by Sam Crescent
Brant winced at some of the words he would never be repeating. He already felt like the world’s worst brother and shitty boyfriend.
“How did you know?”
“One of the ranch hands heard her talking to you. The door was left open or something. He told me she’d stormed out of the office. I swear, if you don’t fix this I’ll kick your ass and sell your goddamn horse.” The call ended and Brant charged toward the barn. He stopped short when he saw Tessie stroking his horse. Polly appeared to be liking her touch.
“I remember when you got this horse, Brant. You were so happy. I knew you didn’t feel like you were part of the gang. You told me Markus got cattle and you got numbers. Do you remember?” Tessie asked, without turning around.
He remembered. They were friends, not close friends, but getting there. Tessie was always the girl who challenged him back then. She was the tomboy who could climb trees and fight like a boy.
Shaking his head, he took a step further into the barn.
“I don’t need constant attention from you and Markus. Before you guys claimed me as your woman, I was doing fine on my own. I had a life outside of you that included Tate and Darla. I even hung out with my mom.” She turned to look at him with tears in her eyes. “I love you and Markus and I can handle you controlling other areas, but when you take away my one day off, then I’m not going to be happy. I don’t think it’s fair that you’re doing this to me.”
She turned away to hug Polly. Brant walked over to her and wrapped her in his arms. She shook as the tears poured out of her eyes. “I’m an asshole. I’m sorry. I want you all to myself and Markus is the same. We didn’t even consider how this would affect you. I’m so sorry.”
He leaned in close and breathed in her vanilla scent.
Markus walked into the barn several minutes later and froze. Brant saw the sweat covering his brother and he shook his head.
Tessie turned to look at him. “Don’t try to control me, or I’m not sticking around. I love you both and leaving would tear me apart, but I can’t be controlled.”
His brother stood there and Brant let her go when she pulled away from him. She kissed Polly, then made her way toward the door.
Markus reached out for her. She dodged his touch. “I don’t want to be touched at the moment. I’m going to call Darla and arrange to meet her.”
“Brant’s free—”
“He’s busy, Markus. You’re busy. I need my space. I love you and want you in my life, but I’m not going to be one of those women who wait around for you guys to be done. I’ve been my own person for too long to be that person. Please, don’t do it.”
Brant saw their mistake and wished he hadn’t persuaded her to cancel. They were busy all the time. He couldn’t expect that to change because Tessie was their woman.
“I don’t like you being in town on your own,” Markus said.
“It’s Stone Valley. Nothing happens here beside the odd car incident.”
“Let her go,” Brant said.
He watched Tessie walk out of the barn and Markus turned to glare at him. “You were supposed to be with her.”
“I was busy. This ranch doesn’t function by itself. I have my part to play, even if you don’t like it.”
“She’s in danger.”
“No, she’s not.” Brant walked up close to him so they were toe-to-toe. “David warned us not to be suspicious or act differently. If Tessie starts being controlled by us, that’s not acting normally. We could ruin their chances of catching this bastard.”
He saw the instant his words sunk in, and Markus let it go. Brant hoped he didn’t cause any lasting problems with Tessie. He didn’t have a problem with her going out without them. What he didn’t like was the worry that something might happen to her.
Chapter Fourteen
Tessie stared at the long, pink summer dress she’d decided to wear for the summer fair. The sun was already up in the sky and glowing down on all of them. Since the moment in the barn, her men had taken a step back, which she was thankful for. She needed her independence as much as she needed them.
When she’d gotten back, Markus had been remorseful and Brant apologized. They were the guys she remembered growing up, and she didn’t want to lose that. Yes, she was their woman, but that didn’t require them to be different around her.
Thinking over the last week, she couldn’t help but think Markus and Brant were keeping something from her. Every time she walked into a room and they were talking in hushed tones, they’d stop and smile at her. She knew a secret when she saw one and her men were keeping one.
Brant cleared his throat, pulling her out of her thoughts. “Good morning, baby,” he said, leaning against the doorframe.
She smiled at him, wrapping her hair into a messy bun and letting it fall down. “Morning.”
“Did you sleep well?”
Tessie nodded. For the last week, she’d been sleeping between Brant and Markus. Their warmth helped to relax her. She’d never shared a bed before and there were several times she’d woken up to both men grabbing either their face or groin because she’s whacked them in her sleep. They were being rather patient with her.
“Good. My face and cock were protected last night,” he said, teasing.
When she only smiled at his joke, Brant frowned. He walked toward her. His hands rested on her shoulders and he stared into her eyes. “What’s the matter?” he asked.
“Nothing.” She shook her head and looked over his shoulder.
“You’re a bad liar, Tessie. Tell me what’s the matter.”
Licking her lips, she let out a sigh and turned to face him. “You and Markus wouldn’t keep anything from me, would you?”
“No, of course not.”
There was something in his tone that made her doubt him.
“Are you sure?”
“Tessie, you’re the only person I’ve ever been honest with.”
She stared into his eyes, knowing he was lying.
“Okay.”
“Are you two ready for this?” Markus shouted up the stairs.
