Chapter 12
Parker couldn’t shake the feeling that he’d overlooked something. The entire time he led his group up the steep trails, he tried to figure out what.
Hell, he wasn’t even sure what his feeling related to. What had happened at Genna’s house? Or to her car? Or the multiple hangs-ups as she answered the phone at RTA.
All around him, the sights and sounds of nature.
This trail had long been one of his favorites.
This group, which consisted of avid birdwatchers hoping to check a few more species off their list, made appreciative noises at all the usual places.
They paused at the halfway point, overlooking a small waterfall.
As the guests milled around, talking quietly among themselves, Parker gazed out over the familiar landscape and all he could see was Genna’s beautiful face. He didn’t notice one of the women moving closer until she bumped elbows with him.
“Penny for your thoughts,” she said, smiling.
Blinking, he stared. It took a moment for her words to register. “Can I help you with something?” he asked in his best professional voice.
“Not really.” Tone breezy, she casually touched his arm. “You just seemed really deep inside your head.”
Somehow, he managed not to jerk his arm away. Realizing she was flirting, which had happened more than once over the years, he managed to murmur some banal nonsense about just taking in the scenery. Then he moved away, cleared his throat, and informed the group they were moving on.
This trip, the wildlife sightings were abundant, which meant no one should have a reason to complain. Not that anyone ever did. With one notable, recent exception. Miles Franklin. He wondered if Eli had talked with him yet.
They saw a black bear, from a respectable distance, across the water.
Several bald eagles put in an appearance, as well as two river otters.
A number of guests voiced their hope of seeing a wolf, but none was visible this day.
Even so, between the gorgeous scenery and the wildlife, everyone seemed happy.
The woman who’d come up to him earlier stayed close, made sure she was first to comment when he addressed the group, and slipped him her phone number. He almost made her take it back, but didn’t want to humiliate her in front of the others, so he pocketed it. He’d toss it later.
When headquarters came into sight through the trees, the overwhelming sense of relief made him shake his head at himself.
It wasn’t that he didn’t appreciate the flirting, though he—and RTA—had an ironclad rule of not dating guests. Even if the company didn’t, he just couldn’t imagine himself with anyone else besides Genna.
His feelings for her no longer surprised him.
The more time they spent together, the more he realized how well they meshed.
Not only the sex, though that alone was amazing, but everything else.
He’d come to love her. Even though he didn’t believe she felt the same way about him, he’d do just about anything to make sure she was happy and secure.
Once everyone had filed inside, he left them with Genna for checkout and took himself off to the break room. Once there, he grabbed a cold can of cola from the fridge and sat down to drink it.
From the other room, he could hear Genna talking sweetly to all the guests. He took the folded piece of paper from his pocket, tore it in pieces and dropped it into the trash.
Just that simple act made him feel better.
Before he had time to think better of it, he called Eli. When Eli answered, he sounded tense. “What’s up, Parker?”
“Is this a bad time?” Parker asked, already regretting making the call.
“No. Well, maybe a little.”
Parker could envision the other man checking his watch. “If you’re calling about the cookout, I already told Lakin I’d attend.”
“Cookout?” Since Eli sounded busy, Parker decided to let it go. “No, I wanted to see if you’d ever had a chance to talk to Miles Franklin about Genna’s slashed tires.”
“I did. He vehemently denies having anything to do with that.” Eli sighed. “Oddly enough, I believe him. He said he got his revenge by posting bad reviews online.”
Parker made a mental note to check. “Okay. Then I guess we’ll have to keep trying to figure out who did it then.”
“You know, it might have just been vandals. I’m sorry I can’t be of more help. This Fiancée Killer case is taking all of my energy and time.”
“How’s that going?” Parker asked, genuinely curious.
“Not good. The killer is becoming more dangerous. There have been five bodies discovered so far and I keep expecting every day for there to be another.” He exhaled. “I’ve just learned one of the victims is the sister of a friend.”
“Who?”
“Noelle Harris.”
Parker winced. Eli had been in love with Noelle back in college. “Damn, I’m sorry.”
“Me, too. I’ll always regret losing her.”
Though Eli had never said this before, most of the family had long suspected. “That’s why you’ve always said we should always go after someone if we truly want them.”
