Chapter One
Jessica watched as her RV was parked into its slot. For years she wrote her stories from home or in her apartment in New York, her second home, but last year she hit the worst writer's block she ever had. No matter what she did or didn't do, she couldn't write. Help came in the form of Grady her nephew, Donna his wife, and Frank her grand-nephew. She went to upstate New York to spend a couple of weeks at their cottage but it was being renovated so Grady rented an RV for her to stay in since they only had a working kitchen and one bedroom and bath to use. The RV was parked in the driveway and within a day, her block was lifted and she could work on her book again. It was frustrating to save her work until after Frank went to bed at night but she spent all day with him and that made her feel less guilty.
When she returned home, she spent eight weeks finishing her book and her publisher was thrilled. He was so thrilled that he immediately told her he was going to order a custom made RV for her so she could write wherever she needed to be at any moment. She had a wonderful time making the RV hers. The master bedroom was large as was the ensuite bathroom. She had a workable kitchen, a living area with a large sectional sofa and big screen tv. She also had amenities like a washer/dryer combo unit, a full sized refrigerator, and a fireplace. The sectional turned into two separate beds in the event that Grady and his family ever traveled with her.
She created a work station with a large desk, computer, printer, and fax plus storage for paper, ink, etc. She brought the best desk chair she could find. There was a built-in bookcase where she placed her reference materials. Poisons, bombs, knives, guns, police manuals, whatever she could think of in case she wasn't near a library. The internet was useful but full of errors.
The storage underneath the rv was enormous. She had a bike rack on the back that would hold two bikes. She stored extra linens in the storage hold as well as seasonal clothing like coats, jackets, boots. She was so excited when she got to visit the finished product and spent over an hour opening cabinet doors, learning how to operate the fireplace, and opening and closing the popout sides. She blushed to think the RV cost more than her house due to its Italian leather furniture, marble and granite finishes and imported hardwood flooring increasing the price considerably. She had to redo her carport to accommodate the RV and then she spent an entire week living in it.
It was easier than she anticipated. The king-sized bed was wonderful, better than the one in her house. She opted not to have a bathtub but had a large shower instead. She was able to cook easily, having a full-sized stove and oven helped. She didn't need the main closet since the closets in the bedroom were sufficient so she stored water, drinks, and extra supplies in it and used it as a pantry. She determined she could probably live for 5-6 weeks without having to buy supplies and it helped her to decide to go camping for the summer.
She chose Wyoming because it would take approximately 3 days of driving and there were plenty of RV parks in the many campgrounds. Although the main purpose of going camping was to work on her next novel, the first week would be spent with two of her nieces, Jill and Courtney, who were stopping on their way to Canada. She hoped her two neighbors sharing their RVs in the same camping spot wouldn't be too noisy. On weekends there would be a fourth RV.
She had hired a driver to take her to the campground. She stayed in hotels at night and her driver had a separate room as well. He would be flying home once she was settled at the campground. The RV was easily hooked up to water, sewage, and the generator was started so she would have electricity.
Her neighbors in the RV next to hers were pleasant. They had a red, white, and blue newer model RV. They were retired and vacationed at the campground with their children and grandchildren every summer. Todd and Regina Brody seemed very family oriented. Jessica hoped the three children wouldn't be too noisy but figured they would be out fishing and hiking most of the day. Six adults and three children seemed excessive for the RV but she was told they used two pop up tents in front of the vehicle at night. The third parking slot was empty when she arrived.
The week with her nieces was pleasant. They talked, really talked about their lives, boyfriends, colleges, and other family members. Jessica always liked catching up, especially in person. She also spent many mornings sharing a cup of tea with Regina before anyone else was awake. Jessica had forgotten how pleasant it was to simply relax with a cup of tea and speak with a friend. She was sorely missing Seth. Hiking and fishing with her nieces was just what she needed to relax. She couldn't stop the tears as she waved goodbye to her nieces. Her neighbors invited her to supper that evening. Todd and Regina Brody were such good people.
"Jessica, are you JB Fletcher?" asked Regina. "My daughter-in-law, Stephanie, thinks you are."
