“My impression is you rarely, if ever, let anyone down. Have you ever failed at anything, Cam? I mean, something that made an immediate negative impact in your life?”
His gaze swung to her before focusing back on the road. “Yes.”
Lainey waited before comprehending he didn’t plan to elaborate. “Care to share it with me?”
She could see his jaw tighten as if struggling for an answer.
“Maybe another time.”
Cam rounded the corner onto Lainey’s street as three kids took off running through her driveway. He screeched to a stop, jumped out, and chased them. “Stay there!” he called over his shoulder before disappearing into an alley behind her home.
Lainey slid behind the wheel and pulled the truck into her driveway, keeping the headlights trained on the path Cam took out the back. A few minutes later he emerged, alone, and jogged up to his truck.
“I couldn’t catch them.” He looked back over his shoulder at the alley then trained his attention on the front porch. “We’d better see if there’s any further damage.”
They inspected the front then walked around the house, finding nothing had changed since they’d left.
“Probably just curious teenagers.” Lainey turned in a circle, trying to spot anything they’d missed. “The police made a lot of commotion when they were here earlier. It’s hard to stay away from something like that when you’re young.”
Cam didn’t seem convinced. “Could be. I’ll feel better when the damage is fixed and Buck locates the person who vandalized your place.” Cam trudged up the back steps as Lainey slipped inside. She had deadbolt locks on all her doors and he checked each one as Lainey made up the guest room, grabbing an extra blanket and bath towels.
“I hope this is comfortable for you. Helen told me it’s a new bed.”
“I’ll be fine. Any bed right now would work for me.”
“You already know where the bathroom is. Feel free to grab whatever you want from the kitchen.” She grabbed another pillow from the linen closet and slipped on a new cover.
They settled into a tense silence, Cam focusing his gaze on Lainey, while she pretended to fidget with the pillowcase.
“You don’t have to stay. I’m sure nothing else will happen tonight.” Her reasonable tone was overshadowed by a slight stammer.
“The decision is made. I’m staying. What time do you leave for work?”
“I have to be out of here no later than six thirty.”
He took a few steps toward the living room and peeked into each room once more before turning back to Lainey. “Come and get me if you hear anything.”
“I will.”
He nodded. “All right. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Cam waited while she trudged up the stairs and turned on her bedroom light. He couldn’t help feeling an impending sense of disaster. Nothing about the threats to Lainey felt like a prank. In his mind, whoever left the notes and vandalized her house wanted her gone—permanently—from Fire Mountain. He doubted the threats would stop until either she left or they found the person responsible.
Chapter Thirteen
He’d hidden down the street, behind some bushes a few houses away, surveying the damage and watching as the cops took photos and scribbled in notebooks. This had turned out to be more fun than he’d first thought.
He’d done a few illegal things in his life—fencing stolen electronics, stealing cars for parts, roughing up people when needed, including a man who’d refused to pay a debt. How was he supposed to know the guy had a heart problem? After a few blows to the head and stomach, the guy keeled over and stopped breathing. They’d never pinned the death on him, which heightened his confidence, making him feel as if he’d gotten away with murder—which he had. He’d also sold cocaine a few times to make some quick cash. The couple of crimes they’d busted him for were bogus—he’d done worse, the cops just didn’t know it. In comparison, his actions now didn’t even seem like a crime.
He just needed to scare her enough to question her reasons for moving to Fire Mountain. It could take days or weeks. None of that mattered. He needed her to be afraid and uncertain. He knew from experience that self-preservation would kick in once her doubts took control, and she’d convince herself the one way to stay safe was to leave Fire Mountain.
He stayed hidden until the last of the two patrol cars drove off, then kept low until he’d reached his older, well-used, dark brown van, and opened the back door. The space overflowed with everything he needed to handle his day-to-day life. Most people thought him weird. In his mind, the items he kept close at hand were required to keep his life ordered.
