by Ciana Stone
“That’s her, all right.” Cody said. “So, what’s the scoop? Have you met her before she moved here?”
“No, but I remember reading about her.”
“Reading about her?” Hannah stole a quick look at the woman. “Is she famous or something?”
“A bit, yes.” Jolene put her phone away. “At one time she was a much sought-after photographer and artist.”
“At one time?” Cody asked. “Sounds like there’s a story attached to this.”
“And one best told in a more private place,” Jolene added.
“Now I really have to know,” Cody said. “What do you say about taking this over to my house. I have some leftover apple pie that Hannah baked, and I bet Jax has already put on the second pot of coffee.”
“I’m game,” Hannah said and rubbed her pregnant belly. “But then I am eating for two.”
“Or a basketball team,” Cody remarked and ignored the middle finger salute her sister offered. “Jo?”
“I probably should get back− “
“Oh no, you don’t. You can’t leave us hanging like that. We want to know the story behind the mysterious silent woman of Cotton Creek.”
Jolene shrugged. “Fine, let’s pay the bill and go.”
“I got it.” Cody got up to go pay, looking over her shoulder at the woman seated by the window. There was nothing Cody liked more than finding out the scoop on new residents in town. Particularly ones with an interesting past, and it seemed that the new woman in town just might fill that bill.
Chapter Two
“What the− “Brodie did a double-take then just stood and watched. He’d gotten up an hour earlier today, so he’d have time to go through the obstacle course before the day’s training began.
He’d built up several months of leave, so when Deacon asked him to come help with the new batch of recruits he jumped at the chance. It wasn’t until he saw the course yesterday that he decided he might better give it a go before the recruits showed up. Brodie hated to make himself or Deacon look bad, and it’d been a while since he’d tackled one of these courses.
Now, he was surprised and a whole lot impressed as he stood there in the minutes before dawn, watching a woman tear through the course like it was child’s play. Who the hell was this gal?
There was one way to find out. She was nearing the end of the course when he took off in a run. He was fifty feet away when she suddenly looked in his direction. To his shock, they both stopped dead in their tracks. Their gazes locked and for the next few seconds they were frozen in time.
Then she took off at an all-out run. Brodie gave chase but couldn’t catch up. She slipped through a split in the fence and took out across open land. He thought about continuing the chase but decided another course of action to figure out who she was and that was to ask and see if anyone had seen her before.
As he headed back to the start of the obstacle course, he thought about the woman, about her appearance and the look in her eyes. What was it he’d seen there and why was he suddenly so gung-ho to find out more about her?
That question occupied him as he took on the course, and perhaps it was the distraction he needed to keep his head off the possibility of looking bad so that his body could do what it’d been trained to do. When he finished, he grinned and headed back for the barracks.
He encountered Deacon on his way. “Early morning run?” Brodie asked.
“Gotta keep in shape so these kids don’t kick my ass.” Deacon replied. “Come on, only two more miles to go.”
Brodie fell into pace with Deacon and for a minute or two they ran in silence. Deacon looked over at him. “Within a week they’ll have the wall finished. You up to training the newbies on free climbing?”
“Seriously? Where’s this wall and how big is it?”
“Two hundred feet and it’s essentially a man-made mountain with a sheer drop to the lake. We can run over there if you want.”
“Hell yeah.”
When they reached the wall, they slowed and walked., “This is insane.” Brodie looked around. It was, in fact, a small mountain. “How the hell did you do this?”
“You’d be surprised what can be done with steel and concrete these days.”
“How deep is the water at the base?”
“Thirty feet. They had to dig it out a lot and used the dirt and rock from the lake in building the mountain.”
Brodie grinned. “This is like a freaking playground.”
Deacon laughed. “Only to someone like you, son. Which reminds me. If you ever decide you’d like to rotate off active duty, you have a place here.”
“Thanks, sir. I appreciate it, but there’s no real reason for me to stay stateside. My folks moved up to Canada to be closer to my sisters who both live there and their kids and it’s not like I have a steady lady waiting for me here.”
“You never know when that will change.”
Brodie laughed. “Yeah, no shit. I mean, no disrespect, but who woulda thought you’d settle down and get married.”
Deacon smiled in response. “No offense taken, and no one was more surprised than me.”
“She’s hot, you know.” Brodie said. “And talented. She makes crazy good blades.”
“I agree. With all of it.”
“I’m happy for you, sir. And maybe one day I’ll have a reason to stay on home soil. But for now, this is just a vacation before I get back to it.”
“I hear you. Come on, let’s head back. Those recruits will be getting up by now.”
They ran along in silence for a good five minutes before Brodie’s curiosity demanded satisfaction. “Have you ever seen a woman on the obstacle course?”
“You mean the mystery girl who kicks the hell out of the course before dawn every day?”
“Yeah, that’d be the one.”
“Mica said that according to Mathias, she comes in from the west every morning, makes short work of the course then runs back the way she came. He’s encountered her once or twice but didn’t speak and neither did she.”
