Hedy shook her head. “Odder about the new computer system going down. If I didn’t know better, I’d think—”
Misty leaned forward. “What?”
“Oh, nothing. I’m just getting suspicious about everything. There’ve just been too many oddities around here.”
“Trey told me about the grass fires and cut fence.”
“Yeah, they aren’t helping matters.” Hedy looked closely at Misty. “He’s come to trust you real fast.”
“Guess putting out that grass fire together made trust between us a necessity.”
Hedy cocked her head to one side. “I can see how it would do just that.” She took a sip of tea as she leaned forward. “You’re good for him, you know?”
Misty smiled, feeling pleased but also feeling like a fraud even if her actions were to help the county. “I like him.”
“Good.” Hedy leaned back. “I hope you like our community, too.”
“I like everything about Wildcat Bluff. And the folks.”
Hedy grinned. “That’s real good.”
“Guess I was thrust into the middle of the action from the get-go. Now I’m concerned about all these problems in the community. If I may be of help, please let me know.”
Hedy nodded thoughtfully, as if considering her next words. “You’re a natural to head up a benefit for animal oxygen kits.”
“It’d have to be soon. And I’ve never done anything like that before.”
“We’re all overextended during Christmas in the Country, so we need somebody like you to ramrod it through.”
“I’ll be happy to try.”
“Get Trey to be your partner. He knows the ropes around here.”
“I’ll ask him.”
Hedy chuckled. “Don’t ask. Tell. That’s the only way to get a guy in line on a project.”
Misty joined her laughter. “Okay, I’ll give that a try, too.”
“Trust me, it’s a winner.” Hedy glanced up at the sound of the chimes as a woman opened the front door, stepped inside, and glanced around with a look of delight on her face. “Appears our time’s up. Tell you what, let me make some phone calls and set up a meeting of fire-rescue volunteers at Twin Oaks. Christmas in the Country would be the perfect time for a fund-raiser if we can squeeze in another event.”
“When?”
“Tonight.” Hedy set down her glass. “About eight suit you?”
“Sounds great.”
“Got to take care of business.”
“Thanks. I’ll see you later.”
Misty watched Hedy zoom away, feeling good about their conversation. She was making progress. She reached into her handbag and pulled out her cell phone. Cindi Lou had left several texts asking if Misty was okay. She quickly texted her BFF back to let her know all was well. She’d call later to bring her up to date, and she might even mention a cowboy firefighter named Trey.
Chapter 19
Trey drove under the Twin Oaks sign about eight that evening. Hedy had texted him earlier to come to a fire-rescue meeting. They usually met at the B&B, but he hadn’t figured they’d get together again till after Christmas in the Country. Something important must’ve come up.
He parked beside Kent’s dinged-up blue pickup. Slade’s shiny black Jeep was there. And Sydney’s fancy yellow truck with the red and orange flames streaking down the sides stood out like a ray of sunshine. Hedy was most likely parked in front of the house so she could use the ramp up to the kitchen. He was glad to see Misty’s SUV in place, so he might get a chance to talk with her later. Somehow or the other, she always left him wanting more.
When he got out, he put his cell phone in his back pocket and looked around the place under the mercury vapor light attached to a tall, creosote-painted pole like most people in the country used to cut back the night. Nothing out of the ordinary jumped out at him, so he walked past the Gladstones’ van. He stopped and looked again. The van appeared dustier and dingier than ever. Were they driving to hell and gone? He guessed locating collectibles was tougher and harder work than he could imagine. Still, for his money, the van in no way suited the couple’s impeccable image. Only thing he could figure was that they must leave their fancy vehicles at home when they were out hunting for stuff.
As he walked across the tennis court, he ran a hand through his still damp hair. It felt good to be clean. After the chores were done, he’d finally had a chance to shower, shave, and change into fresh clothes. It’d been another long day and another vicious fire. At least they’d saved a kitten. He’d called the vet earlier and the kitty was still holding his own.
Good thing the temperature was easing up now that dusk had set in. He couldn’t help but wonder if the heat wave would ever break. He’d underlined “snow” on his Christmas list before he’d plopped the snowman magnet back in place on his refrigerator. So far, one and two on his Christmas list stayed out of reach, but he lived in hope of snow for Christmas and to snuggle, or more, with his Christmas angel.