The Reluctant Rancher~Badlands (Contemporary Western Romantic Suspense)

by J. D. Faver

  She wondered if the assault on the Jessup house was meant to kill or injure Sara Beth, or if the message was intended to frighten her away. Cami was aware of the rumors surrounding Nick Jessup. He had a reputation for being a hot-head and for making rash decisions. But he had seemed to be truly in love with his young wife and to have taken the responsibilities of fatherhood seriously.

  Sara Beth had said she hadn’t heard from him and that was worrisome. Maybe his new job was keeping him busy, but why would a new father stop calling his wife?

  Cami snuggled closer to Breck, his warmth comforting her. She was grateful to have married such a good man. She was grateful to know he would never abandon her. She drifted into a half-sleep, content to put off her problems until the sun rose.

  When she did get up, the sun was hiding behind a bank of clouds. She had to rush to make sure her house guests were up and that they received a nourishing breakfast.

  Cami found clean clothes for Sara Beth to change to after she showered.

  Last night, Breck had grabbed an armload of things for the baby including disposable diapers and clothing during their hurried evacuation of the Jessup house.

  When Sara Beth came down to breakfast it appeared she had not slept well either. Dark circles ringing her eyes gave silent testimony to the burdens weighing heavily on her young shoulders. Her voice was small when she spoke. “Doctor Cami, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your hospitality. I don’t know what we would have done last night without you and Mr. Ryan.”

  Cami set a plate of eggs in front of her. “Don’t worry about it. We’re happy to have you here with us.” She passed the biscuits.

  Sara Beth’s lips trembled as she reached to take a biscuit. “Thank you.”

  “Breck and I talked it over and we do not want you to go back to your house until Nick shows up. Whatever’s going on, it’s just too dangerous for you to be out there by yourself…So, consider yourself a houseguest.”

  Sara Beth nodded, her eyes cast down on her plate.

  They loaded her and the baby in the Lincoln and Breck drove them all to church. When they pulled up in front of the building, he let Cami out in front along with their guests and went to park.

  Sara Beth seemed to relax when her fellow church-goers came up to chat and embrace her. She flashed a smile when the preacher came out to converse with her. Cami stepped away to allow her to talk to her clergyman with a little privacy.

  She spied E.J. Kincaid’s Jaguar as it pulled into the parking lot. She had never seen him take part in any religious observation since she had been in Langston, Texas. She followed his progress as he found a parking place and pulled in.

  When E.J. climbed out and circled to the passenger side, Cami found herself craning her neck to see who he was escorting to church.

  “Well, I’ll be!” Celeste Pigeon came to stand beside her. “Would you look at that? I can’t believe they showed up here on a Sunday morning.” She stamped her foot, her lips tightening as she did so. “You would think those two adulterers would just keep it quiet.”

  Cami turned to gaze at Celeste, who was not her favorite person on the planet. The elderly librarian, Delta Ruth Peabody, had once informed Cami that Celeste had indeed ‘set her cap’ for Breckenridge T. Ryan.

  Cami tried not to laugh. Adulterers? It seemed that Miss Pigeon had set her cap for someone else.

  ~*~

  E.J. tried to take his cue from Jenna. She did look a little uncomfortable under the scrutiny of the entire congregation; however, she smiled and kept her head high. He didn’t want to crowd her, but when she glanced up at him, he had the desire to put himself between her and her detractors. He wanted to scream at them, ‘She didn’t do anything wrong. It was all me!’ He heaved a huge sigh, and tried to conduct himself with as much dignity as she exhibited.

  He had teased her about not wearing dresses, but she looked mighty damned fine in the one she had on. The slinky rust-colored knit hugged her curves and complimented her coloring. He put his hand at her waist, enjoying the firm flesh radiating warmth through the fabric.

  When they had arrived at the church, Cami and Breck Ryan were just entering with the young woman who ran the little consignment shop. Breck was carrying the woman’s baby. Danged if old Breck didn’t look good carrying the little bundle of joy. It crossed E.J.’s mind that Breck and Cami would probably produce some offspring. He didn’t resent them or their happiness. He just wanted some for himself. But he wasn’t sure he wanted to do it in Langston, Texas.

