Suddenly, Autumn was flying through space as Wayne shoved her aside and charged at the professor. Jess quickly glanced at Autumn, and when she nodded that she was all right, he turned his attention to the struggling men.
Jess grabbed Wayne’s shirt and jerked him upright. One mighty swing at Wayne’s jaw put him out cold. Jess hurried to Autumn and helped her stand.
“Are you hurt?” he asked.
“No, but the professor…”
Together they approached the man and helped him as he struggled to his feet. His voice shook a little, but he sounded strong.
The noise of the fight had evidently alerted the sheriff’s men. They came running with their guns in their hands toward the group. Autumn was surprised to see Enrique Valdez with them.
“What’s going on?” the sheriff asked. “What are you doing here?”
“These two left the ranch,” Dr. Davidson said. “I knew they were up to no good. I followed them.”
“We caught sight of them,” Jess gestured toward Enrique, “and discovered them in the ruins.”
Autumn listened, aware that Jess was explaining his presence as if it were an accident. With Enrique and members of the posse around, he probably didn’t want to risk blowing his cover as an agent.
Jess explained what had happened. By the time he had finished, Wayne was coming around. The sheriff read him his rights and then helped him walk toward their base camp. Autumn, Jess and Dr. Davidson were asked to follow. Wayne’s mumbles of outrage could be heard all the way to the sheriff’s tent.
As soon as they arrived at the campsite, they handcuffed Wayne and isolated him. Autumn stood at the open flap of the tent and saw that he was still protesting. She shook her head as she turned away from the sight and went into the tent.
The hot sun had given the canvas a musky smell. The sheriff sat at the table with Dr. Davidson. Jess was near the entrance and she went to stand beside him. She’d never seen the professor explode like that, but she didn’t blame him. He had a right to be furious after what had happened to the discovery that was to bring him fame and recognition. She could easily sympathize with him.
What can this development mean? She sat on the cot and studied the three men. She still didn’t know what Wayne had wanted to show her. The two murderers were on the loose, and as far as she knew, still could have plans to come to Coyote Springs. Autumn motioned to Jess.
He came immediately and bent over her. The scent of his heated skin caused a momentary flicker of longing that she quickly stifled. It took effort not to trace the stitching on his western shirt. “I’ve got to talk to you,” she whispered.
Jess motioned her outside, where Autumn gladly followed. The tent, stuffy and hot, sizzled from emotions as well as the desert temperatures.
“I could tan your hide for coming out here with him,” Jess said before Autumn had a chance to explain.
“I know it looks bad. The professor thought I was working with Wayne. I’m glad you knew better.”
“I got your message.” He pulled a white stone from his pocket.
His smile made the day seem brighter. “I wasn’t sure you’d understand.”
“I didn’t at first,” he admitted. “It puzzled me. I couldn’t figure why you’d turn up here with Wayne.”
He explained how he had followed her and watched their camp last night. The news didn’t surprise Autumn. She’d sensed his nearness.
“Wayne wanted to show me something. He was so anxious about it that I decided to come with him. I was hoping he’d lead us to the other men involved.”
“I was afraid you had figured some fool scheme like that. Don’t you remember how ruthless these men are?”
The vehemence in his voice surprised her. From the glance he cast her, she suspected he had startled himself because he still wasn’t comfortable with his feelings toward her.
“Whatever he wanted to show me had something to do with the kiva.”
“Do you have any idea what it was?”
“Not a clue,” Autumn admitted. “We’d just entered when Dr. Davidson arrived.”
“I haven’t seen any signs of the two killers.”
“There might be evidence in the kiva.”
“Right.” He straightened and rubbed the back of his neck. A frown furrowed his brow. “I have to stay here, though, and ask a few questions.” He paused to lower his voice. “I need to have the sheriff check some things out.”
“Does he know about the task force?”
“Yes, but his men don’t. I’d just as soon keep it that way.”
There would be no problem about that from her. Jess’s safety was a priority.
“Why don’t I go over there?” she suggested. “You can join me when you’re finished here.”
The look on his face expressed the appreciation of her idea, but she could also see the doubts.
“I promise not to go off on my own.”
His expression turned more cynical. “I recall hearing those words before.”
She shrugged. What could she say?
Jess finally agreed and set about helping the sheriff post a watch over the area. Since he knew the terrain, the men were more than willing to follow his suggestions. “Stay out of sight,” he warned the two assigned as guards. “These men are murderers.”
Autumn helped with the description of the men. The guards took notes and then went to their assigned places. A measure of peace settled over her knowing they were close by.
Jess had to capture the scar-faced man and his partner. Then the whole story could be pieced together. She could sense the action coming to a head. If only she could find out what Wayne had wanted to show her in the kiva.
After Jess headed back to the sheriff’s tent, Autumn went to the mound and descended into the underground room. She combed every inch, but found nothing that would give them a clue to Wayne’s claim that something important was inside. They had emptied the room of all the artifacts days ago. The only signs of civilization left were the murals painted on the walls.
