Devil's Gold

by Julie Korzenko

  She sneered at Jake, grabbed her clothes, and entered the bathroom for a quick wash and change.

  “Where were you last night?” he called through the closed door.

  Startled at his question, Cassidy played her cards straight. No sense in lying. “Out,” she slurred through toothpaste, squinting in the mirror at her tangle of blonde curls and sleepy green eyes.

  “No kidding? You could’ve used the door. I wouldn’t have stopped you.”

  She felt a flush heat her face. Embarrassed, she slid an apologetic smile in his direction. She exited the bathroom, patting him on the cheek. “Sorry.”

  “So where were you?” he insisted.

  “No time to play twenty questions, handsome. We’ve got a meeting to attend. It’ll take us almost two hours to drive to park headquarters.”

  Cassidy’s long legs easily matched the pace Jake set. They walked in companionable silence through the carpeted halls of the inn, heading to the front of the complex.

  “Rest of the pod waiting on us?” Cassidy asked.

  “Yes,” he said, tilting his head to the side and looking at her. His hair slanted across his eyes, and she resisted the urge to push it away from his face.

  “Does Steve have my GPS stats?”

  “Yes.”

  As they passed through the lobby, she glanced out the huge glass windows framing the front entrance. Dawn lightened the horizon, but the sun remained hidden behind the snowcapped peaks of the Grand Tetons. Heavy fog lay in billowing mists upon Yellowstone Lake, dissipating slowly as tendrils of early morning light kissed its surface.

  Cassidy stopped to admire the view, wondering what had ever drawn her to the humid embrace of Atlanta, Georgia. Faces never forgotten swam before her eyes. She hadn’t been drawn to Atlanta; she’d run. At full speed. Chased away from a place she loved and called home her entire lifetime by a nightmare too ugly to live with. ZEBRA had been her salvation, a Band-Aid to protect her shattered soul.

  “Careful; don’t let the demons invade your work,” she said softly, twisting her head away from the serene landscape.

  “What was that?” A frown marred the chiseled features of Jake’s face.

  “Nothing,” she said, surprised he’d heard her. “I’m just muttering about the injustice of being woken up by a brute such as yourself.”

  “You’re sure it has nothing to do with returning home after nine years of flitting around the world saving wildlife?”

  “That’s none of your concern, Dr. Anderson. Besides, I don’t flit.”

  Jake laughed. “Your file says otherwise.”

  He’d had her checked out? She’d trump his card. He wasn’t the only curious member of this team. “At least I’ve only been flitting for nine years. You’ve been flitting for ten.” Hah! See how he likes having his past scrutinized.

  He raised one eyebrow. “Touché. Did you find any thing of interest in my background check?”

  “Nope. You’re boring. How about me? What did you find out about me?”

  “You’re boring, too.”

  Cassidy faked a shocked gasp. “Am not.” She stumbled slightly, her toe catching the corner of an out-of-place piece of luggage. She bumped into the paneled wall, and he placed a hand on her arm to steady her. She ignored the small electric spark snaking across her skin where his warmth seeped into her. “You’re pushing your luck, Anderson. I’m cranky when I don’t get my shower in the morning.”

  “Or your coffee?”

  “How’d you guess? The aroma of Columbian beans would probably put you back in my good graces.”

  “Let me see what I can do. I’ll meet you out front in five.”

  She nodded energetically, and he snapped a mock salute, turning toward the small café at the edge of the lobby.

  Chuckling softly, she paused before heading out the front entrance. This wasn’t so bad. If nothing else, the man was a distraction from her troubles. If all went well and the GPS stats coincided with what she heard last night, she’d head immediately to one of the observation posts in the northern quadrant. It wasn’t that far from Mammoth Hot Springs, the location of park headquarters. With an intense resolve, she refused to dwell on the upcoming briefing with Ethan. Her hands shook slightly, the only sign of her emotional distress.

  The scent of lemon polish tickled her nose, and the aroma of coffee had her salivating. She missed her morning routine of hot shower and hot coffee, but the day called. Her tummy twisted and she grinned, surprised to realize the emotion was excitement.

  She was home.

