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“Bad idea. Besides, I don’t want to give him a chance to get into the car.”
The bear slid back to the ground. He was on India’s side now, his face pressed to the glass. Dottie shrieked.
Even though India knew they weren’t really in too much danger, the whole experience sent adrenaline rushing through her bloodstream. “Go away,” she yelled.
The bear snuffled and snorted. With one big swipe of his paw, he tore off the driver’s-side mirror. Then India realized the problem. Not only was the bear smelling the food, she and Dottie had lined up the open containers all across the dash of the car. The bear could literally see the smorgasbord. And he wanted it.
“Start putting the food away,” India whispered. “Stuff it all in the hamper. Maybe bears are like toddlers—out of sight, out of mind.”
Dottie didn’t waste any time. She shoved lids on plastic cups, gathered other items into zipper bags and tucked every bit of the picnic out of view.
India knew bears were smart. Clearly, their visitor could still smell the bounty. But she was hoping he would give up.
The bear must have been getting frustrated. He backed up two steps and flung himself at the window. The noise was incredible. A tiny crack appeared in the glass.
India had calmed down considerably, but now her heart rate went back up. She honked the horn again. Yelled. The bear charged a second time.
Suddenly, a rifle shot rang out. The bear stopped, hung its head. Another rifle shot sounded closer. Whoever was shooting must not be trying to hit the bear. As far as India could tell, the shots were going over the animal’s head.
A third shot sent the bear running.
Dottie grabbed India’s hand. “Will he come back?”
India’s unsteady laugh was weak at best. “Doesn’t matter. We’ll be gone.” She started the engine and backed the car away from the water before turning around. There in front of them was a cowboy on a horse. His Stetson shadowed his face, but there was no doubt about his identity.
It was Farris. Farris had saved them.
Dottie—unbelievably, considering her health—bounded out of the car and ran to her son. “Thank God you came along.” She flung her arms around Farris after he dismounted.
India followed more slowly, keeping an eye out behind her for the bear’s possible return. “We’re glad to see you,” she said. The words were supposed to be light and amused. Instead, they came out sounding breathless. Her heart still raced. The aftermath of the incident had left her rattled.
She didn’t think they had been in any real danger. But the incident was unnerving, to say the least.
Farris shot her a look. “You okay, Inkie?”
She nodded, suddenly unable to speak because her throat was tight with tears. It was such a frustrating, girlie response.
He must have understood her mental state. His smile was lopsided. “A bear encounter can be shocking for anybody. You were brave, both of you.”
Dottie finally let go of her death grip on Farris’s arm. “How did you know where we were?”
“I went by the house to grab something I forgot this morning. The housekeeper told me about your picnic. I felt bad about not helping you with the picture project, so I thought I might join you for lunch.”
India frowned. “But how did you know to bring a rifle?”
“One of my men told me they’ve been carrying firepower all week. Evidently, bear activity in the area has taken an uptick because of the milder temperatures.”
“Would have been nice to know,” India muttered.
Farris had the gall to laugh. “Have you ever fired a shotgun?”
“No...but that’s beside the point.”
“Not to mention the fact that it wouldn’t have done you much good closed up in the car.”
Dottie patted his arm. “It was very scary. My heart was racing. We’re awfully glad you came along, Farris. Aren’t we, India?”
India managed a nod, but the whole incident had left her shaken. She was supposed to be looking out for Dottie. Today’s encounter was far too much stimulation for a woman with a heart condition.
