Runaway Colton

by Karen Whiddon

  She beamed. “Thank you.”

  “We’re putting together a portfolio to help her get accepted into art school,” Piper said. “She’s already sent in a couple of applications. This is the next step. We only need to include the best work, but she has so many wonderful pieces that it’s hard to choose.”

  “I can imagine.” Art school. He wondered how much that cost, and realized no matter what, he’d find a way to pay it. Turning to go, he took a deep breath. “I’d like to see the portfolio once you decide on the final pictures. Then maybe we can look at the different schools’ brochures together, if you want.”

  “I’d like that.” Renee positively glowed. He felt a pang, realizing he could see the echo of his sister, Denice, in her face.

  Clearing away the ache in his throat, he glanced at Piper, who watched him with a softness in her gaze that told him she suspected how he felt. “How long until the stew’s ready?” he asked.

  “We’re cooking it on high, so maybe a couple of hours.”

  “Perfect.” He glanced at his watch. “I’ve got to run a few errands. I’ll be back in time for supper.” He headed out, afraid to look at either of them in case he revealed the depth of his emotions. He wanted to run by the courthouse and see if there was anything new.

  Even this late in the workday, the courthouse was busy. Most of the last hearings for the day were wrapping up, and the mood was harried, but more relaxed. Rumors were flying, though most of the lawyers clammed up when they saw him. The ones who would talk only knew bits and pieces. All he was able to learn was that something big had happened in Eldridge Colton’s case. Details would be released on the early edition of the evening news.

  “All four big networks,” a bail bondsman named Cletus chortled. “This is gonna be interesting.”

  Since no one would repeat any actual facts, Cord headed home. If he hurried, he could make it in time before the news aired.

  As soon as he pulled into his driveway and parked, he rushed inside the house, flashed a quick smile at Piper and Renee and grabbed the remote.

  Both Piper and Renee looked at him, wearing identical expressions of startled bemusement. Truman even roused himself enough to let out a single woof.

  “The news is on,” he said by way of explanation. “I went up to the courthouse today. People were talking. There were all kinds of rumors flying around, but no one would give me specifics or confirm or deny anything. I think it might have something to do with your case, Piper. Everyone seemed to think whatever it was would be on the news.”

  To give her credit, Piper didn’t question him. She simply crossed over and sat beside him. “I haven’t heard from Reid yet, but he might be busy wrapping up whatever it might be.”

  He could smell her perfume, that strawberry floral scent that made him want to taste her. “Probably,” he agreed.

  The anchorwoman came on, talking about a bad accident involving a tractor trailer and a train. Cord listened, his impatience tempered by the way Piper’s thigh nudged against his, distracting him.

  “There,” Piper said. “Turn it up.”

  “Eldridge Colton is still missing,” the dark-haired announcer said. “But today, his longtime attorney Hugh Barrington claims he saw Mr. Colton being forced into a dark sedan at gunpoint. The police are investigating. Next in the news...”

  Cord turned the TV off. “Call Reid.”

  “My thoughts exactly.” Piper pulled out her phone.

  While she spoke with her brother, Renee wandered over. “So maybe her father is alive?”

  “It would certainly seem that way.” Still trying to listen, he couldn’t get much from Piper’s side of the conversation. She mostly made single-word comments.

  Renee checked her watch. “I’ve got to go. I’m dying to try the stew, but I made plans with some friends. Piper promised to put a bowl in the fridge for me to nuke when I get home. I’ll have my phone. Will you fill me in if something else happens?”

  “Definitely.” He tore his attention away from Piper to give his niece a quick hug. “Drive safely.”

  She smiled and waved before heading out the door.

  “Thanks, Reid,” Piper finally said. “I agree, this is great news. And yes, I promise I’ll think about returning to the ranch. Soon. No, I can’t give you a specific date. Okay, bye.”

