Page 68 of Scent of Peril

“No,” she quickly cut him off. “Don’t blame yourself.” She sighed. “If you want to know the truth, my relationship with Ella was strained in those weeks before she died. I think she figured out I had feelings for you.”

“Now you’re the one just saying that to make me feel better.” He couldn’t deny her words gave him a thrill. He searched her gaze for a moment. “Did you really have a crush on me?”

“Yeah. A big one.” She flushed. “And then Ella died, and I couldn’t help thinking you must have known about her drug use. I’m very sorry I lashed out at you in anger. I shouldn’t have blamed you.”

“I felt responsible.” He was being honest about that. From that point forward, he didn’t want any secrets between them. “Not because of the drugs, but because I’d broken up with her that night.”

“Did Ethan know?” she asked. “About the breakup, not the drugs.”

“No, I didn’t tell him.” He grimaced. “Ethan said some harsh things to me after Ella’s passing. I didn’t think adding fuel to the fire was smart. Besides, he already blamed me. Giving him yet another reason wouldn’t have changed anything.”

“You are not responsible for what happened.” She kissed him again, sending his heart racing. Then the sounds of Doug and Griff coming out of the cellar doors reached them. Jess stepped back, nearly tripping over Teddy.

He had to laugh at how the dog had gone promptly to sleep.

Doug began issuing orders through the radio. Logan pulled his earpiece out since Doug was standing just a few feet away. Griff did the same thing. Big Al stood with his head down, looking miserable. Logan wanted to rail at him for being sostupid to have gotten involved in drugs, but the man had already made his decision.

Like Ella, Big Al would have to live with the consequences. For now, Logan just wanted his and Jessica’s role in this to be over.

They’d done their part. Nearly dying in the process.

After a brief discussion, it was decided that Doug and Griff would escort Big Al to the Cody jail where he’d be held temporarily until they could arrange for him to be transferred to Cheyenne. The local sheriff’s deputies and the Cody officers would stand guard at the mine until a hazmat team could be deployed to the area.

Griff had assured them they’d found all the areas that were being used by the drug dealers and that the place was clear. The three dead bodies—Andrew Tolliver, Kevin Tinley, and Matthews/Benton—would have to be taken to Cody as well.

“I’d like to take Jess and Teddy home to the ranch,” Logan told Doug.

“That works for me.” He nodded to where Shane and Bryce were coming over to join them. “You guys can head back in Shane’s SUV. I’ll have to stay back to deal with this.”

Shane shot him a knowing glance. “I can drop you off along the way,” he offered.

“I told Logan he can stay in the guest house,” Jess said, before he could agree. “I’ll clear it with Anna.”

The shocked expression on Shane’s face indicated he hadn’t anticipated that response. Logan wasn’t sure where the guest house was located. He’d been to the ranch five years ago for search and rescue meetings, but not lately other than to pick up members of the family in his plane.

“It’s fine, you and Shane can drop me off,” Logan said.

“No. I insist,” Jess said firmly. “Your place isn’t safe until we know for sure all the drug dealers have been arrested.” Shenarrowed her gaze at her brother. “Big Al hasn’t been formally interviewed yet. Who knows how many others are out there.”

“Fine with me,” Shane finally agreed.

Logan was glad to have more time with Jess. And if he were honest, the idea of going to his place alone held no appeal. “Okay, thanks.”

They followed Doug, Griff, and Big Al through the woods toward the Cabin Creek Campsite where they’d left their SUVs. Big Al gave his plane a long look as they passed by. Logan knew the pilot was second-guessing his bad choices.

As he should.

Bryce and Teddy ran ahead, playfully chasing each other. Logan fell back with Jess, so they were out of earshot of the others.

“Are you sure about me staying at the ranch?” he asked in a low voice. “Shane didn’t seem to like that idea.”

“That’s just because we don’t use the guest cabin very often.” She caught his hand with hers. The sun had warmed the air enough that they didn’t need to wear their thick gloves. “I’d like you to stay for a few days.”

“Really?” He knew he likely looked and sounded like a lovesick pup. “Not just because I might be in danger?”

“I wasn’t kidding about that, but the truth is, we haven’t had much time to just talk. About ourselves. Our hopes and dreams. Or lives.”

“I love you.” The words tumbled from his lips. “I told myself if we survived this, I would tell you how I felt. Because we are not guaranteed another day on this earth. And I want to spend every moment from this point forward with you.”

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