A Box Full of Trouble

by Carolyn Haines

  Carlee stalked away, leaving Avery to stare after her a moment. She glanced back at Jake Everett and almost apologized before deciding Carlee was right. He hadn’t been man enough to call her and give her a chance to explain or deny. “If you plan to finish the job, be here first thing tomorrow and every day after until it’s done. The first day I don’t see you and you don’t call and say why, I give the job to someone else and they get the rest of the money.”

  Carlee was crying without making a sound when Avery reached the truck and climbed behind the wheel. “I’m sorry.”

  “Carlee, you have nothing to apologize for, and no, you won’t pay this Mr. Sykes. I’m going to take the man a copy of the notice my attorney put in the paper when I was granted a legal separation. He can go after Craig for the money if he wants to. Neither you nor I are responsible. And if I never see another man, it will be too soon,” she smiled a little and added, “except Tucker.” Then she started the engine and put the truck in drive. “Now let’s go saddle up.”

  * * *

  All of the things Avery wouldn’t say to Carlee were spinning through her mind as she drove back toward the barns. What Craig had done made no sense. What on earth would he do with posts and lumber? He could have absolutely no use for fence material.

  As if reading her mind, Carlee said. “He sold it. Probably had someone - probably whoever picked it up - ready and willing to pay a fraction of what it’s worth. Quick cash. Damn it!” Carlee’s clenched fist pounded her thigh and she repeated with even more emphasis, “Damn it!”

  Avery gave her stepdaughter a quick glance and sighed at the expression on her face.

  “You don’t own this, Carlee, and neither do I.”

  “He’s my dad.”

  “And I was his wife. Doesn’t make us responsible.”

  Carlee smiled ever so slightly. “Doesn’t make us ‘dumb as dirt’ as Misters Sykes and Everett either.”

  “Exactly right. Now let’s just give all of this a rest and enjoy the rest of our day, okay?”

  The tension in Carlee’s shoulders eased visibly. “Yeah. Let’s.”

  * * *

  I really do not like that Ms. Gorgeous and Carlee are out alone and it’s more than clear that Mr. Military isn’t any happier about it than I am. He watched with a scowl as they rode out on some singularly large horses. They are not feisty equines, it’s true, just large. In fact, the one Ms. Gorgeous calls Jack, the one she saddled, is a gentle creature, but still they’ve been gone some time now and Mr. Military is almost making me nervous with his stalking about as he watches the horizon for their return.

  The sun is getting low along the horizon and while the clouds are a glorious crimson as if lit from within, that gorgeous sunset isn’t what is holding Mr. Military’s attention any more than it is mine.

  Although I’ve heard a coyote or two and even a wild cat of some sort, it’s not four-legged creatures that concern me. There is evil afoot here. It’s fortunate that I noted a shotgun slid into the leather scabbard on Carlee’s saddle. No doubt she’s as excellent a shot as she is an equestrian or she wouldn’t bother with the weaponry but that is only a small consolation. One must wonder if she could shoot her own father if he proves to be the one behind the evil happenings.

  I do acknowledge it’s doubtful he poses any physical threat. I believe that threat comes from men he has made very, very angry.

  At last, they’re making their way over that last hill. And not a moment too soon as the sun is slipping farther and farther and the shadows are deepening. Perhaps the equine have vision as excellent as mine but I prefer not to have Ms. Gorgeous’ safety hanging on that possibility.

  * * *

  “Trouble, that is one hard-headed woman.” Dirks propped a foot on the lower rung of a paddock and watched as Avery and Carlee rode into the barn and began the task of unsaddling and grooming.

  Carlee had acknowledged his presence with a quiet greeting as they’d passed by him. Avery had simply given him a cool glance which had Carlee studying her curiously.

  Dirks bided his time until they were finished with their mounts, then gave a hand as they, with Leanne and Tucker, fed and hayed the horses. Whether that helping hand was wanted or not, he couldn’t have said and didn’t much care. If Avery had said anything to the others about their conversation at lunch, he couldn’t tell. The three of them acted the same as they always had, comfortable in his presence, accepting he was there and not likely to go away until his investigation was finished. Only Avery continued to give him a chilly shoulder. She wasn’t blatant about it. But he knew.

  When everything was done that needed to be, he fell into step beside her as she walked back to her house. Carlee had stayed behind, talking with Tucker about one of the two year olds he thought might be ready for some additional handling. Dirks had learned that all of the youngsters knew how to lead and would allow themselves to be brushed and combed by the time they were two-year-olds and none would be ridden until they were three but it seemed there was plenty for them to learn in between the leading and the riding.

  Avery didn’t acknowledge his presence. Dirks didn’t bother to speak. He didn’t need to remind her that he strode close at her side. She knew perfectly well he was there.

  It wasn’t until they reached the door that she stopped and turned back to him. “Go away.”

  “You’re just putting off a conversation that’s going to be had.”

  “It’s not going to be had tonight. I’m tired and I’m not going to talk to you now so go away.”

  Dirks sighed. “I’m not the bad guy, Avery.”

  “You’re not the good guy, either.” It was a stark reminder of his purpose in her life.

