Suited to be a Cowboy

by Lorraine Nelson

  What if she’d gotten pregnant? Jimmy had made it plain that he’d never have kids of his own. That he wasn’t the marrying kind. So what? Plenty of people had kids outside of marriage these days. The only thing was, she’d always been old-fashioned in that sense. Until Jimmy, she’d only been with one man and Marcus had never taken her to the heights this man had.

  Should she tell him what she suspected? Chastise him for not using protection? Hell, no. In the heat of the moment, she hadn’t thought of it either. It had been so long since she’d had anyone to share with. Someone who made her feel desire. And desirable.

  “Are you all right?” Jimmy’s voice, husky from sleep, brought her out of her trance.

  “Yes, I’m fine. Sorry I woke you.”

  “I’m not. The view from here is quite a pleasant one. Come here.”

  “Nope. I need a toothbrush.” Melissa walked around the end of the bed to find Jimmy up and waiting to help, his arms outstretched, should she falter. The man stood in naked magnificence. Her hands ached to reach for him. She wanted to make love with him again, yet wanted to run. “I’m okay. My ribs are still a little sore, but I can manage.”

  His concern turned to a frown and his posture stiffened until he stood at full height. “Is that my cue to leave?”

  “No, yes.” She shrugged. “Hell, I don’t know. I sure hadn’t expected you to stay all night.”

  “Fine. I’ll see you later.”

  Jimmy turned on his heel and she watched as he dressed and walked away without another word. She wanted to call him back, but she couldn’t form the words. Still in shock from her morning discovery, she entered the bathroom. Time to prepare for the day ahead.

  To her surprise, the more she thought about carrying Jimmy’s baby, the more she liked the idea. Fear washed away with the soapy water and she emerged a determined woman. She’d keep her little secret for now…wait and see how things played out. His going off in a huff had saved her from having to explain her mood. He likely hadn’t even thought of the lack of a condom the previous night. She smiled and rubbed her belly extra gentle while drying off. Today just might mean the start of a brand new life—in more ways than one.

  Jimmy’s angry strides carried him across the courtyard to his own suite of rooms, his mind in turmoil. He mentally kicked himself for falling asleep in her bed. Not that he hadn’t enjoyed being with her. He did. And seeing her nude body first thing upon waking, he’d ached desperately to hold her and make love to her again. But he’d seen the confusion in her eyes, and her refusal to allow him to help left no doubt as to her feelings.

  She hadn’t wanted to face him this morning. That much was clear. What did he expect? Melissa wasn’t the type to gush all over a man, although her passionate nature had set him on fire with renewed vigor the previous night. He wanted a repeat, but other than sex, what did he have to offer? He ran a hand through his hair in frustration. He’d overstepped the boundaries of a working relationship and he had to bear the falling out sure to come.

  Showered and changed, he headed to the kitchen for his morning coffee. He’d bypass breakfast and spend the day in his office, thereby avoiding any recriminating glances cast his way. He arrived in the kitchen just as Sheila opened the door to admit the ranch foreman.

  “I need to see Melissa. Is she in the office?” Brian asked.

  “No, she hasn’t surfaced yet. Do you need me to wake her?” Sheila asked.

  The man was anxious over something.

  “What seems to be the problem, Brian?” Jimmy asked.

  “We have some horses down. I called the vet, but he’s busy. Can’t get here until tomorrow afternoon.”

  “Some horses? How many? Where?” Jimmy asked as he grabbed his Stetson off the hook by the door.

  “About twenty or so, down by the creek. We moved the rest to a different pasture in case the water got tainted somehow.”

  Jimmy nodded. “Good thinking.”

  “Tainted water?” Melissa asked as she entered the room. “In the creek?”

  “Yes, I sent Tippy to town with a sample to have it tested. They promised to fax the results to the ranch office as soon as they can.”

  “And the horses?” A worried frown wrinkled her forehead.

  Brian filled her in.

  “Is there another vet nearby?” Jimmy asked.

