“I’d like to hang onto the originals, but if you can copy or fax them to him, go ahead. I’m not making this up.”
Melissa observed him for a moment, wondering why he felt the need to expound on his honesty. “I never said you were. If it bothers you for me to have you checked out, then I won’t. I suspect you can find your way back to California easy enough. But if we are related, it would be nice to get to know each other.”
Affronted, he sat up straighter in his chair. “I didn’t drive all this way just to leave again. Go ahead and have me investigated. I have nothing to hide.”
“And everything to gain,” said Jimmy. “You can’t blame us for being cautious.”
“Sorry, I should have made introductions. John, this is my son, Aaron, and my accountant for the ranch, James McGovern. Aaron, John found some papers that seem to indicate he’s our uncle.”
“Really? I never had an uncle. You got kids?” Aaron asked.
“I sure do. Grandkids too. I have a grandson about your age. Tommy is ten. His sister, Rita, is the oldest at twelve. The rest are younger.”
Melissa liked the way John’s eyes lit up when speaking of his grandchildren. He was proud of them, very much a family man, from what she could see.
“Did they come with you?” Aaron asked.
“I wanted to come by myself this time, get everything sorted out.”
“Well, the lawyer’s office is closed for the weekend, but I’ll have Jimmy fax the information to him. Where can we reach you?”
His expression became downcast. Disappointed at not being asked to stay? “I’m not sure where I’ll put up for the night. Hadn’t planned that far ahead, but I can give you my cell number.”
“There’s a motel in Fort Collins, not too far from here. I’d offer to put you up, but I really don’t know you and I have my son to consider.”
John’s eyes brightened. “And a fine young man he is. I totally understand.”
“I’ll go fax that through now, Melissa. Want me to send a note with it?”
“Yes, just tell him that John showed up with his birth certificate and ask him to verify.”
“Be right back,” he said, his eyes shooting a warning toward John.
Amused by Jimmy’s protective streak, she watched him go and then turned to John. “I’d do it myself, but as you can see, I’m not in the best of shape right now.”
“What happened?”
“Fell off a horse when Aaron and I were out riding. Lucky for me, he knew enough to ride home and get help.”
“I had to. I couldn’t wake you up, Mom.”
“Smart boy,” John praised. “Do you find it hard living so far away from everything?”
“Not at all. We love it here. I’m finding it a welcome change from living in the city.” Melissa observed the man’s rugged outdoor look. He was handsome, in his own way, but she didn’t see much resemblance to the Dehavilland men. “Did you grow up in San Diego?”
John nodded. “On a small cattle ranch not far from there. My mother was ranch cook, but when she got sick, we had to move. I had graduated by then and found work in town, but it took years to pay off the medical bills. Her cancer went into remission and we spent a lot of happy years there, but it came back with a vengeance last fall. In a matter of weeks, we’d lost her.”
“I’m sorry for your loss, John. Gramps passed away in January and the ranch doesn’t seem the same without him.”
Jimmy returned and passed John his papers. He rose. “I should head into town, find a place to crash. Is it all right if I come visit tomorrow?”
Melissa hesitated to offer the invitation, mindful of the warnings from Jimmy and her lawyer. “What is it you hope to gain by our acknowledging you as family, Mr. Coates?”
John’s expression turned sour, as if resenting the question, but it was quickly doused. “Family, Ms. Dehavilland, and a share in the ranch that should rightfully be mine.”
“I beg to differ. Gramps left the ranch to his great-grandson, Aaron. His legitimate son didn’t even inherit a share. What makes you think you’re entitled?”
“My lawyer. That’s what. I’ll be in touch.”
Jimmy saw a grumpy Mr. Coates to the door and came back with the coffee pot. “Want a refill?”
She held her cup out and he filled it to the brim. “Thanks.”
“So, what do think of John now that you’ve met him?” Jimmy asked.
“I think it’s cool that he has kids my age,” said Aaron. “I wonder when he’ll bring them to meet us.”
