Rough Terrain, page 6
“I made so many mistakes and bad decisions that I figured I could never show my face around here again. Wondered how I was gonna go on and fix the mess I’d made. Then I realized that I couldn’t fix what I had done; just had to let the past go and do my best to become the person I knew I could be.”
Looking at Leigh, her expression once again unreadable, Gertie leaned forward.
“We can’t change the past, no matter how hard we wish we could. Bad things happen and we have to learn to let go and move on. It’s for the best.”
Leigh’s heart started pounding and her breath caught in her throat. What exactly was Gertie trying to say? Before she could ask, the café door opened and the bells jangled.
“Jared!” Gertie smiled and got up off the stool. “I’ve been wondering where you’ve been. Haven’t found someone else to serve you breakfast, have you?”
Jared gave Gertie a devilish grin. “No one could serve it to me the way you do, Gertie.”
Leigh rolled her eyes.
“You wouldn’t be able to keep up with me,” Gertie bantered right back. “You just sit down right there and behave yourself. You want something to eat? Coffee?”
Jared shook his head and took the abandoned stool next to Leigh as Gertie shuffled off into the kitchen. Leigh wanted to call her back and find out exactly what she knew, but she had a feeling that Gertie had said everything she was going to at this point.
“I’ve been looking for you,” Jared said, grinning at Leigh. “There’s a county fair coming this weekend. I was hoping you would go with me.”
The invitation surprised her. “Me? Why?”
“One, because I believe I would enjoy your company. Two, I thought you might enjoy seeing a Midwestern county fair. Three, I didn’t think you’d have anything better to do.”
He had ticked of his reasons on his left fingers, looking relaxed, as if her answer was of no importance to him. Her first reaction was to say no, but she hesitated, which surprised her. What harm could there be in going with him to a county fair? It might actually help her in the long run. The more she was seen at local events, then the more people would learn to trust her. Besides, she hated to admit it, but he was right, she didn’t have anything better to do.
“Alright,” she nodded.
“Great, I’ll pick you up on Saturday at six.” He hopped up off the stool. “I’m running late but I saw your Jeep outside. Figured now was my chance to ask you. I’ll see you Saturday.”
Gertie came out of the kitchen just in time to wave goodbye to Jared. Both women sighed as the door closed behind him.
• • •
The carnival was in full swing when Jared and Leigh pulled into the parking lot. It appeared as if half the county had come out to the midway. Jared grabbed Leigh’s hand and pulled her through the throngs of people as they headed toward the ticket booth.
The Ferris wheel was full, and the screams of the roller coaster riders brought a smile to Leigh’s face. The rides were set in the middle of a field, with food booths running down one side, game booths running down the other. Neon lights were lost against the bright sky, but Leigh knew they would create a magical atmosphere after the sun went down. Carnivals always seemed more mysterious and dreamlike at night.
A dance floor made of wood planks had been built on the grass in front of a bandstand on the far end. Paper lanterns swayed in a light breeze as dancers twirled colorfully to a lively beat from the band.
“Let’s get something to eat first, then we can walk around and see what rides I can talk you on to,” Jared suggested.
“Talk me on to?” Leigh pretended to be insulted. “I’ll have you know that I’ve ridden some of the biggest roller coasters on the eastern seaboard with my hands in the air the entire ride.”
It pleased her when he laughed out loud.
“Okay, if that’s true then I am impressed, but I’ll need proof of such a claim. It’s been my experience that women just aren’t that brave when it comes to carnival rides.”
“You’re on, and may I suggest that you hang out with a better class of women?” Laughing, Leigh punched him in the arm.
Jared had shown up on time and even complimented Leigh on her appearance. It had taken her hours to decide what to wear. Since this wasn’t a date, she had wanted to be casual yet still dress up a little, finally deciding on jeans, high heeled boots and a blue gauze blouse. There had been a slight thrill of satisfaction when she saw the appreciation in Jared’s eyes as she opened the door.
