by Jenn Roseton
“And they thought they could get away with it?”
“Victor is very smooth.” She shrugged. “He could open a drawer and say he was getting a cloth out and in the next instant, the coins would be switched.”
“You’ve seen him do that before?”
“Of course not!” She shook her head. “Do you really think I would work for someone who did that kind of thing?” Although she suspected Victor wasn’t on the up-and-up, she didn’t have proof - until today. And who would believe her? Even if she went to the police, Victor had a good reputation and seemed to be regarded favorably in the antiques community, although she didn’t know how. He’d tell the police she was a disgruntled employee who’d been planning on stealing the coin for herself ... and worse. She wished she could just quit her job, but there weren’t many positions out there for an antiques shop assistant, even if she did have a degree in fine arts. Ever since Victor had taken over the business, she’d been diligently looking for another job.
He looked at her thoughtfully. “No. That’s why you need my help.”
Phoebe felt her cheeks redden under his scrutiny. “I couldn’t let him cheat Mrs. Miller. So I did the only thing I could.”
“Which was?” he prompted her.
“I grabbed the coin,” she whispered.
“And ran.”
Phoebe nodded. “I couldn’t say anything to Mrs. Miller.” She drew in a deep breath. “I queried one of Victor’s valuations two weeks ago.” Trying not to shudder, she continued, “Victor told me never to question his judgment again. And ... Kurt clenched his fists and took a step towards me. Later, Victor told me everything would be fine as long as I concentrated on my work and minded my own business.”
A chill trickled down her spine as she thought back to that day. “I tried to tell myself that I’d imagined things but now, with Mrs. Miller ... She’ll think I stole it from her.”
“What about going to the police?”
“I couldn’t. Victor … when he came out of the back room he noticed I’d overheard his conversation with Kurt and said if I went to the police about it, he’d tell them I’d been planning to steal it. Not only that …” She closed her eyes for a second. “He threatened to go to the newspapers as well and tell everyone he was a victim of my machinations.”
“Machinations?”
She bit her lip. “That I attempted to seduce him in order to get my hands on the coin.” Right now, she was sure her whole body had turned beet red. “It just wasn’t true. Just thinking of him saying that makes my skin crawl. And if anyone read that allegation in the newspaper …” She tried to suppress a shudder at the memory.
“He sounds like a nasty piece of work.” Cole frowned.
“He also said he’d use his influence to destroy my career if I said or did anything.” Her voice became wistful. “I don’t have much of a reputation at the moment because I’ve only been working in the field for a few years, but I’d love to have my own antiques store one day.”
“So we can’t go to the coin dealer in Cheyenne,” Cole said.
“No.” She shook her head. “That would be the first place Victor would look for me.”
“And your apartment would be second,” he added.
Phoebe glanced at him. “Yes.”
“What about your family?”
“My parents are in Hawaii. Dad’s guest-lecturing at a college there, and my sister works in New York as an assistant events manager.”
“How about staying at their house?”
She shook her head. “Dad did a swap with the Hawaiian professor and he’s staying at their home in Laramie while he guest-lectures at Dad’s college.”
Although Cole kept most of his attention on the road, she knew he’d been listening to her. “Can … can you help me?”
“Yes,” he replied gruffly, exiting off the highway.
“Where are we going?” Phoebe frowned. They were about halfway to Laramie.
“My place. We need to come up with a plan first.”
Glancing at him, she wondered if he really was trustworthy. Traveling with him on the highway was one thing, but she didn’t have a clue where he lived. She had her phone, though. Her hands in her purse, she texted a message to her sister, giving her Cole’s name, description of his SUV, and the area they were in, all the while keeping a surreptitious eye on her private investigator. After hitting send, she relaxed a little in her seat.
“Finished telling someone you’re with me?” His lips quirked in a smile.
She looked at him, startled. “How did you know?”
“It wasn’t hard to guess what you were doing. Your sister or your parents?”
“My sister.”
