Catnapped Lover

The Catnapped Lover Sue Charnley

Hard Shell Word Factory

This story copyright 2001 by Sue Charnley. All other rights are reserved. Thank you for honoring the copyright. Published by Hard Shell Word Factory. 8946 Loberg Rd. Amherst Junction, WI 54407 http://www.hardshell.com Electronic book created by Seattle Book Company. eBook ISBN: 0−7599−1485−0 Cover art © 2001 Dirk A. Wolf

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All characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author, and have no relation whatever to anyone bearing the same name or names. These characters are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author, and all incidents are pure invention.

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To Mary Wolf, a publisher without par, and a good friend.

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• Chapter 1 • Chapter 2 • Chapter 3 • Chapter 4 • Chapter 5 • Chapter 6 • Chapter 7 • Chapter 8 • Chapter 9 • Chapter 10 • Chapter 11 • Chapter 12 • Chapter 13 • Chapter 14 • Chapter 15 • Chapter 16 • Chapter 17 The Catnapped Lover

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• Chapter 18 • Chapter 19 • Chapter 20 • Chapter 21 • Chapter 22 • Chapter 23 • Chapter 24 • Chapter 25 • Epilogue

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Chapter 1 1:00 AM, April 1st, Chicago "ADAM TALCOTT, it's my turn, and I dare you," Jack Hunter challenged. "I double−damn dare you to live on your own for two months." The two men staggered along the street toward their favorite blues club, with Adam's chauffeur−driven limousine creeping along behind. Adam loosened the tie of his tux, then started on his shirt studs. Damned tuxedoes, even the best tailor can't make them comfortable. But the tux was part and parcel of indulging his mother's penchant for giving birthday parties. "Whaddaya mean? I've been living on my own for ten years." Not quite as long as they'd been trading birthday challenges, Adam thought. He fiddled with the fastenings of his cummerbund and tossed it aside. "No, you've had your own residence for ten years. You have servants, employees and s−sy−sycophants at your beck and call. Tha's not living on your own. You have money, too." Jack hiccoughed. "You mean I can't live on my own and have money too?" The street tilted before Adam's Chapter 1

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eyes as he tried to follow his friend's logic. "Unlike myself, you've always had money." For emphasis, Jack smacked his palm on a non−existent table and fell forward. Adam grabbed him before Jack could smack the pavement with his head. "I don't get it." "Face it, buddy, you've always had money, and you'll always have it. Your entire family is rish. They've been rish for so many generations, that none of you would know what to do without servants. Take away your credit cards and your social connections, and not one Talcott could survive for more than a day." Adam snorted. "You're kidding. You don't believe that. I'm a very resourceful person. You've said so yourself." "When it comes to capital investments and risky stock buys, there's no one more ingin, ingangren, ingenuous..." "Ingenious," Adam offered, pleased that he wasn't as far−gone as his friend. "Thank you. No one more ingenious than you. But you've never had to live off the sweat of your brow. You've never had a woman turn you down because your bank account wasn't big enough. And that's my challenge." Adam paused beneath the club's blinking cat logo to stare at his friend. Behind them, the Chapter 1

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limo stopped. "That's redica...stupid. You want me to find a woman who will turn me down because of my bank account?" Jack leaned against the wall of the building. "Nah." He shook his head as if trying to clear it. "You gotta find a job. Manual labor." His tongue tripped over the words, and he wiped his hand across his face. "Live on that income for eight weeks. No use of your business or social connections." Adam considered the options−−live like a poor man for eight weeks or lose the CEO's office to Jack. They'd both had too much to drink, so considering took a while. The neon−red sign hung over the club's doorway distracted him. "Why did we come here? This place always reminds me of my mother's demented Persian cat." "You love that cat, and you know it." "Okay, but I don't like the hairballs it leaves in my shoes." Adam shivered. "I'm cold. Let's go to your place." "S'okay with me," his friend replied, turning with Adam toward the limousine. The chauffeur got out and opened the car door. Adam followed Jack inside. "Mr. Hunter's condo please, Raoul." The door closed. "That challenge is too easy, Jack." Chapter 1

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"Not!" Jack protested. "Besides, as the partner with only 49% of the stock, 's'my turn to challenge you." He waved his left fist, index finger extended, punctuating his words. "I can choose any reason−−hic, scuse me−−able thing I want, and you have to do it or turn over the controlling two percent of the corporation. Two years ago in Mexico, you should have let me try again. Holding me to the challenge during an earthquake was a dirty trick." "Was not." Jack ignored him. "I'm determined to get the CEO's chair back. You surprised me, last year, when you actually climbed that mountain. I was sure your fear of heights would do you in. I had to come up with something I know you can't do." Adam lifted an eyebrow. "That's what comes from sharing a birthday and a successful business. After fourteen years of friendship, you should know the word can't isn't in my vocabulary. Anyone who tries to put it there usually regrets the attempt. Besides, we both know I can't decline a birthday challenge." Adam blithely ignored his own vocabulary rules. "Even if I am taking advantage of you." "You aren't." "Just remember, Jack, you're the one who dared me to put this birthday challenge business into the articles of incorporation for AFD Inc. I never should have let you goad Chapter 1

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me into that." "I had you dead to rights on that coin flip. If you hadn't taken my dare, I'd be CEO for life." "We might have been better off," Adam muttered. "Nah, we'd still be just as successful. But the business'd be a dead bore." Jack spoke with increasing sobriety. "With the possibility that AFD's leadership can change in any given year, we both have to stay on our toes and up to date with everything that happens." "The challenge does tend to keep the blood pumping." Adam grinned. "I still remember the first challenge." "Yeah, it was kinda weird how two April Fools Day babies ended up celebrating in the same bar." "Thanks to the untimely arrival of the cops, we never did settle who won." "The way I figure it, we both won." Jack gestured broadly. "Look where we are now." Adam looked out the windows at the intersection where the limo waited for a light to change. "Next to a trash can, underneath the Ell?" Jack punched Adam in the arm. "Cut it out, you idiot. We're on top of the financial world." Chapter 1

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"I agree. However, when we got thrown in jail, my family's lawyers made it feel like we were the biggest pair of losers ever to hit Chicago." "Well, we proved them wrong. Heck, the idea for AFD Inc. was born in that holding tank we shared." "And we have this great method for keeping the AFD leadership fresh." "So whaddaya say, Adam? Do you accept the challenge? Or do you wimp out and hand over the reins and the two percent without a fight?" "I still think I'm taking advantage of you." "No way. I know what I'm doing." The limo pulled up at Jack's condo. Without waiting for Raoul, Adam opened the door and got out. "Okay, I'll do it. Let's discuss the details over coffee." Jack preceded Adam into the chilly April night. Punching the air, he grinned and led the way past the doorman into the elevators. "All right! CEO chair, here I come." "I'll have to let my family know I'll be out of touch for a while. I don't want their demands to give you grounds to say I failed the challenge." "I'll take care of your mom, but you know how little influence anyone has over your Chapter 1

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brother." Jack left the elevator, proceeded down the hall to his home, and unlocked the door of his condo, giving an exaggerated bow of welcome. Adam nodded. "I like owning the majority of the stock in our company too much to give up two percent to you just because my busybody relatives think they're worried about me." "Hmmm," Jack ambled to the kitchen and started the coffee. "You'll need a car and some different clothes." "I'll call down to Raoul." Adam picked up Jack's phone. "He'll know where to find an appropriate car and clothing at this time of night." "You're leaving tonight?" "In a couple of hours. Besides, this dare is more nuisance than challenge." "Just wait 'til you try to find a job without a reference." "Now, that's going too far. I'll have to supply at least one reference, if asked." "All right." Jack's eyes gleamed. "Have any potential employer call me. Give them my personal number. But you'll have to go along with whatever background story I give." "What if I tell them something different?" "Then you'll look like a liar, so I wouldn't risk saying much, if I were you." "Yeah, yeah. I took a bigger risk climbing that mountain." Chapter 1

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Jack pulled a smug smile. "Go ahead, be reckless, but you'll see I was right. This is the toughest challenge of your life." 10:00 AM, April 1st, Detroit BALANCING AN armload of mail, an overloaded briefcase, and a gym bag with two yogurt cups teetering on top, Rue Clancy rushed to her cubicle. She prayed that her chauvinist boss hadn't realized she was missing. For the fourth time this week and the umpteenth time this month, she was late. Once again a power outage in the decrepit apartment building where she lived had caused her alarm clock to fail. As a result, she'd gotten up late and still hadn't caught up. The yogurt cups threatened to topple off the gym bag. Sending one hand to their rescue, Rue sacrificed her hold on the mail and the briefcase. She wasn't about to let her lunch decorate the linoleum underfoot. The mail showered to the floor. The briefcase hit her foot. With her free hand she plastered the cups to her side. The gym bag slid down her arm. The webbed strap twisted tourniquet fashion around her wrist. Rue managed a couple of sideways hops that brought her to the edge of her desk. The Chapter 1

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gym bag swung wildly. Leaning against the arm weighted down by the gym bag's stranglehold she, managed to dump the yogurt cups onto the desk without mishap. She pulled herself upright and reached for the tightly twisted strap at her wrist. Somehow, during all the hopping, the bag had swung around her legs and gotten wedged in the narrow space between her desk and file cabinet. The same strap that cut off circulation to her hand pressed into the backs of her knees, pinning her neatly to the desk. Only an act of extreme dexterity could save her from her own folly. Imbecile, why didn't you make two trips? She scolded herself. Because you didn't want to risk having the boss see you coming in late, that's why. "CLANCY! You're late." Rue's heart hit the ceiling. She knew the shout−−a cross between an operatic tenor and a pig at slaughter−−belonged to her boss. Still, she hadn't been prepared to hear his screeching quite so soon. "What the hell are you doing with your coat still on at 10:00 in the morning? Do you know how many clients we have backed up in the lobby? They're all waiting for you to get your lazy little behind to work on their ADC and Food Stamp applications." "I'll get right on it, sir." Rue tugged at her imprisoned arm and wondered exactly how Chapter 1

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she was going to free herself. At the same time she prayed that her boss would remain blind to her obvious difficulties. The lecher would love an opportunity to put his hands on her while she was literally bound at hand and knees. "Good. Get those people cleared out of here by noon, then come to my office." "Yes, sir." Rue heard the man lumber on down the hallway, and she expelled a disgusted breath. If you hadn't been so wrapped up in yourself, Rue, you would have heard him coming. Yeah, and if you had made two trips, you wouldn't be wrapped up at all. So get yourself out and get to work. She leaned her weight against the strap where it crossed her thigh hoping to pull the bag free with her weight. What's it going to take to loosen this stupid bag, a ten−ton truck? I know I'm a bit small, but this is ridiculous! She swung her hips with increased vigor against the webbing. She bounced. When I get out of this, I'm going to cut this bag up and feed it to the nearest garbage disposal. Praying that she didn't slip a disk, Rue gave a mighty heave with her backside, throwing her entire body into breaking the webbed hold. Something gave. Rue flew across the tiny space, landing shoulder first against the opposite file cabinet. Chapter 1

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Her hair tumbled out of its neat chignon. Her shoulder ached. Her formerly numb hand tingled. She blew rust−colored curls out of her face and turned to survey the damage. The webbed strap remained completely intact. The bag was a total loss. Make−up and hair care products littered the cubicle floor. One of her gym shoes had landed sole up on the file cabinet. Her sports bra and workout clothes lay in a heap framed by the shredded bag. "Unusual decorating choice, Rue. Too bad personal items are against regulations. You might have started a trend." Carolyn DeWitt, Rue's best friend and co−worker, leaned against the cubicle opening. "It's nice to see you too, Carolyn." "Having a bad day?" Rue lifted a hand and pushed aside the strands of hair that tickled her face. "You might say that." "Well, it just got worse." "It couldn't." "The boss stopped by my cubby and told me to take on your cases. He wants to see you as soon as you think you can 'put your fanny in gear'." Chapter 1

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"He told me noon." "He must have changed his mind." "Guess so." Rue shrugged. "Mind giving me a hand with this mess, so I can hurry down to the executioner's office? It might take me a minute too long if you don't." She gave a wan smile. Carolyn returned a hearty chuckle. "Sure, what are friends for, if not to send you off to your doom sooner than you have to go." Minutes later, Rue entered her supervisor's office, leaving the door open behind her. She knew what was coming. While she didn't mind being called on the carpet if she was in the wrong, she did object to her employer's sleazy attitude toward female employees. The boss didn't look up from his work. He kept her waiting until he finished perusing the document in his hands. If he thinks he's going to intimidate me, he's wrong. When he finally looked at her, he aimed his gaze at her chest. He spoke around a huge wad of gum that showed purple every time his mouth moved. "Clancy, do you know that the state does not reimburse Crisis Services Corporation for non−contracted services?" "Yes." Chapter 1

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"Of course you do. So you also know that personal involvement with our indigent clients places the corporation at risk of lawsuits, don't you?" The question was rhetorical. "Yes," Rue answered anyway. Her boss nodded, then placed his hands on the desktop and levered his bulk out of the leather chair. "You and me had a discussion about those policies just last week, didn't we? "Yes." "You came in here Friday afternoon, asking for permission to deviate from policy, so you could take an indigent and her child home with you for the weekend. You said it was too late to get them assigned to a shelter. Isn't that right, Clancy?" "Yes." "Did I give you permission to deviate from policy?" He moved around the desk toward her. "No." He shoved his face to within three inches of Rue's. "So why did I get a thank you letter from that same indigent person, praising your generous good nature?" Rue remained silent and still. "I got that letter because you went ahead and housed that indigent woman and her brat in Chapter 1

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your private residence. You defied me and the clearly stated policy of Crisis Services. Didn't you?" "I lodged a protest first, sir." "So you knew before you did it, that you acted against policy." "Absolutely." "Well, I absolutely gotta tell you that you might have been on ninety days unpaid suspension, pending a hearing by Quality Assurance Division as to the desirability of retaining your services as a case−worker." He grinned and turned back to his desk. "Might have been?" Rue watched him fumble in his desk drawer. He took out a squarish, unwrapped lump of gum, dusted something off the surface and shoved it into his mouth, continuing to smile and talk as he chewed. "Yeah, might have been. But see, you've been late so much that I get to fire you without going through all that garbage with the quality creeps." "You can't do that. You have to give me three warnings in one month before you can fire me for tardiness." "You had three warnings as of last Monday." He picked up a sheaf of papers and shoved them at her. "Here are your copies. Now, go clean out your desk. Hand in your keys to Chapter 1

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security on your way out of the building." Mute, Rue took the papers and left. Her damned apartment. If the power hadn't cut out while she slept, she never would have been late. She'd still have her job and money to pay the rent. She ought to sue the rental company for lost wages. She would have, if she'd had any savings to spend on a lawyer. At her desk, she sorted through the mail she'd brought with her from home. One letter was marked certified mail. Whoever sent this wanted to be certain I received it. She ripped the envelope open and scanned the contents of the letter, frowning as she read. Special Treatment Realty Management Corp. regrets to inform you that the property at 2235 Mayfield has failed to pass Detroit City safety inspections. We estimate that repairs will not be cost effective. Demolition will begin in four weeks. Residents must relocate within two weeks in order for demolition preparations to be made in a safe and timely manner. We regret any inconvenience and look forward to doing business with you in the future. "Great. Just what I needed," she muttered in disgust. She tossed the letter into the Chapter 1

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trash, then headed for the hall storage closet. She retrieved two boxes and returned to her desk. Carolyn stood waiting for her. "You're on suspension again, aren't you?" "You could say that." She felt Carolyn's gaze. "There's more, or you wouldn't be so upset." The statement called Rue's attention to the tightness in her face, shoulders and neck. "I didn't think it showed." "It does, to someone who's known you for seven years. What's the problem?" "I'm not on suspension. I've been fired." "I don't suppose the boss made another mistake." "No." Rue gestured toward the papers. "He had all his ducks lined up this time." "I'm so sorry. How will you pay your rent?" Rue chuckled, "I won't have to." "Excuse me?" "My apartment building's being torn down. I have the next two weeks to find a new place to live and move my belongings." Rue pulled the center drawer out of her desk and shook the contents into a box. She shoved the drawer back in with a bang. Chapter 1

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"Oh, Rue, I know how hard a time you've had since Paul cleaned out your bank account and left town." "Don't mention that name. It only reminds me how stupid I was to trust a man." "They aren't all bad. You know you like Scott." Rue did like Carolyn's husband. "Everybody likes Scott. Besides, he's not a man, he's your husband." Carolyn chuckled, "I'm not certain I appreciate that comment." Rue blushed. "You know darn well what I meant." "Sure I do. Just to prove there are no hard feelings, why don't you come live with us?" Rue thought for two seconds about sharing the tiny one−bedroom apartment with Carolyn and her husband of four months. "I can't do that. Even if you weren't newlyweds, I need my privacy as much as you and Scott." "What will you do?" "I don't want to, but I'll ask Aunt Shea to put me up until I can get a job and new living quarters." "The aunt with the farm outside of Hamburg?" "Yeah. It's spring, and she'll be glad to give me room and board, if I take on some of the Chapter 1

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chores." "From what you've told me, your aunt would probably give you everything she owned, if she knew you were in trouble." "That's why I don't want to call her, so she won't know. And no conniving co−worker of mine will tell her. Right?" "Right." Carolyn raised her right hand, palm outward. She held her left behind her back. "When will you leave for your aunt's place?" Rue could imagine the crossed fingers on Carolyn's left hand. "I'll go out there today, but I won't move my stuff for a week or so. I promise that I'll give you a call when the move is final. Now, lend me a hand getting these boxes down to my car." Carolyn grabbed a box. "I'll miss seeing you at work. You're the only one around here with the guts to stand up to the boss." "I'll miss you too, Carolyn."

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Chapter 2 ADAM STARED down the empty stretch of Michigan country back−road, hoping that if he stared long enough something would appear. Steam hissed and wailed from the radiator behind him. "Jack's wrong. This is the stupidest challenge ever. I suppose an emergency repair kit is too much to expect," Adam mumbled to himself, then turned and opened the hatchback of the rusted−out, candy−pink Gremlin. Wrappers from every fast food joint on the planet littered the storage space of the car. "Where did Raoul get this heap?" Giving a snort of disgust, Adam reached into the mass and felt a seam rip at the shoulder of his borrowed flannel shirt. "It couldn't be the same person he got these clothes from. No one who eats this much junk food could be this small." Adam shook off a clinging candy wrapper. "I should have kept my cell phone and my wallet," he muttered, annoyed with himself for accepting Jack's conditions without more thought. He slammed the hatchback shut, then stalked around to the front of the car. The hiss Chapter 2

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subsided, but the cat−like wail continued, sounding like his mother's cursed Persian in heat. Adam smiled at the thought. Of all his mother's charity cases, he liked the cat most. Though he'd be damned if he knew why, since it regularly left hairballs and other unpleasant gifts in his shoes. The feline complaint continued. Curious, Adam followed the caterwauling that came from the direction of the roadside ditch. Moments later, he found a cat covered in muck and pinned beneath a discarded oil drum. Gingerly, he lifted the metal barrel. Freed from the trashy weight, the cat should have raced away. It didn't. It lay there, crying, struggling with its forepaws to drag itself out of the muck but was too weak or injured to succeed. "Just what I need." Adam stooped over the cat once more, examining the muddy animal. "A broken cat to go with Raoul's broken car. You couldn't have been a nice, friendly dog. You had to be a cat. If I try to help, you'll scratch me, won't you?" He reached out and carefully dug away at the mud surrounding the feline until he could slide a hand beneath it. Then, one hand supporting the cat's hind end and the other hand under its head, he lifted the animal free. Surprisingly, the cat didn't scratch. It lay in Adam's arms, its sides heaving, that Chapter 2

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heart−wrenching hideous wail coming from its throat. By the time he struggled out of the ditch, Adam was just as muddy as the cat. "Jack would be delighted if he could see how disreputable I look," Adam told the beast. The exhausted cat stopped wailing. "Silence can be taken for consent, you know." Once more, Adam looked down the dusty road. He hadn't passed another vehicle in hours. "I don't suppose you'd know where the nearest repair shop is?" The cat panted heavily. "A fat lot of help you are. If I want help, I'll have to find it myself." Settling the animal firmly in one arm held against his chest, Adam turned his back on the despised Gremlin. With Jack's laughing challenge ringing in his ears, Adam stepped forward into the sunrise. SHEA DOYLE STOOD in the shadow of the barn and watched the man trudging up her lane. In her sixty odd years of life, she'd seen a lot of drifters and bums, but this one took the prize. He was dirty, like most of the men who came to her farm looking for work. She'd bet money he was hungry and thirsty too, just like the others. But in the twenty plus Chapter 2

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years that she'd worked Shea D's Rest alone, she'd never seen a bum with so much muscle. This fella was an eyeful. His long legs marched carefully over the ruts in the lane. His dark head was bent, eyes focused on the uneven ground in front of him. Broad shoulders filled the muck−encrusted plaid shirt that strained at the buttons despite a large rip at one shoulder seam. Mud plastered ankle−length pants to his heavy thighs. He held his left arm bent across his middle where a huge, brown−black splotch decorated his shirt. Hector's horsepucky, the man's injured. Now I'll have to tend him as well as feed him before he'll be any good for work. Prob'ly have to buy him new clothes too. Maybe he only wants a handout, not a job. Too bad, I sure could use some cheap help. He reached the spot where the lane split between house and barn. Shea picked up an empty bucket. She left the barn and trundled her short, sturdy frame toward the man who stood wavering on his feet under her sugar maple. "Howdy. I'm Shea Doyle." She up−ended the bucket in front of him. "You look mighty uncomfortable. Set yourself down, and I'll take a look at that arm for you." "The name is Adam. It's not my arm than needs looking at." "If you say so. Why don't I take a look−see anyhow?" "No, I've just got a cramp. It's this cat that needs attention." Chapter 2

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"Cat?" Shea looked closer. Two glassy green eyes peered at her from the stain on the man's shirt. "You poor thing." She stopped in mid−reach. "I'll get some water. Be right back." She returned quickly with a tray containing a small pan, some towels, a glass of milk, a saucer and a plate holding a sandwich and strawberries. Sitting down in front of Adam, she pointed to the tray. "Feed yourself while I take care of this critter." "Thanks." "You're welcome." She dipped some water out of the pan into the saucer, then grasped the cat gently and lifted it out of Adam's arms. The cat mewled. The pitiful sound resembled a cross between a baby chick and a metal file in action. "I think he's dehydrated and hurt, Mrs. Doyle. I found him this morning when my car broke down. I didn't know what to do for him. But my mother would make Armageddon look like a tea party if she ever found out that I'd left an injured animal by the road." "Call me Shea. Your momma sounds like a woman I'd admire. What happened to your car?" "My radiator overheated. I started out on foot at sunrise." Chapter 2

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Shea set the cat on the ground near the saucer. It made a few feeble licks at the water with its tongue, then lay panting, as if exhausted by that small effort. Carefully, she started to clean mud and dirt from the cat. The cat was partially cleaned when Shea discovered three deep gashes in its side. "I gotta get this critter to a vet. You look pretty beat too, Adam. Take yourself and that food up to the hammock on the porch and rest 'til I get back." She bundled the cat into the dry towels and stood. "Don't suppose you'd be interested in a job?" "I might be." "It's only seasonal farm work. But I need a hired hand." "I'll think about it." "So will I. We'll talk when I get back." With the cat in her arms, she strode to a battered pick up truck. She placed the cat inside, then pulled herself into the cab. A minute later, the truck rattled down the lane, and Adam was alone. Adam did as Shea suggested. He'd never used a hammock before, but he managed to get himself settled. While he finished the sandwiches, he assessed what he could see of the place. A dilapidated rail fence separated a field from the jumble of buildings grouped near Chapter 2

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the house. Even though the paint was peeling and a few boards were missing here and there, most of the structures looked sturdy enough. He guessed that the one surrounded by wire was a chicken coop. No doubt the large building farthest from the house was a barn. Without closer inspection, the other small buildings escaped analysis. Shea was right about two things. She definitely needed help−−probably more than one man could provide. And he was beat. The late morning sun and the slight sway of the hammock had him closing his eyes. The chirp of insects and gentle rustle of leaves sang him to sleep. AS RUE EASED her car up next to the barn, she noted the battered farm truck was missing. Aunt Shea must have gone to the market, Rue thought. She got out of the car, taking a small traveling case from the passenger's seat. I'll get settled and make some lunch, so the two of us can chat when she returns. Focused on what she intended to say to her aunt, Rue strode across the dirt−packed yard, her well−worn flats making little noise when she climbed the porch steps. At the far end of the porch, the hammock creaked. Rue set her case down, turning toward the sound as she spoke, "Horace, do you−−Oh, my." She stared at the man asleep in Chapter 2

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the swaying hammock. "You're not Horace," Rue whispered. Horace was the large, homely, unkempt friend of her aunt's who shod the horses once a month and mooched off Shea's generosity on a semi−regular basis. The man in the hammock was large too. The stranger was also unkempt, to put it mildly. However, this man was anything but homely. Handsome didn't quite do justice to the broad forehead, high cheekbones and strong, narrow jaw. Ebony lashes adorned his shuttered eyelids and echoed the hue of the fine, thick hair that feathered over his smooth brow. Her gaze drifted across wide shoulders and narrow hips to long legs. Rue's throat went dry. Her ex−boyfriend, Paul, had been almost this good−looking. And Paul had conned her out of her savings. The man's generous mouth lifted at the corners. Whatever he's dreaming about, he's certainly pleased with himself, Rue surmised. I wonder who he is and what he's doing in Shea's hammock? Is it safe to wake him up? Her glance took in the half−full glass of milk and crumb−laden plate on the floor. He's either a very stupid thief or another of Aunt Shea's strays. Rue groaned and decided that the latter was more likely. She gave the fellow's shoulder a nudge. "Hey," she said loudly, "Who are you, and what are you doing Chapter 2

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here?" Adam sat bolt upright and immediately tumbled out of the hammock. His head struck the hard planks of the porch, giving him a beetle's eye view of the flowers that crowded the edge of the structure. "Ow." Above him a cool feminine alto murmured, "Do you always exit a hammock on your head, or is falling on your face a common form of greeting where you come from?" The woman's sunny, spiced aroma mixed with the perfume of the flowers. Adam turned his aching head. Small feet encased in dusty leather flats came into view. Delicate ankles and graceful calves blurred in his vision. The woman's legs stretched a long way up, disappearing into the shadows of her navy blue skirt. For a moment, the pain in his head dulled and Adam rose to his knees. "Ordinarily, I stand up when I meet a beautiful woman for the first time. I'm not usually attacked and pushed to the floor until the second date." The woman gave a ladylike snort, then spun on her heels. "Wait there. I'll get something for your head." He watched, dumbstruck by the shift of her hips and the play of tight navy blue over her rounded bottom. Smooth, Talcott, real smooth. You meet an attractive woman and what do Chapter 2

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you do? You make sexual innuendoes without even discovering her name. You must have taken idiot pills for breakfast. No wonder you accepted Jack's stupid challenge. By the time she returned with water and a towel, he'd regained his feet. "Come over here and sit, while I take a look at that bump." She gestured to one of the two rattan chairs that flanked a low table at the opposite end of the porch. Adam took one step forward and heard a clink followed by a crunch. He looked down to see his foot surrounded by broken glass and spilled milk. The milk spread rapidly across the porch. He raised his eyes to meet the woman's gaze and got his first good look at her. Words jammed in his throat. The legs he'd seen earlier should have belonged to a tall, blonde amazon. They didn't. She was a sprite. Probably about five foot...and comfortably endowed. A cloud of red−brown hair surrounded high cheekbones adorned with clear, honey−colored skin. Her nose was a bit too broad to be elegant. Long, thick lashes framed warm, maple sugar eyes that stared at him with mild contempt. His body stirred, alert to the attraction he felt. Dizziness buzzed in his ears. He struggled to hear the words issuing from rose−tinted lips. "Walk much or just practice a lot?" she queried. Adam grunted. He'd rather be knocked sideways with a two−by−four than let her know Chapter 2

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how off balance she made him. Determined to show self−control, he stepped boldly forward. He managed two strides before he slipped and landed solidly on his backside. The impact knocked the breath from him. With the sudden loss of oxygen, a burning sensation flooded his body. He opened his mouth, gasping for air. A red mist filled his vision. As if from a distance, her voice sounded. "Oh, you poor man. I'm so sorry I teased you. I had no idea you were disabled. Here, let me help you. Have you had balance problems all your life?" Adam sucked in huge gulps of air. The red mist resolved itself into a mass of curls. The burning subsided into an ache that hounded every bone and muscle. He could feel her small, warm fingers wrapped around one of his hands and the pressure of her arm lifting his head from the floor. "I'm okay," he managed to get out between breaths. "Hold on to me while you get up." There was an invitation he couldn't refuse. Adam gripped her arm with his free hand and levered himself upward. She stood as he rose. Once upright, he leaned heavily against her for a moment, taking full advantage of her innocent generosity. She was soft, too soft to resist. Chapter 2

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"Can you walk, if I help you balance?" "I think so." He let her support him all the way to the chairs where he sat down. She tried to pull her hand away, but he held on. "Thank you." She blushed. "You're welcome." He let go of her hand and gazed into her wary brown eyes.

