My Deadly Valentine - By Valerie Hansen & Lynette Eason Page 0,64
a deep breath, she plunged on. “They threatened me. And my mother.”
“What?” He looked outraged. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“They told me not to. At least I think it was them. I can’t think of anyone else who would benefit from threatening me. The guy that grabbed me in front of the sheriff’s office said that I should accept a generous offer, and that if I told anyone I was being harassed, my mother and I might end up with more medical bills, but I need help, Eli.” Tears pricked then began a slow dribble down her cheeks. When he reached out a finger to catch one, the dam broke. “I simply can’t do this alone anymore,” Holly swiped at the tears, grateful for his support. Voice shaking, she said, “They don’t play by the rules and I don’t know how to fight dirty.”
Distressed by her emotional outpouring, he pulled her into a tight hug. She let him, needing his comfort, his closeness. Then he said, “You think Transcross has something to do with everything that’s happening?”
“Yes, but I don’t know how to prove it.”
Eli looked at his phone. Still no call from Ken. Tracing a plate was simple. He resolved to call Ken later if the man didn’t get back to him soon.
His mind tripped over itself coming up with several plans of action. He rejected them all except one.
That evening, Holly spent her time at the church making sure all of the last-minute details were taken care of for the auction the next day. Once again, Alex dogged her steps, offering to carry something for her, bringing her a bottle of water. Nice things, just things she didn’t want Alex to be doing.
Now, if Eli was the one…
But Eli had stayed home with his father because Buckeye had some personal business to attend to with his daughter.
From the corner of her eye, she saw Alex heading her way again. She turned, bumped into a table and sent items flying.
“Here, let me.”
Alex knelt next to her, grabbed a plastic bowl and lid and set it on the table.
“Thanks.” Holly sidestepped him, but he was too quick. He snagged her hand.
“Well?”
She didn’t have to ask what he meant.
He pressed. “What about tomorrow night?”
Holly swallowed. “No, thanks, Alex.”
A sigh. “It’s Eli, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, kind of.” She bit her lip, hoping he wouldn’t be too mad. “But I don’t even know if that’s going to work out, okay?”
To her surprise, he nodded. “Okay.”
Okay? That was it?
He dropped her hand and walked away to start chatting with one of the other single ladies.
Shaking her head, she pushed Alex from her thoughts.
“I guess that’s it,” Mary said, coming up beside her.
Holly stretched the kinks from her back. “Yep. I think we’re good to go.”
Mary gave Holly a hug. “It’s been fun doing this with you. I’ve enjoyed hanging out and getting to know you better.”
Grinning, Holly returned the squeeze. “Absolutely.” Speaking of hanging out and having fun, guilt hit her when she realized she still hadn’t called Leigh-Ann.
And she still hadn’t given Eli an answer to his letter. Tomorrow was Valentine’s. She really needed to get her act together.
Holly’s cell phone rang. Glancing at the number, her heart flipped over. Eli. Climbing into her truck, she answered the call. “Hello?”
“Hey, Holly, do you have a few minutes?”
“I was just heading home, but sure.”
“Do you want me to meet you somewhere? Are you hungry?”
“Starving.” With everything going on, she’d skipped dinner. Now, it was pushing eight o’clock.
He laughed. “All right, see you in a few minutes at the diner on Main?”
“I’ll be there.”
Holly turned the key and the truck started right up. She let out the breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. Memories of the other night flooded back through her, causing her to shudder.
Glancing around, she realized Mary had already driven off. Once again, it was just her and the dark. Her stomach did another flip as she put the truck in Drive. Her eyes darting around the church parking lot, she didn’t see any other cars. No headlights in front of her to blind her with the glare.
Nothing.
Her nerves eased and she headed down the mountain to the town below.
As she passed a small side road, she noticed a car approach the stop sign. Holly kept going and saw the car turn in behind her.
She tried to think who lived down that way. The Pastori family. And the Arringtons. Mr. Harvin who drove a truck for a food company.