His gaze dropped to her lips, and she watched his eyes grow even darker than usual. She lifted her face to his, and their lips touched.
“Momma, what are you and Travis doing in the pond?”
Kimberly sucked in air. Jamie.
She heard Gran’s snicker before she opened her eyes. She pulled away from Travis and considered sinking into the water, but figured with her luck their audience wouldn’t leave, and she’d still have to come up for air.
Kimberly tried to step away, but Travis took her hand and pulled her closer. He grinned at her before they faced the three onlookers standing on the dock. Trixie sat on her haunches beside Jamie with Gran behind them. While Kimberly couldn’t think of any logical explanation for kissing in the pond, Travis did.
“Your mother and I had a couple of accidents. We were attacked by a can of paint. Then the dock tripped us and threw us in the pond. I thought your mom needed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.”
Kimberly laughed at the slack-jawed look on her son’s face. Obviously, he didn’t know if he should believe Travis’s version of what happened.
“Maybe a lap around the island would revive you both.” Gran grinned at them. “Jamie and I need to take our samples in the house and mount them, anyway.”
“Samples?” They hadn’t told Kimberly what they were doing, only that they were going on a nature walk. “What did you find on your walk?”
“Oh, insects, butterflies, and leaves.” Gran held up a small paper bag. “They’re all non-living. We plan to mount them.”
“Momma, you said Travis wouldn’t be back until tonight.” Jamie’s little face held a frown as if he might insist on finding out why she and Travis were in the pond.
“We came home early. That’s all right with you, isn’t it?” Travis grinned at the little boy.
Jamie nodded. “Does that mean we can go on our campout now?”
“Maybe in a couple of weeks, Jamie.” Travis sobered. “Let’s give you a little more time on horseback before we do.”
“Okay.” Jamie turned toward the house. “Come on, Trixie. We gotta mount our bugs.”
Gran grinned and wiggled her fingers at Kimberly and Travis. “As much as I’d love to hear the complete and honest version of this story, I’ve got my work cut out. You two might want to come out of the water before you look like prunes.”
Her laughter drifted behind her as she left.
~*~
Several days after the pond incident, Kimberly mopped the kitchen floor while Gran rested upstairs. Trixie had gone back to work with Travis the day after he returned from his campout. Jamie missed her but played outside alone as he’d done before. Kimberly took the damp mop outside and leaned it against the porch rail to dry as she usually did.
When she stepped back into the kitchen, she heard Gran. Had she called her for some reason? Kimberly moved through the café doors into the dining room. Gran’s voice came from the living room this time clear enough for her to understand. “I assure you they are both fine and happy.”
Kimberly froze with her hand on the banister leading upstairs. Obviously, Gran didn’t need anything. She was talking on the phone. Who was she talking about? Her and Jamie? Her stomach clenched. Surely Gran wasn’t talking to Grandfather.
“Yes, I understand your concern. What I don’t understand is why such a sweet girl has been treated in such a fashion that—” Gran cut her sentence off. Her voice softened until Kimberly had trouble hearing until Gran said, “I’m sorry. I need to go.”
Kimberly ran up the carpeted stairway without a sound. Had Gran seen her? Until that moment, she hadn’t considered she’d been eavesdropping on a private conversation. Except she was almost certain Gran had been talking to Grandfather. Had he called? Had Gran called him? She could be wrong. Maybe Gran wasn’t talking about her and Jamie, but she couldn’t imagine who else it might be. She went into the upstairs bathroom and washed her hands. If Gran hadn’t seen her, she didn’t need to know Kimberly had heard. She trusted Gran and knew she’d never do anything to intentionally hurt her. Still, she didn’t want her talking to Grandfather.
She dried her hands on a towel and smoothed it into place. She would forget the incident. She could be mistaken after all. She needed to do some shopping. Maybe Gran would like to go along and visit with Beth while they were in town. An outing would be good for all of them.
Kimberly ran down the stairs as Gran came out of the living room. She met her with a smile. “Ah, just in time. I thought I’d run into the store for some groceries. Would you like to come along? I promised Beth I’d stop to visit with her soon, and it’s almost time for the baby to come, so this may be our only chance.”
