Shadows of the Mountain

by Bev Pettersen

  “Oh,” she said, as understanding dawned. “You thought I’d know all the gossip. You wanted to find out if the ranch was safe. That’s why you...chatted me up.”

  She tried not to wince. They both knew he’d done much more than chat her up. And that he had been wildly successful. According to Allie, it had been obvious to everyone in the dance hall that she’d been his for the taking. But she’d never been drawn so quickly to someone before, and by the way Jack had acted, she assumed he was similarly attracted. She’d been mistaken.

  Allie thought Kate was still wary of men after how things had ended with her ex. But that wasn’t true. Because another hour with Jack and she would have been happy—no, eager—to go home with him. And no doubt he knew it.

  She pinned her gaze on the trail ahead, hating how her face felt impossibly hot, revealing her embarrassment.

  “I had to make sure the ranch was safe,” Jack said. “I was part of the site survey.” His voice was level, certainly not apologetic. But his horse was prancing so maybe his body had tightened. Perhaps he felt a tiny bit of guilt. However, that didn’t make her feel better. She rarely let anyone get too close and could count her sexual partners on one hand. For her to be smitten so quickly wasn’t normal.

  Luckily he didn’t know that. Maybe he thought she danced like that with everyone.

  “I had to ask questions,” he went on. “I was just doing my job.”

  She’d been his job. She hid her ache behind a polite but dismissive smile, the kind she’d perfected on over-friendly guests.

  “No problem,” she said. “So was I.”

  THE MULES’ HOOF BEATS sounded behind Jack, their steady plodding occasionally punctuated by the thump of a pack. A few times he stole a glance back. Somehow Kate managed to stay out of sight, always rounding the corner just as his horse, Dusty, turned the next twisting bend. She was certainly out of talking range, and it was clear she intended to remain that way.

  His attempt at conversation had lasted less than three minutes. But she was the lucky one, avoiding the mindless chitchat up front. He wished he had an excuse to ride in the back. Even her silence was more appealing than talking to agents Kessler and Logan. But it was clear she didn’t welcome his company. She hadn’t even asked any questions: about Courtney, or their security precautions, or what it was like to work for the First Family. And in his experience, women tended to harp on that stuff.

  “I know you love this backwoods shit,” Kessler said, continuing his litany of complaints, “but my ass is damn sore.”

  Jack made another non-committal grunt, continuing his careful scan of the trail and paying close attention to his horse’s ears. Even though the Secret Service had closed off this section of the trail, his caution was ingrained, and his horse was an excellent early warning tool. Twice his mount had alerted him to the presence of deer long before they burst out in front of the excited girls.

  “Why do girls like horses so much?” Kessler continued. “She could have taken a helicopter, instead of riding these long miles. And then we wouldn’t have to sleep in a damn tent.”

  Jack’s mouth tightened. It was hard to hear anything moving in the underbrush with Kessler bitching beside him, and if Dusty hadn’t pricked his ears, Jack would have missed the weasel darting across the path.

  “Guess she wants to see things like that,” Jack said.

  “Like what?” Kessler twisted in the saddle, his hand shooting toward the holster beneath his shirt. “Oh, just some animal.” He visibly relaxed. “We’ll have to tell Monty to make a stop soon. In case she wants a break.”

  It didn’t look as if either Courtney or Tyra needed a break. They both sat their horses easily, their heads swiveling as they took in the sights. Jack didn’t particularly like the nervous energy of the tall palomino but Tyra didn’t appear to mind, and the Mustang River trail was level and undemanding. Both girls chattered non-stop, their comments mixed with giggles and questions for Monty. And though the quiet guide always answered in measured words, Logan was quick to chime in. Unlike Kate, the agent was obviously the type who needed to feel important.

  “First check-in isn’t for another fifty minutes. And Petal’s having fun,” Jack said, careful to use Courtney’s code name. “She’s relaxed, enjoying the ride.”

  “Yeah.” Kessler glanced longingly at the bushes. “Guess I shouldn’t have guzzled so much coffee.”

