Edge of Truth

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  He’d been gone for forty minutes tops. He clenched his teeth. Now he’d have to wait until the next time the Gonzaleses showed up to establish contact. He retrieved his cameras and hustled from the barn to his room. He’d download the pictures onto his computer and see for himself what had happened in the barn today.

  Chapter 15

  Kara placed the open sign in the window of her salon and sat behind the desk. The clock ticked ever so slow. Gail would be here soon, but not soon enough. She tapped her fingers on the desktop. Stakeouts were more exciting than waiting for clients.

  Twenty minutes later, the door opened, and Gail walked in. “Good morning, Kara.” She stopped and looked around the space. “This is nice. Simple, but you’ve done a superior job.”

  “Thanks. Come have a seat.” Kara tried to envision the room through Gail’s eyes. The desk sat to the right of the entrance with her schedule book and phone on top. A nail table was situated straight ahead as the customers entered. The pedicure station was in the front corner of the store. A small display of polish hung by each station. She had a perfect view of the entrance no matter what her task. Gauzy white curtains covered the window to give a little privacy.

  “I haven’t had my nails done since forever. What a treat.”

  “You deserve it after taking me in on such short notice. Just tell all your friends about me.”

  “I already have. I expect you should have a full schedule soon.”

  “Thanks.” The front door opened and Kara looked up. “Marci!”

  “Hello again,” Marci walked over to the manicure table.

  “How have you been? I haven’t seen you since the Fourth of July picnic. Would you like to schedule an appointment?” Kara continued to work on Gail’s nails.

  “I’m fine. I was hoping you take walk-ins.”

  “I do today. Can you give me thirty minutes?”

  “Perfect. I’ll be back.”

  Interesting that Marci would be her first real client. Kara finished Gail’s nails and promised to see her later at the music camp where, once again, she was on kitchen duty.

  Marci slipped back into the nail shop about two minutes after Gail’s departure. “I’m so glad there’s finally a nail technician in town. I always have to drive to Bend to get my nails done. You do a good job, and this place will be hopping.”

  “I’ll do my best.” Kara soaked Marci’s fingers in warm, sudsy water then got to work. “What do you do for a living? Your hands are so soft.”

  “Thank you. I’m in advertising. I write print advertisements and sometimes commercials.”

  “No dishpan hands here—lucky girl.”

  “I wear gloves.”

  “Not luck then, brains. Guess you have to be smart to write ads.”

  “I like to think so.”

  Conversation flowed between the women, and Marci’s fingers were perfectly polished with a French manicure in no time. “What do you think?”

  Marci held her fingers out in front of her. “As nice as any fancy spa. Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome. Be sure to spread the word.”

  “Sure thing, but I don’t think the women in this town put much stock into what I say.” Marci paid and walked to the door. “Thanks again.”

  Kara frowned at her retreating form. What was up with Marci? Single mom who held a good job. She seemed like an intelligent person, but many of the women in town shunned her. Why? They couldn’t all think that Marci was out to steal their husbands.

  She’d have to do more digging into Marci’s life. Something wasn’t right.

  Kara slipped on plastic gloves then served ham and cheese sandwiches as the students passed by with their lunch trays. She spotted Lauren in line as she scooted her tray along the counter. “Hi, Lauren, how’s it going?” Kara placed a sandwich on the teen’s plate.

  “Fine. Are you coming out to the ranch again tonight for dinner?”

  “I don’t think so, but I’ll be out later to ride with your uncle.”

  A hungry camper nudged Lauren forward.

  Kara placed sandwich after sandwich on plates until a familiar voice caused her to look up. Her eyes widened. “Jessica! I’m surprised to see you in the lunch line.”

  Jessica laughed. “Even I have to eat sometime. Are you coming to the recital tomorrow night?”

  “I don’t know. I’ll have to check my calendar.”

  “I hope you can make it. The students sound great.”

