He had used that word again. Innocent. She was guilty as sin, but now was definitely not the time to tell him. She would do it later. Later.
She touched his chest, caressing every muscle, easing over the scar. "I wish I could believe you'll never leave, Brett."
"I'll always be here for you, Annie." His voice became strained as she helped him make their loving safe. "I swear..."
The passionate minutes stretched out into eternity as the ageless, familiar rhythm encompassed them, taking them beyond reality to the nebulous realm of total and glorious rapture.
Annie floated from a half-conscious stupor back to conscious reality. As the sensuous throbbing of her body slowed, she thought of her mission. She had come here to talk with Brett about something very important. Instead, they had made love. How could she have succumbed to this? With a flush of heat that rushed through her whole body, she realized that she had slipped into love with Brett. And that was a foolish and risky thing to do.
But this ill-fated love she felt was the reason that she wanted to come clean about her crimes. Not only was confession good for the soul, it cleansed the heart and conscience, too. Only, in this case, it might ruin a lovely relationship. And break a heart. Maybe she should just keep her secret.
"Annie, Annie, every time we make love, you convince me again to stick around longer."
"And all this time I thought you were here to chase criminals."
"Only half the night. The rest is saved for you."
She looked surprised. "Is that what you did last night?"
"Every night."
They both showered and later, wrapped in a towel, she pursued the conversation further. "Is that where you go when you leave me at night? Out looking for criminals?"
"Or waiting for them."
Annie felt sick. She remembered what J.M. had said about stopping the traffic of illegals. "Are you talking about the smugglers?"
Brett reached for his goblet and took a healthy drink of wine. "My job is to try to apprehend them and break the chain."
"That's your special assignment with the sheriff's department?" she asked weakly. "Your secret mission?"
"Look, Annie, I'm sure I don't need to tell you to keep all this quiet."
"Of course not. I won't breathe a word to anyone."
"My goal is to make a dent in the ability of these jerks to profit from poor people's misfortune and an ignorance of our system. Ultimately I want to put a stop to the heavy flow of illegals into this country through our borders."
Annie listened mesmerized. She could see Brett's enthusiasm grow as he talked about his project. And every word filled her with more guilt and misery. It was quite apparent that he loved his job. Obviously he thought he could trust her.
He frowned and studied her expression. "Are you okay, Annie? You aren't disturbed by all this, are you?"
"Of course not," she lied. "Just a little... amazed." That part was true.
"Most of the general public have no idea what kinds of crime are going on all around them."
Annie took a bite of bread, but it stuck in her dry mouth. She knew she couldn't tell him of her built today. Not now. Damn! She was getting in deeper.
"Sometimes even the most seemingly innocent..."
"Like the women at my house?"
"Women? There are more than one?"
She turned away, unable to look into his dark eyes.
His voice was low and solemn. "I won't ask. And you won't tell."
"That's dishonest on the face of it." She pushed her hair back.
"I don't care, Annie. That's the only way we can make it."
CHAPTER EIGHT
Annie walked into the mayor's office and gazed around. "I see your air conditioner's still working, Lacy. And your plants are still growing."
Lacy hugged Annie and poked her with the baby-belly. "Plants aren't all that's growing."
Annie patted Lacy's belly. "Hey there, Little Rowdy. How's it going in there?"
The baby kicked at the appropriate time and they both laughed.
Annie felt a wellspring of emotion. "Oh Lacy. . . I can't wait until he comes."
"You and the father-to-be. Won't be long now, only a couple of weeks." Lacy poured them each a glass of iced tea and topped the drink with a sprig of mint. "I have you and June to thank for donating the air conditioner. And my office plants are doing okay. But I must be losing my touch with the ones in the garden at home. Several have turned yellow and died in the past few weeks." She handed Annie the tea. "I've never had this kind of trouble before."
Annie grinned. "Let's see now. You have a new husband, three kids and another on the way."
"Don't forget about the puppy. Ah, I have you to thank for that, too. All our chewed up rugs and lost socks."
"And a bustling town," Annie said. "What's this I hear about the hot springs? June stopped by the other day and I couldn't get a word in edgewise. She's so excited!"
Lacy sat in a side chair and motioned for Annie to take the opposite seat. It was a cozy corner for chatting and eliminated the barrier of the mayor's large desk. "It's like a God-send. A real windfall. June will retain the land with the hot springs and Holt will help her develop it the way she wants. And the rest of the family ranch will be deeded to the city of Silver Creek for development of a spa and resort. June will run the hot springs and the resort will supply the customers. This will help make Silver Creek the destination spot I wanted from the beginning. Only this is better than I imagined."
"Amazing. Well, I'd say plants take a back seat to everything else you're doing."
"How are things with you, Annie? Did the late frost do much damage?"
"Thanks to you and everyone who helped, most of the blossoms survived." Annie held up two crossed fingers. "And it looks like I'm going to have a decent crop."
"Profitable this year?"
"I don't want to count my apples too soon, but it looks that way."
"Good. Is there anything we can do to help?"
"I can't think of anything."
