Her shoulders slumping, Cassie let out a sigh. “Yes, I am.”
“Please don’t do anything before talking to Heath. If you aren’t ready to do that, at least give it time. He and your uncles never make a move without considering all the ramifications. More importantly, if he wanted you to quit, he’d tell you to your face. He isn’t one to dance around an issue, not even for family. You know that, don’t you?”
She swallowed the lump lodged in her throat. “I suppose so.” Her voice trembled with confusion. “Thanks, Annie. I’ll think about what you’ve said.”
“You know I’m here for you, no matter what you decide.”
Hanging up, Cassie let Annie’s words sink in. This didn’t call for a quick reaction, but a slow consideration of all the options. She had nothing to lose by taking it slow.
She picked up the schedule Matt had emailed her, trying to refocus. They’d start in Othello, then travel to Ellensburg. Afterwards, they’d drive to Yakima before their last stop in Puyallup.
Making her way into the kitchen, she rummaged in the refrigerator, hoping for leftovers or salad fixings. Settling for what looked like some kind of vegetable casserole Janie had made the weekend before, she heated up a bowl, then curled up in a corner of the sofa. She’d finished the last bite when Annie called back.
“Heath is all for checking out the local resources and putting together a proposal for the board. He suggested working with Matt, but also felt you could work with me if he’s too busy.”
“That’s wonderful news. I’ll make some calls and get it rolling.” Cassie just wished she’d thought of this before the tragedy of the fire. At least something good might come from it, and working on a local program would give her the time needed to make a sound decision about her job. “How about I give you a progress report at the end of the week?”
“I’ll send you some of the material I use when we move into other towns. Use what you feel is worthwhile, adding any suggestions,” Annie said. “I’m available anytime, Cassie, for whatever is going on.”
Her excitement building, she checked the time. Eight o’clock. Calling local agencies would have to wait until tomorrow. Not one to wait around, she picked up her laptop, creating a folder for MacLaren Foundation, Cold Creek. Checking her email, Cassie downloaded several files from Annie, using one to guide her through the initial process of determining the local need. Reining in her enthusiasm would be hard, but charging in, assuming a program hadn’t already been established, could do a great deal of harm. Maybe Cold Creek already had a program and the two young men had fallen through the cracks. She changed directions, listing two columns. One for any existing programs and one for a new one.
An hour later, she had a good framework for moving forward, not once thinking about Matt or her doubts about work. Now, however, she needed to speak with him. Other than the emailed schedule, she hadn’t heard from him all day, which didn’t bother her, except she was anxious to tell him about her project and get his ideas. While in college, they’d gone to several foundation fundraisers, and he’d volunteered with her on more than one occasion, even enlisting the help of some of his college rodeo team members when the foundation had bussed a group of kids to the campus for a tour.
When he still hadn’t called by ten o’clock, she decided to send him a text. Sending her message, she waited, snatching up her phone when the familiar beep sounded. Reading it, her shoulders slumped with disappointment.
Not tonight. We’ll have to talk tomorrow.
Cassie slid her phone back into her purse without responding. She’d get her work done tomorrow, then make a series of calls before lunch. By the time she and Matt spoke again, there’d be considerably more to discuss than what she had on her checklist.
Falling into bed, she found herself wondering what kept Matt from giving her a few minutes of his time tonight. Drifting off to sleep, she told herself it wasn’t her business. They weren’t a couple, so his time was still his own. The thought didn’t give her any comfort.
******
Crooked Tree, Montana
“One more, Matt.” The girl who’d plunked herself on his lap leaned against him, pressing her ample curves into his body. Groaning, he wondered how he’d gotten into this situation.
“Sorry, darlin’. I’m done for the night.” Extricating himself from the unwanted female took a little maneuvering. “I’m out of here, Sean. Thanks for dinner and drinks.”
“You sure you can’t hang around a little longer? It’s my last night in town before leaving for the dude ranch.”