  Kara promised to try. Jessica nodded and moved on down the counter. The lunch line filtered through quickly. After lunch, Kara wiped down the tables, folded them up, then found a broom and cleaned the floor. Anything to get out of washing dishes sounded good. Those industrial-sized sinks held way too many pots and pans.

  “Kara.”

  She turned to see Jessica striding toward her.

  “I forgot to mention earlier that I noticed you in church with Gail last Sunday and thought you might enjoy the singles’ group. We meet this Friday night.” Jessica handed her a small piece of paper with directions.

  “Thanks.” Kara folded the paper and stuffed it into her pocket.

  “You’re welcome. And if you want to bring that cute guy you had dinner with the other night, feel free.”

  “You were at the diner?”

  Jessica nodded. “I was sitting by the door when you walked in. I’m not surprised you didn’t notice me. You were looking for your date, who, by the way, couldn’t keep his eyes off you.” Jessica giggled and waved as she walked away.

  Why would Jeff be staring at her? It’s not like he hadn’t seen her a thousand times. She tucked her thoughts away and focused on the students’ conversations.

  It was a stretch to think someone at this camp might be involved with drugs, but you couldn’t predict users or dealers based on their interests. Maybe she’d get lucky and hear a name or place involved in the local drug scene.

  Kara found a place to park near the barn and next to a car she didn’t recognize. There were a few extra vehicles today. Could something be going down? Her heart rate increased a little in anticipation. The sooner she finished this assignment the quicker she could be on Luis Alvarado’s case. Before she slid out of her car, she secured her Glock in her belt holster and made sure the oversized T-shirt she had on concealed it. Kara entered the barn unsure of what she’d find. As her eyes adjusted to the dimness, she spotted Jake grooming one of the horses. He appeared to be alone.

  “Back again? You’re not sore from your ride yesterday?”

  “Not too bad. Is Jeff around?” In truth, her rear felt like it did the day after she rode her bike for the first time in months, but she’d never admit it to anyone. She reminded herself to walk without altering her gait.

  “He’s out on a trail ride with a small group of tourists. He’ll be back soon. I’d be happy to keep you company.” He winked.

  Kara forced a smile. “Thanks.” Why’d she always get roped into investigating the creeps? She plopped down on a nearby bench and crossed her legs. “How’d you get into ranching?”

  Jake slid a brush down the shiny coat of a well-groomed horse. “Kind of fell into it, and it stuck. Served me well too. The horses don’t complain or drive me nuts, and I make enough to live on.”

  “This ranch must be doing well for Eric to hire full-time help.”

  “We do all right between boarding, lessons, and trail rides. Veronica is a highly sought-after trainer, which keeps things busy too.”

  “Really?” This had been in her intel, but she’d seen no evidence to date. “I usually see you out here with the riders.”

  “Stick around and you’ll see. Veronica is quite the accomplished horse woman.”

  “Is she working today?”

  “No. Things are quiet this week, but her regular classes will resume next week.”

  Hmm. Why would a busy trainer take a week off?

  “We’re lucky too. We couldn’t be in a better location. I suppose there are parts of the countr
y that wouldn’t be able to support this business, but Sunridge is ideal. Of course, Eric has his side job, which I’m sure helps.”

  Kara tried not to appear overly interested. “Side job?”

  The barn door opened. “There you are,” Jeff said. “I need to rub these horses down. You okay with waiting?”

  “Sure. Take your time.” She watched as Jeff handled a horse as though he’d been doing it his whole life. Too bad he couldn’t have waited a few more minutes. She was within seconds of learning what she suspected was valuable information about Eric. From the closed look on Jake’s face, she could tell their conversation was over. A sigh escaped her lips.

  Jeff quirked an eyebrow. “Everything okay?”

  “Fine.”

  Kara leaned back against the barn wall and shut her eyes. What could Eric’s side job be? A gentle hand rested on her shoulder.

  “Ready?” A brown cowboy hat covered Jeff’s head as he looked down into her face.

  “Sure. Do you mind if we walk today? I don’t feel like riding.”

