Avalanche (8 page)

“Chandler’s company has a small jet. So it definitely could
have been him.”

“I know. I told you, I looked into him. I also contacted a
few of the local airstrips, but none will confirm that Chandler Chase arrived,
or departed, last night.”

“Is that really all that strange? Chandler has enough money
to buy someone’s silence.”

“Maybe, but it seems like a big risk for someone who is
already suspected of stalking.” Red took a deep breath. “Look, Pam, I know you
think it’s Chase, but let’s consider the alternatives, okay? Who else
might
it be? Can you think of anyone?”

“Red, it
has
to be Chandler. I saw his car, remember?
And all of this started immediately after I broke up with him. I can’t imagine
who else would be doing this to me.”

“What about a client? Think back to the time when it began.
What else was going on around then? Did you let someone go? Did you fail to get
someone a part they really wanted? Anything, even something that you believe to
be insignificant could set a stalker off.”

“But I saw his car!”

“No, you saw a car that looked like his, but you didn’t see
him inside. Just humor me, will you? Think of other possibilities.” Red slowed
the car and turned into Sharon’s drive. “You don’t have to tell me tonight, but
at least think about it, please. I don’t want to overlook something, just
because you’re determined to believe that it’s Chase.”

“The way you say that makes me feel foolish, just for
thinking it’s him. I have good reasons, Red. You know I do.”

“I know, but what if it’s not him?” Red opened the door,
then lowered his voice. “I’m not saying it isn’t, Pam, but I’d be the fool if I
ignored other possibilities.” Standing beside the car, he opened the door for
Hershey. The dog immediately went to stand beside Pamela’s door.

“I take it you’re coming inside?” she asked, when Red
followed her to the house.

“Of course. I’ll stay until Sharon gets home. JB will
probably be out most of the night.”

“I still find that so hard to believe.” Pamela turned on the
lights as she walked through the house. Hershey bounded past her to check on
his friend, Cocoa, sleeping in an open crate in the kitchen.

“Yeah, well, it
is
Starsdale, after all. Besides,
stranger things have happened.” Red made himself right at home, dropping onto
the sofa, then kicking off his shoes. “Any chance of a cup of coffee?”

“Coffee? At this time of night? You look like death warmed
over, Red. The last thing you need is coffee.”

“Thanks, but if I’m going to stay awake for another few
hours, I need caffeine.”

“I won’t waste my breath by telling you to go home, but you
really should,” Pamela called as she walked to the kitchen. “Whoever is
stalking me has no idea where I am. You really don’t need to stay.”

“You can’t be sure of that,” Red covered a yawn as he
flipped open his laptop. “Let’s see if we’ve had any activity.” Within seconds,
visuals of Pamela’s house appeared on the screen.

Pamela came back with his coffee, decaf, but she wouldn’t
tell him that, to find Red staring intently at the images.

“Anything?” she asked, handing him the mug.

“Nope, everything appears to be in order. Thanks.”

Taking the mug, his hand brushed hers, sending a familiar
thrill to each of them.

“Some things never change,” Red mumbled, moving away as if
he’d been stung.

Pamela pretended not to hear him.

“Can I get you anything else, before I turn in?”

“No, thanks, I’m all set. Sleep well.”

“Thanks. You know, you could stretch out and catch a nap
until Sharon comes home. I know she wouldn’t mind.”

“Might do it.” Red glanced down at the length of the
inviting sofa.

“Good night, Red.”

“Good night, Pam.”

“Who is coming tonight?” Justin asked, slipping his arms
around Jade’s waist.

“Just Red and Pamela. I wanted to keep it small so we could
get to know her.” Jade twisted to give him a quick kiss, then picked up the
tray of canapés.

“You already like her,” Justin nodded, stealing one of the
pineapple topped toasted crackers. “Mmm, is that cream cheese in the middle?”

“Yes, sort of,” Jade laughed, slapping his hand away as he
moved in for another. “I’m glad you like them, but leave some for our guests,
please.”