Giving him a sympathetic smile, Matt clasped his shoulder. “You’ll have to persevere without me. I’m certain you can deal with it.” He looked at the four women sitting around Sean, any one of them willing to help him forget his troubles for the night. “Do you need any help in the morning?”
“I have it covered. Come visit when you have a chance,” Sean pleaded, still not certain why he’d been picked to run a ranch targeted at city dwellers who wanted an escape. No matter how much he begged, his father hadn’t budged from the decision. He felt doomed.
“Good luck, Sean. Be sure to send postcards,” Matt laughed, saluting as he headed for the exit.
“Hey, cowboy. Hold up.” A slender arm wrapped around his waist, the owner turning him around, flashing him a brilliant smile. “You are a cowboy, right?”
Shaking his head, trying to loosen her grip, he gave her his best cowboy smile. “Yes, ma’am. I’ve been known to sit a horse.” He’d had his share of rodeo bunnies, knowing how to make them smile without getting attached to any. Matt just didn’t expect to find them in Crooked Tree.
“Did you hear that, girls? He can sit a horse.” She turned back to him. “Can you sit anything else, cowboy?”
Okay, so she might be drunker than he’d first thought. “Not tonight, darlin’.” He touched the brim of his hat, making his escape as a new group of women entered. Walking into the parking lot, he took a deep breath, clearing his head. He thought of Cassie’s text, feeling a small amount of guilt at not taking the time to call her, but tonight was about Sean and what he wanted to do before leaving. Skye had left with Gage an hour before, offering to drop him off at his hotel. Gage did have a way of attracting the beautiful women, and Skye sure did qualify, even if she’d shown no interest in him. Even if she did, Gage would blow her off, like he did all his admirers. After a few nights, the woman would be history. His friend’s long-term plan didn’t include anything beyond a few dates that ended in someone’s bed, preferably the woman’s. Yep, Skye would do well to stay far away from Gage.
Climbing into his truck, he debated whether to call Cassie. Discarding the idea as being too late, he drove to his hotel. Slipping out of his shirt and pants, he picked up the remote, surfing through the channels until the image of a burning building, the words “Cold Creek” below it, stopped him. Turning up the sound, he caught the last of the news report.
“The names of the two victims have still not been released, but we do know both exited the state’s foster care system a few months ago. Their deaths, besides outraging the citizens of this normally peaceful mountain town, have sparked the formation of a joint task force.”
Mumbling a curse, Matt turned off the television and tossed the remote aside. She would’ve heard the report, and he knew her well enough to know how much it would affect her. Maybe that’s why she wanted to talk with him. Ignoring the time, he grabbed his phone.
“Cassie, it’s Matt.”
“Hey,” she mumbled, trying to sit up. “What time is it?” She rubbed her eyes, looking toward the clock.
“Almost midnight. Should I call back tomorrow?”
“No. Now’s fine.”
“I just saw the news about those two foster kids dying in the fire and thought I’d better see how you’re doing. I know how much those kids mean to you and your family.”
Her stomach plummeted at the reminder. “It’s such a tragedy. Neither had even graduated from high school,
nor had a place to live, other than the abandoned warehouse.” She sighed, feeling the familiar tightness in her chest when she thought of kids getting tossed out of the system with so little preparation. “It’s too much to go into tonight, but that’s why I called you. Can we schedule a time to talk tomorrow?”
“Sure, sweetheart. I’d better let you get back to sleep. Goodnight, Cass.”
“Goodnight, Matt.” Hanging up, Cassie couldn’t help but smile. He’d called her sweetheart. He hadn’t called her that since college and it felt great. Slipping under the covers, she closed her eyes, drifting asleep within seconds.
******
Cold Creek, Colorado
“That’s all we have. A series of what appear to be arson fires set for fun, not to harm. At least until the last one killed those two kids. We need to find out who’s setting these and get him or her off the street.” The fire chief stepped aside, letting the police chief take the podium.