  Jenna slipped into a pew near the back and E.J. stepped in behind her. When she sat down, she smiled up at him. Okay, I can do this. He sat down and extended his arm along the back of the pew, surrounding, but not touching her. She leaned into him, nesting her shoulder against his chest. Well, all right! He laid his hand on her shoulder and moved closer. Yes, I’m with her. I like her and she likes me.

  A few eyes caught their action. Some of the watchers smiled, some tightened their lips. The murderer’s son is hugging our Jenna.

  After the service he took her to the Mexican restaurant for lunch. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?” he asked.

  She smiled and shook her head. “It wasn’t bad at all. I’m glad you decided to go with me.”

  He covered her hand with his own. “Now everyone knows you’re involved with the murderer’s son.”

  Her beautiful green eyes opened wide. “E.J., don’t think of it that way. Not everyone here disliked your dad. There are many people around here who have a lot of respect for him. There are people who still can’t believe the charges.”

  He shrugged, wishing he could connect with someone who thought his dad was innocent.

  “You are not your father,” she said. “If you get out a little more and people have a chance to know you, I think you’ll like it here.” She glanced at his hand holding hers. “At least, I hope so.”

  He smiled and squeezed her hand. “I like it a lot more this week than I did last week.”

  They had just ordered, when he spotted the same dark-haired woman he had noticed around town. He thought he had met her at some point, but couldn’t recall her name. “Who is that woman in the blue dress?” he asked.

  Jenna’s mouth tightened for a moment. “Celeste Pigeon,” she enunciated each syllable. “She’s a teacher. Do you know her?”

  He shook his head. “I don’t think so, but she looks familiar…And every time I see, her she looks at me as though I should remember her.” He shrugged.

  A wary expression crossed Jenna’s face. “Just watch yourself.”

  E.J. raised an eyebrow.

  “She bites.”

  ~*~

  The next day, right after breakfast, Cami was getting ready to go to the clinic when the doorbell rang and Breck admitted the sheriff and one of his deputies. Cami ushered Sara Beth into the front room to answer whatever questions the lawmen might have for her.

  Sara Beth looked nervous and small as she sat with her baby in her arms.

  Cami was torn as to which direction to take, but called Loretta to say she would be a little late.

  A look of gratitude spread across Sara Beth’s face when Cami entered the room with coffee and cups on a tray.

  Cami placed it on the table and sat down beside her on the sofa. “Coffee anyone?”

  The sheriff and his man accepted a cup while Sara Beth shook her head.

  The sheriff cleared his throat. “As I was saying, we haven’t had anything of this kind around here for as far back as I can remember.” He gave Sara Beth a steely-eyed glare. “Is there anything you can tell us to shed light on the matter?”

  Sara Beth shook her head again.

  “Is there anyone you know of who would wish you harm?”

  She sniffled. “No, Sheriff. I can’t think of a soul.”

  “Tell him about the feeling that someone was watching you,” Cami supplied.

  The sheriff leaned forward, his interest piqued. “Watching you?”

  Sara Beth
shrugged helplessly. “It was just a feeling. For the past couple of weeks, since Nick left, I’ve been real antsy. I thought someone was watching me, even at the shop.”

  The sheriff exchanged a sharp glance with the deputy. “What did you base that on, Mrs. Jessup?”

  She shook her head. “Nothing really…Just a feeling.”

  “There were boot prints and cigarette butts found outside your place, mostly in the tree line where someone could hide and keep you under surveillance.”

  A spiral of fear wound around Cami’s spine.

  Sara Beth released a tiny whimper and covered her mouth with one hand. “But why would anyone be interested in spying on me?” she asked, her voice trailing off to a whine. “I’m not in the least bit interesting.”

  The sheriff looked grim as the deputy made notes on a small pad.

  “And what if they come back? Someone could kill us out there and no one would know right away.”

