Page 128 of Present Danger (Rocky Mountain Courage 1)

FIFTY-NINE

ASAC Dan Murphy, Terra’s superior, called early this morning and wanted her in for a debriefing of last night’s events when he returned from a conference in three days. Unlike Jack, Terra never actually fired her weapon in the incident with Leif. Still, she was much too close to the investigation given Owen’s relationship with Leif. She almost laughed at that. But until her superior said otherwise, she was still investigating the archaeological crimes/murder case. In the meantime, she took the morning off to get her bearings.

She fixed brunch for Gramps.

His favorite—a BLT sandwich. The sandwich waited on the table while she waited for Gramps. He had a conference call with Marcus Briggs. Gramps was really going to do this.

Terra rubbed her shoulders to ease the tension. Every sound made her jump.

Her precious family—those in her inner circle whom she trusted most—was near being torn apart. She hoped that Owen was off the hook, but she couldn’t be sure. Then add to that, Gramps had hired someone to break into his safe? She hoped Owen had misunderstood.

All these thoughts fought for her attention, while her heart still ached at the way she’d walked out on Jack. She didn’t recognize herself—how could she ever be that cold?

His words echoed constantly through her mind. “You don’t understand. Terra, wait—”

She blinked back tears and focused on the current crisis.

Owen had agreed to stay out and work with the horses, giving Terra time to speak with Gramps. Her brother probably also needed to work off the pain he felt at losing Leif and learning what his friend had done.

Staring at her own sandwich, she knew she couldn’t stomach it today.

The office door opened, signaling that Gramps was on his way. Terra’s hands shook as she poured coffee, grateful when the mug rested securely on the table next to his sandwich. She eased into the chair across from his place setting and waited.

He emerged from the hallway and took in the food and Terra.

“How’d it go?” she asked.

“Marcus says I have a good track record. I understand the industry in the state, and my daughter’s heroism will play well into the campaign.” Gramps eyed the table as if he had to think about whether or not to eat.

“I hope you’re hungry. I made your favorite.”

He offered a tenuous smile and sat at the table. “Thanks. It’s good you’re here. I’m only just learning a few things about last night. I’m glad you’re okay.”

“Well, it’s over. I’m here and I’m okay. Now, eat up. You need your strength for the campaign trail.”

He took a few bites. “Owen’s connection to Leif could be an issue, and don’t tell me different.”

“I think you could easily overcome it. Owen isn’t linked to Leif other than that he served with him.” Terra took a breath. She should dive in before she lost her nerve. “But there is some other business I need to ask you about.”

Gramps drank from his mug, his eyes boring into her from over the brim. That same displeased look he’d given her when she was a kid and he meant to scold. How ridiculous it was that she felt like a young teenager again, fearing admonishment from him. Fearing she would be the cause of his displeasure. He’d taken her father’s place, after all. She looked up to him and loved him.

He set down his mug. “Why don’t you tell me what this is about, then. I had a feeling you were buttering me up.”

“I don’t like the way you’re using Mom’s heroism to propel you into the political arena.” Those weren’t the words she’d meant to say.

He crossed his arms and eyed her. Gramps could be formidable—another reason he made a great politician. “Are you saying you haven’t used your mother’s death to propel your own career? That her job with the forest service played no role in your current job as a special agent? Or your quick transfer from the National Park Service?”

Terra couldn’t do this. She lowered her gaze.

“Terra, honey, I’m sorry. That was uncalled for. If anything, you’ve used her heroism, her legacy, to drive you. You long to live up to her. And there’s no need.”

Tears gathered in the corners of her eyes. “You’re trying to change the subject.”

“Maybe I am. I love you, and I don’t think this is a conversation we need to have. It only hurts.”

“Last night, a man tried to kill me. Owen’s friend Leif.”

“I know all this.”