“Just a nick, Daddy. I’m okay.”
“All right. Good. I need to call Luke to clear any drifts then go shovel the steps. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
“And I’ll be glad when this storm lets up,” said Lacey.
“Amen to that. I really don’t like shoveling all that much. Keep dinner warm for me,” he said as he left.
“Oh, God! Dinner!” Lacey rushed to the stove and rescued the pasta just in time. Abby had taken over the chopping, and Lacey added onions and peppers to the frying pan. The meal was soon ready, but no one felt much like eating. She added a stick of wood to the wood stove and set the pot toward the back to keep warm.
The coffee was ready and Lynne poured. By mutual agreement, without a word spoken, they carried their mugs to the living room to sit and wait.
****
“Thanks for coming back so quick,” Cam said as Michael opened the door of his cruiser.
“No problem. I was surprised when Rena told me about her premonitions earlier. Funny that she’s never had them before coming here.” Michael stood and faced the house, a frown line puckering his forehead.
“I know. It’s been worrying her. She thinks she’s going crazy.”
“Do you believe her?”
“About the visions? Hell yeah. She walked into my kitchen for the first time and knew exactly where everything was. Then the dream came. That’s why she freaked when she met Walt at the bar. Now she feels as if she should’ve warned him somehow.”
Michael shook his head, snow flying everywhere. “Nah, he wouldn’t have believed her anyway. You know Walt. All bluff and bluster and not a serious thought in his head.”
“Yeah. Let’s go in. It’s too cold and miserable to stand around out here.”
“Right behind you, buddy.”
They removed their outdoor gear before entering the living room.
“Howdy, ladies,” Michael said as he sat down across from Rena. “I hear you have some information for me.”
“Yes.”
He took a notebook out of his pocket and a micro recorder then spoke the date and time into it and who he was interviewing. “Okay, Rena. Whenever you’re ready. Tell me what you saw.”
“It was more what I didn’t see, but here goes.”
Rena’s voice was clear and concise as she relayed the images with words. She didn’t try to paint a ghastly picture or doctor it up with flowery language. She just spoke the facts as she interpreted them. Cam had never been more proud of her than at that moment.
“Great recall, Rena. Your information may just help us nail this guy yet. So, just to recap, Walt wasn’t killed here and our killer is left-handed.”
Cam groaned aloud and held his head in his hands as if in pain.
“What is it, Cam? What are you thinking?” Michael asked.
He looked up, straight at Michael. “You might as well read me my rights. I’m left-handed, I wear black leather gloves, and I own a tan jacket.”
Lacey jumped up and ran to him, hugging him close from her perch on the arm of his chair. “I don’t believe it.”
“Oh, man. Are you confessing?” Michael asked.
“Hell, no! But the evidence sure enough points to me.”
“I’ll keep this part of the investigation quiet for as long as I can, Cam. I know you’re not a killer, but it sure sounds like you’ve made an enemy or two somewhere along the line.”
“Michael, you know me. I’ve never hurt anyone, except maybe Lucas when we were younger. He sure liked to wrestle.”
“Really? I never knew that.” He smiled and stood. “Thank you, Rena. If that’s it, then I’ll hit the road.” He reached into his back pocket, took out his wallet, and withdrew a white card. “Here’s my card. It has my direct number and my cell. If you have any more visions, call me, anytime, day or night.”
Rena took the card. “Thanks for not thinking I’m crazy.”
“Not for a minute. The department has been known to work with psychics from time to time, but I’ll try to keep your name out of it for as long as I can. We don’t want the killer coming after you.”
“Gosh, no. I hadn’t even thought of that.”
“I’ll be in touch.”
When Michael left, the room was quiet…too quiet.
“Anyone want to watch a movie?” Lynne asked.
“Sure, but shouldn’t we eat first?” Abby said.
“Good idea. I’m starving.” Cam stood and linked his arm through Lacey’s as they headed for the kitchen.
