Please tell me theres more to this plan, Lucas opened, staring accusingly at his boss.
Zach moved his confused gaze from Lucas to Abigail and back again. What plan?
Shes known, Zach. Shes recognizable.
Zach didnt respond, taking a moment to tuck his phone back into his pocket.
Lucas wasnt finished. How in the hell is she going to explain being here?
Zachs jaw went tight in obvious annoyance at Lucass manner. The details are none of your business.
This brewery is my business, Lucas returned.
Lets discuss this in private, Zach ground out.
But Lucas shook his head. Fire me if you want to, but this isnt Houston or Denver. Shes the mayors sister. She has no anonymity. We need to get her out of here before people start asking questions.
Abigail knew with a sickening certainty that Lucas was right. When she agreed to meet Zach up here, she hadnt realized so many people worked at Craig Mountain. Most of them probably lived in Lyndon. She could only hope her hat and glasses had kept her from being recognized on the tour. But she was playing with fire, and she needed to get out of here.
Everything we need to work with is in the offices, Zach pointed out. She has to do it here.
Well, it cant be during business hours. Bring her back later, preferably in the middle of the night. And put her in a disguise of some kind.
Im standing right here, Abigail couldnt help interjecting.
Both men glanced at her.
Youre talking about me as if Im not, she pointed out, feeling miffed.
Sorry, said Lucas.
You dont think a disguise is overkill? Zach asked Lucas.
Lucas raised a brow to Abigail. What do you think?
I think I was stupid to come here. She glanced from one to the other. And so, having enjoyed a nice brewery tour, Ill take my leave.
You still have work to do, Zach insisted.
She needs to leave. Lucas backed her up.
Then be here tonight, said Zach. The second shift ends at ten. After that, nobodyll be here but security.
Maybe wear a blond wig, Lucas put in.
Ill phone you later, she told Zach, anxious to make herself scarce. She should have realized the danger. She definitely wasnt cut out for covert operations.
Youll come back later, he insisted.
Its too dangerous.
Nobody will see you.
You cant guarantee that.
Ill make sure nobody sees you.
Zach-
Abigail.
They gazed at each other for a long minute. Abigail knew a stubborn man when she saw one, and Zach was surely one of them.
Tonight, he repeated. The sooner we get our water license, the sooner youre off the hook.
She hated to admit he was right. But he was. The faster she learned about his business and showed him how to do his research and fill out the application form, the sooner hed leave her alone. There wasnt a single chance theyd succeed, but hed be forced to admit she tried.
Annoyed by the delay, but knowing she had no choice, Abigail headed into Lyndon for the afternoon. There, she took pity on herself and decided to go for a manicure at the Crystal Pool spa. Discovering they were having a three-treatments-for-the-price-of-two sale, she also had a facial and a wax job. Then she stopped by her favorite clothing store and picked up a pair of black jeans and a sleeveless, shimmering, royal-blue blouse with lace insets and a mandarin collar. The jeans were too long to go with her cowboy boots, and she found a kicky pair of rhinestone-decorated, high-heeled sandals to complete the look.
Afterward, she felt better, confident, more like herself. She checked into the picturesque Rose Cottages down by the river. Shed made the reservation thinking shed be finished with Zach tonight. Instead, shed asked for a late checkout, planning to get some sleep there tomorrow before she drove back to the ranch. There was no way she was spending even half the night at the Caspian Hotel, not with the memories of Lucky flitting at the edges of her brain.
Then finally, since she couldnt tell Travis she was spending a couple of days in Lyndon without making a point of visiting her brother Seth, she drove to the mayors residence on Bainbridge Avenue, pulling the truck up to the historic, white, pillar-fronted three-story house. She truly missed the sleek, shiny Audi shed leased over the course of the campaign.
Hopping out, she settled her sandals on the concrete driveway, smoothed her blouse, fluffed her hair and strode up the wide steps to the over-height double doors. It was nearly eight oclock, so she knew she wouldnt disturb dinner.
It was Lisa Thompson who answered.
Hey, Abigail, she greeted with a beaming smile. Nice blouse. You look great!
Thanks. A warm feeling settled in Abigails stomach. She liked being pretty. She really did.
So, howre things at the ranch? Lisa stepped to one side so that Abigail could enter the formal, octagonal foyer. The house had been built in 1902 and kept lovingly restored by the Lyndon Historical Society. The huge, overhead chandelier sparkled with light, while the marble floor gleamed, and notable, historical Lyndon City figures peered stoically down from gilt-framed oil paintings.
Male voices rose and fell from the depths of the house, something to do with land zoning and property tax. It didnt surprise Abigail in the least that her brother was conducting business into the evening.