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Chapter 3 RUE FOUND herself caught in a deep blue stare that soothed and frightened at the same time. For some unfathomable reason, she wanted to strip naked and swim in that clear shining light. Her thoughts rambled. I've never reacted to anyone this way. This man is dangerous. She shook herself. "Sit, Mister...?" "Talcott," he said slowly. "Adam Talcott." "Hold still, Mr. Talcott, so I can look at your head." He did as she asked. "I'm Rue Clancy. My aunt owns Shea D's Rest." Rue dipped a corner of the towel into the water, then moved around in back of the chair where Adam sat. Gingerly she moved her fingers through his hair until she located a slight swelling behind his ear. He flinched when her fingers brushed the tender spot. "I'm sorry." She applied the cool cloth. "It's okay." "I don't think it's bleeding." Chapter 3

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"Really?" Adam put his hand up to his head. At the same moment, Rue removed the towel and leaned past him, stretching to soak the towel again. The movement caused her breast to brush against his fingers. Startled, she jumped backward, pulling the bowl of icy water over the edge of the table and into Adam's lap. He snatched his hand away and leapt up from the chair. Rue let out a gasp. "Oh, my lord, look at you." "I don't think I'm all that impressive right at the moment." He bent his head, peering at his soaked jeans. "No, your back." "Despite my earlier performance, I'm not a contortionist." "I'm sorry. I know I'm not making myself clear, but your shirt is stained with red. You must have fallen on the plate." "No kidding." She watched as his head swung in the direction of the shattered plate and glass. She probed his back gently. "Does that hurt?" "Not really." Chapter 3

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"I'd better take a look at your back, too. Can you take your shirt off? Here, let me help." She moved around in front and unbuttoned his cuffs, while he unfastened the placket of the shirt. Then she eased the cloth down past his elbows. His skin was smooth and tanned, the revealed flesh firm and taut. The aroma of warm male surrounded her. She hadn't been this near a man since...since she'd made a fool of herself. Briskly, she stripped the shirt off of his arms and dropped it on the floor. She marched around behind him and stared at the unmarred expanse of his back. She touched the marble smooth surface and felt heat. The muscles beneath her hand shifted. Adam sat down, turning his head and shoulders so he looked at her. A jolt prickled her skin. "Your back is fine, just fine." Uncomfortable under his steady gaze, she bent, reaching for the discarded shirt. Adam grabbed for the shirt at the same time. Rue yanked herself backward, avoiding the dangerous lure of his touch. Adam held the shirt up so that both of them could see the large red splotches spread over the back. Adam sniffed. "Strawberry jam." She smothered a nervous chuckle. "Aunt Shea is very vain about her homemade preserves. I wonder how she'd feel about you wearing them instead of eating them?" Chapter 3

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"You know your aunt best, but somehow I don't think she'd mind, given the circumstances." Rue lifted her head and risked meeting his gaze. The small smile that she'd seen when he slept reappeared as a face splitting grin. She bit back an answering smile. There it is again, that sense of falling−−or diving−−straight into his bluer than blue eyes. Careful Rue, you can't afford to fall for another charmer. "Um, yes." She forced her attention to the mess near the hammock. "Speaking of the circumstances, we'd better get them cleaned up before..." The squeal of brakes and the slam of a vehicle door preceded Shea Doyle's graveled shout. "Rue! Rue Clancy, have you seen my new hired man?" Rue jumped at the sound of her aunt's voice and grabbed the shirt from Adam's hands. "I'll go soak this, or that stain will never come out. You stay here and soak your head." Quicker than heat lightning, she spun and disappeared into the house. Why tell him to go soak his head, Adam wondered? Was she mad at him? What had he done? He stood and swung his gaze toward Shea Doyle. A horrible yeowl emerged from the bundle in her arms, reminding him that his head still throbbed. "Well, if that don't beat all. Where's my niece off to in such a hurry? Where'd all this Chapter 3

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mess come from? And how'd you get soakin' wet?" Adam wrung out the towel, folded it to form a pad, and placed it over the painful lump that he'd forgotten about just looking at Rue Clancy. "It's a long story." "Somehow, I think it's a story I want to hear." Rue emerged from the house. "Aunt Shea, you're back. How nice to see you." Shea gave her niece a questioning look, then turned to Adam. "Talcott, take this critter off my hands. Rue, go get that box and the clean towels we keep for injured strays and newborns." The cat continued to yeowl. Rue looked stunned. "Hurry up, girl. This animal needs care. You can stand around catchin' flies later." Shea's smile and gruff words set her niece in motion. "Talcott," Shea trained her drill sergeant voice on him. "I thought you knew how to take orders. Sit down before you fall down, and take this load off your boss." As he took his seat, she handed him the cat who immediately ceased caterwauling. Shea stepped into the house and bellowed, "What's keepin' you, girl?" "I can't find the box, Aunt Shea. I'll be down as soon as I find it." Chapter 3

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Adam busied himself with stroking the cat. A loud rumbling purr filled the porch. Shea returned, plunking a stubby pencil and a scrap of paper onto the table. "That cat likes you a sight better'n it likes me. It hasn't been quiet since I left." "He seems happy enough, now," Adam murmured. "Then let go of him long enough to write out your references. While you're at it, tell me how you managed to hurt yourself, meet my niece, and get yourself messed up like this all in less than a day. I also want to know what you were doin' drivin' an unreliable car around Michigan's back roads. If I believe you and your references check out, you'll still have a job here for as long as you like." The cat purred with contentment. A harried clatter sounded from inside the house. As he wrote, Adam considered carefully what he should tell Shea. The truth undoubtedly, but how much truth? Lying would only lead to trouble when Shea checked his story with Jack. "I was on the back roads because I wanted to enjoy the scenery." Shea shook her head and looked him in the eye. "You start at the beginnin' boy, and don't make me pull it out of you." "I'm an investment analyst. I let go of some of my accounts recently and had to leave town quickly." That much was true, sort of. Chapter 3

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"You runnin' from the law?" Shea asked softly. Adam put the pencil down and kept his tone flat. "Not that I know of." Shea waited for some time before asking, "You do somethin' dishonest?" The question hung in the air. He hadn't yet. But he was about to deceive Shea in a big way. Playing on her sympathies to get a job was poor repayment for the kindness she'd shown him earlier. "Not yet," he mumbled. "You plannin' to cheat somebody?" Adam's jaw clenched, and his fingers gripped the long fur of the cat's neck. It gave an irritated yeowl. He loosened his hold. "Look, I told you what happened. What are you fishing for?" "Honesty, boy. I'm fishin' for honesty." "I told you nothing but the truth." "Yeah, but did you tell all of it?" Adam couldn't help a nervous grimace. "Mrs. Doyle, you should have been a prosecutor." "Boy, you call me Shea." She leaned forward and disregarded his attempt at distraction. "Now tell me what you haven't said." Chapter 3

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What could he say? I bet controlling stock in my company on whether or not I could live for eight weeks as a manual laborer. That would go over real well. "I'm sorry, Shea. There's nothing else I can say." Shea's lips thinned, and she shook her head. "That what you're gonna tell me about that mess over there, and the puddle you musta sat in? That there's nothin' else you can say?" His lips twisted. "I blame that all on your niece and my inexperience with hammocks." Shea nodded. "Rue has a mighty disturbin' affect on men−folk." Adam shifted the compress on his head. "That's putting in mildly." "Is Rue gonna be a problem for you? If she's come for a visit, you might have to spend a lot of time with her. I won't put up with any nonsense that might hurt her." "Mrs. Doyle, I can honestly say that spending time with your niece would not lead to nonsense." "That's Shea to you, boy. Just so long as we understand each other." She gave him a long look. "I think we do, Shea." "Good enough. Now tell me, you ever done any farm work?" "The closest I've been to a farm is riding lessons at camp when I was thirteen." Chapter 3

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Shea chuckled. "A camp with no hammocks?" "Only the camp counselors could use the hammocks. The owners didn't want any lawsuits from parents whose kids took the same kind of tumble I took today." "That's reasonable." Feeling a bit like that long ago teenager, he summoned what dignity he could. "You'll want someone more reliable, with more experience." If she were going to tell him to move on, he'd rather have the truth than a polite lie. "I got no questions about your reliability. And, I believe you can do the work. I just don't know if you've got the guts to ask for help when you need it. That's the key to farm work, 'specially with the animals. They're the reason for this farm." Adam winced, thinking of his mother's Persian. Shea continued. "Had a good friend, years back, who loved animals. Letty nearly ruined her dad with her ignorance. She was too proud to let him know that a farmer's daughter couldn't get the hang of farming. She married well and moved to Grand Rapids." Shea chuckled. "Before she ran her father into the ground." "I would have asked for help, if I'd had the time before I fell out of the hammock," Adam muttered defensively. Chapter 3

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"Don't go gettin' all prickle−faced on me. I don't mind teachin' you the work. I do it every time I hire a hand. I just want to be sure that you realize your limitations." "If you're worried that I think I'm too intelligent to do farm work, don't be. That hammock deflated any pretensions I had." Shea grinned and clapped him on the shoulder. "A bite or two of humble pie never hurt a body. I hear Rue comin'. Let's get that animal ready. Doc said the critter's got an ear infection. That interferes with a cat's balance and can be dangerous for the cat. So the sooner we get that animal well, the better." Rue came out on the porch. In her arms she carried a large box stuffed with ragged but clean toweling. "That's perfect," said Shea. "Boy, you put that cat in the box. Rue, get that spare set of sheets from the linen closet." Shea grabbed the paper and pencil, then got up and followed Rue into the house. She came back with a light bulb and a flashlight. At the same time, Rue returned with her arms full of sheets. "Niece, you take Adam out to the spare room while I make a phone call. We finally have someone to help us get Shea D's Rest back on its feet." Chapter 3

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Adam rose and picked up the box. "Just a minute, Aunt Shea." Rue Clancy's quiet imperative brought both Adam and her aunt to a halt. "No offense, Adam," she cast a nervous nod in his direction, "but we don't know anything about you." "Doesn't matter," Shea barked. "Maybe it should," Rue scoffed, "given the damage from prowlers you've suffered in the past month. And you know how I feel about taking in stray men." Adam's gaze narrowed. What did she mean, lumping him in with strays of any kind? "Don't you get snippy with me, Rue Clancy. This is my farm, and I'll hire who I want. Time you stopped puttin' people into pigeonholes, anyhow." Rue gasped, then pressed her lips together in a thin line. Adam wondered at the meaning of the silent look the women shared. "Go on, now. I have to make this call." "We'll continue this discussion later." The iron−stiff words echoed Rue's ramrod straight posture. Shea nodded and turned toward the house. Rue stiffened even more and moved to hold the door for Adam. They skirted around a Chapter 3

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clutch of chickens and down the side of the barn. He matched his long strides to her shorter steps. At the back of the barn, a ramshackle extension had been added. "Our spare room is out here because the bunkhouse suffered some lightning damage a year ago." She nudged a large turtle off the stoop and keyed open the padlock that held the door shut. "Aunt Shea didn't have the money, insurance or the manpower for repairs. So we blocked off the back of the tack room and put a bed and table in here." Adam followed her into the tiny room, watching the pull of fabric over her nicely rounded behind as she bent to spread the sheets on the bed. "You've got electricity coming in from the barn." She gestured toward the empty light socket. "Which is why you need the bulb, but there's no plumbing out here. Use the flashlight to help find your way to the house after dark." There was barely room to turn around, and when she did her breasts bumped his chest. She backed up in a hurry. The bed hit the backs of her knees and momentum forced her to sit down. Still staring at her, Adam set the box next to the bed and screwed the bulb into the socket. Rue snarled, "Could you back off? I'd like to get up." What made her so touchy? As he stepped out onto the stoop, he shrugged and filed the Chapter 3

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question away for the future. In eight weeks, he'd have plenty of time to unravel Rue Clancy. She followed. "Watch out!" She grabbed his shoulder. He tensed and halted, one foot suspended over the skunk he'd nearly stepped on. "Good lord." His shoulders dropped with a relieved sigh. Tail erect, the polecat trundled off. "Your aunt said something about animals. Are they all skunks?" Rue's hand fell away. "Aunt Shea shelters all sorts of helpless creatures. Occasionally one of them turns out to be a skunk." He couldn't see her face, so he couldn't tell if he fell into the skunk category or not. "Lilac, however, is harmless. She's been de−scented." Adam stepped to the ground and turned to watch Rue. "How reassuring." "Lilac is one of the permanent residents at Shea D's Rest. You'll help take care of her as well as the others. I'm sure Aunt Shea will give you more detailed instructions. You'll also do field and maintenance work." She looked straight at him. "You won't get a free ride here, Mr. Talcott." "I didn't expect to." He didn't care how rough the work was or what strange notions Rue Chapter 3

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had about him. He'd work as hard as he could, until he rubbed this stupid challenge in Jack Hunter's face. "Regardless of what you did or didn't expect, Mr. Talcott, I want you to know that Aunt Shea is more generous than she should be. I intend to keep people like you from taking advantage of her good nature." He gave her his best icy glare but couldn't rattle her. "And what would you know about 'people like me,' Miss Rue Clancy?" He moved closer. She should have backed toward the barn wall where he could intimidate her; instead she sidestepped. "More than you probably think I know, Mr. Talcott. You've got one chance. Blow it, and I'll have the sheriff put you behind bars before you can blink." At that she turned and stomped off toward the house, driving a couple of turkeys before her.

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Chapter 4 SHEA WATCHED Rue march away from the house, then picked up the phone. She dialed the number for the one reference Adam had listed. "Hello." That's the first time I've ever heard a voice smile, she thought. "May I speak with Jack Hunter, please?" "This is Jack." "Mr. Hunter, my name is Shea Doyle. I'm callin' about Adam Talcott. Jack chuckled. "Is he in some kind of trouble?" "Not that I know of, Mr. Hunter. Why do you ask?" "Oh, no reason. How can I help you?" "Adam gave your name as an employment reference. Would you mind answerin' a few questions about him?" "I'd be most eager to answer any questions I can about Adam Talcott." Shea heard amusement sprinkling his words, like sugar on donuts. "How long have you known Adam?" Chapter 4

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"About fourteen years. We attended college together. After that we became business partners." "What kind of business did the two of you have?" "We own a highly successful investment firm. Maybe you've heard of it, AFD Inc.?" "I'm afraid I don't follow business much." "That's too bad, Ms. Doyle. Is Adam advising you on some investments?" "Not at the moment. Though I might ask him to do that." "Well, you couldn't be in better hands." "Speakin' of hands, that's what I'd like to hire Talcott for. I need a hired hand to help me with the farm work. Is he a reliable sort?" "Yes, I'd say he's reliable." "Do his clients think so?" "Absolutely." "I wondered, 'cause he mentioned havin' to let some of them go." "Well, that's true, but mostly because of his taking leave." "Why's he takin' leave?" "Personal reasons." Chapter 4

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"He's not mentally unstable, is he?" "Oh no, nothing like that." There's that flavoring of humor again. "So Talcott's still your partner?" "Yes." "Then why does he need a job?" "You might say he has debts." Laughter rippled through the words. Shea took the handset away from her ear and held it in front of her face. What's going on here? Placing the handset to her ear again, she spoke sternly. "Mr. Hunter, I don't know what you and Talcott are tryin' to pull, but I don't enjoy being laughed at." Immediately Jack's voice sobered. "I'm sorry, Ms. Doyle. I'm laughing about Adam, not at you." "Maybe you better let me in on the joke, since I'm thinkin' about hirin' the man." Silence answered her. "Mr. Hunter? Are you still there?" "Yes, Ms. Doyle, I'm thinking about how best to respond." "Just give me the truth, so I can deal with it. Otherwise, I'll have to suggest that Mr. Talcott find work somewhere else." Chapter 4

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"The truth, Ms. Doyle, is that Adam is a very wealthy man who comes from a wealthy family. While he works hard for the firm and its clients, he does so out of a love of challenge and a desire for independence from his family, not because he has to work. However, he's never done a day's labor in his life. I challenged him to find a job doing manual labor and live on that income alone for eight weeks." "That sounds downright silly, Mr. Hunter. So silly that it prob'ly is the truth. You mind tellin' me why you made the challenge and why Adam accepted?" Shea listened as Jack explained his first meeting with Adam, their instantaneous friendship, and the birthday tradition of the challenges. "Well, if that don't beat all," she laughed. "Mr. Hunter, you're a stinker." "Thank you, Ms. Doyle." "Shea. Call me Shea." "I'd be honored, Shea. Now don't forget. You must not let Adam know that I told you." "Oh, I won't." "And if you can do anything to make the challenge more difficult, I'll be in your debt." "You said Adam's not allowed to use his social or financial connections?" "Yes." Chapter 4

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"I could really use some help with my finances. What if I asked Adam to do that?" "He'd probably refuse." "Perhaps I could suggest that you told me he's got legal problems back in Chicago, and if he doesn't help me I'll turn him in." "That might do the job. Especially if you imply I told you he was on trial for embezzlement and skipped bail." "I can't see myself askin' financial help from an embezzler, even an imaginary one." "How desperate are you for help, Shea?" "Actually, I'm pretty desperate." "Then use that as your excuse. Tell Adam that you can't afford to pay for advice." "What you're suggesting is blackmail. That's a pretty low thing to do..." Behind Shea the porch door slapped shut. "...even to an embezzler." "Well, it's only a suggestion." "I'll give it some thought." "Okay. Is there anything else you want to know about Adam?" "No, I think I know more than enough, 'specially that embezzlement part." "Call me from time to time. I'd like to know how Adam's doing." Chapter 4

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"Sure. Thanks for all the information. Goodbye." "Goodbye, Shea. I'll look forward to your call." Shea hung up the phone and turned toward the door to the porch. Rue halted just inside. She felt the blood drain from her face. "Adam Talcott's an embezzler?" She couldn't believe it. Adam's 'melt me' blue eyes couldn't belong in the face of a criminal. Oh, yes they could, she assured herself, thinking of her ex−boyfriend. No doubt Adam Talcott is just as unscrupulous, maybe more. The charmer probably trades on people's emotions all the time. I was right to threaten him with the sheriff, even if only to maintain the upper hand and protect Shea. "I'll go back to the shed, Aunt Shea, and tell him to move on." What a fool I am, Rue chastised herself, recalling her first encounter with Adam. He suckered me with that clumsy act on the porch. I felt so sorry for him. "No need for that, Rue. I'll be keepin' Talcott on as a hand." "What?" Rue shouted her amazement. "You can't be falling for his hard luck story. Not after learning he has a record." "Whatever Adam Talcott may have done in the past, I'm sure he's paid his debt to society." Chapter 4

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"I don't believe this. Aunt Shea, you are too practical a person to hire a thief. What in the world are you thinking?" "I think you oughta sit down. I'll pour us some coffee, if you want some. And we can talk about this." "All right." Rue reined in her emotions. Over−reacting wouldn't help convince Shea that Adam Talcott was more problem than a hired hand was worth. "But if you hire Adam, you're making a mistake." Shea studied her niece. "What makes you say so?" Rue hesitated, searching for the right words to express how uneasy she felt around Adam. "I'm afraid he might steal from you, or worse." She thought of the chiseled features and the hooded, blue eyes of the man she'd found in her aunt's hammock. She thought of the firm, solid strength in his muscles, the endearing sense of humor he'd displayed. Trouble always came wrapped in attractive packages. Shea's eyes narrowed. "Has he done anythin' to make you think he might harm you or me?" "No, but that business on the phone, about the embezzlement. You must think he's capable of theft." Chapter 4

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"Yes. But I don't think he'd hurt us." "Why?" "'Cause the hungry, exhausted man who walked up my lane today asked for nothin' but help for a critter he didn't know how to tend. Shoot, he didn't even ask for the job I offered him." Rue sat forward. She bit her lip to keep from shouting. How could she convince Shea to send the misty−eyed, black−haired menace on his way? "I can see how his concern for that cat would appeal to you, but don't let your empathy for strays blind you to the fact that Talcott is a criminal. One who preys on the trust of others." "Do you honestly think I'm that blind?" At her aunt's question, Rue paused. "I don't know, Aunt Shea." She sat back. "I've always respected your judgment. But it worries me that you trust this man when you know the risks involved. Remember what Paul did to me." Besides, she thought, I came here for some peace and solitude. Talcott's anything but peaceful. "I know how you feel. But all men aren't like your former boyfriend." "You may have a point. Can you afford to take a chance on a man with Talcott's track record?" Chapter 4

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"I've made my share of mistakes, just like you did with Paul. I still say Talcott deserves a chance." Seeing how determined Shea was, Rue clutched at extremes. "And who's to say he didn't learn murder in prison? Do you want to risk our lives on that?" "Who's to say he did, girl? It all boils down to instincts, and my instincts tell me that Talcott is worth the risk." "I hope you're right." If recalling her disastrous affair with Paul wouldn't convince Shea not to hire Adam Talcott, nothing Rue could say would. "I wish I knew what you saw in him." "He's a lot like that noisy critter he brought with him, only quieter. That cat was all covered in dried on muck, but underneath was this sleek, beautiful animal." Adam Talcott was undeniably sleek. "That cat is something else," Rue said trying to change the subject. "I don't think I've ever seen one quite so large or with such unusual coloring." "I know," Shea agreed. "I thought at first it might be one of those fancy Maine Coon purebreds. But the Doc up at the clinic didn't think so." "Why not?" Chapter 4

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"Most purebreds are notched or tattooed, and he couldn't find either one on the animal. Sure wish Dudley'd get back from that conference in Grand Rapids. He knows cats better'n that other vet." The women sipped coffee in silence for a while. As Shea set her empty cup down, a grin spread across her face. "No matter what kind of cat it is, it sure is a noisy beast." "When Talcott's not around, you mean," Rue murmured. The image of the cat purring under the man's long−fingered strokes sent Rue spinning from the table for more coffee. "I wouldn't be unhappy to see the last of both man and beast." She sat again and pressed her lips tightly together. She didn't want to think about her aunt's hired hand. She had a long list of other troubles to worry over. The last thing she needed was to add a vagrant to her list, especially one as confusing as Adam Talcott. "What's the matter, girl?" "I have some things to move out here." Shea's face took on a thoughtful cast. "You didn't take a vacation like you told me when you called. You've been suspended again." "Have you been talking to Carolyn?" Rue's voice sharpened. Chapter 4

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"No, I just know how stubborn and proud you are. Are you gettin' paid?" Rue set her mouth in a determined line. "I got fired," she mumbled and watched Shea struggle to remain calm. She failed. "Blast it all, Rue Clancy. Why won't you let me help?" "I am taking your help," Rue protested loudly. "I'm not paying you rent, am I?" Shea's expression went grim. "You lost your apartment, too!" "It was no great loss." Shea nodded curtly. "I'm letting you give me free storage space as well as board, aren't I?" Shea nodded again. "What more help could you give me?" Rue heard the strain in her own voice. For a while, the only sound came from the animals in the yard. Shea worried her lower lip with her teeth and twisted her cup from side to side. Rue reached across the table, taking Shea's hands in her own. "I'll be fine." "I know you will, honey, but I worry about you." "You needn't." The silence wound tightly around them. Chapter 4

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Shea pulled her shoulders back. "How much space should I clear in the attic?" "None, probably. I'll put most of it in my room." "You sure, honey?" Rue nodded to herself, "Pretty much. Why don't we talk about where to put the books and the computer while we make dinner?" "You're on." Shea got up. "We better hope that new hired man doesn't come in here for a while. He'll think we're a couple of loonies, shoutin' at each other over coffee in the middle of the afternoon. Speakin' of our hired man, get him a couple sets of work clothes when you go into town tomorrow." Rue joined her aunt at the sink. Even if Aunt Shea didn't believe it, hiring Talcott was a mistake. Before Rue spent Shea's money on the man, she'd make one last stab at talking her aunt into giving him the boot. "I don't agree with your decision to hire Talcott. I'm here for the next three months, at least. I could do for free whatever you'd pay him to do." "I appreciate the offer and any help you want to give, 'specially in the garden. But you want to be lookin' for a new job, and some things take two people. I can't always wait for you to get home." She handed Rue a bowl and a bag of unsnapped green beans. Rue set to work at the familiar chore. "Just so long as you know I intend to keep an eye Chapter 4

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on Talcott." Shea grinned. "Don't mind keepin' an eye on him myself. Did you notice those shoulders? And that tush!" She leaned close, running water into a pan. "Great glory in the mornin'. Work's gonna be a whole lot more fun that it used to." As Shea plopped big hunks of potatoes into the pot and placed it on the stove, Rue rolled her eyes. She wondered if she'd lost her mind. Why hadn't she insisted that Shea get rid of the man? Ordinary pity didn't normally turn her brain to mush. Unlike her aunt, she wasn't blinded by her fondness for wounded strays. She loved helping those in need but held only contempt for those who preyed on others. As for Adam Talcott, he was a handsome beast, but even the most beautiful of creatures could bite. She didn't buy the 'humbler than thou' attitude either. That was just a clever ex−con's ruse to gain sympathy. He had a hidden agenda, of that she was certain. She had to admit that, since arriving at the farm, he had done nothing illegal that she knew of. And Shea seemed determined to give him the benefit of twenty doubts. Her aunt was rarely wrong about people. But Adam Talcott wasn't just people. Something about him bothered her more than his status as an ex−con. She wished she could identify exactly what that something was. Chapter 4

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That inability worried her almost as much as the man. Shea could joke all she wanted about his physical attractions. Rue intended to keep a very close eye on Adam Talcott. The man was trouble. Sometimes you just had to fight trouble with trouble. With each crisp snap of a bean, Rue pondered how to cause Adam Talcott just enough misery to make him want to leave Shea D's Rest.

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Chapter 5 RUE ENTERED the dim room where Talcott slept. His first day at work, and already he was late. She could almost sympathize, because it wasn't his fault. Few people realized just how early 5:00 A.M. was. Still, she wasn't cutting Mr. Adam Talcott any slack. She peered through the stingy light cast from the open door and found the foot of the bed. She grabbed on and started shaking the frame. Adam came awake with a shout. At the end of his bed a female shadow chuckled. Rue Clancy. He flopped back onto the mattress. "Exactly what do you think is so funny?" "You. Do you always wake up shouting?" "Only when someone creates an imitation of the San Francisco earthquake with my bed." "I needed to wake you up." He kept his voice low. "I can think of more pleasant ways to do that." He wondered if she was blushing and pulled the string on the light bulb hanging by the bed. Adam felt heat flood his face. The inadequate light cast conflicting shadows over Rue's face while it spotlighted the very obvious tent in the sheet. Appalled, his gaze froze on that distinct elevation. He heard a choking sound, followed by footsteps. Chapter 5

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So she thought he was funny, did she. He'd show her. No woman poked fun at a man's most valuable piece of anatomy and got away with it unscathed. Determined to prove that his manhood was no laughing matter, Adam rose from the bed. He grabbed a towel that he wrapped around his waist. With slow deliberation he walked from his room to confront his nemesis. Rue sat on the steps just outside his door. Her hands covered her mouth, forcing gasps back into her throat. Adam approached, bringing his terry covered anatomy within inches of her face and waited for his presence to sink in. Soon the noises subsided to soft hiccups. "Rue." She opened her eyes and turned her head toward him. Adam followed her gaze. The towel gaped. In the instant before he could cover himself, she got an eye level view of his rampant, early morning maleness. She goggled and tried to back away. Losing her balance, she fell off the steps. "May I help you up, Ms. Clancy?" Chapter 5

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She scrambled to her feet. "No, no thank you, Mr. Talcott." Her shoulders hunched, and she thrust her hands into her pockets. Good! Now she's as embarrassed as I was. So why do I want to apologize? Why does it hurt to see her humbled? After all, she's the one who laughed at me. He watched her take several deep breaths. That much didn't hurt. In fact, watching Rue breathe was a pleasure, even if the woman herself was a trial. Turning her back to him, Rue moved away. "We need to start work. Aunt Shea has breakfast ready. I'll meet you in the barn when you've eaten. I suggest you eat light." By the time she reached the corner of the shed, she was running. Adam turned and walked back to his room. The cat waited patiently in the doorway. "You don't suppose I should apologize?" The cat yawned hugely, as only cats can. "Right. Least said, soonest mended. Besides, Shea might object to her hired hand strutting all but naked in front of her niece." Adam decided he wouldn't allow Rue to dictate what he ate. After a huge breakfast of eggs, bacon, pancakes and juice, Adam headed for the barn. There she showed him how to feed and water the penned animals. As they worked, she gave instructions on safety and health checks he'd need to make. She took him to the loft and showed him where the cat Chapter 5

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food and bowls were kept. At the first sound of pellets pouring, twenty plus cats swarmed around his feet, until he stood shin deep in a sea of fur. Then Rue handed him a burlap sack. "Quick, while they're eating, we have to empty the live mouse traps," she said. "Okay." Adam supposed that Shea was simply too kind−hearted to even kill a mouse. They circled the loft and the ground level. At each trap, Adam held the sack and Rue emptied the mice into it with deft, sure movements. "One person can do this," she assured him. "But Shea or I will help you until you get used to the trick of opening the traps with one hand and holding the sack with the other." Once the traps were emptied, baited and replaced, Rue lead him out of the barn past the corral. Adam slung the mouse−laden sack over his shoulder, pondering how far they would go before they freed the struggling masses. Fifty yards past the corral, atop a low cement circle, stood a tall structure of chicken wire supported on two−by−fours. Inside was an odd collection of trash and mid−sized branches. "Is your aunt eccentric?" Adam wondered why anyone would construct a chicken coop for old tires and pieces of broken trees. "What makes you ask that?" Rue marched straight toward the strange structure, untying Chapter 5

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a bit of string that had been knotted into the chicken wire. A section of the chicken wire fell open. A loud shriek forestalled Adam's answer. "That's right, Baby. Breakfast is coming." Rue's voice soothed the source of the shriek. "What are you talking to?" "That." Rue pointed to the far side of the coop. Adam looked to see one of the branches spread its wings, becoming a red−tailed hawk. "Wow." One wing was clearly broken. The bird struggled to take flight and failed. Hopping down to the ground from its perch, it waddled toward the opening in the wire. "Hurry," Rue spoke urgently. "Empty the mice into the pen." "What?" Adam mumbled, dazed by the magnificent bird. She snatched the sack from Adam's awe slackened grip and dumped the mice into the wire enclosure. Then she turned. She looked at Adam and twisted the sack in her hands. With speed belied by the bird's awkward gait, the hawk pounced on a mouse. Its brief struggle ended when needle−sharp talons pierced its furry flesh. Unconcerned with the plight of the mouse, the hawk bent its head. Grasping the nearest part of the small creature Chapter 5

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in its beak, the hawk jerked its head upward. The mouse ripped in two. Half its body remained locked in the taloned grip. The other half disappeared, almost before Adam could witness the carnage. Eggs and pancakes from breakfast rose in objection to death and destruction. He forced his stomach to settle but couldn't prevent cold, clammy sympathy from breaking out on his forehead. "You handled that better than I expected." "I suppose that's why you watched me instead of the hawk. To see if I could handle this particular chore." Finished with his appetizer, the hawk pursued another mouse. With the expertise of a born predator, the bird caught two at once. "That's part of it. The other part is that someone has to watch to make certain Baby gets enough mice. My stomach's never been up to the task." "Why don't you just hand feed Baby?" "Spoken like a true city−boy. Would you want to get near enough to that beak to feed it?" Baby started after a fourth mouse. Chapter 5

