Chapter 18

CHAPTER 18

B ella

“Two brothers in one day, Jagger. I think I died and went to heaven.” The lady behind the counter appeared shocked at seeing Jagger swaggering through the diner’s door.

“Look who’s here, Lois,” another older woman said as she fanned her face. She slapped her lunch companion on the arm from across the booth.

“Jenny. Be still my heart. Like icing on a cake. If only I could lick it off,” Lois said. She had on huge glasses, lifting them and I’d be damned if she didn’t lick her lips in appreciation.

A laugh bubbled to the surface, but Jagger gave me a dirty look.

“Would the two of you stop it,” the woman behind the counter snapped. “That’s no way to talk to my customers. Jagger. Such a pleasure. Hunter dropped by earlier for one of my famous cherry pies.”

I could tell he didn’t care. There was such animosity between him and his brothers. Competition?

“You got a free booth, Poppy?” Jagger said in a grumbly voice, ignoring her sexual innuendo.

“Sugar. I’ll toss out one of our regulars if I need to.” She was a hoot, throwing a haughty look over the counter at the various booths and the workers who took up every stool at the counter.

“Don’t be that way, Poppy,” a guy finally piped in.

“Shut up, Mike. My place, my rules.”

Mike threw up his hands.

Spitting out a chuckle, I narrowed my eyes as I studied Jagger’s contorted expression. I had a feeling I was going to like this place. Of all the men I’d known in my life, he was the worst with people coming up to him or even saying hello. He suddenly reminded me of a man being told he needed his incisors removed without Novocain.

Poppy’s Diner was packed, at least three other dogs taking up positions at their owner’s feet by several of the colorful booths. The place reminded me of a restaurant you’d see in the fifties. Colorful. Quaint. Pictures adorning the walls. And garish lighting. Neon if I was correct. I was easily able to envision the place lit up at night. A customer would be able to see it a mile away.

My tummy immediately growled just with walking in. I gathered a whiff of baked apples and cinnamon, fresh coffee brewing and vanilla. Cally was already tugging on my leg, pointing to dog biscuits that were artfully placed on a cake pedestal, the glass covering preventing dust or unwanted, unwashed hands. How she knew about doggie treats was beyond me other than watching television.

“Look, Mommy, look! For Xena! Pwease. Can we get one?”

“I’ll get one for the pup,” Jagger said, already pulling his wallet from his jeans pocket. At least he’d allowed me to purchase him a nice long-sleeved Henley. The caramel color accentuated his deep chocolate hair. In turn, he’d insisted on ensuring I purchased a few items, including snow boots and warmer coats for both Cally and me. At the last minute, he’d tossed his credit card on the counter, refusing to allow me to purchase anything.

It had been the same at the pet store, the hardware store for a few items to ‘ensure our comfort’ as he’d called it and when he’d purchased fluffy towels because his at the cabin were ratty. I’d finally stopped trying to stop him from spoiling us. It wouldn’t have done any good.

“Nonsense,” Poppy said. She tossed a towel she was wiping her hands on behind her, coming out from behind the counter. An older lady, her bright smile suited her outfit, which reminded me of an eighties movie: fluorescent pink accented with various shades of purple, her tight-fitting pants shimmering with silver stars.

“You don’t need to do that, Poppy,” Jagger said. “Bella doesn’t like charity.”

He was just trying to annoy me and I’d decided not to allow him the chance to do so.

“Pft,” she hissed. “Don’t mind him, sugar. The Fox boys are notoriously grumpy all the time.” She plucked two biscuits from under the covering, bending down to Xena and making googling noises. “A little heroine. Xena for a princess warrior. Right?”

“Yes. Yes!” Cally jumped up and down, doing what I’d started to call her signature dance move.

Suddenly, there wasn’t a customer in the diner who wasn’t watching us with an amused expression. I felt a flush rush to my cheeks. I didn’t need to be in larger crowds right now. The women were trying to be polite, but I could swear they had daggers in their eyes. Evidently, Jagger was a hot catch around town. I could see why.

“John, bring another bowl of water,” Poppy called over her shoulder. “We have a new furry guest amongst our midst, a true heroine. Fix her up a cheeseburger too.”

Cally gasped as only she could do, so melodramatic I had to smile.

“Thank you, Poppy. You’re very kind.”

“Nonsense, girl. You must be Doctor Bella,” Poppy said. She held out her hand, her smile far too genuine to resist.

