by Gerri Hill
“And when my year is up, you very well may.” Reese took a swallow of beer. “I’m in exile. My prison term is up in one year.”
“Oh, yeah? What’d you do? Sleep with your boss’s daughter or something?” At the slight blush that colored Reese’s face, Morgan laughed. “Oh, my God! Are you insane? What was she? A teenager?”
“Insane? You should know.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Although Charlie’s daughter was straight, I hear. I think you trump me, Marietta Zula,” she said with a wicked grin.
Morgan gritted her teeth. “How do you know about Charlie’s daughter?” She leaned closer. “And have you forgotten the pinch? Because I’ll do it again.”
Reese rubbed her arm. “No, I haven’t forgotten.”
Morgan touched her warm cheeks, knowing she was blushing.
“How do you know about Mona?” she asked quietly.
“Eloise mentioned it.”
“Oh, good grief.”
“So was she really straight?”
“I don’t know. I certainly wasn’t her first.” Morgan blushed again. “I can’t believe I’m telling you about her.”
“Isn’t that part of our lesbian bonding thing?”
Morgan smiled. “Jackson had just died. I was lonely. I—”
“Who was Jackson?”
“He was my dog. My partner, my friend.” Morgan stared into her beer for a moment, remembering Jackson. “Anyway, she was here. I had no idea she was Charlie’s daughter. Actually, I can’t believe I took her to my house. I don’t normally do things like that.” Morgan smiled at her. “So what’s your story?”
“Not the boss’s daughter.” She sipped her beer again. “It was his wife.”
“Oh, my God, his wife?”
“It was actually the mayor’s wife.”
“Well, I hope it was good.”
“Quite good. Just not good enough to lose my job over, no.”
“What happened?”
“I had a rather cushy job, Winter Park. Chief of Police.” She grinned. “That’s where the Chief Daniels thing started. And in my defense, she came on to me. Relentlessly.”
“I’m sure.”
“It’s the truth.”
“And you finally gave in?”
“Yeah. Unfortunately, it was at the mayor’s house. And he came home unexpectedly.”
“Oh, my.”
“Of course, he couldn’t just fire me. You have to have cause. Sleeping with his wife wasn’t justification. And he didn’t want the whole county to know. So, he pulled some strings, and here I am. In lovely Lake City, Colorado, in the middle of winter, hours from the nearest town of any size.”
“Why didn’t you just resign?”
“Why should I? I did a good job. There was no reason to resign. And I need a job.”
“You were having an affair with the mayor’s wife.”
“Affair really isn’t the word. And like I said, she came on to me.”
“Not being able to say no is hardly an excuse.”
“I never said it was an excuse.” Reese looked up as Jeff brought over her dinner. “Thanks, Jeff.”
“Sure thing.” He nodded at Morgan. “Another beer?”
She shook her head. “No. I’m heading home. Thanks.” She slid to the edge of the booth and stood. “I guess that explains why you’ve been so standoffish with everyone. It’s easier to cut and run after a year when you don’t have relationships with the people you’re sworn to protect. We’re not really real that way.”
She motioned to the window. “Storm coming in tonight,” she said. “Ten inches.”
“I heard. Ought to be a slow day tomorrow.”
Morgan nodded. “Goodnight.”
§
Reese watched her go, then tossed back the last of her beer.
She couldn’t remember the last time a woman had dared speak to her that way. And the pinch? Damn, that hurt. She smiled slightly. Just because she was in exile didn’t mean she had to shun all contact with the locals. Morgan was right. It was easier to cut and run. But it would make the year pass more quickly if she had a friend to hang out with, have dinner together occasionally. She arched an eyebrow. A friend? No, an acquaintance. She didn’t really make friends. She’d been told once that her personality was a little too insensitive and gauche to be conducive to forming friendships. She generally said what was on her mind, and no, she didn’t waste time with unnecessary pleasantries. Too many years in the police business for niceties. Too many years of running hookers and druggies off the streets in Vegas. Sweltering in one hundred fifteen degrees would make anyone insensitive to the pleasantries of civilized culture. That, and she found it a waste of time.
