Lucas (Texas Boudreau Brotherhood Book 5)

by Kathy Ivan

  “Be right there.”

  Lucas leaned toward Jill and whispered, “Want me to stay?”

  Shaking her head, she gave him a smile. “Go. Tessa and I have some catching up to do anyway. Have fun.”

  “I’ll give you a ride home when you’re ready.”

  “Thanks.”

  As Lucas walked away, Tessa switched seats, plopping down beside Jill with a heavy sigh. “Thank goodness. I knew wedding talk would make Rafe head for the hills. He’s been really sweet through all the planning, but he’s a guy. He can only take so much of what he calls ‘girly stuff’ before his eyes roll back in his head and I’ve lost him.”

  Jill pulled Tessa against her side in a one-armed hug. “You two are perfect for each other. I’m amazed I never thought to invite you to visit Shiloh Springs whenever I came home on break. You’d have met him sooner.”

  “Things worked out in the end. I got my guy. Beth’s found her true love. Looks like you’re the only one left who needs fixing up.”

  Jill shook her head vigorously. “No thanks. Remember my last fiasco? I’ve sworn off guys. They’re all liars, cheaters, married, or gay. Think I’ll pass. Besides, I’ll have my hands full soon, and won’t have time for dating.”

  Tessa shifted on the seat, turning to face her. “Girlfriend, what are you talking about?”

  “I can’t say yet. Not until I talk to Ms. Patti, but I promise it’s all good news.”

  Tessa studied her, and the intensity of her gaze reminded Jill of a scientist studying his latest find under a microscope, and not liking what he saw. “It’s not like you to keep secrets. We tell each other everything. You sure you can’t give me a tiny hint?”

  “Tomorrow, I promise. Until then, my lips are zipped.” Jill pantomimed the motion, her shoulders shaking with laughter at Tessa’s pout.

  “You girls doing alright over here?” Ms. Patti asked as she sat on the couch across from them. “Need anything?”

  “I’m good.”

  “Me, too,” Tessa added.

  “Great, because I need to take these off.” Ms. Patti slid her feet out of the heels she’d worn to Sunday service, giving an audible sigh. “Don’t tell anybody, but my feet were killing me. Give me a pair of flats any day. Or tennis shoes. Heels are torture devices surely invented by a man.”

  “Or the devil,” Tessa chimed in.

  “Same thing.” Ms. Patti grinned at Jill’s shocked gasp. “I’ve lived in a predominantly male household all of my adult life. Trust me when I say, there are times they are one and the same.”

  Jill looked at Tessa, who had her hand over her mouth, stifling her laughter and her own burst forth. How could you not love Ms. Patti? The woman was a Shiloh Springs treasure, and Jill adored her. Why had she hesitated at the thought of working with the woman? She’d keep her on her toes, keep her motivated, and keep her focused on succeeding. All things she wanted and needed, because there was no way she planned on failing.

  “I’ll do it,” she blurted out before she could stop the words.

  “Do what?” Tessa gave her the oddest look, and Jill simply grinned, because now she’d said the words aloud, there was no taking them back.

  “Excellent. It’s the right decision.” Ms. Patti nodded once, as if she hadn’t expected any other answer.

  “What decision? She’s going to do what?” Tessa’s head ping-ponged back and forth, in a vain effort to follow their conversation. “Somebody better tell me what’s going on before I explode.”

  “Should we?” Ms. Patti’s grin had Jill’s lips curving upward, along with the frustrated expression on her best friend’s face. While she’d love to keep toying with her, she knew Tessa might actually explode if she didn’t find out what was going on, so Jill decided to let her off the hook.

  “Ms. Patti and I are going into business together. We’re opening a bakery.”

  “What! Oh, Jill, that’s awesome!” Tessa started bouncing in her seat, her hands wrapped around the sides of her plate. Within seconds, the plate was on the ground, and her arms were around Jill, squeezing her tight.

  “Can’t…breathe…”

  “Too bad. This is amazing news! I’m so excited. You’re already doing the cake, but now I can have you do all the other stuff for the wedding reception and for the cocktail hour, and I won’t feel like I’m imposing and being a jerk, and—”

  “And take a breath, hon, before you pass out.” Ms. Patti leaned back against the cushions, a serene expression on her face.

