“Can I get you a cold drink?” He was already heading for the kitchen.
“No, thanks. I’m good for now.”
As he removed a bottled water from the refrigerator, he noticed Cara staring oddly at the couch.
Of course. How could he have forgotten? According to Josh, several years ago Cara had lived in this same apartment with her then young son. After the boy died in an unexpected and tragic fall, she’d moved out. Even though the accident hadn’t occurred on the ranch, the memories of her time here with her son had been too painful to endure.
Being in the apartment must be like walking through a portal into her past. Quinn could relate. One of the things he’d done after his release was take a trip to the bar where his personal nightmare had begun. He’d thought the trip might set his demons free.
He’d been wrong. Returning to his hometown and grandparents’ place had worked much better. Coming to Dos Estrellas and meeting Summer had banished his demons completely.
All right, not completely. But some days.
Quinn studied Cara, torn between acknowledging her apparent discomfort and ignoring it. Finally he said, “Would you rather go somewhere else?”
“No. This is fine.”
She drew herself up, much like she had earlier when she’d come at Quinn and Summer with purpose, and made straight for the small table and chairs in the dining area. “Let’s sit here.”
It was almost a question, and Quinn wondered if she, too, was nervous. Cara possessed a tender heart and doubtlessly didn’t like delivering unpleasant news of any sort.
She sat and waited for him.
Dropping down into the chair across from her, he said, “I don’t want to rush you, but I’m worried about Corrine and Jenny. I sent them to the main house for snacks. Corrine was hungry. Problem is, Jenny’s not comfortable and feels like they’re imposing.”
He was also worried about Summer, though he didn’t mention her. He had hated leaving her alone with Hal. If Cara weren’t his boss when it came to the therapy program and mustang sanctuary, he would blow her off.
“I appreciate your concern,” Cara said. “I’ll try to be as brief as possible.”
He attempted a grin, hoping to put them both at ease. His mouth refused to cooperate. “Sounds serious.”
“I’m afraid it is.”
“Just tell me,” he insisted when she hesitated.
“For the record, I’m speaking to you as the head of the therapy program and your employer, not as your cousin’s wife.”
“Okay.”
“I’ve, um, received some...complaints about you.”
“Yeah, I figured as much.”
She drew back in surprise. “You did?”
“Sorry about taking Stargazer out earlier. I know Teddy’s supposed to have a program staff member with him at all times. It’s wrong and against the rules, and I won’t do it again.”
Cara cut him off. “That’s not the complaint. Or, only a very small part of it.”
“What then?”
“Quinn, I’m really, really sorry to have to say this. If I had a choice—if I’d known in advance what was going on—I’d have been able to put a stop to things before they spiraled out of control.”
For the second time today, someone was beating around the bush, and Quinn didn’t like it. “Just cut to the chase.”
She sighed. “Some of the parents have approached me and expressed their concerns about your involvement with the therapy program and the students.”
Idiot. He should have seen this coming, realized it was his past and not Summer or Teddy. That was what he got for having his head in the clouds these past weeks.
“My prison record,” he said. “They don’t want an ex-con near their kids.”
“I’m sorry to admit that’s true.”
“Except for Teddy, I have almost no contact with the students. Just the horses.” He remembered Lizzie, the girl with Down syndrome. “Other than saying hi now and again.”
“You have more contact than you realize. But, I agree it’s innocuous for the most part.”
For the most part? Quinn frowned and struggled to keep his temper in check. “It was bound to happen. I warned you in the beginning not to hire me.”
She leaned forward and rested her elbows on the table. “I’m also sorry to say that’s not the only complaint, and the other ones are considerably more serious.”
“Other ones?”
“There have been two incidents reported involving the children.”
“Incidents?” He spoke slowly. “You have to be joking.”
“Your actions have come into question.”
He shook his head. “I haven’t done anything more than talk to the kids. And half the time, it’s from the other side of a fence.”
“Apparently not.”
“You’re wrong.”
“I hope I am.” She spoke with sincerity. “I need you to tell me your version of events.”
For a moment, Quinn was thrown back in time to the police station and the tiny interrogation room where he’d been sequestered for hours and hours. The detectives who questioned him hadn’t been anywhere near as nice as Cara. They’d repeatedly badgered him, trying to coerce a confession from him.
“What events?” Quinn asked, his jaw barely moving and sweat forming on his brow. He resisted wiping it away, believing he’d look guilty if he did.
“Let’s start with the boy you roughed up,” Cara said.
He stood so fast his legs hit the table, causing it to wobble precariously. She grabbed the edge with both hands and steadied it.
“I have never touched any kid in the program other than Teddy,” he bit out. “And that was only with affection.”
“Please calm down, Quinn. Getting upset won’t help.”
Gritting his teeth, he sat, reminding himself to stay in control and not fly off the handle. This was too important.
“Whoever said that is lying.”
“It’s one of the students’ parents. The student’s older brother told them you grabbed him and, according to the parents, manhandled him and tried to take his money.”
