RAINBOW’S END: FOUR-IN-ONE COLLECTION

by Valerie Comer, Annalisa Daughety, Nicole O’Dell

  Her eyes brightened, and she sat up. “I could pack a picnic.”

  “Okay.” More than he’d intended, but at least he could protect her.

  “It’s a date.”

  A date? Did she really just say that? Reagan stared at Colton as he strolled back to his condo. She didn’t mean it the way it sounded. But he’d turned and left before she could clarify. A date clearly indicated a romantic overtone.

  She couldn’t let that happen. No, not until she could rest, knowing the stalker was behind her. Otherwise, it would be too easy to spend her dates wondering if anyone was watching and what the ramifications might be.

  With his first year of law school set to start in weeks, Colton had other things on his mind anyway. And with the stress of school, he didn’t need a girlfriend who had to worry about the shadows. Sure, things seemed calm, but she wasn’t in St. Louis. She couldn’t help wondering if she’d truly shaken her stalker or if he’d gone dormant until she returned. A ripple of fear coursed through her.

  She picked up the photos and shuffled through them. A couple she’d snapped from the parking lot in front of the condos. Her temporary home was the kind of place she wouldn’t mind coming back to in the future. It was small but comfortable. As she studied one of the pictures, something caught her attention. She squinted and pulled the picture closer. Could she blow it up? Not without her laptop … but maybe a photo store could.

  She squinted harder. Had something been scribbled on her back window?

  She couldn’t quite make it out. Yet she was certain she’d never noticed a message. She shook the thought free then tucked the photo back in the pile.

  The events of the spring had her on edge. Imagining something where there wasn’t anything.

  She was safe in Osage Beach.

  Her stalker wouldn’t follow her. Why would he? It was such a small place that even with all the visitors and extra bodies for the Rainbow’s End hunt, she would still notice if someone lurked in the background.

  She had to believe it, or she’d go crazy wondering. Besides, she had two men watching over her.

  Everything would be fine if she didn’t let her imagination run wild. This is why she preferred orderly rows of numbers. Numbers were objective. There was nothing to dispute about how they added up. Two plus three was always five. No ifs, ands, or buts.

  Why couldn’t life mirror an accounting program? Orderly, easy to interpret. No matter how complex, she could bring numbers into submission.

  She bowed her head. When her heart got this stirred up, there was only one thing she could do. Pray for God’s peace to overwhelm her. After a moment, she felt her nerves ease.

  The door banged open next to her, and she didn’t even jump. “Good morning, Garrett.”

  He stretched into a big X then turned and grinned. “It’s going to be a great day. One hunt and then a break.”

  “You’d better double-check with your buddy on that.” Reagan shook her head. “I think he’s determined to win this thing.”

  “Nah. He likes to put on the show that he wants to win. It’s all good fun.”

  “If you say so.”

  “I do. We’ll take the next two days off to enjoy the festivities. Got to celebrate the birthday.” He made it sound like a required event. She couldn’t resist smiling at his enthusiasm. “Ready in fifteen?”

  “Sure, Garrett.” She slipped into the condo and walked to the kitchen. The scent of french vanilla coffee filled the small space. She inhaled deeply then grabbed a mug. After lacing it with some sweetener and cream, she headed back to her room. He didn’t really mean fifteen minutes.

  Colton entered the last few caches in the online database. He’d given up waiting for Reagan to get ready and told Garrett they could find him in his condo when they were finally ready to leave.

  He studied the rankings. No matter how many caches he pushed Garrett and Reagan to hit in a day, someone else stayed in front of them. Who led the pack changed from day to day, but these people must be highly motivated. Maybe Garrett was right. Colton should quit pushing so hard and enjoy the summer. Hit a cache every once in a while, but let it be enjoyable.

  Nah, that wasn’t him.

  He couldn’t participate without at least trying to win. Anything less wasn’t in his makeup. Garrett might as well learn that now—he planned to be a grueling study partner once classes started. Colton’s goal was to hit honors from the first semester if there was anything he could do to make it happen.

