A light rap on wood brought Opal to instant alertness. Tail end wagging, she leaped down, ran to the door and barked once.
“Come in.”
“Why didn’t you check to see who it was?” Max demanded. “And why wasn’t your door locked like I told you?”
“Good morning to you, too, Special Agent Grumpy. I wanted help to be able to get to me if I was threatened again. And Opal was right here to defend me.”
“That’s actually sort of logical.” He raked his fingers through short, damp hair. “Sorry. Long night.”
“Same here,” Katerina said. “Your dog snores.”
“Like a freight train,” he agreed, starting to smile. “You up for breakfast? I can take Opal for her walk while you go back to your room and get dressed.”
“Fine.” She eyed her current attire. “These aren’t pj’s but they aren’t exactly traveling clothes, either. Are we still going back to the ranch today?”
“That was my plan.”
Judging by the way he was loitering she assumed he had more to say. “What is it? You look like a man with a secret.”
“I got a match on the prints we took off that warning note from last night.”
“Wonderful! Who was it?”
“Vern Kowalski,” Max said flatly.
Gaping at him, Katerina stammered, “H-how is that possible?”
“We’re not sure. The only way that can be is if Vern handled the paper sometime before he was arrested and left his prints then.”
“So whoever wrote the note has to be someone he knew.”
“That’s what it looks like.”
“Then ask him. Your people need to make him talk.” She pressed her lips together and gave Max a frigid look. “Just leave me out of it, okay? I never want to lay eyes on the skunk again—apologies to the real animal.”
“Normally, that would be a good idea,” Max said quietly.
She noted how seriously he seemed to be studying her as he added, “Unfortunately, we can’t. Vern Kowalski was murdered in the exercise yard early this morning. Nobody is going to be getting any more information out of him.”
Katerina sank back against the edge of the mattress and grabbed the bedpost for support. “No.”
“I’m sorry for your loss,” Max said gruffly.
Although she was filled with mixed emotions, one rose to prominence. “I’m sorry for everybody’s loss,” she clarified. “Because now there is no way you can find out what’s been going on.”
She straightened, pulled herself together and met his gaze boldly even though her heart was pounding. “Worse, there’s no chance I’ll be exonerated until you catch all the criminals who are involved.” An eyebrow arched as she added, “And one of them is not me.”
“I’m beginning to believe you,” Max replied slowly.
Katerina let herself smile in relief. “Well, it’s about time.”
SEVEN
Max wasted no time loading Opal into the SUV with Katerina and heading for the Garwood Ranch. Now that Kowalski was out of the picture it was possible that Bertrand Garwood would reconsider his harsh stand. On the other hand, there was an equal chance the man would gloat and make things worse for Katerina. She may have washed her hands of her former fiancé but there had to be some lingering sorrow over his demise. After all, she’d been within days of marrying him. That helped explain her reluctance to accept his position in law enforcement, he supposed. Even a totally innocent person would feel uneasy if they found themselves under the microscope of the US government.
In a way, Katerina's situation reminded him of Dylan's fiancee, Zara Fielding, who had become involved in some kind of mystery while training at Quantico. If an honest person like her could wind up embroiled in trouble without being a participant, so could Katrina.
Clouds kept the sun at bay and temperatures temporarily lower than usual. Rain would be welcome on the tinder-dry grass and brush as long as lightning strikes didn’t kindle fires. There was always a chance of that, particularly when thunder and lightning preceded any moisture, according to the fire chief.
“Odd weather, isn’t it?” he asked.
“Not good. They postponed our South Fork Founder’s Day parade at the end of May because bad storms were forecast. As dry as everything is, the last thing we need is a spark to set it all on fire.” Max was surprised to see her smile until she added, “Dad was livid. He was supposed to ride in a convertible as mayor and show how important he is.”
“Have they rescheduled? Rain or no rain, it could be dangerous for him to put himself out there like that.”
“He wouldn’t care. Not when he has a chance to flaunt his political position and wave to all the civilians.”
Having met the man, Max understood perfectly. “If we haven’t managed to arrest whoever has been harassing you before then, I’ll try to talk some sense into him.”
“Seriously? You’d do that?”
“Sure. Why not?” He paused to regroup his thoughts. “That is if I’m still in California. Opal is technically a bomb detecting K-9. If the threat disappears from here, I’ll either go back to Billings or move on to the next assignment.”
Katerina turned to study him. “I’m confused. Are you after a gang of drug dealers or chasing bombings?”
“Well...”
“You may as well level with me, Agent West. The internet is full of speculation and so are local newspapers. Their conclusions point to a connection and blame the Dupree crime family for everything.”
“That is highly possible.”
“Which is where my former—um, where Vern comes in?”
He glanced her way. “He’s one common element. He worked for Dupree.”
“And Dad’s stable just blew up.”
“I already told you, Ms. Garwood, I doubt that anybody who was looking for hidden loot, the way the warning note says, would take the chance of setting a bomb anywhere the drugs might be cached. That would be idiotic.”
