Page 52 of Heather's Truth

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As they hiked through the state park in the fading twilight, Heather kept her mind on a short leash. She wasn’t going to like what they were about to witness, but it was necessary to getting the job done.

It helped her to think of it as a hunting trip. The weather was perfect with a clear sky and the full moon on the rise. If only this were as simple as bagging a deer.

Lester would walk in thinking only of cashing in on a sick sport. She smiled to herself, imagining his reaction when he realized he was wrong, that tonight marked the beginning of his downfall. Tonight, the predator would be prey and she’d have the best possible trophy, though she couldn’t imagine ever telling anyone about it.

Behind her, Dale moved with a confident, quiet step that impressed her. He’d only questioned her once, when they’d arrived, but he trusted her assessment of where the fight would be staged.

Being out here in the woods soothed her, despite knowing how much she’d hate what was coming. And it was a huge relief to be away from her phone as J.C. had started sending her text messages about “that ring” and her decisions.

“That ring” remained on her hand, even under a pair of thin gloves, since Dale refused to break character.

She held up her closed fist, and Dale halted two paces behind her. She checked her watch, knowing there were hours yet, so she took a chance and pointed at the shallow hole tucked back amid the trees. “They didn’t bury the losers deep enough last time they used this site,” she said, disgusted. “The increased scavenger activity was one of the first red flags.”

“The park ranger’s frustrated email didn’t hurt,” Dale replied.

“Not a bit,” she agreed. “Nor did the sudden rise in wounded, feral dogs in the neighborhood to the south.”

“Cocky criminals make mistakes. Remember that tonight,” he whispered at her ear. “Let’s get into position.”

She moved forward, leaving the remains behind as they scouted the perimeter of the clearing. Relieved to discover they were completely alone in this remote corner of the state park, she hoped Lester’s arrogance at not posting a patrol helped them bring down his operation.

Judging from the dirt road, they chose a small depression away from the natural clearing to set up their impromptu camp. It seemed the best way to get as many faces as possible without risking discovery once Lester’s team arrived.

“All we have to do is wait,” she whispered.

Chapter 11

Dale stared up at the night sky. He hadn’t seen so many stars since the mission that ended his Army career. The correlation didn’t make him feel any better about what they were about to do. He was putting a civilian in harm’s way. On purpose. She was smart and capable and he needed her help, but it still felt wrong. And it felt worse with every moment that she became more than just the intel behind a way to catch Lester. She would never have let him leave her behind, but none of those facts changed the gut instinct that this was a bad idea.

“Are you okay?”

Her soft voice might have been a breeze brushing his ear. He didn’t look away from the sky. “Yes.”

“Are you cold?”

“I’m fine,” he said.

“You trembled.”

Wasn’t much point in denying it. “It’s an involuntary response. It happens.”

“Got it.”

He knew if he looked at her, those wide, rosy lips would be slightly curved. Her polite smile. The one she put on while her mind ran a thousand miles ahead, assessing and analyzing. He hated knowing that.

She was a critical witness for a nasty crime ring. It was hardly the biggest case of his career, but it topped his priorities. He wanted to say the case ranked high because of Lester, but it was becoming all too clear he wanted to wrap this up because of her.

He’d put her in danger and come up with this sham engagement to protect her while he corrected the error, but it had only compounded the mistake. Being attracted to her bothered him. The age difference was the tip of the iceberg. She challenged his thinking and his habits regarding his case load. Beneath the smile that ran the gamut from serene to silly… there was so much more under the surface. Inexplicably, he felt trapped. Caught in a net without a knife.

“You’re twitching,” she said quietly.

“Why do you care? No one can see us.”

“I don’t care, unless you’re uncomfortable. We have at least an hour before anyone is expected to arrive.”

“If they arrive.” He felt her censure in the long silence. Being an ass didn’t make him feel any better, but he refused to apologize. He wanted her out of his life, so the sooner they finished this business the better. God help him if they were in the wrong place tonight. A prolonged, platonic association with Heather would be unbearable.