  “Tried all the closest ones. Same thing. Some don’t do house calls, domestic pets only, and most aren’t open this early.” Brian shrugged. “All I can do is keep calling and wait for the water test so we know what we’re dealing with.”

  “Keep me informed. Who’s with the horses?” she asked.

  “All the wranglers are out there trying to coax them to their feet. We’ve lugged fresh water to them, but the vet said no feed until they’re diagnosed.”

  Jimmy spoke up. “I worked with a vet one summer. I’ll ride out, see if I can help. Do you have any medical supplies on hand?”

  Brian nodded. “I’ll pack them up and send them with you. I’ll join you as soon as I hear back on the test results.”

  “I’m going with you,” Melissa said to Jimmy. “Those are my horses out there. I just have to make a quick phone call first.” She picked up the kitchen extension and dialed. Brian was talking again so Jimmy couldn’t hear her, but her demeanor had changed drastically with the news. She was the boss, and he had no intention of arguing with her about her health or the night they’d spent together.

  She hung up the phone with a satisfied, yet worried, look on her face. “A vet is flying in shortly. Should be here within a couple of hours.”

  “Great, if you’re ready, we’ll take my truck. You’re not supposed to be riding. Better slip your boots on and grab your hat. We could be out there a while.”

  There he goes, taking charge again as if I don’t know enough to dress myself. But she dutifully pulled on her boots and donned her Stetson.

  From the time Brian showed up at the door, Sheila had been busy at the counter.

  “Here,” she passed Jimmy a picnic hamper and a thermos, “you can’t be out there all day with nothing to eat. There are cold drinks in the hamper.”

  “Thanks. You’re a doll.” Jimmy bent to kiss her cheek, pleased to witness her complexion turn a bright shade of red.

  “Go on with ya. I have work to do. I’ll feed Aaron his breakfast and then go clean the office. When the fax comes in, I’ll get Aaron to run it out to you, Brian.”

  Brian nodded and left, followed closely by Melissa and Jimmy.

  “Need help getting in the truck?” Jimmy asked as he held the door open for her.

  “I can do it.”

  Her movements were stilted as her sore ribs evidently protested the strain, but she managed to climb into the cab, providing him with a delightful view of her derriere. He was tempted to cup those buns, but kept his hands to himself. There was a time and place for everything, and right now, they had horses to tend. Besides, she hadn’t been that friendly with him this morning.

  “I’m going to grab those medical supplies. Be right back.”

  Jimmy stored the supplies in the back, and drove out to the creek, taking his time on the rutted track so as not to jar her too much. His heart caught in his throat as they approached a dismal scene. He’d thought he was prepared, but the sheer number of downed horses was unbelievable. He counted twenty-four in obvious agony—leaning against trees, sitting on their haunches, or lying down. Their plaintive whinnies seemed to beg for help. How much worse did Melissa feel?

  “Oh, my God!” Melissa said. “My beautiful babies.”

  Jimmy helped her down from the cab and they rushed across the pasture to the nearest horse. Tremors shook his body in some kind of seizure. Jimmy ran back to the truck for the medical kit, drew out a stethoscope, and listened to the big black’s heart. It was pumping way too fast.

  “We have to get him on his feet. The valve into the stomach only opens one way, so horses cannot regurgitate. If they’ve ingested something, walking the
m around may help force it out.”

  They worked tirelessly to get the horses up and moving. The horses retched and frothed at the mouth, reared and whinnied, protesting the movement, but together with the wranglers, they were able to keep them on their feet.

  Brian rode out to join them. Melissa was pleased to see that Amy Hiltz, the vet from the train wreck, and John were with him.

  “Hi, Amy. I’m so glad you could make it,” Melissa said in greeting. “As I told you on the phone, we are in dire need of a vet.”

  “Amy, darlin’, what brings you out this way?” Jimmy greeted her, picking her up and swinging her around. “You sure are a sight for sore eyes.”

  “Hiya, handsome. I could ask you the same thing, but we can catch up later. I hear we have some sick horses to tend to.”

  “Do we ever.” Jimmy set her back on her feet.