  “Saddle sore?”

  She shrugged. “Just busy. Your sister-in-law wants her nails done at four o’clock.”

  Jeff addressed Jake, “I’m going for a walk. I’ll be back soon.”

  Jake waved him off. “The horses aren’t going anywhere.”

  Kara and Jeff walked down the driveway toward the main road. “Did you learn anything last night?”

  “Yes. I captured several shots of Andrea and Fernando Gonzales. Jake was also in the pictures, but no drugs were evident, which leaves us where we started. On top of that, they packed up and left while I was at your place.”

  Kara pursed her lips. “You think they’re onto you?”

  “Impossible. They’ve never met me. They’ll come back, and when they do, I’ll make my move.”

  “How long can you stay here without making your family suspicious?”

  “Things are going well. The house is so large, they hardly know I’m here.” He took his hat off and smacked it against his thigh. A puff of dust flew off. Then he settled the hat back on his head. “I guess I could tell Eric I got laid off. Maybe make something up about the bank being bought out.”

  “Might work. Are you positive he doesn’t know you’re DEA?”

  “Yes.” He nodded. “A long time ago, I worked for a bank. Eric was furious when I left the ranch to pursue my own interests. He thought I should stay and help run our parents’ spread in Montana.” He chuckled dryly then sobered. “Eric had nothing to do with me for a long time after that. I guess he got over it after he met and married Veronica, because several years ago, he invited me to come and visit. He’s done some serious upgrades to the place since then. Anyway, I never told him I quit my job at the bank to pursue a career in law enforcement.”

  A tabby cat rubbed up against his leg. Jeff picked up the creature. “This is Marmalade. She’s one of the ranch’s many felines.” He stroked the cat’s back. “I imagine Eric’s happy to have the extra hands—especially since he’s hardly ever here.”

  The animal, apparently not accustomed to being held, squirmed and jumped from his arms. “Not a very friendly cat.” Kara chuckled. “I’m curious about one thing.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Why on earth were you working in a bank? That seems so far removed from anything I can picture you doing. Of course, I never imagined you on a ranch either.”

  “A buddy of mine landed a job at a bank and convinced me it was my way out of Montana. He put in a good word with the manager. I interviewed, and the bank hired me. I attended college at the same time. It was tough taking a full load of classes and working almost full time, but I was determined. I’m good at math and graduated near the top of my class.” He shrugged. “It seemed like a smart decision at the time.”

  “Wow. You ever miss it?”

  “The bank?”

  “Yes.”

  “Never. I was miserable there. I may have gone back home after graduation if Eric hadn’t given me such a hard time about moving and taking the bank job.” He sighed. “Anyway, it’s all come full circle, and now I can use that time in my life to my advantage.”

  “True. Changing subjects—Jake mentioned that Eric has a side job.”

  “News to me. Like I said, he’s gone a lot. I’ll check it out.”

  They moved closer to the edge of the road as a car neared. “I have some other news,” Kara said. “Our escapade at the diner the other night was a success. Jessica, the camp director, spotted us and assumed we’re an item. We’ve been invited to her church’s singles’ group meeting Friday night. Apparently, she attends the same church as Gail and your brother.”

  Jeff shook his head. “I don’t know, Kara. Maybe pretending to be a couple isn’t such a great idea after all.”

  “The fresh air getting to your brain?” She frowned at him. “Let’s remember whose idea this was in the first place, and it’s perfect. Now that we’re into this, there’s no way we aren’t finishing it. We have a perfect cover. When the Gonzaleses return, we’ll make friends with them and earn their trust.” She snapped her fingers. “Then we’ll swoop down so hard and fast they won’t know which way to turn. Jeff, you’re a genius. I just wish I had thought of it first.”

  Jeff reached for her hand. “Okay, Miss Sunshine. I’m a genius. We’ll continue to establish ourselves as a couple so when they come back, they won’t suspect our comings and goings. I don’t know about the singles’ group though. One of us should be at the ranch if they return.”