  After ending the call, she slipped her phone back into her back pocket. “Reid says Hugh rushed over to the mansion with the same story. It apparently happened in downtown Dallas, right around the corner from Colton Incorporated. The police were called and they swarmed the area, but there’s no evidence, no other witnesses, and Hugh says he couldn’t read the license plates. All he could tell was that they were Texas plates.”

  “Does Reid believe him?”

  “Well, Whitney became hysterical. Reid says Fowler pointed out it had to be wishful thinking. If Eldridge is alive and someone has him, why wouldn’t the kidnappers have contacted the family wanting a ransom?” Piper sighed. “Hugh Barrington’s been Eldridge’s attorney—and friend—for years. He’s upset, too. He told everyone none of this makes sense, but he saw what he saw and he just wants his best friend back.”

  Mind racing, Cord calculated and discarded several different scenarios. “One possibility is that Marceline and Fowler set up a fake sighting to have you rush home. With Marceline’s maid being involved, it doesn’t seem too much of a stretch to think she might have something else planned for you.”

  Piper frowned. “Do you really think so? Despite Marceline’s animosity toward me, I can’t believe she’s truly that evil. Reid says he thinks she’s trying to turn over a new leaf. It’s been eating me up wondering what happened to Eldridge. For me, what’s important is that he may actually be alive.”

  He didn’t have the heart to dispute that possibility. “Until we learn otherwise, we’re going to have to believe he is.”

  His stomach growled, reminding him he’d skipped lunch.

  Piper laughed. “I can see you’re hungry. The stew should be close to ready. Let me ladle us up a couple of bowls and we’ll eat.”

  Amazed at how domestic—and right—this felt, he nodded. Before Piper, any time a woman had showed signs of wanting to play house, he’d panicked. Now, he felt like settling in and enjoying it.

  The stew tasted as amazing as it smelled. “Renee really made this?” he asked, after emptying his bowl and going back for seconds.

  “She sure did.” Piper smiled. “I was disappointed that she didn’t want to stay and eat with us.”

  “You know how teenagers are. Friends before family.”

  “True.” With one final spoonful, Piper emptied her own bowl. “Except she told me she didn’t have any friends.”

  He stared. “Seriously?”

  “Yep. But when she casually announced she had made plans with friends, I didn’t want to question her. I’m hoping since she feels more secure here at home, she’s reaching out to others her own age.”

  “That would be awesome.”

  “It would,” Piper agreed. “She’s a good kid, so I think you can trust her. She did ask me to set aside a bowl for her. Since you weren’t here, I told her she had to be home by midnight. I hope that’s okay.”

  “Midnight?” He frowned. “I’m ashamed to say I hadn’t even thought about giving her a curfew. Thanks for helping me out with that. Did she argue?”

  “Nope.” Standing, Piper carried her empty bowl to the sink. “In fact she actually seemed pleased that I cared enough to make rules.”

  Guilt stabbed him again and he groaned. “I suck at this parenting thing.”

  “No, you don’t.” Piper crossed over to the fridge and took out a cellophane-covered bowl. “You just need more practice.”

  “Thanks, but I still feel terrible.”

  “Well don’t. I have just the dessert to make you feel better. I had Renee help me with it, too.”

  “What is it?”

  “Wait and see.” She filled two smaller bowls, got
out a can of whipped topping and sprayed generously. “Here you go,” she said, placing one in front of him and keeping the other, a much smaller portion of whatever it was.

  He picked up his spoon and prepared to dig in. With all the whipped cream, he had no idea what he was about to eat.

  The first creamy bite had him grinning like a fool. “Banana pudding! How’d you know that’s my favorite?”

  “Renee told me.” She grinned back, before taking a spoonful and popping it into her mouth. “Mmm.” She rolled her eyes.

  “I have no idea how Renee would know such a thing, but I’m glad she did.” Neither spoke again for a moment while they both enjoyed the treat.

  They watched TV together, side by side on the couch. Only an hour into it and Piper couldn’t seem to stop yawning. “I’m sorry.” She flashed a sheepish grin. “It’s been a long day. I think I’m going to go to bed.”

