Harte's Peak

by Maria Michaels

  Kevin carried his cup and newspaper to a table. “This tournament sounds fascinating.”

  “It is. Not that it’s any of your business.”

  “Are you kicking me out? Isn’t this a free country?” Ignoring her, Kevin settled in.

  Even Kevin couldn’t ruin this for her. Vera riveted her attention to the radio.

  Shane had won the coin toss and was going first. The announcer began to give a play-by-play.

  But only seconds into the race, one of the announcers reported that Zelinski was down.

  “Looks like we have an injury, folks. We’ll get that information to you as soon as we can. My understanding is that Shane missed a turn and lost his footing. Hopefully, he’s OK.”

  “Speaking of injuries,” the other announcer interrupted. “Ryan Colton sustained a nearly deadly injury several years ago that derailed a very promising pro-circuit career.”

  Vera gripped the edge of the coffee bar until her knuckles turned white. Why did the announcer have to use the word deadly?

  A few minutes later, the announcer had news about Shane. “Rescue is on the way. We don’t know what kind of condition he’s in. We’ll report more as we hear, but this has delayed the next contestant.”

  Kyle was next. Vera backed up against the counter, the wall keeping her from slumping to the ground. Shane was injured. God only knew how badly, and Ryan could be next. After everything they’d both been through, what if all that waited for Ryan was another injury? And it would be her fault.

  She stood alone at a time like this—with Kevin. She felt queasy as the room swayed and lurched. Without a doubt, she couldn’t hear any more of the broadcast. Couldn’t bear to hear any more bad news. With a flick of her wrist she shut the radio off.

  Kevin studied her. “I’m confused. Are you seeing Shane or Ryan? I can’t keep up. Maybe you can’t either. Why don’t you just pick one of them?”

  She glared at him. “Get. Out.”

  “Why should I?” Kevin’s voice rose. “I have every right to be here.”

  Kevin’s tone, rising in hot anger, caused Vera’s hands to shake. He’d never hurt her physically, but that unspoken threat had always been there. Kevin was an expert at pushing her buttons, and time hadn’t changed that. Right now, she was grateful that he was several feet across the room from her and a bar separated them.

  “I have the right to refuse service to anyone.” She braced against the counter, feeling the words come out through her gritted teeth.

  Kevin rose. “But you know better than to refuse me. When I buy this place, I’m going to turn it into a sports bar. Thought you’d like to know.”

  “You’re never getting it. Get it through your thick head.”

  “Here’s what I know. You should have never left me. And I don’t care how long it takes. I’m going to make you realize that.”

  “It’s too late. I’m in love with someone else.” Even as she said the words meant to discourage Kevin, the realization hit that she was speaking the truth. She loved Ryan, more than she’d ever thought she could love a man.

  “I don’t believe you.” Kevin stared at her through narrowed eyes.

  “Believe what you want. You need to leave now, before I call the cops. Ryan isn’t the only cop in town, you know.” She picked up her cell phone, praying he wouldn’t notice her shaking hand.

  Kevin snarled. “You know. I would have thought you’d be smarter than to get involved with a cop. What do they make, thirty, forty thousand a year?”

  The only thing a bully understands is strength.

  From deep inside Vera marshaled every ounce of courage she had left. The woman Kevin had known wouldn’t have confronted him, but she’d changed in every way. She wouldn’t let him insult Ryan. Not the best man she knew.

  Kevin had to get out now or she couldn’t be responsible for what she would do. She lifted the radio and threw it in his direction. “Get out. Get out!”

  He dodged the radio as it shattered into several pieces on the hardwood floor. “Breaking your own radio. You know what? You’re crazy. Have it your way. I’m going.”

  She half-walked and half-dragged after him and locked the door, turning the sign around.

  In her office, she sank to her knees. She couldn’t stop thinking that Ryan might be injured again because of her foolish plan. If only she’d listened and accepted help from the foundation. If not for her misguided idea, he wouldn’t have been on the slopes at all. But it was too late. All because of her stupid pride. She needed to pray.

