Per the typical routine, Eden and George sat in silence waiting for Dorothy to pour them coffee and set a plate of warm biscuits and honey on the table before Dorothy finally joined them.
“So,” George began, “I told Robert about our panther. Don’t think he believed me.”
Dorothy smiled cutting in, “Well you can’t blame him. I wouldn’t believe you if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes.”
Eden cut into a biscuit and scooped a spoonful of honey over one half, earning her an approving nod from Dorothy.
“You’re certain it wasn’t a dog or wolf maybe?” She bit into her honey covered biscuit, letting the crusty sweetened flakes melt in her mouth.
George scratched at the scruff of his chin. “Thought it was a bear at first, but it was definitely a cat. Long thin tail, short, cropped ears, yellow eyes. Looked right at us then bounded off into the trees.”
Eden had finished the first half of her biscuit and was spreading honey on the other half. “Well, if you’re certain it was a panther I trust your judgment George. Problem is that means someone’s got an exotic pet on the loose.”
Dorothy’s soft worn features contorted into genuine concern as she eyed the window. “Isn’t it too cold out for a panther? They can’t survive these temperatures.”
Eden set her biscuit on the small plate Dorothy had provided and smiled. Leave it to Dorothy to be more concerned about the panther’s welfare than her own. “I’ve heard of black cougars even black bobcats in the southeast, but you’re right our climate is too cold.” Eden stood, reaching in her pockets to retrieve her gloves. “I better get cracking; I don’t want the poor thing to die 'cause I’m in here stuffing my face with your delicious biscuits when I ought to be working.”
George stood and walked her to the door. “You’ll let us know when you catch it?”
Eden smiled and used a gloved hand to pop the last half of honey-slathered biscuit into her mouth. They knew her well, and it wasn’t a question of if she caught the panther, but when she caught the panther.
“I will George,” she spoke around the bite of food. “In the meantime keep Ruby and Ruger close to the house.” Eden smiled as Dorothy approached. “And keep her,” she motioned with her head toward Dorothy, “even closer. We don’t know if it’s dangerous, but even if it has been a pet for years, it’s still a large predatory animal. Don’t take any chances. If it comes around and gets to close for comfort, shoot it.”
George cleared his throat, “One more thing. Can’t be sure, but I thought I saw a collar on the animal.”
Eden sighed, “Well, then I guess that just verifies that it is, in fact, a pet on the loose. Don’t worry; I’ll take care of it.”
Dorothy shoved a basket into Eden’s hands, “Some biscuits and honey for you and the kids to have with supper tonight.”
“Thank you Dorothy,” Eden bent and hugged the older woman before straightening and shaking George’s hand.
“Hey,” George began without releasing her fingers, “what have you heard about that StoneCrow fella that bought the old William’s place?”
“Not much. He already owns roughly three hundred acres and is expanding his wildlife preserve and rehabilitation facility. Apparently he’s got the money to do so.”
“Is he married?
Eden felt herself blush; she knew where this was going. “Not sure Dorothy. I’ve only met him once and…”
“You met him?” Dorothy’s eyes lit with interest. “Is he old? How does he look?”
“No, he’s not old, bout my age I guess. He’s…”
When Eden didn’t answer Dorothy prodded, “Handsome?”
Eden pulled her hand from George’s grip even as the old-timer laughed and turned leaving the two women. Eden shrugged one shoulder as she forced a glove onto her bare hand, “I suppose he’s handsome in that I’m-a-rich-city-slicker-and-I-think-I-rule-the-world sorta way.”
Dorothy’s old eyes twinkled as she smiled knowingly, “Sounds promising.”
Eden turned to the door, “Well it’s not. He’s an ass Dorothy, s’cuse the language. He filed a suit against me to gain an easement across my land.”
Dorothy gasped audibly, “He didn’t!”
Eden turned back to the old woman. “He did. Funny thing is if he’d a just asked I would have been okay with it. I didn’t even know he wanted access until I got the court documents served on me. Spelled my name wrong and everything. Then he came to the house demanding to speak to my husband or father, Eddie StCloud.” She watched as Dorothy pursed her lips in disapproval.