  Garrett didn’t give off the same intense vibe.

  It’d be Colton’s luck that Garrett was one who could read something once and know it for life. Skate by on a great memory. That would be just perfect.

  A knock on his front door made him turn from the laptop.

  “Come in.”

  Reagan slipped through the door. “Hey. Garrett wants to know if you’re ready.”

  “Garrett?” His frustration at the delay smoldered below the surface. He hoped she couldn’t see it.

  “I know. He’s decided to start pushing … no idea why.” Her gaze moved around the condo. It didn’t reflect who he was, but how could it when none of the furniture was his? Wasn’t worth the effort to move anything big here with only a few weeks before they’d head back to St. Louis. “Nice place.”

  “Yeah. Identical to yours.”

  “Just smaller. Must have the same designer.” The smirk looked good on her.

  “Know where you want to go today?”

  “Wherever you guys go. I figure I’m still the tagalong.”

  Something about the way she said it had him turning his laptop toward her, earlier annoyance gone. Maybe she thought the guys weren’t letting her participate in the game enough. If she didn’t carry the camera everywhere, it might help, but still, he could include her more often in some of the decisions. He clicked a couple of buttons then motioned for her to take a seat. “Here’s the list. The caches with green check marks are the ones we’ve already found. If you click this button, you can see the sites superimposed on a map. Any appeal to you?”

  She set her chin in her palm, fingers curled by her lips, and studied the screen. “How about that one?” She pointed at one that looked like it was nearby in town.

  “Why that one?”

  “It’s close. And if I were going to hide the bonus token, I’d keep it close.”

  “Ah, the token.” He grinned. Maybe she was in this to win, too.

  Her eyes sparkled as she smiled back. “I also think we should check the one at the outlet mall. How many people would search for that one?”

  “All the women?”

  “Sure. And how many of them will be able to drag men along with them?” “Not very many.”

  “Exactly. So it’s a nice way to get you a bonus log in.” “I like the way you think.”

  “Just methodical.” She shrugged. “That’s how accountants are wired. I’ll tell Garrett you’ll be ready in a few.” She slipped out the door, and Colton watched her go. There was something about her that was like watching a dance in progress. One that captivated his attention and made him want more.

  He had to shake free of that. In less than two months, law school and his studies would consume his life. He hadn’t worked hard to save for his tuition just so he could be distracted by a relationship. He wasn’t even sure he’d have time for friends. He definitely needed to rein in his thoughts.

  Reagan could be a good friend. One he’d stay in touch with via e-mail and Facebook. But that was it. His life didn’t have room for more. Not now.

  Chapter 5

  I’m headed to the mall,” Reagan yelled toward the bathroom as she grabbed Garrett’s keys off the kitchen island. She wanted to slip out before he could get out of the shower. It might be insane, but she needed a few minutes. Leaving when he couldn’t stop her seemed the best way to accomplish that. Otherwise, he’d have an argument for why it still wasn’t safe. She’d grown weary of that disagreement as the days passed without the hint of
fright. But she also knew her chances of beating him in a squabble were nonexistent. The kid had practiced his linguistic skills on her since he was six. He’d parry circles around her while she tried to craft her first thrust.

  And she didn’t want to ask Colton to come along, not after making him miserable last time. Nothing would happen.

  She unlocked the car and drove the couple of miles to the outlet mall. She didn’t need anything but freedom. Wonder which store sold that? She slipped the car into a vacant spot and pulled her purse strap over her shoulder.

  Soon she stood in front of the directory. The board listed dozens of options, but nothing appealed. Walking and ducking into the occasional store would work. As she stepped into a funky clothing store, she felt herself relax. Without the boys around to remind her of the haunting spring, it was easy to breathe like no one watched or cared.

  Time slipped away, and she acquired a few bags as she walked down sidewalks.

  This trip felt different. Lonely.

  Who would have thought having a reluctant guy along would make the excursion more fun?

