As they left the room, Colin turned toward Nala once again. “Nala, we’re leaving. Come,” he said, continuing to the far end of the stable and the exit. “Just follow me, James. “
The long, rectangular stables had entrances at each end and they moved quickly toward the door furthest away from the tack room. As they reached the far end, they stopped, turning back to Nala’s frantic barking. Through the corridor of the stable, Nala’s barks echoed and they watched as a man tried to rush out the opposite door as Nala nipped at his heels.
“Knock it off, you stupid dog,” the man said as he tried to kick Nala away from him. He wore a black baseball cap and a black handkerchief was tied around his nose and mouth, obscuring his face.
Colin and James ran toward the man as he turned and tried to run out the opposite door. He couldn’t have seen the flames shoot from the tack room, nor heard the explosion that followed before he was knocked to the ground by the falling beams of the roof of the stable.
Chapter 26
The unconscious man and Nala had both been knocked by the blast to the far side of the stable as flames began to take over the tack room. Colin winced as he heard Nala whine.
“Call in to the bomberos, James.” Colin moved as close to the fire as he could. His forearm covering his face, he moved toward where the man was lying pinned beneath two large beams, still unconscious. “Nala,” he shouted, not able to see her amid the rubble. Grabbing one of the beams with both hands, he dug his heels in the ground and tried to lift the beam off of the man, flames inching closer.
“They’re on their way, Colin,” James said, rushing to grab the beam. On the count of three, they both pulled up on the sturdy wood. It didn’t budge.
“We’re not going to get that off of him, mate,” Colin said, looking around for something to use as a lever.
“I think I can help,” Hanna said as she walked in, Violet’s lead in her hand as the large mare walked in behind her.
“What are you doing here? It’s not safe,” Colin shouted as the fire grew bigger, its flames roaring. “It’s not safe, Hanna. Horses panic at fires,” he said, his hands held up in front of him blocking her from coming further.
“Not this horse, Colin. I told you before. I have rope, and Violet can pull off the beams,” she said as she threw one end of the rope toward Collin and tied the other to Violet’s saddle.
James and Colin wrapped the rope around the beams several times, securing it with a tight knot. Colin turned to Hanna, nodding. She patted Violet as she moved to take her lead, speaking softly to her as she pulled her forward.
Violet strained to pull the beam, her eyes trained on Hanna. Colin and James each grabbed the beam to try to move it, the flames now reaching the far end of the beam.
“Hurry, Hanna, we’re running out of time,” James shouted as he and Colin pulled on the beam.
Hanna didn’t pull harder on Violet’s lead, but turned to look at her. Her eyes met the mare’s. She spoke softly once more, and turned to walk away from the beam. Violet let out a loud whinny, rose up on her hind legs and leapt forward, pulling the beam off of and away from the man as James helped push it further.
Hanna quickly untied the rope from the saddle and led Violet back toward the man. James and Colin had pulled him from the fire and lifted him, placing him over the saddle.
“James, take him outside with Hanna,” Colin said, his eyes darting about the fire for Nala. He finally spotted her and quickly lifted her away from the fire, running after James and Hanna just as another explosion rocked the stable.
Chapter 27
A wet tongue on his face was the first thing Colin felt as he slowly came to consciousness. A groan escaped his lips as he wiggled his toes and fingers, wondering why he felt like he’d been hit by a truck. As his eyelids fluttered open, he heard Hanna gasp. “James, he’s awake.”
Nala continued licking his cheek until he was able to give her a quick, reassuring pat. “Nala, that’s enough. I’m fine.”
“What happened? I don’t remember anything after finding Nala and running.” He ran his hand over his face, gingerly fingering a swollen eyelid.
Hanna held his hand, her eyes brimming with tears. She wiped them away with her shirt sleeve as she pulled Nala away, holding her in her arms and sitting with a thud on the ground next to Colin. “I’m so relieved, Colin. We weren’t sure how you were, and the ambulances haven’t arrived yet.”