****
Once the girls had gone to bed, Lacey pulled Cam to his feet. “You’re not still worried about what Rena saw, are you, Cam?”
“It doesn’t look good, honey. What if Michael can’t find the real killer? Pressure from his peers and the community will force him to make an arrest, and so far, I’m the likeliest suspect.”
“But you couldn’t have killed him. You were with me all night.”
“The autopsy report isn’t in yet. We have no way of knowing how long he’d been dead and lying out there.”
“What a mess. I hope Michael finds some answers, and soon.” She’d been leading him toward the den. Once inside, she closed and locked the door.
“Lacey, the girls? What if they go looking for you?”
“I don’t care. They know I love you and I’m not leaving you alone tonight.”
He placed his palms on either side of her face, his thumbs gently caressing her cheek. “What did I ever do to deserve you?”
“You swept me off my feet in England, and I don’t think I’ve touched ground yet.”
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you.”
“Maybe not, but we’re together now. Let’s make the most of it.” She reached up and pulled his head down, touching her lips to his…once…twice…then allowed him to take control as his arms came around her and he lifted her against him. His kiss plundered, took, and gave so much more. She was dizzy with desire by the time they made it to the bed.
This she could do for him. And for herself. She never wanted to be without him again.
****
Lacey rose and dressed as dawn lightened the sky. She went upstairs to shower and change, only to find Rena sleeping in her bed. As quietly as she could, she gathered up her things and tiptoed into the bathroom. When she emerged, Rena was sitting up in bed, a confused expression on her face.
“Good morning, honey. Sleep well?” Lacey asked as she sat on the edge of the bed.
“Yeah, I guess. But how did I get here?”
“I assumed you’d come looking for me during the night.”
Rena scrunched up her face as if thinking. “Not that I remember. Don’t tell me I’ve taken up sleepwalking too.”
Lacey moved to smooth a strand of Rena’s hair and tuck it back over her shoulder. “You used to sleepwalk when you were a little girl.”
“I did?”
“Yeah, whenever you were upset about something. I quickly learned not to let you go to sleep until your mood had calmed.”
“Do you really think they’ll arrest Daddy?”
“No, I don’t. Michael will discover the truth. Is that what’s bothering you?”
“Yes. It seems my latest vision might have sealed his fate. I’m sorry, Mama.”
Rena’s eyes filled with tears and Lacey hugged her close. “You saw what you saw. Not telling Michael would be sort of like withholding evidence. Don’t worry about your father. He’s a tough old nut. He won’t crack under a bit of suspicion. If anything, he’ll do what he can to help Michael find Walt’s killer.”
“So he doesn’t blame me? He’s not mad at me?”
“Heavens, no! He’s proud of you for being willing to share your visions.”
“Really?” Rena asked, sitting back and taking a swipe at her eyes.
Lacey reached for a tissue from the nightstand and passed it to her. “Really. He loves you, child. He would never think badly of you for doing your duty.”
“Tha
nks, Mama. I think I’ll go get dressed now.”
“You do that. I’ll go put the coffee on.”
“Okay. Be down shortly.” She rose from the bed and walked to the door only to turn back before opening it. “I’m glad you and Daddy are working things out. Be happy, Mama.”
Lacey smiled, remembering the night and waking up in his arms. “I am.”
After Rena left, Lacey made the bed and headed to the kitchen.
Chapter Eleven
Cameron stood looking out through the patio doors to the field beyond. The snow had finally stopped, but the wind was still drifting snow against the house. His back steps were covered again. You’d never know the area had been swarming with police yesterday except for the ribbons of yellow crime scene tape blowing in the wind.
How had his life come to this? He’d finally been reacquainted with the love of his life and had three lovely daughters he’d never known about, yet he could be arrested at any moment now…for murder. Should he send them back to Ireland, away from this mess? He remembered Michael’s warning not to leave town. Would they even be allowed to go with a murder investigation under way?
