Edge of Truth

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  “Bummer, I guess what they say is true. Good help is hard to find.” If he needed help, why hadn’t the DEA been able to get someone on the inside?

  Eric nodded. “You thirsty? We have juice, soda, and water.” Eric reached up and grabbed two glasses from the hickory cupboard. “What can I get you?”

  “Water, please.” Jeff looked around the kitchen. “This is quite a place you have. Even bigger than Mom and Dad’s. When do I get the grand tour?” He grasped the glass Eric offered and took a long drink.

  Eric placed his half-empty glass in the sink. “Come on. I’ll show you around.”

  Jeff followed him through various rooms. The house must be seven thousand square feet or more. The five bedrooms were on the second level along with an office and three bathrooms.

  The tour ended in the basement. “The great room is my favorite in the house. As you can see, over in that corner is our home theater, complete with raised seating and a large-screen TV that rises out of the console in the front.”

  Jeff paused in awe. This room was a guy’s dream. To the side of the home theater sat a kitchenette with what appeared to be white quartz countertops and white cabinetry. A pool table and a Ping-Pong table stood in the back half of the room. Then he saw it—an old-fashioned pinball arcade game. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” Jeff cruised over to the machine. “Nice!”

  Eric shuffled his feet. “Come on. Let’s go outside. Maybe later you can talk Lauren into playing with you. She’s pretty good.”

  Jeff hadn’t seen his niece since he’d arrived. “Where are you hiding the munchkin?”

  “You better not let her hear you call her that. Lauren’s fifteen now. She’s probably up in her room reading or practicing the violin.”

  “Fifteen? I think the last time I saw her she was eight.”

  “Sounds right. So how about you—any wedding plans or children in your future?”

  “Please—not you too. Every time I call home, I get the same question.”

  Eric grinned. “Just asking. Come on. There’s more to see.”

  Jeff’s shoulders relaxed. He didn’t like the implications of what he was seeing, but it seemed that Eric was beginning to loosen up. Maybe there was a logical explanation for the appearance of wealth. “How long have you had the pinball machine?”

  “It’s a new addition to the family.”

  “Cool.” As they walked through the house, strains of violin music floated through the air. “Is that Lauren playing?”

  “She’s pretty good, huh?” Eric put a finger to his lips and motioned him to follow.

  They headed up the stairs. At the third door on the right, Eric slowly turned the doorknob then opened it into a room painted light purple.

  Lauren gasped and glared at her dad.

  Eric stepped into the room. “Lauren, look who’s here. It’s your Uncle Jeff.”

  His niece set the violin on her bed, stood, and cast an impatient look at her father. Jeff couldn’t blame her. They’d invaded her private space without even knocking, and she probably didn’t remember him at all—his fault. He should have made more of an effort. Maybe then he wouldn’t be here now investigating Eric.

  “Hey, kiddo. I was admiring your music, so your dad brought me up to see you.” He couldn’t believe this was the little girl he’d once known. She’d sprouted to a couple inches shy of six foot and wore her almond-colored hair long and straight.

  She stepped toward them. “Thanks, Uncle Jeff. I’m going to a music camp at Sunridge High, and I have three songs to learn.”

  “Sounds to me like you already know them.” Jeff nodded toward her violin. “What’re you working on?”

  She handed him a few pages of sheet music. “It’s a pretty challenging piece. I hope to get it down before camp starts. Do you play any instruments?”

  Eric chuckled. “Sorry, honey. Your uncle and I weren’t blessed with music lessons when we were kids.” He turned toward the door. “We’ll let you continue practicing.”

  Jeff handed the music back to Lauren. “Keep up the hard work. See you later.”

  Jeff walked shoulder to shoulder with his stepbrother across the ranch yard. “Lauren’s a nice girl. You’ve done a good job.”

  “Thanks, but I’m sure Veronica had more to do with it than me.” He guided Jeff into the horse barn.

