Luke's Fate

by Kathleen Ball

  As soon as Greg parked, Luke got out of the truck, wincing. Riding still hurt his leg and hip. Spotting Owen on the porch, he silently swore. It must be bad if Owen was waiting for him out front.

  “Glad you made it back so quickly, Luke.”

  “It sounded important.”

  “I got a call from the nursing home. Harry wants to talk to you.”

  Luke shook his head in confusion. “My dad wants to see me now? I got the impression he had no use for me. He never tried to contact me.”

  Owen shrugged his broad shoulders. “From what I gathered, he doesn’t have his own phone.” He tossed his keys to Luke. “Take my truck and tell him hello from me.”

  Luke caught the keys and nodded. He would have liked to clean up a bit but somehow he wasn’t given an option. His dad must have heard about the body. Maybe he’d find out where David was buried, exactly. What a big mess and all he could do was sit back and watch.

  He’d been plenty tempted to go back there last night to see if he could find David’s body but he’d watched enough cop shows to know that they probably had someone staking the place out. He rubbed the back of his neck as he drove. He didn’t want to see his dad and wished he could just forget everything that happened. Damn, if his father had killed David so easily maybe he’d killed the woman, too.

  What about Meg? They wouldn’t have a future when the truth got out. Taking a deep breath, he tried to calm himself before he got to the home. He didn’t want to come off as suspicious to the staff. He parked the car, got out and then hesitated. This was bound to be a whole can of worms.

  “You know your pacing isn’t going to make Luke come home any faster,” Meg’s father said with a hint of worry in his voice.

  There was no way she could stand still while waiting to hear what Luke’s dad had to say. “Do you think Harry has any information about the body?”

  “I’m sure Detective Timbers already questioned him. I think we would have heard if he knew something. You have to remember part of that land is heavily wooded and probably wasn’t used for much. Anyone could have buried a body there.”

  The sound of an engine caught her attention, and she made a beeline for the front door. “He’s here.” She didn’t wait for a reply before she flew out the door.

  Luke’s face stopped her short, and she stared. It looked as though he’d aged in the few hours he’d been with his father. She’d swear there were deep worry lines on his face. His eyes had dulled and his lips pressed together in a grim expression. “Luke?”

  Slowly he shook his head. “The old bastard didn’t have much to say. He seems to be off his rocker. His memory is spotty. ” Shrugging his shoulder, he kicked up some dirt avoiding her gaze.

  Heartsick, she let it go and didn’t ask him anything else. He was keeping something from her, something big, and it didn’t sit well with her. Ever since he’d come back he’d been slow to tell her about his life, which was understandable, but keeping things from her now…

  “If you need anything or someone to talk to I’m here.”

  His gaze met hers and he shook his head. “There’s nothing to tell.” He walked by her and went into the barn.

  The urge to follow him swept over her, but she stood in place. Could be his father was just an old bastard and they argued about the past. Maybe Harry was harboring a grudge because Luke had left. With both his sons gone, he’d hired more men to work the ranch.

  Sighing, she went back into the house. Her dad was waiting at the window.

  “It didn’t seem as though Luke had much to say.”

  “He didn’t. I think he’s keeping something from me.”

  “Honey, he’s a grown man with his own life, and he doesn’t have to report to you,” Owen said gently.

  His words hit her hard. “I’ll be upstairs if you need me.” Hurrying to her room, she closed the door and leaned against it.

  Her dad was right, and here she was making a fool of herself wanting to be intimate with Luke. She’d gone against everything she had learned about men and allowed him into her heart. How could she have been so stupid and so blind? He’d just lost his wife and daughter and foolishly, she’d told him she wanted him.

  Something happened with his father today, and she was worried but it was time to admit that it wasn’t any of her business. They’d sell half the mustangs and Luke could build his own ranch, she already had her place in life, one she’d been comfortable in before he’d come back.

