Edge of Truth

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  “I’m fine.” She understood Gail’s concern. She’d be worried too if a friend showed up like this at her doorstep with a single duffel bag and a lone box, but she couldn’t tell her what was going on without endangering her in the process. The less Gail knew about her real reason for being here the better.

  Gail rose from the bed. “You’re not running from some boyfriend or anything like that are you?”

  “Relax. I don’t have a boyfriend. My apartment in Miami came furnished, so I don’t have a bunch of furniture and stuff, and I’m not a clotheshorse. You know that.”

  Gail closed the door and lowered her voice. “Your parents mentioned some time ago you accepted a position with the DEA. Did you quit?”

  Kara shook her head. She should have expected that. Her mom adored Gail and apparently kept in touch even all these years later. Kara opened her mouth to respond, but Gail cut her off with a wave of her hand.

  “I don’t know what you do there, and I don’t need to know, but I find it strange that you would suddenly show up in town. And anyone with eyes can see that you’re injured. If you’re in some kind of trouble, I’d like to help.”

  Kara sighed. So much for keeping her occupation on the down low. “I can’t tell you why I’m here. And yes, I’m injured. Nothing serious though.” At least not serious to her way of thinking. If Gail knew they were bullet-related injuries, she’d probably pass out from the shock. “I’ll be in Sunridge for the duration of my assignment. No one here can know I’m DEA. It’s detrimental to my safety and those I’m working with.”

  “I understand. I won’t tell anyone, and I’ll warn Kurt not to say anything.”

  Kara groaned.

  “What? I tell my husband everything. Don’t worry. No one else knows.”

  “Good. Now this is what you can tell people. I’m a nail technician, and I plan to open a shop in town soon.”

  Gail grinned wide. “At least you have a strong cover. Anyone who remembers you will have no trouble believing it. Do you ever regret going to beauty school?”

  “No. I love doing nails, and it’s come in handy on quite a few cases.”

  “Good. Let me know when you’re up and running. I could use a manicure. And I’d never pass up a free one.” She winked.

  Kara tossed a small pillow at Gail, which she dodged.

  “What? You need customers to make your business look legit right? I’m just trying to help.”

  “Thanks, Gail. I appreciate it, and I’m happy to do your nails. It’s the least I can do since you’re letting me crash here. What can you tell me about this town that I don’t already know? Anything exciting?”

  “About the most exciting thing happening this summer is a music camp over at the high school.”

  “Sounds like fun.” The event was already on her radar. DEA intel provided information about the immediate family members of their suspects. Lauren, the daughter of Eric and Veronica Waters, would be attending.

  “It should be. One of the employees from the school where I’m the principal is running the camp.”

  “Really—are you involved?” She already had the 4-1-1 on Jessica Swift, the event coordinator, but Gail didn’t need to know that.

  “A little bit.” Gail glanced at her watch. “I have to shove off soon to get some last-minute work done for the camp.”

  “I didn’t realize you were musical.”

  “I’m not, but there’s lots of stuff to do that’s not directly related to music. Why don’t you relax here for a while? Then maybe later, if you’re feeling up to it, and if you’re interested, you could go over to the high school. Aren’t you into music?”

  Kara couldn’t contain her smile. “Yes, I think it’s safe to say twelve years of piano lessons qualify me as being into music.”

  Gail moved toward the door. “That’s right. I forgot. I need to get over to the school now.”

  “Maybe I’ll stop by later today and see if the person in charge needs more volunteers.” Right now, she needed some acetaminophen. Her leg and shoulder were screaming.

  “Okay. But don’t overdo. You look wiped out.” Gail closed the bedroom door behind her.

  Kara pulled Tylenol from her purse then washed them down with a gulp from her water bottle. The bed was irresistible. There’d be time later for recon. She rested her head on the pillow and closed her eyes. The doctor may be able to keep her off active duty, but he couldn’t shut down her swirling thoughts. And Gail’s comment about the music camp intrigued her.

