Free An Unlikely Hero (1) by Tierney James Page A

nervously as she removed her hat and wiped her forehead against her sleeve. She didn’t respond to Sean Patrick’s observation.
    “My friend Jose’s father is a ranger and his uniform is different than yours.”
    “This is Nevada, you live in California. Our uniforms could be different.”
    “How’d ya know I live in California?” Sean Patrick eyed her with increased suspicion.
    Honey smiled and reached down to ruffle his dark hair. He looked like his handsome father. The eyes were a little sharper and his demeanor a little less trusting, but the resemblance was there. “Your license plates.” She nodded toward their car.
    Sean Patrick looked back at the car then up at the ranger. “Oh.” he said simply. He then moved closer to the water seemingly forgetting about his concerns.
    Kids! Honey thought. Why would anyone want them? They smell, eat you out of house and home, and can make you have the pediatrician on speed dial instead of your favorite restaurant. They wrecked your bank account, not to mention your figure.
    Honey watched Robert stand up after releasing the fish. “Bravo! A job well done, Mr. Scott.”
    “Please call me Robert.”
    Honey handed back his phone. “Robert, I need to go. Look, I have a string of fish in my truck. They’re filleted, iced down and ready to go. I think this particular cabin has an outdoor gas grill. Why don’t I fix them for you guys tonight? If these felons aren’t caught I’ll have to look around this area again anyway.”
    Robert shrugged. “That would be great. I have some potato salad and baked beans my wife fixed. We’ll have a feast!” his boyish smile made Honey offer her hand again and gave it an extra squeeze that seemed to make Robert withdraw his hand a little quickly. She waved to the kids and headed toward the stand of trees where she soon disappeared.
    He watched her until she disappeared among the towering trees. Her sensuous walk must drive those boys at the ranger station crazy, Robert thought, remembering the suggestive farewell handshake. He smiled proudly. “Still got it,” he mumbled to himself, delighted that a sweet young thing like Honey had noticed him.

    Honey picked up speed as she pushed through the low hanging branches. She nearly lost her hat but grabbed it just as it slipped onto the back of her neck. A breeze moaned softly through the top of the trees making them creak. Pine needles crunched beneath her boots. The warm afternoon smell of summer engulfed her suddenly. She began walking slowly, enjoying the sounds of branches moving in the wind and the solitude she rarely experienced. When the forest opened back up Honey saw that her government issued park truck had a low front tire on the passenger side. She’d need to take care of that before coming back up here tonight.
    The road was already dusty from the lack of rain. Another lazy breeze picked up a cloud of red dust and swirled it up and over her head as she reached for the door handle of the truck. She quickly slid into the passenger seat and opened the glove box, looking for a map.
    “So? Did you talk to him?” An unconcerned masculine voice broke the peaceful rhythm of the rustling trees and bird songs.
    Honey looked at the driver. Short and stocky, her partner reminded her of Jabba the Hut from Star Wars. Unlike Jabba, this man was olive skinned with dark circles under his eyes. His nose was long and too big for his chubby face. The thick fingers that gripped the stirring wheel looked like burnt sausages. Several days of not shaving left a dark shadow encircling his face from ear to ear. His greasy black hair had been dampened and combed straight back. Honey could smell body odor. He repulsed her.
    “Yeah. I’m going back tonight to cook dinner.”
    The driver turned narrowed eyes to examine her beautiful body. He chuckled. “Keep him busy while I look around.”
    “He’s married. There’s kids,” she snapped knowing he expected her to seduce Robert Scott.
    “Fine.