The Target

by Gerri Hill

  “Oh, please. My death would be the best thing for my father’s campaign. I can’t believe he even notified the FBI. My father doesn’t like me, Jaime. He never has. Even as a kid, it was like he was always angry at me for some reason.”

  Jaime walked away, pacing. “Why would Ramsey lie to me?”

  Sara leaned her head back and looked at the sky. Why couldn’t anything ever be simple?

  “Look, let’s start at the beginning, okay?” She sat on a rock and waited for Jaime to turn around. “Tell me what they said.”

  “My captain called me into his office last Thursday. He said the FBI needed a female detective who backpacked to keep an eye on a senator’s daughter who had received a death threat. The next day, Ramsey came in and basically said they thought it was a bogus threat but they had to check it out. That’s when he told me he’d spoken with you and you refused protection. I asked him if they had any idea who had made the threats and he said he couldn’t tell me.” Jaime shrugged. “That’s about it. Here I am.”

  “Well, you know more than I do. They showed up . . . not last week but the Friday before. Out of the blue, no call, nothing. They said my father had received several letters in the past month indicating that my life was in danger. They asked if I’d received any letters or phone calls. They suggested protection. And yes, I refused. I’m not involved in politics, I don’t want to be involved. I’m not even involved in my father’s life. I haven’t been for years. Like I said earlier, we don’t have a relationship.”

  “Did you tell anyone about the FBI’s visit? Your mother?”

  Sara shook her head. “No, I tried calling her but she wasn’t available.”

  “And if she hasn’t said anything to you, maybe she doesn’t know about it.”

  “That could be. My father doesn’t share things like that with her. She’s window dressing, that’s it.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “My mother is a very attractive woman. The cameras love her. The press loves her.”

  “And she looks great on your father’s arm?” Jaime guessed.

  “Yes.”

  Jaime rubbed the back of her neck with her hand, trying to eliminate the stress that had settled there. It made no sense. First of all, why had Ramsey lied to her? Just to get her to accept this gig? Hell, it wasn’t like she had a choice.

  “Do you think it was a bogus threat?” Sara asked.

  “I don’t know. Hell, I don’t know anything,” Jaime admitted. “But today, while we were hiking, I noticed a reflection on the mountain behind us. Then it was gone. But I saw it again, that’s why I left. I climbed up the hill and waited and then I saw it. But when I looked with my binoculars, it was gone.”

  “It could have been anything.”

  “Yes. But we can’t take a chance.”

  “Look, I’m not going to alter my plans for this. We had planned on staying here another day anyway. If you want to go out searching, then fine. But tomorrow, we go on as usual. I can’t have these women scared, Jaime. It’ll undo everything I’ve accomplished in the last ten weeks.”

  “I agree. That’s why I wanted to talk to you alone. But if I find anything, you’ve got to trust me. What I say goes.”

  Their eyes met and Sara finally nodded. “Okay.”

  “Who knows about your route? I understand there’s some secrecy to it.”

  Sara nodded. “There are multiple reasons for keeping it a secret, especially from the group. They—”

  “Wait. You mean none of these women knew their destination?”

  “No. We’ve found if they know ahead of time, they dwell on it. Some worry if they can make it. Some contact friends, family, and let them know. On our first trip, we had four husbands show up wanting to go with us. And recently we’ve had more media attention. You’d be surprised at how many requests we get to have a film crew follow us around.” Sara shrugged. “So, no. I plan the entire trip, right down to purchasing new packs for each member. We provide everything they need, but each woman packs her own gear, including meals. That’s the responsibility they each take.”

  “So right now, who knows where you are?”

  “I leave an itinerary with my secretary with exact details. Most everyone on my staff knew of the general location. They knew we were hiking the Collegiate Peaks.”

  “So did Andy at the sporting goods store. That’s how I found you,” Jaime said.

  Sara smiled. “Andy and I have become friendly. I probably divulge stuff without even knowing it.”

