Chapter Three
“Have you met her?” Savannah asked Charli as they watched the kids playing.
“No. I’ve never even seen her.” Charli replied and nudged some toys near her foot in the direction of the rest of the pile on the family room floor. “Cody and Hannah have. And Jo. And Cody said that they have the scoop on her. But why did you ask in the first place? Seems like everyone I know is curious about this woman.”
“I’m curious because Mica said something about seeing Hannah a few days ago and the subject came up and Hannah wanted to know if Mica had met the woman.”
“More curious by the moment.” Charli commented and then looked around at the sound of a man’s voice. “The guys must be here.”
“I hope they brought food. I’m starving.”
“How the heck can you stay so thin and eat so much? You and Cody are just alike in that respect.”
Savannah shrugged. “Beats me. By the way, are she and Jax coming?”
“She said they were. I thought they’d−”
“If we’re late, it’s Jax’s fault.” Cody’s voice interrupted, followed by a laugh from Jax who carried their son, Billy. “And I brought food from the Grille. Hope Y’all don’t mind barbecue.”
“Never.” Savannah stood and held out her arms to Billy. “Come here, you cutie.” Billy went willingly into her arms and she hugged him. “And you’re not late.”
Jax smiled, and it struck Savannah once again how sexy he was. “Seems like your spa has become the hit of the town,” he said.
Savannah smiled and responded as she carried Billy over to where Charli’s daughter Josie and her own baby, Mandy were playing. “I’m really thrilled at how well it’s doing.” Billy squealed and babbled happily when she put him down.
“Looks like the party is out here.” Her husband Mason’s voice had her looking in the direction of the patio door, as did Jax. Grady was with Mason and stopped at the patio table where Charli and Cody were setting things up for dinner.
“Hey, Mason.” Jax offered his hand as Mason walked over. “How’re things over at Sanctuary?”
“Good, really good.” Mason took Jax’s hand. “How’re you, Jax?”
“Couldn’t be better.”
“Deacon tells me that he hit you up about helping with sniper training.”
“He did.”
“And?”
“As I told him, it seems strange for an Army man to train SEALs.”
“Army Rangers, right?”
“Yes.”
“Special forces are special forces and from what Deacon says, you were one of the best.”
“That was a long time ago.”
“Still, you have a lot to offer. Just think about it.”
“Are you involved in the training thing at Clear Springs? I thought Sanctuary was still private?”
“It is and no I’m not involved. Just interested.”
“Oh, okay. Well, I’ll think about it.”
“Did Y’all hear about that mystery woman who’s been running the obstacle course every morning while everyone’s still asleep?” Charli asked.
“Seriously?” Jax looked at Grady.
“Yeah. Jasper Jacks was the first one to spot her and the other day Brody Judge, a SEAL with some leave time who’s helping out, saw her as well. She kills it man. Kills it.”
“That’s seriously impressive. Who is she?”
“That’s just it, no one knows. Mathias Gray Horse has seen her a couple of times, coming or going, but he doesn’t know anything more than that.
“A mystery.” Savannah remarked. “You should have someone follow her.”
“And what?” Grady asked.
“Hmm, good point. Well, so much for that mystery.” She looked at Cody. “But we still have the one from town—that woman who always eats breakfast alone at the diner and doesn’t talk. You said Jo knows something about her.”
“Yes. She found a picture of this woman online who was once a pretty well-known photographer and artist. It looked just like the mystery woman, but as it turns out it couldn’t be.”
“Why not?” Savannah asked.
“Well,” Cody looked around at everyone. “It’s really pretty sad. She and her husband were somewhere overseas, and they died in some awful accident.”
Savannah noticed the way Mason’s head swiveled in Cody’s direction and the expression on his face. Before she could comment on it, he’d spoken. “Do you know her name? The lady who died, I mean.”
“Sadie Rockler. At least that’s what Jo said. I’ve been meaning to look her up but keep forgetting.”
“Mason?” Savannah touched his arm, and he looked at her.
“What’s wrong?” Savannah asked.
“Nothing. It’s just a sad tale. And doesn’t solve our mystery here. But who knows, she might have suffered her share of tragedy. Maybe that’s why she’s not very talkative. You just never know.”
“Oh God, you’re right.” Savannah agreed and directed her attention to Cody. “Should we reach out to her?”
“Or just leave her be.” Mason spoke up before Cody had a chance and added. “If she’s keeping herself apart from others, it may be by choice. Why not give her some time? If she wants to make friends, I’m sure she’ll let people know.”
“Well, it’s not really the way things work around here,” Cody said in a joking manner.
“Well, maybe every now and then it should be.” Mason remarked in a somewhat sharp tone and then added. “I forgot to get the soft drinks and beer from the car. I’ll be back.”
Everyone watched as he hurried away, and Cody looked at Savannah. “What’s up with Mason?”
“I wish I knew.” Savannah said. “Seems like mysteries are on the rise in Cotton Creek.”