  Chapter 6

  Kara startled awake to the ringing of her cell phone. “Hello.”

  “You in town?” Jeff asked.

  “Yes. I’m at my friend’s place.”

  “How’d it go with the doctor?”

  “Fine.” No way would she elaborate. She didn’t need him riding her to take it easy. “How are things on your end?”

  “Okay.”

  Seemed they were both less than talkative.

  “Can you get away?” Jeff asked. “I have some news.”

  Kara checked her watch and nearly dropped her phone. She’d been sleeping for two hours. “There’s a small park in the center of town. You can’t miss it. I’ll meet you there in thirty minutes.”

  Kara sat on a wood bench along a paved walking path and breathed in the scent of pine needles. Lush green grass flanked the pathway and tall pine trees dotted the otherwise dry landscape. Screams of delight filled the air as children played tag on the playground—it looked like the monkey bars were the base. She’d preferred playing cops and robbers as a child, and she always played the cop. Life had been much simpler back then. The bad guys didn’t try to kill her when she got too close.

  Jeff and his long stride grabbed her attention. She chuckled. A few moms admired Jeff as he walked by. His tall, lean build clothed in jeans and white polo shirt fit right in with the country town. She couldn’t blame the women. Jeff was very good looking.

  He casually walked past her. She raised her voice. “Excuse me, sir.”

  Jeff looked over his shoulder. “Me?”

  Kara nodded. “I think you dropped this.” She held out a twenty.

  He stuffed his hands in his pockets and pulled them right side out, revealing nothing but fabric and lint. “Thanks.” He sent her a crooked smile, eyes twinkling. “I wonder how that happened. Can I buy you a soda as a thank you?” He pocketed the twenty.

  “Sure.” She spoke under her breath as she walked alongside him, careful not to limp. “I want that back by the way.”

  He chuckled. “I thought you might.” A flying disc landed at his feet. Jeff reached down, picked it up, and flicked it back to the kids. “The park was a great idea. Lots of people saw us,” he spoke softly.

  “So where do we go from here?”

  “I’ve been thinking about that. We need to strike up a friendship.”

  “No problem there. I think we’re on the right track.” She followed him into the ice cream shop to complete the ruse. Several people turned to stare as they walked into the bustling business. She flicked a grin to the teen behind the counter. “Hi there. My friend and I would like two large sodas.”

  Jeff carried their cups to the soda fountain and filled them then sat at the only vacant table. “This place smells like waffle cones.”

  “Mmm. My favorite,” Kara said. “Let’s head back to the park. At least there I won’t be tempted to expand my waistline.”

  Jeff grabbed his soda and led the way. “I’m settled at Eric’s. The ranch is topnotch.”

  “You suspicious?”

  “Of course. Anyone would be, but there’s nothing obviously illegal going on there. I’ll let you know what I find out. By the way, Gary called.”

  “And?”

  “He said to make sure you were okay. Any idea why?”

  “That’s all he said?”

  “No.”

  Kara’s mouth felt dry in spite of the soda. Anger at Denver’s betrayal and Logan’s murder weighed heavy.
/>   Jeff sat on a nearby bench and pulled her down beside him. “You want to talk about it?”

  “Nope. A couple days of down time, and I’ll be good as new.”

  “The offer stands if you change your mind.”

  Kara saw the look of sympathy in his eyes and squirmed. She didn’t want his pity. “Got it. Now let’s talk strategy. What’s the situation at the ranch?”

  “Jake Jones is the head wrangler. He’s abrasive and doesn’t like me, so I’ll let you work on him. Tourists come out for trail rides and locals board horses.”

  “Okay. I’ll check out Jake.” He was already on her radar since Gary had mentioned him. “We need to plan another meeting. Any ideas?”

  “Not right now. Lay low for a couple days, wait for your medical clearance, and then we’ll get to business.”

  She was tempted to salute him. Instead she forced a smile. “Fine. I’ll be in touch.” She made a point of thanking him for the soda then took a pen from her purse and cradled his wrist before writing her number on his hand. “Call me,” she said loud enough for those nearby to hear.