  Colton had let her know he thought the stores ridiculous, but she’d enjoyed tweaking his nose as she prolonged her trips in the stores that annoyed him most. He was too fun to play with.

  His intensity had disappeared for a bit. And she’d enjoyed getting to know the man left behind. She entered Eddie Bauer, her eye drawn to a bucket hat that looked perfect for Colton. His neck had gotten scorched a time or two. The brim would protect it on future hikes. If he’d wear it …

  She grinned at the thought of him wearing the hat. Chances were he’d think it ridiculous, but still, the sunburn had to hurt.

  “I’ll take this.” She handed the hat to the clerk then added a festive scarf to her purchase and a few minutes later exited the store.

  A cloud crossed in front of the sun, and Reagan shivered in the sudden chill. The hair on her neck tingled, and she glanced behind her. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Just other tourists and shoppers on the hunt for steals and deals.

  Still, her pace picked up as she moved to the next store.

  “Reagan.” She skidded to a stop, frantically looking for a place to hide. Nobody knew her here. Nobody.

  She hurried down a hallway that led to restrooms.

  “Reagan.” The male voice was louder, but the competing noise of a group of women passing kept the tone garbled. Her pace increased until she opened the door to the ladies’ room and hoped whoever it was wouldn’t follow. Then again, when had a bathroom sign stopped someone intent on causing harm?

  She dragged in a shallow breath. Her heart pounded, and she could hardly stand under the sudden pressure.

  Think. She had to think. How could a relaxing afternoon evaporate in an instant? One word. That’s how. Her name on the lips of somebody who couldn’t know her. No one should know her here. She’d worked so hard to stay in the shadows. Making sure no one really noticed her even though she was there.

  She’d started to believe she was safe and now this.

  The door to the ladies’ room banged open. She screamed as she backed her way to the corner.

  “Are you okay, dear?” An elderly lady with a visor resting atop her white curls eyed her.

  “Was anyone out there when you came inside?” Reagan’s voice trembled as she squeezed the words past the tightness in her throat.

  “Only a young man.” The woman squinted and stepped closer. “He could be your brother.”

  Reagan exhaled in a whoosh. Garrett. She should have considered he’d come after her. “Thank you.”

  She pushed out the door and straight into Colton. He steadied her and grimaced.

  “What are you doing here?” She punctuated the question by stabbing his chest with her pointer finger. “You scared me to death. Ruined my perfectly nice time. And where is Garrett?”

  Colton held up his hands and pushed her back a step, getting out of poking range. “Hey, hold up. You left the apartment in such a rush, you scared him.”

  “I. Scared. Him?” She was going to kill that meddling brother of hers before he could do something like this again. There he was, the coward, leaning against a vending machine. Was he munching a candy bar? She grabbed the half-eaten bar from his hand, took a bite, and chewed. “I didn’t think the three musketeers intentionally scared each other.”

  “Keep that in mind next time you take off like that.” Garrett’s eyes hardened.

  “An hour. I just wanted time to myself.”

  “Check your watch.”

  “What?”

  “Check your watch.” Garrett stabbed at her wrist. “More than an hour disappeared while I tried to reach you on your phone. Make sure you were okay. All I knew is you were headed here. What if something happened?”

  “All that happened is you scared me to death.” She dug through her purse. Not there. She must have left her phone in the car. “My phone’s in the car. No one ever calls me anyway.” She shoved one of her bags at Colton. “Here. I got this for you.” She let go, spun on her heel, and left the guys standing there.

  Colton had kept his mouth shut even as he wanted to insert himself into the sibling spat. As Reagan thrust the sack at him, he caught it, stunned to watch her spin and take off. “Is she usually this independent?”

  He liked that about her. Really, he did. It just made it hard to keep an eye on her, though the longer they were here, the less necessary that seemed.

  “She was until everything started this spring. It made her an easy target. She doesn’t need anyone. Mom always said she was that way as a toddler, too.”

  The image of a short-legged, pig-tailed, absolutely adorable three-year-old Reagan made Colton grin. He could only imagine what her daughter would look like some day. Adorable as her mom.