  Kara took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Good point. But if a horse is being delivered, we simply won’t go.”

  Jeff nodded. “How’re you holding up?”

  “What do you mean?” They retraced their steps back to the ranch.

  “I know that whole thing in Miami with Alvarado had you pretty angry.”

  “Oh. That. Let’s just say I’m looking forward to finishing this assignment so that I can kick some butt in Miami. I want him behind bars, and if I have to put him there myself, then fine.”

  “Hold on.” He stopped walking. “If you get anywhere near Alvarado, he’ll kill you. Let the team do their job. They’ll get him. And when it’s safe, you can go back.”

  Kara glared at him. “Shows what you know. Do you realize they don’t have a clue where he went? He could be in South America or staying at some local dive. I’m sick of trusting people to do their job.”

  Jeff stopped, took her by the shoulders, and stared into her eyes. “Don’t do anything stupid, Kara. Besides ruining your career, you could wind up dead. Gary knows what he’s doing. I trust him with my life, and so should you.”

  “Right.” She heard the sarcasm in her voice, but couldn’t help it. How could Jeff be so naïve?

  All conversation ended as they entered the ranch yard. Jeff walked Kara to her car. “Promise me you’ll behave.”

  Distracted by Jake’s image in her peripheral vision, Kara ignored his plea. Instead, she turned around, stood on tiptoes, and lightly kissed Jeff’s lips. After only a brief hesitation, he wrapped his arms around her and returned the kiss. She pulled away and smiled up at him. That felt a little too real.

  Eyebrows raised, Jeff whispered. “Where’s our audience?”

  Ignoring her racing heart Kara winked. “Look over my shoulder. I have to go.”

  Jeff watched her drive away and saw Jake watching as well. He lifted his hand to wave and couldn’t help the smug smile that crossed his face. This pretending to be a couple could be harder than he realized. He’d have to learn to expect the unexpected and keep his focus on the job he came to do. His feelings for Kara were growing every time they were together. He rubbed the back of his neck. Somehow, he would have to pretend to fall for her and not actually do it—but was it already too late?

  Chapter 16

  Kara rolled a bottle of fiery red nail polish between her palms. “I think this color is going to look great on you.”

  Veronica s
miled and splayed out her fingers.

  Kara applied the polish with care, the whole time wishing the woman would say something, anything, but Veronica was positively mute. Talk about a long appointment. “Jake tells me that Eric has a side job.”

  “Oh that.” Veronica waved her free hand in the air.

  “Careful. You don’t want to ruin your nails. I have a drying light you can use as soon as I’m finished.”

  Veronica laid her hand back on the table. “He delivers feed, hay, and straw to farms and ranches. That, along with picking up the slack at the ranch, keeps him pretty busy most of the time. I’m just glad Jake’s around to run our ranch. Of course, now that Jeff’s here, things are running even smoother. I’ve actually been able to take a little time off.”

  “I didn’t realize you were so hands-on?”

  “There’s no way you would. Since Jeff’s arrival, I’ve taken advantage of the extra help and stayed out of the barn. Mucking stalls used to be my job when I wasn’t training.”

  “Eww. Not my favorite thing to do.” Explains the calluses. “So what did you do before Jake?” Kara tightened the lid on the polish and turned on the drying light.

  “Eric and I worked the ranch ourselves for the most part. We had a couple kids that helped out after school and in the summer, but they left after Jake arrived. Just as well. I don’t know how we would’ve paid all of them.” She placed her fingers under the light.

  “So Eric started doing deliveries after Jake came on?”

  “Yes.”

  “Does he miss working the ranch full time?”

  Veronica looked down at her hands then fixed her gaze on a fake plant in the corner of the room. “I imagine so.”

  “Then why not get rid of Jake and do the work himself?”

  Veronica whipped her head toward Kara, her eyes wide. “Funny, I’ve wondered the same thing and every time I ask, he changes the subject. I guess he enjoys getting out.”