“So, no one knows who she is or where she came from?”
“Not really. But there are only so many places she could have come from. To the west are a few ranches and farms, maybe a dozen, an old sawmill then closer to town some neighborhoods that were built during the big oil boom around here a few years ago, but I’d guess that those are a bit too far – must be a good twenty miles to the first of them.”
“Which means she must come from one of the farms or ranches.”
“I guess.”
“And Mica doesn’t know anything about her?”
“Not that I know of. You could ask her. Or ask Mason’s wife, Savannah. She owns a spa in town, so she knows most of the women around here.”
“It’s not that important.” Brodie replied.
“Seems like it was.”
Brodie didn’t answer because he wasn’t sure why it did matter. Maybe he’d understand if he could decipher that look in her eyes when their gazes locked. And he probably wouldn’t accomplish that unless he saw her again.
Which just might mean he’d be getting up earlier in the morning, as well.
Chapter Three
“Have you met her?” Savannah asked Charli as they watched the kids playing.
“No. I’ve never even seen her.” Charli replied and then nudged some toys near her foot in the direction of the rest of them on the family room floor. “Cody and Hannah have. And Jo. And Cody said that they have the scoop on her. But why did you ask in the first place? Seems like everyone I know is curious about this woman.”
“I’m curious because Mica said something about seeing Hannah a few days ago and the subject came up and Hannah wanted to know if Mica had met the woman.”
“More curious by the moment.” Charli commented then looked around at the sound of a man’s voice. “The guys must be here.”
“I hope they brought food. I’m starving.”
“How the heck can you stay so thin and eat s
o much? You and Cody are just alike in that respect.”
Savannah shrugged. “Beats me. By the way, are she and Jax coming?”
“She said they were. I thought they’d− “
“If we’re late it’s Jax’s fault.” Cody’s voice interrupted, followed by a laugh from Jax who carried their son, Billy. “And I brought food from the grille. Hope y’all don’t mind barbecue.”
“Never.” Savannah stood and held out her arms to Billy. “Come here, you cutie.” Billy went willingly into her arms and she hugged him. “And you’re not late.”
Jax smiled and it struck Savannah once again how sexy he was. “Seems like your spa has become the hit of the town.”
Savannah smiled at him and responded as she carried Billy over to where Charli’s daughter Josie and her own baby, Mandy were playing. “I’m really thrilled at how well it’s doing.” Billy squealed and babbled happily when she put him down.
“Looks like the party is out here.” Her husband Mason’s voice had her looking in the direction of the patio door, as did Jax. Grady was with him and stopped at the patio table where Charli and Cody were setting things up for dinner.
“Hey, Mason.” Jax offered his hand as Mason walked over. “How’re things over at Sanctuary?”
“Good, really good.” Mason took Jax’s hand. “How’re you, Jax?”
“Couldn’t be better.”
“Deacon tells me that he hit you up about helping with sniper training.”
“He did.”
“And?”
“As I told him, it seems strange for an Army man to train SEALs.”
“Army Rangers, right?”
“Yes.”
“Special forces are special forces and from what Deacon says, you were one of the best.”
“That was a long time ago.”
“Still, you have a lot to offer. Just think about it.”
“You involved in the training thing?”
“No. Just interested.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“Did y’all hear about that mystery woman that’s been running the obstacle course every morning while everyone’s still asleep?” Charli asked.
“Seriously?” Jax looked at Grady.
“Yeah. Deacon was the first one to spot her and the other day Brodie Judge, a SEAL with some leave time who’s helping out, saw her as well. She kills it man. Kills it.”
“That’s seriously impressive. Who is she?”
“That’s just it, no one knows. Mathias Gray Horse has seen her a couple of times, coming or going, but he doesn’t know anything more than that.
“A mystery.” Savannah remarked. “You should have someone follow her.”
“And what?” Grady asked.
“Hmm, good point. Well, so much for that mystery.” She looked at Cody. “But we still have the one from town – that woman who always eats breakfast alone at the diner and doesn’t talk. You said Jo knows something about her.”
“Yes. She found a picture of this woman online who was once a pretty well-known photographer and artist. It looked just like the mystery woman, but as it turns out it couldn’t be.”
“Why not?” Savannah asked.
“Well,” Cody looked around at everyone. “It’s really pretty sad. She and her husband and little girl were somewhere overseas and they all died in some awful accident.”
Savannah noticed the way Mason’s head swiveled in Cody’s direction and the expression on his face. Before she could comment on it, he’d spoken. “Do you know her name? The lady who died, I mean.”
“Sadie Rockler. At least that’s what Jo said. I’ve been meaning to look her up but keep forgetting.”
“Mason?” Savannah touched his arm and he looked at her.
“What’s wrong?” Savannah asked.
“Nothing. Just a sad tale. And doesn’t solve our mystery here. But who knows, she might have suffered her share of tragedy. Maybe that’s why she’s not very talkative. You just never know.”