No, no, no! “That’s absurd and not what happened.”
“Which is why we’re having this discussion.”
“The kid was beating up Nathan. Had him pinned down on the ground and was clobbering him. Did he by chance mention that to his parents?”
“If he did, they didn’t tell me.”
“Of course not.” Quinn snorted with derision.
“Anything else?”
“I did pull the kid off Nathan,” he admitted. “That’s true. And held on to his shoulder until I could get the whole story.”
“Did anyone else see what happened?” Cara asked.
“Summer was there. And Teddy.”
“Anyone else?”
“What’s wrong? Summer’s not a reliable enough witness because we’re friends?” At Cara’s curious look, Quinn wondered if she knew the full extent of their relationship. Summer and Cara were close, so it was likely Summer might have told her. “Fine, don’t answer,” he said before Cara could speak. “Josh will also verify my story. Except, he’s my cousin and might be considered biased. Or there’s Nathan, if you’re willing to take the word of a three-year-old.”
“Please, Quinn, don’t get angry with me. This isn’t personal. I’m head of the therapy program and have a responsibility to thoroughly investigate all complaints. Even the ones that appear far-fetched.”
“Are far-fetched.” Quinn drew in a long breath, willing his escalating blood pressure to lower. “You know Nathan was hurt. Josh told me you even took care of Nathan that night.”
“I did wash him up and put ice on his injuries. But I didn’t see wh
at happened. I knew only what Josh told me.”
“Why didn’t you ask me about the fight the next day?”
“You’re absolutely right. I should have. The way Josh told the story, I didn’t think it was a big deal. That part is my fault, for sure.”
“Will you tell that to the parents?”
“Yes, but they aren’t exactly receptive at the moment. Probably because that’s not the only complaint. Another parent claims she witnessed you harming a different boy.”
“That’s ridiculous. Don’t tell me they’re talking about Teddy.”
“Not Teddy. According to the parent, you dragged this boy across the backyard by his leg and refused to release him even when he screamed out in pain.”
Quinn ripped off his cowboy hat and threw it across the room to the couch. It missed and hit the floor.
Was he fated for the rest of his life to have people accuse him of terrible deeds he didn’t commit?
“That was Nathan.”
“Nathan?” Cara’s brows rose. “Again?”
“He got a nail stuck in his foot and pitched a fit. It was the day before the wedding. We were helping decorate the backyard. You can ask Summer and Josh about that, too, if you don’t believe me. Also Gabe. He was there.”
“You weren’t dragging Nathan?”
“Hell, no. I did have a hold of his foot. I was trying to get his sneaker off. Didn’t Josh tell you?”
“I don’t remember. I had a lot on my mind. We were busy.” She nodded. “I’ll ask him now, though. And Summer and Gabe. Please don’t say anything to them until I’ve had a chance.”
“They’ll corroborate everything I told you.”
“That’s good.”
“Is there more?” He resented his flippant tone the moment the words were out.
“You have to understand, Quinn. These are grave allegations. I can’t dismiss them.”
“I’m sick and tired of defending myself when I didn’t do anything.”
She looked chagrined. “The parents have also given me a petition. They’re demanding I terminate your employment.”
“They all signed it?”
“About half.”
Did Summer know about the petition? If so, why hadn’t she told him?
“What do you want me to do?” he asked. “Quit?”
“Nothing yet. Give me some time to sort through this.” She paused. “Maybe it would be best if you didn’t work with the therapy program horses and avoided taking Teddy out with Stargazer. For a while, anyway.”
Her comment hit him with the force of a battering ram. She was treating him as if he were guilty, just like the parents and the police had.
“You’re the one who asked me to work with the horses, Cara. You said you trusted me.”
“I do trust you.”
“Fine.”
His cell phone rang, and he glanced at the display. Jenny’s number appeared. “Excuse me.”
“Go ahead.” She stood. “I think we’re done for now.”
Quinn answered the call. “Hi.”
“We’re downstairs,” Jenny said. “Where are you?”
“On my way.” He went over to where his hat had fallen and retrieved it. “Hang tight.”
Quinn and Cara left the apartment as they’d entered, with Cara going first. At the bottom of the stairs, Quinn searched for Jenny and Corrine, concerned when he didn’t immediately see them.
The group of parents was still gathered at the end of the aisle. If anything, their numbers had increased and now included the program staff members, Josh, and a couple of the ranch hands. Hal, his wife, Summer and Teddy stood off to the side. Hal was talking to Summer and gesturing wildly, whereas her arms were crossed tightly over her middle.
The next moment, Quinn’s worst nightmare came true. Jenny emerged from the group of parents, Corrine cradled in her arms. She spotted Quinn and sent him a look filled with question, then accusation.
Dammit to hell.
Quinn charged the group, Cara behind him.
“Quinn, wait,” she called.
“I’m through waiting. I didn’t do anything wrong.”
