Malone shook her head and smiled. They’d had this conversation more than once.
“Damn, woman, you’re a hard one. Can I take you to dinner tonight, to celebrate both of us making the finals again this year?”
With a rueful smile of friendship, Malone turned him down, as she had in the past, but his quick grin and the shake of his head said he’d be asking again.
As he walked away, she found Joss looking from him to her. “He’s a nice-looking guy for an older man. Why won’t you go out with him?”
“His wife died three years ago. He’s lonely and looking for a replacement. I’m not it.”
Joss snorted. “From the way he was looking at you, he doesn’t see you as a ‘replacement’ for anyone. He sees you for you.”
“Maybe. But I’m not interested in a relationship. They don’t work for me.”
Joss turned to lead the horse back to the gate and barn. “One didn’t work for you,” she tossed over her shoulder. “Doesn’t mean all of them won’t.”
Malone didn’t bother to correct her. Besides, she couldn’t really call her past with Cade a relationship. They’d been best friends, she’d thought once, and moving toward something more, she’d hoped once. Anyway, what she’d gone through with Tyge, before and since their breakup, was more than enough to keep her unattached. She was amazingly happy with her life and darn well planned to keep it that way.
And though she didn’t say it, Malone also felt a bit pleased that whatever bad things had happened to Joss hadn’t turned her against men and relationships, at least if they didn’t involve her. Joss continued to keep her distance from Luke but Malone couldn’t blame her for that. Her bruises had faded and were all but gone, but the memories would likely last a lifetime. Malone knew she wasn’t trained or equipped to give the girl the expert help and advice Joss needed, but she was wise enough to know that, for now, the girl was in a good place here with her, simply feeling safe and welcome. And, again for now, that would have to be enough.
* * *
Cade worked in his office as long as he could stand it. Tonight was the first go-round for the competitors. Excitement was running high and tension was running higher and the noise level in the business office had ramped up right along with it.
Grabbing his hat, he stepped into the open area behind the counter, saw a line of contestants, each of which would have a different question, a different need that should have been asked, identified, and resolved much earlier than this morning. People were people and some would always leave things to the last minute. Even important things. Cade sighed and looked around for his right-hand administrator.
Aleta grinned and rolled her eyes when she caught sight of him. “Escaping?”
“Maybe for a little while. Everything under control?”
“Yes, believe it or not.”
Letting some of his tension ease away, Cade headed through the glass door on the customer side of the counter. Aleta would have let him know if she needed him to stay or intervene with anyone or anything. He greeted several contestants by name on his way out but didn’t slow for a chat with anyone. Even Townsend seemed to be in a hurry to escape the building as he matched Cade step for step.
The wind was an unexpected slap in the face. It had risen since the pre-dawn hours when he’d stepped into his office. But the breaking sunshine was a welcome sight. He knew he’d be dragging by the end of the day but sometime around three o’clock that morning his mind and his worries had awakened him. He’d taken a risk in moving the location of the first of the title rounds and done everything he knew to do to ensure this event was a success. Failure wasn’t an option but success wasn’t a given. That fact left him somewhere between ‘this had been a sound decision’ and ‘what the hell had he been thinking’.
Cade didn’t have a destination in mind but acknowledged he was hoping to run across Malone and wish her well for her run tonight. She was a skillful rider with talented horses. He wasn’t sure which of them she would be astride for this first of six go-rounds but he knew she would have each of those six runs plotted and planned. The ground would be as perfect as the arena crew could make it but barrel racing in and of itself held danger. A horse could slip or stumble or spook. Fans who were also competitors would know and hold their breath start to finish. Fans who weren’t would see the splash and sparkle of tack and wardrobe and think it all a wonderful show. Which it undoubtedly was. Cade hoped the spills and thrills stayed with the rough stock riders. They expected, trained, and prepared themselves for it even as they hoped to avoid it with their skill and their luck.