  Melissa watched them embrace with a pain in her heart so intense, she was afraid she’d keel over. Had she only caused herself more problems by inviting the woman here?

  Brian spoke, bringing her thoughts back to the matter at hand. “The water is tainted with oleander, a plant that is extremely poisonous to animals and humans alike. The testers even sent over a picture of it to help us find the stuff. I’ve never seen it anywhere on the ranch and I’ve traveled every square inch of it at one time or another. I called the vet and told Roger about the test results and sent Tippy back to town for the medicine, a strong laxative. Roger says if we don’t drive the poison out, they’ll die, depending on how much they’ve ingested. Given the circumstances, he’s coming straight here when he finishes the job he’s on.”

  “Well, that’s a blessing, although Amy is a vet. Did he say how long before he’d be here? The extra pair of hands will certainly help as will a second opinion,” Melissa said, aiming a half-hearted smile at Amy.

  Brian shook his head. “No, but he said we also have to find the source. We’ve never had problems like this before. And like I said, I don’t even think this plant grows around here.” He showed her the picture the tester had faxed over.

  John had been standing by. “What can I do to help?”

  Melissa considered John and his angry outburst when he’d first arrived. Would he do anything to hurt their stock? No, not if he expected to inherit part of the ranch. Or hired to take the position at the track. “You’re welcome to stay and help with the horses. We have to keep them on their feet and moving. Brian, can you take some of the men and scour the banks of the creek? The oleander has to be upriver from here, I would think.”

  “Sure thing, boss.” Brian scanned the crew and called over a couple of the men closest to where they stood. “Mount your horses and ride over to the other side of the river. We’re searching for a plant that looks like this.” He showed them the picture the vet had given to Tippy.

  “I’ll come with you,” said Jimmy. “I’m familiar with that plant. Had to dig up a bunch of it at my old place.”

  “Great. Let’s go.”

  Melissa watched and worried as they headed to the river.

  “Who would do such a thing to these poor innocent horses?” Amy asked.

  Melissa spoke one word as she produced her cell phone, “Marcus.”

  Amy looked at her with one eyebrow raised in question, but Melissa didn’t take time to explain. She called the police to report the crime and then went to the truck to dig out the thermos and sandwiches. The horses were as good as they were going to be for now, so they might as well eat while they waited for the medicine and the police. Life was about to get very busy.

  The noonday sun beat down in relentless force, making their trek upriver a slow one. Jimmy constantly wiped the sweat from his brow to keep it from running into his eyes. It ran down his back in rivulets, adding to the discomfort. At least he’d remembered his Stetson in his rush to leave the house. Without it, he’d be burned to a crisp by now. It and his long-sleeved cotton shirt helped minimize the sun’s rays. As it was, the mosquitoes and black flies were having a field day, feasting on the unprepared hikers.

  “Brian, hold up. I think a piece of oleander is snagged on that bush.” He pointed to a lowlying branch near the water. Jimmy reached up and swung the branch within arm’s reach so Brian could grab it.

  “Yep, sure looks like,” he said.

  “There must be more of it. That little piece wouldn’t have done the damage we’ve seen this morning. Hang onto it and let’s keep searching.”

  Half a mile or so upstream, they found another branch jammed into the rocks along the shore.

  “We’re getting close,” said Jimmy, scanning the riverbed ahead.

  They trudged along another hundred feet or so when they heard a shout.

  “Found it! The darned stuff is planted in the river,” Jake hollered back to them.

  Brian and Jimmy hurried to the water’s edge. After yanking on his gloves, Brian hooked a wad of plant life and pulled it out. “That’s our oleander. It was pulled up, roots and all, and planted in the water where it would do the most damage, I’d say. Going by the fact that it ain’t started wilting yet, it hasn’t been here long—maybe last night or early this morning.”

  “Why do you think that?” Jimmy wandered closer with the others looking on from the opposite shore.

