“No.” He shrugged. “It was a couple of years ago, and I never told anyone. I guess I figured people would laugh. It was evening, and I was out in the woods looking for my dog who’d run off chasing something. I was stumbling along in the dark when I saw him—it—whatever from about thirty yards away. The thing just looked at me, and the expression in its eyes was almost sad—or hunted. After a few seconds, whatever it was moved off into the forest.”
Claire let out a long breath. “That’s some story.”
“I never forgot that moment of connection. Anyway, I went home and left the dog to fend for himself. He turned up a couple of hours later.” Dallas took another swallow of coffee. “Off the record, Claire. You promised.”
She couldn’t help wondering how many beers he’d had before he headed into the woods that night, what he’d really seen. Obviously Dallas was a believer. “Sure. Off the record. But can I get your opinion on Bigfoot hunters, for the record?”
“Against. Definitely against. I say leave the Sasquatch in peace. Why do they need to be documented and studied? They’ve done fine all alone out there for centuries, maybe millennia. Next thing you know, the so-called scientists will want to put one in a zoo.”
“You do have a point. Thanks.”
She glanced out the window. Jed stood on the sidewalk in front of the post office, talking to a man wearing old jeans and a hoodie. Though she couldn’t see his face, only one person she knew shuffled and gestured in that particular way.
“I’ve got to go.” She gulped the rest of her drink. “Thanks for sharing your story with me, even if I can’t tell it to the world. It matters.”
“Felt good to talk about it.” He pushed back his chair and stood. “Will I see you again?”
“Maybe. I’ll probably be around for another day.”
His chest rose. “If I don’t, I’m glad we talked.” He reached out to touch her arm. “See you, Claire.”
“Bye, Dallas.”
The bells over the door jangled as she shut it behind her. When she passed the window, he was still standing, head hanging, shoulders slumped.
Guilt ate at her, but she shoved the feeling aside. She wasn’t responsible for Dallas’s misery. Still, if he was the one leaving the notes and reminders… Claire drew in a breath. She’d call Theresa and ask her to check on him. Make sure he really was okay. It was the best she could do. The only thing she could do.
Chapter 8
“Thanks, man. I appreciate it.” Preston disconnected then typed something into his cell before glancing up at Jed. “According to Doug, Ross McGregor moved from Phoenix back to California last year. He’s living in Sonoma now, working for a winery. Doug gave me his phone number and address.”
“Hot damn.” Jed pulled out his cell. “Go ahead.” He recorded the information Claire’s former colleague recited then smiled. “If he’s the one harassing her, we’ll know soon enough.”
Preston ran his scuffed boot along a crack in the sidewalk. “I can’t believe someone is threatening her.”
“Not threatening exactly, but she’s worried…. Hey, look who’s here.”
A little burst of warmth filled his chest as Claire hurried toward them, boot heels clicking on the pavement, tight jeans hugging tempting hips and thighs. With an effort, he forced his gaze upward. Questions brightened blue eyes as she pushed wisps of blond hair out of her face. She looked so innocent—and sexy. He could almost sympathize with the man from her past who didn’t want to let her go. Almost.
Claire stopped in front of them. “Hey, yourself.” Her direct gaze shifted right. “Hi, Preston. You two look like you’re plotting trouble. What’s up?”
“Preston tracked down your ex-fiancé’s address. It shouldn’t be hard to find out if he has an alibi for the last few days.”
“That’s good. I guess. I still can’t imagine Ross had anything to do with the notes.”
Preston frowned. “I’m sorry. According to Jed, some jerk has been bothering you. Do you know why?”
“I haven’t a clue. The notes are pretty ambiguous. All I can figure is it’s someone’s idea of a joke.” Her eyes clouded. “Too bad I don’t think it’s the least bit funny.”
“If you need any help…”
“Appreciate the offer, but I think we have it under control.” Jed stepped back and glanced at his watch. “Thanks for getting that address.”
