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  “The cops here, man . . .” Max said.

  “I agree. We need more police. We’re growing and the force hasn’t grown. I think the fair has definitely shown them they need more help. Let’s hope they get some.”

  Brynn’s low-grade headache was starting to get worse. She’d pushed herself a little too far. “I’m sorry, guys. I need some medicine and to get a little rest.”

  “Okay,” Willow said. “Yes. Get some rest. We’ll see you later.”

  Brynn stood and left the room, weary and confused. And frightened.

  Chapter 33

  Brynn awakened to the sound of thunder. She sat up in her bed and saw the skies light with a veiny crack of lightning. She glanced at the clock—2:00 AM. Rain pelted her windows, and as the skies lit up she glimpsed trees swaying in the wind. Wow, what a horrible week for the fair—rained out almost every night.

  Pangs of disappointment zoomed through her. She had such high hopes for the fair and cheese contest. And man, the cheddar was extraordinary. She wanted to speak to the person who made it. Cheddars were not easy to make. It used to be it could only be made in the village of Cheddar in England for it to be considered real cheddar. A few snobby cheese heads still felt the same way. Brynn thought that was ridiculous. Cheddar cheese for everybody!

  A silver thread of lightning cracked against the sky and a loud boom shook the house. Romeo jumped up onto her bed and mewed, then curled up next to Brynn as she lay back down beneath the covers.

  Brynn closed her eyes. The storm would be over soon. For now, there was warmth, a soft bed, and a cat purring next to her.

  * * *

  The next morning, Brynn was awakened by her sister knocking at the bedroom door. “Are you awake?”

  “I am now.”

  “Ha,” she said as she opened the door. “How are you feeling? You slept a long time.”

  “Okay. No headache this morning,” Brynn said, sitting up in bed.

  “There’s a couple of trees down. They weren’t struck by lightning, but Wes stopped by earlier and said he’d called someone to clear them.”

  Brynn untangled herself from her covers. “Oh no! Which trees were they? Here I’ve been sleeping, leaving Wes to deal with all of this!”

  “You’re recovering from a concussion. Need I remind you?”

  Brynn’s heart sank. She felt useless. She’d like to strangle the man with the dreadlocks. Why did he shoot Wes? And why did she have to pass out and crack her head on the floor? She swayed as she stood.

  “Whoa, where are you going?” Becky was by her side.

  “I was going to the bathroom. Do you want to come with me?” Brynn grinned.

  “I’ll pass on that. But are you dizzy?”

  “I was. I’m fine now.”

  “Okay, I’ll see you downstairs. Wes made breakfast. It smells heavenly.”

  Brynn’s stomach growled at the mention of breakfast. She was hungry, and that was a good sign.

  The scents in the kitchen pulled her in, ignited her curiosity. What had he made? The table was already set, and the food was waiting for them. How wonderful of Wes. Brynn nearly cried.

  “Good morning,” he said. “I’m trying out a new recipe. I hope you like it. Coffee’s on the table.”

  “How wonderful!” Becky said.

  Brynn sat down. “Where’s your dad and Max?” She reached for her cup of coffee, drank from the cup. Perfect.

  “They ate earlier.”

  Stacks of whole wheat tortillas, sliced apples, honey, and jars of white cheese were on the table.

  He sat down and spread the cheese on his tortillas, sliced apples, and then drizzled honey onto it. Brynn and Becky followed suit.

  The tortillas were still warm from the oven and the cheese so fresh you could also taste the cow in it, as Granny Rose used to say.

  “It’s delicious!” Becky said with her mouth still full.

  A smile cracked onto Wes’s face. “Glad to hear it. Is there anything you’d add?”

  Brynn thought about it a moment. “Some nuts?”

  “Walnuts? Yes! I think you’re right!”

  “I don’t like walnuts,” Becky said. “So if you serve them again I’d place the nuts on the side and people could choose whether they want them.”

  “I’ve never heard of anybody not liking walnuts.” Brynn shoved another bite of the fresh delight in her mouth, relishing the melding of the flavors.

  “Well, you have now,” Becky said.