  “Look here. See where the bark is worn off? These roots are long. It would take a mighty tug or two to uproot it, thereby ripping the bark and breaking a couple of the smaller branches in the process. Looks like whoever did it also scored the branches and sliced off the tips so the sap would leak out. See how the ends are cut?”

  “Yes, I do see. Do you think this is all of it? What’re the chances of there being more planted further upstream?”

  Brian scratched his head and studied the area. “It’s possible, but not likely. This is the lowest point in the river and he needed the plants to stay alive. Keep searching,” he called across the river. “We’ll dig up this bunch so it can’t do any more trouble and catch up with you. Whoever did this has a humongous vet bill to pay, if nothing else.”

  “Okay. Here. You’ll need these.” Jake balled a pair of gloves together and pitched them toward Jimmy.

  He caught them before they could hit the water. “Thanks.” He pulled on the gloves while he stared at the row of oleander. “I’ve a good idea who’s responsible and I’ve a notion to settle this one myself.” Jimmy heaved a heavy sigh, his hands fisted at his sides. “But it’s up to Melissa, of course.”

  “Don’t go gettin’ yerself in trouble, boy. Let the law do its job.”

  “Yeah, I hear ya.” Jimmy waded into the water and began the task of pulling up the recently planted oleander. As he got to the other side, he saw footprints in the riverbed. “Brian, the men never dismounted. Did they?”

  “Nope, just called me over to investigate. Why?”

  “Because there are footprints over here. I’m going to mark the area with some rocks so we know where to come back to with the police.”

  “Good thinkin’, boy. Maybe I should’ve sent one of the men back for them?”

  “Nah, plenty of time, and besides, we might find more, although I hope not.”

  “Someone sure went to a lot of bother to make trouble for the boss lady. You thinkin’ it’s her ex?” Brian asked as he tied the oleander plants together with a piece of twine and secured them to a tree.

  “Yep, ninety-nine percent certain.” Jimmy saw what Brian was doing and snorted a laugh. “Do you always carry a ball of twine around with you?”

  Brian nodded. “Sturdy stuff, twine. You never know when it’ll come in handy.”

  “As you’ve just proved.”

  They started upstream and caught up to the others, who were now on their way back.

  “Didn’t find any more of that stuff, so we thought it best to head back,” said Jake.

  “Go on back and tend to the downed horses. We’ll be along shortly,” Brian instructed the riders on horseback.

  “We can double up, save you the
walk.”

  “Thanks, but your mounts are already tired. We’ll survive.”

  “My truck is parked near the sick horses. Can one of you drive back and pick us up?”

  “Sure thing,” said Jake.

  Jimmy tossed him the keys. “Okay. We’ll start walking back. Gotta pick up some plant life on the way.”

  Relieved they didn’t have to walk another two hours to get back to the ranch, especially since the river water had soaked his boots, Jimmy said, “Let’s get those plants and head over to the track.”

  They retraced their steps only to discover that Brian’s carefully tied bundle had disappeared. The evidence was gone. Jimmy glanced across the river. The pile of rocks was no more. Chances were that the footprints were gone too. Damn! I got my feet wet and ruined a good pair of two hundred dollar boots for nothing.

  The strong laxative worked fast. It was all they could do to keep the horses away from the creek. A couple of the wranglers made another run for fresh water while the rest of them moved the sick horses to another pasture. Although the horses still trembled in pain, they were on their feet and moving, albeit slowly. For that, Melissa was grateful. By the time the vet from town arrived, only a few were still retching. It was a sorry, heart wrenching sight to have to watch her babies in so much pain.

  The wranglers returned and reported to her, then took Jimmy’s truck to pick up him and Brian. Melissa would’ve offered, just for the chance to sit for a few, but her place was with the horses. Although she did watch for their return.

  “We found the oleander and some footprints, but the gall darnedest thing happened. They disappeared by the time we got back to them.” Brian appeared confused as to how that could happen.

  “It’s obvious the culprit is still around,” she said.

  “But we didn’t see another soul.” Brian shook his head.

  “You were searching for plants not people,” Melissa soothed. “Don’t worry about it. At least it’s not in the river any more.”