A Trail of Rose Petals

Chapter 1

Just as the forest ranger's door opened about 20 feet away, Gretchen Blake heard a noise to the right of the building. A huge black bear ran toward her from way out in the woods at the same time a good-looking man exited the building. He was oblivious to what was going on, since he was staring down at his cell phone.

Gretchen froze in place. Bear! She pointed to the animal heading toward them.

Once he saw her pointing, the man glanced over at the bear. He pocketed his phone and ran toward Gretchen.

Run! he shouted, and grabbed her hand.

As they ran into the woods, the bear was on their heels, snorting and growling behind them.

She gasped for air, the cold in her head making her cough slightly. Don't let me go. I don't want to be bear food! Once she glanced backward, she saw that the bear had narrowed the distance between them. It let out a fierce growl. Gretchen ran even faster, pulling the man with her. They must've run for another hundred yards before they came to a river.

Gretchen stopped short, shaking on the inside from the thought of the bear getting closer. She stared downward at the slight rapids, not sure she wanted to keep running. That's cold water.

It's either that or you'll be mauled. The man glanced over his shoulder, and in one pull, dragged them both into the river. Fish hit her legs as she tried to move faster, the water getting deeper and deeper with her feet sticking in the murk at the bottom. She didn't want to think what was down there.

Considering she'd had a head cold for a few days, this was horrible. The cold water was getting deeper, and she lifted her chin in anticipation of going under water. Goosebumps covered her skin, but she had to survive.

He's coming. The man pulled her farther into the water, up to her neck. Swim for it!

Gretchen wasn't a good swimmer, but took off for the other side of the river, which seemed to be very wide and deep.

The man swam ahead and crawled up onto the other embankment. If he could do it, she could, too. She swam as fast as she could with her head under the cold water. When her hands hit rocks in front of her, she lifted her head and climbed out beside the man. Water dripped off her clothes and hair, giving her a chill. It was the worst possible combination with her cold, which wasn't getting any better.

She turned, staring at the other bank. Where is he?

There, the man said, pointing.

Sure enough, the bear paced the other side of the river, seeming as if he was ready to swim for it. At least he hadn't followed them, which was quite amazing. But he might decide to go for it, so they kept running. They ran farther into the woods, until the river was out of sight.

As soon as they stopped, Gretchen bent over to catch her breath and peered down over her clothes. I'm soaked. She wrung out her long hair, feeling the slime cover her hand. Yuck.

Quit whining. At least we're not hurt. The man turned away from her and headed farther into the forest. The day was overcast and threatened rain. Gretchen just wanted to go home.

He didn't sound like a very nice man, but she had to state the obvious. Shouldn't we head back over there? That should be the way back to the forest ranger's building.

The man thrust his right hand into his pants pocket and pulled out his phone. I have a cell phone. He pushed a few buttons. It's wet and dead.

Gretchen had nothing—not her purse or cell phone. Those things were back in her car. I think we're stuck. She turned back toward the wide river. Help! We need help!

The man moved closer. Lady. Quit it. You'll alert the bears to dinner if you don't be quiet. I'm sure we'll find a way back. Just follow me.

She was surprised at how nasty this man was, realizing she'd gotten stuck in the forest with a jerk. Of all the people to get lost with, it seemed to go with her bad luck.

She followed the man to the northwest, the opposite direction in which they'd come. It wasn't the way she'd go. Considering he didn't seem very happy with her; she kept her mouth shut. He probably knew the area better than she did—at least she hoped he did. She also hoped she was safe with the guy, because for all she knew, he could be a criminal or a serial killer.

They walked for a long time, but she kept silent. This man, whoever he was, didn't seem like the type of person she wanted to get to know.

Instead of talking, she went into her own thoughts while shivering in the cool breeze of the Olympic National Forest, west of Puget Sound in the Seattle, Washington area.

Two days earlier, she'd cried all day, but now, she had to be tough to pick up the pieces. This was do or die out here in the wild, and no matter how much her heart felt empty, she had to concentrate on the here and now.

