by Honey Jans
Rose smiled. “Would a man that isn't crazy for you cook up this crazy scheme. He sent me on an all-expense paid trip to see my sister for goodness sake. Don't you worry, dearie, some men take a while to come around."
Sarah was bolstered by Rose's enthusiasm. She pushed to her feet. “Well, I may as well get started on that series I want to finish. The daylight's burning."
Sarah walked back to the bedroom, and grabbed her purse off the bureau top. She turned and saw the rumpled bed. It was a vivid reminder of their night of love. She put down the purse and pulled up the sheets stiffly, trying to make order out of chaos both in the bed and her thoughts. She smoothed the bedspread across the top, and then fluffed the pillows. Now nothing remained but her memories.
She picked up her purse and walked back down the hall to the kitchen telling Rose, “I need to go to town to get some darkroom supplies. Is there anything you'd like me to pick up while I'm out?"
Rose waved her away. “No thanks, dearie, I've got everything I need. Now you make sure you drive carefully, and don't forget to put on your seat belt. I'll see you later."
Sarah went out the door with a bemused smile. She wasn't used to such motherly cheerfulness. She hadn't had anyone to mother her since she was five years old.
The heat inside her jeep was stifling. It had been closed up since she'd arrived. She'd been too busy cooking and cleaning to think about going anywhere. She rolled down the windows. The breeze through the open windows quickly cooled down the vehicle to a bearable temperature.
It felt good to get out of the pressure cooker she'd been living in the last couple of weeks. She popped a CD in the player and began to unwind. Maybe now that she and Rafe had been intimate, things would simmer down.
Sarah slowly cruised down the main street. When she spotted Daley's Camera Shop, she pulled into a parking space out front. Daley's had everything she needed. She filled her arms with items and went to the front counter to pay. With an “oof,” she dumped the big armload of supplies on the counter.
The short gray-haired man behind the counter smiled. “I see you're fixin’ to take some pictures, young lady."
Sarah smiled at the understatement, a seemingly typical western trait. “You might say that. I'm also going to need some developing fluid."
"I've got that in the back.” He walked into the curtained area in back and returned with the toner. He smiled as he started to tally up her purchases. “I know most folks from around these parts. You must be new around here."
Sarah sighed. She doubted that she would get out of here until she satisfied the shopkeeper's curiosity. “I'm Sarah ... Halliday. I'm staying at the Double-H."
The man reached across the counter to shake her hand. “Why, you must be Rafe's wife.” He pumped Sarah's arm vigorously. “I'm mighty pleased to meet you, ma'am."
Sarah gingerly withdrew her hand from the strong handshake. “Same here. Are you Mr. Daley?"
He beamed, showing a gold-capped tooth. “That's me, Mike Daley at your service. This is my store. Looks like you've been bitten by the photography bug."
Sarah laughed. “That happened a long time ago, I'm afraid. I'm a professional photographer."
"You don't say. I've got a little granddaughter that I'd like to get some pictures of."
Sarah grinned. “I'd be glad to oblige some time, but that's not really my line. I'm a nature photographer. You know, scenery and animals."
Mike nodded. “That's quite a coincidence. I just developed some slides of scenery and animals, except they were dead."
Sarah recoiled from the thought. Who on earth would want to take pictures of dead animals? Probably a hunter, showing off his kill. She tried to erase the repellent scene from her mind. She'd been around the wild long enough to understand the survival of the fittest. When you got right down to basics, every living thing was either predator or prey. Still, she could never fathom the joy of killing a magnificent wild beast.
The door chime tinkled. Nevell Blackthorn walked up to the counter. “Do you have those slides ready for me yet, Mike?"
"They'll be ready in two shakes, Mr. Blackthorn. I've got to ring up this lady's purchase first. Blackthorn glanced at Sarah's purchases and frowned. “It looks like you're buying enough supplies for a year."
Mike beamed while he reached for Sarah's credit card. “Yup, it looks like the little lady is going to be one of my best customers. It's good to have a professional photographer move into the area. This here's Mrs. Halliday, Rafe's wife."
