That Reckless Night

Vee chuckled as if she found it amusing that Miranda would assume she was that naive. “When we moved in this area we did a little checking around and we found that Big Game Trophy was one of the biggest, most expensive operations in Alaska. Naturally, we wanted to find a way to cash in on some of his success. We saw how he was overcharging his unsuspecting clients and we knew we could offer the same experience for less money. Mr. Fowler has not been pleased with our entrepreneurial spirit. We have had the pleasure of Mr. Fowler visiting on more than one occasion.”

Rhett hadn’t mentioned that small fact. “Be that as it may, when poaching of this magnitude crops up we have to explore all leads. I couldn’t help but notice the less-than-permanent footprint for your business. The seemingly transient nature of your operation might lead one to believe that you’re not planning to stay.”

“I believe in giving my clients the adventure of a lifetime. If they’d like to stay in some fancy lodge and drink espresso all day, then they can hook up with Big Game Trophy. At Vivid Adventures we give them what they pay for—a trophy to put on their wall.”

Miranda nodded, admitting that made a small amount of sense, but there was something about the woman that she didn’t trust. “I’m going to need a list of employees so we can run background checks.”

“What for?”

“We like to make sure everyone is who they say they are.”

Vee crossed her arms over her chest. “I hate to break it to you, darlin’, but you need a warrant for that. I run my business how I see fit. Until you have proof that one of my employees is doing something wrong, you can just go out the same way you came. Unless, of course, you’d like to book an adventure, in which case, Cynthia would be happy to book your reservation.”

“Your cooperation would go a long way to creating goodwill.”

“Save it. You’re on team Fowler, which tells me you’re not on team Walker.” Vee stood. “I believe I’ve answered all of your questions....”

Miranda realized she wasn’t going to get much further with the interview and rose to leave. “I’ll be in touch,” she advised Vee with a narrowed gaze.

“I’m sure you will.” Vee walked Miranda to the door, and as Miranda approached her car Vee had one final comment. “While you are busy pulling my permits and harassing me, did you ever think to look into Fowler’s business practices? We’ve cut into his business no doubt. And yet he lives like a king. Doesn’t that seem odd to you? Instead of harassing the newcomer, why don’t you look closer to home?”

Miranda hated that Vee had echoed her own concern—a concern that Rhett had easily swept away with a vague answer about his reserve. As Miranda pulled away, she couldn’t help the overwhelming feeling that one of her most trusted people in the world had lied to her. She didn’t want to believe that Rhett was capable of something as heinous as poaching but hard times sometimes blurred moral boundaries for some people.

Now she had to dig a little harder into Rhett’s business and the idea gave her a stomachache. As crappy as her day had turned, she could only hope that Jeremiah’s day was faring much better.

* * *

JEREMIAH WISHED HE could say he had a game plan when he walked into Stuart’s office but he’d decided to simply play it by ear so nothing appeared rehearsed. He figured if the day was going to end badly there wasn’t much he could do about it.

When Jeremiah entered the office Stuart was standing by the window, gazing at the snow-peaked mountains. Stuart turned slightly to acknowledge Jeremiah’s entrance but otherwise did not give up his view. Jeremiah took a seat and waited. Stuart stretched out the moment until Jeremiah nervously shifted in his chair, not quite sure what was happening. He’d expected Stuart to start the conversation with a lot of angry bluster but instead he seemed contemplative and resigned. “Are you having a relationship with Miranda Sinclair?” Stuart asked point-blank, his voice mildly weary.

Jeremiah answered without hesitation. “No.” It was the truth. He was not having a relationship with Miranda but he didn’t feel compelled to clarify the exact nature of their acquaintance.

“I received a phone call that someone saw Miranda leaving your house on Saturday. Is this true?”

Jeremiah nodded. “Yes.”

Stuart frowned, exasperation in his voice. “And yet you’re not having a relationship?”

“No.”

“Are you saying this visit was professional?”

“No. Miranda’s visit was personal. She and I had shared tense words a few days prior and Miranda came to clear the air. She didn’t want to be the subject of office gossip and chose to come to my home and speak privately.”