Rocky Mountain Revenge

by Rhonda Starnes

  Evan shoved a hand through his hair, frustration etched on his face. She hated to cause him to worry, but she’d taken an oath to provide the best care for any patient in her charge. And, whether she liked it or not, James’s patients had become hers yesterday when he’d walked out of the clinic. Good thing she had already lined up several people, some newly graduated and some with experience, to interview as his replacement.

  Actually, Grace planned to hire two veterinarians to replace James, not that he had done the work of two doctors, but the practice had been lacking. She’d hired someone to take up the slack after her father passed, but they’d only lasted three weeks before James had run them off, telling Grace and Chloe if they hired an extra veterinary assistant, he could handle the workload without another veterinarian.

  If only she hadn’t stayed away after her father’s death... She might have been able to...to what? Stop James from being so controlling about the clinic? Save her sister’s marriage?

  “What time does the clinic close?”

  “Um...what?” Lost in thought, Evan’s words hadn’t penetrated her consciousness.

  “I asked what time the clinic closes.”

  “Oh. Ah, noon.” Hope swelled inside her. “Then we’re closed until eight o’clock Monday morning.”

  “Which gives you forty-eight hours to make other arrangements for the care of the animals of Blackberry Falls.” He winked.

  Unable to resist, she offered a saucy smile and replied, “Or it gives you forty-eight hours to find the person behind the attacks and put him in jail.”

  He sobered. “Believe me, that would be my preference. I’ll do my best.”

  “Does this mean you won’t fight me about working today?”

  “It means I understand the importance of your work.”

  The older officer pushed away from the table and ambled over to them. “I can stick around and guard the doctor.”

  “Wilkes, you’ve just completed a night shift, you need to go home and get some rest.”

  “No, sir. I never go to sleep before one. Besides, Martha has gone to Albuquerque to visit our daughter and the grandkids, so I’ll be going home to an empty house.”

  “Doesn’t matter. I can’t pay overtime. I’ll pull a patrol officer to hang out here for the four hours needed.”

  “Well, sir, you do that, if you feel it’s best.” Wilkes turned to her and smiled. “Dr. Porter, since it’s lonely at my house, would you mind if I come back here and spend a few hours hanging out with you and the animals after I’ve gone home and changed into civilian clothes?”

  Evan watched the exchange, an amused expression on his face, and Grace knew he was awaiting her reply. Probably more than anyone, Evan knew she wasn’t comfortable with people going out of their way doing things for her. How could she say no when he looked so proud that his officer had volunteered his free time?

  She searched the older man’s face. Something about the officer bothered her. She couldn’t put her finger on it. Maybe it was the forced smile that didn’t reach his eyes. She mentally shook herself.

  What was wrong with her? Had she really started to suspect everyone? Stop imagining things. Evan trusted him. The man had worked the night shift. He’s not being unfriendly, he’s tired. Which might be a good thing. He could find a corner and sleep while she worked, and she could forget he was there. It wasn’t like she needed a guard at the clinic anyway. The guy who was after her wouldn’t make a move with her entire staff and clients present, would he?

  SEVEN

  Evan craned his neck for a better view of the exam room. The door was still closed. In the past hour, Grace had given vaccines to three dogs and one cat, and now she was stitching up a ferret brought in with a nasty-looking cut. The waiting area was empty for the moment but wasn’t likely to stay that way for long.

  Settling back into the vinyl chair, he glanced at the clock. It had been forty-five minutes since he’d sent Wilkes home to change out of his uniform and eat breakfast. The veteran officer should be back soon, then Evan could go to the station and follow up on leads.

  In the meantime, he had gone over the security footage from the outside cameras, trying, to no avail, to identify the intruder. The man, or woman, had strategically avoided most of the cameras, and in the kennel where they couldn’t be avoided, they had kept their back to them. Unfortunately, there were no cameras inside the clinic.

  The bell over the door dinged, and Ben Hamilton came in with his Australian shepherd. He waved at the receptionist, Tina Layton, and headed into the waiting area. The animal tugged on his leash, trying to get to Evan for attention.

  “No, Max. Stay,” Hamilton commanded.

  Evan laughed and stroked the dog between his ears as the older man stood looking on. “It’s okay. He’s just curious.” The animal was a beauty, with one blue eye and one brown eye.

  “Have you given any more thought to who may have driven that truck off your property the other night, Ben?” Evan asked casually once the man was settled in a chair.

  “I’ve answered all of your officers’ questions, chief. Multiple times. My answers haven’t changed,” the rancher replied without emotion.

  Evan studied the man’s weathered face. “I understand you’ve been trying to buy the Osborne farm.”

  “I tried to warn Chloe of the dangers of living on a farm alone. She should have listened to me.”

  “Did you have anything to do with the attack? Trying to scare her off?”

  “The only thing I’m guilty of is offering advice to an old friend’s daughter and trying to add to my acreage. And I will not sit here and be interrogated by you.” The rancher pushed to his feet and walked over to the receptionist’s desk, slamming his hand on the counter. “Cancel Max’s appointment.” Glaring at Evan, he added, “I’ll take him to the vet in Cañon City for his shots.”

