by Beth Alvarez
There she went with the questions. Kade hated that, but he tried not to let his annoyance show. He didn’t have the head for keeping track of lies. Truth made it easier to keep people from being suspicious, but it left an easy trail to follow if anyone tried to trace him. “Grew up outside of Nashville,” he said honestly. He’d been far enough north for his last run that he didn’t think he’d be easily tracked. “Suppose I do got a bit of a drawl.”
“I’ve heard it’s beautiful out that way.” Her smile came back, giving him uncomfortably pleasant thoughts. “I always thought I’d like to see it in person.”
“You’ve never been?” He shifted the conversation away from himself, grateful for the chance. Most people liked to talk about themselves, he’d found. Then they’d even thank him for listening. Having people know you was a problem. Having them like you was beneficial.
“No. Can’t say I’ve traveled much at all. Vacations are expensive. And who’d watch the bed and breakfast, besides?” Felicity motioned toward the ceiling, as if that constituted the whole house. “But it does mean I know a lot about Holly Hill. Makes me a decent tour guide, if you’d like one before you head to work?”
Kade glanced out the window, checking the position of the sun before looking at his watch. “I dunno, Filly. I gotta be there by six.”
“It won’t take long. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but this isn’t exactly a big town. Besides, it’s tradition for us to show our out-of-state visitors around town.” She blinked those big eyes at him with a sweet smile, her dark eyelashes brushing her cheeks.
He hesitated, looking at the sun again.
“Besides,” she added, “we can walk. It’s a quick trip from here. You can jump in your truck and be on your way as soon as we’re done.”
“All right.” He thumbed the brim of his hat. “Let me get my coat.”
Felicity’s face lit up. “I’ll get my shoes.”
He couldn’t imagine she really wanted to walk with him. After the way he’d made her blush that morning, he was surprised enough she could look him in the eye. But she had her shoes and coat on when he came back, and the last pan of cookies sat cooling on the stovetop.
“All set?” She pulled her hair out of the collar of her coat, letting it tumble over her shoulders in loose waves.
Drawing his scarf and gloves from his coat pockets, he inclined his head. “Lead the way.”
She shut the door behind them, watching as he draped the scarf around his neck. “I’d have thought a cowboy would be used to the cold.”
“Bein’ used to it doesn’t mean I gotta like it.” Jamming his fingers into his gloves, he followed her to the edge of the road.
The rural streets were barely wide enough for two cars, roughly paved and lined by grass or gravel through most of the town. The square was only a few short blocks away from the bed and breakfast, which perched on a swell hardly big enough to call it a hill. The handful of major streets that formed the square boasted sidewalks and proper curbs.
Kade touched her arm as they turned the corner and stepped up onto the sidewalk, positioning himself between her and the road.
She glanced at his boots, then smiled up at him. “So here we are. This is Second Street. First is back there behind us. I couldn’t tell you why the town grew up on Second, I suppose because the courthouse is over here.” She pointed at a stately but featureless building across the street. It took up most of a city block on its own, though a portion of the spread was green lawn and a white gazebo with green garlands twisted around its rails. “The square runs around it. The police station is in the back of the courthouse, that little door with the hitching posts.”
He snorted a laugh. “You still get a lot of horse traffic out here?”
“No, but the officers have a couple. I think it’s for their convenience.” Felicity cleared her throat, leading him down the street. “This is the coffee shop. They sell donuts, too, so I guess I won’t find you here.”
“Nope.” He was amused she paid that much attention, but it meant he’d have to be careful what he said, too. He tucked his hands in his pockets, letting his eyes wander ahead.
“We’ve got two banks. This one, and there’s one over on the other side of the square, we’ll pass that in a minute. Here’s the furniture shop, then that next one is the drugstore. Here, we can cross over now.” She stepped out between parked cars and glanced both ways before leading him across the street. “Any questions yet?”
“Yeah, how come it’s called Holly Hill? The whole town’s practically flat, and there ain’t any hollies.”
