Edge of Truth

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  “Relax,” she teased. “Let’s talk about something else.”

  “How’s the leg doing?”

  “Fine. The stitches are gone, and it healed up well.”

  “Any headaches?”

  “Nothing related to the concussion if that’s what you’re asking. Why the sudden concern?” She glanced his way.

  “Just making conversation.”

  “I don’t like to think about that week.”

  “Sorry. So, how do you like pretending to be my girlfriend?” He grinned wide.

  Kara’s jaw opened, but she snapped it closed fast and chuckled.

  “What?” He shrugged. “That’s a good question.”

  Her eyes twinkled with laughter. “I’ll have to get back to you on that. It’s too soon to tell.” She stood. “Hold this?” She handed him the camera then climbed down from the boulder.

  After lowering the camera to her, he followed.

  “I don’t think anyone’s coming. It’s been over an hour.”

  Jeff agreed. But the men could be watching, and he didn’t want to tip them off. “Let’s just walk. We can check out the location later. I don’t want anyone surprising us.” He picked up a smooth rock and flung it at the river. The rock skipped three times.

  “Not bad. Maybe we should mount up.” She fingered a rock and flipped it into the river with a plop.

  Jeff nodded, untied the reins from a low branch, and swung into the saddle. “I used to skip rocks with my dad and Eric when we were kids. Never was all that skilled at it though.”

  “Looked good to me.”

  “Thanks. Did your equipment arrive for the nail salon?” He watched as Kara slipped her foot into the stirrup and mounted Blaze. She moved like a pro, and only a few hours ago, she’d been concerned the horse was too big. Guess she’d underestimated herself. One thing he knew for certain though—she’d be sore tomorrow. They headed back side by side.

  “Yes. I’m all set up and ready to open in the morning. Gail’s my first customer. I have an opening if you’re interested.” She wiggled her eyebrows.

  “Ha. You’re not getting your hands on me. Those places are for women.”

  “Not true. Lots of men get their nails done. In the past about a quarter of my clients were men.”

  “I doubt that had anything to do with them wanting their nails done. They probably just wanted to be up close and personal with a cute woman.”

  Kara chuckled. “You think I’m cute?”

  He swallowed hard. “I didn’t mean—”

  Kara giggled. “Relax. I won’t hold it against you.”

  He felt his face warm even though he knew she wasn’t offended. “Any of your clients ever ask you out?”

  “I don’t date clients.”

  “How about cops?”

  She shook her head and rolled her eyes. “Don’t even get me started.”

  A small part of him ached at the cynicism he heard in her tone as his own memories of a long-lost love surfaced. Beth had refused to date cops too. She’d broken off their engagement the same day he announced he was leaving the bank to go into law enforcement. At thirty-three, it seemed he’d been single forever. But it was for the best. He and Beth would never have lasted. She wouldn’t have understood assignments like this one. Didn’t matter now anyway. Beth had married a loan officer, and he’d moved on.

  “Any news on the sketch I gave you of that guy from the park?” Kara asked.

  “Not yet. This case gets more complicated at every turn.” The ranch came into view and a truck with a horse trailer sat near the barn. “Looks like company.”

  Chapter 13

  Jeff paused in the doorway of the barn with his and Kara’s horses in tow and allowed his eyes to adjust to the dim light. He tied off both animals, removed their gear, then gave them each a rub down and brush. Kara had offered to help, but he knew she needed to get back to town. The nail salon was her cover, and she needed to spend at least some time there.

  After leading Blaze and Lulu to their stalls, he approached the new arrival. The horse whinnied when Jeff reached out his hand. He spoke softly, “Hey there, boy.” He glanced around for something to identify the stud and his efforts were rewarded. Someone had hung a sign over the stall entrance. “Lightning. Does that mean you’re fast?”

  “Nah, he has a lightning bolt mark on his side.”

  Jeff turned to find Jake coming out of the tack room. “Kara and I noticed a trailer in the driveway earlier, but by the time we got back here, it was gone. Did the owners leave?”