  Evan walked up to the counter. “Now, Ben, there’s no need for that.”

  Ben harrumphed and led Max out the door, the Australian shepherd barking and straining at his leash when he spied a woman exiting her vehicle with a pet carrier.

  Evan’s cell phone rang, and he slipped it out of his pants’ pocket. FBI Special Agent Randy Ingalls’s number flashed on the screen.

  Eight months ago, Agent Ingalls had approached Evan for his assistance. Working undercover, Ingalls had been trying to infiltrate an organization behind off-the-grid horse races in the county. Though the organizers always secured the appropriate permits for match races, Evan and Agent Ingalls both knew illegal activities such as substance abuse, including performance-enhancing drugs given to the animals, gambling, money laundering, and human trafficking were happening behind the scenes.

  Evan had tried to reach the agent earlier. He crossed to the receptionist’s desk, pointed to Chloe’s office and mouthed, I’ll be in there.

  Tina smiled. “Go ahead, dear.”

  Evan settled into the desk chair, making sure he’d still have a good view of the exam room door, and answered his phone. “Ingalls, thanks for returning my call.”

  “No problem. I’d like to hear more about these attacks and why you think they’re connected to the match races.”

  Evan quickly filled the agent in on the events of the past thirty-six hours.

  A sick feeling settled in the pit of Evan’s stomach. If the changes in the reports Grace found weren’t a clerical error, someone connected to Porter Animal Clinic was involved in the illegal activities, too. Most likely providing the drugs being used on the horses. But was that person behind the attacks? Would someone who worked at the clinic be willing to kill the sisters to keep their involvement a secret? As a law-enforcement officer, he knew that answer was yes. Anyone who felt trapped was capable of murder.

  “I’m trying to go undercover as security at the next race,” Ingalls said. “Send me photos of the clinic’s staff. If any of them
show up at the race, maybe we can narrow down your suspects.”

  “I’ll get them to you as soon as I get to the office.” Evan picked up the files from earlier and flipped through them. “I’ll also send you a copy of the toxicology report on the horse that died.”

  “What are you doing here, James?” Grace’s harsh tone drew Evan’s attention to the open exam room door. She was facing her brother-in-law, whose back blocked the door to Chloe’s office, obscuring Evan’s view.

  Had James seen him looking over the files? Evan ended his call and slid the folders into a drawer. He pushed away from the desk and stood, quietly listening. Ready to intervene if needed.

  “I came to do my job,” James stated matter-of-factly.

  “Walking out yesterday was your choice. What right do you have to be here now?” Grace peered over James’s shoulder, meeting Evan’s gaze.

  Noticing the tired, almost defeated look in her eyes, Evan offered her an encouraging smile and a nod.

  James spun around and glared. “I should have known your bodyguard would be here.”

  “I take my job seriously. Protecting the citizens of Blackberry Falls, even those who have been away for a while, is my job.” Evan measured his words, speaking in a soft, even tone as he walked toward the pair. Stopping in front of James, he added, “I believe Grace asked you what you’re doing here.”

  “Like I told her, I’m here to do my job.” James’s shoulders slumped, and he gave a half shrug before looking at Grace. “You may not like me, but these animals have been my patients for the past four years. Since we were closed yesterday, I rescheduled two surgeries for today. I figured you’d like help. I can do the surgeries while you see the other patients.”

  Was James being sincere or was he playing a game to keep a close eye on the investigation?

  “I don’t know...” Grace looked at Evan questioningly.

  He shrugged, unable to give her guidance on this matter. Not that Evan would take any chances where Grace was concerned. She would not be left unprotected with James on the premises.

  “If you want me to leave, I will,” James said.

  “No. It’s okay. You’re right. Having you complete a surgery would be helpful. The ACL repair will take the longest, so start with it. I’ll take care of the scheduled vaccinations and the walk-ins. If I get finished before you, I’ll do the other surgery.”

  James nodded assent, turned and walked toward the door marked Operating Room 1, stopping to say something to Valerie on his way. The vet tech laughed at whatever he’d said and glanced their way.

  Grace turned back to Evan and whispered, “What do you make of James showing up today?”

  He stepped back and motioned her into the office, closing the door after she’d entered. “I’m not sure. But I don’t want you alone with him.” He walked past her and crossed to the desk. “Officer Wilkes will need to be in close proximity of you at all times. Do you understand?”

  “I’ll make sure he has a seat with a clear view of the exam rooms.”

  Evan reached into the drawer and retrieved the folders. “I’m not sure if James saw me looking through these files or not, but I don’t want to leave them where he might find them. Are you okay with me locking them in my car?”

  “Normally, I wouldn’t let medical records leave the clinic, but I don’t see as we have any other choice at the moment.” Grace hid a yawn behind her hand.

  Up close, Evan could see the dark under-eye circles that she’d tried to conceal with makeup. He hated that she hadn’t been able to sleep the night before. That made two nights with minimal sleep for her. If he accomplished nothing else today, he had to ensure she had a safe place to rest her head tonight.

