The Danger Within. Valerie Hansen

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      Michael was deep in thought and concentrating on his bowl of chili and corn bread when Fiona approached. He looked up expecting her to offer a coffee refill. Instead, he saw her pointing to the opposite side of his small table. Beside her stood a blonde who looked like a cross between a country music wannabe and a gypsy. Mostly gypsy, he decided after a more careful perusal that included the multiple earrings peeking through her loose curls. She could have been a flower child of the sixties, except she was far too young.

      Fiona was beaming. “Michael, honey, we’re out of room. Do you mind sharing?”

      Before he could answer she prattled on. “I think the Lord has already answered our prayers. I’d like you to meet Layla Dixon. That’s Doctor Dixon. She’s a vet. Isn’t that wonderful? She was just passing through and look where she decided to stop for lunch.”

      Michael pushed back his chair and stood politely, napkin in hand. The young woman looked amiable enough but he was far from pleased by Fiona’s well-intentioned interference.

      “Michael Vance. Pleased to meet you.” He briefly shook the hand Layla offered and was startled at how cold—and how soft—her fingers were. “You’re freezing,” he said. “Here. Sit down and grab a cup of hot coffee.”

      “I don’t drink coffee,” she said pleasantly. “I would like a cup of tea, though.”

      “Fine.” He looked to Fiona. “And bring her some of this chili. It’s hot enough to melt an iceberg.”

      “No, really, I…” Layla scowled.

      “Sorry. I didn’t mean to be pushy. Everything here is good. Have whatever you like.”

      “Thanks, I will.” Smiling, Layla swept her skirt gracefully aside and slid into the chair opposite him before unzipping her vest. “Please, continue eating. I didn’t mean to interrupt your meal.” She looked up at Fiona. “I’ll have herb tea and a Chef’s salad with only eggs and cheese. I don’t eat meat. Ranch dressing, please.”

      Michael’s eyebrows rose at Layla’s choices as Fiona went to place the order. “Rabbit food?”

      “It’s good for rabbits, isn’t it?”

      “They tend to be pretty puny.”

      “Only because that’s the way the Lord intended them to be. I’d hate to see a bunny the size of a horse.” One eyebrow arched. “Come to think of it, horses are vegetarians, too.”

      “I can see you’re an expert,” Michael quipped. “Did they teach you that in veterinary college?”

      “Nope. I already knew. I’m not a city girl. I was raised not far from here.”

      “Really? Let me guess, around Manitou Springs?”

      “Yes, as a matter of fact. How did you know?”

      Michael saw her glance at her bangle bracelets, then start to finger the beads in one of the necklaces draped in silvery loops around her neck. She knew very well how he’d come to that conclusion and was obviously waiting for him to make some derogatory comment about life in a commune.

      Instead, he nodded toward the chair where he’d placed his hat. “The same way you know I’m a rancher. We both dress the part.”

      “I do have my conventional side.”

      “You must, to have graduated as a veterinarian. Where did you go to school?”

      “Up by Berkeley. The UC Davis campus.” Layla began to grin. “That way I didn’t have to buy a new wardrobe.”

      “Very practical.” Michael paused as her tea and salad were delivered. “What brings you back to Colorado?”

      Holding the cup in both hands to warm her fingers, she took a cautious sip. “Umm. I don’t know, exactly. I travel a lot. Here and there.”

      “That’s it?” Michael was incredulous. “You just drift?”

      “I like to see new sights. It suits my nature.”

      He swallowed his last spoonful of lunch and settled back in his chair. “Amazing. I can’t imagine ever wanting to do that. This place is home.”

      Layla smiled indulgently. “Any place can be home if your heart is right and you’re in tune with the Lord.”

      “Sounds like you’ve kept the earthy philosophy you grew up with and substituted God for Mother Nature.”

      “I didn’t need to substitute anything. It all belongs to God in the first place.”

      “Good point.”

      She nodded slowly. “I seem to remember a verse about Him owning the cattle on a thousand hills.”

      “I’ve heard it. I just wish He was watching the livestock at my place a little closer.”

      “Why?”

      Michael shook his head soberly. “Never mind. It’s nothing. I’ll get it all sorted out soon.”

      “Maybe I can help. I’d be glad to give you a professional opinion if you want.”

      In spite of her age and nonconformist image he was tempted to take her up on the offer. However, once he confided in her there’d be no going back. Although she seemed friendly and concerned, it was foolish to expect loyalty—or silence—from someone he hardly knew.

      “Thanks. I can handle it myself.”

      “Good for you,” she said with a quirky smile. Her gaze settled on the table next to his empty chili bowl. “Are you going to eat those crackers?”

      “No. Help yourself. I would have offered if they’d СКАЧАТЬ