by Ciana Stone
"Then bring on the hotness and the evidence to clear your friend and let the good times begin."
"Amen to that," Naomie raised her beer. "I am way past ready for that."
Naomie's phone rang and she walked over to the counter where she'd left it. "Hi," she answered. "Sure, we'll be there in half an hour."
She put the phone back onto the counter. "That was Russell. Cici and Kal are there. Do you have some kind of plan for this afternoon?"
"Yes. I want to see the scene and take some measurements, then I want to question Kal and you, too."
"Me? Really? Why?"
"Because you have excellent recall and we need to be as precise as possible. I know you said the scene was still roped off, but it's probably been trampled, so there's likely no real evidence. Still, I brought my kit, and we'll see if anything turns up."
"Works for me."
They finished their sandwiches and Naomie cleaned up while Harley got her kit and her phone. Then they headed for the main house. It was about a mile from Naomie's cottage, and she loved the walk.
"So, you seem to like it here," Harley commented.
"Yes, it's beautiful, and the Walkers truly love the land. There are a lot of generations of the family whose blood, sweat and tears are part of this place."
"That sounds…". Harley paused as if searching for the right word. "Romantic. It has a romantic sound, but I imagine it's a lot of hard work."
"No one here seems to see it that way."
"And what about you? I know you, and you've got too much Gypsy blood to stay in one place long, so tell me– how long do you see yourself here?"
Naomie didn't have to lie. "I don't have a clue. Certainly, until I'm satisfied with the breeding program."
"And after that?"
A shrug accompanied her answer. "I guess that's up to fate."
"And a man named Russell?"
This time Naomie smiled at her friend. "I suppose he has a lot to do with it."
Harley reached out to take Naomie's hand. "Just make sure he's worthy, okay?"
"Don't worry, I won't make the same mistake twice."
"I hope not. I was scared I was going to lose you."
Naomie gave Harley's hand a squeeze and then released it. "If you want to know the truth, I was scared I was going to lose me, too. But I didn't, and we're here, and if we're lucky, you'll find the proof that Kal is innocent and he and Cici will be able to get married and maybe all the awful stuff that's been happening will stop."
"Why don't you sound convinced?"
"Because my spidy senses are tingling."
"Oh oh," Harley looked a bit concerned. "I know you're deliberately making light of it, but I also know that when those spidy senses activate it's smart to pay attention and not get caught off guard."
"Which is why I'm extra glad you're here. And by the way, how long can you stay?"
"I'm judging at the national Little Britches Rodeo next month, and I've already qualified for Nationals, so I'm not riding unless I enter something for shits and giggles. And this is the only gig I have. To tell you the truth, I'm getting to the place that I don't enjoy it so much. I'd rather deal with life if you know what I mean. In fact, I've been thinking what I'd really like to do is start a rodeo school. For kids and teenagers. I know a lot of competitors, present and retired and I think I could put together a good place where kids could learn, have fun and be taught to respect the animals and the sport."
"That would be great. I bet I know someone who would love to attend."
"Who?"
"Russell's grandson, Rusty. He's a heck of a roper, and I think he's going to become one badass bronc rider."
"I look forward to meeting him."
"Oh, I know he'll be thrilled to meet you. And listen, I bet there's land around here."
"Yeah, but I don't know if this is the place for me. I mean it'd be great for us to be close to one another, but who knows where you'll be a couple of years from now, and I don't know anyone else here."
"But you're about to."
"Oh, you mean the Walker family?"
"And the people you'll meet at the Honky Tonk Angels bar and Grill where we'll go tomorrow night. It's a great place where darn near everyone in the county goes for good barbecue, cold beer, and music. You'll love it."
"Well, helloooo handsome," Harley said as she looked down the road.
Naomie's gaze followed the direction of Harley's and saw Mace walking toward them. "Cool your jets, hot stuff. He's spoken for."
"Damn. Just my luck. He's freaking hot."
Naomie grinned. There was no way she was telling Harley that Mace had a twin. She'd prefer to wait until Nash showed up and see the surprise on Harley's face.
