by Tena Stetler
“You didn’t act that way a few weeks ago,” Kate said stiffly.
“I’m sorry if I gave you mixed signals, didn’t mean to.” In public was the last place he wanted to do this, he’d planned on letting her down easy, but she forced his hand. “I’ve got to get to the high school.”
“You’re interested in the McKay witch, aren’t you?” she asked, her voice cool.
“That is none of your business. Now you better get back to the diner. Maggie is standing at the door.”
“You’re going to regret this,” Kate retorted, turned on her heel, and flounced down the street.
He waited until she pushed past Maggie and closed the door before returning to his truck, parked in the lot behind Maggie’s. Truck door open, he climbed inside and leaned back against the headrest, rubbing his eyes with thumb and forefinger. Wasn’t the way he wanted it to go down, but at least he’d made his lack of interest crystal clear. Better stay away from Maggie’s for a while.
Troubleshooting the high school electrical system took longer than estimated. He called Pepper to let her know, stopped to pick up a couple large bottles of pop, and then drove over to the Pizza Place at Lobster Lanes Bowling Alley. When he walked through the pickup door, all talking ceased, and everyone looked in his direction. Stan stood behind the counter shifting from one foot to the other.
“How’s it going? I’m here to pick up a meat pizza. I called it in earlier,” Lathen said brightly.
“It’s not quite ready yet, only be another moment or two. I’ll go check on it.” Stan disappeared through the kitchen door.
A waitress breezed through and stopped at the counter, glanced at Lathen. “Heard you and Kate had a spat. Taking her pizza to make up?”
He sighed. “Where’d you hear that?”
“Around,” she said, popping her gum and leaning on the counter.
“Well, let me set the record straight. Kate and I were never together, never dated, and never saw each other outside the diner.”
She shrugged. “That’s what I thought, but… Everyone knows she likes the guys at the Red Club. Didn’t think you had kink.”
He shook his head and smiled, turned to see Stan, red-faced, standing on the other side of the counter holding a pizza box. Lathen took the box, flipped the top to check it, handed Stan a twenty, and walked out into the cool damp air. This was what happened when you were a single male in a small town with a thriving BDSM club. He grinned at his reflection in the truck window. Do I have kink? Maybe. Whistling, he climbed into the truck, started the engine. The radio blared rock and roll. Lathen tapped his thumbs on the steering wheel to the beat and headed for Pepper’s place.
****
The dish of dry dog food Pepper had set at the edge of the clearing was empty when she returned from town. She carried the bowl into the house, washed it, and refilled it. On her next trip out to the trailer, she put the bowl back in the same spot and went back into the house. It was time to feed Kaylee. Pepper stopped in the bathroom and braided her long red hair to keep it out of her face and from falling into the fish holding tank when she leaned over. It had happened more often in Salem than she wanted to admit. It took several days to get the fishy smell out.
Whistling for the osprey, Pepper padded into the aviary, pulled on the fridge door, and opened the sealed container of fish. Kaylee landed on the counter beside Pepper waiting for her to toss the fish into the air. A game that they’d played since the bird was a chick. Originally, it was meant to strengthen her wing muscles so she could fly again. But the game continued because Pepper enjoyed the interaction with Kaylee, who also appeared to benefit from it.
The day began to catch up with Pepper when she trudged out to the trailer and peeked in. Way too much stuff. She sighed. Unfortunately, she needed some of that stuff. Turning around, she scanned the surrounding area and lifted her arms, swinging them toward the house. Several boxes and a suitcase floated out of the trailer, through the cabin’s front door, and settled on the polished wooden floor. That was all it took. Her head pounded, eyes blurred, and her hands shook from exertion and use of magic. There was always a price to pay when using magic for self-gain. She sank to the top step on the porch. The rest could wait for Lathen.
After regaining strength, she unpacked the boxes, put everything away, and went to check on Kaylee, who whistled as Pepper approached the outside enclosure. Watching Kaylee circle the enclosure, negotiate through the door to the indoor aviary, and back out with barely a wobble, Pepper felt a sense of pride from the bird that no one thought would fly again. The move and change in living arrangements seemed to agree with the osprey.
