Deceit with Desire

By Gail E. Tolbert

Deceit with Desire is a novel of suspense, mystery and romance. Sara Marshall is a suspect in a very big drug investigation. She has unknowingly been involved with some very shady characters that are under investigation. Sara runs a huge horse ranch and is suspected of transporting the drugs in the horse equipment and feeds. During this investigation Kurt Weston is called in from the local detectives bureau to work undercover for the FBI. Immediately he is drawn to Sara Marshall in ways he had never felt before and has a hard time keeping the investigation and his personal feelings separate.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 12, 2006
• ISBN: 9781425965099

Gail E. Tolbert

Gail E. Tolbert grew up in rural Indiana and spent several years as a child and later as an adult in southwest Florida. After returning to southern Indiana in late 1999 she decided to concentrate on her writing. Ms. Tolbert has spent many years compiling her works and has now began to put them in print. This is her second novel, but first in the western category to have published although she has other westerns in the works. Along with these two novels Ms. Tolbert also has another book coming out shortly which will be in the fantasy category. Also Ms. Tolbert hopes to get her many books for children in print. She feels that her writing is very rewarding to herself and hopefully to all that read her books. Look for other exciting novels of Ms. Tolbert, you’re sure to enjoy them all!

Book preview

Deceit with Desire

Gail E. Tolbert

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AuthorHouse™

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© 2007 Gail E. Tolbert. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 4/9/2007

ISBN: 978-1-4259-6509-9 (ebk)

ISBN: 978-1-4259-6507-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4259-6508-2 (hc)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2006908290

Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Epilogue

PROLOGUE

Sara Marshall is a thirty year old, five foot five inches tall and a one hundred twelve pound tomboyish young woman. She has light brown hair and the deepest, greenest eyes ever known. Sara owns and runs a one hundred fifty acre horse ranch. Sara raises, trains, buys and sells horses. She also gives riding lessons, attends horse auctions, manages approximately fifty brood mares and one big black stallion. Sara doesn’t date, has never been married and still a virgin. There has never been anyone that Sara trusted enough to let herself get close to. After a couple of disastrous relationships and one devastating, abusive near fatal engagement Sara was convinced she would be safer raising horses. And that is what Sara has done, until she meets Kurt Weston.

Kurt Weston, is a thirty-three year old six feet four inches tall all muscle and male with dark brown hair and sparking deep blue eyes. He had always been told his blue eyes were a fluke and did not go with his dark hair, but Kurt would only smile and wink, as he always got the prettiest girls. But all in all Kurt was very reserved and was not much for conversation. Kurt is a detective with the local police department and also works for the F.B.I. as an undercover officer investigating a drug smuggling ring. Kurt has never been married, although came very close when he was seventeen. But the bride to be ran away with Kurt’s older, wealthier brother Mitchell. Therefore after a few dinner dates and no serious relationships over the years Kurt’s broken heart has healed to stone. Never again to love or let another woman into his heart, no way no how. Until his investigation into the drug smuggling brings him to the Sara Marshall Horse Ranch, HORSES INC. Things will never be the same.

AND NOW

DECEIT WITH DESIRE

CHAPTER 1

Sara Marshall just returned a couple of weeks ago from a long, three week trip of distributing the big stallion’s very fertile sperm to several horse ranches around the area in the Virginia horse country. After the preparations for another breeding season of her artificial insemination program she was looking forward to a little rest and time alone at the ranch. Sara was usually very busy during the breeding season, due to the fact the big stallion was very much in demand. And it was impossible for him to breed the nearly five-hundred brood mares during the two to three month breeding season. Therefore Sara started the artificial insemination breeding program. The big black stallion was named Midnight Dancer. Because he was black as night and his feet were never still. He was a beautiful eighteen and a half hands tall, very powerful, strong and quick as lighting.

Dancer as he was called could be as gentle as a mother’s kiss, but mean as all hell if you got on his bad side. Dancer was a rare breed if there ever was one. His bloodlines indeed held some very desirable traits. Such being, one-quarter Arabian, one-quarter Thoroughbred, one-quarter Morgan, one-quarter Shire. This combination of breeds made Dancer one of the most sought after studs and turned out some of the most desirable foals of any Sara knew.

