Chapter 13
Going back to work was just as hard as Jules feared it would be. By ten o'clock, her entire body ached, and it felt like her skull might burst from the pressure building behind her eyes. Thankfully, LouAnna had known Jules wouldn’t be ready to assist in surgery. Instead, she assigned Jules to the front office, where she worked on scheduling procedures and updating electronic medical records. It wasn’t glamorous, but Jules was relieved to have a desk job for the day.
Even though she was doing much better without her crutches, walking was still a struggle. Nikki had been helping around the house ever since the accident—running errands and making sure Jules didn’t overdo it. Brock made a point of sticking to her like glue. He’d followed her to the clinic this morning, and she had no doubt that he was holed up in his car and doing surveillance on the building.
Ever since their blowup last week over the video call with Adrian, things had been tense between them. He was polite but detached, treating her with a cool respect that frustrated the heck out of her. Then again, how else was he supposed to act? She’d made it crystal clear that the two of them weren’t getting back together. Jules kept reminding herself that she should be glad Brock had finally gotten the message and was keeping her at a distance.
Strangely, she wasn’t.
Her conflicting feelings weren’t making any sense. She was worse than a ping pong ball, ricocheting in every direction.
The PI still hadn’t been able to locate Steve Randall. It was as if he’d vanished from the face of the earth. Luke questioned Steve’s boss and coworkers. What he learned was disturbing. Steve had a short temper. He’d been given several warnings and was on the verge of losing his job when he got into a heated argument with his boss and stormed out of his workplace. When Luke questioned Steve’s son, the man admitted that his father had a history of violence. He’d hit Lisa once and had beaten his son on several occasions after having too much to drink. Luke got the impression that the son was relieved that his father hadn’t tried to contact him. Luke interviewed Steve’s daughter, who told a similar story.
The only bit of useful information Luke gleaned was that Steve loved to fish at Eagle Mountain Lake. It was a slim lead, but it was all they had to go on. Luke was methodically combing the area and checking out all of the cabins. Nikki had volunteered to go with him a couple of times, saying that two sleuths were better than one. Her cousin was so transparent. She was setting her sights on Luke. Nikki always got what she wanted when it came to men. The poor guy didn’t stand a chance.
The PI’s report on Dean Powell was interesting but not a total surprise. More than anything, it was a repeat of what was happening to her. A little less than a year ago, Dean developed a fascination with a woman to whom he’d sold a home. They dated briefly, but then she broke up with him because he was growing way too possessive. At which point, Dean began stalking her—showing up everywhere she was and even brought her roses several times. The woman confronted Dean, but he denied that he was stalking her and begged her to get back together with him. When she refused, he threw a tantrum that rattled her enough to call the police and get a restraining order. After that, Dean backed off, but the woman, Sabrina, said that she’d spotted him a month ago outside of her place of work and feared that he might be following her again.
Dean was creepy, but was he dangerous? Jules’s gut instinct told her that he wasn’t, but Brock might argue differently. As Sutton Smith pointed out in the video call, they had to take every possible threat seriously. Especially since Jules had never seen Steve Randall’s face in her nightmare—only a man coming towards her with a gun. However, she was sure it was him.
When lunchtime rolled around, Jules ordered takeout. After her food arrived, she limped into the staff break-room and sat down at a table with Mindy. She opened the plastic container of southwest chicken salad with creamy chipotle dressing.
“I’m so glad you’re back,” Mindy began. “It hasn’t been the same without you.”
“Thank you. It’s good to be back.”
Mindy gave her a once-over. “How’re you feeling?”
Jules shrugged. “Pretty good, considering. The recovery’s slow-going, but at least I’m well enough to be here.”
“What have you been up to?” Mindy took a large bite of her club sandwich and spoke with her mouth full. “Aside from recovering.”
Spearing a piece of lettuce covered in dressing, Jules placed it into her mouth and chewed appreciatively as she composed her thoughts. “Well, my cousin Nikki has been staying with me.” Along with Brock and Luke. She wasn’t about to mention that. It was a topic better left untouched.
“That’s good,” Mindy said warmly. “I’m glad you’ve got your cousin to keep you company.”
“Yeah, Nikki keeps me busy. In fact, she’s throwing a birthday party for me this Friday.”
Mindy’s eyes lit up. “Really? A birthday party?”
Jules nodded. “I was hoping you’d come.”
“Of course,” Mindy said immediately. “I’d love to. When’s your birthday?”
“It was while I was in the hospital.”
