Dianne's Destiny Read online

  “I’ll go meet him.” Dianne waited at the wrought iron gate. Kip arrived with Sam and Ricochet. “Come on up. Jocelyn has coffee.”

  Inside, she handed Sam the note and the doll. “I found this by my computer. I thought I had turned it off but noticed it open. The note was there, and my computer was open to a page about scrimshaw dolls I’ve been researching.”

  Simon put the note in a zip-lock bag and picked up the doll. “How did he get in here? Did he take anything?”

  “I have no idea how he got in. Nothing seems to be missing.” She shuddered. Just the thought that he could invade her life like that was frightening.

  Kip took the doll from Sam. He turned her over and upside down. “There’s something mesmerizing about this ugly thing.”

  Dianne cleared her throat hoping to dislodge the boulder that seemed to be growing in it. “It seems to cause harm to anyone who hurts or betrays her owner. Although, it appears the doll will actually harm her owner if she feels the owner betrays her. The curse can only be broken by true love.” She shot a glance at Kip, and heat rose to her face. “Let’s not talk about the doll. We have to think about what to do about Simon. Sam, I can assure you, he can be clever, and he will use whatever means he has to in order to get whatever he wants. He doesn’t make mistakes. When he told us the name of his hotel he had a reason for that.”

  “It’s clear he was in your place, Dianne. I’ll keep this note as evidence, and will be back tomorrow.” He turned to Kip. “Follow me to Mr. Jacobson’s hotel. It’s time to talk to him again.”

  “Do I need to go?” Dianne asked.

  “Nah, I’ll alert the authorities here about Simon, and we’ll figure out how he got into your home.” Sam tipped his ten gallon hat to Dianne and Jocelyn.

  Kip kissed Dianne on the cheek. “Don’t worry. I’ll call you.”

  After the men left, she and Jocelyn double checked all of the gates and doors downstairs before setting the alarm system. Still, she felt like she was being watched. That same feeling she had since the day in the park. She rubbed at the goose bumps that popped up on her arms. She looked at every window and out into the grounds. She saw nothing, but the creepy feeling persisted.

  “Let’s go down to the big kitchen and get some ice cream. I bought some Rocky Road and Chocolate Swirl.” Jocelyn moved ahead of Dianne. “It will take our minds off things.”

  Dianne followed her downstairs. Jocelyn dished up ice cream for them both and joined Dianne at the table.

  “I love sitting in this breakfast room at any time, but late at night it feels like I’ve actually gone back in time to the 1920’s when the place was built.” Dianne smiled and glanced around. “It’s the way the shadows play from the windows and from the plants. Mrs. Blankenship loves art and the paintings all through the house are impressive, but I’m especially fond of these small ones peeking out from the window sills.”

  Jocelyn swallowed a mouthful of ice cream. “They’re amazing.”

  Dianne took a large bite of Chocolate Swirl and let it melt in her mouth. She kicked off her shoes and rubbed her feet over the smooth cool tile. Her pleasure dimmed at the thought of Simon being out there…somewhere. “I hope they catch Simon before he hurts someone.”

  “Do you really believe he would do something to physically harm you, Kip, or anyone else?”

  “Come on, Jocelyn. You know him. You know he’s harmed me. Yes, he would harm anyone to get what he wants. And, now he wants to get even with me. He’s crossing lines I never believed he would cross.”

  “What Simon does or doesn’t do isn’t in your control. Kip won’t let him near you.”

  Dianne didn’t feel confident about that. “Kip may not be able to stop him.” She finished off her ice cream. “Are you ready to go back upstairs? I’m about to fall asleep sitting right here. Must be the sugar.”

  “Sure, let’s head up.”

  Upstairs, Dianne said over her shoulder, “I’m going to wash my face and put on my pajamas.” She reached for her purse and pulled the bottle of pills from the bag.

  Jocelyn frowned. “How many of those have you had today? Seems like a lot.”

  Dianne scoffed. “I haven’t taken more than what’s prescribed. It’s been a stressful day wouldn’t you say?” Without waiting for a reply, Dianne went into the bathroom and flipped on the knobs in the shower.

