Unveiled Treasures (4 page)

Rachel heard Todd laugh as he climbed back into his SUV.

Inside the cabin, Rachel dressed in a pair of jeans and a baggy sweatshirt. She had designer labels and tons of expensive clothing, but there was nothing as comfortable as a pair of worn and faded Levis. Why change something that worked so well? Better to save the labels and high heels for someplace more appropriate. She brushed out her waist length, straight, dark brown hair and braided it down her back. After securing it with a holder, she found herself staring into the mirror over the bathroom sink. The mirror needed to be silvered or replaced but she could still see her reflection looking back. She had creamy milkmaid skin, widely spaced, big blue eyes—heavy lids gave her a dreamy look—full lips, a small upturned nose and high cheekbones. She had to admit the contrast of her fair skin and dark hair was striking.

That kiss, that gentle brush of lips had made her toes curl. She was right. The man could definitely kiss. No one had ever made her toes curl before, not even Jake. Looking up at her reflection, she noticed she was chewing on her lip again. Exasperated, she threw her hair brush down on the bathroom counter.

She allowed Jake to slip into her mind. Jake was attractive in a more polished sense of the word. Sharp Scandinavian facial features, perfectly styled blonde hair, clipped short, of course, cleft in his chin, full lips and long eyelashes that any woman would kill to have. He had piercing ice blue eyes that looked through her, but not really at her. His eyes had made her uncomfortable at times. One moment, they would be so hard and cold, then the next, smiling and inviting. It was that intriguing combination that kept women falling at his feet and into his bed.

She tried to forget why they had been together in the first place. Admitting to herself that she had been his puppet on a string had been one of the hardest things she had ever done. Everyone said they made a great couple…they were perfect together. She had been new to the elite scene, the up-and-coming author. He had been kind and helped her through what could have been some embarrassing situations. Protocol and etiquette was second nature to him. He had been born and bred in this circle. Rachel had to acquire it. She frowned at herself in the mirror. “I wasn’t an untrained baboon!” Sighing at her outburst, she let her thoughts wander back to Jake Vanderhuff. She conceded and did have to admit he had helped her when she needed help and coaching. Yes coaching, that was a much better word to use than training. He coached her in areas she needed help with and he had introduced her to some famous and exciting people. They dated extensively for almost a year when he began acting strangely. He had become possessed by his latest business venture. He would become moody and short-tempered. She knew he came from old family money and never was really sure what he did for a living. He had always been so vague, something about importing or shipping.

He said he loved her and when she was with him, he probably thought he did. But when her last book tour had finished early and she came home to surprise him, she found out that he also “loved” many other women. Jake Vanderhuff couldn’t be committed to one woman. Why couldn’t she understand that? He had needs that had to be fulfilled. She was gone so often. How many times and ways had he tried to justify his infidelity to her in the past month? “Why am I torturing myself by thinking about the jerk?” she said. He had hurt her, no question about it. Squaring her shoulders she looked straight into the mirror.
He may have broken my heart but he didn’t break me. It’s time to move on, Rachel, time for changes. Change is not to be feared, but to be embraced
.

After Brutus returned from his romp in the forest, they spent the rest of the morning tackling the kitchen. Well, Rachel cleaned while Brutus watched. It took her a good part of the day to peel the wallpaper off and scrub down the walls. She looked at her watch when she grew hungry and was shocked to find out she had been going at it for over five hours. Grabbing her keys and purse, she called for Brutus. “Come on, big guy. Let’s go in to town to treat ourselves to a fast food lunch and check out the local hardware store.”

* * * *

Todd Bradley stood patiently in line at the counter in Potters’ Hardware waiting for his sister to finish with the customer she was helping. He took these few moments to watch her without her being aware. He was so proud of Jessica. She was a full-time student at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff; working very hard towards getting her degree in Forestry Services. Her goal was to one day be a forest ranger. She worked twenty hours a week at the hardware store and still managed to have a social life. He was impressed she didn’t fall over from sheer exhaustion. Jessica Diane Bradley had been graced with the same gray eyes as he, a gift from their mother. The sandy blonde hair was a Bradley trait from their father’s side as far back as time could remember. She was tall and willow thin with a smile that lit up her pixie-like features and the personality to match, most of the time.