We're lost, the man finally said, breaking the silence. There has to be a way back to the ranger's station.

Maybe there's another ranger's station that way? she asked, pointing farther into the forest.

Doubtful. We've been walking for a long time and I don't see any type of civilization. He kept walking, so she trailed along behind him, just trying to keep up.

I should've left a trail, she muttered. I'm sorry.

A trail? He even turned his head a bit to see her as they walked.

She studied his drying short brown hair and blue eyes, realizing this man was very attractive, but had a temper. Nope, not her type, but he did look a little familiar.

You know, she said. A trail? Like they used in the story of Hansel and Gretel? Because of the mean stepmother, they were led into the woods. They left a trail of breadcrumbs so they could find their way back, but still got lost, because the forest creatures ate the breadcrumbs.

That would've been useful but we'd have been smarter than to use breadcrumbs. He stopped walking and glanced back toward where they'd come. We might have to go back through the river, if we can find it.

She shivered. She had to warm up, so she wrapped her arms across herself and rubbed her arms, trying to keep warm. His expression showing concern toward her. She hated him watching her, wondering if he was some type of masher or something.

You look really cold, he said. I wish I had a jacket for you.

Like he was nice or chivalrous to do such a thing. No way. I'll be fine.

Yeah. You don't look fine. Your lips are blue, almost matching your eyes. He moved beside her and put his arm over her shoulder, rubbing her upper arm on the other side. I think we're going to try your idea and hunt for another forest ranger's building on the other side of this forest, since we're close to the northern tip. He raked his eyes down over her. You're skinny, too. I bet you're really cold.

That's an understatement. Her teeth chattered so she closed her lips, trying to keep quiet. She didn't need him angry with her again.

Let's hurry up, then. I don't want you dying of pneumonia because of a bear.

Pneumonia. The word made her so sad from what'd happened, but she couldn't appear weak.

She tried to keep up with him as they walked in silence through the forest. It got darker and darker until finally, bright lightning filled the sky. A clap of thunder made Gretchen hold onto her ears. She was terrified, willing the tears to stop before filling her eyes. The rain started as a trickle, so Gretchen lowered her head to see. This was just awful.

Scared? he asked.

I'll survive.

Another thunderclap made her jump, and he moved closer to her. If it's any consolation, I'm scared, too. Let's find some sort of shelter. Keep your eyes open.

Yes, sir.

The rain fell a bit harder.

Are you afraid of me? he asked, almost surprised.

Yes, sir.

Why?

You yelled at me. I'm not sure what I did wrong, but I don't like being yelled at. She wanted to tell him who she was, that her family could make his life miserable if they wanted to. This wasn't the time, so she kept her mouth shut.

The rain fell harder, pounding a steady beat while pouring through the leaves and branches onto Gretchen's head as the ground turned muddier.

Let's find some place to get warm and we'll talk about this, he said. I'm really sorry. I've never had anyone scared of me before. He chuckled. That almost makes me laugh. Women usually have me on a pedestal, clamoring to go out with me.

She didn't see the humor. She was out in the rain with a stranger who terrified her, with no way out. This was a nightmare. Here he was, laughing and thinking about his status among women. What kind of man was this?

He pointed to a rock against a tree, with a few tree branches hanging overhead. There. We can at least get dry over there.

She followed him to the area. Since there wasn't enough space on the rock, she sat down on the ground, and leaned up against the rock.

You okay? he asked, sitting beside her.

Sure. She shivered, wishing she could just get dry. She pulled her knees up to her chest and put her filthy shoes on the muddy ground, wrapping her arms around her very wet pant legs.

Someone will find us, he said. I'm sure of it.

How can you be so sure?

He seemed to be annoyed. Don't you know who I am?

She shook her head, trying to keep her teeth from chattering.

I'm Dean Hanselman.

