Eighteen

Barrett slammed the door of the new Mercedes SUV. Damn Big Elk. Barrett had really liked the Escalade. Maybe it wasn’t the new car that had him irritated so much as it was the meeting he’d just had with Heather’s school counselor.

Heather clicked her door closed. “Grades are just white man’s way to control and catalogue people.”

“You have to at least pass to make it into community college.”

She shrugged. “Even if I wanted to go to college—which I don’t—all you’d have to do is fund a science building and I’m in.”

His jaw clenched. The women he loved most in the world could always ignite his temper. But not Abigail. He may not feel the same passion for her as he did Ester, but passion was overrated. Just the thought of her feminine and pleasing ways soothed him. “Bring your grades up next year or we’ll be looking at military schools.”

Abigail waved from the deck. Her soft blond hair glimmered in the sun and her trim body was draped in well-fitted slacks. So unlike Ester, but he found her immensely appealing. He allowed the five-second fantasy full run. By the time he and Heather climbed the stairs, he’d had his imaginary climax and stubbed out his imaginary cigarette.

Abigail took Heather’s hand. “How was the meeting with the counselor?” Abigail was a good influence on Heather and measured up as a suitable companion for him.

While Heather complained about the unfair American educational system, he turned his attention on Nora. She sat on a bench with her foot elevated. Ignoring Charlie next to her, he said, “Feeling any better?”

Abigail pulled herself away from Heather. “She’s in some pain, of course. But she’s managing with over-the-counter painkillers. She was lucky.”

“The company agreed to give us the hose at half price.” Barrett had argued a half hour to convince them the discount trumped a lawsuit for negligence. “Of course, it’s not worth the pain you’re going through.”

She didn’t seem as pleased as he expected. “It wasn’t their fault. They should get the full cost.”

“The hose didn’t jump off the truck on its own. There has to be recourse for poor safety procedures,” he said.

Abigail’s pleasant smile slipped from her face. “No, Barrett. It wasn’t an accident. Someone cut the straps.”

Heather’s small gasp said it all. Alex was at it again. Still, it wouldn’t hurt Barrett’s feelings if Alex eliminated Nora.

“Did you talk to the police?” Barrett asked.

Even Abigail’s folded arms appeared feminine. “Of course. But that Gary is more interested in Scott’s life insurance, which was paltry by the way, and some alleged threat Nora made to Scott’s mistress at the funeral.”

His deepest protection instinct kicked in, as well as his male pride. Abigail needed the shelter he could provide. “I’ll hire a detective and get to the bottom of this.”

Nora gave a weary sigh. “Great. What I’m really concerned about is the snow making. The pipe is fine. But the sprayers you ordered are all wrong. I stopped the order this morning.”

Abigail drew in a breath. “Won’t that slow the process?”

Nora nodded, keeping her focus on Barrett. “I doubt we’ll get delivery until early spring.”

Temper swirled below the surface of his control. “That’s ridiculous. Do you realize how much that delay will cost us?”

Nora bristled. “I’ve been running this place for a few years; I think I know the costs. But the sprayers I ordered are more fuel efficient, less noisy, and generally more environmentally friendly.”

“Don’t give me the fuel efficiency line. And the noise issue is moot since they run at night when no one is here. You’re afraid to move forward.” It was hard to stay calm when he’d rather smack her.

“Nora, we do not cave to eco-terrorists,” Abigail said.

At least Abigail stood on his side. “You’ve had threats for years.”

Nora struggled to her feet. “I won’t deny I’m scared and worried about protecting Abigail. But this mountain needs care too. I’ll do what’s right for it.”

Charlie raised his fist. “Right on.”

“For just once listen to someone else, Poppy,” Heather said.

Barrett sent Heather a scathing glare. “You’re in enough trouble right now.” He looked at Nora and tried to sound soothing. “You’re obviously distraught. Let’s give this a day or so and we’ll discuss it again. If you still want to delay snow making by changing the equipment, of course I’ll abide by your decision.”

Big Elk’s little buddy better hurry up or I might have to take care of Nora myself. Barrett noticed Charlie narrow his eyes and stare at him. What a waste of skin that guy is.

Abigail brushed her hands together at the job well done. “Letting it sit for a while sounds reasonable. I’ve got a pitcher of iced tea. Let’s enjoy the beautiful sunshine.”

To make Nora feel less attacked, Barrett backed off a few steps. He glanced down into a large cardboard box. He had a meeting with Big Elk tomorrow and would encourage the Alex situation—

His mind registered what his eyes had been reading for the last seconds. Logging records. Water composition. Well numbers. Signed by Scott Fucking Abbott.

Proof. Goddamned evidence that Scott worked for Barrett and of exactly what he discovered. Barrett struggled to hide all emotion. He had to get that box, destroy it. Right now.

“Iced tea sounds nice, but Heather has already missed several hours of work. She needs to earn her keep.” He gestured toward the box, concentrating on not letting his hand shake. “This looks like a box of old records that needs burning.”

Nora collapsed to the bench, all fight sucked out of her. “Yes. Burning.”

He reached down and picked up the box. Slowly, no rush. Don’t act desperate. “I’ll help Heather take it around back.”

Nora looked like a whipped dog. “Good idea.”

Abigail nodded approval.

Barrett hefted the box. “Let’s go, Heather.”

“Wait.” Nora looked up.

No! Burn it now. Do it.

Nora stood and hobbled across the deck. “Leave the box.”

Abigail rushed to throw Nora’s arm over her shoulder for support. “You need to let it go.”

Nora’s face was little more than enormous, tortured eyes. “Leave it.”

Barrett inhaled slowly. “Of course. Where would you like me to put it?” Goddamn it!

Abigail frowned, arguing wordlessly with Nora. Just as mute, Nora held firm.

Barrett wanted to close his hands around Nora’s scrawny neck and wring the life from her.

Abigail finally relented and sighed. “Let’s put it upstairs for now, shall we? In the back of a closet perhaps.”

Way to the back, where Nora wouldn’t want to retrieve it and where he could snatch it before she ever got the courage to look at the incriminating reports.