Edge of Truth

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  Eric and Gail both gave her an odd look, but neither questioned her statement.

  “I think so. I sure appreciated you giving back the twenty I dropped. A lot of people would have kept it.”

  “Anytime.”

  Eric chatted with the women for a few minutes. Kara seemed to be listening intently, but Jeff could see that her attention was divided.

  Kara waved to someone near the playground. “Excuse me. I see someone I’d like to say hello to. It was nice meeting you, Eric.” She looked at Jeff. “Maybe I’ll see you around.”

  “I hope so.” Jeff watched as she walked across the grass with no visible limp. Her leg must be healing fast.

  The men said good-bye to Gail and walked toward their picnic area.

  “Lady caught your eye, I see,” Eric said. “She’s cute. You should ask her out.”

  Hmm, maybe Eric was on to something. Jeff raised his brows. “I might.”

  Veronica waved the men back to their picnic area.

  “Looks like the food’s ready.” Eric picked up the pace.

  Jeff grabbed a soda and sat on the blanket. Veronica placed a plate piled high with fried chicken on a portable table. Jeff’s stomach rumbled. “I haven’t had homemade fried chicken since I was a boy.” He leaned in close and inhaled deeply. “Smells tasty.”

  “Thank you. I see your friend is talking with Marci.” Veronica grinned, but the smile didn’t reach her eyes.

  Jeff turned and spotted a tall brunette woman with Kara.

  “She shouldn’t associate with that woman,” Veronica ground out between clenched teeth.

  Jeff felt his eyebrows rise. “Really. Why?”

  Eric held up a chicken leg and waved it at his wife. “Will you stop? I told you there’s nothing going on between Marci and me. I barely know the woman.” He turned to Jeff. “I’m pretty certain Veronica has managed to turn every married woman in this town against Marci. She does ads. I hired her a couple weeks ago to design a campaign for the ranch. We spent quite a bit of time together one evening going over the print ads, and Veronica has it in her head that Marci—”

  Jeff hooked a thumb on his belt loop. “This is none of my business. No need to explain. And who Kara chooses to visit with is her business.” Jeff glanced over at Veronica who was shooting missiles with her eyes at her husband.

  Veronica’s face tinged pink. “Excuse me.” She stood and walked toward their truck.

  “I’m sorry about that, Eric.” He’d done it this time. Veronica would kick him out for sure.

  “No need. Veronica isn’t mad at you. She just can’t stand Marci. Strange, too, because my wife usually gets along with everyone. I don’t understand why she won’t believe me about Marci. We seriously only had dinner together to go over the ads. That’s it.”

  That did seem kind of extreme even for Veronica. But maybe Eric had given her reason to doubt him before. Jeff leaned back on his elbows and watched Kara. Why had she homed in on the one woman Veronica couldn’t stand? He sighed. A text popped in on his cell. Meet me tonight at Lake Aimee near the restrooms.

  Darkness closed in around the lake. Long shadows from the ponderosa pines danced across the sandy beach. Prickles of anticipation rippled through the crowd. Kara strolled toward Gail and Kurt who sat snuggled together on a quilted blanket along the shore. In spite of the large turnout, quiet had settled over the shoreline. Crickets chirped, oblivious to the impending fireworks. Gail patted the spot next to her. “Come join us. The fireworks will be soaring over the lake any minute. You don’t want to be wandering around when all the lights go off.”

  Kara looked around and spotted the restrooms on the edge of the sandy beach. “I need to visit the ladies’ room. Don’t worry about me. I’ll watch the show from wherever I’m standing.”

  “Okay. We’ll pack up and leave when it’s over, so if we’re not here when you get back, meet us at the car.”

  Kara nodded and hustled across the grass toward the restrooms while at the same time keeping a look out for Jeff. Where was he? She stopped and pretended to get a rock out of her shoe.

  A thunderous boom accompanied by bright red, white, and blue fireworks announced the beginning of the show. A live brass band added to the drama with patriotic music as the fireworks burst overhead. The sky glowed with the display.