Mindy’s face fell. “Oh, I’m sorry. That stinks.”
Jules waved a hand. “It’s okay, I’m good. It’ll be nice to have a party and celebrate. I’m thinking about inviting the whole staff.”
“That sounds great. I’ll spread the word.”
“That would be great. Thank you.”
“Of course.” Mindy picked up a potato chip and began munching on it. “So, what else have you been up to?”
Jules thought for a moment. “Nikki signed the two of us up for a cooking class.” And, of course, Brock and Luke are planning to tag along. That should be interesting—two former Navy SEAL tough guys in a cooking class.
“A cooking class? What kind?”
“Mediterranean.”
“Ooh, that sounds fun.” She gave Jules a juicy grin. “What’re you going to learn how to make? Maybe hummus or Greek salad?”
Jules chuckled. “Probably. I’m not sure yet. The first class is this coming Wednesday.”
Mindy frowned. “You don’t sound excited.”
“I’m not,” Jules admitted with a groan. “It’s just … I don’t know. I’m not in the mood for socializing.” She looked down and stirred her fork around the lettuce and veggies.
“Oh, come on, it’ll be fun. I adore Mediterranean food. Don’t you?”
“Yeah,” Jules said automatically. “I do. It’s just that I’ve got so much on me right now with trying to recover.”
“I totally understand,” Mindy soothed. “Just remember that the cooking class is for fun. It’s not like you’re being graded on it.”
Jules tipped her head. “That’s true.” It was time for her to do a little digging. She lowered her voice and leaned forward. “So … are you still getting that feeling? That you’re being followed?”
A shadow flitted across Mindy’s face, but before she could respond, Jules noticed movement a few tables away. Dr. Asher Winslow was sitting nearby. He glanced up from his sandwich with a curious smile.
Did she have salad dressing on her face? She used her napkin to dab the corners of her mouth just in case.
“Sorry, I couldn’t help but overhear. Did you say you’re taking a Mediterranean cooking class?”
“Yeah,” Jules replied cautiously. “My cousin Nikki signed me up. Said I needed to do something fun for a change. You know, considering all that I’ve been through with the accident.”
He regarded her with sympathy. “I’m sorry for all of your troubles.”
“Thanks.” She was surprised by the emotion that surged through her. It was nice to know that her coworkers cared about her situation.
“It’s good to have you back.”
“Thanks. Honestly, I have no idea what I’m getting myself into with the cooking class,” she chuckled. Good grief, why was she trying to explain herself?
She’d always liked Asher with his windswept, boy-next-door vibe, dark-blond hair, and easy manner. He was kind to the staff and refreshingly humble for a surgeon. Still, she found his sudden interest in her extracurricular activities unexpected.
“Where’s the class being held?” he asked.
Jules searched her brain. “I think it’s on Main Street.”
“Really? That’s interesting.”
“Why?”
“I signed up for that same class.”
Her jaw went slack. “Wait, really? You cook?”
He laughed. “Nope, can’t even boil water. That’s why I’m going. I’ve about had it with takeout. My refrigerator’s a museum for stale Chinese food, so I figured it was time to learn something new before I starve.” He gave her a wry grin.
“Oh. Well, I guess I’ll see you there.” Brock would see this as an opportunity to get to know Asher and question him about Steve Randall.
“See you there.” Wrapping up the remains of his sandwich and taking the last swig of his water, Asher stood and gave a friendly nod. “Have a good one, ladies.”
“Wait,” Mindy called.
He stopped and turned back around.
She threw Jules a large grin before announcing. “Jules is having a birthday party this Friday night. She’d love for you to come.”
He looked surprised. “Really?”
“Sure,” Jules answered casually. “I’m inviting all of the staff members.”
“In that case, I’d love to come. What time?”
“Seven p.m. at Jules’s house,” Mindy answered and then looked at Jules. “What’s your address?”
Jules rattled it off.
Asher repeated it as if committing it to memory. “Okay, thanks.” He offered Jules a parting smile. “I’ll see you Wednesday and Friday. Twice in one week.”
“Yep. Looks that way.”
As soon as he left the room, Mindy leaned in with a gleam in her eye. “He’s a hottie. I detected some interest there. I think he likes you.”
Jules pulled a face. “I didn’t get that impression at all. He was just being polite.”
“You’re so clueless,” Mindy laughed. “He’s into you. It was written all over his face.”
“Mindy, he’s a doctor. We work with him.”
“Doesn’t make him any less cute.”
“He’s engaged, remember?”