Sara had also started a program with her horse sales division. In order to protect the horses and possibly limit the volume of unwanted horses being left abandoned. Also to better match horse and owner. The sales contract stipulates that any buyer not satisfied with the horse they purchase may within seven days after the purchase return the horse for exchange or refund. Minus ten percent of the sales contract price provided the horse is returned in good health and condition as at time of sale. Also customer must pay for veterinarian check up and any damages to the horse. Sara may at her discretion refuse to sell a horse to anyone if she feels the horse may not be going to a suitable home. Or if the customer may not be suitable to own a horse, such as inexperience or attitude toward owning a horse, or not having the proper facilities to accommodate and care for a horse.

Last week Sara had sold a beautiful smooth riding bay mare to a fourteen year old girl. Her mother thought the horse would be perfect for the child, but the girl had other ideas. She wanted something a little more spirited and maybe a larger horse. The girl had said, this horse is embarrassing to ride, it’s plain to see this horse is a dud and more like a horse to pull a wagon. The girl’s mother, a real piece of work with her arrogant, ‘I am so much better than you attitude,’ hovered over her daughter. It was easy to see the, ‘like mother like daughter,’ and see where the girl got her attitude. But the girl Amanda, number one brat, had brought her uncle Kurt with them today. Sara figured he was going to insist on Amanda getting what ever she wanted. But surprisingly enough he suggested, maybe Amanda could spend some time learning more about horses. Maybe learn a little about the care and feeding of the horses. Perhaps Amanda could spend time here on the ranch learning the daily chores of owning a horse. Then decide whether to by or not and be able to pick a horse more to her liking. Amanda looked as though her uncle had ask her to raise and fly!

Sara at first thought oh no, I have enough problems with out having to baby-sit a brat like this. Then thought why not, she could use the extra help and Amanda needed to learn about horses as uncle Kurt said. Besides uncle Kurt was going to buy Amanda a very expensive horse from someone and it may as well be from HORSRS INC. So going with the uncle’s lead Sara said, Amanda if you mother doesn’t mind would you like to stay here with me and work as a stable hand and learn all the ins and outs of owning and caring for a horse? Amanda’s mother Grace started to protest, but was cut short when uncle Kurt said, well good Amanda, it’s all settled then. I’ll bring out your things in the morning and help you get settled. Looking at Sara he asked, alright if Amanda starts right now? Putting his arm around the young girl’s shoulders he said, in case she gets out of here she may change her mind and not come back. He said it jokingly, but Sara thought there may be some truth in it. Amanda looked as though she would like to punch her uncle Kurt in the gut, but just smiled and said, yeah right, I said I would stay and I’ll stay, but for how long?

Kurt glanced around the group and suggested a month or so then see how things were going at that time. If Sara had only known what she was in for. Kurt and Amanda were there under false pretense, they were actually working under cover with the F.B.I. Drug Enforcement Agency. Sara was a suspect in a drug smuggling ring they had been working on. It was reported she could be involved in moving the drugs. Because Sara did so much buying, selling and transporting horses all over the United States, Canada and Mexico. A tip suggested that the drugs had been transported in the equipment or feed and possibly the horses themselves.

Grace, Amanda’s mother did not know that Kurt or Amanda was working with the F.B.I. and Kurt didn’t intend to tell her. Neither did Grace know anything about the ploy of Amanda staying here at the ranch pretending to learn about horses. And Kurt did not intend to tell her that either. Grace was the girl that had left Kurt right before their wedding and ran off with his brother Mitchell. Mitchell was nine years older than Kurt and had not been around much those last few years as Kurt grew up and planed to get married. Mitchell never knew the extent of the relationship between Kurt and Grace. Not until he had already married Grace did he know Kurt had planned to marry her. When Mitchell confronted Grace of this fact she lied about it as she did about nearly everything. Not until many years later did Mitchell fully understand the volume of deceit he was involved in with Grace.