“Just one more, I promise,” Justin grinned, then snagged
another. “Can I help it if you’re a wonderful cook?”

“You’re only saying that because you’re hungry,” Jade
laughed, pushing him away.

“I’m saying that because it’s true, and because you’ve been teasing
me all afternoon with whatever it is you’re cooking.”

“I didn’t think you noticed, what with your head bent over
the calculator all day. Too bad Chelsea and Sharon weren’t here to see it. They
think that all we do is stay in bed.” Jade grinned and pulled the roast from
the oven.

“They would be right, mostly,” Justin came over to watch. “That
looks amazing. Just like Mom never made.”

“I’m sure the chef prepared it for you once or twice. Your
penchant for meat and potatoes is hard to miss.”

“What can I say, I’m a cave man.” Justin turned her to face
him. “Smartest thing I ever did, convince you to move in with me.”

“And don’t you forget it,” Jade sighed, snuggling up against
him.

“Hello, anyone home?” Red called through the open screen
door.

“Come in,” Justin called, giving Jade a quick kiss.

“It sure smells good in here,” Red announced, coming through
the door, behind Pamela. “Justin, you’re a lucky man.”

“We were just talking about that,” Justin replied, coming to
greet them. “You must be Pamela, it’s nice to meet you. Justin Devereaux.”

“It’s lovely to meet you, too,” Pamela told him, thinking
that Jade was the lucky one. The man looked like sex on a stick. It was hard
not
to appreciate such beauty.

“Welcome, I’m so glad you could both make it,” Jade said,
giving Pamela, then Red, a quick hug. “It’s such a lovely evening, I thought
we’d eat in the garden. Red, why don’t you show Pamela the way? We’ll be out in
a second.”

“Are you sure we can’t help with anything?” Pamela asked.

“Not at all, everything’s done. Go and make yourselves
comfortable.”

Jade handed the tray of canapés to Justin with a warning
look.

“Make sure all of these make it outside, please. And would
you pour the wine? It’s on the table. I’ll bring the hot hors d’oeuvres in a
sec.”

“Yes, Ma’am, whatever you say. Keep feeding me like this,
and I’ll never let you out of the kitchen. Unless it’s to join me in the
bedroom,” Justin leered, making her laugh.

