Maybe, With Conditions

by Mariella Starr

  "Those can be replaced," Dalton scolded. "You can't." He handed his cell phone to her. "I'll reheat the food in the microwave."

  Nicole did spend the rest of her day vegging. She watched a little television and slept. Dalton talked her into having a masseuse come to the hotel room. She had never had a full body massage before and had to admit she did feel better afterward. She also took the mild pain medicine prescribed for her. She was stiff and sore, but her injuries were a minor inconvenience compared to what could have happened. The accident could have been so much worse. She wanted to go back to sleep so she wouldn't have to relive what could have happened in her mind over and over.

  * * *

  Nicole was taking one of her many naps over the course of the day when there was a knock on the hotel room door. Dalton answered it and was surprised to see a sheriff's deputy standing on the threshold.

  "Is this the room of Nicole Bennett?" The officer asked.

  "Yes."

  "I'm Deputy Cortez from the Washoe County Sheriff's Department. I was at the scene of the accident yesterday."

  "Yes, I spoke to you," Dalton opened the door offering his hand. "Thank you for helping Nicole and bringing her to the hotel. I don't think taxi service is a part of your normal duties."

  The young officer smiled. "Actually, sir, just about any kind of service that helps someone is part of our duties. He held an oversized purse out in front of him. "Jethro Billings dropped this off at the station this morning. He hiked to the bottom of the ravine to find it. He also took pictures of the wreck as he figured you might need them for insurance purposes. Ms. Bennett gave me her e-mail address, so I have already forwarded the photos to her. From the look of them, there's not much left of the vehicle. Mr. Billings said the car fell about six hundred feet. It had smashed into a lot of rock before it hit bottom."

  "Who is Mr. Billings?"

  "He lives on a ridge not far from where the accident happened. His son was the one who heard her distress signal. He's a good, decent man. Some of those families have been dug into those mountains for so long, they can maneuver and climb over the rocks like Billy goats. They know every nook and cranny of those mountains. They can get into places it would cost the county or the state thousands of dollars in professional rescue fees to access."

  "Thank you, this will help, a lot," Dalton said.

  "Could I speak to Ms. Bennett?" Deputy Cortez asked. "I have additional questions about the car she said ran her off the cliff."

  "What?" Dalton barked.

  The young officer frowned. "I reckon she didn't tell you all of her story. It sounded pretty farfetched when she told it to me, too."

  "If Nicole said she was run off the road, she was," Dalton snapped.

  "Thank you for believing me," Nicole said, crossing the room. She was fully dressed except for her suit jacket and shoes. "Oh, great!" She retrieved her purse, dug through the contents until she found her wallet, and waved it in the air. "This will save me a ton of time and trouble! I lost a purse several years ago, and replacing all the cards and identification was a nightmare!"

  She held out the smashed cell phone in her hand. "I will have to replace this, though."

  "Mr. Billings found your purse this morning, ma'am," Deputy Cortez explained. "I didn't mean to imply I doubted your word, Ms. Bennett. We don't get cases of attempted murder by vehicular homicide very often. It's a first for me. A team of investigators went out this morning and concluded the evidence substantiated your claim."

  "What evidence?" Nicole and Dalton asked at the same time.

  "Skid tracks showing where one vehicle tried to brake while another set of tracks went to the left of the first car. The way the gravel was piled in and around the tire tracks on the shoulder, it was clear you were forced off the road. Additional tracks showed where the second vehicle sped off in the gravel and dirt. Mr. Billings went to the bottom of the ravine and took pictures this morning. There are scrapes of black paint on the left rear panel of what is left of your vehicle. The insurance people might not want to accept the photographs since he doesn't work for their company. On the other hand, when they discover how much it will cost to get a crew down there, they might change their mind.

  "We put out a bulletin this morning to repair shops in the area to report a black sports car with damage to its front right side. Since your SUV was light green…

  "Aquamarine green."

  "Yes, ma'am. Anyway, there should be traces of green paint on his vehicle."

  "His?" Dalton questioned.

