High Lonesome

by Coverstone, Stacey

  “Don’t touch me!”

  “Beth! It’s me, Scott. Are you experiencing a flashback?”

  As if his words jolted her from the trance, she nodded and opened her eyes. Her chest rose and fell with deep breaths. She looked around, realizing where she was. “I was, but it’s over now. The vision came and went so fast, but it seemed so real.”

  When Scott touched her arm this time, she didn’t jerk away. “Do you want to tell me about it?”

  “I heard an angry man shouting obscenities. I saw an arm raised above my head, and a fist clenched. I think he was going to hit me.” She shuddered. “Could I be remembering an actual incident? I hope not. But why else would I see visions?”

  “I wish there was something I could do to help,” he replied. Inside, anger seethed at thinking anyone would harm her. He felt the pressure of her warm hands as she squeezed his arms. Her frightened gaze raked over his face as he leaned in. Their mouths were mere inches apart. As her lips parted, a hot flame crept through his veins. It would be so easy to kiss her. No one would know.

  Then, just like what he imagined her flashbacks to be, Joanna’s face materialized before him. As if sensing his sudden guilt and discomfort, Beth turned her head sharply and eased out of his hold.

  “Look! The rain has stopped.” She pointed around him before striding to the horses, where she gave each a neck scratch.

  Every nerve in his body jumped. Even though he’d wanted to kiss her more than anything, it wasn’t right. Not until he did something about Joanna. Thank goodness for the diversion. If their lips had touched, there would have been no turning back.

  Pointing to the sky, Beth exclaimed, “There’s a rainbow! It must be a sign.”

  Obviously, she’d also realized what a simple kiss could have led to. He admired her integrity. Without a word, he sauntered behind her and slid the blanket off her shoulders. He returned to the pit and doused the fire by kicking dirt on it. Then he disappeared into the dark recesses of the cave and replaced the blanket and matches to their hidden spot. When he returned, Beth was sitting tall in the saddle on Sundance.

  “Look at you,” he said, surprised. “You mounted him by yourself. I guess that means you don’t need your knight in shining armor anymore.” The sentiment came out more poignant than he planned. Taking up his own reins, he placed his foot into the stirrup and climbed onto his mare. The leather of the saddle creaked as he threw his weight into it.

  Beth punched down her cowboy hat and pulled the stampede string tight under her chin. “White knights are only found in fairytales, Scott. But an honest, goodhearted cowboy…that’s the kind of man hard to find these days. I’m glad you didn’t kiss me just now.”

  “You are?” He arched an eyebrow.

  “Yes. It proves you’re a man with honor. Honorable men end up living their happily ever after.”

  “They do?”

  “When the time is right, they do. Yes.” She winked and then prodded Sundance’s sides with her boot heels and shouted, “Let’s ride!”

  She loped down the hill, leaving Scott’s jaw hanging open.

  Chapter Five

  Buddy Griggs called Scott around six o’clock that evening. “I’ve received dozens of phone calls about your mystery lady. Linda and I spent all day checking out every lead.”

  “And?” Scott was in his office with the door closed.

  “Nothing solid. So far, no one has been able to provide me with any concrete proof that they know this woman. Let me tell you, there are some real loonies in this world. One guy told me he’s from another planet and she’s their queen. Some nut job thinks your friend is her reincarnated cat. And someone else said they knew her back when she was a man.”

  “Oh, Lord.” Scott sighed.

  “Something like this brings the crazies out of the woodwork.”

  “Tell me you’re not going to subject her to any of these nuts.”

  “Of course not. Why do you think Linda and I are screening everyone? Until someone proves this woman’s identity beyond a shadow of a doubt, I’m not going to upset her by giving her false hope.”

  “I appreciate your hard work, Buddy. By the way, her name is Beth.”

  “Beth? She remembered? Why didn’t you mention that at the beginning of our conversation?”

  “No. She hasn’t remembered her name. Willow didn’t think we should keep calling her the lady so she gave her the moniker.”

  “Mmmm. Sorta like picking out shoes. If this one doesn’t fit her, you can always try another one on for size.”