“Promises, promises,” Jade teased, shooing him out of the
kitchen.

~~~

“I can’t believe you made all of that food for just the four
of us,” Pamela said, stretching out on the chaise. “I’ll have to run every day
next week, just to work it off!”

“You’ll do no such thing, not unless I’m with you,” Red told
her, tempering his voice to sound less like a command.

“Seriously, it was a lovely meal, thanks for inviting us
over.” Pamela ignored Red, and his command.

“Thanks for coming. And for helping clean up, though we
could have let it wait until morning.” Jade hooked her hand through Justin’s as
they sat side-by-side in the swing.

“No, we couldn’t,” Pamela laughed. “I wouldn’t have been
able to sleep, knowing that your sink was filled with dirty dishes.”

“Pam is something of a neat freak,” Red explained, propping
his legs up on Pamela’s chaise. “At least she used to be, I assume that hasn’t
changed.” Meeting her gaze, he challenged her to disagree.

“Of course it hasn’t,” Pam threw back at him. “Why would
it?”

Jade squirmed a little in the swing, hoping the two wouldn’t
start up again. Dinner had been nice, in a way, but Pamela and Red were
constantly sniping at each other. It was getting old.

Justin felt her discomfort, and jumped in.

“Pamela, Jade tells me that you’re a talent manager. Do you
have plans to open up shop around here?”

“No, I may get out of the business altogether. Everything’s
up in the air, at the moment. I’m not sure what I’ll do.” Pamela dropped her
voice, then remembered Jade’s book. “While I’m here, can I get a copy of your
manuscript? I’m sure I can find someone who’d be willing to represent you.”

“Jade doesn’t need representation,” Justin jumped in,
feeling instantly protective of Jade and her work. “The book speaks for itself.
It’s damned good, any publisher will be lucky to have it.”

“I’m sure that’s true,” Pamela soothed, not surprised that
Justin jumped to Jade’s defense so quickly. It was clear the man was head over
heels about her. “But a lot of times publishers are hesitant to read
manuscripts unless they come in through the right channels. I’m only trying to
help.”

“Sorry, didn’t mean to jump down your throat,” Justin
apologized. “But you’ll see what I mean when you read the book. It’s great.”

“So I’ve heard. I’m really looking forward to reading it.”
Pamela toyed with an idea. “You know, I’m not totally out of the business, yet.
I have some decent contacts in all of the top five publishing houses. If you
like, I’ll make some calls on your behalf, see if we can drum up some interest.”

“But you haven’t even read it yet,” Jade frowned, not
wanting Pamela to go out on a limb for her.

“Okay then, I’ll read it first, then I’ll make a few calls
for you. If it’s as good as everyone says, I’m sure I can get you in the door.
After that, who knows? In a few months, you could be traveling the country on a
book tour.”

“I know that’s supposed to sound exciting, but for me, it’s
a little terrifying. It would be nice if the book just sold, with no
interaction from me.” Jade shuddered. “I’m a private person, I don’t want my
face splashed all over creation.”

“Why not? It’s a wonderful face,” Justin smiled down at her.
“If it comes to that, I’ll travel with you. We’ll make it a party.”

Pamela watched their exchange with a touch of jealousy. They
were obviously completely in love, but it was more than that. Justin and Jade
shared a mutual respect that was palpable. Everything about them, from the way
they spoke to each other, to the way they made contact, almost continuously,
declared their mutual admiration and esteem.

Why can’t we treat each other like that?

The thought pierced her heart as she glanced over at Red.
For as much as she still loved him, and she couldn’t deny that she did, she
hated the way they treated each other. But it was out of her control. There was
something about him, about them together, that brought out the worst in each
other.

This afternoon, in the midst of Red’s refresher course on
self-defense, they had a moment. More than a moment, they had fire again. The
good kind, the kind that sent chills rushing along her body, and made her heart
beat three times faster.

He’d come up behind her to simulate an attack, but as soon
as he touched her, it was like molten lava ran through her veins. She knew he
felt it, too, she heard him gasp at the contact. But instead of taking her in
his arms, he stepped away, chastising her for waiting too long to act.

“If I were the stalker, you would already be dead!” he’d
raved.

From that moment, he didn’t touch her again, not for the
entire afternoon. It was the most awkward, uncomfortable time they’d shared
together since meeting again. She knew the awkwardness carried over into the
dinner, but she couldn’t seem to stop it.

“Does that sound reasonable, Pamela?” Jade asked, breaking
into her thoughts.

“What? I’m sorry, I missed the question.” Pamela smiled, but
it fell short.

“Nothing, we can talk about it later, after you’ve read the
book. Would you like to help me with dessert?”

“Sure, but I can’t imagine where we’ll put it,” Pamela
laughed, grateful for the diversion.

“Not to worry, it’s a very light chocolate mousse,” Jade
told her, leading the way into the kitchen.

When they’d disappeared, Justin focused on Red.

“What’s up with you and Pamela?”

“Nothing,” Red frowned, looking away from Justin’s gaze.
“I’m simply trying to protect a citizen, that’s all.”

Justin chuckled.

“And I’m the queen of England. Look, man, you can lie to
yourself, to me, and everyone else, but it won’t get you what you want.”

“You think you know what I want?”

“Damn right. You want Pamela. That’s clear as day. What’s
not so clear is why you continue to let her bait you, and why you continue to
bait her. It feels like I’m witnessing a debate, no matter what topic comes up.
No wonder she thinks you hate her.”

“Pamela thinks I hate her?” Red was stunned by the news.

“Crap,” Justin shook his head. “I think that was
confidential. But yeah, Jade said that Pamela thinks you hate her. And from
what I just witnessed, I can see why she would think that. Did anyone ever tell
you the way to a woman’s heart is
not
with a big stick?”

“Dammit,” Red ran a hand through his hair. “I wish I knew
why it’s so difficult between us. It’s like nails on a chalkboard, you know?
But inside. Hell, it’s hard to explain.”

“You don’t have to explain, I see it. Anyone around you can
see it. But Red, brother, think about it. We stopped pulling girl’s hair for
attention somewhere around the third grade. There are better ways to get her
back.”

“I don’t want her back.” Red’s words sounded lame, even to
him.

“Right. Well, when you wake up and decide that you do, try
treating her with a little respect, for starters.”

“What do you mean? I do respect Pamela.”

“You wouldn’t know it by the way you speak to her. Cut out
the macho bull crap, and show her how you feel.”

“I tried that for two years. It didn’t work out so well. No,
Pam is done with me, I need to accept it, and move on. But for now, for as long
as she needs me, I intend to be there for her.”

“I think you’re wrong about that. I’ve seen the way she
looks at you. There is definite interest there, probably more. I’m not trying
to get into your business, but if you want her, you have to let her know.
Nicely
.”

“Yeah, well, you’re right. It’s none of your business. Not
everyone can have what you have with Jade.”

“Maybe not, but there’s no reason to push it away, if the
possibility exists.”

“Existed. Past tense.”

“Only if you want it to be.”