  The only Bible scripture that came to mind was one from her childhood. She’d recited it to her mother so many times that it was printed forever on her heart.

  The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil because You’re with me. She had to have some faith.

  Like Ryan and Maggie had the night that baby John was born on the side of the highway.

  She had to believe that Ryan would be safe. Vera closed her eyes and pictured him flying down the mountain, safe. She didn’t care anymore whether he won or not. Only that the man she’d been stupid enough to fall in love with would be all right. She had to let it go and trust in God.

  Nothing mattered anymore other than knowing Ryan would be OK. She cradled her cell phone in her hands and waited.

  

  Concentrate. Focus.

  As much as he wanted to leave and find out whether Shane’s injury was as serious as the announcers kept hinting, Ryan couldn’t go anywhere.

  The first responders would take care of him, and there’d been enough of a respectful delay in the proceedings.

  He stared at Kyle, at the intensity and focus that emanated from him. That’s what Ryan needed right now. The edge. He kept grasping for the edge, reaching it and losing it again. The fact remained that he wasn’t as single-minded as he used to be, and though that was a good thing, it wouldn’t help him win this race.

  “I hope he’s all right,” Ryan said to Kyle’s back.

  Kyle turned to him and adjusted his goggles. “Yeah. He’ll be fine. You were.”

  Six agonizing months of physical therapy later, he had been. But no one other than his family had known the full story, or the fact that recovering had been the single greatest challenge of his life. Even so, after his body had recovered he couldn’t have said the same for his heart. Until the Lord.

  Kyle took off in his own inimitable style, legs firmly planted French fry style for maximum speed. The man was fearless and as he slid down at lightning speed, Ryan knew one thing for certain.

  To beat Kyle, he’d have to be every bit as fearless.

  When Kyle’s speed was announced at one minute twenty seconds, Ryan thought he might have heard wrong. Only ten seconds separated Kyle from Ryan’s best time today. For the first time, winning appeared to be a distinct possibility. He could shave off a few seconds of his time if he held the French fry for longer than he had in his previous time. Longer than he felt comfortable.

  Ryan positioned himself at the starting line for his attempt. He could do this, with the help of the Lord. After all, he wasn’t running this race alone. As he pushed off the hill, feeling the freeing sound of the air rushing past him, he could almost feel the prayers that were with him.

  Jack would be praying, and so would Maggie.

  Maybe even Vera would be praying, and more than anything else, that caused his spirit to soar.

  He was flying now, rounding the turn with ease, one with the wind. As he crossed the finish line he had no doubts he’d done his best, leaving fear at the gate.

  Now, the moment of truth. He turned to stare at the clock and heard the sound of the announcer’s voice as the time flashed. One minute, twenty-five seconds. Ryan let out a breath. Good, but not enough. He’d lost to Kyle.

  He met Kyle near the end of the trail and shook his hand. “The best man won.”

  “I don’t know about that, bud. But I will say the fastest ma
n won,” Kyle said.

  “You’re faster. By five seconds.” Ryan nodded and smiled.

  “You had me worried.” Kyle laughed. “Thanks for making me work for it.”

  “Anytime. Just don’t spend the money all in one place.” It would probably go to fancy dinners and parties, not that he should be one to judge.

  “I promise.” Kyle winked.

  “By the way, before you leave town I do have somewhere I want to invite you.” He’d been thinking about asking Kyle to church since he’d seen him, but was unsure of how to approach him. But now, filled with the Spirit, he wanted to share the peace that he’d found.

  The decision would be up to Kyle after that.

  A crowd of media and fans soon surrounded them, congratulating Kyle and asking for interviews with both of them. They obliged for a while, taking photos and talking of their past rivalry.

