Every Vow She Breaks

by Jannine Gallant

  Claire glanced over her shoulder and met Bart’s curious blue gaze as he and Jed caught up with them. Jed gave her a questioning look but didn’t comment.

  Bart cleared his throat. “Everything okay? Ian mentioned you two have a colorful past. Care to share?”

  Claire glanced from one man to the other. “I need all my breath for hiking. Anyway, I wouldn’t want to bore you with ancient history.”

  Bart’s gaze dropped, skimming down her light jacket and running pants before rising again. “I bet I wouldn’t be bored in the least.” White teeth gleamed. “If you don’t want to rattle Ian’s cage with personal revelations, let’s talk about Bigfoot. That’s why you’re here, isn’t it?”

  “You bet.” She whipped her notebook out of her pocket. “I’d love to hear your perspective on the project. Ian can keep Jed company while we talk.”

  With a shrug, her ex dropped back, and Bart walked at her side. “I was just trying to get a rise out of Ian. He’s a good guy, and we get along well, but with his uptight attitude, he’s an easy target.” He shook his head and smiled. “Guess it’s my fault I take advantage.”

  Claire eyed his sun-bleached blond hair and deep tan. “You don’t seem the type to spend your days in a lab analyzing DNA samples the way Ian does. What exactly do you do?”

  That smile flashed again. “God forbid. I’m a zoologist. My specialty is primates.”

  “You play with monkeys all day?”

  He coughed then let out a laugh. “Something like that, but apes, not monkeys.”

  “Ah, the Bigfoot connection. Lee mentioned you saw something—”

  With a grimace, he held up his hand. “I should have kept my big mouth shut. The locals—” On an eye roll, he let out a sigh. “—blew a single comment made over a beer all out of proportion. I caught a glimpse of something large and brown at quite a distance. It could easily have been a bear standing on its hind legs. They’re pretty creative foragers. Unfortunately, it wasn’t in an area conducive to gathering prints, and we discovered no collaborating evidence when we searched.”

  “Now you sound like a scientist.”

  Bart chuckled. “I may look like a beach bum, but I do have a serious side. When it comes to my work, I can be every bit as staid and systematic as Ian.”

  “That’s great, but staid doesn’t translate into an exciting article. I want to hear some fun facts about Bigfoot.”

  “I have plenty of those. Did you know Bigfoot sightings have been reported all over the world for hundreds of years?”

  Stumbling over a protruding root, she jotted notes. “Very cool. What else?”

  “Though there’ve been many, many sightings, we still don’t have definitive proof of Bigfoot’s existence. Add to that, idiots who plant fake evidence have given the rest of us a bad reputation. Our intention in establishing this retreat was to provide the world with some indisputable facts and photographs.”

  She glanced up from the notepad. “I hope you do. Even if I don’t get a career-changing picture while I’m here, I hope you uncover the evidence you’re looking for.”

  “Every indicator tells us this is prime territory to sustain the species. Bigfoot quite likely migrate in search of new food sources and to mate, but we believe there’s a well-established colony in this area. It’s one of the few spots where sightings have been consistent during all four seasons.”

  “So it’s just a matter of being in the right place at the right time.”

  “Exactly.” He cast her a sideways glance. “You and Ian aren’t…”

  “God, no.” She frowned. “That came out a little stronger than I intended.” She lifted one shoulder. “Ian and I…dated in college. I respect him completely.”

  “But?”

  Claire smiled. “No buts. Our romance died years ago. I’m not here to rekindle it.”

  “I wondered about that. The guy’s been a bear the last couple of days. How about Lafferty?”

  “We’re…old friends.”

  “Hmm.”

  When Scoop leaped into a salmonberry bush, she jammed the notepad into her pack before running forward to grasp his collar and haul him out. “Damn it, Scoop, behave or you’ll get us both in trouble.” Releasing her grip, she turned toward the grinning zoologist. “Hmm, what?”

  He angled his head toward the dog. “Who’s the boss, you or him?”

  “We both have our moments.”