“Tessie!” Brant said, not moving an inch.
“I’m fine. I believe you,” she lied. “Markus wants us. We’ve got to go.”
He let her go and Tessie didn’t speak to him again. She was starting to think moving in with them and accepting them as easily as she had might have been a mistake. Most of her life she’d taken time over her decisions. When it came to Markus and Brant, she’d acted on instinct. She loved them deeply, but now she was starting to see fault in her decision. Being controlled didn’t appeal to her, and neither did the thought of them keeping stuff from her.
She walked downstairs and followed Markus out of the door. Tessie had noted them locking the truck and the house. She couldn’t recall if they always locked the door, but she was starting to think something was going on and they were keeping her in the dark.
The drive into town was filled by Markus and Brant talking. She listened to them talking, wondering why she sensed something bad. Her life was perfect. Two men loved her, kept her satisfied, and yet she was finding excuses not to be happy.
Since the day she complained at them, Markus and Brant kept their distance whenever she organized something with her girlfriends. Darla needed her, and she loved looking after Nathan.
“You’re being really quiet,” Markus said.
“No reason. I’ll be happy when the fair is over.” She never liked the fair ever since her father passed. Most of her memories were filled with him, as it was one of the few weekends he took off. He would always win her a Teddy bear to take home. Since then, she rarely came to the fairs. She knew her mother was going with Donald and David.
By the time they got to the fair, it was already busy. Markus and Brant had a lot to do before they could go home. They spent their time trying to get support and investment for a hospital to be built near Stone Valley.
Brant helped her down from the truck. She smiled at him so he wouldn’t worry
. The last thing she wanted him to do was worry about her. They walked hand-in-hand toward the chaos of the fair. In the town square, many of the shops expanded out so people could buy food, and then they followed the square out into a large field around the outskirts of town. The field would have plenty of fairground rides and candy.
They headed over to her mother while Markus parked the truck.
“How are you holding up?” Lillian asked, wrapping her arm around her shoulder.
“I’m doing okay. There are a lot of memories here.”
Lillian nodded, smiling.
Tessie stood with the group of men when Markus returned. She stayed near her mother, even when the men started talking. Drowning out their noise was easier than having to think about what they were keeping from her.
“Lillian, I’m just going to talk with Markus and Brant about some business I want to help with the town. Why don’t you and Tessie go on ahead and we’ll catch up with you?” Donald asked.
“Sure, come on, dear.”
Tessie kissed Markus and Brant’s cheeks before heading off toward the main fair.
“You’re really quiet.”
“I’m thinking, Mom.”
“What about?” Lillian linked their arms together.
Glancing down at where they were joined, Tessie let out a little sigh. “I don’t know if I’ve made the right decision, moving in with them.”
“Moving in is a big step and one not to be taken lightly. I married your father and when we shared his family ranch, I thought it was a nightmare. Your grandparents had moved in town at the time and we got the place all to ourselves. It didn’t stop me from hating him those first few months. He always got under my skin and underfoot. I was pregnant with you. I didn’t go to college and I pretty much left high school to become a wife and mother. With time, it gets easier. You’ll find yourself adapting to each other. I’d give anything to have him back.”
“Even with Donald and David to keep you company?” Tessie teased.
Lillian blushed. “There, I’m blushing like a teenager.”
“I’m so happy for you, Mom. I really am.”
“Me, too.”
They stopped talking and started walking around the fair. It was still early and not particularly busy.
Half an hour had passed when their names were called across the field toward the designated parking of tourists. Tessie looked up to see Steve Ryan, the Deputy, waving at them.
She waved back and they headed toward him. The patrol car was parked near him.
“I wonder what’s going on?” Lillian asked.
“I’ve no idea. Let’s go and see.”
Crossing the distance, Tessie looked behind her, hoping to see some signs of Brant and Markus.
“Steven, what’s the matter?” Lillian asked.
“I’ve got some distressing news. I know you guys don’t own it, but I thought you might know best who to contact.” Steven looked really concerned.
“I don’t understand. What’s going on, Steven?” Tessie touched his shoulder, wondering what the problem was.
“Someone set fire to your old ranch house last night. They were able to put it out. I was wondering if you could come with me and maybe offer the Sheriff some details about who to call,” he said, opening the door to this car.
“Of course.” Both Tessie and Lillian climbed into the backseat.
The drive was a fast one. Steven was racing toward the house like a madman.
“Do you want to slow down?” Tessie shouted at him.
He remained silent even as she hit the glass separating him from them. Tessie’s stomach started to turn. Why would Steven come to them, and not the Sheriff? Why hadn’t anyone spoken to them about their ranch being on fire? Nothing got past the locals at Stone Valley.
“Mom, I don’t like this.”
“Neither do I.” Lillian squeezed her hand.
The drive toward their ranch opened up and Steven finally slowed down. Taking deep breaths, Tessie looked out of the window to see her old home still standing.
The men in front of the house were carrying guns. She noticed the man in charge, as he was the only one without a gun. He wore an expensive designer suit and a pair of sunglasses.