  Dirks didn’t try to stop her as she went inside and closed the door firmly behind her. “Damn it,” he said softly. He turned to go and nearly stumbled over Trouble who was sitting at his feet staring up at him with what seemed to be an accusatory expression.

  Dirks gave a grunt and stepped around him. Tomorrow, Avery would have to talk with him. The only problem was Dirks didn’t have a clue what he was going to say to her.

  Chapter Twelve

  Avery woke feeling heavy-lidded and weighted down. Somewhere in her dreams she’d lost the peace of mind she’d gained by the simple act of riding with Carlee along the slopes and ridges of the valley. She had been invigorated by their discussion of future plans for Summer Valley and possible expansions of existing programs. Unfortunately, Avery could no longer put aside the reality that she was being investigated for fraud by the government. It was a reality she had not shared with Carlee. In one sense, they were truly partners, but in another they would always have that mother-daughter relationship. Avery saw no need to distress Carlee more than she already was just as she suspected Carlee had shielded Avery from some of the uglier things her father had said over the course of their separation and divorce.

  Sighing at the inevitable, she dressed and found her boots. She’d send Dirks the usual text about coffee and breakfast but if he stayed more than another day or two, she planned to purchase a coffee pot and cookware for his bungalow. She wished she’d done that already because she definitely did not feel like facing whatever he felt he needed to say to her. On a whim, she grabbed her own coffee before she hit send and headed out to the barn. It was an evasion tactic but she felt entitled all things considered.

  The air had that slight morning coolness which she knew would dissipate as soon as the sun hit the tree line. Still, she enjoyed it while she could, settling in one of the canvas chairs they kept throughout the barns for just such moments as this, at the beginning or end of a busy day. Jack thrust his head over the stall door and nickered at her as she stretched her legs and crossed them at the ankles in front of her.

  “Good morning to you, too,” she said softly.

  As he nickered again, more urgently, she chuckled. “I’m going to finish this cup of coffee then check the chalkboard but I suspect you’ve all been fed.”

&n
bsp; “You’re right, he has,” Leanne said stepping around the corner, “but that won’t stop him from begging.”

  Some horses would quit eating when they were full, some would eat and then eat again if they could and, just like the consequences of the wrong feed or poor quality feed, overfeeding could be devastating. Colic or founder too often ended in death. Founder could leave a horse crippled and in a lifetime of pain which was why her crew was extremely careful to check and double-check on feeding before covering someone else’s barn.

  And Jack was in Leanne’s barn because he, of all of the horses, had the strongest affinity for those wounded in mind as well as body. That characteristic passed down to his offspring was a large part of what had made Summer Valley Ranch successful in the art and practice of equine therapy. And that was where Avery’s heart had turned and she knew it was where it would remain. She could have made a comfortably good living providing nothing but riding lessons for youngsters but that first foster child, abused physically and mentally, had set her and Jack on a different course.

  It had taken time to build their clientele, to vet riding instructors with other facilities, until she could successfully, confidently, refer those happy, healthy children and adults who simply wanted the opportunity to learn to ride. Now, so many physicians and counselors referred patients to her, she couldn’t take all of them without another barn filled with horses that were suited to the task. Someday, hopefully soon, she’d have that. Meanwhile, she managed to find a way to take the ones that seemed to need her most, conferring with the referring professional, reading through summaries of treatment released to her by the patient or their primary caregiver.

  Avery looked up from her reverie to find Leanne still standing and watching her. She tilted her head in silent question.

  “You don’t look like you slept well,” Leanne said bluntly.

  “I know.” No point in denying the fact. She’d seen for herself the shadows under her eyes as she’d combed her hair and pulled it through a ball cap.

  “Anything I can do to help.”

  “Shoot me.”

  “Well, now that would solve everything.” Leanne’s tone was dry.

  Avery chuckled. “Sorry. Just tired of dealing with the mess I made of my life. But I’m off my pity pot. I’ve got a couple of clients this morning but there’s something I need to take care of later. I’ll let you know when I head out.”

  “Do you need me or Tuck to go with you?”

  Leanne had asked the question with studied carelessness but she appeared troubled and Avery realized it was a look she was seeing too often.

  “No, just a paperwork issue I’ve got to take care of.”

  “Something you’re not letting Carlee handle?”

  Avery realized her light explanation had done nothing to erase Leanne’s troubled expression. Paperwork was Carlee’s venue and they all knew it.

  “Carlee’s got a full plate. It’s end of month close-out and she mentioned a trip into town to pick up a few bales of alfalfa until our shipment arrives. Besides, the worst of this trip is the drive time out by Jackson’s Gap.” That was pretty much a flat-out lie but Avery considered it a necessary one. There was no danger in what she was doing or where she was going, just an unpleasantness that was hers, not Carlee’s, to manage.

  Leanne didn’t look entirely convinced but she nodded and turned to go. After a few steps, she glanced back over her shoulder at Avery, her expression almost fierce in its intensity. “And you didn’t make a mess of your life, Avery. You fell in love and you trusted a man who wasn’t deserving of either your love or your trust but that’s on him – not you.”

