by Diana Stone
“Yes.” There’s nothing else I can say.
“I’ll make sure to hide in my room so you can have privacy.”
“Thanks. I’m not sure if I’ll bring it up, or go down the path and see how it turns out.”
“I bet he’ll get pissed off that you don’t trust him.”
“Most people would. I wouldn’t if they explained it well enough.”
“I guess you’ll find out.”
He knocks promptly at 8:00. I didn’t hear a car, nor did I hear him step on the porch. He must be in stealth-mode.
“Hi.” I open the door with a smile, but I don’t know what to say.
“Hi.” He squints at me, then his eyes survey the room. He stays quiet.
“There’s no one here. Well, I mean—Nikki is in her room, but nothing is wrong,” I stumble through that.
He steps inside. Damn it, I can’t even fake a hello. He is extremely aware. What would he have to gain by lying to me? Sex? Adoration? Pretending to be a former Special Forces guy turned super-secret cop… I’ve heard of men who do that.
“What’s wrong?” he softly asks.
I can read the care on his face. I think.
Oh shit. I don’t know how to ease into it, but I’ll try. In fact, that’s a good way.
His face is void of expression. He’s alert for anything.
“I’m falling for you. I like our common backgrounds. You are interesting, talented, skilled, accomplished,” I stop rambling on his good traits, and continue. “Maybe I’m feeling vulnerable because my friends can see I like you.”
I look from his face to his feet. My eyes now seem stuck at the floor. “Today, I was asked if I think you could be still using an assumed name.” I don’t say lying to me. “I know you’re a master of disguise. I hope you aren’t—bullshitting me.”
I stop. I could keep going on, but he gets the point.
He’s quiet for several moments that seem to stretch to eternity. Then he takes a long breath and answers, “Quinn Morrow is my real name. Elisa is my real mother. There is nothing I’ve said to you in recent days that isn’t true.” His smile looks a bit sad. “I am not the normal man. My job entails taking risks and trusting no one. I’m letting down my guard with you because I believe you’re a woman who I…” he stops, searching for the right words. “I feel something for you I haven’t felt with anyone else. I’m willing to take the chance with my safety, and my heart.”
I’m amazed. He didn’t react with anger. He was thoughtful and worked through my concerns. A truly unusual man. Oh hell, is he too unusual? Has he practiced this with women?
I’d better squelch my fear and look at what is standing in front of me. I read people reasonably well.
“I’m sorry about my concerns. Once, someone told me a bunch of lies…” I stop a second. “Make that two-someones told me a bundle of perfect lies. They lived the lie so long it almost became their truth. The way I feel about you, it scares me to think I could let it happen again.”
“I don’t need to lie. I’m glad you’re impressed by what you see. I’ll put you in touch with a few friends who will verify who I am.”
He sounds straightforward. I’ll take a chance—since he is not pretending outrage.
“Thank you.” Keeping it simple, that’s all I say. I’ll let it go and enjoy his company this evening.
“Is that dinner that smells so good?” he sniffs the air, changing the subject.
“Yes, good guess. I made lettuce wraps. Come on,” I take his hand and lead him to the kitchen counter. We still don’t have a table and chairs, so we use the counter.
I busy myself with serving and moving platters around.
“I made two types. Mexican with ground turkey, avocado, olives and cilantro,” I take two from the platter. “And Asian with soy flavor, bits of red pepper, and onion. I added cashews. I’m not sure if they’re Asian or not, but I like them.”
He watches me while I put the two on his plate. Plus I pour half a glass of Sauvignon Blanc for each of us.
I sit next to him and finally look in his eyes.
“Thank you.” He takes my chilly hands in his warm ones. “I swear to you, I am telling the truth. You have nothing to fear that I’m not who I say.” He looks directly in my eyes, with a tone that sounds like a captain speaking to his men.
They believe him. I believe him.
I heave a deep breath and squeeze his hands. “Thank you for not getting upset.”
