Under The Desert Moon (Desert Sky Series Book 2) Read online

  "No, J.M. didn't!" Annie couldn't believe anyone could shine in his eyes after his late wife.

  "I know. Hard to believe." He laughed a little. "We'll vigil together, Annie."

  "You don't have anything more important to do?"

  He grinned. His teeth appeared brilliantly white against his tanned complexion, and Annie tried to ignore his masculine appeal. And her inner reaction to it.

  "I didn't know there was any nightlife in Silver Creek."

  "It's changed, but not that much," she said with a scoff. "Maybe filling smudge pots will be the most exciting thing to happen on a night like this."

  "Then let's get on with it." He hunched his shoulders against the wind. "We're going to save these blossoms tonight, Annie. That's why I'm here and I intend to 'get 'er done."

  "Thanks, Brett." She smiled grimly. "I appreciate every hand." As she got into her 4-Runner and led the way back to the house, Annie concluded that Brett Meyer might not consider himself a hero, but he certainly sounded like one to her. Instead of fighting bad guys somewhere, he was here to save her precious crop, come hell or a killing frost, even if it took all night. She liked his positive attitude. And she certainly needed his help.

  Maybe this was what Aunt Annalee had been trying to tell her at the mission, that she would have the help she needed. Or that help would arrive in the form of a very attractive hero who happened to be a neighbor. She decided she'd better not discuss her theory about Aunt Annalee communicating with her. Everyone would think she'd flipped her wig. Everyone but Diego.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Brett followed Annie's old, repainted burgundy 4-Runner. He hadn't even been back home two hours, he mused, and here he was fighting the elements again. How well he remembered the years when he'd helped his dad in the struggle against nature, trying to survive on the ranch. The struggle was never ending. And sometimes impossible to win.

  The futility of battling nature, coupled with the desire for more control over his life, had driven Brett away from the ranch. Ironically, on the streets of Miami, he had engaged in what seemed an equally futile struggle. And in the end, as his life hung by a thread for days, the only control he had was in exercising a strong will to live.

  So here he was again, come full circle, back to the land and nature. At least, hauling smudge pots wasn't life threatening, he thought ruefully, though this was not exactly how he had envisioned spending his recuperation time. Relaxing in a hammock poolside was more of what he had in mind. But his dad had said he was needed on the ranch. Brett had been shocked by how run-down the old homestead was. It needed a hell of a lot of work. And now, with a frost in late April, Annie needed him, too.

  He hadn't expected much when he returned home; he certainly hadn't expected Annie Clayton. So far, she was the only bright spot on his bleak horizon. When he got a good look at her, Brett decided that fighting to save her apple crop might not be such a bad way to spend his time, after all. It beat staring at the chipped paint on the walls of the old ranch house.

  When they arrived at Annie's house, Diego was pulling up in his ancient pickup. Brett remembered the truck from his younger days when he used to hitch a ride into town with his neighbor. It was a miracle the damn thing still ran. For a moment, he was overcome by a wave of nostalgia and the warm feelings that swept over him when he glimpsed Diego.

  The old man began slowly climbing out of the truck, and then he spotted Brett. With big, toothless smile lighting up his darkly tanned face, he moved a little quicker.

  Brett stepped forward to shake Diego's hand and hug him at the same time. "How are you? You're looking fine for an apple farmer!"

  "You're looking pretty fine, yourself, Mr. FBI Big Shot!"

  "Nothing like putting me in my place, Diego. And big shot is right! Want to see my scars?"

  "Want to see mine?" Diego countered. "I was in a nasty war, too, and took a couple of bullets. But I didn't get to lay around in the hospital for months. Had to get back to work."

  "Look, you two," Annie interrupted with a chuckle. "We'll have time for war stories later. Right now, Brett's offered to help, and we need to take advantage, before he changes his mind."

  "When he sees what hard work this is, he might call the FBI and beg them to take him back!" Diego chortled.

  "That fancy desk might look pretty good to you after tonight, Brett," she agreed.

  He shook his head. "Never. I'd much rather be on my feet and busy."

  Annie touched his arm and murmured seriously, "Look, if there's some work you can't do, because of your injuries, just say so. We'll handle the heavy stuff."