~~~

“I know we just met, but I’m a good listener, if you’d like
to talk about what’s bothering you.” Jade took four dessert glasses from the
fridge.

“Thanks, but I wouldn’t even know where to begin.” Pamela
watched as she carefully spooned whipped cream on top of the creamy chocolate
concoctions.

“Why are you and Red so angry with each other?” Jade jumped
right to the heart of things.

“If I knew that, I could fix it. It would be easy to say
that it’s because we broke up, but that’s not it. We were volatile, even when
things were good. There’s just something about Red, he makes me crazy.”

“Oil and water,” Jade nodded. “But you know what they say,
right? The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference. You and Red are
definitely
not indifferent towards each other.”

“No, we’re not,” Pamela laughed. “But I wish that we were.
It would be easier.”

“Do you really wish that? Seems to me there’s a lot of love
between you, hiding beneath the attitude, and the anger. Are you sure that you
two are really over?”

“Red doesn’t love me, this much I know. Do I think he still
wants me? Yeah, sometimes, but he hates that, too.”

“What about you? Do you still love him?”

“I’ll always love Red,” Pamela said without thinking. “But
love is not enough. I can’t live my life in a constant battle with the man I
care about.”

“Surely it wasn’t always a battle. Something drew you
together in the first place. Maybe you should explore that, get back to your
roots.”

“Like I said, Red wants nothing to do with me. And that’s
fine. I came to him for help, which was hard enough to do, but I will
not
ask him for anything else.”

“I think you’re wrong about Red. He still cares for you.
Maybe he just doesn’t know how to show it.”

“No, I broke Red’s heart. He won’t let me get close enough
to do it again.” Pamela took two of the glasses from Jade.

“Just don’t rule it out. I think you two could have
something, if you stopped sniping at each other long enough to find it.”

“You’re very direct,” Pamela said, surprised. “I like that.”

“Thanks. Think about what I’ve said. Red cares for you,
don’t doubt that.”

~~~

Pamela was silent for most of the ride home, mulling over
Jade’s observations. Could she be right? Could Red still be in love with her?

Red turned the radio to soft rock and relaxed into the
drive. For two days, he’d been on edge. Hell, he’d been that way for the past
week, if he was being honest. Pamela turned his world upside down, just by
showing up in Starsdale. But now, riding beside her, quietly, on such a
beautiful night, he almost felt normal again.

Maybe it was the fact that Justin had tried to convince him
that Pamela still cared. Maybe the constant bickering finally wore off, and
they were in a lull. Maybe it was the fact that Pamela was silent beside him.

The best part was, he didn’t feel any animosity coming from
her side of the car. It was pleasant, almost.

Part of him wanted to keep things harmonious by maintaining
the quiet. Another part of him wanted to know what she was thinking. His
curiosity won.