  Cassidy was pleased to find her group already convened in front of the lodge where their Jeeps were parked. Stopping beside the muddy-brown vehicles, she dropped her backpack on the sidewalk. Battered and faded to a light mossy green, the bag’s interior was stuffed to the zipper with paraphernalia she required for her observation later that day.

  Jake came up behind her, shaking his head at her packing ability, and handed her a cup of coffee. She smiled sheepishly. Picking up the lumpy distorted mushroom of clothes and necessities with her free hand, she tossed it into the back of the closest Jeep.

  Jake and Cassidy climbed aboard the first vehicle. Steve followed behind with Michelle and Valerie. Although only about seventy miles away, it would take just under the two hours allotted to reach park headquarters due to strictly enforced speed limits, and the never-ending wildlife attractions that didn’t always remain on the grass and out of the road.

  He drove north toward Norris Junction, and Cassidy smiled at his roving eyes seeking the scenic view. She didn’t bother asking to drive; he’d never allow it. It was a sure bet that control freak was an understatement when referring to Jake Anderson.

  It didn’t bother her, though. Part of being a successful team leader was playing to the strengths of your team. If Anderson’s strength included the need to be in control of the vehicle, then so be it. She turned her head to gaze out the window. Then again, he’d better not cross the line and attempt to take control of her.

  “This is amazing country,” Jake said. “I’ve never been here before.”

  “Did you know …”

  “Oh no, Doctor. Another lesson?”

  She laughed. “It might help you acclimate faster.”

  “Okay, Dr. Jeopardy. Teach away.”

  Cassidy took a deep breath. The love and awe she felt for the park resonated in her voice. It allowed Jake a small window into her soul, but she didn’t mind. This time. She’d captured his attention, and surprisingly that pleased her.

  “Six hundred thousand years ago a huge volcanic eruption occurred, spewing forth more than two hundred and forty cubic miles of debris. The central portion of the park collapsed, forming a twenty-eight by forty-seven mile caldera, or basin in layman’s terms, which is home to a variety of wildlife. The Grand Tetons surround the greater Yellowstone ecosystem, which also includes the Teton Range and Jackson Hole. This is the largest, essentially intact natural area within the United States. That last part, I’m sure you knew.”

  Jake nodded, absorbed by the sight of a herd of bison grazing leisurely beside the road. He pulled onto an embankment, intent on obtaining a closer look.

  The beasts were massive, their shaggy brown coats caked with mud, dirt, and a horde of buzzing insects.

  “Keep your distance,” she cautioned.

  Jake nodded and crouched at the edge of the grass. He laughed when one bellowed menacingly at a calf intent on snaking a sweet grass patch away from it.

  “This gives you a definite appreciation for the hunting talents of the Indians. These animals are huge.”

  Cassidy knelt down beside him. She pointed to a large bull, his protruding horns a symbol of age. “That male right there weighs pretty close to eighteen hundred pounds.”

  “Amazing.”

  “Did you know that Yellowstone is the only place in the lower forty-eight states where bison have existed since prehistoric times?”

  Jake grinned. “You are full of all sorts
of little facts, aren’t you?”

  Steve rolled down his window and waved his arm wildly, signaling them to come over. Cassidy groaned. What now? Her mind refocused on the forthcoming briefing, and she reluctantly followed Jake to hear what Steve had to say.

  “Hey man, guess what Grand Teton stands for?” Steve quirked his head and wiggled his brows then nodded knowingly at Jake, who shrugged and raised his own eyebrows in question. Steve cupped his hands in front of his chest and moved them up and down. After a half second of stunned silence, Jake burst out laughing and turned to Cassidy for confirmation.

  “Yes, leave it to this shameful excuse of a man to figure it out, but it’s true. A French explorer named them.” Cassidy sighed and fidgeted.

  Michelle peered up at the mountain range and frowned in concentration. “What was he thinking?” she whispered.

  Steve looked at her in disbelief. “Sex, Michelle. He was thinking about sex.”

  Cassidy shook her head, smiling at the ecologist’s shocked expression.

