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  Sheriff McGruder fell back into his chair. “So Mr. McKay keeps claiming, but I just can’t believe it.”

  Sheldon glared across the desk and wagged her finger at the sheriff. “It’s true. We just got the whole truth from Amber Ellison. She’s at home right now, worried about having to tell you all her painful secrets.”

  The heavy frown of the sheriff’s face said it all. “I don’t understand.”

  “I’m sure Amber will explain it all to you.” Gabby crossed her arms over her chest.

  She was really a little fireball when excited. Clark eased his hand around hers. She glanced down at him and squeezed. He couldn’t wait to put this mess behind them and move into the future with Gabby at his side.

  Thank You, Lord.

  What would happen now that the sheriff knew the truth?

  Gabby turned onto Sea Swept, her mind racing. McGruder had left the station in a hurry—to talk to Amber and then, if he felt it warranted it, to pay a visit to Eric. It would be. Finally, all the pieces fit together and soon Mystique could move beyond the secrets and tragedies.

  After parking, Gabby headed toward the stairs of her apartment building. A silhouette stepped from the shadows, blocking her path. In the reflecting light from the parking lot, Eric stood before her, his face twisted into a menacing scowl.

  Her heartbeat raced. Amber’s evaluation that he was desperate echoed in Gabby’s mind. She licked her lips with a dry tongue. “Eric, you startled me. What are you doing here?” She fought to keep her voice normal.

  “You ruined my plans.”

  Play dumb. “What plans? What are you talking about?” She gripped her keys harder and made a move.

  He stepped in her path. “Don’t act stupid, Gabby. I know you know. I saw the sheriff going to visit my mother.”

  Every instinct told her to run…shout…anything, but she couldn’t move. She had to think. Fast. “Eric, your mother’s dead, remember?” Maybe she could confuse him.

  He withdrew a gun from his jacket pocket and aimed it at her. “I had everything plotted out. Planned down to the T. McGruder bought it all. Everybody would’ve believed what I wanted them, had you just cooperated. But you couldn’t do that. You had to keep digging, keep asking questions. Even the calls I made and slashing your tires wouldn’t stop you.” He took a step toward her. “You should’ve stopped.”

  She stumbled backward. “Eric, stop this. Let’s talk about it.”

  “You and that uppity Mr. McKay. Y’all ruined everything. He’ll get what’s coming to him. As soon as I’m done with you.”

  Gabby’s heart froze at the threat to Clark. In that moment, she knew two things for certain. One, she was well on her way to falling in love with Clark McKay. And two, she’d never get the chance to tell him.

  God, please help me.

  “Now I’ve got to leave town. Drop everything I’ve worked so hard to achieve.” He moved closer. “All because of you.”

  Words failed her. It didn’t matter—they wouldn’t have been able to squeeze past the lump in her throat even if they’d formed.

  No way could she make it up the stairs and into her apartment. He’d either tackle her or shoot her. Same scenario if she tried to run to her vehicle.

  God, I need a miracle. Please, send me help.

  Maybe the best defense was a strong offense. “Look, you could’ve told me what was going on. I could’ve helped you.”

  That stopped him. The gun wavered in his grip. “What? You? Miss Goody Two-shoes?” He made a sound that was half snort and half laugh. “Not hardly.”

  He’d called her bluff. Now, panic threatened to send her bolting, even though it’d surely bring a bullet to the back of her head.

  Eric raised the gun again. “Where’s your hospitality, Gabby? Aren’t you going to ask me in?”

  Bile seared the back of her throat. What would he do to her once he got her isolated in her apartment? The keys felt like cold steel against her palm.

  She caught a flicker of movement on the steps behind him.

  Clark eased his weight down to the last stair. His descent had been painstakingly slow, but he’d had to be silent. Seeing the fear on Gabby’s face and hearing the desperation in her voice had nearly made him act too soon.

  As soon as he’d seen Eric train the gun on her, he’d realized he loved her. With all his heart.

  One more inch. Two. Silent. Careful.