“Oh God, you’re right.” Savannah agreed, and d directed her attention to Cody. “Maybe we should reach out to her?”
“Or maybe just leave her be.” Mason spoke up before Cody had a chance and then added. “If she’s keeping herself apart from others, it may be by choice. Why not give her some time? If she wants to make friends, I’m sure she’ll let people know.”
“Well, it’s not really the way things work around here,” Cody said in a joking manner.
“Well, maybe every now and then it should be.” Mason remarked in a somewhat sharp tone and then added. “I forgot to get the soft drinks and beer from the car. I’ll be back.”
Everyone watched as he hurried away, then Cody looked at Savannah. “What’s up with Mason?”
“I wish I knew.” Savannah said. “Seems like mysteries are on the rise in Cotton Creek.
Chapter Four
She stared at the email displayed on the screen of the computer, her elbows planted on the table, hands steepled and fingers clasped except for her index fingers, which pressed against her bottom lip.
There was no doubt of the authenticity of the email, and she did not believe that she had erred in the address she’d used, which was one she’d hacked from the small public library in which she now sat.
What troubled her was the same thing that had concerned her for the last two years. Could she trust what she remembered? During those times of clarity, things were so sharply in focus it was like knives in her brain. The sharpness was a herald of something much worse. Following closely on its heels, grief swept in to swath her in its thick folds and imprison her in a torment far worse than any physical pain.
As frightening as the murky haze was that stole her memories from her, it was almost a welcome respite and during those foggy times she wondered how long she could survive being bounced from one hell to the other.
Surely, she’d reach a point where she would simply fly apart and scatter to the winds.
Sometimes she wished for it.
Others, a rush of determination would fill her, compelling her to cling to the pain of clarity as long as possible, to write down what she remembered. Sometimes the pain was too great, and she could not form the words. During those times, she drew the memories.
Sadly, what she drew often made no sense. Like the scene she’d drawn the other day as she sat in the diner. It was a street scene, a small town by all appearances, but not Cotton Creek. Not being able to recognize the place was frustrating her to the point of anger.
And anger had fueled more clarity, which ultimately led her to where she now sat, reading a response to an email she’d sent.
It was short and to the point but nonetheless, she read it again, for what must have been the twentieth time.
You will be contacted.
You will be contacted. She didn’t know whether to feel relief or fear, but it was too late to change anything. They now knew where she was, so running was out of the question.
Perhaps the time of running should end. She was tired of it, tired of not knowing, of being afraid to know and of needing to know.
Yes, maybe it was time. She deleted the email, picked up her notebook, tucked it into the worn backpack and slung one strap of the bag over her shoulder as she stood. She’d go home and wait. It wouldn’t be long now.
*****
Mason and Grady were walking out of Lily Matthews office, fresh from an early morning appointment to go over some legal matters.
“Breakfast?” Grady asked. “My treat.”
“Sure, why− “Mason’s voice died, and his eyes grew round.
“Hey bud, you okay?” Grady put his hand on Mason’s shoulder, alarmed at the way color had drained from his face.
Mason’s gaze was directed across the street, so Grady looked that way as well. All he saw was a woman with long auburn hair coming down the steps of the library. She was looking down as she tucked something into a big shoulder bag.
Mason watched as she descended the ste
ps and headed down the sidewalk. “You know that woman?” Grady asked.
“I just remembered, there’s something I have to do. I’ll see you back at Sanctuary later.” Mason fished out his keys and hurried to his car, parked along the side of the street.
“What the hell?” Grady raised both hands as Mason pulled away. “I rode with you, remember?”
Mason didn’t look back or slow down. “Well, damn.” Grady pulled out his phone and placed a call. “Hey darlin’. Any chance you’d come pick me up from Lily’s office and give me a ride home? Yeah, I rode with Mason, but he had a sudden errand to run. Okay, thanks baby.”
Grady pocketed his phone and took another look down the street. The woman who’d come out of the library had reached a corner and turned. So did Mason’s car. What the hell was going on?
Mason knew that the likelihood of her realizing she was being followed was high. There wasn’t a lot of traffic and he could only go so slow. When he saw her get into an old sedan that was parked near the school, he slowed even more.
She pulled out and after a moment he sped up to follow. If she knew she was being followed, she gave no sign of it. Her speed didn’t increase. She drove the speed limit, headed south out of town, in the direction he’d take himself to go home or to Sanctuary.
The turn he’d normally take to go to Sanctuary was less than half a mile when she suddenly pulled off the side of the road, got out of her car and stepped into the road, forcing him to come to a stop.
Mason pulled over in front of her car, parked and got out. “Why are you following me?” she asked the moment he stepped out of his car.
“Who said I was?”
The look she gave clearly indicated she didn’t believe him. She was angry and suspicious and more importantly, she looked at him like he was a stranger. She had no idea who he was.
“I apologize.” He hurried to cover his surprise at the revelation. “My name is Mason James and I work just down the road at Sanctuary.”
“Fine.” She turned away and started for her car.