So she stood, tossing a few bills on the table, enough to cover her meal and a few extra for a tip. She walked out without speaking to anyone, pausing only to nod in Tracy’s direction as she slipped into the night.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
It was the kind of snowstorm Morgan hated. Not the fastmoving ones that dumped their snow and then moved on, leaving behind brilliant blue skies. No. This was the kind that started during the night and hung around all day, a make the world a dreary gray, fuzzy with the swirl of snow, bring life to a standstill kind of storm.
She moved away from the window and back to the fire, holding her hands out unconsciously to the warmth. Yes, she bitched about the cold and the snow. But really, it was the cabin fever brought on by the cold and snow that got to her. She hated being confined like this. Hated it.
Yeah, yeah, it was pretty and all that after it was over with.
It was just getting to that point that wore on her nerves. And to make matters worse, there was no Jackson around to distract her, no one to talk to, no one to take out into the storm for a quick potty break. Being stuck inside her tiny Forest Service house, staring out at the endless snow, made her feel as lost and alone as she’d ever been.
Ridiculous.
They still had power in town. She had a collection of DVDs.
She could watch a movie. Or better yet, read a book. But glancing at the bookshelf, she shook her head. Not in the mood. So she paced again, back and forth, her eyes darting between the fire and the endless white outside the window.
§
Reese strolled through the quiet office, not even Eloise bothering to make the drive into town this morning. Reese had always lived by the code that the post office and the police would be ready for duty regardless of the weather. Apparently, that didn’t hold true in Lake City. But at least Googan had the good sense to call and offer to come in. Eloise was more to the point. I guess you know only a fool would try to drive in this mess.
“And here I am,” she muttered as she filled her coffee cup for the fourth time. Even Sloan’s was empty, she noted, as she looked out on the deserted street that ran through town.
She’d heard on the scanner that the snowplows wouldn’t be out until the storm moved on. At least she’d had the foresight to post the Road Closed signs last night heading to Slumgullion Pass. A quick call to the Pattersons up at the lodge confirmed her decision. Rick told her they’d had at least two feet. She also noted the excitement in his voice. Snow meant snowmobilers. It was no different than when she worked in Winter Park and the folks at the resort were all having orgasms as the snow kept falling and falling.
Ah, Winter Park. She smiled as she fondly remembered the town. Ski season doubled the population, and the bars and restaurants were the hub of activity. A storm like today, the place would still be alive with tourists. She pulled her gaze away from the empty street. Not here, no. No tourists. Not even the locals were out and about.
“And a whole year of this,” she murmured as she went back to her office to brood.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
“You want me to what?” Morgan stared at Charlie. He’d obviously lost his mind.
“A couple of hours. It won’t be bad.”
Morgan glared at him. “Despite the fact that I don’t reall
y even like the woman, you want me to cross-country ski for a couple of hours? Charlie, you know I hate that. Why can’t I take her out on snowmobiles?”
“Because she wants to ski, to learn the trails, get familiar with it all before the summer tourist season picks up.”
“Christ, Charlie, it’s December. She’s worried about the summer season already?”
“Look, she requested and I obliged.”
“No, you want me to oblige.” She took a deep breath, already dreading being on those damn skinny skis for hours. But it was a beautiful day. Not even a hint of a breeze, the sky an endless blue, the temperature feeling almost balmy at thirty-five.
“So you’ll do it?”
“Do I have a choice?”
Charlie grinned. “I guess you could have pulled your hamstring on your morning jog.”
“Funny.”
“Seriously, I think it’s just being neighborly. Besides, she doesn’t really know anyone in town.”
“Oh, I’ll do it, Charlie.” She went to her desk and fished out her keys. “Nothing better than a little cross-country skiing to get your juices flowing.” She whipped her head around. “Do not comment on that,” she said quickly.
