Prelude of Lies (17 page)

They were both wonderful men. Both spoke to her on a physical level and an intellectual one. Not to mention, they seemed to have the same morals and sense of humor.

She was screwed.

And judging by the way Graham and Tucker were acting, so was Daisy.

An owl called. Sydney sat up. Something was wrong. She just didn’t know what. She stayed still, confused and concerned. Daisy. She threw the covers back and rushed to the room where her sister recovered. The bed was empty.

The windows were closed and locked. Whoever took her had to have come through the front door.
That’s
what had awakened her, the sound of the door clicking into place.

She ripped the door open, startling Marshal.

“Where’s Daisy?” She tried to control her breathing.

“Bathroom.” Marshal motioned toward the outhouse they had to use until the new toilets were installed.

“Alone?”

“No, silly. Tucker and Graham are with her. Those two are going to beat the shit out of each other soon.” He pointed, and she turned. Both men stood on either side of the bathhouse with their arms folded across their chests.

“Oh for crying out loud. What is going on in this place? Is there some kind of love curse or something?” She hadn’t meant that last sentence to slip out.

“I believe so. I know how they feel.” Marshal’s words were quiet. So quiet she almost hadn’t heard.

At least she wasn’t alone in how she felt. It seemed to her that they were all confused.

“Try being me.” She closed the door behind her as she went back to the couch to wait for Daisy’s return. Standing on the front porch and discussing the decision she may have to make soon was not appealing.

The last thing she wanted was to hurt either man. Wasn’t it supposed to be easy once you found your prince charming? Didn’t all men pale in comparison, leaving no question as to who was your true destiny?

Except she felt like that with both Marshal and Jace. Could she be falling in love with both of them? She wasn’t going to be able to choose. What would she do? Daisy’s suggestion stuck in her head, but the whole thing seemed sleazy and slutty.

Sleep with both of them and whichever one made her quiver for hours afterward would be the man who was meant for her. How could she do that? Was she supposed to tell them? That certainly would put a lot of pressure on them to perform their best. She almost laughed at that thought.

What if neither did it for her? Or what if they both did? What would she do then?

She wondered if she could live with both of them. One of those alternate lifestyle type situations where they all lived together, sharing the chores, fun, and sex.

Shaking her head, she dispelled that idea. She’d be a wreck all the time and the whole thing didn’t feel quite right to her. Much like sleeping with both of them to see which one suited her best. Her version was better than Daisy’s though. Daisy suggested she sleep with both of them at the same time.

Besides the fact that the thought excited her more than she’d ever admit, she knew she’d never have the guts to suggest such a thing. Still, it was a wonderful fantasy.

She was better off forgetting the stupid idea and just getting a bunch of cats. Cats didn’t care what you did as long as you kept their food dish filled, their litter boxes clean, and scratched them behind the ears every once in a while.

Yep.
That’s
what she would do.

Become a cat lady who owned a campground.

Daisy waved on her way back to her makeshift sickroom. She appeared much better, and Sydney relaxed. Her mind wandered to candlelit rooms, oversized bathtubs, and two muscular handsome men waiting to take care of her every need and whim.

CHAPTER 16

Daisy rolled over, almost falling off the tiny cot. Her body ached and her head felt as if the hemispheres of her brain had permanently separated. She thought she smelled coffee and slowly stood to go in search of the magical brew. Her stomach growled.

Sydney smiled as she rounded the corner. “Good morning. How’re you feeling?”

“Like shit. Why do you seem so happy?” Daisy didn’t mean to growl.

“Because you’re safe.”

Guilt filled her, especially after that sweet reason. Maybe she should go back to bed until she could be nice. Sydney motioned to the chair beside her, a mug of steaming coffee and a plate of bagels and fruit in front of that.

“I figured you’d be hungry.”

“Thanks. I am. I’m feeling a little disoriented. Sorry I snapped at you.” She sank into the chair, feeling every ache in her body.

“No offense taken. It’s probably because you haven’t eaten in about forty-eight hours.” Sydney pushed her plate away and stood.

“I wondered. I’m afraid I kind of lost track of time.” She picked up a bagel, noticing Sydney had spread her favorite cream cheese on it already.

“Understandable after what you’ve been through.” Sydney moved to the window. “Damn.”

“What?” She turned her head, but the movement caused a crashing pain.

“That asshole investigator is back and as jerky as ever.” Sydney filled her in on some of the comments the guy had made when he questioned her.

“He’s a jackass.” Daisy kept her head turned, concentrating on her bagel. “He was probably jealous. Thought we were running some kind of reverse harem and wants to join. Maybe you should interview him and see what hidden talents he has.” Daisy watched Sydney’s face turn red.

“Ha. Ha. I’m having enough trouble with your other suggestion on how to pick between Jace and Marshal.” Sydney made a face and turned back to the window.

“Yeah. I’m having trouble with that one myself.” The idea had seemed like a good one at the time.

Daisy finished off the bagel and the glass of orange juice beside her plate. “Think I could sneak out and shower before he wants to talk to me again?”

