“You’ve got the stage wired for sound. Do you have a band playing this weekend, or are you relying on the jukebox to keep folks dancing?”
“I’ve got some students coming in. A lady that taught at the school with me in Casper has a son in college that plays in a band, and they’re not half bad. They’re all legal age to be in a bar, so I hired them to work Friday and Saturday. It should be quite a show.
“I look forward to it. But you have to promise me something.”
Rennia cocked her head. “What’s that?”
“You have to promise to dance with me, all the slow ones.”
She smiled. “I’ll do my best. I’m gonna be awfully busy with the bar, but I’ll see what I can do about getting some temp help so I can have a little fun.”
“Sounds good. I don’t know about you, but I’m starved. How about you let me buy you dinner tonight.”
“Before I accept, you should know the only place to eat dinner out in Takoda right now is the Takoda Diner. It’s probably not up to your New York standards.”
He laughed. “I’m on vacation, and you should always sample the local cuisine when you’re traveling. I’m game if you are.”
“Sure, I’d love to. Just give me a minute to check inside and lock up, and I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll wait right here.”
Rennia walked inside and reached for her phone. She found the diner’s number in her saved file and pressed the green bar to initiate the call. While she waited for someone to answer, she checked to make sure the back door was locked.
“Diner, what can I do for you?”
“Macie, is that you?” Rennia asked.
“Yeah, it’s me. Who’s this?”
“It’s Rennia Wind River.”
“Hey, girl. Long time no see. What can I do you for?”
“I don’t have time for a lengthy explanation, but I promise to fill you in more tomorrow. I’ll come over for lunch, and we can talk.”
“Okayyyy.” Macie drew the word out. “What do you want, Rennia, and how is it gonna get me in hot water?”
“No hot water, I promise. I’m about to come over for dinner, and I’m bringing a friend with me. He’s human, so I need to make sure nobody mentions anything about the pack while were there.”
“You don’t have to worry, honey. Alpha Remus has made it very clear we’re not supposed to reveal ourselves to any human. You can bring them on safely. I’ll pass the word, but anybody here would be able to scent a human.”
“Great! I appreciate this more than you know, girl.”
“No problem, sugar. You’ll tell me all about the secrecy tomorrow when you come for lunch.”
Rennia laughed. “I will, I promise.”
“Then I’ll see you soon. I gotta go. One of the pack kids just dropped their milk and it’s everywhere. See ya soon.”
Rennia closed the phone and took a deep breath. “I won’t let this go too far. I just want this one day, and if I’m lucky, one night with my mate. Please, God, just let me spend opening night with Ray, and I’ll tell him everything on Sunday. Surely I deserve to have one whole day with the man fate chose for me.” Straightening her shoulders, she walked toward the door. “I can do this. Just take one moment at a time.” She forced a smile to her face and walked out the door.
* * * *
Ray followed Rennia into the small diner and frowned. The smell of frying onions could knock over an elephant. At first glance, the place appeared to be full, and then suddenly everyone got quiet. He could feel the hairs on the back of his neck stand up as everyone in the small room turned to stare at him.
Rennia grabbed his arm. “There’s a table.”
She led him on a zigzag course through the silent diners to a table with a scratched Formica top and mismatched chairs. Glancing around nervously, he held her chair and then slid into his own. “Have I got something on my nose?”
Rennia barked out a laugh. “They’re just curious about strangers.” Her voice got a little louder. “I’m sure they don’t mean any harm.” It was like she’d flipped a switch on the room. Everyone turned back to their dinners and resumed their conversations.
Shaking his head, Ray looked around. “That was just a little weird.”
Rennia shrugged. “They’re just a little leery of strangers. You can’t hold that against them. They’re just protecting their family.”
“I guess that’s true. I’m more used to the total disregard New Yorkers show each other and strangers. Your way is actually better, more warm and inviting.”
She smiled. “Is our small town mentality getting to you, Detective Mathews?”
