High-Stakes Inheritance

by Susan Sleeman

  She nodded. “Any idea of who’d want me to leave town this badly?”

  David ran a hand through thick hair gleaming with some sort of product and leaving behind little tufts standing at attention. “I guess if you’re looking for someone who would profit from your leaving, it would be me.” A sincere smile curled his lips. “But I really meant it when I said you deserve Pinetree. So I hope you don’t think I’d do something like this.”

  Mia wanted to return the smile but he looked so much like their father she couldn’t bring herself to follow through. But it did help her gather the courage to continue. “I was kind of wondering if Dad might’ve done this.”

  His back straightened. “Dad? No way! How could you even think that?”

  “He’s never made it a secret of the fact that I embarrass him. Seems like he’d be happy if I didn’t stay around here and sully his reputation more.”

  “That’s crazy.”

  “Wait, there’s more,” Mia said. “This morning I received a package with a second warning. The box contained a fake severed hand, and my old charm bracelet. I haven’t seen that bracelet since before Mom died and suddenly it appears on the wrist of a severed hand.”

  David’s face drained of color. “So where did it come from?”

  “That’s the thing…I don’t know. Wally was supposed to get rid of the bracelet when he cleaned out our house in Atlanta, but he must have kept it. Then someone got a hold of it. Someone who knew how much it meant to me and used it to scare me.”

  “And you think Dad did this?”

  “I don’t want to, but who else knew how much the memories would hurt me?”

  David sat in silence, his eyes distant.

  “Think about it, David. Dad is the logical choice.”

  “Not to me he’s not,” David said, his voice vehement. “Look, Mia, I know the two of you didn’t get along, but after my girls were born, he talked to me about the mistakes he made with you and told me how sorry he is about it.”

  “Then why didn’t he try to contact me?”

  “He didn’t think you’d take his call.”

  “That’s a lame excuse.” Anger coursed through her over the thought of so many wasted years, and she shot to her feet. “I refuse to believe he wanted to make up with me and then didn’t even try. I have to proceed by thinking he’s behind it.”

  David frowned and let his eyes linger on hers. “You do what you have to do, Mia, but please don’t tell Dad you think he did this.” He rose and handed her the letter. “He’s already hesitant when it comes to reconciling with you, and he may never try if you accuse him of something this horrible.”

  Mia slipped the letter back into her purse and said goodbye. She’d be more than happy to entertain David’s advice, but after her conversation with their father at the hospital, the irreversible damage had already been done.

  TWELVE

  Nearing the end of the Wilderness Ways orientation with Mia, Ryan leaned over her shoulder. The sweet aroma of her perfume drifted upward as if inviting him to move closer as it had for the last few hours. Or was it the memory of her stricken expression after speaking with David that enticed him to hold her close?

  Didn’t matter. He couldn’t succumb. Not as long as her life was in danger. Maybe never.

  He needed to remove the temptation and put some space between them.

  He moved to the other end of the table and then perched on the corner. “That last form is a release for the documentary.”

  “What documentary?” She glanced up at him then back at the paper.

  “I thought I’d told you about that.”

  “No.” She sat back and peered up at him.

  “With increased cuts in funding, I need to find new revenue sources to keep the program running. I hired a documentary crew to film this session so I can use it in fundraising. Not the private counseling times, but group and wilderness activities.” He shrugged. “You probably won’t end up on tape, but we need your permission just in case.”

  “Fine by me.” She turned back to the form and trailed a finger down the page as she read.

  He studied the top of her head. He’d loved her riotous red hair in high school and wished she hadn’t changed it. The natural color reminded him that a temper matching the fiery color lurked inside of her and she was known to let it fly at times. Much the same way she had with him since she’d arrived. More than that, though, the memory of how easy it was to slide his fingers into the tangles and draw her close for a kiss pounded his brain.

  He lurched to his feet and went to the other side of the table. This line of thinking was unacceptable. He needed something solid between them. Not that Mia noticed him at all. She scribbled her name on a form then turned to the next set of documents.

