“Anyway . . . as always, wherever you are, put in a good word for me, okay? Because your pesky little brother still loves you a whole lot and wishes you were here.”
He got up, brushed off his pants, wiped his eyes, and headed toward the car.
Chapter 3
The plane touched down at three in the afternoon under blue skies and a bright sun. Though the mountains were majestic, Ro felt the infinity of the ocean. The sea was the stuff of legends, the coastline a step away from freedom and adventure, not to mention tanning on the white sands, catching the sun’s rays.
As soon as she exited the Jetway, she realized that she was feeling a bit too positive. The temperature outside was a crisp fifty degrees. Not exactly tanning weather, but it was cool enough to enjoy cashmere. Not that she needed to dress up. When Vicks was in work mode, he was all business.
Ben was waiting for her at the baggage claim. He had taken the time to dress nicely—jeans, a white shirt, and a brown leather jacket. He had his hands stuffed in his pockets, eyes intense, his hair grazing his shoulders. He took her carry-on and kissed her cheek. “Is that it?”
“You said to travel lightly. I obey commands.” She took his hand. “I’m really glad to see you.”
He sounded tired. “I’m glad to see you too.”
“You went hiking today?”
“Yeah.”
“Similar to the others?”
“The area was less wilderness and more like a state park, but where Julia was buried was remote.”
“Near water?”
“Yeah, although the creek was dry in the summer. Now, with all the recent rains, it’s pretty full.”
“Are you okay?”
“Now that you’re here, I feel better. Nora Rehnquist e-mailed me. She wants to meet tomorrow. A few days early. I’m nervous. It was different with Margot and Alan. I was with them from the start. With Nora . . . I don’t know. I feel kind of creepy.”
“Is she hesitant to talk with you?”
“Just the opposite. I think she’s anxious. Her daughter’s case has stalled just like Ellen’s. I think she’s hoping to kick-start the investigation.” He stopped walking. “I just don’t want to offend her with my questions.”
“I’ve seen you in action, Ben. Just be real.”
“Thanks, Dorothy. I’m happy you’re here. Are you hungry?”
“I’ll want dinner.”
“The room I got . . . it’s less than cheerful.”
“It’s a dump?”
“Kinda. I’ll switch it out if you want.”
“Is it clean?”
“Yes, but it smells of disinfectant.”
“Charming.”
“There’s an Italian restaurant a few blocks away that’s not too bad.”
“Whatever, Vicks. I’m not picky. Well, I am picky. Just not tonight. When are you meeting with Nora Rehnquist?”
“One o’clock tomorrow. They live near Cal. I figured we can take in the campus tomorrow morning and do Stanford the next day. How was the dance?”
“I got to wear my dress and everyone oohed and aahed.”
“Did JD behave himself?”
“He was Prince Charming. I don’t trust him at all.”
“That’s a good thing. JD’s always had a fluid sense of honesty.” He looked away. “Was he nice to you when you two were going together?”
“Actually, he was. Even sweet at times.”
“Well, then . . . I like him better for it.”
They walked to the rental car. The body was rusted and full of pockmarks, but it did have wheels and a windshield. When Vicks put the key in the ignition, it started up—a good sign.
“Do you want to go to a movie before dinner?” he said. “I think the less time we spend in the motel, the better. I’m embarrassed by it. You deserve better.”
“Thanks, Vicks. That’s very nice of you to say.” She patted his knee. “Don’t worry about it. I like my material trappings, but I’m flexible.” In Ro’s limited experience with men, she had always found that guys respond well to flexibility.
They finally settled in around eleven in the evening, both of them eating light and avoiding the garlic and bean dip. Ro had never shared a room other than a camp bunk where she had ruled as queen. She had always had her own personal space, decorated with her things.
This space was another planet. The motel room had stark white walls and a utilitarian dresser. Two double beds were separated by a nightstand with drawers. The bathroom wasn’t much bigger than the closet. The towels were tortilla thin and smelled of bleach. It did host a flat screen, but neither one of them wanted to watch TV.
She took the bed on the right, he took the one on the left.
After brushing her teeth with bottled water and using copious amounts of mouthwash, she put on a nightgown. It wasn’t a sexy baby doll or anything like that, but it was sleeveless and fell a few inches above the knees. When she came out, Vicks looked for just a moment. He had changed into a wifebeater and board shorts. After a quick glance, he went back to his book, which had something to do with the creation of the universe. Her book was about a pseudo-sadomasochistic affair. She was skimming it on an electronic reader—a good idea so Vicks wouldn’t know how lowbrow she was. Around midnight, she was losing interest. She said, “I’m a little tired.”
“Sure.” Vicks reached over and turned off the light.
They lay in silence and in darkness. Outside, the weather had turned cruel. The winds had picked up and whistled through the trees. Rain splattered on the rooftop. The blinds were drawn, but Ro could see the bright halogen lights from the parking lot seeping through the windows. She pulled the thin sheets to her chin. Vicks was restless; she could hear him moving. “You okay?”
“I’m hot.” He threw the covers off his body. “I’m boiling.”
“You’re hot, I’m freezing. So what else is new?”
“I think my nerves are getting to me.”
She could smell his sweat. She got out of the bed, shivering in the diaphanous nighty, and sat at his bedside. She felt his forehead. “You are hot. Maybe you’re getting sick.”
“No, it’s anxiety about tomorrow. I’ll be okay.” His profile was backlit by the light filtering in through the blinds. He said, “You’re shivering.”
“I’m cold.”
The pause was longer than it should have been, but eventually he opened his covers. She slid inside and snuggled next to him. His sheets were damp and musty. Immediately, Ro felt electricity between her legs. Within moments she was warm and they were kissing. His arms were around her waist, his fingers running down her back although he was avoiding all of the R-and X-rated areas.
She shoved her groin into his. He was hard and embarrassed by it. He tried to give himself a little space, but she threw her leg over his and pushed him closer. She lifted her nightgown and pulled it over her head. His gasp was audible. She said, “I showed you mine, now you show me yours.”
“I didn’t bring any protect—”