“Yet.”
He slowed his steps, the gravity of the situation sinking in. More than the success of the therapy program and its reputation were at stake. If Quinn was fired, which was looking more and more likely, he’d lose what little income he had and could kiss his request for shared custody goodbye.
Oh, God. What if Jenny believed the parents and their ridiculous accusations? She’d cancel the trip to Bishop and refuse to let him see Corrine again.
The parents could also pull their kids from the program. Without the income the program provided, the ranch would go under again. Josh and Cole might blame Quinn. Ask him to leave the ranch and possibly leave Mustang Valley. That would spell the end of Quinn and Summer’s fledgling romance.
Wait. Stop. He was thinking like a guilty man, which he wasn’t. He’d told Summer he’d fight for them. Time to prove it.
Lifting his chin and meeting people’s stares, he approached the group. He wanted to talk to Summer, but it was Jenny he sought out first.
“What’s he doing here?” The demand came from Hal, who strode forward with obvious intentions of confronting Quinn. “The man’s a criminal and a child abuser. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m going to press charges against him.”
“Hal, no!” Summer chased after him. “You have this all wrong.”
Her protest was too little and too weak to have any impact. The group erupted into a loud, unruly ruckus. Jenny covered Corrine’s ears and attempted to shield her with her body.
In that moment, the future Quinn had thought was his for the taking slipped away, gone for good.
* * *
SUMMER WATCHED IN horror as Hal incited the parents, first by besmirching Quinn, then verbally attacking him. How could he? She stared, barely recognizing the man she’d once called her husband.
Cara attempted to gain control of the situation but was having little luck. Thankfully, with the exception of Teddy and Corrine, the other children were with the program instructor and staff members, grooming and saddling the horses in preparation for the lesson.
If only Teddy and Corrine were with them. Teddy’s agitation continued to increase, his humming growing louder and angrier. Poor Corrine made fearful sounds and clung to her mother.
Why hadn’t Jenny left and taken Corrine with her? Summer wouldn’t subject Teddy to this scene if she could possibly help it. Unfortunately, in his highly agitated state, she didn’t dare touch him, much less physically remove him. Between this morning with Hal and now, Teddy hovered on the brink of a major meltdown.
She glanced over at Quinn, and her heart broke. He stood there, unmoving, angry storm clouds gathering on his face and his hands balled into fists. He hadn’t left. Rather, he faced the angry parents, and she admired him more in that moment than ever before.
She also despised Hal. At least, she despised what he was doing, which was using these dire circumstances to advance his own agenda. He’d been furious since this morning when he arrived at her home to find Quinn there, and this was his way of getting even with her.
“Enough,” Josh shouted, raising his voice to be heard above the din. “Quinn did nothing wrong. In fact, what he did was behave responsibly. He broke up a fight between my son and an older, bigger boy who was knocking the crap out of him.”
“That’s not true,” the irate mother protested.
Josh spun and stared her down. “Yes, ma’am, it is. My son had the cuts and bruises to prove it.”
“He stole my boy’s money.”
Summer stepped forward. “I was also there, and I saw the whole thing. Nathan did take your son’s quarter.” She str
essed the amount to emphasize how insanely trivial the reason for the fight had been. “But your son could have really hurt Nathan.”
“Stealing is wrong.”
“So is bullying.”
“Nathan took the quarter,” Josh said, “and I apologize for his behavior. He’s three and still learning right from wrong. That didn’t give your son the right to attack him.”
“Attack!” She gasped.
“If Quinn hadn’t separated the two of them, I’d have been coming after you for assault and battery.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, they’re children,” the woman said, clearly affronted.
“My point exactly. I think we should just admit there was wrong on both boys’ parts and chalk it up to experience.”
The woman lost some of her bravado but didn’t back down. “That doesn’t excuse him for manhandling my son.” She glowered at Quinn.
He spoke for the first time. “I merely lifted your son off my nephew, then held on to his shoulder while I tried to sort out what had happened. The next thing I knew, he grabbed the quarter and ran away.”
Summer couldn’t stand there a moment longer and say nothing. Quinn was omitting a vital part of the story. “Did your son tell you that he kicked Quinn in the shin? Hard enough to raise a welt.”
“He was defending himself,” the woman said. “What’s he supposed to do when an adult grabs him?”
Several people vigorously nodded their heads and murmured agreements.
“He attacked Quinn just like he attacked my son,” Josh said.
“You’re taking his side simply because he’s related to you.”
“That’s right,” Hal concurred. “You’re family and will lie for each other.”
Summer groaned in frustration and addressed the woman. “We’re telling you what we saw. Quinn didn’t hurt anyone, regardless of what your son may have told you.”
“Are you calling her boy a liar?” Hal accused.
She didn’t like this side of him and had thought she’d seen the last of it after their divorce. “I’m saying he didn’t relay events exactly as they occurred. If that makes him a liar...”
The woman’s cheeks flamed beet red. “Why, you—”
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