The paintings were in remarkable condition, Autumn thought as she sat on a ledge to rest and think. There was only one section that looked scratched. She traced along the fine lines, and to her surprise, saw flecks of color on the tips of her fingers. The scratches were not worn spots from aging but were recent.
Wayne. So the professor’s charges were true. What she couldn’t figure, though, was why Wayne would do it. She couldn’t see any purpose to be gained. Unless…
Autumn stood and started pressing the stones. Perhaps they’d been scratched because they were the key to a secret passageway. After several attempts and no action, she sat back down, disgusted.
Over an hour passed before Jess was able to join her. He, too, looked around the kiva, but they found nothing. They left the pit in time to see a helicopter land near the campsite.
“The sheriff’s taking Wayne in.” He shaded his eyes against the wind from the chopper blades.
“Do you think the copter’s arrival will alert the two killers?”
“No.” Jess placed his hand at her waist and propelled her toward the dwellings in the cliff. “It’s been flying in and out of here all day. They’ll probably think it’s routine.”
“You’re right,” she conceded. “They must know that a sheriff’s posse is here.”
“I’m sure they were told.”
Autumn paused at the base of the cliff and looked around to see if anyone was near. Dr. Davidson and the sheriff were still at the campsite. “I notice you didn’t say Wayne informed them,” she commented. “Do you think he’s innocent?”
“No.” Jess shook his head while his brow furrowed in thought. “But I doubt he masterminded this. There has to be someone else involved; someone with more power.”
“Connie?”
“Possibly. I’m having the sheriff check her motel bill and cell phone records for calls.”
“Wayne called his father when we were at the ranch. Do you think he’s involved?�
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“That doesn’t make sense, but then, a lot about this case doesn’t.” Jess started up the cliff. “Come on. We can wait up here. It’ll give us a view of the canyon.”
Jess helped her get comfortable. The dwelling walls had crumbled inward, leaving a pile of rocky rubble instead of the smooth floor most ruins had. It wouldn’t be that easy to spend the day there, but Jess had to figure out a way to convince Autumn to do just that.
“Since there wasn’t anything in the kiva, I suspect Wayne was going to hole up here and meet his two partners.”
“You’re right.” Autumn tossed aside a couple stones and made a flat seat to sit on. “I bet he was leaving a message to tell them where we were camped.”
“Could be,” Jess agreed, but he seriously doubted they would be that stupid. He needed Autumn to believe it, though. She’d never consent to stay put unless she felt she was doing her part. He’d learned that much about her these past few days. She had a stubborn streak a mule would be jealous of.
“The sheriff wants me to show him some of the terrain around here.” He avoided the look of betrayal he could see was already forming. “I need you to stand watch over the kiva.”
“I know these canyons. I can help…”
“No. You’re the only one who knows what those two men look like. I want you here in case they show up.” Where you’ll be surrounded by the sheriff’s men, he added to himself.
He could see her inward struggle and he had to force himself not to react to it. She was not dense. If she had any idea that he was inventing this duty to keep her safe, he’d have real trouble on his hands. She’d leave right after he did.
Evidently, his ruse worked. Disappointed but resigned, she settled onto a rock.
“I’ll bring you some food and water,” he offered.
“Thanks.”
He ignored the hint of sarcasm in her tone.
“Will you be returning?” she asked.
“You bet.” And that was a promise he intended to keep. “We need to talk.”
His dreams last night had been powerful. Not since his days with Daya had he felt that connected to his world. The old ways called. There might not be any harm in listening. Hadn’t Autumn proven that?
Once Autumn was safely settled, Jess found Enrique and they wound their way down the canyon to search for signs of the murderers. They discovered the microwave dish, but from the tracks, no one had been there recently.
The day dragged and proved fruitless. Tired and discouraged, Jess and Enrique returned to the posse’s camp. Jess’s energy level picked up considerably when he headed toward the kiva and Autumn. He longed to see her, and for the first time, he was glad she had followed her instincts and traveled with Wayne.
She caught sight of him and waved.
Her joy at seeing him matched his feelings. “I’m glad to see you’ve made it through the day.”
“I hope you’re coming to tell me this duty is over.” She stood and stretched. Her awkward movements betrayed her stiffness.
He held out a hand and helped her up, tempted to pull her into his embrace. The footsteps below kept him in line.
“Here comes your relief.” He pointed to Enrique, who was standing below with an expectant grin creasing his face. “How about some dinner and a walk?”
“Sounds like heaven.” She gathered her belongings and followed him to the base of the cliff.
Jess managed to ignore Enrique’s quirked brows.
“Stay awake, compadre,” Jess told his friend. “I don’t want to be disturbed tonight.”
“I can see why,” Enrique teased.
Jess scowled at his friend before quickening his step to catch up to Autumn. Together they walked to camp.
After a quick meal he held out his hand. “Ready for that walk?”
Autumn placed her hand in his. Warmth zinged between their fingers.
The sheriff and Dr. Davidson protested their departure, but Autumn insisted she needed some exercise.
“We’ll make a loop to Coyote Springs and back,” he told her. “I don’t want to wander too far from the guards.”
“Maybe we’ll see some wildlife.”
“Just so it’s the four-legged variety.”