  Jake nodded. “They don’t stick around much when they come to the area. Lightning is a temporary boarder from out of the country. He’ll only be here ’til they find a permanent place for him.”

  Radar activated, Jeff asked, “Where are they from?”

  “Mexico.”

  Just as he suspected, the Gonzaleses had arrived. Jeff grasped the handles of a wheelbarrow full of waste and moved it toward the door. “Mexico? That’s quite a drive. I hear they quarantine the horses that come in from other countries. That true?”

  “Yep.”

  He stopped and turned back to Jake. “Why’d they bring Lightning here?”

  Jake glared at him. “You ask a lot of questions.”

  “I’ve been accused of that more times that I can count.” He chuckled and gripped the wheelbarrow. “I’ll take Lightning out for some exercise if you want.”

  “Do it myself.” Jake moved alongside him. “Let me. I’ll dump it on my way to open the arena gate for Lightning.”

  “Sure. Thanks.” With Jake out of sight, Jeff walked through an open door into the closet-sized ranch office, which sat in a corner of the barn. Jeff fingered through loose papers on Jake’s desk, but nothing of interest caught his attention. The sound of whistling, and a sweet scent drifted in from an open window. Veronica. He sighed and hurried from the room.

  “There you are. I’ve been looking all over for you.” Veronica’s eyes sparkled. “Did Kara tell you I invited her over for dinner tonight?”

  “No. I don’t think she mentioned it.”

  “Surprise.” She turned to leave then called over her shoulder. “Feel free to quit a little early today and take a shower before dinner.”

  Jeff sniffed his shirt and decided to knock off now. Kara would be back in an hour, and he definitely needed a shower. Maybe he’d get in a game of pinball too.

  Jake strolled into the barn, nodded at him, and went directly to the office. Jeff frowned. If only Veronica hadn’t come looking for him

  Jeff took a long drink of water from his glass and listened to the conversation that flowed around him at the large dining room table. Kara sat across from Eric, who wrapped up a story from his and Jeff’s childhood.

  Laughing hard, Kara crossed an arm over her belly and then held up her other hand. “Please no more stories. My stomach can’t take it. I’m afraid I ate too much.” She turned to Veronica. “You’re a fabulous cook.”

  “Thanks. It’s something I enjoy.” Veronica reached out and grasped Lauren’s hand. “Maybe next time Lauren will cook her famous mac and cheese for you.”

  Lauren’s face flushed deep red. “It’s your recipe.”

  “True, but you add your own special touch.”

  Jeff winked at his niece. “Sounds like a winner to me. I can’t wait to try it sometime.” He turned to Veronica. “Do you mind if I show Kara around?”

  “Not at all. Eric told me you’re rather taken with our great room.”

  “You could say that.” Jeff turned to Kara. “You’ve got to see this room.” He stood and held out his hand. Veronica and Eric exchanged a look and remained seated at the table. With only a second’s hesitation, Kara slipped her hand into his and whispered as he guided her from the room. “What’s the rush? We should visit with your family.”

  “We did visit. Besides they don’t mind. Did you see the look on their faces? They’re tickled that we’re spending time alone together.” He led her down the
stairs to the pinball machine. “Isn’t it great? It’s just like the one at the arcade when I was a kid.” Jeff released Kara’s hand without waiting for a reply and pulled back the plunger. He could do this all day. The bells sounded as the ball hit various objects. His mind slowed down to the rhythm of the game, and the stress of the past few weeks seemed to melt. The machine lit up with a wave of lights in a crescent shape and played a ditty.

  “Does your family like to play matchmaker? I know mine does,” Kara said. “My poor mother is convinced I’ll never marry and have children. Whenever I’m home for a visit she tries to set me up with any available bachelor.” She chuckled. “I’ll never forget the time she invited this guy over from church to have dinner with us. Halfway into the meal, he mentioned his fiancée. Honestly, I’m not sure why he even came. You’d think he would’ve figured out what my mother was up to. Anyway, when he announced he was to be married in a month, my mom choked on a piece of chicken, and I had to give her the Heimlich. I felt so awful for her. All that hard work cooking for hours, and he was taken.”

