by Kim Redford
There’d been a fire under one of the small cabins last Christmas, but it hadn’t done much damage and the culprits had been caught. Surely this didn’t have anything to do with that incident. He glanced around again, but even with the smoke clearing, he couldn’t see anyone or anything out of the ordinary. But he was on alert now. Too much was at stake to let this go.
He pulled out his phone to alert Hedy at the fire station and Sheriff Calhoun at the police station. If somebody thought they were easy marks, they were going to learn you didn’t mess with the folks of Wildcat Bluff County.
Chapter 13
“There’s something you’re not telling me.” Fern sat down beside Craig on the sofa after she’d changed into an Aqua Cruise promo tee, cutoffs, and flip-flops. She didn’t sit too close because there was a distance between them that hadn’t been there before the fire. Something had changed in him and she didn’t know what. Maybe he was worried about her…about himself…about the Park. She figured he had good reason.
“Slade is coming over to take samples. Sheriff Calhoun is coming to check out the site. I doubt they’ll find much more than burnt rags.”
“That’s not what’s bothering you.” She felt chilled even though the AC was struggling to overcome the heat outside.
“It is and it isn’t.”
“What do you mean?”
“Somebody wanted us out there.”
“Why?”
“That’s the question, isn’t it?”
She felt even colder and rubbed up and down her arms to get warmer. “Did you see something or someone?”
“No.” He sighed and leaned back against the sofa. “But I felt watched, as if somebody was waiting to see our reaction.”
“Anybody could’ve guessed we’d go outside to get fresh air, so what was there to see?”
“Another good question.”
“Maybe the sheriff can figure it out.”
“It’s possible, but I don’t think we should count on it.”
“Why not?” She leaned back against the sofa, too, and he put an arm around her shoulders and drew her into his warmth. It felt good. Maybe everything was still okay. She hardly knew which end was up anymore.
“He’s a busy man. We don’t have much for him to go on.”
“Surely they’ll find something.”
“Like I said, we can’t count on it. Anyway, Wildcat Hall Park is the target, or we’re the targets.”
“You mean we’re the ones best suited to figure out what’s going on,” she said.
“Yeah.”
“But we don’t know anything, either.”
“Not yet.” He picked up her hand and pressed a soft kiss to the palm. “I’m sorry about all this drama. I know you came back for calm sanity and—”
“And you.” She wrapped her fingers around his hand, squeezing lightly as she realized her words were absolutely true.
“Me?”
“I don’t know why I thought I could live without you.”
He clasped her hand in both of his and held on tightly. “But you can live without me. We both know it.”
“What if I say I choose to live with you, not without you?” She knew his words had been true at one time. Now, she doubted it. She needed him. She wanted him. She longed for him.
“Nothing would make me happier, but tonight’s thrown you off balance. And no wonder. I doubt you can be sure of what you’re saying till we’re through this mess.”
She sighed, feeling like they were on a seesaw and she was dizzy from it all. And yet, there was Craig, just as strong and steady as he had always been for her. She was the one who was changing from moment to moment.
“Do you know what I mean?” He pushed for an answer, looking down at her with concern in his gaze.
“Yes. It’s a mess. And I’m concerned my past has come back to haunt us.”
“Do you think the fire is about you?”
“It didn’t happen until I was back here and on the Hall’s stage.”
“That man?”
“Maybe.”
“If he’s a stalker and he’s hunting you, he’d—”
“Want to know where I was sleeping, wouldn’t he?”
Craig squeezed her hand, then raised it to his lips and pressed a kiss to each fingertip in turn.
“And if he set that smoky fire, then now he knows.” She felt chilled at her own words and snuggled closer to Craig.
He pulled her tightly against him. “You know I’d never let anything happen to you.”
“And I’d never endanger you or the Park.”
“If you think you’re going to leave to protect us, then think again.” He sat up and looked into her eyes.
“It might be best. If he’s behind this trouble, then he’ll follow me.”
“And what if he catches you…alone out there?”
She shivered and folded her arms across her stomach. “I could go to ground someplace.”
“Oh, Fern, you’re breaking my heart.” He picked her up and set her on his lap, cradling her, stroking her, kissing her.
“I’m serious. I think I need to pack my two bags, pick up my guitar, and go. Anywhere. It doesn’t matter, just so long as everyone here is safe.”
“You’re not going anywhere.”
“And Ivy. She’s here now. What if this mess spills over onto her?”
“Slade and Wildcat Bluff will keep her safe.”
“You can take care of the Park. Ivy could help, if you need it.”
“I’m telling you in all seriousness that I’m not letting you go anywhere. If I have to, I’ll tie you to the bed and keep you there till we get the goods on this man, if it’s him causing the trouble, and put him away or run him out of the county.”
