by Kim Redford
“I do my best.” He grinned, joining her laughter. “Come on.” As he rose to his feet, he took money out of his billfold and tossed it on the table.
“I’ll have to owe you for lunch. My purse is in my car.”
“Lunch is on me.” Trey gave her a meaningful look. “My Granny’d give me what-for if I let a lady pay for her own meal.”
“But, Trey—”
“Not another word or you’ll be impugning my cowboy manners.”
“Guess I wouldn’t want to do that.” She smiled at his feigned—or she thought it was feigned—affront. “I’ll do something nice for you in return.”
“Now there’s a happy thought.” He smiled, then cast a quick glance around the café. “We better get out of here. If Slade thinks you can’t handle his chili, you’ll never hear the last of it.”
“I swallowed wrong.”
“No matter.”
She stood up, still taking deep breaths to relieve the heat. Slade’s five-alarm chili would be with her for some time.
“Bet you can hardly see with your eyes on fire.” Trey grasped her around the waist and led her toward the front door.
“Won’t Slade expect us to say good-bye?”
“I’ll let him know his chili made you sick as a dog and he’d better not make any more.”
“Don’t you dare!”
Trey opened the front door, causing the bells to jingle, and then hurried her outside. “He probably put extra jalapeños or worse yet habaneros in your chili just to test your stomach.”
“He wouldn’t.”
“Are you kidding me? That’s Slade we’re talking about. He rides bulls, or he used to ride them. What’s a little five-alarm chili to him?”
“I guess not much.” She inhaled deeply, feeling the burn lessen as chills replaced the heat.
“Anyway, he likes to test his own limits and everybody else’s limits, too.”
“Still, please don’t insult him. He makes excellent chili.”
Trey chuckled, tugging her closer. “I doubt anybody could insult him.”
“True enough.”
“Seriously, are you okay now?” He reached up and gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
“Yes, I’m fine. Thanks for lunch. And everything.”
“My pleasure.” He glanced at the street, then back at her. “Gotta go. You need anything else, let me know.”
“Will do.”
She watched as he got into his pickup and started the engine. What a hunk of a guy. She sighed, wanting so much more from him, knowing she shouldn’t want it, and yet wondering if she could resist. He was making no secret of his desire for her, but that knowledge simply added to her dilemma.
He lowered his window and held up a hand in good-bye as he drove away down Main Street.
She waved in response before she resolutely turned away. Now she must get back to the business at hand.
Chapter 18
Misty quickly pulled the keys out of her pocket as she walked to her SUV. She punched the red button on the opener and heard the familiar beep to signal she’d unlocked her car. She pulled open the driver’s side door, reached inside the console, and grabbed her handbag. She slung it over her shoulder and relocked her vehicle.
She stepped up on the boardwalk and glanced at Old Town. Country Christmas music filled the air, along with the delicious scent of kettle corn. Twinkling lights in blue and white outlined the edge of the portico. Shoppers thronged the boardwalk, hurrying in and out of stores. The holiday was in full swing.
Misty chuckled to think she’d once imagined avoiding much of Christmas in Wildcat Bluff. Not only was that idea way off the mark, but she was beginning to gain an ease with the season that she’d have thought impossible before arriving in town. She touched the Christmas angel around her neck. She’d even gotten used to wearing the lovely pendant. Not that she intended to wear it a lot, but the angel did have a certain charm.
With all the hustle and bustle in Old Town, Misty doubted now would be a good time to try and elicit information from harried shopkeepers. If Hedy wasn’t too busy, she’d be the best place to start anyway.
Morning’s Glory and Adelia’s Delights both had “OPEN” signs on their doors again. Misty assumed the house fire was completely under control, so volunteers had returned to their businesses. She couldn’t help but be impressed with the local fire-rescue. She was glad she’d had a small part in saving lives and property since she’d arrived in the county, but she hoped she wouldn’t be called upon to help again.
