Cardwell Ranch Trespasser

chapter Ten

Dee woke from the nightmare in a cold sweat. For a few moments, she couldn’t catch her breath. She swung her legs out of bed and stumbled to the window, gulping for air. Her heart felt as if it would pound its way out of her chest.

It was the same nightmare she’d had since she was a girl. She was in a coffin. It was pitch-black. There was no air. She was trapped, and even though she’d screamed herself hoarse, no one had come to save her.

She shoved open the screenless window all the way and leaned out to breathe in the night air. A sliver of moon hung over the top of the mountain. A million stars twinkled against the midnight-blue sky. She shivered as the cold mountain air quickly dried her perspiration and sent goose bumps skittering over her skin.

The nightmare was coming more frequently—just as the doctor had told her it would.

“Do night terrors run in your family?” he’d asked, studying her over the top of his glasses.

“I don’t know. I never asked.”

“How old did you say you were?”

She’d been in her early twenties at the time.

He’d frowned. “What about sleepwalking?”

“Sometimes I wake up in a strange place and I don’t know how I’ve gotten there.”

He nodded, his frown deepening as he tossed her file on his desk. “I’m going to give you a referral to a neurologist.”

“You’re saying there’s something wrong with me?”

“Just a precaution. Sleepwalking and night terrors at your age are fairly uncommon and could be the result of a neurological disorder.”

She’d laughed after she left his office. “He thinks I’m crazy.” She’d been amused at the time.

But back then she was sleepwalking and having the nightmare only every so often.

Now...

She looked out at the peaceful night. “This is all I need. This place and Hud and I will be fine,” she whispered. “Once I get rid of the stumbling blocks, I’ll be fine for the first time in my life.”

But that was the problem, wasn’t it? There were more stumbling blocks than she’d ever run into before. More chances to get caught.

“It would be worth it, though,” she said as she heard a horse whinny out in the corrals. All this could be hers. Would be hers. She deserved Dana’s happiness. She deserved Dana’s life—minus the kids.

After getting dressed, she sneaked out and made the walk into town. It was only a couple of miles and she’d walked it before and gotten away with it. If anyone discovered her missing, she’d say she’d gone out to the corral to check the horses. She wasn’t worried. So far, they’d believed everything she told them.

* * *

THE NEXT MORNING, Colt tried to talk Hilde out of opening the shop. “Can’t you have someone else man Needles and Pins for a few weeks?”

Hilde touched his handsome face, cupping his strong jaw, and smiled into those blue eyes of his. He’d been so gentle, so loving, last night when they’d made love. At least the second time. Before that, he’d let his passion run as wild as horses in a windstorm.

Her skin still tingled from the memory. She’d never known that kind of wild abandon. Just the thought thrilled her. She’d awakened feeling as if she could conquer the world. Hadn’t she always known that she could be anything she wanted with the right man—in or out of bed?

“I am not going to let Dee or whoever she is keep me from doing what I love,” she said, as she felt the rough stubble along his strong jawline. “Especially this morning when I’m feeling so...”

He laughed. “So...?”

“Invincible.”

Colt pulled her to him and kissed her. As he drew back, he said, “I love seeing you like this, but Dee will figure out that you have her fingerprints and DNA. She isn’t going to take this lying down. You have to know that.”

She nodded. “Remember? I know what she’s capable of. And I know she isn’t finished. How long before we know who she is?” Colt had left for a while before daylight to go to the office to run Dee’s fingerprints. He had a friend at the crime lab he’d called.

“You’re counting on her fingerprints being on file. She might not have a record. Also, she might actually be Dee Anna Justice.”

Hilde knew Dee was slippery. She might have avoided getting arrested. Might never have had a job that required she be fingerprinted. She might even be who she said she was. But all Hilde could do was hope that not only was she right about Dee being an impostor—but also that the woman had had at least one run-in with the law so her prints would come up. The sooner Dee was exposed, the sooner she would be gone from the ranch.

