Die Before Nightfall
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“In this case it is.” He straightened, opened the refrigerator and grabbed a soda. “Want one?”
“No, thanks.”
“I’m sorry Abby disturbed your rest.”
“She didn’t. I was already awake.”
Shane studied Raven over the rim of the soda can. She looked tired. Dark smudges marred the skin beneath her eyes and her face seemed a shade too pale. The white cotton shift she wore half tucked into a pair of baggy jeans could only be a nightshirt. Obviously she’d tried to sleep. Had worry kept her awake? Nightmares?
That he was curious worried Shane. He had too much to do, too many responsibilities to take on any more. Not that Raven was asking anything from him. On the contrary, she seemed quite capable of taking care of herself and everyone around her.
Did anyone take care of her?
Raven shifted and edged toward the door, nervous, it seemed, in the face of Shane’s scrutiny. He set the soda can down, purposely turning away for a moment, giving her the space she seemed to want. “About what happened tonight…”
“You don’t have to explain. Even the best caregiver makes mistakes.”
“Yeah, well, I’m afraid this time the caregiver in question isn’t the best.”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself, Shane.”
He couldn’t help it, he laughed, turning to meet Raven’s gaze again. “Not me. Not this time, anyway. I hired a college student to stay nights with Abby. Sherri’s been reliable and responsible so far. And she says she’s a light sleeper and hears Abby when she starts to wander. I’m surprised she didn’t this time.”
Raven tensed at his words, something that looked like fear in her eyes. “Have you seen Sherri? Talked to her tonight?”
“Earlier. I was getting ready to check on them both when I heard you out front. Why?”
“Abby was hysterical when I found her. Sobbing. Covered with dirt. She said something about a woman being dead. Said it was her fault. It probably means nothing—”
“Stay here. I’ll check.”
It was nothing. It had to be. There was no way something had happened to Sherri. No way Abby could be responsible for it. Shane ran anyway, down the stairs, across the yard and into the house. The alarm hadn’t been set. Setting it was one of the responsibilities of the caregiver and the only way to be sure Abby didn’t walk outside at night. Sherri had never forgotten before, so why tonight?
“Sherri?” Shane’s heart pounded in his ears as he waited at the closed bedroom door. He knocked twice and swung the door open.
He wasn’t sure what he expected to see. He only knew he was relieved to find Sherri asleep on the foldout cot.
“You okay?” He nudged her shoulder, his tension easing as she groaned and sat up.
“What? What’s going on?”
“I was hoping you could tell me.” Shane flipped on the light. Saw her flushed cheeks, her bright, glassy eyes. “You feeling okay?”
“I’m all right. Just a scratchy throat.” She looked around. Her eyes widened and she leaped from the cot. “Abby. Where is she?”
“A neighbor found her wandering around outside.”
“That’s not possible. I would have heard the alarm.”
“You must have forgotten to turn it on.”
“No. I did turn it on.”
“Everyone makes mistakes sometimes, Sherri.”
“Yeah? Well, not me. Not when it’s this important. I turned on the alarm right after you left. My head was pounding and I wanted to lie down once Abby fell asleep, so I punched in the numbers before I even walked out of the foyer.”
Shane wouldn’t argue the point. There was no sense in it. “Maybe you did. But when I came in a minute ago the alarm wasn’t set.”
“I don’t understand.” She shook her head, winced and swayed.
Shane put out a hand to steady her, and was surprised at the heat of her skin. “You’re sick. You need to go home. Sit down. I’ll get Abby and give you a ride.”
“I don’t need a ride. Thanks for offering, though.”
“Humor me. Stay put until I get back.”
He ignored her sputtered protest and headed back outside.
Raven was waiting at the office door, anxiety clear in the fine lines around her mouth and eyes. “Is she all right?”
“She’s sick. A fever, headache, sore throat.”
“Sounds like strep throat.”
“Yeah?”
“That or a viral infection.”
“Sounds like you know something about it.”
“I’m a home health-care nurse. Or I was. I’ve taken a leave of absence.”
A nurse? Shane didn’t know why he was surprised. Thus far, Raven’s reaction to Abby had been relaxed, friendly, concerned—all the things Shane would expect from someone used to dealing with patients. But a nurse? It was much easier to imagine her a wandering flower-child.