  A woman smirked and looked like she wished she’d found his twenty—nothing like making an impression on the locals. She sipped her soda and observed the moms watching their children at play. A lone, overdressed brunette caught her attention. The tall woman had separated herself and her son from the other moms who were visiting in small groups—odd. She walked along the path that led toward the woman who wore dark trousers, heels, and a short-sleeved teal blouse. There was something familiar about her. Maybe they’d gone to high school together.

  A ball rolled toward Kara and stopped at her feet. She reached down and handed it to the tow-headed little boy, who looked to be about three years old.

  His mother trotted up beside him and glared at Kara. “Leave my son alone!”

  Kara took a step back and raised her hands. “I was only handing him the ball. I didn’t mean any harm.”

  The woman’s glare softened to a wary look. She nodded, took a step back, and pointed to the grass several yards away. “Timmy, go take your ball over there and play.” She watched her son bounce the ball then glanced back at Kara. “I’m Marci. I’m sorry for snapping at you.”

  “It’s fine. You can’t be too careful.”

  “Thanks for understanding.” She shot a pensive smile toward Kara. “I haven’t seen you around. Are you new in town?”

  “Sort of. I’m Kara. It’s funny you ask. I thought you looked familiar, but I guess we never knew one another. I lived here when I was in high school.” Maybe a little name-dropping would help ease the woman’s mind. “My friend, Gail Foster, is letting me stay at her house until I find a place of my own.”

  Marci grinned. “She’s the principal at the elementary school, right? I hear she’s a nice lady.” She held out her hand. “Sorry about earlier. Most of these women,” she motioned toward the other moms, “don’t like me. Guess I’m not used to people being nice.”

  Kara shook her head. “Why? You steal one of their husbands or something?”

  Marci’s eyes narrowed. “Guess I was wrong about you.” She turned her back on Kara.

  Talk about touching a nerve. “Marci, wait. I’m sorry. It was only a joke—a stupid one. I didn’t mean any harm.”

  Marci spun back to Kara, arms crossed. Skepticism and something else she couldn’t read stared back from Marci’s azure eyes.

  “I should go.” Kara ignored the knot of warning in the pit of her stomach and headed toward Gail’s house. She wasn’t sure what, but something significant took place at the park just now, but was it good or bad?

  Chapter 7

  Sunday morning, Kara sat with Gail and Kurt in a pew about four rows from the back. The pianist played softly, accompanied by a keyboard that sounded like an organ. Kara studied the church bulletin, noting they had a lot of activities. A man stepped out from the front row and walked up onto the platform then asked everyone to stand and join him in worship.

  Kara’s alto harmony blended with the voices around her. She closed her eyes and focused on the words to the familiar tune flowing from her lips. The tension in her shoulders melted, leaving her at ease until she opened her eyes. Jeff sat a few rows up, and reality hit Kara hard.

  She was here on an assignment because God had allowed her cover to be blown. Kara thought when she became a Christian several years ago that He’d watch out for her. Didn’t the Bible say He’d never leave or forsake her? She stopped singing, and the tension returned. How could Jeff stand there and worship? How could he sing songs of praise to a God that allowed the bad guys to destroy lives, hers included?

  Gail nudged her shoulder and whispered. “Everything okay?”

  Kara forced a smile and nodded. She had to keep up this charade for her friends, so she resumed singing, but her heart wasn’t in it. God had turned His back on her when she needed Him the most. Kara knew the risks when she’d signed on with the DEA but always believed that God would take care of her. She’d trusted Him completely, only to be abandoned in the scariest moment of her life. Fine. If He was going to abandon her, then she’d make it on her own. Things couldn’t get much worse.

  After church, Kara sat in the backseat of Gail and Kurt’s sedan as they headed home.

  Gail turned and cast a quizzical glance her way. “What’d you think of the service?”