Rolling her eyes, she pointed back the way they’d come. “That’s the hill. Where Hilltop House is. The holly used to be there, too, but it died and was cut down before I was even born.”
“Oh, so there was a holly. I thought it was just one of those names that made no sense.” He smirked, nodding toward the row of storefronts to their left. “What’s this one?”
Felicity turned to look, slowing to a stop, her face falling.
Kade halted a few paces ahead, following her gaze. There was nothing on the other side of those dirty windows; just an empty building. “Filly?”
She swallowed, tearing her eyes away and forcing a smile. “Well, whoever gets to put something in there is pretty lucky, I suppose. Perfect place for a shop, right in the middle of everything.” She started forward at a brisk pace, hurrying away from the empty storefront.
A raw nerve, apparently.
He closed the distance between them in a few strides, looking ahead, feigning disinterest. “What would you put in there?”
Felicity laughed nervously. “What makes you think I have any ideas?”
Shrugging, he kicked a cigarette butt off the sidewalk and into the gutter. “Don’t know. Looked like you saw something when you were lookin’ at it. Something that might be, you know?”
She tried to smile, but her lips quivered. “Just old dreams. That’s all.”
“Ah.” He gave a slow nod, walking in silence for a moment before giving her a sidewise smirk. “A hat shop.”
Felicity blinked. “What?”
“I’d make it a hat shop. Them big frilly bonnets like the ladies wear to the derby.”
She blinked again, then laughed. “Would you really?”
“Why not? It’s got big windows. Needs somethin’ pretty in them, don’t it?” Kade flashed her a grin.
“You’re right.” She bowed her head, scuffling her feet against the concrete. “I’d make it cakes, I think. Big wedding cakes.”
“Somewhere to do your baking, huh?”
Felicity blew out a long sigh. “I used to think I’d have a bakery. I like being able to use the kitchen at home, but having a real shop would be something special, you know? Me and Michael-” She stopped short, squeezing her eyes closed.
“Ah. I see.” He tugged his scarf away from his mouth, tucking it closer beneath his chin. No wonder it struck a nerve.
“That was a long time ago,” she murmured. “But I have the bed and breakfast, so I’m happy.”
“Ain’t nothin’ wrong with growing where you’re planted.” He tugged up his sleeve, twisting his wrist to look at his watch. “I hate to cut you short, Filly, but I’m out of time.”
She smiled bravely. “Go ahead. I think I’ll stop and sit in the gazebo a minute. It’s my favorite place in town.”
“Thank you kindly for the tour.” He crossed the street beside her, watching her climb the grassy slope. “I enjoyed it.” And oddly enough, he had.
“Have a safe night at work, cowboy,” she said.
Kade tipped his hat before starting back toward the hill and his dirty red pickup. He glanced back once, pausing to look at her. She sat in the gazebo with her ankles crossed and her head tipped back, watching the first stars peek out in the night sky. He could picture her sitting there with fireflies dancing in the summer twilight, and the thought made him frown. Tearing his eyes away, he continued on toward his truck.
> Whether or not he could envision it, he wasn’t planning on staying that long.
THREE
* * *
IT FELT GOOD to be in the saddle again after weeks off the job. Kade imagined he’d take that back by the time his shift was over, but for now he enjoyed the swaying motion of Dex’s easy stroll. The bay champed at his bit, whuffing and pulling against the reins. His enthusiasm would wane too, but there was no harm in letting him dance a little now.
Kade loosened his grip on the reins, clicking his tongue and twitching his heels against the gelding’s flanks. The horse leaped into a relaxed canter and Kade turned him toward the herd, gripping the saddle horn and squinting against the rushing cold of the wind.
Cowboys weren’t as common as they used to be, facets of the job replaced by electric fences and men on 4-wheelers. But there was no beating the old fashioned way for some things. ATVs were noisy, unreliable, and demanded fuel. They were limited in use when it came to crossing creeks or rivers, and despite the moniker, muddy or steep terrain could stop them in their tracks. Horses were an all around better option and half the fun of the job, besides.