  She turned the brown bottle over and over in her hand while the water heated up. Had she been taking too many? She considered foregoing the pills tonight, just to prove she didn’t have to have them.

  As soon as the thought came, nerves began strangling her. She needed the medication. Especially right now. But what did that make her? If she looked in the mirror, would she see the image of her father?

  With a snort of disgust, she shoved the bottle in the linen closet. No matter what happens, I’ll gain strength in other ways. Stepping beneath the warm water, she prayed she’d be able to keep that vow.

  Chapter 17

  Kip went to Simon’s hotel room with Sam. He had to fist his hands in his pockets to keep from knocking Simon in the nose.

  Sam banged on the door until Simon answered it. He clenched his teeth, grabbed Simon by the front of his tee shirt and pushed him back into the room. “You dirty scumbag. I’ve just come from investigating a break-in at Dianne’s place. Know anything about that?”

  Simon snarled. “I don’t know a thing. The bitch probably planted it to frame me.”

  Kip took a step toward him, and Sam held out an arm to stop him. “I’ll give you two choices. You either leave town, for good, or I investigate you for breaking and entering, have a warrant issued, and it will be a very, very long time before you can go back home to your cushy little city life.”

  “Oh, I think I’ll take my chances. No small town yokel is going to threaten me and get by with it.”

  Sam released him roughly and shrugged. “Suit yourself. You can expect a visit from some Wichita Falls detectives tomorrow. Nothing small town about them.”

  Simon pasted a satisfied grin on his face that Kip wanted to wipe off with his fist. “Bring it on, Sheriff. I’m not the least bit worried.”

  ****

  Dianne paced waiting for Kip’s call. She ached to know how Simon reacted and knew he would call in his powerful attorneys. Dread simmered in her chest.

  She caught Jocelyn’s look of concern and smiled.

  “It’s going to be all right. I have this.” Dianne settled on the edge of a chair, closed her eyes, and began breathing in a rhythmic and controlled manner. Her phone vibrated in her hand. She answered it before it could ring twice. “Kip?”

  After talking to Kip she turned to Jocelyn. “It seems Simon tried to intimidate Sam. Not a good move. The detectives from Wichita Falls will be there tomorrow. It may all really begin when Simon is able to get his friends down here.”

  “You know, I have a feeling Simon may be surprised at the intelligence and courage of these guys around here. He may work out some kind of plea deal so he can just go back to New York.”

  Dianne nodded hoping Jocelyn was right but trying to squelch the bile inducing fear that she wasn’t. “Let’s try to get some sleep.”

  ****

  Simon sat across a scarred table from two detectives. He looked them in the eyes and cleared his throat. “It’s apparent you don’t have enough evidence to hold me. I refuse to answer any questions until my attorneys arrive later in the day. Now, I will be leaving. If you need to find me I’ll be at the hotel.”

  The detectives looked at each other and smiled. One spoke up. “Stay away from Ms. Jacobson and don’t leave town.”

  Simon laughed. “First I’m told to leave town, now I’m told I can’t?”

  “Now that you’re an official suspect, you’d be wise to stick around.”

  Simon stood, buttoned his suit coat, and scooted the chair under the table. “Gentlemen. Until later, then.”

  He slammed the door on his way out.

  Simon pou
red a double shot of top shelf Scotch whisky at the apartment he had across from Dianne. He would abide by the agreement to stay away from her for now. However, he would do some damage to the cowboy. Arrangements had been made for a special friend of his to come west. A knock at the door came. That had to be his guest.

  Simon went to the door, expecting to see his friend, Larry, standing there in his ill-fitting suit with a cigar hanging out of the corner of his mouth. Instead he saw a clean-shaven man dressed like a cowboy. Right down to the hat. But, the cigar was there. He laughed out loud and pulled Larry inside. “You may be taking this a bit too far.”

  Larry sat at the table. “Nah. It’s important to blend in. So, what’s this job that has me flying across the country and you paying me thousands more than my usual fee?” Larry looked around for an ashtray and extinguished his cigar against the side of a china cup before putting it in his shirt pocket.

