Murder at the Dude Ranch

by Vickie Carroll

  “Evan, Evan, I could kiss you and kill you.”

  “Tacos will do, cousin. But hey, wait, why do you want to kill me? It’s just a week or so before you’re set to open anyway, right? Also, I think our PR goddess is a friend of Ernie’s, so word of mouth is everything, Abby. This guy is big bucks on steroids. You make him happy and your future is secured. Now, sit and eat and tell me what’s going on with Cami. You mentioned she was MIA?”

  “I don’t know, Evan. How can I accommodate a family before we officially open?”

  Evan reached for another taco. “If they are ready to rough it, why do you care? It will be the best test-case ever. Real people. You were gearing up for that pre-thing anyway, right?”

  “Yeah, but…”

  “Abby, just do it. You have time and it will be great. Can I call them and tell them it’s on in two weeks?”

  “Evan, two weeks. I don’t know.”

  “Yes, you do, that was your goal for the pre-opening as I recall.”

  “Okay you old big bully. Two weeks for this guy and his family. Heaven help me.”

  “Good, now, about Cami, what’s up with her?”

  “She said she was burned out and I think she broke up with a guy.” Abby felt guilty about not telling Evan the details, but Cami had told her in confidence.

  “Cami was always either up or down. She didn’t seem to have a neutral. Some people never change.”

  “No, she is not a neutral person. How’s the real estate business?”

  “I see you are trying to change the subject, but okay. You are just making me more curious now, you know?”

  “Cami told me a few things in confidence. Girl talk, Evan.”

  “Uh-huh. I won’t harass you about it. As for me, business is good. I got my broker’s license last week finally. I can play with the bigger boys now in the bigger markets.”

  “What are you going to do with all that money? You don’t even have a pet.”

  “That’s why I have money, cousin.”

  “Oh, Evan, you’d love a dog. On second thought, what am I saying? You are never home.”

  “Bingo, Abby. My life is spent in my car, on planes, and in hotels.”

  “I want to tell you like you told me: don’t wake up at 53 and wonder where it all went.”

  “No one likes their advice back in their face, didn’t you know that? I get it though, tick-tock, and not even a serious girlfriend in sight,” Evan said, making a sad face.

  “It’s your fault if you don’t have one. You are tall, dark, and handsome.”

  Evan rolled his eyes but grinned. “That’s true, Abby, why are they not flocking to me?”

  “You are still young enough, Evan, and handsome, smart, wealthy. But—you put off this vibe.”

  “I’m too busy working. Wait—what vibe?”

  “Duh, you just said it, you’re too busy working. Women like to be number one in a man’s life you know. I can’t complain since you are working hard for me too, and without pay. Of course, these tacos could be considered payment. I’ll write this off as a business expense.”

  Evan smiled at her. “Now, you get it. Welcome to the wonderful world of owning your own business and hating the tax man. I’ll have to work on that vibe, cousin. Thanks for the advice.”

  Abby stayed in the kitchen to clean up so that Sandy wouldn’t glare at her the next morning. Evan went to see the construction before it got too dark. She found herself wondering who she could set him up with when it dawned on her she had no women friends. She didn’t count Cami. She didn’t even know who lived nearby anymore other than her two closest neighbors who were in their sixties. She couldn’t depend on Evan for everything, and who knows where Cami would land. She might be lucky to see her twice a year. She resolved to make an effort to find friends.

  Later that night she made a few more notes in her journal and checked her to-do list again. She couldn’t help thinking about Evan’s description of Teresa, a man-eater. Abby had the feeling he wasn’t telling her everything, but Teresa wasn’t the kind of friend she was looking for—for many reasons.

  Chapter Three

  Before she knew it, Friday had arrived for her night on the town with Bobby and Abby was having a clothing emergency. She couldn’t find one thing she liked. Suddenly, everything looked drab or out of date. Almost ready to cry she found a black dress that would work. It was simple but classic, and was figure flattering, the main thing. She would put her hair up and wear her mom’s diamond earrings. She might look boring, but she’d look classy, she decided.