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"No way." "Precisely. How many has she had?" "Four, no, make that five. She just caught another one." "Good." Rue dropped her hands and thrust the sack at him. "All that's left is to check Rosie for worms. Put that back in the barn and meet me at the back of the corral." When Adam arrived at the far end of the corral, Rue was banging a metal rod against an old metal trashcan lid. Within moments a huge, horned animal lumbered over the rise. "That's a Brahma bull!" Adam yelped, and stood back from the corral fence. He didn't want to get anywhere near those horns. "Give the city boy an A+. Now go open the corral gate." Adam complied. Rosie trotted into the enclosure as if this was an everyday occurrence. Adam closed the gate after the bull, making sure that he and Rosie were on opposite sides. "Okay, now what?" "Now we wait." Rosie ambled around the corral, sniffing and looking at the grass. "What for?" Chapter 5

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"Rosie has to give us a sample, before we can check for worms." Adam could only imagine one kind of sample that Rosie could give. He didn't want to think about checking the sample for worms. "How did a bull get a name like Rosie?" "Take a look at his nose the next time he turns in your direction." Adam had to wait a moment, while Rosie provided the necessary sample. Finished with its business, the bull trotted toward the gate. Sure enough, a pinkish spot decorated the Brahma's nose and looked for all the world like a full−blown rose. "Okay, open the gate and let Rosie out into the pasture." Once more Adam manipulated the gate, staying well out of Rosie's way. "Now come over here, and I'll show you what to look for." Adam jogged over to where Rue poked at Rosie's sample with the metal rod. She handed the rod to him. "You need to break up the cow pattie while it's still fresh. If the pattie is dried out, the parasites will have died or crawled away." Adam hesitated. The pungent odor of fresh manure interacted with the equally fresh memories of bloody mouse bodies. Quelling a rush of nausea, he poked repeatedly at Rosie's deposit. Chapter 5

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The mushy brown pile broke apart, revealing a mass of long white strings. "What?" "Oh, great. Now we'll have to have the vet out here." The sickly pale mass began to wriggle and writhe. Adam's nausea returned with a vengeance. He rushed to the corral fence where he lost his breakfast. As he finished heaving, he became aware of Rue. She thrust a damp kerchief at him. "Are you all right?" "Sure, I get a thrill out of poking around in bullshit so I can find out what kind of creature is eating the bull from the inside out." "I'm sorry. I figured if Baby's eating habits didn't faze you, then Rosie's little pals would be child's play." Adam finished wiping his face and turned toward her. "I think it was the combination. I don't suppose I can accuse you of arranging the sequence of chores with the hope that I'd quit in disgust." Rue gave him a wide, innocent stare. "Now why would you think that? I suggested earlier that you eat a light breakfast." "Yeah, you did. Guess I learned my lesson." "I certainly hope so." Chapter 5

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Adam stepped toward the other end of the corral. "I'm going up to the house for some lemonade." "Fine. Tell Shea that I went into town to run those errands she asked me to do." "Okay." He watched her disappear through the barn's side door. So what if he'd emptied his stomach on his first day. At least he'd let Rue Clancy know that a few dead mice and some recycled grass couldn't scare him off. "C'MON BOY. Grab that cat and get your skinny behind in the truck." Adam put his lunch dishes in the sink and turned to find the cat. He grinned, unused to the idea of someone calling his thirty−two year old self boy. He cringed at the comparison with his own upbringing. The formal manners demanded by his father had always been at odds with his mother's occasional bouts of intense affection. "Are you sure we should bring him?" He scooped the cat up and followed Shea out of the house. "Sure. Fresh air'll be good for him." Adam settled himself into the cab beside Shea. She put the truck in gear and drove around the barn. She passed through a gate in the fence, opening and closing it to keep Chapter 5

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Rosie penned in. As she shifted gears again, she spoke. "Mr. Hunter says you used to work for his investment firm in Chicago." "Yes." "He says you're an ex−con, you embezzled money from his firm, and you jumped bail." Adam gripped the armrest. "Said that, did he?" The next time I see Jack, I'll kill him. A bail−jumping embezzler is not going to inspire confidence in anyone. What the hell is Jack trying to do to me? Shea continued, seemingly unaware of Adam's distress. "Hunter's taking care of the bail problem, or I'd have to turn you in. Have to say, you don't act much like an ex−con. Don't talk like one neither. Ain't got the attitude." Anger at Jack washed through Adam, and he bit out at Shea. "I didn't take you for someone who indulged in stereotyping." "Sorry, Adam, didn't mean any offense. I've got plenty of use for a strong back. I'm simply concerned. Rue's decided you can't be trusted. My niece is a cautious person, but I mention you and she gets a tad more than prickle−faced." Shea's words forced him to consider the issue carefully. He and Rue definitely had Chapter 5

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problems, both physical and professional. "If you have second thoughts about hiring me, Ms. Doyle, just say so." Given the morning's events with Rue, he wondered why he was still here having this conversation. Shea gave no indication that Rue had mentioned any of the incidents. He had no intention of telling Shea that he'd tossed his cookies or given her niece an eyeful, albeit unintentionally. Shea kept talking. "I've got to know that you and Rue can get along. I can't be playin' peacemaker all the time. And if I've got to choose, I'll choose my mule−headed niece in a heartbeat." "I can tell you that if you keep me on, I won't intentionally give you or Ms. Clancy any cause for regret." "Good." Shea nodded vigorously. "That's what I thought you'd say, and I believe you mean it. Mr. Hunter had a lot of fine things to say about you. One of 'em was that while your head for figures is what got you into trouble, he didn't believe you'd defraud anyone again. I have a real need for someone who can help me invest my egg money." Adam's snapped his head toward Shea. "You can't be suggesting that I act as your financial advisor?" Chapter 5

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"I'm more than suggestin'. I'm insistin'. Since the advice'll be part of your work for me, I'll pay you a commission." What could he say? He liked Shea, but the terms of his bet with Jack strictly forbade him taking any profits other than his wage for manual labor. He couldn't agree. "I'm not sure that's a good idea. I've been out of the capital gains game for a while. I could lose every penny you have before I know the market well enough to get any significant return on your investment." "According to Hunter, you're a real hot−shot at stock market speculation. How long can it take to get back into the game, so to speak?" Adam frowned, thinking of Rue. She already didn't like him. She'd go ballistic if she found out he gave Shea financial advice. "I really don't want to discuss this." "How come? You afraid to find out just how honest you really are?" Adam snorted, thinking of the bold−faced lies he'd just told. "I know how honest I am." He focused on the cat rather than Shea's face. "You want advice, here it is. Only fools trust their money to strangers. You're no fool, Shea." "Maybe not, but I am your boss. Financial advice is part of the deal, if you want to keep workin' for me." Chapter 5

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Adam thought while Shea slowed the truck, pulling to a stop in front of another gate. "Why is this so important, Shea?" "My niece just lost her job and her apartment. Her car is on its last legs. When I go, I want to leave her more than a run−down farm with a lot of hayburners eatin' up her time and money." "You have years before you have to worry about that." "Takes years from what I understand. B'sides, Rue likes her independence. For that she needs money." "She doesn't have her own funds?" "She did. A year ago, some dirt−bag boyfriend weaseled his way into her heart, then ripped her off." Adam felt a flash of anger. Rue wasn't his concern. Better to focus on his employer's problems. "Why ask me? Why not hire a reputable brokerage firm?" "Those fellas are too slick with all their talk of loads, bonds and such." "I was just as slick." "I don't trust 'em." "And you shouldn't trust me. What's the real reason?" Chapter 5

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Shea squirmed. "They laughed at me." "What?" "Oh, they were polite about it, but I could see they didn't want to waste their time on some backward old farm woman." "You're not backward." "I know that, but those jackass brokers didn't. And I don't do business with people who should know better than to judge by appearances." Shea almost convinced him, but after making the idiotic bet with Jack, he knew better than to jump into anything. "I'll think about it. And I'll need to see your books, as well as any other financial records you might have." "All right. You won't regret this, I promise." "I didn't agree to advise you. And if I do anything, advice is all I'll give. Is that clear?" "Just so we have everything clear. If you manage my investments, I'll give you twenty−five percent." Her enthusiasm sobered him. "You'd have better luck if you sold marijuana." "Don't sass me, boy. Neither of us is gonna do anythin' illegal. You think things over, then come tell me how to invest that egg money." Chapter 5

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"But−−" "I got one more thing to say. No matter what you decide or do, Rue is not to know that I'm doin' this for her. Got that?" "Got it." "Good, let's get to work." He helped Shea unload fencing supplies and tools, while the cat went about marking this new territory. Adam watched Shea show him how to set fence posts and rails, then she left him to complete repairs to her winter−damaged fence. That's where Rue found him just before sunset.

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Chapter 6 RUE WATCHED him from the shelter of the pickup. He'd taken his borrowed shirt off, and her uncle's old denims hung low on his hips. Muscles rippled as he hefted a heavy post into a hole. Sweat glistened on skin tinted gold by the fading sun as he strained to hold the post erect while packing dirt tighter into the hole with his feet. Rue gave her head a shake. What was she doing staring at the man? With Shea back at the house, this was the perfect opportunity to show him how unwelcome he was. Evidently satisfied that the post wouldn't immediately topple over, he knelt, bracing the wooden column with his shoulder. Blue material tightened across his backside. His gloved fingers probed and stroked the earth, molding and shaping it. Impatient with the raspy sound of her own breathing, Rue jumped out of the truck, slamming the door. She watched Adam look for the source of the noise. He moved too swiftly and banged his injured arm against the post. "Dang. Ow!" He sat abruptly, his arms braced behind him. His chest heaved. He glared at her. So instead of offering to look at his arm, she advanced on one of the posts that Adam Chapter 6

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had set earlier. She kicked the wooden column. It vibrated but didn't shift. Maybe he deserved a small compliment for his effort. "Nice work, Talcott." "Thank you," came his grumbled reply. Heaven forbid he should think she actually appreciated him. "But these posts should have been set in concrete." "You of all people should know that Shea can't buy concrete. She spends too much money on essentials for the animals." Rue did know. She'd let her desire to expose Talcott's ignorance take precedence over her concern for Shea. Rue felt petty, and the realization rankled. She turned the full force of her glare at him and failed again to convey her message. He stood with his back to her, his head bowed. She shifted to see what he was doing and watched him ease a glove slowly off his left hand. He concentrated completely on the delicate procedure. Why didn't he simply take the darn glove off? Curious, she approached. If she disturbed him, so much the better. Looking past his upper arm, she gave a startled gasp. He jumped. A huge blister swelled on his palm an inch below his thumb. She grabbed his hand. Chapter 6

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He winced and dropped the cotton glove to the ground. "What have you done to yourself?" "I didn't do anything." "Idiot." She jerked his hand close to her face in the dim light. "Don't you know better than to set fence with cotton gloves?" "I know now." He looked away from her, down the long row of new fence. "I don't think Shea or I thought I'd accomplish as much as I did." Rue followed his stare and frowned. A man who worked that hard at something he clearly didn't have experience at didn't fit her image of a convicted embezzler. Something wasn't right, but she was darned if she could figure it out. His hand flexed in hers. The rough hairs moving over her palm sent an unwanted jolt up her arm. Enough of this nonsense. Rue shook her head. "You need heavy leather for this kind of work. But then you've never done this kind of work, have you?" Couldn't he see he didn't belong here? "Did you do any kind of work in prison?" Furious that he'd hurt himself and that she cared, she dragged him back to the truck. His hand still gripped in hers, she fumbled underneath the dash for the meager first aid kit kept there. Chapter 6

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"I've always worked with numbers," he mumbled in response. "So you don't have a sinner's chance in heaven of knowing what gloves to wear, do you?" "Right." The man confused her. She didn't want him around. His own ignorance caused him pain, yet she found herself wanting to soothe his hurts. What was wrong with her? Ever since Paul, she'd kept her sympathy for the down and out carefully confined to the legitimate cases she found in her work. Shea is the one who takes risks with her charity, not me. She smoothed antiseptic onto the blister and wrapped his hand in gauze. "How could Aunt Shea let you do this without proper equipment?" "It's not her fault." His baritone stroked her ears and shivered down her spine. "We couldn't find a pair of leather gloves big enough to fit me." She gave an impatient snarl. "Then you shouldn't have been setting fence posts." "The job needed doing. The larger animals can't stay cooped up in the barn." Rue taped the last piece of gauze in place and looked up at him. "I know," she intoned as if by rote. "We gotta fix the fence before we can let the hayburners out." A frustrated sigh escaped. "I wish, just once, that Shea would think about people's needs before her precious Chapter 6

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animals." She dropped his hand, closed the kit and replaced it under the dash. When she turned back, he hadn't moved. Her breath caught at the light in his eyes, a sad longing clear on his face. What could a convicted embezzler have to feel sad about? He shifted toward her, his head bent. Her vision fastened on his generous mouth. The full lips puckered a little. Her eyes widened. He stopped abruptly then turned. Rue felt something fragile crumble away. He walked past the truck to the fence and put on his shirt. He gathered his tools, clattering them into the truck bed. She didn't know if she was disappointed, angry...or both. Did she want him to kiss her? Or did she simply want another opportunity to put him in his place? Rue stomped around to the driver's side of the pickup, got in and reved the engine, only to see Adam climb over the fence and walk off toward the woods. The man had more twists than a Chinese puzzle box. With the engine still running, she got out of the pickup and shouted after him. "Where do you think you're going, mister? Shea's waiting dinner for us!" His response hurtled back at her. "The blasted cat's gone off. I can't leave without him." Was she destined to associate with people whose concern for animals outstretched all Chapter 6

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common sense? Or was it simpler for a man who'd been in prison to care more about a stray cat than about a woman? Thank heaven she didn't have to worry that he cared about her. She leaned back into the cab and switched off the ignition. Grabbing a flashlight from between the seats, she slammed the door and hurried after him. He was almost out of sight. "Wait!" she yelled. He stopped and looked back over his shoulder, his face a white splotch against the dark trees. She switched on the flashlight as she strode toward him. "The sun's down. You'll never find a camouflage−colored cat without this." "Thanks." He took the light from her. "Give that back." She snatched at the metal tube, but he moved away, and only air filled her grasp. "Why?" "Your hand's injured. You'll drop it. Then we'll both be in the dark." "It's only a blister." Rue closed her lips on a sharp answer. He's right. Why am I over−reacting? Nothing Chapter 6

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occurred to her. She'd had problems before she ever met Adam Talcott and handled them just fine. Somehow, the tall man tromping through the woods ahead of her was the source of her irrational behavior. Regardless of the reasons, she knew that as long as Adam was around, life would never be the same calm, placid place it had been. If she wanted that back, she had to show him he didn't belong here. Silence bobbed on ahead of her with the light. Of all the gall. He was ignoring her. Well, she could ignore him, too. She'd just go back to the truck and leave him out here to get lost. She turned to go, then stopped. He didn't deserve her help. He probably didn't want it. But she knew the terrain better than he did. He'd get hurt again, stumbling around in the woods. Then she'd have to patch him up, and he might get the mistaken idea that she gave two hoots about him. Going with him was simply preventive medicine. Besides, she was her father's daughter. And her father would say that the undeserving needed help more than anyone else. No stubborn, two−faced embezzler could force her to abandon her values. She jogged to catch up with him. They strode deeper into the wood. Back and forth, they walked in a pattern horizontal to the fence, always moving away from the farm. "You know, this would be easier if you'd given that animal a name. Then we could call Chapter 6

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it." "It's not my cat." "Right. And you're not the person who insisted we couldn't leave without the dratted creature. Believe me, the cat will find its own way home." "Listen, that cat has to have medication twice a day. Shea will have a fit if we came back without it. In addition, with an ear infection, its balance will be off, and it could get into trouble." She wanted to rip his head off for being right. "If I find it first, it's already in trouble." Abruptly he grabbed her wrist. "What's that?" He gestured off to the left where she could hear a rustling noise. She looked closely as he trained the flashlight on a clump of bushes. "Look down at the base," he whispered. Sure enough, there was the cat, but he seemed to be playing with something. Giving her the flashlight, Adam hunkered down and patted the ground in front of him. "Shine the light off to the side. You're blinding him." Rue moved the light, and the cat came straight to Adam. While he checked the cat for new injuries, Rue went to examine the lump moving at the bottom of the bushes. Chapter 6

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"Oh, you poor, sweet things." With the cat firmly ensconced in the crook of his arm, Adam walked toward Rue. "Get that feline away from here." She blocked his approach. "Uh, sure." He moved off. "What did you find?" Calmer now that the danger was gone, she replied. "Rabbits, three baby rabbits." She bundled them into her skirt. As she rose, she swung the flashlight in his direction and watched him stare as her thighs came into view. What was his problem, Rue wondered? Hadn't he ever seen a woman's legs before? "They're all scratched and scared." She cooed, then bristled. "That cat was going to eat them." Rue knew how unreasonable she sounded but couldn't seem to help herself. Adam Talcott brought out the worst in her. "Well, what do you expect?" Affront rode the sharp edge of his voice. "He's a cat. Cats eat rodents, and rabbits are rodents, whether you like it or not." "What I expect is for you to keep that animal confined." "You're kidding. Lock an animal up just because he did what was natural? I wouldn't treat a human being like that." "No, you wouldn't." She saw the wounded look on his face before he turned and moved Chapter 6

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swiftly away. "I'm sorry." But he was already out of sight. Just as well. An apology would no doubt have him thinking he'd won her over, and she didn't want that. Her conscience hurt nonetheless. He sat waiting in the truck when she stumbled over the fence trying to juggle rabbits, skirt and flashlight. As she walked toward the pickup, the driver's side door opened. What kind of man was he? He couldn't get out and help her over the fence, but he could open the door for her? Astonished to find he'd taken off his shirt again, she stood staring, not knowing what to say. "I put Brutus into a box I found in the back of the truck." His face looked as stony as his voice sounded. He reached out to take the flashlight from her and laid it on the dash. "Thank you." The brush of his fingers sent pinpricks spiraling up her arm and down through her chest. She couldn't seem to think. He'd named the cat. He went on. "I didn't relish the idea of trying to keep him away from your charges while we bounce over the fields." Still dumbstruck from his casual touch, she mumbled, "I appreciate that." "Here, let me take the rabbits." He held out his shirt. One by one she placed the bunnies Chapter 6

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on the cloth. He bundled them to his chest. She got into the truck and put it in gear. Guilt over her caustic comments warred with Rue's resentment at Adam's very presence. Her entire life was grounded on the belief that people existed to help each other and to do no harm. Heaven knew she had experience enough to question that belief. Nonetheless, she found herself helping this man whose fraud had hurt others, yet she felt guilty about a few sharp comments. She looked over at the flinty profile outlined in the moonlight. He didn't seem to be feeling any pain. Why should she worry about the small wounds her words might inflict on an ex−con? He'd shown his true colors when he committed the embezzlement that sent him to prison. She should shun Adam completely. Shea had taken him on, so let Shea worry about him. If Adam even looked like he would harm Shea, Rue would intervene. Until then, she'd try to forget he existed.

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Chapter 7 BY THE TIME Rue settled the rabbits in a cat−proof home and changed her clothes, Shea and Adam had started dinner without her. He left as soon as possible, wearing his torn and sweat−stained borrowed shirt and carrying a bowl of food mixed with medicine for Brutus. "Adam, wait," she called as the door banged shut. "Darn." She thumped the table. "Aunt Shea, we forgot to give him the clothes you asked me to purchase. Now you'll have to make an extra trip to the back of the barn." Rue was tired and wanted very much to escape upstairs. "Sorry, Niece, I got sick animals to tend to." "Carrying the clothes you asked for out to your hired hand will only take a minute. After all, you're the one who wanted him to have the clothes." Shea smiled. "I s'pose that means you don't want the man to wear clothes?" The image rose before her from that morning, of Adam all but naked, daring her to run or stay. While she sputtered indignation, Shea continued, "'Sides, you been givin' things to the Chapter 7

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needy for years and will do a much better job of preservin' that poor man's dignity." Not since her tenth birthday had Rue felt such a strong combination of guilt and responsibility. On that long ago day, her father had explained that because she already had a perfectly good doll, it was only right to give the new doll she'd received to a girl who had no doll. Rue hadn't disappointed him. She'd even rewrapped the doll herself. She wanted him to be proud of her, to love her as much as he loved the world of neighbors God had given him to love. Still, she hadn't truly wanted to give up the doll. And she was certain that it was her true feelings that stopped Daddy from giving her the same broad, loving smile that he gave to everyone else. Aunt Shea was being obstinate, so Rue would have to take the clothes to the impossible Mr. Talcott. Thank heaven she'd resolved to have nothing more to do with the man. She didn't even have to say anything. Aunt Shea could explain the next time she saw him. At Adam's door, Rue stood, eyes closed, about to knock. She couldn't just say nothing. She muttered to herself. "Here, we got you some clothes." No, too suggestive. "Here, Shea wanted you to have these." Too dictatorial. "We thought you might like to have these." Too friendly. Concentrating, she squeezed her eyelids tighter, still mouthing experimental Chapter 7

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phrases. If she didn't settle on something soon, she'd be completely incoherent. He'd think she'd lost her mind. What difference does it make, if Adam the arrogant thinks I've lost my mind? "Thanks." His voice surrounded her. Her eyes snapped open. Adam's hand appeared, waiting for her to give him the clothing. The cat stalked past him into the yard. "You needn't have gone to the trouble." When had he opened the door? She froze in place at the bottom of the stoop. One of his fists held a sheet draped about his hips. Why did she always encounter him half dressed? "Do you want something else?" Startled from her fascination with the dark arrow of hair that disappeared beneath the sheet, Rue spoke the first thought that came to mind. "Where are your pants?" He bared his teeth in what might have been a grin but looked more like a leer to Rue. "After today's workout, I couldn't stand to be in them. I dunked them in the trough." "Oh." His abdominal muscles were on a level with her face. They shifted and tightened as he stepped down to the ground and brought a flat brown nipple smack within six inches Chapter 7

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of her mouth. "Did you want something, or is an inventory of my wardrobe all you need?" She looked up at him and licked her suddenly dry lips. "Uh..." He was too close. She could smell soap and the pungent musk that declared him male. "Here." She thrust the new clothes at him and blinked in wild panic. He peered at her. A brow lifted in question. "Are you okay? Did you get something in your eye?" He set the bundle of clothing inside his room. "Sit down and I'll have a look." Before she could protest, he sat on the steps with the sheet anchored beneath him, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her down beside him. "No, you don't underst−−" "Be quiet." With one arm, he hauled her, butt down, across his knees and imprisoned her head in the crook of his other arm. "I can't find the speck in your eye if your face keeps moving. Now look straight up at the sky." His free hand closed around her jaw to hold her head in place. He examined her eyes. The arm behind her head felt warm and firm, like the hand on her face. The heat increased as she realized the intimacy of their position. Chapter 7

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He must have realized it, too. His blue pupils darkened nearly to black. "I can't find anything." His gaze shifted, looking deeper, as if he only had to look deep enough to find the solution to some puzzle. His words fell slowly through the roaring in her ears. Speechless, she closed her eyes. A touch feathered over her lips. She raised her head a fraction, just enough to return the light caress. Good heavens, I'm losing control. She didn't want to be near him. Didn't want him to kiss her. She certainly didn't want to like it. The arm beneath her tightened on her shoulders. The hand on her face stroked up her jawline to tangle in her hair. She felt a tickle against her stocking−clad thigh. Her arm reached up to clasp his nape. The hard muscles beneath her bottom tensed. A low growl sounded. Rue landed on the ground with a thud. Adam clutched his right thigh. "Dang blasted cat nearly gelded me." Twenty feet away, Brutus and Lilac faced each other. Lilac's white stripe arched. Her tail fanned out rigid and erect. Brutus hissed in a crouch, ready to spring his attack. Awash with conflicting emotions, Rue could only watch as the cat challenged the skunk's right to cross his territory. Chapter 7

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Lilac yielded to Brutus and scampered off. Rue covered her mouth but couldn't suppress a bubble of laughter. Adam glared at her. "You wouldn't find it so funny if it was your tender parts he clawed." His groan faded to a whisper. Clearly he found the idea of clawing her tender parts appealing. Appalled at herself and her actions over the past few minutes, Rue stood. "Be grateful. Brutus and Lilac undoubtedly saved both of us from a fate worse than death." The words were out before she considered exactly what she'd said. Adam's growl menaced. "We'll have to see about that." What did he mean? If finding out meant staying near him for one more second, she didn't want to know. She had to get away. This whole business had gone horribly wrong. "I can get your dirty clothes in the morning. I'll see you then." She backed away from him until she reached the corner of the barn where she slipped safely from his sight.

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Chapter 8 ADAM HADN'T slept well. The memory of that brief kiss so distracted him that he poured chicken feed for the cats and nearly let the goats into the pigpen. He could still feel the soft resilience of Rue's lips pressed to his. That sensational memory stirred others. The silk of her hair. The tender warmth of her thighs atop his. His body tightened. He considered how things could have progressed. If not for the blasted cat, he and Rue might have begun a very pleasant arrangement. An arrangement he intended to pursue as soon as he could get her alone. He'd start with an apology. Then he'd take every opportunity to show her exactly what she was missing. And it wouldn't be a fate worse than death. In fact, if he managed things right, it might be darn close to heaven. After completing his chores, Adam gave Shea a thorough report at breakfast. When he finished, Shea mentioned casually, "Today, Rue's movin'..." His hand stilled, a forkful of eggs balanced over his lap. Shea's voice faded into the background. All his plans for seducing Rue vanished as he tumbled into his own personal pit. Chapter 8

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Rue's moving? Did I scare her? It was only a kiss. Nah, that kiss wouldn't scare Rue into moving. It must be me. I don't want her to leave her home just because of me. "...So do you think you can set that system up?" Shea paused. "You okay, boy?" He looked at his plate, certain that, if he looked at her, Shea would see his guilt. He hadn't felt this raw, tearing helplessness since he'd had to face his father after spending that night in jail with Jack fourteen years ago. "Blister botherin' you? I'll get some ointment." Shea's chair scraped the floor, and she bustled away. When she returned, Adam had himself under control. While she checked and re−bandaged his hand, he figured he'd better leave that evening. A full day's work would repay her kindness. With that thought, he realized he hadn't heard a word she'd said earlier. "I'm sorry, Shea, I was distracted and didn't hear what you wanted me to do today." "That's some distraction, if you don't hear a body who's sittin' right across from you." He nodded, unwilling to tell the aunt just how powerful a distraction the niece could be. "I was sayin' we need to finish stowin' the hay into the loft this mornin'. Rue's gonna need our help when she gets back with all that stuff she's movin' to the house this afternoon." Chapter 8

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Gets back. Moving into the house. She's not leaving. His relief was so great he almost missed Shea's next statement. "I also asked if you could set up a computer system." She put the antiseptic and bandages away, then sat down again and sipped her coffee. "Rue's bringin' one with her. We both know how to use it, but neither of us knows much about settin' the darn thing up or loadin' the programs, to say nothin' of interfacin' the peripherals." He smiled. Computer systems he understood. Women and emotions were obviously beyond comprehension. "I'll take a look at it and do what I can." "I'd appreciate it." "So, has Rue lived with you long?" "All her life, off 'n on. Her folks were missionaries. They didn't think a child should be exposed to primitive conditions, so they trusted me with Rue whenever they worked in bush countries. Ever' now n' then they'd visit or send for her to stay with them." Adam nodded. He'd had a similar off and on relationship with his workaholic father, albeit for different reasons. He wondered if Rue, in her own way, felt just as compelled to measure up to her absentee parents as he'd once felt compelled to match his dad.