“No problem.” Preston’s brows drew together. “I always thought Ross was a complete ass, but I can’t believe he’d send you notes and gifts. Not his style. He’s an in-your-face kind of guy, if you know what I mean.”
“I know exactly what you mean, which is why I told Jed this is a wild goose chase.”
“Hey, you have to look at all the puzzle pieces before you know which ones will fit.” Jed cleared his throat. “Uh, don’t you have an interview scheduled with—”
She winced. “Riley down at the Belly Up. Is it five-thirty already?”
“Almost.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to keep you.” Preston’s lips twisted into a comical smile. “I never know when to shut up.”
She gave his arm a squeeze. “And I still meet myself coming and going. We’re quite a pair.”
“Always were. See you, Claire.”
After Preston left, they walked over to Jed’s SUV. He unlocked the passenger door then held it open for her. When she brushed past him, he couldn’t resist stroking one hand along the curve of her waist down to her hip. “Maybe we can go get some dinner after you talk to the bartender.”
For a moment, heat flared in her eyes as she hiked herself up onto the seat. “Sure, but first…” Pulling an envelope from her purse, she ripped open the flap.
Hurrying around the front of the vehicle, he jerked open the driver’s door and climbed in. A frown settled between Claire’s brows as she read the top sheet of the papers clutched in her hand.
“What is it?”
“Apparently my great-aunt died.”
Reaching across the center console, he laid a hand on her knee. “I’m sorry.”
She glanced up, confusion darkening her eyes. “I thought she died ages ago. When the cards and letters I sent her started coming back, I called my dad. He told me the old…witch…was too mean to die. They had this big fight back when I was still in high school, and Aunt Agatha disowned him. If I’d known she was still alive all these years…” She drew in a long breath.
“Obviously you’re upset. Do you want to call the Belly Up and cancel your appointment? You’re going to be late as it is.”
She shook her head. “No, I’m okay, and I want to wrap up this story. Once I get a quote from Riley, I’ll sit down and figure out what these documents are all about. I’m not sure why a lawyer would be contacting me. I hadn’t seen my great-aunt since my parents moved away from Shady Bend years and years ago.”
He started the engine. “Your aunt lived here?”
“On the coast, not far away. She had this cool old gothic house overlooking the ocean. Even after the blowup with my dad over—” She frowned. “I can’t remember what it was about, but I still went to visit her now and then. She really was an argumentative old biddy, but she was all alone. Aunt Agatha didn’t have any children of her own, just a couple of nieces back east and my dad.”
Jed glanced over as he pulled out onto the street. “You’re a kind person. It’s one of the things I like most about you.”
She didn’t respond, just stared through the windshield with clouded eyes.
After parking in the lot behind the bar, he set the brake and turned to face her. “You’re sure you’re up for this.”
Her clenched fist jerked. “Yeah, it won’t take long. Then we’ll go get some dinner.” After stuffing the papers back in the envelope, she opened the door and gave him a hesitant smile. “I’ll be right back.”
“I’m coming with you.” Rounding the front bumper, he walked at her side then slipped an a
rm around her waist. Their feet crunched gravel as they headed toward the bar. “You don’t have to act so tough, you know.”
“I kind of do. There’s been a lot of crap to wade through lately. First getting kicked out of my home. Then the nutcase leaving me wedding paraphernalia. Now this.”
His arm tightened. “You can lean on me.”
She paused beside the door and glanced up. A dying ray of late afternoon sun highlighted the smooth curve of her cheek and the vulnerability in her eyes. “I know. It helps, honestly.”
“Good.” He pulled open the heavy wooden door.
Squaring her shoulders, she stepped inside.
* * * *
Claire’s head throbbed from the blare of a football game along with the accompanying shouts from the men glued to the action displayed on the wide screen TV. In the far corner of the bar, pool balls smacked together, and over all of it, a country tune about a man with a cheating wife whined through hidden speakers.
“Thanks, Riley.” Claire raised her voice to be heard. “Your insights were extremely helpful.” She held out her hand.