  More than anything, he wanted to join her. Instead, he nodded. “I’ll see you in the morning. I’m going to get up early so I can check on Ms. Berens.”

  She nodded. “I hope I can sleep. I can’t stop thinking about Eldridge.”

  Though he hated to worry her, he also couldn’t let her get her hopes up too much. “Just remember, right now it’s only a rumor started by one man. Until there’s more evidence, we need to take it with a grain of salt.”

  “That’s kind of what Reid said,” she told him. “But Whitney is hysterical and everything is in an uproar. I think my family is going with the opposite reaction—believing the story until it’s proven false.” She sighed. “I have to admit, I kind of prefer that, too.”

  He wanted to pull her close and hold her. Instead, he settled for a quick squeeze of her hand, holding it a second longer than necessary before reluctantly releasing her.

  “I really hope he’s alive,” she said, the warmth in her eyes telling him she’d welcome the distraction of a kiss.

  “Me, too.” Regretfully, he knew if he kissed her, she’d never make it to her bed alone. “Good night.”

  Was that disappointment in her eyes? She nodded and headed off to her room. He heard the door close a second later.

  That night, he tossed and turned, struck by a feeling that Piper was doing the same. He rose early and showered, heading into the kitchen with the intention of making a strong pot of coffee, only to find her already there.

  Hair tousled, she had the sexy appearance of someone who’d just finished making love. Even though he knew that wasn’t the case, his body reacted violently. She appeared preoccupied, staring at her coffee, lost in her thoughts.

  “Are you all right?” he asked.

  Barely glancing at him, she gave a slow nod. “I’ve just got a lot to think about. I know you have a lot to do. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be here when you return.”

  The casual promise made his chest tight.

  “I’ll be back,” he promised, aching with the conflict of his desire and his duty. Aware he needed to leave the room before desire won, he hurried through his chores. When he’d finished, he went to his room to call and check on Ms. Berens before heading there to visit her.

  *

  Piper didn’t let on to Cord how much it upset her that he clearly didn’t think Hugh Barrington’s story was real. While Eldridge could be cold and distant sometimes, he’d been a decent father to her—the only father she’d ever had. All along she’d felt he wasn’t dead. Hearing what Hugh had seen only confirmed that for her.

  Unfortunately, this also meant that Eldridge was in some sort of danger. This idea made her feel crazy. She’d thought about various possibilities all night long, resulting in very little sleep.

  Reid wanted her home. Part of her felt like packing up her bags and jumping in her car to do exactly that. But then she thought of how the atmosphere must be at Colton Valley Ranch right now, and knew she’d have a clearer head and more peaceful existence by remaining at Cord’s. Whitney had been in hysterics ever since her Eldridge—her Dridgey-pooh—had gone missing. The pet name alone made Piper, along with everyone else, cringe. But Whitney seemed sincere in her need for her much-older husband. Marceline would be her usual overbearing and snooty self, and Fowler would be desperately trying to control everything.

  Of course, she missed T.C. and Alanna and Reid, though she’d seen more of him than her other two siblings. She needed to get in touch with them all, once the furor died down, and thank them again for believing in her when it seemed like no one else had.

  But to go home? She wasn’t even sure where that was anymore. Right now, Cord and Renee needed her more than her family did.

  And truth be told, she needed them just as much. Right now, she needed a distraction, something to make her stop thinking about her family and Eldridge.

  Cord strode past her, jingling his truck keys. “I’m off to the hospital. Ms. Berens is awake and they’re moving her out of ICU into a regular room.”

  “I changed my mind about staying here. I’d like to go with you,” she immediately said. “That is, if it’s all right with you.”

  He gave an easy smile. “Sure. I’d enjoy the company. And I know Ms. Berens would be glad to see you. The two of you certainly seemed to hit it off.”

  “We did.” Following him outside, she climbed up in his truck. “She’s really sweet. I hate to think of such a horrible thing happening to her.”

  “Me, too. I’m not sure how old she is, exactly.” He started the engine. “But I’m hoping they can get her well enough to be able to enjoy life a little bit longer at least.”