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AFTER LUNCH, Adam sat watching Shea show him how to mend tack when they heard a truck rumble up the drive. "That'll be Rue. Boy, you go out and help her. I'll put this mess up and be out in a few minutes." Brutus wound between Adam's legs, and he stumbled as he got up. "Might want to cage that critter to keep him out of your way." "Sure, if you can stand his yeowling." Adam wished he understood why he bothered with the cat. Because of his father's edicts, he'd never had a pet. After his father died, his mother went overboard the other way. Her menagerie always created the most noise when someone came or went, just like Brutus. Most of the time Brutus drove him crazy. If the cat wasn't twining about Adam's legs or rubbing up against him, it was screaming its fool head off for one thing or another. Adam would have to stop whatever he was doing and feed, pet or follow the cat around until he figured out what the animal wanted and gave it to the contrary feline. If the cat was in, it would decide−−for no reason−−that it wanted to be out. If it was out, you could count on the miserable beast wanting to be in. And of course, satisfaction had to be instantaneous or that hideous caterwauling would begin and increase in volume until Chapter 8

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Adam performed like a trained dog, just to get the darned thing to shut up. Sometimes he wondered who was the human and who was the pet. "Won't bother me none," Shea responded. "'Bout time that animal learned his place." He picked the cat up and, on the way out of the barn, placed him in one of the many framed wire boxes that Shea kept for strays she didn't want wandering around loose. Brutus immediately started his annoying, plaintive cries. Adam ignored him and walked out to the mid−size rental truck that Rue expertly backed up to the house. Once the truck stopped, he stood watching her compact body move gracefully out of and around the truck. Was she embarrassed by the kiss they'd shared last night? He wasn't. He'd spent the better part of the night wondering how he could manage to kiss her again. The sun gleamed in her light auburn hair. The transformation of Rue from brown sprite into a glimmering fairy held him spellbound. The only thing better than watching Rue move would be holding her in his arms. Soon he was much too busy to notice sprites, fairies, or crying cats. She didn't have much heavy furniture. What she did have was the computer system, some over−stuffed suitcases, an odd chest or two, and carton after carton of books. She handed him an extra large pair of padded work gloves and pointed to a carton. Her Chapter 8

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silence was telling. It was pretty clear to Adam that Rue wanted to act as if the kiss had never happened. He'd be darned if he'd let her get away with that. Every time he emerged from wrestling a carton into the house, he'd find another one waiting for him on the tailgate. From deep inside the truck, Rue's voice would tell him where to place the carton. The situation was hardly conducive to seduction. He'd wait. The right opportunity was bound to come his way, if he was patient enough. The phone rang once while he had his arms full. Shea must have picked up on the barn extension, since she still hadn't joined them. Except for that one call and comments about where to place the endless supply of cartons, they worked in silence. Hours later, Adam came out of the house to find no boxes waiting for him. "I think that's it," Rue said, dusting her hands. "Why don't we get a couple glasses of lemonade and take a break before we start unpacking all that stuff?" Her position above him on the tailgate held him tongue−tied, reminding him of his first sight of her from the porch floor. "Sure." He raised his arms in an unspoken invitation to lift her down. He couldn't have asked for a better chance to remind Rue that her mouth liked him a whole lot better than her words claimed. He waited as she studied him. Her jaw tightened, and she pressed her lips together. Chapter 8

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What's the matter with the woman? Then it dawned on him. He'd seen that look before, on clients who were uncertain that the investment strategies he recommended were safe. She was afraid of him. He'd have to show her she had nothing to fear. She placed her hands on his shoulders and leaned into his grip. His arms brought her straight off the truck, her hips level with his chest. Her body slid against his while he slowly lowered her to the ground. As he bent toward her, the world disappeared. A breathy "No" beat against his cheek, and she pushed away. The world spun crazily back. What had stopped him? "C'mon," she said, in uncanny imitation of her aunt's gruff cheer. "Time's wasting." With apparent indifference to the effect her nearness had on him, she left him standing in the dust that surrounded the truck. The relative coolness of the kitchen relieved the heat warming Rue's insides. For a moment, when Adam lifted her off the truck, she'd been afraid he would kiss her again. That she wanted to kiss him back scared her even more. She took glasses down from the cupboard, deliberately keeping her back to the room. Last night's intimacy had been feather light, barely even a kiss. Yet the desire it generated clawed her, ripping to shreds the serenity of living at Shea D's Rest. Chapter 8

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At the freezer, she filled each glass with ice. By virtue of his past as an embezzler, Adam endangered Shea's financial well−being. Rue hadn't imagined he'd be a physical threat to herself. He was that and more, and she doubted he'd even been trying to seduce her. If he ever decided to try, she'd be in real trouble. The man's sex appeal was lethal. She didn't even have to be near him. The mere thought of that lean body or those absorbing blue eyes and she lost all ability to reason. She heard the screen door squeak open as Adam followed her into the house. While watching her slim figure move around the kitchen, Adam thought, I must have been working too hard.That moment out by the truck has my head spinning. I really need that lemonade. Cripes, I need something stronger than lemonade. The woman is making me crazy. She's got too much in common with that cat. I'm better off keeping my distance from both of them. Shea joined them a moment later. "Dudley's back from that vet's conference in Grand Rapids. I asked him to come out and do his monthly rounds in the next day or so. He'll have a look at Brutus too. Save me a trip into Brighton for the cat's recheck appointment. Anyway, I'm sorry for the delay. Dudley always talks too much." "I'd better get started on that computer system." Adam finished his drink and got up to Chapter 8

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leave. Rue uttered an offhand, "Thanks. The documentation for the specialized forms and tracking programs are in a plastic bag taped to the side of the computer." Shea got up at the same time. "I'll shelve the books in the livin' room." In the small, cramped office, Adam sat at a right angle to the door half a dozen paces away. He faced the alcove where Shea said they wanted the computer. The system parts and cables had all been carefully labeled and packed, so the set up went quickly. Within a half−hour Adam was enmeshed in loading various specialized programs. As he worked, he wondered what Rue was doing. He thought about the feel of her in his arms as he'd lifted her off the truck. She'd been about as responsive as one of those cartons he'd carried. His fingers slowed on the keyboard. So much for seduction. He couldn't seduce a woman who barely noticed he existed. Yesterday he could have sworn she kissed him back. Why did she seem so unaware of him today? He stared into space over the computer. Gradually he became aware that a screensaver had blinked into place. He stared. He'd never seen anything like it. The technology was normal enough, but this wasn't ordinary wallpaper. This had been personalized. Snapshots faded in and out, one after the other, on the screen. He waited for the series to cycle Chapter 8

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through, then clicked the mouse. The image frozen onscreen stunned him.

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Chapter 9 IN THE PHOTO, a handsome man with bright auburn hair and green eyes embraced Rue from behind. Both wore tourist clothes, but it was their expressions that held Adam's interest. Rue's face tilted upward. Her thick, curly hair draped over the man's arms to where the picture stopped. Love−−joyous, passionate, and exclusive−−gleamed from her smile and lit her eyes. The man looked back at her, possession and pride equally visible from his grinning face. But no love. A pang went through Adam. Whoever the man was, he didn't deserve a woman as complex and dedicated as Rue. Maybe no one did. Adam thought about the past two nights. He'd dreamt about Rue's thick−lashed eyes gazing at him just as she gazed at the man in the picture. What an impossibly stupid thing to dream about. She thinks you're an embezzler, and you can't tell her anything to prove her wrong. As if conjured, Rue called from the hallway, "Adam?" He swivelled quickly in the chair, blocking the screen with his body. Rue ambled into the room. She concentrated on an object carried in one hand. "Have you seen any photo albums?" She bent and rummaged single−handed through the nearly empty Chapter 9

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boxes. A box swallowed her head and half her torso. At arm's length above her, she held two pieces of carved, arched wood. Her muffled voice rushed at him. "I expected them to be in the boxes upstairs, but they weren't." He tilted his head. Maybe a new perspective would explain her actions. "No, I haven't seen any albums. What are you doing, and what's that in your hand?" As she tossed one box aside and grabbed another, she looked up. "Silly man, I'm looking for my folks' picture albums, and this−−this is a talisman against false lovers." She gave an ironic twist to her lips. She shook the wooden arcs, as if surprised to find them still in her hand. The next instant, she plunged her head and shoulders into the depths of a second box. If anyone was silly, it was the unflappable Rue Clancy. Looking in boxes half filled with bubble wrap when she'd already asked about the missing albums and been answered. She gripped the funky wood with the strength of Superglue. Why she or anyone else would want a broken talisman was beyond him. But the thought that Rue had had a lover, might still have a lover, made him reach out and tug at the wooden pieces. Rue lifted her head out of the box. She crouched on the floor. Red emotion flooded her face. "Hey, what are you doing? You'll break it." She tugged back. Surprised at her reaction, Adam let go. "It's already broken," he snapped. Chapter 9

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The sudden release of force sent Rue sprawling at his feet. "Oof." Her expression tightened. Her lower lip pouted then broadened. She clutched her stomach and rolled into a ball with her back to him. Her shoulders heaved and choking sounds came from the face she'd turned to the floor. What in the world? She was choking on something.He shot out of the chair. "Rue, I'm sorry." He had her upright in an instant. His arms circled her torso. His clasped hands poised at the point just below her breastbone, he readied himself to push upward. "Wait." If she's speaking, then she's not choking. He released his grip and turned her around. Holding her by the shoulders, he stared into her tear−streaked face. "What is it, Rue? Where are you hurt?" She shook her head and hiccupped. "Not hurt." Her breath came in short gasps. "Not hurt, don't be ridiculous. You were rolling on the floor in pain. You're having trouble breathing, for cripes sakes. What do you mean you're not hurt?" "Stop shaking me." He hadn't realized he was. Appalled at his lack of control, he set her down in the chair he'd just vacated and lifted his hands from her shoulders. Chapter 9

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She rubbed her side. "I was laughing, you klutz. I was fine until you put me in that death grip. Now my ribs hurt from bruising as well as laughter." He folded his legs and sat on the floor before her. "See, you are hurt." He looked up from under his brows to find her grinning at him. She shoved his shoulder. "Only because you've got arms that could crush granite." "I'm very sorry." He lifted his head and looked at her openly. She bent her head. As she examined the two wooden pieces still gripped in her hand, her grin faded to a sad smile. "No harm done." She looked back at him, genuine warmth alight in her face. But warmth for what, he wondered? Maybe she trusted him a little, after their misunderstanding? Maybe the whole thing embarrassed her? To ease the awkwardness he felt, he asked, "Why's this busted talisman so important?" "It's not really." Rue paused. She stared at the two wooden arcs that now lay loose in her open palms. Clearly the thing had meaning for her. Adam wanted to know what that meaning was. He ran his fingers over the carvings in the smooth surface. "It looks like a bracelet." "It was." Chapter 9

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"So how'd you get it, and how'd it get broken?" He looked up at her. She searched his face for something. "It was a gift," she said with deadly calm. "A man I knew gave it to me along with a promise. I broke the bracelet when he broke the promise." Adam watched her lips tremble. With one hand he reached out and took hers. It was cold and tense. He closed her palm around the broken circlet, then wrapped his hand around hers. When he felt warmth return to her, he let go. "I'm sorry." Rue gripped the bracelet so fiercely her knuckles turned white. "Don't be. I was lucky. I learned a valuable lesson about who and when to trust." Her voice chopped outward, brittle and hard with irony. He concentrated on her lips. Lips that he knew were soft and sweet. He wanted to rip the heart out of the man who'd caused Rue such bitter anguish. Staring at the wounded bracelet, Adam wondered what it might take to get her to discard the talisman, and the memory of the man who went with it. She withdrew her hands from his and hugged them to herself. Adam spoke softly. "I don't know who the man is or what he promised, but he's still got an awfully strong hold on you." If sunlight hadn't lanced through the curtains at just the right angle, he might have Chapter 9

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missed the tears gleaming in her eyes. She shifted in the chair, twisting toward the window. "Yeah, you could say that." "You're a smart woman, Rue. Why do you let him?" "You wouldn't understand." "Try me." "Really?" Adam nodded. "Maybe you would understand." Her voice rose. "You're an embezzler, a cheat and a fraud. You probably would know exactly why one person trusts another enough to give him control over her money and her heart, only to find out he values the money more than the heart." Her voice rose. "But I bet you wouldn't understand why I'd want to remember the pain. How much I hurt when that cheat left town with everything I owned and not a word of explanation." She stood, raging at him. Adam rose, too. She jabbed the broken bracelet at his face. "You wouldn't understand because you're like him. You cause pain. I keep this bracelet because I don't want to forget the pain. As long as Chapter 9

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I remember, no one can hurt me like that again. Not even you." "I'd never hurt you." Who am I kidding? I pushed her into this. I've already hurt her. She turned her back to him. "You don't know so much after all, do you?" She swiped at her face with the backs of her hands. She stared out the window, her entire body vibrating. He couldn't tell what she was thinking. "Maybe you're right. I'm sorry. I never meant..." "Get out!" Her voice exploded. His body jerked. "I want you out. Now!" He'd turned before she finished speaking. Don't leave her alone like this, his conscience urged. He turned back, touching her shoulder. She held up her hand to ward him off. "Just go. Please." The despair in her voice forced him to yield. Tight sobs issued from the room and knifed him in the back as he slumped down the hallway. He wanted to understand. He wanted to comfort her, to have her turn to him where there was more than enough room for her. He wanted the strong, lively woman he'd come to admire. His upper lip curled. Why would she turn to him? He was a liar. She thought he was an ex−con. The enemy. One of those predatory people she'd dedicated her life to fight against. Chapter 9

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Well, it didn't matter. She had Shea, and he'd be out of both their lives soon enough. He was surprised to find the sun setting when he wandered into the kitchen. Shea stood at the sink paring potatoes. If she'd heard anything from the direction of the den, she gave no sign. "You'd better get that cat and bring him in for his medication." He nodded, unable to trust his voice, and strode off to the barn.

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Chapter 10 RUE SCHOOLED herself carefully before entering the kitchen. She wanted no sign to show that anything had disturbed her. Shea spoke from in front of the stove. "Sent that boy out for Brutus 'bout a half hour ago. Hasn't come back yet. Go check on him while I set the table." Rue felt herself go pale, then swallowed. She had to face Adam sometime. She pushed open the screen door. Sometime might as well be now. It disturbed her how accurately he'd understood her relationship with Paul and the influence it had on her life. She didn't want Adam to understand her, to know her. If she allowed that, she might admit that she liked him, and that would leave her vulnerable. She'd sworn that she'd never again let her love for a man cause her pain. She was done hurting. Which brought her back to the problem of Adam Talcott. No one else had ever understood, not even Shea. Adam seemed to be an amazingly perceptive man. Perhaps I've misjudged him. That thought warranted careful consideration before she took any action. Looking for Adam was a good idea. They'd be alone when she found him, and she could Chapter 10

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apologize for her outburst privately. The barn door was open, the interior twilight dim. She called out, "Adam," and waited for her vision to adjust. Only the flutter and cluck of the chickens responded. Concerned, she made a quick search of the barn, even climbing the ladder into the loft. What could have happened to the man? Less than fifteen minutes after entering the barn, she ran breathless into the kitchen. Shea's grip on Rue's shoulders stopped her headlong rush. "What is it, girl? What's wrong?" "I can't find him, Shea. He's gone." Her lips trembled. She sat, yielding to the older woman's force. "Dear God in heaven," Rue prayed. Guilt wiped distress away. She shook her head slowly and gripped Shea's hands as the older woman sat next to her. "I didn't mean it, not that way." "You're not makin' sense, girl. Now, you take three deep breaths and tell Aunt Shea what this is all about." The entire story came pouring out. The talisman bracelet, the picture, her irrational anger at Adam's empathy, and her demand that he get out. She ended with Shea's arms around her, rocking gently. Chapter 10

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"There, there," her aunt intoned. Eventually the emotional storm blew itself out. "I feel so foolish." Shea smiled. "Aunt Shea, you know I've wanted that man to leave Shea D's Rest since I first set eyes on him. But he should leave because he's incompetent, not because I have a fit." "I don't think he left the farm." "Really?" "You said he wasn't in the barn. Did you look in the spare room?" "No." She felt twice foolish. "I don't know why, but I panicked." "Young folks," Shea chuckled. "Weather man says it's gonna rain. The way you two been actin', I bet Talcott won't have the sense to come in out of it. We'd best go track him down." What in the world did Shea think was so funny? Rue almost asked. But when Shea looked her way and guffawed once more, Rue figured she didn't want to know. Adam wasn't in his room. Since Brutus wasn't in the box where Adam had left him earlier, Rue figured that the cat had gotten away somehow and Adam had gone after him. Either that or Adam had decided to move on. She wouldn't blame him if he had. If that was Chapter 10

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the case, then she had succeeded. She'd made his life a misery until she drove him from Shea D's Rest. She should be happy, but all she wanted to do was cry. By the time she and Shea returned to the house, it was full dark. Clouds covered the moon and lightning flashed off in the distance. "We could call the Sheriff's office," Shea suggested with a half−hearted shrug. "Have them keep a look out for him?" "No, don't do that. If they found him, they'd lock him up. No matter what we tell them, they'll think he did something wrong." Rue twisted her hands together. "He's an adult. I'm sure he can take care of himself." "I'm glad you realize that." Rue took no notice of Shea's dry comment. "Storm's brewin'. Too late to do anythin' tonight. We best settle in for a good blow." Rue rubbed her arms as the wind rose. "I'll help you settle the animals and tighten things down." She tried to sound determined and hoped her worry wasn't obvious. She and Shea worked quickly. Still, the rain came down in sheets before they finished. The short dash to the house soaked the two women to the skin. Emerging from her room dry and bundled in a warm robe, Rue found Shea sipping Chapter 10

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herbal tea in the kitchen and listening to the radio. She poured herself a mug of the fragrant brew and walked to the screen door. The first downpour had exhausted itself, and the rain now fell in spits and spatters. Behind her, the radio announced tornado warnings for Livingston, Oakland, and Washtenaw, counties. Shea D's Rest sat smack in the middle of the warning area. A chair scraped the floor. She heard the slap−slap of Shea's slippers before she felt her aunt's hand grasp her shoulder. "Goodnight, girl. Get some rest soon. This storm'll leave us a lot to clean up tomorrow." Rue nodded. She continued to stare at the wind−blown trees as her aunt's footsteps faded up the stairs. She'd always loved storms. Wherever her parents had taken her, the wind, rain, lightning and thunder were constants. Rue always found comfort in the eternal seasons of the sky. Rue turned a chair away from the kitchen table so she could watch the kitchen door. Tonight, she searched without success for the comfort that storms used to bring. For the first time since her parents died, she cared about someone out in the storm. She cradled her empty teacup against her lap. She didn't want to admit she cared and refused to examine the depth of her feelings for Chapter 10

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Adam. Her chin drooped against her chest. He was too new in her life for her to know what she felt. Her eyelids felt heavy. She needed to come to terms with the turmoil he caused every time she saw him. If she ever saw him again, the least she could do would be to apologize for her behavior this afternoon. She sighed with regret at the thought that she might never get the chance. WHETHER IT WAS the sense of falling or the crash of thunder that awakened her, she couldn't tell. The dark figure that approached the door seemed carved out of a nightmare. Its voice rasped, "Rue." "Adam. Thank heaven." She scrambled up, shoving the overturned chair out of the way. "Are you all right?" Her hands wandered his damp face in search of the answer. "I will be, if you'll let me come in out of the rain." Was he laughing at her? The man should be too exhausted to laugh. "Yes, yes. Come and sit down. I'll fix you some tea." He stepped into the room as she lit the fire under the teapot. "Something clean and dry to wear might be more useful." She turned to look at him. "Good lord, you're soaked and filthy." Chapter 10

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"Yeah." His mouth quirked. "So is he." "Is that Brutus?" Adam nodded. She hurried to the washer at the back of the kitchen and pulled a towel and a blanket down from the shelf above. "Here, give Brutus to me. You go clean yourself up in the bathroom. And wrap that blanket around you when you're done. We'll get your clothes washed and dried when you come out. You can have your tea while you wait." Brutus let out a meow of protest when Adam handed him over to her towel−covered hands. He began purring as she rubbed him dry. Soon he nibbled contentedly at the food she set in the corner for him. A cup of tea steamed on the table when Adam returned, the blanket worn toga−style and draped over one shoulder. He put his sopping clothes in the washing machine. Then he sat down at the table. As he took his first sip, Rue turned and placed a sandwich and a bowl of soup in front of him. "You didn't have to go to all this trouble." He sounded embarrassed. "And you didn't have to go chasing all over creation for that ungrateful ball of fur. You eat every bit. I don't want to hear another word about it." Chapter 10

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"Aye, aye, Captain Clancy." He stuffed the sandwich into his mouth while she glared at him. She poured herself another cup of tea and settled opposite him. "So where did you find Brutus?" "Thirty feet off the ground in a tree." "How did you ever see him so high up at night with all the wind and the rain?" "I didn't. I heard him." "And he came down when he recognized you?" "No, I climbed the tree. That's how I got so filthy." "You climbed a tree in the middle of a thunderstorm?" Fear for him struck her hard in the middle. "Do you have a death wish? I can't believe anyone would be so careless or stupid." She pounded a fist, using anger to dispel any notion that his well−being mattered. "It was either that or sit out there in the rain and lightning until Brutus decided to come down. I wasn't going to leave him out there." "Oh." She felt foolish and reassured. He really cared about the cat. His actions had shown over and over again how thoughtful and considerate he was. The idea reminded her of her apology. "I want to apologize for the way I acted this afternoon." Chapter 10

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"There's no need, Rue." His quiet voice soothed. "Yes, yes there is." She kept one hand fisted in determination. The other swept the air emphatically. "You were right. I'm letting my past have too much control over my present." Moisture gathered in her eyes. She had to hold on. One tear would only lead to more. She hurried the words. "Our conversation this afternoon, your understanding, made me realize that I'm not angry at him for cheating me. I'm angry with myself for allowing it. I got a bit irrational and took everything out on you." His hand reached out to cover her fist. "I'm sorry, Adam." Heat from his hand seared hers, causing her fist to uncurl. Her fingertips tingled. She turned her head, unable to bear the intensity of his gaze. Outside the rain beat steady and heavy. "You better stay here tonight. You'll just get chilled again if you go out to the spare room." "I feel plenty warm." His voice was husky. Rue saw desire in his eyes and felt it tug at her. It would be easy to lay down with him. To lose herself in passion, sweat, and sex. But she didn't want to lose herself. So she ignored the draw of his blue on blue eyes. "And you'll stay that way, as long as you sleep on the sofa in the living room." She deliberately brightened her tone. Chapter 10

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He sighed. "The sofa. In the living room," he repeated. "Why, yes." She pretended puzzlement at his unnecessary repetition. "There's nowhere else in the house for you to sleep." "Yeah, sure." He took his hand from hers and rubbed his eyes. "Come on, let's get you settled." She rose and scooped the cat up into her arms, nuzzling his fur. "Brutus can stay in the house, too. He can help keep you warm." The man at the table wore an unsatisfied look as she raised her face from the cat. "Are you still hungry? I've got more soup." "No, I don't want more soup." She ignored his terse tone and led the way to the living room. "If you need another blanket, there's one on the back of the sofa." She ruffled Brutus while Adam settled himself on the ancient couch. Strong muscled thighs flashed as he rearranged his blanket. Rue felt tension twist in her lower belly. She hid her face in Brutus's fur once more, to keep the owner of those legs from seeing her interest. Her cheek caressed the cat's head. "Well, goodnight." She stood awkwardly, waiting for him to return the courtesy. He took the cat from her. "Give me that animal." Frustration rode high in his voice. Chapter 10

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She turned and flipped off the light switch. A small smile danced on her face. A little frustration was good for the soul. She should know; she was frustrated, too. A soft "Goodnight, Sprite" drifted after her.

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Chapter 11 FOR THE NEXT several days Adam saw Rue only at breakfast or dinner. At both times he would bury himself in the business section of the newspaper, trying to get up to speed on the stock market. He told himself it was just as well that he didn't have much contact with Shea's niece. Any woman who gave such mixed signals would cause major pain for any man. A man would be much better off not even thinking about a woman like Rue Clancy. No matter how he tried, though, she crept into his head. He'd follow a line of thought, turn a corner, and there she'd be. Just as she was right now, standing inside the tack room, her shoulder brushing the arm of a tall, blonde man. The two were intent upon something on the worktable. There was absolutely no reason for Adam to feel a strong desire to smash the face of a man he'd never seen before. A yeowl of outrage, unmistakably from Brutus, gave Adam a slim excuse to push between the two people. They were hurting his cat. "Hey, watch what you're doing," snapped the man in a carefully modulated tenor. "Really Adam, you don't need to push," Rue objected. Chapter 11

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"Excuse me," he issued the words coldly. "I need to get my cat." "This animal is yours?" Adam took in his questioner with one glance. The man wore a work shirt and black denim slacks. The clothing seemed at odds with the man's compact, surfer build and white−blonde hair. Women probably found the guy attractive. "Yeah, Brutus is mine." He admitted to himself for the first time that he wanted the animal. "What of it?" He glared at the man while reaching to take the cat, only to find Rue elbowing his hands away. "Will you watch what you're doing, Adam?" Surprised at her impatience, he threw a frustrated glance her way. "Dr. Dudley is trying to examine Brutus," she continued. "Is that what you call it?" The picture of their closeness fresh in his mind, Adam spoke slowly so she'd feel every sarcastic twist. "What would you call it," she huffed, "when a veterinarian has a thermometer in this particular location?" His attention directed to the table, he noticed Dudley's latex−gloved hands tangled in the fur around Brutus's tail, while Rue's grip on the cat's shoulders held him gently in place. Chapter 11

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Brutus chose that moment to emit a series of loud, wailing yeowls. No male should be forced to suffer that kind of indignity. Unrepentant, Adam reached for the cat once more. "You're hurting him." This time the doctor blocked him. "No, we are not, my good man. The animal is uncomfortable, but no more so than any human being would be in the same circumstances. Now be so good as to let me do my job. We'll be done momentarily." With surly reluctance, Adam stepped back. The doctor was right. Even if Adam cared to object, the tack room provided too little space to force the issue without causing harm to everyone inside, Rue included. The doctor removed, read, and discarded the thermometer. "Completely normal." Adam decided that, right or not, he didn't like Dudley. "Did you hear that, Adam?" Rue smiled up at him. "Brutus's temp is normal." "Great." He couldn't smile back, but she didn't seem to notice. "You stay here and hold Brutus for the rest of Bill's exam." She slipped past him. "I'll get Aunt Shea, so she can hear the results for herself." Bill? When had Dudley become Bill? "Yeah, sure." Adam moved into her former position, challenging the vet. "No problem." Chapter 11

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Brutus's cries stopped the moment Adam put hands on him. The exam was conducted in silence punctuated by Bill Dudley's curt instructions. When the vet finished, Brutus climbed into Adam's arms. Automatically, his hands began to scratch feline ears, and purrs filled the hostile space between the two men. "Well, that animal certainly responds to you." Dudley bit the words off as he removed the gloves with two loud snaps. "I don't usually need help with cats or dogs, but that one is so spoiled that I had to ask Rue to lend me a hand." As he began to put away his tools, he looked Adam straight in the eye. "She's very patient with wild things and often has a calming effect on mannerless animals." Adam glowered, uncertain whether the vet was stupid or deliberately insulting. "Have you had the cat very long?" Dudley looked at the medical kit as he secured the latch. "I can recommend several good texts on feline care and training that might help you improve." Adam was just about to tell the pompous bastard where to put his feline care texts when Rue and Shea arrived. "Oh, good, you've finished." Nervousness underscored Rue's voice. "Let's have some lemonade in the house where it's cooler." Chapter 11

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Brutus jumped down from the table and trotted off. Rue hooked her arm in Adam's, leading him away while Shea's brusque murmur addressed the doctor. "You might as well set down while y' tell us 'bout the animals." Behind him, Adam heard Dudley's voice soothing Shea as they approached the house. "Your animals are fine, Shea, but they really need more frequent professional care." Adam's stomach churned. Shea was such a smart old bird; couldn't she see what an oily snake the vet was? He turned to Rue who opened the screen door. "I've got work to finish. You and Shea can fill me in at dinner." Curiosity made him want to stay. Discretion forced him to leave before he punched Bill Dudley in the nose and got himself fired. Brutus had a clean bill of health. Adam was relieved, but he wasn't about to let anyone know it. No self−respecting adult male would get all mushy about a cat. Keeping his distance wouldn't be difficult. Brutus was a fickle friend at best. More often than not he'd stay outside at night doing heaven knew what. Adam learned, after the thunderstorm, not to chase off and try to find the cat. For the time being, Brutus had decided that Shea D's Rest was home. He never failed to show up at the kitchen door around dinnertime. And he never failed to do something to annoy Adam, like fighting with Chapter 11

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a skunk. HARD WORK FILLED the last weeks of April. Rue kept herself busy with the vegetable garden, the housework and an occasional job−hunting jaunt into Ann Arbor. Work was so plentiful that Adam couldn't be certain she was avoiding him. It really shouldn't matter, he thought. Another month and I'll head back to Chicago. As he washed up with the hose after feeding Myrtle the pig, Shea called him into the house. "You got a phone call, Adam." He looked at her with mild surprise. Who could have called him here? He took the phone from Shea, and she left the room. "This is Adam Talcott." As he listened to the caller's first words, Adam frowned. "That's impossible."