  Abby tried to put everything out of her mind now and concentrate on her night out with Bobby. She had two hours and didn’t know what to do with herself, so she tried to call Cami, but got no answer. She was beginning to get annoyed with her now but there was nothing she could do about it. She sent Cami a text asking her to call the following day.

  Bobby was right on time and Abby made a determined effort to enjoy herself and to put aside the load of things now resting on her shoulders. Abby sat back now and let Bobby take over because she was weary of being in charge of everything. She had forgotten how nice it was to have a partner. She glanced at Bobby now who had his eyes firmly on the road. He looked different without the sheriff’s hat, more like the Bobby she grew up with, and the one she had loved more than she had ever admitted, even to herself. She shifted in her seat now and turned to him. “I was just thinking about how much you still look like the Bobby of my teen years.”

  “Well, it’s dark.”

  Abby laughed. “Yes, there is that, but you haven’t changed that much.”

  “I’m not so sure, but I’ll take the compliment.” He glanced her way and smiled.

  “So where are we going tonight?”

  “We have reservations at Bella, the new Italian restaurant,” Bobby said.

  “Sounds good, though just getting out of Big Branch would be enough to win me over.”

  “So, you’re feeling the pressure of being the boss, huh?”

  “You could say that. I can’t complain too much because everything is going well, but I go to bed with a list every night. That’s getting old.”

  “I would say take a vacation this summer, but I know you will be gearing up to get through summer as your busiest time.”

  “Evan has put an end to any downtime. This guy, a real money bags, is gifting a week at the ranch to his sister for her engagement party. Though I’m grateful, with his contacts, if things don’t go well, I’ll be sunk before I get started. I’ve got one more week to get ready.”

  “You’re just turning what was a pre-opening into an early opening then, with real guests?”

  “Yes, that’s about it, and Evan will be here to help,” Abby said.

  “Who is coming to the cookout besides Evan?”

  “I’m inviting Teresa Moore, the PR person, who will be brutal in her review, but nice to have on hand to interact with the guests on cookout night. I think she has some sort of contact with the guy, the rich dude. Cami is supposed to come, but she’s playing recluse right now, so who knows. I need a couple more people.”

  “I’ll come.”

  “Oh, yes of course, you are invited, but I know how busy you are. I didn’t want to assume.”

  “No problem. Okay, here we are, the turnoff is just ahead. It’s a bit outside of town as you can see but got great reviews.” Bobby turned the car into the parking lot of Bella, which was nearly full. “See, look at the crowd. Glad I made reservations.”

  “Looks like San Antonio has another hot new place,” Abby said.

  Abby walked beside Bobby toward the restaurant door, and she could think of nothing but his hand on her back. It all seemed to familiar, no natural, she started to relax. From the outside the restaurant did have an Italian architectural look, but it wasn’t too overdone. It was more of a countryside look versus the overblown look of some other Italian restaurants she had seen. It was the inside that sold it for Abby. “Wow, Bobby, this place is awesome, l
ook at the antiques.”

  “Yes, it seems their theme is authentic, old-world Italian look and the food as well. I am of course quoting their ad. It should be interesting to see what’s on the menu.”

  The meal was great, and Abby felt relaxed and happy and even a bit carefree for the first time in years. By the time they were ready to leave, both pleased with the dinner and the evening, it was easy to be agreeable when Bobby suggested another date. He invited her to his house for dinner the following Saturday night to show off his new grill and cooking skills.

  They had just stepped outside through the restaurant doors on the way to the car when Abby heard her name called. She turned to find Teresa Moore walking toward her, a tall good-looking man following behind. “Abby, hi, you look great.”

  “Hi, Teresa, are you just going in for dinner?”

  “Yes, how was it?”

  “Fantastic. Oh, Teresa, this is Bobby Johns. Bobby, Teresa is the PR genius I told you about.”