  Garrett rubbed his eyes. “Guess we’d better follow.” “You go back. I’ll make it up to her. She was terrified when she came out.”

  “Good.” Garrett locked his fists on his hips. “I’d rather have her terrified and angry than hurt.”

  “Want my car?”

  “Nope. I need to walk this off.” Garrett struck off toward the entrance before Colton could stop him.

  Make that two stubborn siblings. Both adamant he or she was right and the other wrong.

  Colton sighed and took off after the prettier sibling.

  When mad, the woman marched with conviction. He would have laughed if it hadn’t bothered him that he was one of the people who’d ticked her off. He’d have to do something to make things better again. The scent of fresh pretzels reached him. Who didn’t like an Auntie Anne’s special?

  It didn’t seem like the most effective way to apologize, but it sure couldn’t hurt anything.

  He picked up his pace until he walked next to her. “Can I buy you a pretzel?”

  “Did somebody tell you that’s an effective pickup line? They lied.”

  “Come on.” He touched her arm, and she stilled. “I really am sorry. I don’t see a five-star restaurant, but I can get you a warm treat.”

  “Add a slushie?”

  “Sure.” A minute later, they sat on a park bench, shoulder to shoulder. In minutes, her tongue would turn cherry red thanks to her slurps on the slushie, while he sipped a flavored lemonade.

  The price tag reminded him why he didn’t date. Way too expensive for a law student. Better to keep that part of his life free and clear, though he had to admit he liked the connection developing between them. “I really am sorry we scared you.”

  “Scared me? Try petrified.” Reagan’s slim shoulders shivered. “I’ll thank you not to do that again.”

  “Then don’t run off without us.”

  “A girl needs some alone time. At least I picked a public place.”

  “True.” He tore a piece from the large salty pretzel. “Still, bad things happen in public.”

  “I just want the danger to disappear. Go back to living my life the way I did before.” She studied him. “It’s been
so quiet here. Why can’t I go to the mall by myself?”

  “I don’t know. I guess Garrett wants to be certain.” She seemed to accept his answer, but her shoulders didn’t relax. Maybe she sensed he couldn’t really promise she was safe. “Hey …” He tipped her chin up, until her clear blue eyes stared into his. A strand of her loose blond hair brushed his hand. Focus, Colton. “Um, I’m sorry we ruined your day.”

  She swallowed hard, and his thoughts locked up. She looked so soft and vulnerable, her recent worry clear in her posture and the way she leaned into his touch. Did she have any idea how much he wanted to protect her when she did that? Going shopping with his new friend had transformed into a deep need to make sure she lost her bewildered expression. He wanted her to adopt the freedom that comes from walking without fright.

  “Anything else you want to look for?” She glanced down at his bag. “Not until I know if you like your present.”

  “Hmmm.” He pulled the bag onto his lap. It was so light there couldn’t be much in it. A pair of socks maybe? Some type of gag gift? He pulled out a khaki blob of fabric.

  Reagan started laughing, the sound melodious and perfect. “Don’t you see?”

  “See what? Fabric?”

  She snatched it from his hand, adjusted it, then plopped it on his head. “No, silly. A hat. To keep you from frying.”

  “A hat.” He could hardly contain his enthusiasm.

  “Yep. Can’t have you walking around with a perpetually red neck. Consider the skin problems this will prevent.” She tweaked the brim. “Looks like I imagined.”

  The words sounded innocent, but the look in her eyes was pure delighted mirth.

  But if she’d keep laughing like that, he’d wear the ridiculous hat. And as he swept it off for a closer look, he decided it wasn’t too bad. At least not for a sixty-year-old fisherman.

  “Try it on again.” She snorted. “It’s the perfect touch.”

  “Sure it is.” He grinned then leaned closer to her as he smashed it on his head. “I’ll wear it for you … but next time get something a little more debonair.”

  “Debonair.” She breathed the word then snorted again. “I didn’t think you’d know a word like that.”