Franklin was gone by the time Randy and Joshua arrived to secure the stables. Elizabeth and Amy went to the stables to greet them dressed in jeans and t-shirts, ready to assist. When the girls appeared carrying a small wooden toolbox, Randy rushed over and took the toolbox from Amy.
Randy sat the faded gray box on a tree stump next to a gravel driveway. He opened it and pulled out an old ball peen hammer with a wooden handle, a chipped flat head screwdriver, an old carpenter’s plane, a putty knife, and an old pair of leather work gloves. He glanced up at Amy trying not to smile, and asked, “Where did you find these?”
Amy proudly announced, “There is a workbench in the basement full of all sorts of old tools. I found this toolbox and loaded it up with a few things I thought we would need.”
Joshua came up behind Randy and peered over his shoulder, then reached out and grabbed the plane. “What’s this? That could be worth some money,” He declared, “Amy, when we are done here I’d love to see that workbench.”
Randy turned to face him and said, “You can’t keep that. It’s not yours.”
Joshua flashed Randy an amused frown and said, “I’m not keeping anything; I’m just looking. Will there ever be a time in your life when you can just relax and forget you’re a cop?”
Randy met his gaze. He was not amused. He answered, “No.”
They spent the next hour boarding up the windows and padlocking the front and rear doors. Charlie and Kilo dashed in and out of the nearby trees under Josh’s watchful eye while they worked. Randy took the last padlock and secured the detached garage that was too full of junk for a vehicle.
When they finished, Randy offered, “Why don’t Amy and I run to Sadie’s and get dinner while you two relax for a bit?” She answered him with a big smile, and he offered her his hand. She took it, and they quickly disappeared down the drive in his SUV.
Joshua put his arm around Elizabeth’s shoulders as they walked back to the cabin. He asked, “What happened to Franklin?”
Elizabeth clapped her hands, and Charlie quickly followed them. Kilo was not far behind. She said, “He stopped by for a bit and left my itinerary. He said he had some Skype conferences to make and needed to get to bed early. We are heading to San Diego in the morning.”
“So I won’t see you again until after the 4th of July?” Joshua asked casually.
“Yes, do you think Amy will be all right here alone?” Elizabeth answered as they reached the door.
“Kilo loves it here.” Josh began, “I’d be happy to leave Kilo here for a few days if it makes you feel better. I’m positive it was a group of kids. I can install some motion activated yard lights on the house and the garage for added security. If anyone comes around, this place will light up like Christmas. Randy and I can drop by tomorrow and set it up if it’s okay with you and Amy.”
“I like that idea.” Elizabeth smiled and took his hand. “Let’s get cleaned up before they get back.”
Joshua smiled and followed her upstairs saying, “I like a woman who doesn’t mind company in the shower.”
************
Franklin pulled up in his rental car as the sun peaked over the distant mountains for the trip to the Salt Lake City airport. It was a short flight to San Diego and a quick cab ride to the hotel. They checked in and agreed to meet for lunch in the hotel restaurant. The seminar and book signing at the local University library occupied the rest of the night. Elizabeth unpacked her toiletries and drew a bath. She resisted the urge to call Joshua. It had only been a month, and they were constantly together. This 30-day separation was just what the relationship needed so both of them could get some perspective and slow down the pace.
Amy was right. Elizabeth regularly dated men with a Type A personality, tons of money, designer suits and impeccable taste in the arts. Joshua had plenty of money. He showed a considerable amount of patience when she hesitated to make decisions regarding the house. He was fiercely dedicated to his friendship with Randy. He stopped working when the workday was done, and the stern, yet gentle way he handled the dogs was usual for a Type A personality. She believed Josh didn't allow his drive for success to overshadow his personal life. Elizabeth also suspected he didn’t even own a suit. If he did, it probably consisted of a tweed jacket with patches on the elbows, which would go well with blue jeans, and he probably looked fantastic in it.
She smiled at that vision, stepped into the large jetted tub and sank down into a sea of bubbles. As she leaned back against the side of the tub, she realized she had no idea if Joshua liked the arts. In fact, she didn’t know his taste in any kind of art, except music. He was a Country Music fan. She knew that from time spent in his truck. It occurred to her she’d never been inside his home. She had no idea what his tastes were. Elizabeth opened her eyes wide in surprise; she had been very selfish in their relationship. It was entirely one sided except in the bedroom, where they were equally determined to pleasure the other.
Elizabeth decided as soon as she got back, she was going to discover who Joshua was, deep down inside. His pseudo personality was incredibly sexy, but there had to be flaws hidden somewhere deep inside. He had to be hiding something, and she was going to find out what it was.