“What do you think, Jerrod?” Kurt sat next to his friend, scratching notes as his boss and police chief spoke.
“All I know is they were set by the same person, using similar materials. My first thought was teenagers, but now I’m not so sure. I will say I’m getting worried. Not a single witness has stepped forward with a description, and the last two fires were in the middle of commercial properties. It’s as if the arsonist wants the attention. The perp may not have intended to kill anyone, but the game has now changed with the national press, television coverage, and the creation of this task force.”
“I’d like to ask our arson investigator, Jerrod James, to step up and give us the latest on his findings,” the fire chief announced, looking at Jerrod.
“Looks like you’re up.” Kurt stood to let him pass, then moved to the side, leaning his shoulder against the wall. He felt the same as Jerrod. Each fire gave the arsonist more confidence, encouraging him to be bolder, seeking buildings in less rural areas. The time between incidences had also shortened. Before, they were set at least a week apart. Now the calls came in every four or five days. The heightened activity also put increasing pressure on the town’s available water supply. If this kept up, they’d be in serious trouble.
“All right, ladies and gentleman. You heard investigator James and know the background, as well as the challenge before us,” the police chief said. “No one in this room gets any unscheduled time off until we apprehend the person responsible.”
The police chief moved toward the mayor, talking in whispers as everyone filed out. Few noticed the lone person standing in the back corner wearing a Cold Creek police uniform, hat tugged firmly in place. Other than a couple polite nods, everyone filed past, lost in their own thoughts about their orders. Waiting until the room emptied, the figure took another look around, then walked out, down the steps, and into a nearby patrol car. Who’d have thought learning what they planned would be so easy?
******
“Hi, Matt. Is this a good time?” Cassie asked, pressing the speaker button on her phone.
“Perfect. Let me close the door so no one barges in. Tell me what’s going on.”
Cassie explained how she’d spoken with Annie and gotten Heath’s approval to check out the local services.
“I’ve learned a great deal about the foster care program in Cold Creek. They have nothing similar to the MacLaren Foundation, welcoming any help or suggestions to supplement state programs. I could be a huge help to them, Matt.”
He understood her excitement and already knew where this would lead. He’d seen it, experienced it. Once she set her mind on a path, little could compete for her attention, including him.
“I’m assuming you need my help.” His voice sounded grim, which wasn’t what Cassie expected.
“Not if you don’t have time. Of course, I won’t drop the ball on any of my normal work. I’d do this on weekends and after hours. But I thought you’d want to know since you’re my boss and…”
“And what, Cassie? What else am I?”
“I guess I’m not certain. We haven’t had time to figure it out yet.”
He took a breath, not wanting to curb her enthusiasm, yet sensing they might already be headed off course. “Look, Cass. I’m glad you’re doing this and I’ll support you any way I can. Extra time off, whatever funding Kade can carve out. You just need to ask.”
“Thanks, Matt. I appreciate it.” She waited for him to respond. When he didn’t, she decided to press on. “This doesn’t change anything. I’m still planning to go with you and Skye.” Again, she got no response. “We are going to spend time together, right?”
“That’s the plan. We have a lot to talk through.”
Relief coursed through her. For a moment, she thought he’d changed his mind. “Okay then. I’ll see you in Othello on Monday.”
“I’m also sending you a ticket to Seattle for the following Friday. You’ll be taking a different flight than me so Skye doesn’t ask questions.”
“About what?”
“The fact we’re spending a weekend together in Seattle. I don’t want her jumping to conclusions or mentioning our private business to anyone until we’ve had a chance to figure out what’s going on with us.”
She wanted to scream. Instead, she clamped a hand over her mouth, tempering her excitement. “Sounds wonderful. I’ll be all yours for the weekend.”
“I’d like that, Cass.”
******
Tossing blouses and slacks on the bed, she searched for the perfect outfit to catch Matt’s attention. She had no idea where their relationship might go, but she intended to make the most of this opportunity to win him back.
