“I knew we’d find you up here,” Luke said, carrying a tray piled high with food in one hand and two bottles of champagne in the other.
“I’m sorry, Chase,” Rachel laughingly apologized. “I tried to convince him you might not want company.”
“Wouldn’t matter if you didn’t,” Luke put in. “Because Mom, Dad, Jessie and Zach are all on their way up.”
“The whole wedding party is joining us?” Raine looked over at Chase but he only smiled and lifted his glass in silent salute.
“I think they wanted the family together for a private toast,” Luke said, setting his tray down on the wicker table. “And there’s no way we’ll have a moment alone downstairs.”
Before Raine could comment, the rest of the McClouds joined them, accompanied by the bridesmaids and groomsmen. Zach’s mother, Judith, was with the group and she joined Raine at the window, where she’d retreated to sit on the wide ledge and watch the cheerful chaos.
“How are you holding up, Raine?” Judith asked. “I haven’t seen you since just after we heard about Trey disappearing.”
“I’m better now, actually. Chase is searching for Trey and I’m very encouraged that we’ll find him, hopefully soon.”
“I’m glad to hear it. I don’t know Chase well but Jessie adores him and has absolute confidence in what appears to be an impressive reputation for solving cases and finding people.”
“Mom, come stand with Zach and Rowdy while I take your picture,” Rachel called, waving a digital camera at Judith. “You too, Raine, join us.”
“You go, Judith, it’s a family picture,” Raine said, laughing when Rowdy raced up to them and grabbed his grandmother’s hands to yank her to her feet.
“Bring Raine with you, Mom,” Zach called. “In fact, let’s see how many of us we can crowd into one photo.”
Judith rolled her eyes. “I’ve never seen my son so happy,” she said. “You may as well give in and join us, Raine. Zach won’t give up until you do.”
Raine would have demurred but Chase set down his champagne and reached her just as Rowdy tugged Judith away. Raine threaded her fingers through his, letting him draw her to her feet.
A burst of laughter at Rowdy’s antics made it impossible to be heard. Without considering how her action might look to onlookers, Raine laid her palm against Chase’s cheek and turned his head to her with easy familiarity.
He bent toward her in order to hear.
“Are you sure I’m not intruding?” she murmured. “This is obviously a family celebration—I can wait downstairs until you’re finished.”
“If you leave, I’m going with you.” He lifted her hand to his mouth and brushed the backs of her fingers with his lips. “I brought you up here to get away from people, remember?”
“Not to get away from your family,” she murmured in protest.
“No,” he admitted, smiling faintly. “But stay anyway.”
“Are you sure?” She whispered.
“I’m sure.”
Reassured, Raine walked beside him to join the group that included Judith, Rowdy, Zach and Jessie. They were quickly caught up in the photographer’s insistence that everyone say “broccoli” at the same time. Their efforts failed in four successive attempts, ending in Rowdy’s giggles and adult laughter. Raine turned from Rowdy who was making faces at her and caught Zach looking at her with an odd, speculative expression. She mouthed “what” but he shook his head and turned back to face the camera.
Glancing away for a moment while talking with Margaret and John McCloud after the photo session, Raine noticed Zach take Chase aside.
“You’ll probably tell me it’s none of my business, but I don’t see the point in being anything but straight with you,” Zach said bluntly.
Chase eyed him over the rim of his glass.
“I know Raine’s hired you to look for Trey. I’m guessing you’re the best chance she has of locating him, and I’m glad you’re helping her.”
“But?” Chase said coolly.
“But I’ve known Raine since she was a kid. She’s strong and independent in most areas of her life but she hasn’t had a lot of experience with men. Oh, she doesn’t have any trouble handling customers at the Saloon or tossing men out on their ear if needed. But she’s not a woman who’s had a string of lovers.”
“And your point is?” Chase would have walked away from the conversation had this been anyone other than Zach. Jessie loved him and Chase had grown to privately acknowledge Zach might be the one man good enough for his little sister. So he stayed, even though he didn’t want to hear what Zach was telling him.
