Giving my little talk about alligators had just about erased the uneasiness Id felt at the noise in the woods. But with the visitors gone, a twinge of fear came back. What was it moving toward me, pinning me between the woods and Ollies wall? Was it just the couples son, stomping around in a teenage sulk? Or was it something more sinister?

I decided to try to find the Nintendo-addicted Bobby, and ask him some questions. Normally, Id cut through the woods, reducing by half a fifteen-minute walk to the parking lot. Today, I stayed in the clearing as long as possible. Then, I chose a wide, well-marked path.

The parking lot held just three vehicles in addition to the VW and Rhondas car. One was a burgundy Mercury, with Pennsylvania plates. A bumper sticker on the back said: My son can beat up your honor student.

I pegged that one as Hals car.

Another was a rental, with a Florida map and a bird-watching brochure sitting open on the front seat.

The third, a white pickup, was the only one parked in the shade. Squinting through the heat rising from the lot, I thought I recognized the black cowboy hat on the man in the drivers seat. I quickly closed the distance to the truck.

Engrossed in a cell phone call, the driver was alone in the truck. He didnt notice as I approached from the rear. The driver-side door was open.

I told you Im good for those cattle, Pete. I could hear his half of the conversation. How long have we known each other? All Im asking for is a little more time.

It sounded like Jeb Ennis business troubles had taken a turn for the worse.

Silently, he listened to whatever Pete was saying on the other end of the line. Then he shook his head and looked like he was ready to start arguing, until he caught me from the corner of his eye. Listen, Im going to have to call you back, Pete. He paused. If I say Ill do it, Ill do it. Ive got someone here just now.

He cut off the call and slipped the phone into his top pocket. His face was shiny with sweat.

Kind of warm to be out here sitting in your truck, isnt it?

Hey, Mace. I just pulled up a little while ago. I was headed to the office to see you when my phone rang. He swung his long legs out the door and stood on the asphalt lot. When he turned and leaned in the back to grab something from the trucks cab, I saw his shirt was soaking wet and stuck to his back.

You look like youve just chased a coonhound through the woods, Jeb.

When he straightened, he was holding a bouquet of daisies.

Yeah, Im sweatin buckets. He looked embarrassed. The ACs out in my truck. Never happens in December, does it? It feels like a sauna in there.

He held out the flowers. Anyway, these are for you. I figured I owed you an apology for being so rude at the diner. Your mama must have heard an earful after I left.

As I took the flowers, our hands brushed. His fingers were strong, work-callused. I fought myself over the little shiver of desire I felt.

Daisies are your favorite, right? I remembered.

I couldnt even think of the last time a man had given me flowers. I smiled my thanks. That didnt mean I wasnt still suspicious.

So, you just drove up. I took a couple of steps to the front of the truck and put my hand on the hood. The metal was as hot as Hades. The engine still ticked. I had an interesting experience a little earlier this morning.

He raised his brows in a question.

I felt like something was watching me from the woods by the alligator pond. Then, I heard something big coming at me through the brush.

Jebs face lit up. Was it a black bear? Remember that time we spotted that cute little cub over in Highlands County? And then its mama came on the scene, and she didnt look near as cute.

I laughed. I remember you were just as scared as me, and I almost peed my pants.

He looked at me, and the golden flecks in his eyes shone. We had some good times in those days, didnt we, Mace?

Some real good times, I agreed. And a few bad.

He took off his hat and shifted his eyes to the ground. He ran a hand through his hair, which curled in sweaty clumps. Then he looked up at me again. Do you think we could talk somewhere, Mace?

We can. But first I have to ask you something. You wouldnt have had any reason to be running around in the woods out here this morning, would you?

He cocked his head Mace, its hotter than a pepper patch. The mosquitoes are as big as B-52 bombers. I can think of about twenty places off the top of my head that Id rather be than in the woods. And that would include sitting in the chair at my dentists office. I told you, I just got here. The only reason I came at all is to apologize to you.

He slapped at his neck, then flicked a dead mosquito from his palm.

I glanced into the trees surrounding the parking lot. Nothing but the insects stirred.

Its just that I had a My voice trailed off as I tried to figure out how, without sounding weak or crazy, to explain what Id had. The sense of threat. The paralyzing fear. After all, it was just some rustling in the brush.

You know what, Jeb? Its no big deal. I held up the flowers. Lets head to the office, where I can get these in some water. We can sit out on a bench in the breezeway. At least theres shade, and ceiling fans to keep us cool.

He put his hat back on. Give me a minute to throw something over the feed Ive got in the truck. I dont want it to get wet if it rains.

I stepped aside to let him get to the trucks bed. I took the opportunity to admire the view as Jeb leaned over to secure a tarp. His sweaty shirt was tucked tautly into his narrow waist. The Ws on the back pockets of his Wrangler jeans lay just right. My eyes traveled all the way from his well-shaped rear, down his legs, to the heels of his dusty cowboy boots.

