Luck of the Draw, page 24
THEY’D BARELY GOTTEN to the ranch when Alistair Vanderlin arrived. Joslyn had gone up to shower and change while Garrett was busy getting the cabins ready. They’d been all business, knowing what was at stake. They’d barely spoken, let alone touched. He told himself there would be time enough when this was over. He hoped.
Garrett had just returned to the lodge when Joslyn had come downstairs. They’d both turned at the sound of a car driving up. As they watched Vanderlin from the front window of the lodge, Garrett reached over and took Joslyn’s hand. It was ice cold.
“Last chance?” he asked quietly.
She smiled over at him and shook her head. “You don’t mind me giving up all that money? It’s not like I’m broke. I had an allowance for years that I put away along with money I made when I picked up odd jobs. I built up quite a nest egg.”
He smiled, hearing the pride in her voice. “It won’t be long and your inheritance will be helping a whole lot of people—and unburdening you.” At least that was the plan. He turned his attention back to the man getting out of the large black SUV he’d apparently rented when he landed, since he’d texted Joslyn that he would be flying in.
Vanderlin hesitated for a moment before he closed the SUV door. He stood looking around the place until his gaze settled on the lodge. Garrett figured that the sun off the glass hid his view of them because the man had no reaction until they opened the front door and walked out onto the porch.
“Monica,” Vanderlin said, sounding disappointed. His tone matched his expression. “Was this really necessary?”
“I’m glad you came,” she said and moved to him to kiss his cheek. “And the others?”
Vanderlin sighed. “They’re on their way. Except for Peter. He refused to come.”
One less possible murderer, Garrett thought, and realized that Peter not showing up didn’t exonerate him. He could have hired someone to finish what he’d already started. It would just be hard for a hitman to get to Joslyn up here at the guest ranch.
Vanderlin’s gaze shifted to him. He was a large, distinguished gray-haired man in a dark suit. Garrett could tell that the man was used to things going his way. “You’re lucky you aren’t in jail. But Monica has asked me not to do anything until after her birthday.”
“Officially midnight tonight. By the way, we found my car earlier,” Joslyn said. “It was rigged to explode when I started the motor. Fortunately, Garrett pulled me out before the Jeep turned into a fireball.”
Vanderlin paled visibly. “Monica, what kind of trouble are you in?”
“Funny you should ask,” she said. “I had a visit with Harvey Mattson at his prison yesterday.”
Her guardian let out a gasp. “Why would you do that?”
“To find out if he was behind these attempts on my life. He isn’t. I’m sure of it.”
“You took his word for that?”
“I’m convinced that my would-be killer is much closer to home, so to speak. That’s why I’ve invited you all to my birthday,” she said. “By midnight tonight, I think we’ll know who wants me dead.”
The man looked aghast. “You can’t be serious.”
“Dead serious,” she said.
Vanderlin’s shoulders hunched for a moment before he straightened and said, “So that is what this...guest ranch birthday party is about. Oh, Monica. You do realize that Dr. Foster is even more concerned about your...mental health now. If he hears about this—”
“I don’t want you to tell the others,” she said. “Let it be a surprise to everyone. I probably shouldn’t have even told you. If you’re my would-be assassin, then I’ve spoiled the surprise, huh.”
He shook his head, looking disappointed in her. “You’re making me question if you’re in your right mind if you think I would ever hurt you.”
She said nothing.
“Why don’t I show you to your cabin,” Garrett suggested, stepping off the porch. “We have everything ready for you.”
Vanderlin glanced toward the cabins stuck back in the pines, then reluctantly pulled out his overnight case.
“Just this way,” Garrett said and led the man to cabin number one, the closest one to the lodge. He opened the door. Vanderlin stepped in cautiously as if he thought it would be occupied by a varmint of some kind.
Garrett thought it almost humorous. He doubted the man had ever stayed in anything like the cabin—even though it was nicely furnished.
“There is a phone,” he explained. “But it is only for calling the lodge or one of the other cabins. There is no internet, no telephones or television.”
The man instantly pulled out his cell phone. “No service at all?”
“None.” This was typical of what guests often did. He’d seen some wandering around trying to get at least one bar as if their lives depended on it.
“What if there is an emergency?” Vanderlin demanded.
“There’s a landline in the lodge, though it’s not for guests to use.”
“Seriously, what is the point of all this?” the man demanded. “I know you think you’re helping her but—”
“This was all Jos—Monica’s idea,” he said. “I’m just providing the location.”
“She really believes someone in her family wants to kill her?”
“So do I. And not just her family. That’s why her doctor and lawyer were also invited.”
The man shook his head. “It breaks my heart that she would even think such a thing let alone set something like this up, believing one of them is capable of murder.”
“Food and drinks will be served up at the lodge,” Garrett said. “You’re welcome to rest here until the others arrive or take a walk. Perhaps you’ll all want to take a horseback ride later.”
Vanderlin looked appalled. “We aren’t here to ride horses. We’re here to see to Monica. I can’t believe you don’t realize what a troubled young woman she is.”