Ray snorted. “Maybe, but don’t get your hopes up that it’s permanent. Soon as my sister gets hitched I’ll be heading back to the bright lights.” A brief look of pain flashed in Rennia’s eyes, but it was gone before he could study it.
“When is the wedding? I forgot what you told me.”
“That’s been a bit of a problem. It was scheduled for the end of the month, but they had some misunderstanding with the printer and the date went out wrong. So, I guess the nuptials are scheduled for about ten days from now.”
“Wow,” Rennia said. “That had to hurt.”
He shrugged. “My sister’s always been able to handle any crisis. I’m sure everything will go off like clockwork.”
“Good evening, folks. Would you like a menu?”
Ray glanced up into the bluest eyes he’d ever seen. The young woman looked to be in her mid-thirties, with shoulder length brown hair held back with a rubber band. She was dressed in a yellow uniform with a nametag that read ‘Macie’. She chewed gum rhythmically as she held out two dirty, torn menus.
“Howdy, folks. I’m Macie, and I’m happy to serve you tonight. Can I get you something to drink while you go over the menu?”
“I’d like some iced tea, please,” said Rennia.
Ray glanced at his date. “You mind if I have one beer?”
“Go ahead.” Rennia smiled. “I can always drive us back if I need to.”
Ray turned his attention to the gum snapping waitress. “I’d like a beer, little lady.”
Macie nodded and turned toward the counter where another young woman was washing dishes. “Give me a barley water and an English winter.” She turned her gaze back to Ray. “I’ll be back in a minute to get your order.”
Ray looked at Rennia and raised his brow. She giggled. “What’s the matter? Haven’t you ever listened to diner lingo before?”
“Is that what it was? I thought maybe she was speaking in a foreign language.”
Rennia nodded. “In a way, it is a foreign language. I worked here for a while when I was still in school. It took me forever to learn the right words to call in the orders.” She nodded toward the stained, folded menu in his hand. “You’d better figure out what you want. She really will be back in just a minute.”
“Right.” Ray studied the menu for a moment and then laid it on the table.
“That was fast.”
He shrugged. “I’m a meat and potatoes kind of guy.”
Macie placed a glass of tea in front of Rennia, and then a frothy mug of amber-tinted beer next to Ray’s hand. “You folks know what you want?”
“Um, yes.” Rennia smiled. “I want the meatloaf with a baked potato with butter and some green beans on the side.”
Macie turned toward the kitchen and practically yelled. “Gimme a butcher’s revenge with a Murphy and some strings in the alley.” She turned to Ray. “What about you, doll?”
Ray blinked twice and licked his lips. “I’d like the ribs, with some fried potatoes and baked beans. And could you bring me a bottle of ketchup for the fries?”
Macie frowned and then turned toward the kitchen. “Gimme a first lady, fry a Murphy, and whistle berries in the alley. Callie, you need to get some lighthouses out on the tables.” She turned back to smile at Rennia. “Can I set aside a piece of pie for you guys? We’ve got some fresh apple and lem
on meringue today.”
“Oohhh,” groaned Rennia. “I’ll take the lemon.”
Ray chuckled. “The apple’s fine for me.”
Macie nodded. “Callie, put me an Eve with a lid on and a corrugated roof aside for this table.” She walked away writing furiously on the pad she carried around in her hand.
Ray shook his head. “I don’t know if I should be impressed, or afraid. Whistle berries, butcher’s revenge! I thought I’d heard and seen it all in New York.”
Rennia grinned. “See! Small town life can be just as stimulating as the big city.” Ray snickered and took a long drink of his beer. “Tell me about yourself, Ray. Obviously you have a sister since you’re here for her wedding. Are there any other siblings? What about your parents? Have you ever been married? Do you have any children?”
“Whoa, this date is beginning to sound like a job interview.”
“Impossible!” Rennia giggled. “It would be illegal to ask personal questions like that in a job interview.” She folded her fingers around her glass. “You don’t have to answer me. I’m sorry for being so forward.”