“I just don’t want you getting your hopes up. The toothbrush was a good idea. We might be able to compare Dee’s DNA to Dana’s.”

“I should have thought to get Dana’s DNA while I was at it.”

“Don’t even think about,” he said, holding her away from him so she couldn’t avoid his gaze. “I’m serious. You have to stay away from Cardwell Ranch.”

Hilde nodded. By now Dee would have realized that her makeup and toothbrush were missing. Hopefully she was running scared.

* * *

COLT HATED THAT he had to go back down to West Yellowstone on the burglary case today. He didn’t like leaving Hilde alone.

“Can I see you for a minute?” the marshal asked, as he was getting ready to leave the office later that morning.

Colt stepped into Hud’s office.

“Close the door, please.”

He turned to close the door, worry making him anxious. Hud had always run the station in a rather informal way. Not that they all weren’t serious about their jobs. But Hud had never seen the need to throw around his weight.

“Have a sit,” he said now.

“Is something wrong?” Colt asked, afraid Hud had somehow found out that he’d sent Dee’s prints to his friend who worked at the crime lab.

“I wanted to talk to you about Hilde.” Hud shook his head. “I know, it’s not my place as your boss. Or even as your friend. But I feel I have to. Did you see her last night?”

Colt almost laughed. He figured Hud already knew that his patrol pickup had been parked in front of her house all night. News traveled fast in such a small, isolated community. Gossip was about the only excitement this time of year. It was too early for most tourists or seasonal homeowners, so things were more than a little quiet.

“Yes, I saw her,” he said, keeping his face straight.

“I’ve known Hilde for a long time. I’m concerned about her.”

“She’s been a little distraught,” Colt said. “She truly believes that Dee might be dangerous and is concerned about you and your family.”

“I gathered that,” Hud said with a curse, then studied him for a long moment. “I get the feeling you agree with her.”

“I think there is cause for concern.” He hurried on, before Hud could argue differently, knowing he was in dangerous territory. “You never laid eyes on this woman before she showed up at your door. You can’t even be sure she is who she says she is.”

“Dana sent her a certified letter that she had to sign for at her current address. And I’ve seen her identification.”

That surprised Colt. “Then you were suspicious.”

Hud sighed. “I had to be after the allegations Hilde was making. But she checks out, and Dana is enjoying her visit. She thinks Hilde is jealous. I can see that you don’t agree.”

“I’m just saying, you might want to keep an eye on her, that’s all.”

His boss looked as if there was more he wanted to say. Or more he was hoping his deputy would. But Colt held his tongue. His friend at the crime lab had promised to run the prints as quickly as he could.

Whatever the outcome, he hadn’t figured out what to do after that. Until then, there was little he could do.

“We finally got a positive identification on Rick Cameron,” Hud said, and tossed the man’s file across his desk to Colt.

He opened it, glanced at the latest entry and jerked his head up in surprise. “Richard Northland?” So he hadn’t been using his real name at all?

Hud nodded. “And before you ask, Dee had no idea he was lying about his name.”

Colt let out a laugh as he tossed the file back. “As your friend? Get Dee out of your house. As your deputy? I really should get to work.”

* * *

HILDE WAS LOST in the memory of last night with Colt as she unlocked Needles and Pins. Dinner had been magical. The lovemaking had been beyond anything she’d ever experienced. She’d been lost in a dream state all morning.

That’s why it took her a moment to realize what she was seeing.

The shop had been vandalized.

Bolts of fabric were now scattered over the floor. Displays had been toppled, and spools of thread littered the areas of the floor that weren’t covered by fabric bolts.

She fumbled her phone from her purse, her heart pounding as she realized whoever had done this could still be in the shop. That was when she noticed the back door standing open. The vandal had left a large roll of yellow rickrack trailing out the back door like the equivalent of a bread trail through the shop.

“911. What is your emergency?” she heard an operator say.

“My shop has been vandalized,” Hilde said.

“You’re calling from Big Sky?”

“Yes. Needles and Pins.”