She grinned from ear to ear. “Not anymore.”
“Really? He seemed so crazy about his fiancée. Remember how Dr. Caldwell was droning on at the Christmas party about how Dr. Winslow’s fiancée was from some high falutin’ family? And how beautiful she was?”
“Oh, yeah,” she chuckled, “that was after he had a few too many drinks. Anyway, Charlotte overheard Dr. Winslow telling Dr. Caldwell that he and his fiancée had called it quits.” Her light eyes danced. “That means he’s available,” she chimed. “Come on, you know he’s easy on the eyes.”
Jules shrugged. “A little, I guess. But don’t you think he’s kind of old?”
Her voice shot up in disbelief. “Old? He’s only in his early forties. He’s like a fine wine that only gets better with age. You know he’s handsome. Come on, admit it.”
“He’s somewhat handsome, I guess.”
Mindy rolled her eyes.
“I can’t help it if I’ve been a little … preoccupied. You know, with trying to walk.”
Color filled Mindy’s fair complexion. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to be insensitive.”
“No worries,” she said easily. The accident had no bearing on why she wasn’t impressed with Dr. Winslow’s looks. Sure, she’d noticed that he was uncommonly handsome, but she wasn’t remotely interested in him romantically. The problem was that she only had eyes for Brock. Of course, she wasn’t about to mention that. Or the fact that even though he and Luke were supposedly living across the street, they spent the bulk of their time at her house. She certainly didn’t want to think about how the mere thought of going home and having Brock there—even with his frosty disposition—filled her with anticipation. No, that was a can of worms better left unopened.
Mindy smirked. “Yeah, well, apparently, the rest of the female staff isn’t too preoccupied to notice Asher. He’s turned more than a few heads. You might be the last one immune.”
“I’m not interested in Dr. Winslow,” Jules said firmly.
“Yet …” Mindy teased with a wicked giggle.
“No yet about it. End of story,” she snipped. “If you’re so taken with him, then why don’t you go out with him?”
“I would if it weren’t for Joe.”
Joe was Mindy’s on-again and off-again boyfriend. She complained about him being a Neanderthal with his shaggy hair and baseball cap that he wore backward, but Jules could tell that Mindy was crazy about him.
Mindy sat back, looking thoughtful. “Who knows? Maybe you’ll change your mind about Dr. Winslow after spending time with him in your cooking class.”
“Don’t hold your breath,” she muttered. Now that Dr. Winslow had left the break-room, the two of them were alone. Jules needed to take advantage of this time to get some information. She leaned in. “Any word about Steve Randall?”
Mindy sobered instantly. “Not directly, but strange things have been happening.” She glanced around the room before lowering her voice. “Several nights ago, LouAnna left the clinic after a shift and found her tires slashed.”
Jules’s stomach tightened. “Seriously?”
“That’s not all. The other day, I put my dog Rocket in the backyard to do his business, and he got out of the fence, which has never happened before. I searched everywhere. Finally, hours later, he came trotting down the road, pretty as you please.”
“O—kay,” Jules said slowly, “What does that have to do with Steve Randall?” She had to remember that Mindy was paranoid.
Mindy’s face tightened. “There was a note tucked under Rocket’s collar.”
Jules felt her pulse spike. “What kind of note?”
Mindy’s expression grew troubled. “It said, ‘You weren’t there for her. Now you’re gonna pay.’”
The breath whooshed from Jules’s lungs. “Do you think it was from Steve Randall?”
“Who else could it be from?”
“This is getting scary.” Jules pressed her lips together as she processed the information. “Did you call the police?”
“I did. They came, took a report, and even talked to the neighbors. Nobody saw a thing.”
Jules sat back, her mind spinning.
“There’s more.” She talked faster. “Dr. Caldwell told LouAnna that he’s been getting random calls where someone keeps hanging up. Dr. Caldwell said his wife is spooked.”
“With good reason,” Jules asserted.
Mindy nodded in agreement. “And then there’s your accident.”
She went stone still, a chill spilling through her chest.
Fear loomed large in Mindy’s eyes. “Do you think Steve Randall is the one who hit you?”
An image of her nightmare returned. She saw the man walking towards her, holding a gun. Then she remembered the awful feeling of helplessness as he came closer step after step. Her hand went up to clutch her neck. “Yes, I do.”
She was suddenly anxious to make an excuse so she could go outside to her car and tell Brock everything that she’d just learned.
Maybe she’d better text him first, give him a heads-up, and allow him time to think about it a little before she tried to talk to him.