other two slipping past her as well. She wasn’t going to be able to get rid of them easily. And if she was honest, she could use the company, help her get her bearings. She was still shocked by the news about Jeremy. She’d stupidly thought moving away from San Antonio to Shiloh Springs, and starting over with a new name, a new identity, would be enough. He shouldn’t be getting parole, either, but apparently the universe felt differently. Stupid universe.
“Jill made an extra batch of donuts especially for you. Espresso maple bacon, your favorite.” Tessa grinned. “And before you ask, yes, we heard everything this morning and we want to help.” She gestured to the other ladies. “Not just us, either. When the other women find out you need help, they’ll all be on board too.”
The lump in Gracie’s throat kept her from speaking, and all she could do was nod. Her apartment wasn’t big, and the living room and kitchen opened onto each other. A small square table with four chairs sat against the far wall, and the women made a beeline for it. Camilla grabbed the napkin holder, a cute little red fox with big eyes and a fluffy tail, and pulled a handful of napkins free. Her mysterious grin assured Gracie she was in for some teasing about the funny fox. It didn’t help that her salt and pepper shakers were also red foxes, as was the trivet sitting on the kitchen counter.
“Foxes?”
Gracie shrugged and handed the bakery box to Tessa. “Why not? They’re cute and many cultures consider them good luck.”
And I can use all the good luck I can get.
“Well, I think they’re cute.” Jill picked up the salt shaker and studied the fox closely. “Do you only collect red ones?”
Gracie nodded. “I like the red ones. The color matched everything else in my kitchen, so I figured why not?”
“Ladies, ladies, less talking, more eating.” Camilla took the top off the box, and Gracie quickly counted a dozen of the beautifully glazed donuts with lovely chunks of bacon decorating the top. Snatching one of the napkins from Camilla’s hand, she picked up one and took a big bite, closing her eyes as she savored the salty, sweet sensations exploding on her taste buds.
Swallowing down the bite, she motioned for the women to sit, and then walked to the refrigerator.
“I can offer you diet soda,” she started to say, opening the refrigerator door before adding, “or diet soda. Or I can make coffee.”
“Diet soda’s fine with me,” Tessa replied. “Them, too,” she gestured to Camilla and Jill. “Any more caffeine and I’ll be bouncing off the walls.”
“You do know diet soda contains caffeine, right?” Camilla slapped Tessa’s hand when she reached for another donut to join the one already sitting atop her napkin. “That one’s mine.”
Jill simply smiled and took the can of soda Gracie held out. “Thanks. And ignore these two, they’re like this all the time. You’d think they were sisters.”
“We are,” they both answered in unison and then burst out laughing and did a high five.
Gracie finished passing out the sodas and took the last empty chair. They ate in silence for a few moments. She had two donuts, feeling stuffed by the time she finished. She knew what their game was—to get her full of sugar—and then pummel her with questions until she spilled all her secrets.
It felt kind of nice, having people who cared about her. It had been a long time since anybody but her parents cared. She’d lost what few friends she had when she’d been with Jeremy. He’d slowly but surely isolated her, kept her totally focused on him and his needs, until there wasn’t anybody in her life except him. She’d even distanced herself from her parents, the people who loved her, all for a man who’d used and manipulated her until she hadn’t recognized herself anymore.
“Now that we’ve stuffed ourselves with sugar and way more calories than I need, it’s time to talk.” Camilla patted her flat stomach, and Gracie felt a moment of guilt. She’d been trying to lose those last fifteen pounds she’d put on since moving to Shiloh Springs. All the stress she’d felt once she’d broken free of Jeremy’s control had her eating her feelings.
“I know you heard what Rafe said.” Two of the three heads nodded. “Joaquim Alvarez is a Texas Ranger, somebody I know from…before I moved to Shiloh Springs. He’s a friend. I—got into trouble. I was stupid. Young and na?ve, I fell hard for somebody I thought I knew. Turns out he wasn’t my knight in shining armor. He was the devil in an Armani suit.”
