Buried Mountain Secrets

by Terri Reed

  Clearly, Maya’s attacker was out for blood.

  But why?

  Determination solidified in Alex. He intended to find the answer before the villain succeeded in his quest to harm the Gallos.

  “Hey, boss,” Chase greeted Alex as he, Maya and Kaitlyn returned to the sheriff’s department. Alex tried not to grimace at the moniker. Obviously, Chase had recently returned from the mountain trail. His blond hair was matted with sweat and his uniform dirty with bits of brush stuck to it.

  Alex glanced toward the sheriff standing in the doorway of his office. Was that a nod of approval?

  Maya steered Brady toward the empty conference room. “We’ll wait in here.”

  The shaky tenor of her voice made Alex want to take her into his arms, but he kept his hands at his sides. “I won’t be long. Then we can head to the ranch.”

  Kaitlyn filled the sheriff in on the incident with the sedan. She put out a BOLO on the car.

  After assuring the sheriff and Chase they were all well and uninjured, Alex went to his desk. To Chase, he asked, “How did it go for you?”

  “We searched the whole area around where the victim was found. Hannah collected a lot of broken branches, rocks and dirt samples. It appears Weber was climbing the side of the mountain.”

  “Did you find a cell phone or notebook?” Alex asked.

  “No, nothing like that. We did find several sets of footprints on the path and near the body, but there’s no way to determine how long they’d been there or who they belong to. We took photographs and will compare them to our victim’s shoe prints.”

  So, in other words, they still had no clue how or why the man died. He told Chase about the incident at the store that morning. “We need to know if our five friends are into freerunning.”

  “I did a preliminary search last night with the contact info they provided,” Chase informed him. “Nothing popped up. I’ll do a more thorough search over the next few days.”

  Appreciating Chase’s efforts, Alex said, “Great. Also do a check into Ned Weber. His friends said he was determined to find the treasure. If he was out hunting alone, maybe he had no intention of sharing it. I wonder why. Deep in debt? Or just greedy?”

  “Will do.”

  “Also, see what you can find out about Ian and Nick Delaney,” Alex added. “Where do they spend their time? I can’t say I’ve seen either man around town.”

  Sheriff Ryder strode forward. “What’s this about?”

  “Those Delaney men are psychotic,” Kaitlyn groused, plopping into her seat at her desk.

  The sheriff arched an eyebrow.

  She made a face. “Okay, maybe not, but the old man is certainly crazy. He’s getting a kick out of this whole treasure thing. He doesn’t care how dangerous it’s become.”

  “And the sons? You think they are involved in Weber’s death?” the sheriff asked.

  Alex shrugged. “Not really sure. We think, maybe, Ian Delaney is in more control than he lets on. The younger one... I’m not sure what to make of him.”

  “Tread lightly, people,” Sheriff Ryder told them.

  “Ugh. Nick.” She shuddered. “Pretty and harmless.”

  “So you thought this Nick character was pretty?” Chase teased.

  Kaitlyn shook her head. “No, but he thinks he’s pretty. The older one now... He’s one to keep an eye on.”

  Alex had the feeling her interest in Ian Delaney went beyond just duty to the county.

  “Ohhh. He got to you,” Chase crooned.

  She scoffed and popped up from her chair. “Hardly. I know that type. Cool, charming and controlling. I don’t want anything to do with him.”

  Alex and Chase exchanged an amused glance as she stalked out of the station. Kaitlyn rarely let anyone get under her skin. And that it had happened so fast with Ian Delaney was interesting but wasn’t Alex’s concern. Right now, he had to think about finding a murderer. And protecting Maya and Brady.

  He rose from his desk. “Let me know if you find out anything of interest.” He headed toward the conference room to check on Maya and Brady.

  NINE

  Maya settled into the back passenger seat and closed her eyes, allowing her tension to drain into the floorboards. Kaitlyn was driving her, Alex and Brady to Kaitlyn’s ranch so they could pick up Truman.

