Jessica R. Patch - Cold Case Christmas

Or maybe Nora was only seeing what she wanted to see.

A faithful mom.

A devoted husband.

Maybe neither were who they seemed.

“What if you never find out why your mom was heading out of town?”

“How do you know she was?”

Rush stood and turned away from her. “Because we found two cases in the trunk. One had clothing in it.” He faced her. “She was going somewhere, Nora.”

Nora’s hands trembled, and she steadied her cup between her knees.

“I know that’s not what you want to hear. And you have to understand that no matter what turns up, you won’t get every single answer to your questions. And that’s not even the most frightening part of this.”

“No?” She peered into his eyes, firelight casting shadows on his face. “What is?”

“You won’t back down, and I don’t believe whoever did this to you is going to back down either. Which means you’re not safe as long as you’re snooping.”

Nora swallowed the fear clawing in her throat. “I can’t sit back and do nothing.”

He collapsed beside her again and groaned. “I had a feeling you’d say that. I think you should stay up at the main house. You’ll be safer there.”

Her first instinct was to say no, but Rush was right. However... “Hailey is staying with my dad. Which means Dalton is also. He’s only six. If someone comes after me again, he could be in harm’s way. Hailey too. While I agree that I should stay at the main house, it scares me not to stay here.” Scared her to stay here too.

“I heard she was living back home for a while.”

Nora shrugged. “I don’t suppose any marriage is perfect. Except maybe your mom and dad’s.”

Rush grunted. What did that mean? Bringing up Rush’s parents gave her an idea. “Hey, your dad was a part-time deputy back then. I remember him coming to talk to my dad. Maybe he knows something about that night or he overheard a conversation that would help. We should talk to him.”

Rush’s jaw flinched. “Yeah... I’ll talk to him.”

Nora wasn’t so sure she believed him. Something was up with his parents, but now wasn’t the time to pry. She had to stay somewhere safe. The main house wasn’t it. “I can’t stay at the main house. Just in case. Besides, Dad has security that patrols all night. Guests love added security measures.”

Wind howled and sleet started up again, pelting the windows. “I don’t like it, but I understand. Take my number. Call me if you need anything. Anytime of night.”

Rush rattled off his number.

Nora laughed. “Seriously? The last four digits of your number is four, five, six, seven?”

“Hard to memorize, huh?” he teased.

“It’s probably the only number in my phone I can.” She saved his contact information and closed her eyes. “Rush, you do think it’s only a threat, right? No one will actually try to kill me?”

Rush stopped at the front door, raised his coat’s wool collar. “Nora, you’re about to unleash an avalanche. What do you think?” He bent over and lifted his pant leg, retrieving a handgun from an ankle holster. “This is my personal piece. Lock the doors and keep it on your nightstand.”

Nora accepted the gun and prayed she wouldn’t have to use it. “Rush?”

He turned before leaving. “Yeah?”

“You said two cases. What was in the other one?”

“It was your mom’s camera case.” His mouth formed a grim line. “With two hundred and fifty thousand dollars inside.”

“How’d you sleep, honey?” Dad looked up from his desk with tired eyes.

“I’m guessing about like you. Harrison stopped in at first light.” Dad’s Chief of Security had scared her half to death. He ought to be thankful he’s alive. She almost shot him.

“I should have called and told you he’d be by to paint over the graffiti. I wanted it done before too many people saw it. I’m sorry that happened.” He scooted out from his mahogany leather chair and crossed the room. Dressy jeans. Dress shirt that brought out the lighter flecks of brown in his eyes. She’d always wished she’d been blessed with her father’s eyes. He opened his arms to her, as he always did.

She walked into them and let his comfort shield her and make her feel safe. A different safety than how she felt in Rush’s arms last night. She didn’t want to think too much on that. There was nothing left between her and Rush romantically.

“I had him put more security around the chalet for you.” He touched the tender area on her cheek. “Rush taking care of this?”

“He is.” She pulled away, cleared her throat. “Dad, I’ve never asked because I never wanted to know. Or I didn’t believe. But after last night there has to be some truth to the gossip.” She peered into his eyes, waiting for the bomb to drop.

Dad didn’t speak for what seemed like an eternity. He touched her shoulder; his eyes held a mix of resolve and sadness. “Nora, why don’t you remember your mother in all the good ways like Friday manicures and pancakes on Sunday. Or even that silly song she sang to help you sleep that only made you giggle and stay up longer. I think she did that deliberately to have more time with you. Don’t try to pull up anything ugly. You’ll find no peace there.”

Nora held back the burning tears. Those were the memories fueling her search for truth. Mom had loved her, but did she ever love Dad? “You’re not denying it. Is that why you didn’t go on a mad hunt to find her after she disappeared? Were you relieved she was gone?”

Dad’s jaw ticked and he inhaled sharply. “I loved your mother, Nora. The only relief I have is that now I have some closure. Let Rush look into who assaulted you and vandalized my property, but as far as the past, you stay out of it.”

Nora had zero closure. Stay out of it?

Dad wasn’t going to give her any answers; no point in bringing up the fact Mom had a huge sum of money in the camera case. If he did know about it, he wouldn’t tell her. Nora had searching to do. Searching no one else seemed to want to do. Rush believed the past was an accident. He wouldn’t put the proper time into it. Someone needed to fight for the truth.

“Now, why are you really here?” he asked. “I’m thrilled to have you. I hate that you came home to this.”

“Can’t a girl come home longer than Christmas Day?” She didn’t have the courage to admit the truth. Besides, he was keeping secrets of his own.

He raised a dark eyebrow but didn’t push. “You can always come home, honey.”

“I know.” Outside the sky was painted gray. Trendy on walls. Gloomy in her heart. “We’ll have snow again soon. More rain and ice too.”

“Knock, knock.” Rush rapped on the side of the door frame. In uniform. He’d shaved and his fresh, soft cheeks held the dimples she’d always loved. “I see you got the spray paint covered up. You wanna report it officially?”

Joshua nodded. “Absolutely. I’ll go down to the station this afternoon. I put Harrison and the night security on more rounds, especially at the chalet.”

“Good.” Rush cleared his throat and glanced at Nora. “How’s the noggin?”

“Thinking about the next step.” In between the thumping. “Which is breakfast,” she added.

He chuckled. “I’ll walk you down to the dining area, if that’s okay.”

“See you tonight,” she said to her dad.

“Honey, remember our conversation.”

She would. But it wasn’t going to change her mind. As they walked down the hall to the elevator, she spoke. “Dad thinks I should back off. But why wouldn’t he want to know what happened that night?”

Rush hit the elevator button. “He might want to spare himself further pain. Or he could know more than he’s letting on to spare your feelings. Sometimes people keep secrets to protect loved ones.” They stepped in and he pushed the first floor to go up from the basement offices.