  A lone tear trailed down her face and she quickly swiped it away. She was the ranch foreman and foreman didn’t cry. For now on her main concern was the ranch and only the ranch.

  Up before dawn, Luke dressed and left the house. It was no use trying to sleep. Once again his whole world had been turned upside down, and he had no idea how to make it right again. Was a little peace in his life too much to ask? Things were going well with Meg, he’d finally gotten under her skin, and he looked forward to the unfolding of their relationship.

  His leg hurt making his limp worse than ever. How was he supposed to act as though he knew nothing? Damn his father. Scratching his whiskered jaw, he wondered what was next. The best thing for everyone concerned would be if he could just disappear.

  The worst of it was he’d been blind to it all, utterly clueless. A huge part of him couldn’t believe it true. David couldn’t have killed that woman and more, according to his father. Not the big brother he knew. David tried his best to keep him safe from their father’s wrath. David had taken more than one beating for him.

  He limped to the tack room and took a seat. Sighing, he ran his hand over his face. How many bodies were buried on the property, and were they all at the east end? The magnitude of his father’s confession resonated through him until he felt sick. The brother he knew healed animals and couldn’t tolerate any type of mistreatment of them. How could he be a serial killer? Now more than ever he wished he’d gone to the police the night of David’s death.

  Rubbing the muscles in his leg gave him a small measure of relief but he wouldn’t be able to sit a horse. The way he brushed off Meg’s questions the night before had hurt her, but it was unavoidable. She didn’t deserve to be mixed up in his mess, and he wished he never tried to get her back. He should have left her alone, bitter but not tainted by his family. And poor Owen looking for David all these years, none of it was fair, none of it was right.

  There hadn’t been one sign of David’s duplicity and surely, there would have been something. Why hadn’t his father gone to the police instead of allowing it to happen repeatedly, knowing that there were at least ten bodies buried?

  The creaking of the barn door brought him out of his musing, and he sat up straighter, trying to put a normal expression on his face. Hell, what was normal, anyway?

  “Luke?” The worry in her sweet eyes almost brought him to his knees. “I brought you some coffee. I heard you pacing most of the night…”

  He took the offered coffee and tried to conjure up a smile, but he failed. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t aware you heard me. Did you get any sleep?”

  Meg shook her head. “Not much, but I’m fine. What about you? Truthfully you don’t look so good.”

  “I’m not feeling so hot either.”

  Meg took a step toward him and touched the back of his hand. Luke stared at her hand, feeling the warmth it contained. His heart saddened, all hope for a future with Meg was gone. He’d known it but it hit extra hard with her standing in front of him looking so concerned.

  He slipped his hand out from under hers and gave her a sad smile.

  “If there is anything you need, all you have to do is ask. You know that, don’t you?”

  Why did she have to be so beautiful? “I know. I just need to work a few things out in my mind.”

  “I know you went to see your father and it must have been hard to be in the same room with a man who beat you. It might help if you talked about it. I’m here and I’m a good listener.” Her concern made him hurt more.

&nb
sp; “I can’t talk about it, and I certainly don’t want to taint you with stories of my father. He didn’t know anything about the body.” He quickly averted his gaze afraid his eyes would give away his lies.

  “I didn’t imagine he knew anything. He may be a mean son of a bitch but he’s no killer.”

  Luke choked on his coffee. He coughed a few times and stared at her. “He is a mean son of a bitch.”

  “You were visiting him for a long time, certainly you talked about a lot of things.”

  His lips formed a grim line. “Let it be, Meg.”

  “I want to help you. I think talking about it will help.”

  The pounding of his heart echoed in his ears, there was no way he could let her know anything. “I already told you once, I don’t want to talk about it.”

  “But—”

  “Margaret Mary, what does it take for you to take a hint? I don’t want to talk to you. You are one stubborn busybody, and I don’t want to be around you. You push and push, and I don’t find it attractive. In fact I find it downright ugly.” His voice was louder, meaner than he intended but he had to get it through her head.