  When he’d called earlier to check on Chloe, he and Ryan had discussed the situation. The younger man had suggested Evan and Grace stay in the cabin overlooking the waterfall in the woods at the edge of his parents’ property, the Flying V Ranch.

  How would Grace take the suggestion? Like it or not, she wasn’t staying at the clinic alone again. He’d also have to make arrangements for Camden to stay with his parents for the time being, but he wasn’t worried about that. Cam would love getting to stay with Grammy and Poppy, fishing in the pond and eating Grammy’s home cooking.

  “Look, Grace, I think I have a safe place—”

  “Dr. Porter?” Tina Layton poked her head around the door. “Your next patient is waiting in exam room three.”

  “I’ll be right there.” She turned back to him with an apologetic smile. “I’ve gotta go. Can we discuss this when you pick me up?”

  “Sure. I’ll be here by a quarter till.” He followed her into the hall as he spoke. A dog barked in the waiting area, and Evan could see a golden Labrador retriever straining at his leash as Wilkes strolled down the hall toward them.

  The officer nodded at Grace as she passed on her way to the exam room. Pride surged through Evan at the willingness of his men to donate their free time to protect the Porter sisters.

  It was nice knowing he wasn’t alone in the quest to keep Grace alive, but he struggled to squelch the uneasy feeling settling into the pit of his stomach at the thought of not being the one there protecting her.

  * * *

  Grace knelt and handed the fluffy, white rabbit to his owner, a young brown-haired girl with freckles scattered across her face. “Here you go, Daisy. Marshmallow is perfectly healthy, and he’s ready to go home.”

  Grace glanced at her watch. Eleven twenty. Forty minutes until closing time, and she had seen the last scheduled patient.

  “Is Dr. Osborne still in surgery?” she asked Tina, who was in the waiting area straightening the magazines.

  “Yes. He finished the ACL repair on the greyhound.” Tina moved to the collars and leashes display and continued with her organizing. “He’s operating on the Burmese cat now.”

  Grace picked up a paper coffee cup someone had left sitting on the floor beside one of the brown vinyl chairs and disposed of it. “What time did he get started?”

  “Around eleven.”

  “Did he say how long he thought it would take?” she asked as she reached to retrieve a chew toy that had fallen off the display on the counter.

  “He expects to finish by noon.” The older woman’s smile reached all the way to her dark brown eyes, her brown hair styled in a short bob framed her face. “Go sit and rest a minute. I can finish straightening things. You’ve been on your feet all morning. I’ve left homemade blueberry muffins in the kitchenette, and there’s a fresh pot of coffee.”

  The mention of food had Grace’s stomach growling. She had forgotten to eat anything for breakfast. “Thank you, Tina. I’ll be in Chloe’s office if anyone needs me.”

  Officer Wilkes sat on a stool he’d placed at the end of the long reception desk. His vantage point gave him a clear view of the front door, the three exam rooms and the hall leading to the operating area.

  “Come on,” she said when she passed him. “Let’s grab some coffee and muffins.” Maybe nourishment would help erase the somber expression on the officer’s face.

  He followed her and soon they settled in chairs around the small table in the corner of her sister’s office.

  “Yum. That is probably the best blueberry muffin I’ve ever had,” she said between bites.

  “I could have told you that, ma’am. Ms. Tina always wins the blue ribbon at the fair for her baked goods.”

  Grace examined the man sitting across from her. Officer Wilkes had silver hair and blue eyes, his expression guarded. His wrinkled face was almost leathery, like a man who’d spent a lot of time outdoors. He seemed familiar, but she couldn’t place him.

  “Trying to figure out where you know me from?” he asked as if reading her mind.

  “Actually, yes.” No point trying to hide the fact that she couldn’t remember all the people she’d known
growing up, though most people would probably find it strange she didn’t remember everyone since the population of the town was less than seven hundred.

  “I guess you were about nine years old. You came with your daddy to make a house call at my place. I had a small farm—what people today would call a hobby farm—with a few goats, some chickens and some ducks. One of the goats had gotten his leg caught in some wire and needed stitches. I planned to load him up and bring him to the clinic, but when I called, Dr. Porter said it was closing time so he’d stop by on his way home.” A smile lifted the corners of his mouth. “Your daddy always said it was less stressful for farm animals if he came to them, instead of them having to be brought to the clinic in trailers.”

  He met her eyes and the smile disappeared. “You were with your daddy that day. I think you had gone to the clinic after school. Anyway, you asked to see all the animals while he stitched up the goat.”

  “You gave me pellet food to feed the ducks,” she interjected.

  He nodded, a faraway expression on his weathered face. “I did.”

  A forgotten memory replayed in slow motion through her mind. “I tripped on a tree root and fell in the pond. You saved me.”

  “It was my fault for not watching you more closely.”

  The man’s guilt at her carelessness saddened her. “You couldn’t have known I’d fall in.”

  “I could have warned you and helped you avoid the accident.” He placed his elbows on the table and leaned closer. “My advice for you, right now, to keep you from a disaster far worse than a dip in a pond, is to get in your vehicle and hightail it to Denver. And when your sister is released from the hospital, keep her there. Cut all ties with this town.”