Free The Kissing Stars by Geralyn Dawson Page A

for being here.
    Robards must have followed his line of thinking. “As far as I can tell, Miss Cameron is the only one here in Aurora Springs with a sane approach to the story. She claims to be searching for a scientific explanation for the lights’ presence.”
    Gabe nodded. That fit with what he knew of Tess. “Have you seen these spooklights?”
    The Ranger scoffed, but his gaze shifted away from Gabe. “Of course not. There is nothing out there to see. It’s just a bunch of foolishness that I am afraid is causing trouble.”
    Gabe polished off his coffee, then rose to refill his cup. “What trouble?”
    “Oh, I don’t think I should go into all of that.”
    “You mean the fire at the rail yard?”
    The Ranger’s eyes narrowed, but before he could reply the door swung open. Tess swept inside, still in her warrior goddess mode. She halted in the middle of the room, leveled a frown at Gabe, then turned to Robards. “Lionel? What’s this nonsense about a fire?”
    The Ranger stood, his mouth stretching into a smile. “Good morning, Tess. May I say you look exceptionally beautiful in that dress. The shade of blue is a perfect match to your exquisite eyes.”
    She waved off the compliment. “Doc didn’t do anything and you know it, Lionel.”
    He sighed. “Honey, I’m sorry, but an eyewitness claims he saw Doc at the scene of the crime.”
    Gabe frowned. Honey?
    “Who?” she snapped, bracing her hands on her hips.
    He glanced at Gabe and said, “Perhaps we should discuss this in private?”
    Gabe settled back in his chair and stretched out his legs, crossing them at the ankles. He wasn’t going anywhere. Tess either knew it or didn’t care because she glossed right over the objection and asked, “Who is the eyewitness?”
    Shrugging, the Ranger captain gave in. “Lizard Johnson.”
    Tess scoffed. “Lionel, be serious. Who says he saw Doc at the railroad spur?”
    “I told you. Lizard Johnson.” The Ranger set down his fork and pushed away his plate. “I interviewed him myself after the sheriff questioned him. You know I’m always trying to look out for you, Tess. Lizard says he saw Doc at the supply yard just minutes before the fire broke out. The man even carried a torch.” Sympathy dimmed his eyes as he added, “I knew how much this would upset you.”
    Tess started shaking her head and didn’t stop. “He didn’t do it. This charge is ridiculous and you know it. Poor Lizard hasn’t had a sober day in the past six months, perhaps even the past six years.”
    Robards said, “I know, honey. And I’ll admit I have my doubts about his claims. That’s why I came right away to warn you. I’d expect the sheriff later this afternoon.”
    Tess grimaced, sighed, and sank onto the bench that ran along one side of the table. She rubbed her forehead. “He really intends to make an arrest?”
    “Yes, he does.” The Ranger rose from his chair and walked around the table. He met Gabe’s gaze, threw a pointed look from Gabe to the door—a look Gabe ignored—then he took Tess’s hand in his and lowered his voice. Gabe pointed his ear their direction.
    “Please, Tess. Don’t you think the time has come? Let me protect you. Even if you’re not ready for marriage, let me and a couple of my men move out to Aurora Springs. I’ll be able to prove you and your friends’ innocence if and when more trouble happens. And, if I’m headquartered here, I know I can convince the sheriff to hold off on moving against Doc. I can keep him out of jail, Tess. Let me.”
    The comers of her mouth lifted in a brief smile. “He’s not here. He’s safe.”
    “What?” The Ranger froze.
    “Doc is making another trip down to the Big Bend area, down near the Dead Horse Range. Will went with him.”
    “The Big Bend?” Now the captain reared back. In an incredulous tone he asked, “Why did he go there? That place isn’t fit for living.”
    As Tess launched into a story about cave paintings and the mystery lights,