The bartender shook it. “Being interviewed was kind of fun. Nice, having someone listen to me for a change.” Dark eyes twinkled beneath shaggy brows as the old-timer released her hand and set a highball glass on the polished burl wood bar. “We tend to get a noisy crowd for Monday Night Football. You look like you could use a drink. What can I get you—on the house?”
She glanced across the room at Jed, who stood beside a dart board talking to a tall, curvy redhead. “If I start drinking now, I might not stop. It’s been one of those days, but I appreciate the offer.”
“Everyone has them once in a while. Did I answer all your questions?”
“You did. Thanks for being so candid.” She slid off the stool.
“You bet. Hope your evening improves.”
Claire shot another glance toward Jed as he threw back his head to laugh at something the redhead said.
“Doubtful. Seriously doubtful.” Letting out a long, slow breath, she headed across the scared wooden floor, boot heels thumping with each step.
A smile curved his lips as Jed turned to face her. “All finished with the interview?”
She met the resentful gleam in the other woman’s gaze with a cool look. “Yes, but I can always walk back to the campground if you’re…busy.”
“Celeste and I were just shooting the breeze. I’m ready to go.” The smile he turned on the woman had probably charmed more than one recipient straight into bed. “It was nice meeting you.”
Celeste blinked long, mascara-coated lashes and sighed. “I’m here most evenings if you get—” Her glistening lips tightened as she glanced at Claire. “—bored.”
Jed backed up a step. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Nice meeting you, Celeste.” Claire turned on her heel and stalked across the room, wondering if he’d follow. Jed caught up just as she reached the door and stretched out an arm to hold it open. When his chest pressed up against her back, she hurried outside.
The fog had rolled in while they were in the Belly Up, swirling thick in the air. She plunged her hands into her jacket pockets and shivered.
“Where do you want to go for dinner?”
Stopping beside the SUV, she scowled. “Just like that—dinner?”
“Huh? Just like what?”
She forced herself to breathe. So he’d talked to a woman in a bar. Big deal. It wasn’t like they were a real couple. A few kisses didn’t exactly constitute a relationship. If seeing him laughing with another woman made her want to rip every dyed hair out of the bimbo’s head, then that was her problem. Not Jed’s.
“Nothing. Sorry I sounded grouchy. The noise in there gave me a headache.”
Resting both hands on her shoulders, he turned her to face him. “We don’t have to eat out. We can go back to the campsite and cook something there. I know you’re probably anxious to look at those papers.”
“I’m not in the mood to cook tonight. Let’s compromise and get takeout.”
He gave his keys a little toss. “Burgers or pizza?”
“How about Chinese?”
“Sounds good.”
“The Golden Dragon is just down the street. Want to walk?”
“Sure.” Stuffing the keys back in his pocket, he took her hand. When she tried to pull away, his grip tightened. “Are you mad about something?”
Some of the tension drained out of her as they headed down the sidewalk. “Not mad exactly…”
“Then what? I can’t fix it if I don’t know what’s wrong.”
She peered up at him through the gloom. “Are you really that clueless?”
A smile flashed. “Apparently I am.”
“No wonder you’re still single.”
“I should be insulted, but—”
“No woman likes seeing the man she’s with—” Claire held up a hand. “I know we’re not exactly a couple, but it kind of feels like we are after nearly a week of constant togetherness.” She lifted one shoulder in a little shrug. “It stung, seeing you flirt with that woman.”
He stopped and tightened his hold on her. “Who? Celeste?”
“Were you flirting with more than one woman?”
“No, I mean, I wasn’t flirting with anyone. She was waiting for her date and was irritated because the guy was late. Since we were both just standing there, I didn’t see any reason not to be friendly.”
“God, do you not know the effect you have on the opposite sex? Celeste would have dumped her date in a heartbeat if you’d given her one reason to believe—”
“But, I didn’t.” He tugged her up against his chest and tilted her chin. Looking into her eyes, he smiled. “Why would I encourage another woman when I could be with you?”