  “We’re just trying to make this situation as easy on her as possible.”

  “You’re a good man for taking care of her,” Buddy replied. “Has she had any more nightmares?”

  “As a matter of fact, we were up at the cave today, and she had a flashback of a man about to hit her.”

  “Sounds like she might be recalling a case of domestic abuse. Could she give you a description of him?”

  “No. I didn’t ask. From what she’s told me, she hasn’t seen details of the man in the flashbacks. They come and go quickly within a matter of seconds. But I’d bet my ranch he’s the one who hurt her. Sonofabitch.”

  “You seem to be taking this personally,” Buddy noted. “What were you doing at the cave?”

  “We rode the horses into the mountains. I thought it would do her good to get out and get some fresh air. It was amazing the way she rode Sundance. She wasn’t afraid at all. Makes me believe she’s been around horses before. Or else she’s just a quick learner.”

  “Were you up there when the storm hit?”

  “Yep. The sky cracked open just before we reached the cave. We were soaked, but I built a little fire and we warmed up fast.”

  “Uh-huh. Sounds like you had a nice time together. Do you think that was smart?”

  “Do I think what was smart?”

  “To get close to her. I’ve got eyes, friend. The girl’s a real looker. You’re only human. I understand that, but Joanna is not going to like it if she finds out you two were out riding and spent some time alone. In a storm, in a cave, alone,” Buddy emphasized. “She’s the jealous type, in case you haven’t noticed.”

  “I’ve got nothing to hide,” Scott defended. “I didn’t take Beth up there to be alone. I just thought she needed to have a little fun and do something to take her mind off her troubles. She’s under a lot of stress. It’s called being thoughtful.”

  “Yeah, well, call it whatever you want. I don’t begrudge you trying.”

  Scott’s voice took on an edge. “I wasn’t trying anything.”

  “You’d better watch your P’s and Q’s, that’s all I’m saying. Besides the wrath of Jo, you should also keep in mind that your pretty little houseguest might be married, or engaged, or have a boyfriend. A beautiful lady like her has got to have one or the other. It’s dangerous to play with fire. Scotty.”

  Scott kicked the leg of his desk with the toe of his boot, wishing it were Buddy’s shin. He wasn’t sure why he felt annoyed, since Buddy was just calling it like he saw it. “I’m not playing with fire,” he grumbled. “She doesn’t wear a wedding ring.”

  Buddy chuckled. “You noticed.”

  “Joanna noticed first.”

  The sheriff wheezed out a hearty laugh. “You’re my best friend, Scotty. I’m not gonna tell Jo about your secret rendezvous. She doesn’t believe a word out of my mouth anyway.”

  “There’s nothing to tell,” Scott repeated. “I’m not keeping a secret. And there was no rendezvous.” His patience had run thin. “Thanks for calling. I’ll talk to you later.” With that, he banged the receiver down.

  He took a couple of deep breaths before stepping out of the office. Hearing voices in the great room, he wandered in and found Beth and Willow sitting on the floor in front of the coffee table with a puzzle spread out on top. Joanna, dressed in a blouse and slacks, was perched in the leather chair next to the sofa with her long legs crossed.

  He scratched his h
ead. What a coincidence. Had she told him she was coming over tonight? Had he forgotten another date?

  “Daddy!” Willow popped up like a piece of bread in a toaster and jumped into his arms.

  “Hi, sweetie. Hello, Joanna. Beth.” He nodded at each of the women. His blood pressure rose at seeing them together that way and recalling how he’d almost kissed Beth earlier.

  “Hello, Mr. Landry,” Jo said, still pretending their relationship was purely professional. She stood and smoothed down her slacks with her hands.

  “Looks like you and Beth are working on a big puzzle,” Scott noted as he ruffled Willow’s hair.

  “Yeah, we are. She’s so much fun, Daddy. We were playing Old Maid before we got the puzzle out.”

  “That’s nice of her to play with you while I was doing some work in the office.” He glanced at Beth and gave her a warm smile. She returned one just as genuine. He swung Willow around in a circle then plunked her down in front of the coffee table, where she scurried back to Beth’s side. She sat cross-legged and stuck her nose back into the puzzle.