  Abby saw Teresa’s eyes narrow as she focused on Bobby. “Aren’t you the sheriff of Big Branch?”

  “Yes, I am. Nice to meet you.”

  Teresa seemed to remember her date. “Oh, sorry, Carter, this is Carter Wynn.”

  Carter extended his hand to Bobby. “Always nice to meet the people who keep us safe. And nice to meet you Abby. Teresa’s been telling me about your place and your big plans.”

  Abby stepped forward to shake his hand. “They seem bigger every day.”

  “I don’t think you need to worry, Abby. There is a market, and Texas is a big place. Lots of room for good business around here.”

  Abby noticed that Teresa’s eyes had not left Bobby for too long, and she stepped in toward him now. “So, how do you know Abby?”

  “We grew up together pretty much. We lost contact as we went our separate ways to college.”

  Teresa smiled, showing her perfect white teeth. “And you’re getting caught up now, how sweet. Girl comes back to the ranch, like one of those movies on television every week.”

  There was something in how she said the words that rang an alarm bell with Abby. Teresa was trying to make her look small town and unsophisticated. Abby looked at Bobby who seemed confused by what Teresa said, and he stepped back and put his hand on Abby’s back. “Nice to meet you both, enjoy your dinner.”

  Bobby was quiet until they got to the car. “She sounded a bit mean back there. I thought you liked her.”

  “Yes, she was a bit condescending, and I don’t know why. We got along well. Maybe she’d been drinking. She still looked like a fantastic blonde goddess though, got to give her that.”

  “Hmm. Like my grandma used to say, pretty is as pretty does. When someone is mean it covers over their outsides after a while.”

  “You’re right, actions are the real person, not the looks. But she sure makes other women check their makeup.”

  Bobby laughed and opened the car door for her. “You have nothing to worry about, Abby.”

  When Abby got home, she wished she could call Cami and talk about her evening, but there was nothing she could do. Cami had elected to remain in seclusion.

  Time seemed to go into warp speed for Abby now. By some miracle, it looked like they would be ready for Mr. Money Bags, Sam Henson. All the finishing touches wouldn’t be done in the guest house but enough to make them comfortable. The work on the “red house” as her dad had named it, the employee house, was now officially named— sign and all, was done, and had turned out great. She only wished that she had not invited Teresa Moore, but it was too late now. She was as ready as she could get, and it would have to do.

  When the big day arrived, Abby’s previous calm had fractured, and nerves had taken over. The staff had made sure there were plenty of lanterns hanging from the trees and placed in strategic places to help everyone find all the tables and light the area for the next evening’s activities. She had hired a trio to play background music for the cookout. All things considered she was happy with how things had turned out so far. Cami had even agreed to return to be around for moral support.

  Abby spent a lot of time getting ready to greet her guests and kept looking at the clock. The look on Bobby’s face when he saw her and her professionally done hair and makeup was worth the time and money.

  “Wow, well—just wow. You look amazing, Abby.”

  “Thank you, and you don’t look so bad yourself. Too bad we can’t just stand around complimenting each other. Oh, Bobby, what if things go badly? What if I get bad critiques? What if this rich guy takes one look at the place and leaves?”

  “What-ifs will drive you nuts, Abby.” Bobby took her hands in his and gave them a squeeze. “Where is that risk taking girl—the one who was sure she could out race me, out climb me, and out swim me?”

  “Yes, but I never did, did I? You always won.”

  “Not the point. You tried, you risked it, even though I was bigger, older and with much longer legs.”

  “Yeah, okay, thanks. At least the weather cooperated. I appreciate you stopping by for moral support.”

  Bobby hugged her and kissed her lightly on the lips. “Don’t want to smudge your lipstick.”

  “I’m surprised I still have any on. Let’s walk on out, it’s time for them.”

  June in hill country was a beautiful time, and Abby was grateful for the blue sky, and everything that was blooming to make her area shine. She heard the cars before she saw them, and gasped as two shiny, large, black, chauffer driven limos with tinted windows pulled up in her front of the ranch house.