Ray reached across the table and grabbed her hand. “I don’t mind the questions as long as you know I’m gonna ask you some as well.”
“Sounds fair.”
“There’s only the two of us. No other siblings, and my mom died when I was little. My dad retired a couple of years ago as a lieutenant with the force. My sister, Kati, was an undercover cop in New York until a little over a year ago. She was working an undercover operation when her cover was blown, and she was shot in the upper leg.” Ray shrugged. “She recovered, but it was a long, hard road. She moved to a small town in Tennessee to get away from everything, but things didn’t work out.”
“What do you mean?”
“When her cover was blown she ended up shooting and killing the son of the head of the cartel. He swore revenge and sent men to kill her.” Ray paused and glanced toward the door.
“What happened in Tennessee?”
“My father had a friend in the position to send her a couple of bodyguards. They protected her, and were able to apprehend the suspects and everything came out all right.”
“If everything is all right, why do you look like you wanna kill somebody?”
“She supposedly fell in love with her two saviors. Maybe you know them. Synia Wind River and Kinnith Kowana are from the mountain here.” If she knows about the shifters she’ll tell me now.
Rennia looked down at her glass. “This is a small town, Ray. Everybody knows everybody. You don’t sound like you care for her choices. What’s wrong with the guys?”
“I got nothing against Synia or Kinnith. I just don’t approve of their, um, their lifestyle. I don’t think Kati took enough time to think this wedding through.”
“If she’s in love, that’s all she’s gonna see. Has she ever made bad choices in her life before?”
Ray shook his head. “No, she’s always been the stable one of the family.”
“Then there’s no reason to question her judgment now. Give it time, and let her prove your fears to be unfounded.”
“I am giving her time. I’m here, and I really didn’t want to come to this wedding.” He tightened his hold on her hand. “But I’m sure glad I did now.” He released her hand when Macie appeared balancing a large tray.
Carefully, she set the plates on the table. “Do you need anything else right now?”
“Not me,” said Rennia. “This looks great.”
“I think we’re fine for now, Macie. Thanks.”
Macie nodded. “I’ll bring your pie out later. Enjoy your dinner.”
Ray looked down at his plate and felt his mouth water. “This looks delicious.” He reached for one of the ribs. “I hope I don’t embarrass you, but my daddy always taught us that some foods are meant to be eaten with your fingers.”
“Doesn’t bother me. Enjoy your dinner.”
Ray picked up the succulent rib and glanced at Rennia. “I’ve told you a little bit about my family. Now it’s your turn.”
Chapter 5
Kinnith pulled up in front of Takoda’s only diner and grabbed the list he’d dropped onto the seat. He’d lost the coin toss and had to fetch dinner for the family while they worked on the emergency wedding preparations. He slid out from under the wheel and headed toward the diner’s entrance. “If I was smart, I’d figure out a way to get Kati to elope and be done with all this wedding nonsense.”
He pushed open the door and glanced around, smiling when he caught sight of his sister. What the hell is she doing with Ray? I thought she told everybody she was going to stay away from him since he was so against shifters. He walked toward their table and smiled when Rennia looked up. He was about to speak when a look of fear crossed her face. Frowning, he made his way to their table.
Ray started and then recovered quickly. “Hello, Kinnith.” He glanced toward the door. “Where’s the rest of your bunch?”
“Synia and Kati are at home changing the wedding plans to accommodate the new date. They coerced me into coming to get some dinner.” Kinnith glanced at Rennia.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” Ray motioned toward Rennia. “You guys probably already know each other with this place being so small, but Rennia, this is one of my future brothers-in-law, Kinnith. Kinnith, this lovely lady is—”
“Rennia,” Kinnith said. “Yes, we certainly know each other.
Rennia narrowed her eyes. “Yeah, it’s a small town so you know everybody by sight. It’s nice to see you again, Kinnith.”