“Shall I give her a call?” Gran smiled and looked into Kimberly’s eyes as if she had nothing to hide.
“That would be great.” I’ll get my list and Jamie.” Kimberly decided she had been wrong. Why would Travis’s grandmother talk to her grandfather, anyway? It wasn’t as if they knew each other.
~*~
As they drove into town, Kimberly followed Gran’s directions. She pulled to a stop in front of a nice ranch-style house built on a double lot. “This is very nice.”
Gran opened her door. “Yes. Beth said she’d be watching for us. She sounded eager for the company.”
Beth met them at the door and stood back to let them pass. “I’m so glad you came today. The closer I get to my due date, the more restless I feel. I’ve been cleaning house until there’s nothing left to clean.”
Gran chuckled. “I’ve heard that’s a good sign. Nesting? Isn’t that what it’s called?”
Beth laughed. “Either nesting or boredom. I’ll be so glad to see my toes again.”
Kimberly smiled and touched Jamie’s shoulder. “I remember. It’ll be worth it though when you hold your baby.”
At that moment, a small furry dog bounded toward them without a sound. Jamie tugged on Kimberly’s shirt. “Momma, look.”
Beth turned with a smile. “Would you like to play with Sparky? She’s very good with kids and almost never barks.”
“Can I, Momma?” Jamie lifted his hopeful gaze to Kimberly. “I’ll be good, I promise.”
“If you don’t mind, there’s a sunroom in back where Sparky likes to nap.” Beth’s pet seemed to pick Jamie out for attention as if asking him to play.
Kimberly gave Jamie a gentle push forward. “Yes, of course it’s fine. Jamie loves dogs. He and Travis’s collie have become the best of friends.”
As soon as Jamie and Sparky were settled in the sunroom with a small plate of cookies and a glass of milk for Jamie, the three women went to the living room with their own refreshments. Beth snuggled into a large recliner and turned her attention toward Kimberly. “So, how do you like ranch life by now?”
Kimberly thought about telling the truth and saying she loved it. She never wanted to go back to the city. But she didn’t. Gran might get the wrong idea if she did. “Although life in the country is very different from what I’m used to, I think I’ve adjusted pretty well.”
Beth smiled. “From what I’ve seen, that’s true. I hope you’ll stay longer than fall. Isn’t that what you agreed to?”
Kimberly nodded, but didn’t say any more. Beth looked from Kimberly to Gran. “How’s your arm, Aunt Linda? When does the cast come off?”
Kimberly gladly let Gran take over the conversation. She watched through the glass doors on the opposite side of the dining room as Jamie played with Beth’s dog. They seemed to be getting along great. Would she stay beyond the end of August as she’d planned? What if Travis asked her to? He started to kiss her in the pond. If Jamie and Gran hadn’t shown up when they did, he would have. She’d have kissed him back, too.
“So it shouldn’t be too much longer.” Gran’s voice penetrated her thoughts. “Of course, I won’t be able to cook or clean even then. Kimberly will need to stay for several more months, I’m sure.”
Kimberly smiled at the twinkle in Gran’s eyes. “Thank
you, but I’ll have to leave when Travis says for me to. I knew when I took the job, it would be temporary.”
She turned her attention toward Beth. “I’m getting quite an education on the ranch. Besides learning to ride, I’ve learned what a knitting machine is. You already know about the rug I’m finishing. Gran think’s it’ll be good enough for the church auction.”
“I’m sure it will be.” Beth’s eyes narrowed a fraction on Kimberly’s face. “You know I just realize that you call Aunt Linda, Gran. I’m curious. How’d that come about?”
Before Kimberly could think of a reasonable answer, Gran spoke. “I asked her to. Kimberly and Jamie have become like part of the family.”
“I see. So you do think you’ll get the rug done in time for the auction?” Beth shifted in her chair. “This is what? Three or four of these auctions we’ve held, and Aunt Linda always contributes something she’s made with her wool. It’s always a big hit.”