"A photographer you say? I didn't know that.” Nevell doffed his hat. “Sarah and I have already been introduced, although it's a pleasant coincidence to run into her again.” His eyes narrowed. “So I take it you're planning on sticking around."
"That's Mrs. Halliday to you.” Sarah gritted her teeth, but added calmly, “What I do is none of your business. I thought Rafe and I made that clear yesterday.” He was deliberately trying to upset her, the jerk, but she wasn't going to rise to the bait.
Blackthorn's thin lips compressed into a tight line. “You and Rafe planning on attending the Ranchers Association Meeting tonight?"
Sarah shrugged. “Maybe.” What business was it of his? Actually, she and Rafe hadn't even discussed it.
Blackthorn sniffed. “I'd recommend it. You might find it instructive."
Sarah noted Mr. Daley lingering nearby to eavesdrop. No doubt this acrimonious conversation would be repeated all over town by nightfall. Maybe Blackthorn had planned it that way. “It seems like you're pretty anxious that we be there."
Blackthorn shrugged and looked away. “Actually, it's my job to remind people of the meeting."
Sarah didn't buy his nonchalant facade. Something was in the wind, but she had no doubt Rafe could handle anything Blackthorn threw at him. “If it's that important, I'll try to get Rafe to go."
Blackthorn turned back, a smug smile on his face. “Excellent. At least one of the Hallidays shows some intelligence."
Sarah ignored the barb. She signed the charge slip and picked up the sack of supplies feeling Blackthorn's gaze on her as she left the store. As she drove home, she thought about Blackthorn's reason for wanting Rafe to attend the meeting. He was probably trying to cause some kind of trouble but Rafe could handle anything he threw at him.
She pulled up to the ranch house and killed the engine. As she opened the rear door of the jeep to gather her purchases, a dark shape moved out of the shadows of the porch. Startled, Sarah stared at it until it drew nearer.
It was Rafe, and there was a furious look in his eyes. What had him so upset?
He took the sack out of her hands and looked her up and down angrily. “Where in blue blazes were you?"
"I went to town to get supplies.” Sarah startled by his raw anger. Then she saw the truck keys in his hand. “What were you going to do? Track me down?"
Rafe stepped closer. “I knew you didn't go far because Rose said you left two hours ago and didn't take a suitcase. I checked and your clothes were still here."
Sarah gasped in outrage. “You went through my things?"
Rafe scowled. “Hell yes, I went through your things. I have every right.” He slid the keys into his hip pocket. “Remember, we have an agreement. You have to stay here for the whole summer. And I'm not going to let you run away."
Sarah snorted and yanked the bag out of his grip. She'd had just about enough of his high-handed attitude. The bag ripped, spilling film canisters and dark room supplies onto the ground. Sarah stamped her foot. “Just look what you made me do.” She bent down to gather up the supplies and glared at him. Rafe crouched down next to her and helped gather up supplies. They both stood up and Sarah turned to walk to the house when Rafe's hand on her shoulder stopped her. She looked up at him, annoyed. “Now what?"
Rafe's eyes narrowed and he held out his open hand. “Give me your keys, Sarah."
Sarah's mouth dropped open. “You can't be serious.” The determined look in his brown eyes rocked her back on her heels.
A nerve pulsed in Rafe's jaw. “I'm dead serious, wife. I'm holding you to your part of the bargain."
Sarah's heart twisted. Apparently her word wasn't good enough. She clenched the keys in her hand tightly, then tossed them at him. “Here they are, husband. I hope you choke on them.” She stomped off toward the ranch house never looking back.
* * * *
* * * *
"So what goes on at these meetings?” Sarah asked tightly.
Rafe was encouraged by her interest even though he knew she was madder than a wet hen right now. And she had just cause because he'd acted like an ass. He'd just plain panicked when he'd come home to find her gone. It was a replay of the night she'd run out on him. “Any concerns or disputes between ranchers are worked out here. Also, if there are any problems with the local or federal government, they're brought out here."
"What's on the agenda for the evening?” Sarah glanced at him as they walked into the grange hall.