"I am indeed JB Fletcher. I'm spending the summer away from home, writing, and visiting with family."
Everyone was suddenly chatting away. It was so thrilling to be with a real celebrity, especially one so nice. Later, Jessica excused herself to answer her cell phone which she had left inside. Calling out her goodnights to everyone she missed the call and picked up her phone to see who had rang up.
A missed call from George Sutherland. She hadn't heard from him for at least a month. She called him several times in the past few weeks and sent a few emails so she figured he was working day and night on a case or was traveling and working, more than likely both. She eagerly called him back.
"Hello Jessie,"
Right off she knew something was wrong. "George, what's wrong? Are you okay?"
He paused for a beat then sighed. "It's been a rough time lately. I'm sorry it has taken so long to call you back."
She began to worry. He sounded so defeated. "What's wrong, dear, and how can I help.?"
"It's just wonderful hearing your voice, lass. Do you know how long it's been?"
"Yes," She laughed lightly. "It has been five weeks and three days."
There was silence for a minute. She didn't want to break it and waited.
George's voice broke. "Lass, I'll be coming across the pond but I won't be in New York or Maine. I'm going to a city called Laramie in Wyoming."
"George, I'm currently outside of Cheyenne, Wyoming. You're going to be less than an hour away. Are you working a case over here?" A thrill went through Jessica. Wouldn't it be great if she could see him? "I'm here for the summer. I guess you haven't read your emails from me."
He cleared his throat. "I took a leave of absence for a few weeks. I'm flying into Cheyenne and renting a car to drive to Laramie. I'd like to see you, lass."
They spent a few minutes discussing logistics and hung up knowing he would be there in about 15 hours. Jessica immediately began cleaning. The RV was generally clean but she needed to put away a few items and started some laundry. She couldn't wait to see him but couldn't help wondering what was wrong. She and George were definitely attracted to each other. He expressed a desire for a closer relationship but she was hesitant. They were apart most of the time, in fact, a year or two would pass before seeing each other. That wasn't what she wanted but insisting he move to America didn't feel fair either.
Jessica waved off her next door neighbors the following morning. It was early and they were spending the day hiking. The campsite director told her yesterday that another RV would be pulling in today and staying a few weeks so she wouldn't have to put up with new neighbors as often. The third slot had seen three different RVs since her arrival so it would be nice to have more permanent neighbors. Beyond saying hello or good morning, she never got to meet her other neighbors.
She went back inside but an hour later she heard a car drive in and she hurried out to greet George. She directed him to her assigned parking spot for the car and rushed to hug him. She helped to unpack the car. George had picked up a few groceries since Jessica invited him to spend the day and a night with her. He was going to keep his luggage in the car but she insisted that he bring it inside the RV. She gave him the grand tour and showed him all the features.
"Lass, this is better than many homes." He smiled at her although his eyes were sad.
"Come sit, George, and tell me what's going on."
They settled on the sectional and Jessica placed a pillow on her lap and waited.
"I'm sure I've mentioned Elliott Adler to you. He was the one I was training in the anti-terrorism program, up for promotion to Inspector?"
"Yes, you have mentioned him." She nodded.
"He was a bit headstrong but very competent." George sighed. "We got some intel about a few people trying to sell weapons to a group called Outer Reach and we were keeping an eye on the comings and goings of two people in particular."
Jessica knew this wasn't going to have a happy ending so she reached out to hold his hand.
"Elliott walked into a trap. He didn't wait for confirmation of the information we were receiving." George lowered his voice. "He was killed but three members of Outer Reach also died, one of them was one of the two people we were watching."
"Most of the remaining members were rounded up but not the leader, a former citizen of the United States and Finland although he was born and raised right here in Wyoming. It's believed he has friends, family, and hideaways here." George turned to look at her. "I took a leave of absence to gain information on him. Elliott left a wife and three children, teenagers, and I just feel helpless."
Jessica wrapped her arms around him. She knew how much he cared for his trainees and how much time he spent with each of them.
"It will be hard to pick up his trail. I'm told there aren't many people living in this state but it's a lot of land and lots of places to hide." George smiled weakly at her. "It is so good to see you though."
