Tangle Tails Page 3

  “I am. But, then again, what red-blooded men wouldn’t want you in their house?”

  Joy stood at the door, and surveyed the room, checking to be sure that all the lights were out, the blinds were closed, and her computer was off. She pulled the front door closed, made sure it was locked, then started down the hallway. “I’ll check in with you tomorrow after I find John.”

  “You’d better.”

  “Yes, Mom. I will.” She ended the call with Sarah’s laughter ringing through the phone.

  Yet as she headed out into the apartment parking lot toward her Camry, she had to wonder. Would she find John that quickly? And if she didn’t, what would she do? As she’d done so often that day, she rang his phone. Once more, it went straight to voicemail.

  * * * *

  Joy was bone-tired and starving by the time she arrived in Lonesome. Although the name of the Eat You Up diner was kind of odd, she pulled her car into a spot. Besides, from what little she’d seen of the town so far, she wouldn’t find another place to eat.

  She stepped inside the door and studied the place. Nothing much was noteworthy. It was a typical small-town diner with seating at the counter and metal tables in the middle along with a few booths lining the walls. The only thing that seemed different was how intensely the customers stared at her.

  It’s a small town. They probably don’t see many outsiders.

  She took heart in the fact that they would have considered John an outsider, too. Which means that maybe they would remember him.

  Ignoring their stares, she took a seat at the counter, dropping her purse on the stool next to hers. She wasn’t there a minute before a pretty waitress scurried behind the bar and greeted her with a steaming pot of coffee.

  “Hi. Welcome to Lonesome. How about some coffee? You look a little worn out. If you don’t mind my saying so.” The girl’s blue eyes were captivating, like looking into a ocean-colored pool.

  “Thanks. And, yes, coffee is exactly what I need.” She considered her options. “Do you have decaf?”

  “Sorry. We don’t have much call for it around here.” Nonetheless, the waitress set a coffee mug in front of Joy and filled it to the brim. “I’m Kit, by the way.”

  “Joy.” Although Joy would’ve refused the caffeine if she’d been given the chance, she graciously accepted the cup.

  “Are you passing through or planning on staying a bit?”

  First Sarah and now Kit. Was she imagining more in everyone’s tone? “Actually, I’m in town trying to find my brother, John Ridder.”

  Kit blinked, and for a moment, Joy was certain she’d seen a glint of recognition in Kit’s eyes.

  “Your brother, huh? And he’s in Lonesome?”

  “He’s supposed to be. But I haven’t heard from him for a few days.”

  Kit set the pot down and began wiping the counter. “Is that unusual? I mean, brothers and sisters don’t stay in touch that much, do they?”

  “We do. Especially after we lost our parents a couple of years ago.”

  Sympathy etched Kit’s face. “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. I guess tragedy does have a way of bringing family together.”

  “Yes, it does. So have you seen him?” She hurried to pull out her phone to show her the photo of John. “I’d think people would notice a stranger in town.” They’d sure noticed her.

  Kit gave the photo a good look before shaking her head. “Nope. Sorry.”

  Disappointment tightened Joy’s chest. “Are you sure? He came to visit some friends. Guys by the last name of Mesa. Do you know them?”

  Kit glanced around the diner. “Your brother’s very handsome. I think I’d remember if I’d seen him. Sorry.”

  “And the guys named Mesa?” Why did she get the impression that the waitress was holding back?

  “Sure, I know them. Everyone knows everyone in a small town like this. But I haven’t seen them for a few days.”

  “Oh.” She had to try again. “Are you sure? They didn’t stop in for a bite?”

  Again, Kit looked to the other customers, but none of them were paying any attention to their conversation. She opened her mouth to speak, closed it, then nodded her head. “You know what? Now that I think about it, I did see Charlie Mesa with your brother.”

  “You did?” Hope sparked to life. “Where? When?”

  “Not in here.” Kit leaned forward as though relaying a secret. “I kind of ran into them on the street. We got to talking, you know, and now I remember what Charlie said.” She frowned, then made a funny face. “I guess I’m getting forgetful in my old age.” He smile was engaging, her laughter bright and appealing.