“Is the vandal still there?”

“No. I don’t believe so.”

“Please wait outside until the marshal or one of his deputies arrive. Do you need to stay on the phone with me?”

“No. I just can’t imagine who would—” That’s when Hilde saw the scissors. Six of them. All stabbed into the top of her counter just inches from where she’d pretended to attack Dee to get the woman’s fingerprints.

* * *

“YOU LOOK TIRED,” Dana said when Dee came downstairs. “Did you sleep all right?”

“Like a baby.” Once she got into bed again. Last night’s exploits had left her exhausted. Clearly just what she’d needed since once she’d hit the sheets, she hadn’t had the nightmare again.

Dana was busy with the kids as usual. “It might be just as well that I don’t have anything planned for you today. Maybe a day just resting would do us all good.”

Dee didn’t know how the woman managed with four kids. She’d apparently just finished feeding the two oldest because she was only now clearing away their plates. She sent them off to the bathroom to wash up.

The two youngest were in some kind of contraptions that allowed them to roll around the kitchen. They’d gotten caught in a corner and one of them was hollering his head off.

Dana saved him, kneeling down to cajole him before she asked, “I made Mary and Hank pancakes, Dee. Would you like some?”

The kitchen smelled of pancakes and maple syrup. Dee heard her stomach growl. She was starved, also probably because of all the exercise she’d gotten last night. She’d been careful to stay away from any streetlights, and she was sure no one had seen her leaving and returning to the ranch.

“I’d love pancakes, but let me make them,” Dee offered, knowing Dana wouldn’t take her up on it.

“It’s no trouble. Anyway, you’re my guest.”

Dee could hear something in Dana’s voice, though. Her hostess was tiring of her guest. Probably all the drama. Dana would be glad when Dee left.

Well, there was nothing she could do about that, because the drama was far from over. Forced to move up her plan, she said, “I’m thinking I’ve stayed too long.”

Dana turned from the stove. “No. I don’t want you to feel that way at all. I’m just sorry. I really wanted you to have a good time.”

“I am having a good time.” Dee went over and gave Dana a hug. “But I need to get back home and look for a job. I can’t be off work for too long.” Sometimes she couldn’t believe how easy lying came to her. She was more amazed by people who couldn’t tell a lie. Maybe it was a talent you were born with.

Or maybe you had to learn it at your daddy’s knee, she thought bitterly.

“I checked this morning about a flight,” she said with equal effortlessness. “I’m booked for Saturday on a nonstop flight to LaGuardia.” She knew Dana and Hud wouldn’t check to see if it was true or not. But Colt might.

Dana didn’t try to get her to change her mind. Yep, it’s time. She just said, “Well, I hate to see you cut your trip short, but you know best.”

“This isn’t my only trip to Cardwell Ranch,” Dee said.

“Well, I insist on paying for your flight.” Dana held up her hand even though Dee hadn’t protested. “No arguments. I want this trip to be my treat.”

“That is so sweet of you. I’m going to pay you back, though, and then some.” By booking the nonstop flight that was available only on Saturday, she had bought herself a little more time. It wasn’t perfect timing, but she’d have to make it work, especially after finding her toothbrush and makeup missing. She’d already put the wheels in motion. Hang on, she thought, because she knew what was about to hit the fan.

Dana looked visibly relaxed now that she knew her guest was leaving. Dee hated Hilde at that moment. The woman had been a thorn in her side from the beginning. If she had just backed off... But it was too late for regrets, she thought, and checked her watch.

Any minute poor Hilde would be crying on the marshal’s shoulder and no doubt blaming her.

* * *

MARSHAL HUD SAVAGE stopped in the doorway of Needles and Pins and demanded, “What are you doing?”

“I’m cleaning up my shop,” Hilde said, as she placed another bolt of fabric back where it went. She was thankful that most of the fabrics hadn’t gotten soiled or ruined. Dee could have torn up the place much worse. Hilde knew she should be thankful for that.