  “I promise your wedding day feast will be the best one ever,” Jill promised. “We have a lot of details to work out, but Ms. Patti already scouted out the perfect location, right on Main Street. It’s going to be a lot of work—”

  “But you’re up to the challenge, I know. You’ve never backed down from anything. I’m so excited! This means you get to quit your awful insurance job, right?”

  “I hadn’t really thought that far ahead yet. I mean, I only made the decision last night. Yeah, once we’ve signed all the papers, I guess I’ll be turning in my notice.”

  “Yay!”

  Tessa stood and practically flew across the patio, straight into Rafe’s arms. He caught her and spun her around, her feet leaving the ground, and she leaned toward him, whispering what Jill assumed was the big news. Rafe’s eyes met hers over the top of Tessa’s head, and he smiled.

  “Guess it’s not going to be much of a surprise, not with blabbermouth over there spilling the beans.” Jill watched her best friend, feeling so much love for the vivacious woman. They’d been best friends ever since meeting in college, and stayed in touch after graduation, even though they’d been half a continent apart. She’d been the one to mention the opening at the elementary school, which prompted Tessa’s move to Shiloh Springs.

  “There’s no such thing as secrets in this family.” Ms. Patti moved from the couch, to sit beside her. “Besides, we’re your biggest supporters. Especially Lucas.”

  Jill felt a surge of heat blast her cheeks at the mention of his name, remembering all-to-vividly her steamy dreams from the night before. The ones in which Lucas played the starring role.

  “Lucas is a good friend.”

  “Yes, I suppose he is.” Ms. Patti reached over and squeezed her hand. “How about we meet at my office in the morning, and go over the details? I took the liberty of having a contract drawn up, and you’ll need to go over it thoroughly. Have your own attorney look at it, and we’ll make any changes necessary.”

  Jill looked down at her half-eaten plate of food, her mind reeling. She’d really done it—agreed to a business partnership with none other than Patricia Boudreau. She’d taken the first step in the pursuit of her ever-elusive dream. And it felt good. No, it felt great!

  “I’ll need to call my office, and let them know I’ll be late—no, I’m going to take a personal day. I haven’t taken a day off in two years, so it shouldn’t be a problem.”

  “Good idea. I don’t want you feeling pressured or rushed in any way.” She grinned at Jill before continuing. “If I’m being honest, I can’t wait until we’re up and running. Have you thought of a name?”

  “Name? Oh, well…not really.”

  “I’m sure you’ll come up with the perfect name, once all the real work starts.” She looked past Jill’s shoulder and then shrugged. “I think the word has spread. Prepare yourself, they’re coming.”

  Within a few seconds, Jill found herself surrounded by a throng of grinning Boudreaus, all congratulating her on her upcoming success. She couldn’t help marveling at all the support the brothers poured her way. When her gaze caught Lucas’, he nodded, a huge grin on his lips. Warmth suffused her, reinforcing her decision. He moved to stand beside her, clasping her hand in his, and she closed her eyes for a second, savoring his touch.

  This wouldn’t last. He’d head back to DFW in no time, and she’d go back to mooning over him from Shiloh Springs. At least she’d have her new business to keep her mind and body occupied, beca
use her heart knew the truth. No matter how much she might wish otherwise, Lucas Boudreau wasn’t meant to be hers.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Lucas pulled into a parking space in front of the sheriff’s office the next morning. He’d decided to check in with Rafe, and ask him a few pointed questions about the possibility of illegal gambling in Shiloh Springs or any of the surrounding towns. Something about this story needed to be told, though he hadn’t found the right angle yet. He needed a hook, something to make people care about the importance of closing these places down. A true perspective on the people who ran the illegal gambling halls, most with connections to organized crime or the big drug syndicates, and how they preyed on the less fortunate.

  Sally Anne sat at her desk by the front door, the phone to her ear. She waved at him as he walked past, and pointed toward the back. Giving her a wink, he headed down the hall toward Rafe’s office. His brother sat behind his desk, frowning at a piece of paper. Whatever it was, he wasn’t a happy camper.