“Those who get upset often have something to hide. They get angry to deflect the question.”
“Sure, but some people would get upset on principle.”
“They’re letting their ego get in the way. I’m smarter than that.” He touches my cheek. “Ready to eat?” He changes the subject for the rest of the evening.
“Yes!”
Our conversation stays on easy topics. We finish the bottle of wine. It is a nice pairing with the spicy wraps. It also calms my concerns. I know it’s a drug, and I’ll use it as such. It’s good to reduce anxiety.
It’s after 11:00, we’re still sitting here, and the conversation has ended. The meal has long gone. It’s as though neither of us know how to take the next step. Either he leaves, or he joins me in my bedroom.
I have to invite. He can’t ask. It has to come from me.
“If you don’t have to get up early, would you like to stay over?” There, I did it.
“Yes, I’d like that.”
19
Nice Day
If a glass of wine helps me relax, then a night with Quinn makes me feel as though I’m floating on the calm, blue sea.
And then, my alarm jolts me awake. End of the calm sea. I have to give the horses breakfast.
“I’ll be right back. I have to feed. It’s Nikki’s day off, and I’m leading the 9:00 ride.”
He unwraps himself from me. “Should I wait?”
“I always find something that needs my attention. If you’d like to join me, you can see what I do. Do you have work today?”
“I’m between assignments. I need to go to the gym, but that’s all I have on my schedule.”
We head out to the haystack. He pulls down a few bales from the top and lets them drop to the ground. It will save me climbing up there tonight.
He even wheels the cart around the pasture as I toss alfalfa flakes to everyone. Nikki has been buying and selling horses since her separation from her husband. I’d better alert Quinn to him.
“It’s usually peaceful around here, but sometimes things happen.”
For the next two hours, we discuss the interesting things that have come my way since moving here. It doesn’t even occur to me that he may find it unsettling to be with someone who is a shit-magnet for danger. He accepts me as I am. That’s refreshing! He also seems to think I look cute in jeans and a t-shirt. He said I have nice hips! That’s amazing. I’ve been through a few men who want bigger boobs and smaller hips. With the horses, I wear a sports bra, so they’re smashed to my chest. I wear them everywhere, so I mostly look flat. Maybe the relationship is too new for him to care?
“Would you like to come on a ride? Don’t feel you have to.”
“Thanks, I would. I’ve ridden, I’m not great, but I stay on.”
He helps me saddle the seven horses for the riders, plus Bunny for me, and Cory for him.
Cory is quiet, but is big and gorgeous. “They used him in a movie a few months ago.”
“He’s a star!” he laughs.
“So am I, but only my back.”
“I’ve been a lot of places where they never saw me at all, but I made a difference.”
“I bet. You never get credit for your secret stuff. At least you’re well paid.”
“I am now. Back then, I wasn’t, but we did it to be the best.”
The best of the best. That’s impressive. I hope it’s true. It’s not that I disbelieve, it’s just that there are so many wanna-be’s, also known as liars. It’s easy to say I used to be a SEAL or Delta
Force, and no one but someone in the unit would know. I keep going back to what he showed those times with the task force, and in the house when he shot the killers. He has to be real… Damn it, please be the real thing!
The cars arrive with my riders. I demonstrate how to stop, go, and turn their horses. Then I get them in their saddles, and ride into the foothills.
I mostly lead, but also stop and wait for riders to catch up. There is a photo op that is breathtaking, overlooking miles of vistas. Everyone gets a photo, even Quinn. But, at his request, I only take his back. I’m fine with that.
We stop for a few minutes in the shady oak woodland, then ride up the hill to another vista point.
“It’s beautiful here. You’re so lucky to do this,” a young girl says.
“Yes I am. I have a pretty good life!” I glance at Quinn’s profile. He’s looking to the west. Yes, I’m very lucky.
The ride ends with happy customers. Quinn helps me tie the horses to the stalls and loosen their cinches. Next, it’s time for the wine tasting. I carry out the bottles and glasses.
