Edge of Truth

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  Kara raised an eyebrow in his direction. “So the macho man has been inside a salon.”

  He sputtered. “No. I—”

  Kara laughed and held out her hand. “It’s okay. I’m only teasing. I know they have these places everywhere. A walk through any mall and you’d know what kind of equipment to expect. Other than an armoire that’s coming later today, the chairs and stuff are being delivered tomorrow. I wanted to get the paint on the walls and sort through my supplies before it all arrives.”

  “Looks like you’ve emptied most of the boxes. I saw a paint brush in the corner,” Jeff teased.

  She checked her watch. “I’ll be right back to help. I need to run across the street and place an ad in Wednesday’s paper announcing my grand opening.”

  Jeff watched Kara go out the door, manila envelope in hand, then jog across the street. She had a great setup here. She was right. This was the perfect cover and might yield information about their case.

  He moved the roller down the wall with even pressure. Before long, a second wall was covered in the soft green tone.

  The front door opened, and Kara ambled back in.

  “That was fast.”

  “I’d already talked with them over the phone. I just needed to drop off the ad copy and a check.” She grabbed the paintbrush and worked on the edges Jeff’s roller couldn’t reach. “Speaking of fast, you accomplished a lot while I was gone.”

  “I spent one summer working as a house painter.”

  Kara nodded. “So how do you propose we make this work? You took off last night without answering me.”

  “I know. Sorry about that. I thought I saw someone in the bushes watching us.”

  “Why didn’t you say something? I could’ve helped.”

  He shook his head. “No. You would’ve had too many questions to answer with your friend. She keeps a close eye on you.”

  Kara pulled a piece of paper from her back pocket, unfolded it, and handed it to Jeff. “This guy ran into me last night after the fireworks.”

  Jeff studied the face. “You’re talented at this. Wish I could draw.”

  “Does he look familiar?”

  “I don’t know. Have you shown this to Tad?” Jeff asked.

  “Thought I’d run it by you first.”

  “I haven’t seen him.” Jeff shook his head. “Does he concern you?”

  She shrugged. “He said he had a fight with his girlfriend, but I couldn’t find her when I went looking. It could’ve been an accident like he said, but I sketched him just in case.”

  “Mind if I make a copy of this?”

  “Sure. But I want the original back.”

  Kara might not be concerned about this guy, but he sure was. It seemed to be too much of a coincidence that someone was listening to them in the bushes. Then some dude tramples Kara. “Tell me about Gail. Have you known her long?”

  “Practically forever. She was a cool big sister when I was in high school.”

  “What’re you talking about?”

  “That’s how we know each other. She was a volunteer in the Big Brother/Big Sister program.”

  He nodded. Even though it made things a bit more complicated to have her friend here, he was glad for her presence. Friends helped keep life in perspective.

  “What in the world?” Kara dropped the brush. She ran to the door, flicked the lock, and flung it open.

  Jeff followed close on her heels then looked up and down the street. No one appeared to be in a hurry. Only a few pedestrians were out. A mom and her three children entered the ice cream shop across the street. A guy in his mid to late twenties pushed his bike into the repair shop a few doors down, and an elderly gentleman shuffled along the sidewalk. Kara turned and frowned.

  She walked back inside, pulling him in with her and gentled her voice. “I’m almost sure I saw someone at the front window watching us. But I only caught a flash of a body.”

  “First, I see someone last night. Then you get trampled and now this. What’s going on?”

  “Do you think it’s Alvarado or someone related to this case?” Kara asked.

  “Hard to say. But in the meantime, make sure you’re extra careful.” He watched Kara cringe and fought his desire to give her a shoulder to lean on. She’d been through so much these past weeks.

  “There’s no way he could have tracked me down already.”

  “We’re talking about Luis Alvarado. The man has eyes and ears on two continents. If he wants to find you, he will.”

  “Thanks for the pep talk. You really suck at this cheering up thing.”

