Wild Cowboy Country

by Erin Marsh

  “Yes, ma’am?”

  “Can I talk to you for a second? Without Zach?”

  Clay glanced down at his nephew. “Can you wait for me in the truck?”

  He thought he might have seen a glimpse of unease in Zach’s face, but the kid just shrugged. “Yeah. Whatever.”

  Clay jogged back to the stoop. Lacey didn’t speak until Zach had climbed into the cab and loudly shut the door.

  “How bad does it look for him?”

  Clay resisted the urge to look in his nephew’s direction. He’d hated when adults had talked about him behind his back, and Zach was no different. The kid had to know he was the topic of discussion, but staring at him would be like sticking the teen with a cattle prod.

  “Not good,” Clay said.

  “Why did you get custody of your nephew in the first place?”

  Clay took off his hat and ran his hand through his curls. “Is there a point to these questions, ma’am?”

  Lacey’s answer came swiftly. “Yes.”

  “And that would be?” He sure as hell wasn’t going to give Sagebrush Flats any more reason to distrust Zach or provide folks with more fodder to gossip about his family.

  “Whether it’s worth it to stick my neck out for the both of you.”

  Her tone grated. He’d done nothing wrong, yet he found himself constantly on the defensive in this town. “Is Little Red Riding Hood going to call off the witch hunt?”

  The ire in her topaz eyes sparked, bringing out the gold undertone. She obviously hated that nickname, which is why he used it so often. He hadn’t learned much from his old man, but he’d picked up the technique of how to rile an opponent. Angry people make mistakes, and mistakes make them easy to manipulate.

  “It isn’t exactly a witch hunt since your nephew did break several laws.”

  “Fair point,” Clay conceded, “but what I can’t see is why you’d help us.”

  “Because Zach didn’t run when he had the chance. He stayed to help the pups and then me. All his other friends fled. If he’d left too, I never would’ve been able to identify him. It seems unfair that he might be sent to juvenile detention for ultimately doing the right thing.”

  Clay rubbed the bridge of his nose. She seemed sincere. He might not like the woman, but he never doubted her honesty. She didn’t try to mold the truth; she just believed she held all the truth. Although Clay didn’t agree with her opinion on wolf reintroduction, the woman wielded a lot of power in town, and she worked for the national park. If anyone could help Zach, it would be her.

  “I’m the best guardian they could find,” Clay relented. “I’d prefer this not being told all over town, but my brother got into drugs after a knee injury his senior year of high school. He met his girlfriend, Zach’s mother, at a party hosted by one of his dealers. Zach bounced between them and his maternal grandmother in Ohio, who was also on some pretty strong stuff. He got in trouble for vandalism, and I agreed to be his guardian last year.”

  To Clay’s surprise, Lacey’s expression didn’t change. She only nodded solemnly…almost academically. Clay resisted the urge to shift uncomfortably. He didn’t talk about his family much, and it was odd having Lacey listen like he was telling her about animal migration patterns. Yet her clinical approach didn’t make him feel as raw as he normally did when thinking about his brother.

  “I mean my next question honestly. Do you think heading to juvenile detention would scare him straight?”

  Clay shoved his hat back down on his head. “It would force him further down the path he’s on, and if he goes much further, I’m not sure I can steer him off it.”

  * * *

  Lacey stood on her small front porch as she watched Clay’s truck disappear in a cloud of dust. His visit had left her with a lot to think about…and right now, her mind didn’t appreciate complex thoughts. Problems—even simple ones like selecting a premade dinner from the freezer—caused the dizziness to intensify.

  Part of her—heck, most of her—warned her not to get involved. Her boss was right. She needed rest, and dealing with Zach Stevens’s issues would require more energy than she currently possessed.

  But she couldn’t push the memory of the teen’s blue eyes from her mind. Jesse’s had been brown, but both boys had been lost. Maybe Zach’s contained a different kind of desolation, but Lacey couldn’t help but respond to the plea for help. The teen might have buried his vulnerability under a tough-guy attitude a mile deep, but Lacey knew how to detect hidden pain.

