Two Spirit Ranch

by Jaime Stryker

  “Ah, you must have met Jake. That boy is my cousin, ma’am. Hope he didn't give you a ticket. He's a stickler for speed limits.”

  “Your cousin was very gracious, Mr. Collins.”

  “Perhaps I could set up a meeting with the rest of the development group. You could find out what we're offering...”

  “I’m sorry Mr. Collins. I don’t think I’m interested right now. My uncle only just passed away, and I’m just trying to process that. I...uh...appreciate your stopping by though,” Terri said while trying to shut the door.

  Carl put out his hand, gently but firmly, preventing the door from being shut. “I feel your loss, Miss Lawson. Your uncle was an upstanding member of this community, a fine, fine man, and his passing was truly a sad occasion.” He cleared his throat and looked at her again. “However, I do know he did leave a lot of unpaid bills including back property taxes. My company is willing to pay the bills and offer a nice monetary package that would meet your satisfaction for everyone’s benefit,” he said nodding with a smile.

  What a salesman, Terri thought. “Thank you for letting me know, Mr. Collins. But I don’t think I am going to sell right now.”

  She noticed his face momentarily harden before breaking out into another smile. “I understand this may a troubling time for your family. Thank you for your time. When…err, if you change your mind, please let me know. Here's my card,” he said thrusting it towards her.

  “Thank you,” she said, taking the card and trying to convey her lack of enthusiasm. She had only just arrived. The last thing she could think about this moment was selling her last connection to her uncle.

  Carl, undeterred, continued, “I truly believe development of Clearview is the key to this area’s future success. It’s been a pleasure.” With that he walked over to his car and sped off.

  She closed the door behind her, and realized that the man's presence had sent an uneasy chill through her body. As a lawyer, Terri had developed a sixth sense in knowing when others were hiding ulterior motives, and Carl Collins reeked of it.

  As Carl drove off, he thought to himself, I think there are ways to make you change your mind, Miss Lawson. He smiled to himself, lit a cigarette and afterwards threw out the butt onto the wide open Montana landscape.

  Chapter 3

  After a night of fitful sleep and dreaming of Tom and their last dinner, Teri woke up early and decided to take a drive into town to buy some groceries and supplies for her stay. How long she was staying she was not sure. But the thought that her Uncle was nearby, even in spirit, was a comfort to her. As she drove into the small town, really a village, she marveled at how small and completely alien life there looked compared to New York. However, she marveled at the land’s natural beauty and desolateness. Only one highway surrounded by ponderosa pine trees went through the town, and Terri noted a small supermarket, what looked to be a general store called Dollar Town, a handful of offices, a car wash, and then the Clearview Café Jake had mentioned to her.

  The café was a pretty nondescript stucco box type building. A flashing neon sign read “Clearview C fe” with the light for the “a” obviously burned out. Despite the early hour, the parking lot already looked full.

  “Wow, must be nice to have no competition,” Terri said to herself as she pulled into the one empty parking space. She decided she would see if she could meet this Sally that Uncle Bud had been dating and get a spot of breakfast before buying her supplies. In the afternoon, she only planned on taking a nap, exploring the grounds of the ranch more, reading a new romance novel from her favorite writer, Madison Martin, and enjoying the peace and quiet of country life. Her goal was to try and forget New York and take care of herself physically, emotionally and spiritually. A lofty goal, but she was determined to give it her all.

  As she walked into the diner, Clearview Café, she found all eyes on her and a hush among the crowd. All the stares began to make her a little uneasy. Obviously, this was not a place used to seeing a new face.

  “Well, hon, have a seat. You visiting Clearview?” a voice asked.

  Terri turned around to find a woman who appeared to be in her fifties with a large blonde 60’s style beehive hairstyle and bright red lipstick. She wore a welcoming smile on her face and smacked a wad of gum in her mouth. She almost looked like a sitcom cliché, but there was warmth to the woman that made her instantly likeable. Her bright smile and twinkle in her eyes radiated a friendly charm.