  “Yes? Go on.” Why couldn’t Kit just tell her? Why was she stringing out the information? It was almost as though she was making up the story as she went along. But why would she lie?

  “Charlie said that they’d decided to take an impromptu trip.”

  Joy sat back, thrown. She’d expected to hear almost anything but that. “A trip? Why? Where did they say they were going?”

  “Well, you know how guys are. They got the idea from a movie. Now what was the name of that show?” She paused, her face scrunched up as she tried to remember. “Oh, yeah. The Hangover. Charlie said they were going to Vegas. You know. On the spur of the moment. They’re probably having a hell of a good time right this minute.”

  “They went to Vegas? John, too?” It didn’t make sense. First, John wasn’t the Vegas kind of guy, much less anything like the men in the movie. Secondly, he would’ve called her if he’d changed his plans.

  “I guess so. I mean, Charlie didn’t introduce me to his friend. At the time, I thought it was very rude, but Charlie’s not usually that way, so I gave him a pass. But the guy with him sure looked like the one in that picture. Can I see it again? You know. Just to be sure?”

  Joy held it out again. “Take a real good look. Was it him?”

  “Yeah. It was. He didn’t say anything to me, but he seemed real nice. Kind of gave off the nice-guy vibe.”

  “He is.” She tried to make sense of the nonsensical. “I can’t see my brother taking off to Vegas without telling me. Do you know where Charlie Mesa lives? I’d really like to talk to him.”

  The blue eyes darkened, and the pretty face hardened. “Like I told you, they went to Vegas.”

  “But my brother would’ve called me. I’m sure of it. We’re close and keep in touch all the time. And I’ve left him a ton of messages, too.”

  Kit shrugged. “Well, cell phone reception in Lonesome is spotty at best.”

  “But if they’re in Vegas now…”

  “Maybe they’re having too much fun. Maybe your brother is hooked up with some showgirl and doesn’t want to stop and give his sister a call. Have you ever thought of that?”

  Wow. Talk about doing a one-eighty.

  Kit had appeared so sweet and friendly at first, but now Joy could see the meanness inside her. “Look, I’m not trying to start an argument. I’m only trying to understand what’s going on.”

  Kit’s expression relaxed. Somehow it seemed too fast, too easy. “And I’m only trying to help. I’m sorry if it’s not what you wanted to hear.”

  She didn’t trust the woman. Joy’s gut told her she was lying, but she wasn’t going to get anywhere if she kept pushing. “Right. And I appreciate it.” She glanced at the other people and wished they were paying attention. “Anyway, maybe you can help me with another problem.”

  Kit was all smiles then. “Sure thing. Would you like some food?”

  If Joy hadn’t been starving, she would’ve refused just to get away from Kit sooner. “I sure would. How about a hamburger to go? And could you recommend someplace to stay?”

  “To stay?” Kit’s smile died. “You’re going to stay even when your brother isn’t here any longer?”

  She wasn’t about to tell her the truth. “For tonight. I don’t think I could drive another mile.”

  “Oh. Sure. Of course. There’s Miss Kitty’s B&B right down a
t the end of this main street.”

  “Do you have her number?”

  “Don’t worry about that. She always has vacancies this time of the year. Tell you what. I’ll get you that burger and give her a call to let her know you’re coming.”

  Why was she being so nice to her now? Had she gotten the wrong impression? Or was Kit trying to cover something up? “That’d be great, if it’s no bother.”

  “No bother at all. You just wait right there.” Kit whirled around and headed toward the kitchen’s swinging door. “I’ll be back in a sec with your burger.”

  “Thanks,” said Joy, but Kit was already gone.

  She did her best not to glance around again. Was it just Kit or were all the people in Lonesome strange? She couldn’t put her finger on it, but there was something weird about their eyes. And some people had the type of teeth that were more fangs than eye teeth. Her curiosity had her starting to turn around to stare, but she couldn’t. She had a feeling that she already stood out in the crowd.

