Lucky Streak

CHAPTER NINE

AFTER THE MORNING RUSH HOUR, Amber drove to Stewart in Mike’s car. She’d had an hour to think about her choices and the things she wished she’d done differently in life. But regret couldn’t change the facts. All she could do was go forward and hold on to hope, an attitude she’d learned early in life, each time her father had dropped her at her grandparents’ and left for his next “business trip.” She’d wait expectantly for him to come back, and he would. In the meantime, she’d made the best of where she was and appreciated the life her grandparents had given her. Until she joined her father for good. At the time, she’d just decided and then moved on. Just like she wanted to move forward now.

The drive to Mike’s father’s house was an easy one and she took in the scenery, marveling in the differences between the dry desert out West and the lush greenery in the East. She’d heard about fall and winter, but she’d never experienced either season firsthand. She wondered if she’d get the chance this year.

The farther away from Boston and Mike she drove, the more nervous she became about showing up on Edward Corwin’s doorstep, and she tightened her grip on the steering wheel.

Sure, she’d liked Mike’s father, but he was still a hermit of sorts. And even though she thought she understood him, she didn’t have a psychology degree. She doubted he’d welcome her with open arms. Still, she was a people person who trusted her instincts and her instincts told her Edward needed a friend. Fate was giving her an opportunity to do some good for Mike and his father and she intended to make use of it.

Maybe a small thank-you gift would help soften her intrusion into his home. She pulled off the highway one exit before Salem for a brief pit stop. According to her directions, Stewart would be the next exit, so she had to find something for Edward here. She checked out the stores in a small strip mall in search of a fitting present for Edward Corwin.

The first store in the row of shops was a boutique with items that seemed too froufrou for a gruff man like Mike’s dad. The liquor store was next, but Amber doubted Mike would appreciate her adding alcohol to his worries about his father.

The last store was a New Age shop named Crescent Moon. Intrigued, Amber peeked in the cluttered window. Barely bigger than a walk-in closet, the place oozed eccentricity. It was perfect.

She opened the door and bells tinkled over her head. As she stepped inside, a pleasing scent welcomed her. Incense, she guessed, and she glanced around. Oddities surrounded her, along with more familiar items like silver jewelry, turquoise and other types of stones.

Dreamcatchers hung from the racks and she lightly touched one, wondering what Edward would think of it. Would it trap his evil spirits as well as it supposedly caught bad dreams?

“Welcome to Crescent Moon.” A big woman approached her. “I’m the proprietress, Clara Deveaux. Can I help you?”

Her skin was smooth, her hair jet-black, and she possessed an ethereal beauty. Her brightly colored, multipatterned dress floated around her as she moved.

“I’m looking for a gift,” Amber said.

“As you can see, I have an abundance of things to choose from.” She waved her hand and her many bangle bracelets jingled around her wrist. “For whom are you shopping? The items in my store have very specific uses. To help you, it’s best I know all I can about the recipient.”

Amber nodded, enjoying the sound of the woman’s voice. “It’s for a man. My father-in-law, actually. I’m going to stay with him for a few days and I need a thank-you gift.”

“Since you’re here and not at the gift shop, I assume you don’t want to take the traditional route.” A mischievous smile twinkled in her eyes.

Amber laughed. “That’s right. My father-in-law is…different.” She chose her word carefully.

“We’re all different.” Clara spoke with what seemed like wisdom beyond her years. Amber judged her to be in her midfifties, like Edward.

Amber nodded, acknowledging the other woman’s point. “He’s a loner by choice and he believes in curses. One specific curse to be exact. He’s explored voodoo and claims to ward off evil spirits,” Amber explained. “I’d like to bring him something that says I respect his beliefs.”

What she really wanted was to get closer to Edward and maybe help father and son gain a better understanding of each other while they still had the chance. She knew too well how quickly those you loved could be taken away from you.

“If he fears a curse, he’d be happiest when surrounded by positive energy.”

“That makes sense. I’m Amber, by the way.” She extended her hand for Clara to take.

They shook in greeting. “Amber. Pretty name.”

Amber smiled. “Thank you. My mother chose it,” she said wistfully.

“I’m sorry she’s passed.”

Amber raised an eyebrow in surprise. How did Clara know?

Still, Amber inclined her head. “Thank you.”

“What’s your full name, Amber?”

“Amber Rose…Corwin.” She used her newly married name out loud for the firs time. It seemed strange on her lips.

“Corwin as in the Stewart Corwins,” Clara said knowingly.

“How do you-”

“You told me your father-in-law is a loner who believes in curses. The Corwin curse is well-known in these parts. Any male with that last name has a rich history of tragedy behind him,” Clara said, her gaze warm and unnervingly understanding.