  Brynn sat and enjoyed her breakfast, looking out at her field and cows. Jewel was hanging out with the other cows. That was a blessing. In fact, this whole situation was a blessing. Brynn had a roof over her head, good food, good friends. And for this moment, she wasn’t reflecting on the murder case. No, she was thinking about how happy she was. This tableau reminded her of a less complicated time before all of this craziness.

  She felt a sliver of hope. Maybe the police would solve the murder case. Maybe they already had, which meant they’d leave Wes alone. She could heal without any worries about him, Chelsea, or whatever fool had sent her the text message. It would be done. Maybe. She could hope for that. It seemed possible right this moment.

  She ached for her daily routine. Cows. Cheese. Business. The CSA. She wanted her sister to feel free to go home to Lily. She didn’t want people fussing over her. She wanted her life back.

  Chapter 34

  After breakfast, Brynn opened her laptop while still sitting at the kitchen table. “I’m allowed an hour of screen time every day, so I can check on orders and see what else can be done in an hour.”

  “Good luck with that,” Becky said.

  Brynn clicked on the computer and the screen froze. Restarted. “We may need a new computer, Wes.”

  “I’m not even sure how old it is.” He walked over to watch as the screen flicked back on. After the restart, the screen froze again. “Let me see.” He pulled up a chair next to Brynn. His fingers clicked over the keyboard. He finally urged the screen to unlock. Clicked on the e-mail messages. He and Brynn both scanned the list of messages. Sure enough, another ransom ware notice popped onto the screen.

  “I don’t get it. Didn’t you say you called Charlie and he fixed it?”

  “Yes, but he said a lot of people received these messages and some have even paid the ransom.” Once again, Brynn marveled at the power technology had in her life. What was going on?

  “I suppose we’ll have to call him again, and he’s one busy guy.”

  “If he can’t fix it, I’ll get Roy. He’s pretty good with this stuff,” Wes said.

  Brynn thought of Roy and shivered as she remembered him and Chelsea together at the fair. A completely unsuitable couple. “I hope it doesn’t come to that.”

  “Me too,” Wes said. “I’ll call Charlie and try to get him out here today.”

  “Thanks, Wes,” Brynn said. She had planned to sit there this morning and print off orders for cheese. Now she was at sea.

  Wes closed the laptop. “Why don’t you go and see your girls? Schuyler said she thinks they’re missing you.”

  “Great idea,” Becky said. “I’ll come with you. Everything is done here. The kitchen is spotless and Wes is calling the computer guy. Let’s get some cow loving in.”

  The sisters left the room and made for the door. A cool breeze met Brynn on opening the door. The grass was greener, the flowers had perked up, and the air had low humidity. What a glorious morning.

  Brynn swung open the field gate and Freckles, along with all four cows, greeted her. Becky and Brynn rubbed, scratched, and petted all of them. Jewel waited until all the others greeted Brynn and received their rubs. Then she cautiously walked up to her, eyes blinking beneath hair and looking at Brynn with warmth.

  Oh my. Brynn’s heart bloomed. She reached for Jewel and the cow gave off a noise much like a sigh. She was lonely, sad, missing her previous owner, perhaps. This cow needed a home where she’d be loved and appreciated.

  “What a sweeti
e,” Becky said. “You’ve got a great group of cows.”

  “Shh. Don’t let them hear you say that.” Brynn grinned. “They already think they’re people.”

  Becky laughed. “Then maybe they can fix your computer.”

  “I wish they could! What an odd thing. A lot of people have been infected with this ransom ware. And now we’ve gotten it twice. I’d like to understand how to prevent this.”

  “I’m not sure you can. It seems to be one of those modern annoyances.”

  Jewel seemed as if she couldn’t get enough attention. Brynn hated to leave her. She followed Brynn to the gate. “I’ll be back later.” The cow blinked.

  Jewel had to be happier with the brief respite of cooler weather—the shaggy little cow was made for the cold.

  “Where are you going?” Becky asked, following Brynn.

  “To check out the make and see what needs to be done. I mean, it’s where we make the cheese, so it needs a good cleaning. And I’m sure there’s enough milk for a ton of cheese by now.”