  The sparkle in his eyes gradually dimmed. “Did I detect a hint of uncertainty in your tone when you mentioned your…old friend?”

  “Probably. Jed’s like chocolate. Not healthy in the long run, but still tempting. We aren’t involved.” She cleared her throat. “Uh, we seem to be off topic.”

  A fallen tree blocked the trail. Grasping her arm, he steadied her as she climbed over it.

  “Not at all. You’re an interesting—not to mention beautiful—woman. I’d like to get to know you better. No reason why we can’t enjoy each other’s company while I work and you take your photographs.”

  Bracing one hand on the mossy log, she jumped back onto the path. “Not that I don’t appreciate the sentiment, but I probably won’t be around long enough for that.”

  “Too bad. What the hell?”

  Claire stopped and stared then reached for her camera. Barking furiously, Scoop plunged through the underbrush to plant his paws against a small fir tree. A half grown bear cub scrambled higher through the branches. The tree shook and quivered.

  Bart frowned. “That fir doesn’t look very sturdy.”

  Zooming in on the bear’s face, she focused and clicked. “Just a couple more shots…”

  “Oh, hell!” The scientist gave her a hard push, sending her staggering out of the way.

  The tree top bent then snapped, and the cub plummeted to the ground. Scoop’s eyes widened as the bear landed two feet in front of him. With a bellow, the cub bounded into the forest with the dog in noisy pursuit.

  A piercing whistle stopped him in his tracks. Turning, Scoop galloped back, a canine grin on his face as he plopped down, tongue hanging, in front of Jed.

  Jed reached down to pat his head. “Good boy.”

  Claire stared from the man to the dog. “Unbelievable.”

  “On our hike the other day, I made certain he knew who was in charge.”

  Women probably react the same way when he whistles.

  Ian scowled as he stopped beside them. “At least someone has a little control around here. If you’re through terrorizing the wildlife, let’s keep going.”

  They hiked for another hour. Claire was beginning to wonder if they were ever going to take a break, when Ian glanced over his shoulder.

  “This is the area we decided on for additional surveillance. Lee and Margaret should be somewhere up ahead.”

  Minutes later, the sound of voices filtered through the trees, growing louder as the forest thinned. Jed raised one brow, and she shrugged in response. Either the other scientists were having a disagreement, or—

  “Goddamn paparazzi!”

  Claire jerked to a stop and peered around Ian’s shoulder then drew in a breath.

  In a small clearing, Preston Meyer spoke in rapid-fire bursts of words, hands flapping to emphasize a point. From the apoplectic color of Lee’s face and Margaret’s downward twisted lips, he wasn’t having much luck convincing them of…what?

  “Obviously talking isn’t getting our point across to that creep.” Ian’s hands flexed at his sides as he stepped through a thicket of ferns.

  Claire rushed after him to grab his arm. The muscle tensed beneath her fingertips through the sleeve of his shirt. “Preston is a good guy, honestly.”

  Ian stopped and turned to face her. His gray eyes narrowed. “You know him?”

  She nodded. “We worked together at Nature Exposed. He’s just looking for a story, same as I am.”

  “You sure about that? The camera he broke was expensive.”

&nbs
p; “Preston didn’t break it. I asked.”

  With a snort, Ian strode forward. “You think he’d admit something like that?”

  “Maybe not, but what purpose would destroying your equipment serve?”

  “How the hell would I know?”

  At the last comment, flung over his shoulder, Margaret spun around. “About time you got here. We have a situation.”

  Bart stepped past them and cleared his throat. “Let’s not overreact, folks.” His gaze shot to Ian, and he chuckled. “No reason we can’t settle this without bloodshed.”

  “Very funny.” With another scowl, he turned toward Lee. “What happened this time?”

  “Nothing’s happened.” Preston cast a pleading look toward Claire. “I was simply out for a hike, and these two confronted me with accusations—”

  “You were following us.” Margaret planted hands on her bony hips. “No doubt waiting for another opportunity to damage our property once we set up new cameras.”

  “How many times do I have to say it?” Preston closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose before letting out a gusty breath. His Adam’s apple bobbed. “I didn’t break your camera.”