She stood and went to the window.

“There’s no back way out of here. Hang on.” Sydney dialed Jace.

Daisy could see Jace near the main house and she watched as he answered his phone. She could even see him nod in response to Sydney’s explanation of their dilemma.

“Okay, Jace is going to divert him long enough for us to slip to our cabin. I need a shower, too.” Sydney stood with her hand on the doorknob. “The EMT didn’t want to move you last night.”

She nodded, slowly so her head wouldn’t explode. “Why’d you call Jace?”

“Detective Weiner-face has an issue with Jace. He seems to think his only reason for being here is to stop us and sleep with me.”

“Sounds reasonable.” Daisy couldn’t help it. Watching Sydney’s face turn red again brightened her mood.

“Very funny. Okay. We’re clear. Let’s go.” Sydney opened the door and Daisy followed her out, not surprised when Graham and Marshal fell in step behind them.

“Captain’s orders.” Tucker grinned.

“You know he’s going to see you and figure out where we are,” Sydney pointed out.

“Not if we come in with you.” Marshal winked at Sydney, and Daisy watched conflicting emotions travel over her face.

“I was kidding,” Marshal said, only he didn’t look like that had been the case.

“You know this isn’t a covert op. When he finds out we’re in the shower, he’ll wait for us. It’s not like he’s going to cart us off to prison or anything. We didn’t do anything wrong.” Each step felt like her head would fall off her shoulders.

She’d hoped the ache would subside once the food and caffeine kicked in. So far, she hadn’t been lucky like that. She didn’t want to tell Sydney, didn’t want to see the worried, guilt on her sister’s face. She’d have to if the pain didn’t stop growing in intensity.

By the time she’d rinsed her hair, she couldn’t take it anymore. Wrapping a towel around her head and another around her body, she leaned against the side of the shower stall, certain she was going to be sick.

Daisy tried to call out for Sydney, but couldn’t speak. She slid down the wall when her legs refused to support her. On her way down, she swung her arm out and knocked the shelf clear of every bottle and item stored there hoping Sydney would hear.

Bright overhead lights stung her brain and she squeezed her eyes shut tight. A voice she didn’t recognize boomed near her ear. “She’s waking. Get those lights turned down.”

Thankfully, whoever they spoke to complied and she allowed her eyes to relax. She didn’t know where she was, but from the antiseptic odors and barely audible footsteps, figured she was probably at the hospital.

The only reason Sydney hadn’t brought her yesterday was because she’d thrown a fit and made her promise not to. She’d feared for her life so much at that point. In retrospect, she probably should have allowed it. Maybe she wouldn’t be wishing for a decapitation now.

“How’re you doing?” The same voice, only softer now.

Daisy tried to open her eyes, but even the dim light hurt.

“Don’t. Not yet. Keep them shut. I can talk to you like this. I’m Dr. Keller. You’re going to be fine.”

He sounded nice. Daisy relaxed a little. “My head hurts so bad.”

“I know. A combination of dehydration and the drugs your kidnapper pumped into your system. He used an odd combination of components that make no sense.”

“Does that make him a stupid criminal?” Daisy tried for a joke but was pretty sure it failed.

“He was a stupid criminal for trying to kidnap you to begin with. Rest. You should feel better in a few hours. I’d like to keep you here at least until you can open your eyes without it hurting.” He patted her shoulder.

She heaved a sigh and relaxed on the pillow. She should have let Sydney bring her here yesterday. Maybe she could have avoided this horrible pain and causing her sister any more worry.

Trying to clear her brain, she almost wished she would have allowed that jackass who drugged her to take her to see the boss. Almost. At least they’d know who they were dealing with.

The last thing she remembered was passing out in the shower. She was dying to know if any information had been discovered through her vague directional description of where she thought she’d been held. She’d been able to describe the outside area pretty well, including the falling down outhouse she’d been forced to use. The smell alone would probably make the place easy to find.

She drifted, wondering how she could be so tired.

Daisy opened one eye, then the other. The raging pain had eased to a dull ache and she pushed herself up. An IV stuck out of her left hand, attached to a bag of clear fluid. The room was dark. She looked around for a clock, but didn’t find one. It had to be late though.

Great, what a way to screw up two, wait, three, days of work. They’d never pass next week’s inspection. She must be recovering if she was thinking about work. The door opened a crack, the light coming through making her squint, but not cry out in pain.

“You’re up.” Sydney sat in the chair beside her, her face in shadow but the worry in her voice evident.

“I’m okay. Sorry I didn’t let you bring me here sooner. Obviously it would have been the smart thing to do.” She relaxed against the pillows, wanting to rip the IV out of her hand.

“That’s beside the point. You’re okay. That’s all that matters now.” Sydney patted her hand, fiddling with the tape holding the tube in place.

“Take that out, will ya?” She held her arm up.

“No way. They’ll do it when they discharge you. Dr. Keller wants to wait until the rest of your bloodwork comes back. Should only be a few hours.” Sydney sounded exhausted and Daisy knew it was her fault.