  Kit was back fast, giving Joy little time to think. She held up a bag and a Styrofoam cup. “Here’s your burger and a cup of hot coffee to help it go down. Oh, and I called Miss Kitty. She’s expecting you.”

  Joy began to fish out her wallet. “Thanks. What do I owe you?”

  “You don’t owe me a thing. Think of it as a consolation prize.”

  “I’m sorry?”

  “As a consolation prize. You didn’t get your brother, but at least you got a burger.”

  Joy took the bag and drink, not fully understanding how the waitress could equate finding her brother to getting a free burger. However, she was ready to move, certain that Kit wouldn’t have any other information for her. Or rather, was it that Kit wouldn’t give her any more information? “Thanks again.”

  “No problem. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help.” Kit’s smile seemed as fake as a five-legged cat. “Sleep well. You want to be rested for the trip home tomorrow.”

  Could she have been more obvious? Kit wanted her out of town. But why? More certain than ever, Joy was sure Kit knew more than she was saying. “Okay. Thanks again.”

  She headed for the front door, stoically keeping her gaze from meeting any others. As she pushed the door open, she made a decision.

  There’s no way in hell John went to Vegas without calling me. And there’s no way in hell I’m leaving Lonesome until I find him.

  * * * *

  Miss Kitty wasn’t what Joy had expected. The older woman might not have looked odd aside from a couple of large eye teeth, but she was not the stereotypical bed and breakfast owner. Instead of a plain shirt and trousers, or a flowery dress, Miss Kitty wore tight leather pants and a too-small T-shirt that exposed her breasts. Joy’s surprise must’ve shown on her face, prompting Miss Kitty to explain that she was headed to a night out at the Whiskers and Whiskey Saloon.

  The B&B was comfortable looking and more to what Joy had expected. The furnishings were modest, and her room, albeit large, didn’t have much in the way of furniture. Only a dresser and a queen-size bed occupied the room, but Joy didn’t mind.

  “I’d give you the room toward the front, but I’m still holding that for Kit.”

  “For Kit? The waitress?”

  Miss Kitty’s eyes sparkled. “The very same. Kit’s relatively new in town, and like most newcomers, she’s staying here.”

  Shit. I have to share a B&B with her?

  Then again, maybe getting closer to Kit would help her find out where her brother was.

  Miss Kitty motioned to the small luggage rack in the corner. “Well, at least she used to be staying here.”

  “She’s not any longer?”

  “Not at the moment.” Miss Kitty scooped up the cat that had walked into the room then rubbed against her leg. “I’m still holding the room for her, but she’s housesitting for an older couple who are on vacation.” Her eyes clouded with doubt. “It’s strange how the Higrams won a free trip to Italy. Right out of the blue, too. Hell, Merle couldn’t even remember entering the drawing. Then again, his memory’s gotten pretty bad in the past year.” Her face brightened as she shrugged. “Still, it couldn’t have happened to nicer people. Real sweet folks.”

  “And Kit’s housesitting for them?” She frowned. The way the cat was staring at her made her uncomfortable. It was almost as though it could understand their conversation. “I wouldn’t think anyone would need someone to watch their house in Lonesome. I mean, being a small town and all.”

  “You wouldn’t think so, would you? But Kit heard about them winning the trip and volunteered to keep the place clean and their dog, Daisy, alive and kicking.” An eyebrow shot upward. “Although if you ask me, the world has enough hounds, especially pains in the butt like Daisy.” She lifted her hands, palms toward Joy. “Not that I’d ever wish harm on any creature.”

  Joy sat on the edge of the bed, felt the soft down, and almost sighed. She was more than ready for bed, but asking questions came first. “So do you know Kit well? Since she’s new to town?”

  “Yes.” Another frown. “Or, at least, I thought I did. Sweet girl. Poor thing’s had some hard knocks as far as men go, but she hasn’t let it make her hard.” The frown deepened. “At least, I didn’t think so.”

  Joy jumped at the opening. “Until now? Has something changed?”

  “Well, now that you mention it, she has changed a bit.”

  “How do you mean?” Joy forced herself to remain seated, to appear nonchalant.