Jessica happened to look up and noticed him standing there. Winking at him, she smiled. “I’ll be with you in a moment, love.”

Something was up; he rarely came in to see her at work. Their usual form of communication was through quickly scratched notes posted on the fridge at home. Their schedules never seemed to mesh enough to spend more than ten minutes together. Finishing with the customer, she turned her attention on him. “How can I help you today, handsome?” Jess loved to tease him. Growing up his little sister, she learned quickly how and when to push buttons to get what she wanted. She only used her personal arsenal on occasion now; she respected her brother and what he had made of himself.

“Hi yourself, stranger. We live in the same house and I haven’t seen you in almost a week. Where have you been, young lady?” He used his most fatherlike voice.

“Since when did you become my keeper?” she tried to mimic the same tone he had but failing miserably, started to laugh.

Crossing his arms over his chest, he straightened up and stood his full six foot two and looked down at her. “I became keeper when Mom and Dad moved back east. It’s my job to look out for you. You can answer the question or I can have you followed. It’s your choice.”

Jessica pouted, “Cut me some slack, Todd. Sometimes it really sucks with you being sheriff. Did you know that? You can’t have me followed! On what grounds can you justify something like that? I’m a grown woman. When will you accept that I’m twenty-three years old and can look out for myself?”

“No can do, kiddo, I worry about you. I’ve got this burglar out there with no leads. This guy is a freaking ghost. The media have named him the ‘Canyon Cat Burglar’. Can you believe that shit? I don’t see you for days on end and then Mom and Dad called the other day. They asked about you and I didn’t know what to tell them! Uh, sorry, I don’t have a clue where she is. Yeah, I know I’m the sheriff, Mom.”

She could see he was tired, it was right there on his face if anyone cared to look close enough. It showed around his eyes most of all. Everyone in the small canyon community was looking to him to stop this person and it weighed heavily on his shoulders. “So what did you really end up telling them?” she giggled, trying to lighten his mood and change the subject at the same time.

“What? Oh, I told them that you were studying late at the library with some friends. I don’t know if they bought it or not.”

“Nope, I burned that one up in high school. Dad caught on when I didn’t get home until after eleven one night. He knew the library closed up at eight o’clock. But thanks anyway. I appreciate the attempt.”

“Figures,” he grunted. “I’m surprised we didn’t have bars on the windows or an electric fence around the perimeter of the property when you were a teenager. I told them I would have you call them back when you had a chance.”

“Hey! I resent that remark. I wasn’t any worse than you were. And yes, I will call them as soon as I get off work this afternoon, scout’s honor,” she said, holding up two fingers. “I don’t have any classes today, so I don’t have to be back in Flag until ten tomorrow morning.” She smiled smugly. “As for this burglar, you’ll catch him. I have faith in you and your yummy Deputy Mike.”

“I’ll ignore that comment about my deputy, thank you very much. Have you talked to Josie from Canyon Grocery yet today?” he said as the crooked little grin returned to his face.

“No. What piece of gossip is she spreading now? Which celebrity or famous person did she see in the store this time?” she laughed, rolling her eyes.

Todd just grinned wider. Finally, he knew something that happened in this town that didn’t directly relate to police work before Jessica did. He leaned over the counter and tapped on her book sitting by the register.

“What are you trying to tell me, Todd? If you’ve got something to say, then say it. I don’t have the time or patience for games.” She snapped. She couldn’t stand it when he held things back from her and she knew that was why he did it.

He grabbed the book and flipped it over to the back cover. Rachel’s picture leapt off the page at him, holding him with those blue eyes. Once again, he tapped on the book. “She’s our newest resident in Oak Creek Canyon.”