  "Figure of speech, sir. The driver could have been a man or a woman. It could've been anyone with a grudge against Ms. Bennett," the Deputy explained. He turned his attention to Nicole. "I need to ask you additional questions."

  "Come on in and make yourself comfortable," Nicole said.

  The second interview only lasted fifteen minutes. The officer asked nearly the same questions as the previous evening. Who would have wanted to try to hurt or kill her, and why?

  Nicole didn't have answers the night before and she didn't have them, now.

  When the door shut behind Deputy Cortez, Dalton turned to Nicole. "You left some important information out last night when I talked to you."

  "It would only have made you angry. Do you think we could make it home before dark?"

  Dalton looked at Nicole with a penetrating stare. "What's going on, Nic?"

  "I have no idea," she exclaimed in frustration. "Maybe it was some idiot with road rage. As far as I know, I didn't break any laws or cut anyone off. I was driving below the speed limit. I pulled over to the edge of the road to let faster traffic go around me. I was careful!

  "The next thing I knew, some idiot in a black car was trying to play tag with me. The car would follow me, riding my bumper, and then it would go around and disappear. Then, I would see it parked off to the side. Whenever I passed it, it would pull out and follow me, again. It was as if they were playing a game, except it was scary one. Then, the car rammed me and I went flying off into nothing."

  Her voice broke and she rubbed the goose bumps on her skin. Dalton pulled her into his arms to hug her. "Okay, sweetheart, okay," he soothed. "Do you really want to go home this afternoon?"

  She nodded. "I need to see Matty. I need to hug him and know he is okay. What if this is some crazy person targeting me because I was lucky at the casino and they weren't?"

  "Matty is protected and you will be, too. Don't draw away from me, Nic. I'm not trying to control you. Someone attempted to hurt or kill you. We have to take this seriously. Do you feel well enough to go home today?"

  "All I've done all day is sleep and eat."

  "You have done a few other things," he teased.

  "Yes, but I want to go home. I'm a little spooked."

  Dalton checked his watch. "I'll file a flight plan. If we're lucky, we'll be out of here in an hour and home before dusk."

  They were lucky and they checked out of the hotel forty minutes later. Two hours later, Dalton was driving into the ranch. The porch lights were on and the whole family met them outside on the porch.

  Matty jumped into Nicole's arms as Dalton helped reinforce her grip on the boy.

  "Hey, champ, you need to give Momma warning," he scolded. "You'll knock her over!"

  Matty leaned over for Dalton to take him into his arms.

  "Are you okay?" Helen demanded.

  "Yes," Nicole assured the family. "I am, again, without a car I can drive. Oh, I forgot to call the insurance company today."

  "Tomorrow is soon enough," Dalton assured her. "You gave Deputy Cortez your information, so the police will forward a report to them."

  "Momma, are you in trouble with the police?" Matty asked.

  "No," she responded. "I'm not in trouble with anyone."

  "Words to live by," Dalton whispered in her ear as the family followed them inside.

  * * *

  "They don't believe me!" Nicole slammed into Dalton's office and then jumped back with a scream as a
large German shepherd lunged at her. Dalton kept a firm grip on the large dog and slipped a muzzle on him. He linked a leather lead to the dog's collar and handed it to his assistant. "Neeley, take Houdini to his cage."

  When his assistant closed the door to his office, Dalton turned to Nicole. "Don't come in without knocking first. It's a good way to get bitten. Dogs are skittish enough being in a vet's office."

  "Sorry."

  "What's the problem?"

  "The insurance adjuster said even though the police report corroborated my accident report, they are investigating the crash," Nicole complained. "It sounds like they don't believe I was forced off the road."

  "Isn't an insurance investigation standard procedure?"

  "I don't know. I never had an accident before, except for a minor fender-bender. As it is, they won't pay for a replacement. He said the car has already depreciated almost eight thousand dollars! I only had it a couple weeks!"

  "As soon as a new car is driven off the showroom floor, it loses several thousand dollars in value," Dalton said.