“The grapes in this wine were grown in the very same vineyards we rode through. The Cabernet is by the road. Remember the group of bicyclists that went by—the vines are right there.”
“This is so exciting. Did you make the wine?” a lady asks.
“No, this is from last year. The next harvest, the new owner will be making her own.”
“A woman winemaker? That’s impressive! Are there many around?”
“Yes, more and more. It takes knowledge and experience, but it’s like anything else—if you have a passion for it, and work hard, you can succeed.”
A short while later they head back to their cars. It was a nice group, very enjoyable.
Quinn has unsaddled the horses for me. He’s handing out carrots to their eager mouths.
“Oh dear,” I stop and stare.
“I thought I’d give you a hand with the saddles. I’m sure they’re not on the right stands, but I had to guess.”
“I really appreciate it. That was very thoughtful.” I stop and stare. “I have—another ride.” I chew the inside of my cheek. “In ten minutes.”
“Shit,” his expression is full of embarrassment.
I hurry up to him. “I’m sorry, I want to be thankful. I am thankful, but can you help get them back on?”
“Damn—yes. I should have asked.”
“Please don’t worry, it’s an easy fix. I don’t imagine you want to go again?” I ask.
“I will if you want me to.” He doesn’t let me know either way.
“Do you want to? Otherwise, I’m sure it’s not your favorite thing to do on a day off.”
“If you won’t be upset, I have other things I should do.”
“Please, do your own thing. I don’t want to force my horse lifestyle on you. It only backfires.”
We finish re-saddling five as the next cars arrive. Each horse has their fill of water from the bucket tied to the stall bars. They’ve had a break while I gave the tasting.
Quinn grabs me in a tight hug. “I had a terrific time with you. I hate to leave.”
“Me too!” I hesitate. “Can I have your number?” I don’t have it, and he pops in when he wants.
“Of course. We’ve moved on, haven’t we?”
“Yes,” I pull out my cell and enter it in favorites.
Our kiss is short, since we don’t want the customers to be shocked. He heads toward the gully behind the barn. Oh right, he has to get his car from the shed.
The day ends with me sitting at the picnic table as the sun is setting. It was a great day. The groups were fun, they left tips, and Quinn gave me his number. I think he may be a boyfriend. Or, am I jumping ahead too fast? He stayed overnight, I met his mother, and I know more about him than he usually tells people. Does that mean what I hope it means?
Ding, a text. I excitedly pull it from my jeans pocket. Darn, it isn’t him.
“Hi. Tony is missing. Can you help?”
Who is Tony? I don’t know a Tony. I’m not interested in investigating anything.
I reply, “Sorry, I don’t know who Tony is. I don’t do investigations, but thanks for thinking of me.”
“This is Alyssa. Tony, you found him at the casino, cheating on his wife.”
“Oh, yes, that Tony. Your number didn’t come up.”
“I’m using my other phone. Can you find him? He never showed up at the airport.”
“His wife needs to make a missing person’s report. I wouldn’t know where to look.”
“There’s a small problem.”
20
Tony is Missing
“What’s the problem?”
“His wife told me she got a call from the girlfriend. She said the goons are after him, and they’re hiding in the canyon.”
“That’s pretty vague. What canyon?”
“She didn’t say. But will you look for him? I’ll pay you.”
“No, I’m sorry. There are thousands of acres of hills and canyons. Plus, I don’t want to get involved with the goons chasing him.”
“I’ll double it,” she insists.
“Alyssa, you could triple it, and I wouldn’t be interested. Why do you care, anyhow?”
She doesn’t text back immediately. It stretches to ten minutes. Yeah, why does she care?
Ding, she’s back: “His girlfriend is a friend of mine. I introduced them. I feel guilty about it.”
“Oh, that’s why. And his wife?”
“She wants to clear this up so she can move on with her life.”
“Have her hire someone to follow the trail. I don’t want to get involved with that kind of danger.”