Out of the corner of her eye, Pepper saw movement a few feet from the clearing on the side of the house. A huge black furry dog crouched sniffing the air. Pepper stood still. The dog crossed the edge of the clearing and scooped up a mouthful of food and darted back into the woods.
An unfamiliar copper-colored truck skidded around the driveway and stopped in front of the cabin. Lathen stepped out, a couple of two-liter bottles of pop tucked under one arm and a pizza box held in his large hands. From the aviary, Pepper rushed to open the front door and take the bottles from him.
“I didn’t recognize the truck. That isn’t what you were driving yesterday.”
“Nope, I use the older truck for work, don’t have to worry about the upholstery or beating up the bed with materials for a job.” He jerked his thumb toward the copper truck. “That’s what I drive when I’m off the clock. Let’s eat, I’m starved. After we’re done, we’ll get the rest of your stuff moved in.” He put the box down next to a pan of freshly baked brownies. “Been busy, huh?”
Pepper’s stomach rumbled as she carried the bottles into the kitchen and placed them on the table beside the plates, forks, and glasses set out earlier. The pizza smelled so good.
Seated at the kitchen table, Lathen scarfed down two pieces of pizza to Pepper’s one.
“Have you had any interactions with the black dog hanging around here?” she asked, finishing her second and last piece.
“Not much. He seems to crave human companionship but is afraid. Not sure what happened to him.” Lathen took another bite looking thoughtful. “No collar or tags, I’m pretty sure.”
“So, he’s a male?”
“Not sure, can’t get anywhere near that close. But I don’t think he or she is aggressive.”
“The dog was here the other night after you left, growling, and he stalked toward me, but the minute I stood my ground, he ran off into the woods.”
“That’s been my experience as well. You going to try to bring him in?”
“Yes. Though his or her fur is badly matted from what I can see, it appears to be a young dog. Part chow from what I’ve seen, and he or she deserves a chance at a better life. I’d feel more secure with a dog in the house, especially as big as it is. Appearance alone would scare off intruders. Speaking of that, any chance you could install a security system? I know this is a small town and all, but I don’t know anyone.”
“Sure can. I saw an empty bowl at the edge of the clearing when I drove up. Thought that might be what you were trying to do. Be careful, it’s a big dog.” Lathen shoved up from the table. “Let’s get your trailer unloaded, so you can take it back to the rental place tomorrow. I know they charge an arm and leg for those things.”
“True, gotta take the trailer to Bar Harbor. So, I’d like to go over my plans for the wildlife rescue and rehab too. When I drop off the trailer, I’ll stop by Fairbanks law firm and drop off the plans to Brandon. He’ll need them for putting together the nonprofit. Guess I need a name too.”
“How about Lobster Cove Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center? It gives the location and what you do all in the name.” He pushed the chair in under the table and strolled toward the front door. “Unless you want to make it more personal—McKay’s Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation? There’s been a McKay on this land for as long as anyone in town can remember.”
&n
bsp; “I like the first one, simple yet functional. I’ll suggest that to Brandon and see what he thinks.”
“You figure out where you want things, then I’ll bring them in, that way don’t have to move anything twice,” he said, opening the door.
“You can’t handle the big things by yourself.”
“That’s why I brought a moving dolly and ramp.” Bounding out the door and down the stairs, Lathen jerked open the trailer and peered inside. “Looks like you got a lot done last night.” He looked up. “Hey, your furry friend is checking out the empty bowl. Want to try an approach, while I’m here?”
“Sure.” With another bowl of kibble, she joined him at the trailer.
Quietly, with eyes down, she walked half the distance from the cabin to where the dog stood, stopped, placed the bowl on the ground, and backed away. Once she returned to the trailer, the dog took a couple steps forward, then a couple more, shifting its gaze from the bowl to Pepper. The dog finally arrived at the bowl, gobbled up the food, and ran back to the woods.
