by Lakes, Lynde
His words sounded stiff, quite British with overtones of Maori machismo. She stared at him, respecting his pride yet resenting his tone.
The land grabber who had cheated her mother and step dad waited somewhere out there, and she felt sure this case would lead her to him. She wouldn’t rest until the scum was behind bars where he belonged. Besides, she had to prove to Rad that she could handle this job. Why that had become important, she didn’t know; she only knew she was in to the end.
“Just in case the person shooting at us is still out there,” he said, “we’d better make a run for the truck.”
The strong grip of Rad’s rough, work-hardened hand gave Toni a sense of unity as he pulled her along, zig-zagging down the hill.
Every step sent throbs of pain through her shoulder, but she gritted her teeth and remained silent. With gun drawn, she scanned the hillsides and rock formations, unwilling to let the sniper catch them off guard again. Even after they were inside the truck and on their way back to the house, Toni couldn’t relax. She darted glances at the side mirror.
The station was too large to cover alone. She had Chuck as back up, but she needed him at the office, continuing the research and follow-up. The rest of her staff was busy on other cases. Maybe if she came up with something tangible, like fingerprints, the constable would assign at least one man to patrol the station. In the meantime, she had to quickly find and follow every lead because the longer it took her to uncover the rustler’s identity, the greater the danger.
“Are you all right?” Rad’s voice had gentled.
She studied his profile with its high forehead, smoothly etched nose and strong chin.
“Fine.”
“Honestly?” he asked, glancing at her.
She forced a smile and nodded. His way of looking at her, as if he was looking with his heart, touched her. Beneath his reserved, tough guy behavior was a kind, gentle man. He had revealed it when he had spent the night close to her bed, and she saw it now.
“The sniper interrupted our conversation. What was the clue you found?”
Toni slipped on her plastic glove and removed the gemstone from the evidence bag. She opened her hand, displaying it.
“Greenstone?” His laugh came out a scoff. “That’s it? Greenstone here is as common as grazing grass after the rainy season. That, Miss Conners, is no clue.” He shook his head.
“Wait’ll the lab boys look at it for fingerprints before you rule it out.”
“And if it’s wiped clean?”
“Somewhere in the last few days I saw a belt buckle with a gemstone like that. If I find the person with a missing stone, I’ve found a suspect.”
“Before you hunt for your grain of sand in a mud pool, I suggest you let Doctor James look at your wound.”
Toni heard the crunch of gravel as he pulled into the driveway behind the ranch house. “I told you it’s just a graze. I’ll take care of it,” she said and hopped out of the truck, pressing her lips tightly together against the jolt that shot pain through her.
Five of Rad’s dogs came loping around the corner. Her heart-rate increased. She ran as hard as she could for the door, glancing back once to see if they were on her heels. It was a relief to see that they had surrounded Rad. They were leaping up on him. He hugged and talked to them as if they were his children.
She didn’t slow down.
Once safely inside her bedroom, Toni leaned against the closed door and caught her breath, holding her arm to ease the pain. The running had increased the throbbing.
After a moment, she unlocked her equipment drawer and withdrew an envelope already addressed to a laboratory in Auckland. Small communities like Rotorua didn’t have the investigative capabilities of Auckland. She marked rush on the outside of the envelope.
Feeling sore, gritty, and needing to cleanse her wound, she undressed and stepped into the shower. The warm water felt soothing, but she was careful not to allow it to flow directly on the wound.
She frowned at the bleeding graze. Her new injury gave fuel to Rad’s false belief that she wasn’t up to the assignment. It was her brain, not her brawn, that made her successful as a detective. Rad was too intelligent not to realize that.
Toni sighed. This dashing sheepman was a complex hunk-of-humanity; whether angry or concerned, his passions ran high. It was refreshing to meet someone with such strong feelings. Too bad she had to challenge him constantly just to do her job.
She suspected that Rutene and Kama were murdered because they had caught the rustlers in the act. Maybe Kama’s brother could tell her something to shed some light on this.
The rustlers might even work on this station. At this point, anyone could be in on the scheme. She needed to see Rad’s employee files. Would he give his okay willingly or fight her on that, too?