She opened the door to Adelia’s Delights, heard the door chime, and stepped inside. She smelled chocolate and coffee. The wonderful scents reminded her that she could use a cold drink of water, or even a Dr Pepper, right about now to soothe her throat after Slade’s chili. An icy beverage might cool her down after the heat outside and Trey’s teasing ways. Surely she could get a drink with lots of ice in the tearoom.
Hedy was at the cash register in back taking care of customers, so Misty walked over to the Bluebird of Happiness display. Rosie had somehow climbed up on a shelf and wrapped her long-haired, lithe body around the delicate bluebirds for a quiet nap. She opened an amber eye, flipped her long tail, gave Misty a considering look, then tucked her head down and went back to sleep.
Misty smiled at the contented cat. She wouldn’t mind a nap herself. It’d been quite a day so far. She picked up a bird and watched the blue glass capture the sparkle of sunlight that came in through the front window. Now that truly evoked happiness. She liked the idea. Maybe she’d buy a big one for Cindi Lou to set on her desk. Not a Christmas present, but a happiness gift. She set the small bird back in place on the display.
“Excuse me,” Misty said as she moved Rosie’s fluffy tail to one side so she could pick up the biggest bluebird.
Rosie replied with a big yawn, revealing sharp, white teeth, then she snapped her mouth shut, laid her head down, covered her pink nose with her tail, and went back to sleep.
Misty smiled at the cat’s ability to relax so completely no matter what was going on around her. Not a bad trait to acquire.
She walked back to the counter where Hedy helped a woman while two men waited for service. She stroked the smooth contours of the bluebird while she watched the transaction. Maybe when these customers were gone she’d get a chance to chat with Hedy.
“Merry Christmas.” Hedy handed a green shopping bag to the woman who hurriedly walked away.
Hedy gave Misty a quick smile and a nod before she focused on the two men. “Bert. And Bert Two. What brings you into Adelia’s Delights? Shopping for the fairer sex?”
Both men guffawed with deep, booming voices while they held their cowboy hats in their hands.
Misty went on alert. Could this be the Bert whose building had burned down earlier? Surely there couldn’t be two men with the same name in the community, so he must be. What a perfect opportunity to observe him.
“Howdy, Hedy. Just wanted to stop by and let you know I’m back in town.”
“Glad to hear it.” Hedy motioned behind them. “I’d like you to meet Misty Reynolds. She helped with the house fire today. Misty, this is the owner, Bert Holloway. And his son, Bert Two.”
“Pleased to meet you,” Misty said. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
“You have my profound thanks for your kind help,” Bert said as he turned to face her, holding out his hand.
Misty gave him a quick handshake as she looked him over. For some reason, she’d expected him to look rough around the edges. Instead, he was a tall, good-looking guy wearing a Western-cut suit with a bolo tie and expensive ostrich cowboy boots. He had thick, dark hair streaked with silver and tanned skin that suggested he spent much of his life outdoors. His son was a chip off the old block in looks and attire.
“Yes, thanks.” Bert Two held out his hand, too.<
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She meant to give his hand a quick shake, but he caught her fingers and held tight as he smiled down at her.
“You’re a lovely addition to our town. Hope you’re gonna be here for some time,” Bert Two said.
“Not long. I’m just enjoying a quick getaway.” She returned his smile as she tugged her hand away. After everything she’d heard, she had no reason to trust these two men. Yet gossip didn’t necessarily equate with truth, so she’d withhold judgment.
“Dad came back as soon as he heard the news,” Bert Two said.
“Place went up fast,” Hedy explained. “There wasn’t anything Bert could’ve done even if he’d been here.”
Bert shook his head, looking downcast. “I’ve been targeted, because the hits just keep on coming.”
“There’ll be an investigation,” Hedy said with sympathy.
“For all the good it’ll do.” Bert turned a sad gaze on Misty. “Somebody’s awful clever or somebody doesn’t care to do his job.”
“That’s the truth of it,” Bert Two agreed.