  “I believe him. What about you, Claire?”

  Turning, she gave Jed a grateful smile. “That’s what I’ve been trying to tell Ian. Preston has no motive for vandalism.”

  “Even if it was an accident the first time—”

  The photographer rounded on Lee before he could complete his sentence. “Not intentionally and not by accident. I didn’t touch your damned equipment! Yes, I followed you today. As fast as you were hiking, I thought you were hot on the trail of a Sasquatch.” He raised his camera by the strap around his neck. “I came prepared to get the picture of a lifetime. Same as Claire. If you’d simply agree to answer my questions, I wouldn’t have to sneak around.”

  “He has a point.”

  Ian glared at her. “I don’t think we need your input.”

  She held up her hands. “Sorry.”

  Bart cast a conciliatory glance around the group. “Maybe we should reconsider our decision—”

  “Absolutely not. I won’t have my words twisted and misquoted by the likes of him.” Margaret pointed one long, narrow finger at Preston. “The sort of story Nature Exposed prints will make us all laughingstocks. If you want to talk to him, Bart, that’s your business, but I won’t have any part of it.”

  “Don’t get into a huff, Margaret. I simply said—”

  “Ah, the hell with it. I’m out of here.” Without a backward look, Preston disappeared into the forest. Silence followed his departure.

  Lee raised a hand to scratch the back of his neck. “Well, that was certainly unpleasant. Let’s forget about it and get to work.” He turned his gaze on Jed and frowned. “Who, exactly, are you?”

  “A friend of Claire’s. Ian was kind enough to let me tag along.”

  When Lee held out his hand, Jed shook it and introduced himself. The smile he turned on Margaret thawed the woman’s dour expression a few degrees—until she glanced down at Scoop.

  “Is that animal yours?”

  Claire cleared her throat. “Uh, he’s mine, but he’ll behave. I promise.”

  Brushing her hands on her pants, she snorted. “We’ve wasted enough time. Bart, I want you to set up the new camera over in the…”

  Tuning out Margaret’s drill sergeant directives as the men jumped to comply, Claire stepped closer to Jed and lowered her voice. “Maybe I was wrong when I said Ian isn’t crazy. Talk about paranoid. I think the whole group is certifiable. Except Bart. He seems normal enough.”

  “I actually felt sorry for Preston. Doesn’t seem like his actions justify their outrage.” Lines creased his forehead as he turned his gaze on Ian. “Possibly I jumped to conclusions about Dallas. Maybe Ian’s the one who left the notes and wedding decorations.” He rolled his eyes. “I have to say, I’m not very impressed by your choice of men. I’m Prince Charming in comparison to the exes I’ve seen so far.”

  Lips tight, Claire shook her head. “They’ve both changed. And not necessarily for the better. When I dated them, they were a heck of a lot more normal.”

  “If you say so.”

  Her hands fisted. “Sarcasm doesn’t become you.”

  With a soft chuckle, Jed squeezed her shoulders. “I’ll stop with the teasing. Uh, shouldn’t you be taking pictures or something?”

  If the other men from her past had changed almost beyond recognition, Jed certainly hadn’t. His resemblance to the obnoxious little boy she remembered grated on her nerves—until she looked into his twinkling eyes then allowed her gaze to drift across the breath of his chest and downward….

  Letting out a long sigh, she shook her head again. “Or something. I’ve about given up on the whole Bigfoot angle. Is it my imagination, or does the group as a whole seem a little desperate? Maybe their lack of results is why they’re so defensive.”

  “Makes sense to me. What are you going to do?”

  “Change the focus of my story to how Bigfoot hunters affect tourism and the local economy. I can still use the photos I’ve taken along with some insights from longtime residents to add a personal interest dimension. I’m sure Theresa will give me a quote. Maybe Augusta or Ralph from the diner would like to comment, too.”

  “What about Dallas? He’d talk to you in a heartbeat.”

