by Piper Stone
Both anger and fear settled into my system as I eased down the stairs. There were no lights on, the darkness now overwhelming. Taking long strides, I moved into the kitchen, flicking the switch on the wall. Even from where I stood, I could see what appeared to be a note placed under a magnet on the refrigerator.
Bristling, I stormed toward it, jerking it down. The handwriting was a direct reminder of the woman who’d gotten under my skin, the one I wanted to protect with my life.
The one I was falling in love with.
Damn it.
Hawk,
The time we’ve shared has been magical, even if you’re a rough and tumble kind of man. But I can’t see a future for the two of us. We’re two entirely different people. My heart can’t take going down that path and now I think you know why. You have a beautiful little soul to take care of and that’s more important than anything else. Please just let this go. You never know what will happen in the future, but for now, this is the best.
Bryce
I was shaking from adrenaline after reading the note, unable to process why she’d do this now. What we’d shared had been special, the intimacy more than I’d shared with any woman. I couldn’t believe that she’d do this. Something had to be off, wrong. Think. Think straight.
That wasn’t going to happen, not now. Honoring her wishes? Fuck. Despair as well as another round of fury wrapped its ugly claws around me as I balled the piece of paper, tossing it against the kitchen window. Fine. If she didn’t want to see me any longer, that would work. She was right. I had Ashley to think about and she was the most important thing in my life.
I hissed seeing the sun starting to rise. Neither the past nor the fact I’d fallen in love with Bryce were going to derail me. It was time to fucking get to the bottom of what was going on, then bringing my little girl back to her home.
To my home.
Our home.
Fuck the rest of the world.
* * *
Anger.
I’d spent almost my entire life angry. Maybe it was time to let it go. I snorted after the thought entered my mind. How the hell was I supposed to do that?
At least I was putting things into motion. I had a couple of meetings, then I’d go back to the ranch to meet with the foreman and crew leaders. At this point, the bank was going to have to wait. I had to keep things going in order to provide Ashley a good home.
Then I’d hunt down the fucking murderer.
First stop? To see Jaime’s father.
The townhouse was not what I’d expected to see, although I could understand not wanting the care of maintenance of a large ranch. As I walked to the door, I realized I hadn’t seen Mr. Weatherby in almost fifteen years. The last time had been when he’d chased me off his property, threatening to call the sheriff if I showed my ugly mug around his parts ever again.
With a rifle in his hand.
For some crazy reason, I remembered it fondly.
I hesitated before knocking, uncertain how he’d react, but I needed some answers that only Jaime’s father could provide.
Or so I hoped.
“Yes?” he asked, taking him two full minutes to answer the door. He’d aged but I suspected that grief had truly taken its toll, his eyes devoid of anything but sadness. I certainly didn’t expect that he’d recognize me, but when his eyes opened up wide, a slight smile crossing his face, I felt honored.
“Mr. Weatherby, I’m—”
“God, son. I know who you are. Jake Travers. Or should I call you Sergeant Travers? Your brother spoke of your accomplishments in the Marines highly.”
I was taken aback, offering a grin. “Hawk will do. Do you have a few minutes?”
“Sure. Time is all I got, son, but if you’re here, you already know that.” He closed the door behind me, pointing his shaking hand toward a chair in the small living room. “Please, sit down. My legs aren’t what they used to be.”
“Thank you, sir.” I moved toward the chair, glancing at the various pictures on the walls. When I noticed one of Jaime and Drake, I was forced to look away. “Sadly, I know you lost your wife and I heard about Jaime. I’m so sorry.”
“And of course, I know about Drake. He was a good boy, turned into an even better man. Kinda sad that I thought you boys would turn out to be nothing special, but you sure fooled this old man. What brings you here?” He had difficulty as he eased onto the couch.
“A couple of things. I’m surprised you didn’t want to take care of Ashley.” I knew the words held a hint of sharpness, but I had to know some truths.