  Jeff glanced at her with a grin. “My family isn’t that bad—at least I don’t think they are. I don’t go home much. In fact, this is the first I’ve seen Eric in seven years. We’ve never been close.”

  “Really?”

  Jeff couldn’t help but notice the surprise in her tone. “My parents and I talk on the phone, but it’s hard to get away for a visit, especially since they live in Montana. If they didn’t live so far away, I’m sure we’d see each other more. Besides that, when do I have time to go home?”

  “Point taken.”

  Jeff missed the ball. He pulled back the plunger and the next ball soared into play. “Maybe I’ll swing over to Montana before I head back to Miami.”

  “Good idea.” Kara stood at his side and bumped his arm. “Are you going to hog the game all night, or do I get a turn?”

  “Okay, hold on. As soon as I hit the ball, jump in front of me and take over.” Kara moved smoothly into place and didn’t miss a beat. Between the two of them, they scored an all-time record high. Jeff placed his hand on her back. “Let’s go for a walk.”

  Kara shot him a look filled with questions. “Sure, but we should see if they need help washing the dishes first.”

  As they passed by the kitchen, the dishwasher whirred and clean pots and pans sat drying on the counter. “Looks like the dishes are done.” He guided her out the door and down the driveway.

  Kara grasped Jeff’s arm and tucked her hand around his bicep, her touch gentle, yet firm. He took a deep breath and let it out trying not to focus on the kaleidoscope of feelings her touch evoked.

  “I love this time of year. Whoever invented daylight savings time is my hero.” A rare, sincere smile lit her face.

  “You’re in a happy mood tonight.”

  Kara kicked at a stone and watched it bounce a few feet. “Your family is a lot of fun.” She paused. “And so are you.”

  Slow down, Kara. You’re taking us to a place we can’t go. Then again, it felt nice to be with her like this—friends and confidants, just so long as it didn’t go further.

  Kara stopped and looked around. “This place is so picturesque and perfect.”

  “What do you mean by perfect?” he gently prodded.

  “For starters, I love Central Oregon. The mountains are incredible, and my friend Gail lives here. And then there’s you.”

  Panic gripped his stomach, and alarms went off in his mind. “You’re not getting mushy on me, are you?”

  “No, I’m serious. You’ve been a good friend to me since the explosion, and I’m grateful. In fact, I’d venture to say you’re one of my best friends.”

  Jeff squeezed her shoulder. “Tonight was fun, but you must have a better friend than me. We’ve really only known each other a few weeks.” Okay, more like four but who was counting? It’s not like he and Kara hadn’t known each other before this case. They’d been acquaintances at best. This conversation was getting way too touchy feely for him.

  “You okay?” Kara asked. “You’re awfully quiet.”

  “Well, actually—”

  Kara pulled away from him as though burned. “Oh no. I’m sorry. I just realized how you must have taken what I said. You must think I’m a complete moron.” She touched her hands to her face. “I’m so embarrassed. My mouth leaped ahead of my brain.”

  “Relax. You didn’t say anything wrong.” He rubbed the back of his neck and squinted up at the setting sun. “But you did kind of freak me out. I thought maybe you forgot we were only pretending to be a couple.”

  “No. I didn’t. Believe me.” She turned and headed back in the direction of the house.

  He followed.

  Ahead of him, she mumbled something about being embarrassed.

  “Look, Kara. It’s fine. Don’t worry.”

  She let out a sigh. “Can we please talk about something else?”

  He took a deep breath. “Fine. Consider it dropped. Any success with the pictures you took?”

  “No. Face recognition came up empty.”

  Jeff sighed. “Too bad.” The idea of arresting his brother or sister-in-law became less and less appealing with every minute he spent with them. He and Eric had a rocky past, but things seemed to be going well between them now. He didn’t want to lose the ground they’d gained since his arrival.

  “I’d like to go back out tomorrow and investigate where we saw the men,” Jeff said.