He turned as footsteps sounded in the hallway and tried to fashion a smile for Lacey as she entered and breathed life into the room. Her skin resembled a creamy porcelain, but touching it was like handling the finest of silks. Her long red hair, a testament to her Irish heritage, curled in artful disarray around her head. She was beautiful. She was his, but would she be willing to stay on at the ranch, to wait for him if he was arrested?
“Good morning, love. Sleep well?” she asked.
“With you lying beside me, how could I not?” Cam opened his arms and pulled her close for a morning kiss. Desire rose anew and passion invaded their kiss. Soon, it wasn’t enough. He held her a little away to look into her eyes, seeing in their emerald depths the desire he felt. “Could I convince you to come back to bed with me?”
“You could, but Rena should be joining us any minute now. I told her I’d put coffee on.”
“Ah, foiled again.” Cam tried to joke but it came out sounding flat to his own ears, and he released her to take mugs from the cupboard. “Coffee’s already on.”
“Are you all right, Cam?”
“I’m fine, but this entire mess bothers me. Who would hate me enough to frame me for murder? I just don’t get it.”
“Trust Michael to find the truth. That’s all we can do.”
Cam nodded and poured their coffee before taking both cups to the table. He sat with his back to the door. Out of sight, out of mind. Nope. Didn’t apply to this situation at all. “Lacey, what will you do…if…?”
“Don’t think for one minute that I’d run out on you, Cameron Manning.” She reached for his hand where it rested on the table, clasping it firmly between hers. “You invited us here and we’re staying, regardless of what the future may or may not bring.”
“Right, so what do you say we take the girls out on the snowmobiles today?”
Lacey smiled at him, her eyes lighting up with joy. “That’s the spirit!” She glanced outside. “It’s not too windy?”
“No, we’ll stick to the trails through the woods and the trees will break the wind.”
“Who’s breaking wind?” asked Rena as she headed for the coffee pot.
Cam chuckled. “Leave it to you to catch that and nothing else. We were just talking about taking the snowmobiles for a ride.”
Rena turned to him, a perplexed look on her face. “What does that have to do with having the toots?”
This time Cam laughed out loud and so did Lacey. When he’d calmed down enough, he explained and watched as Rena blushed in embarrassment. She recovered fast and soon joined in the laughter. It felt good after the tension.
Lynne and Abby came in and started breakfast cooking before they even had their morning coffee.
“I heard the laughing from clear upstairs. What’s so funny?” Lynne asked.
Rena told her, but it didn’t seem nearly as funny the second time around. “Well, I guess you just had to be here.”
Once they’d eaten and had the food put away, they dressed in their warmest gear and headed outside. The tractor had been by and cleared the driveway, so they shoveled the steps and the walkway and piled into Cam’s truck for the trip to the ranch proper.
****
Lacey loved the feel of power beneath her as they drove the machines through the woods. She was surprised that they each had one to themselves. She’d assumed they’d have to double up, but Cam had explained that they used them to haul feed out to the stock in bad weather, which the wranglers had done earlier that morning.
Cam had snowshoes strapped to the back of his, just in case. Lacey found it cold but bearable with the trees providing protection from the biting wind. They were crossing a clearing now, and she felt the difference. She’d packed a thermos of hot chocolate and sandwiches as Cam said they’d stop at one of the line shacks to warm up before heading back.
If only they didn’t have the murder investigation hanging over their heads, casting a pall over everything. She hoped Michael found the killer and soon. She hated seeing Cam so sad and distraught. He was such a vibrant, loving man. She couldn’t understand why this was happening to him.
Cam pulled to a stop next to a stand of trees, so she slowed down, ready to park beside him and the girls. Only then did she see the cabin nestled among the trees, the front drifted halfway to the eaves with snow.
Cam fastened the snowshoes on and trudged to the door to retrieve a shovel. It wasn’t long before he had a path cleared for them, and they scurried inside.
“Cozy,” said Lynne.
“Small,” Rena added.
“I like it,” Abby remarked as they stood looking around.