“Well you’re too good for the likes of that!”
Now it was Eden’s turn to smile, “Oh Dorothy.” She hugged the woman one more time, “Don’t you worry about me. I can take care of myself.” Before Dorothy could argue, Eden opened the door and stalked out into the cold with Ruby and Ruger fast on her heels. “Have a good day.”
“Don’t be a stranger,” she heard Dorothy yell as she neared the end of the driveway. “Say hi to the kids.”
Back in her truck, Eden waved a final goodbye before picking up the radio. “Robert this is Edie, copy?”
Robert’s answer came a few short moments later. “Did you talk to George?”
“Yeah, and they’re pretty sure of what they saw. I’m coming in to the office. Can you pull any licensure for exotic pets in the county?”
“Will do.”
“Thanks Rob, see you soon.”
She rarely ventured into the office, she didn’t need to. Robert and his brother Kevin kept her apprised of what she needed to know. She had a laptop, scanner, and printer at her home for when they needed to get documentation to her, and her check was direct-deposited. It was rare for her to visit the main office, and it was intentional. She didn’t want people snooping into her life and finding out the truth about her children.
An hour later, Eden walked into the main Fish Wildlife and Parks office in Great Falls.
Kevin, her supervisor, stood near Robert’s shoulder as the two men simultaneously scoured the document that sat on Robert’s desk.
“Afternoon boys. Got something of interest there?”
Kevin straightened, crossing his arms over his chest to frown at her as Robert smiled mischievously.
“Been causing some trouble up your way?” Kevin didn’t smile.
Shit! Without having to see that it was Monroe StoneCrow’s complaint against her, Eden brushed past Robert’s desk and snagged the document. “Come on Kevin, you know he’s got it in for me.”
“For you?” Kevin’s eyes saucered in incredulity. “Have you read the report? Sounds the other way around to me.”
Without responding, Eden flicked her eyes to Robert, “Got that list I asked for?”
If possible, Robert’s smile widened. “Yep,” he quickly stood and approached her with a single sheet of paper, “only one exotic license in the whole county and you won’t believe who it belongs to.”
Her feet skidded to a halt, and she closed her eyes. Come on! She gritted her teeth, “Let me guess, one Mr. Monroe StoneCrow?”
Robert laughed, “The one and only.”
She turned and scowled at him, snatching the paper he held in his outstretched hand. “You could’ve radioed and saved me the trip.”
“He would have,” Kevin interrupted, “but we need to discuss that complaint, Edie.”
She sighed and stalked quickly to her mailbox pulling out the pile of papers stuffed inside. “Robert, I thought I asked you to scan and e-mail me all this crap!”
“Edie,” Kevin prodded, “it’s a formal complaint. I’m required to address it.”
She turned then frowning up at her boss, “Fine. Discipline me. What’ll it be? Leave without pay? Suspension?”
Kevin’s expression softened. She knew he couldn’t afford to lose her even for a week; they were short staffed as it was.
“I’d be satisfied with a letter of apology from you to Mr. StoneCrow and your word that you’ll stop giving him and his men a hard time.
”
Eden chewed the inside of her lip, Christ she hated to apologize especially when she didn’t feel like she was in the wrong. “Fine. I’ll shoot him a letter tonight.”
“E-mail me a copy,” Kevin demanded before turning and disappearing into his office only to poke his head out a second later. “And keep me apprised of the exotic situation. Looks like the panther belongs to him. I want this handled professionally Edie, strictly by-the-book.”
She held up her hands, “Okay Kevin, I got it.” Once Kevin disappeared into his office closing the door firmly behind him Eden frowned at Robert before grabbing a book off the nearest shelf and throwing it at him, “Thanks for the warning asshole!”
Robert dodged the book laughing as he held up his hands in surrender, “I didn’t know. Really Edie, he was looking for some chart and rifling through your box when he found the complaint. I’d never snitch you out.”