  Jaime nodded, then kicked at a rock. “Listen, I’m really sorry I had to lie to you. I didn’t know of another way to get close.”

  “Sprained ankle? You’re a very good actor, I’ll give you that.”

  “Actor? I’ve not been acting. Hell, I’m enjoying myself. I’ve had to remind myself why I’m here.”

  “So, the story about when you were eight? It was true?”

  Jaime grinned. “Yeah. My mother hasn’t forgiven me yet.”

  “I really hope this turns out to be nothing. You’ve been very good for them. I’m glad that you’ve joined us.”

  “Why, Ms. Michaels, I never thought I’d hear you say that.”

  “I’m still pissed off that you lied.”

  “Yeah? Well, don’t forget you assaulted me. I’ll hold that over your head.”

  Sara laughed. “I don’t doubt it.”

  “Maybe we should share a tent from now on. I’ll be able to keep an eye on you better that way.”

  Sara shoved off the rock and walked to Jaime, patting her face lightly. “Trust me. We will not share a tent.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Jaime left before dawn, moving quietly over the rocks, finding her way by the moon that had not yet slipped below the mountains to the west. It was cold, probably in the mid-thirties, and she slipped on gloves. In one hand she held her binoculars, in the other her small flashlight. She found the trail and walked back the way they’d come. She wanted to get to the base of the mountain before daybreak, then sit and watch for movement. If someone were following them, they would have no idea that they were camping for another day. They would move, thinking they had to keep up the pace. And Jaime would be waiting.

  Thirty minutes later, dawn was breaking and she squatted behind a tree, leaning on a rock. She scanned the mountain, barely able to make out shapes in the waning darkness. It occurred to her then the possibility that whoever was following them had moved during the night and camped closer to her group. If that were the case, Jaime would be of no help. They would be vulnerable and Sara would be on her own. It would be easy. She very nearly convinced herself that she should just head back and stay with Sara. But then she saw it. Smoke.

  She squinted her eyes, trying to see through the shadows. But finally she saw the flicker of flame. A small campfire, about halfway up the mountainside. She felt her pulse rate increase and she reminded herself that it could be anything. Just hikers, for all she knew. Still, she moved her hands behind her and under her sweatshirt, touching her gun, making sure it was secure. From now on, she’d hike with it on instead of keeping it hidden in her backpack. She then pulled out her small cell phone and flipped it open. Battery was getting low. But that wasn’t the real problem. She closed it again. The cell phone wasn’t going to do them a whole lot of good without a signal. She let out a deep breath, then leaned against a tree and waited.

  When the sun rose over the mountain, she moved back behind the tree, her binoculars trained on the campfire. Then she saw him. He stood and stretched. She couldn’t make out his features and as quickly as she’d seen him, he was gone. Then the smoke from the campfire disappeared and she waited. But she saw nothing. No movement.

  She waited nearly an hour then made her way higher, careful not to kick any rocks. She moved quietly, only a few feet at a time, using the trees for cover. Never once did she see movement or hear anything. It was like he just disappeared.

  She was within thirty yards of where she thought the ca
mpfire had been. Instead of moving forward, she hiked higher, circling around. From above, she saw it, the circle of rocks. He had kicked dirt on top of the ashes. She waited again, then finally moved, reaching behind her back to grab her gun. She saw the impression under the trees where his tent had stood. Then she moved to the campfire, studying the footprints. There appeared to be only one person. Squatting down beside the fire, she picked up a cigarette butt and turned it over in her hand.

  Not your average backpacker. Very few backcountry hikers smoked. And those who did respected the mountains enough not to leave cigarette butts behind. But here, she counted ten, at least. She tossed it down with the others and stood up, looking down the mountain. He’d had a perfect view of the trail. She raised her binoculars to her eyes, pleased that she wasn’t able to see as far as the river.

  But he was on the move and she was not. She secured her gun in its holster under her shirt and hurried back down the mountain.