Heat worked its way from deep in her belly upward, curling around her heart and filling an empty void. She clung a little harder and forced her brain to shift out of neutral. “Celeste would probably sleep with you.”
“I don’t want to sleep with Celeste. I’d rather hang out with you, even if we’re just talking. Not that I wouldn’t jump at the opportunity to…never mind. I’m a patient man. I can wait. You’re worth it.”
Standing on her toes, she pressed a kiss to his lips before stepping away. “A few more lines like those, and you’ll have me exactly where you want me…but then I’m pretty sure you already know that. You’re smooth, Lafferty. Very smooth.”
“Hey, I meant every syllable.”
“I’m sure you did.” Swinging their clasped hands, she pulled him toward the restaurant. “Let’s go order. My headache’s gone, and I’ve worked up quite an appetite.”
* * * *
Jed heaped a pile of lo mein onto his plate then slid the container across the table to Claire. “What does it say?”
She glanced up from the documents spread in front of her. Eyes wide, she pressed a hand to her chest and gulped air.
“Are you okay?” Shoving aside the mu shu pork, he laid a hand on her arm. “You’re scaring me a little.”
“I can’t believe it. Aunt Agatha left me her house.”
He reared back, thumping his head against the wall of the motor home. “Wow.”
“‘Wow’ doesn’t quite cover it. There’s some money, too.” Tears welled in her eyes. Pressing shaking fingers to her cheeks, she wiped them away. “Why would she do that? I hadn’t talked to her in fifteen years. Surely there was someone else more deserving.”
“You said she didn’t have any immediate family, that she was estranged from your father….”
“She sent back my letters. Why would she return them then leave me her home?”
He tapped the address label on the corner of the envelope. “Maybe the lawyer who mailed these papers will know.”
“I hope so.” Claire rested her head in her hands. “I feel awful. I should have made more of an effort to find out what happened to her.”
“How old were you when the letters were returned?”
“Nineteen. Actually, it was right around the time of my breakup with Ian. Between trying to stay on top of my studies and dealing with annulment proceedings, I was already overextended. Still, it’s no excuse for ignoring a lonely old woman.”
“You didn’t ignore her. She severed communication. Don’t beat yourself up over it.” He held out a bag of egg rolls. “Eat. The food’s getting cold.”
“I don’t know if I can. There’s a huge knot of emotions tangled in my stomach. Part of me is thrilled about the house. The place is beyond cool, or at least it used to be. I’d be ecstatic if I didn’t feel so guilty. And sad.”
Jed picked up one cold hand and squeezed it. “It’s okay to be confused. Finding out your aunt died was a shock. Add to that the house—well, it’s a lot to process. We’ll figure it all out. Tomorrow. Right now, have some dinner.”
She let out a long sigh. “You’re right. I tend to obsess over things beyond my control, and there’s absolutely no point since I certainly can’t change the past.” Pulling her hand from his, she lifted the container of lo mein to scoop a helping onto her plate.
Claire was quiet throughout the meal. The pain in her eyes squeezed his heart. When she stopped pushing the food around her plate, he cleared the table and washed the few dishes. After rinsing out the sponge and tossing it next to the sink, he leaned against the short strip of counter and idly reached down to scratch Scoop’s ears when the dog pressed against his leg.
“Want to sit outside? I can build a fire.”
After a long pause, she glanced over at him. “I’m pretty tired. Do you mind if I pass?”
“Of course not.”
Her lips curved downward. “I’m not much fun this evening. Maybe you should have stayed at the Belly Up.”
“We’ve already been through this. I didn’t want to stay at the bar, and I don’t expect to be entertained, for crying out loud. You’re allowed to have an off night.”
Stepping forward, he pulled her up off the seat. With the pad of his thumb, he stroked her soft cheek as the honeysuckle scent of her shampoo invaded his senses. Warmth filled his chest before an arrow of heat zinged straight downward. Shifting, he tugged on his jeans to ease the ache. If she didn’t look so damned vulnerable…
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