Triple Exposure (32 page)

Eight months later

“There’s one thing I regret,” Zeke said as they maneuvered toward where a pair of raptors hinted at the presence of a thermal. With the sun fast dropping toward the horizon, this might well be the day’s last.

Rachel turned her head to look back over her shoulder. “I know you’re sorry about Willie. Sorry about Marlene, too, and her poor family, all those families touched by what she did. But you have to let them go, Zeke, the same way I’ve let go of the things I can’t change.”

He smiled, thinking she was starting to sound like the counselor both of them saw in Alpine. Though he wouldn’t admit it under threat of torture, Zeke knew the sessions had helped him as well as her.

“I’m not talking about that,” he explained. “What I meant to say is I’m sorry I wasn’t there to hear you to tell Gallinardi to get bent.”

“Oh, that.” Rachel laughed. “I didn’t put it that crudely. Not quite, anyway.”

The altimeter spun upward as Zeke turned to catch the column of warm air. He felt a surge of joy—and pride in the still-novel achievement.

“Steady,” Rachel urged him as they spiraled upward. “That’s it. That’s right—you’ve got a really good feel for this.”

“I’m an expert in good feels.” He leaned forward and tiptoed fingertips along her shoulder, though he couldn’t reach the good stuff.

Rachel smacked his hand. “I keep telling you, this is a cockpit in name only. So let’s keep the correct head in the game so you’ll be ready for your solo.”

After a time the lift died, and he turned toward home. As he glimpsed the first pink flush of sunset, he sobered. “Do
you
have regrets, Rachel?”

“I wish I’d stuck to my guns and insisted on the lemon cake for our reception. Patsy’s a real sweetheart, but that strawberry nightmare…” She made a gagging sound.

He shook his head, remembering their attempts to eat her creation to spare Patsy’s feelings. And Patsy’s white-faced horror when she realized she’d been so nervous about baking her first wedding cake, she’d somehow managed to put in more salt than sugar. It had taken them months to get her to laugh about what they’d teasingly dubbed her “Freudian slip of the spoon.”

“I meant about turning down Gallinardi and the Foundation,” he said. Since Rachel’s dis-invitation to the showing, she’d been given the cold shoulder by art snobs far and wide.

“Heck, no,” Rachel answered without a moment’s hesitation. “Business might be off a little, but I’m loving the flying more all the time, and my dad seems a lot happier. Besides, they can only keep me away from the showings and the art mags. They can’t keep me from shooting.”

“You’d better not let Gallinardi hear you say that, or there’ll be a restraining order for sure.”

She laughed again. “You know what I mean. Because shooting the photos is what makes me happy, not the accolades. And thanks to you, I’m selling plenty of framed prints to people who’ll enjoy them. Regular people who come by our workshop to look at your stuff.”

“Word’s getting around, Rachel. More and more of the tourists show up looking for your stuff and not mine. And it seems to me at least a few of ’em are serious collectors looking for the next big thing.”

“Or are they looking for a certain beefcake shot of my
dear husband?” she teased, reminding Zeke of the one photo he felt too self-conscious to keep around the workshop. Though the original was hanging in their bedroom at the cinnamon adobe, he studiously avoided looking at it.

As he descended toward the airstrip, he changed the subject. “So, you think I’ll ever make a decent pilot? Or at least a safe one?”

Rachel hesitated before answering. “I think you’ll make a more-than-decent pilot. And if I didn’t—if I didn’t think you’d be a safe one, do you think I’d risk our lives—all three of our lives—letting you fly?”

Zeke thought it must have been the wind’s noise that had made him hear the words
all three
. But after he regrouped, he asked, “J.D. didn’t stow away, did he?”

She shot a smile over her shoulder. “Nope,” she said, eyes glowing, “but someone else did. About six weeks back, according to the doc.”

“The doctor?” Zeke echoed, then broke into a broad grin as her meaning came clear to him.

Dead ahead and just below them, a solitary light ascended from the rose-washed desert. But it couldn’t hold a candle to the brilliance of the future just coming into view.

I have very much enjoyed my visits to the beautiful little town of Marfa, Texas, home of the mysterious Marfa lights, setting of James Dean’s final movie,
Giant
, and—thanks to the artist Donald Judd and those who followed—a fabulous destination for art lovers. The Marfa of
Triple Exposure
is based upon this desert gem, but various changes, exaggerations, and flights of fancy have altered the geographic, business, and social landscape where needed to serve the story.

I’d like to thank Burt Compton of Marfa Gliders (which differs significantly from the glider business described in the book) for sharing his expertise on soaring the high country. If you’re ever in West Texas, be sure to look him up for a one-of-a-kind experience. Mona Garcia, owner of the lovely Arcon Inn, was kind enough to take me on a tour of old Fort Russell, which is becoming something new and wonderful thanks to the efforts of the International Woman’s Foundation. Thanks, too, to John Boors of Alternate Pest Control in Alpine, who answered questions on the local insects.

