Dyer Consequences

by Maggie Sefton

  “Gas can? No, ma’am. Smelled like kerosene to me. There’s some on the shelf for the lanterns.”

  The cold fist in her stomach tightened. She was right. All of this was linked to the canyon ranch. “Bobby, did you see anyone around when you came? Maybe parked along the road or something? Anyone walking along the road?”

  “No, I sure didn’t. You know, ma’am . . . uh, Kelly, I think you should tell the police. I mean, considering all that’s been happening up here. What with that real estate fella and the nice lady from Ohio and her little dog. That liked to make me sick hearing about it. I . . . I don’t know what to make of it all.”

  “Neither do I, Bobby,” Kelly confessed. “Listen, would you consider moving into the ranch house for a few weeks until I can sort this out and figure out what’s happening? That way you could keep an eye on the place. With this storm now, I won’t be able to get up into the canyon for a couple of days.”

  “Sure, ma’am, I’d be glad to keep watch over the place for you. Matter of fact, it would save me on my rent. So it would help me out. I’d be able to get into town for my classes earlier, too.”

  Kelly exhaled a relieved sigh. “Thanks, Bobby. I really appreciate it. And if you hear or see anything or anyone suspicious, call me right away, will you?”

  “Don’t worry, I will. And don’t you even think about driving up here until this storm’s over and they’ve cleared the roads. It was slippery for me this morning, and I’ve got my truck.”

  “Don’t worry. I know what those roads are like in the snow. The storm is supposed to be over by tomorrow morning, so I’ll see what it looks like by the weekend. And Bobby, thanks so much for agreeing to stay at the ranch. That makes me feel much better.”

  “Glad to, ma’am. But I still think you should call the police.”

  “I will, Bobby. You bet I will.”

  Kelly sipped from her coffee mug, steam rising out of the small opening, as she stood by the edge of the snow-blanketed flower beds beside Lambspun’s front steps. Rosa was walking Carl back and forth along the front patio and porch, stopping every twenty paces, instructing him to “sit.”

  At first, Carl seemed clueless as to the point of Rosa’s behavior. But after a few times around the porch and some quick tugs on the training collar, Carl got it. He sat. Every time Rosa stopped, Carl sat. Kelly was shocked.

  Not only did Carl obey Rosa’s verbal commands, but he began watching her hand signals as well. He sat. And when Rosa began walking again, Carl was up and beside her left knee, whether Rosa had ordered him to “heel” or simply patted her left leg. He obeyed. Would wonders never cease? Carl was trainable.

  Glancing up into the blue Colorado sky, Kelly was glad for the sunshine today. These outdoor sessions with Carl had convinced Kelly she really did have to start that knitted hat and soon. The sun might be shining but the temperatures were still in the single digits. She thought her nose would freeze and drop off during Carl’s early morning bathroom break.

  The crunch of tires through snow sounded as Burt pulled into the knitting shop’s driveway. Kelly strolled over to his car. “Can you go in the back door, Burt? I’ve hired Rosa to give Carl obedience lessons, and it looks like it’s working. I’m amazed.”

  Burt watched Carl go through his paces. “Well, look at that. Maybe our steaks will be safe on the grill from now on.”

  “I wouldn’t go that far. These are ‘sit’ and ‘stay’ commands. I’m not sure there’s a ‘no steak for you’ command.”

  Burt’s smile faded. “Since we’re out here, I’ll update you on what’s happening with the investigation into Tracy’s death. I’m trying not to say anything around Mimi. Not for a while yet.”

  “Have they learned anything new?”

  “Well, they’re working on it. Thanks to Dan’s informant, they brought a guy in for questioning. He runs with the group that’s been causing trouble up in the north side of town. Dan thinks they may be able to connect those guys with a couple of break-ins. That means he can start to put pressure on them. He’ll round ’em up one by one if he has to. Squeeze until somebody spills something.”

  “Boy, I hope so, Burt. Somebody must have seen or heard something when they trashed the shop. Maybe they slipped up and said something in a bar, I don’t know...” She stared out at the sunshine glinting off the alabaster golf course.

  “They’re working the bars, too. Don’t worry. We’ll get ’em.”

