by Vella, Wendy
“Elijah has four children, three girls and a baby boy.” Piper rode up beside Bailey. “He’s a good man, and worships his family. I hope he’s okay.”
“I don’t remember him,” Bailey said. But then she hadn’t been very social when she lived here. She gripped her friend’s hand briefly, and then listened to Fin’s briefing.
The Trainers asked questions, and she watched as they interacted, their familiarity with each other obvious. She loved her brother, but Beau was six years older than her, and he’d left the house at twenty to pursue his career, so she’d lived most of her life since then with just her grandfather at her side. Her mother was under his control too, and pretty much did what she was told, so Bailey had never had much of a relationship with her either.
Looking at Piper, Bailey thought it must be wonderful to have the support of the Trainer brothers.
“You can stay here and wait for us if you want, Bailey.” Joe wore sunglasses now, so she couldn’t read his expression as he moved to her side.
“I’m coming.”
He snapped his teeth together, Bailey guessed to stop more words from pouring out, and simply said, “You’re with me then.”
“I’ll be okay, Joe. Really. I won’t take risks, and I’ll stay safe. You don’t need to watch over me.”
He didn’t answer, just nodded, and she saw the worry sat hard on him. Worry, Bailey realized, for her, his siblings, and what was going on in their lives. Knowing his own father may want to harm them must be hard to accept.
She nudged her horse closer, and touched his hand. “Joe, I know you’re scared for me and your siblings, but we’re okay while we’re all together.”
He didn’t answer, just closed his hand around hers briefly, and then urged his horse away. Buzz followed at a trot. They headed up past the lodge, which allowed her to study the huge building. It was impressive. Pitched roof, massive glass windows, and several floors high. It had wings left and right, and an equally impressive beige stone front entrance.
“You been there yet?”
Bailey shook her head at Piper’s words.
“Worth the experience, even if the guy running it’s a jerk.”
“He’s not a jerk, he just doesn’t happen to think the sun rises and sets over you, like half the other males in this town,” Jack drawled.
Piper poked out her tongue, then they fell silent again. What was waiting for them up in those hills? She hoped it was an injured Elijah Neil. The other option wasn’t something she wanted to contemplate.
“I just wanted to keep you safe, Bailey.” Joe found his voice when they left the others to start searching their allocated area. He turned in his saddle to look at her over his shoulder. “I just wanted to—”
“I know, but I’m good, and I want to do this,” Bailey said. “Sitting back there, thinking, waiting, with nothing to do would have been worse.”
Not for me. He wanted her sitting in Maggie’s house with the doors locked, where she couldn’t be hurt, where nothing could touch her. No more ugliness, nothing. His need to protect this woman was as strong as ever.
“I also know you’re worried about the others, Joe.”
“Yes.” He said the word slowly. He was worried. More than worried, he was plain shit-scared. Too many incidents had happened now, including whoever that man was at the bar last night with the knife. It had to stop, and to do that, they had to find whoever was responsible. “I don’t want to lose anyone,” he said. “And you’re in that anyone, Bailey.”
“I don’t want anything to happen to any of you either.”
He shot her another look. Tiredness was etched in her pale face, but she was here, and at least he could watch over her. Now wasn’t the time or place for this conversation, he knew that. They needed to focus, but at least they each understood where the other was coming from right now.
“We’re nearing the falls, Bailey. You don’t leave my sight, not even for a second.”
“I understood that the first and second time you told me, Joe.”
Her voice was calm, and he wasn’t sure how she managed that when inside he was a seething mass of emotions.
“Fine, then make sure you do as I say, and everything will go all right.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Did you just salute me?”
She threw him a cheeky smile that had him shaking his head. “You’re gonna pay for that later.”
“Okay.”
One word, nothing erotic in it, or the way she said it. She didn’t lick her lips or send him a sizzling look, and yet he was aroused in seconds. Not a good move , he thought, and made himself imagine a pile of steaming horse shit. That cooled him down some.
“Buzz, go on.” He urged the dog ahead. Joe then nudged his mount off the path, and headed left to the trail that would take them down to the falls.
“It’s steep. Lean back, and let Sandy do the work, Bailey, she knows the way.”
“Will do.”
He went first, having been down here many times before. It never failed to catch his breath. The sheer beauty of what was below them was amazing.
“Wow.”
He managed a half smile at the awe in her voice. The falls were getting louder as they descended, and worry gnawed in his gut. Worry for Elijah, and the heavy weight he felt that something bad had happened to the man. Worry that someone wanted one of his people hurt... or all of them.
They reached the bottom seconds later, where huge jets of water shot out from the mountain and into the blue pool below. Surrounded by hills on all sides, this was the only way in.
“It’s amazing. I only came here a few times when I was young, and I’d forgotten how wonderful it is.”
It was , Joe thought. Even after seeing it constantly for most of his life.
“Hold up there for a second, Bailey, I want to check that cave.” She nodded as he pointed to an opening in the mountain. “Elijah could be hurt and in there waiting for help. I’ll check under the waterfall after. You stretch your legs, and take a drink.”
“Okay.”
He caught her as she swung her leg over the saddle, and lowered her down.
