by Gale Storm
“Miss Roessel, you should eat more,” Mrs. Shields smiled at Tarry, who had only eaten toast. “Would you like some tea?"
Tarry nodded graciously as she took the cup, listening as Tyrone made polite replies to his mother's conversation, giving very little information away.
“You said there had been an accident when you called, Tyrone. Did your truck go off the road, or...?” His mother asked.
“No, Mom, nothing that dramatic. He smiled at Tarry, rising as a middle-aged man who by their close resemblance must be his father arrived in the company of a lovely Oriental woman. “Dad, Linda, I want you to meet Tarralee Roessel. She's the animal trainer I told you I went to find."
Tarry brushed her napkin across her face and shook Mr. Shields’ hand, smiling at Linda.
“Tarry will be my technical advisor on the upcoming film. She owns ten wolves."
Tarry stared at the pair, feeling awkward. Mr. Shields was dressed in a three-piece suit, and Linda wore leather riding breeches with an ebony silk blouse.
“Not wolves, actually. They're wolf-husky crossbreeds,” she clarified.
Mr. Shields looked at her in surprise. “You seem ... a bit small to handle wolves, Miss Roessel."
His intense manner seemed to sum up his opinion of her relationship with his son. Tarry felt her back stiffen.
“Please call me Tarry, sir. And one of the first things you learn, Mr. Shields, is not to intimidate them. My size and attitude don't threaten them."
“Does that also hold true with your bear?” Tyrone asked casually, as he picked up a bowl of jam.
“When Torpon was a cub, it helped.” She met his gaze levelly across the table. “As he grew up, I had to become stricter with him. He understands no and scat."
“You own a bear, too?” Gary's eyes were as big as saucers.
“Own isn't the right word, Gary.” Tarry corrected kindly as she looked at the youngster. “Adopted is better. Torpon is a full-grown black bear now. He was orphaned as a cub. I took him in and kept him until he was ready to go out on his own."
“Can I meet him someday?” Gary was all but hopping up and down in excitement.
“Of course you can, if your mother approves.” She winked at Linda. “But you'll have to prove you can remember the rules. All my animals are wild. You must treat them with respect."
“Miss Roessel—Tarry...” Linda smiled. “Who helps you take care of these creatures?"
Tarry chuckled, looking at Tyrone, “No one now, but I do have five younger brothers who sometimes help."
“You live alone?” This from Mrs. Shields. “Goodness, girl, that sounds dangerous! Where are your folks?"
Tarry's eyes took on their strange glow. “My parents were killed in an auto accident with a lumber truck over fifteen years ago. And if you mean the animals are dangerous, they aren't with me. They're my friends, and they protect me from intruders."
She finished her tea as Mrs. Shields sent a quick look at her husband and son.
Tyrone had finished his meal a few moments before, and now he rubbed his shoulder as he smiled across at her.
“That I can swear to,” he said as he wiped his lips. “If you'll excuse us, we have planning and things to discuss. We'll be in the library."
He stood and quickly led her away from his family into an adjacent room. Once the door closed, she confronted him for a full silent moment. He looked uncomfortable, as he should, as they stared at one another.
“You were a hit with my family, just as I knew you would be, Tarralee. I want to apologize for the way—"
“For the kidnapping?” she interrupted, renewing her anger as she clenched her fist. “You had no right to do it the way you did. I agreed to come with you, to help with the film. Throwing me into the chopper was melodramatic."
“I said I was sorry. I wanted to explain before but there hasn't been time. I never expected you to agree to participate so easily, and last evening David and Charlie and I decided on the plan. I thought if I could get you away from the animals and show you the script, make you comfortable ... Then, when you agreed so easily at the lake, well, I had no way of stopping the two of them once we got back. I am sorry, Tarralee."
“Comfortable—is that what you think I am meeting your family this way? Your family seems very nice, Tyrone, but after all I am a stranger. A weird stranger who lives with wolves and bears. I know nothing of their tastes. I'm a tomboy, a girl with fish scales under her nails, for heaven's sakes. Your mother and sister-in-law are delicate women. Women who would never understand my lifestyle or needs."
Her brothers would have recognized the softness of her voice as fury, and it appeared that Tyrone was also aware as he quickly tried to placate her.
“It isn't their needs I'm concerned about; and I happen to like you just the way you are, tomboy, animal lover and independent woman. I brought you here only so you'd be surrounded by a family and animals, rather than in an alien hotel. But if you prefer a hotel, then I'll take you there."
She clamped her arms around her ribs as she chewed her lips. He was annoyed now, and she was actually surprised. Had she insulted him with her comments about his family? She hadn't meant to. Why did she find it so hard to accuse him now? He deserved a good thrashing.
“It's just that I thought ... I believed that you understood the words trust and friendship. That you wouldn't take advantage of my lack of experience."
“Will it ease your mind, Tarry, if I tell you I do not live here? I have an apartment near the studio in town. I come here for the occasional weekend dinner only. One of the reasons I brought you here instead of into town is that there are several guest cottages on the ranch, on a forty-acre tract in the Malibu Canyon area. I thought you might like the space; and you can have your dogs or any of the other animals you want with you—David will bring them down. I'll have Charlie fly you into the studio each day while you're here so you don't need to worry about the traffic."