He felt the vibration before hearing the slight buzzing sound of his phone. Slipping it out of his pocket, he glanced at the ID. His mother.
“Hi, Ma.”
“Where are you?” He’d become accustomed to the raspy smoker’s voice of his mother. She’d already had part of one lung removed, yet continued her two-pack-a-day habit.
“I told you, Ma. I’m out of town, doing a job.”
“When will you be back?” She choked the deep, gurgling sound someone made when they couldn’t get a breath.
“A week, maybe longer. Why?”
“Both your ex-wives called looking for their child support. I swear those women must talk to each other. They threatened to take you back to court if they don’t get paid this week.”
“Shit,” he mumbled under his breath, wanting to say more but not wishing to upset his mother. “I’ll handle it, Ma. If they call again, tell them I’m on a job and will have the money to them by the middle of the month.” He watched as another police car drove slowly down the street. “Look, Ma, I’ve got to go. I’ll call you in a few days.” He clicked off and drove out of the area, knowing he’d be back within the next forty-eight hours. The calls from his ex-wives ramped up the need for money. He’d have to speed up his timeline for scaring the pretty preschool teacher. His relaxed timeline had just been upgraded to make this his top priority. If he had to guess, he lay odds she’d be gone within days.
******
“Let’s go over any negatives first, Cam. We don’t need to dwell on the plusses of the acquisition.” Heath pushed from his chair to top off his coffee cup, then settled back down to listen to Cam’s report.
“This won’t take long. I can’t find any red flags that would stop a deal. Cash flow, receivables, cash in the bank, age of equipment, the quality of livestock, and employee loyalty are all solid. His banker did everything but get on his knees in an attempt to explain to me the importance of Damon’s business to Cold Creek.”
“What will we lose once Damon retires?”
“I don’t believe that will be an issue. He’s focused on making this deal work. If that means staying one year, two, or three to make sure all his contacts stay with the company, he’ll do it.” Cam reviewed his notes. “There are two personnel changes that will need attention in the first couple of years, besides Damon, of course. The president of the company has told Damon he wants to retire in a year. He’ll stay two if needed, but that’s his limit.”
“And the other one?”
“The head of rodeo relations plans to leave once his kids are out of college, which is about two years, could be longer.”
“Sonny Burrows?”
“That’s right. You know him?”
“Hell, everyone who’s ever been around a rodeo knows him. The man’s won more awards in bronc riding than anyone else. And he held his family together through it all. That in itself is a minor miracle.” Heath scrubbed a hand over his jaw. “He’ll be hard to replace.”
“Damon indicated that none of the current employees could take over for him.”
“I don’t doubt it. Sonny’s friendships and chit barrel run pretty deep.”
“Chit barrel?”
Heath chuckled. “The man’s got a barrel full of chits he can call in whenever needed. Sonny’s a man that repays his debts, cash or otherwise, and knows
he can count on others to repay theirs. That’s something you don’t just pass along to the new guy.”
Cam thought a moment. “Too bad Cassie’s boyfriend isn’t further along in his career. He rides broncs, doesn’t he?”
“Matt? The kid just dabbles in it between his coursework at college. He’s got the personality, drive, and skill. Unfortunately, he’d have to make it a full-time career for a while to pick up connections like Sonny.”
Cassie MacLaren was Heath’s daughter, Cam’s stepsister. She and her boyfriend, Matt Garner, attended college in Phoenix. Both families thought they’d eventually marry and move back to Fire Mountain, Cassie for a job with the family, and Matt with his grandfather, a long-time MacLaren friend. Fact was, the Garners and MacLarens were some of the most established and respected ranchers in Fire Mountain dating back to the 19th century. Now Seth Garner and his grandkids focused on construction, even though they still kept a decent herd of cows and a couple dozen horses.
“We’ve got time on that one. If I recall correctly, his kids are younger than Cassie. With luck and the right incentives, we can stretch Sonny’s retirement out a few years.”
“Higher pay, what?”
