by R. C. Ryan
This was why she’d come back to Wyoming. That brief visit for her uncle’s funeral had reminded her of all the things she’d left behind. She’d sacrificed so much for the sake of a career that hadn’t lived up to its promise.
Bean counter.
Ham’s words played in her head. Living and working in the District, she’d become a numbers manager. And now she’d been assigned the task of counting mustang herds, instead of being a manager of the land she loved. The irony of her situation had her shaking her head as she turned and made her way to the shower. But at least, she consoled herself, she was counting animals instead of crunching bottom-line numbers for a bureaucracy.
A short time later, having dressed in her own clothes, which she’d found carefully folded on a chair in her room, she descended the stairs and followed the voices to the kitchen, where the older members of the Merrick family had already assembled for breakfast.
Brand, Jonah, and Casey could be heard laughing in the mudroom as they washed up after their early-morning chores in the barn.
“’Morning.” Casey strolled into the kitchen and gave her a long look before helping himself to a mug of coffee.
“Good morning.” She felt herself flushing under his scrutiny as she sipped orange juice. “I’m sorry I wasn’t up early enough to lend a hand with the chores.”
Casey grinned at Jonah. “That’s what they all say.”
Jonah nodded. “That’s all right, Kirby. We left a couple of stalls for you to muck after breakfast, just so you’d feel at home.”
“Gee, thanks.”
“You’re welcome. Besides, since you’re hoping to buy your uncle’s ranch, you may as well dip your toe—”
“—in the manure,” Casey finished for him.
That brought a round of laughter from the others as they gathered in the kitchen.
“Breakfast is ready,” Billy called as he began carrying platters of food to the table.
They needed no coaxing as they took their places and began passing plates of eggs scrambled with onions and green peppers, as well as roasted potatoes, thick slices of ham, and a basket of cinnamon toast.
The family fell silent as they satisfied their hunger brought on by morning chores.
Ham sat back, sipping strong, hot coffee, looking pleased. “A breakfast fit for a king.”
Egan nodded. “It never gets old, does it?”
The two men shared a smile.
They all looked toward Kirby when her cell phone rang.
She glanced at the screen before pushing away from the table. “Sorry. This is my boss. Excuse me.”
She stepped from the room, and after a brief conversation she returned.
Casey looked up. “Everything all right?”
She nodded. “I hate to ask for yet another favor, but my boss wants me to come into the office, and I parked my truck miles from here in the foothills of the Tetons before I started my hike.”
Before she could say more, Casey held up a hand. “I don’t mind driving you to the spot.”
“Thank you. I really appreciate it.”
Casey turned to Billy. “If you need anything from town, give me your list before I head out.”
“I will.” Billy was already scribbling on a notepad.
As the family began pushing away from the table, Kirby put a hand on Avery’s arm. “Thank you for the use of your clothes. If you’ll tell me where the laundry room is, I’ll see that they’re washed before I leave.”
“There’s no need for that.” Avery grabbed her hand. “Just leave them in the hamper in the guest room and I’ll pick them up later.” She squeezed both of Kirby’s hands. “It was so nice getting to know you, Kirby. I wish we’d had more time.”
“Me too.” Kirby was smiling as she turned to include the others. “You’ve all been so warm and welcoming. I hope you know how much I appreciate all your kindnesses.”
Meg hurried over to give her a hug. “I just want your word that you’ll come back to visit soon, Kirby.”
“I’d like that. Thank you for everything, Miss Meg.”
Brand and Jonah couldn’t help teasing as they paused beside her. “We’ll keep a pitchfork ready with your name on it, Kirby. Next time you come to visit, we’ll put you to work.”
She was laughing as they walked away.
Egan gave her a warm hug. “You hurry back now, you hear?”
“Yes, sir.” She returned his embrace.
“And take care of that ankle, Kirby.” Bo stared pointedly at her foot. “I know you’re trying to hide it, but it’s still paining you, isn’t it?”
She nodded and said softly, “More than I care to admit.”
“I thought so. As the father of three, I learned early how to spot someone in pain.” He gave her shoulder a squeeze. “You might want to see Dr. Peterson at the Devil’s Door Clinic when you get to town.”
“I will. Thanks, Bo.”
Chet Doyle paused to shake her hand, while Liz stood a little apart and gave her a shy smile.
It occurred to Kirby that she and Casey’s aunt hadn’t shared more than a word or two. She hoped it was just simple shyness on Liz’s part.
Her thoughts scattered as Hammond Merrick walked up to her and gave her a measured look. “Bye, girl. Let us know when you settle in to your ranch.”
Your ranch.
She hugged those words to her heart.
“And don’t spend all your time counting beans.”
She managed a smile. “Yes, sir. But as long as my boss orders me to count mustangs, I guess I have no choice.”
He arched a brow before walking away.
Kirby turned to Billy, busy at the sink. “Thank you for those memorable meals, Billy. I won’t soon forget you.”
“I’ll remember you, too.” He crossed the room and gave her a warm embrace. “Like Miss Meg said, you come back soon.”
“Thanks. I hope I get the chance.”
With a smile, Kirby hurried up the stairs to collect her backpack.
