Her eyebrows dipped lower. “What do you mean?”
“This is a list of clues,” Grimm said. “Your uncle gave you the list, hoping you would follow the clues.”
Dezi took the sheet of paper from Grimm and stared at the hand-written words. “Clues? You really think so?”
Grimm nodded. “I’d bet money that’s what the letter is all about. You said he was a treasure hunter.”
“I should have seen this. It’s just like him. Even in his death.” Dezi looked up and laughed. “My uncle is sending me on a treasure hunt.”
CHAPTER2
A thrillof excitement rushed through Dezi. Part of it had to do with how Grimm’s muscular thigh brushed against hers every time he moved. The other part had to do with the idea of a treasure hunt, following the clues her uncle had left in a letter. “It’s just like him,” she murmured.
Cassie sat forward, her eyes wide. “You’re right. As written, it makes no sense unless it is a list of clues to be followed.”
Molly nodded, her eyes dancing with excitement. “What else could it be?”
Drake waved a hand. “Read the first of your uncle’s truths again.”
Dezi glanced down at the sheet. “Never keep your family at arm’s length. Unless it’s the left arm, and it’s tattooed. Then keep your family’s arm in mind.”
Murdock shook his head. “What kind of clue is that?”
“Do you have tattoos?” Judge asked.
Dezi shook her head. “I don’t.”
Utah lifted his chin toward Dezi and the letter. “Do you have other relatives?”
“No.” Dezi’s lips pressed into a thin line. “My uncle was my only living relative.” The reminder made a lump form in her throat. She had no one else.
A hand settled over hers where it lay in her lap. She glanced up at its owner.
Grimm stared around the table without looking toward her, his warm fingers curling around her cold ones.
He didn’t know her, having only met her that day. Somehow, he’d sensed how alone she felt, knowing her only living relative was gone.
Her fingers curled around his, and she gave him a brief, tremulous smile.
“Did your uncle have tattoos?” Utah persisted.
Dezi shook her head. “Not that I ever noticed.”
Molly’s eyes narrowed. “I’m not sure what all that arm stuff was about. Could you read the next line?”
Dezi read aloud, “Sometimes wheels can be faster than wings, and both can carry many souls to their destination. It’s all about where you begin your journey. And if you’re into taking chances, bet a C-note on the wheels.”
“Wheels and wings that can carry many souls to their destination…” Parker glanced at Molly.
“Trains and airplanes?” Molly suggested.
Parker nodded. “We don’t have a commercial airport in Eagle Rock nor a passenger train stop here.”
“We have a bus terminal at the back of the filling station,” Cassie said. “I took the bus to Seattle once to visit my Great Aunt Patti.” She shook her head. “That had to be the longest ride of my life. That bus stopped in every little town between Eagle Rock and Seattle. It took almost twenty-four hours to get there.”
“That bus stop is here in Eagle Rock. My uncle lived in Bozeman,” Dezi said. “I would think, if he were referring to a place, it would be closer to him than to me.”
“In which case, there is an airport, train and bus station in Bozeman,” Parker said.