Toni had just come out of the bathroom when she heard a tap on her bedroom door. “Come in.”
“Excuse me, Toa Mumu,” Tukaha said, “but the boss asked me to take a look at your bullet wound.”
The old man’s back curved slightly, and he had a concerned look on his dark, weathered face. He carried a wooden tray loaded with sundry items: a steaming white cloth, bandages, and a large stone with the center carved out like a bowl. The pasty brown substance inside the stone bowl smelled foul.
“It’s just a graze, Tukaha.” She lifted the wash cloth she’d placed over it to show him.
His smile showed the gap in his front teeth. “Glad to hear that.” He came toward her. “But the boss told me to tell you that either I fix it, or he will come do it.”
She imagined Rad in her bedroom, touching her. “Your boss is a real pain; did you know that?”
He shrugged. Tukaha put the tray on the lamp table and motioned for her to sit down on the chair next to the bed.
She stood tall and shook her head.
A small grin curved the corners of his lips. The heavy creases in his leathery face deepened as his smile widened. His patience made her feel like a petulant child.
“Should I go?”
“I guess not.” Toni eased into the chair.
Tukaha glanced at the small package on the night stand. “That’s marked rush. We have a plane going to Auckland in an hour to pick up a new conveyer motor. My son can deliver that personally, if you like.”
She’d planned to call a courier; she didn’t usually trust nonprofessionals with evidence. But sending it now would save a day. Tukaha had told her about his sons, how proud they made him. If they were even a fourth as good as he said, they were absolute saints. “It’s important. Maybe critical.”
“My son will guard it with his life.”
“I wouldn’t want him to lose his life over any material thing. But I would appreciate extra caution.” She handed the package to him. “Thanks. You’re a lifesaver.”
“Ae, Miss. I try to be. Now the wound.”
She didn’t want this attention, but it seemed simpler to let him play doctor than to draw Rad into the act. She removed the damp wash rag and rolled her sleeve higher on her shoulder to bare the wound.
“This will heal you fast, Toa Mumu.” He cleaned the laceration with a cloth, which she discovered was as foul smelling as the stuff in the bowl. His touch was light. She hadn’t expected such gentleness from a rough stockman.
“What is that?” she asked, recoiling from the odor.
“Sulfur. I steamed the cloth in it.”
She pointed. “And that in the stone bowl?”
“Healing herbs, very strong medicine, Toa Mumu.”
“You may call me Toni, Tukaha. The name Valiant Warrior is flattering but not very accurate.”
“Whatever you say, Miss Toni.” His bloodshot eyes twinkled as he spread the noxious paste over the wound. She was surprised how soothing it felt.
She studied Tukaha’s kind face. The man by the corral had looked just like him, only sterner. “You don’t happen to have a twin, do you?”
He grinned. “Ae, Miss.”
So her
eyes hadn’t played tricks on her.
“But he’s not as handsome,” Tukaha said.
Toni laughed. Their features were indistinguishable to her, but she played along. “I noticed that when I saw him earlier today by the corral.”
“Taureka, here? Are you sure?”
She shrugged. “Looked like you, dressed like you.”
Tukaha wrinkled his brow. “Thought maybe he’d left the island. He hasn’t been around for six months.” Tukaha was silent for a moment. “I wonder what he wanted.”
Toni heard the tension in his voice. “I take it you’re not close.”
“We were. Then he just left. No explanation, no goodbyes. But I would like to see him. Family is always family.”
Toni wondered if his twin’s sudden appearance had anything to do with the rustling. She couldn’t help but jump on everything even slightly questionable. Probably seeing Taureka by the corral meant nothing. It was possible he was just looking for Tukaha to renew their bond. Still, she would have Reilly run a check on the twin just to relieve her mind. If he had a record or dealings with known criminals, she wanted to know it.
Tukaha cut a long strip of gauze. Longer than needed. He had a faraway look in his eyes.