  "I can handle anything," he said with bravado. "I'm fine."

  She could tell she'd struck a nerve with this proud man. "Okay, you asked for it. Diego, show him where we keep the smokers and help him load the rest of them in his truck. Then you two can finish distributing them around the perimeter and filling them with kerosene. Okay?"

  "Sí, seňorita." Diego grinned up at Brett. "I never thought I'd see you show up to save a crop of apples. Throw them, maybe. But not save them."

  "Don't you think I should somehow pay for all those apples I ate?" Brett clapped his hand on Diego's shoulder.

  "All the apples you stole, you mean!" Diego shook a wrinkled brown finger at Brett.

  Annie smiled at the warm banter between the two men. She supposed in all the years Diego had spent here, he had quite a few memories of the rascally kid who had lived next door. Apparently Brett remembered the relationship fondly, too.

  They were heading for the shed when a silver and black Jeep pulled in behind the sheriff's truck. With a little cry of joy, Annie ran to greet the occupants.

  "Lacy!" She hugged the vivacious redhead who hopped out first. "Am I glad to see you! All of you," she added as a Lacy's husband, Holt, and two teen boys joined them.

  "Who said you can't do anything about the weather?" Lacy asked, propping her hands on her hips. The action made her baby-bump tummy more prominent. "We're here to save those baby blossoms."

  Annie patted her friend's belly. "How's that Baby-boy doing?"

  Lacy grinned at Holt.

  "You mean Rowdy?" Holt said proudly and put his arm around Lacy.

  "Rowdy? Sounds like a Clint Eastwood Western movie!" Annie said laughing. "But I kinda like it."

  "It's not going to be Rowdy," Lacy said firmly.

  "Maybe Hank." Holt grinned.

  "Or Hector," Lacy countered, shaking her head. "Let's go, gang. We came to work. I brought my own army to fight the killer frost. And I see the sheriff's here."

  "No, the sheriff's son," Annie said in a low voice.

  "Ah, the hero." Lacy gave her a knowing smile. "I've been looking forward to meeting him."

  "Come on." Annie motioned to Lacy's little army. "Brett Meyer, I want you to meet Silver Creek's mayor, Lacy Donahue—no, it's Henderson now. And her husband, Holt. He's remodeling the town."

  Holt stepped forward to shake Brett's hand. "Nice to meet you, Brett. This is our foster son, Roman Barrios. And our friend, Steve Amado."

  "Wow, are you the man in the news?" Steve asked, wide-eyed.

  "Yo, man." Roman was less intimidated, but definitely interested. He regarded Brett curiously. "Never met an FBI guy before."

  "I don't wear my bandoliers when I'm not on official business," Brett said with a laugh and shook hands with the boys.

  "We read about you in the paper. They called you a real hero." Roman folded his arms. "Hey, I'd like to be a hero if I could drive a slick black Mercedes like yours, Mr. Meyer."

  Annie raised her eyebrows. No wonder he'd driven his dad's truck today. A Mercedes would be even more obvious out here than spit-polished boots.

  Brett grinned sheepishly. "How did you know about the car, Roman?"

  "A fancy car like that, all black like a stealth fighter or something, can't slip into this town without somebody knowing it, man."

  "Actually, there aren't many cars of any kind that slip into this town with
out Roman knowing it," Holt said with a wry smile. Then he gestured toward his small crew. "We're ready to work, Annie. Just tell us where to go and what to do. None of us have any experience with apples. Except for eating your delicious pies. And that apple bread - wow."

  Annie looked around. "Where's Sophia? And Hanna?"

  "They're with Mrs. Carson. Making chocolate chip cookies tonight," Lacy said. "They promised to save some for the baby."

  "Priceless." Annie motioned as she spoke to the small group of helpers. "Okay, first, the rest of the smudge pots have to be placed around the orchards. Leave the chimneys and fuel lines open. Then they need to be filled with fuel. Diego can show you how that's done."

  "Okay, you guys hit the orchards," Lacy said. "I'll help Annie get the kitchen going. Come on, Annie. I brought food." She started to tug on the huge coffeepot but Holt lifted it from her.