  “My name’s Sally. I’m the proprietress of this here fine eating establishment and I’ll be helping you today. The pancakes are good enough to make you slap your grandma down, but the waffles are only so-so.”

  Sally motioned Terri to a seat at the counter and handed her a greasy menu. By this time the noise level in the café normalized and the staring had stopped.

  “Thank you,” Terri said, taking the menu.

  Sally studied her for a moment, and then a look of recognition showed on her face.

  “You’re Terri, Bud’s niece, aren’t you?” she said in wonderment.

  “I am,” Terri said.

  “Well, I’ll be,” she said, holding out dainty hand for shaking. “It sure is good to meet you after all this time. Your uncle sure did love you. We were…uh…good friends.”

  “I heard,” Terri replied with a friendly little wink thrown in.

  Sally chuckled and said, “Small towns, I swear.”

  “I can see what the fuss was all about,” Terri said genuinely. Sally had the type of bubbly personality that would have perfectly complimented her Uncle Bud, a man who never met a stranger.

  “Why thank you, honey! I must say, I saw some pictures of you, but you’re even prettier in person,” Sally said beaming.

  “Sally, can we get some more coffee over her?” an older man in overalls called out to her.

  “Don, can’t you see I’m welcoming this new gal in town?” Sally scolded. “You ain’t got anywhere to hurry off to. Mindy will be back from her break in a sec.”

  Terri marveled at her sass, but the older man just laughed and went back to talking to the other men at his table.

  “Oh, Bud was a sweetheart! I sure miss him,” Sally continued, as if she had not work to be done. “He volunteered for the Historical Society and helped raise funds for the elementary school, too. He always did what he could to help make Clearview a better place.”

  “I knew there must have been a woman in his life when I saw all those beautiful daisies and poppies planted outside. Uncle Bud never had a green thumb,” Terri said, while Sally took it upon herself to pour Terri a cup of coffee.

  “I told Bud that place needed a little color, so I took it upon myself. Bud and I…” Sally stopped, and Terri could tell that she was starting to get a little choked up. “We were both two very independent people, and that’s why I think we worked so well. We had our separate lives, but we spent some good times together.”

  “I’m glad he had you then,” Terri said, noticing a younger woman in a pink uniform identical to Sally’s come out from the back with a coffee pot and refilling cups on various patrons. “I’m just so sorry we are just now meeting. The past year I was so busy I didn’t take the time…”

  Now, Terri felt her own self getting emotional, and Sally placed a hand over hers.

  “Don’t you worry, hon. Your uncle knew just how much he meant to you. He was so proud of you. He told me all about his big lawyer niece in the New York City,” Sally said.

  Terri smiled. She hadn’t planned on getting to know anyone all that well while in town. After all, how open would the residents be about a transgendered visitor? She had planned to just stay to herself until she figured out her next steps.

  “If you need anything at all while you’re in town, you don’t hesitate to let me know, honey. I figured you might need some time to decide what to do with the ranch. Bud told me a long time ago he was goin’ to leave it to you.”

  “It’s all a lot to think about, but I needed to get out of New York for a
few days anyway.”

  “Everything gone all right since you been here?” Sally said, bringing out some cream and sugar from under the counter. “Hope your stay in Montana has been nice so far…”

  “Oh, it’s been great, except for the ticket I almost got,” Terry said. “Luckily, the officer let me off, and he was quite handsome.”

  Truth was she had thought about Jake constantly since he escorted her to the ranch. His gallantry caught her as very “un- New York.” What a nice change of pace it had been to meet such a gentleman in modern society.

  “Oh, Jake, I bet. We've got a small sherrif’s force here. Even the sheriff does the regular patrols. No office work around here. Jake,” Sally said, practically licking her lips. “Now, that is one tall, cool drink of water. He makes every female heart flutter just by walking into a room. He hasn’t met the right woman yet since the…” Sally said pausing, before adding, “You single, sugar?” She pointed at Terri’s empty ring finger.