Not that herding cattle was the point of him being out there.
Dex slowed to a trot, then a walk as the herd came into view. Kade checked his bags while the gelding ambled onward. He hadn’t brought a lot with him, just a flashlight and a notebook, along with a few heat packs to keep his fingers thawed enough to make writing easy. The cold wasn’t bitter yet, but it was just after six, the earth still clinging to what warmth the sun had given it. He loved the long winter nights, but he could do without the freeze.
Skirting the edge of the herd, Kade reined his mount to a slower walk. The cattle were resting, some laying down, and he didn’t want to disturb them. The beasts ignored them for the most part, a few heads turning their way, though with it being just another man on a horse they seemed to decide he wasn’t worth notice.
A short way ahead, another man in a hat swung onto his horse, nudging the animal into motion, riding to meet Kade halfway.
“Glad to head home?” Kade raised his voice to make up for the way his scarf muffled it. His breath was still warm enough that it felt good. The thick wool was pulled almost to his eyes, meant to hold in as much of the heat as possible.
“Wish I could,” the other cowboy called back. He nudged his hat upwards, though whether it was to expose his face or get a better look at him, Kade didn’t know. “Marshall’s new guy?”
“Yup. First night.” Kade offered a hand. The other man drew his horse close enough to grasp it for a firm shake.
“Glad to have you. I’m Charlie.”
“Kade,” he replied, struggling not to frown. Charles was his father’s name. Hearing it in any form made him prickle. “And I appreciate the work.”
“Well, we appreciate you being here. The rest of us have been taking turns riding nights since the last theft, but it’s hard to switch night and day like that. Hope it’ll be an uneventful night.” Charlie drew back his horse.
Kade cast a glance over the herd. “You stayin’ out here?”
“Figured someone oughta be out here to show you the ropes. Glad I won’t have to ride another overnight after tonight, though.”
“I appreciate the thought, but it ain’t my first time chasin’ steers.” Kade chuckled. “Don’t think McCullough would’ve hired me if that were the case. If you’re tired, you can head on back.”
Charlie hesitated.
Shrugging, Kade shifted in the saddle. “’Sides, McCullough already gave me the tour. Me and Dex had a good ride ‘round the pasture last night. I think we’ve got this.”
The other cowboy offered a tentative grin. “Well, if you’re sure, I won’t fuss about the extra sleep. You all set?”
Kade nodded. “Think so, but I guess we’ll find out. Get a good night’s rest.”
Charlie nodded back and adjusted his hat again, turning toward the ruddy glow the farmhouse lights cast against the night sky. “Take it easy, Colton.” He kicked his horse up to a trot, cutting across the rolling field.
Kade waited until he was out of sight to dismount and drop Dex’s reins to the ground. The gelding pricked his ears forward, but stayed put.
A few standing cattle shifted as Kade slipped between them and examined them one at a time. He hadn’t had a chance to look at the cattle the night before, studying the tracks left around the range instead.
For the most part, the animals looked sound; a few had scrapes or cuts on their legs or sides, but nothing that couldn’t be explained by stumbles or brushes with wild brambles. Glad as he was that the rancher’s livestock were healthy, it wasn’t helpful, and he returned to his horse with a frown.
Climbing back into the saddle, Kade settled in to wait. Charlie had wished him an uneventful night, but he was hoping for just the opposite. Judging by the tracks he’d seen with McCullough the evening before, he didn’t think it’d be long before they had visitors again.
It only took a few hours to prove him right.
The cattle grew restless, the whole herd on their feet, milling and mooing. Even Dex seemed antsy, tossing his head and stamping his hooves. Kade hushed him, patting his neck, scanning the horizon. He would’ve loved to have the kind of sixth sense animals did; his hearing and eyesight were good, but aside from the way the beasts around him stirred, he couldn’t tell anything was amiss.
He checked his watch. Almost twelve thirty. As close to dead in the middle of the night as they could get, but still a little early for bandits.