  “I came out here to get Dianne. She had the nerve to leave New York without contacting me. I figured she would come back here, it’s her home town. She’s returned to her first love, Kip, as well. They’re a little too chummy. I want something to happen to the cowboy. Not fatal. Just give him a message to stay away from my wife.”

  Larry lifted an eyebrow. “Let me get this straight. You want me to get even with the cowboy and leave Dianne alone. Right?”

  Simon nodded and handed a folded paper torn from a yellow legal pad to Larry. “Yes, for now, just follow Dianne and try to figure out her habits. My plan for her will be phase two. Here’s the information. I have a room at a hotel down the road.” Simon handed him the key. “Don’t contact me until you have a plan.” Simon would humiliate her. And the cowboy.

  Simon didn’t have to wait long after Larry left. He called within two hours.

  “I have a plan. I’ll meet you in a few minutes.”

  Simon disconnected the call and waited. This episode would end soon, but not before he made his mark. He chuckled when he heard the knock. No doubt Larry would have a unique, but memorable, plan.

  “Come on in. I poured you a whisky. What’s your plan?” Simon took a folder from Larry and pointed to a chair.

  Larry sipped his whisky and grinned. “I looked at those maps. I think I can get to one of Mahan’s pastures without trespassing along the river. Thought I might shoot some of his cows. Cowboys are pretty serious about their livestock. It might damage his pocketbook. If that doesn’t do any good I would have easy access to his foreman.”

  “Start with the cattle. Call me as soon as you have news, I don’t have to remind you of our agreement, do I?”

  Larry shook his head. “Consider it done.”

  Chapter 18

  The scrimshaw doll and its curse consumed Dianne’s thoughts, and she couldn’t sleep. She got out of bed, her mind going to the pills in the linen closet. No, you’re stronger than that.

  She made some hot tea and took her laptop to the sofa. If the doll was cursed, would she be subject to the curse? The information she gleaned suggested the doll caused harm in times of betrayal. Betrayal to the owner or by the owner? Why was she so entranced with a bone doll when her life seemed to be spinning out of control?

  Simon’s actions scared her. She didn’t doubt for a moment that he was up to something. He wasn’t done. Dianne held the doll in front of her and stroked its head. “I wish I knew how your curse works. Is Simon here because you want harm to come to me? Or, are you going to protect me? I guess it doesn’t matter since you’re mine and I like having you around.”

  She leaned into the cushions. It relaxed her knowing Jocelyn had arranged to stay longer. Having her near offered a comfort she had no words to describe.

  “What are you thinking?” Jocelyn stood in the doorway yawning and rubbing her eyes.

  Dianne sighed. “I can’t help but worry about Kip. I think Simon will go after him. That, and I’m trying to figure out the curse with my doll. I think the doll protects its owner as long as you’re loyal and kind to her. That’s the way I interpret the research.”

  “You don’t really believe all that nonsense about curses and such, do you?”

  Dianne shrugged. It did sound fantastic, but when she looked at Rosa, somehow, she did believe.

  She stood and walked over to the window, pulled the curtains back, and gazed at the full moon. It was stunning in the clear sky. She would miss this if—when—she left. You couldn’t see moons like this in the city.

  ****

  Kip stood on his porch and stared at the moon, wishing Dianne was with him. His body ached for her. His heart couldn’t decide if it was happy or scared to death. He wanted to trust her, but something told him at the least little blip in their relationship she’d be gone in a New York minute, no pun intended. He rubbed his chest. The dog sat at his feet, looking up at him with brown eyes full of acceptance. “Come on, boy. Let’s go inside.”

  It was late, but Kip needed to hear Dianne’s voice. He couldn’t get over the worry about the son of a bitch, Simon. He was up to no good.

  Kip smiled when he heard her voice, husky with drowsiness. “You awake?”

  “Yeah. Couldn’t sleep.”

  “Are you okay?”

  “I think so. Jocelyn and I have been talking about the curse of my doll. And, Simon.”

  “The detectives spoke with Simon. They’re keeping an eye on him. My gut is working overtime. I don’t trust him. I’ve told the ranch hands to keep guns with them and to watch for strangers and unusual happenings.” Kip blew out a breath.