The thought of seeing Malone, even if only briefly, had Cade whistling lightly as he strolled around the corner of the bronc holding pen.
* * *
Oh, posh and bother, what is it with these male humans? Can’t this dullard see that Joss isn’t interested in his attentions? I hope I don’t find it necessary to intervene but if she gets any more uncomfortable, I’ll be forced to toss my hat into the ring, as it were.
“Come on, honey, pull that old thing off your head and let’s see that pretty hair. I’m betting with all that green in those eyes of yours, you’re a true blonde, right? Or maybe a red head. I’m partial to red heads.”
Does the pillock think that grin and wink are disarming the object of his attentions? She’s growing more and more tense, backing away from him but she’s backing herself into a corner and hasn’t realized that, quite literally, her back will soon be against a wall. And, as he takes another step toward her, she takes another step back.
Blimey. I do believe it will be necessary for me to intervene.
“Back off, jackass!”
I turn as does Joss’ tormentor to see an admirer of a different ilk leaping over the fence railing to get to her. I recognize Luke whose attentions have been nothing but polite and admiring toward our girl these past few days.
“Get lost, Roberts. Busy here, in case you didn’t notice.”
And isn’t this just lovely with the two chaps facing off for a kerfuffle and Joss looking like she wants to lose her lunch.
“Walker.” The tone of Luke’s voice gives fair warning. “I mean it. Leave her alone.”
“I don’t see no ring on her finger or through her nose.”
“You also don’t seem to see that she wants to be left alone.”
The pillock shrugs and turns his back on Luke, implying he perceives him to be no threat. He smirks at Joss. “That right, sweetheart? You really don’t want to let me see what color your hair is under that ugly hat?” He dares another step closer.
Well, that’s all it’s going to take it seems. Luke’s hand reaches out and spins the young tosser about. Luke doesn’t land the first punch as the tosser comes around swinging and connects right solidly with a cheekbone. However, Luke does land the second and, if that crunch isn’t a broken nose, I’ll be much surprised.
I look across at Joss. Her face is ashen and devoid of any expression. This is all quite, quite enough. It’s time I take matters in hand. With my customary strength and agility – which I will admit sometimes surprises even me - I leap into the fray, finding purchase on the thick shoulders. His build resembles that of a young, strong bull as does his current state of rage. I sink my claws deep in warning. He grabs for me but I fear not for myself so much as for Luke who almost certainly doesn’t have the killer instinct I sense in my target.
“What in the hell is going on here?”
Thank goodness. I recognize that booming voice. Mr. Silver Eyes has arrived on the scene and Townsend with him growling with a menace quite unlike his normal peacefulness. I believe there may be more to the canine than I first suspected. And, if the fury in his voice is any indication, Mr. Silver Eyes will soon have this matter in hand. Thank goodness the two have sense enough to respond to the tone of authority and drop their hands to their sides before another punch is thrown.
While the matter of fisticuffs is dealt with, I must attend a very shaken Joss.
&n
bsp; * * *
Cade looked from one battered face to the other. He recognized both of them. “Either of you care to answer my question?”
“He was upsetting Joss,” Luke finally answered.
“Bullshit!” Walker glared and rubbed at his shoulder where Trouble’s claws had been buried. Blood trickled from his busted nose. “I was just flirting, just having a little fun with a good-looking girl.”
Townsend growled again and Cade spoke quietly to him. Townsend reluctantly sat at Cade’s heels, ready to enter the fray if allowed.
“Fun at her expense, you jerk. Didn’t you even care about the look on her face! She didn’t want you to pull her cap off.”
At Luke’s words, Cade glanced at Joss and anger churned. Cade pulled out his cell phone and started making phone calls, his hard glare daring either combatant to take a step in any direction. The first call was to Malone and all he said was “Joss needs you,” telling her where to find them. The second call was to Luke’s dad. He hesitated on the third call, looking at Walker. “You’re one of Asa’s hands, aren’t you? Roland Walker?” He got a sullen nod in response and placed the third call.