Jessica just stood there with her mouth hanging open. “Get out of here! You can’t be serious. You’re telling me that Rachel Hardy, my all time favorite author, lives here, in Oak Creek? How do you know this? Did you see her? Did you talk to Josie? Did Josie really see her?” She did a little dance behind the counter and squealed. “If you’ve already met her, you have to introduce me, Todd. Please oh please oh please?” she begged.

Shaking his head no, he said, “Although she didn’t say so, I think the lady came up here for some privacy, Jess. She’s moved in to and is working on the old Hardy Cabin. I didn’t recognize the name until I saw her and remembered your books. I’m sure she’ll be in eventually for supplies.”

“The Hardy cabin? Oh,” she gasped. “Hardy is a pretty common name. I had no idea it was her family. Remember when we were kids and we thought that place was haunted? Man, I hope I’m on shift when she comes in.”

“Yeah I remember. Mike and I threatened to leave you out there one night. Dad about had my head for that one. Now, getting back on the subject of our new resident. From what I saw of the place, no one has been up there in years, she’s going to be busy for awhile.” Todd grinned. “Well, kiddo, I gotta run, don’t forget to check in with Mom and Dad. You could also let me know where you are just for grins. Unless, of course, you like the idea of being followed.”

He turned and walked out the door greeting customers he passed without looking back. He was sure if he did, he would see her sticking her tongue out at him.

Chapter 3

Across the street from Potter’s Hardware, Rachel and Brutus sat at a small outside table. She was munching on a cheeseburger and onion rings while Brutus devoured a rawhide bone. She watched Todd leaving the store and her stomach jumped. “I can’t let him affect me this way,” she said to the dog. “I won’t turn into a bundle of nerves every time I see him. This is a small town. I’m going to see him a lot.” Her appetite now gone, she got up and threw away the rest of her food. Blaming Todd for spoiling her appetite made her feel better. Opening the door of the truck, she said, “Come on, Brutus, I want you to wait in the truck for me. I know you’re harmless but I have a hard time convincing people of that because of your size.” He jumped up in the cab and sat down on the seat. “I won’t be in there long and I left the window open for you. If you promise to be good, I’ll let you go and run when we get home.” She closed the truck door and patted him on the head through the window. Pulling the sunglasses down from on top of her head, Rachel walked across the street to the hardware store.

The automatic doors opened with a swoosh as she entered. Grabbing a shopping cart, she started off down the aisles going over the list she pulled out of her back pocket. Belt sander, sandpaper pads and an extension cord all went into the basket. Moving further in to the store, she noticed the beautiful young lady working behind the counter. Tall and leggy with short sandy blonde hair, the body language alone just screamed sassy. The faded blue jeans and work boots took nothing away from this girl, if anything, they added to her charm.

Rachel was so caught up envisioning the young clerk as the heroine for a new book that she forgot where she was. Someone bumped in to her cart, startling her back to reality. “Sorry,” she said slightly embarrassed by being caught daydreaming. She gave a timid smile and moved off down the aisle. She continued to shop, crossing items off her list as she went. Once she made her way to the paint and supplies area, she started to browse through paint chips.

“Can I help you with something?”

Rachel jumped at the simple question. She turned to find the young clerk she had been creating into her next heroine standing behind her. For the second time that day, she found herself looking into a pair of gray eyes. “You scared me. I’m trying to figure out what paint colors to choose and not sure what I want.”

Jessica Bradley could not believe her luck. Standing in
her
paint department was Rachel Hardy. She’d recognized Rachel the moment she walked in the store. Not that she was watching the door or anything like that. Trying to find a way to casually approach her without appearing to be a crazed fan had proved a little more difficult.
Well,
thought Jess,
when opportunity knocks…

“I-I-I can help you with that. My name is Jessica, and this is probably my favorite area in the whole store.” Her usually cheerful voice faltered from nerves.