  Jack’s mouth twitched. Kessler might be uncomfortable but he would never stop his horse and take a leak. Would never let Courtney move more than twenty yards away. Jack had worked with the Secret Service before and they were all well trained, almost over-zealous in their duties. Their site investigation and background checks were meticulous. Except that Jack hadn’t been provided with Kate’s name.

  “I was told our guides would be Monty and Donna James. Not Kate.” Jack glanced over his shoulder to where a mule’s brown nose was just rounding the bend. It took an excellent rider to maintain that precise distance without any obvious commands. And while mules were safe and steady, they weren’t generally as responsive as horses. With all the quality ranch horses available, it was odd that a good rider like Kate would prefer a mule. Actually there was a lot about her he found intriguing. And she was the one person in the group that he knew very little about.

  “The girls needed a woman,” Kessler said, clearing his throat. “For female issues. But Donna James was hurt falling off a horse and couldn’t go. So the ranch recommended Kate as a last-minute replacement.”

  “But you checked her out?”

  Kessler scowled as if the question was a personal affront to the Secret Service. “Of course,” he said. “We know what we’re doing. Remember, you’re not part of the official detail. You’re on a need-to-know basis.”

  Jack considered reminding the man that he’d been hired directly by the President. But that was already a sensitive issue. The Secret Service was a closed rank, and by necessity paranoid, following complex rules and guidelines only they understood. They hadn’t wanted an outside contractor. The agents were resentful. But though Jack wasn’t wearing a Secret Service pin he intended to keep Courtney safe, even if it went contrary to Kessler’s precious protocols.

  “Correct,” Jack said, hardening his voice. “I am on a need-to-know basis. And I need to know how thoroughly you checked out Kate.”

  “We did the regular background check,” Kessler muttered. “Then went deep.”

  “Deep” meant Kessler knew everything about her, including how old Kate had been when she cut her first tooth as well as the size and color of each item in her underwear drawer. Obviously she’d passed with flying colors or she wouldn’t be on this ride.

  “I just wonder why you gave her such a hard time this morning,” Jack said, his tone changing. Antagonizing the agents wouldn’t help. But it didn’t make sense. Kessler had been much more polite with Monty, even exchanging a comment about the chilly morning before asking to check his pack.

  Yet the man had been an asshole with Kate. It had been impossible to stand back and let Kessler rough ride her. He assumed Kessler would have been even more aggressive if he knew Jack had spent time with her in the dance hall.

  “It was just a typical search,” Kessler muttered.

  Jack just stared, letting the man know he needed an answer. If it was an agency other than the Secret Service, he’d have suspected Kessler was taking advantage of the opportunity to frisk a beautiful woman, but he’d worked with the Service before and the agents had always been professional.

  “I just wanted to be prudent,” Kessler said. “Make sure she didn’t have any contraband.”

  “You worried about drugs? Alcohol?” That made sense. Courtney was impressionable. It was always a dilemma when underage members of the First Family indulged. Agents didn’t want to be tattle tales, but they could be demoted or fired if they condoned illegal behavior. Kate had only been drinking water last night. And those beautiful eyes had been clear and candid. Certainly not the ty
pe to hole up in a teenagers’ tent and think it cute to sneak them a joint.

  “Kate may have done some stuff in the past,” Jack said, watching Kessler’s reaction. “Everyone has. But I talked to her last night. She doesn’t appear the type to encourage wild behavior.”

  Tyra would be more likely to have something tucked in her bag. And Jack didn’t usually stick his neck out, protecting people he hadn’t personally vetted. But in a way he had checked out Kate. He hadn’t planned to spend the entire evening with her. Certainly he hadn’t intended to hit on her. But the delightful curve of that smiling mouth, the way her body felt pressed against his, even the smell of her skin...

  She’d been hard to ignore. And once he’d pulled out all the information he needed about Monty, he’d turned off work mode and simply enjoyed her company.

  He liked her. The way she listened, how everything she said was worthwhile, and the way her intelligent eyes flashed with passion. And he sure as hell liked the way she handled those mules.