  To her surprise, Clay seemed to care about his nephew. She hadn’t expected that. He wanted to help the kid, but he couldn’t if Zach ended up in juvie. And for once, she agreed with Clay. Being locked up wouldn’t save the troubled teenager…but working with animals could. She’d seen how his dead eyes blazed to life at the mention of working at the animal park.

  Slowly, Lacey walked into the house, her thoughts still on Zach and the wolf pups. She’d worked at the Sagebrush Zoo during college and knew both the present and former owners well. She’d loved working so closely with the animals and sometimes missed the personal interactions. Ecologists were trained to observe, not to meddle.

  But Lacey had held the small wolf pups…she’d felt their warm bodies snuggling against hers. The two caught in the cave-in would never return to the national park. Their care required too much human interaction, and their injuries could impact their ability to survive. But they could thrive in a zoo…and their offspring could be fostered by wild parents and successfully integrated into a wolf pack. For a subspecies on the brink, every member counted…even the smallest, weakest ones.

  If Lacey was going to be forced to take a vacation, she might as well start by finding ways to pass the time. Nothing relaxed her more than working with baby animals. Even hiking in Rocky Ridge didn’t induce the same amount of endorphins.

  Lacey reached for her cell phone as she eased onto the couch. Closing her eyes, she settled her head onto the pillow and covered herself with the blanket her great-aunt had knitted for her. She might as well get comfortable. After all, she had several calls to make.

  * * *

  Clay sat dumbfounded across from Marisol Lopez. “So Zach will be able to stay in Sagebrush? With me?”

  Marisol nodded. “Provided he completes the requirements of the diversion program, yes. In addition to his community service at the zoo after school and on weekends, he’ll need to attend educational classes regarding his behavior and write a statement about the impact of his actions, especially upon Ms. Montgomery, the wolves, and the national park.” She swung her gaze toward Zach. “Do you think you can do that?”

  Zach bobbed his head immediately. The teen was smart enough not to look sullen for once. Although he hadn’t said anything during the ride to the public defender’s, he’d rubbed his upper arms for most of the trip. He’d been worried, and now Marisol was offering him an unexpected chance.

  “I don’t know how to thank you,” Clay said. “Whatever you said to work out this deal, we appreciate it.”

  Marisol smiled. “As much as I’d like to say this was all due to my legal skills, Lacey Montgomery started the process. It’s unusual for the district attorney’s office to agree to a diversion program, but Lacey convinced her superiors at the national park and also spoke with the federal prosecutor. She stopped by the police station and identified the boy stealing beer at the gas station as the one who originally triggered the cave-in—not Zach.”

  “So we don’t have to worry about any charges from the authorities here in Sagebrush?”

  Marisol shook her head. “No. I talked with the state prosecutor, and she agrees there isn’t enough evidence for a case.” The public defender turned her attention to Clay’s nephew. “You are a very fortunate young man. The diversion program isn’t a chance most kids in your situation get.”

  “So my community service will be at the z
oo?” Zach asked. Clay could tell his nephew was trying to keep his voice neutral, but he could hear the relief and excitement rippling beneath the surface.

  “Yes,” Marisol said. “That was Lacey’s idea too. The national park doesn’t need as much help this time of the year, and she thought it would be good for you to work directly with the injured wolves.”

  Surprise flared through Clay. Lacey had mentioned sticking her neck out for them, but he’d never expected this. Maybe, just maybe, he’d misjudged her.

  * * *

  “Won’t Ms. Montgomery get pissed if we keep swinging by her house?” Zach asked from the passenger seat as Clay pulled onto the dirt road leading to Lacey’s bungalow. This time, the kid didn’t seem quite as morose at the prospect of visiting her, but he wasn’t thrilled either.

  “Zach, the woman just saved your butt,” Clay said. “We owe her a thank-you.”

  “Couldn’t I just text her?”

  Clay shot his nephew a dry look. “I think she deserves something a little more personal. Don’t you?”

  Zach gave a noncommittal shrug.

  Clay suppressed a sigh as he added, “We’re also doing this face-to-face for your benefit.”

