8

Jackson drove Amber home from the prayer meeting. He’d been stewing about the theft charge all day, trying to reconcile that woman with the one he’d come to know and love. Yes, love. And if she’d made the proposal quip today he’d have said yes he did mean it. He’d intended to ask her about the charges laid against her, but hadn’t found the right moment. Call him a coward, but he couldn’t do it. Not tonight.

“Are you OK?” she asked. “You’ve hardly said two words all evening.”

“Tired. It’s been a long day.” He forced a smile. “How was work?”

“Busy. They want me to do a display, which’ll be up until December when the Christmas ones go up.”

“A display?”

She grinned and gestured with her hands. “A huge picture that covers the boards on the wall. The kids do the bulk of the work—painting and sticking and so on.”

“Sounds cool.” He loved her enthusiasm. “What are you doing?”

“The house that Jack built. Rats, cats, and so on, and a huge house.”

“Will the parson look like Pastor Jack?”

Amber laughed. “Not if the kids have anything to do with it. It should be fun. I need to finish cutting the pictures out tonight, and we can start on it tomorrow.”

“Will it take long?”

She shook her head. “No. Different kids do different bits all at the same time. There are eleven kids and eleven parts. They can all do the house.”

“Wait a sec.” Jackson counted on his fingers, tapping them against the steering wheel. “There’s the malt, rat, cat, dog, cow, maiden, tattered man, parson, rooster, farmer. That’s ten. Because the house doesn’t count.”

“You forgot Jack.”

“Oh, right.” He paused. “He’s not gonna look like me, is he?”

Amber laughed. “Right down to his cowboy hat.”

“Gee thanks, honey.”

“Any time, cowboy. I am so looking forward to my afternoon off tomorrow. And it’s Friday too. So I don’t go back until ten on Monday morning.”

“Any sign of this guy who was following you?”

“Nothing definite for a day or two. I guess the cops must have scared him off.”

He walked her to the door. “I have a practice meeting tomorrow. Can I see you Saturday?”

“Sure. That would be good.”

He kissed her gently. “Then I bid you good night, my lady.” He doffed his hat, making her grin.

“Good night, Jackson.”

****

Amber waited for the quarter to five bus. The display was up in record time and looked good. She’d spent her afternoon off in town window shopping and was now on her way home in the dark and cold.

She pulled her collar up and got on the bus. As usual, she sat as close to the driver as she could.

A man dashed on just as the doors were closing, tossing his cigarette to the roadside. He flashed his bus pass at the driver and took the seat opposite her.

She pulled out her phone and checked for messages, not expecting to find one, but purely as a safety measure. Her email chimed and she read that first, her heart sinking and eyes tearing. She dashed off a reply. Before she could take it in, her text alert chimed. Jackson.

Hey, honey. Practice meeting tonight. What are we doing tomorrow?

I have to go and see a friend. She’s in the hospital and it doesn’t look good. I told her husband I’d go visit.

His reply was almost instantaneous. Want some company? It’ll be like a busman’s holiday, but I don’t mind.

She’s in the burns unit. It’s not pretty apparently.

Her phone rang. “Hello.”

“It’s me.” Jackson sounded as if he was making coffee. “Is that the woman mentioned on the news this morning? The one caught in that house fire? Do you know her?”

“Yeah. She was Sarah King before she got married. We grew up in the same children’s home. She was the nearest thing I had to a friend. From what her husband said, Sarah started the fire and it’s being treated as attempted suicide. He thought he ought to let me know. It doesn’t look good and I’ll be a mess, so probably best if you don’t come with.”

“Sure, honey, if that’s what you want. Text me when you’re home, and I’ll come over. Or if you change your mind, I’ll go with you.”

“Thank you.” She got off the bus along with several others. It was a five minute walk to the house from the bus stop. “I have to go. The battery is about to die on me.”

“OK, honey. Love you.”

Amber stopped dead. The bloke behind her almost walked into her. She moved to one side. “Sorry.” Had she him heard right? “I’m sorry, Jackson?”

“I said I love you. Is that OK?”

“Yes. Yes, it’s most definitely OK. More than OK.” Was she gushing like a teenager? “I just hadn’t expected…”

“What did you expect?” His chair squeaked, and she could imagine him leaning back on it.

“I don’t know. Church bells, fireworks, you holding my hand, looking at me—” The call cut off. “Charming. Hang up on me, why don’t you?”

The phone rang again with a video call. Jackson grinned at her. “Is this better?” He stared at her from the phone. “I love you. I luv ya. Je t’aime. Ich liebe dich. Te amo.”

Amber smiled. “Show off. I only know the one language. I love you, too.”

“Good. I left you a present on the doorstep.”

“Thank you.” Her phone beeped. “Jackson, I have to go, the battery warning has just come on.”

“OK, honey. I have to go into this meeting anyway. Speak soon. Love you.”

“Love you. Bye.” She put the phone into her pocket. She could see the house now. Childlike excitement gripped her. What could he have bought her? Chocolates? More flowers?

She sped up as footsteps echoed behind her. She hated being followed. The steps kept pace with her and got closer. Amber slowed down. Maybe whoever it was would pass her. The steps slowed.

Creeped out, Amber risked a glance over her shoulder. A man in dark clothes with shades was behind her, cigarette glowing in his fingers. Shades in the dark? Alarm bells went off in her mind. His build was hauntingly familiar.

Amber began to run. The man did too. She pulled out her phone, praying there was enough power left to make one last call. Glancing down at the screen she tripped over the stone by the front gate. She fell, the phone flying from her hand.

Someone turned her over.

Amber struggled to get up to find herself hauled upright.

The man smirked at her. “Dirk sends his greetings and requests that you join him.” He pressed something sharp against her arm.

Her legs buckled and her vision darkened.