She walked to the window and stared out at the lawn, avoiding his eyes. She couldn't understand why her anger dissolved as she listened. She didn't want him to know how his generous words affected her—not yet, anyway. At least, not until she understood his true motives.
“If you prefer I'll even take you back to the mountains, although there will have to be a delay while I organize my crew and materials so we can go over the logistics of the filming with you."
“How long a delay?"
“A week, two weeks at most."
“If I said I wanted to go home today?"
He shrugged. “I've told you, Tarry, your wish is my command."
There was something in his voice that made her feel like a treasured schoolgirl. Did he think she was running away? Frightened by the big city and strange people? Did he think she was a coward? If he did, it wouldn't be too far from the truth, she decided. Though she liked the Shieldses, she couldn't be sure that her presence was not an imposition. He walked up behind her, and she felt rather than saw his hands lift toward her shoulders. They hovered above her for a moment then fell to his sides.
“I'll tell Charley to have the chopper gassed and ready.” He turned away.
“No.” He turned back. “I'll admit your methods were less than perfect. But I can't risk Charley's life again. Flying on the mountain at this time of the year is too dangerous. I'll stay for a few days, then have one of the boys take me home."
She watched his face relax and his eyes shine. He took three steps toward her and she knew he meant to hug her.
“I take it that David agreed to stay with the wolves until I returned?"
He stopped directly in front of her. “Of course, he did, and he said that your other brothers would take turns with him if it took us longer than expected."
Tarry couldn't help wondering about the logistics required in getting her scattered brothers back to the mountain but knew it was out of her hands at this point. She touched her side unconsciously. So much had happened in the space of four days that she felt disorient
ed. It was only the darkness of his faded eyes that made her believe everything that had happened was real.
“I'll do my best to make your stay as short and pleasant as possible.” Tyrone's voice was soft. “I know this has been a shock to you, but sometimes it takes a shock to wake a person up. I never meant to hurt you, or the things you love, Tarry. I plan to make it up to you."
He was doing his best to apologize. She didn't doubt in the least that he would do it to.
“I know I've been unpleasant since we met, Tyrone, but I don't feel that I can truly be blamed entirely for it.” She could feel heat come into her face as she made an effort to apologize for her behavior. She swallowed as she went on, trying to tactfully find out his motives. “I can't believe your film justifies this type of generosity, though."
“Normally, I would say it doesn't, and that you've acted like a rather defensive spoiled brat; but I understand, believe it or not, how much of a shock I've been to you. Besides, I've already told you I find you desirable, and I'm betting on that attraction to make this film my very best."
She shook her head as she absorbed his words. He was incredible, she decided as he smiled at her. If only she had more experience with other men she might know how to respond, but she didn't. He reached out and touched her face, a feathery caress against her cheek. He was right about one thing, though, she admitted this time. There was a definite chemistry between them. It made her nerves raw and her heart pound.
“I've the script in my office here. Would you like to go over it now or rest a bit before looking at it?"
“Of course, I want to see it.” She immediately straightened and smiled at him, pushing the seductive moment from her mind until she was alone again.
The tension seemed to disappear as he led the way to a room behind the library.
Chapter Six
Tarralee's first encounter with the movie people made her realize they were just people like herself. Tyrone took her into the studio the following morning to meet his technical crew. There were fourteen men and women, dressed in jeans and work clothes. She shook hands with each of them, amazed at their warm welcome.
Jason Hess, Tyrone's leading set designer, was obviously pleased that Tyrone had found the expert he needed so he could get on with his work.
“Tarry.” He shook her hand energetically as he eyed her from under bushy brows. “You're a bit smaller than I had envisioned, but if wild animals don't intimidate you then I expect the back lots of a studio won't even faze you. Come look at the sled and rigging we've fashioned for the sound stage and tell me if it's realistic."
It came as a shock that this man and the others accepted her with little or no question. Three weeks flew by as she became completely caught up in Tyrone's world. She would have never thought she could find it all so intriguing, so demanding, or so much fun.
Each morning Charley arrived at the ranch house to fly her to the studio. When she arrived at nine, Tyrone and his assistant, Marion Norton, had been at work for at least two hours. Tyrone always greeted her with a cup of tea, then they would spend minutes or hours talking with the crew, going over the production, revising the script or set. During this time she was mostly an observer, watching the creative process in wonder. Later, there were sets to design for the actors, voice-over narrators and bit actors to be interviewed or hired, changes in the script and a million and one things to keep Tyrone busy and her following in his shadow.
He did nothing while on or off the set to embarrass her once they had come to terms after her dramatic flight to his family's home, but often she caught his eyes on her as she talked or worked with the crew. She had no idea, as the long hours of close work continued, how her gentle nature completely overshadowed her angry antagonism during those first days with him. It was only when she caught him watching her that she knew the effort it took for him to maintain a professional distance between them.