  Something nagged in the back of Kelly’s mind. A persistent thought that wouldn’t go away. “What if it wasn’t a gang of guys that did this? What if it was only one vandal? That would explain why Mimi’s laptop wasn’t stolen and why there wasn’t a huge amount of damage to the café and shop. Jennifer says she’s seen vandalized cafés that have had to shut down they were trashed so badly.”

  “I think that’s kind of unlikely, Kelly,” Burt replied after a moment. “Why would one person trash a knitting shop and a café? And why on earth would a lone vandal kill Tracy? It doesn’t make sense.”

  “No, it doesn’t, Burt,” she admitted. “But a lot of stuff bothers me about this whole thing. Blaming everything on these vandals. What if Tracy was killed before they got here? What if they discovered her body, got scared, and took off? That might explain why the damage was less.”

  “Believe it or not, Kelly, Dan has considered that theory. But without much of a clue as to who would want Tracy dead, it doesn’t lead anywhere. The ‘mysterious boyfriend’ Tracy mentioned to Jennifer never turned up. Maybe Tracy made him up, who knows? No one else ever heard her talk about him. And as I’ve said before, no one else has shown up on the radar screen.”

  Kelly swirled the coffee in her mug in frustration. “I know. Just random violence. No leads. No nothing. It’s so . . . so frustrating.”

  “Welcome to the realities of investigative work, Kelly,” Burt said with a sardonic smile. “Frustration comes with the territory.”

  “Well, if you’re used to frustration, then join me. There’s been another incident at the canyon ranch. Bobby arrived yesterday morning and found a small fire smoking in the barn. No one in sight. Someone is definitely trying to scare off anyone who buys that ranch, Burt. And whoever it is will trash houses, kill dogs, and set fires to do it.”

  Burt frowned. “It’s more likely that kids or squatters spent the night in the barn and set the fire.”

  “I don’t think so, Burt. I’ve got a bad feeling about all this.”

  “I know you do, Kelly, but don’t start imagining things, okay? Listen, I’ve got to teach a spinning class. See you later.”

  “Later.” Kelly waved to Burt as her cell phone rang from her coat pocket.

  Jennifer’s voice came breathless on the line. “Kelly, you never will believe who showed up in my office this morning.”

  “Who?”

  “Gothboy.”

  “Who’s that?

  “He’s that weird Denver real estate agent, remember? I told you about him before, when you were trying to buy the canyon ranch. He made a lowball offer on it. He works with clients who’re always looking to pick up properties cheap.”

  “Oh, yeah. Now I remember. What’d he want?”

  Jennifer’s voice dropped. “He was asking about ranch properties that were available in the canyons, and guess which one he was especially interested in?”

  Kelly felt a little shiver run up her spine. “You’re kidding.”

  “Nope, I’m not. In fact, he kept asking questions about the previous owners and how long they had the place, and how long you’ve owned it. When I asked him why he was so interested in that ranch, he looked away then said he’d heard all sorts of rumors about it in Denver. He’d heard there were ‘problems.’ Seems he’s got these buyers in Colorado Springs who’re on the lookout for distressed properties. And he figured this place sounded like one. I tell you, Kelly, it gave me goose bumps just listening to him. I’ve only seen him at a distance at real estate functions. He’s creepy as hell in person.�
�� She gave an audible shiver.

  “What do you think he’s up to, Jen? Do you think he’s legit? I mean, do you think he’s really scoping out places for his clients?”

  “I don’t know, Kelly. Let me talk to some agents in Denver then get back to you. I’ve heard stories about this guy over the years. I tell you, he sure spooked me just standing here in my office. He’s really over the top with that Goth look. I swear he uses more eyeliner than I do. His hair is as black as a raven’s wing. And his wardrobe is straight out of the movies, complete with a long black trench coat. In this weather, yet. He must be freezing his butt off.”

  That comment made Kelly smile despite herself. “Well, if he went up into the canyon, he’d certainly be easy to spot against the snow, wouldn’t he?”

  “It’s not funny, Kelly. He was weird, the way he focused in on your ranch, asking all those questions, his eyes boring into me.”

  “Just because a guy looks and acts weird doesn’t mean he’s dangerous.”