  "I'll get the heavy stuff. You take care of Baby-Rowdy," he said.

  "Or Hagus." Lacy gave Holt a look to die for and grinned at Annie. "Sandy sent the coffeepot. Makes thirty cups."

  "That ought to keep us awake for a while."

  Lacy grabbed a grocery bag from the Jeep. "I've got this," she said to Holt, pumping her arm. "I am woman! Here Annie, you get other bag."

  "Where did all this food come from, Lacy? Did you make it?"Annie shed her muddy boots on the back porch before entering the kitchen.

  "Me?" Lacy scoffed. "I'm the hunter-gatherer, not the cook. I can only make the easy gringo stuff! Everybody wanted to help you. Mrs. Carson made a double batch of rice pudding. The girls love it, and she figured whoever was helping you would, too. And I got two dozen tortillas from the new bakery in town. They're having their Grand Opening in a few weeks on Cinco de Mayo. And Holt made the bírria, his pride and joy. Course, it's so easy. You just throw a chuck roast into a pan with a bunch of spices, which we happened to have on hand."

  Annie looked around in amazement. "I can't believe it. But I really appreciate everything."

  Lacy pulled out the tortillas and bírria. "Annie, we want you to succeed. And stay around a few. It would be devastating for us, especially me, if you left town."

  "I won't do that. I love it here. This'll all go well with the posole I made earlier. What do you need? Serving fork and spoon ... " She turned on the oven so they could warm everything.

  Annie turned and looked at her dearest friend. "You look great, but excuse me for saying so, really big. You sure it's just one?"

  "Positive. He's due in early June. I've got a little over a month to go."

  "I'm still amazed that you even got pregnant. I thought you had tried for years."

  "Bruce and I did." She grinned devilishly. "Just took the right man, I guess."

  "How are things, Lacy? Things have changed so much for you. A houseful of kids. Are you happy?"

  "I am so happy, I can't tell you." Lacy cradled her belly with one hand and smiled at her old friend. "I never thought a baby would bring us all together like this – I was so worried about Holt's reaction to our little unplanned bundle of joy, but he's so fine with everything." She pointed to her belly. "Talks to him every night. Insists that I come into the girl's bedroom so he can read them all a story, including the baby. Sophia and Hanna love the idea of a baby and can't wait to dress him up. Even Roman seems to think it's going to be great. Little Dude, he calls him."

  "But you went from no one to all those kids. You stepped into a really big family. How do you manage, and still do your mayor's job?" Annie began filling the big coffeepot.

  "Everybody helps, especially from Mrs. Carson. She's keeping the girls tonight. We made some family rules and everyone pitches in to do their share. We just function as any other family of five. Busy!"

  "Sounds like you have everything under control, though." Annie plugged in the coffeepot. "But then, you would."

  "We aren't perfect. What family is? The important thing is that we're a real family. We have love galore for everyone. And the kids are thriving on it." Lacy sat down and patted her tummy. "So are Holt and I."

  "You're so lucky to have found a good man like Holt." She thought of her own bitter experience that ended in divorce. "Ah, the coffee smells great."

  "Know what would be good with the coffee, Annie? Some of your Turn Apples into Bread Cake. Love that name."

  Annie set out paper plates and napkins. "Good idea. I happened to take a couple of loaves out of the freezer this morning." She surveyed the kitchen. "Now, where the heck are they? I could swear. . . I left them right out here on the counter to thaw, near the window. But where are they?"

  Lacy looked around. "You must be mistaken. I don't see them anywhere."

  "Obviously I am." Annie checked the freezer. There was an empty space, big enough for two loaves. She had gotten them out; she was sure of it. But there was too much to do right now to waste time worrying about a couple loaves of apple bread. She took two more loaves out and put them on the cabinet. "We can have these later. I can even toast slices with a little butter."

  "That's the way Holt like it."

  "Here's the posole. Hmmm, doesn't it smell divine?" Annie lifted the lid of the huge pot on the stove and savored the aroma of the Mexican stew made from lean pork and fresh hominy and pinto beans, spiced with ground red chili. She stared in dismay at the pot. "It... it's half gone. I know I made more than this, Lacy. The pot was so full, I could hardly stir it."