Thats when I noticed something small clinging to the bottom of his pants leg. In the back, where itd be hard to see, a burr from the woods brushy undergrowth was stuck to the fabric of Jebs boot-cut jeans.

What the hell is this? I leaned over and plucked the burr from Jebs pant leg. Pinching it between my thumb and forefinger, I thrust it inches from his face.

How should I know, Mace? You know plants a lot better than I do. Why dont you look it up in a plant book?

Its a beggars tick, Jeb. And I dont mean, What is it? I mean, How in the hell did it come to be hitching a ride on your Wranglers?

He cocked his boot up to examine the back of his pant leg. Then he repeated it with the other leg. I thought I got all of those off before I headed over here to see you. I worked this morning, but I did clean up. Not that youd be able to tell it from the stink of me, after I drove all the way from Wauchula in my sweat box of a truck.

I tucked the beggars tick into the pocket of my work pants. You never know what you might need as evidence.

What are you so freaked out about anyway? Is that from some nasty plant you dont want taking hold here at Himmarshee Park? His eyebrows raised in a question. And then, as he realized what I was implying, they V-ed down to a frown. Youre not serious, Mace.

As serious as a heart attack. I took a step back, my hands on my hips. Which is what I almost had this morning, when I was convinced something in those woods was stalking me. Now I find a burr from the brush on a man who claimed hed rather be anywhere else than out stomping through some swampy woods.

Youve lost your mind. He inched away, like he was afraid to catch crazy from me. Your mama getting arrested for murder has sent you clear round the bend. Staring at me, he shook his head. Do you think Himmarshee Park is the only place in Florida with brush?

He waited for an answer. I didnt give him one, staring off into the trees.

Well, its not. Jeb answered his own question. I was tearing through it on my own property early this morning when a calf got tangled up. He ran off, trailing some barbed wire into the woods.

I thought about that for a moment. It seemed logical. I was beginning to feel stupid.

Are you gonna suspect me of everything, just because I made one of the biggest mistakes of my life when we were kids? How many times can I say Im sorry I lied to you? Im sorry I cheated on you. I was young and stupid. I didnt know how to handle the attention from the girls who hang around the rodeo.

He put a hand on my wrist. My skin felt hot where he touched it, and it wasnt just the outside temperature.

Look at me, Mace.

I slowly shifted my gaze from the tree line to his face. He was staring into my eyes. His hand still burned a palm print around my wrist.

Sorry, I mumbled.

Jeb cupped his other hand to his ear. Can you speak up a little? I didnt quite hear that.

I said Im sorry. I shook off his hand. This case has got me as skittish as a colt in a pasture full of snakes.

I looked down to where hed held my wrist. I was surprised to see no outward sign of how his touch had affected me. But I did notice the daisies were starting to wilt. Why dont we go on in and get out of this oven? I said.

I led the way across the lot and onto a wood-chip trail. We dont waste much in Himmarshee. If a hurricane or lightning storm takes down a tree, workers with chain saws cut it up, feed it into a chipper, and truck in the chips for pathways. Jeb and I turned at the fork, heading away from Ollies pool and toward the office.

Look at that, I whispered. As we rounded a bend near Himmarshee Creek, a great blue heron startled into flight. The woods were so quiet; we heard his big wings beating the heavy air.

At the office, I went inside to put the daisies into water. Jeb stopped to buy sodas at the vending machine. He didnt need to ask what I liked. A Coke for me; an orange drink for him. He was just settling onto a bench in the shady breezeway when I returned to join him.

When did you find out about Mama getting tossed in jail? I asked, as I popped the top on my can of Coke.

I already knew that night at the diner, Mace. One of my hands at the ranch dates a gal who works at the Dairy Queen. I didnt let on when you told me. I didnt want to embarrass you. And I didnt think itd be too nice to greet your mama after ten years by saying, Glad to hear youre out of the slammer, Maam.

He took a long slug from his soda. Staring at the spot where his lips met the can, I felt memory waves wash over me. Lying on three folded blankets in the bed of his truck, watching shooting stars. The feel of his lips on mine, soft yet insistent. My first time, and how Jeb kissed away the tears that came from the realization that I wasnt a virgin anymore.

Can I ask you something, Mace?

I nodded, hoping it wouldnt be What are you thinking?

Jeb said, They let your mama out of jail. But you said the case is making you nuts. Why are you still involved?

Good question, I thought.

Well, for one thing, someone has made it pretty clear they dont want us looking into Jim Alberts murder. I told him about Mamas stuffed dog, and about my close call in the canal.

That sounds pretty dangerous. Yet youre still fooling around, trying to figure out whodunnit.

Youve known me a long time, Jeb. Tell me I cant do something, and thats exactly what I want to do. Besides, Mamas name hasnt been cleared. I outlined how her fellow church-goers had stared and whispered. Martinez might be busy right now, I said, trying to build a stronger case against her. I didnt mention Id tried to steer the detective off my mother by telling him about Jebs troubles with Jim Albert.

