by Aliyah Burke
“There was another incident so I have to stay here.”
She checked her watch and figured it best to just go back to the ranch and see if there was anything she could do to help out. Last time there had been some men to patch up. Who knew what it would be this time.
She jogged to her car and slipped behind the wheel. Digging for the keys, she looked around, unease slithering up her back. Shaking it off, she put the car in gear and headed out of Branchwater toward The Flying T Ranch.
Driving along the empty road, she jumped at the loud explosion that took out the front tire. She scrambled to stay upright but as the corner in the road neared, she knew it wasn’t going to work. The car went careening off the asphalt and tumbled end over end. Her last thought as darkness overtook her and the scent of gas reached her nose, was Judd.
* * * *
“Boss!”
Judd glanced between Kilburn’s ears at Frank, who hollered and waved his hand.
“What?” he yelled back over the restless cattle they’d just rounded up and returned to his property.
“Riders coming in.”
He trailed the pointing finger to the duo of horses that thundered in their direction. Even squinting, he couldn’t make out who it was. They rode well, whoever they were. When the horses jumped the log in their way, he frowned as recognition set in. It was Karis and one of the stable hands, Dell. He wheeled Kilburn to his right to meet them as concern leeched into him.
Karis had dirt on her face as she sawed on the reins, bringing her gelding to a halt.
“Wyatt know you’re out here ridin’ hell bent for leather?”
She didn’t crack a smile. “Laciee’s in the hospital.”
Had he not been on Kilburn, he would have collapsed on the ground at her news. He held Karis’ gaze, needing to witness the truth in her eyes. Once he found it, he yelled, “Joel!”
“Yeah, Boss?”
“I’m needed elsewhere.” Then he set his heels to Kilburn’s sides, and his gelding sprung away in response. He knew the men would be capable of handling this and that he would only leave if something dire had happened.
It had.
He ran Kilburn hard and his horse didn’t falter, as if the equine understood his rider’s desperation to get back. Judd wasn’t concerned about Karis, aware Dell would accompany her back as he had out there.
The ride back was grueling and took the remainder of that day, the night and most of the following day. Kilburn had reached his limit as they raced into the yard. One of the other hands met him to take Kilburn while Judd bolted for his truck, grinding gears as he rocketed off down the drive.
His eyes burned as he drove, but his gut screamed for him to get to her side. Why had no one contacted me? He knew why, because of where they’d been out on the range.
He barely parked legally before jumping out at the one area hospital. His long strides ate up the ground as he headed through the sliding doors to the front desk.
“Laciee Dupree,” he barked at the receptionist.
She gave him a cool glance. “Who?”
She damn well heard me. “Laciee Dupree. Which room is hers?”
“Two-forty-seven.” She held his gaze. “Visiting hours are—”
He strode away. Utilizing the signs, he located her room and entered. A sharp breath left him. Her body appeared so small in the bed. He removed his hat, tossed it on the chair, and stepped to her side. Bruises and light burns marred the exposed skin.
“What the fuck happened, darlin’?”
This is what I get for not being there. He reached out, only to stop short of actually touching her. I’m so sorry, Laciee.
He went to the bathroom and washed his hands, face, and neck before returning to her side. While he waited, he paced. Finally a doctor entered and started when then their eyes met.
“Who are you?”
Aware he was a bit of a recluse around here, Judd stepped forward. “Judd Travers. How is she and what the fuck happened?”
He frowned. “Are you family?”
“Yes,” he replied without missing a beat.
“She was in a car accident, broken ribs, shattered arm, and contusions. Bottom line, she’s damn lucky to be alive, and yet for all she went through, she’s recovering very well.”
“Single car?”
“That’s what they said.”
Judd scowled. “But?” I don’t like where this is going.
“Hell of a lot of damage.” He shrugged. “Not saying they’re wrong, just it’s usually been multiple vehicles when I see this type of damage.”
Judd filed that away and walked to the phone. He didn’t have his on him since he didn’t carry it out on the range. It didn’t work that far out there, no point in having it. Dialing the number he wanted, he waited for it to be answered.
“Karis?” Wyatt’s concerned tone fell.
“No, it’s Travers.”
“Judd, thank God Karis found you.”
“She did. She’s riding back with one of my men. What do you know?”
“Not much. What do you need from me? Has there been any change?”
He cut his gaze to her. The doctor had left the room. “No, I need a bag. I came right here from the ranch. And my phone.”
“I’ll call there and have Karis bring it. Anything else?”
He paced again. “I want to know who found her and who’s investigating the incident.”
“On it. Give me a bit, I’m at the bank, but I’ll have it to you as soon as I can.”
“I’ll be here.” He replaced the handset in the cradle and bit off another curse. He continually drifted back to her side, wanting to hold her and yet scared merely touching her could exacerbate her injuries.
“Fuck,” he uttered, wheeling away and returning to the window.
“Sir,” a woman said from behind him.
He turned to find a nurse there. “What?”
“Visiting hours are over.”
“Okay.” He faced the window again.
“You have to leave, sir.”