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Chapter 12 "NO, IT'S NOT impossible," Jack asserted. "We can do it, if you can act in the next three days. I tell you I'm certain. Krowski will be in Ann Arbor touting his bio−tech breakthrough and looking for backers. And I promise, I won't count this against the challenge." "Even if I could get to him and convince him to deal with us, how would we get him the money? You know the government's being sticky about the private sector investing in the old Eastern Bloc countries, especially where the bio−tech industry is concerned. If Krowski is as anxious as you say he is, he'll want backers who can move the cash fast." "I'll okay things with the Feds. And to speed things up, we could use the Cayman accounts." "No, we deliberately left funds there as collateral for our Caribbean friends. Besides, Castro's so temperamental, he'll drag his feet, and we'll lose our window of opportunity. We don't want to offend him. We need his influence in the Chavez deal." "Yeah, yeah, I know. But influence or no influence, we do business with Jorges Castro only because he's the best legitimate banker in the area. If need be, I'll go down there and Chapter 12

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smooth his feathers personally." Adam nodded. "All right, I'll set up a meeting with Krowski, but only if you promise to get the money out of the Caymans." "Done. I'll start putting together the papers now. That way I'll be ready the minute I get your call. You can assure Krowski that he'll have his seed money within twenty−four hours." Adam could almost hear Jack smiling. "You're awfully confident that I can pull this off." "You've made bigger, riskier deals without turning a hair. You can do this." "So you say, but I don't know much about Krowski. If he's less than professional, we could all end up in trouble with the Feds." "I said, I'll take care of notifying the appropriate government agencies. I'll also fax you all the data on Krowski." "You can't do that. The computer here has a very slow modem, and I don't think they have any fax software for it." "All right. Expect the files tomorrow. I'll send them overnight express." "Okay. Tell me how to reach Krowski." Rue turned away from the kitchen and sped down the hall to the front door. Her heart Chapter 12

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hurt. She'd begun to think that Adam Talcott was different. That despite his criminal record, he was a good man. A man that a woman could trust. She'd been fooled. Adam was as much a criminal as he'd ever been. She'd come down the hall with a basket of wet laundry to hang outside and heard Adam's voice coming from the kitchen. He was on the phone. Then, less than one step into the kitchen, Adam mentioned his 'Caribbean friends' and 'Castro.' Knowing it was wrong to eavesdrop, she listened anyway. If Adam was going to commit some kind of crime while in Shea's employ, Rue wanted to know as much as she could. Guilt had grown in her as she listened to the innocuous conversation. Until Adam's comment about 'trouble with the Feds.' This was bad, very bad. And Shea would be caught right in the middle, unless Rue took action. But what action? As she made her way outside and around the house to the clothesline, Rue pondered just what she should do about Adam. THE NEXT DAY, Adam stepped inside the kitchen. He looked toward the stairs. "Rue left early again," Shea said from behind him. Adam flushed. He had to stop acting like a schoolboy. Shea would get the wrong Chapter 12

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impression. Yeah, and exactly what impression is that, he asked himself? Fortunately, Shea motioned him toward the table where breakfast was laid out, and he didn't have to answer his own question. "Eat quick," she said. "I need to discuss havin' you work with the Big Fella." Adam looked at Shea quizzically. "Is this 'Big Fella' some animal you've recently acquired that I don't know about?" Shea chuckled. "Naw! Big Fella is what I call Horace−−our farrier. Not too many farriers call Michigan home any more, so Horace has customers throughout the state." "Farrier?" "A fella who shoes horses. Middle of every month, Horace spends a week shoein' horses in the Detroit area. Today's our turn." "Oh." "Anyhow, I've known Horace since grade school. He was sweet on me for a while−−'til he caught sighta my best friend, Letty. She married a city boy from Grand Rapids. Broke the Big Fella's heart." "That's a shame." "Yeah, he still carries a torch for her. Goes on a bender ever' time he has to shoe horses Chapter 12

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in Grand Rapids." The sound of tires crunching in the lane played counterpoint with the dishes Shea clattered into the sink. "That'll be Horace now. Go on, boy. The Big Fella can teach you a lot about handlin' a horse." Horace turned out to be a huge, crude, dirty bear of a man who was impossible to dislike, despite the scent he shared with his equine clients. The Big Fella took one look at Adam and spat a stream of tobacco juice that landed two inches to Adam's left. Adam didn't move or flinch. The smith broke a gap−toothed grin and punched him genially on the arm. "You'll do, boy. You'll do." Adam knew he'd wear a bruise for the next week. The shoeing process wasn't complicated and would have been downright easy if it weren't for the horses. Some, the oldest or gentlest, would stand patiently and allow Horace to pick up their feet, pry off the worn shoes, file their hooves and nail on the new shoes with little fuss. Others would fidget, shy, and even bite at the slightest touch to their fetlocks. Adam's job was to keep the animals still enough for Horace to do the shoeing. "You been doin' all right, Talcott." Horace spoke as Adam led the last of the horses toward the shoeing area. "But you keep an eye on Riddler. We didn't do his feet when I was Chapter 12

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here last month, so he'll be a bit skittish. 'Sides, he didn't get his name from that funny−shaped white splotch on his face." Horace gestured at the question mark of white that streaked down the gelding's forehead and nose. "No, Shea named him Riddler 'cause you never know just what he's gonna do next or when he's gonna do it." Adam nodded and accepted the man's help as they secured the horse's head in the cross−ties. "If you're able to keep this animal quiet, you're a better hand than Shea's ever had." With that, Horace turned to pick up a hoof. Adam fed Riddler an apple from the bag in the corner to keep the horse calm. The minute the apple was gone the horse started to shift. Adam fed him another one. The greedy animal must have eaten ten apples before Horace finished with him. Horace packed up his tools while Adam put Riddler back in his stall. They walked back to the house together to join Shea and Rue for a well−deserved break. "Mighty fine job, boy, mighty fine." Adam felt himself flush at the farrier's words. Male praise had been scarce throughout his life. What few accomplishments his father hadn't been too busy to notice received praise only in terms of the opportunities the elder Talcott had provided for the younger. As if his father achieved everything by having a son smart enough or strong enough to win an Chapter 12

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award. Not until AFD Incorporated registered its first profits had Adam felt rewarded for something he, himself, had done. That sensation came to him again with Horace's simple words. He felt giddy at first, then embarrassed. Shea placed pie and milk on the table. Adam sat across from Rue and ate hungrily. "You got a mighty bright hand here." As he spoke to Shea, Horace slammed the back of Adam's shoulder with a meaty palm. "I don't know how he did it, but he managed to get Riddler to stand still for nearly the whole shoeing." Adam looked up, reluctant to see their pleased faces. He didn't want to be responsible for anyone's happiness. Still, you had to take praise the same way you took criticism, like a man, face to face with the person giving the words. You couldn't duck out of either. While Horace's back slapping, loud awe made Adam uncomfortable, Shea's gruff nod and the gentle approval he saw in Rue's eyes assured him that Horace's words were far from empty. "So 'xactly what'd you do to get that ornery beast to stand still?" asked Shea. "He seemed to like apples, so I just kept feeding him from that bag of green ones in the corner of the barn." Adam looked at his plate and considered another bite of pie. "He must have eaten ten in the time it took to get him shod." Chapter 12

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Suddenly the sound of himself chewing pie was all Adam could hear. He looked up to find three astonished faces staring at him. Then pandemonium broke loose.

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Chapter 13 "AW, HORSEPUCKEY," Shea growled with disgust. She threw down her napkin and ran from the kitchen toward the barn. "You're kidding, aren't you, Adam?" Rue's eyes pleaded with him to tell her he'd made some kind of bad joke. But he didn't know what he might have been joking about, so he couldn't. Horace stood. "I didn't know you was so ignorant, boy, or I woulda said somethin'." Then he followed Shea. Adam could only ask, "What did I do?" "Colic." Rue rose and impatiently grabbed dishes off the table, shoving them into the sink. "Haven't you ever heard of colic?" Adam got angry. "Yeah, I've heard of colic. It's an old−fashioned name for a baby's bellyache. What's the big deal? We don't have any babies here." She turned in front of the sink. Wrapped in the light from the window behind her, she pronounced her message of doom. "The big deal is that horses get colic, too. Only they don't have the muscle arrangement required to belch or vomit like humans do. Because a Chapter 13

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horse with colic can't get rid of a bellyache, it will get restless. Often a horse lies down and rolls on the ground to try to ease the gas pains. The horse ends up twisting its intestines into knots and usually dies before anything can be done to save it. It's a very painful death, Adam." "And I suppose that apples, too many apples, give a horse colic?" Cold shards of fear speared through him. Without trying, he'd killed one of Shea's treasured animals. He didn't need Rue's grim nod to know he was right. Self−disgust kicked him all the way to the barn. Horace's truck was gone. He found Shea leading the temperamental Riddler around the large space that separated the stalls on one side from the bank of pens on the other. "I'm sorry, Shea." He fell into step beside her. "It isn't enough, but I'm truly sorry." "Glad to hear it, boy. I can forgive you a whole lot easier if you're willing to take responsibility for what you've done, no matter how ignorant you were." He didn't remind her of the old legal tradition that ignorance was no excuse. Instead he asked, "What can I do?" "The most common treatment for horse colic is to make sure the horse never lies down. It's best to keep him moving. That seems to lessen the pain and lower the chance that the Chapter 13

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horse will try to lay down. It also helps to keep the gas moving through the digestive tract." "So we walk him. I can do that." He took the lead from Shea. "All right. I don't mind you doin' what you can to make things right. But sometimes it takes days for a horse to get rid of the colic." "I'll do what I have to." "You'll have to let Rue or me spell you once in a while. I can't have the hardest workin' hand I ever had useless due to lack of sleep or too busy to do the heavy work I hired him for." Adam nodded. All too aware that he didn't deserve the reassurance Shea attempted to give, guilt kept him silent. "The only sign Riddler's shown yet is a kind of tightness here." She pointed to the horse's stomach. "So you watch for things. If he tries to rub up against the walls, gets more restless than normal, makes any odd noises, starts nippin' at his belly−−'specially if he tries to lay down−−you run for the barn phone. Don't leave this horse, and don't let him lay down. Got it?" "Got it." "And no food or water either, until I give the okay." Chapter 13

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"Right." She rubbed Riddler's nose, looking at him with genuine fondness. "This fella's a lot like you, Adam. He's a thoroughbred with a bad rep. I bought him at auction rather than see him sold for glue. Like you, he's still got a lot to learn, but he's come a long way since his fall from grace." She let go of the horse's muzzle and looked Adam straight in the eye. "I didn't sell him short. I won't sell you short either. Don't let me down." Flustered at her show of trust, Adam kept walking. "Somebody'll check on the two of you in a couple hours." With that, Shea left the barn. ADAM TOOK A break when Rue brought him dinner. Watching her gentle sway as she walked the horse tortured him so much that he gulped down his food and sent her away. He didn't want to see her compact elegance walk around the barn. She came back around midnight and made up a cot in front of Riddler's stall. "The first twelve hours are the most dangerous," she said, directing Adam to put Riddler into the stall and fasten the lead so that the horse would be unable to lay his head on the ground. "If he gets through the second twelve, he should be all right. Someone should stay with him throughout the night, though. With that short lead, he'll make a lot of noise before he goes Chapter 13

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down." "Thanks for making up the cot." He intended to see this through, and he wanted Rue to know that. She nodded her understanding and didn't argue over who should spend the night in the barn. "Use the barn extension to call the house if anything happens." "I'll call." After Rue left, he lay down and tested the cot. It looked a lot more fragile than it was, and surprisingly his entire frame fit on the narrow canvas length. However, the sleeping bag must have been Shea's, since it only covered him to mid−chest. He got up and circled the barn's interior, checking latches on all the stalls and pens as he switched out the lights. By the faint moonlight coming from the chinks in the walls, he gave a final check to Riddler. He draped his shirt on a nail in the post next to Riddler's stall, placed his boots to the side of the cot, then lay down to rest. He'd just begun to doze off when something thumped onto his chest. Adam didn't even bother opening his eyes. Only Brutus could feel that heavy and soft at the same time. "Not tonight, fella." He shoved the cat gently to the ground. "You'd give a guy prickly heat faster than a horse blanket." To discourage the ball of fur from returning, he shifted onto his side Chapter 13

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and was almost instantly asleep. When snarls of rage startled him, Adam thought he'd wakened into a nightmare. The black was so intense that he couldn't figure out where he was. The guttural growls and unearthly cries seemed to come from the bowels of Hell itself. Animalistic noises−−clucks, snorts, and yips−−chorused in objection to the satanic sounds. The odor of fresh manure reminded him that he was in the barn, not Hades. The unholy racket sounded like a catfight. Brutus and the skunk, Lilac, were probably courting again. Why hadn't he brought a flashlight? Then he could spotlight the culprits without getting out of bed. He heaved himself up and shoved his feet into his boots in one motion. Giving the laces a quick tug, he stuffed them inside his boots. It made for uncomfortable walking, but was faster than tying the shoes in the dark. Besides, he'd be back on the cot before he had time to notice the discomfort. He headed for the ladder to the loft, knowing that there was a light switch at loft level. He reminded himself that he'd climbed a mountain, and a tree in a thunderstorm. He could manage a ladder. He wasn't really afraid of heights anymore. He just didn't like falling. Focusing on his goal, he scaled the ladder and tried not to think about the distance Chapter 13

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between himself and the ground. His hand cleared the top rung, and he reached for the switch. The lights came on. Before his vision could adjust, something much larger than a cat barreled toward him with a snarl. It leapt past him. Lifting his hands, Adam reached for it. At the same moment, it jumped from the loft, using Adam for leverage. Adam lost his balance and knew he was going to fall.

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Chapter 14 HE LANDED flat on his back on the hard−packed ground of the barn floor. By the time he could drag air back into his lungs, whatever it was that had shoved him off the ladder was long gone, leaving the barn door aflap behind it. Adam continued to lie on the ground. He concentrated on forcing air in and out of his bruised body. Were any bones broken? The numbing ache of his fall began to splinter into a thousand tiny little knife pricks. He heard voices. Had the fall affected his mind? No, the noise from the flapping barn door must have wakened the women in the house. That raspy "what's goin' on?" was definitely Shea's, and he'd know Rue's musical tones anywhere. Too many times he'd fantasized about Rue calling his name, but he'd imagined somewhat different circumstances. In his fantasies he hadn't hurt in quite the same way he hurt now. His breath hitched as a pain sharper and more distinct than the others stabbed his chest. Deep breathing hurt. Better not to think about Rue or his fantasies, if that kind of pain was the result. Air hissed between his teeth. And when had thinking of Rue not been painful, Chapter 14

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even in the most pleasurable way? A cool hand touched his cheek, and a shadow blocked the blinding barn lights that forced his eyes shut. "Adam? Adam? Are you all right?" He opened his eyes. Surrounded by a nimbus of red−gold, Rue's face floated before his gaze. Her hand rose between them. "How many fingers?" "Two." "No vision problems, thank God." "Yeah, I guess." He winced. "You're in pain. Where does it hurt?" "Everywhere, but mostly on the lower left side of my ribcage." He started to sit up, but Rue pressed him back. "Don't move. Let Aunt Shea and me check you out for broken bones." The idea of Rue 'checking him out' forced a laugh that turned into a groan. He closed his eyes and bit his lip to endure her gentle probing of his head, arms, shoulders, and chest. Shea was less gentle but just as thorough with her examination of his legs, hips and torso. Chapter 14

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Everything but the ribs on his left side had dulled to an unpleasant ache by the time the ladies finished. Shea pronounced him able to sit, and they helped him to the cot. She sent Rue off for some supplies from the house. Then proceeded to probe his ribs with a thoroughness that left him gasping. "Sorry 'bout that, Adam. I had to know just how bad those ribs are hurt and how many." "So what's the damage, Doc?" Adam asked. "Near as I can tell, your lower left ribs are badly bruised." She squinted, and her mouth twisted sideways. "It's a funny looking bruise, too. Kinda puts me in mind of somethin', but I can't figure what right now." Rue came back with the medical supplies and placed them within Shea's reach. Shea continued, "We'll wrap you up good and tight and give you a few aspirins. You'll be good as new in a week or so." "What happened? How did you end up on the floor?" Rue asked the quiet questions while Shea wound ace bandages around his torso. "I don't know. A noise in the loft woke me. I got up to stop it. I'd just hit the light switch at the top of the ladder, and my eyes hadn't adjusted. Whatever it was, it was definitely bigger than any cat. Aren't those barn cats of yours the only things that live in the loft?" Chapter 14

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"It could have been an owl." Rue's suggestion came softly, close to his ear. "Sometimes they try to nest in the rafters, but the cats usually scare them off." He held his breath. She took the bandage roll from Shea and passed it around his back to hand it to her aunt again. Her fingers slid along his skin, gently guiding the wrapping into place. "I don't think so." Shea spoke in bursts, her concentration on getting the bandage tight. "I'd have expected Adam to have some scratches if it were an owl or any other critter." She handed the bandage to Rue. "Now that I think on it, that bruise is shaped mighty like a heel print. We prob'ly had us a prowler." Adam shared a silent look of worry with the two women. Then his breath hissed out. Shivers from Rue's touch skittered along his spine. "I'm sorry. Did I hurt you?" His reaction to her touch made him impatient. "Just get on with it." He shifted. Rue stepped away. "Now, you set still so I can finish this." Shea took the roll once more and made the last few passes herself. "Yes, ma'am." He breathed a bit more freely now that Rue stood ten feet away. Chapter 14

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Shea muttered about impertinent whippersnappers and tied off the bandage. "We've had prowlers since about two weeks before you showed up. Whoever it was could have come back." Rue stared at Adam as if she thought he would bite. "Mebbe. I've had drifters spend the night in my barn from time to time. Some ask. Some don't. Near always they're gone 'fore I get up in the mornin'." Shea gave his shoulder a firm pat. "You be careful out here. Y'hear?" She gathered the supplies and headed toward the door. Rue moved to follow her. "Wait." They both turned. "Could I speak to you for a moment, Rue?" She hesitated, looking from him to Shea and back. "Uh, yeah, I guess." "I'll see you both tomorrow," Shea said and left. He leaned forward and took Rue's hand, pulling her toward him as he straightened. "You don't trust me, do you?" "I don't know what to think about you." She stood as far away as their clasped hands would allow. "We have prowlers, then you show up." Chapter 14

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"I can't be the prowler, if the prowler knocked me down." The logic was inescapable. "That's not what has you spooked." Adam bent his arm and reeled her closer. "You're scared because you're interested in me." "In the same way that I'm interested in a wasp−−enough to stay away." The backhanded denial didn't phase him. Slowly he tugged her nearer. She now stood about six inches from his knees. His lips quirked. "Please, sit down. I want to apologize, and I can't do that with you towering over me." Short as she was, she had to laugh. As he'd intended, the humor distracted her from her wariness. She tugged free of his grip and sat next to him on the cot, her hands folded demurely in her lap. "I want to tell you I'm sorry." "That's not necessary. Aunt Shea understands that you didn't know about colic. I understand." "No, not that." He was saying this badly. "I want to apologize for my behavior when Dudley examined Brutus." She grinned. "Bill can be a little pompous at times. You don't need to apologize. He rubs a lot of people the wrong way. Was there anything else?" Chapter 14

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"Uh, well, you..." Why in the world was he so tongue−tied? "...you seemed to like him. And you've been avoiding me. I thought that I might have created a problem between you two." He'd thought no such thing, but it was suddenly urgent that he be certain she wasn't involved with Dudley. "That's nearly the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard." She tossed her hands in a dismissive gesture. He caught her nearest hand and held on to it. "What's ridiculous?" "Your apology." "My apology is ridiculous?" In an effort to constrain his temper he lowered his voice. If she thought him ridiculous, how could he make peace? She tugged at her hand. "Not your apology exactly, but that you're apologizing about Dudley." Refusing to let go, he placed her fingers on his chest and weighted them down with his own large palm. He felt temper slide into uncertainty. "Are you involved with Dudley or not?" She turned toward Adam and put her hand on his knee. "I date him on occasion. But I try Chapter 14

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very hard not to be available when he makes his rounds here. If I am, I get roped into listening to him pontificate for hours about proper animal husbandry and how inadequate a job Aunt Shea is doing. I don't like being pressured to make her change. Especially when I know what a financial struggle it is for her." "So why avoid me for weeks?" His free hand covered hers on his knee. He rubbed tiny featherlight circles over her knuckles, stroking the soft skin between her fingers. "I wasn't avoiding you." The pitch of her voice rose slightly, and she turned her head away. She was hedging. "What would you call it, when two people who live in the same place don't see each other for weeks? What about the night of the storm? We both know the couch wasn't the only available place for me to sleep." She kept her head averted. "I've been busy." She exhaled softly and tugged her hands away. To hold her attention, he was forced to twist his torso. "Ow." Pain twanged down his side. Concerned, she shifted suddenly closer and put both hands on his shoulders. To keep Chapter 14

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from tumbling to the floor, he surrounded her with one arm. "Adam, are you all right?" "Yeah, I'm great." He looked into worry−clouded eyes. His hand reached up. His callused fingertips brushed the delicate skin of her throat, then burrowed into the hair at her nape. She shivered. He breathed her name as he urged her lips to his. Her mouth was soft, so soft, as his words feathered over her. "Open for me, Rue. Please." Then there was heat, and her sweet, spicy flavor flooded his mouth. Her kiss was generous, eager, perfect. He nipped her lower lip, and she raised her head. Her neck arched. He savored the tender column, filled himself with the rapid beat of her pulse. Her hands wandered his neck and shoulders, coming to rest on his chest. Short nails scraped lightly over his nipples. Slender palms kneaded the muscles that bunched and rippled with every touch. Her fingers twined in the fine hairs of his chest. His mouth trailed kisses along her jaw and cheek to her ear. He lifted her until she sat astride his denim−covered thighs. She arched against him, easing her heat up and down over the swollen length inside his jeans. He pushed her shirt up and rubbed his stubbled cheek lightly over the eager nubs that burned him. He cupped her breasts and suckled. Chapter 14

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"Stop!" Her hands pressed hard against his chest.

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Chapter 15 HE LIFTED HIS mouth away slowly, as if he'd barely heard her. She shivered in the suddenly chill air. He covered one glistening tip with his palm and looked up at her, his eyes dazed. "What did you say?" "I said stop." Raw need for his touch strangled her voice. She had to regain control. Cold, sharp reason blanketed the passion in his eyes. "Why?" "Because this is wrong." He gave her breast a gentle squeeze, then rubbed his palm over it, soothing the small ache he'd caused. Her shoulders tightened. She resisted the urge to lean into his caress. "I disagree." Strong passion strained beneath his words. "Please, we can't do this." "Why not? I want you. You seem to want me." He pulsed against her hot core. "What my body wants isn't important. We both know I don't trust you enough. I can't do this with someone I don't trust." Chapter 15

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His lips thinned. He tore his hands free of her flesh, then jerked her blouse down over her breasts. He let his eyes travel intimately down her body, until his gaze fixed on the point where she pressed tightly against his pelvis. "Then you'd better get up." Appalled, Rue's gaze followed his. She scrambled backward. He didn't help her. Forced to brace her hands against him, she lifted herself away. He grimaced. "I'm sorry." She thrust her hands into her hip pockets. "Don't be," he growled. "But I have to wonder if it's really me you don't trust?" Her jaw fell open. "Are you suggesting I don't trust myself?" "If the shoe fits?" He crossed his arms over his chest. "Of all the unmitigated..." Too angry for words, she stomped her foot and stalked off toward the house. "Goodnight, Mr. Talcott." In the house, Rue paced, seething. How could she have let herself get physically involved with the man? One moment she'd been listening to an apology. The next thing she knew, she was crawling all over him, practically begging him to make love to her. How could she do that with a man who proved untrustworthy time and again? Hadn't she learned anything from her first disastrous affair? Money, they all wanted money. After that phone Chapter 15

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call she'd overheard, she'd be a fool to get mixed up with Adam Talcott. THE RASP OF wet sandpaper on his face woke Adam. He opened his eyes to Brutus's emerald stare. "Cat, you're a poor substitute for warm Rue." The feline's response consisted of a long yawn and a short yeowl. Sunshine streamed through cracks in the warped wallboards of the barn. Adam looked over to where Riddler stood in his stall. Relieved to see the horse still upright, Adam got up, dressed slowly in deference to his sore ribs, and began his chores. Shea had pancakes, ham and juice on the table when he came in from the barn. "How's Riddler?" It figured she would ask about the animals before saying hello. "Fine. He's hungry, but I didn't feed him." "Good. I'd just as soon have Dudley out here to double−check things before I stop worrying. You still hurt?" "Some." He forked a mouthful of ham so he wouldn't have to tell her how much. "Hmph. You musta learned somethin' if you look after the critters when you're hurtin'. I can handle most of the outdoor chores by myself today. You'd best work on those Chapter 15

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investments here in the house." "What about Rue?" "Rue has some business in town. Rushed out an hour ago." "I'll need a full day on the computer before I can make any recommendations." "You got it." Shea smiled. "I won't promise you'll get results, even if you follow my suggestions. So don't get your hopes up." Shea gave his warning a dismissive wave. "Rue should be gone 'til late. She's got some job interviews today. She won't be back until she's completed additional research on every service she sees." Too bad Rue was gone for the day. He had some things he wanted to say to her. Well, she couldn't avoid him forever. Shea interrupted his thoughts. "She's been skippin' breakfast. Don't think she's been sleepin' too well either. Everythin' okay in the barn last night?" Shea's clear−eyed gaze nearly caused him to choke on the pancakes he chewed. Could she read his mind? She couldn't possibly know about the passion he and Rue shared after Shea had said goodnight. Chapter 15

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"You okay, boy?" "Uh, yeah. I'm okay. Everything was fine last night. Just fine. Couldn't be better." He rushed to fill his mouth with ham before he ended up giving Shea a play by play. "You're sure hungry this mornin'." She rose and took her plate to the sink. "Yeah, I guess." He didn't want Shea to dwell on the idea of him and Rue together. He couldn't leave because his plate was still half−full, and Shea thought he was hungry. He searched frantically for a new subject. Krowski and Jack. After accepting this bet, he never thought he'd be grateful to Jack for anything. "Uhm, Shea?" At his tentative tone, she twisted her head toward him, her hands still in the sink. "I need to ask you a favor." He hesitated, not knowing how to ask for time off and an advance on his salary. "Well, get on with it. Else I'm gonna get a crick in my neck from standin' this way." "I need an advance on my pay and a day off." Shea took her hands out of the sink and grabbed a dishtowel. She turned completely toward him. As she dried her hands, her sharp eyes looked at him, considering. "How come?" "I promised someone I'd help him with a problem." He didn't want to lie to Chapter 15

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Shea−−anymore than he already had−−but that was as close to the truth as he'd come. She nodded. "All right. You can go into town with the next person who goes. Shouldn't be more'n a day or two. I'll pay you then. Can you wait that long?" "Yes, thank you." He finished the last bite of food and got up to take his plate to the sink. "I'll go work on those spreadsheets now." THAT NIGHT, Rue entered the house and shut the screen door carefully behind her. It was late, and she didn't want to wake Shea. Her feet ached. Her first round of interviews had been mildly successful. However, finding the tax book Shea wanted had required trips to seven different bookstores, all in opposite directions from each other. She must have walked as much as she'd driven today. And she still hadn't come to terms with her perverse attraction to Adam Talcott. She eased her shoes off and left them by the door. She headed toward the den to turn out the light Shea left on. Rue appreciated her aunt's thoughtfulness, but Shea got more absent−minded with every day. The den was nowhere near the stairs where a light would be needed at night. As she approached the room, Rue heard voices. Her pace slowed. "I know you don't have much to start with, but if we diversify your holdings into mutual Chapter 15

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funds as well as aggressive stocks, you'll always have a source of income available." Adam's voice continued with an explanation of numbers and timetables for buying and selling. Words like bonds, funds, futures, and tax shelters floated out of the den. Chilly fear settled in Rue's stomach. What is he doing? Shea doesn't know a fund from a load or a shelter from an exemption. Shea spoke, but Rue couldn't hear what she said. Surely with his record, Adam wasn't trying to advise her aunt. Rue walked back into the kitchen. What to do? She'd just have to talk to Aunt Shea. Maybe things weren't as bad as they sounded. She put her shoes back on and strode noisily toward the den. As she entered the room, Shea took a folder from Adam and hastily slipped it under a book on her lap. "Rue, you're home. How nice." "And you're still up." She bent to kiss her aunt's cheek. How could she get Adam to leave so she could talk to Shea? "Adam, I presumed you'd be resting those ribs. I know how hard Aunt Shea works you." "Nice to see you, too, Rue. I was a little restless and asked Shea to keep me company. We were just finishing our tea when you came in." He gestured to the cups that sat on the desk. Chapter 15

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"I'm sorry to hear you had trouble sleeping." She'd had trouble sleeping herself, because of him. "A little conversation helps a lot." He smiled and slanted her a quick sideways glance. She tensed and glared at him. How dare he hint so broadly about last night? She didn't want Shea asking about that conversation. "We were about to take the dishes into the kitchen." Her aunt's voice boomed into the tension as she rose. Moving behind Shea, Adam picked up his cup and saucer. Rue trailed after, halting in the kitchen doorway. "Goodnight, ladies." He stooped and placed a peck on Shea's cheek. Then he turned and, before Rue could avoid it, kissed her cheek, too. The cad deliberately placed the kiss at the corner of her mouth. Stunned by his flank attack, she raised a hand to her tingling lips. He grinned. "Sleep well." Drat the man. She wouldn't sleep at all, and he knew it. The slap of the screen door as Adam left stirred her from the disturbing thought. She grabbed a dishtowel. As Shea washed and rinsed, Rue dried. The older woman remained silent but looked at her niece as if trying to gauge how Rue felt. Or how much she knew. Chapter 15

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Shea and her hired hand were good at distraction. But not good enough. "Aunt, what were you and Adam talking about?" "This 'n that." "This and that and the stock market?" "I asked the boy for a few pointers." "Are you out of your mind?" The damp towel thumped onto the counter under Rue's fist. "The man's a convicted embezzler, and you trust him with your money?" "No. I trust his advice. Mr. Hunter told me that the boy's advice made a heap of money in a very short time for a lot of fat cats. If Adam can do it for them, he can do it for me. But, I've given him no authority to do anything with my funds." "I should hope not." "I'm old, not stupid." "Right." She paused for breath and patience. "I've seen it too many times, Aunt Shea. I know Talcott's type. Giving you advice is just the beginning. Next he's going to ask you for a little loan on a deal so risky he couldn't involve you personally. Before you know it, you'll hand over power of attorney, so he can take the management burden off your busy shoulders. Then he and your money will be in the Cayman Islands." Chapter 15

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She couldn't tell Shea about the 'potential trouble with the feds' that Adam had mentioned during his phone conversation. Revealing Adam's perfidy could destroy Shea. Her aunt trusted Adam too much. Rue knew from personal experience how devastating the destruction of that kind of trust could be. "I don't believe the boy will do that." "Can you afford to be wrong?" Shea mumbled at an unusually low pitch. "What did you say?" Rue felt concern tighten her shoulders. "What is it that you don't want to tell me?" "I said, I'm not sure we can afford not to find out." Rue knew her aunt. Shea faced down all sorts of people. From pretentious institutional busybodies like the director of the local Animal Shelter Society to dangerous, nearly desperate drifters and the most feral of all bill collectors. The older woman confronted each one with proud defiance and the confidence that she was right. Not once had Shea hung her head as she did now.