  From a crouching position, Clark rose in a flash, then pounced. His shoulder made contact with Eric’s back as he lifted his arms under Eric’s and slapped the gun out of the man’s hands.

  Eric turned on Clark. His eyes widened only a millimeter before he swung.

  Clark dodged the blow, sidestepping. He countered with a left-right, making contact with Eric’s chin and temple, then added a stiff kick to Eric’s inner thigh.

  Eric dropped to the ground.

  Without hesitation, Clark jumped on top of him, using fists to bring Eric under control. Every punch he delivered resonated inside him. This man could’ve taken Gabby from him forever.

  Clark wouldn’t have survived.

  A siren wailed.

  “I called the police while y’all were fighting.” Gabby’s voice crept through his fit of anger.

  He pinned Eric’s hands to the ground, straddling him. He fixed his gaze on Gabby.

  She stared at him, trembling, but smiled. “The sheriff will be here any second.”

  He never wanted to hold anyone more.

  The flashing lights atop the cruiser blinded him as it skidded to a stop. All he wanted to do was get to Gabby, hold her and tell her how much she meant to him.

  Forever.

  TWENTY-TWO

  Morning in Mystique, with a murder solved and a man in her life, couldn’t get any better.

  Gabby smiled as she poured herself another cup of coffee and turned on the television set.

  The camera zoomed in on Robert Ellison waving from the hospital door. A big smile split his face.

  Robert Ellison awoke this morning to find his name cleared. Sheriff McGruder announced he and his staff uncovered new evidence, so the District Attorney’s office has filed charges against a new suspect.

  Gabby snorted. Puh-leeze. McGruder wouldn’t have figured it out himself if a detailed novel had been left on his desk.

  Sheriff McGruder, the man of the hour, was shown at the courthouse. Reporters flocked with microphones. “We have arrested Eric Masters in conjunction with the murder. No further information is available at this time.”

  Gabby punched off the television. At least Robert was cleared. That was good news, but having Eric attack her…well, it brought back all the memories from when she was attacked before. The difference now was that a man had risked his life to save her, not risked her life to save himself. She just had to keep reminding herself of that fact.

  Her phone rang. She reached across the counter and grabbed the receiver. “Hello.”

  “Gabby, this is Amber Ellison. Did I wake you?”

  “No, I was having coffee.” Why would Amber call her?

  “I guess you heard, huh?”

  “I just saw the news. You must be excited.”

  “I’m scared. Did you talk to Imogene last night?”

  “Not after we left the sheriff’s office.” Gabby had spent the better part of the night surrounded by her friends, sans Immy. The girls said Immy had been with Amber and Pastor Lum. “Why?”

  “I gave my life to Christ last night.”

  “Oh, Amber. That’s wonderful. I’m so happy for you.” This was marvelous news indeed. Yes! Score another soul for God. Gabby suddenly had the desire to dance a jig in her pajamas in the middle of her kitchen. Go, God!

  “I’m so peaceful.” There was a long pause over the line. “But I’m scared Robert won’t forgive me. Especially since I didn’t come forward as soon as he was accused.”

  She had a point. Robert’s name had been dragged through the mud because she hadn’t spoken up.
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  “You know, Amber, you just have to put your faith in God. He’s already got it all worked out according to His will.”

  “I know, but I’m still new at this trusting faith thing.”

  Gabby smiled. How well she remembered being a new Christian with so much to absorb. “I’ll pray for you.”

  “I appreciate that, I really do, but…”

  “But what?”

  “I was just wondering if you could come over. Be here when Robert gets home. Let him know my accepting Jesus isn’t just an act to get him to stay with me.”

  Great. She didn’t want to be in the middle of their marital problems. However, by going to Amber with her questions the previous night, she’d pretty much plopped herself smack-dab in the center of their issues. Gabby switched off the coffeepot. “I’ll get dressed and be right over.”

  Rushing to tug on a pair of jeans and T-shirt, Gabby reconsidered. Amber just needed moral support. Wasn’t this what being a sister in Christ was all about—being there to support one another?