His harsh chuckle was as inviting as barbed wire. “I ain’t leaving her. You may as well accept it.” He walked to the bed and stared down at the woman there, the one who’d wrapped him around her finger and had inserted herself into his life and soul.
“Sir.” A man this time.
Judd angled his head to find a security guard there. He recognized him from seeing him at Denim & Spurs. “Danny Isola.”
“Judd Travers, good to see you.”
“I’m not leaving her.”
Danny moved further into the room. “What happened?”
“I think someone is trying to kill her and until she wakes up, I’m staying right here.”
“Kill her? Shit, isn’t that Laciee Dupree?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll let them know you’re here all night.”
“You do that.”
Judd didn’t give a damn whether he did or not, but he would definitely appreciate the lack of intrusions. So long as the staff left him alone he would be fine. From his periphery he observed Danny as the man departed the room. Judd dragged the chair to the side of the bed and sat. He lowered his chin to rest it on his interlocked fingers as he focused on Laciee, wishing more than anything she would open her eyes and look at him.
He stayed all night, only stirring when the night nurse came in to check on her. The next person he saw was Karis, when she pushed into the room, carrying a bag for him.
“Any change?” Her thick drawl, laced with concern, wrapped around him.
“No.” He pushed up and reached for the bag. “Thank you.”
“The stuff Wyatt found out is in there as well.”
“I want to clean up.”
“Take your time, I know there’s a shower in there. I’ll be with her.” Karis walked to the bed, brushed some of Laciee’s hair back from her face, and pressed a kiss to her forehead. Whatever she muttered was too low for him to understand.
&n
bsp; Although reluctant, he went to the bathroom and stepped under the spray. He’d planned on rushing but the heated water felt so good, he slowed down, content if something happened, Karis would pound on the door. About twenty minutes later, he stepped from the room. He’d not shaved but at least he was no longer covered with sweat and dirt. His heart kicked a few beats when he heard two voices out there, Karis and Laciee.
“This is my fault.”
Karis’ statement halted him. It wasn’t often where he showed compassion to others but he did care greatly for Karis and this sounded like a private conversation.
“No, you can’t blame yourself, Karis.” Laciee’s voice was rough but he didn’t care. She was alive and awake.
“I can and I do. I not only pressured you to come for the wedding but forced you into staying.”
“You didn’t force me.”
“God, I just wanted you to come home and I thought maybe Judd would be a reason you stayed.”
He held his breath, awaiting her reply.
“If ever a reason, Judd would be it, but we both know, Karis, this place isn’t for me.”
“It can be. This, here, is your home, Laciee. Not NYC.”
“Recent evidence proves to the contrary. It’s better for the daughter of Branchwater’s whore to stay away. Even Bolton thinks he can elicit favors from me. The man propositioned me right in Marley’s over a piece of pie.”
“That low down—”
“Let it go, Karis.”
Judd saw red. He began to step from the bathroom. I’m going to kill that bastard.
“He’s not the first to say such things to me nor do I doubt he’ll be the last. They see me in Lola’s light.”
“You’re nothing like her!” Karis spat.
“Sure, only now, I’m Judd’s whore. What do want from me, Karis?”
Judd scowled at her words. How can she believe such a thing?
“You are not. You’re important to him, like you are to me.”
“I’m tired, Karis. I need to rest.”
In the smallest voice he’d ever heard from Karis, she replied, “You know I love you, Laciee.”
“I know and I love you, too. Go home to your husband. I’m not going anywhere for a while.”
Judd left the bathroom in time to see Karis wipe away tears before she walked by him. Her eyes overflowed with the torment hitting her.
“Keep her safe, Judd,” she said before departing the room.
He turned to Laciee who lay there, anger, defiance, and fear in her gaze. At his stare the uncertainty grew in her eyes. He ignored the purplish bruise around one eye and strode to the bed.
“My whore?”
The words vibrated with danger. He’d not meant to start anything, but they slipped free.
“Hello to you too.”
“What do you mean? I have never—”
“It’s what they’re saying, Judd. I never said you called me that.”
Tension fluctuated along his entire being. “I’ve been here since I heard. And you…” He whirled away only to spin back. “What the fuck happened?”
“I wrecked.”
“Why does Karis get full sentences and I get this bullshit short answer.”
“Because.” Her gaze narrowed.
He crossed his arms and glared down at her. “Because? Well, isn’t that just so helpful.”
“Because, dammit, she’s my sister!” Laciee’s eyes widened with shock at her own announcement. Then she closed them and turned her head away. He blinked as he tried to make sense of what she’d just broken to him.
Chapter Fourteen
God damn it! I can’t believe I let that slip. Laciee wished the bed would swallow her. Aside from Vic, she’d never told anyone about her relation to Karis.
“Closed eyes or not, you owe me more of an explanation after that outburst.”
“I’m injured, leave me alone.”
The mattress depressed on either side of her. “Look at me, darlin’.”
God, his voice…it would take her legs from her were she not already lying in the bed.
“I’m sleeping.”
