Special Agent by Valerie Hansen

Author:Valerie Hansen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2017-08-24T04:00:00+00:00

ELEVEN

With a weather forecast of bright, clear skies and no hint of impending storms for a least two weeks, the South Fork Chamber of Commerce decided to announce the rescheduling of its Founder’s Day picnic and parade. Considering the crime wave she’d been experiencing, Katerina was more concerned about that kind of activity than she was the weather.

“Are we going to visit the ranch again and look for diamonds?” she asked Max over the breakfast provided by the hotel the following morning.

“Yes, why?”

“Because I’d like you to try to talk some sense into my father.”

Max chuckled. “You think that highly of my powers of persuasion? I’m flattered.”

“Well, he won’t even speak to me. He might listen to a man in authority.”

“Do you want me to defend your actions and explain that you didn’t have anything to do with the bombs?”

Katerina shook her head. “No. I want you to convince him that it’s too dangerous for him to participate in the Founder’s Day festivities. Particularly riding in the parade in an open car.”

“What makes you think he’s in danger?”

“Everything. Look at what’s happened so far. His stable was blown up, then my apartment was trashed. The awful bombing at the Miner’s Grub should convince him of something.”

“Not if he assumes it’s all tied to you.”

“There’s more,” Katerina said. “It just came to me. When that guy was threatening me at work he mentioned my family. Dad’s all I have left.”

“You care about him. I get that.” Max sighed. “Okay. I’ll give it a try. What do you say we take a ride out that way today?”

“You’re free?” The instant those words were out of her mouth she likened them to the humorous reply, No, but I’m reasonable, and began to blush.

Max noticed immediately. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. My mind just works in strange ways.”

“I’ve noticed,” he said teasingly. “Sometimes you’re so far ahead of me it’s scary.”

“Really?”

“Really. You aced all your classes in school, didn’t you?”

Her cheeks felt even warmer. “Yes. At the time I thought I was chasing 4.0 to impress my father but in retrospect I can see it was a matter of personal pride.” She sobered. “I hope that’s not a sin.”

Max laughed. “You are unbelievable. Think about it this way. If you slacked off and didn’t do your best, you’d be wasting God-given talent. Isn’t that worse?”

“You’re right!”

“Always,” he quipped. “Now finish your toast and let’s get a move on.”

Katerina sipped cooling coffee, then blotted her lips with a napkin. “I’m ready when you are. I just wish there was something I could do for Señor Alvarez. He’s lost everything thanks to me.”

“Stop blaming yourself. If his insurance comes up short I may be able to get him some help from a victims’ reparations fund. I heard that the restaurant kitchen is still intact. If he can rebuild the dining room he should be back in business in no time.”

Her hand rested at the base of her throat and she fought tears of relief. “Oh, thank God. Literally.

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