  The adrenaline rush from the car chase was finally ebbing, allowing Maya to breathe easier. Her mind wandered all over the place. The break-in at the store, a car trying to run them off the road and visiting the Delaney estate. So much in such a short time.

  She focused her thoughts on the Delaneys. Maya had never seen anything so grand or met someone so... She wasn’t sure what word to use for Patrick Delaney. She couldn’t believe how callous he’d been regarding the treasure hunt. The sons were an interesting pair. Ian had kinetic energy about him, like a tiger on a short leash. Nick was all fun and games. She doubted the youngest Delaney took much seriously, while Ian was all business.

  “Maya, we’re here.”

  Maya’s eyelids popped open. Embarrassment flooded her. She must have dozed off. They were at the Lanz ranch. It was larger than Alex’s with several barns and many horses of different sizes and colors grazing in the pasture. Kaitlyn’s family ran a horse boarding and training facility, as well as a rescue.

  Maya and Brady climbed out of the SUV.

  “Chickens!” Brady hurried over to a large chicken coop where Mr. Lanz was working.

  Maya thought about calling her brother back but then decided to let him enjoy the animals as she followed Alex to the corral. Alex whistled, and a large horse came at a gallop. The horse was a beautiful, rich chestnut color with a black mane.

  “You remember Truman, here. He remembers you.” The horse made a deep rumbly sound in his throat as he attempted to nuzzle her hair, tickling her.

  She laughed and stepped back. “Of course, I remember.”

  “Here.” Alex handed her a bag of carrots. “He’ll be your friend for life if you give him a few.”

  Tentatively, she took the bag, but stared at the horse. It had been so long since she’d interacted with an equine that she debated the best way to feed the animal. Did she hold a carrot upright and let the beast chomp on it?

  Alex must have sensed her uncertainty because he took a carrot and placed it on the palm of his hand. “Keep your hand flat with your fingers straight,” he instructed and held the carrot beneath Truman’s nose and then said, “Gentle.”

  The horse nibbled the carrot right off his hand without taking a finger with it.

  “Your turn,” he said with a smile before striding away to prep the trailer to take Truman home.

  When Alex was out of earshot, Maya murmured, “Please be nice.” And she followed Alex’s example, feeding the horse a couple of carrots. The horse barely grazed her hand taking the treats. “Good boy.”

  After three carrots, she said, “I’m not sure how many I should feed you. I don’t want you to have a tummy ache.”

  Cautiously, she stroked the animal’s cheek. “You’re a beautiful guy, you know that? Just like your owner.”

  She glanced over her shoulder to make sure Alex couldn’t hear her. “He is really something. I don’t know that I’ve ever met anyone so competent and protective.”

  Actually, she hadn’t allowed anyone close enough to know if they were kind and thoughtful in the way that Alex was. But he was just doing his job. It was not because she was his girlfriend. She didn’t want a boyfriend. She wanted... She didn’t know what she wanted anymore.

  No, that wasn’t true. Her heart thumped in her chest, making her aware that deep inside she was lonely and longed for a romantic companion. But as soon as the thought came, so did the specter of fear that haunted her. It was hard enough loving Brady and not letting the fear of losing him take hold of her. How could she ever love
someone like Alex?

  Just the thought of letting him into her heart made her mouth go dry. He had a career that put him in danger more often than not. Granted, this was Bristle County, and as Alex already pointed out, crime here usually wasn’t more than a few unruly teens or tourists. But somebody had died—had been murdered, recently—and who knew what other kinds of horrors could come their way? Alex would be right in the middle of it. Because he was that kind of guy. The kind who ran toward danger instead of from it.

  She didn’t know that she could live with the constant dread of wondering if he’d come home at night. The dilemma of everyone who loved a real-life hero.

  The horse nickered, and awareness zipped along her limbs. She glanced sideways. Alex strode toward her with purpose in each step. He carried a halter in his strong, capable hands.

  She moved aside to allow him access to his horse.

