“If I wasn’t driving through a wide-open pasture, I’d swear you were giving me directions in rush-hour traffic.”
“We’ve seen at least a dozen trucks, so it’s rush-hour Montana style.”Barbara enjoyed seeing Theo smile.
“Tell me about the winery.”
“It’s open from May to October.Tourists come from far and wide to sample their wines.They’ve won more than a hundred awards since they’ve been open.”
“Impressive.How big is the winery?”
“When I worked there, Claudia and Hans had more than thirty acres of vines.It could be more now.There are a lot of buildings organized around the production of the wine, at least twelve staff cabins, and a large barn they’ve converted into a tasting room and their home.”She pointed to a large sign.“Turn down that road.”
As they entered the winery’s main gates, Barbara looked around the parking lot.Apart from a few work vehicles, it was empty.“It doesn’t look as though Steve McGibbons is here.”
“Not yet.”
And with those ominous words, Theo parked his truck in front of the tasting room and turned off the ignition.
BARBARA STOODin the early morning sunshine.It was too early for visitors at the winery and almost too early for the staff.But Claudia and Hans were usually awake at dawn, getting everything ready for the day ahead.
Peeking through the tasting room window, she saw Claudia restocking the shelves.As soon as she tapped on the window, the blond-haired woman turned around.
Her frown turned to a smile when she saw Barbara.Throwing open the door, she gave her a fierce hug.“It’s been too long.How are you?”
Barbara smiled.“I’m doing great.The Bed and Breakfast is fully booked and my sisters haven’t annoyed me too much.”
“That’s always a bonus.I know you can’t stay for long, but don’t make this your last visit.We’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you, too.How’s Anne?”
“Scared but okay.What have you gotten yourself into?”
“I’m all right, but a friend needed my help.”Theo walked into the room.Barbara looked behind him, hoping no one else was in the parking lot.She breathed a sigh of relief when she didn’t see any other vehicles.“Claudia, this is my friend, Theo.Theo, this is Claudia.”
Claudia held out her hand.“It’s nice to meet you.If you come with me, I’ll take you to Anne.”Opening another door, she stepped inside a spacious entranceway.“This used to be the original barn,” she explained to Theo.“We converted it into our home after we moved here.We thought it would be safer if Anne stayed in one of the spare bedrooms until you arrived.”
Barbara looked around the living room.When she was working here, the house had become her second home.Most nights, after the tasting room closed, she’d join Claudia in the large kitchen.They’d enjoy a glass of wine and prepare dinner for those who wanted it.
Even now, a sense of calm washed over her.The old wooden floorboards, the exposed rafters, and the colorful cushions and rugs made the cavernous space a cherished family home.
Claudia knocked on a door at the end of the hallway.“It’s me, Anne.Barbara’s here.”
A lock clicked and the door swung open.The woman standing on the other side of the doorway looked even prettier than the photo Barbara had seen.
“Thanks for coming.”Anne’s gaze landed on Theo.“I always knew you’d get me into trouble.”
Theo smiled.“Your former boss had more to do with that than me.How are you?”
“Better since you arrived.”She reached behind her and took a folder off the bed.“I want you to have these.This is everything you’ll need to clear your name and convict Steve.If your lawyer wants to talk to me, let me know.”
Theo held the folder tight.“You don’t know how much this means to me.”
“I think I do,” Anne said sadly.“I lost my job and reputation after Steve realized I told you about the tax evasion.I hope this makes a difference.”
“It will.”
Barbara looked across the room and saw four large suitcases.When she’d spoken to Anne, she was only spending a few days away from home.“Do you always travel with so much luggage or has something happened?”
“I was planning for a worst-case scenario.It’s just as well I did.Since I left New York, someone has been leaving nasty messages on my answerphone in my apartment.It’s so bad that my roommate went home to her parents.I can’t fly home.Not yet.”
