Free Deadly Intentions by Candice Poarch Page B

when he felt a firm hand on his arm.
    â€œTime to go,” a strange voice said. “Wake up.”
    â€œMaybe you shouldn’t have slipped him that pain medication,” an older voice said.
    â€œHe was in pain and wouldn’t take anything. Trying to be the brave, strong he-man.”
    Now he remembered and opened his eyes.
    â€œHow are you, dear?” Mrs. Claxton’s kind eyes regarded him and her warm hand touched his hand.
    Brian swallowed hard. “Better,” he said.
    Another brown pair of eyes snapped in satisfaction. “Of course he feels better. He took his medication. It’s time to go.”
    â€œI fixed some plates for you and some soup,” Mrs. Claxton said. “I know it’s hard to eat when you’re not feeling well. But it’ll be good for you.”
    â€œThanks, ma’am. I appreciate the food and the hospitality.” Brian set the recliner upright and stood.
    â€œYou’re welcome here any time,” Mrs. Claxton said. “If you need help, just let us know. Lisa will take excellent care of you.”
    Brian smiled. “Thanks.”
    In minutes he and Lisa were on their way. When they passed the road to the ferry, Brian asked, “Where are we going?”
    â€œTo my house.”
    â€œI need to get back to the motel. I have things to do.”
    â€œNot tonight, you don’t,” Lisa said. “If I take you back, that’ll be the last ferry of the night and I won’t be able to get back.”
    â€œYou can drop me off at the ferry. I can take a cab on the other side.”
    â€œYou’re staying here tonight,” Lisa said definitively.
    â€œAnybody ever tell you you’re bossy?”
    â€œIt wouldn’t matter.”
    A minute later they drove into a yard. A halogen light beamed on a small Cape Cod. When Brian exited the car, he heard the sound of the waves lapping in the background. His spirits lifted.
    â€œYou live on the beach.”
    â€œWhere else on an island?”
    Inside, Lisa showed him to the guest bedroom, then went to her office and listened to messages and copied them down. She’d return the calls in the morning. She got messages from three more clients who were interested in having their homes cleaned next week.
    Brian was hanging up his cell phone when Lisa went back to the family room.
    â€œCalling for reinforcements to break you out?”
    â€œWould it work?” Brian asked, shoving his phone into his pocket.
    â€œIt might.”
    Lisa sprawled onto the couch. She was dead tired. She remembered his pills and got up. “I’ll fix you a plate so you can take your last pill.”
    â€œI need the effects to start wearing off so I can think.”
    â€œYou can start thinking tomorrow. Tonight you’re taking the pills.”
    Brian narrowed his gaze at her. “I don’t usually let people boss me around.”
    â€œYou’re in the military, aren’t you?”
    Frowning, he nodded.
    â€œThen you’re used to taking orders.”
    Brian ate and took his pill. When he went to bed, Lisa returned to her office.

    Lisa was just getting ready to make out next week’s schedule when someone drove up her driveway. She closed her eyes briefly. She knew it was coming. She geared herself up to lie as she opened the door to her cousin.
    â€œWhat the hell did you get yourself into?” Alyssa asked before the door closed behind her.
    â€œWhat happened to hello or happy birthday?”
    â€œCut the crap and answer my question.” Alyssa dropped her purse on the table in the foyer and glared down at Lisa. She’d intimidate a more fragile person.
    â€œI’m a grown woman. I don’t have to answer to you.”
    â€œWell, grown woman, why don’t we just have a family meeting. I’ll just call everybody, including Grandma, and lay it at their door.”
    â€œYou can be a . . .”
    â€œDon’t even think it. Did you