  Her cell lying on the table vibrated, drawing her head up.

  “David,” she said. “Mind if I take this?”

  “Go ahead.” Ryan went to the window to find something to look at other than her. He listened to her side of the conversation. Apparently, David was inviting her to dinner tonight and she was trying to wiggle out of it.

  Ryan opened the blinds and peered over the lake. Sharp explosive cracks shot through the air in the distance. Probably teens playing with firecrackers. These fireworks were illegal in Oregon, but that didn’t stop people from firing them off any more than his determination not to get involved with Mia had tamped down the fireworks between them.

  As her resigned tone caught his attention, he turned to look at her.

  She massaged her forehead and sighed. “Let me check with Ryan.”

  “David wants me to meet him for dinner at six. Will we be done in time?” Ryan nodded.

  “I can come,” she said into the phone followed by another sigh. She listened for a few moments, her eyes closing like clenched fists then reopening before she handed the cell to Ryan. “He wants to talk to you.”

  Eyes searching hers for a clue as to what David might want, Ryan took the phone. “David.”

  “With all the crazy things happening around there, I’m concerned about Mia being out at night by herself. Would you be willing to come to dinner with her?”

  Ryan suppressed a groan. With the sudden wave of emotions still fresh in his mind, he didn’t need to be in her company for more time than absolutely necessary. “I’m not sure that’s such a good idea.”

  “I’d come pick her up myself, but I have a late appointment. Who knows what could happen if she was out at night alone.”

  David was right. Ryan couldn’t let Mia go off on her own tonight. He’d let Cara do that and she died. He wouldn’t risk Mia’s life, too.

  Gaze locked with Ryan’s, Mia took the phone from him. Raw emotions flashed in his eyes, and his breathing had deepened. She wanted to question David about what had transpired during their brief conversation, but wouldn’t do so with Ryan standing nearby.

  She finished her conversation with David and returned her phone to the table. “So you’re going to dinner tonight, too?”

  His head bobbed in a clipped nod then he looked at the clock. “Time for your session. I’ll get Eddie for you.” Ryan met her eyes with a lingering stare then took off for the door.

  What was with that last look? Was he upset because he didn’t want to go to David’s tonight? Or did seeing her in danger remind him of Cara?

  His guilt and pain over Cara might be behind his fluctuating behavior, but Mia couldn’t change that, even if she understood his motives. She should tell him to forget dinner tonight, but selfishly she was hoping he’d help break the ice with David.

  She clenched and relaxed her hands to ease out tension. This relationship was far too complicated and too personal. They promised to work together as professionals, but after a few hours on the job, that possibility was waning fast.

  But she couldn’t let down Eddie and the other students. She’d simply have to make sure she and Ryan kept things strictly businesslike. Her mind reeling, she decided to stretch her legs and
get some fresh air so she wasn’t tense and closed down for Eddie.

  She left the office and entered the main room of the rec center. She searched the room for Ryan and Eddie. Instead, she spotted her father and a nurse talking near medical screens set up in the corner. Her steps faltered as she studied him. Ryan told her a doctor performed a brief physical on the students to confirm their ability to handle the extreme conditions, but he hadn’t said the doctor would be her father.

  Rattled, she resumed her steps, picking up speed. Her athletic shoes squeaked as she walked and a group of students mimicked the sound drawing attention to the noise. She glanced at her father. He’d spotted her. She assumed he’d ignore her, but he patted the nurses shoulder then set out in Mia’s direction. They met near the exit blocked by students and counselors filing out of the room.

  “Mia,” her father said. “I heard you were working with the students.” He spoke as if they were friends, leaving her confused.

  “I hadn’t heard the same about you.”

  “Dr. Rucker had an emergency so I’m filling in until he can get here.” He twisted a rubber band between his fingers. “This is a good thing you’re doing here, Mia. Helping these kids. I’m real proud of you.”