"I'm not sure. I've been too busy to go to many meetings lately.” Rafe's eyes narrowed as he watched Blackthorn and Bob Wilson the local US Game and Wildlife official, walk toward the platform. Something must be up, he mused. It was unusual to see Bob at the meetings. He'd been wondering what was on Blackthorn's mind since his visit the other day.
Nevell Blackthorn walked up to the podium. He glanced around the room and then his gaze settled on Rafe and Sarah. He smiled, a self-satisfied smirk.
Rafe met Blackthorn's gaze and held it steady. Blackthorn had never been able to beat him in a fair fight and he backed down now by looking away. Rafe grew tense. He probably shouldn't have brought Sarah here. But the opportunity to show her around town on his arm had been too tempting to resist.
Rafe led Sarah to a row of folding chairs. They sat next to the Barclays.
"Hi there,” June said.
"Hello,” Sarah said back.
Blackthorn cleared his throat. “Settle down people. I'd like to call this meeting to order.” The room quieted. Blackthorn turned to the man seated on the platform. “Bob Wilson of the US Game and Wildlife service is here to address us about a grave concern that's recently come to my attention."
Bob Wilson, a short man with dark hair, stood up and walked to the podium. Rafe knew him as a fair guy, but a warden that went by the book. If there was a problem, he'd usually bring it up with the individual concerned rather than address them in a public forum. Just what was Blackthorn up to? Suddenly Rafe didn't want to know. Realizing Blackthorn was about to pull a fast one, he grabbed Sarah's hand.
Sarah turned to look at him. “What is it?"
Rafe leaned toward her. “Come on, we're getting out of here."
Sarah frowned and pulled her hand away. “But you're the one who insisted we come tonight."
"Well, now I want to leave."
Sarah sat back in her seat. “Shh, the meeting's already started."
Rafe grimaced and dropped down into his seat. He gave Blackthorn a hard look as Wilson cleared his throat.
Wilson adjusted the microphone several inches lower and then peered out at the audience. “I'm here to talk about a problem that's just been discovered, the killing of wolves recently returned to the wild. Could I have the lights dimmed? I have some slides to show."
The lights went dim and Rafe tensed as a picture of a dead wolf shone on the screen. He could hear Sarah's gasp of shock beside him and steadied himself for what was to come.
Wilson said angrily, “This first slide shows a female wolf and the second shows her cub. Both were shot, as can be clearly seen. You can turn the lights back on now."
Rafe blinked as his eyes adjusted to the light. He'd recognized the land those slides were taken on; it was the Double-H. This had to be Blackthorn's cowardly way to get Sarah to move away from him. If she thought he was involved, she wouldn't hesitate to leave him. He scowled at Blackthorn who smiled down at him. Damn, the sneaky bastard.
Wilson said, “Ladies and gentleman, what you just saw was a criminal act. You all know the maximum penalty for killing a wolf is two years in prison and a one hundred thousand-dollar fine. I know that some of you ranchers haven't been happy about the reintroduction of wolves in the area, but I thought you had come around to our way of thinking. I guess I was wrong."
Blackthorn stood up and walked toward the podium. He shook his head sadly. “Where did you find the wolves?"
"They were found on the Double-H.” Wilson looked at Rafe. “Well, Rafe, do you have anything to say for yourself?"
Rafe felt Sarah cringe beside him and damned Blackthorn's smiling face to all the fires of hell. “What's the usual line? I plead the fifth."
"This isn't a joking matter, Rafe.” Wilson frowned.
Rafe stood and pulled Sarah up beside him. This time she didn't resist. “Bob, we both know this isn't the place to talk about such matters, but I can make a pretty good guess at who persuaded you to do so. Since you did bring it up, I might as well give you and my neighbors my answer."
"It's no secret I opposed the reintroduction of wolves. All my neighbors know that, but I didn't kill the wolves in these pictures. That's not the way I operate.” Rafe ignored the murmuring of the crowd and focused on Wilson's frowning face. He didn't want to look at Blackthorn for fear that he'd give into the urge to go up there and kick the bastard's ass. He was in enough trouble with Sarah as it was.
Wilson nodded. “I admit this is an unusual procedure. But because the crime just came to light and due to its severity, I thought this would be the quickest way to get things settled. Of course an investigation will follow."
