Page 47 of Hiding in Montana

“There’s a bread box?” How on earth did she know about Quinn’s stash when it took him years to find out? He chuckled as he left the office. The chef certainly did have a soft spot for Polly. It was a good thing she fell for him before she really got to know Quinn. With his model good looks and the fact that he really could cook, well, it was a wonder Quinn didn’t have women falling at his feet.

When he returned, Polly was still reading the notes on Matthew. Clint watched her face run through a range of expressions. He wasn’t sure if she was annoyed that he had spent so much time poking his nose into her old life, well, while she lived there and after she moved to Nevada. Or if she was impressed by the depth of his research. It still didn’t give Clint any better idea on what was happening.

A little while later, she put the pad aside as she ate the last of the oatmeal cookie and wiped the crumbs into the garbage can before she met his gaze. “You’re right. He’s so clean it’s like he’s the Teflon man.”

Clint slapped his hand on his thigh. “That’s what I thought. Everyone leaves a trace, a parking ticket or something.”

She leaned forward and clasped her hands on the desktop. “Trust me. Matthew is not perfect. He’s gotten into a few bar fights in his day and speeding tickets. Well, he’s had more than his share. But he paid them and moved on.” She leaned back in the chair and looked at the ceiling. “That only leaves one answer. Matthew is caught up with thugs and it’s just like he said. They think I took off with their money and now they’re trying to scare me so I’ll pay off the big boys when they roll into town.”

A part of Clint thought that might be the case, but he had a shred of doubt, too. It was too perfect the way it all wrapped up back to money the ex owed someone. However, there wasn’t another explanation.

“Polly, as much as I can’t stand the guy, maybe you should ask him to meet us at your place tomorrow around seven. We can dig a little deeper into these unhappy loan sharks and thugs. The only genuine hope of getting the heat off you and back where it belongs is to uncover the truth, and unfortunately for us both, the only person who knows is your ex.” His gut churned just thinking of that guy anywhere near Polly. It was the only way he knew to trip the guy up.

“I’ll call him, but on one condition.” She narrowed her eyes. “And you’re not going to like it, but hear me out.”

“I’m listening.” He took a deep breath and exhaled. Her brain had gone into overdrive, and he was sure it wasn’t something he wanted to hear.

“I’ll ask Matthew to come over, but you have to stay out of sight. You can be in the bedroom or kitchen, but the only way he’ll really be candid is if he thinks we’re alone.” She winked. “You intimidate him.”

She was right about two things. He didn’t like it, but he was pleased to hear the ex wasn’t a fan of his either.

“On one condition of mine. You have your gun on you at all times. I’d hate for any of his acquaintances to come calling and it takes me a few precious seconds to get to your side.”

She walked around the desk and slipped her arms around his waist. “Agreed. After all, I am a better shot than you.”

Before he could come back with a sharp rebuttal, she pulled his mouth to hers and silenced him with a searing kiss.

23

Polly wiped her damp palms on her jeans. Matthew was due any minute, and Clint had just stepped into her bedroom. He was sitting behind the door, where he could hear everything that was said. She had to find a way to get Matthew to open up like he had when they were married.

A tap, tap on the door caused her to look at the bedroom door before moving to the front. She forced a smile to her face and pulled open the door.

“Hi, Matthew. Thanks for coming over.”

He leaned forward, and she offered her cheek as he brushed it with his lips. “Always happy to stop by.” He glanced around the room. “Where’s your cowboy?” His smile grew wider as he realized they were alone.

“He had some things to do, but I’ll see him later.” She was hoping her voice came off as easy breezy since Matthew was a master at reading her.

“How’s his shoulder?” He shrugged off his leather coat and draped it over the chair closest to the sofa.

“He’s feeling good, no pain.”

“Glad to hear it. If that person had been a better shot, he might not be here today.”

That caused a chill to flow through her veins. “But they weren’t, and he’s fine.” She sat down on the chair and he took the sofa, which was perfect since he had his back to the bedroom door.

“I’ve been thinking about everything that’s happened since I left Portland, and it’s all related. Even my accident when I was hiking has to be tied in.”

“I thought that was just an unfortunate fall. You fell while hiking or something.”

She appreciated the concern on his face, but she shook her head and said, “I remember something.” She watched as his face transformed into what she called his hulk expression. It didn’t come out often, but when it did, she had always been worried about the explosive anger that followed.

“What. Are. You. Talking. About?”

Each word he spoke was punctuated with a force she had forgotten. With any luck, it wouldn’t bring Clint out of the bedroom.

“I remember two men. They had been chasing me from my campsite and when I fell and was lying at the bottom of the ravine, they looked down at me, and one guy said to the other to not worry, I’d die before anyone found me.”

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