Her mouth fell open. Sitting beside her was the most famous criminal lawyer in the United States—and a playboy trying to climb the corporate and social ladder. No wonder he seemed a little familiar and he was angry. He got paid to be angry every day of his life.

~~~~~

Chapter 2

"Do you know of my reputation?" he asked.

She wanted to let this guy have it, but tried to hold back. Definitely. Everyone around here knows you, but you don't quite look like you do on television. You're usually with some sleazy woman or running around in one of your expensive cars, to show it off. So tell me. How much did they pay you to defend Sam Johnson, anyway? It looks like you're making a bundle when you appear on TV.

He even appeared to be surprised, but he should understand how he'd lied about his client. Sam Johnson? he asked. The man accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend? He was found not guilty.

Yeah. Gretchen crossed her arms. Cheri, killed by Sam. Her anger built by the moment. This man was only after the almighty dollar in his job, not caring about justice at all.

He narrowed his eyes and clenched his jaw, returning her anger. Why do you want to know?

I watched that case on television while I worked. Do you know who Cheri was?

A waitress. She worked at the Daisy Hill Resorts Restaurant near Suquamish and was very pretty.

It figured he'd notice her appearance.

Gretchen leaned closer. "Do you know who I am?"

His grin grew. A feisty yet beautiful blonde-haired, blue-eyed beauty queen?

She harrumphed. "No. Don't try to get on my good side or flirt with me. I'm the current co-owner of Daisy Hill Resorts, along with my sister."

His mouth fell open and he stared for a long minute. You're Gretchen Blake? Your parents don't run the place anymore, do they? I heard a little bit about that back a few years, wondering why they left the area.

"So now you know me. I bet it's because you know my brother."

"I don't know your brother, but know of him. Jason Blake, the multi-billionaire, living in California."

You got that right. Everyone knew of Jason, making her angry. Money talked, and she was nothing compared to Jason in the minds of people like Dean Hanselman.

She didn't just dislike this man sitting beside her, but hated him. She didn't usually hate people, but this man had no morals and lived only for himself, not caring about anyone else. I just can't believe that of all the people in the world, I'm stuck here with the most egotistical, selfish man in the world, she muttered. And nasty, by yelling at me when we were lost.

He chuckled.

How could he laugh when she was so angry with him?

Tell me how you really feel, he said.

This is no laughing matter. That poor woman, Cheri,—

—was killed by her most recent boyfriend. He leaned closer, strength filling his gaze. He confessed this past Saturday. Sam wasn't guilty and the jury agreed, as did I. Don't believe everything you heard on television from the pundits who knew nothing about the case but just wanted to convict an innocent man for ratings and publicity.

She really didn't like this man, wishing she had a computer to check out his comment about the case. Lawyers lied for a living, so she knew he wasn't trustworthy. She just wished she had time to watch the news, but weekends were busier than during the week, so she must've missed the news story.

Gretchen kept quiet. The rain poured all around them, but she was thinking of a way out, to get away from this man.

I can't believe I'm out here with you, he said. You and your sister are now in charge of the Daisy Hill Resorts. Amazing.

She lowered her head to her knees, wishing he'd just be quiet. Her sore head was filled with sinus pain, but she wasn't about to relent to show him she was weak.

I always wanted to stay in the bed and breakfast there, he said, much to Gretchen's chagrin. I didn't have the right woman to go with me.

She lifted her head. Surprise, surprise, she muttered. Those women you hang out with on the news aren't right women for any man. They're not trustworthy, telling me a lot about you and your own morals.

He was silent for a moment. Why do you really hate me, anyway? You don't even know me. This isn't about Sam or my personal life, but something else. I can read people pretty well, and you're screaming something but I can't tell what it is.

She crossed her arms. One name my brother told me. Neil Daggett.

Who?

She couldn't believe he didn't know that name. You ruined the man's external computer hard drive company.

Ah. I remember now. He leaned closer. I didn't ruin it. He did, because they caused fires. Those things almost killed six people when it burned down a home. That was back when I worked with the District Attorney in California. I remember that now. He sighed. I miss working in California, but like where I sit right now. Who'd have ever guessed that a poor kid from Nebraska—