“I should have guessed that. You’ve been great with Abby.”
“I’ll go in and see how Sherri’s doing.”
“She’s in the bedroom at the top of the stairs,” he said. “The back door to the house is unlocked.”
“I’ll check back with you before I leave, just so you know what’s going on.”
Shane nodded and watched her move across the yard, only turning away after she disappeared inside the house.
Obviously there was more to Raven than flowing dresses and wild curls. But he’d known that when he’d looked into her eyes earlier in the day. What surprised him, what he hadn’t expected, was how interested he was in knowing more.
He shook his head. Now wasn’t the time for curiosity. Not when he had so many other things occupying his mind. He glanced at the computer, still turned on and begging his attention, eyed his sleeping aunt, looked around at the piles of papers and stacks of mail he needed to sort through.
Raven’s suggestion had merit. Professional caregivers could offer round-the-clock assistance for Abby and free up some of Shane’s time. But would they care about her? And would she be comfortable with people she didn’t know? Thus far the caregivers he’d hired were residents of Lakeview, people Abby was familiar with. How would she react to strangers?
“Shane?” Abby’s voice trembled from behind him.
He turned toward his aunt, bracing himself for the vagueness he’d see in her expression. Instead she was alert, her gaze bright, curious and maybe just a little scared.
“Hey, you’re awake.”
“Awake and covered in filth. What happened? Why is all this…?” She gestured to her clothes, the words lost.
“Dirty? You decided to take an early morning stroll.”
“Did I?” She spoke on a sigh, her lined face weary. “Well, good for me. Now I think I’ll go get in my own…chair.”
Shane didn’t correct her words, just offered a hand and helped her back to the house and into her room. Raven was still there with Sherri. Both looked up as he entered the bedroom.
“Aunt Abby’s ready for bed. I’m going to get her settled.”
“Why don’t you let me?” Raven spoke as she moved to put an arm around Abby. “Do you mind, Abby? Sherri isn’t feeling well.”
Her words flowed in soft, comforting waves, and Shane could imagine her using the same voice, the same tone in her profession.
Abby peered at Raven as if trying to place her face. “I know you, don’t I?”
“Yes, I’m Raven.”
“A nurse?”
“And a friend. Come on, let’s get you cleaned up and settled into bed.”
And as quickly as that she took control of the situation.
Sherri mumbled her thanks, refused again Shane’s offer to give her a ride home and shuffled from the room.
Shane shifted so she could pass, but remained in the doorway, watching as Raven helped Abby gather clean nightclothes and led her to the adjoining bathroom. He heard the water start. Heard the soft murmur of voices. Saw the weariness on Raven’s face when she stepped out of the bathroom.
She left the door ajar and leaned against the door jamb, then straightened when she saw Shane. “I thought you’d gone.”
“And leave an obviously exhausted woman to take over my responsibilities? That’s not my style.”
She shrugged. “I didn’t think it was, but I offered to stay with Abby and I’m happy to do it.”
“You’re not up to it.”
“Taking care of people is what I do. Whether I’m up to it or not.”
“Not here. Not now. Go home and sleep.”
“Abby—”
“Will be fine. I’ll stay here until her day companion arrives. Kaylee’s an LPN and she’s very good with Abby.”
Raven shrugged again, the movement emphasizing the thinness of her shoulders beneath the cotton nightshirt she wore. “All right. I’ll head out, then. Tell Abby I said goodbye.”
“I will.” Shane walked her to the door, wondering why he suddenly felt as if he were kicking her out. He’d thought she would be happy to be freed from the responsibility, but instead she seemed reluctant to leave. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.”
Shane wanted to press for more but knew he had no right. They were strangers, after all. “Thanks again for all you’ve done for Abby.”
“It was no problem.” Raven stepped outside and moved toward her car, the shadowy predawn world enveloping her.
Shane caught one more glimpse of her as she opened her car door, the interior light flashing on, her profile illuminated in its glow. She looked worn, lonely and unbearably sad.
He felt a gut-level instinct to go after her, to try to ease the burden that weighed her down. Instead he stood rooted to the spot, unable to turn away. Only when the car disappeared did Shane step back inside the house and close the door.
Chapter Four
The phone rang just after morning light first streaked across the sky. Raven dropped the book she’d been reading and fumbled for the receiver. “Hello?”