  Avery watched Leanne stride away and sighed. She appreciated the sentiment but suspected she should have been wise enough to discern that Craig wasn’t the man she thought him to be at the start. Clearly, her judgement hadn’t been what it should have, not then and - apparently - not now. Her attraction to Dirks was assuredly ill-advised. A man who would dig until he decided whether or not she was guilty and too bad if the verdict wasn’t a good one for her. Nope, her judgement wasn’t to be trusted at all, not where men were concerned.

  “At least not human males, right, Jack?” She rose to scratch lightly behind his ears then walked out into the heat of the morning. It was time to start her day. She returned to the house, ready to deal with Dirks once and for all, but, judging by the nearly full pot, he’d decided to ignore her routine offer of coffee and the use of her kitchen. Wise man.

  * * *

  Dirks had decided to steer clear of Avery though the ping as her text came through tugged at him on a visceral level. Reluctantly, he’d set the phone aside without answering. A trail bar and bottle of water would have to suffice. Avery needed a cooling off period. He did, too, but not for the same reasons. He’d been on his laptop half the night, digging deeper and deeper into the past and present of Craig Danson, and he’d resumed that search long before getting Avery’s text.

  Her ex was a piece of work for sure. On the surface, he was a man in debt up to his eyeballs with all the typical trappings of that status. Gas card limit maxed out, hefty credit card balances for the most expensive men’s clothing and liquor stores, a bank note he had no apparent means of paying for the exact amount of the deposit he’d made on a ritzy apartment the day after Avery’s divorce was granted.

  Below the surface was an uglier story. Avery had mentioned ‘high flyer’ when talking with Farley the day before. It wasn’t all that difficult for Dirks to delve into the local casino’s financial records. What he found made him wince. Craig liked to play blackjack for some pretty high stakes and he didn’t win very often. But Dirks knew perfectly well that what was recorded was the tip of an iceberg laden with ‘chips across the table’ depths. The casino seemed legit in their record-keeping but there were ways for less than honest players to keep cash exchanges out of sight and off the record.

  Dirks hadn’t had much reason to investigate gamblers before but he knew someone who would have. He noted a couple of the names and shot off a quick e-mail to Trey Hyatt before collecting his truck keys, sunglasses and cap from the small table that stood near the door. He made the trip into town at a casual speed, his thoughts divided between the road ahead, his investigation, and his feelings for Avery. Heading straight to one end of the tree-lined street in front of the courthouse, he stepped out of the truck knowing that his boots and jeans were sufficiently worn that he wouldn’t stand out from any other citizen with business in town.

  He didn’t expect to have any new insight but, as he walked, his gaze scanned both sides of the street. There were numerous places a man could have waited in the dusk and taken an easy shot, before disappearing without notice.

  Dirks reached the spot Avery’s truck had been parked but walked past without hesitating. There was nothing to see there now and his morning stroll hadn’t revealed anything that he didn’t already know.

  The diner he’d spotted on his initial trip into town was bustling as he stepped inside. Noting the sign which had been turned from Please Wait to Be Seated to Take a Seat, he made his way to a booth near the back.

  A waitress with neatly pinned hair slid him a one-page laminated menu. “Good morning. What can I get you to drink?”

  “Just coffee, please.”

  “Do you know what you want or do you need a few minutes?”

  Dirks flipped the menu over from the lunch selections to the breakfast items on the back. “You can add a BLT to that coffee.”

  “You got it,” she said with a quick smile as he handed the menu back to her.

  The coffee was strong, the bacon crispy, and the waitress wasn’t nosey so Dirks enjoyed the meal. He was on his second cup of coffee when his phone alerted him of incoming mail. It was a two-lined response to his earlier query. “These are not people you want to take out to dinner. File to follow.”

  With a sigh, Dirks finished his coffee, paid his bill, and retrieved his cap from the bench beside him. He’d read the fi
le Trey sent on his laptop when it came through but he didn’t need it to know Danson had brought a pile of bad down on everyone around him.

  Still leaving his truck where he’d parked it, he walked the short distance farther to the sheriff’s office. Farley was stepping out onto the sidewalk and stopped when he saw Dirks. He pushed his hat back a little further on his head and acknowledged Dirks with an unsmiling nod.

  Dirks felt sure the sheriff wasn’t a fan of his after whatever Avery had told him yesterday but he didn’t much care and didn’t bother with niceties. “Are you keeping an eye on Danson?”

  “I pretty much keep an eye on everything and everyone in my town.” Farley’s tone was mild, a lot milder than the hard gleam in his eyes.

  “Well, someone sure seems to be getting by you on their way to Avery’s place pretty often.”

  Farley rubbed the back of his neck and looked down at the sidewalk a minute before looking back at Dirks. “Hanna, if you want a fight, I can give you one, but I don’t think it will help anything that’s going on out there. I’m madder at myself than you are about that and if I had to guess, I’d say it’s about the same with you.”

  Dirks took a deep breath and let the tension slide from his shoulders. “Yeah. I want to take a punch at somebody right now but I reckon it’s not you. I’ve got a friend taking a hard look at the men Danson’s been mixing with at the casino. I’d like to hear what you know.”