Biding His Thyme: 4 Read Online Free Page A

apart from watching TV all day.”
    Jake’s top lip curled. Louie hadn’t
mentioned the plethora of empty bottles littering his kitchen counter. “Haven’t
you noticed my limp? I’m not fit to work. They’re telling me I have another
three weeks of recuperation at least.”
    “That’s the beauty of this assignment,”
Luke said. “The way you look now is perfect. With your long hair and scraggly
beard you’ll fit right in. All you need to do is poke around a little and
report back if you find any evidence of stock rustling.”
    Jake frowned. “I thought cults were into
drugs, kidnapping and brainwashing.”
    Luke laughed. “Not this one. My father has
caught them selling special cookies to high school students, a few minor
offences, but that’s all.”
    “Then why do you suspect them of cattle
rustling now?” Jake asked.
    “Change of management,” Luke said. “The old
leader died and the son has taken over.”
    Jake’s interest was caught in a way it
hadn’t been since his last assignment. “Suspicious circumstances?”
    Luke shrugged his shoulders. “It’s
possible, but I haven’t heard any rumblings.”
    “All right,” Jake said. “Suppose I decide
to help you out—how do I get in? I’m sure they don’t accept anyone who rocks up
to the gate.”
    “Gaining entry might prove a problem, but
if you sell it right—tell them you’re back from an ashram in India, and you’re
looking for a place to settle in New Zealand. Tell them the idea of living at a
farm and the slower pace of life appeals to you.”
    Jake suppressed a snort. Slow sounded
great. Anything would be better than the sniper fire and bombs of Afghanistan.
Besides, he was tired of his own company. His friends, Nikolai and Louie had
wives now, other responsibilities. He didn’t see them as much. Hell, maybe
having something to focus on would put a stop to Greg’s ghost dogging his
heels, not that he intended to mention his fun companion to anyone.
    “Do you have more questions?” Luke asked.
    “No, I’ll do it,” Jake said. “I’ll give it
my best shot.”
    * * * * *
    Children of Nature Compound
     
    Sorrel saw the new guy arrive, and unlike
everyone else at the compound, she suspected what his presence meant.
    Clandestine surveillance. Secrets and
sneaking around.
    They’d moved quickly after talking to her.
She hadn’t even had her second meeting with Alice yet.
    He was tall, over six foot, and he wore his
dark hair tied in a ponytail at his nape. A faded navy blue T-shirt covered his
chest while jeans, equally faded at stress points, garbed his lower half.
Despite his thinness, he was a big man, and he held himself proudly, meeting
the gazes of the men at the gates without hesitation. At least it appeared that
way. A bushy black beard hid a large portion of his face.
    Aware she’d grab attention if she was found
staring, she hurried to her workshop and started on a batch of soap. She’d
already distilled the oil from the eucalyptus leaves, and she intended to use
it to scent the soap today. She measured and stirred, her mind only half on the
job, the heady bouquet of eucalyptus filling the air.
    Would Brother Rick let the man join? And
what sort of man was he? A soft snort emerged. He’d behave like the other men
and treat her with contempt. He’d call her Bitter because he was playing a
part.
    The day passed, and despite the pangs of
hunger, she kept going, making a batch of marigold cream, a chocolate body
scrub and another batch of soap, this one decorated with delicate pink rose buds.
    She timed her arrival at dinner in order to
walk in with the other women. Luckily, the men seemed busy, clustered around or
near the new guy. For the first time in weeks, she managed to eat a full meal,
and her stomach thanked her for it. She sent warm, fuzzy thoughts to the new
guy—whoever he was—for causing the distraction.
    * * * * *
    One whiff of money, and they’d welcomed him
with open arms. Much easier than dodging