"Hey," Mace stopped as they drew near. "Dad said you were headed for the house." He looked at Harley. "I'm Mace Walker."
"Harley Lawson. Nice to meet you."
"Same here."
"This is an impressive place."
"We're proud of it. So, you're a crime scene specialist?"
"Investigator. And a forensic pathologist."
"Interesting, but not surprising. Naomie's friends tend to fall into the brilliant and beautiful categories more often than not."
"Well, thank you."
"Just stating the obvious. Shall we head on up to the house?"
"Absolutely."
"So, are you like Naomie? A string of Ph.D.'s behind your name?"
"No, she's the overachiever."
Naomie blew a raspberry. "Right. Says the woman with a Ph.D. in forensic pathology and virology, not to mention crime scene investigation."
"Sounds like we have another overachiever," Mace said.
Harley shrugged. "I'm minor league next to Taylor, here."
Mace looked at Naomie. "Just how many degrees do you have?"
"Enough. For the moment. Hey, did Bailey give you that horse-fly-be-gone lotion we came up with?"
"She did, and it works like a charm and has the side benefit of not smelling like death."
"Good. I told her we should see about getting a Heritage label on it and selling it. It has a good shelf life, works well and is environmentally friendly."
"Only we don't have a brand of stuff like that."
"You don't have it yet." Naomie corrected. "And I'm not pushing, but I do think you should give it some thought. If your dad isn't interested, you could do it. Hire Bailey to head it up. I think it has real potential."
"I like the way you think and I'm going to talk to Dad and Bailey about it."
"Is she always sticking her nose in your business like this?" Harley asked.
Mace laughed. "Yes, thank God. Honestly, I think Dad meeting Naomie was one of the best things to happen to this family in a long time."
"You only say that because I'm the one who talked Russell into hiring Bailey." Naomie looked in Harley's direction. "I did some work with Bailey. She's brilliant with natural remedies and cures. She has an ND and is a botanist and makes amazing tinctures, rubs and sprays. I talked Mr. Walker into hiring her since Heritage is organic, and she and Mace hit it off."
"Oh, so you and Bailey are involved."
"That we are," he said and smiled.
"Lucky girl," Harley commented.
"I think I'm the lucky one," Mace replied and then gestured toward the house. Cici and Kal were standing on the front porch and waved when everyone looked in their direction. "That's my sister, Cici and her fiancé, Kal Burton, the man accused of shooting my grandfather. Cici's been sick all day, worrying that you won't be able to find proof that will clear Kal. I've never seen her like this. She's one of the strongest people I know. Normally, she's unflappable, but today – I don't know. It's like she can't even hold down water."
"She's nauseous?" Naomie asked.
"Yeah. Kal says it's been that way for a week. I think the stress is getting to her."
"Maybe so," Naomie commented but wondered if that was really the case. Since this wasn't the time to ponder that que
stion, she filed it away.
"Hi," Cici walked down the front steps to meet them with Kal a step behind her. "I'm Cici Walker. You must be Dr. Lawson."
"I am, and it's a pleasure to meet you, Cici."
"Thank you for coming. This is my fiancé, Kal Burton."
"Dr. Lawson, I'm in your debt." Kal said and shook Harley's hand.
"Oh, I'll send you a bill, don't you worry," Harley commented good-naturedly. "But first, how about we get started seeing what we can find that will convince the state they have the wrong man?"
"Yes, ma'am. What do you want me to do?"
"Actually, I'd like for you to take me through what happened that night. From the time you and Robert Walker left the house until you were shot. Can you do that?"
"Of course."
"Good." She looked at Naomie. "If you'd take my kit? I'll use my phone to record this, and we can upload it later. If you have a computer, I can use? I packed light since I'm leaving from here to go to the rodeo, so didn't bring my laptop."
"No problem, I've got you covered."
"Great. So, if you all will excuse us?"
"Certainly," Cici agreed.
"Mr. Burton?" Harley looked at Kal.
