Legend Hunter

by Jennifer Mckenzie

  Finally, she spoke. “That’s a very good theory. If Bigfoot existed.” Her voice held no expression. “My suggestion is start south and hike north.”

  “South as in Brush Creek?” He inquired.

  She stared at him. “You’ve done your homework.”

  “Most of the sightings have been concentrated around Brush Creek and the base of Onion Mountain. You’re suggesting we start where the creature hunts and make our way north. What about the eastern slopes?”

  She shook her head. “The terrain changes dramatically the further east into the Trinities you go. The tree lines are lower and the weather is colder. If there’s anything out there, it lives on the western slopes of the Trinities.”

  “You still think this is a wild goose chase, don’t you?”

  “I do. There’s no Bigfoot,” she repeated. “There are just a lot of people with too much time on their hands.” Her tone was condescending.

  “Is that directed at me?” The right corner of his lips lifted.

  Her eyebrows rose. “If the shoe fits…”

  He nodded. “I’ve heard worse insults. Believe me, my work is very important to me, but I understand where the skeptics come from.”

  She stared at him, a strange expression on her face. It reminded him of the one he’d seen in the picture of her—wary, miserable, and resentful. Then, it disappeared and she smiled. He didn’t like that smile too much.

  “Now it’s my turn to ask questions. You don’t have a wife or a girlfriend. Why is that?”

  His eyebrows shot up. Well, he deserved it. He’d been asking painful and personal questions. “I’m not a man who stays around long.”

  “So, you’re a love ‘em and leave ‘em type.” Her tone dripped honey.

  “Trite, but as accurate as any other description of my love life. I don’t love all that many, so I don’t know if I qualify.” He was definitely amused.

  She feigned a serious expression. “Then, you don’t have much experience.”

  He frowned. “I have enough.”

  “Is that your scientific opinion?”

  His humor returned and he laughed. “I’ll have to remember to quantify my next experience.”

  “I’ll be sure to buy the next book.” Then, she seemed to remember what his next book would be. Her face tightened and she stopped talking.

  Whatever happened in her past haunted her as surely as those ghosts haunted that house in Maine.

  He was just as determined to find her ghosts.

  * * * *

  “This is where you’re getting supplies?” She waved her hand at the expensive trendy outdoors store in Arcata.

  He frowned. “I was assured this was the best place to find supplies.”

  “Yeah, if you want to throw money away.” She sighed. “Get back on the freeway and head for Eureka. There’s a better place.”

  He shrugged. “I have money. What difference does it make?”

  She pointed her finger at the surfboard laden display window. “That place isn’t going to carry a lot of the stuff we need. It’s geared toward the snowboarding college student, not for hikers.”

  Ben maneuvered the car onto Highway 101 and headed south towards Eureka. “The way you said ‘snowboarding college student’ implies you don’t think much of them.”

  She frowned. “I don’t. They come out to the Trinities and usually get their asses kicked. The only problem is my tax dollars pay to get them out.”

  “Yet, weren’t you a college student? And you never went snowboarding?” He gasped in a dramatic way and then grinned.

  She muttered under her breath. He was exasperating. “I wasn’t a foolish college student.”

  “No, you’re right. You were the perfect citizen. No drinking, no smoking, no carousing of any kind.” He shot her a quick glance. “Why was that? What were you afraid of?”

  “Nothing.” She protested, but a twinge clenched her stomach.

  “Are you sure? Maybe men scare you.” His voice held a thread of amusement, and she knew he was baiting her. “Of course, maybe you’re not into men.”

  She snorted. “Somehow, I knew that would be your conclusion. I didn’t sleep around and drink like a fish, so I must be a lesbian.”

  He smirked. “I was only speculating a possible reason. So, are you saying you are into men?”

  She smiled sweetly. “When I meet one, I’ll let you know.”

  He took one hand off the wheel and clutched his heart. “Oh! You got me.”

  She shook her head. “Idiot.”

  His smile was warm. “I’m beginning to grow on you. I can tell.”

  One side of her mouth rose involuntarily. “Like mold.”

  He grinned. “Sure. Whatever works.”