Jared bought Leigh a hot dog at one of the food booths.
“It’s surprising how much better food tastes at a carnival,” she remarked. “I never cook hot dogs for myself but that was delicious. Now I just need a snow cone, fried dough and some cotton candy.”
Jared laughed. “Well I certainly don’t want to disappoint you or leave you hungry. Do they need to be in that order?”
Leigh blushed. “No, I think we can start with the fried dough and work in the snow cone later. I’ll probably take the cotton candy home to eat. “
• • •
Leigh enjoyed her fried dough as they strolled through the tents of crafts, produce, baked and home goods. Everything from jams to quilts was on display. The prizewinners sported colorful ribbons and Jared discussed with Leigh how someone could have grown such a perfect rose or made such a beautiful quilt. Leigh liked his observations, and how he brought up points that she hadn’t thought of herself. He made her look at things from a different perspective, without pushing his opinion, and she found herself slipping into an easy rapport with him.
Walking down the aisle of game booths, vendors called out to them, trying hard to entice Jared to come play their games and impress his girl.
“Would you like me to win you a prize?” he finally asked with a grin.
“Honestly, I’d rather you save your money.”
He grasped his chest and groaned. “Ouch! You don’t have any faith in my abilities! I’ll have you know that I was the Carnival Game Champion of The Year in my younger years.”
Before Leigh could respond, a voice interrupted them.
“Well, I see the prodigal son has returned to his roots.”
Turning, Leigh looked up into an aristocratic face that was surrounded by short, jet black hair. He looked amused as he glared at Jared through cold, grey eyes. The man’s watch probably cost more than Leigh made in a year and his clothes looked tailor made. She felt Jared stiffen next to her but doubted anyone else noticed the tension between them.
“Cole, I should have known you would still be here, living off daddy. How is the Senator anyway? Still giving in to special interests while overtaxing the little people?”
Jared spoke the words in such a flippant way that Leigh was surprised when Cole began to laugh.
“My father is doing just fine. I’m sure he’d love to argue with you regarding those special interest groups. He’ll be home next week. I’ll be sure to let him know of your concern.”
His eyes turned to Leigh with calculated interest.
“I don’t believe that we’ve met,” he said taking her hand, which she quickly withdrew.
Jared was forced to introduce them.
Leigh immediately recognized the name although she had never met Cole in person. Cole Langford was three years her senior and he had gone to a private school. The Langfords had summered in the area but had moved into their ranch permanently about twelve years ago.
“So, this is the new park ranger.” Cole smiled. “The descriptions of you don’t do you justice.”
Leigh couldn’t believe that she was blushing.
Amused, Cole continued, “I’d like to invite you over to see my ranch. I have several horses and we could go for a ride. It’s under construction right now, but some day it’ll be one of the finest ranches in Idaho.”
Leigh knew the Langfords owned the property that abutted her father’s home, but she had never been there. Security had always been tight, with Cole’s father being a senator, and visitors were discouraged, unless they had been personally invited. Cole would have been around seventeen at the time of the murders. Leigh wondered if he had seen or heard something that could be of use to her. It wouldn’t hurt to talk to his father and any workers who had been around at the time.
“I’d love that,” she replied. “My schedule is always changing so I’ll have to let you know when I’m available.”
Cole pulled out a business card from his wallet and handed it to her. “Call me any time.”
With that, Cole exchanged a look with Jared and wandered into the crowd.
Leigh almost laughed out loud. He actually thought she was interested in him on a personal level. What an arrogant jerk! She knew that if she hadn’t been with Jared, Cole Langford wouldn’t have even looked her way, and she certainly wouldn’t have looked his. Turning, she smiled at Jared but was startled to see that he was scowling. “What’s the matter with you?”
