Heart of the Wild

  HEART OF THE WILD

  By RITA PJ HESTAND

  Writers Exchange E-Publishing

  http://www.writers-exchange.com/epublishing/

  * * *

  HEART OF THE WILD

  Copyright ã 2001 Rita PJ Hestand

  Writers Exchange E-Publishing

  PO Box 372

  ATHERTON QLD 4883

  AUSTRALIA

  Distributed Online by Writers Exchange E-Publishing

  http://www.writers-exchange.com/epublishing/

  ISBN 1 876962 55 0

  All characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author and have no relation to anyone bearing the same name or names. Any resemblance to individuals known or unknown to the author are purely coincidental.

  * * *

  Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  * * *

  Prologue

  "Dammit, why me?"

  "You're the only one I could ask. The only one I would ask such a thing of."

  "Hang on, John," Chayton shouted into the phone, then let it dangle as he stepped outside the confines of the small phone booth. He had to get some air. Put some distance between himself and that phone conversation.

  Kidnapping…Lord, what had he gotten himself into? Chayton Amory paced the area, oblivious to the cold north wind that threatened an early winter in his Oregon mountains, as his mind ran rampant over John's last words. Finally, he jerked the door open and grabbed the receiver with a vengeance.

  He hated being put in such a position, but there was only one answer, and he already knew it.

  "Okay, John, you win. I'll do it."

  "I knew I could count on you."

  Amory rolled is eyes skyward, as he bit his tongue to keep from swearing. If it had been anyone but John Douglas III, he would have given a flat refusal and hung up. John was the only man big enough to ask such a thing of him. Chayton loved and respected him. John knew that, and used it. Still, when Chayton had lost his parents in a boating accident ten years ago, John had been there for him and Tanka. He couldn't refuse him. And John knew it.

  "All I want you to do is go get Kasie before the wedding, and bring her back to the cabin so I can talk to her."

  Chayton held his silence, as his long, hard body shrugged with the weight of his decision.

  "Look, I know what I'm asking of you, but something tells me I've got to stop this." Emotion filled John's voice. Emotion and John didn't mix.

  "John, Kasie's a big girl, now."

  "You don't understand. He's a rock star, for crying out loud. Can you imagine our Kasie falling for a rock star?" John nearly shouted. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't be taking this out on you. I just feel so damned helpless. Okay, look, I'll level with you. I ran a check on this Rick Springer fella. And on the surface he looks okay, but I dug a little deeper and found out he has a violent temper. He's had a few fights, been arrested once. Of course, they covered that up from the press. I've got to find out if he's taken that temper out on Kasie. Until I know for sure, she's not marrying the son-of--"

  "I can understand your concern, but…" Despite his resolve not to care, hairs on the back of Amory's neck raised at this news. Hitting a woman was about as low as they came in Chayton Amory's books. Rick Springer's name suddenly tasted like acid on his tongue.

  "I've done my best to stay out of her life, since the day she walked out on us, but I'm still her father. I love her."

  John's voice broke again. Chayton cleared his throat and adjusted his stance. The emotion in John's voice had Chayton feeling downright guilty for not wanting to do this for the man. The break in John's voice was real, and clarified his position.

  "I'm sure Ava's taken advantage of the fact that she's controlling things. I expect she was the one that convinced Kasie to change her name to Moore, Ava's maiden name. I never thought Kasie would go that far to be rid of me. I mean, I raised that kid, not Ava."

  "I know, John. And you did a good job. Don't berate yourself for that. But she's a grown woman, and sometimes we can't change things, even if they are for the better."

  "Look, I don't care if you have to hog tie and drag her to get her up there, just do it." When Amory didn't respond, John continued. "I don't know if this is right or wrong, Chayton. She may never forgive me for it. I only know I can't stand by and do nothing."

  His concern was genuine, Chayton knew that much. No one loved his kid like John. "She's my only daughter, just like you're the closest I've had to a son. I'd do the same for you if you were in a bad position."

  "I appreciate that, but I don't think you realize what you're asking me to do."

  "Aw, I know how it gets under your skin, but that was a long time ago. I know this puts you in a awkward position, but I'm concerned for her safety now."

  "Look, maybe she'll walk out on him."

  "I aim to see she does."

  * * *

  Kasie balanced the phone on her shoulder as she stirred the batter with her other hand.

  "But Mother, I've already explained, I can't afford to come early. I've got my work-"

  "Nonsense, of course you can! I've already paid for your ticket, and I don't want to hear another word about it, Kasie. I've reserved a suite for you at the hotel."

  Kasie gripped the phone tighter in her hand. "A suite, but I don't need a suite, Mother! Rick and I talked about a small wedding. It could still be beautiful, still have flowers and a big cake, but just don't invite so many people."