  A flash of pain lit her blue eyes and then they dulled as her shoulders sank. She took a deep shaky breath, and nodded. “If that’s the way you want it.”

  “I do.” He stood, crossed his arms in front of his chest and watched as she flew out the barn. It was better this way. Wasn’t it?

  Part of his heart flew out the door with her but it was unavoidable. He’d been barely holding on, trying to regain himself each day and now this. How much was a man supposed to take before he couldn’t take anymore?

  At the sound of police sirens, he made his way slowly to the barn door. He sighed when he spotted Timbers walking his way.

  “We found another body, another female. I think we’d better have a long talk.”

  Luke nodded and got into the car with Timbers hoping he’d be back home sooner than later.

  Meg couldn’t get the devastation on her father’s face off her mind. They’d heard the sirens and watched Luke get into the police car while Timbers walked in their direction to tell them about another body buried in the same area as the first.

  Giving her dad a quick hug, she saddled Merry and rode out. Luke was on his own this time. No one had ever called her a busybody before, and for damn sure she wasn’t one. The heck with Luke Kelly and his thick, stubborn, stupid hide. Just who did he think he was? She’d let him have too big a voice about the ranch, but from now on it was her ranch, her rules. If he didn’t like it, he could go pitch a tent on his own property.

  She slowed Merry to a walk and wiped the perspiration on her brow with a bandana. She had to admit his words stung. Foolishly, she let him get to her, again. Her friendship with him wasn’t working at all. If he stayed on, he’d have to learn she was the boss.

  Scanning the horizon, she smiled at all the grazing cattle in her view and satisfaction rolled over her. This was all due to her and all the hard work and long hours she put in. No distractions were needed.

  She patted Merry’s neck after she swung out of the saddle. Maybe she should have stayed home with her father. The implication of a serial killer was bad enough but when you added David’s disappearance, unwanted scenarios swirled through their heads. She couldn’t picture David hurting a woman. He’d always been the type who took in strays.

  What did she know? Hell, she’d just found out David was her brother. She led Merry toward a big white ash tree and sat under it, her back against the trunk. Her heart squeezed. Luke’s comments hurt more than she thought and it didn’t matter how many times she told herself they couldn’t be together a small kernel of hope had existed in her heart that perhaps they did have a future together.

  “I love him.” Merry gazed at her, and then promptly turned away. “I know, I’m already suffering the hurt from my traitorous heart but I can’t seem to let go. I think the problem is I don’t know how.”

  Her eyes watered and she tilted her head back, refusing to cry. Finally, she stood up, wiped the dirt off her back and swung back up into the saddle. She’d been selfish to leave her dad alone. He needed her. Damn, where was David? And why hadn’t they been aware two women had been missing?

  She’d concentrate on her dad and the ranch, and stay out of Luke’s business even though it meant giving up working with the mustangs just as long as she eventually got her investment back. Her heart didn’t feel lighter after her decision.

  As she rode toward the house, she groaned spotting Luke on the porch. He quickly came toward her and she groaned again. She didn’t want to hear anything he had to say. Ignoring him, she slid off Merry and proceeded to take her into the barn.

  Ron stepped forward and solemnly took Merry's reins. Something was wrong, and when she finally turned and looked at Luke, his eyes were full of grief.

  He took her hand and held her in place not allowing her to go to the house. “No!” she wailed as she shook her head. But she felt it, like a stone around her heart. Her dad was gone.

  “I’m so sorry, Meg.” Luke gently took her into his arms and held her close.

  She allowed it only for a second, maybe it wasn’t true. She broke free and ran into the house. The first thing she saw was blue latex gloves on the floor near her father’s favorite chair. Furniture had been moved, probably to make it easier for the medics to work on him.

  “What hospital?”

  “Sweetheart, he didn’t make it.”