Grace had been having an affair with Mitchell while she planned to marry Kurt, but hoped Mitchell would ask her first. Kurt knew nothing about Mitchell as Mitchell knew nothing about Kurt. And Grace being the bitch she was made sure the two brothers were kept away from each other at all cost. Grace blamed Kurt for her pregnancy as she had made sure they had had sex at least once and once was enough to get pregnant she told him. Kurt was seventeen and very much in love, he would have believed anything his love told him. At the same time she told Mitchell he was the father. Mitchell knew nothing about Kurt or any of Grace’s other lovers. Feeling he should do the right thing, Mitchell married her.

But the marriage was over before it got started as Grace moved Mitchell out of her bed, then bedroom. Therefore Mitchell never saw Grace as a pregnant woman. He stays gone as much as possible as he can’t deal with Grace and her hateful blaming all attitude. And seven months later Grace brought home a baby girl she named Amanda. Mitchell had not been at the hospital as he was not told until Grace came home with the baby. Her excuse for not telling Mitchell was that she didn’t want to impose upon him. Mitchell knew it was over, but did his best to make it work.

After five years of bullshit with Grace screwing everything she could get her ass under, Mitchell finally divorced her. Mitchell tried to stay far away from Grace, but did his best to stay in touch with Amanda. He set up a trust fund for Amanda making sure Grace could not get her hands on it. Soon after their divorce Mitchell left for Greece only keeping in touch with Kurt in order to check on Amanda. Neither one ever knowing the story Grace had spun to each of them. Kurt cared nothing for Grace by now, but did make sure Amanda was taken care of. All these years thinking Amanda was his baby.

Now trying to keep Grace out of his business as much as possible, yet needing Amanda’s help in pulling off this little ploy he had to be very careful. Amanda now al- most seventeen, but pretending to Sara to be fourteen Kurt knew he and Amanda had to be very careful not to blow the whole case by letting Grace know anything.

Everything was settled now and Amanda’s family was preparing to leave as Sara still wasn’t sure about this whole setup. Something just didn’t feel right, but decided to let it ride until she had time to figure it all out. Smiling Sara watched as Grace hugged Amanda then nodded at Sara and went to the car dabbing at her eyes. Kurt reached out to shake Sara’s hand preparing to leave. Grasping her hand firmly, very firmly it seemed to Sara as she looked up at him questioningly. Their eyes met and Sara caught her breath in a little gasp! Thinking to herself Sara thought, ‘you have the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen and you smell so damn good…..SHIT!…OH….Sara back up, get away, don’t even think about it, don’t go there…WHEW!….be still my heart, what’s wrong with me?’ Trying to back away Sara felt as though her face was on fire and she could feel his heat. OH, she could smell his cologne on her hand and had the damnedest urge to put her hand to her nose and breath deeply! Bullshit she thought, the way her stomach was full of butterflies something just happened and it scared the hell out of her! Sara Jane Marshall, breath, oh, blame it breath! Her heart was pounding so hard she was sure everyone could hear it.

Kurt nearly went weak in the knees when he took Sara’s hand. Her hand was so firm, tanned and strong, but yet so soft inside his big hand. When their eyes met and he looked down into those beautiful green eyes he couldn’t look away. Her eyes were like pools of mystery and wonder and he had to restrain himself from the urge to pull her in close against him and…Man he thought his heart was going to explode, plus he had half an erection…! What was it with this little horse rancher? No one had ever had that kind of an effect on him before. He had best not wear tight slacks the next time he came out here as it was going to be painful this time getting back in the car. Wincing Kurt thought he should walk around a bit and make small talk for a minute. OH shit this isn’t working he thought. The more Kurt looked at her the more he remembered her scent on his hand where he had shook her hand and put his hand under her elbow as they walked around the stable when she showed them around. Without thinking he raised his hand to his face to wipe away a bead of sweat on his brow, but caught himself and instead ran his fingers up through his hair. That was a mistake he thought because now he could smell her scent all the more stronger than ever. He had to get out of here now or he was going to be in deep shit if his erection became any more pronounced! And it was!