"Help you hire workers?"
Annie tried to keep her reaction casual, but the last thing she wanted was additional people around the farm right now. Her refugees would bring scandal to everyone, including her friend, the mayor. And she certainly didn't want that. "Diego and I have things under control, thanks. There isn't much to do now except keep them watered and watch them grow. Oh, yes, and watch for thrips."
"What's thrips?"
"A little bug that occurs in the early apple stage. It bites under the skin and leaves that little brown spot you sometimes see on apple skins. It's more unsightly than harmful but makes them quite unmarketable."
"Well, we certainly don't want that," Lacy said. "I understand you've had a little help from your handsome neighbor."
"If you mean Brett, yes, he's been very helpful."
Lacy waited for more elaboration on the helpful neighbor, but Annie wasn't talking. "Well, that's what neighbors are for. I'm glad to see you working together."
Annie didn't intend to reveal just how closely she and Brett had been working together. She wasn't comfortable enough with their relationship at this point; the whole thing seemed to be hanging by a thread. And if Brett found out about her refugees, that thread might just snap. Fortunately, he didn't want to know. At least, that's what he said.
"You mentioned a new project you wanted to discuss with me, Lacy. That's why I stopped by on my way to get supplies."
Lacy smiled gently as Annie diverted the conversation from Brett. "Right. This is something I'm very excited about, and I hope you will be, too. Holt says the building we're going to use for the museum will be ready in a few months. With a little good input and inspiration from someone like you, Annie, I think the committee could have it open in time for the autumn fiesta."
"More work, you mean," Annie drawled.
"Yes, that, too." Lacy produced a document. "Here, this'll explain the goals of the museum committee so far."
A
nnie dug into her purse for her glasses, then scanned the papers. "But, Lacy, I don't know anything about history and the early pioneers' lives."
"You don't have to. We have plenty of history buffs around here for that. What I'd like for you to contribute is some creative ideas for the displays. But, I'd like to dedicate at least one room of the museum to folk arts. You know, the things that gave the settlers pleasure and entertainment."
"You mean, what they did in their spare time without TV?"
"Exactly."
"Lacy, they had no spare time. They worked from daylight to dark, just to exist."
"That isn't quite true, Annie. Think about it. They were people, just like us, who worked and worried, but also had fun, too." She lifted her glass for emphasis. "Just as my hobby is growing and cooking with herbs, they had hobbies, too. What were they? And, can we find any good examples?"
"You mean arts and crafts? Wood carving and knitting and stuff like that?"
"Yes." Lacy nodded. "But the people who settled here had some different ones, too."
Annie wrinkled her nose. "Rag dolls and aprons? Like they have in Grannie's Attic, the new shop that sells handmade items?"
Lacy placed her hands on her belly. "How about some of the things unique to the Southwest, like clay dolls? And tin art? Our culture includes not only the Anglos who settled, but the Spanish, German, Polish and Chinese who immigrated here. And the original Native Americans and Mexicans who were here first. What kinds of skills did they bring to enrich their lives? Those things make up our heritage."
"Okay. You want me to look into the cultural heritage." Annie pondered the proposal for a minute. "Sounds interesting." She pulled out a pen and began taking notes on their discussion.
" I'd like to see the folk arts display turn into something special, a rare look at the skills and crafts of those who passed through this land before us. I hoped you'd agree. Some of these skills might be dying arts and are worthy of being preserved."
Annie thought of those people who were passing through her farm on their way to a new life. They were, she supposed, a lot like the early pioneers who left homelands and struck out into the unknown, looking for a better life.
Isabel hadn't felt well for several days, probably from working too hard helping with the blossom thinning. And Carmen was getting more and more anxious about Thomas. She was growing bigger daily and, even with her thinness and loose clothing, she was no longer able to hide her pregnancy.
"Hel-lo!" Lacy's voice intruded. "Don't you agree? Annie?"
"Huh? Oh, yes, Lacy. I agree. Sounds interesting. I'll see what I can find for the museum."
"Great. Does that mean you'll join the committee? They really need you."
Annie paused, but the enthusiasm Lacy sparked for a project made it difficult to tell her no. "Sure. When do they meet?"
"Tomorrow night, seven o'clock, at the old office across the hall."
"Who's on the committee?"
Lacy ticked them off on her fingers. "Let's see. Holt's the chairman. Then there's Maxine. And, uh, Vinnie. She doesn't come regularly, but she contributes during other times."
"That's all? Two regulars?"
"Three, with you. And I'm working on the librarian, who could provide some of the research. That would make four." Lacy studied her tea glass. "Of course, we could use more members. Maybe you know someone who would like to contribute a small part of his time for a very worthwhile endeavor?"
"His time? Are you hinting at anyone specific, Mayor?"
Lacy pursed her lips. "We really need someone who's smart and interested in preserving Silver Creek and who has a direct link to a vital segment of our history. Maybe even someone with Hispanic ancestors."
"Someone tall, dark and handsome?"
"Wouldn't hurt. Know anyone who fits that description?"
"How about Diego?"
