Dangerous Delusion Read online

  Dangerous delusion

  Book 6 of O’Connor Brother Series

  By: Rhonda Brewer

  This book is dedicated to all the authors out there who have helped me in my writing journey. It is a wonderful community to be a part of.

  Acknowledgements

  There are so many people to thank for making this book possible, I could almost write another book on that alone. A simple thank you never seems enough to convey my gratitude but I will try to do that the best I can.

  The first thank you goes to a few amazing ladies who help with editing and errors. Michelle Eriksen, Abbie Zanders, and Amabel Daniels are amazing women and dear friends. I want to thank them for their constant support and keen eye. To my dedicated betas and dear friends, Jackie Dawe Ford, Nancy Arnold-Holloway, and Karie Deegan, thank you so much for the support and encouragement. Also, a special thanks to the many authors who have become both friends and mentors. Last but certainly not least, to my readers. You are the reason that I can continue to do this.

  A very special thank you to my husband, Danny who gives me the inspiration for the romantic heroes I write and encourages me every day. To my two children Laura and Colin, both of you show me everyday how proud you are and how much you love me. To my beautiful granddaughter, Emma. You may not be old enough to read yet, but your smile gives me inspiration to keep going. To my dad, James, I thank you for loving and supporting me every day.

  I love all of you.

  This book is fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination and are not to be taken as real. Any resemblance to people living or dead, events, location or companies are purely coincidental.

  This is the original work of Rhonda Brewer.

  All rights reserved. No part of this work can be reproduced in any way without written permission from the author.

  DANGEROUS DELUSION©2018 Rhonda Brewer

  All Rights Reserved

  Chapter 1

  Lora Norris dropped the last box on the floor in the small kitchen and sighed. Her life was such a mess. Forced to move to a small town where she didn’t know a soul, didn’t have a job or even know where to find one. Finding employment was priority because her nest egg wouldn’t last forever. All she knew was she had to find something before it ran out. After all, she had a four-year-old daughter to support.

  After Lora’s father died, the family home was sold because her mom found it difficult to live in the house without the man she loved. That was when Lora suggested her mom live with her and Molly. Things were ok for about three weeks, but then the notes started.

  The letters were cheesy at first, sweet poems and declarations of love from a secret admirer. Thinking it was the guy she was dating at the time being silly, she shrugged them off, but then things got disturbing.

  With the mysterious delivery of strange gifts, photos, and drawings, Lora was forced to move three times, but within a few weeks of each move it would all start again. The police couldn’t seem to figure out where it was all coming from, or they just didn’t care.

  Lora hated the constant state of concern or paranoia she felt. If it weren’t for her mother, her former boss, and her mother’s best friend, Lora would have packed everything and left Newfoundland to get away from all of it.

  “That’s the last of it.” Lora turned to see her normally stylishly dressed boss place Molly’s table next to the kitchen door.

  “How am I ever going to thank you for helping me with all this?” Lora plopped down on one of the kitchen chairs and sighed.

  “First of all, I offered. No thank you necessary. Second, the only thing I did was rent a truck under my name so that crazy creep wouldn't find out.” Dallas Ball was not only her boss, but her best friend.

  They met when Dallas interviewed Lora for an Interior Designer position for her firm. They hit it off right away, and Dallas hired Lora on the spot.

  Lora worked at Ball Interior Design for more than six years, and she loved her job as well as her clients. That ended when Lora walked into Dallas’ office the previous week and quit.

  Appalled by the decision, Dallas demanded to know what was going on. Lora explained and admitted that all the previous moves were not because the apartments were unfit. Lora broke down and told her about the letters, cards and disturbing gifts. Since that day, Dallas referred to the person as the crazy creep.

  Considering some of the gifts, Dallas wasn’t wrong, but Lora was scared. She’d heard so much about stalkers and what they could do if they didn’t get what they wanted. She’d taken to never going anywhere alone and only going out when she had to.

  “Mommy, I got a bed in my room by the window,” Molly shouted excitedly as she scurried into the kitchen.

  “That’s a window seat, Molly.” Lora lifted her little girl onto her lap. “We can sit there and read stories, or you can watch for bunnies in the backyard.”

  “Bunnies,” Molly squealed and jumped down from Lora’s lap. “I’m gonna go see if I can see them now.”

  Lora and Dallas laughed as Molly bolted out of the kitchen. All the moving didn’t seem to affect her daughter, which was a huge relief. The last thing Lora wanted was for her daughter to be scared.

  “I can’t believe Daphne doesn’t use this house.” Lora’s mother entered the kitchen. “It’s precious.”

  Daphne Hobbs was her mother’s best friend and was one of a small group to know where Lora moved. Daphne offered the house to Lora when the letters continued after the third move.

  “It’s a beautiful place and the garden’s incredible. Molly will beat herself out for sure running around out there.” Dallas meant Molly would have so much room to play she’d be exhausted by the end of the day.

  The house was a small bungalow with a covered deck around the front and left of the house. The front door opened into a small foyer which led into a large bright living room. The large eat-in kitchen was off to the left, and the four bedrooms were at the back of the house.