Toni glanced out the window. Rad worked out there with the dogs. His strong, decisive gestures revealed an authoritative way about him, yet his orders were given in an encouraging, loving tone. She tilted her head, her gaze drawn to the hard lines of his body. Such a flat stomach. There wasn’t an ounce of fat on the man. And he was so strong. He had lifted her effortlessly, as if his strength hadn’t been tested.
Tukaha wrapped the bandage so gently she hardly felt him doing it. Or maybe it only seemed so feathery-gentle because she was distracted.
“Rad appears to be training those dogs to tie a knot around that pole. Is there some reason?”
“He teaches them many things. It’s one of his hobbies. He enters his dogs in the Sheep Dog Mustering Competition every year. For the last two years, he has come away with the first prize in all categories. The dogs work hard for him. They love him as much as he loves them.”
“Have they ever bitten anyone?”
Tukaha looked at her curiously. “Are you afraid of dogs, Miss Toni?”
She wouldn’t lie to Tukaha, but she didn’t have to answer every question either.
Tukaha laughed. “We all have our Achilles heel. Don’t sweat it. Just remember, dogs have sharp instincts and know when you’re afraid. They’ll use it to have fun with you. But they wouldn’t dare hurt you; the boss likes you too much.”
Sure, she thought. He likes me as much as he’d like a plague on his sheep. “Dinner will be in an hour, Miss. Shall I bring you a tray or do you want to eat off the chuck wagon with the boss and the stockmen?”
This was her chance to see if any of the men had a greenstone gem missing from their belts. Maybe ask a few questions. “I’ll join Rad at the chuck wagon.”
“Good choice.”
She glanced down at the bandage. “Nice job, Tukaha. Thank you.” She got up abruptly and went to the door and leaned on the knob.
Tukaha nodded, taking the hint. “Ae, I’ll be leaving now, Miss.” He smiled and picked up the tray. “You’ll be fine by morning,” he said, scurrying out the door. She heard his familiar chuckling as he went down the hallway. Apparently he wasn’t unduly upset about his brother. Days ago, when Tukaha had introduced himself, he’d mentioned his last name. She flipped through her notes to refresh her memory and check the spelling.
She glanced at the clock on the night stand. There was time to leave a voice-mail memo for Chuck. She requested a full profile on Taureka. While on the line, she checked her own messages. One of them was from Andi Kitt. A perky image of flashing dark eyes and skin the shade of rich copper flashed in her mind. Andi was a blackbelt and a crack detective; Toni had been trying for weeks to persuade her to give up her investigator job in L.A. and come to New Zealand. She could sure use her on this case. Perhaps her friend had finally made a decision.
She got Andi’s answering machine. “I hope you’re calling about the job,” Toni said. “Say yes, pal. I need you.”
Chapter Eight
After a nap, Toni dressed warmly in a bulky blue sweater and heavy slacks. She slipped her gun into her shoulder-holster before putting on her lamb’s wool lined jacket, and set out to find the chuck wagon. It wasn’t difficult. The aroma of barbecued lamb spiked the air. She simply allowed her nose to sniff the way.
She felt the men gawking at her as she walked among them, pretending to look for Rad. Inspecting belt buckles proved to be a disappointing endeavor. There weren’t any belts with a greenstone in the bunch, missing or otherwise.
Toni lifted her collar, hoping to find refuge as a turtle does when it retracts into its shell. She was conspicuous enough being the only woman in the station’s work area. Addtionally, her warm, heavy clothing made her stick out like a snow bunny in the desert. The men were either bare-chested or wore T-shirts, jeans and gum boots. There wasn’t a sweater or jacket in the crowd.
Toni felt a surge of sorrow when Maka approached from behind the chuckwagon. “I’m so sorry about your brother,” she said, touching his hand. “I promise I won’t rest until his killer is behind bars.”
Maka’s young face paled. He whispered, “Please stay out of it. Let the constable handle it.”
Toni tightened her grip on his hand. “You know something. Has someone threatened you?”
“It’s not that.” The lie and fear mingled in his eyes. “My brother wanted to help catch the rustlers, wanted you and the boss to be proud of him. Now he’s dead.” His hushed voice broke.
She bit her lip to hold back her own tears. “What do you mean? What did Kama do?”