  The drive across town and into the residential area of Mystique took Gabby a mere twenty minutes. She pulled her SUV into the circular driveway, past the magnolia trees in full bloom. Gabby slipped out of her vehicle and ambled to the stairs. Only Robert’s car sat beside the garage. How was he going to get home from the hospital? Or worse, the courthouse? Sheriff McGruder was definitely the type to drag a man just awakened from a coma into police headquarters and make him give his statement.

  Amber answered before the bell even finished its chime. “Thank you for coming.” She motioned Gabby inside. She’d put on makeup, put a curl in her hair and wore a crisp pair of linen slacks with a silk tank top.

  “You look nice.” Gabby moved inside after giving her hostess a sideways hug.

  “Thank you. I wanted to look nice for Robert.” Amber played with the strand of pearls around her neck. “Would you like some coffee?”

  “Please.” Gabby followed her hostess into the kitchen. “Speaking of Robert, how’s he going to get home?”

  Amber’s hands stilled over the cup she reached for. “I’m not sure. He didn’t call.” Her eyes widened and filled with tears. “You don’t think he’s not planning on coming home, do you?”

  How was she supposed to answer that? “I don’t know. Maybe the sheriff plans to bring him home.” Discomfort wove around her spine, making her leg muscles burn to hightail it outta there.

  “Oh. Right.” Amber poured the coffee and pushed the cup toward Gabby.

  Doctoring the java with about a thousand calories’ worth of sugar and a heavy dose of real cream, Gabby smiled. What could she say?

  God, please let him be planning to come home.

  “Shall we wait in the living room?”

  Gabby took a sip of the coffee before joining Amber. Rubbing a single pearl until Gabby thought it’d break loose of the choker, Amber then moved to the next one. Her movements were slowly grating on Gabby’s nerves. “Tell me about your visit with Pastor Lum.”

  Clark finished finalizing his property deed in the Clerk of Court’s office and headed for the front door.

  “Mr. McKay!”

  Clark turned. Robert Ellison rushed toward him. “Mr. McKay, I wonder if I might bother you for a ride home.”

  Why would the man ask him, of all people?

  As if he could read Clark’s mind, Robert flashed a smile. “Sheriff offered me a ride, but I had to decline. I just don’t feel up to sitting in a police car for some strange reason.”

  “I can understand that. Sure, hop in.”

  “Thanks,” Robert said as he opened the passenger door and pulled himself inside.

  Clark slid behind the steering wheel and turned the engine over. He glanced at Robert, whose face carried a heavier weight than a man who had just had all accusations against him dropped should have.

  “Is everything okay, Robert?”

  “I hate that Howard was murdered.” He shook his head. “It’s a waste. I still can’t believe Eric killed him.” Robert hesitated a long moment. “And I just don’t know what to say to my wife.”

  “Look, it’s none of my business, but I have to tell you, I think she was brave to come forward and tell the truth.”

  “Took her long enough.”

  “But she did.”

  “I suppose.” Robert stared out the window. “I’m still angry for the deceptions, lies and stealing. Had I known from the beginning, maybe Howard would still be alive.”

  “You have every right to be angry. That’s human nature.” Why did the man pick him to talk to?

  Robert stared at Clark. “It’s human nature, but it’s not spiritually correct. Is that what you’re trying to say?”

  The lump of discomfort doubled in Clark’s throat. “Well, I know it’s hard because we let emotions get all tangled up inside us.” He shot a glance at Robert before directing his attention back to the road. The man didn’t look mad. “I just try to remember that I make more mistakes than most, and I’m sure glad our Heavenly Father can forgive me so easily.”

  “I know.” Robert leaned his head against the seat. “I know I should forgive Amber and move on. My heart, that’s a totally different story.”

  “I can understand. It’s a hard job.”

  The heat in the breeze was almost electrically charged. Something breathed over Mystique, something big.

  Clark glanced over at the passenger’s seat. Robert had his eyes clamped shut, but his lips moved. Praying. That was just what the man needed most, to go before the Lord and seek guidance.

