The Keeping(119)

Well, she wasn’t getting up to answer it. Whoever was on the line could just leave a message. She rolled onto her side and firmly shut her eyes again. Unfortunately, as much as she tried to ignore it, Mel’s curiosity clicked in and she couldn’t help but strain to hear who was calling when the machine turned on. Aldrich’s supercilious voice filled the room.

“Ms. Greene? Pick up the phone.....” Immediately, she identified the voice as belonging to Mr. Aldrich. He huffed when she didn’t comply. “I know you’re home. You can pretend you aren’t, but rest assured I have my sources.... Fine. Play games if you wish, but I’ll still expect you at my office at ten o’clock tomorrow morning with a complete report. No excuses, unless you’re prepared to face legal proceedings for the return of the funds advanced to you. And make no mistake; I have the papers here on my desk, ready to be filed. By time I’m done with you, you won’t have a penny left.”

Mel groaned. Wasn’t this just great. How had the man known she was home? It hadn’t been three hours since she’d stepped off the plane. He must have spies at the airport. Well, it was fine and dandy for him to want a report, but there wasn’t one! Mr. Ryne-pain-in-the-ass-Taylor had only given her the most meagre details about himself. All she really knew was how he took pictures. How in heaven’s name was she supposed to write a report when the only information she had...

Hmm... Mel nibbled on her lip as she considered a possible solution. Those pictures from Ryne’s camera were still on her computer. While she’d never looked at them, she hadn’t dumped the recycle bin, either. Maybe... Dragging herself out of bed, she found her laptop and turned it on. If she studied the pictures carefully enough, she might be able to gather enough information to satisfy Aldrich, at least for a while. What Greyson would think of the report was another story since she’d never dealt with him in person, but she’d cross that bridge when she came to it.

Opening the picture file, she leaned close to study the images trying to ignore the wave of guilt that washed over her. Ryne hadn’t wanted her looking at these. Mel hesitated, glancing around her apartment. The furniture was old, the decorations cheap; it wasn’t much, but it was all she had. The thought of losing everything she owned gave her a sinking feeling—what would it be like to start over, with absolutely nothing?

She furrowed her brow. Surely, Ryne was over-reacting. Letting the world know a little bit about his life wasn’t such a bad thing. Still trying to convince herself that she wasn’t doing anything that wrong, Mel began to analyze the images on the screen.

*****

It was four in the morning. Mel rubbed her gritty eyes and then arched her back before clicking on save. The report—such as it was—was complete. She’d read it over again in the morning before printing, but didn’t think there was much else she could add to it.

By examining the pictures on her laptop and noting their sequence, she’d been able to piece together a plausible background for Ryne. Much of it was supposition, but if the man didn’t grant interviews, who would ever know? And there were some concrete facts. His work on cars and the restoration of that house were facts. He’d mentioned running, and by the look of his lean muscled body—she suppressed the physical response the image invoked—he must be into fitness. The photography lessons he’d given her had provided insight into his techniques and even his street-crossing lessons with Harley showed a love of animals. Mel was actually rather impressed with herself over what she’d managed to piece together.

In some places, she had really stretched things. A picture of an older couple in front of a large house had her writing that he had a large extended family, and wanted a big family himself one day. After all, she reasoned, why would he have purchased that oversized monstrosity outside Stump River, if he was going to live there all alone?

Their dinner at Armand’s had allowed her to state that he enjoyed life’s simple pleasures; cold beer, time spent with friends and a good movie... Her more ‘personal’ experiences with him, and his sexual prowess, however, were definitely not included. Some things just weren’t meant to be shared!

The piece de resistance of the whole report was her deduction regarding where Ryne took his pictures. Mel knew that for some reason Greyson was extremely interested in that point and felt he’d be pleased with her sleuthing. The background, clothing, numbering of the pictures and even the weather, led her to believe all were taken on the same day somewhere near Smythston, Oregon. Even more exciting was the fact that in one picture, she was sure she saw wolves in the distance. The image was fuzzy, but unmistakeably some form of canine. If Greyson was looking for where a certain wolf picture had originated, she was sure she’d found his answer.