Eden pursed her lips and frowned disparagingly. She pulled her angry eyes from Robert just long enough to peruse the licensure registry she’d requested. There in bold black letters was the lone license in the county, and it was registered to Monroe StoneCrow. “Have you got any…”
“Contact info?” Robert was already on his feet. He crossed to her and held out a second sheet of paper. “There’s a phone number to his office, and that’s it.”
Eden crinkled her nose as she stared at the phone number. “How do you know it’s to his office and not a residence?”
Robert shifted nervously before clearing his throat, “I…called it.”
“And…” she prompted.
“Some lady named Lilly answered, said it was StoneCrow Industries.”
“And…” Eden prompted again more impatiently.
Robert used a knuckle to chuck his glasses higher on his nose. “Well then I hung up.”
Eden’s brows shot up in disbelief. “You hung up?”
Robert shrugged carelessly, “Well I didn’t know what to say.”
“Then why’d you call in the first place?”
“Just thought I’d help out.”
Eden snorted, folding the stack of papers and cramming them into the pocket of her parka. “Well thanks for all the help, Rob.”
He grinned and nodded, completely oblivious to the fact that Eden was being sarcastic.
Back in her truck, Eden pulled her cell phone from her inside pocket, confident that it would actually work since she was in town. She pulled the crumpled papers from her pocket and dialed the number listed for Stone Crow Industries.
“StoneCrow Industries. Lilly Worthington speaking.”
“Lilly, this is Game Warden StCloud. I need to speak with Monroe StoneCrow.”
“Game Warden StCloud…Eddie?”
“Edie,” she corrected as she rolled her eyes and demanded in a clipped tone, “Monroe StoneCrow, please.”
“Yes, is it Ms. StCloud or Mrs. StCloud?”
Annoyed now, Eden responded through clenched teeth, “It’s Warden StCloud, and this is a rather urgent matter.”
“Yes, I’m sure it is Warden StCloud, but Mr. StoneCrow is not presently in the office. May I take a message?”
Eden gritted her teeth, “Sure Lilly. Please let Mr. StoneCrow know that at least one of his registered exotics is on the loose in my county. For his sake, I pray it isn’t dangerous as it’s already come into contact with a handful of residence. Let him know that I’m heading back to Shonkin today to track and capture the animals. He will be billed by the State for my time. Also, please let him know there is a fine associated with each animal registered to him that has to be collared and brought in.”
“He…”
Eden continued, irreverent to Lilly’s attempt at intrusion. “Also Lilly, let him know that if any of his pets attacks or even threatens a resident or Warden it is sufficient cause for me to put it down. I’m not sure what he’s paid for his panther or gemsbok, but I’m sure it wasn’t a minuscule sum.”
“If you let me…”
“Should Mr. StoneCrow return to the office, have him contact me directly. The Wildlife Department can assist you with this task.”
“Ms. StCloud, please…”
“Have a good day Lilly.” When Eden hung up the phone, she could hear Monroe’s assistant still attempting to speak. Snooty little bitch! I don’t think she appreciates who she’s messing with.
Chapter 5
An hour later, Eden was traversing the winding county road that led back up the Highwood Mountains. Suddenly, she had to slam on her brakes to keep from hitting the black Humvee that appeared from out of nowhere.
“Jesus Christ! DRIVE MUCH!” She was halfway out of her truck when a second Humvee pulled up behind her. She thought the first vehicle was the same one Monroe StoneCrow had been riding in the day he’d come to her cabin, but with no one exiting either vehicle, Eden stilled with one hand still on her door. She turned to stare at the Humvee behind her. Both vehicles had black-out windows and neither door was opening. Realizing the compromising position she was in, Eden climbed back in her truck and retrieved her rifle that lay in the back seat.
Taking a deep breath, she was just about to exit her vehicle when the driver’s side door of the Humvee in front of her slowly opened.
She didn’t recognize the large man that exited the vehicle, but for some odd reason he reminded her of Monroe. Dressed in head-to-toe winter camo, the dark haired man frowned as he approached. His build was similar to Monroe’s. Both men were impossibly large and handsome. Eden watched the man as he slowly advanced. His features were stern, drawn tight in concentration as he stared at her.