  Ryan walked away as soon as he could disengage and left Kyle with the attention he no longer craved. He wanted to apologize to Vera right away, but already the cell reception on the mountain had proved spotty at best. He had no bars on his phone.

  Vera would have to move swiftly into Plan B now. He only prayed it wouldn’t be too late to get help from the foundation.

  As he unfastened his skis and walked toward the lodge, more people along the way turned in his direction and congratulated him on his effort. He asked several people about Shane, but no one seemed to know his exact condition.

  He glanced at his phone again. Still no bars. As long as he couldn’t reach Vera, he might as well check on Shane.

  “How is he?” he called out to rescue personnel.

  Today a full medical staff filled the lodge’s first aid clinic. Even an orthopedic doctor was on standby.

  “Not sure yet. Probably a broken leg. We boarded him, and the doc will make the final call.”

  Ryan spent a half hour with Shane, as he was assessed by the doctor hired for the event. Once assured Shane would be all right, Ryan prepared to head back to town and check in with Vera. He’d promised to call her right away, and she’d wonder about the results. He wanted to be the one to break the bad news to her, as gently as possible.

  “Hey,” Tagg said as he grabbed his shoulders. “You did good.”

  “Not good enough.”

  “I was listening to the broadcast on my car radio when I heard the news about Shane. I thought I’d come up and see if I could help.”

  “It was broadcast?” He had no idea. Now hundreds of people already knew the results. He thought of Vera first and how disappointed she would be. More than anything, he hated that he’d let her down.

  “How’s Shane doing?” Tagg asked.

  He stepped aside and pointed in the direction of the clinic, where the doctor was still working on Shane. “He’s going to be fine.”

  He took out his cell phone again. Still no service.

  He had to get to Vera.

  12

  Ryan pulled over near the café and glanced at his cell phone. Finally, service again. Dozens of missed calls registered. Jack. Maggie. Lonnie. Calhoun. Vera. Great, Vera.

  The café’s Closed sign hung in the doorway, but the lights were still on inside. He went to the door and spied what appeared to be parts of a radio scattered in pieces on the floor.

  What had happened in there? Vera wouldn’t close up and leave a mess like that. She wouldn’t have carelessly left lights on, wasting electricity.

  He pulled on the locked doors and considered calling it in. Maybe that ex of Vera’s had done something despicable to her.

  Some of the evil things he’d seen on the force filled his mind, but he shoved the thoughts out of his head. He sent up a quick prayer for Vera’s protection.

  Ironic, since she might be feeling a bit worried about his own safety especially given that Shane had been hurt. That kind of news could have been unsettling, as it reminded them all that the sport was not for the faint of heart.

  He was about to make a call to the sheriff’s station when Vera walked slowly to the front door. Her eyes looked puffy and pink as though she’d been crying. She was either taking this a lot worse than he would have expected, or maybe Kevin had done something to her.

  His stomach clenched in fury. He would need help from the Lord to control his temper because right now he wanted to hurt Kevin. Badly.

  He smiled, hoping she’d realize that he was all right. A loser, but all in one piece. He held out his arms to the side as though presenting himself. He was fine, and not injured. Other than his pride.

  Vera turned the lock and threw open the door. She grabbed him and wouldn’t let go, burying her face in his shoulder.

  “You’re OK.” She sobbed. “When I heard about Shane, I couldn’t stop thinking that you might be hurt, too.”

  “I’m fine, but I came in second. I’m sorry, Vera.” He held her close, feeling waves of guilt about enjoying every moment of the way she clung to him.

  “Sorry?” She lightly hit his shoulder with her fist. “You have nothing to be sorry about.”

  “I didn’t win.” With his thumb, he wiped a tear away from her cheek.

  “I was so scared when I thought you could be hurt. I wish I’d listened to you and never considered this tournament. Will you ever be able to forgive me?” She covered her face with her hands.

