“I don’t spend all my time here.”
“Where do you spend your free time?” She nearly tripped as he spun her away from him. Nice move, but she was a lousy dancer.
He caught her waist. “Careful now. I can’t have you gettin’ hurt, or Jeff will be breathing down my neck.”
“Sorry. I’m a little rusty. So how do you spend your free time?”
“There’s a bar in town, and a couple of my buddies live nearby.”
“Hello.”
Kara turned startled eyes to the door then disengaged herself from Jake’s grasp. Just when Jake had started to open up, Jeff had to show up. As usual, his timing couldn’t have been worse.
Jeff stood in the doorway. A scowl covered his face, and he looked ready to punch Jake.
Kara’s pulse quickened.
Jake chuckled “Don’t go and git yourself in a dander. The lady wanted to dance.” He flicked off the radio and motioned for them to leave the office. Jake followed them out then walked away and busied himself with one of the horses.
Jeff placed his arm across her shoulder and spoke under his breath. “What was that all about?”
“Calm down. It’s not how it looked.”
“Fine. I came to see if you’re ready for lunch. Veronica has a table set out on the porch. Don’t worry. It’s secluded, so you won’t be out in the open.”
“Perfect. I’m starving. Let’s eat.” They left the barn with Jeff’s hand resting on her back as though she belonged to him. Jeff deserved an Oscar for his acting abilities. If she didn’t know better, she’d buy his jealous act.
Halfway to the house, he whispered. “What was that all about?”
Her explanation came out in a rush. The whole time she spoke, Jeff’s frown seemed to deepen. “I’m just glad he didn’t want to know what I was doing in the office.” Kara chewed her bottom lip and looked up at Jeff. “Although I don’t believe, for a minute, he didn’t suspect something.”
“You’re probably right. Jake isn’t a simpleton. I hope you didn’t blow your cover. You took a big risk to find evidence that would have to be thrown out since you didn’t have a search warrant.”
Kara’s shoulders sagged. She’d let her urgency to solve this case override her training and commonsense. Seemed her world was racing out of control, and she couldn’t slow it down. Kara stopped at the bottom of the front porch stairs and took in the sight.
Veronica had covered a small round table with white linen and set it with simple ivory colored plates. In the center of the table, three glass cylinders of varying heights held lit candles. Cut flowers were tucked among their bases. “This is amazing,” Kara said.
Jeff pulled out her chair with a flourish. “M’ Lady, your feast awaits.”
Kara giggled and sat. She relaxed into the seatback when she realized how private the setting was. Vines shaded them on two sides, and the house blocked another angle. Jeff was right. If there was a shooter out there, he’d have to work hard to get at her with such limited access. Finally, she could relax.
She licked her lips and nearly drooled at the delicate spread. Chocolate-covered strawberries rested beside a turkey, ham, and cheese croissant and a scoop of chicken salad. Tall glasses filled with lemonade sparkled in the dappled sunlight.
“Did Veronica do this just for us?”
“I think the plan was a romantic lunch for two.” He unfolded a crisp white napkin and dropped it on his lap.
Kara bit into a large ripe strawberry and closed her eyes. “Mmm. She succeeded. Have you tried these? They’re so sweet!”
She turned in her seat to see who Jeff was looking at. Veronica and Lauren watched from the kitchen window. He reached across the table to place his hand on Kara’s. She ignored the tingle his touch created in her fingers and fed him a bite of her strawberry.
“Wow, you’re right. They are sweet.”
Kara reached across the table and wiped juice off his chin with her napkin. He caught her hand up in his and held it as their eyes locked. Kara’s heart pounded. This felt too real. If she could believe the look in Jeff’s eyes. No. She refused to go there. She gently pulled her hand from his grasp and cleared her throat, breaking the moment. “Your sister-in-law missed her calling.”
“I don’t know what calling you’re referring to, but she sure knows how to serve a romantic lunch.” He picked up another strawberry and guided it to her mouth.