You ruined Neil's life. She wasn't about to let him change the subject. He can't get a job now and is just about destitute.

He should've tested the product more fully.

Neil's a friend of my brother. She sniffed while her head pounded.

Did your brother hire the guy?

She turned away from him. I don't know.

He leaned up in front of her face. I didn't hear you.

I said I don't know, she said more forcefully. Now you stay on your side of the rock and I'll stay on mine. Got it?

He chuckled again. Or what will you do?

She shot him the dirtiest look she could manage. You don't want to know. Don't laugh at me. I have a sinus headache and you're not helping.

You're funny when you're angry. He was quiet for a moment. I'm sorry about your headache. He paused. Tell me, Gretchen, why were you out here in the forest?

She sighed, reality hitting her hard. She lowered her head to her knees, feeling the sorrow once again. You wouldn't understand. You have no heart. She glanced to the side, watching him look out over the forest floor. He'd never understand someone who tried to be a good person. She was sure he never worried or even thought about the people he stepped on when trying to get ahead.

No heart. He nodded. I've heard that more than once recently, so it must be true.

She wasn't about to ask anything else, because the reason she was in the woods hit her hard. Tears filled her eyes. She moved her face back to her knees and lowered her lids. While her throat choked up, tears fell out to her lashes and onto her knees. Breathing got harder and she coughed a few times, feeling her head ache even more.

His hand went to her back, massaging it gently. Are you okay?

She wiped her cheeks, lifting her head as she moved away from his hand. Why do you care?

Consider your problems my entertainment out here. Tell me.

Her problems were entertaining? He'd just made her angrier.

She had no one else and could really use him right now. You asked me why I was out here. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a dried rose that was now soaking wet. A petal fell off into her hand, making her even sadder. "I hired one of my friends, Evelyn, from college to help me with the business. She works at the gift shop and is…was a single mom to a Down syndrome child named Joey. Sadness rained down on her and she sucked in a breath, the sobs getting worse. He died two days ago. His funeral's tomorrow."

Dean pulled her to his chest and stroked her hair. No words were spoken, but she could hardly breathe from crying so hard. Her nose ran, making her cough. Since she felt miserable, she leaned into his chest. Even though she didn't like the man, she really needed someone to lean on.

I'm so sorry, Dean said, his arm tightening around her. How old was he?

Ten. She could hardly eke out a sound from crying so hard, but sat up to wipe her cheeks. She couldn't show she was frail to this man, because he seemed like the type not to deal with any weakness. However, she felt awful and her head pounded.

Ten. That's not very old, even for Down syndrome kids. What happened?

She sucked up a few tears, trying not to tremble while she cried and coughed. He had something wrong with his heart. He needed an operation and when they did it, he got pneumonia. They tried everything and called in specialists, but he was just tired and gave up. I really miss that kid. He used to help in the gift shop, greeting all the guests with the biggest smile. She sobbed again. He loved his job. I'll never see his smile again. When she lifted the rose, some more petals fell into her other hand. He gave me this flower two weeks ago for my birthday. I dried it, even though it's dripping wet now.

He pulled her head toward his chest again. I hate to tell you this, but your explanation doesn't explain why you were in the woods today. I doubt the funeral's out here.

He would've loved having the funeral here. She cried a little bit more. I was out here to find his favorite tree—the Wishing Tree. Joey got lost out here with his mom once and found the tree. He wished and wished and she showed up. He used to always run to the Wishing Tree whenever they'd come here, hoping for happiness for the world. He knew his wish would come true, even calling a local news station to tell everyone to go to that tree to wish for happiness and anything they wanted. He said it worked, because he was the happiest person in the world. The news station laughed him off, but he tried. I had to hand it to him because he certainly was the happiest person I'd ever met.

What's this tree look like? The Olympic National Forest is a huge place. I can't think there's any way to know exactly which tree it is every time someone visits.

She nodded, to reinforce her thoughts. He did. There was a bench under the tree. I think they named the tree, formally, because of him. She sighed, finally able to collect herself. He was such a cool kid. I was out here to take a picture of it with the flower.