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Chapter 16 RUE REACHED out and gently clasped the hand that had soothed and comforted her countless times before. "What's wrong? Tell me, please." Shea squared her shoulders and looked her niece in the eye. "Truth is, Rue, I've been misleadin' you." Rue couldn't remember a time when Shea had deceived anyone. This was Talcott's doing. She waited. "I don't have quite as much money put by as I led you to believe." "Oh, Shea." She hugged her aunt close. "Why didn't you tell me?" "'Cause you had trouble of your own. Your folks' finances were a mess when they passed on. There was Paul. Then you had trouble with your job and your apartment. I had some savin's. And since you wouldn't let me help you now, I figured the boy could help me make your future secure." "You mean you're risking your savings to provide a financial inheritance for me?" "Yep. Soon as I found out about Adam's ability with money, I knew I had our problems licked." Chapter 16

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Rue stared at her dear, wonderful and totally insane aunt. Shea's concern touched her deeply. Unfortunately, that concern made Shea vulnerable to the worst sort of manipulation. Under normal circumstances, Shea would never believe that an embezzler's advice would make money. Obviously, worry for her niece had clouded Shea's judgment. Adam must stop giving Shea advice. "You don't need to do that for me, Aunt Shea. I'm a big girl. I can take care of myself." "Some habits are hard to break, child." "I know." She patted Shea's back and turned with her toward the stairs. "How deeply invested are you in Adam's scheme? Did you mortgage the farm?" "No. I wouldn't mortgage your inheritance when I'm trying to add to it." "I don't need any inheritance, let alone one that's bigger than this farm." "Yes you do, girl. An inheritance is more than the money value of a thing. It's the last way a body has of sayin' she spent her whole life carin' about you. And if anybody needs to know she's been loved her whole life, it's you." Rue didn't know what to say. Her own parents had placed little value on money and property. She forced down the confusion that dried her throat. "But why play the market?" "Seems the right thing to do, since the opportunity sorta walked up my lane and asked to Chapter 16

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work for me." "Is this what you really want? Surely we could think of another way." "Adam's already thought of everythin'." "I'm sure he has." Further argument would gain nothing. The only solution to the Talcott problem was to confront him. In the meantime, she had to know what he was up to. "I only have one request." "What?" "Promise you'll tell me, if he asks to borrow money or mentions a power of attorney?" Shea stopped at the top of the stairs and considered her niece carefully. "I promise. Now I have a question for you." "What?" "Is a felon all you see when you look at that boy?" Rue blushed and turned her head, unable to face her aunt's critical gaze. "No." A gentle hand on her cheek turned Rue's face toward the older woman. "Tell me what you do see, girl." "Sometimes I see a good man, a man I could admire and respect. Sometimes I see a man I could like more than I should." Chapter 16

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"Well, that's a start." Shea patted Rue's cheek, then walked toward her own bedroom. "Try to get some sleep. I'll see you in the mornin'." The door closed behind her. Rue wondered at her aunt's cryptic remark. HALF−FORMED DREAMS and memories of Adam's kiss chased Rue through her sleep. The next morning, she dragged herself into the shower. She tried to convince herself that Talcott's status as an ex−con bothered her, nothing else. As her soapy hands traveled the same path his had touched, she conjured stories about repeat offenders and the failure of prisons to reform criminals. Personal experience shouted at her to proceed with caution around her aunt's hired hand. But none of that was the truth of what rubbed her raw. She rinsed her hair. Soap and water sluiced down her body. Restraint on her emotions slipped enough for her to admit to herself that Talcott's very existence got to her. He'd imprinted that existence on her body two nights ago. The man kept her emotions in a lather. She couldn't walk into the kitchen in the morning and not look for him. She couldn't go into the barn and not hope to see him. She couldn't even look at the broken bracelet she kept on her dresser and not see the understanding in his eyes, along with some other emotion just beneath the surface of his smile. Chapter 16

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She stepped out of the shower and rubbed herself dry, trying not to remember how like the rough terry his hands had felt on her breasts. This had to stop. The man would drive her mad if she continued to think about him. She'd think about vegetables instead. She'd spend the day weeding the garden. Thinking about vegetables would be easy. A lot easier than not thinking about Adam Talcott. She sighed, shaking her head at herself in the mirror. The smell of coffee wafted up the stairs and reminded her that breakfast was ready. Suddenly, hunger overrode every other need. Adam or no Adam, she had to eat. Minutes later she hurtled toward the kitchen, as if the devil chased her. SHEA HUNG UP the phone. She watched Rue and Adam enter the kitchen from opposite doors. "Hello." Rue stopped, paralyzed in the entry. Her hands twisted at her waist. "Hi." He stood, frozen, his arm bracing the door open. "Mornin' to both of you." Shea took in the unmoving pair at a glance. "You two playin' a game? Cause if you're busy, I'll just help myself to these pecan rolls, and you can make your own later." She chuckled and pulled her chair back from the table. The mesmerized Chapter 16

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man and woman leapt into movement. They rushed to the table as if they weren't behaving like two besotted peas in their own private pod. "That was Dudley on the phone just now." "Dudley?" "The phone?" Those two had the worst case Shea'd ever seen. She wondered how long it would take them to realize they were in love. "Yes, Adam, the vet, Dudley. You met him once. And yes, Niece, the phone. You know, that contraption invented by Mr. Bell. I used it to call Dudley and ask him to come take a look at Riddler. Bill said he'd be out sometime later today." Despite knowing that her breakfast companions would be worse than useless at conversation, Shea continued. "Horace'll be comin' with him. Had some complaints from other customers about thrown shoes and bad nails. Wants to check the shoes he put on for us so we don't have the same problems. Rue, you plannin' to spend the day in the vegetable garden?" "Mm−hmm," was the only response from the young woman who tried to drink coffee and look at the man across the table without letting him know she was looking. Chapter 16

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"Adam, you best mend tack today. Your ribs'll need another day or so to heal b'fore you're ready to do any heavy work. Once we start diggin' that drainage ditch up in the north field, I don't want to stop 'til it's finished." "Okay," he mumbled from behind the newspaper. He wasn't reading. Shea could tell. His eyes would flick up every two seconds to look over the top edge at the woman seated across from him. Their game of visual hide and seek was almost too much for Shea to bear. Their concentration was entirely too intense for her to resist teasing. "Horace and I are gonna go out and dance naked in the orchard. Dudley's bringin' his camera, so we can have pictures." "All right, Aunt Shea." "Any time, boss." As she got up to put her dishes in the sink, she snorted, trying not to laugh. She failed. Dishes crashed into the sink. She plastered her hands over her mouth to stifle the giggles. Then she rushed from the room before the pair at the table could ask what had happened. Startled by the noise, Adam looked up. Rue turned in her chair to see Shea hurry away, bent at the waist and heaving like a bellows. Chapter 16

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"What's the matter with your aunt?" "I don't know. I'd better go find out." "Tell her I'm going to mend tack today." "Sure. I'll be in the garden, if you need anything. See you later." "Yeah, later." AFTER LUNCH, Rue decided the time was ripe to talk with Adam about Aunt Shea's financial naiveté. It might also be good to clear the air over their encounter in the barn the other night. She found him in the tack room, head bent over a worn halter, a tangle of frayed or broken bridles, saddles and quirts on one side and a neat row of mended tack on the other. "Ahem." She coughed. He raised his head and stared at her for a brief eternity before gesturing to a chest across the room from him. "I want to talk to you." "So talk." He continued to work on the halter. "About the other night." Chapter 16

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His hands stilled on the leather, and he gave her another sharp−eyed stare. "What about the other night?" This was harder than she'd expected. "Well, that is, uh...I got carried away, and I didn't want you to get the wrong impression." He put the tack in his hands aside with studied care. His words had an equally studied ring. "Just what impression did you think I'd get when a woman starts to come apart in my arms like you did? All that heavy breathing and those hot kisses gave me the impression you cared, that you felt something. Now you want me to believe you just got carried away by the moment. Well, Sister, that's nothing new. Guys get swept up by moments, too. Or did you imagine that I might care about you?"

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Chapter 17 HIS WORDS SHOOK her. Why would he say that? Exactly what kind of man was he? Stupid question. She knew precisely what kind of man he was. He was the type of man who could steal from his clients and plan to cheat the Federal Government. He wasn't the type to start thinking about babies and picket fences after a little heavy petting. He was a predator. Everything about him, from his depthless blue eyes to his sleek muscular frame, spoke of the predator. To forget that, even for a moment, would be foolish. "No, I didn't think you'd care." Rue shook her head. "I simply wanted to make clear that things wouldn't be taken any further. I don't normally let my hormones run away with me like that." "Is that what it was? Hormones?" "Well, yes. It couldn't be anything else." She twisted her hands. "You can be sure that it won't happen again." His eyes widened a bit, then narrowed. He looked her over from top to toe and back. She fought the urge to shift and look down at herself to discover what interested him so much. "I'm glad we got that settled." He picked up a bridle without shifting his glance. Chapter 17

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Rue searched his face. Why do I think nothing is settled? "Was there something else, Ms. Clancy?" How does he manage to make me feel like an overeager schoolgirl? "As a matter of fact, there is." She turned to the worktable and examined his handiwork. She had no intention of letting him see how he affected her. "We need to talk about Shea." From the corner of her eye, she saw him focus on the bridle in his hands. "Did you find out what the problem was this morning?" "No. That is, there wasn't a problem. Not this morning." Her hands twisted. "Oh?" He put the halter neatly aside and raised an eyebrow. "So what did you want to discuss?" "There's no way to put this politely, so I'll be blunt. I don't want you giving Shea financial advice." "Well, that is blunt." Surprised that he seemed to be taking it so well, she went on. "I'm glad that you understand and won't advise her anymore." She started to stand, brushing imagined dust from her khaki shorts. His hand snaked out to stop her, grabbing her wrist. "I'm afraid you're mistaken. I don't Chapter 17

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understand at all, and I have no intention of stopping my advice on financial matters until Shea herself, asks me to do so." Rue's mouth dropped open. "That's the most stubborn, ridiculous statement I've ever heard." "I doubt it." He let go of her wrist. "Why don't you sit down. You can explain what this is all about, and I'll try to understand." "I will not sit down." "Who's being ridiculous and stubborn?" She stamped her foot, then paced the short length of the room. "How can you not understand?" "It's pretty simple. You haven't told me why you don't want me advising your aunt." "It's embarrassing." "Let me get this straight. I should cease to privately give Shea the benefit of my financial expertise because you find it embarrassing? That is ridiculous." "No. It's embarrassing to explain my reasons to you because I know you'll just say the same thing that Aunt Shea said." "And what did Shea say?" Chapter 17

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"She said she didn't believe you would try to cheat her out of her money." "Good for her." "Why?" "Because I won't." "You've done it before." "How could I? I didn't even know Shea 'til a month ago." She ground her teeth. "I mean that you've cheated people out of money before." "So this is about my criminal past." He leaned back against the wall, his arms folded across his chest, his face a blank. "Don't you see? Aunt Shea's so naïve about money. She wouldn't know how to tell if the advice you give her was good or not." Rue extended her hands, punching the air for emphasis. "Would you know how?" "Probably not, but at least I'd know how to check out any advice you gave me. However, my financial knowledge isn't relevant!" "It's plenty relevant." He stood and menaced toward her. She had to give ground just to see anger flash in his eyes. Chapter 17

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"What a little hypocrite you are. You give your aunt less credit than you give yourself." She gasped at the antipathy in his voice and shrank back as he took another step forward. "She's a very savvy lady, your aunt. I owe her. I owe her big time. She gave me a job despite my background. More important, she gave me a chance to earn her trust by doing an honest day's work." Another step backed Rue to the door. "You didn't have to earn her trust, did you?" He hurled his words at her. "You've always had it, because she loves you like a daughter. And what do you do?" He sneered. "You go behind her back and try to undermine her efforts to provide for your own future." "No." Her hand grasped her throat. "No?" He nearly shouted. "If you don't call what you're doing hypocrisy, I don't know what it is. You're such an expert on what's right for others. Just who do you think is being victimized here? Shea? Or you?" Verbally battered, she yelled at him. "Stop! You don't understand." "Stop? Yeah, I'll stop. 'Cause I've had my fill of you, lady." Furious that he couldn't stop wanting her, Adam lashed out. "Take your concern and get out." He turned his back on her. Tears of fury streaked down her face, and she ran from the barn. Through the yard, the Chapter 17

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garden, and the apple orchard. All the way to the east hayfield. She fell, weeping into the new hay. Hiding next to the sky. Here she'd always found comfort, where she could sort out the rare anger that overtook reason. How could he speak to me like that? How dare he accuse me of hypocrisy when his crime was so much greater? I'm worried about Shea. Doesn't he know that I understand Shea loves me? He couldn't know how helpless I feel to do anything for Shea, to help the one person who has always loved me, who has always helped. I love Shea, too. He isn't the only one with debts to pay. If anyone is a hypocrite, it's Adam Talcott. Imagine pretending to care about Shea, when all he really wants to do is bilk her out of the few dollars she has left. He's a threat to Aunt Shea's safety. Keeping her safe is the only way I know to pay back all that Shea's given me. Adam is determined not to let me do it. Well, I won't let Talcott get in my way. It might take longer than I want, but somehow, I'll find a way to make him stop. Her head hurt from anger and crying. The sun beat down, and the breeze soothed her with the sweet smell of hay. Finally she slept, exhausted by the effort to work her way out of a hopeless situation. When she woke, the sun sat near the western horizon. She'd better get back to the house, Chapter 17

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she thought, or Aunt Shea would be worried. Two trucks pulled up as Rue approached the yard. She rubbed at her cheeks to remove any tear tracks and hurried to greet the visitors. Horace got out of one truck. When she got near enough to grab, he gave her a big hug. She laughed as he twirled her around, his uncomplicated affection a welcome relief. By the time Horace set her down, she saw Adam emerge from the barn. Shea was welcoming Dudley, who'd driven the other truck. "'Preciate you comin' out so late," she was saying. "You'll both stay to supper, if you please? Havin' fried chicken, mashed potatoes, pan gravy, and green beans fresh off the vine." "Thank you, Shea." Dudley looked past her to Rue. "I'd be delighted. Especially if Rue will consent to see a movie with me after dinner?" He turned to Rue, who still gazed at Adam. "Rue?" She flashed Dudley a brilliant smile. "I'd love to go to the movies. Thank−−" Horace interrupted. "Like nothin' better 'n your fried chicken, Shea. Thanks for the invite. 'Sides, it'll save me a trip. I'm gonna show Adam the local nightlife. Ain't right for a boy t' spend all his time workin' like he does." He gave Adam a good ol' boy nudge in the ribs. Chapter 17

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Adam winced inwardly and hoped his surprise at the invitation didn't show on his face. Rue still beamed at Dudley. Shea looked at Adam. "That so?" Adam nodded. "That's very neighborly of you, Horace. Dinner'll be ready 'bout the time you and Dudley finish up in the barn. Adam'll show you the way." "Rue, come help me get supper on the table. We got hungry men to feed." ADAM SAT IN the smoky room and questioned his impulse to accompany Horace to the local bar. He decided he should have stayed home to do his brooding over Rue. Watching Horace play pattycakes with the waitresses in a redneck bar was more punishment than any one man deserved. Nancy, a tall voluptuous redhead, must have agreed. She turned their table over to a pert, round bundle of energy named Susie. The waitress promptly kissed Horace on the cheek and cooed in an imitation southern drawl, "Honey, 'cause y'all are such a good customer, I'll give you one kiss for every hour that you keep them bear paws t' y'rself." She winked. As ploys went it was a pretty good one, but Adam groaned inwardly, wondering how Chapter 17

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many hours Horace would last. He'd hoped to get home while Rue was still up. They had some serious talking to do. Even if she did think he was pond scum, he had to explain. "It's a deal, sweetcakes." Horace winked back. "Now bring us another round." She looked at Adam. "Just coffee for me, thanks. I'm driving." The waitress walked away. "Oh no, you ain't." Horace scrapped back his chair. "That's my truck we came in, and nobody's havin' an accident in it but me." Exclusive club or roadside tavern, belligerent drunks were the same everywhere. "I'm not arguing with you, Horace." "Good. M'hollow leg got all filled up. Gotta go empty 'er again." As Horace stumbled toward the bathroom, Adam decided it was just as well the farrier didn't realize he hadn't gotten an agreement. Horace ended up in the kitchen. Susie steered him back to the proper door, then approached Adam. She plunked the tab down in front of him. "Horace has had enough. But I don't know you very well." Her tone suggested she'd like to change that. "You add that tab up right, and I'll give you the keys when I get 'em from Horace." Chapter 17

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The test wasn't a fair one. He could add accurately in his sleep, and a few drinks wouldn't change that. But he hadn't been keeping pace with Horace, so he played along. "I'm really interested in knowing how you're going to get Horace's keys." Susie smiled at him. "Sugar, you just watch an expert." Horace came weaving back to the table where the waitress challenged him. "Say, baby, I bet you can't cross this room without stumbling." Horace grinned. "Shoot, I could walk out that front door blindfolded and never touch nothin'." "Ah'm sure you could, darlin'. But all I want you to do is walk across the room. You do that an' Ah'll give you a big ol' sloppy kiss." "All right. Just say when to pucker up." He leaned toward her. "Not so fast, fella. If you don't make it, you give me your keys, and I'll still give you a hug for bein' such a good sport." Horace couldn't resist an offer like that, Adam realized. He'd win either way. Adam settled back to watch the fun. The smith failed to get more than two steps before he stumbled over the foot Susie put in his way. Too drunk to realize he'd been had, Horace gave his keys to Susie and surrounded the little waitress, lifting her off the floor. She Chapter 17

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wiggled an arm free and tossed the keys to Adam. "Why don't you tell the boss you got to come home with me, dollface? You know, t' keep the customer happy." Horace's leer wasn't a pretty sight, but Susie kept her cool and shook her head. Horace staggered out of the bar with Susie lending support and Adam guiding the way. Halfway to the truck the smith passed out. Adam put Horace's free arm over his shoulder, taking considerable weight off Susie's small frame. Adam manhandled Horace into the passenger seat. He shut the door and turned to find himself fending off Susie's good−natured advances. "Look, Susie, my heart's already taken." "But Sugarbump, I ain't interested in your heart." She grabbed his collar, pulled his face to her level and planted a kiss on his lips, then backed up to observe the effect. She shook her head. "Ah, must be losin' my touch." "No, Susie, you're as much woman as any man could want. It's me. I haven't been in my right mind since I met this other lady. She won't have anything to do with me." She smiled and kissed him once more. "Look me up when you get tired of havin' your heart stomped on." Then she flounced back to the bar. Chapter 17

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With Horace snoring in the passenger seat, Adam put the truck in gear and headed home. He felt mellow and surprisingly sober for a man who'd put away several bottles of beer over the past few hours. For the time being, Rue was a small ache in his heart. He tapped out a tune on the steering wheel until he turned down the drive to Shea's house. He doused the truck lights to avoid disturbing the animals or the people in the house. Rue and Shea had to be asleep by now. Between parking the truck and keeping Horace upright, Adam almost didn't see the shadowy form that moved across the corral to the barn. Afraid for Rue's safety, he jerked open the door and leapt away from the truck with a howl designed to wake the house and half the county.

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Chapter 18 THE FIGURE FADED into the shadows at the corner of the barn. Adam ran toward the spot where he'd last seen the two−legged creature. Nothing. He raced to a dead stop at the corral fence. Only his own breath ran on ahead. The silence was false, a disguise, he decided. Certain the bastard couldn't have gotten far, Adam listened. A board creaked. No wind blew, so what caused the noise? The side door to the barn! That door led directly off the corral. Adam slipped under the fence and followed it silently to the seldom−used door. It stood ajar, just enough for a man to slide through. Aware of lights coming on in the house, he pursued the intruder. The barn was too dark. That shadowy form could be standing right next to Adam, and he would never know it. His only option was to go for the barn lights. Whoever the prowler was could slip out again, before the lights came on. But unless the person left through the fields, Shea or Rue would see whoever it was. Adam moved, familiar enough with the barn to avoid obstacles. In seconds, he flipped the lights on. He searched, even climbing into the loft. Nothing again. No hue and cry came from the house. By now the prowler could be long gone. Chapter 18

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Adam left the building by its front entrance. He signaled the house that he intended to circle around the barn. Shea gave him a thumbs−up sign. He turned away from the corral toward the far side of the structure. He took careful stock of his surroundings in the moonlight and slowly worked his way around the barn. He probably wouldn't find anything. Still, Rue's safety was involved. Better to check out every angle. He approached the farthest corner at the back and stepped into the deepest shadows between the barn and Shea's compost pile. Both he and the very human body he bumped into were surprised. Adam didn't duck fast enough, and something split his lip. He connected with a right hook. The faceless opponent grunted, then rushed him. He tumbled into the heaped manure, pulling his foe with him. Adam gave blow for blow. His shoulder cracked against a board. His grip loosened. The attacker started to slip away. Adam twisted his hands in the enemy's shirt and butted where he hoped the bastard's head would be. The man's body slumped. Adam grabbed his own head. The winner should get more than a ringing headache. He struggled up and considered leaving the prowler face down in the manure until the Chapter 18

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cops could come. Kindness got the better of him. He grabbed the inert weight under the arms and dragged the body around to the yard between the house and the barn. Maybe now Rue will believe I'm not a threat to her or Shea. I've literally gotten into a heap of shit for her. He dropped the body and turned. As he raised his thumbs toward the people coming from the house, a grin of victory split Adam's pain−filled face. Rue ran toward the yard. She called his name, strain and worry in her voice. "Oh, my aching head," the villain groaned. Adam raised his hands to shield his eyes against the glare of lights from the house. She was so eager to get to him. Obviously she cared more than she wanted to admit. "Oh no, Adam." He could hear distress in her voice. "What have you done?" He opened his arms. She rushed past him. "Huh?" "You beast. How could you do this?" He staggered around to watch her kneel over the fallen enemy. Who, me, Adam Talcott? I'm not a beast. I'm the conquering hero. I confronted the beast in the dark. I beat down the marauding invader, just for Rue. Chapter 18

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Why is she kneeling over that man? Why isn't she telling me how brave I am? How good and trustworthy? I am good and trustworthy. Aren't I? Her actions confused him so much that he asked, "What are you talking about?" Rue rose and stalked toward him. "You've beaten him to a pulp and broken his nose. Heaven knows how many stitches he'll need." "I don't think he's any worse off than I am." "No worse off than you are?" Her astonishment rang hollow in Adam's ears. His suspicious but tenderhearted Rue was now a fury. She whirled on him, pounding him with one small fist after the other. Forcing him away from the form on the ground, like a she−wolf defending a cub. "He's too weak to stand, and you're still upright. What kind of person are you, Adam Talcott, to beat senseless a good, kind man like Bill Dudley? You stink!" Shea pulled her off him. "Go tend to Bill, girl. I'll take care of Adam." His boss tugged him around. Her steely grasp on his arm propelled him toward the house. Dudley? The invader, the enemy, was Dudley? It couldn't be Dudley. Dudley's a worm. Conquering heroes don't fight worms, and for once, I'm a hero. Right? So the villain on the ground couldn't be Dudley. Could it? Judas Priest, my head hurts. Chapter 18

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He looked over his shoulder to the scene behind him. Rue cradled the man's head in her lap and dabbed at his face with a rag. The dull pounding in Adam's head became a blinding pain. He staggered. "C'mon, hero." Shea's surprisingly gentle rasp assaulted his ears. She half−hauled him up the steps. "Let's get you cleaned up and check the damage." She sent him into the bathroom with orders not to come out until he no longer stank like the hind end of a horse. He obeyed automatically. The adrenaline rush faded, and all of his aches crowded in on him. His head and jaw pulsed with pain. His sore ribs had bruises on their bruises. The pounding to his stomach churned the beer and a missed dinner into dizziness and nausea that threatened to topple him. He showered, toweled dry and dressed in the clean clothes he found on the seat of the commode. Shea must have put them there. He emerged, scrubbed and still bleeding from a cut along his jaw. Shea sat him down and slapped an icy towel on the upper half of his face. "Hold that in place." "Yes, ma'am." She shoved a steaming cup into his free hand. When he started to speak, she told him to Chapter 18

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shut up and drink his coffee. She walked away, then came back. The room filled with people. Voices crowded into the space. Rue, Dudley, even Horace. Adam lowered the towel. Shea placed her hand atop his, stopping him before the towel cleared his eyes. When the deputy sheriff's baritone resonated from the doorway, Adam stopped trying to push Shea's hand away and listened. Somehow, Shea made sense of the incomprehensible. "Adam and Dudley are victims of mistaken identity. 'Bout a half hour 'fore he 'n Horace drove up, Rue 'n Bill were havin' coffee here in the kitchen. Eventually she told him about the prowler we had the other night. Bein' the gentleman he is, Bill decided to have a look−see." Dudley took up the story. "I suggested that the ladies turn the lights out so anyone creeping around would think they'd gone to bed. Then I drove my truck out of sight and walked back to check things out." "'Cause Bill hadn't come back to the house, we figured he'd gone on home," Shea chimed in. "Bill musta been out there fifteen minutes 'fore the other men got here. Adam prob'ly saw Bill, 'cause he jumped outta Horace's truck and took off yellin'. I called the Sheriff's office 'causa all the ruckus." Chapter 18

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"That the way it was, Horace?" the deputy asked. Horace blustered for a moment. "Can't say, Deputy. I, ah, wasn't awake at the time." "Dr. Dudley, how come you didn't show yourself when Shea's man started shouting?" "Are you suggesting that I did something underhanded, Deputy?" Affront arched the vet's eyebrows. Adam watched Rue frown and turn her gaze to her hands as she twisted them on top of the table. "Not at all, Dr. Dudley. But I'd like to know how you conducted your search of the premises." Adam didn't blame Dudley for being upset. He wouldn't have liked the deputy's implications either. "I conducted my search in a systematic and logical manner." Dudley's tone grated. "I walked from my truck to the far side of the barn and worked my way around to the corral where I found the side door open. "I knew Mrs. Doyle kept the barn locked at night, so I went inside. I'd just determined that the barn was too dark for me to search when I heard a sound outside. I thought it came from the back of the barn. Chapter 18

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"Since I could do no good in the barn, I followed the noise. I found nothing. I'd decided to return to my truck when this ruffian assaulted me." Adam glared at Dudley's accusing finger. The vet continued, his voice rising. "I demand that you arrest him this minute. It's my right as a citizen to see my attacker brought to justice. Isn't that so, Rue?" She looked up from the fingernail she'd been studying. "We haven't yet determined that you are a victim of anything but a mistake." Bill gaped at her. Adam suppressed a grin. Dudley looks like a beached fish. "Mr. Talcott, I have to have a statement from you, too." The deputy spoke as he jotted notes. Slowly, Adam repeated the events from the time he got out of Horace's truck. Shea and Rue nodded in confirmation when he described his arrival at the front of the barn with Dudley in tow. When he finished, Rue got up and refilled his coffee cup. The deputy turned to Shea. "Are you certain you didn't leave that barn door open tonight?" "I didn't check it 'fore I went upstairs, if that's what you wanta know. But I don't use it Chapter 18

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'cept for puttin' the horses in the corral ever' now an' then. I ain't put the horses out there for a good month or more." "Was anyone else in the barn today?" "Sure, Dudley and Horace both were in there, just before dinner." Deputy Sherman eyed Dudley. "This is ridiculous," the vet sputtered. "Don't you think I would have looked in the barn first if I knew the door was open?" The officer turned to the big man at the end of the table. The deputy wouldn't get anything out of Horace, Adam decided, looking at the drunken grin on the farrier's face. Horace weaved in the chair. "Whatcha wanna know, Depity?" The officer grimaced. "Did you leave Mrs. Doyle's barn door open earlier this evening?" "No sir, officer, sir. Ain't been innerested in Shea's barn door since the day I met Letty." He chuckled and belched at the same time. "Horace, you got no need to be crude," Shea scolded her friend. Horace looked at her with guilty puppy dog eyes, as if his words had been an unfortunate accident. "No, Shea, I s'pose, not. Guess I forgot m'self." At which point, he pitched face Chapter 18

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forward onto the table. The deputy gave a disgusted snort. "I ought to run all three of you gentlemen in." Heedless of the pain, Adam dropped his head into his hands. Dudley shouted his outrage. "You can't do that, officer! I'm a respected member of this community. I'll sue for wrongful arrest." "Now, Dudley, calm down." Shea's tone was flat. "I'd hate for me and my neighbors to have to take our business elsewhere 'cause you were too tied−up in a court case to see to our animals." "But, I would never...oh." Clearly the idea of lost income unsettled the vet. "I'm certain that the deputy and I can come to an agreement." "What about it, Officer? Talcott works for me. I need him here, and lots of folks around here need Dr. Dudley's skills." "If you have no complaints, Mrs. Doyle, I can't charge these men with anything." "I'd only complain if you did charge 'em." "Then I'll say goodnight." Rue saw Dudley and the deputy to the door, then returned, while Shea shook Horace into a semi−lucid state. "C'mon, Big Fella. I got a sofa that needs your backside to warm it." He Chapter 18

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stood, and she pushed him toward the living room. Before she followed, she looked at Adam and her niece. "You two have some things to straighten out. I know it's late, and we've got a lot of work to do tomorrow. But I don't want either one of you to leave this room 'til you can part friends. Do you understand me?" "Yes, Aunt Shea." Rue sounded like a chastised little girl, not at all like the strong assertive woman he knew. Adam just nodded. "All right then, get to it." Shea left, mumbling after Horace about young people who had less sense than fence posts.