“He’s in prison? That’s what I gleaned from Rafe’s part of the conversation.” Tessa grabbed Gracie’s hand, squeezing it tight. “This Jeremy person, he was somebody you cared about?”
“I adored him. He was the first person other than my parents who made me feel special. Cherished. When you’re eighteen, you believe in the fairy tale of happily ever after, of a handsome prince coming into your life and changing your whole world. That’s what I thought I had until everything went sideways, and he turned into somebody I hated. Somebody who did horrible things. Hurt people. And because I loved him, I hurt people, too. Innocent people who didn’t deserve…” Her voice trailed off as she fought back tears.
“Um, I’ll admit, I’m nosy. Guess it’s part of being a writer, I can’t stand not knowing something. After we left your shop this morning, I did a bit of research on Jeremy Brewster. Guy’s a real piece of work, isn’t he?”
Gracie’s gave a soft chuckle at Camilla’s confession. “Yeah, you could say that.”
“And he got a fifteen-year sentence from what I read. How’s he even up for parole? It’s far too early in his sentence.”
“My guess?” Gracie shrugged. “Probably Mommy Dearest. The whole family has got more money than they could spend in three lifetimes, and she’s not opposed to paying his high-priced lawyers a wheelbarrow full of cash to get her baby boy out of prison. She blames me for everything anyway. I led her poor innocent son down the path of sin and debauchery, at least to hear her tell it.”
Tessa, Camilla, and Jill looked at her in stunned silence before they started laughing. The laughter grew until they were gasping for air. Gracie felt the corners of her lips curving upward and she fought to keep from joining in.
“You’re kidding, right?” Jill’s eyes shone bright in the overhead light. “You and debauchery in the same sentence? It’s like an oxymoron. You practically live like a nun. You rarely date, even though I’ve tried to fix you up with several guys. Mommy Dearest is obviously delusional.”
“Exactly. Total nutjob, and her son obviously didn’t fall far from the crazy tree.” Tessa tossed her hair over her shoulder. “Believe me, I know the type. My sister was married to somebody just like him. Funny, he’s in prison too.”
“Beth’s lucky. Her second time around, she picked a winner in Brody.” Gracie loved that Beth had bounced back from a horrible relationship with a man who’d treated her like dirt, had even kidnapped their child to extort a ransom demand from the Boudreaus, and had landed on her feet. She was happily married to Brody Boudreau and had recently given birth to their son.
“We’re getting off track, ladies.” Camilla winked at Gracie before pulling off a hunk of her donut and popping it into her mouth.
“You’re right.” Tessa’s gaze met Gracie’s. “Back to the reason we’re here. What can we do to help? I mean,” she paused and motioned to each of the ladies seated at her tiny kitchen table, “you’ve got all of us, plus the other ladies who couldn’t get over here right now, and all our fellas. Between the county sheriff, an FBI agent, the district attorney, a security expert, a private investigator, not to mention Douglas’ former military buddies, we’ve got enough expertise and manpower to keep this Jeremy Brewster out of your life, if that’s what you want.”
At Tessa’s words, Gracie burst into tears. It had been so long since she’d felt worthy, and cared about by people other than her parents. She’d had to leave everyone and everything behind when she’d fled San Antonio to get away from Jeremy and his family. Yet somehow she’d found a new family here in Shiloh Springs who supported her and cared about her. The warm feeling deep inside was almost more than she could bear.
“No, no, no tears allowed. Right now, it’s time to make plans on what we’re going to do to help keep this Jeremy Brewster as far from Shiloh Springs as we legally can.” Jill reached over and squeezed Gracie’s hand. “Lucas has already started digging, checking with some of his contacts in San Antonio. You know my man leaves no stone unturned when he’s onto a story. He’ll dig up all the dirt on how Jeremy Brewster managed to get up for parole early, and see who and what is maneuvering behind the scenes to get him out. Rafe lit a fire under him, told him it was for you, Gracie, and he immediately started making calls.”