  “Okay. I need to open my salon for a couple hours in the morning, but I’ll be able to get away in the afternoon.” The sun had set and dusk created shadows across their path as they walked back along the driveway. Kara tripped over a rise in the uneven surface.

  Jeff reached out and steadied her before she fell. “Careful.”

  “Thanks.” Light shone from the windows as the house came into full view. They walked up the steps and inside. Kara found Eric and Veronica watching television. “Hi, there. I need to head home now. Thanks for dinner.”

  Veronica stood then walked them to the door. “Are you sure you won’t stay for dessert?”

  “Sounds wonderful, but I really need to head home.”

  “I understand, but please take some with you.” She hustled into the kitchen and came back holding a small covered plastic dish. “Let me know what you think of the pie. I’m considering entering it in the Deschutes County Fair.”

  Kara smiled. “I will. Thanks for everything.”

  Jeff walked Kara out to her car. He encircled her in his arms, and she caught her breath. He whispered in her ear. “Relax, we have an audience. I’ll meet you at your place later tonight. Wait up for me.”

  “Okay. I’ll see you soon.”

  Chapter 14

  Kara opened her apartment door and allowed Jeff to enter. “Nice performance at the ranch tonight. I have to say you caught me by surprise after our conversation.”

  Jeff grinned sheepishly. “Sorry about that.”

  She closed the door, walked toward the only two chairs in the room, and sat down on one of the overstuffed easy chairs. “What’s up?”

  Jeff remained standing, shook his head, then mimed squishing a bug with his hands.

  “It’s clean.”

  He sank into the other chair.

  Kara leaned forward. “You want something to drink?”

  Jeff shook his head. “No, thanks.”

  She cleared her throat. “Why’d you come over?”

  “A horse came in today from Mexico while we were out riding. I suspect it’s the Gonzaleses’ horse, but I couldn’t locate any paperwork to confirm.” He leaned forward. “I wish I’d been there, but I’m certain it was them. I’ll check the pictures on the cameras when I get back. I couldn’t do much with everyone around this afternoon.” Jeff sank against the back of the chair and let a sigh escape.

  Kara’s voice softened. “Don’t feel bad that you missed them. It might even help you in the long run. They may have become suspicious if it appeare
d you were waiting for them. Besides, if you had stayed near the barn, we wouldn’t have seen the intruders out on the range or gotten those photos. I have a strong feeling one is related to the other.”

  “I talked with Eric before dinner, and he said he allows a couple of the teen boys from church to come out and target practice.”

  “Reasonable explanation, except no shots were fired. And I don’t know any teens with machine guns.” She looked directly into his eyes. “Sure makes him look guilty.”

  “Not necessarily.” Jeff frowned. “Maybe he does allow some teens out there, and this was unrelated. He might have no idea what’s going on.”

  Kara raised a brow. “Maybe.” Clearly, Jeff didn’t want to believe his stepbrother was involved, but she had a hard time accepting Eric was an innocent in all of this.

  Jeff rested his ankle on his knee. “Any more mystery people peering through your window?”

  “No,” Kara said. “But I’d like to know who’s been keeping an eye on us.”

  “Whoever it is, if they’re related in any way to our case, we’ll get them.”

  “I hope you’re right, because I don’t like being stalked.” This job was complicated enough without the addition of some unknown factor. “Probably some kid and nothing to worry about.”

  “Probably.” He stood and walked to the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Kara followed and watched as he drove away. It was strange working with a partner. She never dreamt they’d experience so much awkwardness. For her part, she’d keep her emotions in check. No way would she allow herself to fall for her partner, but what about him? He seemed to be holding her at arms’ length, but when she looked into his eyes, she saw something else. Something neither of them would admit. And when he held her…no she couldn’t go there. “Be professional, girl.” She turned from the door and locked up.

  Jeff drove back to the ranch with a purpose. Time to check the pictures on the hidden cameras.

  He parked his car and sauntered toward the barn. The door squeaked as it opened— he’d oil it later. He walked past Lightning’s stall—empty.