Midnight Thunder(INCR)

by Vicki Lewis Thompson

  Finn smiled. “I could always count on you, Lex.”

  She’d forgotten that. In the early days of the Thunder Mountain Brotherhood, Finn hadn’t been quite sure of himself. Cade and Damon had been impatient with his tentative nature, but she’d been his champion. She’d listened to his stories about his beloved grandfather, the man who’d taken him in and who’d longed to own his own tavern. But Grandpa O’Roarke had no business sense and a bad heart. Finn honored his memory with his Seattle microbrewery and tavern. She found that incredibly sweet.

  Two nurses filed out of the room. “You can go back in,” said the taller one, “but you might want to take turns. All of you at once could be a bit overwhelming.”

  “I vote for Lexi to go in by herself,” Herb said. “She’s the only one who hasn’t seen Rosie yet, and Rosie’s been asking for her.”

  “Good idea,” Cade said immediately.

  Lexi appreciated both the opportunity and Cade’s support. He knew more than anyone that Rosie was like a second mother to her. He’d heard the panic in her voice when she’d called him after Herb had taken Rosie to the hospital. Ever since then, Lexi had worked hard to maintain a positive attitude, but worry had taken its toll. Seeing Rosie alone would go a long way to calming her fears.

  When she walked in, Rosie’s face lit up. “Lexi! Oh, thank God.”

  “What’s the matter?” Alarmed, she hurried over to Rosie’s bedside and pulled up a chair.

  Rosie lowered her voice. “I don’t know where to start. Pull that chair closer.”

  “Are you feeling worse?” Lexi scooted right up next to the bed. “Should I call someone?”

  “Absolutely not. Herb knew I wanted to talk to you alone, so he asked you to bring that book.”

  “I have it right here.” She pulled it out of her purse.

  “That’s fine. Thanks.” She took it and laid it aside. “I’ll read it tonight after everybody leaves, but I wanted to make sure you came.”

  “Of course I would! I’ve been dying to see you!” Then she heard what she’d said. “I mean eager to see you.”

  Rosie waved a dismissive hand. “You don’t have to watch what you say. I’m not dying, but Herb and I are in a financial mess. And now the boys are here, and I’m afraid they’ll go off the deep end. I’m counting on you to keep them from doing anything stupid.”

  “Wait, does this have anything to do with those horses you’re boarding?” Lexi’s stomach churned. It seemed a bad situation was about to get worse.

  “That was a stopgap measure, back when we thought every little bit would help. Ten months ago one of our dear friends, Hector Williams, was in a terrible financial bind, but it was supposed to be temporary.”

  “I know Hector. I taught his daughter how to ride. Nice guy.”

  “He’s a very nice guy.” Rosie took a deep breath. “He only needed a boost for a short time. Three months. We didn’t want to pull money from our retirement account, so we took out a second mortgage on the ranch with a balloon payment due this September. It should have been fine.”

  “Let me guess. He can’t repay you, after all.”

  “No, he can’t. He was laid off and can’t find work. But we weren’t too worried. We had the retirement money we could use if necessary.”

  Lexi felt the chill of impending doom.

  “We tried to withdraw funds from our account and kept getting the runaround. Then last week we finally got an answer regarding our investment. It was a Ponzi scheme, Lexi. The money’s gone.”

  “No.”

  “We couldn’t believe it, either. The government’s prosecuting and eventually we may get some of it back, but there’s no telling if or when.”

  “But how could that happen? You two have always been so careful!” She realized she was talking too loudly and toned it down. “I can’t believe you put all your savings in a Ponzi scheme. That’s not you.”

  “We trusted our financial planner, who is also a really great person, but he was fooled. He feels terrible, but there’s not much he can do. He has several clients in the same boat. We’re wiped out. And if we can’t come up with the balloon payment in September, we’ll lose the ranch.”

  Lexi was unable to speak as images of the beloved place with its treasured memories flashed through her mind.

  “You’re in shock, and that’s not surprising. So were we.”