"Yes, ma'am. We left the house through the front door and walked this way…"
Naomie, Mace, and Cici watched Harley and Kal walk away, then Naomie looked at Cici. "Mace said you're under the weather. Anything I can do?"
Cici looked at Mace then back at Naomie. "It's kind of a female issue."
"Enough said," Mace threw up one hand. "I'll go in and see if I can grab Dad and run that idea by him."
Once he'd gone inside, Naomie looked at Cici. "So, have you taken a test?"
"For what?"
"Girl, don't play that game. You're pregnant."
Cici sat down on the top step. "How did you know?"
"I didn't. Not for sure. But I suspected. You haven't been drinking, you've been sick in the mornings and Kal said he has a hell of a time getting you up in the mornings and you're usually a jump out of bed and hit the floor running kind of person. It all kind of added up."
Cici nodded, swiped at tears and smiled. "Honestly, I'm kind of glad someone knows. What am I going to do, Naomie? If Kal's found guilty?"
"He's not going to be. Does he know?"
"No, I haven't been to see a doctor. I took four of those drugstore tests though."
"And?"
"And they're all positive. God, Naomie, at first I thought I wanted to run away. Being pregnant is something I've never wanted. But now…now I can't stop thinking about the baby. Mine and Kal's and I realize that I want it more than anything. To have a family with him and raise our child together. Oh, god, what if he goes to prison?"
Naomie pulled Cici into her arms. "Don't give up yet, okay? We're just getting started, and I believe Harley will find the proof we need to have him set free. You just need to believe."
"And if that's not enough?"
"Then we'll cross that bridge when we get to it, but we're not there yet."
"God, I don’t know how much more of this I can take, Naomie. It's driving me mad."
"You'll be okay." Naomie comforted her, hoping that she wouldn't be proven a liar and praying Harley could pull out a miracle so Cici and Kal could have the dream they wanted so badly. Because if not, a lot of lives would be affected, and not in a positive way.
Chapter Nine
"Cici? They're back." Naomie said and looked in the direction of the steps leading from the back yard, onto the patio. Cici jumped to her feet from where she sat and hurried to meet Kal, who walked up with Harley.
"Well?" she asked.
"I'm going to need to interview everyone who was present that night and retrace everyone's movements. I'll also need to recreate the scene, but I think that's better left for morning since–"
The sound of an explosion interrupted her and had everyone who was seated bolting to their feet. Mace and Russell took off at a run, vaulted the patio railing and dropped to the lawn, never breaking stride as they headed for a Heritage truck parked in the driveway.
"I'm going with them," Naomie announced and ran after them.
She made it to the truck as Mace was putting it into gear. He waited as she climbed into the back cab. Russell was on the phone, so she kept silent. "Fire up the chopper. We'll be there in two minutes."
He looked around at Naomie. "Could you tell a direction from the sound?"
"No, but I'm guessing it's west."
"Why?"
She pointed, and both men's gaze turned in the direction she indicated. An enormous plume of black smoke billowed into the sky. "Son of a bitch," Russell grumbled as Mace stomped the accelerator and the truck sped forward.
The helicopter was on the pad, rotors already turning when they pulled up. All three of them ran to the waiting bird and climbed in. Mace got into the seat beside the pilot, leaving Russell and Naomie in the back.
She watched Russell, whose eyes were turned toward the window. The clench of his jaw gave away the anger he was obviously holding in check. The length of the flight reminded her of the size of Heritage. It was a good fifteen minutes before Mace said. "Dad, look. Four o'clock."
Mace's words had Russell turning his head. Naomie moved over into the seat facing Russell to be able to see. She almost wished she hadn't. Heritage had equipment centers in several locations. Along with equipment, there were silos for the storage of food for cattle and horses and barns stacked with bales of wheat ready for shipping. This location no longer had any of that. It literally looked like a bomb had been dropped on it.
"Can you fly a bit further west?" Naomie asked the pilot.
"Sure. Mr. Walker?"