“I always seem to cause trouble, don’t I?” Tears pricked her eyelids and she struggled to keep them inside.

“Don’t you dare think any of this was your fault.”

“It is. Except for the kidnapping stuff. I know I had nothing to do with that. But everything else. If I hadn’t insisted on calling Marshal in, then you wouldn’t be conflicted over which man is the one for you. Neither would I, for that matter. If I hadn’t initiated the search for my birth parents, Nadine wouldn’t be raising hell for us.” Daisy choked on the tears.

“How can you even try to blame yourself for any of that? I don’t blame you at all. At worst, I’ll end up with neither guy and never have to feel guilty or wonder if I made the right decision. Nadine can go to hell. You’re not the one who brought her crashing through our door. That was Vile Violet, not you. If she hadn’t told her about the inheritance then she would never have bothered. I know it hurts you to hear that, but it’s true.” Sydney grabbed her hand and squeezed.

“It doesn’t hurt as much as it should. She’s a sick woman. The only thing I feel for her is pity. And gratitude that she at least had enough sense not to screw up my life in the process of messing up hers.” She took a shaky breath. The statement was like a bolt of lightning.

All the angst and anger she’d carried around with her faded. Her mother did love her in a twisted way. She’d done the right thing by leaving her with people who would love and care for her. Maybe, in time, she could have a vague friendship with the woman who gave her life. Maybe.

“What are we going to do about the guys?” Daisy rolled her head toward Sydney.

“Send them packing? All of them?” She’d said it as a joke, Daisy knew, but the thought of never finding out where her heart belonged stung.

“I’m still considering sleeping with them both.” That had been intended to counteract Sydney’s teasing.

“Me, too.” Sydney’s eyes were serious.

Silence hung in the air between them. She knew her sister’s morals and how shocked she’d been at Daisy’s half-joking suggestion of a one-night stand. Now her prim and proper sister was actually considering sleeping with two men just so she could make a choice?

“I don’t think that’s a good idea anymore.”

“Good. I don’t either. But then again, what if it is? What if they both suck in bed?” Sydney’s laugh brightened the room and lifted some of Daisy’s melancholy.

“You could only hope that they do.” She wiggled her eyebrows, but doubted Sydney could see that in the dark.

“What if they’re both excellent, both make me see fireworks and witness God? I’ve considered that. How do you choose then? And what if I don’t and always wonder if I made the wrong decision?” The worry was back in Sydney’s voice.

“And how do you tell the one you chose that’s how you made your decision?” Daisy picked at a piece of tape.

“Why would you?”

“I don’t know. Honesty maybe? Would you lie if they straight out asked you?” Daisy hoped Sydney really wasn’t considering forgetting her morals just to try to make this decision easier. As if it would.

“Oh. I never thought of that. Not that I’d ever be able to go through with something like that anyway. This whole situation is stupid. It’s very rare that I even have one guy interested in me.”

“It shouldn’t be. You always do that. Sell yourself short. And it sucks. You have a lot to offer, Syd, you just need to figure that out for yourself.” Sydney didn’t look at her. She only shook her head and faced the window. Daisy figured that conversation was now over. “What are we going to do about the next inspection?”

Sydney sniffed. “No worry. We’re in good shape, not that I would care if we weren’t. I hired Kay’s grandson and some high school kids to spread the stones and paint the activity building. The bathhouses are under construction and the pool contractor starts in the morning.”

“How’d you get all that done?”

“Well, when Dr. Keller told me you were going to be fine, I had to do something or go crazy worrying about you. I’ve been working from the waiting room all afternoon, the guys have been calling in with updates every few hours.”

“How are we affording the pool renovations now? I thought we had a plan for that?” Daisy couldn’t quite remember what their last conversation entailed.

“I’ll explain that on the way back.” Sydney acted like she thought someone was spying on them.

“Secretive, are you? Fine. I’m ready to go.” She sat up, amazed at the difference in her head.

“Okay. Let me find the doc and see what he says.” Sydney stood as the door swung open.

The dim light kept Daisy from seeing who came in. Her heart pounded, her head echoing the beats with the remnants of the pain. The terror of being held captive filled her and she struggled to remember she was safe.

“Good. You’re up. I’m turning the lights on.” The doctor’s voice.

Daisy relaxed and covered her eyes with her hands, waiting a few moments until the initial sting passed. The ache was still there, but in the background.

“How’re you doing now?” Dr. Keller opened her chart.

“Better. Much better. Can I go?” Daisy watched him study her treatments over the past few hours.

“You’re good to go. The drug you were given has mostly cleared your system. The headache will linger for a little while yet, but if it becomes severe again or doesn’t completely go away by this time tomorrow, call me immediately. You should be nice and hydrated. Continue to drinks lots of fluids and don’t forget to eat properly. I’d like to check you in a week, just to make sure you’re not suffering any long term effects from your ordeal and to check that bruise.” He handed her a list of instructions.

“Thanks, doc.” She held up her arm with the IV tubes.

“The nurse will do that. Don’t forget, fluids. Be well.” He shut the door behind him.