When she stepped out the back door, Casey was already waiting by a ranch truck. He held the passenger door open until she’d settled inside before circling around to the driver’s side.
As they started along the curving driveway, she studied his profile. When she’d first met him in the cave, she’d thought he’d looked dangerous. And now, having spent enough time with him and his family, she realized she hadn’t been too far off the mark. Though he had a silly sense of humor and had proven himself an excellent veterinarian and caretaker of a wounded animal, there was still an air of danger about him. In the way he moved, like a big cat stalking its prey. In the way his dark gaze seemed to assess everyone and everything he studied. In the way he made her feel…safe, and yet oddly vulnerable. In a fight, she’d want Casey on her side. But when he’d kissed her cheek, she’d found herself swept up in something so unsettling, she’d felt as though she’d lost her way.
As though sensing her strange mood, he turned and smiled. “A penny for them.”
At her startled look, he winked.
There it was again. That sudden jolt to her heart.
“Just thinking about all the things I’ll have to catch up on.” A lie, she knew, but she couldn’t possibly admit her true thoughts.
“I don’t know.” He reached out to touch a finger to the little frown line that creased her forehead. “I was sensing some pretty deep thoughts.”
She glanced down at her hands, clenched together in her lap. With effort she unclenched them and managed a smile while changing the subject. “You’re lucky to have such a big, loving family.”
He nodded, but she knew he’d seen through her little deception. “I suppose to someone without family, we come on a little strong.”
“No. Not at all. I really enjoyed my time with them.”
“Even Ham?”
She laughed. “Your great-grandfather is very stern. But I can’t help admiring him for all he’s done in his life and continues to do. How many men still
put in a full day of work at that age?”
Casey shrugged. “Sometimes I forget how old he is. I’ve grown up watching him work circles around all of us.” He slowed when they reached a fork in the road. “Which way to your truck?”
“Left.” She pointed. “I drove along this road for about twenty miles until it ended with a circular lookout. That’s where I parked my truck and started my hike.”
During the entire drive, they never passed another vehicle.
Casey was grinning. “I’ll bet this isn’t something you ever saw in DC.”
She laughed. “You’re right about that. There isn’t a single street in the entire District that isn’t clogged with cars.”
As they came up over a rise Kirby was still smiling as she fished her key out of her pocket.
When Casey pulled into the deserted area, he turned to Kirby with a puzzled look. “Are you sure this is where you left your truck?”
She was staring open-mouthed. The lookout was empty.
“I don’t understand. It was right there.”
The snow had obliterated all trace of a vehicle. If there had been tracks, they were now completely covered.
“If you’re certain…” Casey pulled his cell phone from his pocket and pressed a number before saying, “Noble? Casey Merrick. My family’s houseguest would like to report the theft of her truck from the mountain lookout on Old Teton Trail. I’ll give her the phone and she can give you the details while I drive her to town.”
“This is police chief Noble Crain.” He handed his phone to Kirby and drove the entire way to town in silence, listening to Kirby’s answers as the police chief peppered her with questions.
“I’m renting a room above Myrtle Fox’s bakery in Devil’s Door.”
There was a pause before she said, “I work for the Association of Land Management. I recently transferred from Washington, DC. I was assigned to count and record the number of mustang herds in the hills. My boss texted me with the news of an escaped convict in the area and ordered me to forego the mustang count and return home. The sudden blizzard changed my plans.”
Another pause. “It’s not a company truck. I bought it in DC and drove it here.” She described the make, model, and license number before swallowing hard. “It’s insured.”
She listened before saying, “Yes. Of course I’ll come to your office and sign any necessary papers.” She glanced at Casey for confirmation.
At his nod, she added, “Thank you, Chief Crain.”
When she handed over Casey’s phone, he tucked it in his shirt pocket and then surprised her by taking her hand in his. “I know you’re shocked. I am, too. But if your truck is still in Wyoming, I’m betting Noble Crain will have it back to you in no time.”
She was shaking her head. “This could have happened right after I left it. That would give the thief plenty of time to drive clear across the country.”
“Or not.” He kept her hand in his. Squeezed. “Maybe, by the time we get to town, Noble will have heard from the state police that it’s already been found abandoned somewhere.”
She looked at their joined hands and realized that even this simple connection made her feel better somehow. “From your lips, cowboy.”
“Trust me.” He shot her a warm look that had her heart going into overdrive.
Chapter Eight
Casey drove slowly through town, pointing out to Kirby some old familiar places, like Harvey Spriggs’s farm equipment sales, and Ben Harper’s Grain and Feed and adjacent hardware. As they drew near the bank and courthouse, he paused to allow people to cross Main Street.
He waved to Julie Franklyn and her son, Greg, before shifting to face Kirby. “They own Julie’s Hair Salon and Barber Shop. As soon as Greg finished school, he joined his mom in the business. See that couple chatting with them? That’s Carrie and Ray Spence. They just opened a spa next door to the salon, offering manicures, pedicures, and massages.” He winked. “I’m betting Julie is hoping they’ll join forces to offer their customers some specials that will bring more people to both places.”
“Sounds smart to me.”