  Kara crossed her bare arms. She forgot how cool the air became in the evenings. Where was Jeff? About five minutes into the show, someone gripped her arm. She jumped then quickly turned and looked over her shoulder—Jeff. He motioned for her to follow him deeper into the trees.

  Jeff stood close and spoke in hushed tones. “Who’s Marci? Veronica told me to warn you to stay away from her. She related to the case?”

  “I don’t think so, but I’m not ruling anyone out just yet. She’s familiar looking, but I can’t place her. It’s driving me nuts too—but Marci didn’t seem to know me so maybe she has one of those faces.”

  “Hmm. I’m guessing she has one of those faces.”

  “You’re probably right.” She shrugged. “The other moms don’t accept her. I’m not sure why. Which by itself isn’t that big of a deal, but today, when I was visiting with her at the park, she acted strange. Her eyes were dilated and her hands shook. This might be a stretch, but I think she could be using drugs. If so, maybe we can flip her and find out who her supplier is at the very least.”

  “Maybe, but not yet,” Jeff said. “As for the moms not liking her, I believe Marci is to blame for that. Is there anything else going on?”

  “I have an office space with an attached apartment lined up, so I’ll be out of Gail and Kurt’s place soon. How about you? Find anything interesting?”

  “Not yet, but things are going well with my family.”

  “Good. I need to get over to the ranch soon,” Kara said.

  “Agreed. I have the feeling my family would like it if you spent more time with me.”

  Kara couldn’t help smiling. She wouldn’t mind spending more time with him. She missed the camaraderie they’d had in Vero Beach when she was recovering from her car bomb injuries.

  The loud boom of the fireworks’ grand finale cut off Jeff’s words. The crowd cheered and clapped. Applause rang out, and Jeff’s warm breath brushed her neck. Tingles zipped through her.

  “Stop by the ranch, and we’ll talk more.” Jeff’s words tickled her ear.

  Cool air assaulted the space Jeff had left when he moved, and she shivered. She’d never reacted to any of her partners like that before—not even Tony. Then again, Jeff wasn’t just anyone. He’d been with her through one of the worst times of her life, and she’d come to depend on him as more than just a partner. He’d become a friend. They’d been thrust together under the worst of circumstances. His easy way had made the ordeal not only bearable, but enjoyable at times. She shut off her thoughts—no time for introspection.

  Kara rubbed her hands up and down her arms. The park lights came on, and she picked her way through the crowd. A scream burst through the air. Kara stopped and listened. Someone plowed into her from behind, knocking her to the ground. Air whooshed from her lungs and searing pain stabbed her shoulder. She rolled over and looked up into angry eyes.

  Chapter 8

  Kara stared back into the eyes of a livid young man—probably not more than twenty-three—

  who’d fallen on top of her. The guy wasn’t budging. “You mind?” Kara pushed hard at his chest with her good arm. At this rate, her shoulder would never be the same.

  He blinked and pushed up, fighting to gain his footing. “Whoa. Sorry, lady. My girlfriend and I just had a huge fight, and I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

  “No harm done.” Unless you count the headache and throbbing shoulder his jolt had caused. Too bad she couldn’t snap his picture, just to be on the safe side. She took a mental picture instead. Coffee-colored short hair, clean-shaven, small eyes, medium-sized straight nose, and full mouth—nothing overly defining about the average-looking guy.
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br />   She watched as he strode away. Who was his girlfriend? Kara backtracked the guy’s steps.

  An older man stopped her. “You okay? I saw that hooligan barrel into you.”

  “I’m fine. Did you see the woman who screamed?”

  “Afraid not.” He looked around with a frown covering his face.

  “That’s okay.” Kara searched the sea of faces. No woman stood around looking sad or angry. Concern edged into the back of her mind. Someone had screamed, but who? Had the guy knocked someone else down too? She tucked away the encounter and made her way to Gail and Kurt.

  Kara sat in Gail’s kitchen munching on a bagel, enjoying the quiet of the morning. Sunlight filtered through the window and cascaded onto the table, warming the room.

  Gail walked into the kitchen. “Do you want a ride over to the high school?”

