Chance Encounter

“Tell the inspector,” Chance said into the tense, silent room. “Tell him you didn’t do it so we can get on with our day. We have to get out there on the hill and patrol the morbidly curious today, I know how much you want to help me do that.”

But Brian’s eyes shuttered, and Ally knew before he even spoke that he wouldn’t defend himself.

“I have nothing to say,” he said, not meeting anyone’s gaze, especially Chance’s. “Nothing.”

BRIAN WASN’T CHARGED. There was no evidence, and while there might never be, Ally decided she couldn’t take that chance.

She was going to take matters into her own hands.

She got herself a small backpack and filled it with snacks and water, more determined than she’d ever been.

“Where are you going?” Jo asked in surprise when they passed each other in the office hallway.

Where was she going? To completely override her own personal goals, apparently. She’d fallen into her old trap of saving the world, and she didn’t care. Not when Brian needed her, not when she cared so much about him. Not when Chance needed her, too, though she doubted he would ever think so. But just looking at him, seeing his agony as he watched Brian, tore at her.

She’d mistakenly thought she needed him, that she needed his expertise, his strength. She’d been wrong about that, because here on this mountain, she’d found her own strength.

But maybe, just maybe, she could be needed, and not give up a piece of herself as she’d always let happen in her past. “I’m going up that mountain to check out the burn, and hopefully find something to clear Brian.”

“What?” Jo looked horrified. “You can’t do that.”

“Of course I can. I’m worried sick.”

“We’re all worried sick, but I don’t think you should-”

“He’s innocent, Jo.”

“Absolutely, he is, but…”

“But…what?”

“Well…” Jo bit her lip. “I don’t want to insult you.”

Ally had to laugh. “And when has that ever stopped you?”

“I just don’t think you should go out there alone.”

“You think it’s dangerous?”

“Yeah,” Jo said. “To your health.”

“I’ll stay on the trails. Really, this time.” Ally reached out and took Jo’s hand. “Brian’s killing me, Jo. Already all his confidence and joy has vanished, just like that, just in one day.” She was so afraid for him. His pride was gone, too. Even his swagger had disappeared.

“He refused to go riding with Chance this morning,” Jo said softly. “They’re both wrecked. We’re all wrecks.”

“So you understand.”

“Look, give me an hour. I’ll go with you, okay?”

“I can’t wait. I’m afraid they’re going to come back and charge him.”

“Just let me page Chance.” Jo raced into her office.

Though it was horribly rude, Ally took off. She had to, because she knew what Chance would do-go without her. If he hadn’t already gone.

She had to do this.

She had a trail map and her determination to guide her, but all the same, when she stood on the lower mountain trail and stared up at the peaks, she hesitated.

It looked huge.

She wasn’t stupid. She knew a month in the woods did not an expert make, but taking action felt good. And she wasn’t alone, not really. There were people all over the place. The resort was open, business as usual despite the recent fire. There were bikers, hikers, patrollers…plenty of company.

Still, as she started, careful to stay precisely in the middle of the narrow trail that would lead to the summit, she heard and saw no one. Only nature. The sun beamed down on her, warming her gently, but she didn’t look around much. She concentrated on her path. Though she hadn’t yet come close to the fire site, her nose was assaulted by the scent of burn.

In no time, she was huffing and puffing, in spite of the workouts she gave herself every night in the lodge gym. She’d have sworn she’d covered miles already, but when she looked at her watch, seriously contemplating a break, she had to laugh.

She’d been on the trail for twenty minutes. Well, at least she was still on the trail. She took off again, but didn’t get another twenty yards before a very familiar, achingly sexy voice sounded in her ear.

“What the hell are you doing out here?”

God, that voice. Her nerves went to town and she didn’t want to acknowledge what her heart did at just the sight of Chance standing there, quiet and brooding, wearing those jeans of his that made her want to do wild and thrilling things to his body. He was also wearing that fiercely guarded expression, the one that was always mixed with a sort of bafflement when he looked at her, as if he wasn’t quite certain how he felt about her.

Well, they were even there.

She wanted to soothe him, comfort him. Be with him. She knew how ridiculous that was, but it made it no less real. “How did you find me?”

“Jo radioed me about your disappearing act. You scared her half to death.”

She crossed her arms. “I’m going to take that as an insult.”

“You can take it any way you want.”

“I’m perfectly capable of staying on the path and keeping out of trouble.”

“You’ll excuse me if I refrain from comment.” He glanced at the map she held, eyes narrowed.

“I’m looking for clues,” she told him, fully aware she sounded really…dumb. “I just wanted to do something.” She lifted the map, blushing when she realized it was upside down.

He grabbed it, and turned it right side up and slapped it back in her hands. “It might actually be worth something if you look at it the right way. God, Ally.” He looked at her in complete confusion. “Why do I always feel the need to lock you up somewhere?”

She couldn’t hold back her smile. “Because you like me?” But her amusement faded at the thought of why they were both there. “Don’t make me go back, not yet. I want to help Brian. I know you do, too.”

Chance tilted his head up and stared into the startlingly blue sky, hands on his hips now in an aggressive, frustrated stance. “Honestly, with that kid, I’m running blind.”

“You’re doing okay.”

“Somehow I just…understand him.” He shook his head and looked at her. “And why in the hell do I keep ending up talking to you like this?”

Her heart clenched. “For the same reason I end up talking to you.”

“Yeah? What’s that? Insanity?”

“You must know by now,” she said carefully. “How much I care about you.”

“But…why?”

She lifted a shoulder and gave him a little smile. “Bad habit. I’m always caring when I shouldn’t.”

“And trying to solve everyone’s problems.”

“No,” she denied. “I gave that up before I got here.”

His lips quirked at that, though his eyes remained dark. Troubled. “Just don’t try to solve me. And I’m sure Brian would say the same.”

There were lines of exhaustion around his eyes, and tension in his entire body. She wished she could soothe both away, but that was silly. He didn’t want comfort from her. He didn’t want anything from her except maybe her exiting Wyoming.

“You had another call,” he said.