Chapter 2

Special Agent Ty Carter took his time selecting groceries at the local market. He liked that this store had a delicious deli and he could taste the various cheeses and charcuteries on offer. This place had expanded over the years to accommodate the influx of people into Black Rock Falls from all walks of life. It had adjusted the selection of goods to please everyone. Sausage from all over the world hung in rows above the counter. The cheese range was extensive, and with a bakery incorporated into the store, a hot food bar could supply a fresh bun filled with anything his heart desired. A selection of cute women served the food, all dressed the same, in jeans and tops with the store’s logo printed on front. He flirted with the server at the deli, tasting various cheeses and cold meats before making his selection.

His cart was already full. He’d purchased enough food to keep him happy for weeks, but he did love coming into town and spending time over a steak at Antlers or at the Cattleman’s Hotel. He loved people but he liked his solitude as well and had spent some time fishing or just hiking through the forest. Not that solitude meant being alone. He always had his Doberman, Zorro, by his side. Although right this minute, his dog was asleep in the rental.

Carter smiled at the server. “You’ve been so kind. I never knew there was such a selection of fine foods in this store.” He took his packages and dropped them into his cart before heading to the hot food bar.

He gave his order and pushed his cart to a nearby table and sat down. He’d been flirting with one of the servers the previous day and she came over with a pot of coffee. “Well, good morning, Jennifer.” He smiled as she filled his cup, leaning back casually in his chair.

“Good morning, Ty. You’ve dropped by three days in a row.” Jennifer placed the fixings on the table. “We must have made a good impression on you. Are you staying long in town or just passing through?”

Carter removed his hat and ran a hand through his hair. “I have a cabin in the woods and often stop by to do some fishing or just relax.”

A bell rang on the counter and Jennifer turned and hurried to collect his order. She placed it on the table before him with a smile. He met her gaze. “Is there a good stylist in town? I prefer not to get my hair cut by a barber.”

“Yeah, the beauty parlor is at the other end of Main opposite the pizzeria.” She eyed him critically. “Hmm, I wish I had blond hair. Bleaching it is always a problem. Do you mind if I ask if the blond highlights are natural?”

Carter nodded, knowing the untidy shaggy look he preferred, which went just over his collar, attracted women. His hair was naturally blond and so were the highlights. The layers were from the stylist, and as it was getting a little long, he needed a trim. “Yeah, this is my natural color. You wouldn’t believe how many people ask the same thing.” He chuckled. “I was born lucky, I guess.” He smiled. “You have very pretty hair. Don’t change it. I love brunettes with blue eyes.”

“Oh, well, that’s very kind of you.” Jennifer blushed to the roots of her hair and smiled. “I’d better get back to work. Just wave if you need anything else.” She turned and hurried back to the counter.

Carter ate his bun and emptied his coffee cup. He liked Jennifer. She was a friendly girl. Once he had paid for his purchases, he gathered up the bags and headed outside. Bracing himself against a blast of icy wind, he walked along the sidewalk, dumped his groceries in the back of the rental, and then climbed behind the wheel. After giving Zorro a pat on the head, he headed for the beauty parlor. Yeah, he could go to a barber, no doubt they’d cut his hair just fine, but he liked the service offered in a beauty parlor. The stylists were always friendly and happy to chat about their lives. In the time it took them to wash and cut his hair, he just about knew what they ate for breakfast each day. He never made an appointment. He just walked inside and smiled. “Morning. Would one of you beautiful talented ladies have time to cut my hair?”

“Yeah sure.” One of the stylists waved him to a chair before a basin. “My name is Donna, and if you don’t mind waiting a few minutes, I’ll be free. Come and sit here and I’ll wash your hair.” She placed towels around his neck and pushed him back against the basin. “You just relax and I’ll be right there.” She removed his Stetson and handed it to him.

Carter rested one cowboy boot on his knee and leaned back with his head resting on the basin. He inhaled the perfumes in the beauty parlor and let out a long sigh. This was living. He could hear giggles and lifted his head to grin at the women staring at him. He loved the attention. Being an FBI agent had its drawbacks. Dating was one of them. The badge frightened many women away and he just wanted the chance to be a regular guy for a week or two. The chance of meeting someone special was always possible, but for now he’d just enjoy being a single male. He inhaled the fresh air and then tossed a toothpick into his mouth. The cabin in the forest had been a great idea for some alone time. He loved being on vacation.