“Good call. Always tell someone where you’re going, Phoebe Lan--”
The vehicle slowed, turning into a narrow two-lane road. Phoebe stared at the rural scenery, the grassland shimmering in the rays of the mid-afternoon sun. The road turned into a well-maintained dirt drive, then Cole drove through a set of wooden gates. A small log house stood in the middle of a clearing. Silver maples and cottonwoods dotted the large lawn.
“You live here?” She gazed around in surprise.
“Yeah. I‘ve got fifty acres.” He turned off the ignition, the engine making a slight ping before growing silent. Cole looked at the house in satisfaction. “I built the cabin myself.”
Glancing from his biceps to the house in front of her, her pulse quickened. She didn’t know why, but Cole building his own house seemed very sexy.
“Come on in.” Cole strode toward the cabin. She followed, breathing in the fresh air and trying to take in her surrounds without falling too far behind.
He held the front door open for her. “Thanks,” she murmured, stepping into a small utility room.
“Like a drink?”
Phoebe followed him into the main part of the house. The kitchen was on the right and the living room to the left, essentially one large room, divided by a small, informal dining nook.
A stained glass window featuring a tasteful mosaic pattern of orange and blue added a touch of elegance to the otherwise simply decorated room.
“Please.” She hadn’t realized how parched she was until now. The weather report had been for a high of eighty degrees today, and it certainly felt like it outside, although it was surprisingly cool inside the cabin.
“Sit down.” He waved to the well-made mahogany dining table and matching chairs.
Phoebe eased into the wooden chair, placing her purse beside her. A gourmet kitchen in tones of mahogany and cream appeared a chef’s dream while still looking inviting to the average cook.
She watched Cole head to the refrigerator. His six-foot muscular frame made her own five foot six feel very small in comparison, although she was cursed with a plump, curvy figure.
Cole grabbed two bottles of root beer. “This all right?” He held up a bottle.
She smiled. “Fine.” It was her favorite brand.
Cole handed her a glass and one of the bottles. “Okay,” he said, after he took a long swallow. “We need to get the coin valued. You’re the expert here. What do you suggest?”
Phoebe sipped the cold, fizzy beverage, delicious bubbles sliding down her throat. “Right now, I don’t think I trust anyone except Henry Dawson. He hired me in the antiques store after I graduated college, and taught me a lot.” She frowned. “He sold the store a couple of months ago to Victor and retired to Jackson Hole.”
“Are you sure you can trust him?” Cole steepled his hands in front of him. “Your new boss sounds like a jerk - and a crook. Did Dawson know what Blackwood was really like when he sold the store to him?”
“No.” She shook her head vehemently. “Of course not. I told you, somehow Victor has maintained a pristine reputation in the antiques world. Selling the shop to him seemed like a coup. Mr. Dawson wouldn’t have sold the store to him if he’d known what Victor was really like.”
Cole studied her expression for a second. “I believe
you.” He paused. “Or I believe you believe that.” Somehow those words and the way he uttered them sent a warm glow through her before she reluctantly shook it off. Although she was pretty certain she could trust him, right now was not the time for romance, or the beginnings of one. Besides, why would this sexy, attractive man be interested in her? She’d never had much luck in the boyfriend department, even before Scott. And her experience with him had made her very wary of getting involved again. Why would this man be any different?
“Can I see the coin?”
She hesitated. Telling herself she could trust him was different to actually trusting him. Yet, that was what she would be doing if she allowed him to look at the coin. She decided to listen to her instincts. Up until now, they hadn’t steered her wrong. She’d been leery of Victor from the day he took over the shop, and now it seemed she’d been right about him. And so far, Cole hadn’t turned out to be a serial killer, and was actually somebody who could help her - and seemed to want to help her.
Phoebe took a deep breath and unzipped her purse. Taking out the tissue-wrapped parcel, she placed it on the table, her fingers reluctantly unwrapping the white paper.