“Exactly.” The sadness in Eli’s voice made Parker think. “And that’s why I’m going to say it again. Go after what you want, Parker. Don’t hesitate or wait too long. If you do, it might slip from your grasp.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Parker lied.
“Yes, you do. We’re not blind. Everyone knows how you feel about Genna. But I suspect she has no idea. If you truly want a chance with her, you’ve got to make a move.”
“Sometimes, Genna reminds me of a wild doe,” Parker said, surprising himself for speaking his thoughts out loud. “She’s beautiful but easily spooked. I don’t want to do anything that might make her run.”
“Then take things slow. But at least let her know you care about her.”
Since his brother had his well-being at heart, Parker mumbled something noncommittal and attempted to end the call.
“Wait,” Eli ordered. “I thought you were calling about the cookout. Did you know that Lakin is organizing a cookout. Sunday afternoon, at RTA headquarters? She made sure there aren’t any tours on the books.
If you haven’t heard, I’m sure you’ll be hearing from her soon. She expects everyone to be there.”
Parker wasn’t sure how to react to that. “Even you?” he asked, aware of Eli’s busy schedule and how seriously he took this investigation.
“Yes, even me. She thinks it’s time everyone in the family got reacquainted with Genna. I’ve got to run. Talk to you later.” And Eli ended the call.
No one ignored a direct order from Lakin, but since she hadn’t spoken to him yet, Parker briefly considered trying to avoid her.
But that would be pointless. When Genna had first come to work at RTA, Parker had tried to organize a get-together at a restaurant.
The weather had thwarted that effort and then he’d never attempted to reschedule anything.
A cookout would be fine, he thought. Casual, in a familiar setting, which would set Genna at ease. Truthfully, he wanted his entire family to meet her. Even if she didn’t know it yet, he hoped someday she’d be part of them.
Right now though, he needed to figure out who was stalking her and why.
Eli had to focus on the Fiancée Killer, which in the grand scheme of things had a much greater urgency.
But Parker wanted to find out who was tormenting Genna.
As soon as possible, he planned to put a stop to it once and for all.
When another vehicle pulled into RTA’s lot and parked, again Genna found herself stiffening. She had to get past this fear, she knew. She didn’t intend to live the rest of her life terrified.
When the tall, graceful woman wearing an Alaska State Trooper uniform emerged and headed toward the front door, Genna allowed herself to relax.
It must have been Colton female visit time. First Lakin and now Kansas Colton. Maybe, just maybe, Kansas had come here on official business.
“Welcome,” Genna said, smiling as Kansas strode up to the front counter. Like all of the Coltons except Lakin, who’d been adopted, Kansas had vibrant blue eyes. With her long dark hair pulled back, she looked both competent and professional.
Though Kansas and Lakin had both been several years behind Genna in school, when Genna had worked at RTA during high school, she’d gotten to know them since all of the Colton siblings had either worked there in some capacity or made a habit of stopping by.
Like Eli, Kansas had gone into law enforcement. From what Genna heard, she was damn good at her job.
“Any news?” Genna asked, not even trying to contain her hopeful eagerness.
“On the Fiancée Killer case?” Kansas shook her head. “Eli is taking the lead on that one.” She came back around the counter. “I just came by to see if you have a minute to talk.”
“I do,” Genna replied. “Let’s go back to the break room. I just made a fresh pot of coffee, but we have soft drinks and bottled water in the fridge.” She glanced around. “Parker’s group just left. He’s around here somewhere, if that’s who you came to see.”
“Nope. I wanted to talk to you,” Kansas answered. “Though I can say hi to Parker, too, if he puts in an appearance.”
“I’m sure he will.”
Kansas grabbed a water and took a seat at the table. Genna, who’d just finished her coffee, poured herself another cup and joined her.
“I heard about what’s going on with you,” Kansas said, covering Genna’s hand with hers. “About your stalker and everything. Lakin told me and then Eli. I’m really sorry you’re having to go through all that.”
“Thanks.” Figuring the next comment would be about her living situation, Genna decided she might as well mention it first. “I’m sure you’ve heard that Parker was generous enough to let me stay in his guest bedroom.”
Kansas nodded. “I did. That’s really kind of him.” A quick smile flashed across her pretty face. “And I’m sure he has no ulterior motive whatsoever.”
Startled, Genna reluctantly laughed. “He’s a good guy. I really appreciate the way he’s helping me.”