  “The only thing I need now is to find a job.” Lora sighed.

  “I told you not to worry about that.” Her mother chastised her.

  “Sheila Norris, you can’t expect your daughter to sit home and not work.” Leave it to Dallas to read Lora’s mind.

  “I didn’t say that, but at least give it a couple of weeks to see if the police can find the man.” Her mother sat down and reached across the table to grab Lora’s hand. “We may not have to stay here very long.”

  “That’s what I’m worried about, Mom.” Her stalker found her three times already. There was nothing to say he wouldn't do it again.

  “Honey, Daphne assured me she hasn’t mentioned us staying here to anyone, and all our mail goes straight to Dallas.” Her mother squeezed her hand.

  “That’s right, and if I can’t get out here to bring it to you, then I’ll courier it.” Dallas took Lora’s other hand.

  “Thank you both so much.” Lora’s vision blurred as she tried to hold back the tears.

  “I’m glad to be out of the city.” Tears formed in her mother’s eyes. “Your father would’ve loved this place.”

  Her father taught high school Math and Science. Samuel Norris or Mr. Sam as his students called him, loved being a teacher, but his first love was coaching basketball and baseball. He spent a lot of time in the school gym and most times could be found there preparing game strategies. It was where the janitor found her dad after he’d suffered a massive stroke. Her father just turned fifty-three. Not only had Lora and her family been shocked by his sudden death, but the students were devastated.

  Three weeks later Lora received the first note, and things got worse from there. It appeared the stalker knew every move Lora made, which was why she didn’t h
ave a whole lot of faith he wouldn’t find her again.

  “Well, I’m here to work not to sit around on my ass and chat.” Dallas plopped a box on the kitchen table and pulled it open.

  After making a considerable dent in the unpacking, Dallas left a couple of hours later. She told Lora to call at least once a day and promise to let her know if they needed anything.

  “I swear, if I find out you’re in need of something and you don’t tell me, I’ll drive out here just to kick you in the ass.” Dallas gave her one last hug.

  “I promise you’ll be the first to know if I need anything.” Lora smiled and watched her friend walk toward the U-Haul truck.

  To see someone like Dallas climb behind the wheel of the large vehicle was odd. Even in her jeans and t-shirt, she was the definition of femininity, but she knew how to handle the big moving truck.

  Not seeing Dallas every day would be odd and she’d miss her job. Lora had always lived in the central part of the city so moving to a small town was a significant change. It wasn’t the same as Toronto or Montreal, but still, everything was close, and she’d miss the coffee shop across from her office building.

  Most of all, she’d miss her volunteer work at the high school where her father taught. The principal, Clyde Spencer, told her he was sad Lora wouldn’t be able to continue, probably because it meant he needed to take over her job with organizing the duties for the people who donated their time to help at the school.

  Her father’s assistant coach had hugged her and asked her to keep in touch. Some of the students that Lora took under her wing when she’d started were extremely upset that she wouldn't be back the following year.

  Between the girls from the drama club, Clyde's son Sterling, the janitor's son, as well as the boys from both the basketball and baseball teams, Lora received more hugs and saw more tears then she’d ever expected to see.

  No one knew why she had to leave, but to keep herself and Molly safe, she had to disappear until the police found the stalker. There hadn’t been any comments in the letters directed at Molly, except he indicated he, Lora, and Molly were a family that nobody would tear apart.

  That terrified her, but it forced her to tell her brother who got more than a little pissed because she kept it from him. Even when she explained she didn’t want him to be distracted at work, he was still upset, but as a pilot, Ethan couldn’t afford to be distracted while on duty. He needed complete focus on what he was doing.

  The next morning Lora made her way to the grocery store. Daphne told her that Harbor Street contained stores where most locals shopped. It was the only street in Hopedale with a traffic light as well, and Lora chuckled when she walked along the road.

  A couple of restaurants, bars, a movie theater, a pharmacy and a beauty salon called Snippy Gals, lined one side of the road. Hopedale Harbour was on the other side, and the dock was lined with large fishing boats unloading their catch.

  Lora and her mom picked up most of what they needed before they moved, but she wanted to see if any job possibilities existed. Since most of the businesses in the town were in one area, it made it much easier to search out the employment situation. She figured if she asked around, someone might give her a lead.

  “Hi.” the teenager behind the register in the small grocery store smiled.

  “Hello.” Lora loaded the few items onto the moving belt.

  “Did you find everything you needed?” The girl was way too perky, and Lora almost choked when she saw the name Sunshine on the girl’s tag. No wonder the girl was so cheery.

  “Yes, I did. Thank you.” Lora waited as Sunshine rang in her items and the young teenage boy at the end bagged everything.

  The clanging of tin drew her attention to the entrance, mostly because the bell startled her. Two tall, very handsome police officers sauntered in with one laughing at something the other said.

  “Hi, Sunny.” One waved and winked at the young girl.

  “Hey, Nick.” Sunshine didn’t even glance at the man as she continued her task.

  “How’s school, Dillon?” Nick asked the boy bagging the groceries.

  “Good, so far. Just doing general studies this semester. I won’t apply for the Police Studies until next year.” The boy gave a huge smile.