  “No, thanks,” Kara said. “I’m only sticking around for the first couple of hours to help with registration. When I’m finished, I have a few errands.” She’d drawn a quick sketch of the guy she’d encountered last night and planned to show it to Jeff. “And then I’m heading over to my new place.” She patted her duffel bag sitting on the chair beside her. “I’m all packed and want to get settled. I’m sure glad the apartment came furnished.”

  “So it’s moving day?”

  “Yes. The sooner I get moved in, the quicker I can start taking clients.”

  “I suppose that’s true, but we’ll miss having you here. I’ll call and schedule a manicure soon.”

  Kara stood, enveloped Gail in a hug, then pulled back. “Thanks. It’ll be on the house. Then you can tell all your friends about me.”

  “You sure you want me to do that? I know that’s not the real reason you’re here.”

  Kara stiffened. That Gail knew she worked for the DEA was more than a little disconcerting. “As far as anyone else is concerned, I’m a nail technician, and that’s exactly what they need to think for your safety and the safety of my partner.”

  “Partner?”

  “Forget I said that.”

  “Said what?”

  “Nothing. I’ve enjoyed staying with you, but we both know I can’t live here indefinitely. Five days are long enough to entertain a house guest.” Four days too long in her opinion. She loved her friend, but she valued her own space.

  “Not according to Eric Waters. His brother, Jeff, is planning on staying a few weeks.”

  “That’s a long visit.” Kara poured a second cup of coffee and took a sip.

  “Yes, but Eric says they haven’t seen each other in years. He’s looking forward to spending more time with Jeff, and his niece seems to adore her uncle.”

  Kara wrapped the bagel in a napkin and took a quick gulp of coffee. “Speaking of his niece, I need to go. I’m supposed to be at the music camp a half hour early.”

  “Okay, I’ll see you later.”

  Kara was almost to her car when Gail called to her. “Kara, how did you know Lauren would be at the camp today?”

  “Jeff must’ve mentioned it. I saw him at the lake last night.”

  Gail turned back to the house with a smile lighting her face.

  Kara chuckled to herself. The idea of her and Jeff. Preposterous! Well, maybe not preposterous, but not possible. They were partners and friends, nothing more. She didn’t have time to complicate her life with romance.

  The perma-grin plastered to Kara’s face hurt as she greeted yet another student while seated at the registration table in the high school hallway, but still no Lauren. A surge of musicians had arrived when the doors first opened for registration and now only a few stragglers remained to register. She wanted to make a connection with Jeff’s family. Lauren seemed to be the perfect solution. Hopefully, she would show soon.

  The door opened once again, and Lauren walked in accompanied by her Uncle Jeff. Kara’s breath caught in her throat and her face warmed. Good grief, she was behaving like an insecure girl. She schooled her face and willed her pulse to slow but failed miserably when his eyes crinkled in her direction. Gail’s suggestion was going to her head, and she needed to silence it.

  Lauren beamed at her. “Hi! I’m Lauren Waters.”

  Kara found Lauren’s name on the registration list. “Here you are. Glad you could make it. Everyone’s gathering in the gym.” She handed her a packet and sent her off in the right direction.

  “Thanks!” Lauren turned toward Jeff. “See you later, Uncle Jeff.”

  Kara watched her bounce down the hall, violin case in hand.

  Jeff didn’t move.

  Kara looked up. “How’s it going?”

  “Fine. I’m surprised to see you. I thought you were new in town.”

  “I am, but I figured volunteering would be a great way to meet people.”

  “Smart. Did you enjoy the fireworks last night?” Jeff asked.

  “Very much.” Except for how it ended. Kara reached for a stack of papers and began to clean up the registration table. She heard the door click shut. Jeff had left without saying good-bye—again.

  Jeff strode to his SUV, started the engine, then took out his phone and called Gary on a secure number. “Gary, Jeff here. Do you have Eric’s financial records for me yet?” He heard papers shuffling on the other end.

  “Yes. Looks like the money trail’s a dead end. His wife, Veronica, comes from money, and it appears her family fronted the finances for the ranch.”

