No One Needs to Know

by Debbi Rawlins

  He shook his head, dismissing the idea that what they’d experienced was just sex. He’d had that. He knew what it felt like, and what they’d done in the past couple of days was far more. Dangerously more.

  He looked through the window of the beauty shop to find Annie leaning back over the deep sink where the hairdresser was washing her hair and giving her a scalp massage. Tucker had caught her cursing at her hair this morning, preparing to wet it all over again because it evidently made her look like something from a “before” photo. So he’d gotten the name of a salon from the front desk, and while he’d had to practically hog-tie Annie to agree, she’d eventually given in. But only after swearing she’d be cranky the whole ride home.

  He’d deal, although he didn’t honestly believe her. She hadn’t been pampered in so long. She’d never indulge herself with so much as a simple professional trim, and it gave him great pleasure to be able to step in.

  It also gave him some time alone. Satisfied that Annie was all set for a while, he pressed his mother’s number as he walked to the hotel’s parking lot.

  “Tucker. I’m so glad you called. I have to leave in fifteen minutes, but I wanted to know if there’s any news.”

  “Good morning to you, too, Mom.”

  He heard her tsk. “Good morning. Now, what’s happened?”

  “What’s happened is that you told Christian. We spoke about that.”

  Her pause wasn’t long. “I know you asked me not to, but he was so depressed. He’d just found out he hadn’t gotten that job with the insurance company. The news had brightened my day so much, I simply couldn’t keep it from him. Forgive me?”

  He sighed, not trying to hide his frustration. “Did you mention where I am?”

  “No. I didn’t think that was necessary.”

  So Tucker had told her. He wished he hadn’t. “Good. Christian doesn’t need to know. We don’t want him doing anything rash. Understand?”

  Her silence unnerved him. “That’s not quite all my news,” she said, her reluctance plain.

  Tucker stopped his idle pacing. “What?”

  “Even though he was thrilled that you were trying so hard on his behalf I could still hear how down he sounded. There’s a long road ahead, even if it turns out you have found that woman. There’s a trial and evidence and his name will be suspect for who knows how long.”

  That wasn’t his mother’s reasoning. In fact, Tucker could hear the words coming out of Christian’s mouth. “How much?”

  “Enough for him to take a nice vacation and to keep him in rent for a few months.”

  “So, what, ten thousand? More?”

  “It’s my money.”

  Who was he to talk when he’d given Annie twice that amount. “You’re right. Of course. Did he say where he was going for this vacation of his?”

  “Bali. Turns out he has friends there who run a hotel. He even got a deal on the flight, so that’s wonderful. I think it will do him a world of good. He’ll keep in touch, though. Get all the updates.”

  Tucker’s blood chilled at her first word. Christian had left the country. Out of fear, certainly, but of what? That uncovering Leanna’s whereabouts would stir up a hornet’s nest? Or that Leanna coming forward would take away his scapegoat?

  He supposed his brother could be telling the truth. He could very well have friends in Bali. He hadn’t been able to find a job, and to the best of Tucker’s knowledge Christian hadn’t traveled often.

  Still, Tucker couldn’t deny that knowing Bali belonged to one of the few nations that didn’t have an extradition treaty with the U.S. made him nervous.

  “Tucker? Are you still there?”

  “I’m here, Mom. You didn’t tell me where you were headed this morning.”

  “I’m going to Dallas, where I’m shopping with Nancy Voorman and then we’re having lunch before we get our nails done.”

  “Glad you’re getting out.” He glanced at his watch. George needed to know about Bali. “So I’ll see you soon.”

  “Soon? I hope so. Your assistant has been, shall we say, pensive about your return. And I’ve missed you.”

  “I’ll be back as quickly as I can.”

  “I suppose that’ll have to do. Bye, dear.”

  Tucker disconnected, then moved out of the way of a car attempting to park as he tried to gather some perspective about Christian’s disappearing act. He didn’t have enough information to go on, that was the problem.