  As Kiera directed him to Humboldt Mountain Supply, she studied him carefully. He seemed so relaxed and comfortable in his own skin, as if he knew who he was and liked what he was. The turmoil that raged inside Kiera’s mind certainly wasn’t in his. Confident, calm, and funny, he exuded safety. And she instantly distrusted it. His sandy brown hair and matching brown eyes gave the impression he was friendly and safe, but Kiera’s father had that innocent look too and fooled a lot of people with it.

  And Ben Harmon would turn out to be no different.

  He parked his truck in a parking space and climbed out. She shook her head. He was dangerous in many ways. He’d invaded her property without a shot. He’d even touched her and he still had his hand. Something about him kept her off balance. She needed to keep her guard up, keep her distance.

  Part of her, though, wanted to lean on him. She squashed that thought. All he wanted was his Bigfoot story. In that, he was just like everyone else, he just had more leverage.

  Humboldt Mountain Supply was a warehouse type building filled floor to ceiling with camping equipment, clothing, and rock climbing gear. It was an explorer’s dream store. Topographical maps were filed and ready for purchase. Every type and size of hiking boot could be found there. Backpacking food, small stoves, and GPS units were packed in everywhere.

  Kiera couldn’t help breathing a sigh of pleasure as she entered the store. It had been years since she’d been in there. She’d forgotten how the excitement of an impending adventure was so intertwined with this place. Even though she was reluctant to take this trip with Ben Harmon, the familiar jump in her pulse and swift flow of blood in her veins still took her breath away. Her fingers stroked soft material with keen anticipation as she strode by a rack of polar fleece jackets.

  “Kiera!” A long-haired man came out from behind the counter with open arms.

  “Dodo!” She grinned, and Dodo wrapped her in wiry arms for a hug. “You haven’t changed a bit.” She leaned back and studied his bearded face and tie-dyed clothing. “How’s business?”

  He grinned, showing crooked teeth. “Booming. New sightings, you know. Brings out the wackos.”

  “Speaking of wackos.” She gripped Ben’s arm and yanked him towards her. “I’d like to introduce Ben Harmon.”

  “Dude! Are you kidding? I’ve read all your books.” Dodo’s muddy brown eyes shone with devotion. “You are a paranormal god around here.”

  Kiera laughed. “I thought you’d be pleased. Ben wants to take a jaunt out to Brush Creek, Dodo. Can you help us gear up?”

  “Absolutely.” The older man grinned. “So you’re finally going back out. Well, if anyone could convince you to hit the trail out there again it would be Ben Harmon.”

  “Did you know Kiera’s father?” Ben asked Dodo and Kiera froze.

  Dodo’s face shuttered. Even Kiera could hear the door slam. “Sure. I knew Doc.” He moved away. “Come this way. We’ve got some awesome new backpacking stoves.”

  Tears stung Kiera’s eyes. Even now, Dodo protected her. He knew Kiera was still bitter and angry. He didn’t know all the reasons why, but he didn’t care. Kiera was his little angel and always had been. She was so glad to see him.

  Despite the long-haired hippy look, Dodo was a
whiz at outfitting them. In forty-five minutes, he found everything they needed and encouraged Ben to try on some warmer clothes since the Trinities were cold even in May.

  When Ben was out of earshot, Dodo gripped her arm with bony fingers. “Does he know, angel?”

  She shook her head. “No. And I won’t tell him.”

  “He’s the right man.” Dodo’s gaze followed Ben’s tall form as he disappeared into a dressing room in the back.

  “How do you know?” She, too, stared at the dressing room curtain. “He’s just like all the rest. To him, it’s a story, a book.” She turned her back and yanked her arm from Dodo’s grasp. “He isn’t any different than my father, and I didn’t tell him.”

  Dodo’s stare was filled with compassion as he studied her. “No. You told me. We agreed to keep it under wraps until we found the right person to tell.”

  She whispered. “We can’t tell him. Especially now. Have you seen the media frenzy all over Willow Creek? It’s disgusting.”

  He nodded. “You never did like all that attention. Are you ever going to tell me what happened between you and Doc?”

  A lump clogged her throat and she met Dodo’s gaze. “I can’t.”