“Grandkids, but, Aaron, I never heard of him until he called the other day. Quite frankly, I’m surprised he showed up without any warning. He seems nice enough, but our lawyer is having him investigated to find out the truth. Papa and Gramps never talked about him or his mother, not that I can remember, yet John claims he is the rightful heir to the ranch. I expect we might have a fight on our hands.”
“Heir? As in owner? No way! Grandpa said the ranch is mine when I’m old enough.”
“I know, and it will be, just be careful what you say to Mr. Coates if he comes back. He isn’t entitled to know anything about the ranch at this point.”
“Okay, Mom.”
“Melissa, will you be okay here with Sheila if I go for a ride?”
“Oh, yeah. I’ll sit here and swill in more coffee. That way, I can blame it on the caffeine if I don’t sleep tonight.”
“Instead of…” Jimmy asked, grinning suggestively.
“Instead of writhing in pain. What did you think I meant?” she said, returning the grin.
“I’ll tell you later. Aaron, want to go see the Mustangs?”
“Super! Can I, Mom?” He jumped to his feet and ran to Jimmy.
“Go ahead, honey. I’m just going to sit here and rest my aching bones. Have fun.”
They went out the kitchen door and disappeared from view. One so tall and dark, the other short and blond. How she wished she could go with them. Six weeks of sitting around doing nothing was going to drive her absolutely bonkers. She’d never been much good at using her left hand, and with her ribs all strapped up, she couldn’t even bend. Thank goodness she had Sheila to cook and clean and a capable foreman to run the ranch.
Maybe she’d dig out a jigsaw puzzle later. She used to love those. “Sheila, have you read any good books lately?”
“A few.”
“Could I borrow one? I need to do something.”
“I’ll be right back.”
Sheila returned with a stack of books. A cowboy romance caught her eye. “This looks like just the ticket. Thanks.”
She rested her feet on a chair and settled back to read. Though awkward to hold the book and turn pages with one hand, she managed and was soon engrossed in the story.
“How many Mustangs ya got now, huh, Jimmy?”
Jimmy couldn’t help but smile. If Melissa were here, she’d be correcting the boy’s English, although it wasn’t exactly wrong. “Twenty-seven.”
“Wow! That’s a lot of wild horses.”
Jimmy nodded and smiled at Aaron. “I’d like to catch more. Tippy and I have been out a few times, but they’re getting wise to us and staying farther afield.”
“Are horses that smart?”
“I like to think so. I consider Sherry here to be among my best friends.”
“Huh?”
Jimmy chuckled at the screwed up expression on Aaron’s face. “Well, a best friend is always there for you. Sherry listens, enjoys my company, and takes me riding. In return, I care for her needs.”
“Oh, okay. Did you know Mom gave me a horse?”
“Yes, and he’s a beauty. What did you name him?”
“Aaron’s Pride. It was Mom’s idea, but it fits, seeing’s as he’s my horse.”
“You take good care of him and he’ll be your best friend. Treat him bad, and he’ll shy away from you.”
“Oh, I’ll take real good care of him. Brian’s teaching me how.”
“That’s g
reat. This is all flat land ahead. You want to run your horse for a ways?”
“Yes, sir.”
Jimmy raced across the fields with Aaron at his side. The boy was an excellent rider. He had no trouble controlling his horse and staying abreast of him.
“Time to slow up,” Jimmy said as he reined in his mount. He leaned over and patted his horse’s neck, keeping an eye out for movement of any kind. “Good girl, Sherry. You love a good run, don’t you, girl?”
In answer, Sherry tossed her mane and whinnied loud and clear. Aaron’s horse did the same.
“Seems like they’re talking to each other,” said Aaron, grinning from ear to ear.
“It wouldn’t surprise me. Horses are intelligent animals. Once you teach them something, they never forget and rarely let you down.”
“Then what happened to Mom’s horse? Why did Snowdrop act up the way she did?”
“I wish I knew. The bang you heard—do you know where it came from?”
“Yeah, we were close to one of the line shacks. It seemed to come from there.” He pointed in an easterly direction.
“Can you show me?”