  Lexi wondered if this had caused Rosie’s episode, whatever it turned out to me. But she saw no reason to point that out. Rosie had probably thought of it herself. Instead she focused on being positive. “There’s a solution to this. We just have to find it.”

  “Maybe there is a solution, although I don’t know what it is. I’m telling you because eventually the boys will find out, and I’m afraid they’ll go overboard in their attempt to save the ranch. I picture Finn selling his business and Damon liquidating all his current projects whether they’re finished or not. Cade doesn’t have a lot to sell, so I’m not sure what he’d do. Become a gigolo, maybe.”

  That surprised a giggle out of Lexi.

  Rosie smiled. “He’d be great at it.”

  “No doubt. And for you and Herb, he might consider it.”

  “He might at that, but we can’t let any of that happen. Damon and Finn need to continue on the path they’ve chosen, and I keep hoping you and Cade... Well, that’s a discussion for another time. Maybe we should sell the ranch and cut our losses.”

  “Is that what you want?” Lexi held her breath. She couldn’t blame them if they made that decision. Thunder Mountain Ranch was a big responsibility even with money available to run it. Struggling to hold things together in the face of financial disaster wasn’t something a couple in their sixties needed.

  “I’m not sure.” Rosie smoothed the covers. “Neither is Herb. But we can’t have those boys sacrificing a promising future to prop us up. If I hadn’t landed in the hospital, they never would have found out about any of it, but I had this little incident. The truth is going to come out.”

  “And it should. Right now Cade thinks you just want to stay busy, but if you’re really in danger of losing the ranch...they deserve to know.”

  “You’re right.” Rosie’s features softened. “How are things going between you two? I can’t tell from Cade’s behavior.”

  For the first time since she’d pulled up a chair next to Rosie’s bed, Lexi glanced away.

  “Complicated, huh?”

  “Yes.” She met Rosie’s warm gaze. “But not so complicated that I can’t help you with this. Much as I love Thunder Mountain Ranch, I agree that they shouldn’t sacrifice everything for it. And that might be their first impulse.”

  “I know, and you could talk them out of it. They all respect you.”

  “Rosie, they respect you. If you tell them not to be foolish, then—”

  “They’ll ignore me and do it anyway, for my sake. Did you see the case of Baileys in the corner?”

  Lexi hadn’t noticed, but when she glanced over, sure enough, there it sat. “They bought you a case of Baileys?”

  “Cade and Damon arrived with it this afternoon in lieu of flowers. I shouldn’t have ranted about not wanting flowers, because a bouquet would have been a heck of a lot cheaper than all that booze. Anyway, you see how they are.”

  “Yeah.” Lexi smiled as she pictured Cade and Damon coming up with that idea and then proudly bringing the box into the hospital room.

  “I figure you might have a better shot at convincing them that throwing away all they’ve worked for would not make me happy and grateful. It would make me mad as a hornet.”

  Lexi nodded. “I can see how it would.”

  “You understand because you’re a woman and you think like a woman. Those three, bless their hearts, think like men, and men are prone to fall on their swords for
the glory of the cause. Even Herb has a touch of that. If he could come up with a grand gesture at great personal cost, he’d do it without another thought.”

  Lexi smiled. “You’re right. He would.”

  “Don’t get me wrong. I love those guys with all my heart, but I don’t trust their judgment when it comes to something like the ranch. It sheltered the Brotherhood from the storm. I know it did, and they have a right to be sentimental about it, but not if it means giving up everything they’ve worked for.”

  “Exactly.” Lexi studied Rosie. “So how are you feeling? Because you look pretty perky to me.”

  “To be honest, seeing those three boys has done me a world of good. Also, I wasn’t eating right. And worrying interferes with your digestion, too. I’ve been feeling stronger every minute. I’m viewing this as a warning not to let this situation take me—or anyone I love—down.”

  “Understood. But what’s next? Are you planning to tell them or just let them find out by themselves? They will, you know. They won’t leave town without figuring it out.”