“You know, it’s after midnight.” Janie walked into Cassie’s room, her gaze focused on the pile of clothes on the bed. “What are you doing?”
“Matt sent me tickets to meet him in Seattle after the rodeo meetings in Washington. I want to look great and make him notice me.”
“Cass, I may be wrong, but the man already notices you. A lot.” Picking up a deep teal silk blouse cut low in the front, she held it out. “This one looks fabulous on you. Whenever you wear it, the men can’t take their eyes off you.”
“Really?” She took the hanger, holding the blouse in front of her and glancing in the mirror.
“Are you kidding? This, plus those tight white pants are outrageous on you. Add those strappy heels—girlfriend, Matt will never let you out of his sight.”
“The weather’s predicted to be cold.”
“Fine,” Janie grinned. “Take your tight black silk pants and boots with the three-inch heels. He still won’t be able to resist you.” She pulled out a couple other items, hanging them on the doorknob. “Okay, here’s what we have.” Janie pointed to each outfit, explaining why Cassie needed to take them. “I don’t care what you wear for the business meetings, but these are de rigueur for your time alone with Matt.”
Cassie tilted back her head and laughed. “Di rigueur, huh? Where did you learn that?”
“My dear mother used to say it when they traveled to Paris, or London, or maybe it was Rome? Hell, I don’t remember, but she loved the phrase.”
“Someday, I’m going to get you drunk and you’re going to spill all those deep, dark secrets about your way too wealthy family.”
“To warn you, you’d have to get me pretty drunk to talk about my family. But hey, if you think you can do it, I’m game. Well, I’m off to bed. Will you be in the office tomorrow?” Janie stifled a yawn, her eyes going glassy.
“It’s Friday, and Kade set up a conference call with his group. I don’t fly out to meet Matt and Skye in Othello until Saturday. How about you? What are your plans this weekend?”
“If Kurt doesn’t get called out, we plan to drive to Aspen and spend the weekend. Keep your fingers crossed that the arsonist gets caught before then. Whoever’s doing this is pure evil.”
“I agree, the person is a real monster.” She glanced up at Janie. “Send me photos from Aspen.”
“You do the same.
A selfie of you and Matt on your romantic getaway would be great,” she suggested, wiggling her brows and closing the door behind her.
A selfie of Matt and I kissing would be even better, Cassie thought, closing her suitcase and setting it beside the door.
Chapter Sixteen
León, Mexico
Ivan sat in stoic silence, watching his father’s face shift from surprise to exasperation at the news. He’d thought his father might have known about Aunt Reyna’s past. As the oldest brother, he and his sister had always been close, much closer than with either of his younger brothers or their sister. Guilt surrounded Ivan when he realized he’d been the one to reveal a secret she’d hidden for over thirty years.
“You are certain of this? Reyna’s son, Kade, is a MacLaren?”
“Yes, Father. Quite certain.”
“Have you asked your Aunt Reyna about this?” Javier opened a drawer, pulling out what appeared to be a diary, or perhaps a ledger. Either way, Ivan had never seen the leather-bound journal until now.
“I have said nothing to her. She never told you?”
Flipping open the journal, Javier let his finger move down one page, then another before stopping.
“She said the father was Thomas Taylor, a rodeo cowboy passing through Montana. By the time she knew of her…situation…” He looked up from the ledger, “...the man had left the state. Reyna had no way to reach him. She told me when he did not return for the rodeo the next year, she asked about him and was told he’d died in an accident.” Javier slammed the journal closed. “Apparently, all lies.”
Ivan could read between the lines. They were a conservative, Catholic family. A pregnancy out of wedlock thirty years ago would not have been welcome news. Reyna had been sent to the United States to live with a distant relative while she finished high school and started college. Giving her family one excuse after another to postpone a return to León, the family hadn’t discovered the addition to the Santiago family until well after Kade’s birth.
Shoving back his chair, Javier paced around the desk toward the door. “I will learn the truth.”
No Getting Over You Page 14