He laughed. “Wouldn’t touch it. But you know, this might give you a chance to get to know each other. It never hurts to make new friends, Morgan.”
She shook her head. “I don’t know about that. She’s standoffish, I told you that.”
“The last couple of times we talked, she was friendly enough.”
“If I see her at Sloan’s, she doesn’t speak, not unless I make the effort first. I mean, she’s been here a month. You’d think she would have lightened up by now,” she said as she pulled on her jacket. She paused at the door. “And by the way, you owe me dinner at Sloan’s for volunteering me for this. You can pay up on steak night.”
§
Reese stared out her door and through the window to the street, waiting. She had no doubt that Charlie would have to talk Morgan into this. She’d heard from Eloise that Morgan hated skis. Hated winter for that matter. Reese also hated skis and would have loved to take a spin out on snowmobiles. But that’s hardly conducive to having conversation and getting to know someone. Which was why she’d come up with this little plan. She was simply bored enough to toss out her don’t get involved rule.
Bored out of her mind. There was no crime, had been no traffic accidents other than Googan’s little mishap, no speeding tickets to issue, no one complaining of a disorderly neighbor, not even a drunken incident over at Sloan’s Bar. No crime, no theft, no reports to write up, nothing. Now she knew why the fender bender in town had garnered such interest. It would have to hold them over until tourist season.
That’s when she realized that if she didn’t find something to do, didn’t start having a life, then she’d go stark raving mad during her year of exile.
Marietta Zula Morgan seemed to be her only option. She nearly laughed out loud as the name rattled around in her brain, thinking of the pinch Morgan had given her the other day for teasing her about it. Yes, Morgan seemed the logical choice if she was going to attempt to make friends with someone. They were generally the same age, although she suspected Morgan to be a little younger. They were both lesbian, both single. Two qualities there weren’t a lot of in the county, she was certain. So she would make an effort. And cross-country skiing seemed like a good choice to start with. They would have some time together, alone.
And if they didn’t kill each other, the next time she saw Morgan out at the bar, she’d go over and talk. She’d make the effort.
So she waited, tapping her fingers impatiently on the desktop, wondering for the thousandth time why she accepted this buyout, why she hadn’t just quit her job like the mayor had wanted and moved on, looking for something else. But she knew why. If she quit, then it would follow her.
Why’d you quit your previous position?
Well, you see, there was the mayor’s wife…
And if she found another job, it wouldn’t be top dog. No, she’d most likely have to settle as deputy in someone else’s gig.
Something she wasn’t willing to do.
And that’s why you’re stuck in Lake City.
“Chief? Morgan’s coming over from across the street,” Eloise called. “Are you expecting her?”
She lifted a corner of her mouth in a grin. “Yeah, just send her back.” She wiped the smile from her face when she heard that damn bell jingle. Her lose the bell speech had fallen on deaf ears. And now after a month, it had grown on her, despite her continued threats to rip it down.
She tilted her head, feigning interest in her computer as she listened to Morgan greet Eloise.
“Beautiful day, isn’t it, Eloise?”
“Oh, I’ll say. After that storm the other day, I never thought the snow would melt this fast in town.”
Reese smiled as she heard the slight pause.
“Is she in?”
“The Chief? Oh, yes. Come on back, Morgan. Is everything okay?”
“Fine, Eloise. Thank you.”
Reese looked up as Morgan stood in her doorway, her cheeks red from being outside. Her eyes—a nice shade of blue and green—met hers, one eyebrow arching questioningly.
“Skiing?”
“I’d heard it was a passion of yours,” Reese said, unable to hide the smile that sprang to her mouth.
“And busted you are,” Morgan said. “Am I being punished for something?”
“You can’t hate it that much, surely.”
Morgan slumped down into the chair. “It’s far too much work to be considered enjoyable, that’s all. And why the sudden interest in our trails?”