He seemed to thrive on work, though, and his creative genius became apparent as she watched him in action. He rarely had time to sit and discuss any of the changes she wanted made in the script. It was Marion who questioned her changes, asserting her role as assistant director until Tyrone would skim the changes briefly, accept them and disappear. Tarry was at first astounded at how involved he became in a project. Apparently, he ate, slept and dreamed the work while on his feet, since he was at the studio at least seventeen hours a day.
After her initial corrections were accepted, she began to feel like a fifth wheel, but that was ridiculous, she knew. Tyrone was a workaholic driven by a passion that only he could understand. She watched him with the people on the crew and knew they liked and respected him, stood in awe of him, as he managed to keep track of everything and everyone. Marion seemed to shelter him from the wave of calls and the groups that arrived each day on scheduled tours. She was his right hand, and it was obvious she adored him.
The woman's closeness to him was an accepted fact by the crew; it was only Tarry who found it difficult. She didn't like her, and she wasn't sure why. Marion was pretty, wore heavy makeup and tight clothes that brought attention to her generous curves and obviously was well-versed in Tyrone's work habits. After all, he couldn't do everything by himself, Tarry told herself as she watched them discuss a schedule change. As it was, he was so intensely involved in his work that she felt ignored.
But as the days went on she understood he was not purposely ignoring her, for he never ignored anyone. He just didn't have the time to give her special treatment, although whenever their eyes met she recognized the flare in his and it made her knees weak.
Without realizing it, she was making a good impression on the workers. She set about learning each job and the function so she could understand the final product. She made fast friends with Jason, enjoying his earthy sense of humor and laid-back style. He was equally intrigued by her work.
“Now, you're telling me that a four-hundred-pound bear is to be treed by five wolves. The first object is to make the tree look like a tree and to make it sturdy enough to support the bear."
“That's right, Jason. You don't know Torpon, either—he plays with tree limbs like matchsticks. He'll enjoy destroying your pretty creations.” She enjoyed herself immensely as Jason's eyes widened.
“Good God, woman, I thought you said the bear was as docile as a kitten. Tarry, you're insane. Have you told Ty you're planning to be in this tree with Torpon?"
She laughed. “Torpon wouldn't hurt me. He thinks I'm his mother. Bears never kill their mothers, Jason."
“His mother? Now I know you're deranged. How on earth did you ever become the mother of a four-hundred-pound black bear?"
“He was orphaned when he was only a few weeks old. I took him in and raised him. Played with him, trained him. He trusts me."
“Of course, he trusts you. But can you trust him? One swipe of his mighty paw and you could be a goner.” Jason shook his head.
“I'm cautious, too. I've learned I have to be, since I live alone."
“On top of a mountain, at that. Well, no one can say you aren't a feisty lady, with your own brand of independence. It must make Tyrone's collar hot. He's always seemed to prefer the vacillating type,” Jason stated, surprising her.
Tarry was puzzled by the comment. Tyrone was too busy to have a woman hanging over him, yet possibly in his spare time he did prefer the flighty type—no commitment necessary with women like that, she supposed. Belatedly, she realized that Jason might think she was Tyrone's latest fling. It annoyed her.
“We're only partners in this project, Jason, nothing more or less."
Jason eyed her skeptically. “Well, I'll take your word for it, Tarry, although...” His pause made her nerves tighten. “If that's true, how would you like to go to a party with me tonight? I wouldn't mind driving you home afterward. Just tell me where I should pick you up."
Tarry was thrown by his intense look. She liked Jason, but she hoped he hadn't read more into her interest than was there.
But why s
houldn't she accept his invitation? She had worked hard during the past weeks, and there hadn't been time to relax and enjoy herself. What harm could it do?
Jason watched as she made up her mind. He almost glowed when she accepted. He had forgotten completely about his work, and when Tyrone coughed behind them he jumped and guiltily dropped the hammer he had been holding.
“How's the set coming, Jason?"
Jason looked quickly at the waiting pile of wood and silent hammer. “Be done with this part by next week, boss. ‘Till tonight, Tarry.” He tipped his finger at his hairline as he turned his back on her and set to work.
Tarry could not hide the smile that touched her lips, but as she met Tyrone's faded glance she felt a shock. She could tell he was annoyed she had been distracting his foreman. Guiltily, she backed away, meaning to disappear into the milling set people.
“Tarralee, can I talk with you—alone, please?"
She nodded shyly, realizing this was the first time she would be alone with him since arriving in LA She had wondered several times if he had managed it on purpose; or if, in fact, he was so busy there just hadn't been an opportunity. At the ranch, they were always surrounded by his family; at work, by the workers. In the evenings she followed Gary as he helped tend the horses and other barn animals. In the quiet of the evening she played chess with Mr. Shields or Linda. The few evenings Tyrone had been at the ranch, he spent his time with his father discussing business. Now, as she followed him, she was curious what could be on his mind.
They went to his office in the back of the studio. He folded his arms over his work shirt as he sat, his eyelids covering his eyes.
“It's Friday,” he informed her solemnly. “Three weeks ago today, I forced you to come to LA You seem to have taken everything since in your stride. You're quite adaptable. I admire that."