  “Didn’t realize that’s what I was doing.” He grinned. “Something Eric said gave me an idea. You might hate it, but hear me out.”

  “Shoot.”

  Jeff stepped closer. “We become a couple.”

  Kara backed up a step. Her heart rate increased. Could she pretend to have feelings and not actually fall for him? She already found herself attracted to him. He took another step toward her. Her right foot bumped the last unpainted wall, and she stopped.

  Jeff stood directly in front of her, all six-feet-five inches of him, his arms perched on each side of her shoulders, palms flat on the wall. “Think about it, Kara. If we appear to be romantically involved, the chances of someone suspecting we’re working together would be slim, even if you are being followed. We have to spend time together, and you need access to the ranch. They’d think we’re a couple. End of story.”

  Kara licked her lips. He looked down at her, his gaze bored into her, waiting for her reply. She didn’t want to do this, but their options were limited. She needed to spend time on the ranch, and Jeff’s idea solved that problem. “Fine, but don’t overdo it, okay? I have friends in Sunridge, and I don’t want this getting back to my parents.”

  Jeff lowered his arms and backed away. “Don’t worry. Your parents are in Europe. I’m the one with family nearby.” He crossed his arms and drew a slow breath. “I wouldn’t suggest this if I didn’t think it would work.”

  “Your idea is good, and it’ll give me the perfect cover. No one will wonder why your girlfriend is hanging out on the ranch.”

  Jeff smiled. “We should be seen together in public, but not too much. We don’t want to look like we’re trying to draw attention to ourselves.” He paced the room a couple times and spun back around to face her. “Have dinner with me tonight at the diner.”

  “What time?”

  “Six. I’ll pick you up here.”

  “No, let’s meet there. I never let a guy pick me up on a first date.” Kara could see the surprise in his eyes. “If it’s an awful date, I have my own transportation, and I can leave whenever I want. Gail knows that’s how I roll, so I don’t want to mix things up.”

  “Fine. See you at six.”

  Kara watched as he sauntered out the door. For the first time in five minutes, she breathed freely. This definitely complicated things, but then again, it made the case easier. If she and Jeff appeared to be dating, she wouldn’t have to use Lauren, and no one would suspect the real reason for her presence on the ranch. Her job had just become easier—or maybe more difficult.

  Chapter 10

  Jeff glanced out the window and spotted Kara from his seat against the back wall of the diner. She pushed open the door and waved when she spotted him. Her sleeveless white blouse skimmed her body in all the right places, and her light blue skirt stopped just above her knees. He ran his hand over his face and tried to focus on the reason he was there—to set up a sting.

  She wasn’t beautiful in the classic sense, but her petite frame and small heart-shaped face were as cute as they come. He pushed down feelings of attraction that were bubbling to the surface.

  Kara slid into the booth across from him. Her eyes danced. “Isn’t this place great? I came in earlier today to check it out.”

  Jeff looked around and shrugged. The fifties décor didn’t fit with the rest of the town, but it did have a certain charm. “I like the menu.”


  “Do you know what you want to order?”

  “Definitely the Cardiac Burger,” Jeff said.

  “No way. They really call it that?” Kara studied the plastic covered sheet. “A half-pound of ground beef, smothered in secret sauce, cheddar cheese, bacon, jalapeño peppers, onions, lettuce and tomato. Unbelievable. That sounds like a lot of grease. You’re a daring man.” She pointed to the salad section. “I’m sticking with the grilled chicken Caesar salad. I’ve heard they’re huge and delicious.”

  “Boring is more like it.” Then again, boring could be nice. Life had been far from boring lately, and this case was as hot as a jalapeño pepper.

  A tall brunette wearing a white apron around her ample waist approached the table. “Are you ready to order?”

  After placing their orders, Jeff took a long drink of water and lowered his voice. “Any more mystery visitors show up at your window?”

  “Not that I’ve noticed, and I’ve been watching,” Kara whispered back. “We could be jumping to conclusions. Maybe the person in the woods was a kid messing around, and the guy in the window could’ve been curious about a new business in town.”