“My point is…” Zach looked across the room at Raine. “Be careful with her. I don’t want her hurt—she deserves better.”
“Yes,” Chase said, his somber gaze fixed on Raine. “She does.”
Across the room, Raine felt the weight of his stare and looked over her shoulder. Both Chase and Zach were looking at her, their expressions somber.
What’s that all about? she wondered, but before she could excuse herself and find out, Margaret McCloud touched her arm, reclaiming her attention.
“I was so glad to learn Chase is helping you search for your brother.”
“It was fortunate he had an opening in his schedule,” Raine replied.
Margaret’s expression was warm and friendly, her gaze compassionate. “Chase is busy,” she said. “And he’s becoming increasingly involved with running our family properties so I believe he’s taking on fewer cases in general. I was glad to hear he’d agreed to work with you, though.”
“Really?” Raine was stunned.
“Yes,” Margaret said with conviction. “Unless I’ve misunderstood your situation, you and your twin are the only members of your family remaining. Is that correct?”
Raine nodded, her throat suddenly filled with emotion.
“Then it’s even more important that your brother is found, and as quickly as possible.” Margaret covered Raine’s hand with hers in brief, warm comfort. “A woman needs family about her. And in your particular instance, the missing person is your twin. I’m assuming the two of you are close?”
“Yes, we are. Twins frequently bond tighter than other siblings,” Raine responded. “Trey has always been my best friend, even though he’s a guy and not a sister.”
Margaret smiled. “I think my daughter considers her brothers very important, too, but she’s always struggled with being their ‘little sister.’ Chase and Luke can be overbearingly protective of her at times.”
“Trey gets a little overprotective sometimes, too,” Raine said. “I think it must be a guy thing. I’ve never successfully convinced him to back off if he thought I was making a wrong decision, no matter the subject—whether it was about my job or my dating someone he didn’t approve of.”
“Do you think he’d approve of your hiring Chase to search for him?” Margaret asked, her voice curious.
“Yes.” Raine’s response was instant. “Neither of us ever believed Chase had anything to do with Mike’s death. In fact, Trey swore on the day of Angus McCloud’s funeral that he’d find a way to prove Chase innocent someday.”
Margaret’s eyes filled with tears and she drew Raine close in a quick, spontaneous hug.
“Thank you.” She released Raine and dabbed at her eyes. “None of us believed the Kerrigans’ version of what happened to cause the wreck, either, but it was impossible to disprove the physical evidence.”
“You mean that Chase was found unconscious behind the wheel of his truck?”
Margaret nodded but whatever she was about to say was prevented when John McCloud’s voice rose above the hum of conversation.
“Sorry, folks, but we’d better head downstairs. Jessie reminded me that Rowdy wants the bride and groom to cut the cake so he can eat it.”
In the ensuing bustle as the group cleared the room, Raine and Margaret were separated. Raine was left to wonder what Chase’s mother may have said if there had been time and privacy
to continue their conversation. She was determined to convince Chase to tell her his version of the long-ago events, and soon.
Chapter Eight
The Wolf Creek Saloon was a popular spot on Saturday nights. Older couples from outlying ranches drove into Wolf Creek for dinner at the restaurant, then went next door to listen to a live band, dance and visit with their neighbors. Younger married couples and singles did likewise, making the Saloon the social club of choice for the town and surrounding area.
Raine said good-night to the restaurant kitchen staff just after closing at 10:00 p.m. and walked down the back hall to the Saloon. She entered just to the left of the long bar, waved to an acquaintance across the noisy, crowded room and took the empty stool next to Charlotte.
“Good crowd tonight,” she commented, assessing the number of people present.
“They seem to love this band. Did you book them for next week, too?”
“They’re here for a month.”
“Excellent.”
The two women studied the five-member group occupying the raised bandstand at the end of the room. Couples crowded the dance floor, two-stepping to the band’s version of a fast Toby Keith country song.