  "That's not fair!"

  "Maybe not, but you can't change the facts. Do you want me to handle it?"

  "No. I just needed to blow off some steam," Nicole sighed. "Can I borrow the Jeep? I'm running out of a few personal items and need to go to the drugstore."

  "Wait until Kay goes in for her class tomorrow," Dalton said. When Nicole opened her mouth to complain, Dalton cut her off. "We talked about it and we agreed. You're not driving a stick shift until I know you can handle it. In addition, I want someone with you at all times. If there is some crazy person after you, I don't want you or Matty alone. The Sheriff's department still hasn't found any clues to the black sports car. I did tell Deputy Cortez to check on Barbara's whereabouts."

  "Is she crazy enough to try to kill me?"

  Dalton shrugged. "After some of the stuff she's pulled, I wouldn't be shocked or surprised by anything she does. It wasn't her. The deputy called to say she was having her nails done and the salon verified she was there. I think they're writing it off as a case of road rage."

  "I didn't do anything to make anyone angry," Nicole exclaimed, turning to leave and then whirling back around. "I also want to do something nice for Mr. Billings and his son. They saved my life."

  "Roy Mac was saying the same thing last night. He suggested we call the Sheriff's Department and talk to Deputy Cortez since he spoke as if he knew the man. He should be able to steer us in the right direction. Some people don't want recognition for their good deeds and we wouldn't want to insult Mr. Billings. I waited to talk to you first before I called the deputy."

  "It sounds good, but don't leave me out of the loop. It was my life he saved."

  "I remember well enough," Dalton said. "Now get out of here and let me get some work done."

  Nicole returned to her studio. She had a lot of work to do herself. Her new SUV was at the bottom of a ravine as were her paintings. She mourned the loss of her art much more than the vehicle. She called her agent, Dick Chambers, and explained the loss of her work. He tentatively scheduled a showing date six months in the future. It would give her time to paint and try to recoup her losses.

  Deputy Cortez acted as a liaison between Dalton and Jethro Billings. It turned out the man wasn't interested in a reward. However, he was unemployed and having a hard time making ends meet for his family.

  Roy Mac used his extensive network of friends and found a vacancy for an auto mechanic at an auto shop in Reno. The shop extended a job offer and Mr. Billings accepted. Dalton's grandfather was a man of big gestures. He also wanted to thank the man, his son, and his family in person for rescuing Nicole. He and Helen organized a barbecue party and invited the entire Billings family. As they were making preparations, the shindig grew in attendance. It would include many of the same guests who had been at the Calhoun barbecue. The guest list included everyone involved with Nicole's rescue, all the members of the Truckee Fire Station, and the Rescue Squads.

  Because of their work schedules, many of the rescue workers would not be able to attend. Still, they were honored the family wanted to recognize their contributions. Roy Mac called the station supervisors and arranged for several meals from the best barbecue restaurant in Reno to be sent to the fire stations as a thank you for services rendered, in addition to a donation to be used as they saw fit.

  When Nicole asked Roy Mac and Helen why they were going to so much trouble, their response was simple.

  "We are celebrating life, Nicole," Helen said, gently. "Your life. We consider you a precious part of our family."

  The morning of the party, a large rental furniture truck arrived and ranch hands went to work arranging tables and chairs in the expansive backyard. Another truck hauled in professional barbecue grillers and smokers. The truck signage proclaimed Jim-Bob's Cowpoke Bar-B-Que was the 'Best in the West and Dern near Everywhere Else!'

  By noon, the sweet smell of barbecued pork and beef lingered over the entire area making everyone hungry. Guests began arriving soon afterward. Men crowded around the grills and drank beer while women brought enormous bowls of food as their offerings to the meal. Children ran wild and ate without their parents being concerned about sugar content. Games were played while several fiddles and guitars came out of cases to supply the music.

  Jethro Billings came with his wife, Nancy, along with Jordy and their two other sons. The Calloway's thanked the Billings profusely and proclaimed them the guests of honor. Deputy Lee Cortez made an appearance later in the evening, along with several of the rescue workers. They didn't stay long since all of them had to work the next day, but they too were treated as heroes.