He gave Amanda a quick distant hug, nodded to Sara and headed to the car. She looked damn her. Sara Marshall looked at his crotch and turned red as hell before turning away! How in the hell would he be able to face her again? Shit.

Sara could not believe it. This police detective Kurt Weston had an erection! Oh well hell she thought, if she were a guy she might have had that same problem. But these butterflies in her stomach were enough. She was going to have to be careful and keep her eyes on this guy. Putting her arm around Amanda’s shoulder the girls headed toward the house. Smiling Sara said, I think I have most everything you’ll need. In the morning I can give your mother a call and give her a list of the things you’ll need, like boots, jeans and stuff like that.

Amanda shook her head and said, no it would be better to talk to uncle Kurt. My mother would have no idea what you would be talking about. And besides this so called learning experience was his big idea so let him have the honors of buying what I need. Good enough for him Amanda thought, he’s going to owe me big time after this. She did know she was to spend a lot of time out here, but out of the blue uncle Kurt put her on the spot like this. It will serve him right Amanda thought, pay back time!

Later that afternoon Sara introduced Amanda to the stable manager, Chan. Sara knew he would not like the idea, but would have to get over it. Sara needed to stay on good terms with Amanda and her uncle in order to make a sale. Also there was potential for future sales as Amanda had mentioned a friend of hers that was interested in buying a horse. Although Sara didn’t know it, it was only part of the cover. Even Chan was part of the under cover team. He had came to work for Sara about a year ago and she really liked him. He was good with the horses and knew what he was doing. Sara had thought him to be a God send when he showed up out of the blue looking for work. She intended to put an ad in the paper the next day, but Chan showed up that morning and had been there ever since. Sara didn’t have a clue they were all working together, but Chan was sure there would be hell to pay when she found out.

Chan was sure Sara was not involved in any of the drug dealings going on. And was most certain none of those types of activities were going on here. But he did not run things so he would play his part until he was moved to another case. Smiling to himself Chan went about his duties after Sara had taken Amanda to show her around the stables. Kurt was going to have his hands full with Sara. Chan had seen the affect Kurt and Sara had on each other this morning. He was sure Kurt had an erection when he left. Kurt ole boy hang on to your ass because your boy has a mind of it’s own and its thinking of going on a field trip. Chan laughed to himself. Yes indeed Kurt you’re in for it.

Chan had known Kurt many years and no one had rocked Kurt back on his heels the way this little Sara had done this morning. And with what each of them had been through, maybe they would be good for each other. Chan was thinking of a way to keep throwing the two of them together. He knew Kurt had taken some hard knocks over the years and deserved to have more out of life than just work. And Chan thought, this little rancher girl might be just what it would take to wake Kurt up. Kurt had been moping around for years. Ever since Grace dumped him and then Mitchell leaving without even a good by. Just left and had hardly spoke to Kurt in more than ten years. Chan knew that Grace had been the cause of the riff between the brothers, but couldn’t find the pieces to make it fit and prove to Kurt that Mitchell wasn’t the bastard Grace made him out to be.

Smiling Chan thought Sara Marshall might just be the wake up call he had been looking for. Before taking this assignment Chan had investigated Sara and found out that she had been engaged to a real bastard that had gotten Sara involved in shit that she still didn’t know she had been involved in. And which had almost cost Sara her life. Kurt had not been on that case and therefore didn’t really know anything about Sara except the information he was given when he was given this case. But after that little episode this morning in the stable between Kurt and Sara, Chan knew that even after this case was closed Kurt would still be around to take care of Sara and make a life for himself. If Kurt couldn’t control his desire any more than he had this morning he was a goner for sure. Laughing again Chan went back to work. He would talk to Amanda about this later. He knew between the two of them they could come up with a plan. Deceit with desire would be their plan. Kurt was deceiving Sara yet desired her. They were going to deceive Kurt and Sara both because they desired each other even if they didn’t know it yet.

Sara showed Amanda around the stable and grounds, how the horses were fed and cared for, the cleaning of stalls, putting down bedding, the exercising and grooming along with the cleaning of the saddles and tack. Later they would go riding and Sara would be showing Amanda the rest of the ranch and give Amanda a chance to try a different horse.

