IN SEARCH OF DREAMS Page 2

  "I advise you not to reveal that you're looking for him. The Mahoneys, particularly Zach, are suspects in a criminal case. Kate is protective of her brother, and if either of them suspects someone is looking for Zach, he will go to ground."

  Frowning, Matt looked up from the paper and shot J.T. a hard look. "This isn't very encouraging."

  "I know."

  "It appears that at best the man's a bum. At worst, a crook. Are you sure you want to locate him?"

  J.T. sighed. "To tell you the truth, no. But I don't have a choice. I don't think either of us has. Until we find him, we're always going to wonder. Face it, Matt, the three of us share a bond, like it or not."

  Matt's mouth firmed into a grim line, and J.T. saw his jaw tighten. "I guess you're right. I just hope we're not buying ourselves a load of trouble."

  "You two do realize that this could just be someone with a grudge against this Zach Mahoney person, don't you?" Maude Ann said. "Whoever posted this, anonymous reply could just be trying to stir up trouble for him. It could even be that he's not your brother at all."

  "Yeah, I know. Either way, though, I have to find out."

  "So, what are you going to do now?" Matt asked.

  "Now? Now I'm going to do just what I told you. I'm going to go find a nice, peaceful place and write." His gaze swept back and forth between Matt and Maude Ann. "From what I could learn about it, Gold Fever, Colorado, sounds as though it will suit just fine."

  * * *

  Chapter 2

  « ^ »

  Kate Mahoney pushed her shopping cart through the aisles of Hendricks Grocery with single-minded purpose: to get her shopping done as quickly as possible and make her escape.

  Luckily, today the only other customers in the store were Gert Krueger and Jonell Abbott; although, that was bad enough.

  If Gert had her way, Kate and her brother would be rotting behind bars. Jonell wasn't quite so obvious, or so vocal, but her animosity was just as strong. Both women shot her withering glares whenever she passed them in the aisles.

  Otto Hendricks's mouth thinned when Kate pushed her cart up to the checkout stand and started unloading her groceries. Neither he nor his wife, Shirley, spoke, nor did Kate. Keeping her expression blank, she transferred her purchases onto the counter while Otto rang them up on the ornate, old cash register. Like everything else in Gold Fever, the machine was a relic.

  Shirley bagged Kate's groceries, her face pinched up like a prune. When her husband finished ringing up the items he curtly announced the total, and without a word Kate counted out the required amount in cash and loaded the sacks into her cart.

  Neither Otto nor Shirley offered to help, nor did they wish her goodbye when she turned to leave. As Kate opened the door and pushed her cart out onto the sidewalk, she heard an indignant huff and Gert's querulous, "I swear, I don't know how that woman has the nerve to show her face in this town."

  "I know," Shirley agreed. "It makes my blood boil to have to wait on her. You ask me—"

  The door swung shut, cutting off the venomous tirade. Kate paused to draw in a deep breath of cool mountain air, then zipped up her windbreaker and turned toward home.

  She walked purposefully with her head high and her gaze focused straight ahead, pretending not to notice the stares that followed her or how people she had known most of her life stepped aside to avoid any sort of physical contact with her. A few doors down the street, Donny Bowman stepped from his family's bakery and headed in her direction. He had given Kate her first kiss, had taken her to the senior prom and afterward had declared his undying love for her, but when he looked up and spotted her, his face hardened. Kate's chin came up another notch, and she met his cold stare with unapologetic directness. It was Donny who finally broke eye contact and looked away.

  The corners of Kate's mouth curved ever so slightly. Good. Let him glare and grumble, she thought. He won't see me cringe or hang my head and slink away like a whipped dog.

  Thankfully, Gold Fever was a small place, only about eight blocks square. Main Avenue was a spur off Highway 550, about a half mile away, and the only paved street in town. The others were dirt and gravel.

  In minutes Kate reached the north end of town where the paving ended. With a sigh of relief, she started up the sloping dirt road. The grocery cart bumped and rattled over rocks and potholes as she pulled it along behind her.