  While she didn’t know much about kidney failure, she knew enough to realize the condition was serious. “Will she have to go on dialysis?” she asked as they pulled into the hospital parking lot.

  “I don’t know. I don’t think her kidneys have completely failed yet. I’m hoping we can get an update once we get there.”

  Hospitals had always unsettled Piper—she guessed most people felt this way. Cord strode to the elevator and pressed the button. “We’ll check in at the ICU first, in case she’s still there.”

  At the ICU desk, Cord spoke briefly to a nurse. “Do you mind waiting just a moment?” she asked. “We’ll put you in this private waiting room.”

  Cord and Piper exchanged a glance. Piper wasn’t sure if he knew, but being sent to the private, counseling area usually wasn’t a good sign.

  The small, windowless room had a table, six chairs and a box of tissue on top of the table. Heart in her throat, Piper took a seat. Cord did not. He stood, hands jammed into his pockets, looking perplexed.

  “I don’t understand,” he said. “When I called to check on her, they said her condition was much improved. Surely she didn’t...” He left the rest of the sentence incomplete, but Piper knew what he meant.

  A soft tap and the door opened. A slender man wearing a white coat entered. “Hello. I’m Dr. Han. Are you Ms. Berens’s next of kin?”

  Piper glanced at Cord, hoping he’d say yes.

  “No, we’re just good friends,” he answered. “She has no family that we’re aware of. Is she all right?”

  The doctor looked from one to the other, clearly not certain how much to say now that he knew they weren’t family. “She is as well as can be expected,” he finally said cautiously. “For whatever reason, her kidney function has improved. I hesitate to use the term miraculous, but that’s what it is. We’re going to keep an eye on her, but if she continues to make progress, we’ll release her to a rehabilitation facility in a few days.”

  Cord nodded. “Thank you. I can’t tell you how relieved I am.”

  “Let me be clear, she’s not out of the woods by any means. Honestly, with her condition, it’s extremely likely she’ll be back here again. Congestive heart failure and renal failure often go hand in hand.”

  “Congestive heart failure?” Cord asked. “I only knew about the kidney issues.”

  “She’s apparently had CHF a long time. She’s been managing it with medication, but those same medicat
ions do a number on the kidneys.” Dr. Han grasped the door handle. “Before I go, do you have any other questions?”

  “No. Thank you very much for speaking with us.” Cord shook the other man’s hand. “Is she still in the same room?”

  “Yes, for the moment. Room 8. I’m not sure when she’ll be moved, but it’ll most likely be today.”

  After the doctor left, Cord let out his breath in a loud sigh. Watching the emotions play over his handsome face, Piper went to him and wrapped her arms around him in a hug.

  “She’s become kind of like the mother I never had,” he said, his voice shaky. “I actually can’t envision what it’d be like without her around.”

  “You don’t have to,” Piper soothed. “You heard the doctor. She’s improving. All you can do is take it one day at a time.”

  He nodded, stepping back. “You’re right. Come on.” Taking her hand, he led her to the door. “Let’s go visit her.”

  Entering room 8, Ms. Berens was sitting up in bed eating. The instant she saw them, she beamed. “Welcome, you two. I tell you what, this hospital food is nothing to brag about. I can’t wait to get home and cook my own meals again.”

  Cord dropped into the chair next to the bed. “That doesn’t look so bad. Scrambled eggs and bacon, toast and grits.”

  Though she shook her head, she took another bite, her faded eyes twinkling. “Tastes like a TV dinner. But that’s okay. I’m just glad they’re feeding me.”

  Piper moved closer, stopping at the end of the bed. “Hello, Ms. Berens. I’m glad to see you looking so chipper.”

  “Thank you, dear.” The older woman dipped her chin. “I’m glad you could come with Cord. I enjoyed visiting with you the other day. I just wish this second visit was under better circumstances.”

  Piper moved up next to Cord and smiled. “I’m just happy you’re feeling better.”

  “You gave me quite a scare,” Cord put in.