“I’ll get a fire going. It doesn’t take long to heat the place.”
“Thanks, Cam. Anything I can do?” Lacey asked.
“Nope, everything’s under control. We always keep dry wood and kindling stocked in. Won’t take but a minute. Have a seat.”
There were two bunks against the far wall, a sofa in front of the window, a rocking chair near the wood stove, and a table and four chairs in the middle of the room. Lacey opted for the rocking chair. Cupboards lined the opposite wall from the bunks. “This is compact, but it does have a cozy feel to it. Have you ever been stranded out here?”
“A few times. As you have seen, sudden storms can be fierce and take you unawares.” He stood and shrugged his shoulders. “It helps to have a place where you can find shelter. We have several line shacks on the property.”
“Just how big is your ranch?” Lacey asked.
Cam checked his watch and smiled. “We’ve been traveling at a good speed for almost two hours, and we haven’t left the Thunder Creek ranchlands yet.”
“Have we passed other line shacks, Daddy? I don’t remember seeing any.”
“No, Rena. This is the eastern shack, closest to the homestead.”
“Will we see the other ones today?” Lynne asked.
“Not today, but we’ll be out again.”
“Are they spaced far apart?” Abby asked.
“Yes, it would take another two to three hours to get to the next one.”
“Oh.”
“What do you say we break out the hot chocolate?”
“Great, Mama. Didn’t you bring sandwiches too? I’m starved.”
“Rena, you’re always starving. And yes, they’re in my backpack.” Lacey rose, grabbed the pack, and set everything out on the table.
“There should be paper cups and napkins in one of the cupboards,” said Cam. “I’ll get them.”
They were short one chair, but Cam solved that by pulling the rocking chair over to the table. By the time they’d finished eating, the cabin was warm enough to remove their jackets.
“These places must be well insulated,” said Lacey.
“The original ones weren’t, and although they did provide shelter in a pinch, you
had to keep the fire going. We redid all the line shacks a few years back with R12 insulation and thermal windows. A man doesn’t mind getting stuck out here now.”
“What about water? Do you just melt snow?” asked Abby.
“You could, but each cabin has its own spring. There’s a well house out back, and a privy in the woodshed, if anyone needs it.”
Lynne raised her hand. “Point me in the right direction. I’ll find it.”
Cam laughed, stood, and crossed the room to open a door. “Right this way, my dear. Walk straight back. You can’t miss it. Paper’s in the round tin.”
“It’s indoors,” she exclaimed. “Well, sort of.”
Lacey saw the wood piled high along both sides of the wall, leaving a narrow path in between. “Why do you keep the paper in a tin? Mice?”
“Mainly, yes, but it also keeps it drier.”
“How soon do we need to head back?” she asked.
“Fairly soon. The wranglers will want to check the herd again before dark.”
“Okay. Maybe we should all take advantage of the facilities while we’re here. Girls?”
“Yes, Mama,” said Abby. Then she looked at Rena, and they giggled like schoolgirls.
Lacey caught the joke. It had been a long time since she’d had to remind them to go potty. She saw Cam’s puzzled glance toward the girls and said, “It’s a girl thing.”
He nodded and cleared the table, throwing their used cups and napkins into the fire.
When everyone was ready, they headed out, taking a different trail back to the ranch. This one bypassed a ravine of sorts and Lacey thought they were traveling much too close to the edge, but she followed behind, trusting Cam not to lead them into danger. It proved to be a direct route to the ranch and much shorter, for which Lacey was thankful. The wind had turned cold again, and her cheeks were freezing, despite the full-faced helmet she wore.
They pulled to a stop in front of the garage where the snowmobiles were housed when not in use. Someone must have heard them coming, for the door opened almost immediately and they drove inside.
“Phew! What a rush,” exclaimed Rena. “When can we do it again, Daddy?”
Cam laughed at her exuberance and hugged her to his side. “Whenever you want to, my girl. But tomorrow I thought maybe we’d go cross-country skiing. What do you think?”
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