She felt deeply touched by his words. She’d constructed her world to depend on no one else, and that had worked fine until she’d run into trouble. A stalker who went to the effort of setting a fire was putting thoughts into actions. It was scary. And here was Craig, riding to her rescue and bringing the entire county with him. But was it fair to endanger them?
“I can almost see the thoughts whirling around in your mind. If they involve leaving me, forget it.”
“Wild West Days is right around the corner. No one here needs trouble or distractions. If I left now, I could come back after the events are over. Y’all can do everything without me.”
“Yes, we could do it. We’ve done it without you for years.”
“See? It’ll work.”
“No, it won’t.”
“Why not?” She stirred against him, getting ready to pick up and leave. She absolutely could not even contemplate endangering the entire community with her problem.
He wrapped her tighter in his arms. “I love you. You love me. We’ll see this through together…and Wildcat Bluff will back our play.”
She wanted it. She wanted it all. She wanted to never leave his arms again. But she was built of sterner stuff. “It’s just too dangerous with me here.”
“It’s even more dangerous for you out there alone.” He sighed into her hair, stroking up and down her arm with one hand. “Fern, will you just once bend a little? Will you just once let me, and all those who love you, step up and take care of you? You’re strong, yes. But we’re not lightweights either.”
“Am I really that rigid?” Could he possibly be right? She backed just little bit off her position, trying to understand his viewpoint.
“No.” He pressed another kiss to her hair. “You’re a musician. You’re always fluid, changing, evolving all the time.”
“Thanks. That’s a relief.”
“But you’re like a mama mountain lion. You’ll protect those you love to the very end, even if it means sacrificing yourself.”
“No, really, I just—”
“Yes, really. But this time you’re not alone. You can’t be. If anything happened to you, we’d all be wounded.”
She turned quiet, feeling the fast beat of her heart, as if she were already deep into fight-or-flight territory.
“Do you understand now? You have to stay and let us work as a team to stop this attack on our territory by an outsider.”
“Well, when you put it that way, I guess—”
“No guess. Stay.”
She exhaled on a long breath, feeling all the fight against him go out of her. If he was right—and after his explanation, she now had no reason to believe he wasn’t—she needed to stay and defend her turf. Anything else would be turning tail and running from a struggle for all she held dear. She couldn’t let a stranger, if it turned out to be Simon who’d set the fire, hurt her or anyone else.
“Are you with me?”
“Yes. I’ll stay.”
He sighed and slumped back against the sofa, taking her with him. “If you’d said anything else, I’d have tied you to that bed.”
“Do I have to change my mind to get you to tie me to your bed?”
He chuckled, shaking his head. “All you have to do is say the word.”
“Is that a promise?”
“Yeah. And it comes with a ring.”
“Didn’t I ask for rope, not ring?”
“You get both, and anything else your heart desires.”
She sat up and looked at him, smiling in the little coy way she knew he’d recognize from other amorous times. “What I desire right now is just a few steps away in the next room.”
He grinned, eyes lighting up. “I can make it that far, but no farther.”
“That’s plenty far.”
He stood up and held out his hand, still grinning at her.
She clasped his hand, giving him a big smile in return as she stood up, moving into the warmth of his embrace. But she stopped when she heard voices and other noises outside near the stairs.
“Oh no!” Craig swiveled to look in that direction. “I forgot Slade and the sheriff were coming over to check the fire site.”
“Lousy timing.” She didn’t know when she’d been more frustrated in a situation. Every time they got close to the bed, something interrupted them.
“Guess we’d better go help them.”
“But once they’re gone…”
“Right.” He opened the front door.
She stepped out into the hot, muggy air that was a little cooler than during the day but still plenty warm. A floodlight had been set up below, so there was a lot of light on the crawl space under the stairs.
“Fern!” Ivy called as she hurried up the steps to the porch. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. We caught the fire in time.”
“Hey, Ivy,” Craig said. “You didn’t need to come, too.”
“If it involves my sister, it involves me.” Ivy clasped Fern’s hand and gave a squeeze. “Come on. Let’s check out the cabin for any problems.”
“I don’t think there’s structural damage, but it’s best to look now, with good light,” Craig said, following them down the stairs.
“Fern, good to see you. Sorry it isn’t under better circumstances.” Slade Steele stood up, holding an evidence collection bag in one hand. He wore a T-shirt that revealed a barbwire tattoo around his bulging right bicep and a rope tattoo around his left.
“Thanks for coming,” Fern said. “I regret you had to get called out here so late.”
“No problem. Glad to help out.” Slade gave her a quick nod.
“Sheriff, we appreciate you getting here so soon. I hope we aren’t wasting your time.” Fern smiled at their local law officer, always pleased at his care for their county.
“I’m sorry you had a problem out here.” Sheriff Calhoun walked over to her. He wore a tan police uniform with a holstered revolver on one hip, black cowboy boots, and a beige Stetson. He doffed his hat, returning her smile.
“We’re sorry, too.” Fern glanced at the burned mess under her porch.