“Hey, sis.”
“Ben?”
“Yep. Sorry for calling so early. Did I wake you?”
“No. I was reading.”
“Still love books, huh?”
“Always. I thought you were leaving this morning?”
“That’s why I’m calling. I’ll be driving past the Freedman place in five minutes. Mind if I stop in?”
Mind? She’d love it. Anything to fill the empty hours. “You won’t miss your plane?”
“Nope. I’ve got plenty of time. Hold on—I’m here. Took me less time than I thought.”
As he said the words, Raven heard the rumble of a motor outside. She rushed to open the door, smiling as Ben got out of a dark blue sedan. “A sedan? I figured you more for a motorcycle.”
“I have one of those, too.” He came up the stairs and hugged her hard. “I’ve been up all night. Afraid if I fell asleep I’d wake up and find out you were just a dream.”
“All night?”
“Okay, most of the night. Here—” He passed her a white paper bag. “I brought you something, but you have to share.”
“Must be something good.”
“It is. Got any coffee?”
“I don’t know. I’ll check.” Raven started toward the kitchen, but Ben stopped her with a hand on her arm.
“Sit down. I’ll look.”
“Ben—”
“I’m not the only one who’s been up all night. Those dark circles under your eyes aren’t from a good night’s sleep.”
“I’m fine.”
“And I’m your big brother, which gives me the right to boss you around. We agreed on that yesterday, remember? So sit.”
“Suit yourself. I’ll just eat everything you brought before you get back.”
“Now that would be cruel and unusual punishment. I couldn’t allow it and still feel good about myself.” He snagged the bag from her hand, pulled out a chocolate-frosted doughnut and handed the bag back. “Everything else is yours. Be back in a minute.”
He was back in five. “No coffee, but I did find orange juice. Here.”
“Thanks.”
“Now, tell me what kept you up all night.”
“Do you know Abigail Montgomery?”
“Sure do. She’s been in Lakeview longer than either of us has been alive. She used to be active in the community but has had to step back from her responsibilities these past few years.”
“Do you know why?”
“I do, but I’m not sure if it’s common knowledge and I don’t want to break a confidence.”
Raven stood and paced the floor. “Then you know she suffers from dementia. That it’s gotten worse in the past few months.”
“Yes. Shane and I have talked about her condition several times. He’s concerned. And rightfully so.”
“He definitely should be concerned. Last night Abby wandered from the house. Ended up here, digging around near the side of the cottage, sobbing and crying. I found her and brought her home.”
“Thank God.”
“That wasn’t the first time. I found her on an old dock down by the lake yesterday afternoon. Again, she’d wandered away.”
“I thought Shane hired people to help him care for Abby.”
“He did. I’m not sure how qualified they are though. At this point, Abby needs professionals. People who understand her condition and are trained to deal with the symptoms.”
“Like you.”
Raven sat back down on the couch. “It doesn’t have to be a nurse. Though that wouldn’t hurt.”
“Did you tell Shane this?”
“I told him Abby needs more than what she’s getting right now.”
“He’ll hire more qualified people. Shane’s that way. He loves his aunt. Wants what’s best for her.”
“I sense that.”
“So Abby’s wandering woke you up and you couldn’t get back to sleep?”
“There were other things on my mind, but I’m fine now.”
“Then maybe you’ll consider coming with me today.”
“I can’t, Ben. I have to get settled. Look for a job. Do a million other little things that come with a move.”
It was Ben’s turn to pace the room, his movements abrupt, his long legs covering the floor in three long strides. “You were upset yesterday. You can say I’m wrong a thousand times and it won’t change what I know.”
“No—”
“It isn’t because I’m going to the reunion. I know that. So what is it, Rae?”
Rae. Ben was the only one who’d ever shortened her name. She’d forgotten until now, the memories too bittersweet to dwell on. “I felt awkward yesterday. I should have called, set up a meeting, then you wouldn’t feel torn between me and your family.”
Ben came to a halt in front of her, his blue eyes blazing, the muscle in his jaw tense. “You are my family.”
“Ben, you call them Mom and Dad. How can they be anything less than family to you?”
The anger seeped out of him as quickly as it had arrived. “So that’s what this is all about.”