“Are you giving criminals too much credit for using their brains?”
Max shrugged. “Maybe. It’s often easier to track a smart crook who’s predictable than to find one who acts on a whim. Take these bombings for instance. If you look at them on a map, patterns show up. People don’t mean to reveal their inner thoughts but they do so just the same. It’s almost impossible for a rational thinker to act in a totally random manner.” He wheeled beneath the fancy iron arch and entered Garwood Ranch. “Here we are.”
“Yeah.” She breathed a noisy sigh. “Well, let’s get this over with. I don’t want to stay one second longer than I absolutely have to.”
“You can’t be afraid of your father, not after the way you’ve handled yourself since we met. You were amazing on the broken stairs. And last night—you didn’t get hysterical or even cry.”
“I’m less sad about my dad’s choices than I am disappointed,” Katerina said softly. “I thought he loved me. I thought Vern did, too. Guess I’m not very perceptive.”
“There’s nothing wrong with putting your trust in someone,” Max murmured as he pulled through the yard and parked next to the remnants of the destroyed stable building. “The secret is in choosing who is deserving and who isn’t.”
“How do you do it?” Katerina glanced at the threatening clouds as she got out and joined him.
Max chuckled and shook his head, “Poorly.”
“Why? Because you kept doubting me?”
“Yes, and no.” He leashed Opal and put her to work while they made small talk. “I tend to doubt everybody. Everything. It’s a valuable trait for my job, but it doesn’t make for a lot of friends.”
“You’re not married, are you?”
“No. Why?” The scowl he sent her way was meant to end their conversation. It seemed to have th
e opposite effect.
“I’m sorry. It must be lonely, traveling all over the country with nobody waiting for you at home. I never realized how much I relied on friends and family until I had to face the loss of most of them. The loneliness is astounding. I hadn’t dreamed it would hurt so much.”
“I have my job and Opal. That’s enough.”
Following the K-9 as she skirted the pile of rubble, nose to the ground, Max was glad he wasn’t facing Katerina when she said, “No. It isn’t.”
* * *
Katerina sensed friction in the air between her and Max so she kept her distance. It was none of her business what kind of private life Agent West chose to live, she just hated to see anyone unhappy. Oh, he was capable and intelligent and wonderful hero material, but inside he seemed wanting, as if his heart were silently calling for help. For companionship.
“I am certifiable,” she muttered to herself. “Why should I care about a guy who was ready to throw me in jail before he even met me?”
Because you both are lonely and need each other, her subconscious answered. Of course there was no way she and Max could ever become a couple. Innocent or not, her name was stained by her prior associations just as her father had claimed. Still, the ruggedly handsome agent was growing more appealing daily and the possibility of romance kept popping into her head.
Letting her thoughts ramble, she wandered behind the part of the stable building left standing and came to an abrupt halt. Katerina stared. Her heart sank and angry, bitter tears filled her eyes.
Two cardboard boxes sat atop a pile of soot, dirt and barn sweepings and in those boxes was the proof of her entire career as a successful trainer and rider. Her trophies were smashed as if someone had taken a hammer to them. And the ribbons and beautiful rosettes? They were mired in filth. How dare he!
Katerina spun on her heel and headed for the house. Outrage fueled her courage and anger drove her forward. Behind her she heard Max calling. She ignored him. Bertrand Garwood was going to answer for his vindictive disregard of her feelings. Today.
* * *
Max was startled to see Katerina marching across the open space between the house and stables. Her actions went against everything she had told him. If she wanted to avoid confronting her father she was definitely headed in the wrong direction.
Drawing Opal close to his side Max began to jog. “Katerina! Wait.”
She didn’t slow her pace. If anything, she sped up. Several ranch hands paused to watch her from a distance but nobody else tried to interfere.
Max broke into a run. “Stop!”
He overtook her just as she reached the elaborate front entrance and raised a fist to bang on the door. Max’s firm grip on her wrist stopped her. Fury in her glance made him let go. “Take a breath and tell me what’s wrong.”
“My—my awards,” she stammered, her lower lip quivering. “He trashed them all.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I used to compete and show our horses. I was good. I had the trophies and ribbons to prove it.” She raised one arm to point toward the stables. “I’d gathered them all up to take with me when I came for the rest of my things. They’re back behind the barns in a pile of...”
He gritted his teeth and eyed the roiling clouds. “Wind’s coming up. If we intend to salvage anything before it rains we’d better get a move on.”
“It’s too late. They’re all ruined.”
“Maybe we can save something.” He had to bite back his fury at anyone would destroy the dreams and accomplishments of another the way Garwood had. “Did you dig through and actually make sure, or are you assuming?”
“I couldn’t bring myself to look closely,” Katerina admitted. “I suppose there could be a few ribbons I can wash and keep as mementos.”
He slipped an arm around her shoulders and urged her to turn with him. “Then let’s go. I’ll help you sort it all out.”