“Well, doubled the progress from yesterday and no growls. Tonight, I’ll put a full bowl a few yards from the back porch.” She walked out, pick up both bowls, and carried them into the house.
In no time, Lathen had the trailer emptied, and Pepper put most of the items away.
Standing in the middle of the empty living room floor, she said. “It would be nice to have a couch, rocker/recliner, and TV. My apartment was pretty sparse, as you can tell.”
“There’s a nice furniture warehouse, Everything for the House, in Bar Harbor. They offer free delivery to Lobster Cove.” He pulled his phone out of his pocket. “I’ll text you the phone number and address. What’s your number?”
She gave him the number. “Any progress with Internet service and Wi-Fi?”
“Yes, I need to do the wiring early tomorrow. The provider will be out tomorrow afternoon.”
Pepper chewed on her bottom lip, a habit she’d had since childhood when she was trying to work out a problem. “I wanted to take the trailer back tomorrow morning and stop by the lawyer while I’m there.” She grabbed her little backpack and took the cabin key he’d returned to her from a zipper compartment, extended it toward him. “Could you let yourself in the morning? Lock up when you leave. I should be back by noon or so. I want to check out the furniture store too.”
“Sure. But the Internet provider has a service window from noon to four. I’d stay, but I have an appointment at ten to repair a couple of wooden steps at the inn. Safety hazard. I had to set out caution signs before I came over tonight. Otherwise, I’d move the appointment.”
“No problem. I’ll make sure to be back by noon. Appreciate all your help. What about TV cable service?”
“It’s all in one, TV’s satellite dish. I’ll call tomorrow and tell them to bring that equipment too. You didn’t have a TV before?”
“No, it quit working, and I never had time to replace it. That’s why I’m doing it now. It seems a good time to add a few luxuries. Once, hopefully, I get the wildlife center going…”
Laughing, Lathen said, “Most people don’t consider TV and cable service luxuries.” He stifled another round of laughter and narrowed his eyes. “You plan to run it by yourself?” He frowned. His brows knitted together.
“What, the TV or wildlife center?” she joked. He. “At first—later I’ll look for help when needed.”
“I don’t know much about wildlife rehab, but when a woman here in town started a pet rescue, she nearly did herself in trying to do it all. Don’t want to see that happen to you.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.”
“I’ll make you a deal. If things start getting dicey for you, call me.” He rubbed his chin with his thumb and a few fingers. “I believe I’d enjoy helping you out around here. Fair enough?”
“But you’re so busy with your business. I couldn’t impose. I don’t think your lady friend would appreciate it, either.”
He grimaced. “I’ll adjust my schedule. If there one thing I’ve learned through my military career, it’s live life to the fullest, there are no guarantees. And I want to help. As far as Kate is concerned, we are only acquaintances. She apparently wanted more, but I’m not interested, not my type. That matter was settled after you left. I’m sorry you wound up in the middle of that.”
“Don’t be, it wasn’t your fault. Wrong place, wrong time, story of my life. Regarding the wildlife center, it’s a deal,” she said, pleased to be seeing more of him. She’d vowed no more men after…that piece of shit in Salem. But Lathen seemed different. She could feel it, even if she didn’t want to.
Pepper pulled out the wildlife center drawings she’d been working on and spread them on the table. “The barn would make a good rehab facility for birds. With kennels installed in the larger of the other two buildings and outside runs like we talked about, it’ll work for other wildlife. The smaller building, we could remodel into a decent laboratory, office, maybe some storage. Is there electrical or heat in any of the buildings?”
Lathen shook his head. “I don’t think so.”
“Okay, we need both,” she said firmly.
“That’s doable.” He leaned over her shoulder listening to her plans and making suggestions of what might work and how to build the marine habitat by the ocean front. His warm breath on her neck made it hard to concentrate and gave her butterflies in the pit of her stomach.
He pointed to a lightly penciled in room on the left side of the cabin. “What’s that?”
