“It’s the last of the stash Branch and I brought back from our trip to that vineyard two years ago.”
“The one you enjoyed alone because he stayed on his phone most of the time?”
“Exactly.” Moaning, Mindy poured her friend a glass. “Hungry?”
“Always.”
“I’m making a salad and I saw that the movie Under the Tuscan Sun is playing. It seems rather fitting.” Mindy reached for a knife from the magnetic strip and chopped lettuce and tomato.
“Honey, what did we say about watching movies that justify your hurt?”
“Why do you think I’m still hurt?” She whacked a cucumber with the knife.
“Oh, just a silly thought…” Linsey smiled and peaked over Mindy’s shoulder as she added olives, mushrooms and parmesan crisps to the bowl. “What am I going to do about eating when you leave?”
“I suggest you take a cooking class. That’s how I learned. I got tired of burning water.” She tossed the salad, poured in a drizzle of vinaigrette and set the bowl between two plates at the bar.
“I don’t think there’s any help for this woman, Mindy. Can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”
“You’re only sixty. Far from old.” Taking a seat on the stool, Mindy sipped her wine. “I’m glad you came over.”
“I saw Jane leave with her friends so I thought you might like some company. This could very well be the last time you and I get to hang out.”
“I’m only visiting Montana, not another planet. Come and visit.”
“Forgive me for being a little emotional.” Linsey grabbed a napkin from the crystal holder and blotted her eyes dramatically. “You were there for me when I had the cancer scare and Pete died. I’ve known Jane since she had pig tails and now she’s going to college and you’re leaving.” She sniffed loudly. “I can’t handle the changes.”
Mindy patted her friend’s hand. “More reason for you to come visit. Any time.”
Stabbing a piece of lettuce with her fork, Linsey popped it into her mouth. “Homemade dressing?”
“Of course.”
“Branch was a dimwit. He’s going to regret that he ever let you go.”
“There’s more to keeping a marriage alive than good food.”
“Yes, sex too.”
“Now remind me. What is sex again?”
Linsey blinked. “What? Exactly how long, my friend?”
“Long enough that I no longer worry about wearing the sexy silk and lace.”
“I’m sorry, sweetie.” Linsey laughed.
“What’s funny?”
“I think you should have a warning label because when you finally do end the dry spell you’re going to explode like a geyser.”
“Cheers to that.” Mindy lifted her glass and Linsey tapped it with her own.
“How are you doing with Jane leaving?”
“It’s bittersweet to watch her go off alone into the big world, but I have to be brave.” Feeling an attack of tears coming on, Mindy managed to control the urge. She busied herself spooning salad onto her plate.
“Have you decided what you’ll do with the house?” Linsey forked a piece of tomato.
“I think it’s best I sell. This place is too big for me.”
“Oh boy.”
“What?” Mindy poured herself more wine.
“You’ll be staying in Cooper’s Hawk.”
“No…maybe. I don’t know yet. I don’t think so though. I just know I need a break from here.”
“Understandable.” Linsey nodded. “Have you and Branch had a chance to speak since the divorce was final?”
Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, Mindy pushed an olive around her plate. “Yes, we spoke a few days ago about Jane and if she needed anything for school. He’s moved in with Sian.”
“That asshole,” Linsey ground out through clenched teeth.
“Although I’ve used that very sentiment a few times, I’ve come to realize that he wasn’t the only one who destroyed our marriage. I saw the train wreck coming and instead of reacting I ignored the signs.”
“Lord knows Pete and I had our fair share of problems before he passed, but at least we had great make up sex. I hope whatever you’re looking for you’ll find a man who has a big—”
“Linsey!”
“Heart. That’s what I was going to say. Get your head out of the gutter.”
Chapter Two
“WHOA, GIRL. EASY does it.” Creed patted the mare’s neck as they carefully maneuvered the slippery rocks along the ridge of Trip Ease Mountain. The topography could be hazardous enough in pleasant weather but add the rain, and lack of light, the area became treacherous. This only made search and rescue efforts much more difficult.
Before he and his brother, Boone, took the horses out of the trailer and saddled them at the base of the mountain, they got all pertinent information from Sheriff Conley about the missing person. The thirty-year-old man’s car had been left on the pull off and there was no sign of foul play, so they assumed he was still somewhere on Trip Ease. Creed and Boone were called in when geography was too difficult for locals to handle.
The Hawke brothers started a helicopter tour company, Cooper’s Hawke Landing, and soon after they were asked to partner with local law to aid in search and rescue efforts. Since then their team had grown by seven more members, each skilled and trained in trailing and tracking, avalanche recovery, swift water and wildlands rescue, rappelling, and helping during wildfires. Each member had extensive training in medical and search and rescue operation, on top of the combined years spent in the military. They were a group made up of business owners, retired military, firefighters, and pilots. They were strong and powerful with one thing in common, to help others. Each came with their own skill—and each with their own personality as diverse as their professions.
They could cover the area of Trip Ease faster with horses than searchers could on foot.
“What did Conley