“I guess I have to remind you that someone tried to kill her and we suspect will again. That is definitely troubling to me as well.”
“Yes,” the man said, eyeing him. “But what you’re not taking into account is that she attracts trouble like metal to magnet. She’s always associated with the...wrong people.” His eyes narrowed. “Exactly what is your relationship with my ward?”
“I’m in love with her and if I have my way, I’m going to marry her.”
Vanderlin scoffed at that. “I should warn you that no man can ever inherit her money married or not.”
Garrett’s laugh was bitter. “I expected you to think first of the money. That’s very telling for a man who I’m told is wealthy in his own right.”
“I don’t want Monica’s money,” Vanderlin snapped.
“Neither do I. I didn’t even know she had an inheritance when I bought the engagement ring for her.” The man lifted a brow. “Two years ago when I first met her and fell for her, I didn’t even know her real name. So you’re the only one worried about her money.” He started to turn and leave when he heard the sound of a vehicle. “Sounds like the others are arriving. When you’re ready, come over to the lodge for refreshments before dinner.”
He was anxious to get back to Joslyn. Not that he thought anyone would try to harm her immediately. But he wasn’t taking any chances.
As he stepped out of cabin one, he got his first look at her stepsister.
* * *
JOSLYN HADN’T SEEN Amethyst in years and was surprised how little she had changed. She watched her climb out of a black SUV almost identical to Vanderlin’s and wrinkle her surgically modified pert nose at what she saw. Her expression changed little when she saw Joslyn.
“Amethyst, I’m so glad you came,” she said as she descended the steps.
“What choice did I have? Alistair said you’d lost your mind and that we had to come for fear of what you’d do next.”
Joslyn doubted that was what he’d said. All he’d had to do was tell them that she was cutting off everyone financially and giving all of her inheritance to charities. That would be enough to send them all into a panic.
“It’s good to see you,” Joslyn said as Amethyst leaned in to give her an air kiss. “It’s been too long. We really should keep in touch more than we do.”
Her stepsister pulled back to give her a surprised look that asked why.
“We’re the only family we have,” Joslyn said.
Amethyst made a disgruntled sound. “We barely know each other.”
“My fault since I’ve been...away.”
Her stepsister laughed at that. “Wasting the taxpayers’ money with your paranoia. At least that’s what Alistair says.”
She doubted Alistair said that either, but she was surprised that Amethyst knew she’d been in the witness protection program. Did all of them know that? “That sounds more like something your husband would say. By the way, where is he?”
Her stepsister waved a hand toward the SUV. “He and I took the train. Fortunately, Neal was flying in and Ben was driving, so he picked us all up.”
Dr. Neal Foster, her psychiatrist, and Benjamin Purdy, her family attorney, emerged from the SUV. The last person out was of course Amethyst’s husband, Rance. He looked as happy to be here as the others.
Joslyn was wondering if this wasn’t a mistake, when Garrett appeared at her side and offered to see them to their cabins.
“Cabins?” Rance snickered. “How...quaint.” The man moved to her to give her air kisses.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” she said and he grunted in response.
“You know Amethyst. She hates to go anywhere without me.”
Joslyn looked up to see her stepsister roll her eyes.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I haven’t introduced you to Garrett Sterling, your host and the man who saved my life earlier when my Jeep blew up.”
* * *
“WHAT?” THEY ALL seemed to ask in a chorus of disbelief.
Garrett didn’t believe any of their shocked faces.
“Someone had my Jeep wired with explosives,” Joslyn said. “Fortunately, Garrett realized it and got me out before the explosion that destroyed my vehicle.”
Amethyst looked skeptical. “That sounds like something out of a movie. Maybe you just flooded the motor and—”
“The sheriff and local police have called in investigators,” Garrett interrupted. “They hope to find evidence to lead them to the person who tried to kill her, although we suspect someone hired the job done. But if they find the person who wired it, he could lead them to whoever hired him.” It was a bluff, but he liked shutting up Joslyn’s stepsister.
“Garrett,” Rance said, raising his nose in the air. “You own this place?”
“With my brothers,” he said taking in the expensively dressed man. Joslyn had told him a little about each of the people arriving.
“Rance Carrington,” the man said with an air of superiority as he held out his hand. He was a slim man, who clearly worked out a lot, with a head of thick blond hair that he shook back into place with one smooth shift of his head. Beside him, Amethyst cleared her throat. “I don’t believe you’ve met my beautiful wife, Amethyst.”
Garrett turned to the woman after shaking Rance’s hand. She was taller than her husband, with a pale surgically improved face and blond hair. Her eyes were a clear icy blue.
“The stepsister I’ve heard so much about,” Garrett said and held out his hand.
Amethyst looked startled, her gaze going to Joslyn as she delicately shook his hand.
Joslyn had tried to say only good things about her stepsister, but in truth it was clear that Amethyst had never cared for the younger stepsister she’d inherited through marriage.