Cole stared at the pitted and tarnished coin in front of him, and then looked at her. “Are you sure this coin is valuable? It doesn’t look like much.”
“That’s because it’s hundreds - actually thousands of years old,” she said. “See the bust on the coin? I believe it may be Emperor Proculus, 280AD.” She couldn’t keep the excitement from her voice.
Cole furrowed his brow. “Don’t think I’ve ever heard of him.”
“He wasn’t in power for very long. If this coin is Proculus, it could be worth a lot of money.”
“How much?”
“I’m not sure.” She hesitated. Should she admit how much she thought it might be worth? After all, she wasn’t a coin expert and her guesstimate might be way off base. Looking into his dark brown eyes, she decided to take a chance. “Maybe mid five figures. Maybe.”
He exhaled in surprise. “That’s a lot of money for an old coin.”
She nodded. “It might be life changing for Mrs. Miller.”
Cole nodded. “I can see why she wants to sell it.”
Phoebe stared down at the coin. “And now she probably thinks I’m a thief.”
He wrapped his large, tanned hand over her small one. “You took the only option you thought was available to you at the time.”
A tingle of excitement raced down her spine at his touch. “Thanks,” she replied softly. He gazed at her for a moment, as if cataloging every detail of her face before he slowly withdrew his hand.
“Okay.” Cole sat back in the wooden dining chair. “We should--”
The phone rang. Cole strode to the kitchen counter and answered it.
“Lawman--” The muffled word spoken by the caller was all Phoebe heard. She frowned. Cole said he was a P.I. Why was someone calling him Lawman?
His expression shuttered, Cole seemed to listen intently to the other party, then swore softly. “Got it. Thanks for the heads-up. Yeah, I know the ’copter’s out of action,” he replied. “Don’t worry, I’ll be careful.”
He ended the call and turned to face Phoebe. “We’ve got trouble.”
CHAPTER 2
“Are you a cop?” She couldn’t help the thread of anxiety in her voice.
He quirked an eyebrow. “I used to be for a few years, until I decided I preferred working for myself. Why?”
She clutched her purse. “I heard the other person call you Lawman.”
“That was my brother Logan.” He raked his hand through his short hair. “He’s just heard a description of my SUV broadcast on the news, in conjunction with an antiques store clerk allegedly stealing a valuable Roman coin.”
Phoebe’s heart thudded. “Oh, no. What am I going to do?” She bit her lip as she stared at Cole.
“We better go and see your old boss in Jackson Hole.”
Phoebe’s gaze flickered to his face. “Really?” A smile touched her lips. “You’ll still help me?”
“Yeah, I’ll still help you.”
Although his words were gruff, a warm flush stole through her. “Thank you,” she murmured.
“We better get going. The helicopter’s being serviced right now so if we want to keep a low profile, we should drive. The sooner I can swap cars the better.”
“You’ve got a helicopter?” She stared at him, remembering that part of the phone conversation.
He chuckled ruefully. “My brothers and I co-own it, but Alex uses it most of the time. It’s being serviced while he’s on his honeymoon.”
“Oh.” How much would it cost to own a helicopter? She couldn’t even begin to imagine. She suddenly took a deep breath, the phrase “swap cars” echoing in her mind. “Cole, I know you said you’d help me, but I don’t want you to get in any trouble.”
His chuckle seemed more of a growl. “Right now you need my help, sweetheart. Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing.”
Her heartbeat quickened at the endearment. Although she knew he didn’t mean it, it reminded her of how long she’d been on her own. Apart from visiting her parents regularly before they temporarily moved to Hawaii and having a monthly chat with her sister living in New York, she led a pretty quiet life. Including a very quiet love life. She wasn’t a complete hermit; she had fun with a couple of close girlfriends, but there hadn’t been a man in her life for a while. A good, long while.
And he’s not the new man in your life, she reminded herself. You’re his client.
