“See how he refuses to take responsibility.” Cat looked playfully at Jared’s father. “It’s so sad.”
“What else?” Mr. McLean asked, trying to hold back his laughter at his son’s glare.
“Well, he might try to convince you that I have a problem with my sense of direction, but I can assure you, it’s just another one of his outrageous fibs.” Cat patted the man’s arm in teasing conspiracy.
“You couldn’t find the way out of a paper bag if you punched your way out,” Jared retorted in annoyance.
“See?” Cat directed a pointed look at his father.
Booming laughter fell from the man’s lips, and he boisterously threw an arm around Cat’s shoulders. “I take it you’re Catherine Levery?” Turning to Jared, he said, “I like this girl. When are you going to marry her?”
“As soon as she’ll have me,” Jared answered, his temper transforming into a deep dimpled grin.
Mr. McLean released a sputtering Cat to hug Jared. “Welcome home, son.”
Dinner was served on the verandah, which was as long as the house and half as wide. The meal was lively, and Cat was warmed by the affection so obvious between all of the McLeans. It reminded her of her own family, and she was surprised to discover that instead of making her homesick, it made her feel welcome.
“So, Cat,” Jess said, between bites of her fajita, “how long will you be staying in Arizona?”
“Until next summer,” Cat said. “My colleague and I have switched positions for the school year.”
Mr. McLean and Jess exchanged a look that left Cat exasperated and Jared grinning.
“They’re incorrigible,” she muttered to Jared. “Now I know where you get it from.”
“Forgive us.” Mr. McLean smiled at Cat. “It’s just that we’re so pleased to meet you.”
“Jess,” Jared said, changing the subject. “Did I tell you what Cat said when she saw Copper Creek for the first time?”
“What?” Jess and Cat asked in unison.
“She said she half expected to see the local sheriff and his faithful deputy strolling down Main Street looking for a shoot-out.”
Jess blinked and then let out a whoop of laughter. Jared and Mr. McLean joined her. Cat frowned at them in confusion and asked, “And just what’s so funny about that?”
Jess waved a hand at her. “I’m sorry, it’s just that, for all intents and purposes, I’m the faithful deputy.”
“You’re kidding.” Cat bit her lip and felt her cheeks heat in embarrassment. She turned to Jared and scowled. “I can’t believe you told them, you squealer.”
Jared turned his gaze to his sister. “Well, I was kind of hoping she’d change her mind.”
“Not a chance,” she retorted. “As soon as I’m healed, I’m reporting for duty.”
“Healed?” Cat repeated in surprise.
It was Jess’s turn to flush now. “I...it...oh, damn.”
Jared took pity on his sister and explained, “Jess is recovering from a gunshot wound.”
“Oh, no,” Cat gasped. “Are you all right?”
“Fine, thanks,” Jess answered, looking rueful.
“But how...?” Cat dropped her fork onto her plate and fixed her gaze on Jess.
“Did I forget to mention how tenacious Cat is when she wants to know something?” Jared teased, deftly catching the napkin Cat tossed at his head.
“I used to be one of Phoenix’s finest,” Jess began. “But my career was cut short when I got embroiled in a drug bust that went bad. It was supposed to be an easy arrest, but in law enforcement things are seldom as easy as they seem. I took a bullet through my shoulder, and my partner was seriously injured.”
