A light breeze blew the limbs of the mighty oaks and Grant wondered how old they were. Some of them had to be at least one hundred years old. Grant rolled over onto his stomach and pillowed his head on his hands. In his mind he could see Nina’s magnificent body. He wanted her more than he wanted to admit to himself. Women had always been a way to scratch the itch he got from time to time. Last night when he almost made love to Nina he felt something different. What made her stop him? Idiot that he was, he came on too strong. Maybe that was why she freaked out. It didn’t matter. He couldn’t let it happen again. He would flirt to gain information, but he would not cross the line. Sleeping with a woman to get her talking was despicable. He did not use people carelessly.
Chapter Six
The next morning Grant telephoned Uncle Tate and waited in a clearing about a mile from Nina’s farm. He didn’t have to wait long before he heard the hum of the helicopter. A terrible pain gripped his chest as he thought of another time not too long ago a helicopter landed in the desert of Iran, but not in time to save three of his men. Flashbacks of that horrific day kept plaguing him. If only the chopper would have been ten minutes earlier, he would not have lost his men. He gritted his teeth so hard to control the pain he thought they would shatter.
The FBI chopper landed and his Uncle Tate jogged out to meet him under the trees next to the river. Only a couple of inches shorter and thicker than him, his uncle pumped his hand with a huge smile on his face.
He shouted over the roar of the helicopter, “So you have some evidence?”
They moved farther down the river to escape the loud roar of the helicopter. “Yes, the man’s name is Randle Collins. I shot some pictures of him at the camp. I don’t know if he is the head honcho, but he’s someone important.” Grant handed his uncle the card from the camera. “I’ll keep the camera in case you want me to go back.”
Eyebrows raised in confusion, he asked, “How do you know the man’s name is Randle Collins?”
“Miss Reynolds was dating him three months ago.”
“Great job, son.” He couldn’t hide his enthusiasm. “I knew I could rely on you. I appreciate you stepping in and helping like this. You’ve found out more in five days than we’ve been able to find out in months.”
“I wasn’t doing much else.” Grant fished in his backpack and pulled out the beer bottle he grabbed from Billy’s Bar. “Here, pull fingerprints and DNA from this. Collins had a few beers at a dive I was having drinks at the other night. Randal Collins might be an alias.” Grant thought of Nina. “I’m curious to know what you find out so I’ll call you later today to see what you uncover about him.” Maybe there was another connection between Nina and Collins.
“What about Miss Reynolds? Have you found any evidence that connects her to the drugs?”
Grant wrinkled his brow. “Only the fact she knows Collins. I searched the house but didn’t find anything suspicious.”
Tate reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black case. He opened it and explained, “Maybe these will help. We’ve decided to bug the house. Put these in various rooms you think she spends the most time in and hope we get lucky. If she’s involved, we’ll find out.”
Grant took the black case and dropped it into his backpack. He didn’t much care to do something so sneaky, but he guessed it was part of surveillance.
Uncle Tate slapped him on the back. “I think we’re close, Grant. I can feel it in my bones.” A huge smile split his face.
“The marijuana crop will be ready to harvest in about a month so we need to hurry and find out if Collins is the person responsible for distributing the drugs. The place is heavily guarded. Men armed with automatic machine guns are all over the place. I stumbled upon a booby trap.”
“Don’t you worry about anything. We’ll use precautions and have all this wrapped up in no time.” He offered his hand. “Thanks again, Grant. Your father would be proud of the man you have become. You are every bit the man he was. I’ll call you later tonight.”
As he watched Uncle Tate hurry to the chopper, Grant got an uneasy feeling. His instincts had kept him alive for nine long years in Iraq. Today instincts saved him once again. He came close to losing his life over some stupid drugs. By the way some of Collins’ men moved and carried their weapons at the camp they were ex-military. It might not be so easy to take down the operation without bloodshed. Lives were at stake and he just hoped it wasn’t his uncle’s life snuffed out. He had a wife and three children depending on him.