“I’ll be right back.” Charlotte touched Raine’s shoulder and pointed across the room. “Rocky’s waving at me.” She slipped off her stool and pushed her way through the crowd toward the bouncer, standing with a waitress next to a table of eight near the door.
“More coffee, boss?”
Raine swung around, smiling at the bartender. “Yes. Thanks, Sam.”
“Any news about Trey?” he asked as he poured coffee into her mug.
“Nothing, I’m afraid.” Raine saw disappointment and concern furrow the older man’s brow and patted his hand. “I know, Sam, I’m worried, too. But I’m convinced Chase will find him—it’s just a matter of time.”
“I sure hope you’re right.” Sam’s dark eyes were grave. “It’s not the same here without him.”
“I know,” Raine said gently. Sam had worked for the Harper family since she and Trey were preteens and after their parents died, had been a solid rock they’d both leaned on. “I’m glad you’re here, Sam. I don’t know how I’d keep the businesses running without you.”
He shrugged. “I’m just doing my job. You concentrate on finding Trey.”
“Hey, Sam…!”
“I’m comin’,” he yelled at the rowdy trio at the far end of the bar, waving empty longnecks at him, before glancing back at her. “You hang in there, Raine. McCloud will find him.”
“Thanks, Sam.” Raine was convinced that it was only a matter of time before Chase located Trey. But how much time? she wondered, impatient for the search to be over, for the uncertainty to end.
A man climbed onto the stool vacated by Charlotte, bumping Raine’s shoulder, and she grimaced slightly at the strong scent of expensive cologne mixed with the smell of whiskey.
“Well, well, if it isn’t the boss lady. I’m surprised you’re working tonight.”
Annoyed, Raine turned slowly on her stool.
Lonnie Kerrigan stared at her, a smile on his lips that didn’t reach his eyes. He was a younger, heavier version of his father, with the same thick brown hair combed back from his forehead above smooth, handsome features. Like Harlan, he was tall and broad-shouldered, but unlike his father, his good looks were starting to blur under the influence of too much alcohol and rich food. His waist had thickened and a paunch was visible above the expensive silver buckle on his belt.
“I work most nights, Lonnie. I haven’t had the…pleasure…of seeing you in the Saloon for months.”
His eyes, slightly bloodshot, narrowed at her faint but unmistakable sarcasm. “I’ve been in Helena, looking after political interests.”
Raine wondered if Lonnie meant he’d been bribing someone for his father, or applying muscle to some unfortunate legislator who’d run afoul of Harlan.
“I stopped by last week and the bartender told me you were out of town,” Lonnie continued. “Have you found your brother yet?”
“No.”
“Maybe you should hire somebody competent. Word is you’ve got an ex-con working for you.”
“Really?” Raine forced a smile. “And who would that be?”
His smile disappeared. “You mean you didn’t hire McCloud?”
“If you mean Chase McCloud, then yes, I did.” She waved a hand dismissively. “But you referred to an ex-con so I assumed you weren’t talking about Chase.”
“He did jail time. You must remember why,” he said sarcastically, “since it was your brother he killed.”
“Did he?” Raine’s gaze locked with his. “I’ve never been convinced it was Chase’s fault Mike died.” She saw with satisfaction that she’d scored a direct hit when his eyes widened briefly.
“Then you’re an idiot,” he snapped.
“I agree someone certainly is,” she said with cool composure.
He visibly restrained himself, his beefy hand closing into a fist atop the bar surface. “It might be smart of you to get rid of McCloud. I thought my father made that clear.”
“I’m afraid I don’t consult Harlan, or you,” she added, “when I decide to hire or fire someone.”
He half rose from his stool, looming over her. “Listen, bitch,” he growled, grabbing her upper arm in one hand and squeezing painfully, lowering his face to within inches of hers.
She grimaced as his alcohol-scented breath reached her nostrils and his expression turned uglier.
“Let go of her.” The command was flat and made more lethal by its lack of emotion.
Lonnie looked over his shoulder at the man standing behind him. He released Raine and straightened.
Raine peered around him, unconsciously rubbing her arm where he’d gripped it.