  His palms growing clammy, he speed-dialed George. Annie had left everything she had behind. Now, so had Christian. What the hell had they gotten involved with?

  George’s phone went straight to voice mail, so Tucker left a message, then headed back to the salon. Annie probably wasn’t ready yet. Or maybe she was. All he really cared about was that he knew exactly where she was and that she was safe.

  Nothing he’d learned had changed Tucker’s opinions about her. He still believed in her. Even if she’d made a mistake, he was completely convinced that she hadn’t intentionally done anything malicious or underhanded.

  * * *

  ANNIE TURNED TO CHECK THAT THE cooler, purchased to hold all the deli treats she’d bought, was really there. Sitting on the backseat of Tucker’s rented Land Rover. It was.

  She thought of pinching herself as a secondary verification, but that seemed over the top. Besides, if she’d been clever enough to dream the past twenty-four hours, she’d be smart enough to include a pinch to go with it.

  Instead, she looked at Tucker, remembering the feel of his dark hair through her fingers. Lord, he had a great face. The profile was rugged and handsome enough to be on a billboard. But, as with all people she grew to know, his looks had taken a minor position in her list of reasons she’d never forget him.

  She wasn’t immune, and she enjoyed his attractiveness, but there was so much more to him. The salon had been his idea. She couldn’t think of a man in her life who would have had that kind of insight and care. “Thank you for the beauty shop,” she said. “I’m surprised it occurred to you.”

  “I figured it had been a while since you’d taken the time to get pampered.”

  “You know, you’re basing your assumptions on very little real evidence.”

  “Ah, but I have eyewitness testimony. Your friends were impressed but concerned that you don’t take much time for yourself. Besides, I’m not as dumb as I look. In some circles, I’m considered astute.”

  She grinned, even as the guilt over her lies threatened to overshadow her glow. The battle was tough but her time with him was so short she didn’t give in. “Does that kind of talk work with the ladies in Dallas?”

  He shrugged. “Used to. Not so much anymore.”

  “Why not?”

  “The women in my life, who are mostly friends, by the way, are far more impressed with substance than flash. Although come on, you have to admit, I do have a decent sense of humor.”

  Mostly friends? There was a thought that was being banished right that second. Of course he had women in his life. He’d told her he hadn’t found the right woman. That was still true, and she’d better not forget it.

  “Are you planning on leaving right after you drop me off?” she asked.

  “I should, but I haven’t decided if I’m flying out tonight or tomorrow morning. Tomorrow’s stretching it.” He reached over and squeezed her thigh. “But I’m finding it difficult to leave.”

  “Oh, well, that’s... Yeah. Well, you’re welcome to stay as long as you like.”

  He smiled. “Thanks.”

  She laughed at herself, shaking her head. She was way too comfortable with him. It was nice. Scary, too.

  “Unfortunately, my staff are becoming panicked. I don’t normally take such impromptu vacations,” he said. Then, before she had a chance to respond, he switched gears. “What about you? You figured out how you’re going to spend the rest of the money?”

  “Basics, mostly. Nothing glamorous. I’ll get some plans worked up for the new quara
ntine barn. Maybe start laying in supplies.” Her brain veered toward overload and she had to rein in her thoughts. She didn’t want to give up a single minute of her time with Tucker. “Depends on how much I have to spend to fix the things that have been cobbled together with duct tape and a prayer.”

  “I have a feeling you’ll be getting more funds relatively soon.”

  “I thought you said that’s not your decision.”

  “It’s not. But I know what the foundation criteria are because I helped write them. Unless there’s a compelling argument against Safe Haven, which I can’t imagine happening, I’m confident the board will vote in your favor.”

  “That would be great. Wow. Better than great.”

  “You’ll have enough to turn that mouse hole you’re living in into a storage shed. Build yourself something with a bit more breathing room.”

  She turned to face the road ahead, leaving the subject with a quick nod. “Safe Haven, for all its trouble, is perfect for me. I’m busy all the time. I go to bed exhausted and wake up ready to go at it again. It suits me.”