"George, let me help. I can do some internet searches and background checks on people. I write stories so anyone would just assume I'm researching my next book."
"Thank you, Jessie." He gave her hand a squeeze. "I don't have much information and I'm not familiar with Wyoming so any assistance you can give would be helpful."
"What's his name?"
"Jason Lewis but his nickname is Skip. I have no information on his personal life so I don't know if he's married or not."
"Has Outer Reach been responsible for any of the bombings?" she asked.
"They're more suppliers and arranging for groups to deal with each other, either in arms or intelligence. Indirectly they are responsible for bombings as usually the components are collected and distributed by them even though they rarely set them off."
They continued to discuss the group and George powered up his laptop and allowed her to read everything he had on the group which wasn't much. He had a few pictures that he showed her and a vague graph of a timeline for the past few years but there were many blanks and times unaccounted for in it.
"It's why I'm here trying to find out information on a more personal level," he explained. "I don't have a lot of time here, lass. I need to be back at the Yard in September." He kissed her lips softly and pulled back. "I've missed you Jessie." He kissed her again, hungrily before smiling regretfully and stepping away.
"Would you like a nap, George? Taking the red-eye is so inconvenient at times."
"No, it's easier to plug along until tonight." He turned the subject to other matters and they caught up with each other.
"I can't believe the size of this kitchen," he commented. "When you told me you were staying in an RV I was feeling sorry for you."
Jessica laughed. "I'm getting spoiled. I won't want to live in my house after this."
Jessica fixed a delicious dinner, pasta with shrimp, salad, broccoli, carrots, and dinner rolls. She cleared the table and washed up while George sat at his laptop reading. He powered it down as soon as she finished though and took a seat beside her on the sectional.
A loud horn made them jump and they looked out the window.
"Our new neighbors have arrived," announced Jessica. "The one thing I haven't liked is the noise when people are driving in or out. It takes time to hook up the water and all and there's always shouting or yelling of instructions. It can take over an hour."
She felt George freeze beside her. "George?"
He stood and went over to his computer. "Jessie, come into the bedroom with me."
Jessica stood and hurried into the bedroom. George's voice was commanding. She was hearing Chief Inspector George Sutherland's voice, not her dear, sweet George.
He placed his laptop in front of her. A headshot of Jason Lewis was on the screen. "Tell me if you think this is our new neighbor."
Jessica stared at the picture and then went toward the front of the RV and casually looked out the window. Two men were calling to each other while two women were standing and watching. The taller of the two men did indeed look like Jason Lewis.
"I'll be back, George." She called out and swiftly left the RV heading over to her new neighbors. "Welcome!" she shouted out to them. George waited pensively near the door, hidden from view and wishing she wasn't out there alone with them.
The women returned her greeting and Jessica chatted with them for a few minutes and asked if there was anything they needed. The women assured her they were fine and asked her how long she was staying.
"We'll be here through Labor Day weekend. It's been a great summer so far. How about you?"
"We aren't sure. It depends on how the fish are biting and the men. At least three or four weeks though," answered the woman called Sarah. The other woman, Marnie, was quiet although she was paying attention.
"How long have you been here?" asked Sarah.
"Two weeks, my nieces came out for a visit and my brothers will be coming for the Fourth of July but mostly it's just George and I." answered Jessica. "We take walks or hikes in the morning when it's cooler and I have to admit we're inside most of the afternoon and evening unless we're sitting out front. They spoke for a few more minutes before Jessica headed back to her RV.
She entered and went straight to the bedroom where the windows were closed and the blinds drawn still.
"They didn't mention the name of the men but the women are Sarah and Marnie. They said they would be here for three or four weeks." She grabbed his arm. "You need to stay here now, George, instead of going to Laramie."
"I don't have a cover story," he muttered.
"I told them WE have been here for a couple of weeks, mentioned my nieces staying for a week since you couldn't come for the first week and how my brothers will be here for the Fourth of July. It makes it seem like we've had these plans for a long time." She was speaking softly into his ear. "We can just be an average couple, unmarried because that can be checked easily especially because our other neighbors know who I am.