  “He was fine when I left him. Luke, he can’t be dead. I need to see him.” Her heart squeezed painfully.

  “Hopefully we can see him tonight.”

  Her mind blanked. “Tonight?”

  “We can go to the mortuary. I’ll be heading there in a bit to bring clothes.”

  Meg sank into the nearest chair while staring at Luke and trying to make sense of his words. Tears streamed unchecked down her face, and every time she tried to stop, they flowed heavier. Running her hands over the smooth coolness of the leather chair’s arm, she was finally able to take a deep breath.

  “Can I get you anything?” He knelt in front of her, and his eyes held so much pity it made her cry all the harder.

  Her whole world crumbled. What would she do without her dad? “If I had been here…”

  Luke encased her hands in his. “It was most likely a stroke. The paramedics said it was fast and quick.”

  “They always say that.”

  He stood, grabbed a box of tissues and handed it to her. “I’m going to get his suit and stuff.”

  “No!”

  “I’m sorry, of course you want to do it yourself.”

  Meg took a deep breath and little by little, she regained her composure, from here on, she needed to put on a brave face. “No, Dad wanted to be cremated and his ashes spread over the land. I know it sounds strange but—”

  “No, it doesn’t sound a bit strange to me, in fact, I understand completely. I’ll call Howard and tell him about the cremation.”

  She sighed and nodded. “Thanks.” She wished she was numb, but incredible pain spread throughout her body. Time for sorrow would have to come later because she had a ranch to run.

  She stood straight and tall and glanced at Luke wondering how she was going to keep him at arm’s length now. “Have all the men been notified?”

  “Yes. They were here when the ambulance came.”

  “Well, then the next order of business is to get all of my dad’s papers in order. I’ll need to change the deed to the ranch to my name. I’m sure there are a million things I need to do.”

  Luke gave her a sad smile and was in front of her in two steps. He hauled her into his arms and held her tight. “That can all wait. You need to take time for yourself.” He stroked her back with his powerful arms. Except for his limp, he seemed to be getting stronger and back to the Luke who left five years ago.

  She allowed herself a small measure of comfort before she pulled away from him. “It needs to get done. I’m
on his bank accounts so people will get paid and hopefully it will be business as usual.”

  Meg wrapped her arms around her middle and walked to the front window. A feeling of loneliness swept through her, but she suspected it was normal. It would be so easy to lean on Luke, but it would only lead to heartache. She was strong and that’s the way her father raised her. It wouldn’t be too big of a leap from foreman to owner.

  Luke ran his fingers through his hair. Every time he tried to help Meg, she turned away. It had been a week since they’d scattered Owen’s ashes, and Luke had tried to be there for Meg at every turn without success. He sat at the kitchen table, a glass of whiskey in front of him, waiting for her to come home. It was well after dark, and he was beginning to worry.

  She must have turned her cell phone off because all he got when he called was her voice mail. The old house was too quiet. The clicking of the second hand on the green kitchen clock was the only sound. Frankly, he’d been waiting for her to ask him to move out but so far, she hadn’t said a word about anything.

  The light in the barn turned on indicating Meg was home. Everything inside him longed to go out there to help her, but he knew she’d only rebuff him. He sipped his whiskey and waited until she finally came through the door.

  The large circles under her eyes were proof of many sleepless nights. She gave him a tight smile as she hung her hat on the wooden peg by the door. “I’ll have a whiskey if you’re offering.”

  “Sure thing, take a seat and rest.” If only he had the right to pull her into his arms and comfort her, but he didn’t.

  He poured the whiskey and handed it to her. “Rough day? You don’t usually drink whiskey.”

  Meg swallowed hard then drank the whiskey down fast. “You could say that. I have missing cattle, cut fence lines, the police are too busy looking for whoever killed those women. I named Greg Sparks the new foreman, and I had three of the men quit. I guess they all expected they were meant to be the foreman.”