  “That’s good. Don’t let your guard down until this thing is over. Are you still coming to town tomorrow? I’m going to the center to spend time with Emperor.”

  “Yeah, I’ll see you tomorrow. Go to bed now. Try to get some sleep.”

  “I’m glad you called. I wanted to hear your voice. I think I can sleep now.” Dianne sounded all soft, dreamy, sending a flash of heat to Kip’s gut.

  ****

  Emperor and Kip waited for Dianne in the stable. In spite of the threat of Simon hanging over her, the surge of happiness in her heart made her laugh out loud.

  “Good morning, guys. I have something for you.” She gave Emperor a sugar cube and on impulse, leaned in to kiss Kip.

  His brows rose in surprise. “You sure are chipper for someone who had such a rough night.”

  She shrugged. “I’m not going to let Simon ruin my day. Hopefully, Sam and the detectives will find enough evidence to arrest him.”

  Kip nodded. “Let’s hope. In the spirit of putting all the b.s. aside for the day, how about taking a ride with me? I can saddle one of the other horses. I could introduce you to the joys of the back pasture. You’ve never been out there. There’s an old oak tree waiting for someone to come along with a nice picnic basket. I packed lunch, just in case. You game?”

  “A ride and a picnic. Hell, yeah.” Dianne opened the gate to Emperor’s stall and led him out to saddle him. She looked down the stable aisle to see Kip leading a big palomino out of the end stall. Holding the reins Dianne closed her eyes and breathed deeply. The smell of hay, manure, leather, and her perfume filled the air. For the first time in years she felt the stirring of a new life building in her heart. Coming home felt right despite the fears Simon and his threats brought to her and those she loved.

  “You ready?” Kip tugged on the reins of his horse as it pawed the ground. “Calm down, Butternut.”

  “Looks like your horse is ready.”

  “I’m sure she is, let’s go.”

  The high grass made it easy for the horses to snatch mouthfuls as they walked through the pasture. Emperor tossed his head when a horse in the distance whinnied. Dianne leaned over to pat him on the side of his neck. “This is nice, Kip. I kept myself so busy through school and life in New York I never gave myself the chance to miss riding or even relaxing.”

  “That’s what today is all about then, just relaxing. There’s our picnic tree.”

  They dismounted, loosened the saddle cinches,
removed the bridles and bits, haltered the horses, and tethered them so they could graze. Kip pulled a blanket from the saddlebag. “Take this over to the tree. I’ll get the rest.”

  Dianne shook the folds from the blanket and straightened it on the ground. She put four rocks on the corners and sat down cross-legged. She closed her eyes and breathed in the smell of dirt, leaves, horses, and fresh air.

  “Here we go. Let’s see what kind of food we have.” Kip pulled things out of his saddlebags one at a time.

  “Ah, fried chicken.” Kip held up a chicken leg.

  Dianne laughed. “Dibs on the leg, it’s my favorite.”

  Kip laid out a spread of chicken, cheese, grapes, potato wedges, two bottles of water, a bottle of wine, and two crystal glasses, plus two chocolate bars. “Dig in!”

  Moments passed in silence while they ate. They consumed the food with gusto and without concern about calories or healthy choices.

  “Whew. That was great.” Dianne rubbed her stomach and lay back on the blanket.

  Kip lay down beside her. “Look at the clouds. What do you see?”

  Dianne pointed upward and turned to smile at Kip. “That group looks like a stampeding herd of horses. Or, it could be some kind of weird Rohrsach blot.”

  “Rohrsach blot?”

  Dianne laughed. “Rohrsach blots are those ink spots shrinks use to help diagnose patients. The doctor in New York had me looking at some. I think I flunked.”

  Kip turned on his side, took her in his arms, and kissed her forehead. “Enough of the clouds.” He began brushing kisses down her face, first on one side then the other. Finally, after a brief kiss on her nose he groaned and pulled her more tightly to him and kissed her deeply.

  He broke the kiss, and she tugged his face closer. “Don’t stop, Kip.”

  He stood. “Sorry, we should probably be getting back.” And just like that, he was closed off to her.

  She blinked back tears and stoically helped gather their supplies. The ride back was a silent and lonely one.