  Ignoring his condescending tone, she grinned. “Excellent idea. There’s also Stan Hansen who owns the local market and Phyllis Evans, the postmistress. She’d probably love to chat about the crazies chasing after Bigfoot. I’ll get my quotes tomorrow then head out the following day.”

  “Just like that?”

  “I don’t have any other reason to stay in the area.”

  His lips pressed together. Was she imagining the disappointment clouding the bright blue of his eyes?

  “Where will you go?”

  An aching hollowness filled her. She had nowhere to go. No home except her RV. When Scoop wandered over and leaned against her leg, she dug her fingers into his short fur. No one but a dog to care about her. Sure, she could check in at the office and speak to her editor in person, but it wasn’t necessary or expected. Phone calls and e-mails were just as effective.

  She lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “I’m not sure. I suppose I should get serious about finding a new place to live.”

  “You could hang out with me for a while longer.” His voice deepened. Gentled. He rested a hand on her arm, softly stroking his thumb along the back of her hand. “I’m not ready to say goodbye to you yet.”

  Emotion tightened her throat. She didn’t want to walk out of his life again, either. Despite his devil-may-care attitude—maybe because of it—Jed opened up parts of her heart that had been closed off for years. The problem was, those same parts would be the ones hurting the most when two old friends eventually went their separate ways. She’d be better off finding someone solid and dependable, someone—

  “Jesus. Is that what I think it is?” Excitement edged Bart’s voice.

  Claire’s head snapped up. The four scientists huddled together, crouching around a patch of dirt near some bushes. Equipment and backpacks were scattered on the ground around them.

  She took a couple of steps forward. “Found something?”

  Ian turned, his gray eyes flashing. “A footprint. We found a freaking footprint.”

  Heartbeat picking up, she took a few more steps. Coming up behind her, Jed grabbed her hand again and squeezed.

  “You don’t mean—”

  “Hell, yes, I mean.” Ian’s voice rose. “We found a print—from a Bigfoot.”

  Chapter 7

  “Looked like a bear print to me. Not a Bigfoot.” Jed held open the door to the motor home as Scoop pushed past him to head straight for his food bowl.

  “Bear paws aren’t that long.” Claire glanced over as she stepped inside, shrugged the pack from her shoulder
s and dropped it onto the table. Pulling off her jacket, she hung it on the hook by the door.

  “The mother of the cub Scoop chased was probably strolling through the area earlier. Maybe she slid in the mud and sort of elongated the print.”

  “Good thing you didn’t mention your theory to Ian. He was practically orgasmic over that mark.”

  His gaze drifted from her bright eyes and pink cheeks down across the form fitting T-shirt clinging to her breasts. “I can think of better reasons to get orgasmic. No wonder you dumped the guy.”

  The color in her cheeks deepened. “I think I’ll go grab a quick shower before dinner.”

  “Take your time. It’s my turn to cook, anyway. How do you feel about tacos?” He swallowed then choked as she bent to pull a sweater from the bank of drawers near the bed. “I’m in the mood for something spicy.”

  “Spicy’s good.” She opened a second drawer. “Do we have tortillas?”

  “I may need to go to the store. What’s wrong?”

  Hand pressed to her mouth, Claire backed against the bed and turned. She clutched the sweater to her chest as the color faded from her face.

  Stepping around Scoop, he grabbed her arm. “You okay?

  “Look in there.” Her voice squeaked on the final word.

  A bright array of underwear filled the drawer. Just thinking about how Claire would look wearing the hot pink number—

  “In the back.”

  Silk slid across his hand as he pushed bras and panties aside. Wrapped in silver and gold, a package was buried beneath something green and lacy. He pulled it out and glanced up. “Someone put this in the drawer while we were gone?”

  Face pale, she nodded and sank onto the edge of the bed. “I guess so, though I suppose it could have been in there when I got dressed this morning. I didn’t bother turning on a light, and it was still pretty dark.”

  “You’re sure the door was locked when we got back?”

  “Yes.”

  “Anything else out of place or missing?”

  She glanced around and frowned. “I don’t think so. I had my wallet with me, and it’s not like I have a lot of valuables here other than my camera equipment. I had most of that with me, too.”