“Sure! Follow me.” Aaron urged his horse to a gallop across the fields.
When Jimmy spied the tree where he’d found Melissa, he caught up to Aaron. “Slow down, buddy. If someone is holed up in the line shack, I don’t want to alert him to our presence.”
“Okay.” Aaron slowed his horse to a walk.
“How much farther is it?” Jimmy asked.
The boy pointed ahead. “Just beyond that row of trees. See that sparkle? That’s the sun hitting the tin roof.”
“Let’s stop here.” They reined in their mounts and Jimmy waited, listening for any sounds other than those of nature. “I smell smoke. Looks like we might have us a trespasser. Aaron, you wait here with the horses while I go check it out.”
“But it’s my land, not yours.” The boy sat straight in the saddle, his chin stuck out stubbornly.
Jimmy was surprised at the boy’s belligerent attitude, but he was right. “Aaron, your mother would have my hide if you got hurt. In a few years, you’ll be a grown man and plenty capable of handling anything that comes your way. But for now, would you let me take care of this? Whoever is inside that cabin might be armed and dangerous.”
His eyes widened as he stared at the cabin. “Do you really think so?”
“It’s possible. You heard a bang and your mother told me it sounded like a gunshot. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“Okay, but what if you get hurt?” His little face scrunched up in concern.
Jimmy grinned. “If you hear any loud noises, ride like the wind and fetch Brian. Okay, sport?”
“Don’t get hurt,” he pleaded.
“I don’t intend to.” He dismounted and looped the reins around the saddle horn, knowing Sherry would stay put. He withdrew his rifle and smiled encouragingly at the boy before walking in the direction of the cabin. “Stay here within the shelter of the trees where you’ll be safe. I’ll whistle for Sherry when I’m ready to come back.”
“Okay.”
Several trees stood between Jimmy and the cabin. He stayed in the shade as much as he could, but there was plenty of open field. He ran from tree to tree, stopping to listen before setting off again. His heart raced at the adrenaline rush of courting the unknown. At the final tree, he paused to decide how best to approach the line shack. The door was open, but if there was a window, it had to be on the other side. He stayed out of sight of the door and snuck around the side of the cabin. There, parked in the shade of a huge oak tree was a white Pontiac.
As he stooped to cross beneath a window, Jimmy heard a child’s voice. “Grampy, why do we have to stay here? Can’t I go meet her little boy so I have someone to play with besides her?”
“No, not yet. These things take time.”
He knew that voice…John. What in blazes was he trying to pull?
“How much time?” the boy whined.
“I don’t know, Tommy. Her lawyer is going to check me out on Monday. Then we’ll see.”
“Why? Doesn’t she believe you?”
“It’s not that she doesn’t believe me, but I’m a stranger to her and she’s got a big responsibility with the ranch and all.”
“So we have to stay here?”
“We don’t have enough money to stay anywhere else.”
Jimmy had heard enough. He stepped into the doorway and announced his presence. “I think you’d better come to the house and explain, Mr. Coates.”
A girl shrieked and scurried behind John.
Jimmy glanced at the boy. “The boy can come with me. Aaron’s waiting not far from here.”
John stood to face him. “He stays with me.”
“Nope, he comes with me to ensure your compliance. You do know you’re trespassing on private property?”
“It should be my property.”
“Maybe so, but we’re not going to solve anything out here. Pack up your things, make sure the fire is out, then come to the house.”
“Tommy, are you all right riding to the ranch with him?”
“I guess so. Beats sitting around here.”
Jimmy and the boy stepped outside and he whistled for Sherry. “Can you ride?” A sullen expression was his only answer, but Jimmy caught a glimpse of excitement in the boy’s eyes.
Chapter Ten
Melissa glanced up from her book as the back door opened. “Hi! Who do you have there?”
Jimmy winked at her. “A trespasser. Found him with his sister and grandfather out at the line shack near where you fell off your horse.”
“What’s your name, boy?” Melissa asked.
“Tommy Coates.”