  “Hey, big brother, what’s got your britches in a bunch?”

  “Huh…what?”

  “You’re scowling at that paper like you want to light it on fire. Problems?”

  “Nothing I can’t handle.” Rafe pulled open the middle drawer of his desk, and shoved the page inside, slamming it closed with a little more force than necessary.

  Yeah, right. Guess I’m gonna stick my nose in big brother’s business. See if it’s something I can help with, before I head back to DFW.

  “What brings you by?”

  Lucas sat on the chair across from Rafe, and tossed his hat onto the one beside him. He rarely wore his Stetson in the city, but there was something about being home which made it feel right, in a way that tugged at his soul. Made him a little homesick every time he left it behind.

  “Wanted to pick your brain, if you’ve got a few minutes.”

  “Sure. Want some coffee before you start?”

  “No, thanks, I’m good. Had a couple cups before I left the Big House.”

  “Momma’s taking good care of you, I bet. She’d like nothing better than for you to move back to Shiloh Springs. I heard her talking to Daddy the other night about wanting all her boys back home. Bet she’ll be subtle about it, but she’s surely coming up with a plan to make it happen, so watch your back.”

  Lucas chuckled at his brother’s warning. “Duly noted. She mentioned Heath came home for a bit. He didn’t mention it when I called him.”

  Rafe grinned like he hid a huge secret. “He showed up out of the blue around the time Beth’s ex escaped from prison. Evan Stewart’s sister was visiting Beth at the time, and Heath took one look at Camilla Stewart, and you’d think he’d been hit with a sledgehammer.”

  “You’re kidding. Heath Boudreau, the man who swore he wasn’t going to ever get married? The man who thinks women—other than Momma, of course—are lying, duplicitous schemers, finally met his match? She must be something special.”

  “Picture a woman the exact opposite of Heath. He’s huge, works a demanding job with the ATF, rides a Harley, and doesn’t have a suave or sophisticated bone in his body. He’s more beers, bikes, and heavy metal. I’m still shocked he isn’t covered in tattoos. Camilla is all polished charm and elegance. One of those never-a-hair-out-of-place women who’d pick ballet over baseball. When those two clashed, it was a sight to see. We’re talking Fourth of July fireworks.”

  “Sorry I missed it.”

  “All water under the bridge now. Probably wouldn’t have worked anyway. He works in D.C. and she lives in Charlotte. Doubt they’ll ever cross paths again.” Rafe grabbed his coffee mug and took a long swallow. “Anyway, what can I help you with?”

  “I’m looking for information for my next story. I’ve got the basic info, facts and figures, but I want the dirt. The ugly, dark side of illegal gambling in Texas. Who it affects, what kind of toll it takes on the family when a loved one goes too far, and ends up over their head in debt.”

  “Thinking about exposing the seedy underbelly, showing people one of the dirty little secrets folks ignore, huh? Texas is one of the strictest states with regards to illegal gambling. They’ve cracked down in the last couple of years, especially around Houston and South Texas. The area around Victoria got hit pretty hard. They’d close down one gaming club and two more would pop up in their place.”

  Lucas nodded. “I read about that while doing my research. It’s not considered an epidemic yet, but more and more of these places are popping up all over the country. If something isn’t done to bring the truth to the forefront, there’ll be no stopping it. Hundreds of thousands of dollars pass through these gaming clubs daily, most of it coming from people who can’t afford to take the hit. We’re talking a multimillion-dollar illegal industry, and it’s still classified as a misdemeanor offense.” Lucas could feel the bottled-up rage in the pit of his stomach, thinking about all the poor unfortunate souls who’d been sucked in with the allure of easy money. Prey for the cartels and Mafia, it made his blood boil.

  “Which is why they get away with it most of the time. It’s a slap on the wrist, maybe probation, or if there’s jail time, it’s minimal. Usually it’s a five hundred dollar fine.”

  Lucas leaned back, watching Rafe closely, and could see the lines of frustration bracketing his mouth. Guess he wasn’t the only one worried about the growing need to eradicate this blight. He also noted the dark circles beneath his brother’s eyes.