“Well, I’ll be damned,” Lonnie said. “McCloud.”
“Kerrigan.” Chase’s ice-blue stare moved past him to flick over Raine, pausing to focus on her upper arm. Something hot flared in the cold depths of his eyes. “Did he hurt you?”
Raine immediately stopped rubbing her arm. “No.”
He looked back at Lonnie. “Don’t ever touch her again.”
Lonnie ignored Chase’s warning as if he hadn’t spoken. “I heard you were around, McCloud, but I haven’t seen you in town. Folks say you might be avoiding me.”
A small, cold smile barely curved Chase’s mouth. “Not hardly.”
“No? But nobody sees you in Wolf Creek very often. Don’t you miss your old friends?”
“I didn’t leave anything in this town I cared enough to come back for.”
Lonnie’s eyes gleamed maliciously as he glanced at Raine. “Maybe that’s changed.”
“Maybe. All you need to remember is this—you ever touch her again and you’ll regret it.”
“Big talk.” Lonnie’s face flushed redder and he stepped away from the bar. His arms lifted, hands curling into fists as he crouched slightly.
Raine twisted on the stool, searching for Sam. He was standing several feet away and gave her a slight nod, letting her know he’d already pushed the alarm behind the bar. The direct line to the sheriff’s office would have already alerted the deputy on duty. She turned back, sweeping the crowd around her with one swift glance. To her relief, no one except for a few people in the immediate vicinity seemed to be aware there was about to be a fight.
Chase stood calmly, watching Lonnie posturing. Dressed in faded jeans, polished black cowboy boots and a white polo shirt with his company logo embroidered over the left pocket, Chase appeared relaxed and faintly amused. Raine was struck by the differences between the two men. Lonnie’s heavier torso looked bulky and ungainly compared to Chase’s, his alcohol-fueled anger no match for Chase’s predatory watchfulness and honed body.
“You plan to actually do something, Kerrigan, or are you just going to dance around all night?”
He lunged at Chase, throwing a punch that had the potential for serious damag
e, had it connected. But Chase shifted sideways and Lonnie’s fist caught only empty air. With one smooth kick, Chase used Lonnie’s forward momentum to knock his feet out from under him and he crashed to the floor.
“Hey! Fight!”
The customers nearest the two combatants scrambled back to clear an open space.
Lonnie got to his feet, cursing. His face was scraped and his lip bleeding from where he’d struck the wooden floor. He swung at Chase again. With smooth efficiency, Chase shifted sideways once more, this time dealing a short, hard blow to Lonnie’s chin. Lonnie’s head snapped back and his expression reflected dumb surprise just before his eyes rolled upward and he sank to the floor without a sound.
“Well, hell. I would have paid an admission fee to see that and I almost missed it.” The quiet satisfaction in the uniformed deputy’s voice made onlookers laugh. “Go back to whatever you were doing, folks. The fight’s over.”
The younger of the two deputies walked to the bar and asked Sam for a pitcher of water. The older deputy looked questioningly at Raine, then at Chase. “I’m guessing Lonnie was being drunk and disorderly? Maybe took an unprovoked punch at you, Chase?”
“Something like that,” Chase said evenly. He’d gone to high school with the deputy; they’d played football together, but he hadn’t seen or talked to Steve Blake in fifteen years.
“Exactly like that,” Raine interjected. “He grabbed me and fortunately, Chase walked in.”
“He grabbed you? Are we talking assault charges?” Steve looked hopeful.
Raine glanced at Chase. He gave a little shrug as if to say it was her decision. “No,” she said. “He squeezed my arm a little too tight, that’s all.”
“That’s enough for a minor assault complaint.”
“I’ll be happy just to have him banned from the Saloon,” Raine replied. “I think his bar of choice is on the other side of town. He doesn’t come in here often so I rarely have to deal with him and I’d like that to continue.”
“I’ll put that in my notes,” Steve said. “I drove out to your place a couple of times in the last few months, Chase, but didn’t catch you at home either time.”
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