Amber was surprised that the Corwin curse seemed to be common knowledge outside of the Corwin family. Apparently it held power over more people than just Edward. “Do tell. I’m new to the area and to the family.”

Somehow, asking Clara about her new relative didn’t seem odd. And if she was going to be able to help Edward, she needed to know what she was up against.

Clara nodded. “This will take some time. Let me make us tea first.”

A few minutes later, Amber was sitting across from Clara at a small corner table she hadn’t noticed earlier.

Over orange-scented tea, Clara explained the legend of the Corwin curse. Her description matched Mike’s, but she elaborated more on the way in which the current generations in the town of Perkins, which was a mere two miles from Clara’s store, had perpetuated the myth by illegal, as well as immoral means. Both Stewart and Perkins were still recovering from former mayor Mary Perkins’s so-called reign of terror.

“Now, I’m not saying the curse is real. And I’m not saying it’s not. But Edward Corwin’s attempts to ward off bad spirits make sense. He just needs to use more positive forces than negative ones. That’s the purpose of my business here. To help people do right by others.”

Amber smiled. “Thank you for sharing this with me. I feel a little more prepared now.” She enjoyed the other woman’s openness and warmth. “This is all fascinating,” she offered, spreading her arms wide and gesturing to the store, as well as the story.

“It’s Wiccan belief, honey. My mother taught it to me. ‘An It Harm None, Do What Ye Will.’ Translated, it means as long as you don’t do anything that will hurt anyone, it is allowed.” She paused to sip her tea and Amber did the same. “Sounds to me that’s what your father-in-law needs. Some good around him.”

“Oh, I agree. That and people who care. He’s been alone too long.”

Clara patted Amber’s hand. “You’re wise for one so young. If only all people were as accepting and understanding as you, I wouldn’t be going out of business.”

“Going out of business? Why?” To Amber, the woman’s generous spirit was as obvious as the pleasure she took in her beliefs. Why would she close up shop?

Clara sighed. “Lack of interest combined with development. This whole row of stores is slated for demolition,” she said sadly.

“I’m so sorry. Are you planning to move the store somewhere else?”

“It’s not easy to find a place where people need the kind of help I offer, but I’ve been looking at rental space in Stewart. With their rich history of curses, I’m thinking people might be receptive to my wares.” Her gaze didn’t hold Amber’s too long and she reached for more tea.

“Sounds like a good plan.” Amber knew of at least one person in Stewart who could use Clara’s help. “What do you think I should get for Edward Corwin?”

“A dreamcatcher for sure. He always-I mean, he should get use from one. And there are candles and incense that might help. But most of all, that man needs a few good spells cast around him for a change.” Clara picked up their empty teacups and placed them in the backroom, on the sink.

Amber wiped down the small table. Then, on impulse, she pulled out the directions and copied Edward’s address onto one of Crescent Moon’s business cards by the register. She purchased the items Clara had suggested for Edward and waited while the woman wrapped them.

“Thank you. This has been an enlightening morning. I’m so glad I stopped by.”

“Me, too. You’re a good person, Amber Rose Corwin.”

Amber flushed at the compliment. “I wish my husband felt the same way.”

Clara studied her for a moment, her stare deep, her expression intense. “He doesn’t see the world the same way you do. Just keep on doing good deeds. He’ll come around.”

Amber hoped the other woman was right. “Speaking of coming around, if you have some free time maybe you could visit me at Edward Corwin’s and introduce him to some of those good spells you mentioned earlier.”

“That’s a tempting offer.” Clara’s eyes sparkled as she accepted the card and glanced at the address. “It’s so busy I’m not sure I can get away,” she said, laughing as she gestured around the empty shop.

Amber chuckled, too.

Clara’s visit was sure to lighten the tension in the Corwin house during Amber’s stay. Besides, anything this Wiccan woman had to offer must be better than voodoo, the jujus and red dust on Edward’s doorstep.

In fact, the more Amber thought of it, the more she guessed that Clara might be just what Edward Corwin needed.

AS AMBER APPROACHED Mike’s father’s house, her nerves took over and her stomach flipped in anticipation. She didn’t know what to expect by way of a greeting. She parked in front of the house, beside an SUV that hadn’t been here the last time she’d visited. She pulled her purse and the small packed bag from the backseat and walked to the front door. Then, drawing a deep breath, she rang the bell.

To her surprise, Edward didn’t answer. A dark-haired man greeted her instead. His good looks weren’t as rugged as Mike’s, but there was a family resemblance. Amber guessed this man was Mike’s cousin.

“Amber?” he asked.

She inclined her head. “Derek?”

“Good guess.” He extended his hand and she shook it. “Welcome.”

“Thanks. I didn’t expect you here.” She glanced over his shoulder into the house, but she didn’t see Edward.