  “And Cade’s not leaving at all.”

  Lexi blinked. “He told you that?”

  “Didn’t have to. He could stay away as long as he didn’t come back for a visit. But now that he’s home, the glue is taking hold. The other two boys, I’m not so sure. But then again, they didn’t leave a sweetheart here.”

  “Rosie, don’t get your hopes up about—”

  “I won’t, I won’t. I have enough to keep me busy without obsessing about you and Cade. As to your question, I’d like you to tell them. Tonight.”

  “Tonight?” Her voice squeaked in surprise.

  “I know it’s a big thing to ask, but I’d like you to drive back with them and have a powwow around the kitchen table. You know they’ll have a powwow with or without you. I want you to be a part of it. And break the news.”

  “Oh, Rosie, I don’t know. I think they’d rather hear it from you or Herb.”

  “Not necessarily. If one of us tells them, they’ll have to be careful what they say. If you tell them, they’ll be free to cuss and carry on as much as they want. I’ve been thinking about this ever since Cade showed up this morning, and you’re the right messenger. I’m sure of it.”

  “That makes some sort of crazy sense.” Lexi had wanted to be part of the reunion tonight, anyway, but now she’d come bearing bad news. She might not be a welcome guest for long.

  “Besides, they have a slight transportation problem. I’ve heard them arguing about it. If all three of them ride home in Cade’s truck, one of them has to go in the back or they have to somehow cram into the front. Damon and Finn aren’t happy about either option. If you go, too, you can remedy that situation.”

  “What if they don’t want me there?”

  “I personally think they’d love to have you there, but if you’re worried about it, just offer to give Damon or Finn a ride to the ranch. They’ll invite you to stay for a drink and you’re golden.”

  “Okay. I’ll do it. Now I’d better make way for the horde outside your door. It’s getting to be standing room only out there. I’m waiting for the fire department to show up and start ushering people out of the hallway.”

  Rosie laughed, and suddenly she looked about twenty-five. “I’m not the least bit happy about ending up here, and the hospital gowns couldn’t be less flattering, but I love getting to see all my friends. And having my guys show up is fantastic, as long as they don’t screw up their lives as a result.”

  “I’ll do what I can.” Lexi pushed back her chair. “I’m a little intimidated but honored that you’d trust me with this.”

  “I’ve known you since you were a little kid. I’d trust you with my life.”

  Unexpected tears sprang to Lexi’s eyes. She gave Rosie a quick hug and hoped she hadn’t noticed the waterworks. “Same here.”

  “Rosie, I hate to interrupt.” Herb walked into the room. “But we have a situation out there and I thought you’d want to know about it.”

  Rosie pushed a button that propped her upright, as if she’d be able to face the news better that way. “What sort of situation?”

  “As you know, the word’s out that you’re in the hospital.”

  “I’m aware of that.”

  “So Ben dropped by.”

  “Ben’s here?” Lexi would definitely say hello. The saddle he’d made her last year was the best one she’d ever owned.

  Herb nodded. “And he brought Molly.”

  Rosie gasped and clapped a hand to her mouth.

  “What’s wrong with that?” Lexi stared at her in confusion. Ben and Molly had married this past spring at the Last Chance Ranch in Jackson Hole. Molly was the Chance brothers’ cousin, and thanks to her, Lexi was conducting a riding clinic over there in mid-July.

  Rosie ignored the question as she looked at Herb. “Has she met Cade?”

  “Yep.”

  “Has she figured it out?”

  “Yep.”

  “I need to go out there.” Rosie started to get out of bed.

  “No, you don’t.” Herb hurried over to stop her. “The horse is out of the barn. We’ll let them work through it. I just thought I’d better tell you.”

  “I should’ve called that boy the minute I met Molly. It’s obvious the two of them are related. But things have been so crazy.”

  “Related?” But immediately Lexi knew it was true. That explained why she’d liked Molly on sight. She’d looked into Molly’s green eyes and had felt as if they already knew each other.