  “True, but I sense trouble.”

  Kara’s shoulders sagged. Then she moved back into character with practiced ease and a smile firmly planted on her face. She glanced at Jeff. “Are you enjoying the time with your brother?”

  “I’ve liked being on a ranch again. The location may be different, but ranching is pretty much the same everywhere.”

  “I forgot you grew up in the country. Montana, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’ve heard it’s pretty.”

  “It is.”

  “How’d Eric wind up in Central Oregon?”

  “Veronica has family in the area. The only time I’ve ever seen them was at the wedding. Our families have never been close.” He raised his eyebrow. “Food’s here.”

  The waitress placed a huge jalapeño bacon cheeseburger in front of Jeff and a generous salad in front of Kara. She speared a forkful of lettuce.

  Jeff’s eyes bulged as he studied his cheeseburger, but he didn’t take a bite. They weren’t kidding when they named it the Cardiac Burger.

  Kara grinned as she reloaded her fork. “Something wrong with your burger?”

  “No, just bigger than I expected. I’m surprised they found a bun big enough.” He picked it up, took a bite, then chewed slowly. The enthusiasm he normally felt when eating a juicy burger was absent. The mystery person wouldn’t leave his mind. Why had someone been watching them, but more important who? He had to find out. A deep frown settled on his face, and he set the burger down. He couldn’t eat with so much to think about.

  “You better watch out. That look on your face might send people ducking for cover.” She took a sip from her straw and coughed.

  “You okay?”

  She choked out, “swallowed wrong.” Tears filled her eyes. She coughed a few more times then took another drink of water. “I’m fine.”

  “I hate it when that happens.”

  “Tell me about it.” Kara looked down at what was left of her salad then at his half-eaten burger. “What do you say we get out of here and go back to my place. I have Rocky Road ice cream.” She waggled her brows.

  Jeff laughed as he held up his burger and continued to chew.

  Kara shook her head. “Your mind is a million miles away, and I suspect you haven’t even tasted one bite. How about you get a to-go box and bring it with you?”

  “I’m good. This burger should come with a warning.” He patted his stomach then stood.

  Once outside the diner, Kara slid her hand into Jeff’s. “Let’s walk. It’s cooled off some, and the temperature’s perfect.” They strolled in silence until they reached Kara’s apartment. She unlocked the door and opened it wide, inviting him in, but he didn’t enter. She placed her hand on his arm. “What’s wrong?”

  Jeff shook his head. “Nothing. I should head back to the ranch.” He covered her hand with his own. “By the way, you look great tonight.”

  “Thanks. You look nice yourself. Once I get a feel for the situation at the ranch, we should meet to discuss strategy.”

  “Agreed.” Jeff turned to leave, but Kara grabbed his arm.

  “Are you sure you’re okay? If there’s something you want to talk about I—”

  “I’ll let you know.” No way did he want to let on how concerned he was about the guy at the lake. Neither he nor Kara had said anything critical to the operation, but not knowing who to look out for was unnerving. It’d be best to keep Kara nearby just in case they’d somehow been followed. “Come by the ranch tomorrow? We can go horseback riding to add some credibility to our cover.”

  She nodded. “Sounds like a plan. I’m serving lunch at the music camp, and then the delivery guys are supposed to bring my salon furniture between one and three. Maybe we could also talk about what’s bugging you.”

  “Maybe.” Jeff turned and walked to his SUV. He didn’t want to upset her by suggesting Luis Alvarado had found her. Then again, if it were one of his cronies, she’d already be dead. No. This had to have something to do with their current assignment.

  Chapter 11

  With the sun finally down, Kara dressed in all black and slipped out the back door into the alley. The town seemed to be asleep as she drove down Main Street and made a left toward the ranch. She turned off onto a forestry road and maneuvered her car behind some tall brush and between several tall Ponderosa Pines.