Her eyes widened as the juice dribbled down her chin. He rose slightly from his chair and leaned forward to kiss the juice away.
She caught her breath as he placed a butterfly kiss on her cheek. “You better be careful. Your family will be pushing for a wedding invitation if you keep this up,” Kara whispered.
He sat back in his seat, a silly grin covering his face. “What makes you think they aren’t already?” He chuckled then stuffed a forkful of chicken salad into his mouth.
Twenty minutes later, Veronica returned with Lauren by her side as Kara and Jeff finished their meal. “How was everything?”
Kara placed her napkin on the table and sat back. “You should open your own bed and breakfast. You’re a fantastic cook.”
Veronica laughed. “Just last week, Eric said the same thing, but I don’t think he realizes how much work’s involved with operating a B and B. Between my work with the horses and keeping this house running, I’d never survive.”
Lauren grasped one plate in each hand. “Sure you would. I’d help out, Mom. It’d be fun to have people around. I could even provide the entertainment.”
Veronica caressed her daughter’s face. “I’m so blessed to have a daughter like you, but I think you’d change your mind as soon as the first inconsiderate person showed up. Not all guests are as kind as your uncle.” Veronica nodded to Kara and Jeff.
“I was wondering,” Kara said. “I’ve never been camping, and a few friends in town mentioned that they’d like to take me. Would it be possible to camp on your property near the river?”
“I don’t see why not,” Veronica said. “Go ahead and tell your friends they’re more than welcome.”
Kara grinned. “Wonderful. Thanks. The only thing is one of them will be leaving soon for California, so we’d have to go next week.”
“Shouldn’t be a problem. You two enjoy your afternoon.” Veronica disappeared into the house with Lauren by her side.
Kara took a sip from her glass and winked at Jeff.
“You’re amazing.” He grasped her hand. “Come on. Let’s sit in the swing.”
Kara allowed Jeff to lead her to the other side of the porch where a swing hung from posts. “What’s come over you?” Kara lifted her hair and sighed as the breeze blew over her warm skin.
He glanced toward the barn. “Nothing, I’m just trying to reclaim my territory.”
She laughed. “Trust me. You have nothing to worry about.” She scooted closer to him and whispered, “Put together a small team, and make sure there’s at least one woman. Veronica would think it’s strange if all my friends were men.”
“No problem. Let’s plan to leave Monday.”
Later that day, long after Kara left, a commotion drifting through the open kitchen window grabbed Jeff’s attention. Careful to avoid the creaky first step on the porch, he crept to the bench below the window and sat.
“I don’t understand what the big deal is,” Veronica snapped. “What difference does it make when Kara and her friends go camping?”
“I already told you, I have a big order to deliver on the other side of the pass,” Eric said.
Jeff heard frustration in his brother’s voice and felt guilty for being partly to blame for the confrontation.
“So what?” Veronica asked. “You’ll be gone a couple days. Big deal.”
“I don’t like the idea of Kara and her friends being out there when I’m not home.”
Veronica’s voice faded, but he heard a door slam from somewhere inside the house.
The back door opened, and Jeff nearly jumped.
Eric did a double take when he spotted Jeff. “Did you hear all that?”
Jeff nodded. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop.”
“I told you I had deliveries to make, and next week wouldn’t work. Why’d you go behind my back and talk to Veronica?” His angry tone was nothing compared with the storm brewing on his face.
“I didn’t. Kara did.”
“Inform Kara there will be no camping trip next week.” Eric strode down the steps and out to the barn.
Jeff winced. This was not the way to get on Eric’s good side. Time for plan B. Pulling his phone from his pocket as he walked to his SUV, he called Kara. “Hi. Next week is off, and Eric is angry.”
She sighed. “Now what?”
“I go on a recon road trip. Thought I’d check on what Eric’s up to.”
“Want company?” Kara asked.
“Yes, but you need to stay here. If you’re never at your nail salon, people are going to start to wonder about you and start asking questions.” He’d make arrangements with Tad to have extra security on Kara while he was away.