  Kate hated going into town, and put off doing so until she had no choice. Even during the height of tourist season she kept to herself as much as possible, venturing down into town merely to buy supplies and pick up her mail at the post office.

  The cart was heavy, and soon her arm began to ache. She could have made it easy on herself and driven the SUV into town, but she enjoyed walking and getting out in the fresh air. Winter was just around the corner, and once it arrived she wouldn't be able to walk to town.

  Climbing the gentle slope, she looked around at the soaring peaks and smiled. How she loved it here. As a six-year-old, the first time she and her family had driven over the last pass and started down the winding road into this high mountain valley, she had been enchanted. In twenty-three years that feeling had never left her.

  A gust of wind sent a chill through Kate and tugged a blond curl loose from her French braid. She shivered and pushed the dancing tendril away from her face and tucked it behind her ear. During the past couple of weeks, storms had powdered the tops of the mountains with fresh snow. Even in summer, snow capped the jagged peaks, but now the white mantle was growing longer, sagging unevenly like a cheap petticoat, edging downward a little more with each weather front that came through. Soon the town would be buried under a blanket of snow and ice, and Gold Fever's few souls would hunker down before their fires for the long winter, venturing out only when absolutely necessary.

  Kate's gaze followed the switchback path of the road upward to the house sitting majestically about five hundred feet up the base slope of Smithson Mountain, overlooking the town. She picked up her pace, impatient suddenly to get back inside the protection of its walls. The huge rose-granite house was now known as the Alpine Rose Bed-and-Breakfast, but to Kate it would always be her place of refuge, her home.

  The last guests had checked out yesterday, and though most of the tourists who rented rooms from her were nice people, Kate had been happy to see them go. She was looking forward to the respite from the seven-day-a-week work schedule of running a bed-and-breakfast, as well as to her annual period of solitude.

  Besides, she needed time to get the place winterized before the snows came in earnest. She had already begun spreading a thick layer of compost and mulch around the bases of the rose bushes that surrounded the house. There were also storm windows to hang, outdoor faucets to insulate, porch furniture to store in the garage.

  When she was done with those chores she had to lay in a larger supply of food and art supplies and stock up on books and needlework projects and jigsaw puzzles—things to keep her occupied during the next five months.

  Kate rattled around all alone in the big house in the winter, but she didn't mind. Though she had not been born an introvert, out of necessity she had developed into one over the past four years. Now she had become accustomed to the winter solitude and looked forward to sleeping late and having only herself to please. Most of all, she looked forward to having her home to herself once again.

  Kate had barely reached the house and put away her groceries and was passing through the foyer when she heard a vehicle coming up the road. She stepped outside onto the porch and shaded her eyes with her hand, wondering who it could possibly be. Other than Zach, who was in Arizona, and an occasional delivery or repair person, the only people who came to her door were tourists, and the season was over.

  Probably just someone who was lost, she thought as the green Jeep Cherokee climbed toward her. Often a motorist got confused and took the spur road instead of following the highway north. Most quickly realized their mistake and backtracked, but a few ended up on the dirt roa
d from town that led to her doorstep.

  Kate crossed the porch to wait at the top of the steps. The Jeep came to a halt at the end of the walkway and a tall, dark-haired man climbed out.

  "May I help you?" she inquired politely.

  "I sure hope so." He grinned at her over the top of the vehicle. Taking his time, he paused by the Jeep, hands planted on his hips, and drank in the spectacular panorama of snow-capped mountains all around and the picturesque Victorian town nestled in the valley below. When he'd looked his fill, he skirted the vehicle and started up the brick walkway, shaking his head. "Man, that's some view."

  "Yes, isn't it."

  Watching the man approach, Kate experienced an odd flutter in the pit of her stomach. With his dark good looks and lean build, the man exuded a potent masculine aura that was palpable even from a distance.

  That sexy, loose-limbed saunter alone was enough to raise the coldest woman's blood pressure. Oh, yes, he was a good-looking devil, she thought as he came to a halt at the foot of the porch steps. His features were strong and beautifully formed, chiseled just enough to save him from being pretty. No doubt he left a trail of palpitating female hearts in his wake wherever he went.