Unnerved, Eden reached inside her coat and pulled her pistol, knowing she wouldn’t be able to maneuver her .300 Win Mag from inside the cab of the truck.
The closer the man got, Eden could see that his eyes were a dark green. Hot, but definitely not as sexy as Monroe. Annoyed with herself for the thought, Eden quickly opened her door and jumped down from her truck. She wouldn’t be intimidated by Monroe’s men, and she had no doubt that’s exactly who they worked for.
Eden held her pistol in her hand, but kept it pointed at the ground. She heard the door of the Humvee behind her open and she flattened her back against her truck as she eyed the stranger that was closest to her. “Is there a problem?”
The man in front of her held up his hands, “Ms. StCloud, my name is King Mulholland. The gentleman behind you is Bishop.”
Eden turned, startled that the man behind her had gotten so close, so quickly, without her having heard his approach. He too was wearing all winter camo.
Frowning at the man momentarily, Eden turned back to eye King warily, “Any reason you boys have my truck surrounded?” She tightened her grip on her pistol.
Eden watched as King shook his head and it only took a moment to register that he wasn’t shaking his head at her. Quickly, she raised her pistol and pointed it at the man, Bishop, behind her. “Put your hands up!”
Bishop looked from her to King before he did as she asked.
Careful to keep her pistol trained on Bishop, Eden flashed a glance over her shoulder to ensure King hadn’t moved. She motioned with her pistol for Bishop to move, “Keep your hands up and move toward your friend.”
Bishops lips cracked in a grin, but he kept his hands in the air and moved all the same.
Once the two men were side by side, Eden frowned at the Humvee behind her. “Anyone else in that vehicle?” When she looked back to the two men, Bishop was shaking his head.
“Look,” King began taking a step closer.
“Don’t move!” Eden shook her head. “Both of you keep your hands up and stay where you are.” She leaned into her truck and pulled out the receiver on her radio. She was just about to call in for back-up when the back door of the Humvee in front of her opened and Monroe StoneCrow stepped out.
“Ms. StCloud, what seems to be the problem?” He was fighting to hide a grin.
Enraged at his clear enjoyment of the situation, Eden rea
ched back in and replaced her radio before she stepped back out and lifted her pistol. “Hands in the air Mr. StoneCrow.”
His smile faded and when the muscle in his jaw twitched, Eden repeated herself. “I said, Put. Your. Hands. In. The. Air!”
Monroe ground his teeth together and did as he was told.
“Walk toward me.”
Monroe complied and sauntered toward her to stand beside King and Bishop.
Keeping her pistol trained on the three men, Eden cautiously stepped back keeping her voice assertive, “Is there anyone else inside either vehicle?”
Bishop rolled his eyes, but it was King who responded. “No.”
Eden demanded, “Gentlemen turn and place your hands on the vehicle and spread your legs wide.”
Monroe’s lip curled in a derisive sneer, “You can’t be serious.”
“Up against the vehicle! NOW!”
The trio of towering men did as she demanded.
She had no doubt that Monroe had ordered the little maneuver that had her truck currently trapped between the two Humvees. With her heart pounding she approached Bishop who stood nearest the hood of the Humvee. He was ridiculously tall and there was no way in hell she’d be able to search his upper body. She holstered her pistol and ran her hands around his waist half expecting to find a firearm. Finding none, she patted down each of Bishop’s legs in turn. When she heard Bishop growl she stood and kicked one of his ankles and commanded, “Wider!”
She thought she heard King laugh as Bishop spread his legs further apart dropping him down so she was able to search his upper body. When she was finished searching Bishop she shoved him hard in the back trying to force him to sprawl over the car. It was like pushing against a brick wall and when Bishop didn’t move she shoved him harder.
“Bishop!” Monroe growled.
Bishop turned to stare at Monroe before acquiescing to Eden’s shove and flattening his upper body against the hood, frowning at her from the corner of his eye.
“Keep your hands where I can see ‘em.” Then she moved to King and repeated the process. When she got to Monroe his body was rigid with anger.
“Is this really necessary?”
Skin Walkers: Monroe Page 3