I watched a drop of condensation roll off my can and onto my thigh.

I also want to know how Mamas boyfriend figures in, Jeb. What if hes responsible? Mama could be in danger. Id toss myself into Ollie the alligators pond if something happens to her, and I could have prevented it.

It just seems like youre putting a lot of pressure on yourself, Mace.

Im not alone. Both my sisters are involved. Were all trying to find the real murderer. You dont think Maddie would let anything happen to me, do you?

He smiled, and put an arm around my shoulder to draw me close. Your sister Maddies like a mama gator with a clutch of babies. She smacked her tail, showed her teeth, and hissed at me. And all I did was invite you to a barbecue.

I thought of a gators head, with huge gaping jaws, on my sisters body. It was such a fitting image that I laughed out loud.

Now, thats what I like to hear, Mace. I always did love your laugh. He traced a finger around my lips. Its not a girly giggle; you bring it up from deep down in your belly. He touched my belt buckle. I like that in a woman.

Whatever happened to Cindy? I said, shifting away from him.

Id heard Jeb was involved with a girl we both knew in high school, a cheerleader and homecoming queen. I was pleased when a classmate told me shed gained forty pounds since senior year.

Jeb took off his hat and began working the brim with his fingers. He studied the pointed toes of his boots. The way he was acting, I hoped he wasnt going to say she was dead. Id feel awful after the way I crowed about her putting on weight.

I screwed up, Mace, he finally said. Cindy left me.

Were you cheating on her? I figured we two gals could form a support group for women Jeb had done wrong.

No. I learned my lesson about that a long time ago, when I lost you.

I looked at him sideways, not sure whether to believe him. Well, what happened?

Remember how I told you at the diner that Id borrowed money from Jim Albert?

I nodded.

I couldnt pay it back fast enough to suit him. That bastard sent men out to the ranch, and they busted the place up. Cindy was there, alone. They didnt hurt her. But she was terrified. It happened again, and this time they knocked me around. She packed her clothes and left the next day. Said she couldnt live like that, wondering what theyd do the next time they came.

Jeb looked like a little boy whod just seen his dog hit by a truck. My heart went out to him. Then I realized owing money and losing his girlfriend gave Jeb a doubly good reason to want Jim Albert dead.

Leaning toward him, I brushed the hair out of his eyes. I wasnt exactly faking concern. But I did have an ulterior motive. I wanted to see if I could lead Jeb to reveal anything more. I edged a bit closer again, thigh to thigh. His sweat had dried in the breeze from the fans. But he still had the salty, hard-work smell of a man who handles horses and cattle. I breathed it in, remembering the thrill Id always gotten from watching him ride and rope.

Do you still have that horse you were breaking when we were going together, Jeb? What was his name? The big bay, with the white blaze?

Cheyenne. The smile returned to Jebs lips. He draped an arm casually around my shoulders. Hes getting old, but hes still going strong. Why dont you come out and ride with me, Mace? Id love to see you on a horse again. Ill never forget the sight of you barrel-racing in that white outfit with the fringe, your black hair flying from underneath a white hat. You were a sight. Just beautiful. Still are.

I looked at him, and the plan to work him for information flew out of my brain. The flecks in his eyes were liquid gold. He leaned down a bit to kiss me. I lifted my chin. I couldnt wait to feel again the touch of his lips; the heat of his body.

I closed my eyes And heard a harsh cough. Someone was standing not two feet away, interrupting our moment with an infernal hacking. They were quite insistent. Loud, too. How rude, I thought.

Reluctantly, I put a hand on Jebs chest and pushed away. I opened my eyes.

There stood Detective Martinez, clearing his throat and staring cannon-ball-sized holes into Jeb and me.

A door slammed. I heard the clomp-clomp of school-principal pumps on the wooden deck between the office and the breezeway.

What do you mean theyre Maces daisies, Rhonda? A familiar voice boomed, scaring any wildlife within a hundred yards. Who brought my sister daisies?

Martinezs respiratory distress had already spooked me. Now, Maddies approach finished the job. I scooted away, like Jebs thigh was the campfire and mine was the marshmallow. I moved too slowly: The sight of me cozying up to my former boyfriend stopped my sister so fast that Rhonda ran into her from the rear. Clomp-clomp-smack. Maddie looked from the two of us to Martinez, the eyeglasses on her chain bouncing on her generous bust.

I let you out of my sight for one day, Mace. Maddie shook her head. And you go and get yourself into all kind of mess with Jeb Ennis.

Rhonda looked uncomfortable. An only child, she was unused to the goings on of dysfunctional siblings. Ill just excuse myself. She edged backwards toward the office. Ive got a mountain of paperwork.

It was the only time I ever envied my boss her forms in triplicate.