This Hero for Hire

by Cynthia Thomason

  He pushed the hat back on his forehead and turned his focus back to his horses. “Sweet.”

  She didn’t know if the word referred to her or his animals. She set the basket on the ground and leaned against the fence next to him. “Have you finished your chores?”

  “Yep. I’m going to leave the horses out here for the rest of the day. Johnny Ray can bring them in when he feeds them.”

  She remembered the brown one, the bay, was his, and the palomino was his brother’s. Even though she’d grown up around horses, she didn’t really know much about them. But the word majestic came to mind. These two animals seemed proud and sturdy and strong. “What are their names?”

  “Mine is Milo, and Jared’s is Paddy.” After a moment, he pushed away from the fence. “Did you look at that piece of flat land you were interested in when we drove up?”

  “I did. It’s perfect.”

  He half smiled. “It’s nice, yeah, but perfect? Perfect for what exactly?”

  “Almost anything, really. But this is first and foremost a farm.”

  He scratched the back of his neck. “Yes, ma’am, it is, and I think we’ve started to have that little talk you promised me.” He picked up the egg basket and started back toward the barn. “Let’s go up to the house, where I can get us a couple of cool drinks and we can sit on the front porch.”

  “And I can tell you everything you want to know,” she added.

  “At least everything you’re willing to tell me,” he said. “I don’t think for a minute that it’ll be everything I want to know.”

  Minutes later, Susannah sat on a slat-seat rocking chair that had endured much use in all types of weather. It creaked with a comfortable old-wood sound as she rocked and waited for Boone. He came out with two glasses of a sparkling liquid and handed her one before taking the matching chair.

  “What is it?” she asked.

  “Mountain Dew. Okay?”

  “Sure.” She took a sip, appreciating the cool tingle on her throat.

  He didn’t waste time. “So what’s going on? Why the attraction to this farm?”

  “Boone, this spring I came to Mount Union and visited your grandfather.”

  “You what? He never told me about it.”

  “I don’t know why he didn’t. Maybe because my reason for seeing him was personal, and I think he wanted time to mull it over.”

  Boone’s brow furrowed.

  “Don’t look so worried,” she said. “We got along great, and I’ve been corresponding with Cyrus for all these months. As close as you two were, I guess I’m surprised he didn’t tell you.”

  His chair stopped moving and he gave her a steady stare. “Not half as surprised as I am right now.”

  “We wrote letters. It was our primary means of communication. I’m sure you know that Cyrus didn’t use a computer.”

  “Didn’t own one.” He took a sip of his drink. “So what was the reason for these letters?”

  “Once I’d seen the land and realized it was as perfect as I’d remembered, I offered to buy those forty acres of flat land from him.”

  He sat forward suddenly. “He never would have sold that land. He always intended to pass it down.”

  “I don’t want to upset you, but your grandfather was indeed considering it.” She reached into her jeans pocket and retrieved the last letter she’d gotten from Cyrus almost a month ago, the one that convinced her and her partners that the sale was almost a done deal. She figured she’d arrive in Mount Union and she and Cyrus would conclude business with a handshake and a check. True, she couldn’t lay claim to the property with this letter. It wasn’t a signed contract, but it clearly showed that Cyrus was committed to selling, and now, with his grandson, she needed to use Cyrus’s words to her benefit. Unfolding the letter, she said, “I have a signed document of intent.”

  Boone took the letter and read the precise cursive handwriting. Cyrus had been an old school writer and had obviously learned the art well. Every letter was expertly formed with a steady hand. Susannah knew there would be no mistaking his words. You seem like an honest young lady, Miss Rhodes. I think we might be able to make a deal.

  After a moment, Boone looked up at her. “This isn’t a letter of intent. If anything, it’s only a declaration of my grandfather’s intention to talk to you about the land when you returned to Mount Union.”