“We have a college tuition program for employees and their children. Once he’s with MacLaren, Sonny will be eligible for that and other incentives I’m sure he doesn’t get now. Plus, he’ll have all the autonomy he wants.”
“What about the president retiring?”
“Don’t worry about that now. I have some ideas.” Heath checked his watch. “I’d better get down to Doug’s office and go over the latest numbers. That man does enjoy his job,” referring to the company’s CFO who’d been with Heath since both had graduated from college.
“I’m on my way to meet Brooke at the hospital. You remember the doctor is releasing Mom after lunch today, right?”
“You think your mother would let me forget that? She’s called three times today and it’s only ten o’clock,” he grinned. “I’ll meet you guys there.”
******
“Yes, Cassie, I’m doing much better. No, don’t change your plans. Go have a great time and come up in two weeks. Love you too, honey.” Annie set down the phone and glanced over at Heath with a questioning look on her face.
“I heard, and you did right. She and Matt have had plans for weeks to head to the cabin north of Phoenix with friends. You’re doing fine, and the truth is, there’s nothing she can do for you the rest of us can’t.” He squeezed her hand. “I better check on the crew. Here,” he handed her a cow bell. “Ring this if you need me.”
Annie’s laughter followed him down the hall. God, it was good to have her home.
Brooke, Cam, and Eric were in the kitchen with Heath’s brother, Jace, and his wife, Caroline, preparing supper and planning out a schedule to help Heath while Annie recovered. Caroline and Annie had been close friends long before Caroline introduced her to Heath. He knew he could never repay his sister-in-law for bringing Annie and him together.
“What’s for supper?”
“Your chicken enchilada casserole, beans and rice, cornbread, salad, pie, and ice cream. Is that enough?” Caroline asked as she set a large salad bowl on the counter and piled in various vegetables.
“All that for just us?” Brooke looked at the pile of food and two casserole dishes Jace slipped into the oversized oven.
“So you’ll have leftovers,” Eric joked as he continued to stir the black beans Caroline had prepared.
“How is she, Heath?” Cam hadn’t joined the rest in the friendly banter. His mind moved between his mother, and her still rather fresh injuries, and the threats to Lainey. He just couldn’t shake the feeling something worse would happen before Buck identified the person responsible.
“You saw her.” Heath studied Cam, seeing more in his eyes than concern for his mother. “Do you want to tell me what else is going on? This isn’t just about Annie, is it?”
Cam didn’t want to burden Heath with anything else, and wouldn’t, except he sure could use someone else’s insights into what was going on. “Do we have time before supper?”
“We’ll make time. Come on.”
Cam followed Heath into his study, and closed the door.
“I’ve met someone. She’s new to town, bought a local preschool, and is part of the SAR team.”
“And, Megan?”
“We split a few weeks ago. It’s all good. We’ve been able to remain friends.”
Heath nodded for Cam to continue.
Cam slumped into a chair and squeezed the bridge of his nose between his thumb and index finger. “Two things, I guess. The first is I just don’t have time for a relationship. There’s too much going on and my schedule’s already packed.” He paused when Heath held out a glass with Scotch, Cam’s drink of choice when he had something to figure out. He took a swallow. “The second thing is, well, I can’t get her out of my head.” Cam slugged back the rest of the light amber liquid and set the glass on Heath’s desk.
Heath took a seat next to Cam. “It sounds like you believe you must make a choice. Your career or a woman.”
Cam blew out a breath. “I just don’t see how I can focus on my work, which I love by the way, and build a new relationship. Megan and I were easy—I knew right off it would never go anywhere.”
“This time you believe it could?”
“I’m certain of it.” Cam hadn’t voiced his belief until that moment. The realization that Lainey could be the one woman for him scared the hell out of him.