Lacy shook her head, her blue eyes dancing. "He isn't tall."
Annie burst out laughing. "You aren't being very subtle, Lacy."
"I know. But Brett is a natural for this."
"I don't even know if he's interested in our history."
"Why, Annie, of course he is. He talked at length with Holt about how to fix up his old homestead. Did you know that part of that house existed from the Spanish land grant days? Now, why would he bother with that if he didn't care?"
"He... wouldn't, I guess," Annie muttered thoughtfully. "Well, I can ask and see if he'll join us."
Lacy smiled happily. "I knew you would. You always have such a willing attitude, Annie. Thanks."
"Sure, Lacy. Glad to help."
Annie left the mayor's office thinking that her willing attitude had probably gotten her into her present trouble. But try as she might, she couldn't figure out a way to get out of the situation. Isabel and Carmen were waiting on Thomas and, as far as Annie could see, he was her only hope, too.
Briefly she considered going into Mexico to search for him. Damn! Wouldn't Brett have a fit if he knew that!
The next evening she and Brett clashed, although not over the real issues.
"When you called, you said we had to talk. Here I am. And you're going out." Brett leaned against the door frame and watched Annie dress.
"I thought you'd be here earlier." She slipped into her jeans and pulled up the zipper.
"I was detained." He noted the gentle flare of her hips and felt the familiar craving to touch her.
She gave him an appealing look. "I wish you'd go with me tonight. The mayor requested that you be on this committee. Sure you won't change your mind?"
"I told you before, committee meetings don't appeal to me."
"Well, heck, I don't particularly like them, either. But there doesn't seem to be a better way to do a job democratically and efficiently."
"I'm tired tonight. I've been busy today."
"Me, too. So has everyone else on the committee."
"And I don't want to spend my evening listening to someone drone on about sewer systems or budgets."
"That isn't on our agenda tonight. We all have other jobs, Brett. Trouble is, if everyone had your attitude, nothing would get done. But the real clincher is that none of us will be able to survive here if Silver Creek dies. So somebody has to put in the night hours."
"I have other ideas for my night hours."
She bent over and brushed her hair. From beneath the curtain of hair she mumbled, "Yeah. Play."
"So what's wrong with a little R and R? It's good for the soul. That's what I'm here for. You ought to try it sometime, Annie, instead of indulging this workaholic attitude you have." He gestured with one hand and slapped his thigh in frustration.
She straightened and faced him. "Brett, we've all worked hard for the past couple of years for one thing— to save our little town. And that includes your father. With Lacy’s guidance and everyone pulling together, we've improved the situation around here a lot. We have a few good businesses and new ones on the horizon. We have new industries considering our town. Just look how the technical school has boosted our population and economy."
"I'll be the first to take my hat off to your successes," he agreed."Hey, what everybody's done to salvage this place has been miraculous. But just make sure that you haven't forgotten how to play along the way." He took a seat on her bed and watched her pull on a striking milk chocolate sweater. The color matched her eyes, which tonight were flashing with the sparks he had ignited.
Annie tugged the tunic-length cotton knit over her hips. Her actions revealed the frustration that was building up inside her. Brett was definitely not going to be a part of this committee. And the responsibility of the refugees was a burden she couldn't share with him, either.
Gazing into the mirror, she saw a tight-lipped, sullen woman. She glanced over at Brett, lounging on her bed. Maybe he was right; she'd forgotten how to play.
"I have a farm that needs constant care, in case you haven't noticed by now," she said petulantly.
"Constant?" He shook his head.
"Nothing's constant, Annie. What about a long weekend of three or four days? Wouldn't you love to get away from the pressures and the sameness for a little while?"
The tough facade she presented started to melt. "Yes, of course I would. I'm not made of stone."
"That's good to know."
Annie concentrated on her hair while Brett watched. Finally he switched the subject to something less heated and personal. "What committee did you say? Pioneers?"
"Yes. Our purpose is to create the Pioneer Museum."
"Is this the committee that Holt's involved with?"
She nodded and applied lipstick to a mouth that was too tight. He had a point. She hadn't stopped to relax in years. "Holt says the building will be finished in time for our fall fiesta, so we need to be working on content."
"Rusty plowshares and old quilts?"
"I suppose those would be included." She shrugged. "But we want ours to be more than that. We want to emphasize items that are particularly southwestern. For instance, one of the exhibits will be a folk arts display. That's what Lacy asked me to work on. She just mentioned that you might be interested."
"In folk art? Great. She wants me on a committee where I know absolutely nothing about the subject."
"Forget it, Brett. I'll tell her you aren't interested in anything but sex."
"That's not true and you know it, Annie."
"Well, I didn't know anything about folk art, either, until I heard about it. Here, it's stuff like this." Annie reached for a large straw bag and brought out a carefully wrapped item. "Here are some samples I'm taking along to show. These are Christmas tree ornaments that Diego gave my aunt and uncle over the years. Aren't they pretty? He made them from tin. It's practically a lost art."
Under The Desert Moon (Desert Sky Series Book 2) Page 12