He gave me an intense stare before answering. “You can already tell that I couldn’t handle taking care of a little girl, not one with so much life in her. That doesn’t mean I don’t check on her every day, but she’s in good hands. The question is why isn’t she by your side already?”
“You once told me while holding a shotgun in front of my face that I had demons inside of me.”
Mr. Weatherby snorted, laughing softly. “I did, didn’t I? Well, the truth was you were one troubled kid and I just knew you were on a path to a life of crime. I’m happy to say I was wrong.”
“Well, the truth is that you were right on several levels. I do have demons inside of me, including why my brother died. I need to figure them out before I bring his daughter back home. She deserves the best.”
He swept his gaze across my face, nodding. “I respect that. My understanding is that Drake died tragically. Do you know something I don’t know?”
“Maybe. I’m not certain, but I think it may be the reason Jaime was murdered.”
His face clouded, his lips pursing. “Jaime died in a tragic fire as well. There’s nothing else to that.”
Before he looked away, I noticed not only the fear in his eyes but the hard grip on the arm of the couch. “Mr. Weatherby, I’m not trying to bring up horrible memories, but I have some information that leads me to believe that Jaime was working with her boss to discover information on incidents that were similar to the recent fires. I think she was possibly in the wrong place at the wrong time, but she must have talked with Drake about her concerns, which is why he joined the fire department in the first place. If what I believe is true, the arsonist has escalated his methods, which led to my brother’s death. In other words, he and another firefighter were murdered. I will find out the truth.”
Everything about his demeanor had changed, his body stiff. “While I wondered about that, Drake never told me anything. He was a private man and truth is he and I weren’t that close. I respected the way he cared about Jaime, but that’s all we really ever talked about. I wish I could help you, but Jaime didn’t share her work with me.”
“Did she possibly leave any records here?”
“No. She took everything with her.”
I sighed, glancing once again at the pictures on the wall. “She was a beautiful girl. Ashley looks just like her.”
“Yes, she does,” he choked. “I hope you plan on taking good care of her, Hawk. She means the world to me. I wanted to stay close, but I’m getting too old to even take care of this place. Put a deposit down on a nice villa in Tucson. You know the kind of place I mean.”
Sadly, I did. I wasn’t getting anything additional from him. “I appreciate your time and when I get Ashley settled, I’m going to bring her by.”
His face lit up once again. “I’d really like that.”
I stood, waving my hand to keep him from getting up. “Got one last question, Mr. Weatherby.”
“Jim. I think after all this time you can call me by my first name.”
“Jim. Why didn’t you and my father get along?”
The grin on his face was almost one of mischief. “You really want to know the truth?”
“Yes, sir. I do.”
“Your pappy was one card shark. He won that piece of property he owned during a brutal poker game. Hated him ever since.”
Laughing, I shook my head. “So, what my father said was true. Amazing.” I moved to
ward the door, tipping my head once again. “Then why sell your land to Drake?”
“Well, he gave me a fair price.”
“A fair price?”
“Yep. Your brother was one sharp businessman. It was also time for me to move on. Plus, my daughter mighta had somethin’ to do about it.” His grin was genuine.
“Huh. Well, then I’m glad to hear that. I’ll be in touch... Jim. Thank you.”
“You do that, son. And, um, I hope you find your answers. Just know that Jaime and Drake were extremely close. They told each other everything.”
He looked me directly in the eyes and I knew without a doubt that the man had lied to me. He knew more than he was willing to tell.
Because of fear.
* * *
Emotions.
Hell, it was obvious I was terrible expressing them in any way a woman could understand. I’d seen the pain in Bryce’s eyes when she told me about her sister. I honestly couldn’t imagine how difficult that had been for her. While I’d tried to make her feel better, maybe I’d inadvertently put pressure on her. What did I know?
Romance wasn’t my gig.
Guess I didn’t have to worry about it any longer.