Raven felt petty and jealous. She didn’t like the feeling, and her own anger rose because of it. “Yes. That’s what it’s all about.”
Ben eyed her for a moment, then took a seat on the sofa. “You remember Vacation Bible School? The year Social Services was called in?”
“Yes.” How could she forget? She’d told a kind VBS worker that Ben took care of her. That her mother was never home. That sometimes there was no food to eat.
“Remember when we prayed? When we committed our lives to Christ? You were young. Only eight.”
But old enough to know what it meant. Old enough to understand that even if her mother didn’t love and care for her, her Heavenly Father did. That had meant a lot to her as an eight-year-old. “I remember.”
Ben nodded, smiled. “I’ve wondered. Anyway, I was angry when we were separated. Angry with Mom, with the system, even with God. I got into trouble. Spent five years being shipped from foster home to foster home. Spent some time in a group facility. Right before I turned seventeen, Mike Spencer came to see me. Said he and his wife had heard about me and they wanted to offer me a home for as long as I wanted to stay.”
“Your foster father?”
“Yeah. I figured anything was better than where I was, so I packed my things and went home with him. I made their lives incredibly hard for a few months, but no matter what I did, no matter how foulmouthed and awful I was, Mike and Andrea never turned away from me.”
“It sounds like they’re good people.”
“Better than good. They’re amazing, loving and tough. I might have pushed the limits, but it felt good to know there were some.”
“I’m glad, Ben. Glad you found a family, people who love you.” And she was, despite her own wish that she’d been there with him. Maybe if she’d had limits and love she wouldn’t have made so many mistakes.
“I am, too. But that doesn’t mean I don’t need you in my life. You’re the best of what I remember from childhood. Remembering you, imagining finding you again—that’s what kept me from getting involved in the kind of crime that would have put me in jail.”
“Good. I’d hate to be visiting you in prison.”
“There’s that. So, why don’t you come with me? Mike and Andrea would be thrilled to meet you. And I’d love to spend more time getting to know you.”
“Not this time. I really do have to get settled in and look for a job. But tell them I’m looking forward to meeting them. And thank them for doing such a good job with you.”
“I will. And now I’d better get going.” He stood and walked to the door, then turned back to Raven as he stepped outside. “If I didn’t think you needed space, if I wasn’t sure I’d smother you with attention and drive you away from Lakeview before you had a chance to settle in, I wouldn’t go. I’d camp out in this house and ask you the million questions that are buzzing through my mind. But you’d run—leave here for someplace where you could think. So I’m giving you the time, Rae. And I’m praying for you.”
He was gone before his words could register, before Raven could realize how right he was, and wonder how it was possible he could know her so well after so many years apart.
She waved as he drove away, refusing to acknowledge the sadness she knew she shouldn’t feel. She’d found her brother, reunited with him after years apart; her heart should be overflowing with joy. Instead she felt hollow.
It was a feeling she was all too familiar with. Luckily she had a cure—running. It was something she’d been doing both literally and figuratively for years. She could see no reason to change the pattern now. Especially not with the sun bright overhead and a cool spring breeze wafting across the yard.
Ten minutes later she began a slow jog up her driveway and onto the road, increasing her pace as she followed the curves and bends of the country lane. Birds chirped and called to one another, the sounds mixing with the pounding of her feet and the soft gasp of her breath. She lost herself in the rhythm of the run, racing across the pavement until there was nothing in her mind but the pulsing of blood. Then, when she couldn’t run another step, she turned and began walking home.
She hadn’t gone far when a police cruiser passed and stopped several yards ahead of her. An officer stepped out. “You all right, ma’am?”
“I’m fine. Just out for a stroll.”
“Not much around here but trees and grass. You must have walked quite a ways.”
He spoke as Raven approached, and she could see the suspicion in his dark blue eyes.
She stopped a few feet from the cruiser, trying hard not to look guilty of something. “I’m renting the Freedman property. It—”
“I know where it is. Like I said, you’ve walked a long way.”
“Not so far. I run marathons. Five or six miles isn’t much.”
He studied her for a moment longer, as if trying to ascertain the truth of what she was saying. Then he nodded, extending a hand. “I’m Jake Reed. County Sheriff.”
“Raven Stevenson.”
His eyes flashed recognition, then surprise. “Ben Avery’s sister?”