"We should pick up cameras and voice recorders! We might get one of those parabolic mics that can pick up sounds from yards away," suggested Jessica. She was starting to get excited about doing something useful for George.
"Calm down, lass, we aren't going to involve you in anything dangerous," he countered.
They spent an hour discussing what they could do. Jessica went online and ordered the technology needed to spy on their neighbors. They would have to pick it up at the nearest distribution delivery site tomorrow. They planned to be neighborly as much as possible which should be easy since she already liked the Brody's.
It was agreed that George would be a Scotsman living with her in New York and Maine. Her cover was easy since she was pretty famous and so much information about her was online anyway. They discussed how they met, (In New York at a coffee shop) what his job entailed (he was retired but used to be a postal worker in Scotland) and he already had a cover name, George Sinclair with appropriate identification. The good thing about his name was if someone searched it, New Scotland Yard would be notified immediately.
It was after ten when they felt they covered all their bases.
"Jessie, are you going to be comfortable acting like we're a couple? There are expectations…"
"George, we're fond of each other like you always say so I think I'm alright. Hugs and kisses are normal between couples and anything else is usually out of view of others."
"Just try to stick as close to the truth as possible," he reminded her. "I do believe we'll need to share your bed."
Jessica's eyebrows rose. "Why?"
"Because if he truly is Jason Lewis, he'll try to spy on us to see if we are who we say we are. The good news is we were here first and had no idea of them coming here so that isn't suspicious." He explained. "Try to notice how they speak with others. Do they ask a lot of questions but give little information in return? There's little doubt in my mind that they'll sneak inside while we're out and have a look around so make sure not to leave any notes lying around about them."
"What about your computer?"
"It's completely secure, even if they manage to break in, the files will delete within a minute if the passcode isn't entered."
"Well, I think we need to make a few changes." Jessica went into the tiny guest bathroom and removed all of George's toiletries and put them in the master bathroom. She emptied drawers to put his things inside and added his clothing to her closet as well. His slippers went next to one side of the bed and hers to the other side. "Are you sure?"
George nodded. "I bet the women told everything you said to them and they will either wake us in the morning or wait until we come outside. They'll be watching us."
George moved over and pulled her into his arms. "And is this a lovers holiday?"
Jessica blushed.
"There! Right there! Oh Jessie, you can't blush like we've never been close before."
"I…I…Oh, I didn't think of that," she stuttered. "I can manage. I'll call you darling and you can call me honey." She smiled widely.
"Let's go to bed, honey." He waggled his eyebrows. He laughed as he watched her blush. "You're going to have to get a tan to cover that blush of yours. You're too fair, my Irish rose."
George began to unbutton his shirt and Jessica stared at him. "Jessie, I'm only removing my shirt and pants and putting on my pajamas. I don't think that's too intimate for you to handle and of course, you may change in the bathroom if you prefer."
"George, what we do or don't do is between the two of us. I can handle undressing but I don't want to do more, not to work on a case. I…"
"You want to make love to me when you're ready and want to share your love with me and not because there's work to do, I understand, lass." George smiled gently. "It won't stop me from holding your hand or giving you a kiss. And I won't be doing it because others might be watching. I'll be doing it because I want to do it."
Jessica nodded and began unbuttoning her shirt. She couldn't stop the blush from forming but she turned away and was able to put on her pajamas. It helped that George wasn't paying attention to her. She tossed her clothes in the hamper, then picked up his and tossed them in as well.
Climbing into bed George held the sheets up so she could get in. A quick kiss and he closed his eyes. Jessica stared at him for a moment. This wasn't too bad. She turned away and rolled to her side. George was making things easy for her, she knew, but she hadn't shared a bed with a man in quite a number of years. That man had been her husband Frank and she couldn't help thinking about him for a few minutes. She thought she would be awake all night but she fell asleep quickly. George kept his eyes closed hoping Jessica wasn't nervous with him in her bed. He smiled lightly thinking about her undressing for bed. Oh, he didn't stare or even look in her direction as he pretended to do other things but there was a mirror in the room and he could appreciate a fine body. He drifted off slowly.