  He blinked and then nodded slowly. “I get it, angel. Listen, I’m going with you.”

  Her eyes widened. “What? Dodo, no! Not after last time. You can’t.”

  But he nodded his head firmly. “Yes. You need me.” His eyes slid to the curtain as Ben stepped out from behind it. “And you need him.” Dodo strode away from her and went to tell Ben he was going with their expedition.

  Need Ben Harmon? Dodo must have smoked too much Humboldt Green. But as her gaze met Ben’s curious one, she wondered if her old friend was right. Maybe Ben was the right person.

  That was ludicrous, no one was the right person. Even she had stumbled across the secret in an effort to prove something. Who could resist the lure of discovery and recognition?

  No. She would have to keep a close watch on Benjamin Harmon. He’d already charmed Dodo and was working on her. It wasn’t going to work.

  She hoped.

  On the way out of the store, Kiera experienced the familiar excitement of anticipation. How long had it been since she’d felt her heart race and her blood stir as she prepared for a trek into the mountains? It was a heady experience.

  And ruined by a woman in a pink suit and red lipstick.

  “You’re Ben Harmon, aren’t you?” The Pink Monster elbowed Kiera aside to get to Ben. “Amanda Amber from The Eureka Times Standard.”

  Barbie in a business suit, Amanda Amber gave Ben a brilliant smile and ignored his companions. Dodo met Kiera’s gaze and rolled his eyes.

  “Are you here to research the Bigfoot sightings?” Her pen poised over her notebook, Amanda’s cornflower blue eyes widened and blinked.

  Kiera was stunned. Did women really bat their eyelashes anymore? She shook her head. Ben was used to publicity. Kiera shunned it. As she attempted to slip around him to his truck, Ben gripped her arm.

  “I’ve got a book proposal into my publisher, but I choose to research Bigfoot’s history in the area, not the latest sightings.” He stated.

  Kiera shot him a glare and stayed still. As long as Amanda didn’t zero in on her she’d be fine. The Pink Monster smiled. “But you’ve contacted one of our most renown experts. Rupert Dowdy is known for his Bigfoot knowledge.”

  Ben frowned. “Rupert Dowdy?”

  Kiera murmured. “Dodo.”

  “Oh.” Enlightened, Ben’s eyebrows rose and he gazed at Dodo. “Rupert?”

  Dodo shrugged. “Hence the nickname, dude.”

  “Got it.”

  Barbie followed their conversation like a tennis match and pounced. “So you didn’t come here to find Mr. Dowdy?”

  “No, I came here to buy gear for my expedition.” Ben attempted to step around her. “I promise to give an interview when I get back.”

  “Is it true that Doc McConnel gave you five hundred thousand dollars to take this trip?” Amanda Amber asked him. Kiera gritted her teeth.

  “No, he did not.” Ben stated firmly, and Kiera glanced at him with a raised eyebrow.

  “But the legacy has been granted. I have a reliable source who stated the stipulations in the will for the five hundred thousand dollars have been granted to your non-profit organization.” She pressed.

  “You’d better check your facts, Ms. Amber.” Ben’s smile was predatory. “You’ll see that no money has been deposited to Harmon Investigations.

  The Pink Monster seemed uncertain. “The legacy has been granted and my source said it was to you.”

  “Your source was mistaken.” Ben strode toward the truck, his hand still wrapped around Kiera’s arm and Dodo trailing behind them.

  The reporter sidled around in front of Kiera, her eyes sharp. “What’s she doing here?”

  Kiera’s chin shot up. “Another bum steer, Amanda?”

  The woman glared at her. “Your last article published in The Northcoast Journal didn’t make a dent. Your skepticism only hurts this area.”

  “On the contrary.” Kiera smiled. “I believe preying on the gullible is a crappy way to make money. You think it’s a great way to sell papers.”

  “You and Jeremy can’t keep covering up what goes on up there,” the woman snapped.

  “Jeremy is doing his job, which is Sheriff of Humboldt County. You know that better than I do.” The words slipped out before Kiera could stop them.

  The woman smiled like a panther and Kiera braced herself. Sure enough, Amanda went for the jugular. “How is your mother these days?”