  Judging from the way her own was thumping, Kate realized ruefully that she was no more immune than the rest of her sisters. Either that, or she'd been alone far too long.

  The man placed one foot on the bottom step, and the faded denim jeans stretched taut over well-defined muscles. Bracing his hand on his thigh, he flashed her a disarming smile. "This is the Alpine Rose Bed-and-Breakfast, I hope?"

  "Yes, it is. May I help you with something?"

  "I need a place to stay."

  "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid as of yesterday, the Alpine Rose is closed for the winter."

  "You're kidding. I had no idea you weren't open year-round."

  "There wouldn't be much point. Tourists love this area during the other seasons, but since we don't have a ski resort nearby, our harsh winters tend to keep them away."

  The man sighed and looked out over the town again. Then he turned back to her with a persuasive smile. It was pure practiced charm, Kate knew, but that didn't stop her heart from giving a little kick when he turned those vivid blue eyes on her.

  "Could I perhaps persuade you to make an exception for me?"

  "I'm sorry—"

  "No, wait. Before you say no, hear me out. I'm not looking for a room for just a night or two. I'd like to book a stay for at least six months."

  "Six months? Oh, I'm sorry, Mr.…"

  "Conway. J.T. Conway."

  "Mr. Conway, I'm not running a boarding house. This is a first-class bed and breakfast. The people who stay here usually do so for only a few days."

  "I know, but what's my alternative? The Miners' Lodge? I stopped in there and had a look before coming here. No, thanks."

  Kate stared at him. He had her there. She wouldn't wish that place on anyone. The Miners' Lodge had been a brothel in the nineteenth century, and other than to change the sheets, she doubted the current owners had done anything to improve the cubbyhole rooms. They ran a pool hall and restaurant and bar in the downstairs. Occasionally they rented out one of the upstairs rooms—mostly to the young crowd who typically stayed in youth hostels. Those who sought elegance, comfort and good food came to the Alpine Rose.

  "Mr. Conway, I'm doing you a favor by refusing. The elevation of the town is just over nine thousand feet. Our winters are brutal. We get snowed in for days at a time. Trust me, you would hate it."

  He pursed his lips thoughtfully and glanced down at the town. "Does anyone live in Gold Fever during the winter months?"

  "Yes. There are about three hundred year-round residents.

  "Do you stay through the winter?"

  "Yes."

  "Then I'm sure I can manage."

  "Mr. Con—"

  "You don't understand, Miss, uh…?"

  "Kate Mahoney. I own the Alpine Rose."

  "Well, Miss Mahoney, solitude is exactly what I'm looking for. It won't bother me a bit to be snowed in. You see, I'm writing a novel set in this area during the gold rush, and I really need to stay here to conduct my research and get the feel of the place."

  "I see. Nevertheless—"

  "If you're worried that I'll be a lot of trouble, don't. Most of the time I'll be in my room writing, or down in town doing research and interviewing the old-timers around here. This is a big house. You won't even know I'm here. I promise."

  Oh, she'd know he was there, all right, Kate thought. No woman under the age of ninety could fail to be aware of the presence of a man like J.T. Conway under her roof. Her feminine radar would pick him up even if she put him on the third floor in the old servants' quarters.

  Instinct told her that the smart thing would be to refuse his request. The man unsettled her, although she wasn't sure why. It was more than merely his looks; she'd had good-looking men stay in her home before. But there was something about J.T. Conway…

  She had every right to refuse. She needed a rest from looking after guests, and she was looking forward to a period of solitude and self-indulgence. When she had the house to herself she could take long bubble baths and sleep late and run around in sweats and socks and never put on makeup. Shoot, she could run around bare-beamed and buck naked, if she wanted to.

  Still, she could use the money. A house as old as this one was constantly in need of repair. And, as he said, it was a big place. How much trouble could one man be?

  Sensing that she was weakening, he quickly took advantage. "Look, we can agree on a monthly rate and I'll pay you the six months rent in advance. It's yours regardless of whether or not I stay the full six months. How does that sound?"