  Lacy peered into the half-empty pot. "Maybe it boiled down."

  "Hominy doesn't boil down. It swells."

  "Well, someone came in and ate some. Diego?"

  "Must be." Annie placed the lid on the two-gallon pot. "But I can't imagine when he did it. He's been so busy all afternoon, along with me."

  Lacy gestured at the pot. "Obviously he found time to eat it."

  "Strange. We've been working together all day. I think I'd know if he came in to eat." Annie shrugged. "I'm going to see how the guys are doing and relieve them so they can come in and eat. Are we ready?"

  "Send in the hungry hordes!" Lacy flourished her serving spoon.

  Annie gave Lacy a sideways hug. "I'm so glad you came tonight, Lacy. Thanks. This is almost fun."

  "Hey, we can't let you lose this crop, Annie. It's bad for the city's economy."

  "Not to mention mine!" Annie scrounged in the hall closet for her gloves, wondering why she was protecting her hands now. Maybe so her hands would be soft for Brett Meyer? A small voice in her head answered, Yes, why not! She flung open the back door, calling, "See you later, Lacy."

  As she fumbled with her boots on the back porch, she heard a scratching noise and paused to listen. Thinking maybe one of the boys had returned to eat, she looked around, but no one was there. Shrugging, she strode rapidly to her 4-Runner.

  Los ojos were watching.

  Annie found the men at the far corner of the Granny Smith orchard. "You must be starved. Take my 4-Runner back to the house. Lacy's ready with bírria burritos, posole, arroz con leche, coffee and apple bread."

  "Sounds great," Holt said. "I guarantee these young fellows are hungry. Come on, men. That's our kind of food."

  "And Holt," Annie said. "Thanks so much for the bírria. I'm impressed."

  "Tweren't nothin' Ms. Scarlett." Holt had them all laughing and motioned the two boys to follow him.

  Annie climbed into the truck bed and began pushing another smudge pot toward the rear. "Diego, you and Brett should eat, too."

  "You go on, Diego. I'll help Annie with these. Only a few more left." Brett grabbed the pot she had scooted to the edge of the truck bed and hefted it easily. "Eating will keep you warm on a cold night like this."

  "Sí, sí, I'm starved. Had nothing all afternoon. Anyway, Annie's posole is like heaven. Almost as good as her Aunt Annalee's."

  "Come on, Diego, I know you tried it this afternoon," Annie teased. "It isn't too hot and spicy, is it?"

  "No se, seňorita. I don't know." He limped toward the 4-Runner.

  "Diego, you didn't
have any of that posole I made today?" she called after him. "Just a little bit? I don't care, of course."

  "No time today, seňorita ."

  She was confused. If Diego hadn't helped himself, and she knew she didn't, then who did?

  "Well, enjoy," she called. "Stay long enough to get warm, now." She stood in the truck bed, hands on her hips, and watched the 4-Runner disappear in the growing darkness.

  Maybe she had been wrong about the missing food. Maybe she'd been so busy she had misjudged the quantity. Maybe she was forgetting what she was doing. Aunt Annalee had that problem toward the end.

  "Hel-lo. Are you there, Annie?" Brett asked, breaking into her thoughts.

  "Huh? Oh, sure." She hunkered down beside the remaining heaters. "Go ahead and drive to the next drop off spot."

  They worked diligently for the next hour, then joined the others for hot food and to wait for the inevitable temperature drop. Before midnight, Lacy and Holt took the boys home. Diego dozed on the roll-away bed in the laundry room, just off the kitchen. Annie and Brett were left alone in the vigil. They lingered over one more cup of coffee.

  "You have some very nice friends." Brett circled his cup with one large hand, drinking from it as if it were a glass. "Great food, too."

  "They're terrific," Annie agreed. "Surprised me by showing up."

  "Now, how the heck did Roman see my car? I just drove through town and straight out to the ranch."

  "That's all he needed." She narrowed her eyes. "He's a street-wise kid. Knows what's going on around him. Part of his survival skills, I guess. Personally, I think he has a spy network in town."

  Brett shook his head and finished his coffee. "I'm impressed with what's been happening in Silver Creek since the mine closed. I'd figured that would spell the end of an era and the town."