  Kara’s thoughts whirled. She’d spent the time during the sermon working up a plan of action for Operation Trail Ride. “It was fine. I saw the announcement in the bulletin about the community picnic in the park this afternoon. Are you planning on going?”

  Gail gazed at her husband. “We wouldn’t miss it.”

  Kurt nodded. “After the picnic, we’ll drive out to Lake Aimee. It’ll remind you of Miami with its sandy shore.” He made a sharp right. “But as you know, you won’t find any palm trees, only pines.

  “Do they still shoot off the fireworks over the lake?”

  Kurt nodded. “It’s quite a show. You up for a full day of fun?”

  “Sounds like a must-see event. How did the lake get its name?” She’d been to the lake as a teen but always wondered about the origins of its name.

  “Beats me,” Gail said. “But I hear it means much loved.”

  “Hmm.” Kara leaned against the headrest. Much loved. Life with the DEA had been non-stop for the past year and always busy even before that. At the rate she was going, she’d never find a special love.

  A text message drew her attention. The DEA had been busy. They already secured a lease on a storefront property in downtown Sunridge. The back half of the property had been converted into a studio apartment. She was to drop by in the morning and spend a few hours putting her new nail salon in order. Playtime was over, and now the real work would begin.

  Jeff strolled through Sunridge Central Park. He’d joined Eric’s family for the Fourth of July picnic. Small groups of people spread throughout the park. Blankets and camp-style chairs littered the grass, and every picnic table appeared occupied. A rustic pavilion stood center stage where a montage of live music would be performed throughout the day. The scent of roasting hot dogs drifted through the air, causing Jeff’s stomach to rumble.

  Veronica turned toward him as they walked along the paved path. Her designer jeans and fancy top out of place in the casually dressed crowd. “I had Eric set up our canopy yesterday. It’s that blue one with the white chairs underneath.”

  Jeff followed the direction of her finger and smirked. A huge banner that said WATERS FAMILY hung from one side of the canopy to the other.

  Lauren grabbed her mom’s hand. “Can I go see Jessica?” She pointed to a picnic table off to their right.

  Veronica nodded. “That’s fine—just check in every now and then.” She shook her head at his niece’s back as Lauren took off across the lawn.

  Jeff chuckled. “She didn’t waste any time ditching us old fogies.”

  “You know teenagers.” Veronica turned to Eric. “Hone
y, after you drop off the cooler, will you take Jeff around and introduce him to our friends?”

  Jeff missed Eric’s reply. A familiar figure caught his attention a few feet away from the canopy. Kara’s ponytail swung from side to side as she shook her head. Her cuts and bruises were no longer visible—she must have used some serious makeup to cover them. She looked cute in khaki pants and a loose-fitting T-shirt.

  A grin spread across his face. The time off had served her well. He followed his family to their reserved area, all the time keeping an eye on Kara until she spotted him and waved.

  “You’re already making friends with the ladies, I see,” Veronica said.

  He scratched the back of his neck and squinted into the bright sunshine. “That’s Kara. We met at the park the other day.”

  Veronica fussed with the picnic basket and cast furtive looks toward his co-worker. It seemed Veronica was more than a little curious.

  “Do you want to meet her? I could introduce you.”

  “I don’t know. There’s still stuff that needs to be set up.” She moved the cooler.

  Eric nudged her forward. “Go ahead. I can take care of things here.”

  “No. I want to make sure everything’s just right. You go.”

  Eric shrugged. “You heard the lady.” The men walked side by side over to where Kara stood visiting with a tall woman.

  “Hi, Gail,” Eric said.

  The auburn-haired woman turned at the sound of her name. Her face broke into a generous smile. “Eric, how are you?” She reached back and gently took Kara’s arm. “You haven’t met my friend Kara Nelson. She recently moved here from Miami.”

  Kara grinned. “Hi.”

  Eric nodded. “This is my brother Jeff. He’s from Miami also. But I guess the two of you have met.”

  A gleam lit Kara’s eyes, and she shook his hand. “Yes. I hope you’re hanging onto your money.”