It's okay to cry. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

The action made her cry even more. Here was a high and mighty lawyer with the world at his feet, speaking with such sentimentality in his voice. She never thought it was possible, but he touched her heart.

She had to get her mind off swooning over this rotten man. Why him? He seemed so healthy before the operation. He'd just learned to read, and would read the same book over and over again to me.

Dean seemed to be thinking. Before I answer that, I have another question for you. Why do you think he was alive to begin with?

She moved away from him, not believing her ears. Are you seriously asking me that?

I'm just curious.

He didn't think Joey should be alive? This man really had no heart, after all. That little boy just died and you're asking me why he was alive? Are you saying that because he had Down syndrome?

He shook his head, appearing more than determined as a drop of water fell from his hair. Not at all. Don't put words in my mouth. I want to know more about him.

She sat back, stunned. Maybe he wasn't being mean but just didn't know anyone like Joey.

She had to calm her anger. Joey was an amazing person. He knew how to make anyone smile, even kids who were misbehaving. I wish I had the smile in my heart like he did. She chuckled and felt the tears again, making her cough. He used to tell me that the smile in his heart would save the world someday. I know it saved my own heart, making me realize that there's more to life than fame or fortune. As she lowered her head to her hands, she cried, feeling Dean's hand on her upper back.

He leaned closer to her ear. That's what I want you to remember about Joey. Many people are so wrapped up in their own grief that they can't explain what the deceased person did for their friends and family. I want you to hold onto that. Everyone contributes in some way to other's lives, and right now, you're feeling the loss of that contribution.

You're right, she said and sat up, trying to stop crying. That's kind of selfish, isn't it?

He seemed so wise. This guy was deeper than she thought. No, because you feel the loss. I want you to remember he's probably not suffering like he was and he's probably in Heaven now.

Do you think so?

Did he go to church?

Yes. He and his mom went to my church—the Rose Beach Chapel, on Daisy Hill Resorts property. Pastor Donaldson is almost ready to retire but is a great minister. She watched Dean's face as she pushed back her wet hair from her face. You don't care.

Actually, I do care. From the way you describe Joey, he sounds like someone I could've used in my own life.

That kid could put everything right whenever I was upset. He truly made me smile.

Dean stretched out his legs. Do you get upset often?

She watched the water dripping off everything. No. When I do— She stopped talking and stared at him. Are you psychoanalyzing me?

He chuckled. No.

You have a background in psychology, right?

He nodded. A bit. I'm just trying to figure you out. For some reason, I'm interested in your background.

My background? Why?

Well, your family owns Daisy Hill Resorts. You talk about it as if you and your sister own it. I'm curious to know what happened.

Jason and Molly happened. She sighed. I wanted to move out of the area and live somewhere else, but my parents are in Silicon Valley to be closer to my brother and his wife. I'm stuck running the whole area—every shop. My sister Alexis doesn't do much.

He was quiet, seeming to think it through. It bothered her, wondering if he was judging her. Why did your parents leave? he finally asked.

Molly's about seven months pregnant. It's my parent's first grandchild and they want to be close by to help. Gretchen shook her head. I feel so sorry for Molly. She has no family left and my mom's annoying.

I didn't hear anything about a baby on the news. I'd think that'd be newsworthy.

It's a secret. Jason wants his family life to be private. Considering Molly's in the news herself with her medical research, I'm not sure how they're doing it. Sudden regret made her turn toward him. That's a secret. I don't want to hear about it on the news or anything. Got that?

Sure. I'm paid to keep secrets.

How much do I owe you to keep it secret?

He shook his head with a smile. Nothing. I don't get bought off.

She had to change the subject, to turn it back to him. What crook are you defending now?

Crook. He smiled, moving his arm to her shoulders to bring her closer.

Even though they both smelled of nature and the river, she could also smell a faint scent of aftershave. He seemed so comfortable to her.

I'm busy right now, he said. They had to hire a bunch of paralegals just for me, because of the people that want me to defend them. I get a lot of high profile cases.

Why is that, anyway?

"Because I