When Frank and Asa arrived within moments of each other, he told all of them not to go far because he had things to say and decisions to make. Then he focused on Malone who came into sight at a sprint, taking in the scene and putting Joss behind her protectively and turning her glare from one battered face to the other just as Cade had done. But her gaze held as much disappointment as anger when it settled on Luke who looked down at his boots.
Cade walked over to Malone and spoke softly. “I’m sorry this happened. I’ll deal with it and check on Joss as quick as I can.”
Malone hesitated, very much looking as if she’d like to throw some punches herself. Cade had no doubt she’d make them count. Fortunately for all, like Cade, she knew that wasn’t what Joss needed from her.
Cade was surprised when Trouble, after glancing from him to Malone, chose to stay behind as Malone put her arm around Joss’ shoulder and steered her away. Maybe the cat wasn’t done with the two combatants either.
After a brusque, “Come with me,” Cade led the way back to the show office, leaving Asa and Walker in the waiting area while he spoke privately with Luke and his dad in his office.
Trouble perched upon a window ledge behind the desk, while his Aussie took point midway between the desk and the door, sitting at attention as if ready for anything untoward. Cade didn’t expect any problems but then he hadn’t expected to come upon Joss looking ill while two young men swung fists at one another either.
Looking across his desk at the father and son seated in the most uncomfortable chairs he’d ever seen, Cade knew he had a hard decision to make and he wasn’t entirely sure what he was going to do. He frowned at Luke. “You know the rules about fighting on the grounds, about physical violence of any kind.”
“Yes, sir.”
Frank scowled and opened his mouth as if to protest or defend his son, then closed it again. He knew Luke faced expulsion which would put an end to both of their hopes and dreams for these circuit finals as well as the association finals later. Not just for this year but indefinitely into the future.
Cade was glad Frank held his peace and let the boy make his own path through an unpleasant and potentially devastating set of circumstances. The simple, quiet response impressed Cade. Luke wasn’t going to make any excuses for himself. Nor was he going to apologize for coming to Joss’ aid.
Trouble appeared equally impressed. He leapt from the window sill where he had positioned himself upon entering and walked to sit down beside Luke. He met Cade’s glance and Cade almost felt reprimanded. At the least, he felt challenged. He repressed the smile that wanted to emerge. The cat’s antics and perceived judgement on events might be entertaining but the situation they were in was anything but a smiling matter.
“I gathered from your comments earlier that your intent was to protect Joss from Walker’s unwanted attentions. You happened on a situation you didn’t create and you reacted to it.”
Luke hunched his shoulders and said again, “Yes, sir,” adding, “I didn’t throw the first punch but only because he beat me to it.” He looked up and met Cade’s gaze evenly. “I would have. I wanted to hit him.”
Frank hung his head at his son’s admission.
“Fair enough.” Cade leaned back in his seat. “Ever been in trouble before, Luke? School? Anywhere?”
“No, sir.”
Again, Frank looked like he wanted to speak and Cade decided to give him that chance. “You got anything you want to say.”
Frank sighed. “I taught my boy to take up for himself and for others. I won’t fault him for what he did and I won’t blame you for what you need to do. But I will say this to you and anyone else, Luke’s a good kid, no trouble – just like he told you. God’s truth on that. He’s a straight A student and works harder every day after school and all summer than half the men on my payroll.” He looked at his son. “And I want him to know that I’m proud of him, right here, right now, for coming to that girl’s aid. Damned proud.”
“I am, too.” Cade said it so softly that it took a moment with both of them for the words to sink in.
Luke’s head jerked up. “I can compete?”
“You can compete. Rules are rules for a reason, though, so you’ll pay a fine. One hundred dollars of your money, not your dad’s.”
“Thank you, Mr. Delaney.” Though Luke didn’t smile, relief shone in his eyes and his shoulders no longer looked as if they bore the weight of the world.
