Page 54 of Bear Creek Valentine
“You’re welcome. It turned out well, and I just hope it sounds as good as it looks.”
A community orchestra from Philadelphia had been secured for the opening day concert. Not quite the Boston Pops, but close enough for little Bear Creek. The audience hushed as the conductor lifted his baton for the first number. The opening notes wafted from the stage and sound system, filling the park with a lively rendition of theStars and Stripes Forever. People smiled and tapped their feet as the orchestra played, proving that a well-known patriotic number both excited the senses and engaged the audience.
Two more songs followed; theMerry Widow Waltz, andSeventy-Six Trombonesfrom The Music Man. On the last note, the crowd burst into applause, hooting and whistling their approval. The conductor turned to the audience for a half-bow and then stepped down as DeeDee Tillman, the town council, and Ryder Sinclair marched in from the rear of the stage. The honorable Mayor took her place before a single microphone, while the others gathered to her right.
“Are you enjoying the music?”
The crowd applauded again, and DeeDee jumped back in for more.
“Welcome one and all to this brief dedication of the Bear Creek Amphitheater. For many years, this park has hosted public performances, usually during the holiday season. Now, we’re able to provide year-round entertainment with a facility we can all be proud of. What you see today is the result of a very generous donation from Bear Paw Holdings—the same company responsible for the new Pocono Ridge Resort and Golf Course in Blakeslee. I have invited Mr. Ryder Sinclair, an executive of BPH, to say a few words.”
Polite applause greeted Ryder as he switched places with DeeDee. In the audience, Dash gripped Aiden’s hand, tense and uncomfortable.
“Good afternoon. Philanthropy is a central pillar of Bear Paw Holdings, and we are proud to be part of bringing this beautiful facility to the community of Bear Creek. We hope it will improve the quality of life for its citizens and bring economic prosperity. We also wish to thank Mayor Tillman and the town council for their enthusiasm and cooperation on this wonderful project. Thank you.”
Dash finally relaxed and Aiden slipped an arm around his waist. To him, philanthropy meant quiet, personal giving without self-aggrandizement. Until he actually heard DeeDee and Ryder’s words, he couldn’t be sure they would leave him out of it.
DeeDee finished her remarks by encouraging people to remain after the concert for the community barbeque and to visit the new concessions area of the park. With that, the music resumed, and the crowd settled in for a fun afternoon. Aiden and Dash said goodbye to their friends and headed back the way they came. Dash remained by his mate’s side until they reached the trailer, where he pulled Aiden close for kisses.
“Call me when you’re ready to head home. I have plans for you tonight.”
Aiden’s libido spiked, sending Dash’s nose into overdrive.
“I’d come home right now if I could. Try some of the new toys I bought you. Maybe they’ll help until I can get there.”
Dash growled while licking Aiden’s neck.
“Not the same. They don’t smell or taste like you.”
“I know, baby, but it’s the best we can do. You better go before your bear gets too worked up. Love you.”
Dash huffed and fussed all the way to the car, arguing with his bear. With only two or three weeks left of the mating season, relief was in sight. He’d still want Aiden just as much, but better control meant they could do normal stuff without always ending up horizontal. Actually, vertical worked well too...
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Aiden slept like the dead, exhausted from a busy afternoon at the park and several rounds with his randy mate after he got home. Since tomorrow was his day off, he could sleep in late and it wouldn’t be a big deal. That plan was working until his cell phone rang at one forty-five in the morning. It was the security company.
“Mister Romero? This is Four Star Security. Multiple intrusion alarms have been triggered atDeliciousin Bear Creek. We’ve notified your local law enforcement and encourage you to meet them there as soon as possible.”
Dash heard everything, and they rushed to get dressed. Neither said a word on the way, both wondering what they’d find this time. On a hunch, Aiden skipped the back entrance and found two sheriff's squad cars in front, strobes flashing. There were gaping holes in both large windows and the door, with glassscattered everywhere. Security floodlights lit up the entire area in front of the shop.
Dash began growling and Aiden, who rarely cursed, let loose a string of invective that could put a drunken sailor to shame. He hurriedly parked and approached the shop, met by one of the deputies who’d been here before and recognized Aiden.
“As far as we can tell, they broke the windows and left in a hurry. If you could turn off the alarm, we’ll check out the rest of the building.”
The grit of broken glass crunched underfoot as he unlocked the door and stepped inside far enough to punch in the code and flip on the lights. Dash came with him, refusing to leave his side and sniffing the air for further signs of trouble. The shop floor was covered with glass and several large rocks. Some of the ceramic tiles were also smashed, leaving his clean, beautiful floor a jagged wreck.
One deputy remained on the sidewalk while the other investigated the back of the shop. Moments later, he returned to the front and beckoned to Aiden.
“There’s no one here and I don’t see any damages, but I need you to check for yourself.”
Aiden and Dash made a thorough sweep and found nothing damaged or missing. A peek out in the alley also revealed nothing amiss. When the shop phone suddenly rang, it startled everyone briefly. It was Four Star Security, asking for an update. Aiden explained what happened and that law enforcement was on site. When he hung up, Dash offered to call Ryder and see what he could do about securing the building. Aiden had a better idea.
“Let me call Knox. He deals with things like this all the time. I bet he has enough plywood on hand to cover this until we can get the glass replaced.”
He dialed and waited while it rang and rang. Finally, a grumpy voice responded.
“This is Aiden. Sorry to bother you, Knox, but I need your help.”
