Caught in the Act (Independence Falls 2)

“Can you go any faster?” she asked.

“Not if you want to get home in one piece,” he said. “Have a little faith in your brother. I’m sure he’ll do the right thing.”

“Brody always thinks he’s right. But if he sends those poor animals away, with no place else to go . . .” She shook her head. “How much longer?”

“Honey, we’ve only been in the car for five minutes.” It would take them another forty-five to get back to Independence Falls. “Sit back and try to relax.”

She grunted as if he’d suggested the impossible.

“Tell me, do you have any other places in mind for Georgia’s party?” Liam asked, hoping the conversation would distract Katie from her burning desire to get home.

“I do,” she said. “But the research for the next idea on the list, well, let’s just say it is a little more involved.”

“Than a mechanical bull?”

She nodded. “I want to check out a place on the west side of the Independence Falls Reservoir. I was hoping to drive over Saturday.”

“That side of the lake is surrounded by national forest. You’ll need to park your car a ways out and hike in.”

“I know, but it’s the next thing on Georgia’s list. And after seeing the bar tonight, probably the most practical.”

“As her brother, I vote for hiking and camping. But getting to that side of the reservoir is a mile and half mostly uphill.” Liam had no doubt Georgia could do it. She had traveled on foot while hauling a seriously heavy pack when stationed in Afghanistan. But the others?

“That’s one helluva way to kick off a bachelorette party,” he added.

“I know,” Katie said. “And getting everything out there will be a challenge.”

Liam stole another glance at her. She’d relaxed her death grip on her phone. “Everything? What are you planning to bring to the party?”

“Trust me, you don’t want to know. It’s one of your sister’s wild ideas, but Eric would hate it. And if we have to hike out there, it won’t happen anyway.”

“You could come at it from the other side. Cross the water by boat,” Liam said, knowing he should stay out of it. If Eric would hate Georgia’s plans, he probably would too. But the thought of more “research” with Katie kept the wheels in his mind turning.

“I have a friend who owns a small motorboat and docks it over there. We might be able to borrow it,” he continued. “If the water level isn’t too low this time of year.”

She cocked her head to one side as if considering the idea. “Too low even for a motorboat?”

“The reservoir is manmade on cleared land. Lots of stumps underneath when the water level is low. And we’ve had a dry few months.”

They were nearing the end of fire season, but this one had been rough. A few weeks earlier, Liam had fought a massive blaze on a piece of property he’d been harvesting. And afterward, he’d faced an investigation that had nearly cost him his job and his best friend. He was more than ready for the constant rains the Pacific Northwest was known for, but Mother Nature wasn’t cooperating.

“But I’ll make the call,” Liam added. “Are you free this weekend?”

“Saturday might work. I would need to see about the cabin first. And make some other arrangements.”

“Saturday’s great. If you don’t mind heading out in the late afternoon. We’re planning to get the last of the trees on Mrs. Wilson’s property harvested that morning.” And thank goodness for that. He wanted the excuse to stay the night with her alone in a cabin. After tonight, in the club, feeling her respond to his touch, he wanted her. But he planned to take his time. He’d meant what he’d said in the parking lot. He needed to do this right.

THIRTY MINUTES LATER, Katie dropped Liam off on the street in front of his house with a promise to call the cabin about Saturday, and sped toward home. Turning down the driveway, her hands tightened around the steering as the house came into view. There was no sign of the horse trailer. But her big brother sat on the front porch.

Katie parked her wagon and climbed out, fighting to control her temper. She approached Brody, noting the way his eyes widened at the sight of her dress.

“Where are the horses?” she demanded.

“They’re in the barn.” He pushed off the steps, shoving his hands in his pockets. “Chad and Josh are feeding them now.”

Temper gave way to a flood of relief. Katie rushed over and threw her arms around her big brother, her face resting against his T-shirt. “Thank you. The whole drive back, I was so scared you would send them away.”

“The sheriff was out of options. We were his last hope. And I would hate to see them go to a slaughterhouse.” Brody hugged her back, but then drew away, looking down at her. “But we can’t afford to keep them, Katie.”