****
Nina heard the four-wheeler before she saw it. All day she had worried about Grant. Perhaps it was ridiculous to worry about a big, bad Marine, but for some reason she kept imagining something horrible happening to him. Of course, the man had pulled nine years in Iraq. The wilderness of North Carolina was probably a walk in the park compared to what he had endured in such an inhospitable country.
She pushed the hair away from her face knowing she looked horrible. She had no idea she just smeared blood into her hair. Still holding the squealing pig she just castrated, she administered the antiseptic before letting him go back to his mama. He scooted under the fence where his mother snorted and rooted under the fence trying to save her piglets. Without missing a beat, Nina ran down another piglet in the pen and held him down on his back with her knee while she castrated him.
She gave Grant a smile when he stopped the four-wheeler next to the fence.
“Ouch.” Nina almost laughed as Grant pulled his legs together and covered his crotch with his hands. “What a horrid thing to do to the little guy.”
She sprayed the antiseptic on the fresh wound and explained, “It’ll only hurt a few minutes. Besides the meat will have a rank taste if you don’t castrate the males.”
“Let me guess. People pay top price for organic pork.”
“You’ve got it. No hormones.”
He put his hand over his nose. “How can you stand the smell?”
“Nothing stinks worse than hog manure.” Nina let the squealing piglet go and rolled her shoulders to get out the tension. “That’s why the pen is so far from the house. But then predators are a problem. A coyote got one of the piglets last night. Shadow alerted me that we had an unwanted visitor but by the time I let him out of the house and followed with my rifle the coyote was long gone.”
“Sorry to hear that. If I had been here, maybe I could have taken him out for you.” Grant crossed his arms and leaned against the four-wheeler. “I can’t imagine a lady doing something so bloody.”
“You forget I’m going to be a vet. What do you think I’ll be doing all day when I get my degree?” Her eyes shifted to him.
He pushed away from the four-wheeler and placed his arms on the top of the fence. “Maybe something easy like neutering dogs and cats.”
“I’m leaning more toward farm animals. That is better than being in a stuffy office all day. I get to be outside, smell the fresh air.”
“You mean smell manure, don’t you?” His booted foot propped on the last rung of the fence, he raked his gorgeous, dark eyes over her from head to toe. “You are unusual, Miss Reynolds.”
She didn’t know if he was giving her a compliment or looking down his nose at her. It didn’t matter. She had decided to stay away from him. She didn’t have the time or energy for a relationship. Men were on hold until she finished her degree. “Did you have a good time?”
“Yes, you own some beautiful areas.”
The compliment gave her a warm feeling inside. “Thank you.” She pressed her hands to her aching back. “What’d you eat?”
“I packed some sandwiches and junk food.”
God, he was handsome. He looked relaxed as he watched her. He must have slept well out in the wide outdoors because he didn’t even have a dark hair out of place. Muscles rippled under his yellow tee-shirt as he opened the gate and stepped inside the pigpen. “Let me help you finish.”
Nina held her hands up in front of her bloody shirt. “No, there is no n
eed to get blood on your hands.”
“Plenty of blood has been on my hands.” He paled and Nina knew he spoke before he thought. With one quick movement, he reached down and grabbed the last pig to be castrated. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound so depressing. Being here around the animals and beauty has been very therapeutic. I am more relaxed than I have been in nine years.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” She peered into his brown eyes and could see the pain. Not all that happened to him in Iraq and Iran was forgotten.
The pig squealed so loud Nina wanted to put her hands over her ears. “This one’s a fighter.” The mother’s snorts became louder as she tried to break through the wood slats separating her from her last little piglet to be castrated.
“Yes, he is. Hold his back legs so I can get to his testicles.” While Grant cradled the piglet upside down, Nina squeezed the testes sac and swiped the scalpel making a vertical incision. Every muscle in Grant’s body tightened as if the scalpel was about to swipe off his testicles. Again the wiggly pig squealed loudly this time hurting her ears. She squeezed tighter until the testicle popped out and then she cut the white cord. In seconds she had the other testicle removed.