  She knew that was all the letter said, technically, but she also figured that when she arrived in town and met with Cyrus face-to-face, she could convince him fully that her offer for the property was more than fair. He’d never hinted to her that he didn’t agree with the price. “I realize your grandfather hadn’t agreed to sell the plot to me unconditionally...”

  “No, he hadn’t.” He folded the letter and handed it back to her. “As far as I’m concerned, it means nothing.”

  She ran her thumb gently over the paper. “As far as I’m concerned, it means everything. Or it could. You can imagine how shocked and disappointed I was to learn of Cyrus’s death. I had hoped to seal a deal...”

  “So you’re not here to help with your father’s campaign? You’re just using the reelection so you can get this land?”

  “No. I am going to help with the campaign. I truly believe my father is the best man to run this state for another term.” That was all true, but it didn’t hurt that the campaign provided the perfect excuse for her to be in the area. She considered whether or not to tell Boone the whole truth and opted for honesty. “I didn’t tell my father about my other reason for wanting to come back to Mount Union, and that was my meeting with Cyrus. I don’t want him to know, at least not until after the election.”

  “Why not? Seems to me our governor would be peacock proud if his only child came back here to settle.” He smirked. “Though it won’t be on Braddock land.”

  She ignored the last comment. “I’m not settling here. I still have so much I want to accomplish with my career. I never planned to live on those forty acres. And I might remind you that it’s only forty acres. Your grandfather has large parcels that can still be passed down.”

  He frowned, obviously not mollified. “So what’s your big idea for the property? You going to give us another cutesy museum or a water park? That would be a huge boon to us poor country folk.”

  She reminded herself to stay calm despite his sarcasm. She was going to have to negotiate with this cop whether she wanted to or not. And now that she’d seen the land again, she definitely wanted it.

  “No, Boone. I’m not building a water park. My intention is to use the land for exactly what it has always been—a farm. My crew and I are going to turn it into a good, rich, sustainable farm.”

  He shook his head. “Aren’t you forgetting something? This soil hasn’t been farmed in years.”

  “That’s the beauty of it. The dirt hasn’t been tilled. It’s brimming with carbon nutrients.” She tried to infuse her enthusiasm into him by capturing his gaze. “I had the soil tested in the spring. It’s rich and productive. Like I said before, it’s perfect for what my partners and I do.”

  He remained silent for a moment before his eyes narrowed and he said, “Are you planning to bring a bunch of survivalists here? Are you going to start a commune?”

  She almost laughed. “No. Nothing like that.”

  “Then are you a botanist? An herbalist?” His eyes seemed to bore into her. “What’s your game, Susannah?”

  She sighed. “I’m an agroecologist.”

  “A what?”

  “I believe the future of this country and its people depends on its food source. Sustainable farming and organic production of food is going to help future generations live longer, healthier lives. I’m hoping to open some eyes around here with regard to altering traditional farming methods.”

  He nodded slowly, but not as if he w
ere agreeing. She had the impression he was taking in more than she’d said. She feared the conclusions he might be drawing.

  “Oh, I get it,” he said. “This explains the whole chicken thing. Chickens crammed into small spaces don’t suit your idea of healthy food.”

  “I’m not going to argue that. You know I think chickens should be free range. But yesterday’s ‘chicken thing,’ as you call it, was only incidental. I do have ideas about improving livestock care, but...”

  He reached for her glass. “Time we got back to town.”

  She stood. “That’s fine with me. You obviously don’t get what I’m trying to do here. But you’re not going to back out on your agreement with my father, are you?”

  “Our governor supports the economy of this state and the tried-and-true policies that ensure our farmers get a fair shake.

  “But I don’t see any way out of my promise to your father,” Boone said. “I’ve already tried, and now I’ve given him my word.”

  He went in the open screen door but kept talking as he headed to the kitchen. “Meet you at the truck. And fair warning. As we’re driving back, you might want to keep your eye out for another perfect piece of land.”