“What about looking for clues to the explosion?”
“I’m done. It didn’t take Opal long to tell me the area is clean. Whatever residue there may have been was widely scattered when they put out the fire. She showed mild interest in a couple of stalls but that’s all.”
“It seems pretty impossible for her to find clues at all, let alone after so many people and animals have tramped through your crime scenes.”
Max was glad Katerina was starting to calm down and think more rationally. “That’s where her sense of smell comes in handy. I’ve seen her locate tiny pieces of detonators, for instance, amid whole piles of refuse. She’s really amazing.”
Thunder rumbled in the distance. Men who had been working inside metal-fenced outdoor pens began to gather their tools. The air was crackling as dangerous lightning sought a connection to the ground. Formerly curious farm dogs scattered and took cover.
Katerina broke into a trot with Max and Opal at her side and led the way. “Back here.”
He kept pace until they reached the box of ruined trophies. Opal stopped him with a pull to the left that nearly jerked him off his feet. She’d found a separate box that neither human had noticed.
“Katerina. Wait. Look,” Max called. “What’s this?”
“My clothes!” She started to reach for the large cardboard carton.
Max’s outstretched arm stopped her. “Hold on. Opal thinks there may be something wrong.”
“With my stuff?”
He had to tell her, “Yes.”
“Terrific. Now what?”
“You take the ribbons into the barn to keep them out of the rain and sort them while I examine this.”
“You’re trying to get rid of me, aren’t you?” Her pulse quickened. “How risky is it?”
“If I thought Opal had actually identified an explosive device I’d be the first one to call for a bomb squad. Unfortunately, there isn’t anything like that in South Fork or even Oakhurst so we’d have a long wait.”
Her hand gripped his arm, her nails digging in. “It’s better than getting blown up.”
Max looked to his K-9 partner. She was curious about the second carton but not behaving as if she smelled volatile substances.
“Don’t worry about me,” Max said with a reassuring smile. “Whatever she senses in there isn’t going to go boom.”
“You know that how?”
“I trust Opal. If she were sitting next to it and looking at me for praise, we’d both make a run for it.”
“No offense, but I think I’ll take your first suggestion and go to the barn. I’d like to say hello to my favorite horse, anyway.”
“Fine with me.” He handed her the end of the leash. “Take Opal with you.”
“Why? I thought you said it was safe out here.”
“From the box, not from the storm,” Max explained. “I’ll join you two in a few minutes.”
“You’d better,” Katerina warned, “or I’ll call Sheriff Tate.”
“Just hold your horses.”
“Is that a pun?”
His grin widened. “It wasn’t intended to be but if you think it’s funny, fine. Now go, before we both get soaked.”
“Okay, okay. I’m going.”
Drops the size of dimes began to dot the dry ground and the partially folded flaps of the box of clothing. Max grabbed a pitchfork and used its tines to push the top farther open. Katerina was right. All there seemed to be was a jumble of shirts and jeans. A hairbrush and toothbrush lay on top, apparently tossed in last.
He stood back and studied the visible contents. Perhaps Opal had smelled Katerina on the items. Then again, maybe he was missing something. But what?
The answer turned out to be close enough to touch. Max, however, did not. Using a plastic evidence bag between his fingers and the folded piece of paper that was tucked beneath Katerina�
��s hairbrush, he lifted it out. The lab would tell him for sure if this was a note like the one he’d found in her room at the hotel. The paper looked the same. So did the manner in which it was creased. If he chose to open it he’d be able to guess whether or not the handwriting matched. Proper tests would tell him if the paper was tainted with explosives. Or with drugs. Hefting the box, note and all, he headed for the barn where Katerina and Opal waited. His first instinct was to keep the news of another note to himself but he quickly changed his mind. Nothing the young woman had done or said since he’d met her had indicated guilt, not even by association. Assuming she truly was in danger she deserved to see what was written. This note had been left for her after all, and she had a right to read it.
And there was another benefit. He was going to be able to judge more about her character as he observed her initial reactions.
* * *
Katerina was renewing her friendship with Moonlight when Opal began to wiggle, whine and tug on her leash. Max was back. And he had brought the box of clothing.
“Oh, good. I was afraid you were going to say that was evidence and keep it.”
“Some of it, I am,” he countered grimly.
“Give me a break. What can my clothes have to do with bombs?”
“I don’t know yet.” Depositing the carton atop stacked hay bales, he said, “The top shirt and the hairbrushes will stay with me. You can have the stuff underneath, providing there aren’t more notes tucked in down there.”
Her breath caught. “Notes? You found more notes?”
“One. And it’s possible that whoever left it had to move your brushes to put it there, so they’ll have to be checked for prints before I can let you have them.”
“What does this one say?”
“I don’t know yet.” He displayed the plastic baggie. “I didn’t unfold it.”
She lunged. “Well, I will,” but he was too quick and held it out of reach.
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