“Oh, I wish you hadn’t told me that.” Kimberly laughed. “I love doing it, but I’m just a beginner. I’m looking forward to the auction, though. I’ve enjoyed the women’s group. Everyone is so friendly here.”
“Oh, pooh.” Gran shook her head at Kimberly. “Your work on that rug is every bit as good as what I did. I don’t think anyone will be able to tell where I left off and you picked it up.”
“Thanks, I sure hope not.”
“Not to change the subject, but has Travis had any more cattle missing?” Beth frowned. “Lee said there were no tracks and no carcasses. It doesn’t make sense, does it?”
Gran shook her head. “No, it doesn’t. I haven’t heard of any more since the men camped out, but that’s only been about a week. They’ve been patrolling the outer fences, trying to discourage whatever it is. Sort of gives me the creeps just wondering what’s out there.”
“What, instead of who?” Beth shook her head. “Wouldn’t an animal leave evidence?”
Gran shrugged. “I figure a man would, too. Travis thinks it may be a cougar.”
Beth shook her head. “There aren’t any cougars in Nebraska. Well, maybe one or two, but they never last long. I read a news article on it a few days ago.”
Kimberly glanced back at Jamie again while the conversation moved into areas she didn’t feel comfortable taking part in. If there was a cat, would it come up to the buildings? She hoped not and was afraid to voice her concerns. After their visit with Beth and a trip to the grocery store, Kimberly drove home. Amazing how the ranch seemed like home in a way that no place had since her parents died. The large colonial house she’d shared with Colin had never truly been home. Even Grandfather’s home had never been hers.
She parked near the back door of Travis’s house and let Jamie and Gran help her unload groceries. When she started back out for the last bag, she saw Travis walking toward her from the barn. She waited beside her car until he got closer. “Is something wrong?”
“We lost three this time.” He sighed as he pulled her groceries from the car. “I’ve been out in the west pasture with Lee and Davis. They found something. Where’s Gran? I may as well tell you both at the same time.”
Kimberly didn’t like the sound of resignation in his voice. His shoulders sagged as if he carried an extra load. What had they found? She walked back into the house with him.
“I’ll tell Gran.”
He nodded and headed toward the refrigerator. “I’m getting some tea. You want any?”
“No, I’m fine.” Kimberly found Gran in the living room with Jamie and motioned for her. “Jamie, I need to speak to Gran for a moment.”
“Okay, can I go outside then?”
Kimberly nodded and he ran past them. As soon as he hit the café doors into the kitchen, Kimberly told Gran, “Travis has something to tell us.”
Travis’s and Jamie’s voices drifted back to them. The back screen door slammed as they entered the kitchen. Travis looked at Kimberly with a grin. “Your son is acting more like a country boy all the time.”
Kimberly smiled. “I’ll take that as a compliment coming from you.”
“Exactly the way I meant it.” His grin didn’t last long enough as he motioned toward the table. “Have a seat. I’ve been with Lee and Davis at the west fence line. We found evidence that our cattle aren’t being taken by aliens and we don’t have a bone-and-skin-eating cougar.”
“Travis, you’re talking in riddles.” Gran frowned. “That’s what we don’t have. What did they find?”
“A rustler, Gran.” He rubbed his forehead. “A very smart person who has been taking a few cattle at a time, leaving no tracks, and repairing the fence behind him so we won’t notice.”
“You’re kidding.” Gran covered her mouth with her fingers.
Travis shook his head. “I wish I was.” He glanced at Kim. “But I’m also thankful there’s no cat out there to worry about.”
“Why have you been worrying about cougars, Travis?” Kimberly frowned. “Beth says there aren’t any cougars in Nebraska. At least not enough to worry about.”
He shrugged. “There aren’t supposed to be. They show up once in a while until someone kills them. They’re protected except when they become a threat, and they’re usually a threat.”
Kimberly stared at him. Jamie played outside most of the time. He stayed close to the house, but wouldn’t a hungry cat come in close?