  Cami patted her shoulder. “Don’t worry, Sara Beth You and the baby will be staying right here with us until Nick gets home.”

  “Oh, Doctor Cami. We couldn‘t impose on you like that.”

  “It’s not an imposition. We want you to stay here.” Cami hoped that Breck would be on board with her invitation. “We can take you by the house to pick up more clothes and things for the baby.”

  Sara Beth nodded and murmured her gratitude. “I just can’t imagine why Nick hasn’t called. Maybe he’s sick?” She gazed at Cami with a doubtful expression, as though she knew her errant husband should be more responsible.

  “Where is Nick, anyway?” the sheriff asked. “I haven’t seen that young rascal around town lately.”

  Sara Beth sucked in a gulp of air and hiccupped. “I—I don’t know exactly. He started working for some long-distance trucking outfit because…” She stifled a sob. “Because me and the baby was too expensive and he needed to make more money to support us.”

  “What is the name of this trucking company?” the sheriff asked.

  “I don’t know.” She shook her head. “Nick never told me. He just brought home a lot of cash.”

  The sheriff and deputy exchanged another cryptic glance. “Cash? Do you still have it?”

  “I put it in the bank,” she said. “Except for a few twenties I kept in my purse for emergencies.”

  The sheriff asked to see the money and Sara Beth handed the baby to Cami. When she returned she had her purse with her. “I put it in the back of my billfold, so I wouldn’t be tempted to spend it.” She started to reach for it, but the sheriff held out his hand for the bag.

  The deputy pulled on a pair of rubber gloves and removed the billfold from the purse. He spread it open and pointed to three twenty-dollar bills in the back. “Are these the bills you received from your husband?”

  When she nodded, the deputy carefully extricated the money and placed it in a plastic evidence bag. He wrote a receipt and handed it to Sara Beth.

  The sheriff and deputy left and Sara Beth expelled a deep breath.

  Cami stood and gathered the cups, preparing to take them to the kitchen. “I’m going to my clinic now. I can drop you at your store and pick you up when I’m ready to come home. We can stop by your place to get your car on the way back.”

  “I’ll be ready.” Sara Beth put her billfold back in the purse and picked up the baby. “Let me get Cami Lynn in her car seat and the diaper bag.”

  They climbed into the Lincoln and Cami headed for town, wondering if she should tell Breck that she was going to drive by the Jessup place later.

  ~*~

  CHAPTER SIX

  E.J. turned into the doctor’s parking lot and switched off the ignition. He heaved a sigh, knowing that his mission would prove fruitless. He couldn’t imagine any reason why Cami would agree to accompany him to the prison to visit Eldon, but he had to try anyway. He got out and was heading to the front of the clinic when he saw the candy-apple red Lincoln pull into the parking lot with Cami at the wheel. He stood and waited for her to catch up to him.

  “E.J., what can I do for you today?” She gazed up at him, smiling.

  “I just dropped by for my rejection.” He grinned and took the medical bag off her shoulder.

  “Surprise! I’ve changed my mind,” she said. “I decided that I want to know whatever it is Eldon has to tell me.”

  E.J. raised his brows, regarding her with astonishment. “I’m glad, but what made you change your mind?”

  She took a couple of steps up to the clinic door. “Curiosity, I guess. I want to know whatever he wants to tell me.” She reached for the medical bag. “But Breck will be driving me. I didn’t want to face the fall out of telling him I was going to ride with you.”

  “No problem. Thank you. The prison doctor called me to say my dad was deeply depressed and anxious. Maybe there will be something in your conversation that will cheer him up.”

  “Maybe,” she said. “We can go up on Wednesday. It’s my half-day at the clinic and I only have a couple of patients, so we’ll leave about eleven.”

  “Thanks, Cami,” he said. “I appreciate your friendship.”

  She smiled and laid a hand on his shoulder. “No problem. I was glad to see you in church Sunday.”

  He acknowledged her comment with a wide grin. “It was okay.”

  “And glad you were with Jenna. She’s a good person.”