They would go riding each morning and again in the afternoon in order for Amanda to be able to become comfortable being on the ranch and being around the horses. Also it may make it easier for the two of them to get to know each other. After all they were going to be together for at least a month or longer.

Amanda was going to really fix her uncle Kurt this time. Chan was right, uncle Kurt was in a rut and he needed to get a life and quit screwing up hers. First thing in the morning when Kurt brought her things out she was going to start him thinking, as if he wasn’t already. She had saw how he fell all over himself when he had met Sara. And Sara was perfect for him. According to Sara’s file she could use a good relationship right about now. So hang on uncle Kurt and Sara you’re lives are about to change.

It had been a long day for Sara and Amanda and it sure felt good to shower and kick back for a few minutes and talk about something other than horse related topics. Amanda couldn’t help but smile at Sara as she tried to explain to Kurt what to bring out to Amanda and what she would and would not need. Amanda couldn’t believe how a grown man like her uncle Kurt was so tongue tied just talking on the phone with Sara. It may take all night for Sara to explain what was needed and what was not. Amanda just couldn’t wait for him to come back out to the ranch tomorrow morning. She knew they were attracted to each other. Hell, uncle Kurt was getting a woody this morning just with talking to Sara. Wait until she and Chan got finished with the two of them.

CHAPTER 2

It had been nearly three months since Amanda had came to stay at the ranch and Sara really enjoyed having her there. They got along really well. Kurt had been coming out to check on Amanda ever day or so and always managed to find some excuse to be near to and to talk to Sara. Sara had noticed this and had mixed feelings about it. She had a warm urgency feeling when Kurt was around, but she didn’t understand what she was feeling. Sara wanted to be near Kurt, but at the same time there was a dreadful fear of a feeling on the back of her neck as if she was doing a terribly bad thing. But oh how her stomach jumped at the very mention of his name. Sara would nearly lose her breath if he caught her looking at him. Kurt would always wink at her when he caught her eye and she would turn flame red and quickly find something to do. Sara would become so nervous she could hardly do anything. But without knowing it Sara had the same affect on Kurt. Between Kurt trying to keep his erection in check and conniving a plan to be near her, he had to figure out how to explain this butterfly feeling in his stomach without scaring the hell out of her.

Kurt was getting so used to seeing Sara and being around the ranch so much that it was hard to keep his mind on business. And he was here investigating Sara in a drug related case. He was becoming torn between doing his job and wanting to protect Sara. This all came slamming together unexpectedly rocking Kurt off his feet and putting a big chink in his heart that would change his life and Sara’s life as well.

Everyone was busy in the stable that particular day. Kurt was having a very hard time keeping his hands off Sara. He was drawn to her like a moth to a flame, and he was scorching ready to ignite by now. His heart had been in his throat all day and he knew that if he didn’t leave pretty soon he just may not be able to and that was a bad idea. He was getting in his car preparing to leave, and stalling as much as possible without looking too obvious when Sara, blushing head to toe asked, Kurt would you like to stay and have lunch with us? Kurt started to decline, which Amanda could see Sara was a little disappointed so decided to help. Oh, come on Kurt, Amanda said taking his arm and leading him toward the house. Don’t you have to make sure this is a safe home for me to be in? Excuse me! Snapped Sara. I resent that accusation. And started out of the stable then stopped. Besides, who the hell asked you here? I only wanted to sell a horse not give life lessons. Just leave me the hell alone. And she was gone. Wait Sara please. Amanda yelled as she ran after her looking back to Kurt for him to do some- thing. Damn Kurt thought, what the hell just happened? He didn’t say anything except declined lunch. Then the comment about a safe house, shit he had better catch her. This whole case hangs in the balance of whether or not Sara will allow Amanda to stay.

Chan looked at Kurt and just shook his head and said, now I know why the lady only deals with horses. Look at you, you make her cry you big bully. Mr. Weston you best do something man, grab her and kiss her or something, or the whole case goes down the tube. Go man go catch her. Kurt