The cottage was the size of a regular three-bedroom house in town. It had its own fenced yard and was delightful. Obviously built by the pioneer who first owned the land way back when, it too had extensive renovations and was fresh and clean… well, a little dusty like the house, but nothing a mop and bucket wouldn’t fix. She moved to the barn. It had an impressive stable, hayloft, and housed the generator. The cellar was huge and she could convert half of it into a safe room. As money wasn’t a problem, she’d be able to make this property secure and it was far enough away from anyone to worry about snooping neighbors. She’d remain in town, select her furniture, and then move in when everything was completed.
Smiling, she turned to look at Davis. “I like it. Take me back to your office and we’ll make a deal.”
When Jenna offered a price, subject to a house inspection, Davis accepted it by rubbing his hands together and smiling. He’d arrange for the inspection to be carried out at once, which surprised her, but work was slow in town right now. She needed someone to oversee the legalities and discovered there was only one available lawyer in town, James Stone, a defense lawyer, who she found had his hand in every pie and would for a substantial fee oversee the transfer of the deed. After Davis made a call, she walked across the road and a woman at the front desk ushered her into James Stone’s office.
“Miss Alton, welcome to Black Rock Falls.” James Stone, a handsome man in his thirties, flashed her a white smile.
From his attire, he preferred the expensive brand names and she recognized an expensive cologne. His gaze raked her with undisguised admiration and heat filled Jenna’s cheeks. “Thank you. It looks like a nice place to live.”
“It’s a good place to hide.” Stone’s lips curled up at the edges. “We’ve more criminals hiding off the grid in the forest than most towns hereabouts, but they keep out of sight. Do you have a dark past? If so, I’m here if you need me.” He leaned forward. “You can say anything you like to me, Jenna. As a client, we have confidentiality.”
Dumbfounded, Jenna stared into his dark eyes. Not friendly eyes, they had an unreadability about them, maybe something he’d perfected as a defense lawyer. “Well, Mr. Stone, I honestly hope I’ll never need your defense expertise. I feel we might be knocking heads, if I get the job I’m applying for in the morning.”
“And what is that?” He gave her a slow smile. “Not a prosecutor I hope.” He chuckled.
Jenna leaned back in her chair. This guy was so smooth, obviously well educated, which made her wonder why he’d decided to live in a small backwoods Montana town. He came over as a big-city lawyer and she doubted he’d make his fortune here. “I’m a cop—well, let’s say I retired from the police force and decided to apply for the position of deputy. I don’t have any skeletons in my closet. I had a failed relationship and wanted a new start is all. I’m not hiding. I’m going to be out in plain sight.”
“You’re very young to have retired.” He twirled a pen in his fingers and looked closely at her. “It must have been some breakup.” He seemed to shake himself. “Okay let’s get down to business. Mr. Davis will send over the paperwork as soon as the inspection is completed and you’re satisfied. When you want to proceed, have the funds transferred so we can get the paperwork moving. I’ll need a retainer and I’ll file everything you need. It usually takes about six weeks, but things are slow in town right now, so maybe sooner.” He pulled out a document and pushed it across the table. “This is my permission to proceed on your behalf and my retainer. Give me your details, sign both copies, and take one. You can pay by check or card. See the woman on the front desk.”
Jenna nodded, completed the documents, and stood. “Thanks. If the inspection comes back clean, I’ll transfer the cash today.”
“I’ll be in touch.” Stone stood and shook her hand.
Once she’d arranged the payment for his retainer, she spent some time in town. She went back to Aunt Betty’s Café and had a long conversation with Susie about the town. Susie Hartwig was a font of information and gave her names of suitable contractors along with phone numbers. She spent a happy hour or so immersed in the delicious aromas of fresh baking, drinking coffee, and sampling a cherry pie straight from the oven. She’d found paradise in a diner in the middle of nowhere. The house would fly through the inspection. She’d taken a good look around and it appeared as solid as a rock. The only problem would be getting the contractors to make the changes and arrange for furnishings within three months. To her surprise, she’d either hit on a slow day or Black Rock Falls was a walk-in, walk-out kind of town. Everyone she’d needed was available and could start work the moment she gave them the go-ahead.
When the call came from the man inspecting the property, she listened with interest to his report. He’d picked out a few minor things. A few roof shingles needed replacing and he’d suggested a new furnace, but apart from that the house was good to go. She called James Stone and instructed him to proceed. Excitement made her burst out in laughter as she headed for the bank. Once inside, she introduced herself and a woman led her into the manager’s office. She pushed her bangs from her eyes. She’d never get used to the new look. The man behind the desk stood and smiled at her.