“I thought I’d smooth things over,” he said, gesturing for her to come inside. He took the bag from her hand and placed it by the stairs, then led her into the family room she’d seen the other night.

“It’s really nice of you to help me out, but I’m sure you have better things to do than babysit.”

“I hardly consider getting to know my cousin’s wife babysitting. Why don’t you have a seat.” He pointed to an old blue velvet sofa and she chose a space in the middle.

Derek sat in a chair across the room and studied her without saying a word.

“Mike told you about us?” Amber asked, breaking the awkward silence. Considering how much he didn’t want people to know their official status, she thought maybe Mike had told his cousin she was just a friend who needed help. So she was surprised when Derek had called her Mike’s wife. But she cautioned herself against reading too much into it.

Derek raised an eyebrow. “Mike and I are close. We don’t lie to each other.”

Ouch, Amber thought. Direct hit. Apparently this man knew more than she’d realized. She didn’t blame Mike or Derek for their feelings about her past, but she refused to let Derek bait her into a confrontation.

“I’m glad he confided in you. It’s good that he has someone he trusts,” she said to Derek. She met his gaze without flinching. She’d done what she’d done, but she refused to let her past define who she was-and who she wanted to be.

The crunching sound of a car driving up the gravel distracted her, but not Derek.

He leaned forward, his hands clasped in front of him. “Look, you must realize a quickie marriage in Vegas isn’t exactly the best way to start a lasting relationship.”

He was blunt and Amber respected that. And he obviously didn’t know what to make of her, not that she blamed him. If the situation were reversed, she’d look out for her family, too. A family she didn’t have. Both her parents had been only children, leaving Amber without siblings or cousins. She envied Mike his relationships, she realized for the first time.

It was another void she hadn’t let herself acknowledge until now. And another good reason to create a lasting future here-if she and Mike were meant to be.

The front door opened and a beautiful woman with auburn hair hanging past her shoulders walked inside. Derek’s surprised gaze slid the other woman’s way for a moment before turning back to Amber.

Amber leaned toward Derek, wanting to end this conversation before their visitor heard. “I’m not going to hurt Mike,” she assured him.

“What do you call deserting him the morning after the wedding?” Derek pinned her with his gaze, cutting her no slack, not dropping the subject as she’d hoped.

“Back off, Derek,” the woman said, her high heels clicking against the floor with every step. “Everyone has a past, everyone makes bad choices now and then. You ought to know. It’s what they do with the present and future that counts. I’m Derek’s wife, Gabrielle, by the way,” she said, striding over to where Amber sat.

Amber smiled at the other woman, grateful for her show of support. She rose. “I’m Amber. It’s nice to meet you.”

Derek pushed himself up from the chair. “I thought we agreed you were going to stay home today?” Derek asked.

Clearly he hadn’t wanted her to meet his cousin’s ne’er-do-well, temporary wife. But despite the censure in his tone, love and pleasure shone in his face, softening his features. These two shared the real thing, Amber thought, and a whisper of jealousy flushed through her.

Envy.

She wanted what they shared. More than she’d even realized.

Gabrielle shook her head and her glossy hair fell over one shoulder. “I said I’d stay home and work-I’m a writer,” she explained to Amber. “But then I realized that Amber could probably use some help getting settled, not to mention some company. It’s not like Edward’s going to give her any.”

“Where is he, anyway?” Amber asked. There’d been no sign of her host since she’d arrived.

Derek shrugged his shoulders. “He said he was going out. That could mean any number of things.”

“How did he take the news that I’d be staying here?”

Derek paused, probably trying to find a nice way to express his uncle’s words.

“Never mind,” Amber said. “I can only imagine. Where’s the skunk?”

“The what?” Gabrielle asked, glancing nervously around the room.

Amber laughed. “Stinky Pete. He’s Edward’s descented skunk. Edward doesn’t like to advertise Pete’s lack of odor though. He thinks it will keep visitors away.”

Derek pinched the bridge of his nose. “What the hell will he think of next?”

Gabrielle shuddered. “I think it’s safer not to ask.”

Derek’s cell phone rang and he answered. “Hi, Dad.” He paused. “You ran into him where?” Derek listened, then, “Yes, I know why he’s buying extra food and things. I’ll explain later.” Again, Derek paused. “No, don’t get him riled up. I’ll talk to you when I get home.” He flipped the phone closed.

“What is it?” Gabrielle asked, placing a hand on her husband’s shoulder.

Derek shoved the phone back into his pants’ pocket. “My father saw Edward at the supermarket in town, talking to himself and buying more food than one man needs.” He shot a glance at Amber. “Don’t worry. People won’t automatically think he has company just because he’s stocking up. They’ll assume he wants to avoid coming back to town for a while. But I’d move your car around back to be safe.”