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Chapter 19 RUE SAT OPPOSITE Adam for a long time, wordless, staring at her coffee cup just as he stared at his. "More coffee?" She rose and moved around him to refill her cup. "No. No, thank you." She returned to the table and stood until he looked up. "I'm sorry." Apologizing for her mistakes couldn't hurt anything. She could still keep an eye on his activities. "Me, too." He was sorry for a lot more than she could guess. "Oh." "Yeah." What did Aunt Shea think they could straighten out at this hour of the night? Rue wondered. Adam wasn't about to confess that he intended to cheat Shea. That, more than anything, stood between them. "It's a nice night, don't you think?" "No, I don't. Running around in the dark, using my face for a battering ram, isn't what I'd call a nice night." A nice night was when the woman I want suspends her distrust long enough to hold me in her arms and let me show her how I feel. But he couldn't tell Rue Chapter 19

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that. "Oh." "Yeah." Rue felt each second creep by. "What are you sorry for?" Her voice shook. How could she take such a risk, inviting an explanation like that? He might think she was willing to believe him. Was she? "I'm sorry that every time I try to help you or your aunt, you end up hurt." There was more, but Adam figured that was enough for a start. "Oh." "Yeah." He leaned his elbows on the table, propped his chin in his hands and studied her. She made a tempting eyeful with her tousled hair and her shirt slipping down one shoulder. But this temptation had 'hands off' written all over her. He'd be a fool to get tangled up with a woman like Rue Clancy. She breathed righteous fire and indignation. Yet she had a heart moved by homeless bunny rabbits. He was a fool, all right. She was irresistible. Rue opened her mouth. Nothing came to mind. "What are you sorry for?" he asked quietly. Chapter 19

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She twisted her hands. What could she say? Sorry that I can't trust you, even though you're not a stranger anymore? Sorry we didn't meet under better circumstances? She definitely felt sorry for that. Her body told her so every time she came near him. She'd meet his blue gaze for an instant and desire chased hot flashes across her skin. She'd touch his hand and freeze with longing, unable to break away because she wanted his touch to go on and on. She knew next to nothing about this man. Why did she insist on wanting him? "I'm sorry for all those things I said and for being so stupid." His gaze fixed on her mouth. "What things? And you're not stupid." "For calling you an animal and a beast." She ran her tongue over suddenly dry lips. "Yeah?" She started to speak. "If you say 'oh' again, I'll kiss you, and if I kiss you, I won't stop there." A warning was only fair. She smiled, then challenged, "Oh." "Yeah." And she was in his arms. She didn't want this, not with her head. But she needed him with her whole heart. Chapter 19

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Needed him to keep that restless edgy feeling at bay. And she knew it, even if she refused to give voice to the thought. It wasn't Adam who kept her confused and sleepless. It was trying to stay away from him and out of his arms that made her feel like a homeless waif. He pulled her into his lap and kissed her soundly. Not a gentle questing kiss, but a solid, no−nonsense kiss of possession, of giving. That one thought remained as tongue−touched sensation overwhelmed her. As much as he demanded from her with his kiss, he gave her more. More. She couldn't want more. But she did. She pressed her body to his, reveling in the rock−hard feel of his chest against her breasts. Her bottom surged urgently across the erection that strained the cloth between her hips and his. She squirmed as he dragged his hand over her cotton−covered nipples and down her side. One hand on either hip, he lifted her, forcing her leg across his body until she straddled him. She swallowed his sigh as he thrust his tongue into her mouth and pulled her hips to his with a twisting motion that nearly sent her spiraling into the abyss. Everything disappeared. Adam was her world. The mouth she craved to fill her own retreated. She whimpered, greedy for that inner caress. He trailed kisses up her cheek and nipped her earlobe. Chapter 19

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"Hold on, Sweetness, and wrap your legs around me." She felt dizzy, faint. "Mmm..." She licked his sandpapery jaw. Her teeth scraped the tender skin of his neck. Had he said something? She couldn't hear through the roaring in her ears. The world tilted and rose up beneath her. She hung suspended, clutching him with legs and arms. She groaned. Need drowned any impulse at denial. She wanted him with a fierce, eager defiance far beyond physical desire. She wanted that confident energy that allowed him to embrace the new and the strange. The friction of cloth and movement became an agonizing caress. He placed his hands under her bottom for support, lifting slightly. The friction eased. Relief lasted long enough for Rue to regret the loss of contact. Pressure returned before sanity could intervene. Braced on the kitchen table, he whispered, "We can't do this here." She rubbed her cheek across the movement of his lips. "Yes, here." She spoke hungrily against his mouth, claimed him with her tongue, branded him as he had marked her. She had to be out of her mind. "No." His voice steeled with determination. Adam wanted to close out the world. Close out his problems, her distrust. He wanted, needed, to be alone with her. Chapter 19

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"Okay, my room, hurry." Her own soft desperate plea startled her. When had being with him become so necessary that she would ignore everything she didn't know about him and give him her trust? The question faded into sensation as he began to walk. The shift and push of his hips taunted her. He climbed the stairs. Flame streaked over her skin as his thighs stroked hers. Goosebumps blanketed her back. She shivered and swayed into his heat. He staggered to the top. She thought he would consume her. She took one arm from around his neck and sought the buttons of his shirt. Warm skin and crisp hair gave temporary ease to her longing. He stopped, leaned against the door of her room, and shifted his grip. She moaned. With one hand, he supported her bottom. He snaked his other hand under her shirt, soothing her back. The hooks of her bra slipped loose. She tore at her own buttons. He pushed her shirt and bra aside. At last her nipples nested within the dark whorls that covered his chest. Sensation crackled between them. Dear lord in heaven, this was no time to betray her principles. Less than three days ago she'd told Adam she couldn't make love with a man she didn't trust. What had changed? Adam lurched into motion. He shoved the door open with his shoulder and shut it with Chapter 19

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his foot. When his knees touched the bed, he halted and stood her on the mattress. She looked down, following his hands with her eyes as he stripped away her clothes. His touch lingered to warm newly bared skin, and still she trembled. Need pulsed through her. She pushed the shirt from his shoulders. She knelt. Her lips brushed his cheeks, his eyelids, sipped at his mouth. Her hands reached for the last barrier between them. The snap of his jeans clicked open. The zipper rasped down. She eased her fingers inside his briefs, wrapping her hand around his shaft. Her other hand tugged, and the final bit of cloth drifted to the floor. She released him. His touch fell away. They stared at each other, naked and beautiful and glowing in the moonlight cast through the open window. "Dear God, Rue." Restrained passion taunted him. What he wanted from her body was dark and gritty. What he wanted from her heart was blindingly serious. Why hesitate now? Adam asked himself. Only the crickets and Rue's ragged breathing replied. No words bridged the differences between them. Yet her presence and her fevered touch told him that something had changed. Some link had been forged despite their problems. She searched his eyes and saw a longing that matched her own. Her gaze traced over his body. Her lifted palm smoothed downward over his erection, her fingernails scraping Chapter 19

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gently upward along his throbbing flesh. Beads of creamy moisture trembled at the tip. He watched her. Passion replaced longing at her touch. His hand reached out. His fingertip combed gently through her nest of springy curls. Her belly quivered with a visible spasm of desire as he slipped one finger into her moist heat. He stroked her, searching out the nub where sensation was strongest, and rubbed slick circles there. She thought she was dying. The tiny abrasions of his finger were too much. She collapsed backward upon the bed. All her strength flowed to that sweetly tortured spot. Her legs splayed in open invitation, then stretched in ardent demand. He followed her down. With delicate and deliberate precision he slid slowly inside her. His dew−soaked finger traced her mouth, and she drew on it. She let her mouth show him what she wanted, how she felt. And he gave. Inch by inch he sank into her. Her body tightened around him in a rippling caress. He stroked her inside and out. His hands adored the peaks and curves of her breasts. She strained in response to every movement of his body, striving to sustain that deep joining. She grabbed his arms. Her back arched. They plunged together in a heedless rush toward climax. She cried out. Her sight dimmed. Waves of pleasure washed over and through her. Chapter 19

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His weight crashed onto her. She hugged him close, and still their bodies pulsed together, the emptiness filled at last. They slept. Twined together, wrapped in each other's heat. Sometime in the night his kiss roused her. She embraced his hardness with her own soft strength once again. IN THE LIGHT of dawn, she woke to see him staring out the window. "I should leave before Shea gets up and finds out where I spent the night." His careful, neutral tone revealed less than the taught muscles of his back. "Why?" She threw back the covers and sat nude on the edge of the bed. "Are you ashamed of what we did?" She had to control her voice. The distance he forced, at a time when she felt so close, confused her. All she wanted was to drag him back into bed where ecstasy and union waited for them both. Her body tingled at the thought. At the same time her mind churned with the complications created by sleeping with Adam. Who was she kidding? They'd done more than sleep and a whole lot more than have sex. He turned, face shadowed, voice urgent. "No. I could never be ashamed to make love with you. But I don't want you to be hurt. I'd be sorry to see what we did cause problems between you and Shea." Chapter 19

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This was no time to air doubts. "It won't cause problems with Shea." Rue needed time to think. She smiled and reached out to him. "Shea knows I'm an adult." He studied her. Could he see the doubts, the hesitations? Could he tell that she didn't understand how she could trust him so intimately when she didn't fully trust him intellectually? If he did, it didn't seem to bother him. He took her hand and pulled her up into his embrace. Their bodies kissed, their lips lingered, wiping away sleep with pleasure. He groaned. "We'll never get any work done if we keep this up." His erection bumped her thigh in silent echo of his words. "You're right." Did she want another night with him? Did he want one with her? "Hmmm." His tongue lapped at her ear, causing pleasant twinges to tighten her nipples. Obviously the next move was up to her. "We'd better stop..." She twisted her fingers in his chest hair. "...for now." "Yeah," he whispered, smacking his lips soundly on hers. He gave her fanny a little slap. "Now get moving, Clancy." She danced away from him and put on her robe. "Adam?" Chapter 19

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He struggled into his jeans. "What?" "Shea said you needed to go into Ann Arbor. We both have errands in town today. Would you care to join us?" He looked up. "Thanks. I need to be at the Michigan Union on State Street by noon." She picked up her brush and stroked it through her hair. What could he possibly have to do there? Completely dressed now, he came to her and pressed a soft kiss on her mouth. "You make me hungry, Rue Clancy. Too bad you're not on the menu." He put his hands in his pockets and sauntered out her door, a grin stretched across his face. Her lips rounded in a stunned 'O'. What in the world did he mean by that? That he wanted her was clear. She wanted him just as much. Was he trying to say he thought her beyond his reach? How could he think that when he'd just spent the night in her bed? Dismissing Adam's remark, Rue threw the brush onto the dresser. She refused to spend another minute agonizing over a man who no doubt intended to keep her off balance.

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Chapter 20 IN THE DEN, Adam found Shea poring over the stock market reports. "Shea?" "Just a minute, Adam, I want to finish readin' these reports before Rue comes downstairs." He waited until she folded the paper, then spoke. "I'm going into Ann Arbor with the two of you today. I'll need that advance." Shea stood. "Sure. We'll take care of that right now." She pulled out the strong box as she spoke. "Thanks." He pocketed the cash as Rue's voice came toward the den. "Shea? Adam?" Shea hurried to re−lock the strong box where she kept her ready cash. She was just replacing the box in the filing cabinet when Rue walked into the room. "There you are. I expected the two of you to be half finished with breakfast by now." She moved past Adam and gave Shea a hug. "I got an early start on my bookkeepin' this mornin' and forgot all about the time 'til Adam found me in here." Chapter 20

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"I also figured you'd be chomping at the bit to get into town, so you could trade magazines with that librarian friend of yours." "So I am, niece. So I am. I wanta pick up some Mel Gibson videos, too." "We shouldn't keep Mr. Gibson waiting, ladies." "You two go on ahead," Shea told them. "I want to call Horace and ask him to come over. I'll feel better if someone I know keeps an eye on things while we're gone. I'll be out by the time you pull the truck around." RUE DROVE THE battered old farm truck over bumpy Ann Arbor streets. She dropped Adam off at the Michigan Union and drove off to take Shea to the library. Rue ran her own errands and swung back for Adam. She'd offer to buy him dinner, since they had at least an hour to wait before picking up Shea. She found a parking space about three blocks away from the corner near the Union where she'd arranged to meet Adam. She enjoyed walking across campus through the warm, bright afternoon. Everywhere she looked, she saw young men and women arm in arm, kissing, hugging or simply holding hands. Yes, it truly was a day for lovers. She smiled in rampant delight, remembered passion uppermost in her mind. Chapter 20

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She approached the Union and circled the crowd of smokers gathered near the side entrance. Hopefully Adam won't be too hard to find in this mass of people. She merged with the flow of pedestrians going in the right−hand door. Her feet had just neared the threshold when off to the side she heard a foreign sounding male voice speak Adam's name. "Mister Talcott, are you certain you and your partner can do this thing you promise and get me the money?" Rue looked, but could only see two men in business suits, standing next to the fountain. She looked in vain for her broad−shouldered, jean−clad lover. "Absolutely. My partner is waiting for my call. He'll fly to the Caymans so he can handle the exchange personally." That was Adam's voice, but why was it coming from the taller of the two businessmen? As she approached the door, she looked closer. "And what about the U. S. Government?" the shorter man was saying. "Don't they forbid this?" Forbid what, and what is Adam doing in a business suit? The noisy crowd cut off Adam's reply. Too many people jammed into the doorway for Rue to turn around. She had to go all the way through the next set of doors and into the main hallway before she could Chapter 20

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change directions. When she finally exited the building, locating Adam took only a few moments. All she had to do was look for the shape of his dark head. He and his companion had moved toward a nearby parking structure. She approached slowly. He stood beside a small fountain. His hands formed into fists, and he leaned forward. He listened attentively. His expression resembled that of a long−suffering saint, without the ecstasy. He faced a short, older man who wore a rumpled three−piece suit. Sunglasses obscured the man's expression and features. As Rue watched, the man spoke rapidly, threw his arms in the air and paced out a circle. Face to face with Adam once more, he put out his hands as if asking for something. At last she was close enough to hear. "...$10,000 more than we have in our Cayman accounts," Adam was saying. "Will the extra money be a problem?" "Not under normal circumstances. But the speed required could present some small difficulties." "The funds must be transferred before I return home tomorrow, or my government will require fifty percent in taxes. This neither of us can afford." Adam rubbed the back of his neck. "That's for sure. Look, I promise that we can meet Chapter 20

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your deadline with the full amount. I may have to do some quick persuading, but I have a source close at hand that I know can be tapped for a speedy $10,000." "All right then. We have a deal." The shorter man stuck out his hand. Adam clasped it with his own and turned. Had he seen her, Rue wondered? The two men moved toward the road. Rue followed. If she strained, she could still catch Adam's words. "I'll have my partner call you as soon as the transfer is made. Here's his number, in case you have any questions." Adam handed the man a card. "I'm meeting someone else in a few minutes, so my partner will handle things from here on." "Thank you, Mr. Talcott. May I give you a ride to your next appointment?" "Thank you, but no. I'd prefer that the woman I'm going to meet not know about our little arrangement." The shorter man gave a nod and smiled. "Ah yes, women. I, Krowski, know that they do not mix well with business of this sort." Adam shoved his hands into his pockets and watched the other man walk away. Krowski? That was the name Adam had mentioned during that strange phone call he'd Chapter 20

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received. He was still mixed up in that. And he needed an extra $10,000. How much money was Aunt Shea investing on Adam's advice? He'd said he had a source close at hand. Could Aunt Shea be that source? Of course, just because she heard him agree to give Krowski more money didn't mean Adam would fleece Shea to get it. Maybe he was telling the truth about his motives for advising Shea. But if the money didn't come from her aunt, where would a man like Adam get it? And where had he gotten that suit? Now was not the time to sort things out. Krowski was out of sight, and Adam had spotted her. She smiled and tried for a bright tone as he drew near. "My, don't you look handsome?" He raised his head and took his hands from his pockets. "Yeah." He spoke to her, but he stared into the air somewhere over her left shoulder. Obviously he wasn't going to volunteer an explanation for the suit. Rue wasn't about to ask. "Then you're ready to leave?" She'd never seen him so preoccupied. She turned in the direction of the truck. Adam nodded and kept pace beside her. A frown creased his forehead. "How about you? Finished?" "Yeah. We'll get some dinner, pick up Aunt Shea and her magazines, then go home." Chapter 20

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IN THE DARK, Rue headed the truck north on I−23. Shea had taken forever to make her selections at the video store. Wedged between Rue and Adam, that erstwhile Gibson fan snoozed. Rue considered asking Adam about Krowski, but she wasn't sure how to approach the topic. Adam seemed deep in thought. She had her own thinking to do, so she let him be until they turned off the freeway. Then she asked, "Will you sleep in the house tonight?" Despite her assurances to Adam that morning, she didn't want Shea to wake and hear her niece telling the man she'd slept with last night that she'd made a mistake. "If you're certain you want me to," he said. Making the turn, she pulled to the side of the drive at Shea D's Rest, letting the truck idle. Head bent, she pondered how to handle his backdoor question. Simple honesty was probably best. "I'm not certain." She looked straight at him to be sure of his reaction. He stared out the windshield with barely concealed irritation. "What the hell?" His growl woke Shea. In the next instant, Adam slammed open the passenger−side door and leapt from the Chapter 20

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Chapter 21 ADAM STARED with dismay at the chaos littered across the yard of Shea D's Rest. The violence of the destruction was easy to see. The identity of the perpetrator was completely hidden. The threat to Rue and Shea from that secret source scared Adam to the bone. Who or what could want to hurt Shea Doyle so much? And where was Horace? Rue reached to open the door. Adam caught her hand through the open window. "No. Whoever did this may still be out there. I'll check things out and find Horace." Fear for her friend as much as anger at the vandalism of her home made Rue argue. "Two people can search more quickly than one." "Three!" snarled Shea. "And provide three times as many targets." He spoke to Shea, knowing that she'd be more reasonable than Rue at the moment. "You two are family. You need each other." He could see both women start to object. "Please. Let me do this." Emotional blackmail−−his mother's favorite weapon−−worked every time. The women nodded their assent. Chapter 21

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"Thanks. Now, roll up this window and lock the doors. If anything goes wrong, make tracks out of here and don't stop 'til you get to the police. Understand?" "Yes." "Yep." Before they could change their minds, he left the truck and headed toward the house. The ground level was in a shambles. Books, papers and knick−knacks littered the floor like confetti. The upper level suffered less damage. Shea's bed had been stripped, the bedding tossed on the floor. In Rue's room, only the wastebasket had been tossed. He found the talisman bracelet right where she kept it on her dresser. He took it with him. It would give her something to focus on. The rest of the house was pristine. The randomness of the destruction and the apparent lack of theft disturbed him. What the heck was going on here? The only thing missing so far was Horace. Adam smoothed down the hairs on the back of his neck. He stopped at the truck on his way to the barn. He motioned for Rue to open the door. "The house is clear. There's some surface damage, nothing major." "Thank heaven." "Amen!" Shea echoed Rue's sentiment. Chapter 21

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"Don't give thanks too quickly. I couldn't find Horace, and there's no telling what I'll find in the barn. Go inside and wait, but keep the doors locked." Rue nodded, and Shea gripped her niece's hand. "Come on, girl. Let's get a move on, so Adam can check out the rest of the buildings." He watched until they gained the house and the door shut behind them, then he headed for the barn. The devastation that greeted him there nearly made him cry out. Tools, feed, and equipment were strewn haphazardly about. Strangely, random items−−a bridle, a feed bag, a hoe and the like−−had been left in place, as if to emphasize the madness that had run rampant here. A huge pile of hay lay burst across the ground below the loft, a testimony to insanity. Why push half the hay off the loft and leave the rest? Why do any of this? Leaving the loft for later, Adam continued his search. He discovered that all of Shea's animals−−domestic, wild, healthy, ill, unusual or common−−had been released. The motive for such actions escaped him. His own shelter had seen little damage, but then, he'd had little for vandals to break. The bed, however, was now useless. The pattern was the same through all the out buildings. Brutus was gone, too. Horace and the animals, all missing. It didn't make sense. Chapter 21

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He checked Riddler's stall last, knowing he wouldn't find the horse. He hoped that maybe he'd find some clue as to what happened. There he found Horace seated next to Riddler's water bucket. He had his elbows braced on his knees, his head cradled in his hands. "Horace, what happened? Are you okay?" Adam knelt next to him, checking for obvious injury. "My head, my achin' head," Horace moaned. "Put your hands down." Adam checked Horace's scalp, then looked over his face. "You've got a goose egg the size of an anvil decorating your forehead. Otherwise you look okay. Think you can walk to the house?" The farrier nodded, then clutched his head. "So long as I don't have to nod." "Good, I want to get you settled and call the paramedics so they can look you over." Horace didn't object. Adam took the older man's arm across his shoulder. As they entered the kitchen, Shea spoke into the phone. Rue sat tensely at the table. "Shea," Adam got her attention. "We need the paramedics as well as the cops." Rue left the table and helped Adam get Horace seated. "I'll get a cold compress for that bump. What happened?" Chapter 21

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Horace moaned. Adam answered instead. "I don't think he should talk right now, Rue. Let him save his energy for the sheriff and the medics. We'll all hear it together." Eventually, the deputy sheriff arrived. After taking statements from Adam, Rue and Shea, he questioned Horace. "It was that dang cat. I know how much Brutus means to you, Adam, but you oughta get rid of him. He's too much trouble. When I let him out to, you know, do his business, I noticed he headed straight for Rosie's pen. I chased that feline disaster outta there. "Awhile later, I heard this horrible noise comin' from the barn. I came out to look. Brutus was tyin' one on with that skunk. The fuss was makin' the rest of the critters restless. I chased that cat 'round the barn and up into the loft. "I'm sorry 'bout your hay, Shea. You wouldn't believe some of the places that cat got to. Anyhow, Brutus ran down into Riddler's stall. I went in to get him, not thinking anything of it. Riddler decided he didn't like havin' a cat in his stall and kicked me for it. That's how I got this goose egg." The deputy cleared his throat. "What about the missing animals and all the damage?" "I don't know 'bout that." Chapter 21

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Adam watched Horace's eyes shift. He must be in a lot of pain. "Musta happened while I was out cold. Shea's been havin' prowlers." "Mebbe it's a blessin' you got kicked, Horace." "Mebbe. But if I'd been conscious, your farm might not have been trashed." "And you might have been hurtin' worse." "You got anymore questions, depity?" "No, Horace. I hear the ambulance coming. I'll show them where to go, then take a look around." While Shea and the medics took care of Horace, Adam drew Rue into the den. She stared at the halves of her talisman bracelet, still clutched in the hand where he'd placed them. "Thank you." Her mouth quivered. "Thank you very much." Her courage touched him. "You don't have to be so strong, you know." Grateful for his understanding, she leaned against him. "I know. But I don't want to give whoever did this the satisfaction of my pain." She took a deep breath, grateful to have his strength to lean on. "If I hold it to myself, I can be certain that no one knows." "I'll know." He closed his arms around her and wished he'd been here to stop the vandalism. Chapter 21

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A single tear chased a path down her cheek. "It's okay if you know." She gave a wobbly smile. "But no one else." "Not even Shea?" He knew Rue would say no. "Especially not Shea. She'll have enough hurt of her own." "You're right. Shea didn't deserve this." He continued to hold her. It was the only comfort he could give, and it felt right. "No, she didn't. But since it happened, it's up to us to see justice done." That was his Rue, determined even in the face of calamity. He returned with her to the kitchen. One of the paramedics spoke to Shea. "Horace'll be okay. He should have someone stay with him to watch for signs of concussion. He's lucky. I think a headache is the worst he'll suffer." "Thank you. He can stay here tonight." "Get him to a doctor if he displays any of these symptoms." The medic handed her a sheet of paper. "All right." "Goodnight, ma'am." Chapter 21

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"Goodnight, and thanks for comin' out." The paramedics packed up and left. With Adam's arms around her, Rue stood in the quiet. A soft cough behind them announced the deputy's return. Adam's arms dropped away from Rue. Over coffee, the officer told them he'd found nothing. "I'm sorry, Ms. Doyle. It's too dark for one thing. Even in broad daylight, the yard's too churned up by straying animals for any clues to be left. I'll file a report. But I can't offer much hope. Is there anything you might have forgotten to tell me?" "No. Horace mentioned the prowlers, but you knew about them." "Thanks for the coffee. I'll go file this report." Shea got up and saw him to the door. She returned to the table, decision written on her face. "It's too dark to search for any of the animals, and I'm too frazzled to sleep. I'm gonna work on puttin' this house back in order before I bed down." "I'll help you, Aunt Shea. I couldn't sleep now, either." "Count me in too, Shea. In fact, if you don't mind, I'll stay here tonight and keep an eye on Horace." Adam cast a look at the farrier who weaved unsteadily in his chair. "Okay, you go get beddin' for yourself and Horace. Rue, you come with me." Chapter 21

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Cleaning up the mess downstairs tired everyone out. Sleep became the highest priority. Adam was grateful. He needed time to think over his feelings about Rue. He kissed her cheek and watched her disappear up the stairs. He wanted her safe, and he'd do just about anything to be sure she was. MOST OF THE animals returned on their own within the next twenty−four hours. By the end of the week, only an ewe, the rabbits, a raccoon and Brutus were still missing. The ewe was never found. Her lambs had to be bottle−fed. The rabbits had been nearly full grown and caused few worries, since they would have been released within a week or two anyway. The raccoon was found dead in the field where Adam worked on the drainage ditch. Shea mourned the loss. Victim of a hit−and−run, the raccoon's injuries had been too new and too extensive for the animal to survive on its own. Whenever he could spare time from his normal chores, Adam repaired damaged animal pens and equipment. That he missed Brutus surprised him. The idiot cat is always taking off. There's no reason to search for Brutus.He will come home when he's ready. At least that's what Adam told himself. Chapter 21

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But when Brutus had been gone for more than a week, Adam had to believe that the cat had moved on. The alternative was too painful. He and the cat had come to the farm together. If he couldn't hold on to a cat, how could he expect to hold on to Rue? Maybe he should admit that surviving without his monied influence and social connections was more difficult than he expected. All he had to do was go home. Rue would have her quiet life back and he could... What would he do if he returned to Chicago? He needed time to think. Rue tried to corner him once or twice. He avoided her, claiming work kept him too busy. The vandalism gave him plenty of excuses to keep his distance. Someone had to watch over the animals at night, and for him to sleep in the barn was the best way to do that. Someone had to repair the broken tools and pens. Someone had to feed the motherless lambs. Adam made sure that someone was always himself. Unseasonably hot, May burned its way toward June. His time was almost up. Another two weeks and Rue Clancy would be out of his life forever. Why didn't that make him happy? He'd return to Chicago and a peaceful life. But he had to wrap up his business with Shea before he could leave. If the investments Shea made at his recommendation paid out, he might even be able to Chapter 21

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leave the women better off than when he'd first shown up. That small satisfaction would have to keep him warm at night. It also reminded him that those investments would require some critical decisions in the next few days. He'd better have a talk with his boss.

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Chapter 22 FINISHED WITH her morning check for pests in the orchard, Rue picked up her workbasket and gloves. She started for the garden and her next chore. Still within the trees, she saw Adam emerge from the barn. Shea was hanging sheets on the clotheslines stretched along the opposite side of the garden. Adam headed straight for her aunt. Eager for the opportunity to talk with him, Rue hurried across the vegetable patch, hoping to intercept him before he got to Shea. No such luck. Rue arrived on the garden side of the clothesline just as Adam started to help Shea hang the second row of sheets. Fits and starts of breeze tangled Rue's hair. The sheets bellied like colorful sails, giving an occasional explosive snap. In between the blasts of sound, she heard Shea's greeting to Adam. "You so tired of hard work that you have to help an old lady hang a few measly sheets?" "I don't see any old ladies, but if you see that mean biddy I work for, warn me. I wouldn't want her to catch me slacking off." Shea laughed. Rue sighed, relieved to hear Shea's humor resurfacing. Her aunt took the loss of even Chapter 22

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one animal hard. Shea continued, her tone more sober. "What's up, boy? Y' look like a parson come t' preach hellfire to the sinners." "Nothing so frightening. I need to talk to you about those investments. Have you been following the market like I told you to?" Oh no, thought Rue. He can't still be trying to get money out of Aunt Shea? After the vandalism, Rue had convinced herself that Adam wasn't after Shea's savings. Of course, he never said he wasn't. And, obviously, he'd never stopped advising Shea. Rue had just let herself believe that he'd dropped the scheme he hatched with that Krowski man. After all, the deadline had come and gone. Shea's words intruded on Rue's thoughts. "Yep, and I'm mighty pleased by the progress we've made. I don't know how you figured that little company we bought into was gonna give me five dollars for every one I invested." "I didn't. I figured you'd get fifty cents. That's why I want you to sell, now." Rue nearly dropped her workbasket. A five−dollar return was better than pleasing. If Adam had convinced Shea that she'd gotten that much, Shea would probably do anything Chapter 22

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he said. Of course, he'd want her to sell while she was still making a profit. Shea had five thousand dollars in savings a few weeks ago. How much had Adam convinced her to invest? How much was he going to ask Shea to give him? "Why should I sell now? I didn't see any a them warnin' signs you told me about." "There was one I didn't mention." "How come?" "I didn't think you'd understand." "Try me." "When a company has shown sustained, rapid growth over a month or more, a lot of investors get nervous and sell. The stock drops in value for a while. If the company is sound, the stock recovers, but at a much slower rate." "So why not just ride it out?" "Because you wanted rapid growth investments. You started with five thousand dollars. Your investment in this company increased that to twenty−five thousand. If you want to continue increasing your returns at the same rate, you have to sell and invest in something else that will grow as rapidly as your first investment." "That actually makes sense." Chapter 22

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Why, that low−bellied snake. Rue was furious. Of course selling under those circumstances made sense. If you were dealing with professionals who were bonded and licensed and could be sued if any serious problems occurred with the sale. The breeze picked up. The snap of sheets sounded like rapid gunfire. "When you re−invest, you..." The sheets snapped. "...through a broker or investment attorney." What had he said? Had he told Shea to get a broker or not? "I don't want to deal with brokers and lawyers. Why should I change what I'm doin' if it works? I've got confidence in you, boy." "I appreciate your confidence, Shea. But you'll be investing big numbers. You might draw the attention of the Securities Exchange Commission, especially if you get the kind of returns you want. Life will be simpler, if you do this through the pros." Rue had to admire his technique. He had Shea convinced that it was her idea not to seek professional investment advice. "That chore's done. Best get on to the next one." Rue strained to hear more as the two moved off. "I'm convinced..." Shea's voice rang with confidence. Chapter 22

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Adam's reply was quieter. "...Ask you for a limited power of attorney. It's standard procedure..." Rue waited until she could no longer hear the murmur of their conversation, then sat down with a thud. Her head dropped onto her knees. He'd done it. He'd asked Shea for a power of attorney, and her foolish aunt had agreed. Rue didn't regret eavesdropping, not when it came to protecting Shea. But her heart hurt. She'd trusted Adam, and he'd proven false. What was she going to do? UP AT THE house, Adam held the door so Shea could push the laundry basket through ahead of her. "So who do I go to for this professional advice you think I need?" Shea set the laundry basket aside and moved to the fridge. "Like I said outside, any reputable broker or investment attorney should be able to do the job. Because of my record," he lied, "I can't approach anyone for you, but I can recommend a local firm, Croft Inc. You'll find them to be very professional. Just don't tell them I sent you." For once, he'd use Jack's ex−con story to some advantage. "Fine, I'll call and make an appointment," she conceded. "Anythin' else I need to know Chapter 22

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or do?" She took an apple pie out and set it on the table along with a pie server, two forks and two plates. "Remember that a limited power of attorney is standard procedure and nothing to fear from a reputable, bonded firm. If you have doubts, I'll be happy to look it over for you. I can point out clauses you should ask questions about." "Okay." She punctuated her understanding by cutting into the pie. "What d'you say we have some of this pie I baked yesterday? High finance is hungry work." "Whatever you say, boss. I never turn down free pie." He picked up his fork and dug in. THE NEXT MORNING, Rue watched a tow truck drag her car away, followed by Shea in the old farm truck. Shea had wanted to borrow the car instead of driving the truck to Ann Arbor, but the engine of the car had refused to turn over. Shea told Rue she was going to visit a friend and would be gone all day. Adam would install several new programs on the computer system. Since the project would take most of the day, Shea wanted to be sure her niece didn't need the computer that day. "That's fine, Aunt. I want to spend some time with Birdy, the new gelding that Horace is bringing over today." Chapter 22