  “What brings you over tonight, doc?” he asked Joanna, sauntering next to her. When she gave him an icy stare, he whispered, “Do we have a date tonight that I’ve forgotten?”

  “No. We do not.” The answer bit. She glanced back and forth between him and Beth, who averted her gaze.

  In a snap, Joanna’s voice dripped with honey. “I came over to give my patient the results of her CT scan, but she wanted to wait for you so you could hear the news together.”

  “Oh.” He apologized. “I’m sorry to have kept you both waiting. You should have sent Carmen in to get me.”

  “It’s okay,” Joanna answered. “Beth and I have been chatting. I understand you’re calling her that now.”

  “I made up her name, Joanna!” Willow shouted with enthusiasm. “Isn’t it pretty? Just like her.” She slid a smile at Beth.

  “That’s very sweet, dear, but it’s not her real name, you know,” Joanna said.

  Willow frowned. “I know. We’re just pretending.”

  Scott motioned for Joanna to have a seat. “Tell us about the CT scan. We’re both anxious to hear the results.”

  Beth shifted from the floor to the sofa and gave her full attention to Joanna.

  “The scan was normal, but I have to warn you, not everything that occurs in a head injury shows up on a scan. It’s possible to have a normal scan and still have a brain injury.”

  “What does that mean with regard to the amnesia?” Scott asked.

  Jo addressed his question directly to Beth. “You have what’s called traumatic amnesia. It’s the loss of memory due to a head injury in which there was external force upon the brain. As I mentioned before, you could have fallen and hit your head, or you could have come in contact with a blunt instrument. This type of amnesia is often transient, but it could also be permanent.”

  Scott glanced over and saw Beth’s face turn sallow.

  “It’s impossible to know whether the loss of memory will be temporary or long lasting,” Joanna continued. “It’s going to be a waiting game, I’m afraid. Actual memories could be triggered by external events, or you might experience dreams that have nothing to do with your life at all. It may be difficult to differentiate between what’s real and what are dreams. I know that’s of little consolation, but medical science is not so advanced yet that we understand everything there is to know about the complex brain. I can tell you that it’s possible you could regain all your memories at once, or some could return little by little. There’s honestly no way of knowing.”

  “Your information doesn’t sound very hopeful,” Scott said, frowning.

  “Well, the good news is her scan shows no brain damage, per se.”

  “That’s a relief,” Beth acknowledged.

  “I’m sorry I can’t tell you more. Is that knot still tender?”

  “Yes, but it looks worse than it feels now.” Beth raised her bangs to show them both the unsightly discolored lump.

  “And the arm?”

  “The bruise is fading. It’s not hurting anymore.”

  “Do you have any questions?” Joanna asked.

  “I guess not.”

  “If you need anything more from me, don’t hesitate to call. Good luck.” Joanna stood and shook Beth’s hand.

  “Thank you, Doctor Coleman.”

  Willow, who had been listening to the conversation as she worked on the puzzle, jumped up, skipped over to Joanna, and tugged on her sleeve. Her blue eyes twinkled. “Will you read me a bedtime story?”

  Joanna reacted with a startled expression. Scott was also flabbergasted, since Willow rarely seemed interested in talking to Jo when she came around. He narrowed his eyes at his daughter.

  Willow pulled on the doctor’s hand. “Come read me a story. Please,” she whined.

  Joanna gently slipped out of the child’s grasp. “Oh, Willow. I’ve had a very long day. Could I do it another time, honey?”

  “No,” she pouted. “I’m tired, and I want to hear the troll story right now. It’s my favorite.” She took a defiant stance and stuck out her bottom lip.

  “Willow, you’re being rude,” Scott chastised.

  “Honey, I came over to visit with your father for a little while. You go on to bed and he’ll come tuck you in later.” Joanna patted the child on the bottom and gave her a tiny shove. “Night, night, now.”

  Willow crinkled her nose and stood in the middle of the room with her arms folded across her chest.

  Joanna didn’t budge either. The two stubborn females glared at one another.

  Beth stood and took Willow’s hand. “Sweetie, if you put this puzzle and the cards away, I’ll read the troll story to you. Is that a deal?”