  As the evening headed toward nightfall, small children were bedded down in guestrooms while the adults continued partying. Nicole had a great time. She had never had many friends, but she did consider some of these people her friends.

  Chapter Fourteen

  It was nearly midnight before the guests began to leave. As they departed, they were courteous about thanking their hosts and co-hosts. Almost every local person who had attended the party congratulated Nicole. It took her a little while to figure out the small talk and hints as she thanked them for coming. Finally, she got it. She was being congratulated because everyone thought the next big party would be the wedding celebration. Every time someone commented on her renewed relationship with Dalton, she interpreted their words as a censoring… 'When are you marrying Dalton?'

  She smiled and nodded her head to the people as they passed her on their way to their vehicles. When the last of the guests went home, everyone began to pitch in to clean up the mess. As Matty was already asleep in his bed, Nicole lent a hand gathering trash. She snagged two full trash bags, walked out to the already stuffed bins, and tried to smash the bags into submission. When one of the bags fell to the ground, she kicked it.

  "What are you doing?" Dalton asked coming up behind her and dropping the bags he carried.

  "Venting frustration," Nicole admitted. "Everyone here today expects us to announce a wedding date!"

  "Would it be so bad?"

  "No, except I'm tired of people pressuring me," Nicole snapped. "I have to do the deciding, not a bunch of busybodies."

  "People need something to talk about," Dalton said. "There's not much excitement in a town the size of ours. Everyone expects us to get married because it's how things are done here. Most of our women don't have babies without the support and name of the fathers."

  "Well, go out and get you one of your women," Nicole growled. "I'm not on the market!"

  "No, you're not," Dalton grinned, capturing her in his arms and kissing her soundly. "I took you off the market. You need to accept the inevitable. You love me and you are going to marry me."

  "Maybe… someday," she said, pulling away. "It won't be because a lot of nosey neighbors are putting in their two cents worth."

  "Did someone insult you or something? What's gotten you so riled?"

  "I'm an urban perso
n," Nicole gripped. "I've lived in the same building for five years and I knew exactly three of my neighbors. I don't like everyone knowing my business and sticking their noses in it."

  "You don't live in a city, anymore. You live in an isolated area where people care about each other. There's nothing wrong with neighbors caring about neighbors," Dalton reasoned. "Even in this day and age, we have to depend on each other. What would you have done if Jethro Billings and Jordy had decided to mind their own business and ignored your call for help?"

  "The accident was different!"

  "No, it's not. Out here, we're a different breed of people. We want to help our neighbors and get involved. After my folks died and Roy Mac was disabled, we wouldn't have made it if our neighbors hadn't reached out to help. With their guidance and assistance, Gran and I were able to keep the Double C going until I could learn how. They continued to support us when Roy Mac took over and I went to college."

  "I'm sure they were a great help to you, Dalton. I didn't mean to insult your friends and neighbors," Nicole apologized. "I'm just not used to everyone knowing my business."

  Dalton looked around and saw plenty of people helping with the cleanup. He took Nicole's hand. "Come with me."

  "Where?" Nicole demanded.

  "You'll see," he replied as he led her to one of the barns. He opened the door and turned on a perimeter lighting system and dimmed the lights. He took her to a stall where he flipped a bucket on end and lifted her to stand on top so she could see a mare with a foal inside. "He was born early this morning. I never get tired of attending and sometimes assisting with a birth. Somehow, it's always life affirming and puts our petty day-to-day problems in perspective."

  "Are you saying I'm being a bitch?"

  His hand snaked out and he smacked her on the ass hard. She yelped at the sting he left behind. "Yes, you have been behaving like a bitch. I'm beginning to think you need an attitude adjustment. You miraculously survived a horrific car accident which could have taken your life. You have a God-given talent that is your career of choice. You're healthy and smart. You have people in your life who you love, and who love you. What do you really have to complain about?"