“Good one, mate, saving Nala,” James said, bending down to pat her head. Nala wriggled in Hanna’s arms, trying to break free and get to Colin.
“Please, don’t move until they get here.” Hanna’s voice was almost a whisper.
Colin squeezed her hand as he brushed away the remaining tears. “You saved that man’s life, Hanna. You and Violet.”
“I’m so glad I could help,” she said, glancing at Violet tied up to a nearby tree, away from the fire.
“And she saved yours too, mate,” James added, his arm around Hanna. “She took Violet back in and we had to take you out the same way we did the bad guy.”
Colin sat up slowly, holding his hand up as Hanna began to protest. Their eyes met briefly as he smiled, continuing to assess the damage he knew he’d sustained. “I’m okay. Really. The fire is out?”
James stood, hands on his hips as he watched the bomberos finish the fire off. “The boys were here in time to save half of the stable, but the paramedics are still on their way from town. Our bad guy is still unconscious. We’ve just left him be for the moment.”
“Who is he?” Colin slowly stood up and headed in the direction of the man who had burnt so many buildings, risked lives and tried to ruin his own.
“Don’t know yet. Still wearing that mask,” James said. “I made sure he was breathing all right and tended to you.”
The man started to stir as the three slowly approached him, his groans audible over the approaching sirens of the ambulances. Colin reached out, gently removing the black bandana covering his face, revealing Bruce, the older fisherman who’d been around the south campos for decades.
“Well, I’ll be darned,” Alex said as he approached the group from behind. “I knew they didn’t like the resort, but had no idea they’d go to this length to stop it.”
Hanna looped her arm through Colin’s as he clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. “Colin, not all people understand the bigger picture. Leave him be, for now.”
The paramedics arrived quickly, ushering the four away as they tended to the man, treating his burns and administering oxygen.
“I just don’t understand. I’ve heard talk from these old boys for years about the good old days, how the fish used to jump in your boat and there were no phones, televisions or radios. But to blame the resort for all the changes?” Colin said, his head shaking slowly as he watched the paramedics. “And to blame me?”
Alex gave Colin a pat on the back. “Bruce and his friends found this part of Baja at a different time, my friend. It was a different type of paradise for them then, a true getaway from civilization entirely. In my business, it is a constant challenge to convince residents that what we are doing will make things better in the long run.”
Bruce had been loaded onto a gurney and the paramedics wheeled him toward the ambulance. The federal police had arrived and were walking along side as the paramedics prepared to load him in the ambulance.
Colin walked toward the ambulance slowly, holding Hanna’s hand and pulling her along. “What are you going to do, Colin? There’s nothing you can do that will help.”
Colin stood beside the injured man, determined to understand why he’d done this. “Bruce, why would you do this? Why did you do this?”
Bruce groaned, rubbing a sooty hand over his forehead. “You boys know that. Too many people, too much commotion. I wanted it to be the way it used to be. Fish enough for all, quiet enough for thinking.”
He turned his face away as Colin pressed on. “You know as well as I do that fish have been dwindling here for ye
ars. Sport fishermen and commercial alike have changed the whole Sea of Cortez. But the resort is an ecological preserve, trying to change all that for the future of all of us.”
“So they say,” Bruce grumbled. “Don’t want it, don’t need it. Wanted them out.”
Hanna shook her head slowly. “You had to know you couldn’t get away with this, Bruce. And you’re lucky nobody was badly hurt. Is that what you wanted?”
Bruce turned to her, his eyes moist. “Young lady, I never intended to hurt anyone. Just wanted them to go away.” He wiped his sleeve across his face, turning away again. Colin, I never meant to hurt you, either. It just kind of got away from me, that’s all. Figured with your history and all, you’d be a better suspect than me.”
“My history?” Colin folded his arms across his chest.
“Well, you know. IRA bomber and all,” Bruce said. “Thought they’d look at you first and leave me alone. Never thought you boys would catch on, and I did my best not to hurt anyone.”