She’d started cleaning up the moment she’d realized who’d done this. At that same moment, she’d known there was no reason to wait for the marshal. Hud wasn’t going to believe Dee had done this. And the only way to try to change his mind would be to show him the scissors and explain why they were a message from Dee.

Hilde couldn’t do that without telling what she’d done to get Dee’s fingerprints and Colt’s involvement. She wasn’t about to drag him into this any more than he already was.

“You shouldn’t have touched anything until I got here,” Hud said behind her. “Hilde—”

She stopped working to look at him. Fueled by anger, she’d accomplished a lot in a short time. “The person broke in through the back. I haven’t touched anything back there.”

He looked toward the back of the shop, where she had a small kitchen she and her staff used as a break and storage room. She’d found a chair moved over against the wall under the open window. There appeared to be marks on the window frame where someone had pried it open.

When she’d stepped outside in the alley, she’d discovered the large trash container pulled over under the window.

Hud went back in the break room, then outside. “Is anything missing?” he asked when he came back in.

“I don’t believe so. I don’t leave money down here. I think it was just a malicious act of vandalism.”

“Looks like it might have been kids, then,” Hud said.

Hilde had stopped to look at him, after restoring almost all of the bolts of fabric to their correct places. She saw him staring at the countertop where the half-dozen new scissors had been stuck in the wood.

“Kids resort to this sort of thing just for something to do, I guess,” he said.

“It wasn’t kids.” She crossed her arms because she was trembling and she didn’t want him to see it. She thought that if she kept calm and didn’t get upset or cry, he might believe her.

“Don’t tell me Dee did this.” He looked as resolute as she felt.

“Okay, I won’t. You don’t want to hear the truth, fine. Kids did it.”

“Hilde,” Hud said in that tone she was getting used to. “Dee went to bed last night before we did. If she had driven into town, I would have known it.”

“Maybe she walked.”

“It’s a couple of miles. She can barely walk around the yard without twisting an ankle. You think she climbed up into that window back there?” He was shaking his head. “I’m sorry this happened. I’ll file a report and you can turn it over to your insurance. I’m glad nothing was destroyed.”

She laughed at that. Dee had destroyed so much—the shop was the least of it.

“Are you going to be okay?”

The concern and kindness she heard in his tone was her undoing. The tears broke loose as if they had been walled up, waiting for the least bit of provocation to burst out.

He patted her shoulder. “Take the rest of the day off. Go home. Get some rest.”

As if rest would make her world right again.

* * *

FORTUNATELY, THE REST of the day was busy at the shop. All the women who’d come in to sign up for quilting classes buoyed Hilde’s spirits.

Dana called midmorning. “Just wanted to say hi.”

Hilde figured she’d heard about the vandalism from Hud. He must not have told her about the allegations against her cousin.

“Fourteen women have signed up for the quilting classes so far,” she told her silent partner in the shop.

“Oh, that’s great. You must be excited to get them started.”

“I am. It’s going to be a good summer.” Hilde said the last like a mantra, praying it was true.

“Dee’s leaving Saturday,” Dana said.

The words should have made her heart soar, but she heard sadness in her friend’s voice. “I’m sorry her visit didn’t go like you had hoped.”

The bell over the door jangled as another customer came in.

Dana must have heard it. “You’re busy. I’ll let you go. I just wanted you to know I was thinking about you.”

“Thank you for calling.” It was the best she could do before Dana hung up.

The rest of the day slipped by. Hilde had moments when she would forget about the break-in. She knew she would have to replace the top of the counter. The scissor holes were a gut-wrenching reminder each time she saw them that it wasn’t over with Dee.

Colt must have called when she was helping a customer by carrying her fabric purchases out to her car. He’d left a message that he hoped he could see her tonight.

She texted back that she was looking forward to it.

And suddenly it was time to close up shop. She gathered her things, trying hard not to look at the top of the counter. Thinking about Dee only made her blood boil.