  “Let’s not go in there today,” Becky said.

  Brynn stopped. “What? Why?”

  “I think you’ve done enough for one day,” Becky stammered.

  “That’s ridiculous. What have I done? Tried to work. And visited with my cows. I want to peek in.”

  “No, you don’t. If I let you peek in, you’ll find something to do, Brynn MacAlister. I know you better than that.” Her voice was stern.

  “I promise I won’t.”

  “Let’s go back inside,” she said, almost pleading.

  What was going on here?

  Brynn smelled a rat. But she knew better than to argue with Becky. Was she hiding something in the make? Had something happened in the make? Was her milk okay? Her products?

  She’d sneak away later and check on it herself. “Whatever you say.”

  “Okay. Never thought I’d hear those words coming from you. But I’ll take it,” she said, and opened the front door.

  Brynn didn’t want to admit it to herself, but Becky was probably right. She was certain the make needed a good cleaning, and if she saw it she’d have to do something about it. The fact that milk stores were piling up was also driving her crazy. She was losing money every day milk was sitting in the stores untouched. Wes was doing his best to use it. But he was only one person, who did have other responsibilities, as well as a murder suspicion weighing on him.

  Chapter 35

  Brynn had almost forgotten about her checkup today. She still didn’t have her phone or computer, which were what she’d been using for calendar reminders. So efficient, right? Except when your computer was taken over by ransom ware and your phone was confiscated by the police.

  After her checkup, Brynn talked Becky into stopping by the sheriff’s office to check on her phone.

  “The doctor said to go home and rest,” Becky pointed out.

  “I will. I want to see if they have any news about my phone.”

  “I’m sure they’d have informed you by now.”

  “Not necessarily. I guess the fair has really stressed them. They don’t have enough people. I’d not be surprised if they’ve done nothing with it yet.”

  Becky pulled the car into the parking lot of the sheriff’s station. “Okay. Have it your way.”

  When the sisters walked into the office, they were surprised by the activity all around them. This was not a sleepy sheriff’s department. Most of it focused on one guy at the computer. A few people were gathered around and others were making phone calls. There didn’t seem to be anybody who was free to help them. A woman rounded the corner and almost ran into Brynn. “Oh, sorry!” she said. “Can I help you?”

  “I’m Brynn MacAlister. The sheriff has my phone. I wondered if I can have it back.”

  “Phone?” She looked surprised. “Hmm. I’m not sure. Let me check on that.” She disappeared into the back.

  Brynn eyed the scene. Who were all these people? They weren’t locals, she didn’t think. What were they doing here? What was going on? She glanced at Becky, who lifted her eyebrows.

  “This perp is good! Damn! I can’t get a bead on this credit card. He’s messing with us!”

  Credit card? Were they talking about Wes’s case?

  “I’m sorry. I think it’s a woman. Look, there’s jewelry and a ton of cosmetics.”

  “Yeah, but it doesn’t mean a woman is buying them.”

  Brynn stood and soaked all of it in. She was certain they were talking about Wes’s credit card. Jewelry. Cosmetics. Considering those two things, her mind shifted to Chelsea. Was she conniving enough to pull this off?

  Brynn and Becky stole glances at each other as they waited for the woman to return.

  Brynn wanted to report back to Wes in detail. They figured the police were doing nothing, but they were wrong. They were on the case. And, from the looks of things, had brought in reinforcements.

  “Brynn?” Sheriff Edge walked into the room. “Sandy said you were looking for your phone.”

  “Yes, Sheriff, I am,” she replied. “I’ve been watching all of this stuff going on here.”

  He nodded. “I hate these open offices. But we’re getting close.”

  “Is this Wes’s case? The murder case? Are you close to finding the guy?”

  “Don’t get your hopes up. I’ve seen this happen a lot. These computer criminals . . . let’s just say they’re smart and wily. We thought we’d gotten close a few times. A lot of stuff just doesn’t add up.”

  “Please let me know if I can help.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “You can help by going home and taking care of yourself. No more investigating on your part. We’ve talked about this before.”

