The Lake

Both cleavers were missing. Looked like Mattie had Exhibit A, the one Nelson dropped when he fled; then he’d sneaked back into the restaurant to pick up Exhibit B. So now Nelson, plus cleaver number two, were out there seeking vengeance.

The women exchanged glances.

“We need to nail Nelson, pronto,” Mattie said briefly.

Leigh met Deana’s eyes. “I’d say that was the understatement of the year, Mattie.”

TWENTY

Brrring… Brrring…

Leigh’s fingers felt around the nightstand, then stretched out to reach the telephone. Her grazed elbow twinged. She made a face, squinting at the red numbers on the clock.

11:22.

Christ. Who is this?

At this hour?

She fumbled around some more and clicked on the bedside lamp.

Something’s happened, she thought. They caught Nelson. They’ve…

“Yes?”

“Hi, Leigh. Mace here. Called to see if you’re okay.”

“Uhh… I was asleep, if that’s what you mean.”

“Sorry. Just thought you looked a little wrecked earlier.”

“Well, thanks a lot, Mace. You woke me up to tell me that?”

“No, Leigh. It’s just that I don’t want you worrying yourself over that maniac. Is all.”

“Cheers for that, Mace. But I’m—we’re—okay. Truly. Right now, I need some rest. Took one of those bazookas an hour ago and I’m sleepy as a kittycat.”

“Yeah. Sure. Sorry for the intrusion. You phone me if you have any problems. Or need to talk. Y’hear me, now?”

“Sure, Mace. Sure. G’night.”

Smiling, she put the phone down.

What a jerk! But quite a nice jerk…

She smiled, snapped off the light, turned over, and closed her eyes.

And opened them again.

God, much as I like the guy, I wish he hadn’t called.

’Cause now I’m really awake.

She sighed.

Take another sleeper.

No, don’t.

Doc said only three a day. I’ve taken three already.

She twisted up on an elbow and gasped a little.

Ouch! That hurts.

Making a face, she punched and plumped up her pillow. Then sank back into it.

Mmmm… That’s better.

Gradually, her lids drooped and her breathing evened out.

Brrinng… Brrinng…

GOD! MACE! What now? I’ll swing for that guy. Doesn’t he ever give up?

“Mace?” she yelled into the phone.

“Ms. West.”

Her heart leapt into her mouth. Pounding, hard.

Racing like a traction engine.

“Nelson.” A breathless pause. “What d’you want?”

“You shouldn’t have done it, y’know.”

Mustn’t let him think I’m scared.

“Done what? Whatever did I do to you that wasn’t completely justified? Tell me that!”

She was sitting up now. Shaking. Rocking with terror, her free arm hugging her knees. Almost screaming into the phone.

Deana burst through the door.

“Mom!”

Leigh shook her head.

Put a finger to her lips.

Shush, Deana. Quiet!

She pointed to the extension phone in her hand, then stabbed a forefinger at the open door.

Deana frowned.

Leigh rolled up her eyes.

She mouthed, “Deana. Pick up the other phone!”

Deana raced out of the room.

“I was the best thing you had, lady,” Nelson whimpered. He seemed lost, uncertain, and Leigh relaxed a little. She could handle a pathetic Nelson. “An’ you didn’t know it,” he went on. “You didn’t ’preciate me. Called me an oddball and then FIRED me.” His pace spiced up a little. “ME! The finest chef in the whole of the Bay. I coulda cooked at ’Frisco’s finest, and you know it!”

Let him talk. I can deal with that okay.

Maybe.

“Nelson, calm down.”

Leigh heard a faint click as Deana lifted the phone in the hallway.

“Whass that?” Nelson was suspicious. Twitchy. His tone upped a couple of octaves.

“Just the line, Nelson. I should get it fixed. Been playing up on me for a week or so now.”

“Sure. You do that. Where’s that kid a’ yours?”

“Deana? Oh, she’s spending the night with a friend—”

“You lie!” he shrieked. “The light was on in her room a half hour ago. Don’t you lie to me, Leigh West. Or you’ll both regret it.”

His voice dropped. He spoke slowly, spelling it out: “You’ll both wish you hadn’t. Geddit?”

“Nelson, please. Why would I lie to you?” Leigh knew she was pleading and hated herself for it.

But she’d best play it his way.

Plead. Beg, if she had to. She smiled grimly.

He’d like that.

Christ. He’d been creeping around the house only a half hour ago?

Where the hell was Mace?

On the phone. Asking me if I was okay. Jesus, Mace. You shoulda been out there protecting us!

No. That’s not fair. Mace has to go off duty some time. Not his fault.

“You still there, Leigh?” The voice was low. Derisive. Mocking. Like he knew he had her in the palm of his hand. Running scared.

Her heart started to pound again.