  Jeff paused in wonder at the size and design of the barn. It looked kind of like something from an old storybook. All the stalls were made with furniture grade wood and sanded to perfection. Carvings of horses and saddles decorated the posts on the sides of each stall. Quality craftsmanship greeted him at every turn. The sweet smell of grain, straw, and hay mingled. Jeff inhaled deeply. He loved being on a ranch again—even under these circumstances. Wood stalls lined two side walls with a small office and a well-stocked tack room along the entrance wall. A loft covered the office side of the barn.

  Jeff’s stomach knotted as he came back to reality. “How do you afford all this?”

  A startled look crossed Eric’s face then disappeared. “We board horses, give riding lessons, and conduct trail rides. Central Oregon tourism is big, and horseback riding is popular. We also have a website that helps draw business in.”

  “Tourists? Didn’t you tell me once that Sunridge doesn’t have any hotels?”

  “There are several bed and breakfasts, but we’re not that far from Bend and Redmond, so there’s really no need for a hotel.” He frowned. “Although I heard a rumor that some developer is looking at building a hotel on the edge of town. I suppose it’s bound to happen sooner or later. Probably will be good for business too.”

  “From the look of things, business must be good already. Seems like you’re raking in the money.”

  “Relax little brother. You’re not on the bank’s clock today. Stop worrying about money and enjoy your vacation.”

  Jeff chuckled. Good thing Eric thought he worked in a bank. “Sorry about that. It’s hard to leave work behind sometimes.” He’d find out soon enough how busy this ranch was. Maybe they did keep active with tourists. He really wanted that to be true.

  Eric’s cell phone rang. He pulled it from his pocket and frowned at the caller ID. “Sorry I need to take this. I’ll be back in a few.”

  “No problem. I’ll just wander around.”

  Eric nodded, waved, then quickly left the barn.

  If drugs were passing through here, they were doing an exceptional job of hiding them. He saw no signs of anything unusual. The barn door opened wide and sunlight streaked in outlining the silhouette of a cowboy.

  “Can I help you?”

  Jeff rose to his full height. “I’m Eric’s brother, Jeff.”

  “Uh-huh, and I’m the Lone Ranger. Eric ain’t got no brother.”

  Although the man’s claim should have surprised him, it didn’t. He and Eric weren’t close, so there was no reason anyone here would know about him. Jeff squinted. “I didn’t catch your name.”

  “I didn’t throw it.” He turned and stalked out.

  Odd dude. He’d seen that guy’s photo in his intel—Jake Jones. Stats filled his mind—single, liked the ladies, wrangler, only employed at the ranch for the past year. Jeff moved to follow the cowboy but came to a halt when the barn door re-opened and Eric sauntered in, a tight smile on his face.

  “Sorry to keep you waiting. Did I see Jake come in here a minute ago?” Eric spoke fast, and he looked everywhere except at Jeff.

  “Could have been him. He didn’t share his name.”

  Eric shrugged. “I have to meet someone on another ranch. Feel free to take one of the horses out for a ride.” He paused before he pushed out the door. “I never have figured out why you went into the banking business. You always loved living and working on the ranch when we were kids.”

  “People change.” He followed Eric to the door.

  Eric glanced at his watch. “I gotta go. Dinner’s at six. Don’t be late, or Veronica will have a foal.” Eric chuckled at his pathetic joke.r />
  “Got it.” Jeff watched him rush to his pickup and speed away. He scowled at the mixed signals Eric broadcast. There was too much going on here to figure out everything in one afternoon, but he’d get a start. At least Eric had begun to relax a bit. That is until he’d taken the phone call. Jeff wandered into the office in the barn and sat in the chair behind the desk. He couldn’t see anything incriminating lying around.

  “What are you doing in here?” Jake asked.

  Jeff sprang up from the seat. “I was just taking a load off. I didn’t think anyone would mind.”

  “Well, I mind. That’s my desk, and I’d appreciate a little respect for my space.”

  “Sure thing. Sorry. I thought this was Eric’s desk.” He brushed past Jake and noticed a bulge on the right side of his waist. Looked like Jake was armed, but why?