“Just Bella. Okay?” I shook it and instantly felt warmth.

“I’m Poppy Danfield. I own this fabulous establishment. I’d like to purchase the three… um, four of you lunch on me.”

“No, Poppy. We can take care of our check,” Jagger insisted.

She flapped her hand at him. “Don’t mind him, sugar. Like I said. Grumpy.”

“Yes, he is. Mrs. Danfield. Do you know anything about Xena? I mean, she wasn’t wearing a collar. We haven’t gone to a veterinarian yet to see if she’s chipped, but I was just wondering if you knew her.”

“Poppy. Please. She does look kind of familiar.” Poppy rubbed her jaw and glanced toward a man sitting at the end of the counter. “Doc Welby. This is Bella and Cally and you know Jagger, I think.”

I caught the look the doctor gave Jagger. It would seem my roommate wasn’t well liked by men, only the ladies appreciating the eye candy they’d been presented in town. I could easily read the minds of every single woman in the place no matter their age. They wouldn’t mind a nice roll in the hay with the man.

“Yeah, I know him. Nice to meet you two ladies,” the doctor said.

John came out from a swinging door with a gorgeous ceramic dog’s bowl full of water. He had a huge grin on his round face as he squeezed through the opening from behind the counter. I hadn’t noticed he had a placemat in his hand, little pictures of dog bones all over it. He first petted Xena before placing the mat and the bowl down in front of her.

She’d been offered water and treats at every store we’d gone to, yet she lapped up the water as if she was parched.

Cally immediately picked up on the conversation, her anxious breaths concerning me right away. I dropped to the floor, lifting her chin with my hand. “Are you okay, honey? Can you breathe?”

Ever since she’d gotten out of the hospital the last time, I’d feared a relapse. Even the cardiologist, a man highly respected in the country, had told me the likelihood of my little girl falling prey to a heart attack was at a much higher percentage than a typical healthy person. I’d panicked with every cough and sneeze for the first year.

“Just sad, Mommy. Please don’t take Xena away.”

I was so relieved I let out a small moan. “We talked about this, honey. If Xena belongs to someone else, don’t you think they’re going to be missing her? Even crying about her?”

While my daughter got her stubborn streak from her mother, she was a caring, sweet girl who’d once asked me to bring a dead squirrel back to life. “I know. I just… I love her.”

I squeezed her arms and I could swear everyone in the diner was now listening intently. I tweaked her nose before standing, completely embarrassed as I glanced around the diner.

“Don’t you worry, honey. Aunt Poppy will get to the bottom of this. Doc Welby. You said you’ve seen this pretty pup before? I think I’ve seen her in town. I just don’t remember from where.”

Doctor Welby. The name suited him. With his shocking, neatly trimmed white hair and kind eyes, I had a feeling his patients trusted him instantly. He shuffled over, the lack of movement showing his age. “Poppy. So you think you know this little fellow as well.” He glanced down at Xena.

“She’s a girl, Doc,” Poppy admonished.

I stole a quick look at Jagger. Even he was slightly amused, the corners of his magnificent lips turned up.

“Xena,” she added.

“Princess Warrior!” Cally sang out.

“Oh, well then,” Doc Welby said. He bent down, stroking the pup’s head. “I do know her. It’s good to finally see her too.”

My heart sank and I was surprised that Jagger placed his hand on the small of my back. As soon as he did, a shockwave of electricity swept up from the base of my feet. I just couldn’t stand to see Cally’s heart broken.

Doc Welby continued to stroke Xena’s head, remaining quiet. I felt Cally was about ready to throw a tantrum, but not just one a typical almost four-year-old would have. Her panic attacks were few and far between now, but when they hit, they were terrible, painful to watch. She’d grown way too attached to the pup.

“Xena belonged to a friend of mine. Remember Steve Young?” he was asking Poppy.

Poppy snorted. “That old coot? He used to make a pass at me every time he came in. Whatever happened to him?”

“He died last month. From what I heard, the dog ran away when the EMTs arrived and no one was able to find her. She hasn’t made an appearance since. Now, she’s a heroine. Steve would love that.” He shifted his attention toward Cally. “I think, little lady, that you have yourself a new pet, but you must promise to love and care for her for the rest of her life.”

Cally’s eyes were huge, her little mouth opening wide as she gasped. “Mommy. Xena is ours!”