My hands were clammy as I turned down the picturesque driveway leading to the house where Ashley was staying. The conversation with her caretaker, Brenda, had been pleasant, the caretaker providing a few details about how Ashley was doing. The little girl was reserved, had yet to speak and had difficulty sleeping. At least she was eating. I didn’t know much about Brenda Marks except that she’d already been vetted by Drake after Jaime’s death, the woman serving as a babysitter when he’d been on duty at the firehouse. I’d told her about my plans, leaving out anything about Drake, only that I had to get things in order, and I’d come visit Ashley every day until I did.
The entire conversation speared my heart even more than before.
I pulled the truck next to another car, gazing out the windshield. The house was small but well maintained, flowers in several boxes on the front porch. As I cut the engine, I realized my stomach was churning. Hissing, I ran my hand over my chin. I should have shaved before leaving the house. Between my size and the tattoos, the poor girl would likely be terrified.
Opening the door, I found it difficult as hell to get out. This was so far removed from my comfort zone that I knew I’d fuck it up. When the front door opened, a woman walking onto the porch, I told myself there was no turning back. The oversized stuffed bear I’d placed on the passenger seat just reminded me that I had no clue what the hell I was doing.
I yanked the stuffed creature into my arms, chastising my selection. The damn thing was huge, but I’d taken what Bryce had said to heart. As I walked closer, I could see the scrutinizing look on Brenda’s face.
“Mr. Travers,” she said, offering a tense smile. “I’m sorry, Sergeant.”
“Hawk. No need for formalities. Besides, I’m just a ranch owner now.”
Her smile grew wider. “I’m actually glad to hear you say that. I can’t imagine Ashley’s life if she was forced to move.”
I walked closer, holding out my hand. “I wouldn’t dream of destroying any more of Ashley’s life. How is she? Does she know I’m coming?”
“She does. I told her as much as I knew. She’s right inside watching a movie. Come on.” Brenda stopped before opening the door. “Just remember, Sergeant, I mean Hawk, that she’s very scared and doesn’t understand.”
“What was told to her about her daddy?”
“I told her that her daddy loves her and wants to be with her, but he can’t be.”
Another thing that Bryce had been right about. I sighed; Brenda certainly didn’t deserve to be chastised for trying her best to care about the baby. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
She led me inside and to a brightly decorated sunroom, the colors reminding me of the tropics. Ashley was sitting on the floor a few feet from the television, her legs crossed. She was wearing a little sundress with bright sunflowers and the moment I saw her, I had to glance at the ceiling, unable to handle the rattle of my emotions.
“Take your time, Hawk. This has been devastating for the entire family. I’ll bring in some lemonade in a little bit. She loves pink lemonade. Ashley, honey. This is your uncle. Remember me telling you about him?”
Ashley turned her head, the blank expression on her face jerking me into various points of pain. While I wanted to crush her against me, telling her that everything was going to be all right, I wasn’t entirely certain I’d be giving her the truth. She looked at Brenda as if for affirmation before slowly turning her eyes in my direction, even cocking her little head. I could swear there was an instant connection until she shifted, facing the television once again.
Brenda squeezed my arm then walked away, leaving me feeling lonelier and more terrified than I had in my entire life. I took quiet steps closer, still keeping my distance. “How are you, Ashley? I’m Uncle Jake.”
The silence was wretched, her eyes barely blinking as she watched the cartoon. Swallowing hard, I sat down on the floor, pushing the bear in front of me, one of the plush paws lightly touching her knee.
“I brought you something. This is Mr. Bear.” My whisper would terrify even me. “Hi, Ashley. I’m Mr. Bear. I thought I could come live with you if that’s okay.” The disguise in my voice I used was lame, but I could have sworn I saw a glimmer in her eye. “What are you watching?” I kept the voice going, lifting the bear’s arm.
Ashley darted a single very quick look at the bear, her brow furrowing.