  “Well, I’m not taking any chances. Not after that fire in your barn. Somebody is out to drive you off that ranch, Kelly. Who knows? Maybe Gothboy is working for those clients to get that ranch for some special deal. There were other parcels sold close by. Let me check the rumor mill to see if anyone’s heard of a mega development planned for the canyon. Someone is willing to resort to violence to get that ranch.”

  “Now, you’re starting to scare me.”

  “Good. I’ve got your attention. Let me work my networks and get back to you, okay? ’Bye.”

  Kelly clicked off, the unsettled feeling still there. She spotted a familiar truck pulling into the shop driveway and felt herself relax a little. Jayleen. Now there was a no-nonsense person to bounce these crazy ideas off of. She hadn’t filled Jayleen in on the fire yet, and she’d be curious as to the savvy rancher’s opinion. Jayleen didn’t spook easily, either.

  Jayleen gave a wave as she jumped to the icy driveway. “Hey, Kelly, I was looking for you. Finally got all my tax stuff together, so I thought I’d bring it in.” She handed an oblong portfolio to Kelly.

  “Thanks, Jayleen, I’ll get on it in a few days. How’s the road going into the canyon? I’d like to drive up there tomorrow to take a look around.”

  “It’s the usual after a storm, still snow-covered in patches.” She glanced at the sky. “With all the sun, it’ll melt for sure. But tonight will be below zero, so it’ll be ice again tomorrow morning. You should wait until afternoon to be safe. Especially with your little car.” She glanced at Rosa and Carl, still marching back and forth. “What’s all this? Carl getting a workout?”

  Kelly noticed Carl’s “sits” were getting sharper and quicker. “I’m paying Rosa to train Carl so he can come into the shop with me while I’m there. Hopefully, he’ll learn enough to behave and not cause trouble.”

  Jayleen threw back her head and let out a hearty laugh. “Whooee! Now, that I’ve gotta see. I’d say you have a fighting chance as long as you keep Carl in the middle of the yarn. But don’t take him anywhere near Pete’s café. Once Carl learns there’s food nearby, it’s all over.”

  Eleven

  Steering away from the edges of the canyon road, Kelly maneuvered her car over the icy patches. This was the worst she’d seen the road all winter. Didn’t the county plow it yesterday? Then she remembered the gusty winds that roared through town last night, leaving snowdrifts three feet high against the side of her house facing the golf course.

  Her cell phone’s ringing broke through Kelly’s concentration, and she debated taking her attention—and one hand—off the wheel. Habit won out over caution, and she flipped the phone open. She had to buy a headset.

  “Where are you, Kelly? I tried calling twice before,” Jennifer demanded.

  “Probably a lost signal. I’m heading up into the canyon to the ranch. I want to check out that fire damage for myself. Boy, it’s nasty up here. Jayleen said they plowed the roads, but they’re still snow-covered.” She felt the car slide and corrected as the road continued to climb higher into the canyon.

  “Remember all that wind in town last night? Well, that’s nothing compared to the wind in those canyons. Gusts can reach gale force. You may not even get into the ranch. The driveway may be drifted over.”

  “Oh, I’m sure it’ll be okay. Bobby would have been through with the truck this morning.”

  “If you say so. Listen, I’ve got to take some buyers out in a few minutes, but I wanted to let you know what I found out about Gothboy. My sources tell me he’s developed quite a business in buying up so-called distressed properties for bargain prices. Then, he works deals with people who wouldn’t be able to qualify for a regular loan. You know, bad credit and all. He’s using sleazy lenders, too. Anyway, I heard he’s had some problems with the licensing commission. A couple of disciplinary actions, but nothing bad enough to lose his license. Plus, I heard rumors that he’s got a real shady past.”

  “Like what?”

  Jennifer lowered her voice. “I heard he used to work for collection agencies and repossessing cars. Word is he also used to hire himself out for assignments for private debt collection. Kind of like an ‘enforcer.’ He was brought in to beat up guys if they didn’t pay on time.”

  Kelly felt a chill run up her spine. “Does this charming individual have a name? Surely he doesn’t go by ’Gothboy.’ ”

  “His name is J. D. Franklin. Everyone calls him J.D. to his face, and Gothboy behind his back.”

  “Better not let him hear you. He doesn’t sound like the forgiving type.”