Lucas Boudreau was an investigative reporter, engaged to Jill, and he’d won numerous prestigious awards for his articles. He had recently written an in-depth series of articles on human trafficking and illegal gambling which had resulted in numerous arrests. Gracie brushed away the tears off her cheeks and managed a watery smile. If there was anybody who could uncover the truth about how Jeremy was getting preferential treatment at Huntsville, it would be Lucas. He was like a wolf on the hunt when he caught a scent, and never gave up looking and digging until he got what he was searching for. And he didn’t mind getting his hands dirty when it was called for to solve a problem. He’d helped Jill’s brother, Dante, when he’d gotten in too deep with a gambling syndicate, going undercover and putting his own life at risk to shut it down.
“If anybody can find out what Jeremy’s up to, it’s Lucas.” Tessa wrapped her arm around Gracie’s shoulders and squeezed tight.
“Can’t breathe,” Gracie teased lightly, and Tessa loosened her stranglehold, but didn’t remove her arm from around Gracie’s shoulder.
“You just need to remember one thing, Gracie Medeiros,” Tessa leaned her head against Gracie’s, “you’re not alone. You’re a part of Shiloh Springs now, and a part of our sisterhood.” She gestured toward the other ladies seated at the table. “Whether you were born here or moved here later, Shiloh Springs has claimed you as one of our own, like it did for us. And we all stick together.”
Gracie drew in a deep breath, letting the words settle onto her like a mantle, absorbing them like they were water for a parched person. She’d felt so alone for a long time. Longer than she cared to admit. Though she’d had parents who loved her, she hadn’t really fit in with anybody in school. She wasn’t one of the popular girls running with the jocks. She hadn’t been one of the geeks who ran with the brainy crowd either. Which was probably why, when Jeremy targeted her, she’d been ready and willing to believe somebody wanted her. Needed her…loved her.
“Thank you. This,” she swept her hand to indicate all of them, “means more than I can tell you. I have my shop and my regular customers, but having y’all as my friends…” Her words trailed off at the lump in her throat.
“Aw, we love you too.” Camille and Jill walked over and they all squeezed her in a group hug. It took everything she had to keep from weeping again.
“Well, the donuts are gone and we need to be going too. I’ve got a looming deadline and this book isn’t going to write itself.”
“We can’t have that. I need my next book boyfriend fix.” Gracie smiled as the ladies gathered their things.
“Promise if anybody does anything that bothers you or tries to contact you, makes you think Brewster is coming after you, you’ll contact Rafe or one of the other brothers.” Tessa stood with her hands on her hips. “Promise.”
“I promise.” She really hoped it was a promise she’d never have to keep.
After a quick round of goodbyes at the door, she locked it after they left and plopped down on the sofa, feet curled beneath her. Their impromptu visit had temporarily taken her mind off all the things that happened in San Antonio and caused her to leave her home. She’d tried living in Houston first, but the huge sprawling city had never felt like the right fit. Too many people, too congested. While San Antonio wasn’t huge like Houston or Dallas, it still retained a small-town feel.
Finding Shiloh Springs had felt right from the moment she’d driven down Main Street. Based on her past experience, she’d planned on staying around for a few weeks, maybe a month or two at most, and then moving on. Yet the longer she stayed, the more Shiloh Springs felt like home…especially once she’d met the Boudreaus.
Unfortunately, now that there was the possibility Jeremy had found her, she’d have to leave again. Her shop, her friends, her home. All would have to be sacrificed because Jeremy would tear it all down and burn it to the ground to get to her.
Never again. She’d never let him hurt anybody she cared about. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she firmed her resolve. No, she wouldn’t leave. Wouldn’t run.
“It stops here. It stops now. Jeremy won’t win this time. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep my friends and my business. Anything.”