  “Um, yeah…I kinda just got out of a relationship,” Terry confessed. She hoped Sally wouldn’t ask for more details.

  “Well, girl, you’ve got to get back on that horse and ride again!” Sally said, before lowering her voice. “So to speak.”

  “One day. Maybe,” Terri said quietly.

  At that moment, Jake walked in and greeted the customers in the café. His commanding presence caught the attention of every person in the room. Terri couldn’t help but think that he looked even more handsome, if that were possible, this morning. She noticed how his uniform contoured the muscles in his arm just perfectly. Such a man would have a pick of any woman he wanted, and in such a small town, he must be even a bigger catch.

  He caught Terri’s eye, smiled, and walked over. He took off his hat and revealed a thick head of dark brown hair.

  “Morning, Sheriff,” Sally said. “Just one empty seat left, and it’s next to Clearview’s beautiful new visitor. Ain’t you lucky?”

  Jake smiled sheepishly and looked a little shy.

  “Coffee, bacon, and eggs. Thanks, Sally.”

  “Sure thing, darlin’,” Sally said, before turning to Terri. “And you, honey?”

  “I’ll take the same,” Terri said, suddenly feeling a little self-conscious around Jake. She thanked God she had taken the time to smooth her curls, put on a little make-up, and a new pink sundress. She eyed him crossing the room as she sipped her coffee from her mug and now this hunk of man was sitting next to her.

  “Hello Miss Lawson, I mean, Terri. I just wanted to say hello. I noticed your car outside and just wanted ask how things were going at the old house,” Jake said sincerely.

  His dark brown eyes and tan skin were beautiful up close. His skin a bit weathered by the elements and yet looked soft and smooth.

  “Thanks again for the escort. I don’t think I would have made it through all these little country roads without you,” Terri said. “Things are fine up in the house. Except I had an odd visitor yesterday after you left.”

  Jake sighed loudly and said, “I’m afraid I have an idea.”

  “You know?” Terri said, surprised.

  “My cousin, Carl, huh?”

  “Exactly. Your cousin seems intent on my selling the ranch before I’ve even had time to take a look at it...”

  “I’m sorry about that. Carl and I may be related by blood, but it’s been my experience that my cousin always misses a good chance to shut up.”

  “So I shouldn’t listen to him?”

  “Let’s just say he and I have very different ideas on what would be…,” he said choosing his words carefully, “…best for Clearview. He works for a company that wants to develop a condo and resort complex here. I think it’ll change our town and not for the best. Most folks here like our laidback quiet way of life. You have to make your own decisions, of course. Just don’t let my cousin talk you into anything you’re not ready for yet.”

  “Okay, good advice. But there is one other thing you could help me out with at the house…”

  “Yes..?” Jake looked at her pretty face intently, feeling protective of the newest resident of Clearview. He had thought of her nonstop since he met her the night before. In addition to her beauty, which included the type of body curves that would make any red-blooded American man take notice, she exuded a type of confidence he always found attractive in women, but he could sense there was a hurt there, too. A vulnerability he felt instinctive to protect. After all his years on the force, Jake’s gut feelings had gotten pretty good at telling if someone was running from something whether it be emotional or physical. Terri Lawson struck him as the big city woman trying to get away from something and that intrigued him.

  “Know of any good plumbers? There is no hot water in the place! I realize folks might like roughing it, but this city gal needs some hot water,” Terri smiled.

  “You know, there was always a trick your Uncle did with the water heater when I was working there. I’ll stop by early this evening after my shift and show you if you want.”

  “Oh, that’d be great,” Terri said, feeling suddenly flush at the thought of the sheriff paying her a visit after dark.

  In the back of the kitchen, Sally peered from behind the counter at Jake and Terri talking.

  “What in the world are you staring at, Sally?” Mindy asked, walking up to get a look herself.

  “Ain’t nothing like ridin’ a fine horse in new country,” Sally said smiling.