Her chuckle sounded relaxed. Good. He didn’t want her unnecessarily worried.
“The sun will be setting soon.” Jess watched the shadows creep across the canyon floor as they lengthened. They’d walked for an hour, and so far, the only movement they’d seen was a rabbit and two does heading to the river for a drink.
Autumn shifted on the flat rock she’d climbed up on. “There won’t be as much moonlight, either.”
“We’d better head back.”
“Might be a good idea.”
By the time they returned to the camp area, Jess was still reluctant to join the others. “Let’s put our bedrolls over there.” He pointed toward a small clearing between the kiva and the campsite. “I’d like to be alone with you.”
She readily agreed, which pleased Jess.
He pointed to another ledge, considerably lower and slightly to the right. There were a few rocks to hide behind, but in the dark they wouldn’t need them. “That looks like a good place. It’s far enough away from the kiva.”
“Do you think they’ll show tonight?” she asked.
“Could be.” It wasn’t exactly a lie, but he doubted the killers would come near the sheriff’s posse. He didn’t tell Autumn that. He wanted to post her on another watch in the morning while he and Enrique returned to the microwave dish. If the murderers showed up, it would be there.
Autumn paused at the site Jess had selected. “This waiting is torture.”
Jess had to agree with her. His patience had worn thin. Not that he minded this type of work. It usually excited him, but tonight, Autumn’s company enticed him more.
They spread their bedrolls side by side in the sand. Autumn sat on hers. Jess joined her, crossing his legs in front of him.
Nature entertained them with a display of sunset color. Bright magenta deepened to red and then turned fluorescent orange. The jagged outline of cliffs was silhouetted like black sentinels against the vermilion brilliance.
One pinnacle stood higher than the rest. Suddenly a black shadow streaked toward it. Huge wings flapped as the eagle landed on top in a graceful swoop. He folded his wings and then stood motionless, staring at the canyon below. Jess tapped Autumn’s shoulder and pointed to the mighty bird.
He reached out his hand and entwined his fingers with hers. No words were spoken, but communication between them intensified. His fingers tightened around hers as his longings unfolded. He wanted to experience all of Autumn, and looked forward to the time they would have the chance.
It had been months now that he’d been on the trail of these drug smugglers. He thought back to the times he and Enrique had been this close to their prey before. The two murderers had managed to slip past their guard. But they wouldn’t now. He was going to get the crooks this time. He felt it.
Autumn pulled her hand from his and changed position; the action interrupted his thoughts. “Are you uncomfortable?” he asked.
“No.” She flattened onto her back and stretched out her long legs. “You’d think it would be quiet out here so far away from civilization. It always amazes me how noisy it actually is.”
Jess admired the sleek lines of her body as they both listened. The song of the cicadas rattled the night air. In the distance an owl hooted.
“Real Tall Man would claim the owl’s cry is a bad omen. Maybe it’s a warning,” she speculated.
“No. It’s peaceful tonight. He’s probably calling to his mate.”
Autumn tried to read his expression, but it was too dark. He talked of peace, but tension radiated from him. She heard it in his voice, felt it in the rigid way he sat.
Autumn reached for his hand and covered it. “I’m glad we’re alone.”
Jess gestured toward the glow of lights from the campfire to the left o
f them. “Not completely alone,” he muttered. “I wish we were.”
“Come stretch out.” She patted the ground next to her.
She felt his movement more than saw it. Heat from his body radiated along her side. She rolled onto her stomach and braced upright on her elbows. She wanted to be in a position to touch him.
“This is almost as good as my bed.” She could hear the hint of sarcasm in his whisper.
“Don’t mention a bed,” she scolded. “I can’t tell you how good one sounds.”
“In more ways than one.”
His words weren’t the only thing that sent shivers through her. His fingers traced the line of her cheek and paused at her throat. He slid them around to the nape of her neck and gently massaged the sensitive skin.
She placed her hand over his and stilled his movement. It was then she realized he’d stretched out on his back and was peering up at her.
“That’s not fair,” she admonished. “You make me long for what we can’t have.”
“And what are you longing for?”
“You mean now—this moment? Or do you mean in the broad sense?” She wanted love—not just the physical, but the total commitment.
“Now, for a start.” His thumb curved over her jaw. “Or I could tell you what I want.”
“Do that.” She caught the tip of his thumb between her lips.
She could see his teeth gleam in the faint light when he smiled.
“First, I want you to lower your head.” He gave a slight tug.
Autumn complied.
“Then I want you to…”
Before he could say it, she planted light kisses on his lips, his whisker-roughened cheeks, his forehead and eyelids. The salty taste of his skin pleased her.
His fingers dug into her hair, putting a strain on the clips holding it up. “I want to let your hair fall around me,” he murmured. “I could make a curtain with it and then there would just be you and me in our own world.”
She teased his lips with gentle nips. “We don’t have to wait.”
Jess accepted the invitation and slowly pulled the large pins from her hair. As the weight cascaded around them, she reveled in the sensual haven of privacy. His fingers combed through the long tresses and Autumn sighed with pleasure.
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