  Becky elbowed her.

  “What about my phone? Where is it?” Brynn asked.

  “I can’t release it yet. I’m sorry.”

  “Why not?”

  “It’s a piece of the cyberpuzzle we’re trying to put together. We need it.”

  But I need my phone.

  “Maybe you should get another phone, if you’re worried about missing calls. It might be a while before you get it back,” the sheriff said.

  All of my contacts. All of my business information.

  “We can go and see about a phone tomorrow,” Becky said. “For now, I think we better get you home.”

  “Good idea,” he said, and took his leave.

  They walked out of the station and into the car.

  “I can’t believe I have to get a new phone.”

  “It’s not a big deal. Everything will transfer over,” Becky said as she started the car and pulled out of the parking space. “I run my business from my phone. You’ll be okay. Don’t worry about it.”

  “Well, that’s a relief. But nothing else is, really.”

  Becky turned out of the lot. “I’m wondering if those guys were FBI?”

  “What makes you say that?” Brynn asked.

  “Did you see how they were dressed? Not in a uniform.”

  “I hadn’t paid attention. I was focused on what they were saying.”

  Becky and Brynn laughed. Nobody else would find it funny. But their observations were typical of the sisters. Becky focused on clothing, fashion, and hair. Brynn listened and tried to make sense of it all. Together, they were a good team.

  As they drove along, through the village of Shenandoah Springs, Brynn’s head pounded and she closed her eyes. The words of the maybe FBI guys rolled around in her head. Can’t get a bead on this credit card. He’s messing with us! Jewelry. Cosmetics.

  When Brynn awakened, they were pulling into the driveway and there was a strange car parked in it.

  “Looks like we have company,” Becky said.

  Normally, Brynn would love having company. But for some reason, dread rushed through her.

  * * *

  Brynn and Becky opened the door slowly and crept inside. Voices came from the room that served as an office in the old farmhouse. It used to be a formal din
ing room, which Brynn didn’t need.

  The sisters stood in the hallway and listened. A stranger’s voice. Young man. Then Wes. “I can’t believe you’re seeing Chelsea after all this time, dude.”

  The young man laughed. “She is amazing, if you know what I mean.”

  Brynn walked in. She wasn’t going to stand there and listen to that. “Hello?” Becky was close on her heels.

  “Brynn!” Wes stood. “Have you met Roy?”

  “A few times, I think,” she said, extending her hand. “But not officially. Nice to meet you.” Had she met him at the fair? Yes, he’d visited the booth and chatted with Wes.

  He sat in front of the computer but turned and shook her hand.

  “I called him because Charlie is so backed up. He’s a computer whiz, man,” Wes said.

  Brynn was usually thrilled by Wes’s decisions. But this time she wasn’t so sure. Roy was dating Chelsea. And, like it or not, Wes was still under suspicion of murder—a murder that had something to do with Chelsea. Brynn needed to figure this out. Her head hurt.

  “I think we’ve got your computer cleaned,” Roy said, looking at her and smiling. “We changed your passwords, and I ran an antivirus program. Usually these viruses take hold and most antivirus programs do nothing. But I have a kick-ass one.”

  Relief washed over Brynn. “Well, that’s good.” Maybe he was an okay guy. Perhaps it was fine that Wes had called on him.

  Wes sat forward. “Yeah, poor Charlie. He’s a one-guy shop and things have gotten too busy for him.”

  “Yet he won’t hire anybody. What’s with that?” Roy’s eyebrows knit. Brynn sensed a story there. Roy must have sought employment with Charlie. Why wouldn’t Charlie hire him?

  Thoughts pricked at her—right—he was also the guy who had left for Richmond, a gaming job that didn’t work out, so he came back to Shenandoah Springs to continue to work on farms. Wes had mentioned him more than a few times.

  “I have no idea. Maybe he likes to do it himself.”

  “He’s an odd dude. Gives me the creeps,” Roy said.

  There was nothing creepy about Charlie. At least Brynn didn’t think so. “I like him. He saved my butt last week. I wish he could do something to stop it from happening again.”