  “Good for you. Give us a shout if you need any help with anything.” Nick grinned and followed the other officer down one of the isles.

  "I will. Thanks, Nick." Dillon nodded.

  Lora tried to appear inconspicuous as her eyes followed the two men until they were out of sight. Something about a man in uniform always turned her head.

  “They’re so cute.” Sunshine sighed when they’d got out of hearing range.

  “Yes, very handsome.” Lora smiled.

  “Yeah, too old for me though.” Sunshine giggled.

  “Maybe a little,” Lora said with amusement.

  “You look about the right age.” Sunshine rested her elbows on the counter as Lora pulled out a couple of bills to pay for her purchases.

  “Are you the local matchmaker?” Lora grinned.

  “Nope, that would be Aunt Cora?” Lora spun at the sound of the deep voice behind her. “I could tell you about her over a drink.”

  “Umm. What?” She glanced up into sky blue eyes.

  He wasn’t the man who spoke to Sunshine and Dillon, and something told her this one was a bit of a Casanova. The arrogant grin and his relaxed swagger told her he was confident in his pick-up lines as well.

  “A.J., stop hitting on our customers.” Sunshine rolled her eyes.

  “He can’t help it, Sunny. It’s a reflex.” Lora spun to the sound of the other voice and into another set of blue eyes.

  “Okay.” Lora turned back, but before she could take her bags, the one Sunshine called A.J. held out his hand.

  “I see a beautiful woman; I’ve got to get to know her. Sergeant A.J. O’Connor and you are?” He winked.

  “Umm… Yeah… I’m going.” Lora grabbed her bags and walked away.

  “Bro, you’re losing your touch.” Laughter followed her through the door.

  There was something about Nick's deep voice that Lora felt through her entire body. As if it made her vibrate with need. Of course, it had been a long, long time since she’d had any sexual contact with anyone other than herself and her vibrating friend.

  He’s so hot.

  “Lora for the love of God. You’re not fifteen years old anymore.” She mumbled as she loaded her bags into the back of her car.

  “I’m sorry about my brother. He really didn't mean to make you uncomfortable.” She squeaked at the sound of his voice.

  “Holy shit.” Lora almost fell into the trunk when she turned around.

  “I didn’t mean to startle you.” Nick stepped back and gave her enough space to compose herself.

  “You’re like a ninja.” Lora laughed nervously and closed the trunk.

  “Not really. I just want to apologize for A.J.” Nick flicked his head toward his brother.

  “Not necessary.” Lora eased around him and pulled open her car door.

  “I know, but you looked a little spooked.” Nick smiled, and Lora forced herself not to sigh.

  “It’s okay. Thanks though.” Lora got into her car and started it as he stood there staring. For a moment, she wasn’t sure he would move but he gave a little wave as he walked away.

  Lora flopped her head back against the headrest and let out a huge groan. What happened to her smart mouth and quick comebacks? A year ago, she probably would have stood there and joked with the two men. Now she didn’t know how to respond to harmless flirtation.

  She closed her eyes and took several deep breaths to calm herself. A knock on her car window made her scream and almost jump to the passenger side. She peered up at Sunshine stood next to her car with a bag in her hand.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you, but you left your ice cream on the counter.” Sunshine passed the bag through the window after Lora lowered it.

&
nbsp; “Umm... thanks.” Lora took the bag. “By the way, do you know if there are any job openings around town?”

  “Not sure, but I’m sure if you hand in some resumes to the owners you might find something.” Sunshine shrugged and waved as she made her way back to the grocery store.

  Two days later, Lora realized listening to a teenager was not the smartest thing to do. She’d handed out resumes to most of the businesses around town and no longer considered Hopedale as a small town. Stupidly, she decided to walk around in two-inch wedges and her feet felt as if they were on fire.

  Lora stopped at a diner called Jack's Place for lunch, and to rest her tortured feet. Her level of frustration was through the roof since there wasn't a lot of available employment in the tiny town.

  Lora lay the bundle of resumes on the counter as she sat on the nearest stool. She pulled out her phone and proceeded to scroll through the job bank. If there was nothing for her in Hopedale, maybe she could find something in one of the other surrounding towns. She glanced up when she sensed someone staring at her. An attractive older woman with auburn hair and a friendly smile stood behind the counter.

  “Can I get you something, ducky?” The woman asked.

  “I'd love a black coffee and a turkey sandwich.” Lora smiled and glanced back at her phone.

  “What kind of work are you looking for?” The woman placed a cup in front of Lora and filled it.

  Lora’s head snapped up and she stared at the lady. At first, she couldn’t understand how she knew, but the woman nodded to the pile of resumes.

  “Right now, I’d clean the rocks on the beach if it meant a paycheck.” Lora's little joke made the woman laugh.

  “I don’t know anyone hiring for that, but I need another waitress. I’m Alice, by the way, and the owner of Jack's Place. My youngest daughter, Kristy, worked here most days, but she’s a nurse and got a temporary job out of town. I do need someone on a full-time basis even when she comes back. My full-time girl moved to Alberta.” Alice gave her a great deal of information in three seconds.