The other two visitors stepped forward then to offer their hands. Dr. Neal Foster was an attractive fiftysomething man who must have been hired right out of medical school by Alistair.
The doctor shook Garrett’s hand, though his gaze was on Joslyn. And when he spoke, it was to her. “How are you, dear?”
“Fine,” she said and smiled.
The other man stepped forward and offered his hand. “Attorney Benjamin Purdy.”
“The family lawyer,” Garrett said. “Welcome, I’m Garrett Sterling and this is my family’s guest ranch. I hope you’ll all be comfortable here.”
As the attorney released his hand, Garrett turned to the group of them. “If you’ll come with me, I’ll get you settled in before supper.”
Rance was looking around. “Are we your only guests?”
“The ranch is closed this summer for some construction. The crew working on the barn won’t be back until Monday so, yes, it’s just us,” Garrett said. “Is that a problem?”
“Not at all,” the man said and put his arm around his wife. “We like peace and quiet, don’t we, darling?”
She shook his arm off and said over her shoulder as she moved away from him, “Get my bags.”
Garrett repeated what he told the others about refreshments before dinner.
“I’ll take a drink now,” Amethyst said and headed for the lodge. The others agreed and followed. A few moments later, Alistair joined them.
Each had a drink and then Garrett closed the bar and offered again to take them down to their cabins, explaining he would ring the bell when dinner was ready.
* * *
JOSLYN FELT SICK to her stomach as she watched Garrett walk them down to their cabins. It was the first time she’d had a chance to catch her breath. She tried to relax but stiffened as she realized that she wasn’t alone.
“Monica?”
She hadn’t heard Alistair come up behind her and couldn’t help starting as she spun around to realize he had left with the others and apparently doubled back.
“I do hope you know what you’re doing,” he said.
Joslyn smiled, hoping the same thing. He met her gaze and held it. He looked scared. He wasn’t the only one. If she was right, one of these people wanted her dead. They were people she’d known all her life. People she’d trusted. She didn’t want to believe it and yet...
She saw that he’d left the front door of the lodge open. She breathed in the sweet scent of the pines and reminded herself that this was her idea. If she was right, one of them would be coming for her in the next few hours.
“I want to help you,” he said.
“Help me? Is that why you signed papers to have me committed?”
Alistair flushed. “I would never have agreed to that if I thought it wasn’t critical for you to have the care you needed. I don’t approve of the way Neal handled it.”
“Really? Do I seem to need medical attention?”
His gaze softened. “You have to admit some of your recent decisions haven’t been the most reasonable or sensible. Like leaving the witness protection program the way you did. You said yourself that you were almost killed.”
“Exactly. Someone sent me a photograph of Garrett and me from two years ago. That’s why I left the program. I had to warn him. But you wouldn’t know anything about that.”
He flushed again. “I knew nothing about you and this...cowboy.”
“But two years ago you hired a private investigator to find me.”
“Because I was worried about you. One minute you’re talking to the feds about needing protection and the next you had taken off and I didn’t know if you were alive or dead. What would you have had me do?”
“I was almost killed in a hit-and-run accident. That was after Neal said he thought I was remembering who killed my father and stepmother.”
“You’re remembering?”
“No, but it was like someone believed I was and wanted me dead. I did go into the witness protection program because the government believed I was remembering. Clearly they don’t believe that Harvey Mattson was the killer.”
Alistair let out a frustrated groan and started to turn away.
“Did you also hire the investigator two years ago to take photos?”
He stopped and turned back to her. “No,” he said with a shake of his head. “I’m disappointed that you would think I was the one who lured you out so a man could try to kill you.” He sighed. “I did my best with you all these years. You will soon be free of me and don’t ever have to see me again.”
His words cut her to the quick. He’d always been kind to her, always put up with her misbehavior, always seen that she had anything she needed or wanted.
“I’m sorry,” she said but he’d already turned away and was walking out the open door and back to his cabin.
“Is everything all right?” Garrett asked as he joined her moments later.
She shook her head. “I hate this. How is it possible that one of the people I’ve known almost all of my life wants me dead?”
He put his arm around her and pulled her close. “We could be wrong.”
She shook her head against his chest. “That’s the worst part. I don’t think we are.” She felt close to tears.
“And by the way, you haven’t known Rance all your life,” he pointed out.
She drew back to look at him. “He’d sell his mother for one of his tailored suits. But murder?”
They both turned as another vehicle drove up. For a moment, Joslyn thought it might be her brother, Peter, who’d changed his mind about not coming. But when the car door opened, William “Billy” Mitchell climbed out.
* * *
GARRETT MOTIONED HIS friend inside the lodge. “I thought you’d still be out in Washington snowboarding.”
Billy laughed as he said, “You must be Joslyn. I’m glad we finally get to meet.” He kissed her on the cheek and let himself be ushered to the lush leather furniture of the lodge. “When you called and told me what you two were doing...” He shook his head. “This gives a whole new meaning to crazy.”