“Yuck! I’m glad that job is done. I didn’t know they could squeal that loud.”
She sprayed the antiseptic on the little pig before replacing the top. “They’re one of the loudest animals in the world. Thanks for your help.”
“I didn’t do anything.” Grant stood to his full height and she had to look up to see his face. “I’d like to take you somewhere nice for your birthday. Let me take you out tonight.”
She moved to the garden hose to wash the blood from her hands. “I don’t think so, Grant. I’ve got a lot to do today.”
“I’ll help you. Don’t forget you told me if I needed to talk you would listen. Well, I’m ready to talk about what happened in Iran.”
Of course she should refuse, but she couldn’t. She did tell him that when he was ready to talk she would listen. Besides, a small part of her was curious to know what happened. Hopeful eyes watched her intently. “Sure, why not.”
The dazzling smile he gave her sent her heart into a flutter. She hoped she wasn’t making a huge mistake. She told herself it was only dinner with a friend. She would enjoy a meal with a handsome man and nothing more.
****
Nina stepped into the living room to find Grant decked out in his uniform. It took her a moment to get over the initial shock. He told her he was a Marine, but to actually see him in the uniform had her staring in awe. He looked like he should be on the cover of a magazine or in a commercial on TV as an advertisement to get young men to sign up to fight for their country. The only thing that looked out of place was his hair. It was still long and would not be allowed if he was not on furlough.
“I hope you don’t mind the uniform. I didn’t bring any dress clothes.”
The man could wear a feed sack and still look magnificent. Now she was having second thoughts. Maybe she should tell him she was sick. His eyes roamed over her black dress. The same dress she wore out with Beth for her birthday. Five others were draped over her parents’ bed because she couldn’t decide what she wanted to wear. None of them showed off her figure as well as her mother’s black dress.
“You look beautiful.”
The naked desire in his eyes caused her to shiver. She nervously rubbed her palms on her thighs. “Thank you.”
Propped up on the couch with books surrounding him, Juan looked at Grant with wonder in his eyes. “Nice uniform.”
Grant ruffled his hair as he peered down at his work book. He visibly shuttered. “Geometry. I have to admit I don’t miss my days at school. I always found concentrating difficult.” He sat on the arm of the couch. “Nina tells me you do well in school.”
“Straight A’s.” With a proud look on his face, he looked at his mother. “Mom wants me to be a doctor.”
“Sounds like a promising career. Keep up the good work and I’m sure you can do whatever you set your mind to.”
Grant stood. “Shall we go?” He tucked his arm into Nina’s and led her toward the door. Heat spread through her whole body. It was going to be a long night.
Both Maria and Juan announced, “Have a great time,” before Grant and Nina made it to the front door.
“I’m sure we will.” Nina replied over her shoulder.
Grant opened the passenger side door of his Camaro and she slid into the blue leather seat. The inside of the car was spotless. She had always liked muscle cars. The Camaro suited him perfectly. The car might be old, but he had taken great care of it. But then like he said, it probably hadn’t been driven much since most of his military career had been spent in Iraq.
By the time Grant cranked the car and revved the powerful motor, she was as nervous as a cat. She hooked her seatbelt and tried to relax. She closed her eyes and listened to the music as he expertly maneuvered the car around the curvy back road. “Do you like Talbert’s?”
She opened her eyes and turned her head toward him. The fanciest restaurant in Raleigh, she doubted they could get in without a reservation. “I love Talbert’s. They have the best steaks. How did you know about Talbert’s?”
He wiggled his eyebrows which looked so out of character from someone wearing a Marine uniform. “I Googled.”
Comfortable, she watched the magnificent orange glow of the setting sun as it penetrated through the trees. Very few moments of her life were spent in relaxation. She found it easy to carry on a conversation with him. It seemed they had just left her home when they were pulling into the parking lot of Talbert’s. Grant hurried around the car and opened the door for her. A grin spread across his handsome face when he tucked her arm into his. The simple touch had her heart beating wildly. A light breeze fluttered a curl across his forehead and she had the urge to run her fingers through his thick mass of hair.