“I’ll just pack a bag.” Cole strode down the hall, which she assumed led to one or more bedrooms. Before she could even think about how travel-stained her clothes would be by the time they reached Mr. Dawson’s house, he re-emerged carrying a small duffel bag. “Come on.” He beckoned to her, and she carefully placed the coin in her purse, zipping it up tightly, before following him outside.
He locked the door, noticing her looking around at the pasture surrounding the cabin. “I know I’m on fifty acres but it still pays to be cautious.”
She nodded, trailing behind him as he walked to the SUV. Scrambling into the passenger seat, she realized she was placing all her hope and trust in this man. Nobody knew where she was or who she was with.
He waited until she buckled her seat belt before starting the engine. “We’ll swap cars with my brother.”
“He won’t mind?”
“He’s on his honeymoon. He won’t even know.” Cole’s white teeth flashed briefly. “Elk View Corner’s on the way to Jackson anyway.”
They drove a few miles until they hit the highway. Cole drove expertly, keeping just under the speed limit. For the first time, she noticed just how luxurious the interior of the vehicle was. Plush leather seats and a dazzling array of dials and gadgets on the dash that put her boring white sedan to shame.
She looked out of the window, wishing she could enjoy the scenery. But all she could think of was the coin in her purse, and the mess she’d gotten herself into. She just hoped if she and Cole were able to get everything straightened out, Mrs. Miller would understand Phoebe had acted in the elderly lady’s best interest.
Occasionally she peeked at Cole’s profile. His large, tanned hands gripped the steering wheel, and she wondered what they would feel like wrapped around her waist, or even caressing her bare flesh. Don’t go there, she cautioned herself, feeling the telltale warmth of a blush dusting her cheeks. You’re probably not his type. Her mouth drooped for a second. When was the last time she’d been anybody’s type?
Stifling a sigh, she resolutely looked out of the window again. Perhaps, when all this was over, she should try to get back into the dating game. Although hanging out at bars and nightclubs didn’t appeal to her, maybe there was a reputable internet dating site she could join. Giving in to the urge to glance at Cole again, she realized it would take a lot for another man to measure up to her P.I. Perhaps she was meant to remain single and eventually beco
me a crazy antiques or cat lady.
“Elk View Corner’s coming up.” Cole’s voice broke into her thoughts.
She blinked, taking in the scenery flashing past with new interest. “Is this where your brother lives?”
“Yeah. Two of them.” He took his eyes off the road for a second to glance at her. “And they’re both on their honeymoons.” He chuckled. “I don’t think Alex’s wife has moved any of her stuff in, so we’ll go to Garrett’s.”
At her questioning look, he explained, “Alex lives in San Diego and comes down here when he can. But Garrett lives here full-time, and so does Maddie.” He cast a quick, assessing look at her before returning his attention to the highway. “I think her clothes will fit you. They stopped in to see me before they went on their honeymoon.”
Cole signaled right at the sign that said Welcome to Elk View Corner. Douglas fir trees lined the sides of the road, and Phoebe wished she were visiting here under different circumstances.
They turned into a dirt road. “Alex’s ranch is over there.” He nodded to the right.“ And Garrett is right next door.” He looked at his watch. “It’s seven p.m. The ranch hands should have gone home by now, so nobody will be hanging around.”
Turning into a well-kept driveway, the SUV slowed a little as it entered a gravel courtyard. Cole pulled up outside a one-story house. Phoebe admired the neat pink roses in the front garden.
“That’s Maddie’s handiwork.” He grinned. “Garrett’s not exactly a gardener.”
They got out of the vehicle, Cole striding toward the house as if he belonged there and not as an alleged getaway driver helping an alleged coin thief. Phoebe followed, unable to help glancing around in case there was somebody there. But it was just like Cole said, the ranch seemed deserted, apart from a bird’s shrill cry breaking the stillness.
He took out a key from his back pocket. “For emergencies. His car should be here,” he muttered, as he opened the garage door and ushered her inside. He switched on the light and Phoebe blinked, two cars filling her view. One was a cherry red sedan and one was a large, black SUV.