  He nodded, not sure what to say. “I’m going to drive to the prison today. I’ll tell dad that you’ll be there Wednesday afternoon.” He took his leave and climbed back in his car, glad he could give his father some good news. He drove to the James V. Alred maximum security prison and waited for Eldon to be ushered to the other side of the thick glass. After what seemed like a long time, the door on the other side opened and his father appeared.

  Eldon looked smaller than his usual tall, robust self. He sat down and flashed a grim semblance of a smile, then reached for the telephone through which they had to communicate.

  E.J. spoke into the receiver. “Hi, Dad. How are you feeling?”

  “Old,” Eldon said. Indeed his voice sounded decades older; gravely and sad. “How is my ranch?”

  “The ranch is fine. Jenna sends you her best.”

  Eldon looked surprised. “Jenna? My vet?”

  E.J. nodded, unable to keep from smiling when he said her name. “We’ve—uh, gone out a few times.”

  “About damned time. Jenna’s a good girl, and she knows her way around the ranch. She’s a good match for you.”

  “Early days, Dad…Early days.”

  A cough racked Eldon’s body, and he spat into a trashcan.

  “Are you okay?” E.J. asked.

  Eldon nodded and sucked in a deep breath. “Just a cold. How are you getting along with Leon?”

  “The foreman? We get along fine, I guess.”

  “I want you to get rid of him. He’s bad news, but be careful, because he’s a mean and treacherous sum’ bitch.”

  This was the last thing E.J. expected from his father. “I thought you trusted him.”

  “Not anymore,” Eldon said cryptically. “I want him gone and be sure you get all the keys and information from him. Change all the security after he’s gone.”

  E.J. had never fired anyone in his life. He considered Leon Harwell a formidable man. Grim and tough, the ranch hands answered directly to him and seemed to respect him greatly. “But, Dad…I don’t think I know how to run the ranch without him.”

  Eldon scowled at him. “Hire someone else. You have that fancy MBA. Didn’t they teach you anything about hiring and firing people?”

  E.J. nodded. “I know about human resources. What I don’t know much about is running a ranch.”

  Eldon shook his head, sadly. “I’m to blame for that. I let your mother keep you in those snooty private schools, when I should have brought you out here to live on the land. It’s entirely my fault.”

  E.J. wanted to defend his mother, but bit his tongue. “Well, I didn’t turn out so
bad, did I?” He silently cursed himself when he heard the tremor in his own voice.

  Eldon regarded him with a sorrowful expression. “No, son. You turned out fine. I’m just sorry I wasn’t there to guide you.”

  “Don’t worry about it. Mom didn’t do such a bad job, and she always loved you.” E.J. watched a transformation come over his father. The thick glass partition kept him from reaching out to this usually unreachable man.

  Eldon dropped his face into his hands and appeared to be weeping. “I loved your mother every day of her life, even if I wasn’t there for her. She was way too good for me.” His shoulders shook as he silently grieved. “I’m just glad she didn’t live to see me like this.”

  E.J. felt powerless to help. “Dad!...Are you all right?”

  Eldon mopped at his face with the sleeve of his orange jumpsuit. “Sorry, son. I’ve made a mess of things. I just want you to be safe and have a good life. I want to know everything I’ve worked for my whole life has given you a place in this world.” He straightened his shoulders and regained his eagle-eyed glare. “Just don’t waste it. Manage the ranch and all the holdings. Dig in. Stop lolling around.”

  “Yes sir.” E.J. knew he had let his father down by resisting an active involvement in his business, but he made a silent vow to make things right. “I won’t disappoint you.”

  Eldon nodded. “Did you get to talk to Camryn Carmichael?”

  “Ryan, Dad. She married Breckenridge Ryan.” His father cringed at that. “Yes, and she said she would come up on Wednesday afternoon.”

  Eldon let out a huge breath, seemingly relieved that she was coming. He nodded. “Good.” He pressed his lips together as though he might say too much if he spoke.

  E.J. took his leave and drove back to Langston, his brain racing with the things his father had told him; reliving the rare display of emotion; wondering how he was going to handle the firing and replacing of Leon Harwell.