My research on gliders also led me to visit the Soaring Club of Houston, located in Waller, Texas. Thanks to the many club members who tirelessly answered questions and especially to pilots Douglas R. Courville, David Martin, Miguel Lavalla, Ed Toohey, and Anne Berry. Thanks to pilot Sylvia Szafarczyk for helping me brainstorm ways to make a relatively safe pastime dangerously exciting and most of all, to Glenn Giddens for sharing his expertise and taking me on my maiden glider flight.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (cont'd)

I’d like to express my appreciation to my agent Karen Solem, along with Jennifer Schober, also of Spencerhill Associates, for their encouragement and assistance. Thanks to editor extraordinaire Alicia Condon, along with the other members of the Dorchester Publishing family, for everything they do to put my books into the hands of readers.

I want to thank, too, first readers Barbara “Bobbi” Sissel, Joni Rodgers, and Jo Anne Banker for their invaluable assistance, as well as other members of my critique group, The Midwives: T. J. Bennett, Wanda Dionne, and Anna Slade. I couldn’t do without your insightful comments and suggestions, along with the support of my many RWA friends.

Last but never least, thanks to the folks at home, Mike and Andrew, for their loving support. And thanks to furry folks at home, Zippy and Jewel, who are always up for a romp or a snuggle, at least when they’re not inspiring me with canine mischief.

R
AVE
R
EVIEWS
F
OR
C
OLLEEN
T
HOMPSON
’s
R
OMANTIC
S
USPENSE
!

THE SALT MAIDEN

“Poetic use of language, intricate plotting and a wealth of fascinating details make Thompson’s latest novel a masterful work of suspense. Readers will come for the action and stay for the three-dimensional characters and well-crafted narrative. This is a fabulous read!”

—
Romantic Times BOOKreviews
Top Pick

“An excellent thriller with a touch of romance. I could not bring myself to set the book down. I simply HAD to know what would happen next. From the beginning it is nonstop action, drama, and mystery. Fans of Tess Gerritsen, Tami Hoag, and Sandra Brown will adore this tale. Phenomenal!”

—Huntress Reviews

HEAD ON

“Well written with realistic and appealing characters,
Head
On
is a mesmerizing story that keeps readers guessing as the murderer draws closer and secrets are revealed. A compelling tale of romantic suspense, it is a strong, satisfying read.”

—Romance Reviews Today

“
Head On
is packed with tension and hard-edge suspense. The story is unforgettable and weaves a rich tapestry of good and evil. Prepare yourself for an all-nighter.
Head On
really delivers. It’s a great read.”

—Fresh Fiction

“Thompson’s novel is filled with realistic dialogue, compelling narrative and believable conflict. The multiple viewpoints add dimension to the plot, and the characterizations are very well done.”

—
Romantic Times BOOKreviews

HEAT LIGHTNING

“Thompson has crafted a top-notch, thrilling romantic suspense.”

—
New York Times
bestselling author Allison Brennan

M
ORE
H
IGH
P
RAISE
F
OR
C
OLLEEN
T
HONPSON
!

HEAT LIGHTNING

“This nicely complicated tale has plenty of edge-of-yourseat suspense. The villain is quite violent and evil, and the mystery moves along at a good pace.”

—
Romantic Times BOOKreviews

THE DEADLIEST DENIAL

“Captivating…Thompson, a RITA finalist, is skilled at building suspense.”

—
Publishers Weekly

“
Thompson’s style
is gritty, and that works well with her flawed and driven characters…. High family drama mixes with deadly suspense.”

—Romantic Times BOOKreviews

“
The Deadliest Denial
is a spellbinding read with a gripping, intrigue-filled plot. There are twists and turns around every corner…. This is a great read. Ms. Thompson has gifted us with another all-nighter.”

—Fresh Fiction

FADE THE HEAT

“RITA finalist Thompson takes the reader on a roller-coaster ride full of surprising twists and turns in this exceptional novel of romantic suspense.”

—
Publishers Weekly
(Starred Review)

“The precise details of Thompson’s novel give it a rich, edgy texture that’s enthralling…. For keen characters, emotional richness and a satisfying story that doesn’t fade away, read Thompson’s latest.”

—
Romantic Times BOOKreviews

FATAL ERROR

“Fast-paced, chilling, and sexy…[with] chemistry that shimmers.”

—
Library Journal

“Thompson has written a first-class work of romantic suspense.”

—
Booklist

Other books by Colleen Thompson:

THE SALT MAIDEN
HEAD ON
HEAT LIGHTNING
THE  DEADLIEST DENIAL
FADE THE HEAT
FATAL ERROR