  He touched her hand. “The work is too demanding to come home to that tiny place. If for nothing else, you should have a decent bathtub.”

  She turned her hand over and threaded their fingers together. All she wanted to do was tell him the truth. Right now. Everything. Her mistakes, her naivety, how she’d gotten caught up in a lifestyle that didn’t belong to her. That she’d run as much in shame as fear, and how each day compounded the pain she’d caused her family, her friends.

  It wasn’t the fear of losing him that stopped her, even though she was certain she would. It was losing the best chance Safe Haven had to become what the sanctuary could be. Not only a place to save so many animals, but to teach and train the next generation of caretakers.

  While her life might have turned into a sordid melodrama, her legacy could still be worth something. Even though no one from her other life would know. She would. That counted for a lot. Made waking up each day a bit easier.

  “You okay?” he asked.

  “Fine. Sorry to see the interlude end.” Squeezing his hand, she said, “I don’t want to get all sappy or anything, but, well, you’ve been the best part of—” Her voice broke. She cleared her throat, then whispered. “Just, the best part.”

  * * *

  PULLING INTO THE PARKING LOT at Safe Haven was bittersweet at best. Tucker got out to carry the food chest into the cabin so that Annie could decide which small items she could fit in her fridge.

  Before he’d even shut the back of the Land Rover, Shea spirited Annie away, and not in the direction of the cabin. She’d given him an apologetic smile before she’d let herself be taken, anxious to find out what had gone on during her absence. It alarmed him, but Shea didn’t seem off. Though with her it was sometimes hard to tell.

  Jesse showed up. “Everything’s fine,” he said, walking with Tucker. “Doc Yardley came by and gave all the mares and foals a clean bill of health. But I suppose the ladies want to chat.”

  They entered the matchbox house, his mind still struggling to accept the fact that someone lived there full-time. Annie lived there. Mostly on her own. What in the hell were her winters like? They were so far up north, the snow had to be brutal. He knew the statistics about volunteers in winter. People meant well, but putting out feed during a blizzard was nobody’s idea of fun. Especially when it could so easily be seen as someone else’s problem.

  The idea that Annie could get hurt alone in the middle of nowhere made him feel ill. He put down the ice chest and excused himself, shutting the door to the small bathroom behind him—he had to make a phone call, and it was the only remotely private place to do so.

  The Annie situation had grown exponentially. It had a lot to do with the sex, of course. The intimacy between them had been as easy as taking the next breath. He wanted her all the time, his need becoming like a persistent low fever. He’d managed to wait patiently in line at the deli for her to pick out her food, and he’d only kissed her when he was sure she wouldn’t be embarrassed. But dammit, the memories of their night together made it hard to think straight.

  He didn’t want to leave.

  He had to leave.

  The sooner, the better. Where the hell was George, anyway? On top of everything else, Tucker was getting worried about his friend. He was no spring chicken, although Tucker would never say that to his face. George was about ten years younger than Tucker’s father...his adopted father. He’d been a police officer in Brooklyn for years, worked vice and homicide, and he’d gotten more than a few commendations. But he’d hated the bureaucratic red tape, quit the force and got his private investigator’s license.

  He’d met Michael Brennan during a bar fight. Neither man had meant to be in that particular bar. Just passing the time in what normally was a quiet place in Manhattan. The fight had nothing to do with them, but together they’d stopped it, not without injury. Nothing that a couple of cold ones hadn’t fixed, though.

  They’d stayed friends till the end of Michael’s life. George had helped carry the casket. If something happened to George because of this investigation, Tucker would find it difficult to forgive himself.

  He dialed the man’s number again, only to have it go straight to voice mail. He left a message that was as succinct as he could make it. Seconds after he’d hung up, he heard the front door close.

  Of course, Jesse had heard him. You could hear a mouse fart from upstairs in this place. At least Tucker hadn’t said anything that would get him in trouble.