  Zach arched an eyebrow. “My benefit? Do you think I have some sort of crush on her or something?” As he spoke the words, Zach’s mouth quirked into a smirk. “Hey, that’s it! You’re crushing on the ranger.”

  Unbidden, an image of Lacey popped into Clay’s mind. Like she did in real life, she crackled with energy, the gold highlights in her brown eyes sparkling. For one mad moment, Clay wondered what it would be like if that focus turned on him…not in anger but in something else entirely. Something more fun and definitely more dangerous.

  “I am sooo right,” Zach said gleefully. Clay tried his best quelling look. As usual, it did nothing. Zach snickered. Loudly.

  “No,” Clay said firmly, “we are not here because I’m infatuated with Lacey. We’re here because you need to start taking responsibility. That’s why I made you apologize, and it’s the same reason why you should thank her. She had no obligation to vouch for you.”

  “Suuure,” Zach said, but he seemed a little more sober than before.

  “Just try to take this seriously, okay?” Clay asked as he parked the truck in front of Lacey’s. There were two pickups outside in addition to her Jeep. Clearly, she had company. He debated about turning his F-350 around, but he wanted Zach to learn this lesson. It might even be better if he had an audience.

  Clay climbed from his vehicle. Zach followed more slowly. When they reached the porch, Clay stepped back, forcing Zach to take the lead. With a beleaguered sigh, the teenager rang the bell. Clay could hear muffled male voices inside along with Lacey’s more bubbly tones. Footsteps sounded, and then the door opened to reveal Lacey.

  “My uncle said we needed to thank you,” Zach said without ceremony.

  Clay barely prevented a groan as he stepped forward. “What my nephew means to say is that we’re sorry we bothered you, but we want to let you know how much we appreciate what you did for Zach.”

  “At least they’re showing gratitude,” a gravelly voice said from inside Lacey’s bungalow.

  Clay stiffened. Although he’d only talked to Buck Montgomery once or twice, the old cowboy had a distinctive way of speaking. It reminded Clay of a thunderclap…an angry, carefully controlled thunderclap.

  Lacey gave them a weak smile. “Why don’t you guys step inside? My grandfather is here along with his friend Stanley.”

  Great. Just what they needed. Although Clay wasn’t aware of Stanley losing any money on the pyramid scheme, the other old-timer had a glare that could slice a man in half.

  Zach shot Clay a morose look, but Clay gestured for his nephew to step inside. As soon as they entered the foyer, the inquisition began.

  “So you’re the young man who’s caused the big ruckus,” Stanley said.

  Lacey massaged her forehead. “Stanley, be nice. Zach came here to thank me, not to be scrutinized.”

  Zach rubbed his upper arms, causing his jacket to bunch around his biceps. The situation clearly made him uncomfortable. Clay didn’t blame him. Why the hell hadn’t he turned the truck around when he’d spotted the other vehicles?

  “We’re very grateful for Lacey’s support,” Clay said stiffly.

  Buck harrumphed. “Never thought I’d live to see the day when a Montgomery bailed out a Stevens.”

  To Clay’s surprise, Lacey’s brown eyes flashed with something that looked very close to indignant anger. “Neither Clay nor Zach was involved in Trent Stevens’s investment scheme. They should be judged by their own actions, not those of another man.”

  At Lacey’s impassioned words, Clay swallowed. Hard. He’d given up hope of hearing something like that from a resident of Sagebrush Flats. He certainly hadn’t expected its favorite daughter—the one most hurt by his dad’s crime—to speak those words.

  Emotion rushed through Clay. It wasn’t relief or even vindication. It felt good, though, and maybe even a little freeing. And damn if he wasn’t starting to see why the town worshiped Lacey Montgomery.

  She turned in his nephew’s direction. “Zach made a very poor choice, but he didn’t run away when he had the chance. He stayed to rescue me and the wolves.” She whirled back toward her grandfather. “Don’t you always say a man isn’t measured by his mistakes but what he does about them?”

  Buck harrumphed again, but he didn’t argue. This time. It wasn’t hard to detect the doubt rolling off him.