Alex groaned and James snickered as Bruce was loaded into the ambulance, the police quickly taking notes of the conversation.
Colin spun on his heel. “You all think this is funny, do ya?”
James held his hands up as Hanna tried to hide a smile. “No, of course not. But, seriously, that urban myth has followed you quite awhile. Maybe now, it can be put to rest.
“Maybe so. And the damage has been property only. Buildings are buildings and can be re-built. No one was badly hurt, and you boys stopped the craziness. Well done,” Alex said, extending his hand to Colin.
Shaking Alex’s hand, Colin’s eyes met Hanna’s. Her face softened, and she pulled him forward for a hug. “Nicely done, Colin. Thank you for ending this,” she whispered in his ear.
“And thanks for saving my life, Hanna.” Alex and James turned away as their embrace turned into a gentle kiss.
Chapter 28
Colorful Mexican blankets billowed on tables set in front of the newly-built stable at the Rancho Del Sol resort. People from all over the South Campos sat under shade covers, enjoying homemade tortillas, salsas, beans and rice for the second attempt at the fundraiser for the bomberos. A breeze cooled the air as it swept off the waves and the sun shimmered over the water. A roar came up from the crowd as the band started into the Rolling Stones tune that had been interrupted by the explosions several months ago.
James and Megan set down a round of tequila as Hanna and Colin finished one of many dances during the festival. Hanna’s black hair swung in the breeze, her colorful skirt twirling over her red cowboy boots, her head thrown back in laughter.
“They’re quite a pair, aren’t they?” Megan said, reaching for James’s hand.
“Well, they sure know how to live it up.” James laughed, tapping his foot in time to the music. “Want to dance?”
“No, thanks, I like my feet un-smashed.” Megan laughed at his wounded expression, smoothing his bearded cheek with her hand. “There are many things I love about you, James, but dancing isn’t one of them.”
“I’ll get better if I practice,” he said as Colin and Hanna returned to the table.
Hanna plopped down on her seat, a breath escaping as she did. “It’s a lot of work, James. Highly overrated,” she said, nudging Colin with her elbow. “Especially if you’re learning Irish dancing.”
“Hey, now, you love it,” Colin said, his eyes twinkling.
They applauded as the band ended the song, Colin’s eyes trained on Alex as he took the microphone offered by the lead guitarist.
“Thank you for coming, everyone,” he said, his wide smile gleaming across the audience. “I have rarely known a community that offers so much support to one another, and I am proud to be a part of it all.”
James nudged Megan and winked, her eyes growing wide. Her mouth silently shaped the word, “What?” He shrugged his shoulders and pointed again to Alex.
“It is with a full heart that I would like to express my gratitude to the volunteer bomberos, the captain and his men who tirelessly work to keep our community safe. I would especially like to thank James, Colin and Hanna who have gone above and beyond to eliminate a threat from our community, and who saved many structures from further damage and risked their lives in the process. “
The crowd rose in a standing ovation, nodding their heads toward the table where Hanna, Colin and James all blushed.
As the applause died down, Alex continued. “Captain, would you join me, please?”
The Captain’s confused expression was hidden by a smile, as he glanced around at the crowd and walked toward the stage. As he reached the microphone, Alex looked to the back of the crowd, giving a nod to his assistants in the back of the field.
Turning to the captain, he said, “Captain, it is my honor to present these gifts to you and the bomberos, on behalf of myself, Cassie and the Rancho Del Sol resort, as only a small token of our gratitude to you for your bravery and commitment to the safety of the South Campos.”
Hanna jumped as she heard the sound of sirens from behind the stable. Colin’s mouth hung open as two new, state-of-the-art fire engines drove out from behind the stables, slowly around the crowd and parked on each side of the stage.
Cassie dropped Alex’s hand, clapping loudly, her smile beaming across the crowd. She winked as her eyes met Hanna’s.
“I don’t quite know what to say, Alex. ‘Thanks’ doesn’t quite cut it,” the captain answered, the keys to both trucks now in his hands. “Let’s check them out, boys.” He shook Alex’s hand warmly as the crowd cheered once again.