“That’s right.”
“He know you’re in town?”
“Yes.”
“Good. You need a lift home?”
The conversational tangents were making Raven’s head spin. Or maybe it was fatigue and too much emotion. “No. I’m fine. It’s a nice day for a walk.”
“It is. But remember, even out here in the country bad things happen.”
“It can’t be any more dangerous than other places I’ve lived.”
“You’re probably right, but it’s always best to err on the side of caution.”
“And walking along a country road isn’t being cautious?”
Sheriff Reed gestured toward an open field to the left of the road. “See that field? Thirty-five years ago a woman went to pick wildflowers on the far hill. She never returned.”
“She was murdered?”
“No one knows. Could be she ran away. Could be she was abducted. Could be she was killed. All anyone knows for sure is that she was here one day—the next she was gone.”
“Isn’t that old news?”
“Stories like that one get told over and over, the plots twisted and changed until the facts are layered with so much embellishment it’s hard to tell where one begins and the other ends.”
“You must have an opinion about what happened or you wouldn’t be warning me to be careful.”
“Actually, I would. I’m the cautious type—just ask my wife.” He smiled, his face softening.
“I am, too, Sheriff. So don’t worry, I’ll be careful.”
“Call me Jake. Everyone else does. And make sure you’re as careful as you say you’ll be. Ben would never forgive me if I let something happen to you.”
“You and Ben are friends?”
“Friends and fishing buddies.”
“I wouldn’t want to ruin that.”
“Me, neither.” He smiled again. “I’d better get back to work. Nice meeting you.”
“You, too.” Raven took a step away, then turned back. “Jake?”
He stopped, half in, half out of the cruiser. “Yeah?”
“Who was the woman? The one that disappeared, I mean.”
“Theadora Trebain. Use to live in the cottage you’re renting.”
A sudden chill raced up Raven’s spine, and the fine hair on her arms stood on end. She didn’t realize she’d swayed until Jake strode toward her and put a steadying hand on her arm.
“You okay? You’ve gone pale.”
Raven straightened, stepped away from his touch. “I’m fine. I just wondered if the woman was related to my landlady, Nora Freedman.”
“Nora’s husband was Thea’s cousin. He took care of the property after she disappeared. Guess he always hoped she’d come home.”
“Her disappearance must have been hard on the family.”
“It was. Though if you ask Nora she’ll say the one saving grace was that Thea’s mother passed away before it happened.”
“It’s still a sad story. Whether or not the mother was around to know what happened to her daughter.”
Jake didn’t respond, just watched Raven, his gaze sharp and focused. Could he hear her heart pounding in her chest? Did he sense that she was withholding information? Should she tell him about Abby’s strange ramblings?
The shrill ring of a phone saved her from making a decision. He shifted and grabbed a cell phone from the cruiser. “Reed here.”
He listened and smiled, the expression on his face changing so dramatically that he looked like a different person.
“Sure, babe. No. I’ll be home in a couple of hours.”
His gaze shifted to Raven. “No, no crime. I did meet Ben’s sister…me, too. I’ll tell her.”
He threw the phone back onto the seat. “My wife. She said to tell you hi. Says she hopes to meet you soon.”
“Oh, I—”
“Better get used to it. It’s the way of things around here. Everyone knows everyone.”
Raven nodded. “I got that impression from Nora.”
“Nora Freedman’s a great lady. And now, I really do have to go. Take care.”
Raven watched the cruiser disappear around a curve in the road and only then did she do what she’d been wanting to do all along. She turned toward the field and waded through knee-high grass. The far slope was just beginning to bloom with tiny purple flowers and tall, fluffy dandelions sparse but evident among the green. Raven could imagine what it would be like in a few weeks, the profusion of colors and textures beautiful and tempting.
Had the woman who disappeared seen it this way? Had she wanted to breathe in the soft scent of flowers and earth, and collect some of the beauty that dotted the hillside?
Theadora. Like Raven’s own name, Thea’s wasn’t that common. Raven shivered, her gaze traveling the width and breadth of the field. Questions filled her mind, then scattered as she hiked across the lush landscape, cresting the far hill and slowing as a white farmhouse came into view. A wide porch stretched across the front of the house, and two rocking chairs sat empty on either side of a small table.