"Do it," Russell directed and looked at Naomie. "Care to tell me why?"
"If I remember correctly, we're not far from the border of Kal's property. I want to see if-"
"Good God. They blew up the fucking river," Mace's voice had her and Russell both looking from the window.
Sure enough, the river now sported a gaping hole. Water poured into it on one side but was no longer running. "Why the hell would someone do this?" Mace asked.
"I wish I knew, son," Russell looked at Namoie as he answered. "Maybe you were right. Maybe we're looking in the wrong direction. How soon can you get up with that geologist friend of yours?"
"I'll call as soon as we get back."
"Maybe we should land and check things out," Mace suggested.
"No," Naomie argued. "We shouldn't land near the site until we can determine what caused this."
"You think it could be a health hazard?"
"Yes. I have hazmat suits back at the lab, but honestly, this time we need to call in someone from the state, sir. If something wasn't dropped on the site, then someone went to a lot of work to plant enough explosives to do this kind of damage."
"You're right." Russell agreed. She was shocked that he didn't argue, but also relieved.
"Take us home," he directed the pilot then leaned back in his seat and stared at her. "Who in the hell is doing this and why?"
"I don't know. Yet. But we'll find out."
"And when we do, I'm going to bury the son of a bitch."
"Or let the law take care of the person responsible. Frontier justice will only land you in jail, and I don't think I can handle that. So, for me, please let's do this by the book?"
It didn't take any special skills to see he didn't care much for her request, but she understood. He was mad, and his anger had him unwilling to be reasonable. He'd simmer down at some point, and when he did, he'd employ reason and logic over rage. But right now, she was quite sure he wanted to hit someone. Hard and repeatedly.
"Fine," he finally answered.
"Thank you." She reached out to take his hand and his gaze captured hers. For a few moments, they sat there, needing no words. His grip tightened on hers, and she gave an answering squeeze. If they were a couple, she'd take him home and straight to bed. Nothing could dispel th
e energy of anger like sex.
But they weren't, so she'd settle for holding his hand and putting her mind to finding out who was behind all this. Because like him, she wanted them punished.
The flight back home was spent with Russell and Mace on their phones, talking to the fire department, police and Texas Rangers who'd been called in because of the nature of the destruction.
Naomie would bet that within an hour the place would be swarming with arson inspectors, bomb-sniffing dogs, police and forensic teams. That thought prompted her to tap Russell on the knee. "Someone should let Kal know what's happened. His property is affected, too."
"I'll take care of it."
She admired the way he handled it and was willing to bet Cici was listening on the other end and appreciated the respect Russell afforded Kal. Cici and Kal were waiting on the front porch when the chopper set down in the vast expanse of lawn in front of the house.
Naomie, Russell, and Mace walked to the house, and Kal spoke as soon as they were in hearing range. "A rep from the Rangers said we could expect a call within a few hours, but thus far there's no sign of a bomb. They believe explosives were used."
"Someone went to a lot of work to hurt us," Russell commented.
"They damn sure did. I've already called my investigators and told them to start digging into sales of explosives."
"I'm sure the authorities will do the same," Cici said.
"No doubt," Russell agreed. "But until we know what we're up against, there's little we can do but wait."
"We've started dinner," Cici said. "Gigi called to check on Nash and Rusty, and they should be here any minute. Harley is in the kitchen helping Gigi."
"I'll go see if I can help," Naomie said and headed inside.
Sure enough, Harley and DeLyn were in the kitchen. They were talking about sweet potato pie when she walked in. "Did I hear someone say sweet potato pie?" Naomie asked.
"You did," Harley turned and smiled at her. "I'm mashing up the potatoes now, and DeLyn is going to make us one."
"Oh you better make two," Naomie said as she walked over to the sink. "You know how Nash and Mace love your sweet potato pies, and between them and Harley, well … make two."
DeLyn chuckled. "Then two it is. You want to get the green beans cleaned and snapped? I bought some from the farmers market this morning and thought they'd be good with some fresh baby carrots and asparagus from the garden."