  Leaving the bathroom, he stayed put and didn’t go looking for Annie. He supposed in a few minutes he’d find Jesse, do the polite thing and socialize, but for now, he needed to sort out a few things.

  First, a flight plan. He had the number for the Kalispell city airport in his wallet, and he called in for an 8:00 p.m. departure. That would give him five more hours with Annie. Which wasn’t enough time, not by a long shot.

  More of an issue was how in hell was he going to tell her that he was Christian’s brother? Not this afternoon. Too soon, not enough information. He wasn’t ready. He was scared out of his friggin’ mind that she’d hate him.

  He tried to imagine her reaction to his explanation, but he couldn’t get past the look of certain betrayal he’d see in her beautiful blue eyes. Even if she listened to everything he had to say, she could have her own reasons for not wanting to face what she’d left behind. He wouldn’t presume to tell her what she should do. A night of sex didn’t give him any rights.

  Except it hadn’t just been sex, and that was the problem. Damn, he couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt this powerless. Or this infatuated with a woman.

  The cabin door opened, and Jesse stuck his head in. “Am I interrupting?”

  “Nope. I’m done making belligerent phone calls.”

  “No problem. I’m here on a mission.” Jesse snorted. “I have to get the matzo ball soup out of the cooler, put it in the dark blue bowl and leave it in the microwave.”

  Tucker had to laugh. “That’s a pretty serious assignment you have there, son. I was there when she ordered that soup. Messing up would not be wise.”

  “Thanks for the heads-up.”

  Tucker knew which container held the soup, so he brought it out.

  “I gotta say...” Jesse found the specified bowl. “That check you wrote for Safe Haven was a hell of a gesture.”

  “I consider it a great investment.”

  Jesse’s faint grin spoke loudly.

  “Yes, it’s because of Annie.” Tucker only felt defensive because he was already edgy. “She’s doing an excellent job here.”

  “No one said you can’t have more than one reason for doing something.”

  “Yeah, well, I suppose I asked for that.” Lack of sleep was getting to him. “By taking her to Kalispell overnight. Hope that doesn’t give her grief.”

  “Sadie will take care of any gossip.”

  Tucker liked Jesse and
his unhurried, easygoing manner. “I’m concerned about the winters here. Annie being alone. You have some kind of system set up to check on her?”

  “Glad you asked,” Jesse said, closing the microwave. “My brothers, me and several other nearby ranchers keep in touch. When it’s bad, we come in shifts, so we can all take care of our own stock. It kind of depends on how many animals Annie has here. We haven’t had to rescue her yet, though. She keeps up on the snow maintenance, so she has clear paths. That’s one reason we need that tractor fixed. It doubles as her snowplow in winter, and we can’t let her be without that.”

  “I’ve been dealing with the drought so long, I haven’t given much thought to severe winter conditions. I’m glad to hear you all are pitching in.”

  “Winter’s tricky. I’m able to fly most days. Sometimes we’ll get stuck in a cycle that shuts everything down, but the airports are well maintained. If you ever want to fly back, give me a call. I’ll let you know the conditions, give you the coordinates for the private airfield I use. I checked it out already. You’re welcome there anytime.”

  Tucker leaned back against the counter. “I’ll be sure and take your number. Thank you.”

  “She’s the real McCoy, you know,” Jesse said, taking a seat on one of the wooden chairs. “My...Shea has been known to keep Annie in coffee when she needs it, and food. Annie’s gone without, though. Not sure how often, but more than once.”

  “You don’t have to sell me on her. I’m going to do what I can to get some funding for this place. Steady funding.”

  “Good enough.” Jesse kicked out a second chair. “So tell me about your plane before the women come and monopolize us. I’ve been meaning to ask you about it since you arrived.”

  14

  “I DON’T HAVE THE RIGHT WORDS,” Annie said softly, watching Puff, the beautiful chocolate-brown foal, find her footing with unmanageable legs.