  Jeff sat a little taller and didn’t try to hold back the grin that spread across his face. A little good news on the home front was always welcome.

  “I don’t mind checking on this for you, but remember, you have the local DEA at your full disposal.”

  “Right. I haven’t had time to get over there yet. Things here are busy.”

  “At least touch base with Tad Baker. He’s a local deputy and the task force leader. He should be a big help.”

  “Got it.” Maybe Tad would have some information on Jake.

  Chapter 9

  A business sign that read Nails by Kara, snagged Jeff’s attention. He hadn’t spotted that place the last time he’d been in town. Jeff pulled into a parking spot on the side of the street. He opened his door, got out, and looked again.

  This was not one of Kara’s better ideas. If he wasn’t mistaken, she had used that same cover prior to her time in Miami. Jeff walked over to the salon and tried the door. Locked. He peered through the large window. The place looked empty except for a small desk and a few chairs. A light came on in the back of the office.

  He knocked on the door. Kara must have come into the room from the back and turned on the lights. He knocked again, and she entered the front room. She walked to the door and unlocked it.

  Jeff stepped over the threshold, locking the door behind him. The stuffy room smelled stale. “What are you thinking posting a sign out in front like that? Whether you choose to accept it or not, you’re still a target. Alvarado is out there somewhere, and advertising a business with your name on it is going to show up on any search they do.”

  Kara kept her voice level. “I’m doing my job the best way I know how. Yes, I’ve used this cover in the past, but it’s a great way to meet the locals.”

  “So is working in an ice cream shop.”

  Kara crossed her arms. “You’d be surprised what people will tell you over a paraffin wax. I suppose putting my name on the sign might not have been wise, but the DEA set all of this up. If someone who wants me dead tracks me down because my name is in the title of this business then so be it. At least that way I can deal with them instead of constantly looking over my shoulder. I refuse to play the victim.”

  “I guess I’d feel the same way in your position, but be careful.” It was her life, and she had to live it. But that wouldn’t stop him from keeping an extra close eye on her.

  “Any new developments on the case?” She perched on the edge of her well-used desk.

  Jeff walked to the nearest chair and sat. “The money angle didn’t fly. Veronica comes
from money, and her parents helped out.” He shrugged. “I’ll keep digging. It’s strange though. You’d think I’d know my own sister-in-law was rich.”

  “Not necessarily. There are lots of rich people out there who don’t wave their money for the world to see.”

  “True. Thanks.”

  “No problem. How’re you doing? It must stink investigating your own brother.”

  “Stepbrother. We’re only related by marriage.”

  “Right. Stepbrother or not, I think it’s awful that you have to investigate him.”

  “Me too, but I’m determined to do my job regardless of the outcome.” He propped his ankle up on his knee. “It was convenient you have friends in town.”

  Kara crossed her arms. “I guess, but I hated putting their lives in danger. I’m glad this spot opened up, and I could get out of their place.”

  He nodded. “How did you end up as a nail person anyway?”

  “I went to beauty school right out of high school. Worked in a shop for about a year after I graduated and decided it wasn’t for me.” She pried open a box. “As you can see, though, it follows me wherever I go.” She pulled out a few bottles of nail polish and placed them on the desk. “The local DEA arranged for me to open up shop here and provided the supplies and permits.” She dug through another box. “You want to give me a hand? I have to get this place set up for business ASAP.”

  “Sure. I can help for a couple hours. What needs to be done?”

  “Everything. I’ll start on the paint if you’ll unpack the boxes. I’ll take inventory later. Just keep the supplies in the center of the room so nothing gets ruined.”

  “Okay, but maybe I should paint. I have no idea what all this stuff is.” He felt like a man in the lingerie department—lost.

  Kara stuffed a roll of masking tape in his hand. “On second thought, have at it. I hate painting.”

  Jeff made quick work of taping off the moldings then began to cover the walls in a light green paint while Kara sifted through the various boxes. “Aren’t you supposed to have some special chairs and such for a place like this?”