“Your dad got you involved in it, then?”
“My whole family really. We own a resort on Shadow Lake. Not a fancy billionaire’s place. We’ve kept it rustic and primitive to give our guests a more natural experience. For as far back as I can remember, my dad taught my brothers and me how to track, hunt, fish, and camp. That sort of thing. Then, like I said, in high school I started taking out overnight camping groups under his supervision.”
“That when you met Mackenzie?”
“Her family started coming to the resort every summer when we were in grade school. Dad had me and my brothers doing chores on the resort that early in life. Meant I interacted with the guests on a regular basis. Mac was a real tomboy back then, and her sisters more girly girls. She preferred to hang out with me.”
“You ever fall for her?”
Ryan’s shoulders tensed. “I did actually. But then I met my high school girlfriend and knew it was only a stupid crush with Mac. Glad we never ruined our friendship over it.”
“And now? You’re not attached?”
“Nope.” Ryan passed the handgun to Owen.
The weight felt familiar in his hand, and he automatically checked the safety then released the ammo magazine. “Glock 17. 9mm. Full mag.”
“Nice,” Ryan said. “Looks like you know your guns.”
Owen pushed the magazine back into place and turned to face a large piece of paper with big red circles. Owen lifted the gun and fired twice, hitting dead center.
“A double tap,” Ryan said.
Owen glanced at the guy. “What?”
“Double-tap. A tactical shooting techniqueto fire not one shot but two. Used to be a technique taught to law enforcement officers. Nowadays, they more commonly teach shoot to stop the threat. Still, a lot of officers do the double-tap first.”
“Sounds like you think I might be or have been a cop.”
Ryan shrugged and took the gun back. “Could be. Or could be coincidence. Either way, you can handle a gun, and it’ll be good for all three of us to be armed out there if needed. I’ll keep this weapon in my backpack and give it to you if we encounter danger.”
Translated—I don’t trust you enough to carry all the time.“Are you expecting trouble?”
“I don’t usually expect it, but I’m always prepared for it.” Ryan engaged the gun’s safety and placed it in his backpack. “That’s what wilderness survival training is all about. Expect the best, but plan for the worst.”
Owen was starting to let his need to compare himself to Ryan go and was becoming impressed with this guy. “I might need to take a class from you.”
“You’d be welcome.” Ryan locked gazes. “That is, if you don’t hurt Mac in any way. She’s one special woman, and she deserves only the best in life. You hurt her, and you deal with me. Got it?”
“Got it.” Owen knew the man would follow through on his warning.
“Breakfast is ready,” Mackenzie shouted from the cabin’s open doorway. “Come get it before the food gets cold.”
“And she makes a mean cake too, which can always be added to the breakfast menu.” Ryan laughed and jogged toward the cabin, leaving Owen behind.
Owen started off behind Ryan. Owen wanted to take confidence in what the double-tap shooting might say about him. He could be a cop. Didn’t mean he was a good one. Or he could’ve left the force and joined the criminal element. It happened.
Mackenzie left the door open, and the savory aroma of frying bacon drifted into the dry desert air. His mouth watered, and he would run to the cabin if he could.
He found her and Ryan sitting at the island. Their plates held fluffy scrambled eggs dotted with green peppers and shredded cheddar cheese. They’d also added thick slices of bacon and the same wheat bread from the night before, toasted golden brown with butter melted in pools on the top.
She looked at him. “Morning. Help yourself.”
“Say what?” Ryan blinked at her.
“Yeah. I’m letting a guest fend for himself. Shocking.” She laughed.
Her early morning humor brightened Owen’s mood. Today was starting off to be a pretty good day.