“Now you two don’t need to get down on our fire or police or the county sheriff. They’re doing their best.” Hedy gripped the arms of her wheelchair as she leaned toward them.
“If so, why don’t they go after the dad-burn reprobate that’s got it in for me?” Bert asked with a plaintive tone in his voice.
“You don’t know that to be a fact,” Hedy said.
“Yes, I do,” Bert insisted. “I’m not gonna name names in front of a stranger to our community. I’ve told the authorities the name of the culprit, but do they arrest him?”
“No,” Bert Two said.
“Do they have proof?” Hedy asked.
“The proof is in the pudding,” Bert said with finality.
“Bad blood doesn’t necessarily mean somebody’s out to hurt you.” Hedy glanced at Misty and shook her head. “But maybe they’ll find evidence this time.”
“Good luck with that.” Bert Two glanced around at the group. “What’ll be left after all that fire, smoke, water, and folks tromping over the place? Not much, I’ll wager.”
“Volunteers tried to save your building.” Misty defended those who’d gone to so much time and effort to save Bert’s property. She wanted to hear more gratitude from these two men.
“Guess I don’t sound like it, but I’m mighty appreciative of all their many efforts.” Bert turned his hat round and round in his big hands. “I’m frustrated as all get-out.”
“And that’s the truth,” Bert Two added.
“It’s a shame,” Hedy said. “But maybe this’ll end it.”
“I sure do hope so,” Bert agreed.
Hedy gestured toward Misty’s bluebird. “You want me to wrap that up for you?”
“Yes, thank you.”
“Here I am jawing when you’ve got business to conduct,” Bert said. “Thanks for listening. I needed to get that off my chest.”
“He’s been stewing about it,” Bert Two explained.
“I can understand.” Hedy took the bluebird from Misty.
“We’ll be going now,” Bert said. “If you hear anything that’ll help catch the culprit, you’ll let us know, won’t you?”
“Sure will.” Hedy glanced up. “You have as good a day as you can, now.”
Bert Two turned toward Misty. “If you don’t mind my asking, where are you staying in town?”
“Twin Oaks B&B.” Misty wasn’t surprised by the question anymore. He could easily find out, so she didn’t hesitate to tell him.
“Good choice. You get lonely or bored, just give me a call.” Bert Two whipped a business card out of his pocket and held it out to her. “I’m always ready to squire a pretty lady like you about town.”
“You might want to ask Trey about that first,” Hedy interrupted.
Bert Two frowned. “Trey? What does that cowboy have to do with the price of milk?”
“He’s taking me to Christmas in the Country,” Misty said, noticing the pride in her voice.
“That so?” Bert Two looked surprised, then he shrugged. “If that doesn’t happen to work out, I’d be happy to take you. We’d have a good time.”
“Thank you. But I doubt my plans will change.” She accepted his business card. He might be a helpful contact later.
“Just so you know, I’m a sensitive guy and I know how to treat a lady right,” Bert Two said.
“Darn tootin’,” Bert agreed. “We’re that kind of men.”
“Maybe you two had better head home before it gets any deeper in here,” Hedy said, chuckling.
“Now, Hedy.” Bert gave her a dazzling smile. “If you weren’t so hardheaded, you’d have found out long ago how well I treat a lady.”
“Bert, I’m pulling on my waders.” She chuckled as she pointed toward the front door. “You best get back to business and let me do the same.”
“I’m going, but you know my offer’s always open,” Bert said as he took a step away from the counter.
“Nice meeting you both.” Misty smiled politely.
“Don’t wait too long to call me,” Bert Two said. “I’ll be cooking up a big pot of chili soon.”
Misty’s stomach clenched at the thought, but she gave a little wave good-bye as the two men turned and sauntered toward the door. She didn’t breathe a sigh of relief till the front door shut behind them.
“Don’t know about you,” Hedy said, “but they tend to wear on my last nerve.”
Misty flipped Bert Two’s business card on the counter. “Better drop that in the bag with my bluebird. I might get a hankering for chili.”