  “Let’s get this show on the road, gang, or we’ll be late.” She turned to head back to her Jeep, but Steve grabbed her hand.

  “You okay, Sugar?”

  Sunshine. Sugar. What was with these guys? “I’m fine.”

  “I’m here if you need a friendly shoulder to cry on.”

  She smiled and disengaged herself from his grip. “Thanks. But, really, I’m okay.”

  Cassidy climbed back into her own Jeep, and they headed toward Mammoth Hot Springs.

  “You’re a bit uptight,” Jake said.

  Good grief! She bit her lip to prevent the snippy comments from flying out of her mouth. It would only act as a display of how very on edge she was. “Told you I don’t do well without a shower.”

  She glanced out the window, refusing to look him in the eye.

  “That’s an excuse. I’ll pull the truth from you, Sunshine. Never fool with a patient man.”

  As they drove, she knew he only pretended to be mesmerized by the number of elk and an up-close encounter with a male moose. But his lightheartedness and boyish charm pulled her out of her nagging thoughts, and she smiled, surprised that she was actually enjoying the ride.

  Jake maneuvered the vehicle into the parking area in front of Yellowstone National Park headquarters. The group had managed to reach Mammoth Hot Springs in record time.

  The morning was still crisp and cool, not yet heated by the summer sun. Exiting the Jeep, she grabbed her jean jacket from the backseat.

  Time to face the past.

  She turned slowly and smiled at the waiting group now overshadowed by a man whose face triggered a movie trailer of memories.

  Chief Law Enforcement Officer Ethan Connor.

  CHAPTER 12

  ETHAN HADN’T CHANGED AT ALL. HIS SUN-BLEACHED HAIR was cut in short wavy locks that framed a tanned, ruggedly handsome face. Piercing brown eyes nailed her with their fierce demand for recognition. Accusation glowed brightly within their depths, faltering any forward motion Cassidy had begun to make. He was angry.

  She burned with apprehension and took deep breaths to calm her nerves.

  She was a grown woman, not a foolish girl.

  She could do this.

  She had a job to do.

  There were wolves to save.

  Cassidy repeated her thoughts, and they gave her strength with every step she took. By the time she reached her team, she was furious at Ethan for making her feel insecure and galled by the thought that she’d allowed him to crawl beneath her skin. She could feel the flush of anger creep up her face and welcomed its emotional mask.

  “Dr. Lowell.” His outstretched hand reached for hers, and she couldn’t prevent herself from grabbing it.

  “Chief Connor.” Cassidy squeezed firmly, refusing to be the first to pull back from his iron grip.

  “Welcome back to Yellowstone.”

  “Thank you.” He released her hand. “You never returned my calls or my letters.”

  Cassidy stared at the ranger emblem stitched onto the pocket of his shirt. “Ethan, let’s not do this now. We have work to do.” This was worse than she’d imagined. He was confronting her.

  Relieved when Ethan addressed the rest of her pod, she glanced at her team and caught Jake’s expression. She turned her back when he sidled up to stand beside her.

  “What was that all about?” he asked.

  “The past,” she answered softly, stepping farther away.

  “You’re shaking.”

  “It’s nothing but a few unexpected nerves. I can’t wait to head out to the observation post.” She smiled reassuringly and urged him forward.

  “No titillating details?”

  “No details,” she stated flatly. “It was a lifetime ago.” Her heart clenched, and Cassidy realized the ache of loss suddenly felt unbearable. It must be Anna’s recent death that had ripped off the seal from the pain she’d spent all these years fighting against. Mom and Dad were gone. Ethan’s voice irritated the loathing that lay curled in her chest. Cassidy didn’t want to live this way: one foot on hate, the other on regret.

  She shrugged, trying to dislodge the memories that floated uninvited in her mind and indicated with a quick nod of her head that they should follow Ethan into the building.

  The park headquarters featured several small offices and a tiny front hallway. The door slammed behind Cassidy, enclosing the small group in a tight, almost suffocating arena.

  Ethan stood in the center, commanding their attention. “Welcome, everyone, to our humble abode.” His voice boomed loudly within the confines of the hall. Cassidy rolled her eyes at his comment and was rewarded with a scowl from Ethan.