The hostess, a platinum blond with an enviable bustline, raked her eyes over Grant with lust and admiration. “Reservation for Wilson.”
“This way please.” She grabbed two menus and led them toward a table with an exaggerated swing of her hips. Diners turned and watched them as they made their way to a quiet table near the back of the restaurant. Eyes full of curiosity, neighbors and acquaintances whispered. Many of them Nina knew and acknowledged with a smile or a nod. Tomorrow gossip would spread all over town that she had gone to dinner with a tall, dark stranger in uniform.
The hostess purred, “I hope you enjoy your meal.” Eyes on Grant she never looked Nina’s way.
Grant stood behind her chair until she sat down. When he sat, her eyes circled the room. “What’s got you so nervous?” He placed his napkin in his lap.
She pursed her lips as she peered into his handsome face. The clean, fresh scent of him wafted over to her causing her to feel awkward. Rarely had she gone on a date and she felt out of her element. To make things worse the other diners were not eating. They were watching their every move. “Everyone is staring at us.”
“Could it be because you are the most beautiful woman in the room?” She didn’t miss that appreciative glance he gave her cleavage.
Nina burst out laughing. He reached across the table and took her hand. “You should laugh more often.”
She didn’t have the heart to pull away. His thumb rubbed the back of her hand and tiny tingles shot up her arm. She was a fool to come out with him tonight. She pulled her hand away and picked up the menu. She tried to focus on the entree choices, anywhere but at him. Eyes still on the menu she continued, “I don’t have much to laugh about. My parents’ death changed my life.”
“So you laughed a lot before their deaths?”
She dropped the menu and gave him a direct look. She chewed her bottom lip. Maybe she did take life a little too seriously. Vet school was grueling and she had little time for friends or laughter. “I have had to keep my focus on school. It wasn’t easy getting into vet school. Hundreds apply and less than two hundred
get accepted. My every waking moment was spent studying. I have taken a big risk delaying my degree.” She smoothed her napkin. “In six months Beth will take over the farm and then I’ll return to school.”
Grant lifted his glass and took a sip of water. The delicate glass looked so small in his hand. “I can’t imagine Beth doing all you do. Are you sure she can handle the work? Looks a little prissy to me.”
“Don’t let her looks fool you. Beth is as tough as nails. She’ll do whatever it takes to keep the farm. We made the pact the day we buried our parents. The farm meant a lot to our parents and we will not let it go without a fight.” Nina lifted her chin and looked him square in the eye. “Let me rephrase that. We will not lose the farm.”
“I admire your determination.” He wet his lips and she couldn’t take her eyes off his full, sensual lips. All she could think about was how it felt when he had kissed her the other night in the pool. She was in more trouble than she thought.
The waiter appeared and their conversation was put on hold while they ordered. The moment he stepped away, Grant asked, “What are your plans after you get your degree? Are you going to be able to handle the farm and work?”
She let out an agitated breath. The last thing she wanted was to talk about something she hadn’t quite figured out yet. “I plan to hire some help. Veterinarians make a lot of money.” Brows drawn together she replied, “Enough about me. I thought we were talking about you tonight.”
He shook his head, his gaze never leaving her face. “Maybe later, I don’t want to ruin our meal.”
The waiter brought a bottle of wine and filled their crystal glasses. Nina nodded after she took a sip. “I’m impressed.”
He tapped his glass to hers. “Thanks, even though I prefer beer.” Admiration showed on his face. “My mother is a connoisseur of fine wines. I ordered one of her favorites, a white chardonnay.” His eyes held a twinkle. “I send her a case every Christmas.”
It wasn’t the first time he had mentioned his mother. It was evident the two were close. She ran her finger over the tip of her glass. Maria had given her a manicure and painted her nails bright red so her hands looked as if they didn’t belong to her. The calluses remained, wasn’t anything she could do about them, but at least her nails looked feminine.
Whispers of the Falls: Book one (Twelve Oaks Farm Series 1) Page 7