“Craig gave me the details over the phone,” Sheriff Calhoun said. “Is there anything you’d like to add to his assessment of the situation?”
“Bottom line, we smelled smoke, came out here, and found smoldering rags.”
Sheriff Calhoun nodded. “I understand there could be a possible stalker involved here.”
“Maybe.” Fern stalled, not wanting to accuse without proof. “I don’t know for sure, but there was an incident at the Hall earlier tonight.”
“Fern!” Ivy gasped in dismay. “You didn’t call me about that?”
“It doesn’t necessarily mean anything. A fan from the cruises was there and gave me roses.”
“He’s given her roses before,” Craig added in a serious tone as he put an arm around Fern’s waist.
“It happens.” Fern shrugged, still trying to defuse everyone’s alarm before it got out of hand. “I don’t want that incident to escalate into an indictment of the fan.”
“We don’t want that either,” Sheriff Calhoun said, “but we also don’t want you in danger.”
“Okay.” Fern focused on the sheriff. “What do you suggest we do at this point?”
“There’s not much I can do officially until we catch this man in the act or he leaves incriminating evidence.”
“I doubt he did that,” Slade said, “but there might be a clue in what I collected here.”
“I’ll have patrols check the Park more frequently.” Sheriff Calhoun glanced around the group. “But you’ll need to up your own surveillance and stay alert. Fern, you shouldn’t be out alone at night.”
“I’ll see to that,” Craig said, tugging her closer.
“I agree.” Fern felt touched by their concern. And safer for it. “I’m hoping he’s gone and this was just some sort of prank that got out of hand.”
“That’s what we all hope,” Ivy replied, “but you must be extra careful now.”
Slade gave Fern a thoughtful look. “If you don’t think it’s safe here at the Park, you can stay at my place on Steele Trap Ranch. Ivy and I are at Steele Trap II, so you could use it.”
“Thanks.” Fern glanced at Craig, wondering what he’d think of the idea.
“Appreciate it.” He tightened his hold on her. “But she’s staying here in my cabin, where I can keep her safe.”
“Good,” Slade agreed. “Still, in case you decide you’d be safer out of the Park, keep my offer in mind.”
“That’s very generous,” Fern said. “We definitely appreciate it.”
Ivy smiled at her sister. “Above all else, even if it puts a glitch in Wild West Days, we want you both safe.”
“Right,” Slade said.
“We’ll be okay and we won’t let this affect our plans.” Fern spoke with a conviction she didn’t feel at the moment, but she wanted the others to have confidence in her decision to stay here and move forward with upcoming events.
“Sounds like the best we can do for tonight.” Sheriff Calhoun put his hat back on his head. “We’ll get out of your hair now, so you can get some sleep.”
Ivy gave Fern a quick hug, then snagged Slade’s hand as the three started down the path away from the cabin.
“Thanks for coming over,” Fern called before she glanced at Craig, thinking that sleep was the last thing on her mind.
“Do you believe we should chance going to bed again?” Craig asked, humor lacing his voice.
“At the rate we’re going, it’ll probably catch on fire.”
He chuckled, giving her a sidelong look. “Oh, I definitely think we left something turned on there.”
She joined his laughter. “Guess we better go put out that blaze.”
Chapter 14
“I don’t know about you,” Craig said as he shut and locked t
he door behind them, “but I need a glass of Slade’s muscadine wine.”
“You get the wine. I’ll get the glasses.” Fern headed for the kitchen cabinets. “Is everything in the same place?”
“Pretty much. I don’t think Ivy changed anything, and I sure haven’t.” He plucked a bottle of wine out of the fridge and opened it, then grabbed a can of mixed nuts and poured them into a bowl.
As fast as he was, she still beat him to the sofa and plopped down on the cushions. She slipped off her flip-flops, tucked her feet under her, and looked up at him with an expectant expression.
“I’m right behind you.” He set down the bowl, poured two glasses of wine, and handed her one.
“Toast.” She held up her glass.
He sat down close to her—so close he could feel the heat of their touching thighs. He tipped his glass against hers, setting off a silvery ring.
“What are we celebrating?” She smiled at him over the rim of her glass while she tilted her head to one side as if getting a different view of him.
“Like what you see?”
“Best view in the Park.”
He chuckled, shaking his head. “I have the best view right in front of me.”
She smiled, feeling so happy just to be with him.
“Let’s drink to surviving this very long night.”
“No.”
“No?”
“Let’s drink to our very long future,” she said.
At those words, he heated up. He nodded in agreement as he took a sip, watching her do the same over the rim of his glass. He tasted another of Slade’s amazingly good wines. He hoped his friend would find a way to market it soon, because the world deserved this very special brew.
“Oh, that’s good.” She looked at the wine, then at him. “Slade is a fine man. And he deserves a woman as fine as my sister.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” Craig took another sip. “But tonight is about us. At least, I hope it finally is.”