“I just haven’t been out yet, that’s all. So much beautiful country here, I thought I should take advantage of it.”
“The Pattersons rent snowmobiles.”
Reese laughed. “You really don’t like skiing, do you?”
Morgan tilted her head. “I’m not certain if it’s skiing or spending a couple of hours with you that’s got me hesitant.” She leaned forward. “You haven’t exactly been very sociable.”
“You mean with you?”
“With anyone.”
Reese nodded. “You’re right. I’m used to being alone and not used to making friends.” She spread her hands. “But what the hell? I thought I’d give it a try. That is, if you’re willing.”
Morgan stood. “Fine. But I’ll warn you now, I will whine and bitch constantly while we’re on skis. And should I fall down off of those damn skinny things, do not make fun of my attempts to get back up.”
Smiling, Reese pushed her chair away. “Deal.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Morgan paused about halfway up the latest switchback, leaning on her poles and trying to catch her breath. Goddamn stupid sport. She glared at Reese who waited patiently beside her.
“We could be on snowmobiles.”
“Then we would have missed this lovely hike.”
Morgan lifted one pole and whacked Reese on her thigh. “I hate you already.”
“It’s a beautiful day, Zula. How can you hate me?”
“Oh, my God! Do not call me that!” she shrieked as she went after her. And if she could have caught her, she’d have tackled her and beat the shit out of her. As it was, Reese skied safely away, her laughter ringing out in the still air. “I hate you,” Morgan called after her.
“Now, now.”
“I mean it!” But her eyes widened as she felt her balance slipping, her skinny skis teetering dangerously. Oh, crap. She closed her eyes as she fell, the cold sting of the snow smashing her cheek. She leaned up on her elbows, blinking several times to get the snow out of her eyes. She heard the swoosh, swoosh of Reese’s skis as she came back down the trail toward her. And isn’t this lovely.
“You okay?”
Morgan chose to ignore the amusement she heard in Reese’s voice, instead she focused on her words of concern. “Just peachy.”
; A pause. “Want me to help you up?”
Morgan bit her lip. “No, no. You’ve done enough.”
“Oh, and now you’re going to blame me for this little mishap?”
Morgan rolled to her side, trying to keep from twisting her ankle in the process. “Of course you are to blame.”
“All because I called you—”
“Do not say it!” Morgan swung her pole around and hit Reese again. “You simply infuriate me.”
“Oh, now, come on. Let me help you up.”
But Morgan shrugged away from her hand. “I am perfectly capable of getting up.”
“Are you always so stubborn?”
Morgan glared at her. “Are you always so annoying?”
Reese laughed. “Yeah. Pretty much.”
“Figures.”
But after three attempts to right herself, Morgan reluctantly took Reese’s hand and let herself be pulled to her feet. It was at that very moment when Reese smiled smugly at her that she snapped. Quick as a cat, she shoved Reese as hard as she could, sending her toppling over into a snowdrift. She grinned wickedly, then wobbled again, her skis pointing in opposite directions as her legs spread apart, doing the split. Oh, crap.
And down she went.
Reese’s laughter echoed in the forest, sending her into another fit of annoyance. But as she sat in the snow, she realized the absurdity of the situation—two grown women acting like children. She let her own laughter bubble out and fell back, staring at the blue sky overhead.
“Again, I don’t think I like you very much.”
“Yeah, I know.” Reese sat up. “Not many people do.”
Morgan leaned up again and brushed the snow off her jacket.
She watched the smile fade from Reese’s face. “What’s your real name?”
“Hmm?”
“Your name? I don’t see a mother naming her baby girl Reese. Is it short for something?”
“Now, if I told you that, I’d lose my Zula advantage.”
“This is true. But I can’t imagine it being anywhere near as hideous.”
“No, no. It’s not hideous. In fact, my mother tried her best to make me into a little Clarice—dance lessons, piano, ballet,” she said, making a face. “Very stressful time in my life.”