  "Now Kasie, stop being so difficult, will you? Let me do this for you, darling. It's the only wedding I'll get to throw, so let me do it right. Besides, can you imagine what the papers would say if we threw a small inconspicuous wedding for Rick Springer. His fans might maul you to death."

  Kasie didn't answer. That part was true.

  "I'll admit I wasn't all for this in the beginning, but I never imagined so many people knew him. I mean, people my age, for goodness sake! He's a sensation out here, darling. Everyone is talking about him, taking pictures, wanting the story of how the two of you met. The photographers are everywhere, and wondering where his bride-to-be is. I want everything to be so perfect for you. Oh, I can't wait! We've so much shopping to do!"

  Her mother's voice dripped with excitement.

  "Shopping?" Kasie screeched, her fist coming down on the counter so hard that it vibrated the bowls. "But you know I hate shopping."

  "Of course you don't hate shopping; you're a woman, aren't you? Now, it's all arranged; you'll fly out tonight."

  Kasie sighed, wanting to argue, but knowing it was useless. "Okay, Mama. I'll call my boss and see what I can do."

  Feeling that same old queasiness in her stomach at giving in so easily to her mother, Kasie's smile began to fade. But she was tired of arguing with her over trivial things.

  "What? I told you never to use that expression, it's so…country."

  Mama? Kasie grimaced. Her mother hated the sound of that word. She considered it a hick abbreviation. "I'm sorry, Mother, it just slipped out."

  "You would think, after all this time, you would have acquired some sophistication. I guess growing up with your father is to blame."

  "You can't blame it on Dad." Kasie defended her dad, for some strange reason.. She hadn't even seen her father in eight years. Besides, I liked calling you that, she thought to herself. She somehow felt that this wedding was
bringing her closer to her mother. And she wanted that.

  "You're forgiven, darling. It's not your fault. Well, I'll expect you on the 10:40 flight from Dallas, then."

  "Did you send Dad a wedding invitation?"

  "Good Lord, no. After what he did to you? Trying to marry you off to that-that logger creature. He doesn't deserve an invitation. He'll hear about it soon enough, I'm sure. And he'll probably be livid, knowing how he likes to control things."

  Kasie rolled her eyes at the effigy her mother's voice conjured. "You're probably right, Mother. As usual."

  "Of course I am, dear. Now, we're set then. Giles will pick you up at the airport and bring you to the hotel. All you have to do is be on the 10:40, darling."

  "I really don't think I can make it that quickly. I'm right in the middle of baking a cake for Mrs. Thompson, down the hall. I haven't finished packing, I'll have to call my boss; I've so many things to take care of."

  "Mrs. Thompson? Who's that? Do I know her?"

  "My neighbor down the hall. She's going to be keeping an eye on my apartment while I'm gone. And she promised to water my plants for me. She's very old, and not in the best of health. She loves sweets."

  "Why in heaven's name didn't you just buy one, if you had to do something for her?"

  "Because, it's not the same. I wanted to do something special for her, and I am a pretty good baker. I enjoy cooking. I intend to do a lot of it, once I'm married."

  "Well, I don't know why you bother. Rick certainly can afford the best restaurants in town. But bake it if you must, and get packed. I just don't feel like arguing tonight. I'm too excited."

  "All right, but if I don't get off the phone now, I'll never make the 10:40." Kasie tried to sound anxious.

  Another battle lost, Kasie sighed as she hung up the phone. She looked at the phone as though it were the enemy. In eight years the only thing she knew for sure was that her life was not her own. It never had been. It looked as though it never would be. Even marrying Rick wouldn't change things. She was being manipulated, and she hated it. Both her parents had spent most of her life trying to control her.

  Her hands still shook as she poured the batter into the pan.

  Perhaps marrying Rick would eventually bring her independence from her meddling parents. Yet, she somehow doubted it.

  Ava hadn't liked Rick at first, but Kasie had stood firm when she announced they were going to be married. So Ava finally gave in, and threw herself into arranging the wedding. He might only be a rock star, but he was very popular, and made very good money, Kasie had informed her. Ava couldn't deny that. And as long as Ava had some control over her daughter, things went smoothly.

  After placing the cake in the oven, Kasie went into the living room. She'd felt restless and edgy all week, not having a clue as to why.

  Seeing Rick's picture on the mantle, Kasie sighed again. Most women swooned at the sight of Rick Springer. Most women! She hadn't swooned over a man since--since eight years ago. Since Chayton Amory! At least this relationship was based on something solid--trust and understanding. Who needed love?