  Zach shifted again. He lifted his chin in Lacey’s direction, surprise transforming his normally sullen face. He hadn’t expected Lacey to champion him either, and Clay wondered how many adults had ever defended him or really tried to understand why he acted the way he did. Maybe this conversation wouldn’t be as disastrous as Clay had feared a minute ago. But that didn’t mean it still couldn’t all go to hell. The situation was as delicate as a vat of nitroglycerin. One wrong bump, and it would detonate.

  “We just came to show our appreciation for what you did for us,” Clay said. “Now that we’ve thanked you, we should probably go.”

  Buck started to speak, but Lacey quelled him with a deadly glare. Then with a pleasant expression, she turned back to Clay and Zach, her ponytail swinging. “You’re welcome. But, Zach, if you really want to thank me, stay out of trouble. Okay?”

  To Clay’s shock, Zach didn’t protest or even glance away with his lips pursed as if he’d eaten something nasty. Instead, he jerked his head quickly in acknowledgment. Lacey Montgomery definitely had a gift when it came to charming people.

  Clay was just about to turn to leave when she brushed her fingers against his arm. The gentle touch sent electric shock waves coursing through him. Unfortunately, the entire room also seemed stunned by the gesture. He could feel protective defensiveness radiating from both Buck and Stanley.

  “Can you wait for me on the porch?” she asked. “There’s something I need to talk to you about.”

  He bobbed his head and then quickly shepherded Zach from the room before everything simultaneously imploded and exploded. As soon as Lacey shut the door behind them, Zach headed to the truck. When he climbed inside, he slammed the door with a resounding bang. He clearly hadn’t appreciated the visit. Clay didn’t blame him. He wanted nothing more than to hightail it out of here, but Lacey had asked him to stay, and he owed her.

  He’d just shoved his hands into the pockets of his jeans and moved to the porch rail when he heard the voices. Glancing over, he grimaced when he spotted the gap between the bungalow’s front door and its frame. The door must have popped back open after Lacey closed it. Buck’s voice drifted through the opening as clear as a jay’s call. “I hope you’re right about the Stevens kid.”

  Stanley added, “He’s already caused a whole heap of trouble, and with his family background, I
’d say we’re in for a whole lot more.”

  “I don’t think I’m wrong about Zach,” Lacey said firmly.

  “Lacey, you’ve always had too kind a heart,” her grandfather said.

  “Have I been wrong about anything I’ve championed before?” Lacey asked.

  “But he’s a Stevens,” Stanley protested.

  “He’s a fourteen-year-old boy who needs more people to believe in him,” Lacey countered. “He’s going to prove you both wrong. Just wait and see.”

  Clay heard footsteps coming, and he realized he’d be caught eavesdropping. It had started accidentally, but unlike with Zach, Lacey always expected the worst from him. He started to retreat, but he wasn’t quick enough. When she noticed the cracked door, she arched an eyebrow, her expression full of challenge.

  “Hear anything interesting?” Lacey’s voice cut like a corded rope being pulled by an irate steer. But for once, her tone didn’t want to make him buck back.

  “Yeah, I did,” he said. “Thanks for believing in Zach. I thought I was the only one.”

  Given their usual animosity, the fight fled from her with surprising quickness. She tilted her head and focused on him.

  His gaze fixed on her lips…her very plump, very kissable, very enticing lips. He was so absorbed by her face he almost missed her question.

  “How is Zach going to get to the zoo? Will you send one of your ranch hands?”

  Clay blinked as the non sequitur jarred him from his inappropriate thoughts. Focusing on answering her, he wondered if she meant to test his commitment to his nephew. “I’ll take him.”

  “Don’t you have a spread to manage?”

  “I’ll make the time. My grandfather did the same for me.”

  Surprise flitted across her face. She sucked in her bottom lip, and Clay’s whole body jerked in response. Hell, the woman had no idea how sexy she looked with her teeth rubbing against her skin. Clay wanted to reach out and cup her face with his hand, which didn’t make sense. He wasn’t the tender type, especially around Lacey.