  Proud of her? Who was he to be proud of her after he’d ignored her for so many years? She didn’t know how to respond other than to gape at him.

  He tipped his head at the corner. “Looks like I have a student waiting on me. Keep up the good work, Mia.”

  Unsettled, she watched him cross the room. Was it possible he really did want to reconcile with her as David said? Or more likely, had he been behind all the events around here and he was trying to cover his tracks?

  The room closed in on her and she needed air. She squeezed through the remaining students at the door and crossed the lawn. Sydney, pacing and checking her watch rushed forward. She grabbed Mia’s arm then dragged her behind a stand of junipers.

  “What’s up?” Mia’s alarm rose as she studied Sydney’s tightened face.

  “I just heard you’d be working with these kids.” Sydney’s voice had a panicked edge to it. “My little sister, Nikki, hopes to major in filmmaking after high school. She’ll be shadowing the documentary staff for the next few days.”

  Why would this bother Sydney? “That’ll be a good experience for her.”

  Sydney waved a hand. “Oh, I know that, but Nikki’s kind of flighty, and I’m worried about her hanging around the kids in the program. Do you think you could keep an eye out for her and tell me if she’s getting into any trouble?”

  Mia smiled over Sydney’s concern for a little sister who sounded far tamer than Sydney ever was in high school. “I’ll be happy to do that.”

  Sydney pointed toward the driveway. “That’s her. On the sidewalk by the big guy with the camera.”

  Mia studied the pixie face with auburn hair and three pounds of eye makeup. Nikki was cute in a high school kind of way, but Sydney, wearing a navy sweater and jeans, was stunning.

  Nikki looked up, and Sydney pulled Mia deeper into the trees. “I don’t want her to see me.”

  Mia gave a solemn nod she thought Sydney’s sisterly concern deserved.

  “I also thought you might like to know that Verna hasn’t contacted the insurance company yet. You want me to call you when she does?”

  Mia appreciated Sydney looking out for her interests, but she hated to have Sydney spy for her. “Thanks, but I’ll follow up with Verna.”

  “Okay.” Sydney peeked around the trees. “Gotta go before Nikki sees me. Catch you later. And thanks.” She skittered away, staying under the cover of trees lining the driveway.

  Mia was thankful for Sydney’s drama. It took her mind off her father’s revelation long enough to regain enough composure to go back to the students. She eased out of the trees and rounded the corner while keeping an eye on the parade of students.

  Pain radiated from some faces, anger and frustration from others. Ryan stood at the end of the sidewalk deep in a discussion with a counselor. He listened with a keen interest and concerned face. He had such a heart for these students and the counselors who worked for him. She was beginning to see what a good man he’d turned out to be.

  He looked her way and offered a quick smile before turning back to his conversation. A conciliatory smile. All business as he’d promised. As she wanted.

  Then why did warmth flow through her as she studied him? He’d dressed much the same as yesterday—dark jeans frayed at the bottom, hiking boots, a deep brown suede jacket open and revealing a bright orange T-shirt, all giving him a rustic male charm that was far too attractive.

  He clapped his hand on the counselor’s back and turned to face her. Their eyes met.

  Caught watching him, her first instinct was to pull away, but his lips curled in a soft little smile bringing one to her lips and instantly chipping at her resolve to keep things professional.

  Unaware of her discomfort, he joined her and tipped his head at a scowling student. “There’s Eddie. I’ll get him.”

  Mia took in the teen with blond hair pulled back in a short ponytail and wearing oversize clothes. His untied Adidas sloshed on his feet, and his shoulders sagged as Ryan escorted the teen closer.

  His fierce glare gave her a moment of unease.

  Not like Ryan’s earlier behavior had. Thankfully, he’d put aside whatever had been on his mind and wore his professional hat as he introduced Eddie. So as she led Eddie into the building, why did she feel let down? Did she want this attraction to Ryan to go somewhere after all?

