Timber Creek (Sierra Falls 2)

Life shot into his veins. “Of course we can do the work. ” They couldn’t lose this job. Not only did they need the money, but he was sure Fairview could have some big-city builder out tomorrow, razing the building to the ground, and probably for twice the money. “I just want to make sure I understand what you want. ”

“What I want, Edward, is to be the destination resort of the Sierra Nevada. ”

Those grand words were echoing in Eddie’s mind as he hopped into his truck. His family business needed to prosper. He could be responsible and do the work without crushing the rest of Sierra Falls in the process. He and his brother were the best men for the job—in fact, it was a boon that they had the work and not some uncaring out-of-town operation.

A new hotel wouldn’t put Bear out of business—his lodge was only so big, anyway, able to take in only so many visitors. Besides, a big-time resort and spa might attract even more tourists to the lodge and tavern. Not that he’d ever say any of that to Laura. Not that he’d even try.

He was being a smart businessman. He wasn’t being a jerk.

So why’d he feel like one?

Eddie revved the engine and took off to his favorite trailhead. Nothing like a hilly run to clear the mind of everything—and everyone.

Three

“I need to look at the registry,” Laura said before the Town Hall door had even clicked shut. She’d been sitting in her car, waiting. The place wasn’t exactly run like a Swiss watch and was open only according to a bewildering schedule of bimonthly evening meetings, alternate Tuesday mornings, first and third Monday and Wednesday afternoons, and whichever Friday hours the community volunteers could make.

She eyed those two volunteers now: Ruby and Pearl Kidd, the elderly doyennes of Sierra Falls. They’d been in the process of settling in for the day when she’d burst in. They gaped at her, looking alarmingl

y startled by her sudden appearance.

What was wrong with her? The Kidd sisters were in their eighties. Laura wanted information, not heart attacks.

She took a deep breath to steady herself. She wasn’t in the city anymore, and sudden was not the way to get things done around Sierra Falls. “I mean, hi,” she said, smiling and trying not to look quite so much like a madwoman. “How are things with you two?”

“Not as exciting as it seems to be for you, I fear. ” Ruby took Pearl’s purse to stash with the rest of their things beneath the reception desk.

Pearl’s eyes were a little more judgmental when she said, “I know Edith taught you better manners than that, dear. ” They were both spinsters who’d been raised by a fire-and-brimstone father and didn’t hold back when it came to sharp-tongued censure.

“You’re right,” she replied with a sigh. “I apologize. It’s just…I’m a little…upset. ” She suddenly felt choked up in front of these two women she’d grown up with, and she gritted her teeth. She was an adult now, taking charge. Take-charge women didn’t break down.

But Ruby sensed it and told her gently, “Sit for a while. ”

Laura was pressed for time but decided that taking a minute would be a necessary means to an end. Pearl began to teeter to standing, but she beat the woman to it, hopping up and grabbing an old ladder-back chair from the corner.

Pearl smiled and patted her hand. “Tell us what’s on your mind. ”

She dove right in. “Have you heard what the Jessups are doing to the old ranch?”

“Which ranch?” Pearl directed the question at her sister instead of to Laura.

“She’ll mean that old place on Timber Creek, I imagine. ” Ruby’s voice wavered with age.

Pearl’s eyes widened with recognition. “The old Wexler homestead?”

“Is that who—” Laura began.

“Those Interweb people let it go to pot,” Ruby interrupted, and both sisters scowled with distaste and mistrust.

“They bought it and then just left it with a never-you-mind. ”

“I heard they paid cash. ”

Laura scooted forward in her chair. “The thing is—”

“And now it’s abandoned. ” Pearl shook her head in dismay.

“All sorts of critters running around in there. ”