She smiled at Tommy. “Ah, I think we met your grandfather earlier today.”
“You should’a believed him.”
“Whether I believe him or not doesn’t matter. I have a responsibility to my son and to this ranch to have any and all claims verified. Where is your grandfather?”
“He’s coming.” Tommy cast a hateful glance in Jimmy’s direction. “But he shouldn’t be ordering us around.”
“Is that right? Would you rather he’d just come back here and called the sheriff to have you evicted?” she asked.
“It’s Grandpa’s land!”
“No, it’s my land in trust for my son. That’s the way Gramps wanted it.”
She heard a vehicle pull up outside. Jimmy opened the door to admit John and a little girl. Melissa received the shock of her life. The little girl had long, dark hair pulled back in a ponytail, a dimple in her chin, freckles across her nose, and green eyes. “Oh, my God! You look like a miniature of my grandfather…with softer features of course,” she added at the girl’s scowl.
“I do?” she asked.
“Yes, you do. What’s your name?”
“Rita.”
“Well, Miss Rita, it’s nice to meet you.” On impulse, she held out her good arm and Rita didn’t hesitate. She ran and snuggled in for a hug. Melissa realized the girl was crying. “Why the tears, child?”
“That man had a gun and he told us we were trespassing. I was afraid he’d call the cops and have us arrested.”
“That man’s name is Jimmy and you were trespassing on ranch land. He was just looking out for us. Okay?”
Rita sniffed and pulled away. “Okay, but I was scared.”
“Sorry, sunshine. I didn’t mean to scare you. Forgive me?”
Melissa could tell Rita was getting her first clear look at Jimmy.
The girl blushed and took a second look before ducking her head. “Yes, all right.”
“Does this mean you believe me now?” asked John.
Melissa glanced at Rita, still standing at her side. “It’s hard to doubt the evidence of my own eyes, but I still insist on a DNA test. My treat.”
John guffawed with laughter. “Some treat, but I’ll accept.” Then the laughter died and a strange expression washed over h
is features. “The truth is, Mama’s illness and burial left us rather destitute. On top of that, I lost my job when the business closed. When I found those papers in Mama’s belongings, it felt as though fate was reaching out a kind hand. You know?”
“Yes, I felt the same way when Gramps died, leaving Aaron and I the ranch.”
John stiffened.
“We’ll talk more about that later. Have you kids eaten?” she asked.
“Grampy made us a rabbit stew,” said Tommy. “He killed it himself.”
“Hm, would that have been yesterday morning some time?” asked Jimmy.
“Yes, why?” Suddenly, John’s face blanched of all color as realization dawned. “Oh, no! Is that what made you fall off your horse?”
Melissa nodded. “The gunshot spooked my horse and she reared back. Normally, she’s as placid as they come, so I wasn’t prepared. If I’d been holding on tighter, I would’ve been fine.” She shrugged, showing acceptance of her fate. “It was an accident, although I must say I’m relieved to know where the gunshot came from and why.”
“I’m real sorry about that, Melissa. I never for a moment thought of anyone being near that cabin.”
“There could’ve been wranglers out there fixing fence lines or whatever. My property is clearly marked, no hunting and no trespassing, for a reason.”
“We were hungry,” Tommy said in his grandfather’s defense.
Melissa cast a shrewd eye toward John, knowing there was more to this story than she was hearing. For starters, why were the kids traveling with him? Where were their parents? “Aaron, would you like to show Tommy and Rita your game room? I’m sure they’d enjoy that more than listening to us adults talk.”
Aaron looked from one child to the other. “Okay, if they want to.”
“A game room? Lead the way.” Tommy’s face glowed with excitement.
“I’ll go and make sure Tommy doesn’t cause any trouble.”
“Thank you, Rita. He does tend to get excitable,” said John.
After the children left, John spoke again. “Rita’s also excited, but she’s twelve, an awkward age, I’m told.”
Sheila bustled in the back door with a basket full of fresh vegetables. “Why are you all standing around in my kitchen? I’ve got work to do.”
Suited to be a Cowboy Page 14