  From his position near the fire pit, Ryan saw Eddie storm down the hill from the rec center. His posture and face clearly communicated anger. Could be a good sign or bad. Depending on his reason for the anger.

  Ryan approached Eddie. “Session go okay?”

  He scowled. “Was lame. She wanted me to talk about my feelings.”

  “Good. That’s what you need to do. Get your feelings out so you can move forward.”

  “Ohh, feelings,” Eddie said, his sarcasm dripping on each word.

  “Listen, Eddie. You have to cooperate if you want to stay in this program. And that means taking the counseling sessions seriously. Go ahead and join the group, but spend some time thinking about this and decide if you really want to be here.”

  Eddie stomped off, his sloppy Adidas sending up dirt puffs. Ryan directed his gaze toward the rec center. He’d expected Mia to accompany Eddie, but she was nowhere in sight. An uneasy feeling landed in his gut. Had something happened to her or had she merely needed time to write up her counseling session with Eddie?

  The students were all actively engaged with the staff so he’d excuse himself and go check on her.

  Heading for the rec center, Ryan’s unease grew, and he broke into a jog. His cell rang and he pulled it from his belt.

  “What’s up, Russ?” he asked through uneven breaths.

  “Do you know where Mia is?” His tone was cautious. “Why?”

  “We had a report of gunshots in the area. I checked it out. Someone shot up the lodge and left another warning note for Mia.”

  “I’ll be right there,” Ryan said while upping his speed.

  Please let this end, Lord.

  He was such an idiot. Thinking the explosions he’d heard were firecrackers when someone was shooting at the lodge. At least Mia had been with him at the time so he knew she hadn’t been hurt.

  Unless of course, she headed back to the lodge after her session with Eddie and the gunman lay in wait for her.

  THIRTEEN

  In the back classroom of the rec center, Mia stared at the computer monitor. She should be typing away, documenting Eddie’s visit, but she couldn’t concentrate. Not that Eddie’s session was boring. Quite the opposite. He’d slouched in the chair across from her, a sullen expression firmly lodged on his face, his tattooed arms tightly crossed. Occasionally he’d offered a sarcastic response to her probing questions, but said nothing to give her insight into
his feelings.

  She could certainly identify with his actions. She’d behaved the same way after her mother died and her father retreated into his own world. So why couldn’t she focus on finding a way to help the teen? He certainly needed help or he was headed down a one-way street of self-destruction. And she desperately wanted to help him, so why was her mind wandering?

  She got up and bent over to touch her toes, stretching stiff muscles that she’d strained in rescuing Jessie from the fire. The fire. That was something she could focus on. Especially the terrifying minutes that had ticked by when she was trapped in the blazing barn with her thoughts consumed by her imminent death. Thoughts that continued to hover near the surface, begging to take over.

  Straightening up, she twisted her torso and swung her arms to the side. She’d been lucky. She had stiff muscles and a few gashes on her abdomen, but she was alive. Alive and embracing all of her old habits just like Ryan had said. She wanted to control everyone and everything around her.

  So what? It had served her well. It was the only way she’d endured all the pain and turmoil life continued to throw at her. Sure, after surviving a tragedy many people experienced a rebirth or change in priorities, and she hadn’t, but that didn’t mean anything. Right?

  Maybe she didn’t feel like a survivor yet and wouldn’t until the lunatic terrifying her was caught and put in jail. If he was caught.

  No. She would not think that way. She would think positively. Russ would find a clue and arrest the creep before he tried something else. Yes, that’s what he’d do. She needn’t let those reoccurring thoughts interfere with her work any longer.

  She returned to the table and set to work on Eddie’s report. Her fingers flew over the keyboard until she heard Ryan shouting her name from the main room. His tone was saturated with worry, stopping her fingers midair. Her pulse kicked up speed and she hurried to the large room to find out what had him so upset.

  Face pale, he raced across the room. “Thank goodness you’re all right.”