“You, too.” What is she up to? He doesn’t know she’s my sister. Kinnith felt his mouth drop open. She hasn’t told him she’s a shifter. Damn, she’s in for a nasty fall. He shook his head. Well, little sister. This is your mess, and you’re going to have to clean it up. “Great seeing you, Ray. I know your sister is hoping you’ll spend some time with the family before the wedding.”
Ray smiled. “I’ll spend some time with her, but right now I’m kind of busy, and I’ve got my hands full.”
Kinnith coughed to cover his laugh and turned toward the counter to place his order. “You have no idea how right you are. See you guys later.” He slid onto one of the red leather covered stools at the counter and grabbed a menu. I want to be a fly on the wall when the dads and Uncle Remus find out what Rennia’s up to.
* * * *
“You turn at the next street.”
Ray frowned. “You mean that dirt road?”
Rennia laughed. “It’s not totally dirt. They recently laid a little new gravel down, although it didn’t help much. It’s still pretty slick when it’s wet.” She watched as he slowly made the turn and changed his lights to high beams. “My place is about two miles up on the left. We’ll have to watch for the driveway, because you can’t see the cabin from this road.” She hesitated and then put her hand on Ray’s arm. “I’m really sorry about this, but I do appreciate the ride home.” He’d taken her back to the club for her to get her car, only to discover she had two flat tires. It wasn’t like she was a member of AAA. She’d have to get one of her dads to take her to buy some tires in the morning.
“No problem. But I still think you should have called and reported it as vandalism to the local police.”
“I’ll give him a call tomorrow. Sheriff Rivers is not one to go out on a night call unless it’s a life or death emergency. And with those flat tires, that car will still be sitting there after he’s had his morning coffee.” She pointed toward the side of the road. “There, that’s where you turn.”
Ray made the turn and slowly moved up the gravel drive. The full moon shone down from a black sky speckled with stars. The temperature had dropped drastically with the sun, and with full nightfall, it would go lower still. When they rounded the curve, they could see the place she called home. It was a friendly little house with a bay window out front and a small front porch with a white swing. In the summer the flowers that Rennia planted would surround it. Every color in t
he rainbow would cover the small yard, including a small rosebush or two. Ray pulled into the stone-covered circular driveway and turned off the ignition.
“Would you like to come in for some coffee?” asked Rennia.
Ray smiled. “Absolutely. I was hoping you’d ask.”
She grinned and opened the truck door, sliding out to land on the hard ground. Trees surrounded the outer perimeter, their bare limbs blowing gently in the soughing wind. There were bird feeders everywhere. The house needed a new roof and some paint, as well as some plumbing work on the leaky bathtub faucet. But it was all hers, and she couldn’t be happier, unless her mate was sharing the house with her.
Sighing, she climbed the steps and fumbled with the key to unlock her door. She couldn’t help but wonder what Ray saw when he looked at her home. Opening the door, she stepped inside out of the cold and closed the door behind Ray. The sunken living room and part of the kitchen were visible from the small foyer area. She glanced at the main room. It was big, with an overstuffed sofa and two chairs flanking the huge stone fireplace with mantle. Oak end tables were polished to a shine by each chair while a coffee table sat in front of the sofa. Small lamps were on each of the tables, and a hurricane lamp sat in the middle of the fireplace mantle. The carpet was a deep, rich beige while the curtains were plaid, picking up the burgundy in the furniture and adding to the autumn hues. An oil painting hung over the mantel. It depicted a peaceful forest scene with wolves, bears, coyotes, a falcon, and a cat. Nobody knew that Rennia had painted it herself in celebration of her blended family.
“These are beautiful.”
She turned to see him gazing into a corner cabinet next to the kitchen door. She had a small collection of china and crystal unicorns on the shelves. “They’re my guilty obsession. I buy them whenever I find them.”
“Nothing wrong with indulging your passions.”
Rennia swallowed hard. “Make yourself at home. I’m gonna freshen up and then put on the coffee.”
“Sure. I’ll just wait in the living room.”
Do You Take This Cat [Wind River Pack 4] (Siren Publishing Classic) Page 6