  CHAPTER FIVE

  “SO HOW DO you feel about this fairy tale assignment, partner?” Lila later asked Boone in the station.

  He’d dropped Susannah off at the mansion to discuss campaign tactics with her father, and he’d gone into work to complete current reports. He didn’t want to leave any loose ends before starting his “special” assignment.

  He grimaced as the word special played through his mind. Usually the term was used to indicate the positive. A special gift. A special moment. But not in this case. He’d arrested Susannah Rhodes just yesterday. Now they had this land issue between them, an obstacle that made the hour she’d spent in jail seem insignificant.

  “It’s all part of my job,” he answered Menendez. He’d just filled her in on the details because she might be called upon to stay with Susannah, but the last thing he wanted was for her to think he needed sympathy. As far as his partner was concerned, this assignment was just another day at the office.

  “Well, I hope I don’t have to sit with Her Highness,” Menendez said.

  Boone started to argue, but Lila raised her hands. “Don’t worry. I’ll be nice if I have to attend to her ladyship.” She gave him a smile. “For you, partner.”

  Boone didn’t appreciate the choice of words she was using to describe Susannah. So far he hadn’t seen any hint that the governor’s daughter was using her rank to influence him or anyone else. And realistically, Boone couldn’t blame Susannah for contacting his grandfather. While Gramps was alive, all decisions about his land were his to make. And he couldn’t fault Susannah for her principles. He admired anyone whose purpose was the general improvement of society. But she’d put him in an awful place. He was being paid by the father, and he was being asked to keep secrets by the daughter.

  And then there was Jared, who had begun pressuring him to do something about the land. Like Jared needed the money! He was sitting pretty in Atlanta with a cushy accounting job and a supportive, caring family. Of all the people Boone should be concerned about, Jared was at the bottom of the list, or should be. But Jared was his big brother.

  Usually independent and self-sufficient, Boone suddenly wished he had someone to talk to about this situation. His parents were two thousand miles away, and even if they’d been in town, the person he had gone to most often for advice had been his grandfather. Maybe he could talk to Bobby or Mike, but they had families and kids. It seemed the whole world was coupled up. He knew he could confide in Lila, but that would send the entirely wrong message.

  With little recourse, and knowing he and Susannah were going to be in close contact for the next two months, Boone decided he would give her a chance—for now. If she found a decent plot of land for her experiment, he’d keep her secret. Doing nothing seemed like the best course of inaction. Two months, he reminded himself. That’s all. He could do two months. And with a little luck, maybe she’d get tired of digging in the dirt sooner than expected and head back to Oregon.

  “Are you daydreaming about the object of your new assignment?” Lila asked, walking up beside his desk.

  “Of course not,” he lied. “Just catching up. And why are you at the station anyway? Slow day on patrol?”

  “More or less,” she said. “Since you and I had our little talk about Lady Rhodes earlier, I’ve only issued a couple of speeding tickets. That reminds me,” she went on, “I thought you were supposed to start chaperoning the princess today.”

  Once again, Lila’s terminology for Susannah rankled a bit. Susannah wasn’t afraid of hard work, even to the point of extending herself to two jobs while she was here. The chicken incident proved she didn’t mind getting her hands dirty, either, or any other part of that slim, cute little...

  Don’t go there, Boone, he thought to himself. But then those freckles popped into his mind and he couldn’t help smiling. No, she wasn’t a princess. She was fresh and pretty because nature had blessed her in abundance. Boone didn’t have to like his new assignment to appreciate her qualities.

  “I’m going out there later,” he explained to Lila.

  “Is that why you’ve got that silly grin on your face?” she asked. “You think all you’ll be doing is lying around their swimming pool and watching sports in a fancy media room?”

  “No, and in case you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m not happy about this job. I’m stuck with it, that’s all, and I might as well try to make the best of it.” He widened the smile for Lila’s benefit. “Thanks for reminding me about the pool.”