Steven stopped the car. “You two were never supposed to be involved, but your men wouldn’t leave it alone. I’m sorry, but I need the money.”
Before she could ask any questions, he climbed out of the car.
“Steven, what are you doing?” Tessie slammed her fist against the glass.
Fear unlike anything she’d ever felt before gripped her. In that one moment, she wished Markus and Brant were with her.
* * * *
“Are you trying to tell me that my Deputy is a crook? He’s helping an operation to smuggle coke out of my town?” Trevor Buttons asked.
Markus saw the anger on his face and could sympathize with him. There was a time he’d trusted Steven. He trusted many of the locals in town.
“I don’t like this at all. It all makes so much fucking sense.” Trevor rested his hands on his hips, looking ready to kill something.
“What do you mean?” David asked.
“A file in the Frank Holland death has gone missing. He died out in the field and I demand that all deaths such as his be put on record. Something wasn’t right about the report, and I haven’t been able to get in touch with the guy who performed the autopsy.” Trevor paled as he looked at the men.
“What?” Markus asked, getting more agitated as the meeting went on. He’d been away from Tessie for too long and he was starting to get a bad feeling.
“Before I came over here, I got a call from the Sheriff in the town across from this one and they pulled a guy out of the river two nights ago,” Trevor said.
“Let me guess, our autopsy guy?” Brant asked, shaking his head.
“It had to be Steven. He’s tying up loose ends.” Trevor let out a curse. “I’m fucking pissed. I hate crooked law enforcement. Shit, I don’t like this at all. I’ve got a murdering, drug-dealing deputy and a criminal distributing coke out of my town. I don’t care how, but it stops, now!” Trevor slammed his car door shut.
The sound of a cell phone started to ring and Markus saw it was his. Flicking it open, he didn’t recognize the number, but answered it anyway.
“Hello.” His hands were shaking. All the revelations were threatening to take years off him and he didn’t like it.
“Markus Stone, we speak at last.”
The voice didn’t sound familiar. “Who are you?”
“I’m the guy driving the car, Markus Stone. I thought you might have gotten the message and backed off, but you didn’t, and now Tessie is really in danger.”
Markus froze. “What do you mean Tessie’s in danger?” His heart pounded inside his chest. The other men gathered around him, serious, as they tried to listen to the guy.
“I’m not a monster. I follow orders, but I have a strict rule of not killing women or children. Tessie and Lillian Holland are innocent. However, they’re loose ends. My boss hates loose ends, and your deputy has made sure they don’t escape.”
Donald went pale.
“What do you want?” Markus asked.
“I want to put right a wrong I did years ago.”
“Who are you?” Markus frowned, then turned around as someone tapped on his shoulder.
“I’m Patrick Holland, Frank’s killer and long-dead brother.” The man before him was in his forties. He had brown hair that was short to the head. Nothing stood out about him and could easily be looked over in a crowded place. Markus couldn’t even place him. “I’m good at what I do, Mr. Stone. No one will notice me. Frank didn’t even recognize his brother.”
He’d not even given Patrick a thought. No one mentioned the brother who joined the forces and didn’t come back from active duty. Frank was buried beside the empty casket of his brother.
“You were dead,” Markus said. He’d been too young to know what happened. The young
est brother had never been talked about.
“No, I was recruited to be better and to put my skills to better use. I’m working now, undercover, to bring Marshall Rake down. He’s about to invest in terrorism. I can’t let that happen. I have a whole team working on taking him down. I’ve been keeping an eye on everything. There’s no way I’d let anything happen to my woman and our daughter.”
The revelations were getting thicker.
“Daughter?” Brant asked.
“I shared Lillian with my brother before I joined the forces. Frank was the older of the two as you all know, but my brother got ill when he was younger and couldn’t father any children. Tessie is my little girl. I stayed around long enough to see her birth and name her. After everything I witnessed, I couldn’t come back. I decided I could be used to protect them and catch criminals who threaten our country and the lives of the people I love.” Patrick stood with hands inside his pockets, talking.
Markus couldn’t believe everything he was hearing. It was like he’d stepped into a twilight zone.
“I know this sounds farfetched.”
“Were you the one who overdosed your brother?” David asked, tense.
“No, I came home and I told him everything that was going on. I intended to stop everything five years ago. He agreed to help me as long as I came back and let Lillian know the truth. I agreed. Marshall is my last assignment. One of the guys heard us and he took Frank down. That’s how I killed Frank, and his life is on my hands. I might as well be holding the fucking drug that killed him,” Patrick said. The anger and sadness were the first signs of real emotion. “I decided I couldn’t bring Marshall in after that. A dead owner was worse than one who was blind to what was happening. He pulled out of the deal and the case went sour, until Tessie and Lillian left the ranch. I’ve been holding out for five years and I’m done waiting. The guy who killed my brother is enjoying a life at the bottom of a lake very far from here.” Patrick pointed at Trevor. “Your Deputy lured them back to the ranch. Marshall is there to tie up loose ends, and I’ve got a special unit ready to take them down. First, I need a distraction and I need to know if you guys will help me protect Lillian and Tessie.”