  “I don’t know. But it’s like every once in a while, she lets her guard down for just a fraction of a second. Then I can see the pain inside her. And you know what pain does, don’t you?”

  “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger?” Her breath hitched in her throat.

  “Exactly. Except the pain sometimes doesn’t kill you outright.” The frown dropped the sides of Miss Kitty’s mouth even lower. “Sometimes it kills you on the inside.”

  A chill zipped down Joy’s spine. Did Miss Kitty suspect Kit was dying on the inside? And if she did, what did that mean?

  Miss Kitty shook her head and blinked. “Will you listen to me ramble on?” She glanced at the darkness outside. “I’d better get moving, or I’m going to get a hefty dose of FOMO.”

  “FOMO?” She wanted to keep Miss Kitty around, giving her more time to ask questions, but she wasn’t sure how to do it.

  “Fear of missing out. While I’m standing here jawin’ with you, fun’s happening at the bar. Anyway, feel free to use the microwave in the kitchen to heat up your burger and coffee. Help yourself to anything else you might want or need, okay? I’ll see you in the morning.”

  As Miss Kitty whirled around, Joy jumped up and whipped out her phone. “One last thing, Miss Kitty.”

  She turned back. “Yeah? But make it quick, honey. FOMO.”

  “Got it.” She held up the phone, showing John’s photo. “Have you seen this man around town?”

  The older woman barely gave the photo a glance. “Nope. Then again, I don’t see everyone that comes into town. Unless, of course, they stay here.” She finally gave the photo a better look. “Is he yours?”

  “He’s my brother, John.” She could barely get the other words out. “And he’s gone missing.” Was he missing? Or was he actually in Vegas as Kit had said?

  “Missing, huh?” Miss Kitty shrugged then whirled around again. “Well, don’t worry too much. He’ll turn up one way or another.”

  One way or another? Joy stared at her brother’s smiling face. “What the hell does that mean?”

  Chapter Three

  Joy slumped onto the bar stool at the Whiskers and Whiskey Saloon. After a good night’s sleep, she’d gone around town, showing the pic of her brother and asking people if they’d seen him. A few had, but that had been several days earlier, and they couldn’t remember where they’d seen him last. She’d finally ended up on the other end of town and had never needed a drink as desperately as she did then.

  Once
again, she tried John’s phone. And once again, the call went straight to voicemail. Worry tightened her already stiff neck.

  The bartender, a handsome dark-haired man, shot her smile then asked, “What would you like to drink, pretty lady?”

  “Just a Coke, please.”

  “No alcohol at all?”

  “No, thanks.”

  Although he was definitely well-built and sexy, he wasn’t her type. She felt no connection with him, no spark that made her want to smile back. Then again, that spark had only happened on rare occasions. She’d about given up on finding the elusive love at first sight that so many of her friends had found. Was it a myth? Or were her friends telling her the truth? And if they were, what was wrong with her that she couldn’t find the same thing?

  He quickly filled a glass and set it before her. “Don’t worry about it. Cokes are free around here since not many people drink them.” He winked at someone behind her, filled another glass to set to the side of her, then moved away to help another customer.

  “Hey, I guess I’m not the only one who’d rather have a Coke instead of a beer.”

  The young woman sliding onto the bar seat next to her tossed back her long, black hair then set her wide brown gaze on Joy. She was dressed in black jeans and a black T-shirt setting off her pale skin. “Hi. I’m Liz Avery. Mind if I join you?”

  “Well…”

  “I promise I’m not hitting on you. In fact, I live with three very macho and very heterosexual men who keep me quite busy.” She laughed, the sound ringing in the saloon that was almost empty in the middle of the afternoon.

  The easy way about her immediately put Joy at ease. “Wow. Talk about being lucky.” Why couldn’t she get as lucky? “I’m Joy Ridder.”

  “Yeah, I know.”

  Joy widened her eyes, surprised.

  “You’re in a small town asking about a man not many people met. Word gets around fast.”

  “That makes sense.” She showed her John’s photo. “So have you seen my brother, John?”

  Liz glanced at the photo. “I met him once, but I don’t know where he is now.”