A mask seemed to slip over Jared’s face as he shot her a nonchalant grin. “As you just heard, I did a piece on some shady special interest groups that Senator Langford was backing. The groups and the Senator have corruption written all over them, but I can’t prove it. Not yet. I’m convinced that Junior there doesn’t fall too far from the tree. You might want to remember that, when you’re out on your ride with him.”
Jared tucked his hands into his pockets. “Since you don’t want me to show off my skills at the game booths, I guess you’ll have to prove to me that you can handle the rides.”
Leigh laughed. “You’re on! Good luck keeping up with me.”
After daring each other to go on the scariest of rides, Leigh and Jared spent over an hour dancing before Jared suggested they get something to drink to help them cool down.
• • •
Leigh took a sip of her lemonade; the real kind, freshly squeezed from lemons with lots of ice. She savored the blend of tart and sweet as she watched dancers moving to the music. She was sitting beside Jared at a picnic table, with a few inches separating them, yet she could feel the heat coming from his damp shirt. Despite herself, she was enjoying his company and didn’t want the evening to end.
Stars were appearing in the night sky and the moon was low on the horizon, visible only through the trees. A warm breeze caused the white lights that hung over the dancers’ heads to sway back and forth, as if they, too, enjoyed the rhythm of the night.
“So, what made a woman from the east coast come all this way out to Idaho?”
Jared asked before taking a long sip of his soda. “Seems like a big move for someone to make alone. Especially someone who doesn’t have family in the area.”
Twirling her cup, Leigh had anticipated the question. Jared had been hinting all night that she was a mystery to him. Being an investigative journalist, it was only a matter of time before he got around to the questions.
“What’s so strange about it?” The breeze caught her hair and blew a few strands across her face. Brushing them back in place she glanced away from him. “My family was killed in a accident when I was fourteen. I didn’t have any close relatives, so I was placed with a distant aunt in Massachusetts. I love the ocean, but I’ve always wanted to see the West. Seemed like being a park ranger was the best way to do that. Applied to several parks, and was thrilled when I got the letter saying that I was hired here. For the record, I’m not alone; I have Shadoe.”
Holding her breath, she waited for him to reply. Could he tell that she was lying?
Jared studied her for a moment before looking back at the dancers. “Indian Mound is such a small park. Why not Yellowstone or someplace more exciting?”
Leigh remembered that she had asked him the same question and what his answer had been.
She peered at him in the dim light. “What’s wrong with working in a smaller park?”
Concern flashed in his eyes before he looked away for a moment. Then he shrugged. “There’s nothing wrong with small parks, just seems that most rangers are looking for better pay and more experience that a bigger park could give them. Besides, Ramsey isn’t a swinging hot spot for a single female used to the bright city lights. Most of the kids can’t wait to leave this town the minute they graduate high school. I know I couldn’t.”
The band finished a rowdy country song and began a soothing ballad, causing the dancers to slow down and drift across the dance floor in a unified sea of color.
Although the music had slowed, Leigh could feel her heart racing. There had been a look in Jared’s eyes, a minute ago, and she could feel that he wanted to tell her something. What was troubling him?
“So what about you?” she countered. “Why is an investigative photojournalist hanging around Ramsey for so long? What story are you really looking into?”
Leigh didn’t expect him to laugh. “Sorry to disappoint but I have no big secret. I picked this park because it’s in my hometown and I was a little burned out after my last assignment. Figured I could rest while I still brought in a paycheck.” He leaned in close. “Unless you know some secret about the park that you’d like me to check out?”
Not daring to look away, she smiled sweetly, “How would I know any secrets? I just moved here a couple of weeks ago.”
Leigh relaxed a little when he nodded and looked back at the dance floor.
• • •
It was late when Jared pulled his vehicle into the driveway of Leigh’s cabin. Parking behind her jeep, he got out and walked around the front of his truck to open her door. Escorting her onto the porch and to the cabin entrance, he stood back as she unlocked it.