  “How many times are we going to do this? I’m the one who volunteered, remember? And I’m glad I did. It was actually fun, you know. I’d forgotten how freeing it can be flying down the mountain.” The fear gone, he could enjoy skiing again. “I appreciate speed, too. Only I still think it should be kept off the road,” he teased.

  “I’m an idiot. I should have listened to you in the first place.” She closed her eyes and rubbed her forehead.

  “Hey, it’s all right. What happened in here?” He stared at the radio pieces on the ground.

  She avoided his eyes. “I did that. I lost my temper with someone.”

  His shoulders tensed. “Kevin?”

  “I told him to get out, but he didn’t move fast enough. So I gave him an incentive.”

  “He was here again?” That guy would never get the message.

  “Under the pretense of a cup of coffee. Of course he still wants to buy the cafe.” She pulled out of his arms, and he resisted the urge to hold her in place.

  “And you’re still not selling it.” He followed her as she walked unsteadily toward the mess on the floor.

  “That’s what I told him.” She bent over to pick up the pieces.

  “Sit down. I’ll get this.” He went ahead of her and pick up the rest. “You and I both need to control our temper.”

  “Actually, I did. I didn’t want to hurt that radio. It was a substitute.” Her feeble effort at a smile broke his heart.

  “Don’t forget. We still have the foundation.” This was no longer only Vera’s problem. While he wasn’t looking, it had become his own.

  “Right. I told you I would do that.” She looked at the ground.

  “Have you?” Why did he get the feeling that she now kept something else from him?

  “I haven’t yet, but I will. It’s that I’ve been thinking—”

  “No. You’re not going to bail on me now. You said—”

  “I know what I said, but maybe it makes sense.”

  “What makes sense?”

  “To let the bank take back the house. To cut my losses. Start over.” She crossed her arms and her thin body seemed to fold in.

  “You’d still have your business that way.”

  “And a black stain on my credit history for years. I can live in an apartment, and some of them will take pets. But I have Stin to think about, and I don’t want her trapped in a small apartment all day. You might laugh, and she’s not my child, but she may as well be. I need a place for a dog that thinks it’s her God-given duty to announce to the world that there’s a bird outside.”

  “I would never laugh about that.” Early in his career as a deputy, he’d respond
ed to a call when no one else thought it was important enough. A little kid couldn’t catch his dog. Sure, it meant he’d had to stop traffic, something he’d heard about from all the drivers who’d called in the station to complain. The other deputies had ribbed him about it for weeks.

  “So if I sell the house, I get to keep my business and my dog. But I lose my home. I lose what I’ve built.”

  “You’re forgetting that you might not have to lose either one. The foundation might be able to get you back on track.”

  “And then what? How long can that last? Do I continue to make payments I can’t possibly afford on a house that’s worth half of what it used to be?”

  “Good point. But even if you can’t rescue your home, they might be able to help you with the deposit on a rental.”

  She sighed. “Maybe it’s silly, but that house means something to me. It was my independence day. There is no good outcome here.”

  “Maybe the best outcome is to let it go and give it all over to the Lord.” He took her hand, led her to a table and pulled out a chair for her.

  “I wish God would tell me what to do.” She sat down and rubbed at her legs as though seeking warmth.

  “Then ask Him. And then listen for the answer.” He’d been listening for answers, too, and it would be nice to have her company.

  “I can’t do that. I don’t know how to pray anymore.”

  “You seemed to do fine when Maggie asked.” Had she forgotten that God had been there with them on the side of the road? That John was fine? The Lord never left them alone, He was always near.

  “That’s different.” Vera worried a nail between her teeth.

  “Why?”

  “I prayed for an innocent baby. He hadn’t done anything wrong. I can’t say the same thing for myself.”

  “There you go again.”

  God had forgiven Vera, but could she forgive herself?

  He’d been there too, only a few months ago.

  “I don’t want to talk about this.” The light in her eyes shifted.

  Ryan wouldn’t push.

  This secret Vera carried could be a time bomb waiting to go off.