Its all good at the ranch, she answered Lisas question.
I didnt know you were coming to town. Lisa closed the door behind them, her black ballet flats whispering as she moved.
Just picking up a few things, Abigail made the excuse.
Spurs and saddle soap? Lisa teased.
Apart from Zach, Abigail hadnt confessed to Lisa or anyone else her trepidation about going back to the ranch. She pasted on a smile. A new pocketknife and some baling wire.
Lisa laughed. Around you, I feel so useless.
You are anything but useless. I dont know how my brother got by without you.
I think he had a whole lot more fun before I showed up. Hey, Seth, Lisa called. Your sisters here.
Conversation stopped in the back room. It had once been the original kitchen and dining area, but years ago it was converted into a large gathering room where many of the mayors formal parties took place. A new kitchen had been added to the house sometime in the fifties and updated every decade since.
Which one? Seth called.
Its me, Abigail called. But you dont need to-
Seth headed through the curved archway that led into the living room adjacent to the foyer. Hey, Abby. He strode across the big room and pulled her into his usual hug. What are you doing in town?
A little shopping, she told him cheerfully. Whats up with the zoning?
He pulled back and waved a dismissive hand. The usual. The chamber of commerce wants the town boundaries extended past the river bend, and the ranching community is up in arms over the grazing leases. You staying over?
I already checked into Rose Cottages.
He frowned. Why would you do that? You know weve got plenty of room here.
I plan on sleeping in tomorrow, Abigail lied.
So what?
So, youre here. And youll be up early. Not everybody wants to keep your manic schedule, she added.
Youve never minded my schedule. In fact, I think you liked it.
Well, Im not working for you anymore. And I feel like being self-indulgent.
And so you should, Lisa stoically defended, linking an arm through Abigails in blatant solidarity. Give the girl a break. Shell be up slopping the hogs at the crack of dawn soon enough.
We dont have hogs, said Seth. He turned, calling out, Benjamin?
Yes? a young mans voice answered from the gathering room.
Do you mind running over to Rose Cottages and grabbing Abigails suitcase?
Seth! Abigail protested, reflexively moving to block the door. She was not going to let herself get shanghaied.
Im not letting my sister stay in a hotel.
And Im not letting my brother order me around.
Benjamin, a local teenager who was doing a part-time internship with Seth, appeared in the doorway. A bedraggled, black-and-white puppy limped in at his heels, sniffing its way around the legs of a colonial side table.
Which cottage are you in? Seth asked Abigail.
She jerked her attention back to her brother. None of your business.
Dont start, Abby, Seth warned.
Back off, she responded. She was usually quite amiable when it came to her familys desires, but she couldnt give in this time.
I just opened a bottle of ninety-six St. Germain, he cajoled.
Im not thirsty.
Come on.
Boss, Lisa put in, in a warning tone. Didnt we talk about this?
Abigail was a little surprised that Lisa was willing to come to her defense. Lisa was brash and bossy at the best of times, but she was usually quite deferential to Seth.
This is an entirely different circumstance, he intoned.
Its exactly the same circumstance.
What? Abigail couldnt help asking.
Problem solved, said Lisa, propelling Abigail from the room. Shell stay at Rose Cottages, but join us for a drink now. Bring some glasses, Seth. Then she lowered her voice, leaning toward Abigails ear. So, whats going on?
Nothing, Abigail whispered in reply.
Like hell, Lisa harrumphed as they made their way toward the gathering room. Youve got something going on tonight, or you wouldnt be fighting with Seth over where you slept. Then she raised her voice as they switched rooms. Luis, Harlan, you remember Seths sister Abigail.
Both men came to their feet from a sofa grouping where they were going over some kind of report.
Nice to see you again. Luis nodded.
Hi, Abigail, Harlan echoed.
She barely had a chance to say hello because Lisa kept her moving toward an alcove with a bay window. Tucked into the corner of the L-shaped room, it was furnished with a low, round table, several broad-leaf plants and a half-round, floral-print bench seat.
Are you okay? Lisa asked with obvious concern as they plunked down on the soft cushions.
Im fine, Abigail assured her, putting on a smile.
Lisas eyes narrowed. Somethings off.
No, its not, Abigail lied.
The quick denial seemed to pique Lisas curiosity. Its just us girls
Theres nothing going on.
Really?
Yes.
Lisa tsk-tsked. Its a good thing you dont have to lie for a living.
Im not lying. Why would I be lying? Abigail glanced to where her brother had followed them into the room. She wondered if hed take Lisa to task or pick up his argument with Abigail. But, instead, he paused to joke with Luis and Harlan while he poured the wine.