  Sara leaned against the tree, watching the others as they frolicked in the springs. Most had slept late, knowing they would not be traveling today. But Sara had crawled out of her tent at daybreak, starting the fire and then going to Jaime’s tent, finding it empty. She tried not to be concerned. All night long, she reminded herself that Jaime had lied to her, had lied to them all. More than once, she’d come to the conclusion that she didn’t care what happened one way or the other. She didn’t really believe that someone was following them, that someone would try to kill her. It was too farfetched. That only happened in the movies. She led a relatively simple life. And just because her father was running for president was no reason to kill her, for God’s sake.

  But as much as she tried to rationalize the situation, she was a little concerned. First the FBI and now Jaime—she’d have to be crazy to just dismiss the threat, which is what she wanted to do. She glanced once again toward the trail, wondering where Jaime was, wondering if she was okay. She picked up a small rock and tossed it.

  I don’t really even like the woman.

  But that wasn’t true. Despite the fact that she had forced herself on their group and the fact that she had lied about it didn’t change anything. Jaime was still Jaime. And, well, Sara was still attracted to her. Her personality was addictive. She was fun. Jaime had been able to befriend Sandra within minutes. She’d turned Celia into matchmaker in a matter of days. And she’d turned the normally caustic Abby into a mild-mannered, playful woman. And all because she was a likable person with a somewhat warped sense of humor.

  Okay, so maybe I do like her, Sara thought to herself. She leaned her head back against the tree, wishing she’d met Jaime under more normal circumstances. Perhaps then they could have gotten to know one another in an ordinary way instead of through lies and deception.

  Her eyes widened. Jaime had lied about why she was here. It stood to reason, then, that she’d lied about everything, including her alleged attraction to Sara. She had said those things just to get close to her. Sara picked up another rock and threw it a little more forcefully than the last. It figures. No matter how or where she met women, there was always a hidden agenda for them, mostly involving her father. You’d think that just once she could meet someone who liked her for herself without there being underlying circumstances. But no. And that was why, at age thirty-two, she was still single and unattached.

  “Hey.”

  Sara gasped and whipped around at the sound of that whispered word. She found herself face to face with Jaime, who was squatting down next to the tree.

  “You scared me to death.”

  “Sorry. I thought you heard me walk up.”

  “No, I was . . . I was thinking, I guess.” Sara relaxed again. “Did you see anyone?”

  “Yes.” Jaime folded her legs and sat down next to Sara. “There was only one guy camping. He was up on the ridge about halfway up the mountain.”

  “Do you think it’s a problem?”

  Their eyes met. “I think, maybe, yeah. He had his fire out before it was barely dawn and packed up and moved on. I couldn’t follow his tracks in the rocks but he definitely went down the mountain.”

  “And you think he’s close by?”

  Jaime motioned with her head. “I think he’s up there.”

  Sara followed her eyes, looking at the tree-covered hill about a hundred yards away. “Okay. So now what?”

  Jaime sighed. Yeah, Jaime, now what? She didn’t have a clue. Pack everyone up and head out? He would simply follow them, stopping when they did, biding his time until he could take his shot. No. As far as he knew, they were still oblivious to his presence.

  “I think tonight, as soon as it’s dark enough, we pack everyone up and move. Quietly.”

  “Tonight? And hike? Don’t you think they’re going to want to know why?”

  “You want to tell them the truth? That there might be an assassin following us?”

  “No, of course not. This is supposed to be a relaxing trip for them, not hell week.”

  “Look, I’m really sorry about all this. I really am.”

  “Did you ever think that you should have just told me the truth at the beginning? Then we could have stopped and gone back down and not have put them in danger.”

  “You’re not serious? You didn’t believe the FBI when they told you. Do you really think you would have heeded my warning?”

  “Would it have hurt to try?”

  “I’m sorry, Ms. Michaels, but I was following orders. And since we’re trying to place blame here, how about you? The FBI warned you but you took these women up here anyway.”

  “How dare you? Do you think I would intentionally put them in danger?”

  “No, I don’t think you would intentionally do that but then I don’t really know you, do I?”