“Thanks.”
“She’s a big horse, I didn’t want you to fall,” Joe said, releasing her when what he wanted was to sink his hands into her hair and kiss her senseless, find all that passion and togetherness he’d felt this morning. But now wasn’t the time for that; now was about finding Elijah. “I’ll be back soon. Just drop Sandy’s reins, she won’t go anywhere.”
“Okay.”
It was more an opening than a cave. Shallow, but offering protection for anyone caught in the rain up here, or needing shelter. He and Buzz found no sign of Elijah. Where the hell is he? Elijah was a local, and one of the friendly ones. They needed to find him and bring him home to his family.
“Joe!”
He heard Bailey’s scream, and started running. She wasn’t where he’d left her, but in the water, swimming toward the waterfall.
“Bailey!” He roared for her to stop. She’d be drowned by the weight of the water. But she didn’t stop, she kept swimming until he lost sight of her as she dived under the water.
Stripping off his boots and jeans, Joe threw off his hat beside Bailey’s clothes. “Stay, Buzz!” Seconds later, he was in the water. Adrenaline had him at the falls in minutes; he dived under and came up the other side.
“Bailey!” His heart thudded as fear clawed at his throat. She surfaced before him.
“Jesus!” He grabbed her. “What the fuck are you doing?”
“I s-saw a shirt floating, and then a c-cap,” she stuttered. “I thought it must be Elijah’s so I dived in, but he’s dead, Joe. He’s d-down there, I saw him as I went under the falls. You have to get him!”
“Stay here!” Joe dived under, and swam down. He found Elijah on the bottom, wedged under a ledge. Needing air, he returned to the surface.
“It’s him, isn’t it! Elijah N-Neil?”
He caught her a
s she launched at him, and moved to the ledge where he could stand.
“He has a family, Joe, and he’s dead.”
“I know, baby. But we need to get him out of the water now. To do that I need you to get out, then go and use the radio in my pack to call Fin. Can you do that for me?”
She nodded, her damp hair brushing his cheek.
“Good girl. I’m gonna boost you up, and you run round and under the falls, okay?”
“But I should stay and help you, Joe?”
He eased her face out of his neck, and cupped a cheek.
“I’m stronger physically, Bailey, so I can bring him up. I need you to radio Fin for me now. It’s important.”
She nodded.
“H-he’s dead, Joe.”
“I know. But let’s get him home now, Bailey. We owe him that, okay?”
She sucked in a deep breath, then nodded. He kissed her, just a soft brush, then turned and boosted her out of the water. She scrabbled onto the rocks, and then was up and running along the narrow path.
“Be careful!”
Joe watched her go, then drew in a couple of deep breaths himself, before diving back under the water to get Elijah.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
He tried twice to get the body up, but it was on the third attempt he managed to get Elijah out from under the ledge and float him up to the surface. Bailey stood above him, looking scared, with Buzz. Her fingers were in his fur, and the dog stood silently at her side, watching him.
“Thank God, Joe, I was worried when you didn’t surface!”
Joe hauled in several breaths before he could speak.
“Did you get hold of Fin?”
She nodded, keeping her eyes on him and not the body he held.
“Look away now,” he warned Bailey. “Dead bodies that have been in the water for a while are not something you need to see.”
“But you’re looking.”
“I’ve rescued a body before from here, I know what to expect. You don’t.”
“Let me help you, Joe.”
“I got this, you go and put on my jacket and stay out in the sun, and I’ll stay with him.
“I’ll help you bring him up here, then go do that.”
“Just do what I asked you, Bailey, please.”
It was the please that had her turning away and running under the waterfall again.
“Okay now, boy, you need to back it up because we’re coming out,” he said to the dog, who was still watching him closely.
Joe used the last of his strength to get Elijah onto the ledge, then followed, and sat there sucking in air until his lungs filled, and his breathing returned to normal. Buzz sat at his side, leaning into him, and he wrapped an arm around him, enjoying the warmth.
“I have a blanket.”
He should have known she’d disobey him. She hurried back to his side with her arms loaded. Joe watched her shake out the blanket and lay it over Elijah.
Dressed in her jeans and jacket, at least she didn’t appear to be shivering now.
“You need to dress, Joe, before you get sick.”
He didn’t argue, because he was cold. Climbing to his feet, he stripped off his shorts, and pulled on his jeans, shirt, and lastly the jacket. He then leaned on the inside of the cave wall, because suddenly he was exhausted.
“Here.” She handed him one of the two chocolate bars in her hand.
“You’re not very good at obeying orders, Bailey Jones.”
“I’ve been obeying them for years. I’ve decided now’s the time to rebel.”
He snorted, and then started on his bar.
“Was he a friend, Joe?”
“Elijah and I weren’t close friends, but we always respected each other. Now, how about you let me hold you for a while, just until they reach us. We’re both cold, and God knows you must be exhausted after the hell you’ve been through today. Where are you getting this energy?”
“Adrenaline.”
“Makes sense. I feel like I’ve been run over by a large semi.”
“The shock of what’s been happening must be hitting you too, Joe.”