  “All the park facilities and resources are at your disposal,” he continued. “Any questions?”

  “Where are we meeting?” Cassidy had been scrutinizing the floor, avoiding any form of eye contact but was forced to glance up when there was no response to her question. She was startled to find her eyes in line with Ethan’s chest. She tilted her head, not backing down to this silly attempt at intimidation. Her sudden emotional see-saw shifted to annoyance.

  “One of the deputies will be available shortly to provide you with any information you require. I, however, am in the middle of an important investigation and will not be available.”

  “That’s convenient.” Cassidy’s eyes widened in dismay as Ethan’s gaze darkened in anger. It was cruel to patronize him, but she couldn’t help herself. It was her best defense.

  “Dr. Lowell, my investigation will not overshadow yours. Don’t worry your pretty little head over official park business.”

  Cassidy saw red. “Don’t you dare speak to me that way, Ethan Connor. I’ve worked damn hard to achieve my position within ZEBRA, and I resent the tone of your voice.” Why the hell was she explaining herself? After ten minutes together, she’d allowed him to usurp her authority and dent her professionalism. Punching bag. Punching bag. She fisted her hand and glared at him.

  Ethan leaned forward and placed his hands on her shoulders. “I know you have, honey.”

  A blanket of pure white fury suffocated her. Cassidy could hear Jake’s protests in the background. She saw a large hand grab Ethan’s arm; then suddenly he was gone. Air, wonderful sweet air, surrounded her. Shaking her head, she focused on the two men standing before her facing one another with the testosterone of two rams in rut. Night and day. Their differences were as startling as their beauty.

  “Jake, it’s okay. I can handle this.”

  Jake speared her with a glare, and she narrowed her eyes. Stepping forward, she pushed between the two men. This wasn’t at all how she’d envisioned her reunion with Ethan Connor. She could fight her own wars, thank you very much. She flung Jake a don’t-mess-with-me look and then faced Ethan.

  “I’m sorry, Ethan. I’m certain your investigation is extremely important, and I’ll respect your position.” She was going to ream Jake a new one for making her apologize.

  Ethan offere
d her a genuine smile. “No problem, Cassidy. It’s a drug investigation, so I caution you and your team to be careful. There’re some unscrupulous characters roaming around Yellowstone.”

  “Drugs?”

  Ethan grunted and shook his head. “That’s all I can say.”

  “Thank you for the warning,” Cassidy said.

  Jake gripped her shoulder and pulled her away from Ethan. His touch shocked her, and she pushed against his hand. He glanced down at her, his mouth set and firm. Blue eyes bright with anger glared, and Cassidy bit her bottom lip at the reaction they provoked. Before she could analyze her feelings, Jake spun and faced Ethan. “Don’t touch what doesn’t belong to you.”

  Cassidy’s stomach fluttered between anger and anticipation. Impatient for the comforting embrace and relaxing ambiance of the wilderness, she bit back the words that were burning a hole in her cheek. Damn Jake.

  If Steve hadn’t hurriedly ushered them out of park headquarters and into their vehicles, she’d have laid his arrogant ass flat on the ground. How dare he? She wasn’t a commodity. Cassidy gritted her teeth as he maneuvered the Jeep off the main road and ground to a stop in a blur of dust and gravel.

  “Spill it,” he demanded as they both jumped from the vehicle onto the dried streambed. The park was in desperate need of rain.

  Cassidy huffed and tugged her backpack from the backseat. “Spill what?”

  Jake stood on the side of the road, peering up the path. He shook his head and turned to her. “What’s your history with Dudley Do-right?” Observation Post 29 lay at the top of that overgrown, boulder-strewn trail, and he wasn’t about to let her pass without an explanation.

  “Ethan?”

  “Is that his name? It must have slipped my mind somewhere between the magnificent display of your cowardice and his testosterone overload.”

  “I don’t owe you an explanation.”

  He nodded. “No. You don’t. But maybe it’ll help.”

  “With what?”

  “It’s my experience that if you talk a problem through, then it ceases to take on the life form of a one-eyed gorilla out for vengeance.”