  “As well as can be expected.” Kiera didn’t allow her emotions to show.

  “It’s too bad you can’t be with her. She’s terminal, isn’t she?” Amanda clearly tried to get a reaction from her and Kiera wasn’t going to give it to her. Besides, the woman had a point, but Kiera wasn’t going to explain why she wasn’t by her mother’s hospital bed.

  “That’s it.” Ben sounded angry and both women turned their heads to stare at him. “We’re going. Dodo? You know where to meet us?”

  “I’ll be there.” Dodo smirked at Amanda.

  “Let’s go.” Ben opened the passenger door and met Kiera’s gaze as she plopped into the seat. Then, he whirled away and climbed into the driver’s side.

  Hunched in her seat, a mixture of indignation that Ben interfered, and gratitude that he had, made her head spin.

  Kiera glanced in her side mirror. Amanda was still smiling as they drove away.

  Chapter Four

  “Why don’t you tell them?” Ben demanded when Amanda was out of sight.

  She sighed. “Tell them what?”

  “Why you’re not with your mother right now and how you’ve paid for her expensive treatments for the last year.” His hands clenched on the wheel, but he kept his tone even.

  “It’s none of their business,” she snapped.

  “It seemed personal to Amanda Amber.”

  “That’s because—” Her voice broke off suddenly and her lips clamped together.

  He waited, but she wouldn’t go on. After a moment, he asked, “Does it have something to do with Jeremy? Who is Jeremy anyway?”

  “He’s a Humboldt County Sheriff and my friend.” Her chin rose and she kept her gaze forward.

  “What’s he to Amanda?” He had certainly heard something there, something personal for both the reporter and Kiera.

  “I have no idea,” she said with a shrug and he knew she was lying.

  Ben didn’t try and break the ensuing silence in the truck on the way back to Willow Creek. The confrontation with the reporter had disturbed him but so far, that was the only hitch in a precarious plan. Unraveling the mystery of Kiera McConnel hadn’t been boring so far.

  “I’m hungry.”

  She startled Ben out of his thoughts.

  “We’ll eat at Laugherty’s,” he told her.

  She cleared her throat. “Dodo was thrilled t
o meet you.”

  “Who is Dodo?” he asked.

  “He’s an old family friend.” Warmth colored her voice. “He got me my job with the Park Service.”

  “Oh?”

  Kiera glared at him. “Yes. He had contacts and helped me get an interview. I had to do the rest.”

  “Didn’t your father have the same contacts?”

  She pressed her lips together and refused to answer that question.

  Ben sighed. “You wouldn’t let your father help you.” It was a statement, not a question.

  “He wouldn’t have helped me anyway.” She gazed out the window and her tone dripped bitterness “My father wrote me off when I went into media arts instead of anthropology or something else that would be useful to him.” She snorted. “When I left, he told me to paint my pretty pictures and see how much fame that would get me.”

  “I take it he was drunk when he said it.”

  “Stinking.”

  “So, you went into media arts. Why the Park Service?”

  She glanced away and shifted in her seat. “Why not?”

  His laugh was short. “Well, that’s an answer.”

  She frowned. “I don’t know you. I’m helping you with your Bigfoot expedition. I didn’t sign on to tell you my life story. It’s not personal.”

  He winced. “I see.” He needed to watch his step with her or he could get very personal with her.

  * * * *

  Laugherty’s Bar and Grill was just at the eastern edge of Willow Creek. It was the biggest bar for fifty miles and a common meeting place for most residents. A landmark, the locals could reference anything to the place.

  From the outside, it resembled a nice restaurant with a log cabin structure and a wooden sign that marked the entrance. Most tourists were deceived by the façade and the dinner menu posted outside the burgundy door. Inside, the booths and dim lighting hid the sawdust and expressions of distrust on every patron’s face.

  It had been years since Kiera had seen the inside of Laugherty’s. As a child, her father frequented the bar, telling stories and hooking tourists. He would sneak her in with him and depend on her to get him home when he’d had too much to drink. The memories here were a mixture of excitement, exasperation, and disappointment. Her chest tightened. Nothing had changed here.