  Rosie glanced over at her. “Molly’s maiden name is Gallagher.”

  “It is?” Lexi hadn’t met her until after she’d married Ben, so she’d had no reason to know that.

  “I’ve kept quiet about this because it was so sensitive, but she called before Christmas looking for lost relatives. She asked if I knew anything about a family named Marlowe. I could honestly say I didn’t.”

  “I guess that’s true.” Cade had mentioned that after Rance Marlowe had abandoned them, they’d started using his mom’s maiden name, which had suited them both just fine.

  “Anyway, I took Molly’s number and passed it on to Cade.”

  “And he didn’t call.”

  “Guess not.”

  Lexi wasn’t surprised. She’d once asked him if he’d tried to contact his mother’s family. Apparently he’d decided at a young age that if his mom had avoided them, they must be as worthless as his dad was.

  Rosie sighed. “Long story short, I’m guessing Molly and Cade are first cousins.”

  “Which means Cade is also a first cousin of the Chance brothers.” Lexi had trouble digesting that. She couldn’t imagine what Cade must be feeling right now. The Chance family was well-known in Wyoming for their registered Paints, their beautiful ranch and their community spirit.

  Cade’s self-image had always been that of a lone wolf. Although he was extremely loyal to his foster parents and his two adopted brothers, he’d also taken a perverse pride in being a guy with no typical family ties. That was about to change.

  8

  CADE LOOKED INTO eyes the same shade of green as his. She wore tortoiseshell glasses, but behind those glasses were eyes that were achingly familiar. His mother’s eyes. Molly’s earnest explanation wasn’t registering, but the sound of her voice mesmerized him. She sounded just like his mother, too.

  Somewhere in his duffel he had Molly Gallagher’s phone number, but he’d never bothered to call. Apparently she was Molly Gallagher Radcliffe now, because she was married to Ben, the saddle maker Rosie adored. He couldn’t make sense of how everything fit together. But as the fog slowly cleared from his brain, Molly’s words began to penetrate.

  “I should have guessed that you’d ditch your father’s name and take your mothe
r’s maiden name, but somehow that never occurred to me. So you were at Thunder Mountain Ranch.”

  “Yes.” His lips felt numb.

  “So that means your mother—”

  “Died when I was thirteen. In this hospital. Cancer.”

  She looked stricken. “I’m so sorry. But you’re here! We thought we’d lost you forever!”

  He swallowed. “We?”

  “All of us! My mom, my dad, my aunts and uncles, my brothers, my cousins, my nieces and nephews. You have so much family in Arizona that you won’t believe it. And in Wyoming! Have you heard of the Last Chance Ranch over in Jackson Hole?”

  He shrugged, trying valiantly to stay cool while his emotions rode a stomach-dropping roller coaster. “Sure. Who hasn’t?”

  “The Chance brothers are my cousins, and that means they’re also your cousins! Is that wild or what?”

  Cade struggled to take it all in. To think the Gallaghers had been upset that he and his mother had lost touch with them. They’d tried to pick up the trail, but they’d been looking for Heather and Cade Marlowe. The Gallaghers didn’t sound like losers at all, and Molly seemed nice.

  He’d never questioned why his mother had cut off contact, but now he had a pretty good idea what had made her do it. She’d been ashamed of how her life had turned out, and she hadn’t wanted her parents or her siblings to know how bad things were. From the sound of it, the Gallaghers were a prosperous and upstanding family. And the Chances—most everybody in this area knew about them.

  Rance Marlowe had beaten and belittled Cade’s mother until she’d lost all confidence in herself. She’d probably thought she wasn’t good enough to be in the company of such people as the Gallaghers and the Chances. She’d died without telling him much of anything about his heritage, and if Molly hadn’t come along, he still wouldn’t know.

  Molly put a hand on his arm. “It’s a lot to absorb all at once.”

  “Yeah.” He took a shaky breath. “So your family lives in Prescott? Is that what you said?”