“It’s not a big deal to close up shop for a couple days.”
He heard desperation in her voice. Was she afraid to be alone? No way. Kara was one of the bravest people he knew. “Sorry. Not this time.”
“It’s fine. I have more than enough to keep me busy here.”
“Good. I think he’s planning to leave Monday.”
“My client is here. Gotta go”
Jeff pulled the silent phone from his ear. He’d gotten to know Kara well enough to know something wasn’t right. He wanted to help her, but for now, he had a job to do.
Chapter 22
“Hi Marci,” Kara laid a towel across her lap. “I’m all set up to do your pedicure.”
Marci sat in the corner chair and cautiously dipped her toes into the water.
Kara noticed her flushed cheeks and tired looking eyes. “I can adjust the temperature if it’s too hot or cold.” Kara reached for a pitcher to fill with water.
Marci slid both feet into the tub and sighed. “It’s just right.” She pulled a bottle of coral polish from her purse. “I brought my own polish. It makes touch-ups so much more convenient.”
“I agree, especially since I don’t sell polish here.” She lifted Marci’s right foot, rested it on a towel, and got to work—it looked as though she’d had a pedicure recently. “How’s your summer going? Are you and your son enjoying the park?”
“We were there yesterday, but you know how it is. Too much to do and not enough time. Making matters worse, I can’t sleep. Nothing seems to help, and I’m so tired.”
“Sounds familiar. I wish someone would make a magic energy pill.”
Marci’s foot tensed.
“I’m sorry. Am I hurting you?”
“No. You’re fine.”
Kara’s gut was seldom wrong, and right now, it told her she was close to finding out something big. “If you’re sure.” She placed Marci’s foot back in the tub of water and started on her left. “I used to work in Miami and—”
“Miami! It’s such a great city. Everyone is so beautiful and tan and in such great shape.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment. But you’re in great shape too.” If she were honest, Marci was borderline too thin. “How do you stay so trim?”
“I’m a workaholic, and I don’t have a big appetite.”
“Lucky you. I love food. It’s a constant battle with the bulge for me.” Kara massaged Marci’s feet, which finally began to relax. Looked like she still had the touch.
“You hide it well,” Marci said.
Kara chuckled. She finished up the massage then wiped Marci’s nails in prep for polish. “Clothes hide a multitude of sins. I should probably step up my workout routine. I like to run, but since I’ve been in town, I’ve been doing more horseback riding than anything.”
Marci nodded, but a troubled look rested on her face.
Kara slipped flip-flops onto Marci’s feet—a trick she’d learned way back in her early years as a nail technician. She applied the base coat to both feet then started on the color. She worked in silence letting their conversation sink in. Unless she was way off, Marci was an addict. She suspected cocaine. A user experienced a jolt of energy and reduced fatigue when they were high. But the side effects of the highly addictive drug were evident in Marci—dilated pupils, loss of appetite, as well as insomnia.
“Finished.” Kara twisted the cap tight and handed the polish back to Marci. “What do you think?”
“Very nice.”
“Thanks. Relax for a few minutes, and let your nails dry. I wouldn’t want you to smudge them.”
“I’ll be careful. I need to go.” She stood. “See you.”
With practiced nonchalance, Kara followed her to the door and locked up. She wasn’t ready to approach Marci about her suspected drug usage yet. But when the time was right, she’d use Marci to the DEA’s advantage. If only she didn’t have a child. Kara hated it when children’s lives were messed up because of their parents’ addiction. At least the woman appeared to be a good mom—though how she managed, Kara had no idea. She was definitely the exception and not the norm.
That was a problem for another day though. Right now, she had clients to cancel and a bag to pack. No way was she going to let Jeff follow his brother without backup.
Kara crept across the yard wearing all black to blend with the cover of darkness. The front door to the main house opened slowly and a lone figure quietly stepped down the stairs. Thankful there were no motion sensor lights, she pressed against the barn and held her breath. Her pulse pounded in her ears.