That was one thing he hadn’t been able to figure. There was no mistaking the boot prints in the mud alongside those of the stolen cattle. But those big canine-looking prints didn’t strike him as those of a working dog. The thing would’ve been as big as a horse, for one. That didn’t sound right for any dog he was familiar with—or any critter that left that kind of tracks, for that matter.
The low hum of an engine caught his ear and he turned toward it. East, the far side of the herd, the same side of the ranch the rustlers had come from before. Either they thought hitting the same spot twice was unexpected, or the east side gave them easy entry from . . . wherever they came from. That or they were plain stupid, which seemed just as likely. The ground was dry, but trucks were heavy and tire tracks were easy to follow.
Kade kicked his horse into a trot. If they were regular thieves, making himself noticeable would drive them off. Halfway around the herd, he flicked on his flashlight, training it on the ground between him and the cattle.
Sure enough, the truck stopped, still too far away to make out in the dark. Shadowy figures climbed out, too far off for their voices to be heard, but Kade felt their eyes. Then they vanished, swallowed by the shadow of the truck. A moment later he saw a silhouette against the sky, standing on the vehicle’s roof.
Kade narrowed his eyes. That was unusual, but he didn’t get a chance to stare.
A loud, metallic thud echoed through the night and the herd exploded into panic.
Spurring his horse into motion, Kade swung wide around the cattle as they tried to scatter. He redirected them south, toward the ranch house and safe barns that waited. He only turned a handful before something gray streaked in front of him. Dex spooked, rearing with a shrill whinny.
In the next breath, Kade was on the ground.
So much for enjoying being back in the saddle. He grimaced, rolling onto his stomach, a steer’s hooves coming down where he’d been.
His flashlight was in the grass ahead, shining right in his eyes. He scrambled forward, snatching the light and thrusting himself upright.
Cattle bellowed in distress, running in every direction. Again he caught a flash of gray, something running between the animals. No matter how fast he turned his light, he missed it. Then came the agonized scream of a wounded cow and the frenzy of hooves stampeding away from it.
Kade stood, shining the flashlight straight ahead.
Bigger than any of the cattle in the f
ield, the creature dragged its prize back toward the truck, its eyes glinting red in the beam of his flashlight. Bony shoulders and hips jutted out at strange angles and quills ran down its spine, all casting weird shadows down its already misshapen sides.
Bending to take his hat from the ground, he watched helplessly as the gray-skinned monster retreated. Then it slipped beyond the reach of his light, though the thumping of it dragging the dead steer into the back of the truck echoed in the dark.
Slowly, Kade put his hat back on his head. “Well, now,” he breathed. “Don’t that beat all.”
He dusted off his front and went to catch his horse.
* * *
“A wolf?” McCullough frowned, rubbing his mustache.
“Yes, sir. Biggest doggone thing I ever saw, too.” Kade had spent hours rounding up the herd to drive it back toward the ranch. It was near the end of his shift when he made it to the house’s front door.
The sun wouldn’t be up until after seven or so. The cattle grazed contentedly on the other side of the fence, their midnight panic long forgotten. The other farmhands walked between the animals with flashlights, checking for injuries. A few had cuts that could have been from teeth or claws, but nothing a little antiseptic salve wouldn’t take care of.
“Where the truck went, though, I couldn’t tell you. By the time I had hold of Dex, they were too far gone to follow on horseback.”
The rancher’s frown deepened.
Kade kept the story as close to truth as he thought reasonable. He’d seen the truck and was on his way to investigate, thinking it some of his fellow cattle hands, when the wolf—or dog, he said it could have been—had spooked his horse and took down a steer. Whether or not McCullough bought it, he couldn’t say.
“Well,” McCullough said slowly, “I’ll have the boys ride out with you. A truck can’t jump fences, so we’ll have some downed or cut wire somewhere. You can show them where it happened. They can follow the tracks and maybe we’ll have something more to tell the police. As for the steer-”