  Sara stood up quickly. “And I don’t really know you, do I?”

  She walked away quickly and Jaime scrambled after her. “Sara, wait.”

  “Go to hell.”

  “Oh great. We’re going to have a fight now?” Jaime grabbed her arm and pulled her to a stop. “You can’t go running off like that. Jesus! Stay behind the trees, for God’s sake.”

  Sara’s green eyes flashed at her but Jaime refused to release her arm.

  “Let go of me,” Sara said slowly.

  “If you don’t start listening to me, I swear to God, I’ll handcuff you,” Jaime threatened.

  “And I’d like to see you try.”

  Neither noticed Abby as she walked over, not until she stood next to them, hands on her hips.

  “Hey guys? Everything okay?”

  Sara stared at Jaime another few seconds then forced what she hoped was a smile onto her face.

  “Of course, Abby.”

  “Well, Sandra is threatening to strip without you.” She looked at Jaime. “We thought you might want to come join us.”

  “Yeah? Need me to keep her in line, do you?”

  Abby shrugged. “It’s just more fun if you’re around.”

  “Well, let’s go then.”

  “Sara?”

  “No, Abby, I think I’ll—”

  “She’ll come too,” Jaime interrupted and again wrapped her fingers around Sara’s slim wrist. “Won’t you?”

  “Don’t think I won’t hold you under the water and drown you if I get the chance,” Sara said under her breath as they followed Abby to the springs.

  Jaime laughed but didn’t release her hold. Oh yes, this was going to be a barrel of fun. She’d been teasing earlier about the handcuffs but she very well might need to use them. For a woman whose life was threatened, Sara could be so damn stubborn.

  The only consolation was that the springs were hidden by the tall spruce trees. She looked around, knowing that he wouldn’t be able to see them from the mountainside where she guessed he was hiding. Not here, anyway. Their tents, however, were well within view.

  “Where have you been, Jaime? You’ve been gone for hours,” Sandra complained.

  “Just hiking.”

&nb
sp; “You haven’t gotten enough walking in yet?” Lou Ann asked.

  Jaime glanced quickly at Sara, looking for a little help.

  “She didn’t want you guys to know, but she’s a closeted birdwatcher,” Sara supplied with a smile. “Give her ten more years and she’ll be wearing those funny little hats.”

  “Very funny, Ms. Michaels. Very, very funny,” Jaime whispered. She stood back and motioned to the water. “You go first.”

  “Afraid I’ll drown you, huh?”

  “Trust me, Sara, if you jumped on my back completely naked, you wouldn’t have to drown me. I’d pass out.”

  “And what would be the fun in that?”

  “Fun? Want me to show you?”

  “Stay away from me. Or have you forgotten your little backflip last night?”

  Jaime grinned. “Well, I like my women a little rough.”

  Sara was about to shoot back a reply when she realized every eye and ear of the group was trained on them. Instead, she flashed Jaime a grin. “Rough? I can beat the shit out of you.”

  Jaime stared as Sara stripped where she stood, tossing her sweatshirt on top of her jeans and walking calmly into the springs.

  “Hey. Close your mouth,” Celia whispered, just loud enough for everyone to hear. Quiet laughter erupted.

  “Thanks a lot,” Jaime whispered back, stripping down and piling her clothes next to Sara’s on the ground. She stood on the rocks, stark naked, and grinned. “Move over, Sandra honey, here I come!” She did a belly flop into the springs, splashing everyone within five feet of her, Sara included. She resurfaced next to Sara who was still wiping the water from her face. Without thinking, Jaime scooped up a handful and tossed it at her. Sara returned the favor and a water fight ensued. They both ended up laughing so hard that Jaime had to walk away, coughing up the water she had swallowed.

  “You’re vicious,” Jaime said as she slicked the hair back from her face.

  “Oh? So you thought I was teasing about drowning you?”

  “Well, yes, actually. I see I need to keep my eye on you.”

  “As if you’re not,” Sandra said, causing howls of laughter among the others.