44 Cranberry Point

Bob was grateful for a few minutes alone with his friend. Rather than lead Jack into the family room, he stayed in the formal living room. The last time he’d sat here had been with Roy McAfee and Sheriff Davis. That was the day he’d met Hannah Russell, the daughter of the man who’d died in his home. The daughter of a long-forgotten friend. Bob didn’t want to think about any of it, but he couldn’t ignore the dead man, either.

“You’re looking well,” Bob said. He sat in the wingback chair by the fireplace.

Jack claimed its twin, which was angled on the other side of the fireplace. “I don’t know why Olivia waited so long to marry me. The woman’s crazy about me, you know.” He chuckled at his own remark.

“I suppose you think Peggy and I invited you to dinner because of your charming personality.”

“Any other reason I should hear about?”

Bob went very still. He hadn’t meant to introduce the subject quite so soon, but Jack had given him the perfect opportunity. “Listen, Jack, you’re the best friend I’ve got. You know that, right?”

The smile faded from Jack’s eyes at the seriousness in Bob’s tone. “Yeah, I guess.”

“I need a favor.”

Jack nodded. “Anything.”

“Thanks, Jack.” Bob spoke quietly and hoped his gratitude was evident.

“Does this have anything to do with Maxwell Russell?”

“Yes.”

“Anything new?”

“Not really, but Troy Davis stopped by for a visit last week, and he thinks I might be in…some kind of danger.”

Jack uncrossed his legs and leaned forward. “What kind of danger?”

“He wasn’t entirely sure-no one is-but with two of the four-man squad dead, it’s a puzzle. Someone murdered Max. That much has been uncovered. Dan’s dead, too, and although he committed suicide, I wonder about the timing. There has to be some connection between these two deaths.”

“What about the fourth man?”

“I can’t say, but when Peggy was out of earshot Troy let me know that he’s warned Samuels to be careful. There are too many unanswered questions.”

Jack frowned. “What did he suggest you do?”

“He thought it might be a good idea if Peggy and I went on an extended vacation.”

Jack’s frown grew deeper. “Then what the hell are you doing here?”

Bob sat back in his chair and attempted to look as if he wasn’t intimidated by his situation. He was, though, and he hoped his acting skills were up to par. He figured he’d played enough roles in the community theater to make a passable showing. “I refuse to run away and hide. If anyone out there wants me dead, then all I can say is let him come and get me.”

“I don’t suppose Davis mentioned you have a stupid attitude?” Jack’s scowl darkened his face.

“He might’ve suggested something along those lines.”

Jack didn’t say anything for a moment. “What does Peggy think about all this?”

Bob didn’t want to discuss that. “She has her opinion and I have mine. I did agree not to take guests until this is settled. It hurts financially, but we’ll survive.”

“One day at a time?”

“Let go and let God,” Bob said, quoting a well-known AA saying.

“What can I do?” Jack asked.

“For now, nothing, but if something should happen to me…”

“Nothing’s going to happen.”

Bob wasn’t prepared to argue, but for his own peace of mind, he needed reassurance. He held up his hand. “I don’t know what the future holds, Jack. If what Davis thinks is true, I could turn up dead, the same as Max.”

“But-”

“There are a lot of things in this world that can’t be forgotten or forgiven.” Bob lived with plenty of regrets but none greater than his unwitting participation in a massacre during the Vietnam War.

“What do you need me to do?” Jack asked.

“I want you to look after Peggy for me.” He worried about his children, too. Both Hollie and Marc lived in the Spokane area. Peggy kept in close touch with both of them, and he talked to his son and daughter once a week.

“You know I’ll do whatever I can,” Jack promised.

If he were to die, Bob couldn’t see either of his children moving to Cedar Cove. They loved their mother but they had lives of their own.

He reached inside his pocket and pulled out two envelopes. “I’ve written each of my kids a letter. If the worst happens, I want you to give them these.”

Jack accepted the envelopes and nodded. “Consider it done.”

Bob glanced up just in time to see Peggy and Olivia walk into the living room. “Why are you two sitting here looking so glum? Dinner’s ready.”

“Dinner.” Bob bolted to his feet. “Why didn’t you say so?”

“I’m ready anytime,” Jack said.

Bob felt better than he had in days. No matter what happened, he could rest easy now.

Chapter Seven

Maryellen felt overwhelmed by everything she needed to do before the wedding. The last two weeks had passed in a whirlwind of activity and joyous craziness.

“Just look at these nails,” Rachel, her nail tech, said as she picked up a cotton ball to remove the old polish. “What have you been up to?”

“Moving,” Maryellen muttered, knowing that would explain everything. Her rental house was completely empty now and her belongings were all at Jon’s place, but almost everything remained in boxes. With the wedding preparations demanding all her extra time, she had yet to unpack.

“So when’s the big day?”

“Monday,” Maryellen said.