“Then there doesn’t need to be a choice. If she’s the right one, she’ll understand the demands of your career, just as you’ll understand her commitments as the owner of a preschool. You’ll both have to compromise if you want a relationship to work. Don’t misunderstand, you’re needed in the business. There’s a lot going on you and Eric don’t know about that I’m not at liberty to discuss tonight. At the same time, you will be able to find time to have a relationship, perhaps marry, and start a family, if that’s what you want. You don’t have to settle for one or the other.”
Cam stood and walked to the large window that looked toward the mountains. “Dad was gone most of the time.” He turned toward Heath. “I don’t know if she ever told you, but he’d be gone for weeks on investor trips, scouting out new companies and investment opportunities. That’s why Eric, Brooke, and I are so close to Mom. She’s all we had most of the time.” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “They loved each other, but their life wasn’t like yours and Mom’s—not even close. The truth is, I want a marriage like the two of you. I don’t want to be a husband or father who leaves his family for long stretches to further his career.”
Heath stood and took the few steps to stand next to Cam. “If that’s what worries you, forget it.” He clasped Cam on the shoulder. “I don’t expect that of anyone, and neither does Jace. We both have families and that commitment comes before our work. What you need to decide is if she’s the one. If so, then you’d be a fool to pass up your chance.”
Cam felt relief pass through his body at Heath’s words. If Cam had his stepfather’s support, he knew he could make it work. “Thanks, Heath. I appreciate it.”
“By the way, what’s her name?”
“It’s Lainey. Lainey Devlin.”
******
“Lainey, there’s a phone call for you.” One of the teachers handed her the phone and took over Lainey’s duties in the small, outside play area.
“Ms. Devlin?”
“Yes.”
“This is Pete, your next door neighbor. There’s a fire at your place.”
“My God, is it the house?” Lainey grabbed her purse and sweater.
“Looks like the storage shed. I’ve called the fire department and they’re on their way.”
“I’m heading home now. Thanks, Pete.” She dashed outside. “There’s a fire at my house. Are you okay with the children for a little while?”
“It’s already four thirty and there are
just five children left. Go. I’m fine.”
Lainey sped home, hoping she didn’t trigger any speed limit sensors on the way, and praying her house would still be there when she arrived. Lainey could see the commotion from a block away. A police blockade stopped her from getting too close, so she parked and sprinted toward the billowing, black smoke.
“Sorry, ma’am. You’ll need to stay back.”
“But that’s my home…” Lainey’s words trailed off when she saw the fire crew working to contain the blaze to the back buildings and not let it jump to her house.
“Ms. Devlin?”
Lainey looked up to see Sergeant Towers standing next to her.
“Come on. Let’s let them do their job. You can wait with me over here.” He guided her toward his squad car a hundred yards away. “I know you want to be close, but believe me, you want to stay out of their way.” He nodded back over his shoulder to the fire crew who scrambled to keep the blaze contained. “Is there someone I can call? Maybe Cam Sinclair?”
Lainey stared, still not believing what she saw right in front of her, and not comprehending the full extent of the danger. The recurring dream she’d had since her parents died in a hotel fire kept playing through her mind. Flames, heat, smoke, and screams, and no one could get away.
“Ms. Devlin. Should I call Cam?”
She glanced at Buck, her eyes filled with confusion and pain, and what Buck would describe later as determination. Lainey nodded, then leaned against the patrol car and continued to watch as the fire crew fought to keep her home from complete destruction.
Chapter Fourteen
“Are you going to stay at Lainey’s again tonight?” Eric asked as he, Cam, and Brooke worked in the kitchen, cleaning up while Heath, Jace, and Caroline kept Annie company in the downstairs bedroom that had been outfitted with a special bed, intercom, and rolling tables.
“That’s my plan. I’m not comfortable leaving her alone with some lunatic making threats.” He placed the last of the glasses in the cupboard and grabbed another pan.
Brooke stacked the dried plates and set them aside. “Who’s Lainey? The last I heard you were dating someone named Megan.”
One More Day: MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary, Book Three (MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary series 3) Page 11