  “She obviously is good with animals,” Jack said. “You people should appreciate that.” His hands tightened around the reins because it still annoyed him the way Kessler had treated Kate. And he was finding that difficult to let go. “I still can’t figure out why you gave her such a hard time?”

  “She’s undoubtedly brave,” Kessler said, almost grudgingly. “Just not my kind of woman. Let’s leave it at that.”

  Jack hadn’t really expected to pull much from the man. Anything the Secret Service had found was confidential. Rightly so, if it wasn’t related to this particular job. But for some reason Kessler was uncomfortable with Kate. And that made Jack even more curious about a woman he found so appealing.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  BELLE’S STRIDE QUICKENED, not much, but enough to alert Kate they were approaching a spot the mule remembered with pleasure. Kate didn’t know this area nearly as well as Monty but they’d been following the Mustang River for at least a mile so the lunch stop was probably close.

  Five minutes later the trail widened into a vibrant meadow colored by lilies, buttercups and Indian paintbrush. To the left, lay a fallen stump that previous riders had dragged onto the knoll to serve as a rough table.

  Monty had already dismounted and ground-tied his horse. “I’ll look after the mules,” he said, hurrying out to meet Kate. “Give you a break.”

  “That’s okay,” she said, stepping down from Belle’s back.

  “Please,” he whispered. “All this talking is driving me nuts.”

  She laughed, completely understanding his plea. She’d been free to enjoy the ride, remaining some distance back, while all the entertaining had fallen to Monty. The guide was usually taciturn—and guests accepted that as it met their stereotype of the gruff cowboy. But it was impossible to brush off the President’s daughter, no matter how mundane her questions. Monty needed time to recharge, and Kate was buoyant, refreshed and well able to take over the task.

  Still smiling, she passed him the lead rope.

  “Thanks, Kate.” Monty’s voice lowered. “And by the way I’m sorry about this morning. They took my boot knife. Shouldn’t have tried to bring it. But I never expected a search like that.”

  “No problem,” she said.

  “They’re sure a suspicious bunch.” His gaze cut to the horses who were pulling at their bits, wondering why their riders didn’t dismount and give them a chance to eat. “Thoughtless with their animals too,” he added. “Looks like they intend to use their horses as chairs.”

  “It’s okay,” Kate said. “They just don’t understand. They probably never rode this long before.”

  She turned and walked over to the girls.

  “You can dismount now,” she said, smiling up at them. “And give your horses a rest. Are you enjoying the ride?”

  “Loving it.” Courtney leaned forward and patted her horse’s black-and-white neck. “Oreo didn’t shy once. And Monty said he’s great at crossing deep water too. I’ve never ridden a paint horse before. Glad I’m getting this chance.”

  “What about you, Tyra?” Kate turned, determined to include the second girl as much as possible. “How are you getting along with your horse?”

  “He’s okay, I guess. But I still hate these long stirrups.” She dismounted and shoved her reins into Kate’s hand. “I’m starving. When’s lunch?”

  “We’ll eat after we unsaddle the horses,” Kate said. “They’ve been working harder than any of us.”

  “But I want to stretch my legs,” Courtney said. “Can you look after my horse too?”

  Kate hesitated. Generally riders looked after their own horses, under supervision. If they didn’t know the basics they quickly learned. But on this ride, etiquette was obviously different. Probably both these girls were used to having a groom or two for assistance. She certainly couldn’t force them to look after their own animals if they didn’t want to.

  The trail horses wore halters beneath their bridles so it was a simple matter to slip the bits from their mouths. But removing the saddles while keeping the horses apart was a trickier matter, especially if none of the five guests planned to help. And Tyra’s palomino was low horse on the totem pole, afraid of the other geldings. Slider wouldn’t want to stand too close. If he did, the bossier horses would take it as a challenge to their authority. And it would be hugely inconvenient if a horse was kicked and left too lame to be ridden. Painful for the horse as well.

  “I’ll unsaddle your horse over here, Tyra,” Kate said, making a quick decision and leading the palomino further into the meadow. “And I’ll be right back to help you, Courtney.”

