Page 4 of Toxic Truth

“Thanks for that.” He gestured to it. “Now, about the story you just told me. Your car doesn’t have GPS to tell you which way to go? If it does have that, you figured it was wrong so you wanted to check directions on your smartphone even though there’s no reception here? Look, you need to tell me why you’re really at this spot for me to help you as I’d like.”

“I was heading for a resort.”

“Not around here. The only one in this vicinity doesn’t exist any longer.”

She already knew as much. It closed a few years back, making it the perfect hideout. “I own the property. I wanted to get away for a while and intended to use it.”

“You’re referring to Elk Resort?”

Lying wasn’t possible this time. He was a local and would know if she named a place he didn’t recognize. “Yeah.”

“Then you’re wrong again.” He eased the blanket closer to her throat. “I own the resort, all one-hundred-and-eighty acres and what used to be ten cabins. There’s only one left now, where I live. Since you weren’t coming to see me, why are you out here when you’re clearly not dressed for it?”

She spoke through her teeth. “It’s a free country.”

“So I’ve heard.” He glanced past her then retrieved her shoe. “Want me to help you put this on?”

“No.” She yanked it from him and pushed her muddy foot inside. Gawd. Slime would have felt better. “Who are you? You never answered me.”

“You mean, besides the property owner here? Name’s Lucas Rome. This is Caesar.” He stroked the horse’s mane, which was as dark as its body and his hair. “Your turn.”

She couldn’t chance him knowing who she was if his buddies were looking for her. It didn’t seem likely, given his easy-going personality and what he’d already revealed about himself. However, risking anything at this point wasn’t wise. “Why is my name important?”

“Are you a movie star or some kind of internet sensation?” He worked his mouth to stop his smile. “Afraid I’ll recognize you from your name rather than how you look at this point?”

A drowned dog probably had her beat in the beauty department. Hardly caring, she rubbed the blanket over her lenses to dry them but left thick smears instead.

“This might work better.” He pulled a rag from his back pocket. “It’s clean.”

After taking it, she worked on her glasses, uncertain whether to feel bad for treating him like a criminal or to maintain her caution as to what he might do next. Vigilance won out. “Anything else you can tell me about yourself?” She pushed the rag in her jacket pocket. “Like why you’re up here alone— You are alone, right?”

He scratched his stubbled cheek. “If you’re asking if I have a wife and kids, it’s a firm no on both counts. There’s no long-term girlfriend in my cabin either. How about you? You running from an ex-husband, ex-lover, or a current one in those two categories?”

“Why are you in the middle of nowhere?”

New muttering beneath his breath. “Because I like it?”

She swore.

“Easy.” He used the same voice on her that he had with Caesar.

For some reason, it didn’t piss her off but made her tired instead. “I can’t tell you how much it’d help if you gave me some details as to who you are.”

Understanding and kindness rose in his eyes. “Fair enough. I’m former military, Army.” He lifted his slicker. Beneath it, he wore a Ranger sweatshirt. “When I left the service, I came home to Montana. Had a chance to get this property and took it.”

That didn’t make sense. “You’re so rich you bought this place and don’t have to work any longer?”

He grinned, his smile wide and inviting. “Don’t I wish, but no. Even if I had the funds, I’d still want to keep busy and offer my assistance to anyone who needs it. I’m in security, so to speak. I work on assignment. When each ends, I return here to wait for my next call.”

Sincerity rang in his voice and showed on his luscious face. More importantly, he wanted to help people. Still… She’d been cautious for so long, her misgiving lingered. “What did you mean by ‘so to speak’. It’s either security or it’s not. Which is it?”

“Do you always ask so many questions?”

She bounced in place. “I don’t know you.”

“Hey, I gave you my blanket, I’ve offered to call for help to get your car out, and I don’t know you either. Not even your name. Is it a secret?”

She looked to the side. “Kenzie Caltrane.”

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