Colin sat, stunned, as Alex and Cassie made their way over to their table. Alex raised his hand, signaling for a server to bring another round of drinks.
“That’s mighty generous of you, Alex,” James said as he shook Alex’s hand vigorously. “We sure needed that, eh, Colin? No more spit and duct tape on the old ones.”
“It’s the least we could do, gentlemen. The bomberos are what keep us safe down here.”
Cassie smiled warmly at Hanna and Colin as the server set down glasses for all. “I have another announcement, if it’s okay,” she said, raising her glass. “I’d like to make a toast to our new stable manager and resort riding instructor, Hanna.” She nodded to Hanna and Colin as she squeezed Alex’s hand.
Hanna blushed as Colin turned to her, his eyes wide. “You couldn’t find anybody better. She’s the horse whisperer,” he said, his eyes not leaving hers.
“Salut!” Megan said, as they all raised their glasses to the future.
Epilogue
The warm water of the Sea of Cortez lapped at his feet as he sat in the sand and studied the horizon. It had been a wonderful day, and Colin was enjoying the warm feeling of belonging that had taken residence inside him lately.
“Penny for your thoughts,” Hanna said as she walked up behind him. She took off her shoes and threw them behind her, lifting her skirt a bit and wiggling her toes in the gentle waves.
“While I normally don’t think much of anything, certainly nothing worth more than a penny, I was just thinking how lucky I was to have met you. And that I might never have done without these fires. Without all of the bad things that happened, none of the good things would have, either.” He turned back to the horizon for a moment and then shook his head. “I’m really happy for you and your new position with the resort. You’re perfect for the job.”
“It would be a dream come true to work with the horses, to raise and train them the way I believe it should be done. And to educate others who come to the resort about how horses can really be.” Her hand played with the hem of her shirt and she turned to face him. “The only drawback is that I would have to live on the resort and we would no longer be neighbors.”
He grabbed her hand and pulled her down to sit next to him. “Hanna, I have something to tell you myself. I’ve been waiting, but now seems a good time.
Her brows furrowed as her eyes met his.
“Alex and Cassie had a proposition f
or me, as well.” He took a deep breath and continued. “He’s asked me to be fire marshal for the resort. No more painting. I would be a professional firefighter.”
Hanna clapped her hands, a smile spreading wide across her face. She jumped to her feet, pulling him up with her.
“Colin, that’s wonderful. Congratulations,” she said. “I am thrilled.”
She looked genuinely pleased at the news, and his heart soared. Now, if only he could tell her the rest of it. He’d mulled it over for days, but the more he thought about it, the more certain he’d become. And as he watched her laugh, her spirit light, he knew he was right.
“Hanna, there’s something else.”
She turned toward him and took his hand, her smile fading a bit. He didn’t mean to alarm her, and hoped what he had to say would put her smile back where it belonged. He’d just have to get over the fear that someone so special might not feel the same way he did.
He closed his eyes and felt her warm palm on his face. He took a deep breath and figured it was now or never.
“He’s offered me a casita to live in,” he began slowly, kicking himself that he couldn’t get this all out faster. He’d never had much trouble talking—sometimes too much—but for some reason he was tongue-tied at the moment.
“Fantastic,” she said. “We could be neighbors. Maybe we could ask him if our casitas could be next to each other. That would be fun, wouldn’t it? I could feed Nala sometimes and we could spend lots of time together.”
He took another deep breath and rested his finger on her lips. At least one of them wasn’t tongue-tied, but he needed to forge ahead regardless.
Her eyes widened and she stopped talking, looking up at him quizzically.
“I don’t want to be your neighbor, Hanna. We’ve been through so much together, and I couldn’t have done any of this without you. And I don’t want to do anything without you anymore. Hanna, I love you. And no, I don’t want you to be my neighbor. I want you to be more than that. I want you to be my wife.”
By the Light of the Moon Page 10