  Steering the car down Shannon Street, Clark looked again at Robert. His eyes were open and shimmering. “Thanks. I needed to be reminded of what I knew to be the right thing.”

  “God does like to use unlikely folks to give out His reminders sometimes.”

  “You know,” Robert’s smile widened, “you aren’t so bad. For a Yankee and all.”

  Clark laughed as he turned in the driveway. Yep, Mystique had been the right choice for him. He slowed the car into the circular driveway as he rolled to a stop behind Gabby’s SUV. What was she doing here?

  “Looks like I have company.” Robert stepped from the car.

  “A welcome-home visit.”

  They reached the stairs, and Robert paused.

  “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah.” Robert smiled. “It’s just good to be home.”

  The front door swung open, and Amber Ellison stepped onto the porch. Her eyes were filled with tears and locked on Robert’s face. She pressed fingers against her mouth.

  Robert took the steps two at a time, holding out his arms. Amber rushed into his embrace. Their soft words tripped over each other—

  “I’m so sorry.”

  “I understand.”

  “I love you.”

  “I love you.”

  Clark shifted his gaze to the flower bed, pleased the two would be okay, but very uncomfortable to witness their display.

  “They’ll work it out now,” Gabby said.

  He jerked his head. Clark glanced at the Ellisons. They were in a marital embrace. He smiled. “Yeah, I think they will.”

  “How’d you get the job of driving him home?”

  Her spicy perfume vanquished the magnolia fragrance and did strange things to his pulse rate. He planted a soft kiss on her temple. “He didn’t want to take the sheriff up on his offer of a ride.”

  “Can’t say I blame him.” She rested a hand against his check. “The bruise is gone now.”

  Heat that had nothing to do with the weather rattled him. He ran a hand through her hair, just gazing into her eyes.

  “Why don’t we get out of here and give them some privacy?” She held her hand out to him.

  He wrapped his hand around hers, loving the softness of her skin against his. As if of one mind, Clark and Gabby stole silently to their vehicles.

  TWENTY-THREE

  What a blessed day!

  Gabby squeezed Clark’s hand und
er the crisp linen tablecloth at Ms. Minnie’s. Their table felt cramped, but she was pleased to note that the girls had made room for Clark beside her.

  The party to celebrate Robert Ellison’s release—from the coma and from suspicion—was in full swing, just awaiting the arrival of the guest of honor. Ms. Minnie had done a beautiful job of decorating—balloons and streamers floated across the diner, and a big banner over the island bar read Welcome Back, Robert!

  Gabby still had another hour before she had to go to work. David Gray had volunteered to work late so she could attend the first half of the party. Sitting beside Clark, surrounded by her best friends, Gabby couldn’t imagine how she could possibly be any more content than she was at this moment.

  The door swung open, and the Ellisons walked into the diner, arms linked. Applause erupted as townsfolk pushed to their feet. Amber’s face flushed and her eyes teared up. Robert’s mouth dropped open for a fraction of a second before a wide smile dug into his face.

  Gabby jumped to hug them. “I’m so glad all this worked out. I’m happy for you.”

  “Thank you again for all you did.” Robert patted her shoulder. “I’d most likely be in jail if it weren’t for you and your friends.” He nodded toward Clark, hovering at Gabby’s elbow. “And Mr. McKay here.”

  Robert and Amber finally made it to their table. Gabby’s heart took a higher flight. This was what she loved about living in a small town—the sense of community, of belonging, of family.

  The diner door flew open again, and Gabby darted her attention. She let out a little gasp as Sam Wood entered and trekked to Robert and Amber’s table. Gabby jutted her chin in that direction. “Check that out.”

  Sam hovered over the table, his lips moving, but the noise was too intense in the diner for them to hear the conversation.

  “Wish I was a fly on that table,” Sheldon said.

  Robert pushed back his chair and extended his hand to Sam. The men shook hands while Amber looked on.

  “Guess all’s well that ends well,” Immy sighed as she straightened the silverware atop her napkin.

  Robert dropped back into his chair, and Sam turned toward the girls’ table. His steps were slow and slogging.