  Jennifer laughed softly. “I’ll be careful. Meanwhile, my buzzer is going off on this guy. He’s used to working the edges quasi-legally and gotten away with it. Maybe he’s straying further over the line. Maybe Franklin’s got some clients who’re willing to do anything to get that property, and he’s working for them.”

  “Do you really think that’s possible, Jen?”

  “Anything’s possible when money’s involved. And this guy sounds like he’s willing to do whatever is necessary. I’m still checking into other land sales near the ranch to see if there’s a connection. Oh, and get this . . . I found out Franklin has been in town for several weeks now. Another agent has seen him at a couple of bars. Apparently he has a girlfriend in Fort Connor. If he was in town, then maybe he’s behind all the vandalism.”

  The old familiar cold returned to Kelly’s gut. It was never far away. Was that possible? Creepy Gothboy skulking around the canyon. Targeting her.

  “Whoa, Jen, you should tell all this to Burt.”

  “I will, but I want to get more information first. I sense Franklin’s hiding something about that property, and I want to find out what it is. Talk to you later. Gotta go.” She clicked off.

  Kelly steered around the curve and saw the ranch in the distance. Slowing as she approached the entrance, Kelly was about to turn into the driveway until she took a good look at it.

  The driveway was gone. It was completely blown over with snowdrifts, at least three feet high. She stared at the snow. How was she supposed to drive through that? Where were Bobby’s truck tracks? Peering at the blanket of white, Kelly thought she detected a broken path through the snow.

  Noticing a flattened patch just off the road, Kelly figured Bobby must have parked his truck and walked up the drive. If he couldn’t make it up that driveway, she sure as heck couldn’t.

  Waiting for a car to pass, Kelly backed out and edged off the canyon road and parked along the side. She’d have to have a talk with that snowplow guy she hired. Didn’t he bother to check the roads after a windstorm? She’d have to hire someone else.

  Grabbing a borrowed knitted hat and her gloves, Kelly closed and locked the car, glad she’d worn her extrather-mal outwear because she’d be slogging through knee-high drifts to get to the barn.

  Kelly stared at the pastures and the evergreens, all blanketed in white, as she set out to follow Bobby’s path leading up the driveway. The morning’s cle
ar skies had brought back the sun, and the Rockies sparkled in the distance. Somehow, looking at those mountains made her aggravation go away. She always felt peaceful when she was up here staring at the mountains.

  The cold, crisp air crackled sharp in her nostrils as her breathing settled into workout rhythm. Icy cold air sliced into her lungs, sharp and clean. The sunshine was so bright, reflecting off the snow-covered pastures, it caused her to squint. She should have worn her sunglasses.

  Kelly marked the distance from the road to the barnyard. Halfway there. No alpaca in sight. They were probably still inside the barn or the corral where the snow wasn’t as deep.

  The glint of something black at the corner of her eye caused Kelly to stop in her tracks. What was that? Her pulse started to race as she scanned the surrounding trees, searching. Was someone there? Or was it her imagination? The image of black-garbed Gothboy hiding behind the trees, spying on her, darted through her head.

  Suddenly ebony wings flashed through the sunlight as a raven took flight from a snow-laden evergreen branch. Kelly watched the large bird as it flew high across the pasture.

  See? It was a bird. Nobody’s hiding in the trees. Get a grip.

  Reaching the barnyard, Kelly noticed some of the alpaca peeking at her from the corral. “Too deep for you guys?” Kelly called out to the animals as she slogged through the fluffy Colorado powder heading to the barn.

  The pungent smell of hay tickled her nostrils as she stepped inside. Already aware of Kelly’s arrival, the alpaca clustered around the corral fence, watching her. Kelly scanned the interior of the barn, searching for traces of the fire. She found a patch of blackened hay and dirt at the far end.

  “It’s too bad you guys can’t talk,” Kelly told the attentive alpaca, who were observing her carefully. “You could tell me who did this.” Kelly kicked at the blackened spot.

  She walked over to the corral fence and rubbed the noses of those alpaca that were brave enough to venture close. Only a few came forward. They all watched her carefully, but most kept their distance. Kelly wondered if they missed their first owner. Geri Norbert had been willing to kill to keep these beautiful animals and her ranch.