He pointed to a store up ahead. “Have you been to Stuff yet?”
Kirby shook her head. “Not yet. I haven’t had the time.”
Casey nodded. “Sheila Mason is a fourth-generation owner. She carries everything from clothes for the entire family, to new and used household goods.”
“I’m glad nothing about it has changed. I’ll be sure to stop by. I haven’t even started furnishing my apartment yet. All I have are a bed and a lumpy sofa left over from the last tenant.”
Casey pulled over to the curb. “This is the police station.” He stepped out and made his way quickly to the passenger’s side, where he held her door before taking her hand.
At her arched brow he merely smiled. “You didn’t think I’d send you in there alone, did you?”
She returned his smile. “Thank you.”
He pushed open the door and greeted the pretty woman behind the desk. “Hi, Maryanne. This is Kirby Regan.”
To Kirby he added, “Maryanne is Chief Crain’s wife.”
Maryanne got on her feet to offer a handshake. “Hi, Kirby. I’m sorry to hear about your truck. You two go right on back. Noble is expecting you.”
As they walked toward the rear of the office, Kirby shot a sideways glance at Casey.
He was grinning as he whispered, “Small towns and gossip. Half the town will know about the theft by noon. The other half by tomorrow, after they pay a call to Nonie’s Wild Horses Saloon.”
She sighed as she stepped into the chief’s office, knowing he’d spoken the truth. Small towns and gossip, indeed.
The chief stood up and offered his hand to the both of them. “Casey. Miss Regan.”
“It’s Kirby.”
“Kirby.” He gestured to the two chairs facing his desk. “I’m sorry about the theft of your truck. I’ve already contacted the state police with the description and license number. Since it’s an out-of-state plate, it should be easy to locate. Were there any valuables in the vehicle?”
She nodded. “I left a gold chain with a locket hanging on the mirror.”
At his questioning look she pressed her hands together so tightly in her lap the knuckles were white. “The locket holds a picture of my parents. It’s special to me, and I didn’t want to wear it while I was hiking. When I realized it was around my neck, I took it off and hung it on the mirror, intending to put it back on when I returned from the hills.”
Noble made a note of it before asking, “Anything else?”
“Nothing of value. Some loose change in a cup holder.”
“How did you happen to park your truck in that location?”
“I let my GPS decide for me. When I reached the lookout, it told me the road ended there.”
He managed a quick grin. “So it does. After that, it’s just foothills and mountains. Did you begin your trip there from the office, or from home?”
“My apartment. Why?”
Noble Crain steepled his fingers and lowered his head before asking, “You told me you’ve rented an apartment above Myrtle Fox’s bakery. Did you stop there on your way here?”
The question caught her off guard. “No. We came directly here from the lookout when we discovered my truck missing. Why?”
“Since you used your truck’s GPS from home, that would mean that anyone who plugged in a location would know where the truck’s journey began.” He gave her a long, steady look as his words began to sink in. “And if he had control of your means of transportation, he could be fairly certain you wouldn’t get home before he did.”
“My apartment…?”
“The thief may have paid a call.” He got to his feet. “I’ll go with you.”
They were less than half a block from Myrtle’s Bakery and the apartment above it.
Leaving their vehicles behind, they walked the short distance. As they climbed the stairs at the back of the building, the chi
ef held out his hand for the key. Kirby handed it over and waited with Casey as Chief Crain inserted it in the lock. Before he could unlock it, the door opened.
Noble Crain lifted his hand, palm up. “You may want to wait a moment, Kirby, while I look around.”
As he stepped into the apartment, Kirby gave a little gasp. From her vantage point she could see the mess inside. Every door and drawer in the tiny kitchen had been left open. As she moved further into the room, she could see into the cramped sitting area, where the sofa cushions had been slashed open. In her bedroom, the bed linens had been tossed aside and the mattress upended and slashed, with stuffing tossed about everywhere.
The closet doors were ajar, and every article of clothing had been torn from hangers and strewn about the room. Coat pockets were turned inside out. The drawers of a small chest had been removed, their contents dumped unceremoniously about.
Seeing the stricken look on her face, Casey put an arm around her shoulders and led her away from the rooms and out onto the landing just outside the apartment.
She’d been holding herself together by a thread. The minute Casey’s arms went around her she crumpled and allowed the tears to fall. Tears of rage, of horror, of shock. Once started, there was no way to stem the flow. Her body shook with bitter tears, weeping until they’d run their course.
When she finally pushed away, Casey handed her his handkerchief.
“Sorry.” She wiped at her eyes and blew her nose.
“Don’t be. This has to be a shock.”
She nodded. “I was so angry about having my truck stolen. But this—” she swept a hand to indicate the chaos inside “—this is personal. A thief went through all my things.” A shudder passed through her at the thought of some stranger opening drawers and cupboards, touching her things, tossing them aside like so much trash. She began to cry again, softer now, as she struggled to compose herself.
“You have every right to be mad, Kirby. I’m mad, too.”
The chief stepped out onto the landing. “I’m sorry, Kirby, but I’m going to ask you to look around and see if you can think of anything that might have been taken. I know with all the mess in there, it won’t be easy.”