“Guess it’s not nice to make light of their trouble, but those two are a magnet for it.” Hedy touched the bluebird. “Pretty thing, isn’t it? I’ll carefully wrap your bird in tissue so there’s no chance it’ll break.”
“Thanks. If you’ve got it, I’d also love a cold drink with lots of ice. I just ate a bowl of Slade’s five-alarm chili.”
Hedy laughed long and hard. “That Bert Two, he’s got a way of steppin’ in it that just won’t quit.”
Misty shared her laughter. “If you have time to chat, I’d like to help figure out how to put on a benefit to raise funds so all the fire-rescue volunteers have animal oxygen mask kits with them in case of an emergency.”
“I heard about the kitten. You’re observant, aren’t you?”
“I just hope the kitty makes it.”
“He’s getting the best care.” Hedy cocked her head as she looked closely at Misty. “No doubt we need the kits. You really want to help with this problem, don’t you?”
“Sure I do.”
“Tell you what, let’s get a couple drinks and take a load off.” Hedy pointed at a table in the tearoom. “You grab a seat while I get the drinks.”
“First, let me pay for the bluebird and the drinks.” Misty pulled her billfold out of her handbag and plunked down a credit card on the countertop.
“Thanks.” Hedy picked up the credit card. “But the drinks are on the house. Least you deserve for saving that kitten.”
“Trey takes all the credit for that feat.”
Hedy quickly swiped the card. “Don’t sell yourself short. Your sharp eye and quick action helped save the day.” She set the receipt and credit card on the countertop.
As Misty signed the receipt, Hedy quickly wrapped the bluebird in red tissue paper, tucked it into a green paper bag, and set it on top of the counter. Misty picked up all her items and placed them in her purse. “Thank you.”
“Anytime.” Hedy motioned toward the tearoom. “Go on now. I’ll join you in a minute.”
“Let me help get the drinks.”
“Not a bit of it. I’ve got a system all worked out.”
When Hedy zoomed into the back room, Misty walked into the tearoom and move
d a chair out of the way at a table to make space for Hedy’s wheelchair. She sat down, leaned back, and relaxed, feeling the tension drain out of her. It felt really good to let go for a bit.
“Here you are.” Hedy motored up to the table with two red plastic iced tea glasses that she set on the tabletop. “That’s pineapple hibiscus tea over ice. Hope you like it.”
Misty took a sip. “Oh, that’s delicious.”
“Glad you appreciate the taste. I’m right partial to the fruit and floral teas when it’s hot outside.”
“And it’s certainly hot.”
“Long day.” Hedy sipped her tea and moaned in pleasure. “Just what the doctor ordered. But I guess we’d better talk quick before the next shoppers find their way through my front door.”
“Odd about the fire.” Misty hoped Hedy might open up and tell her more about the county’s problems.
Hedy shook her head. “Odder about the new computer system going down. If I didn’t know better, I’d think—”
Misty leaned forward. “What?”
“Oh, nothing. I’m just getting suspicious about everything. There’ve just been too many oddities around here.”
“Trey told me about the grass fires and cut fence.”
“Yeah, they aren’t helping matters.” Hedy looked closely at Misty. “He’s come to trust you real fast.”
“Guess putting out that grass fire together made trust between us a necessity.”
Hedy cocked her head to one side. “I can see how it would do just that.” She took a sip of tea as she leaned forward. “You’re good for him, you know?”
Misty smiled, feeling pleased but also feeling like a fraud even if her actions were to help the county. “I like him.”
“Good.” Hedy leaned back. “I hope you like our community, too.”
“I like everything about Wildcat Bluff. And the folks.”
Hedy grinned. “That’s real good.”
“Guess I was thrust into the middle of the action from the get-go. Now I’m concerned about all these problems in the community. If I may be of help, please let me know.”
Hedy nodded thoughtfully, as if considering her next words. “You’re a natural to head up a benefit for animal oxygen kits.”