“Alright. Can you suggest anyone?”
“Not off hand. I’ll sleep on it and let you know.”
“Thanks.”
Is she nuts—she thinks I’ll trailer the horses to the south side of the valley and ride around trying to find those two? Oh yes, and the Reno goons will be hot on our trail.
I may be a shit-magnet, but I’m not a stupid one!
What a laugh. Well, it’s cooling down. I’ll feed the horses, then head to the house to see about dinner. I can text Quinn, without seeming clingy. It’s an end of the day text, so it’s Ok.
“Hi. I sat at the picnic table watching the sunset, now I’m heading in for dinner. I hope you had a nice day.”
He immediately replies, “I’m getting a job up north. It looks like I’ll be away for a week. Shall I stop by before I go?”
“Yes!”
Wow, that’s nice, he wants to see me. He could have said he had to go, and goodbye.
“How late are you up? I’m leaving at midnight. Is that too late for you?”
Oh boy, that is late. Since I want to show him I care, I’ll have him come by. “I’ll leave the door unlocked, come in.”
“Don’t shoot me.”
“I’ll put the gun out of reach.”
“See you at 0045 hours.”
“Roger.” If he can speak military, I can speak police.
I settle down to a plate of left over lettuce wraps and turn on the Hallmark Channel. Boy, I’m turning into a romantic.
Nikki comes home and fills me on her day. She spent a few hours at her attorney’s getting things prepared for her divorce. I tell her about my day and let her know Quinn will be dropping in on his way up north.
By 10:45 I’m fading. I go to bed and get some sleep before he arrives. I don’t know how long he’ll be staying. I make sure to brush my teeth extra well.
I toss and turn but can’t sleep. The anticipation is keeping my brain from shutting down for the night. I don’t hear his car drive up, but I hear soft treads on the porch. He’s here! Should I get up and meet him, or lie here, looking inviting?
He’s taking a while. Noises are coming from the kitchen. Is he raiding the fridge?
My door bursts open, hitting the wall. A flashlight sweeps the room, blinding me with the intensity.
> “What the hell are you doing?” That accidentally pops out of my mouth.
“Run!” Nikki screams, and is immediately silenced.
“That’s her!” a man’s guttural voice declares as the beam settles on my face.
I’m blinded, and all I can do is roll off the bed. My .38 is stuffed in my shoe at the foot of the bed. I usually sleep with it under the pillow. But I didn’t want to chance waking out of a deep sleep with Quinn coming in the room.
Immense hands grab me and pull up like I’m as light as a doll. “Where is Tony?” He’s squeezing my arms, cutting off the blood supply.
“I don’t know.” My brain hasn’t engaged. I can’t go from drowsy to deadly in two seconds.
“You know. You’ll tell us, or you’ll both regret it,” the bulk in front of me speaks.
“I don’t know. Wait a minute. They told me he is in a canyon by the airport.”
“Where did you hide him? Tell me,” I can feel his breath on my face.
“I don’t know. I, uh. I was hired to follow him to see if he was cheating on his wife. I found him with that platinum blond. That’s all I know.”
“I don’t believe you. I heard you’re going to pick him up.”
“I’m not. I told them I don’t want anything to do with it. Your news is wrong.”
“Lady, don’t tell me my news is wrong. It’s the best, and you’re in no position to say that.”
The one holding Nikki says, “I’m sure you remember more than you’re telling us.” He does something to her and she screams, but his hand must be covering her mouth.
The light is directly in my face. My eyes are closed, but the intensity is too much. I feel the heat from the bulb a few inches away.
My arm is going numb. His thumb is digging into my brachial artery.
“Maybe you’ll tell us to save your friend?” growls the guy who has Nikki. He smothers her squeak.
“I don’t know anything. I told them I wouldn’t look for him. I don’t know him. I didn’t want their money.”
I feel the pressure release on my left arm. Suddenly he slaps my cheek, spinning my face over my right shoulder.