  “You look tired. Everything okay?”

  Rafe drew in a long breath, and let it out slowly. “Yeah. The wedding’s been a pain. Don’t you dare tell Tessa I said that. Most of the time it’s fine, and all this planning, looking at dresses and flowers, makes her happy. Momma, too. Personally, I’d have been thrilled to stand up in front of a justice of the peace, but she deserves to have the whole shebang.”

  “It’s more than the wedding, though. Talk to me. What’s going on?”

  “Really, it’s—”

  “If you say nothing, I’m coming around this desk and punching you. You know I can read you like a book. Now spill.”

  Instead of answering, Rafe opened the drawer and pulled out the paper he’d shoved in there earlier, and handed it to Lucas. It was a letter, and as he scanned its contents, the madder he got, until his hands shook.

  “Is this a joke?” He bit the words out, jaws tight.

  “Afraid not. There’s a petition being circulated through the county to recall me as sheriff, and hold a special election for my replacement.”

  “That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. Nobody in their right mind could think you’ve done anything wrong, much less egregious enough to call for your removal from office. What are their allegations?”

  “Bro, it’s a petition, they don’t have to state a specific reason. All they have to do is collect enough signatures, and present it to the right people and call for my ouster as sheriff.”

  “What a load of—”

  “Yeah, well, you’re gonna keep your mouth shut, you hear me? Nobody, and I mean nobody, hears about this. Especially the family. I do not want Tessa or Momma getting wind of this. I’ll handle it.”

  Lucas stood and paced the small space in Rafe’s crowded office. Six steps, turn, six more steps, turn. He was surprised steam wasn’t pouring from his ears. Nobody with half a brain could think Rafe wasn’t doing a good job running the sheriff’s department. He was the best sheriff Shiloh Springs had seen in twenty years or more. No way was he going to let this stand, not without a fight.

  “Any idea who’s behind this?”

  “Not a clue. Doesn’t matter. If people don’t like the way I’m running this office, they’ve got the right to kick me out and elect somebody else.”

  Each word landed like a blow to his heart, and Lucas felt every one with the ferocity of a physical punch. He knew how much being sheriff meant to his brother. From the time he’d joined the Boudreau clan, he remembered hearing about Rafe. About the accident that claim
ed his mother’s life, leaving him virtually alone in a strange town with nobody. Not until Douglas, working as a volunteer fireman, stepped up and claimed Rafe as his own son. From that day forward, Rafe’s goal focused on becoming an integral piece of Shiloh Springs. Part of the community who’d welcomed him. To give back in a tangible way, and help others the way he’d been helped. Now some idiot with a piece of paper and a grudge thought they could take it all away from him?

  Not in this lifetime!

  “I’m gonna find out who’s doing this, and they’re going to wish they’d never messed with a Boudreau brother.”

  Lucas started for the door, but Rafe was around his desk and blocking the entryway before he’d taken more than a couple steps.

  “You’re not doing anything. I mean it, Lucas. You’re going to keep your mouth shut and let me handle things. This is my problem, and I’ll deal with it. Don’t make me regret telling you.”

  Lucas turned and flung himself onto the chair. “I don’t like it. And I’ve got a pretty good idea who’s behind it. You do, too. Don’t tell me it didn’t cross your mind the minute you heard about the petition.”

  Rafe leaned against the doorjamb, arms crossed over his chest. “Of course I thought it. Richard and Julie Calloway have been a thorn in my side since the day I took the oath of office.”

  “Do they really think messing with the Boudreaus is gonna make Ridge and Shiloh come running back to them with open arms? The Calloway’s destroyed any chance of reconciling when they disowned our brothers’ biological mother, and tossed her out when she was pregnant. Didn’t want anything to do with their grandsons when they moved back here as kids. Now they expect Shiloh and Ridge to simply welcome them with open arms? They’re both idiots.”

  “But they are within their rights as citizens.”

  Lucas simply stared at Rafe, reading the quiet determination in his face. His brother was hurting, because like it or not, this petty attempt by the Calloway’s was a slap at his pride. An undeserved condemnation of one of the finest men Lucas knew.