Nervously, Maka wiped his hands on the thighs of his jeans. “Kama had a hunch who was behind Rutene’s murder and the rustling, but he wanted to verify it before he told you.”
“How?”
“I dunno, but he must’ve made someone nervous.”
“Dear God! He shouldn’t have taken such a chance.” Was I somehow to blame for the boy’s reckless behavior? She slipped a business card in Maka’s hand. “You can leave an anonymous message on my recorder anytime. No one has to know. I beg you for your brother’s sake, if you think of anything Kama said, no matter how inconsequential, please call.”
Maka’s eyes darted around. “Ae, but I must go.” He pivoted and disappeared behind the chuckwagon.
Toni heard growling, turned and froze. Dogs with dagger teeth hungrily stripped meat from bones. One of the dogs had moved too close to another and growled a warning.
“Toni!” Rad left the man he was conversing with. Apparently he hadn’t seen her until now, and she definitely hadn’t seen him. His dark hair was pulled back from his face in its usual rope. The glow of sunset highlighted his Maori-English features to an alarming ruggedly handsome advantage. She swallowed and tried to breathe normally. Tried to move, but couldn’t.
He approached her, looking concerned. “How’s the shoulder?”
“Fine. Tukaha has a magic touch.”
“He comes from a long line of medicine men. But let’s not stand here talking with all that food over there. Nourishment will help you heal faster.”
Flashing even white teeth, he smiled and offered his arm. Relived he didn’t hold a grudge, she allowed him to escort her past the dogs. She was aware of every step and how his body jostled lightly against hers, setting her skin aflame through her clothes. His male scent mingled with an earthy, musky aftershave that stirred more of her senses, driving her crazy.
When they reached the chuck wagon, she pulled away from him. An amused look flickered in his dark eyes. He grabbed two plates and handed her one. “Don’t be shy. Help yourself.”
His denim shirt and jeans looked crisp and clean as if he’d just changed into them. His shoulders and biceps stretched the blue cloth of his shirt, and his jeans molded to his manhood in a way that
should be illegal.
“Everything looks so good,” she said, meaning him, but deliberately
averting her gaze to the steaming trays piled with lamb, steak, sausages, rice, potatoes, fried tomatoes and mixed vegetables. All of which looked delicious as well. She inhaled the rich aromas. Her mouth began to water, and a pang of hunger tightened her stomach. It was a relief to feel anything beyond her attraction to Rad.
Toni and Rad heaped their plates with a little of everything including barbecued lamp chops, pineapple, strawberries, and Vogel toast with butter oozing down into the rich crust, and then Rad led her to where Tukaha stood. He worked behind a huge pot of bubbling brown liquid tapping the sides with his knife.
“The leaves are well settled,” Tukaha said as he dipped the dark liquid into a metal cup and handed it to Toni.
“Thank you, Tukaha.” She stared apprehensively at the liquid.
“Tukaha makes the best billy-tea on the island.”
After Tukaha filled Rad’s cup, she followed her towering escort toward a wooden table and bench. She glanced around. The men sat mostly cross-legged on the ground shoving food into their mouths. The stockmen stared unflinchingly at her as they ate. Hardly anyone talked.
She recalled the rustling scene: Kama dead, and Tinihanga supposedly
unconscious. She searched the crowd of brown faces. Where was Tinihanga? The more she thought about it, the more certain she became that he hadn’t been unconscious. She strongly suspected he was a man who warranted watching.
Rad motioned, with upward palm, for her to sit down. She eased onto the bench, and he joined her. Instead of eating he just stared at her. Why wasn’t he eating? Her face grew warm.
“I’ve worked up quite a hunger,” he said finally, “so if you would be kind enough to take the first bite, I can eat.”
“Sorry, I was waiting for you,” she said softly.
“Even a station boss knows to let a lady go first.”
She wasn’t accustomed to hearing the ranch called a station or to eating with a crowd of men watching her. Nevertheless, her stomach growled in hunger. She quickly cut into the meat and took a bite. The tangy barbecued lamb tasted as good as it smelled.