A gust of wind caught the door as she started to lock up. She hadn’t realized the wind had come up or that a storm was blowing in.

As she turned, she saw that her SUV parked across the street was sitting at a funny angle. Then she noticed the right back tire. Flat.

All she’d been thinking about the past few minutes was going home, taking a nice hot bath and getting ready for when Colt got back from West Yellowstone.

After finding her store vandalized first thing in the morning, she wasn’t going to let a flat tire ruin her mood now, she thought. For a moment, she considered changing the tire herself, but she wasn’t dressed for it, and her house was only a short walk from the shop.

As she started down the street, she saw that the storm was closer than she’d thought. Dark clouds rolled in, dimming the remainder of the day’s light. She’d be lucky to get home before it started to rain, and in April the rain could easily turn to snow.

Hilde laughed, surprised that even the storm didn’t bother her. She was seeing Colt again tonight and she couldn’t wait. The only real dark cloud right now was Dee Anna Justice, and apparently there wasn’t a darned thing she could do about her.

When she looked up and saw Dee coming down the dark street toward her, she feared she’d conjured her. Because of the upcoming storm and the time of the year, the streets were deserted—something she hadn’t noticed until that moment.

Stopping, she considered what to do. Dee had realized that she had her fingerprints and DNA. That was probably why she’d torn up the shop. Did that mean she’d realized whatever she’d been up to was about to come to a screeching halt? Or would the prints only prove that the woman really was Dee Anna Justice, a psychopath who would be able to keep fooling Dana unless Hilde and Colt could prove otherwise?

More to the immediate point, what was she doing here now? Hilde considered whether she should make a run for it. She didn’t have that many options. Calling the marshal’s office for help would be a waste of time.

“You don’t have to look so scared,” Dee called to her. “I came to give you some news that I think will make you happy.”

Hilde let the woman get within a few feet of her. “That’s close enough. What is it?”

“You win.”

“You’re the one who made it into a competition.”

Dee chuckled as she took another step closer. “I’ve known women like you my whole life. Everything comes so easy to you. You’ve never had to fight for anything. You wouldn’t have lasted two seconds in my world.”

“I’m sorry you had a rough life, Dee, if that is really your name. But that doesn’t give you the right to take someone else’s—literally.”

“You’re right,” Dee said, not even bothering to deny anything. “I’m leaving. I just wanted you to know. That, and I’m sorry. I don’t expect you to understand. I don’t even understand why I’m like I am sometimes.” She put her head down, actually sounding as if she meant it.

Hilde wondered what kind of life this woman really had lived through. Dee was right that her own had been cushy. As much as she hated it, she felt some sympathy for the woman. “You should try to get some help.”

Dee slowly raised her head. It took Hilde an instant to realize Dee had stepped closer during all this. When she met her gaze, Hilde saw that something had changed in her eyes. It was an instant too long.

Before Hilde could react, Dee grabbed her right hand and raked Hilde’s nails down her own left cheek.

Hilde let out a cry of shock and jerked her hand back.

Dee was smiling as she touched the four angry scratches down her face. Laughing at Hilde’s reaction, she reached down and picked up a chunk of broken sidewalk at the edge of the street.

Hilde took a step back as Dee said, “You think I need help? Maybe I should see someone.” She hit herself in the face with the piece of concrete and for a moment, Hilde thought Dee would buckle under the savage blow. But she straightened, dropped the chunk of sidewalk and, in the next instant, began to tear at her clothes.

“What are you doing?” Hilde cried. “Have you lost your mind?”

“Isn’t this what you wish you were able to do to me?” Dee asked, smiling again. Her left eye was already swelling shut from where she’d hit herself. There was blood at the corner of her mouth and her lip was split and bleeding. The scratches down the left side of her face were bleeding now as well.

“No, I would never—” The rest of Hilde’s words died on her lips as she realized exactly what Dee was doing. “No one will believe I did that to you!”

“Won’t they?” Dee asked with a smirk. “Wanna bet?” With that she turned and ran screaming down the street.