I was so relieved my heart started racing.

Doc Welby was grinning from ear to ear. “I’m glad she found a good home.” He lifted his head, paying more attention to me. “Jagger. I heard this lovely lady saved a whole bunch of tourists last night. I had my daughter in and wasn’t taking calls.”

“She did a great job, Doc,” Jagger managed. I was certain the man was ready to eat nails at this point.

“Great job? I got the play by play from a couple buddies of mine who heard all the details from a niece of one of them who works there. She said it was a streamline action. Then all that happened after that. Whew. You’re a very lucky young lady to have such a strong man like Jagger by your side.”

“Oh, we’re not together,” I insisted.

Why was it that his grin was almost similar to the way Poppy’s eyes were lighting up? I felt another heat from a blush warming up my skin.

“Well, whatever the case, it’s obvious he cares about you and the little one here. Anyway. Folks know around here I’m getting ready to retire. My daughter was harassing me something fierce last night.” He scratched his head, laughing as if he’d taken a full berating. “I’ll have to close shop if I can’t find anyone to take my place and that will mean folks needing to travel a good ways just to see a doctor for a cold, the flu.”

Oh, no. I could tell where this was going.

“I was just passing through,” I insisted.

“Trouble is,” he continued and I had a feeling he was going to ignore me, “no young folks want to move to a place like Danger Falls. Vacation here? Sure thing, but they feel like it’s going back in time.”

“I love it here. The buildings are adorable and everyone is so nice.” By the look shared between Poppy and the doctor, I could tell I’d fallen head over heels into a setup.

“That’s good to hear. You’d fit in real nice around these parts. Wouldn’t she, Jagger?”

Jagger didn’t answer right away, grumbling yes when he did.

“I’d like to offer you a job. You can lease or buy the clinic from me and I’ll give you a damn good rate if you choose to buy it. I promise you that you’ll love the place. Just needs a woman’s touch.”

To say I was flabbergasted was an understatement. “Um, that’s really sweet of you, but you don’t know who I am or my credentials. I didn’t bring a resume with me.” What was I doing?

He shrugged. “If the stories about last night are even half true, then you’re right for the job. I also know good people when I see one. Maybe you could stop by in the next day or two.”

Why was it everyone in the diner was hanging onto my words, waiting to hear what I would say? “Doctor Welby. I’m really just passing through. I don’t know what I want to do with the rest of my life. I just…”

“Just think about it, Bella.” He touched my hand, his shaking. I could tell he’d wanted to retire for a long time. “You’d make an old man real happy.”

“I’ll… think about it.” How had I gotten roped into this?

“Good. Jagger. Do your best to rid yourself of that surly attitude and show the lady a good time. Take her to all the best places in town. I know you can afford it. Don’t be a cheap guy. We need her.” He grinned and winked at Poppy before returning to his barstool. I had a feeling he’d been a staple at that very one for years.

Jagger grumbled once again. “I’ll do my dam… darnedest to keep her here.” I was surprised he caught himself before cursing.

I didn’t really know small towns. I’d lived in one during foster care, but the only reason I’d been allowed outside the house was to go to school. When several of the customers started to clap, I shrank back. A couple of people even tried to take pictures. I was the one coming close to a panic attack. Without realizing what I was doing, I fled the diner, a wave of terror rushing into me.

Immediately, I felt like an idiot, but I was perspiring, my heartrate much higher than normal. I hadn’t experienced such a rush of suffocation in a long time. I walked to the edge of the sidewalk, staring out at the traffic. I was right in front of the diner window and I sensed every face plastered or neck craned to gawk at the crazy person.

I tensed the moment I noticed a shadow coming up behind me. My throat tightened immediately and I almost took off running.

Stop. Don’t. You’re safe.

But was I? I’d tried not to allow Joel’s text to bother me, but I was failing miserably.

Jagger was damn good at coming up behind someone, likely without them noticing, but I wasn’t just anyone. And he wasn’t just another guy. Our connection was somehow profound, something I’d never thought I’d want again. But I couldn’t stand lying to him much longer. The burden was too significant, the ache I felt by doing so hitting me far too hard.

He stood by my side, donning his dark shades and doing exactly what I was doing. Staring out at nothing. There was no tension this time between us. This was his way of giving me more than just space. He’d listened to me about needing peace.