  Chapter 5

  Kara left the doctor’s office with a prescription for painkiller and orders to rest for the next twenty-four hours—right, like that was going to happen. She tossed the script for the painkiller onto the passenger seat, threw the Civic into gear, and peeled out of the driveway. The doctor refused to listen to reason. She tried to explain her need to resume active duty after having so much time off already, but he’d have none of it. She felt fine. Her leg and shoulder didn’t hurt at all. Granted the numbness hadn’t worn off yet, but she could take the pain once it did.

  The doc had put in a few stitches, and as far as Kara was concerned, she was good to go. She frowned. Gail would freak if she saw the bandages.

  Gail had been a volunteer with the Big Sister program and had been assigned to her when she was a young teen. They had maintained a warm friendship through the years. Thankfully, Gail didn’t know what she did for a living. She’d kept her employment with the DEA as quiet as possible to avoid the inevitable questions. It helped that her parents had moved from the area, and couldn’t slip and tell anyone in Sunridge what she did for a living now.

  She pulled into the mall’s parking lot, slid into the nearest spot to the door, then pulled out her phone and called her friend.

  “Hey there.”

  “Kara! It’s so good to hear your voice. I was just telling Kurt how much I’ve missed hearing from you. It’s about time you called.”

  “I’m sorry. Life’s been crazy. But I have good news. I’m relocating to Sunridge.”

  She pulled the phone away from her ear as Gail squealed. Kara chuckled. Gail never squealed.

  “When will you be here?”

  “Actually, I’m in Bend right now. I have a little shopping to do, and then I’ll head your direction.”

  “I can’t believe this. You have to stay at our house until you get settled.”

  “Are you sure? I don’t want to impose.” She half-hoped Gail wouldn’t have room. Endangering her friend was the last thing she wanted to do. Then again, it’s not like she was followed to Sunridge.

  “Nonsense. We want you here with us.”

  Gary’s idea to send her along with Jeff was genius. No one would suspect an old friend of Gail’s of being a DEA agent. To anyone who might remember her, she was simply a girl who enjoyed doing nails.

  “Kara, are you still there?”

  “Yes—sorry. I’d love to visit with you for a few days until I find my own place.” She went inside JC Penney. A cool blast of air settled over her as she entered.

  “Perfect. I’ll see you soon—the guestroom is ready. Um,” Gail’s voice faltered. “I feel funny asking this, but is everything okay? I’ve felt the need to pray for you lately.”

  “Everything’s fine. See you soon.” She closed her phone with a smack. Gail had been praying for her? Kara had been a little angry with God lately, but how could He ignore Gail’s prayers? Gail was the most spiritual person she’d ever known. The woman went to church every week, attended Bible study and was on the prayer chain. Kara was doing well to even make a couple services a month, much less read her Bible.

  Several miles outside of Sunridge, Kara turned on a radio station that played oldies. She tapped her fingers to the beat. Shopping had gone well. She’d scored a loose pair of khakis, along with a short-sleeved, button-up white top, which she’d changed into while in the store’s dressing room. Her cell rang. She clicked the Bluetooth button. “Hello.”

  “I just got the call from the doctor,” Gary said. “By the sound of it, Jeff played down your injuries.”

  “I was only grazed. No big deal.”

  “Either way, you’re still on medical leave. Take a couple days off. Then check in with your CODE contact. Let him know you’re in town, but on leave. Until the doc clears you, there’s not much else you can do.”

  Kara looked down at the speedometer and eased off the gas pedal. Her jaw hurt from clenching it, and her calf had begun to sting again. She was in no mood to hear what Gary had to say, but good training trumped the attitude. “You catch the shooter?”

  “Yep, but he’s not talking.”

  “Anyone I know?”

  “Denver.”

  She’d worked with him on and off over the past few years. She’d considered him a good cop, but apparently, he’d fooled them.

  Kara expelled her breath in a whoosh. “Who’s he working for?”

  “Unknown. But he’ll talk sooner or later. He also killed Logan.”

  “Why?”

  “Again. Unknown.”

  Kara opened her mouth, but no sound came out. This was too much. Logan was a great cop and a friend.

  “You still there?”

  “Yes,” she said barely above a whisper. “I need to go.” Her heart constricted. Maybe a couple days off would be prudent, because right now she had murder on her mind, and if she ran into anyone involved with Luis Alvarado or his organization, there’d be a shortage of body bags.