  Six months rent up-front? Kate made a quick calculation in her head, and temptation tugged at her. A few of the rooms could use fresh paint and wallpaper. By next spring the carriage house would need repainting and there were several other repairs she needed to tackle to keep the place in top condition.

  She bit her lower lip. "I don't know," she said uncertainly.

  "And of course I'll pay extra for the additional meals." He named a generous figure, and Kate flashed him an annoyed look. Darn it. He wasn't playing fair.

  "Oh, and if you have any concern about being alone in the house with me for months, you really don't have to worry. Not that I don't find you attractive, mind you," he added with a flirtatious wink. "I do. But I assure you I've never forced my attentions on a woman."

  I'll bet, Kate thought. Men like J.T. Conway didn't have to. Just the opposite. He probably had to beat women off with a club.

  Actually, she hadn't given a thought to that aspect until he mentioned it. Kate was accustomed to having strangers in her home. However, never anyone for a long period of time.

  Kate wasn't concerned for her safety. She had no illusions about her looks. She knew that she had a delicate sort of beauty that some found appealing, but she was hardly the type to drive a man wild with lust. Of course, some of the men who had stayed at the B&B had made passes at her, but she put a stop to that soon enough. With the married ones, a threat to tell their wives usually did the trick.

  What bothered Kate was the gossip J.T. was sure to hear in town. Most of her guests didn't stay long enough to learn about the scandal or hear the accusations against her and her brother. But if Mr. Conway was going to be around for months, talking to the locals and digging through the town's old newspaper files, he was certain to find out about the crime.

  How would he react? she wondered. With scorn? Or avarice? It was usually one of the two.

  J.T. Conway's opinion of her didn't matter one way or the other, but she didn't care for the idea of being cooped up all winter with someone who thought she was a criminal.

  "I can give you references if you'd like," J.T. pressed when she continued to hesitate. "My pastor back in Houston, a retired police detective and former girlfriends. You can call them, ask them anything you want."

  Kate arch
ed one eyebrow. "Former girlfriends? Are you sure you want to risk that?"

  His devilish grin flashed again. "I'm on friendly terms with all my ex's. If you want to call them I'll be happy to turn over my little black book to you."

  "That won't be necessary." Kate gave him a level look. "I have a sturdy lock on my door, Mr. Conway. I also have a pistol, and I'm an excellent markswoman."

  The last statement was a blatant lie. Not only did she not own a hand gun, she'd never touched one in her life. The only weapon she'd ever fired was her father's old shotgun.

  That he remained on friendly terms with his ex-lovers said a lot about his character, but it didn't hurt for him to believe she could and would defend herself if the need arose.

  J.T. did not seem in the least intimidated. He tried to put on a serious face, but laughter twinkled in his eyes, and his mouth twitched suspiciously. "I'll keep that in mind. So, Miss Mahoney, does this mean you'll let me stay?"

  Kate met his pleading gaze for several seconds. Finally she sighed. "Very well. You can stay."

  Yes! J.T. thought, fighting down the urge to let out a whoop. He was in! First step accomplished.

  "Great. You won't regret it."

  Her dry look told him she wasn't convinced of that, but she merely turned back to the door. "If you'd like to get your things we'll go in."

  "Sure thing." He hurried out to his Jeep and returned moments later carrying a large bag over his shoulder and a case containing his laptop and followed her inside.

  "Very nice," he said, looking around at the impressive entry hall.

  "Thank you. The house was built by Elijah Smithson between 1880 and 1883. He was the first prospector in the valley to find gold. As it turned out, his claim was not only the first, it was the richest strike ever made here. Throughout the town's history, the Shamrock Mine was the largest and most profitable in the valley. Two-thirds of the local miners worked there."

  Amusement tugged at J.T.'s mouth. She sounded like a tour guide. No doubt the spiel was one she gave to all her paying guests. Kate Mahoney was the epitome of the cool, efficient innkeeper—polite and informative, but businesslike. He had a hunch it was a persona she assumed to keep a distance between herself and her guests.