  “Good Lord. Meaning what?”

  “Girl, look at those two. You could feel the chemistry between them.”

  Mindy groaned. “Sally, you and I both know that every single gal in the county practically had tried to catch Sheriff Collin’s attention, and we both know why no one has.”

  Sally frowned and said, “He’s a young man though. Time will heal his wounds. He can’t spend the rest of his life dwelling in the past.”

  “But that’s just the kind of guy he is. Faithful. Dedicated. Maybe to a fault,” Mindy remarked, her eyes gazing at Jake. She’d been one of many to have a crush on the charming sheriff.

  “We’ll see. I hope it changes for him. None of us will ever forget that night, but…”

  “But what?” Mindy asked, ignoring poor Don who waved from the dining room for more coffee.

  “None of us can afford to live in the past, it just ends up costing the future,” Sally said with the wisdom of her years.

  Mindy nodded in agreement before heading out to the dining room with the coffee.

  Chapter 4

  When she arrived back at the ranch house, Terri toddled towards the door trying to balance the two bags of groceries she picked up at the local Grocery 'N Things market. The pickings were slim. No vegan items. No organic fruits. But Terri always considered here self adaptable and found a few things to eat. Coming from New York, she was amazed at the warmth and genuine interest everyone seemed to have in her. As soon as she mentioned she was Bud's niece to the cashier at the supermarket, the tiny older lady threw in a free coconut cake. So far this small town was starting to grow on her.

  Fumbling for the keys in her pocket, she noticed a business card sticking out in the crevice of the door. She sat down the bags and pulled the card out. There in glossy print was a picture of the man from yesterday and the name and title, Carl Collins, Agent, Clearview Estates Resort.

  “Damn, this guy doesn't give up,” Terri said, shaking her head. Hadn't she just spoken to him? Why was he being so pushy?

  Jake walked into the office of the Clearview Estates Resort to find his cousin sitting at his desk with his legs propped up on it. In one hand, he held the phone and with the other a huge mug of steaming coffee.

  “We'll get those signatures by tomorrow, Mr. Johnson. I guarantee.”

  Jake walked towards the desk and caught his cousin's eye, and Carl nodded to him.

  “Sounds great, Mr. Johnson. I'll call you just as soon as I get the fax. And tell the missus ‘hello’ for me. Talk soon,” Carl said, hanging up the phon
e, sitting upright at his desk, and eyeing his cousin suspiciously.

  “Well, hey there, cuz. For what do I owe this visit? You taking a break from serving and protecting the citizens of Clearview County?” Carl said, the sarcasm dripping off of every word.

  Without invitation, Jake sat in the chair across from Carl, took off his hat, and sat it on the desk.

  “I needed to have a word with you, Carl,” Jake said sternly.

  “Well, well, fire away, cuz,” Carl said, sipping his ever present mug of coffee.

  Jake took a deep breath and debated in his head the best way to approach his cousin. The two had been born within weeks of and grew up next to each other. The competition between the two seemed to be on from the word go. Even though they weren’t siblings, rivalry always seemed to be the basis of their relationship.

  Although, Jake always thought this competition was all in Carl's head. As kids, he could have cared less who got the better grades, who got what position on the football team, who dated what girl. But Carl always seemed obsessed with keeping a scorecard, and Jake had never understood why. He tried to befriend his cousin on a few occasions, but Carl's sense of competition always soured any efforts. Eventually, Jake gave up and decided he and his cousin would never find common ground. It saddened him because he never had a brother, and he thought about how great things could have been between them if only Carl would let bygones be bygones.

  “I want you to leave Terri Lawson alone,” Jake stated matter-of-factly.

  “I don't understand what you mean,” Carl said. “Terri who?”

  “Drop the act, Carl. I don't have time today. Sell your brand of crazy somewhere else. Leave Bud's niece alone. She just got in town and is trying to deal with her uncle's death. You showing up on the first day ready to close a deal isn't exactly understanding of the woman's situation.”