“Miss Alton.” He waved her to a chair. “I’ve been waiting for you to arrive. We are so glad you’ve chosen to settle in our little town. I’m sure you’ll be happy here.” He opened a drawer with a key from a heavy bunch and smiled at her. “Everything is ready to go.” He slid a checkbook and ATM cards across the table. “It’s just as you arranged.”
She’d signed forms and the US Marshals had opened an account for her with a decent balance, but she’d made her own arrangements and there was no need for the marshals to know about her secret account. All she had to do was to pick up the ATM cards and set the PINs. She nodded and examined the cards. She pushed the card for her secret account toward him. “I’ll need to transfer a substantial amount of money into this account at once and arrange payment for a ranch I’ve just purchased.”
“Not a problem.” The bank manager opened his hands wide. “I’m here to make all the necessary arrangements you need.”
With ease, she transfe
rred a considerable amount from her offshore account and arranged to have the new account trickle-fed by the interest. In the meantime, she had about six weeks before the house was settled to decide on furniture. But first, she’d make the arrangements to fix the problems on the inspection list. She bid farewell to the bank manager and hurried from the bank. After calling the contractors Susie Hartwig had suggested, she wanted to happy-dance. She owned a ranch!
Excited, she climbed into her vehicle and headed for the address Davis had given her. She found the small house on Main. It was a relief to be in the middle of town. With so many people walking by, it was doubtful anyone from her past would try anything. She bit her lip, thinking about living alone on the ranch. Would she ever stop looking over her shoulder? Stepping out of her vehicle, she stared at the rental. It was an older-style redbrick with a beautiful garden, neat and well-tended. She unloaded her bags from the vehicle and headed inside. The smell of beeswax and pine disinfectant greeted her. It was as neat as a pin. She walked around the house, peering into rooms and closets. Everything had been supplied. There were some canned goods, but she needed groceries. Being slap bang in the middle of town, she soon found all the stores she needed within walking distance. It was such a beautiful day she spent a couple of hours moving from store to store. Every place she went, the townsfolk greeted her like an old friend and there was genuine enthusiasm and offers of help when she told them she’d be making Black Rock Falls her home. They answered all her questions and she’d added to her list of recommended contractors. After some thought, she’d decided to divide the construction of the safe room into sections, giving each contractor a small piece of the puzzle. The reinforced door she’d purchase from another town and have the contractor deliver and install it. She’d use two security firms, one for the fence and another for the safe room and house. It would take a lot of planning, but it would be the only way to keep safe.
She spent a nice afternoon selecting and ordering furniture and household goods. Most of the suppliers had been able to fit in with her schedule. That night she climbed into bed relaxed and happy. Now all I need is a job.
Thirteen
The meeting with Mayor Rockford the following morning was interesting. Walters had already sworn Jenna in as a deputy. He’d given her a badge and a sheriff’s department jacket, but she would have to wait for him to order her a uniform. The mayor agreed to allow her to campaign in the elections for the position of sheriff, but made it quite clear she’d have to prove herself as a deputy before she gained his vote. When Walters escorted her to enter her name on the ballot, she stared at him. “Are you sure the townsfolk will vote for me?”
“Of course, they will. You’ll be just what the doctor ordered. A fresh broom as they say, and you won’t have to worry. I’ve been deputy here for many years and people listen to me.” Walters beamed at her. “We need new blood in town and, with your qualifications, you’ll be the most suited for the job. I’ll get you out meeting people and help you get everything printed up for your campaign.” He gave a belly laugh. “We’ve been advertising for deputies for a time. Another one or maybe two will spread the workload. With the rodeo circuit and the festivals, not to mention the football and hockey, the more the merrier.”
Slightly off kilter and overwhelmed by the speed things were happening, but determined to work her butt off to make the grade, Jenna slipped on the jacket, secured her badge, and smiled. “Okay. That’s good to know. I guess we’d better head back to the sheriff’s office. I’ll need a duty belt if I’m going out on patrol.”
As they arrived at the sheriff’s office, she looked at Walters. “It’s just as well you have men’s uniforms on hand for any new deputies we can entice to join us. If I’m elected, I’ll only be wearing the jacket. I move better in jeans and a T-shirt.” She stopped at the sight of an attractive African American woman standing behind the front counter.
“Magnolia Brewster, meet our new deputy, hopefully to become our next sheriff, Jenna Alton.” Walters grinned broadly. “Maggie here runs everything, answers the phone, and collects the fines.”
Jenna smiled. “It’s great to meet you, Maggie.”
“Likewise, I’m sure.” Maggie inclined her head. “Will you be wanting a duty belt? I have a few different sizes of the basic belt, but you’re the smallest deputy we’ve had so far.” She went to a chest of drawers and pulled out a belt. “Try this on for size.”
Fitted out, with her own Glock in the holster, she smiled at Deputy Walters. “Okay, can I look through your case files? I’d like to be up to date.”