“I’m thinking about adding an exercise room onto the cabin. Had a gym membership in Salem to relieve the stress. But that isn’t feasible here.”
“There’s plenty of land, might have to alter the driveway a bit. But that’s no big deal.”
She twirled the pencil between her fingers while looking at the plans. “Better get the rescue worked out first, then see about any personal things.”
“It would be best to order all the building materials together, get a discount, you know. If we get stalled on one of the other buildings, I can always have a crew start on your room. We’ll keep the plans independent and charge time separately. I just hate to see you get all the rescue construction finished and cleaned up, just to start in on this project.”
“When you put it like that, it makes sense to do it all at one time. I’ll sketch out what I have in mind and see what you think.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Lathen stretched one arm above his head and arched his back stifling a yawn.
Pepper glanced at the clock. “Wow, where the heck did time go?”
“I’ve gotta get going, early morning tomorrow. See you about seven. I had a good time this evening.”
She walked him to the door, stepped out on the porch, and hugged him. “Thanks for everything.”
“You’re very much welcome.” He sauntered to the truck, climbed in, rolled down the window, and waved before he drove off.
She went back inside, scooped kibble into a clean bowl, and set it outside a few yards from the back porch. There was no sign of the dog after she sat on the steps for a few minutes. Yawning, she walked inside, checked on Kaylee, showered, and fell into bed.
It seemed like her head had just hit the pillow when the alarm went off. She remembered pushing the snooze button only once. But the next time it went off, the LED numerals on the clock read 6:45 a.m. Oh God, Lathen will be here in fifteen minutes. A much later start than she had intended this morning.
Chapter Five
A Stranger by Any Other Name
Still Spells Trouble
Pepper flipped the radio on and sang to the songs as she drove down Highway 3. By day’s end, she’d have Internet service and maybe tomorrow decent furniture to sit on. The rental place should be on the right-hand side. She scanned the road and spied the rental sign. Making a right hand turn into the lot, she stopped, unhooked the trailer, and walked inside. The office was dusty, but the man at the counter was friendly, and had her on her wa
y quickly.
One item ticked off her to-do list. Next, the furniture store. She checked the map Lathen had given her and drove right to it. After forty-five minutes of wandering around the store, she found a reclining couch and glider/recliner love seat in a rich brown. No need for a single recliner with that pair, so she went to the electronics area.
A sixty-inch curved screen was on sale for a very reasonable price, and a decent brand. That would deplete her rainy day fund. She looked at other televisions but kept coming back to that one. She shook her head. Thanks to her Aunt Ashling, money wasn’t a problem. Still, she’d pinched pennies all her life. Spending money frivolously wasn’t how she did things. But just this once, she was going to splurge and get that sixty-inch curved screen TV including the surround sound system. Debit card in hand, she approached the counter and paid for the TV and furniture. Made arrangements for delivery and was thrilled to discover the items could be delivered tomorrow afternoon.
Giddy with excitement, she ticked off one more item on her list and headed to Fairbanks Law Firm, and it was only ten o’clock. The law firm’s parking lot was full, and she’d forgotten to call Brandon for an appointment. That was all right. She’d simply drop off the drawings and see if she could set an appointment for him to come out to the property. That way he could see what she wanted first hand. Pam, the receptionist, smiled when Pepper walked through the door.
“Nice to see you again, Ms. McKay. Is Mr. Fairbanks expecting you?”
“No, I forgot to call him. But can I leave these drawings and set an appointment for him to come out to my property?” She laid the rolled up plans and file with information on the counter.
“Let me bring up his calendar.” She tapped couple buttons on the keyboard, and his calendar began to scroll on the screen. Brandon walked up behind the receptionist and smiled.
“Morning, Ms. McKay. How are you this fine morning?”
“Great. I wanted to drop these off.” She pointed to her drawings and documents on the counter. “And make an out-of-office appointment for you to stop by my property. It gives you a chance to review the drawings, then we can discuss what I have in mind for the nonprofit.”