Two men came out of the shadows and met near Eric’s truck. Their voices carried in the thin night air—Spanish. Apparently, the men wanted money and food. Eric handed a bag to the men, and in return, they stuffed a piece of paper into his hand.
Kara slid to the ground and squatted, hoping no one would notice her. Meanwhile, an army of crickets sang a song disrupting the quiet of the night. The men were distracted and didn’t seem to expect trouble, but she wasn’t fooled. These men were armed and dangerous. Outmanned and outgunned were not odds she liked. Best to stay put until the danger parted.
Eric lowered his voice and walked with the men toward the barn.
Kara’s heart skipped a beat. She looked around for cover. Her gaze landed on the water trough. Perfect. She slid between the lower bars of the fence and crawled behind the trough. Her hand squished into something dry and chunky—Disgusting. She wasn’t paid enough for this.
Eric closed the barn door. She chanced a peek over the top of the water trough and didn’t see anyone. Crouching, she slipped back through the fence. Twenty or so feet away, Jeff’s SUV mocked her. Could she make it that far without being spotted, or should she turn back? She’d come too far. The moon hinted that day was near. She had to move now.
The barn door remained closed. What were they doing in there? X-ray vision sure would be nice. The smell coming from her hand reminded her of a more pressing matter. Kara wiped it on a nearby bush then dashed for Jeff’s vehicle. The back door was unlocked. She climbed inside, closed the door softly behind her, then squeezed down on the floor of the backseat. The dome light hadn’t turned on. Jeff must have fixed it so it wouldn’t. Good thing too, considering their line of work.
“What took you so long?” he asked softly.
Kara nearly yelped. “Scare a girl half to death, why don’t you? I didn’t see you in here.”
He chuckled low.
“How’d you know I was coming?” She lifted her head just enough to see Jeff slumped low in the front seat. The tinted windows made it impossible to see him from the side. Good thing his vehicle was parked facing away from the men or they could’ve seen him through the windshield.
“I didn’t. Just suspected.”
“What are you doing out here anyway?” Kara hissed.
“I heard the floorboards creak outside my bedroom and
decided to investigate. What’s that smell?” Jeff whispered.
Her face heated. “Manure. You don’t happen to have any wet wipes, do you?”
“Hold on.”
The glove box clicked. Then she felt something drop on top of her stomach. “I always keep a tub around. You never know when you’ll need them.”
“Spoken like a true country boy.”
“Ha. I learned that trick in Miami from all those hours fishing off the pier while keeping an eye on Alvarado and his operation.”
“Strange. I don’t remember seeing you.”
“Thanks to an arsenal of disguises. My favorite was the bearded old man. I seemed to always get lucky whenever I wore that beard.”
Kara wadded the soiled wipe into a ball and wrapped a clean one around it. “What do you think is taking Eric and his buddies so long? He’s been in there for at least thirty minutes.”
“I don’t know, but the sun’s almost up. If he doesn’t hurry, I’m going to have to slip back inside. I can’t have him find me out here.”
“Did you get a look at the men he was talking to?”
“Yes, and I was able to take some pictures,” Jeff said.
“Excellent.”
“I’m going to check out the barn. Be right back.” Jeff opened the driver’s door and slipped into the darkness. The door barely registered a click in the pre-dawn air as he shut it.
Kara pressed the light on her watch—four thirty.
A few minutes later, the driver’s door opened. “They’re gone, probably out the back side.”
“Now what?”
“We wait.”
Kara’s back and shoulders cramped, and she tried to shift her weight without jiggling the vehicle. Surveillance stunk.
“Hold on. The barn door’s opening. Here we go,” Jeff whispered.
Eric’s diesel engine started up nearby. “We’re going to lose him if we have to wait for him to get far enough ahead of us.”
“Don’t worry. It’s all taken care of. Tad has a team in place, and we’ll change vehicles a little ways outside of town.”
Edge of Truth Page 13