  Satisfied her car was well concealed from the road; Kara shut off the engine and slid out. She pulled a blanket, thermos, collapsible chair, and night vision glasses from the backseat then found the perfect spot to sit and wait. From her concealed vantage point she had an adequate view of the ranch’s main entrance. Anyone entering or leaving in a vehicle had to pass by here, including anyone who might try and spy on her. If anything unusual happened tonight, she’d be ready and waiting.

  Silence surrounded her. Even the crickets seemed to be resting. She settled deeper into the seat and sipped the strong black coffee she’d hurriedly made. Guilt gripped her. She should’ve told Jeff what she was up to, but in all fairness, the decision had been split second. It’s not like she planned a stakeout tonight. Surely, he’d understand why she didn’t include him. Especially with the way he was acting during and after dinner. By his own admission, the case was getting to him. Maybe she’d discover something that would wrap things up quickly.

  The intel suggested that drugs were being smuggled onto the ranch and from there delivered to a major distributor. Apparently, the Mexican drug cartel employed the suspects, Fernando and Andrea Gonzales, but every time they’d been detained, no drugs had been found. Yet in spite of this, large quantities of cocaine always flooded the market soon after the Gonzaleses’ departure. The coincidence was too big to ignore.

  Luis Alvarado, the king of corruptness and all things evil, flashed in her mind. She clenched her teeth. Someday, she’d come face to face with that man again, and this time she would take care of business. No way would he be allowed to terrorize another human being with his unscrupulous ways. More than one of his associates had disappeared in the past year as well as countless other people victimized by his drug-related crimes. As soon as he was arrested, she’d gladly testify against him. But Luis was trouble for another day.

  Two hours later, a small beam of light moving from the direction of the house caught Kara’s attention. The person carrying the flashlight stopped near the entrance to the ranch driveway. She leaned forward in her chair and spotted what looked to be a man, but she couldn’t see his face. Wearing the night vision goggles she stood and slunk closer. The guy had his back to her and appeared to be waiting for someone. She stopped and knelt behind a large rock. From there, she would have a decent view of his face when he turned around.

  The man’s cell phone rang. He cursed and snatched it up. “Where are you?” He walked a little farther away.

  Kar
a strained to hear but didn’t dare get any closer.

  “No. I’m on my way.” Footsteps crunched on the gravel driveway. Then he darted across the road and faded into the woods. She’d check the dirt near the road for prints in the daylight tomorrow.

  The risk of being caught was too great if she followed. If only he would’ve turned around and let her see his face. One thing she knew for certain—she’d never heard his voice before.

  Later that morning, Kara squinted at herself in the bathroom mirror and tried to ignore her pounding headache. Puffy eyes hinted at her lack of sleep. A few strategically placed ice cubes ought to do the trick. She lay back on the bed as the ice cubes did their magic.

  The phone jingled. Kara rolled over and snatched it from the bedside table. She checked the caller ID—eleven thirty. Yikes, no wonder Gail was calling. She stumbled from the bed. “Hi, Gail. I’m on my way.” She ended the call, pulled her hair into a ponytail, then splashed water on her face. Glancing at her reflection in the mirror, she stopped. “Oh my goodness.” The campers could wait. Makeup was a must today. Five minutes later, keys in hand, she hustled to her car.

  Gail spotted her and made a direct line toward her. “You said you’d be here at eleven. Is everything okay?”

  Kara whispered. “I had a late night.”

  Gail’s eyes widened. “Oh.”

  Kara scurried to the cafeteria and flung open the swinging door. Random smells of past lunches assaulted her nose, much like the lunchroom at school when she was a kid, but the distinct smell of marinara sauce wafted through the air. Soft voices filtered from the kitchen. She hustled to the back of the room and entered through a swinging door. Two women worked side by side at the center island.

  “Kara. Glad you made it.”

  “Yeah. Sorry I’m late.”

  Jessica Swift, the camp director had filled in for her. Even in a hairnet, Jessica managed to look stunning with her perfect figure and creamy completion.