His warm breath fanned over her skin, and she cracked open her eyes. His chiseled jaw, covered by the daily growth, beckoned to her.
“Look at me or I’m joining you in bed.”
“Do what you must.” Wouldn’t do for me to say that’s what I want—to be in his arms.
“Laciee.”
“Sleeping.”
“Have it your way.”
She didn’t think he would but when the bed dipped, her eyes flew open all the way. “What are you doing?”
“Getting into bed with you. You tell me if this hurts you.”
The caring in his voice nearly brought her to tears. When he settled, she burrowed her face into his chest, confident she was safe now.
“You are the most stubborn, obstinate—” His words fell off as she spread her fingers of her broken arm over his shirt.
“I’m sorry if I hurt you with my words, Judd. I didn’t mean to. I was just speaking the truth.”
“Whoever said that is full of shit. You’re deserving of so much more, darlin’. I don’t understand why you don’t see that.”
“Hey, you can’t be in bed with her,” a nurse barked.
“Leave us,” he commanded.
The woman glared, then backed away.
“You’re making enemies,” Laciee said.
“I’m not here for a popularity contest.”
“I’m beginning to think you like people scared of you.”
His warmth surrounding her did more good than any meds could.
“I’m a rancher. As long as my men work hard and people don’t screw me over, I’m good. This…what happened to you, is not making me happy.”
Didn’t much make me happy either. “Hate to break it to you but the cat’s out of the proverbial bag. Jolene knows you’re not a grinch.”
“If you want to talk, tell me about you and Karis being related.”
She wanted to close her eyes and go somewhere else. “What’s to tell,” she muttered. “You met my mother, surely you can piece together how that happened.”
“I get the concept,” he uttered in her ear, his tongue trailed along the whorl of her ear. “When you’re better, maybe we can do a hands on lesson to ensure I understand.”
Despite the pain, she chuckled.
“How come you didn’t grow up with Karis?”
“Really? You see Mrs. Raines allowing a little ni—black kid in her house? A constant reminder of her husband’s infidelity. With Karis, it’s easier to pass off, me, it wouldn’t be.”
“Wait a second. Karis isn’t her biological daughter either?”
“No, she’s the offspring of some truck stop waitress in Alabama.”
“I never knew.”
“No one does.” She yawned and struggled not to tug on the tubes in her nose. “Like no one knows about me.” More of her bitterness slipped into her tone.
“What about Mr. Raines?”
“Does what every good dad does and ignores the unwanted kid. I tried to get his attention. I tried to be his daughter and part of his life, their lives, only to be stonewalled at every turn. I was barely allowed in the house and then only through the back door as if never to sully their entryway.” Tears pricked her eyes and only served to piss her off all over again. Damn it, I’ve gotten past this. I’m no longer needing a daddy in my life.
He brushed his callused fingertips lightly along her chin. “You gave up.”
The statement wasn’t done in an accusing way, merely a factual one.
“A kid can only take so much rejection. I quit trying around the fifth grade. Only because Karis is so damn annoying and persistent did we remain friends. I would have washed my hands of them all.”
“She loves you.”
“I know.” The first of her tears leaked over. She never attempted to dash them away, just kept them closed and leaned on him to soak up
his strength.
* * * *
When she woke, she may have been alone in the bed but she wasn’t in the room. Karis stood at the foot with the doctor. Judd was nowhere to be found while Sam was on her right. It was the woman on her left who had more tears flowing. Her best friend, Vic. The one who’d allowed her to have a family up in New York City. They’d been close since she moved up there, treating her as one of the Carracci family members. She even spoke Italian with them at family dinners.
Vic was there, black motorcycle jacket on over what Laciee recognized as her blush ponte dress along with her black high-heeled boots. She always did have killer legs.
“We’ll kill them,” she uttered in Italian, her tone hard and unforgiving. Vic leaned close and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “You could have just asked me to come out,” she said, in English. “The promise of hot cowboys would have been enough. This way seems a bit over the top, even for you.”
“You came.”
“Of course, you’re my best friend and you need me. You’re too damn nice. That’s where I come in.”
Vic’s New York accent stood out even more since Laciee had been surrounded by the deep Texas twang. The doctor scribbled on her chart and walked out.
“We,” Vic said gesturing around to the other women. “Want to know what’s happened. I don’t want to read the police report. I want your version.” She unzipped her jacket. “Why am I still waiting?”
“Because I’m injured with fucking tubes coming out of my nose.”
“Hardly an excuse. I don’t like waiting. Do I have to call my brothers? Hell, even my sisters?” She tapped her foot. “Ma and Pa need an update on you. I told them I’d send one, asap.” She leveled a pointed look at Laciee. “It was the only way I could keep all them from descending on you and this town. Talk fast, they won’t wait forever.”
Laciee gestured for her to raise the bed and began to fill them in. Their expressions grew murderous as she continued.
“That’s it,” she concluded, accepting the water from Sam and taking small sips through the straw.
“Who did it?” Vic’s question wasn’t a shock to Laciee, but it was to the other women, given their expressions.