  She scowled. “You’re hopeless. Even so, I’m going to miss you, partner...” She glanced over her shoulder toward a young officer Boone didn’t recognize. “But just so you know, anyone, including you, can be replaced.”

  Boone stood and Lila introduced the two men. “Boone, this is James Halloran. He’s the new you for the next two months. An even fresher recruit than I am.”

  The young officer looked barely older than Lila and even more green. Boone shook his hand. “Welcome aboard. Where you from?”

  “I was sent over from the county sheriff’s department in Libertyville to fill in while you’re on special assignment,” James said. “Looks like I’ll be riding with Menendez.”

  Lila jabbed at Boone’s rib cage. “Yeah, and for once I’ll get to be the boss. I’ll choose where we stop to have lunch.”

  “Don’t let the power go to your head,” Boone said. “I’ll be back.” Turning his focus to James, he asked, “How long you been a cop?”

  James grinned and looked at his watch. “Let’s see. What time is it now?” He laughed. “About two weeks. I’m barely a freshman.”

  Boone studied the recruit and found much to admire. The young guy stood straight and tall. His crew cut was neat and gave him an air of authority. He flexed his arms and Boone thought maybe he lifted weights. “What did you do before this?” Boone asked.

  “In the Navy, three years. Been all over, most recently the Gulf of Oman. But I’m new to this area.”

  Pretty darned good references. And a military background explained the guy’s short, trim hair and fit condition. Physically, James could make a decent cop. “You’re the second vet we’ve had move in this year,” Boone said. “I’ll have to introduce you to Mike Langston. He helps coach the high school football team.” Boone chuckled. “When he’s not fixing cars or fussing over his wife’s pregnancy.”

  “I don’t have that problem,” James said. “Not married. Guess I haven’t found someone willing to put up with me.”

  Tell me about it, Boone thought.

  “There, you see,” Lila said. “You and Boone already have something in common.” She frowned at Boone. “He’s a co
nfirmed bachelor, too.”

  “So far,” Boone said.

  Lila glanced at the station exit. “Let’s roll, Halloran. This town doesn’t protect itself. And we still have two more hours of duty.”

  “Right behind you, Menendez,” James said.

  “Have fun out there with the rich folk,” she said to Boone.

  He watched them leave. Maybe Lila would switch her attention to the new cop. Boone had noticed James stealing peeks at the pretty Menendez. All Lila would have to do is crook her finger and Boone was pretty sure the recruit would show some interest. Most of the single guys in town would. Just not himself.

  As he returned to his work, his cell rang. Recognizing the private number, he connected immediately. “Hello, Governor.”

  “I’m fixin’ to leave in an hour, son, and all my boys will be going with me just like Susie wants. Time for you to get out here.”

  “I’ll pick up my bag and be right there, sir. Hope you have a successful trip.”

  “Thanks, but you remember I’m paying you handsomely to take care of my little girl. I told you I have enemies, and you should know they come in all shapes and sizes. Reporters and lobbyists and special interest groups—these guys could try all sorts of things to get to Susie and get a scoop on me. You stay with her now, like sap on a tree trunk.”

  “I will, sir.” Until she kicks me out for not selling her that land anyway.

  “I know you will, Boone, and while you’re at it, keep her from getting into any more messes like that dang chicken business.”

  Boone grimaced. “I’ll do my best.”

  He wished he had time to call up Mike Langston and ask him to meet for a beer before he had to turn his life upside down. Mike was a good listener and a smart guy whose own life had thrown him some curveballs. But the clock was ticking, and he’d just have to handle his first night in the mansion on his own.

  * * *

  SUSANNAH KNEW BOONE had arrived. His truck was parked in the circular drive, and she’d heard a bedroom door close upstairs about thirty minutes ago. The housekeeper had apparently shown him to his room, and by now he’d probably unpacked and put his clothes in the dresser drawers. Or maybe he was a live-out-of-a-suitcase kind of guy.