Travis must have read her mind because he smiled and touched her hand on the table. “Don’t worry, Kim. They won’t come to the house. Besides, didn’t I just say there is no cat? You have nothing to worry about. Our problem’s with a two-legged rustler. We’re going to get him. Lee has a plan now we know what we’re dealing with. Davis was so sure there’s no cat, he bowed out. Said the conservation department isn’t involved now.”
Kimberly relaxed. “So does that mean we can go camping like we’ve been promising Jamie?”
Travis grinned. “That’s exactly what it means. When do you want to go?”
~*~
Monday night after a two-hour wait, Travis, Elliott, Lee, and Dave, Lee’s deputy, watched from the cover of darkness as a truck rolled silently to a stop near the fence that had been cut and repaired. Travis’s heart pounded so loud he figured the rustler would hear him and discover their presence.
The driver got out and let his door close without a sound. He walked around to the back of the truck and let down the tailgate. Travis expected someone to get out of the passenger side, but the door remained closed. He felt cramped in his crouched position next to a shrub. Shouldn’t be much longer. He strained to see the rustler and couldn’t. Just an ordinary man of average height and weight. The guy took a tool from the back and crossed the ditch to the fence and set to work.
A flush moved through Travis’s body. The man acted like he owned the place. His hands tightened into fists. He glanced toward Lee’s hiding place. As soon as he gave the signal, they’d all jump him. They hadn’t expected only one man. The four of them should take him easily.
A small herd of cattle grazed a short distance away. Lee had told them to wait until the guy had the first steer outside the fence then he’d turn a light on him. Dave and Elliott were positioned across the road. The man was surrounded and didn’t know it.
After what seemed like an eternity to Travis, the rustler led a steer with a short rope through the opening in the fence. Lee’s light flared to life and he stood. “Stop! You’re under arrest for entering private property and unlawfully removing . . .”
Lee’s voice continued, but Travis didn’t listen. He stood and stared at the man caught in Lee’s light. Jack McMilin stared toward the light, his eyes wide. He turned first one way and then another as if looking for a way out. Dave walked toward his truck from the road, his gun drawn. He might as well put the gun away. Jack probably didn’t have one. The fight left Travis, as confusion set in. Jack McMilin, Tom’s older brother, had always been on the wild side, but last he heard, he’d settled down, gone to law school, and set up a practice ov
er in Granby. Why would Jack steal animals from him? It didn’t make sense.
“Jack?” Travis stepped out of hiding and walked toward the man he remembered from his youth. “What’s going on? Why are you doing this?”
Jack spit toward Travis and glared. “Just trying to even the score. You crippled my brother, you and your kid. You should’ve paid, but he wouldn’t sue.”
“I paid the hospital bills, Jack. I gave Tom a bonus to get him started.” Jack’s accusations came from a twisted mind, but Travis still felt the sting of words he’d flung at himself over and over.
“It wasn’t enough. I could’ve got him set him up for life.” Jack snarled at Travis. “I’m the best lawyer in these parts. I’d have nailed your hide for what happened to my brother, only he got religion and said we had to forgive. I’ve been forgiving all right, one steer at a time.”
“Come on, Jack.” Lee and Dave stood on either side of Tom’s brother. They read him his rights, clamped handcuffs on his wrists, and took him to Lee’s truck that Elliott pulled in behind Jack’s.
Elliott led the steer back inside and started repairing the fence. Travis watched the others as in a trance. He’d expected a stranger, not someone he’d known for years. What would this do to Tom?
Chapter Sixteen
Jamie finished his bedtime prayer. “And let us stay here forever. Amen.”
Kimberly kissed Jamie’s cheek and pulled the sleeping bag closer around him. He immediately pushed the cover back. “I’m gonna get hot in this thing.”
She laughed. “I know, but later on it’ll be cool. All that’s between you and the outdoors is this thin nylon wall.” Kimberly brushed her hand against the tent side. “You go to sleep now. We’ll have another busy day tomorrow.”
Jamie grinned. “I like Travis’s ranch, Momma. I don’t ever want to go anywhere else.”
Kimberly sighed. “I know, honey, but we don’t always get everything we want. That’s a fact of life we might as well learn now. But we’ll stay here another couple of months until we know Gran’s all better.”
A New Life Page 14