All the fight went out of her as she rested against him, her face turned away from Elijah’s body. They sat like that, in silence, until Buzz started barking and took off out of the cave. The others were arriving.
“Let’s go now, Bailey.” Lifting her to her feet, he followed her out to where the others waited, grim-faced.
They took the body to the ranger station. From there the police would come and take Elijah to the morgue. Someone would notify his wife and children.
The Trainer siblings and Bailey made a silent, sad procession as they headed back to the stables. Joe had watched her, making sure she wasn’t showing any signs of shock or exhaustion. But Bailey kept her back straight, eyes forward, and Sandy did the rest.
One thing he’d realized today was that she was a lot stronger than he, or she, believed. Bailey had an inner strength; he just doubted it had ever really been tested. Or more importantly, that anyone had let her test it over the last few years.
They rode into the stables, weary and tired. Joe dismounted and went to Bailey’s side. She didn’t say anything, just fell into his arms.
“You go on and sit down now, we’ll deal with the horses.”
Her spine stiffened, shoulders snapping back.
“No, I’ll take care of Sandy. Everyone is tired, Joe. Not just me.”
“No one expects you to, Bailey. Or will think any worse of you for not rubbing her down.”
She didn’t answer, just took the reins, and led Sandy into her stall. Joe answered his cell phone while he watched her walk away.
“Elijah was murdered, Joe,” Fin said in his ear. “Bullet to the back of the head.”
“Fuck,” Joe said, running a hand through his hair. “Come over later, and we’ll talk.” He ended the call, then went to find his brothers. They were in the tack room.
“Elijah was murdered. There was a bullet hole in the back of his head.”
“Hell!” Jack said.
“I know it, and add in the crap that’s going down with us and it’s a massive pile of shit.”
“This shit is just pissing me off now,” Luke said, looking worried.
“Be diligent,” Joe said, then he went to rub his horse down. After, he found Bailey. She’d done what needed to be done, and was now hugging Sandy while she ate.
“Hey.” Joe leaned on the half door.
“I love horses.”
She didn’t move. Just stood there with her eyes closed, resting.
“I think she loves you too.”
“Every time I close my eyes, Elijah Neil is going to be there, isn’t he, Joe?”
He let himself into the stable and put his arms around her where she still rested against the horse. Her hair was damp, and he could feel that even standing here was an effort. It was all done now, the adrenaline and courage. She was out on her feet.
“For a while you probably will. So maybe the doctor can help you with that. Something to help you sleep for a while.”
“I don’t take pills.”
“Why?”
“My mother lives on them. They keep her sane, she says. But what she really means is they let her zone out instead of dealing with my grandfather.”
“So she wasn’t there for you?”
“She tried.” Opening her eyes, she placed a soft kiss on Sandy’s neck, then slid sideways out of his arms. “Just not very hard.”
“I’m sorry.”
The smile she gave him was sad.
“It’s not your fault, just as it’s not mine your father wasn’t a good one. But it’s moments like this that you really want a special someone in your life.”
He’d been about to tell her he was here for her, when he heard Piper shriek.
“Mom!”
Joe watched his cousin sprint past him and into the arms of the woman standing in the stable doorway. Big like Piper, she had been the rock that
the Trainer family had needed to tether themselves to. With long gray hair, usually piled on top of her head, Aunt Jess had a ruddy complexion, working-woman hands, and a belly laugh that made everyone join in. Before he realized he was even moving, Joe was heading her way.
Bailey watched the four Trainer children surround the woman. She’d heard about Piper’s mother, Aunt Jess, and there was no doubt they all loved her very much. She felt a small tug of pathetic jealousy that there was no Aunt Jess in her life.
Her life had been a good one, but she was beginning to understand that if she’d stood up for herself, it may have been better. Standing up to her grandfather wouldn’t have been easy, but Bailey knew she could do it now... and would one day soon to get back what was hers.
She had Maggs and Beau in her life now, too. Plus, there was Joe, but she wasn’t sure what label to put on what was between them yet.
Deciding that her bed was what she needed before she simply fell onto the hay and gave in to exhaustion, Bailey moved quietly out of the barn, leaving the Trainer family to their reunion. Early evening was settling over Ryker Falls. The twins were blocking the lowering sun, and the air was cooler now. Maggie would be home, and she wanted to see her friend, and explain what had happened. She then needed a bath and food, in that order, and lastly sleep.
She saw him again, Elijah Neil and his wide-open eyes. He’d been pale and bloated, his hair floating off his head. She’d not known him in life, but in death he’d been a frightening image.
Pushing the memory aside, she concentrated on walking down the driveway. She couldn’t remember a time in her life when she’d ever been this tired. But she’d been strong, Bailey thought. Strong enough to cope with what the day had brought.
The hum of an engine had her moving to the side of the road. But it slowed as it approached, and then pulled up beside her. It was an ATV, and Joe Trainer was riding it.
“What the hell are you doing?”
Bailey frowned at the ridiculous question.
“Walking home.”
“Someone attempted to barbecue you today, then you saw your first dead body. Exhaustion is dogging your every step, and you’re so pale I’m not entirely sure that you’re not a ghost.”