Rafe felt Sarah's hand struggle in his firm grasp. Her appalled reaction hurt him more than all the crap Blackthorn had thrown at him. His fingers tightened, holding her still while he looked at Wilson. “Did you dig the slugs out of the wolves to see what kind of gunshot them?"
Wilson said, “Not yet. But we will. Be at my office Monday morning."
Rafe tugged Sarah's hand, pulling her down the aisle with him. “I'll be there. But you damned well better have more proof than a couple of pictures."
"Get in the truck, Sarah. We're going home."
Sarah glared at Rafe and snapped her wrist out of his grip, earning a scowl from him. She was so furious she wanted to go back and demand how people would think this of Rafe. “I'm not ready to leave yet."
Rafe leaned forward and muttered, “Get your ass in the truck before I throw you in."
He was just barbaric enough to carry out the threat. Sarah scowled up at him and reluctantly complied. She turned to frown at Rafe when he hopped into the driver's seat. Why didn't he go back and fight?
A tap on the driver's door made her spin toward the sound. Nevell Blackthorn was standing there. He smiled when he saw her disgruntled expression.
Rafe rolled down his window. “What the hell do you want, Blackthorn? Haven't you caused me enough trouble for one day?"
"Me, cause you trouble?” Blackthorn said innocently. “What did I do?"
"You mean to tell me you weren't behind that little show?” Rafe snorted and started the engine.
"It was the US Game and Wildlife making the accusations.” Blackthorn shrugged. “Not me."
Rafe smirked. “Yeah right, and I believe in the Tooth Fairy, too. You must be plum stupid to come within striking distance of me right now."
Blackthorn smiled apologetically at Sarah. “You wouldn't want to upset the little woman any more than she already is.” He inclined his head toward Sarah. “Evening, ma'am. It's a pity you had to see this."
Sarah glared at the two of them. They were like a couple of little boys squabbling over the same toy, and she wasn't going to play anymore.
"State your business and get out of here,” Rafe said tightly.
"I've decided to be magnanimous and up my offer on the Double-H.” Blackthorn grinned. “I figured you could use the money to pay off your fine."
"Screw you, Blackthorn,” Rafe growled. He put the truck in gear and swung o
ut of his parking space. Sarah saw him look out the side mirror as Blackthorn jumped out of the way.
Rafe's dry chuckle set her teeth on edge. The events of the evening were nothing to laugh about. She turned to glare at Rafe. He drove in silence down the dark streets. A nerve ticked in his tight jaw and his mouth was set in a rigid line. She was still sickened by the memory of those gruesome pictures. Who could have done it? There'd been no talk of wolves around the ranch, no reports of calves lost.
She interrupted the silence. “Well, what are you going to do about it?"
Rafe turned toward her. His glance was defiant but there was something else there as well. She almost thought it was fear. But what did he have to be afraid of?
His gaze turned back onto the road. “Sarah, I don't have anything more to say on the subject tonight. I said it all at the meeting."
Sarah was stung by his brusque words. “I know you didn't do it."
His hands tightened on the steering wheel as he drove toward the ranch. “Could've fooled me a minute ago."
"But the pictures.” She knew in her heart Rafe was not responsible but couldn't help recalling the horrifying slides. Blackthorn was at Daley's Camera Shop to pick up some slides today. Were they the ones used tonight? The answer seemed obvious.
"From your point of view, pictures don't lie.” Rafe's voice was clipped, his tone bitter.
She recalled Blackthorn's mocking smirk up on the platform. Was he behind the shooting? “I wonder what Blackthorn's involvement is?” she said softly.
Rafe sighed. “Don't worry about it, Sarah. It's not your problem."
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Chapter Six
Sarah buttoned up her white camp shirt and gave her sweptback hair a distracted glance in the mirror. She'd come to a decision during the long, lonely night. Rafe didn't believe she trusted him, but that didn't really matter in the end. If she could help prove him innocent, she was darned well going to do it. Her observational skills were sharper than most. Maybe she could pick up on some clue, in the back country of the Double-H, that had been ignored in Bob Wilson's rush to judgment. If Rafe could go into the meeting Monday with conflicting evidence, it might make all the difference.