Cade stood and walked with them to the door, shaking Frank’s hand before he opened it. As they walked out, he gestured for Asa and Walker to come in. He didn’t miss the dark look that Walker aimed at Luke.
Cade rubbed the back of his neck as the two took the same seats across from his desk. Asa looked disgusted but Walker’s expression was plain pissed-off.
Walker was likely only a few years older than Luke, but he was hardened by work and experience. Cade planned to be fair to both but took a different approach with Walker than with Luke. “Tell me what happened, Roland.”
“That punk roper threatened me.”
Cade kept his expression neutral. “Why would he do that?”
“Reckon he’s got the hots for that girl works for Ms. Malone. Didn’t like me flirting with her.”
“Was she enjoying your flirtation?”
“Huh,” Walker seemed to sense a trap and stalled for time. “What do you mean?”
“Just what I asked. Was she enjoying your attention, smiling at you, flirting back?”
“What did that little jackass tell you when he and his dad were in here?”
Walker’s tone had turned belligerent. Trouble hissed. Townsend made a throaty sound that was not quite, but almost, a growl.
“Shut up, Roland, and answer the question.” Asa looked disgusted.
Walker hunched his shoulder. “Maybe she would have if Roberts had stayed out of it.”
“And maybe she wouldn’t have. What then?”
“Aw, hell.” Walker leaned back in his chair, crossed his arms over his chest. His glare made it plain that he didn’t plan to answer any more of Cade’s questions.
Cade looked at Asa. “You’re an old friend. A good one. I won’t tell you who to hire and who to fire. That’s your call. But I will tell you to send this one back to the ranch if you plan to keep him on. I don’t need him here.”
Walker stood up before either of the older men had a chance. “You’re going to be sorry about this. I didn’t do anything wrong. And that punk Luke’s going to be sorry to.”
“Shut up, damn it.” Asa’s tone brooked no argument as he stood and slapped his hat on his head. He shook Cade’s hand and thanked him. He placed a hard hand on Walker’s shoulder, propelling him through the door that Cade held open for their exit.
Cade had that feeling of being watched and turned to find Trouble taking his measure. When
the cat stood and stretched, Cade suspected he’d passed some kind of test.
Chapter Nine
Malone fit her western hat a bit more snugly on her head and took a deep breath. She fought the urge to dismount and check her girth or the wrap on the front boots. She’d checked both only moments ago. So much was riding on this moment, so much preparation and hard work for this talented gelding’s owner, for Malone herself. They were as ready as they would ever be. Malone heard her name on the loudspeaker as being next to run. Another deep breath and it was time to move into the alley. No time, no need to check anything. Time to go.
The gelding held tight in the turns, flicked his ears and listened to every quietly spoken request, heeded every light touch on the reins, every easy nudge of a booted heel. Malone marveled that, even with the stakes this high, she was relaxed, thinking and acting rather than reacting. It was a good run. She knew it before they reached and rounded the third barrel. Their time was going to be good, something to be proud of, and, if she was blessed, something that would result in another paycheck.
As she passed the timers and slowed her horse, she sensed rather than saw the cowboy step from the side of the alleyway just beyond the gate and, for a moment, her heart lifted and she felt like that teenaged girl again. But it wasn’t Cade who reached up to put a steadying hand on the gelding’s reins.
“Great run, Malone.”
She sighed, irritated at her own disappointment, and swung down from the saddle. “I thought you were in hiding.”
Tyge gave her a familiar lopsided grin that did nothing to hide the look of strain in his eyes. “Too much unfinished business.”
For a long moment, Malone said nothing as she studied his face, the lines that hadn’t been as deep the last time she’d seen him. She’d cared a lot for him once upon a time. A part of her would probably always care – at least a little. But that was a road she wouldn’t travel again. “Just keep me out of it, will you?”
The Trouble with Horses Page 27