Shadoe trotted out and around the side of the house as Leigh turned to Jared and held out her hand. “I had a great time tonight. Thanks for inviting me.”
Encompassing her hand in his, Jared gently pulled her close and leaned down until his lips were just mere centimeters from hers. There was a brief hesitation, as if he was waiting for her to pull away and when she didn’t, he closed the small distance. His lips grazed hers and she felt lost in the delicate sensation. Small sparks of electricity bubbled from her throat, reminding her to breathe. Leigh pushed away to stare at Jared with wide, confused eyes.
“I don’t want to get involved with anyone.” Her voice sounded weak, even to her own ears.
He grinned, took several steps back and then his grin faded. “Be careful of Cole. He’ll take a woman like you and eat you for breakfast.”
With that cryptic message, he walked back to his truck and drove away.
• • •
Leigh watched the taillights of the truck disappear before calling to Shadoe to head back inside the cabin. What was she doing? She had felt something shift within her chest as Jared leaned towards her, but she couldn’t afford to let him in. Not now. She had erected too many walls after her father’s death. Walls that kept her focused on revenge. She was in Ramsey for one reason. To get emotionally involved with someone now would only threaten her mission. Leigh knew she couldn’t afford any distractions, no matter how tempting they might be. She had simply enjoyed a beautiful summer night at a fair with a friend. This relationship with Jared was just temporary. Once she claimed her life back, she’d be moving on.
• • •
The next day was Sunday. Not having to go to work until later that night, Leigh took the opportunity to clean the cabin. Glad for routine chores to help keep her mind off Jared, it was lunchtime before she glanced into the refrigerator and realized how empty it was. Grabbing her purse, she and Shadoe headed to town.
• • •
Jessie was bagging up a lone customer’s purchase but as soon as the woman left the store she made a beeline for Leigh.
“Hear you went to the Fair with Jared. Knew the two of you would hit it off. That boy needs someone to help keep him in line and you need a strong man to come home to at night.”
Jessie wasn’t one to beat around the bush. “Also heard you accepted an invitation to go riding with Cole Langford, at his ranch.”
Leigh shouldn’t have been surprised because Jessie knew everything that went on in town. It was just amazing at the speed at which she received her information. Leigh longed to ask Jessie about the poachers but Jessie wasn’t stupid; she would be able to fit all the pieces together and figure out who Leigh was in no time. She couldn’t risk being uncovered this early into her investigation, or risk putting Jessie into possible danger. Continuing to load things in her basket, Leigh pasted a smile on her face.
“Jared and I went to the Fair as FRIENDS.” She emphasized the last word. “As for Cole, I think he only invited me to get under Jared’s skin. It would have been rude to decline.”
Jessie wasn’t one to be easily deterred. “Watch out for Cole. That boy has ambitions and I’m not so sure they’re good ones. She followed Leigh down the aisle. He and his brother, Kyle, were spoiled to the core. It won’t matter to Cole if you’re seeing Jared, once he’s taken a shine to you.”
Jessie’s voice boomed through the store and Leigh was glad the place was empty since this was definitely fodder for the rumor mill. It wouldn’t be helpful for people to see a three-way romance where there was none. She needed to blend in, not call attention to her every move.
“I appreciate the concern, Jessie. I really do, but don’t worry about me. I’m not seeing Jared or Cole, and I have no interest in dating anyone right now.”
She took a deep breath. It was the truth. Until she could find out who the murderers were, she couldn’t take the risk of someone else becoming important to her. Jessie must have seen the something in her face because she became unusually quiet.
Thanking small favors, Leigh finished her shopping and drove back to the cabin.
Chapter Five
After several days, Leigh realized that no matter what she said, the town’s gossip mill was alive and going full force. The phone lines must have been burning up as people discussed her alleged love life, judging from the amount of people who stopped her to give their opinion on Jared and Cole. Even though she wanted to scream, she would smile and assure them that she was just friends with the two men.