“I will.” She paused. “If you don’t mind my asking, why would your father wonder about Edward’s shopping habits? Wouldn’t he make the same assumption everyone does?”

“My father knows his brother pretty well, but their relationship is strained. Hank, my father, lives with my uncle Thomas,” Derek said.

“You see, Thomas and Edward fought over a woman,” Gabrielle continued. “She married Thomas, and Edward stopped speaking to his brother. He blamed the curse, moved to the far side of town, and when his marriage to Mike’s mother didn’t work out, he became a recluse,” Gabrielle finished helpfully.

Derek shot his wife an annoyed glance. “She didn’t need so much detail.”

“Relax,” Gabrielle told him. “I’m sure Mike already told Amber about it. While she’s living here, she should understand what she’s dealing with.”

“He did. I just didn’t know everything, so thank you.”

“Maybe that’s because your husband didn’t think you’d be around long enough to worry about it.”

“Derek! That’s just rude.” Gabrielle shook her head in frustration. “Go to work. Go buy things for Holly’s visit. Holly’s his daughter,” she told Amber. “Go do anything but stay here. Come back when you can be more friendly.” She pushed him toward the door and he allowed her to take control, probably happy to be rid of the burden Mike had placed on him.

“He’s loyal to his cousin,” Amber said, understanding Derek’s attitude toward her. “I can’t say I blame him, but I’m hoping he’ll give me a chance to prove he’s wrong for distrusting me.” Amber sensed she needed this man on her side if she wanted to reach Mike.

“He will,” Gabrielle said pointedly. “He has better manners than he’s shown you so far. Give her a chance,” she called to her husband, who was still standing by the door.

Derek groaned. “Oh, hell. If Gabrielle wants to get to know you, then so will I. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be good for my cousin after all.”

“That’s the spirit. True love conquers all,” Gabrielle said, smiling.

“Who said anything about love?” Derek asked. “Besides, that’s the last word you should be using around here. You’ll send Edward into a frenzy.”

Gabrielle walked over and patted her husband’s cheek. “Just go,” she said lovingly before kissing him on the lips.

“Come home soon,” he said.

“I will.”

Derek turned to Amber. “Welcome to the family,” he said slowly and maybe a little reluctantly.

He took Amber by surprise. “I appreciate your support,” she said. “Or at least the chance to earn it.”

“Just don’t make me regret extending the welcome mat.”

Amber crossed her heart. “I won’t.”

Suddenly an old car engine banged and rattled outside. “Sounds like Edward’s home.”

“I brought him a gift,” Amber said. “It’s still in the car. I’ll just-”

Before she could finish her thought, the front door swung open and Edward walked inside. Derek quickly moved Gabrielle out of the way of the man pushing an old shopping cart in front of him.

If Amber hadn’t met Mike’s father once before, she’d have thought she was looking at a homeless person. His pants were baggy and old, his shirt torn, and he muttered under his breath.

“A man’s house ain’t his castle if he’s gotta share it. I got you fresh milk and some fruit. Gonna take up room in my fridge, though. I picked up some dry cereal for you. Don’t complain if you don’t like the brand.”

“Thank you,” Amber murmured.

She shot Gabrielle a questioning glance. Once Derek left, she’d question the other woman, a writer with insight, about her feelings regarding Edward’s eccentricity, behavior and loneliness.

For now, though, she focused on Edward. “That’s so thoughtful of you. I appreciate you letting me stay here. Can I put those things away for you?” Amber asked.

“I can do it myself.” Without meeting her gaze, the older man walked past her to the kitchen.

Derek sighed. “Look, I think this is as good as its going to get. The fact that he bought food at all is a near miracle. Mike said he gave you some cash, so if you need anything, you can pick it up in town. Or better yet, call me and I’ll grab it for you. There’s no reason to advertise that there’s someone new in town, let alone a woman staying with Edward, the loner.”

Gabrielle nodded in agreement. “Especially since you want to keep a low profile.”

“You’re right. Thank you,” she said, grateful she had these people looking out for her.

But how long would their generosity-or her luck-hold out?

KING BOBBY HATED IT in the East. He missed the Texas air and wide-open spaces. Worse, there was no sign of the pretty lady in sight. She wasn’t comin’ or goin’ from the tiny apartment building Mike Corwin, the cop she’d married, listed as his place of residence. And it was tiny. What kinda man lived in a matchbox like that?

He got claustrophobic just looking at it. In fact, he’d even started to feel like he was bein’ followed. But it had to be his imagination. He didn’t know anyone who’d be lookin’ for him.

Not that it mattered. Because he wasn’t leavin’ here until he found Mrs. Amber Rose Corwin and his money.