“I love cartoons. Do you think it would be okay if I watched it with you?” Mr. Bear asked.
After a few seconds, I was totally discouraged. Then she shrugged and I almost jumped for joy.
“Yay!” Mr. Bear exclaimed then shifted closer.
While she didn’t push him away, she didn’t grab onto him either. “If it’s okay, Ashley, I’d like to sit with you for a little bit.” This time, her uncle asked the question.
There was no response of any kind.
I shifted only a few inches closer, paying attention to the television and nothing else, although it killed me not to be able to even take her hand into mine. We watched together in silence until I realized her arm was moving, slowly reaching for the bear. I held my breath as she stroked Mr. Bear’s arm, finally dragging the stuffed creature between her legs.
The exhale was quiet although my heart was rattled as fuck.
“How about some lemonade?” Brenda asked as she brought in a tray with cookies and two glasses.
For a few seconds, I saw a hint of animation in the little girl, her eyes shimmering as she reached for a glass. Then something amazing happened. She turned to look at me, her lovely eyes falling to the tattoos on my arms. After blinking several times, she reached out, jerking her arm back.
I heard Brenda’s slight gasp and I smiled, slowly moving my arm in Ashley’s direction. “It’s okay, Ashley. You can touch them. It’s just ink.”
Her little brow furrowed and she reached out, allowing the tip of her index finger to trace the pattern on my arm. She jerked back once again, glancing into my eyes before turning her attention to the television, the same arm wrapping firmly around the bear.
Brenda walked out and for a few precious minutes, I sat quietly enjoying the best chocolate chip cookie and pink lemonade in the world.
And I was almost content.
Almost.
Maybe I could be if my heart wasn’t breaking into a thousand little pieces. But one thing I knew, this beautiful little girl would want for nothing her entire life. She would know the love of her parents and a wayward uncle who likely had no business caring for something so precious.
But nothing was going to stop me from trying.
* * *
I stood on the porch of the ranch, gazing over at the horses, the men expected at any minute. The phone remained in my hand where it had been since I arrived back at the place. I’d taken the liberty o
f memorizing Bryce’s number after she’d texted the person responsible for the threat, programming the digits into my phone that morning. While calling her wasn’t what she wanted, I needed to hear her voice.
And so, I dialed.
Her voicemail came on after three rings, her lilting voice the very one I couldn’t get out of my head. I couldn’t leave a message. And why? What the fuck was I supposed to say to her? I shoved the phone into my pocket as three trucks pulled in, several people getting out.
“Sergeant Travers?” the man walking in front asked. I recognized him from his work with my father. The guy had once been a hothead. “Don’t know if you remember me, but I’m Tanner Reese.”
“Just Hawk, Tanner, and you’re not the kind of guy I could forget.”
I’d taken the time to go over the various employment records. Everyone Drake had hired seemed to know what they were doing, the majority having been with him for years. Hell, they knew more than I did at this point. Tanner was an excellent choice to run the crew.
As we shook hands, he grinned. “I remember you too.”
“I bet you do.” I eyed the others as each once moved forward, introducing themselves. “Good to finally meet all of you. I know my brother relied on you and I’m still going to need to. Nothing is going to change.”
“Well,” Tanner said as he looked at the others. “We heard you might sell the place.”
“Word travels fast,” I huffed.
“Just something your brother said,” Tanner commented. “He wanted you to be a part of the ranch and I think he knew you always wanted to sell.”
I glanced around the property, taking a deep breath. “I came here with full intentions of doing just that, but I don’t think I could ever have it in me. Big Meadow is a special place.”
“Woo hoo!” Michael whistled, grinning from ear to ear.
Shaking my head, I was glad I’d given someone a smile. “In other words, get back to work.”
Tanner nodded to the others, waiting until they’d walked back toward two of the trucks, their conversations light. “I’m real sorry about Drake. He was a good friend. I know some of the other ranch hands will want to give their condolences.”