  Running her fingers over the picture, she wondered why she didn't feel elated about the wedding or Rick. She should miss him by now. She hadn't seen him in over two weeks. He'd flown to Los Angeles for a concert and photo layout for his next album. So why didn't she feel lonesome? Why didn't her heart jump when looking at his picture? Wedding jitters, that's all it was, she told herself as she turned Rick's picture over and placed it face down.

  Yet, deep in her heart, she knew there was another reason.

  * * *

  Chapter One

  "Silly bird, look what you made me do." Kasie Moore glanced at the seagull that continued to circle above. He seemed more interested in her red ball cap than the fish in the sea, she decided as she bent to retrieve her wet cap from the edge of the shore. "Go build your nest with someone else's cap," she muttered aloud, as she cast the bird a quick appraisal.

  Wiping her wet hands on her fish-smeared jeans, she curled her braid back into the ball cap, and slipped it on top of her head.

  She didn't know why she felt so grouchy this morning, yelling at a seagull. Perhaps lack of caffeine did it. Rick insisted she needed to lay off coffee. She had tried, but this morning she could almost smell that beautiful blend perking through the lobby of the hotel.

  Dammit, didn't Rick realize people needed a few bad habits?

  He meant well, though. She shouldn't be mad. It was for her own good. Now, who did that sound like? Her parents!

  The Pacific waters stretched forever against an early awakening, California horizon. Kasie sighed with contentment, as her gaze swept the skies. The warm, blue-green blanket of water teased the shore as the gentle breeze whimpered an early winter, and the pungent sea air tickled her nose.

  Then without warning, everything changed. The magnificent glow of pre-dawn faded. Her red ball cap disappeared as her head was covered with what felt like a dirty knitted cap. She felt herself being hefted and effortlessly flung against a solid form. Bouncing first one way, then another, on what felt like tremendously strong shoulders, Kasie struggled. Bone and muscle meshed. A corduroy jacket rubbed where her damp sweatshirt rose up from her waist. It felt soft, against a man that was obviously neither. A whiff of pine and woods and clean earth floated about her nose as she twisted her head and struggled with the musky old cap that had been crammed over her head and face.

  She grabbed at her neck, and realized the cap had been tied and knotted with a string.

  Hair tickled her belly as the man's head turned several times, as though he might be looking for direction. It had to be one of the guy's in Rick's band, playing a joke.

  "This is cute. Is Rick having me abducted?"

  There was no answer. She formed a tight fist, and let the first punch fly. A grown man should know better.

  No answer came, although she thought she heard the man mumble something incoherent under his breath. A dead silence prevailed, and still he kept walking. His gait was light, springy, as though traveling up and down hills on foot were nothing to him.

  "Let me go! This isn't funny!" Kasie yelled seconds later from under the thick knitted cap that smothered her words like a audio tape gone bad. She had never liked practical jokes, although Rick had been known to pull some.

  "Get this dirty thing off my face!" She struggled for clean air. Tiny flecks of light filtered through the cap, but she still couldn't see. If this was Rick's idea of a prank, she didn't like it.

  Her words choked her, as she blindly struggled against the man.

  Kasie heard him rumble with what had to be laughter, and an odd sense of knowing hit the pit of her stomach. For a moment, her memory jangled, then left her again as she continued to struggle.

  Something about this man seemed familiar. Panic stricken, her mind reeled with possibilities. Most kidnappers were not strangers. At least that was what she'd heard on one of those news talk shows. Thank God, she'd paid attention.

  Okay, so the trick was to stay alert. Use the senses, she remembered. She heard the shoreline disappearing into the distance. He walked up a steep incline. It had to be the hill directly above the beach. At least she still had her sense of direction.

  The man hadn't even puffed. He was in better shape than most; in top form, in fact. Not brawny, but hard and lean and well acquainted with hard labor. No--he wasn't in Rick's band.

  "Who are you? What do you want with me?" she demanded, as she let another punch fly just below his belt, onto a solid backside. Solid and well shaped.

  Still no reaction.

  Were there people about? Couldn't anyone see what was happening? He couldn't get away with this in broad daylight, could he?

  Yet, he was getting away with it.

  It was barely five in the morning. Sensible people were tucked into their soft beds, sleeping. That's where her mother was. That's where Rick was, most likely. And that's where she should be. Why hadn't she been able to sleep? Why h
ad this impending wedding disconcerted her so? Why did solitary walks and quick stolen fishing trips seem mandatory now to her? Perhaps because she hadn't wanted a wedding at all. She was happy with Rick, wasn't she? Why couldn't they just live together? People did it all the time. But then, she knew she wasn't that sophisticated. Rick loved her, didn't he? In his way. And she loved him, in her way. Wasn't that all that mattered?

  No time to deliberate happiness now, as the kidnapper veered in another direction. She had to pay attention to his moves.