  “The trailer is all set. And Brady’s already inside the cab.” He looped the lead rope over Truman’s neck, then slipped the halter over the gelding’s nose and ears before buckling the strap on the side. “Are you ready to go?”

  Guessing he was talking to her, she said, “Of course. I only fed him three carrots. I didn’t know if he should have very many more.”

  “That’s perfect. He’ll have his regular meal when he gets home.” He steered Truman to the gate.

  She hurried past Alex to release the latch.

  Alex inclined his head as he led Truman out of the corral. “Thanks.”

  “Sure.” She closed the gate behind the horse.

  After securing Truman in the trailer, they both climbed into the front cab of the truck. Brady was fast asleep in the small back seat. She smiled with tenderness flowing over her. He had no idea how close they’d come to harm today. She hoped he never had to experience anything bad.

  “This is a nice rig,” she commented as she ran her hand over the leather seats and eyed the latest gadgets on the dashboard.

  “I splurged. But I figure I’ll drive this baby into the ground. I needed something reliable to cart Truman around.” He drove them away from the Lanz ranch.

  “Have you always been a horse guy?”

  His mouth turned up at the corner. “No, growing up in the city there wasn’t much opportunity to be around horses.” He let out a wry laugh. “Or animals of any kind really, besides dogs and cats. But we didn’t have any of those, either.”

  “Brady has always wanted a dog. After seeing him with yours, I’m thinking maybe we’ll get one.”

  “Not a bad idea. He’s good with Rusty.”

  She liked that he approved. Then she turned away to roll her eyes at her own silliness. “How long have you been in town?” She tried to recall the first time he’d come into the feed and hardware store.

  “Three years.”

  She turned to stare. Only three? She would have guessed longer. He seemed such an integral piece of the town.

  “Part of what drew me to the job was I wanted to be a member of the mounted patrol,” he said. “When I asked the sheriff, he taught me how to ride. I got the hang of it pretty quickly. James said I was a natural.” Alex shrugged, his broad shoulders lifting beneath his uniform shirt. “I don’t know if that’s true so much as I was determined. And then, of course, I had to buy Truman and all the gear that went with having a horse. Including the ranch,” he laughed ruefully.

  “The sheriff’s department doesn’t provide anything?”

  “No. Every member of the mounted patrol, both law enforcement and civilian, has to own their horse and trailer, as well as house and feed their animals. And keep them in good health. Plus, we pay for our own training, which is extensive, and the certifications.”

  “What kind of training?” She had no idea the level of commitment participating in a mounted patrol entailed.

  “Everything. Personal safety, general search-and-rescue procedures, event management, map and compass navigation as well as tracking,” he laughed. “It’s a lot. The certification process is rigorous, and each rider must demonstrate that the horse and rider are able to work under a variety of potentially distracting or stressful conditions. Like the upcoming parade.”

  Thinking how rowdy the crowds could get during the festivals in town, she was in awe. “But how does it work for the volunteer members?” She thought of her friend Leslie, who rode for the mounted patrol.

  “The auxiliary members don’t carry weapons, so we utilize them mostly for search and rescue or pair them with a deputy if the situation warrants.”

  “I’m impressed.”

  His grin made her heart thump in her chest. “Being part of the mounted patrol is worth all the expense and time.”

  “That’s great you can afford everything on a deputy’s salary.”

  He laughed, “The pay is about average. Most people around here already owned their horses and stuff. I taught myself how to do day-trading and have built up a healthy portfolio.”

  Her interest piqued, she asked, “Do you still trade?”

  “I dabble. On my off time.”

  “Would you be willing to show me how? The store does well, but I’d like to build up our savings account.”

  He slanted her a quick glance as he turned onto his property. “Of course. I can teach you.”

  She thought about Brady’s desire to go to college one day. The thought terrified her. She wasn’t sure she could handle him leaving Bristle County. She couldn’t even bring herself to let him go off to camp for a week. She’d be all alone.

  Who would she be if she didn’t have Brady to take care of?