  “I’ll help her,” Jack said.

  He dismounted, keeping his horse well back from Oreo, then showed Courtney how to slip off the western headstall and hang the bridle over her saddle horn.

  The other two agents were off their horses as well, but made no move to untack. They were busy scanning the sides of the meadow, their expressions unreadable behind dark sunglasses. It seemed as though Kessler and Logan were the actual bodyguards while Jack was here to help the girls as required.

  Kate had to admit he was a good hand with a horse. He had three animals unsaddled and grazing peacefully by the time she returned for Kessler’s horse.

  “Are any of the horses likely to run home?” Jack asked, his gaze flickering over the hobbles tied to Monty’s saddle.

  “Not while they’re hungry.” She paused, still resenting this man and how he’d played her for a fool last night. But he had been a big help too, demonstrating to the girls how to care for their horses instead of doing it for them. Letting them know it was their job, something she and Monty didn’t feel they had the authority to do. Besides, trail rides were safer and more fun if people weren’t squabbling. “Thanks for the help,” she said. “It’s appreciated. I’ll get the saddle bags now.”

  “How about I grab the food,” Jack said, glancing over her head, “and you help the girls?”

  She turned, following his gaze. Courtney and Tyra were staring at the trees, shuffling their feet and looking confused, as well as anxious.

  “Right,” Kate said, realizing they were searching for a bathroom. Or the closest substitute.

  “Just ignore Kessler and Logan,” Jack said, his voice lowering. “They’ll follow you into the woods, but they won’t come too close. And they’ll be looking outward.”

  Kate’s eyes widened. There were no other humans within miles. Yet Courtney wasn’t permitted to duck behind a tree on her own? That would be like living in a glass castle. And being watched like that would be horrible.

  “Yeah,” Jack said, his astute eyes on her face. “Tough way to live, especially when she didn’t choose it herself. She doesn’t have much space.” His face was expressionless, as if he knew better than to show criticism, but the compassion in his voice was unmistakable.

  “We’ll have to make sure she has a really good time,” Kate said, looking at Courtney with ever-increasing empathy.

&n
bsp; “Yes, and a safe one.”

  She glanced sharply at Jack. Was that a warning? But there wasn’t anyone around who could hurt the girl. The ranch wasn’t allowing any other guests to ride in this area and nobody knew Courtney was here. No one was even aware of her destination. Even if whispers somehow leaked that she was riding in to see the wild horses, there were several herds. And the spot where they were headed was at the western tip, where access was restricted by the mountains.

  “Yes,” Kate said lightly. “A safe and fun trip. That’s what I’m here for.”

  She joined the girls, then guided them into the woods, amused by the crunching of branches as the trailing agents tried to be quiet. They failed miserably. Courtney and Tyra didn’t seem to notice the men’s presence, other than seeming rather subdued.

  However, once they returned from their bathroom break and were back in the sunlit meadow, everyone seemed more relaxed.

  Kate unpacked the food, efficiently setting out sliced meat, cheese, pickles and freshly made buns and pita bread. The girls ate quickly, not praising the meal but not complaining either. They took a last drink of water then turned their attention to the colorful meadow.

  “Can you tell me the names of those flowers?” Courtney asked Kate. “I’ve never seen them before.”

  “Be glad to,” Kate said, following Courtney and Tyra into the meadow, delighted to share her knowledge. This was much better than entertaining children who’d been sent to her classes under protest. And Courtney said she was taking Environmental Science in the fall so was particularly interested.

  “Those are Indian paintbrush and golden banner,” Kate said. “And this pink and lavender one is a Shooting Star. That’s its name because there’s no place for bees to land so they cling to the cone and flap their wings. That makes the pollen shoot out in a shower.”

  Courtney listened avidly while Kate spoke about the local flora. But Tyra’s interest faded quickly. She was far more enthusiastic about picking flowers and trying to stick them in her hair. Eventually she coaxed Courtney into weaving daisies in Slider’s long mane. However, they were laughing and entertaining themselves, so Kate hurried back to clean up the food area, aware Monty would be impatient to leave.