  Willow’s eyes brightened at Beth’s offer. “Deal!” She scooped the puzzle pieces into their cardboard box and returned it and the Old Maid cards to the game cabinet. “They’re put away now. I’m ready to go read the troll book. Let’s go, Beth.” She grasped her hand. “Good night, Daddy.”

  He bent to give her a kiss on the cheek and whispered in her ear, “I’ll be there soon to tuck you in, baby.”

  “Take your time, Daddy. Beth is going to read to me! She’s the nicest lady on Earth.”

  Scott’s brows knitted in a warning. “All right. Tell Doctor Coleman good night.”

  Although it was less than enthusiastic, she obeyed. “Good night, Doctor Coleman.”

  “Good night, Willow.”

  As Willow and Beth walked by Scott, he mouthed, “Thank you.”

  After they’d left the room, Joanna cleared her throat. “What was that all about, Scott?”

  “Pardon me?”

  “Was that woman trying to show me up?”

  “Show you up? What are you talking about? She offered to read my daughter a story after you refused to.” Without intending to, his voice cut.

  Joanna narrowed her eyes. “It’s obvious she’s infiltrated herself into your daughter’s life. I warned you something like this might happen.”

  Scott shook his head. “Infiltrate is not the term I’d use. She likes Willow. She enjoys spending time with her. And I think she wants to pay me back in some way for my hospitality.”

  “I like Willow,” Joanna said without passion. “I just don’t know much about children.”

  “It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out how to please a kid. No pun intended.”

  “So now you’re taking her side?”

  Scott rolled his eyes. “Not again. Can we please move on to something else?”

  Joanna pouted for a minute. “Sure. Now that they’re gone, come on over here and give me a little sugar.” She glided onto the leather sofa and reached for his hand. He hesitantly sat next to her.

  “Kiss me,” Joanna purred, puckering up. She planted a hard kiss on his lips, but when the return peck was less than fervent, she frowned. “I touched warmer cadavers in medical school.”

  “Sorry, Jo. I’m thin
king about Beth’s prognosis.”

  She crossed her arms. “I don’t believe this, Scott. I wish you’d spend less time thinking about her and more time thinking about us.”

  “I’m sorry.” He smiled. “I’m glad you came by.”

  “You are? Really?” She brightened.

  “Sure. I’ve been thinking about you.” The statement wasn’t altogether a lie.

  “Good. I’ve started to wonder since she arrived. What’s going to happen to her now?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, there’s nothing obvious on the CT scan. Like I told her, she’s just going to have to wait it out and see if her memory returns.”

  “I guess that’s what she’ll do then. Buddy called a while ago. He’s gotten a ton of leads from people claiming to know her, but none are panning out so far.”

  “Is she going to keep staying here?” Joanna rubbed her hand up and down his thigh.

  “Yeah, but you might be happy to know she’s now staying in the guest room.”

  “I am. You know, I was thinking you could set her up in one of the cabins. That way she could have even more privacy. Your house can get busy with guests coming and going.”

  Scott saw through her true intentions, but he didn’t feel like arguing. “All the cabins are booked starting next week.”

  “Oh.” Joanna didn’t bother to hide her disappointment. She removed her hand from his leg. Unable to bite her tongue as usual, she said, “Do you mind if I ask how long you’re planning on letting her sponge off you? I know you bought her a closet full of clothes. I saw Sherry Martin.”

  Scott wriggled off the sofa and shoved his hands in his pockets. “Joanna, I’m starting to grow tired of this game you’re playing. It wasn’t a closet full of clothes, and even if it was, it’s none of your business how I spend my money, and it’s certainly none of Sherry Martin’s damn business. This discussion is over.” He sauntered to the ceiling-to-floor rock fireplace and hiked his boot against it. He hadn’t intended on speaking harshly to her, but the same conversation was beginning to wear thin. And since Beth came into his life, he had little patience for Jo.

  She didn’t speak for a moment. Puckering her lips, he could tell she considered her next move. When she strolled over and tucked her arms around his waist seeking reconciliation, Scott refused to budge.