I couldn’t help myself, every few seconds looking over in his direction. He didn’t move a muscle, but his facial muscles twitched a couple of times. For a man who didn’t like to talk much, I sensed he had a whole lot to say at this point. His stubbornness was keeping him silent for now. The mischievous girl in me wanted to egg him on to see how long that lasted.

Just him being here meant he cared at least about my wellbeing. At this point, it was all I could tolerate.

“They think I’m nuts. Huh?” I asked, maybe a little more contritely than I’d planned.

“A little.”

“Great.”

“But you fit the townsfolk. They’re all certifiable.”

He still had a way of making me smile. “Well, good then.”

“Poppy grew up here. She moved away for college and to get married, but eventually came back. She and her husband ran the bed and breakfast for a long time until his death, but she’s happiest running the local gossip column and the diner. And I don’t mean a newspaper,” he said, allowing himself to laugh slightly. “Lois and Jenny are harmless, both widowed and between the two of them and their friend Camilla, you can find out everything you ever wanted to learn and shit you didn’t about every person living in Danger Falls and half the tourist population.”

“They seem nice.”

“Yeah, a pain in the ass all the way around, but wouldn’t hurt a fly. The hardware store has been around since the very beginning of this town somewhere in the early nineteen hundreds. Doc Welby has been here almost as long, as you can tell. He’s a good doctor, although he certainly doesn’t have your skills. But there isn’t a local around here who won’t go to him for just about everything.”

“Sort of like Doc Hollywood?”

He finally stared at me with his dark and brooding look. I could see his eyebrows shooting up over his sunglasses.

“Never mind. It’s an old movie.”

“Oh. Betty Barker used to be a showgirl way back when. She has stories that keep the tourists enthralled. While Denise’s boss, the head of the park ranger service Greg Young has been here only a few years, he’s said that there’s no place he’d rather be.”

“You don’t need to give me their resumes, Jagger. I really do like everything I’ve seen and the people are all very nice. I just… I’m in a tough spot and need to be careful with where I end up taking root. I want to ensure it’s what’s best for Cally.”

“What about your medical career?”

“I don’t know any longer. That’s the truth. It’s really weird. The joy of helping people is no longer there. I used to love the feeling of being able to end a surgery, telling the waiting families that their loved one was going to be just fine. But the surgeries were constant, the issues getting worse, and I felt like I was losing a battle I shouldn’t have been involved with in the first place. Maybe that sounds selfish.”

“Not selfish. Self preserving. A shame though. You are good at what you do.”

A quiet sigh escaped my lips. “That means a lot coming from you.”

“Tell me something. Why did you run out a few minutes ago?”

Finding a good answer was going to be difficult. “I don’t know. I felt as if claws were being wrapped around my neck. Not because of the job offer. Maybe because I’m not who people think I am. Like you, I’m no hero.”

“You’re wrong,” he told me.

“I’m never wrong.”

He shook his head as if completely frustrated with me.

“Maybe just the thought of living in a small town is too suffocating.”

“Maybe. I never wanted to move here. For the first three months I felt like I’d been forced, removed from my life, but I came to realize the people are genuine. A pain in the ass sometimes, but they mean no harm. The vast majority know I like to keep to myself.”

“You must be a great celebrity.”

With that he folded his arms. “Fresh blood. Someone new to talk about.”

“Whatever you say.”

“Mostly they’re good with allowing my privacy. They’d be that way for you too. I don’t know what you’re looking for, Bella, but I don’t need to scrutinize your past to know you’re running from something. I’m an expert at it. I kept myself away from people on purpose and I was perfectly happy. But it was all a lie. I’m never going to sit at that diner and chitchat, but at least I can appreciate that these people welcomed me into their lives and if I was ever in need, they’d welcome me into their homes.”

“That’s wonderful. I have trouble trusting and that comes from years of practice.”

“I got it. I ain’t pushing nor will I ever. But I need to ask you one more question and I want an honest answer.” He turned to face me.

“I’ll try.” When I didn’t shift around immediately, he forced me to gently, even removing his sunglasses. Dear God, there was such a serious look on his face. “What is it?”

“I need to know who the hell you are. There’s no Bella Winters listed as a doctor anywhere in the world. You have a goddamn professional crossbow in a duffle bag you try and keep hidden from me. You received a threat on that text and don’t you dare tell me otherwise. You’re not Bella Winters since she doesn’t exist. So why are you lying to me and to the good people of this town?”