  When they arrived at the house, Brady woke and hobbled out of the truck in search of Frank. Rusty yipped at his heels, but Brady didn’t seem to mind.

  For a long moment, she stood there, unsure what to do with herself. Alex was seeing to Truman and she didn’t want to be in the way, so she decided to take some time with God. She sat on the porch and allowed herself a few quiet moments of prayer, thanking God for their safety.

  As the sun began to set, she went into the house, but Brady and Frank were not inside. Through the kitchen window, she saw them in the backyard planting bulbs in planters. Brady sat on the ground with his booted foot straight out. He had dirt all over him. But he looked so happy chatting away with Mr. Trevino. Maya’s heart swelled.

  Brady had missed out on so much when their parents passed away. She was thankful to the two Trevino men for taking her and her brother in for this short period of time. Yes, it was to keep them safe. But it was nice to see Brady having a good time, totally unaware that someone had broken into the store. She wished she understood what the intruder wanted.

  Brady saw her and waved.

  She went out the back door and hurried down the porch steps to her brother’s side.

  “Maya, come look at what we’re doing. Planting flowers,” Brady said, then shook his head. “They’re not flowers now, but they will come up in the spring. Kind of like the ones you planted in our yard.”

  “Wonderful.” Maya looked at the older man. “Thank you, Mr. Trevino.”

  “My pleasure,” he replied with a kind smile. “Call me Frank.”

  “I like gardening.” Brady held out a trowel. “Do you want to plant a bulb?”

  “Not right now, sweetie.” She squatted next to him. “Did you finish today’s school assignment?” She’d forgotten to ask Brady in the excitement of the day.

  “I did. I even got all my homework done after we played our game,” Brady responded proudly.

  “He’s a hard worker,” Frank said. “He beat the socks off me in our board game.”

  Brady looked up at Maya. “That’s a saying. His socks didn’t really come off.”

  Maya ruffled his hair. “I would hope not. Then his feet would be cold.”

  Brady laughed as he dug the trowel into the planter with ab
andon.

  For a moment, Maya was content to watch until he accidentally flung dirt in her direction. She stood and moved back, brushing off the dirt from her clothes. “When you’re finished, you’re going to need a shower,” she said. “You’ve got dirt in your hair.”

  Brady touched his hair. “Maybe a little flower will grow.” He laughed at his own joke. “I know that won’t happen. I’ll take a shower later.”

  Her brother never failed to lift her spirits. “Okay. I’ll see you inside, then. I brought more clothes from the house.”

  Maya left the two gardeners and reentered Alex’s home. She took a moment to just take a breath. The way the house was decorated appealed to her. Not overly cluttered with knickknacks or personal items but the place still had some personality with a framed oil painting of horses running wild over the mantel and books filling the bookshelves. She liked the comfy worn leather couch, wood paneling and the wagon wheel chandelier with downlights and amber shades hanging over the dining room table.

  The effect was... She thought for a moment, trying to come up with the word. Rustic wasn’t quite right, and quaint didn’t accurately describe the motif, either.

  Homey. Masculine. Very much like Alex.

  She went to the back bedroom and unpacked the duffel bag she’d brought to the ranch house. A few minutes later, she heard Alex come inside, and she joined him in the kitchen. He took four steaks out of the freezer. “I’ll barbecue these.”

  Her mouth watered. She had never mastered the art of barbecuing. “That would be wonderful. I could make a marinade?”

  “Not sure what we have for ingredients but go for it,” he replied as he pulled fresh ears of corn out of a bag along with four large russet potatoes.

  “Brady will be so happy. He loves corn on the cob.”

  “Me, too. A little butter and salt and pepper.” He kissed his fingertips. “Yum.”

  With a laugh, Maya went to work making the marinade. She found several useful ingredients in the cupboards and the refrigerator. She whipped together olive oil, balsamic vinegar and herbs, and chopped a small onion and pressed garlic. Alex set the steaks in the mixture to soak.