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The day passed slowly. Horace came with Birdy, a glossy chestnut. After checking his paces on a lead line, Rue cooled the horse down. All morning long she'd thought about the situation with Adam and Shea and still hadn't come up with a solution. Horace approached from the barn. "Stall's all set up. Birdy ready for his lunch?" "Almost." Rue nodded absent−mindedly and continued to walk the horse. Horace fell into step beside her. "Somethin' wrong?" Rue considered telling Horace about her fears. He was a simple man. Maybe he could see a solution where all she could see was problems. "It's Shea. I think she's in trouble." "What kinda trouble?" "I think she's let Adam swindle her out of her savings." "Are you sure? That's pretty powerful trouble." As they walked Birdy around the corral, Rue told Horace about the conversation she'd overheard. About Adam's strange encounter with Krowski. And about the odd express package that Adam had received the day before that meeting. The day I made a fool of myself and let Adam Talcott take advantage of me. As she ended her tale, she stopped, pulled Birdy to a halt, and gave Horace a bitter smile. The farrier's face wore a twisted, angry look. "That low−down pole−cat, an' I don't mean Chapter 22

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Lilac. How come Shea didn't tell me 'bout Adam's dirty doin's?" "He's taken her in. You can't honestly expect her to go around advertising his past. If she did, she might see how untrustworthy Adam is." "I oughta string him up," Horace growled, looking toward the house. Rue turned her head, spotting the window of the den where Adam worked. "Don't. Hurting him won't solve anything. If I had solid proof that he was doing something illegal, I'd call the sheriff. But I don't, so my hands are tied." She tugged on the lead and set the horse in motion once more. Horace raised a beefy hand and patted Rue's shoulder. "Don't you worry." His expression turned crafty. "I'll figger some way to teach him a lesson." "You won't say anything to Shea or Adam." "Nope. Speak of the devil, here he comes." Adam came out of the house, stopping at the corral fence. Rue couldn't stand to be near him. If she was, she'd break down, begging him to undo whatever damage he'd done to her aunt. "Adam, would you mind rubbing Birdy down for me? I want to go in and get some lemonade." "Birdy?" He looked at the horse, which bore a stronger resemblance to a fire−truck than Chapter 22

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a bird. "It's short for Firebird. The previous owner was a ballet fan and named all his horses after famous dances." "You're kidding?" Adam grinned. Rue's heart lurched. Why did Adam have to be such a handsome rascal? She could see him struggle with the obvious and then give in. "Tell me he doesn't have a horse called Nutcracker?" Adam grinned again. Horace guffawed. Rue's heart raced. It didn't matter how much she loved that upturned mouth; it was false. She forced an answering smile. "He sure does. It's his favorite horse, too." She handed Adam the lead, careful not to touch him. Her chest felt tight. She wouldn't give in to his charm. "I'll be right back. Either of you want some lemonade?" "Yes, please." "Sure thing, Rue girl. Y' want some help?" "No thanks. I can handle it." In the house, she struggled to calm herself. She'd just set the filled glasses on the counter when she heard Adam calling her name. He came running into the kitchen, a dirty black Chapter 22

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bundle cradled in his arms. "Quick, call Dudley. Brutus finally found his way home. I think his leg is broken." She didn't hesitate. While she talked with the vet, Adam laid the cat on the kitchen table, checking for any other obvious injuries. "Dudley says to bring him in right away. He's had a cancellation and can see Brutus as soon as you get there." "Great. Horace offered to drive, so I can hold on to Brutus. Will you be okay here?" She understood his concern but felt that, all things considered, he'd done more harm than any prowlers ever could. "I'll be fine." She went down to the corral and took Birdy from Horace. "Thanks. I'll take him from here." Trying to look natural, she waited and waved the two men off before taking Birdy to an empty stall in the barn. The vet's office was only fifteen minutes away in Hamburg. Still, she figured the exam would take a good hour. Maybe Shea would get home before Adam, and they could straighten things out. Rue spent a little time settling Birdy into his new home. She put a small amount of oats and alfalfa in the feed bag and brushed his coat free of dust. Giving him a pat, she went back to the house to wait for her aunt and to think. Chapter 22

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Chapter 23 RUE PICKED UP the dishrag and swiped at the already pristine counters. Talking to Horace hadn't helped. He was just as angry as she was. If Horace was outraged by Adam's actions, why wasn't Shea? Shea was a lot smarter than Horace was. How could she be taken in when he wasn't? Shea had always believed in Adam. Even Rue's own body had believed in Adam, and she'd listened for a while. Why? She had experience with dishonest men. What was it about Adam Talcott that undermined all that experience? Frustrated, she threw the dishrag at the sink, wishing that she need never think about Adam Talcott again. She paced the kitchen. Why wouldn't he leave her thoughts even for a moment? Why? Only one answer occurred to her, and she didn't like it. She didn't like admitting that she might be wrong about Adam or herself. If she had proof... That was it. No wonder he could get past her defenses−−he wasn't cheating Shea or anyone! Rue didn't know what he was up to, but she knew, as certainly as she knew her own name, that Adam Talcott was honest. Excuse me, the voice of Reason spoke in her head. You don't have any proof of that either. Chapter 23

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Yeah, I know, but I love him, and I couldn't love someone who would hurt me. She froze midway between the fridge and the sink. The realization that she loved Adam horrified her. Oh, honey, Reason called out. You got it bad. Didn't Paul the rip−off artist teach you anything? Absolutely. He taught me what a relief it was to get rid of a jerk. Even if the jerk stole every cent I had. Now I can't imagine a world without Adam. It's too painful. She'd never been in love before, not real love. Rue moved around the kitchen. She wasn't sure she wanted to be in love. She washed the glasses. Love was scary. Just look how much loving her parents had hurt when they died. Straightening the clutter of everyday living, she wished she understood her feelings better. She wished Shea would return, so they could talk. When, for the fourth time, she nearly tripped over Shea's box of old Cat Fancier magazines, she decided to shove it under the kitchen table. Adam could haul it to the den when he got back from the vet. Then, she'd sit him down and find out exactly how he felt about her and what he and Shea were up to. With nothing better to do until Adam or Shea returned, Rue took a magazine from the top of the box, poured herself a glass of water and sat down. Chapter 23

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'MILLIONAIRE'S CAT MISSING,' blared a headline on the front cover. Rue looked at the date of the issue. May, which meant the magazine had probably hit the stores in late April. The cat had gone missing months ago. She empathized with anyone, rich or poor, whose treasured pet disappeared. She opened the magazine to the article about the cat, and found a two−page spread. One page was filled with the face of a cat that looked exactly like Brutus. Mrs. Lettitia D. VandeWerde announced a $500,000 reward for the safe return of her Grand Champion Main Coon−−Rex Sultani Brutii. The cat disappeared April 1st, but was not missed because Mrs. VandeWerde believed that a friend was playing an April Fools Day joke on her. When the cat remained lost for more than twenty−four hours, Mrs. VandeWerde contacted her friend who assured her that he had no knowledge of the cat's whereabouts. Mrs. VandeWerde then contacted the police. The case remains unsolved, and police are hoping that the offer of reward will bring new information to light. This was just too weird. Letty VandeWerde and Aunt Shea had been girlhood best friends. Rue had grown up listening to stories of their escapades. She knew the two women still exchanged Christmas cards. It couldn't possibly be the same cat, could it? Could two cats have the same exact set of odd patches and swirls on their faces? The cats had to be Chapter 23

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one and the same. So how had Letty's cat ended up with Adam? Rue puzzled over the possibilities. The phone rang. Leaving the magazine open on the table, Rue walked to the phone and picked up the handset. "Hello?" "Hi, Rue?" Her disappointment at hearing Dudley's voice surprised her. She hadn't realized how eager she was to hear Adam's deep tones. "Yes, Bill, it's me." "Did Horace and that hired hand of your aunt's leave the farm yet?" She looked at the clock. Faint alarm shivered up her spine. Horace knew Letty. He even did work for her in Grand Rapids. Could he be acting out revenge for a long rejected love? The idea was absurd. Yeah, about as absurd as Letty's cat showing up at the farm. "They should have arrived by now. If this is a joke, it isn't funny. They left over an hour ago." "No, this isn't a joke. I'm worried about that cat. If the injuries are serious and go untreated long enough, it could go into shock and die." The shiver stiffened into definite fear. Absurd or not, she had to do something, and Chapter 23

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Horace's long−held fondness for Letty was all she had to go on. "That's terrible, but I'm more concerned about Horace and Adam. Where could they be?" When Adam had disappeared during the rainstorm, she'd sat and waited. An agony of worry ate at her the entire time, and she hadn't even known she loved him then. Now she knew she loved him. She wasn't about to sit and wait this time. Her man was in trouble. She had to take action. "Bill, is your calendar clear for the rest of the day?" "Yeah, why?" "My car's in the shop. Can you drive me to Grand Rapids? I need to get there ASAP. You may need to stay and drive me home." "You think Adam's in Grand Rapids?" "I don't know, but I think he'll show up there. Will you do it?" "I'll pick you up in fifteen minutes." After hanging up the phone, she grabbed a knapsack from her bedroom, tossing in a few necessities. She spent the next few minutes penning a note for Shea. When Dudley's horn beeped, Rue was out the door and in the cab of the truck before he could come to a complete stop. "You're in a big hurry," he noted. "Mind telling me what this is all about?" Chapter 23

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At the end of the lane he took a hard right and headed for I−23. "I'm not a hundred percent certain, but I think it has something to do with Brutus." "It figures." He spun the truck onto the ramp and accelerated into freeway traffic. She'd expected more questions, not sarcastic agreement. "What do you mean, it figures? Do you know something about that cat? What haven't you told me?" Dudley remained silent, his eyes focused on the cars around him. "Bill Dudley, you explain yourself this instant." "I don't see why I should. My private life is none of your business." "That cat isn't your private life. Adam may be in danger because of Brutus. Are you too much of a cynic to give up a smidgen of personal pride to help another human being?" "I think you're overreacting. That hired hand of your aunt's is the most incompetent fellow to ever shovel manure. He undoubtedly fell victim to his own ineptitude." "Maybe, but I'd rather overreact than suffer guilt from inaction, so you'd better start telling me what you know." "Okay. I recognized the cat the instant I saw him. He belongs to my aunt, Lettitia Dudley VandeWerde. The cat is a grand champion Maine Coon worth a cool million or two." "Why didn't you say anything?" Chapter 23

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"I thought she deserved a little personal deprivation." "Why would you judge her so harshly?" "Aunt Letty argued with the family when she married VandeWerde. I was a kid at the time, so I don't know all the details. She hasn't spoken to or acknowledged one of us since then. I thought it was stupid to blame me and the rest of my generation of Dudleys for whatever problem she'd had with my dad and grandfather. I wrote and asked her for help getting through veterinary school. Her idea of help was to establish a scholarship. My grades weren't good enough to qualify. I always hated her for giving to strangers before her family." "But you made it through school without her help. And you're a very good vet, Bill." "Yes, I did, and I am. I learned my lesson, though. Never ask for money and don't depend on anyone. I make my own opportunities and take full advantage of them for myself." Rue fell silent. Bill's information wasn't surprising. She already knew from reading the article that Brutus belonged to Lettitia VandeWerde. But Bill's attitude alarmed her. He'd been in Grand Rapids in April when Brutus had disappeared. He'd had plenty of motive and opportunity to carry out the cat−napping. Maybe more than Horace. She still couldn't Chapter 23

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imagine why or how the farrier might have stolen Brutus. In her worry over Adam, had she placed herself in danger? "ARE YOU SURE we didn't miss the turn off for Hamburg?" Adam asked. "We're still headed west." "Been drivin' these back roads most my life, boy. I'll get us where we gotta go." Horace sped down the dusty two−lane with brisk disregard for bumps, speed limits or on−coming traffic. Adam looked down at the cat in his arms. Only Brutus's shallow breathing showed that he still lived. "Don't worry, fella. The vet'll fix you up. You'll be back at the farm chasing Lilac real soon." He glanced up to see the grandmother of all potholes looming a short distance away. With no time to warn Horace, Adam pulled Brutus closer to his chest and tightened his grip on the cat. The cat emitted a weak mew of protest. Then Adam's head hit the truck's bare metal roof. His vision blurred. His ears rang. The truck slowed. Roughly fifty yards past the pothole, Horace braked to a stop at the Chapter 23

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verge. "Dang it. D'you hear that, boy?" "No." The sound of skull meeting metal still filled his ears. Adam shifted Brutus to one arm. With his empty hand he probed the top of his head. "I best get out and look the truck over. Wouldn't want to lose an axle way out here. You okay, boy?" Horace boomed at Adam. "I'll be fine. Just get us back on the road." For a few seconds, blissful silence reigned. Then a tremendous clatter shuddered through the truck, straight into Adam's abused head. Within moments, the passenger's side door opened. He would have toppled to the ground, if Horace hadn't raised a hammy hand to brace him inside the cab. "You better take a look−see, boy. I think the hangers for the exhaust pipe mighta shook loose. But I can't see well enough t' be sure. Losin' a tailpipe won't slow us none. If it's somethin' else, I gotta worry." "Okay, okay." Adam didn't know what he'd see that Horace didn't, but in the interests of getting to the vet faster he'd humor the farrier. He slid out of the cab, then turned and put Brutus on the passenger's seat. At the back of the truck, he knelt on the ground and peered at the undercarriage. "I don't Chapter 23

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see anything, Horace." "Don't 'xpect you would." "Then what...?" Adam turned his head in time to a pipe wrench race toward his temple. "Sorry about that, boy. But I promised Rue I'd teach you a lesson. 'Sides, me and this kitty cat got big plans." Horace dropped the pipe wrench into the bed of the truck. He strode to the cab and got in. The engine caught and the wheels spun. As the truck roared away, dust billowed upward then drifted down to blanket the still form left behind.

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Chapter 24 "RUE, RUE Clancy." Shea entered the kitchen. It was time to clear the air with Rue about the investments. Where had the girl gotten to? Then Shea noticed the magazine and a note anchored to the kitchen table with the salt and pepper shakers. Aunt Shea, Brutus came limping home today. Adam and Horace took him to Dudley, but Dudley says they never showed up at his place. According to this magazine, Brutus belongs to your old friend Letty. You've told me so many Horace and Letty stories that I wonder if Horace stole Brutus in order to hurt Letty. Now, because of me, Adam's gotten in Horace's way. I'm very worried about Adam. I must be certain that he's okay. Dudley's giving me a ride to Letty's place in Grand Rapids. I believe Horace will show up there with the cat. I'll make him tell me what he did with Adam. I won't let Adam be hurt. Shea read the note quickly, then scanned the article about Brutus. "Well, I'll be Chapter 24

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danged," Shea said out loud. "Letty finally got herself a grand champion. I'd better give the old biddy a call. It'll take both of us to fix this, if I'm right about Adam. 'Sides, Letty won't let Rue near the place, 'less I explain why she's got Dudley with her. Letty don't like her family much." AT THE OPEN gates to the VandeWerde estate, Rue held down the speaker button and waited for an answer. Nothing. "Are you certain you did it right? Try it again," Dudley groused. Rue pressed the button once more and shouted into the speaker. "This is Rue Clancy. I called a few hours ago, about your cat." She slid her hand from the button. Dudley touched Rue's arm. "This isn't right, Rue. Aunt Letty is rich. The butler should have answered the buzzer. And where's the gate guard?" "You're probably right." The thought made her sweat. For all she knew Mrs. VandeWerde gave her entire staff the day off every Tuesday. If that was the case, Bill had access to that knowledge as her nephew−−estranged or not. "Here." He elbowed her out of the way. "This is Dr. William Dudley. If no one responds Chapter 24

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within the next thirty seconds, we'll come up to the house uninvited." He released the speaker switch. "You'd think Aunt Letty would be more security conscious, given the recent disappearance of a valuable animal from her property." Rue folded her arms across her chest. Bill's digs at his aunt grated on her already strained nerves. "Your aunt lost a valued pet. People don't always act logically when dealing with a loss." "She dealt with the loss of her family just fine." "You don't know that. You said yourself that you didn't know all of the details." "Hmph." "Bill, aren't you in the least concerned about your aunt?" "Well, of course I'm concerned. If Horace has gone off the deep end and murdered Aunt Letty, the legal wrangling over her fortune will be horrific." Rue rolled her eyes. Bill might be a good vet, but he was a lousy human being. "Come on. Let's go up to the house and see what we can find out." When no one answered her knock at the front door, Rue turned the doorknob. Amazingly the door was unlocked. Rue peered at the dim interior of the house. She could see nothing in the shadows beyond the door. Chapter 24

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"Mrs. VandeWerde?" Silence crept forward in response. Rue stepped over the threshold, Bill right behind her. "Is anyone home?" he called. Frightened by the lack of response, Rue grabbed a candlestick from the hall table and started toward the rear of the house. "Come on, Bill." AT THE BOTTOM of the lane that led to Shea D's Rest, Adam waved the driver of the late model sedan on his way. "Thanks, I can walk from here." As he neared the house, he saw Shea emerge at a run. She was in the truck and gunning the engine by the time he opened the passenger side door. "What's the hurry, Shea?" "Get in and shut that door, boy. Rue's in trouble." She sent the truck flying down the drive. Adam grabbed for the wildly swinging door. He slammed it shut just as Shea took the turn onto the road without slowing. "What do you mean, 'Rue's in trouble'?" "Here, this'll explain." She shoved a crumpled piece of paper at him. He took it, smoothed it out, and recognized Rue's handwriting. He read the note and felt his body tense. Chapter 24

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"I gather we're on our way to Grand Rapids." "Yep. I don't know if Horace or Dudley is behind this, but they aren't gonna hurt Rue, not if I can help it." "It's Horace." "How do you know that?" "Once we were a few miles from the farm, he lured me out of the truck to look at the undercarriage. While I was looking, he hit me and knocked me out. When I came to, Horace was gone. I decided the best thing to do was come home. I got lucky and thumbed a ride from the first car that came past." "You okay, boy?" "My head only hurts a little bit now. I'll be fine by the time we hit Grand Rapids." "Good. I agree it looks like Horace is the guilty party, but why? He's been shoein' Letty's horses ever since she moved to Grand Rapids. He knows how much her critters mean to her. Shoot, he's been in love with her for years. I don't think he'd hurt her like that." "Maybe that's why. A man will do some awfully strange things for love." "Mebbe. Regardless, I gotta make sure Rue's all right." "You mean we." Chapter 24

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They shared a look. "Yeah, we." They rode in silence for awhile. Adam tried to figure out the potential problems and solutions for each possible scenario. Solutions that would create the least chaos for all involved. If he called in the police, he'd be calling in the press. Normally he wouldn't care, but that kind of attention would be deadly to Rue's professional reputation. Social workers were supposed to be discrete, and press coverage of this little incident would hardly be discrete. The only way to resolve this problem quietly was to call Jack. Adam didn't doubt he could handle Horace without Jack's help, but he needed his friend to keep names and faces out of the press. "Shea, have you given any thought to what we're going to do when we get to Letty's place?" "I figure'd I'd take Horace head on." "You might be able to do that, if he hasn't left already or if he's not expecting us." "Rue'll slow him down, so I think he'll still be there. But why would he be expectin' us?" "I don't know. But it's a possibility we should consider." Chapter 24

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"Okay. Tell me what you've got in mind." "I will. But first, pull off at this exit. I've got to make a phone call." SHEA DROPPED down from the wall that surrounded the VandeWerde estate. She crawled up beside Adam, who peered through the bushes at the bank of tall windows that ran along the back of the house. Inside the house, two figures−−one male, one female−−stood face to face. The woman held something in her hands which she clutched to her chest. Shoulders thrust forward, the man waved his hands in the air, then grabbed at his head. He's pulling his hair out in frustration, Adam figured. "You sure this is gonna work, boy?" "If my friend times things right and lands the helicopter in front of the house when I told him to, we'll be able to get inside without Horace knowing it." "Did you give your friend the right address?" "Yes, I gave him the address. Stop worrying, Shea. Everything will be fine." Fifteen minutes later, Jack still hadn't shown up. "I don't know what went wrong," Adam admitted. "But we'll have to try to get into the house without the distraction." "I could go knock on the door while you crawl in one of them windows." Chapter 24

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"I don't want to put you in that much danger. Horace could be armed. He didn't hesitate to use violence on me." "Danger won't matter, if you sneak up and disarm him." "That's too risky. We go in together, or we don't go in at all." "Okay." Adam ran for the windows. Shea followed. He broke the glass of one window and crawled inside. Crouched on the floor, he waited for Shea, then heard her shout. "LOOK OUT! NO, DON'T!" Adam looked up from his position near the window. The brass candlestick aimed for his head was the last thing he saw.

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Chapter 25 HIS HEAD HURT. Something wet ran down his face. And someone moaned. "Adam, I'm so sorry. Please wake up. Please forgive me. Don't punish me like this." Soft hiccups punctuated each sentence. Adam cracked an eyelid. He was lying on the floor, his head in Rue's lap. She was crying over him. "I'll stop if you will." "You're awake. Thank God." Immediately his head was engulfed in Rue's arms and his face mashed against her chest. Pleasant as that was, he couldn't breathe or speak. He raised his arms to her shoulders and pushed gently. She let go of him, and his head dropped back into her lap. He pulled in a long breath and looked at the frowning face of the woman he loved. Rue looked back with worried green eyes. Behind and above her, Adam could see the faces of Shea and Bill Dudley. Rue smoothed a gentle hand over his forehead. "Are you all right?" "Only if you call having a size twenty−three headache in a size ten head all right." Chapter 25

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"Poor baby. I'm really sorry. I started swinging at the same time you started coming through the window." Then she kissed him, right there in front of Shea and Bill. Rue's lips touched his, and he succumbed, drinking in her sweetness as if it were life itself. He circled an arm around her shoulders, pulling her down and across until he could feel the kiss of her body along his entire length. Something jogged his shoulder. "That's enough." Shea's gravelly tones brought Adam to his senses. He heard Dudley stomp off, tossing a crude comment about rabbits and minks having more decency. As Adam helped Rue stand−−or maybe it was the other way around−−Shea asked, "You gonna marry my niece?" He looked at Shea's serious expression, wishing that she hadn't chosen this particular moment to play the outraged relative. "I haven't asked her yet." "Were you going to ask me?" He wasn't ready to deal with Rue's question, or Shea's. As he searched his mind for some way to delay answering, he watched the just−kissed glow disappear from Rue's face. "Never mind." She looked away. Chapter 25

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He stretched his hand out toward her. "Rue..." Dudley called out, "Hey everybody, come quick. There's a helicopter landin' on the lawn." Adam smacked his own forehead. "That must be Jack." Shea looked at her watch. "He's an hour late." Rue swivelled her head from Adam to Shea. "What are you two talking about?" Adam put a hand on Rue's arm. "I'll explain on our way to join Dudley." Shea fell in beside them. By the time they reached the front door, Adam had related his adventures with Horace. "When Shea and I figured out that you might be in trouble, I called a friend for some help. That's him. He'll have a pilot with him." "So you thought I was in trouble, and I thought you were in trouble, and we both came running to the rescue?" "That's about the size of it. Now it looks like the only person in trouble is Mrs. VandeWerde." JACK HUNTER stopped in the doorway with Raoul just behind. "I thought you Chapter 25

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wanted me to provide a distraction. This looks more like a party than a hostage situation." Jack thrust his hands into his pockets. "I was wrong." Adam grinned. "Even so, you make for lousy cavalry. You're an hour late." Jack lifted his other eyebrow. "Raoul touched the copter down precisely at the agreed time." "Central time, Jack. Michigan's an hour earlier." "Damn." "Madre de Dios," Raoul added. "My thoughts precisely," Adam grumped. "Jack," yelped Shea. "He called you Jack." "Yes, ma'am." "You're last name's Hunter, isn't it?" "Correct." "Well, thank the Lord. I'm gettin' mighty tired of keepin' your little secret." Rue raised a brow in question. Adam howled. "You told her?" Chapter 25

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"What could I do, my friend?" Jack spread his arms and raised his hands to shoulder level. "Why you−−! If I didn't like you so much, I'd wring your neck. Shea had me believing that you'd told her I was an ex−con." "Really." Jack put his hands back in his pockets, rocked back on his heels and grinned. "Yeah, she implied that she knew my dirty little secret about embezzling some money from my former clients. If I wanted to keep my job, I had to cooperate and help her invest in the stock market." "You mean you're not an embezzler?" He looked at Rue. "These two, your aunt and my supposed friend, have been playing a joke." Tension edged his voice. "If you're not an ex−con, then what are you?" Now was the moment of truth, but there was something he had to know first. "Rue, will you marry me?" "I don't even know who you are. How can I say I'll marry you?" "You don't know my past. But you know who I am. I'm the man who loves you." "Oh my." She took a step back. "Adam, I don't..." Chapter 25

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"What the devil is goin' on here?" Horace's big frame blocked the light from the open front door. "An' what are all you people doin' in my fiancée's house?" "Fiancée?" The word rang out of six mouths with varying levels of astonishment. "Yeah. Fiancée." Hands on hips, Horace glared at the small crowd. "Letty−pie. C'mon in here. Tell these folks that you an' I are gettin' hitched." Mrs. Lettitia Dudley VandeWerde minced through the doorway. The petite, stylishly coifed woman carried a bandaged Brutus in her arms. She stepped close to Horace, who placed his arm around her shoulders. "It's true." She looked shyly at her uninvited guests. "Horace asked me to marry him when he brought dear Rex back to me." She petted the cat. "I've accepted." "But..." Shea sputtered. "You can't!" Rue exclaimed. "That's impossible," Dudley asserted. "Are you sure?" Adam asked. "Congratulations," Raoul offered. Jack raised an eyebrow. "Thank you. I am certain. It's not impossible. I not only can, I will, butnothing." Chapter 25

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"Well," Jack drawled. "I guess she told you." Shea took over. "Letty, tell us how this came about. We all thought Horace was comin' here to threaten you for money." Letty tittered. "You're kidding." Horace glared at his old friend. "Shea Doyle, you've known me for more than fifty years. How could you think I'd threaten the only woman I ever loved?" "Horace, I don't know what came over me. But I just couldn't figure anyone else who coulda made that mess in my house. Did you do it?" Horace blushed. It wasn't a pretty sight, and Adam felt embarrassed for the man at the same time that he thought the big fella deserved worse. "I'll confess, Shea. It was pretty much like I told ya. I was chasin' that cat, only it wasn't 'cause he wouldn't come inside after doin' his business. It was 'cause he wouldn't let me put him in a box, so I could take him back to Letty." "So you knew the cat belonged to Letty. Why didn't you just say so?" "You woulda told Letty I was still soft on her. I couldn't let anyone tell her 'fore I did. 'Sides, I knew she'd kiss me if I brought her cat back, and that would give me a chance to tell her how I felt." Chapter 25

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Shea shook her head. "Horace, you're a fool." "But he's my fool." Letty beamed at her husband−to−be. "If you wanted the cat, in order to return it to Letty, why did you knock Adam out after you told him you had plans for the cat?" Rue spoke up, asking the question that made Adam's head hurt when he thought about it. The farrier turned to Adam. "Heard that, did you?" "Barely." "Just so you know, I hit you 'cause you were tryin' to swindle Shea, and I promised Rue I'd take care of you." "But I'm not trying to swindle Shea." Horace looked to Rue. "He tellin' the truth?" "I'm afraid so. Seems I jumped to the wrong conclusion. But Adam, why didn't you tell me?" "I couldn't." "Why not? You claim you love me. Can't you be honest with the woman you love?" "Ask Jack." All eyes turned to Adam's friend. Jack looked straight at Adam. Chapter 25

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"Do you agree that by calling me for help, you lost?" Adam nodded. "Well then, since I have all these witnesses. Adam couldn't say anything because I'd bet him that he couldn't survive as a manual laborer for a full eight weeks without using his money or personal contacts." "I almost made it, too." "Yeah, but almost isn't good enough. Now you've got to turn over the reins of AFD Inc. to me." "I don't mind too much. I've got other fish to fry." Adam looked around for Rue, but couldn't find her. Shea nudged him. "She went down the hall toward the back." Without a word, Adam strode in the same direction. He caught up with Rue just as she stepped outside onto the patio. "Wait." He touched her arm. She turned toward him but refused to look him in the eye. "What?" "You haven't answered my question yet." "What question?" Chapter 25

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"Will you marry me?" "Oh, that question." "Well?" "I don't think I can." "Why not?" She folded her arms and gave him a hard look. "You deceived me." "I didn't even know you when I made that bet with Jack. I was wrong for not telling you. Once I discovered I love you, I should have, and I'm sorry. Marry me, please." "You have money." She said money like it was some kind of plague. "If that's a problem, I'll give it all away." He reached out and took one of her hands, pulling her close. "How will you support a wife and family if you give your money away?" "I'll talk Shea into keeping me on as a hired hand. She'll be able to afford it, if she keeps on investing the way I advised her to do." Rue chuckled. "You're the worst farm hand I ever met. You'd bankrupt Shea in less than a month." "Wanna bet on that?" Chapter 25

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She shook her head. "Haven't you learned anything?" He put his hand on her cheek. "I've learned that I love you, and I'd do anything for you." Rue touched her lips to his. "I love you, too."

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Epilogue April 2 of the following year RUE LOLLED IN bed as Adam came into the room. "We got a post card from Horace and Letty." "Where are they this time?" "Majorca." "Do you think they'll make it home in time?" She rubbed her swollen abdomen. "Probably." He leaned over and kissed her as he got into bed. "We've still got six weeks before the baby's due." Rue snuggled up against him, her head nestled on his shoulder. "Don't you think you were a little hard on Jack?" "No, Jack is perfectly capable of having fun on his own if he tries." Adam folded her into his arms and rubbed her back. "You don't think it's a trifle unfair to use the birth of our child as his deadline? It's not a very precise date, and he gave you eight solid weeks. I could be early." Epilogue

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"Jack deserves to have just as miserable a time as I had before I realized how lucky I was." He nibbled at her ear. Rue's breath hitched. "I can't argue with you there. His challenge made me pretty unhappy too, for a while." "Since we're in agreement on Jack," Adam's hand wandered from her lower back to her breast, "what do you say we forget him and concentrate on more interesting topics." "What did you have in mind?" "Let me demonstrate..." ~ The End ~

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