“Good idea. I could phone him, but I’d rather talk to him in person. Seems like you usually get a better take on things face-to-face.”

“I agree. Sometimes something useful comes up that wouldn’t have if you were on the phone.”

Kade nodded. “Speaking of which, I got a call from Delaney. He wanted to check in, let me know he and his men are settled in and on the job.”

“I’m glad they’re here.”

“So am I.” He glanced around the kitchen. “You’re finished here. Let’s take a drive up to the mine. I’ll call Turley, make sure he’s there.” Amusement crinkled the sun lines at the corners of his eyes. “In the meantime, I promise to keep my hands off you—at least until we get back home.”

* * *

The pickup dipped and swayed as it lurched along the steep gravel road winding up the side of the canyon to the mine. The crew was busily working when Kade pulled into the open area surrounded by wood and metal buildings and turned off the engine. Men shuffled in and out of the dark hole in the side of the mountain that was the entrance to the mine.

As he and Ellie climbed out of the pickup, Will Turley walked toward them, curly red hair gleaming in the sun. Ellie’s hair was a darker shade of red, her curls loose and silky. Kade flicked her a glance, wishing he could free those luscious strands from her ponytail and slide his fingers through them.

“Always good to see you, Kade,” Will said. He turned, looking surprised to see him with Ellie again today. Kade never mixed business with pleasure. He told himself this time he had no choice.

Will smiled at Ellie. “Kade didn’t say he’d be bringing you along, but it’s nice to see you again.” The knowing gleam in his eyes said he could guess what they’d been doing in the bedroom last night. Kade’s hand unconsciously fisted.

Ellie smiled at Will. “I had an errand to run in Vail, so I came along.” Her motive for the trip was none of Turley’s business.

Turley’s attention returned to Kade. “So what can I do for you?”

“How’s the investigation going? Any idea who blew up the tunnel?”

“Not that I’ve heard,” Will said. “But the investigation is ongoing. I don’t think the sheriff would tell me if he had a lead.”

Kade nodded. “Ever hear of a guy named Frank Keller?” Will’s answer was drowned by a skip loader backing up, setting off a loud beeping. Men scrambled to get out of the way.

“Why don’t we go inside where we can talk?” Will suggested.