  Abby turned to her staff who had heard them too and joined her. Bobby gave her a thumbs up and headed to his car. “Okay, our first guests at the Silver Arrow Dude Ranch.” She looked at the sky and whispered, “Dad if you are watching, hope you like it.”

  Each car held two couples, and the first to get out looked to be the group’s host, Sam Henson, followed by his wife Jill, Abby guessed. They were soon followed by another couple about the same age, she guessed them to be Mr. Henson’s older sister and her husband, Brian Foster, who was also Henson’s business partner if she was remembering the information his office had sent. Two younger couples got out of the second car, and Abby guessed this was Mr. Henson’s younger sister and fiancé, and their friends, Lou and Erin Collins. Abby walked out to the car to greet them, her staff following close behind.

  Sam Henson was a very fit man in his early 40s, with the first touch of silver at his temples. His dark brown hair was thick and well groomed. He was wearing custom made Texas boots, jeans, and designer sunglasses. He gathered his group around him and gave some instructions to his drivers.

  Abby walked toward Sam Henson as he stepped forward and started the introductions, but Jill Henson interrupted him. “Hi, I’m Jill Henson.”

  Jill Henson was slim but had the look of an athlete. She had a cell phone in one hand and a larger designer handbag in the other. Her light brown hair was streaked with blonde and red, and just touched her shoulders.

  Abby nodded to Jill Henson. “Welcome everyone. I’m Abby Winslow, and this is my ranch. We are so happy to have you here at the Silver Arrow.”

  “Lovely little place, Ms. Winslow. To finish the intro, those stragglers getting out of the cars are my business partner and my sister, Brian and Diane. And Lou Collins and his wife, Erin, and my sister, Cathy and her intended, Steve Marlow.”

  Abby cleared her throat and looked at the group. “Welcome. You are our first guests, and we are a bit shy of putting all the final touches on everything, but we wanted to accommodate Mr. Henson’s timing request to be here now. So, we will appreciate any feedback you can give us. If there is anything you need while here, please let us know. There will be a phone list in your rooms.”

  Abby introduced the staff, including the two summer employees, Hank and Roy, home from college, who picked up the bags from the guests’ cars. “Now, if you are ready to relax, walk, have a drink, just let these guys know and they will get you all set up. At the de
sk inside the guest house you will see your room assignments, so just direct the guys to where you want your bags.”

  “All right group, you heard the lady, let’s get a move on. I could use a drink,” Sam Henson said.

  “There will be a buffet dinner in your guest house main room at seven. You can call in your breakfast order if you don’t want the standard breakfast you see on the menu in our room. But remember, this is not a hotel, it’s a ranch, so we will do the best we can to accommodate you within our limitations.”

  Sam Henson let the group go on ahead as he slowed down and turned to Abby. “Understood, Ms. Winslow. We’re here to get a taste of ranch life and don’t expect a glitzy hotel, so no worries.” He stopped and looked around. “I think I was out here once some years back looking for property. I likely met your neighbors. This was your family ranch?”

  “It’s where I grew up, and my dad had the idea of turning it into something more. Unfortunately, he died before it was finished. I came home and finished it for him, and hope to stay,” Abby said.

  “I wish you much success. Will we see you at dinner, Ms. Winslow?”

  “Call me Abby, please, Mr. Henson. I’ll stop by briefly, but I want to give you some time to relax tonight.”

  Abby noticed several in the group had turned to see what was holding up Mr. Henson. Mrs. Winslow and Erin Collins had drifted back their way. “Do we get to ride tomorrow?” Erin Collins asked.

  Jill Henson held up her hands before Abby could answer. “Oh, let’s go on to the rooms. All that information is there, I’m sure. Right, Miss Winslow?”

  “Yes, there is a detailed list in each room. If you don’t want to be included in anything listed, that is your choice. We won’t harass you, I promise,” Abby said.