  Lord, I’m angry. I’m angry with You, Gary, the doctor, Denver. I’m downright ticked off. She ground her teeth together. Never mind. You don’t care anyway, or You would’ve stopped this mess before it happened. It wasn’t enough to take Tony and Dee from me?

  She missed Dee. Her cousin had been her best friend. She couldn’t think about Tony. Losing her partner when she was a rookie still hurt. From now on, she trusted no one. Heaviness settled on her shoulders. Anger consumed her, and revenge fueled the hate growing in her heart.

  A short time later, a sign that warned drivers to reduce their speed flashed. Kara lifted her foot off the gas pedal then eased down on the brake. A banner hung across Main Street in Sunridge announcing the Fourth of July picnic in the park. She used to beg her parents to take her to that picnic but they never wanted to go. The town sported red, white, and blue flowers on every lamppost. It looked exactly the way she remembered.

  Kara continued down Main and turned right at the first intersection. She parked in front of a modest two-story house, took several deep breaths, checked her reflection in the vanity mirror, and froze. Storm-filled eyes stared back at her. She blinked several times. Get it together, girl. Kara closed her eyes and forced herself to think happy thoughts. Gail would know everything wasn’t fine if she didn’t get her emotions under control.

  Her friend ran outside and down the driveway.

  Kara plastered on a smile as she slid out of the car.

  Gail stepped up to the driver’s door. “It’s so good to see you!” She flung her arms around Kara.

  Yeow! That hurts. She shifted to avoid the pressure on her shoulder

  “I can’t believe you’re here,” Gail said.

  “Me neither.” Kara held her friend at arms’ length, avoiding eye contact. “You look good.”

  “Thanks. Get your stuff and come inside.”

  Kara hooked the new duffel bag stuffed with her purchases over her good shoulder and linked arms with her friend as they moved indoors. A round table near the bay window of the kitchen was set with a white linen tablecloth along with a vase in the center filled with blue hydrangeas beside a plate of fruit, cheese, and crackers. Tall glasses of lemonade
beckoned.

  Gail talked non-stop as she attempted to cram months of sharing into the space of a few minutes.

  Kara chuckled.

  “What?”

  “Do you realize you haven’t even paused for a breath, much less a bite of food?”

  Gail clamped her lips shut and touched her palms to her flushed cheeks, causing Kara to laugh even harder. Gail tittered then laughed.

  Kara wiped tears from her eyes as she caught her breath. She needed this more than anything right now. There was nothing like a laugh session with a friend to release pent up tension.

  “I’m glad you’re here, Kara.” Gail stood. “Come. I’ll show you where you’ll sleep.”

  Kara followed Gail up the carpeted stairs. She winced with every step. At the top, she took a second to recover and admired the décor. The hallway walls were covered with family photos. She even spotted one of her.

  Gail stopped at the second door on the right then walked into a room painted in a soft shade of blue. The bed and nightstand were white, and a wicker chair sat in one corner. Sunlight streamed through the lacy curtains. Kara grinned with satisfaction. “You’ve done a nice job with this room. It’s cozy.”

  “Thanks. Please make yourself at home.” Gail sat on the corner of the bed and watched as Kara hung her purchases in the closet.

  “Is that all you have?”

  “No. I have a box in the trunk, but I’ll get it later.” She still had no idea what had been packed for her, but Kara hoped the agent had included her underthings since she hadn’t purchased any new ones at the mall.

  “Only a box?”

  Kara nodded.

  Gail frowned.

  “What gives?”

  “Nothing really, but I’m wondering why you’re relocating to Sunridge. It’s not exactly a major metropolis like Miami. I’d think you’d prefer a city.” She shrugged. “Isn’t that why you left to begin with?”

  “No. I left to go to beauty school and get my license in cosmetology. You know all I ever wanted to do was nails.” Miami happened later.

  Gail chuckled. “Now that you mention it, I do recall you being somewhat obsessed. But what brings you back to town? I didn’t know you were even considering a move, and it seems so sudden.” Her frowned deepened. “You’re limping. Are you okay?