Turner (White Wolf Ridge 1)

“Well, it hasn’t happened yet. I won’t hold my breath. So is there anything that needs dealing with, or am I just going on a cruise?”

“They could use someone to handle traffic up at the exit off the interstate. There are a lot of travelers headed this way, and it’s chaotic. I’m taking the next two hours. I don’t know if you’ll be my replacement.”

“Okay. Let me know if you need me,” I say. Tony nods and walks out of the station, stealing a donut from the box on the counter. He’s a good guy, works hard, and never misses a shift.

“So the boss man called you in with nothing to do. Come over here and let me do your nails while we have time to kill.” I try to dissuade her, but honestly I could use a little pampering.

“I’d usually say no, but I need a spa day.”

“Yes. How about we go after work? We only have to be here until four. The salon at the resort is open to eight. I’ll book us for five.”

“That sounds so good.” I could really use it. I sigh.

Just then, someone calls. There’s a car accident, and I’m needed. I jump up and grab my keys to the patrol car and head out to take the report.

“Ah, this is just what I needed,” I say, relaxing in the middle of my massage. Slowly I start to fall asleep, and then my dream guy pops into my head. I flip out and jolt awake.

“Whoa! Are you okay?”

“Yes. Sorry, I guess I didn’t realize I’d fallen asleep.”

“Who is Turner?” the masseuse asks.

“What do you mean?” I ask, lifting my head off the table and tilting it slightly to see her.

“You called out his name. I don’t know anyone around here with that name. Could it be from where you lived before?”

“No. I don’t know a Turner.” Then it surprises me that it’s the first time I’ve made it out of my dream with his name. I guess there has never been anyone to hear me say it, and I’ve never remembered it before. Turner, I repeat to myself, loving the way it rolls off my tongue.

“Well, maybe you were just dreaming about turning over or something. I could have heard you wrong.” Maybe, or that’s really his name. I’m betting it’s the latter. Goodness, my pulse picks up and I wonder what else I said in my sleep.

“Thanks. Am I done now?” I ask, feeling incredibly relaxed.

“Yes, your nails are next on your list for the day. You can cover back up in your robe and take this hallway down and then to the left.”

“Thank you.” I wrap up in the nice fluffy robe after she leaves the room. I’ve never had this type of luxury. I feel spoiled, but this is not going to be a common occurrence because I can’t afford it on my salary. Still, a girl could use this treatment every six months at least.

By the end of a relaxing day, I run into the owner of the hotel and his lovely wife, Hunter and Catherine Wolfe. “Hello, Deputy Arroyo.”

“Hello. I have to say your spa is magnificent,” I gush over the fabulous treatment.

“Thank you. I hope you enjoyed it. I spent months improving it based on Cat’s suggestions,” Hunter says, seeming less angry than before.

“Us women know what women want,” she says with a conspiratorial wink.

“Have a good night.” I walk out and hand my ticket to the valet. My truck is brought around within a minute, and then I’m off to relax.

When I get to the apartment, Jacob’s in his room. “Welcome home, Maria.” This time he’s more cheerful, but he doesn’t bother to come out of his room, which is fine by me.

“Thank you. Goodnight. I have a five am start. See you tomorrow night.”

“Goodnight.” I like that he’s more chipper than he sounded this morning.

Stripping down to my panties, I grab my nightgown and slip it on. Sleep easily takes over because I’m so relaxed. The second my eyes close, I’m out like a light.

By three in the morning, I’m up and getting ready for another day on the job, but I look and see a note from Jacob. I had to go out. I’ll be back tomorrow night. Don’t worry about me.

“What?” I call his cell, but it goes straight to voicemail.

Damn it. I make coffee and get ready for work, all the while thinking about Jacob and where he had to go in the middle of the night. It doesn’t make sense. Everything about him has been different the past few days. It makes me nervous.

I work the whole day, thinking about Jacob. He hasn’t answered his phone or even returned my calls and texts. Erik’s supposed to be at the station all day, but I only see the sheriff once. I try to talk to him, but he does his best to act busy. Then he has to leave just as I’m getting off work. I don’t like it, so I follow him and he’s at Hunter’s home. I wait, and then I see another vehicle pull up. It takes me a few minutes to work up the nerve to interrupt whatever’s going on. I’m barely out of my car when Hunter and Erik come out, scowling. Then, before I know it, someone pushes from behind them. My mouth drops open, and my legs feel like they’re about to buckle.