Texas Orchids (The Devil's Horn Ranch Series)

by Samantha Christy

  “Possibly. There are a few other vets around here with a lot more experience than I have. DHR is my largest ranch.”

  “That sucks.”

  “I’ll be okay. I can always branch out into bovine medicine.”

  “As in cows?”

  “I’m a large animal vet. I can work on most livestock—cattle, sheep, pigs, goats—but equine medicine is my specialty.”

  “And your passion.”

  She smiles and pats her horse. “Yeah.”

  “I’m glad to see you can still smile. How are you doing with everything?”

  “You mean about the Victor situation? I’m still trying to wrap my head around it.”

  “Has he called?”

  “He left me a message. I haven’t gotten around to replying.”

  “This must be terrifying for you.”

  “I can’t believe I was that close to ending it. If the FBI had only come one day later, I wouldn’t be in this situation.”

  “Can I ask you a question?”

  “Sure.”

  “Why were you going to end it?”

  Her lower lip is drawn into her mouth as she shrugs one shoulder innocently. “I think it’s because we didn’t have much in common.”

  I snort. “I’ll say. He’s a killer, and you’re—”

  “I’m what?”

  “I don’t know. Sweet. Generous with your time. Empathetic.”

  Her lips turn up into a wide grin. “I could say the same thing about you, offering me your guesthouse and all.”

  “One could say we have something in common.” Her face turns pink, and it’s adorable. “My grandmother would have wanted you there.”

  “So this is all about Vivian?”

  “Well no, not all.”

  “I’m only kidding, Connecticut. I appreciate your kindness, but I’m still not sure I’ll be any good at this.”

  “Good at what?”

  “Lying. Viv always joked that I should never play poker, because she could always tell when I was keeping something from her. What if Victor will be able to tell?” She rubs her temple. “Oh lord, I feel sick.”

  I lean over and touch her shoulder. “You’re not in this alone. I won’t let you be.”

  “Thanks, but you can’t always be there. It would be weird.”

  “Remember what the agent said about me becoming friends with Victor? I’m thinking that’s a good idea. What angle should I use?”

  “Angle?”

  “Something he likes. Hobbies, interests, something we can bond over.”

  “I don’t know a whole lot about him. He’s pretty tight-lipped.” She laughs. “Now I know why. Oh, but he does like football.”

  “Does he have a favorite team?”

  “The one in New England, I think.”

  “The Patriots?”

  “That’s the one.”

  “Sweet. I can talk football until I’m blue in the face. I’ll order some Pats shirts online as soon as we get back.”

  “I don’t know if he’ll go for it. He doesn’t have many friends. He drinks with the guys he works with, but I don’t know of anyone else.”

  “You underestimate my charm.”

  She scrunches her brow. “You’re going to charm him?”

  “My charm works on both men and women.”

  She smiles. “Does it now?”

  “How about you tell me?”

  There’s the blush again. “Let’s finish the tour. We have a lot of ground to cover.” She makes a clicking sound, and Baby Blue trots off.

  Chapter Eight

  Andie

  “’Evenin’, Ms. Andie,” Kevin at the front desk says. “You here to eat supper with your granddad?”

  I lift a bag of food. “You know it.”

  “I could tell you were coming by how he’s acting. He sure does look forward to your meals together.”

  “How is he? Since Vivian McBride died, he’s been depressed.”

  “That’s true, but it’s hard to find someone here who hasn’t lost a loved one. They get each other through it. His pinochle buddies provide distraction.”

  “Good. Well, I’d better get this to him before it gets cold.”

  I walk down the hall past the elevators and social rooms, past the dining hall and offices. I turn right to apartment 118 and knock. It takes a minute for Granddad to answer the door. It’s difficult for him to get out of a chair sometimes, and with his arthritis, he finds it hard to cook, which is why he moved here. But he’s still sharp as a tack and one of the wisest men I’ve known.

  He opens the door and pulls me in for a hug. “Andie, my girl. So nice to see you on this lovely day.”

  “You too, Granddad.” I jiggle the bag. “I brought your favorite, barbeque from the place on Main Street.”

  “You’re too good to me.”

  That’s far from true. “If I was too good to you, I’d bring you dinner every night.”

  “Nonsense. You’re young. You have a life and a busy career. I’m one of the fortunate ones. Most folks here are lucky to get a monthly or even yearly visit from their grandchildren.”

  “Those grandchildren should be ashamed of themselves.” I pull containers out of the bag and place them on his small dining table. “I’ll never be too busy for our suppers.” I cut up his brisket; it’s hard for him to do. He looks sad. “What is it?”

  He swallows hard. “Last time I had brisket was at Vivian’s. It’s been a while, but it feels like yesterday.”

  I put a hand on top of his. “I miss her too.”

  “Tell me what’s goin’ on out at her ranch.”

  “The McBrides are going to sell it.”

  “Shame.”

  “Vivian’s grandson is staying there to keep an eye on things until that happens. Funny thing, I met him on the ranch when we were fifteen, but he never came back until the funeral.”

  He puts down his fork and gives me a look.

  “What?”

  “Your eyes just lit up like fireworks on the fourth of July. Tell me about this grandson.”

  “He’s my age. He doesn’t know much about being a rancher, but I think he’s having fun learning. I gave him a tour of Devil’s Horn Ranch.”

  “Why you?”

  “Because I was there.”

  He smiles, then his bushy white eyebrows draw down. “What about that other fella, Victor?”

  For a moment I consider telling him everything, but he would be livid knowing I might be in danger, so I lie. “We’re still dating. Sort of. We’re going to the rodeo this weekend with Maddox and, uh, Melina.”

  He cocks his head. “Your eyes don’t sparkle when you speak of Victor. Seems to me you should be with the other one. Or has Melina already got her hooks in him?”

  “It’s complicated.”

  He laughs. “All good relationships are.”

  I think of his relationship with Vivian. They’d been companions, maybe even lovers.

  “Make sure whoever you end up with treats you like a lady and makes you happier than all git-out.”

  “I sure will.”

  “And he best know you’ll take a backseat to no one.”

  “Yes, Granddad.”

  “And you’d better tell him your ol’ granddad is expecting at least one ankle-biter before he buys the farm.”

  He always manages to work that in no matter what we’re talking about.

  “All y’all know I ain’t gettin’ any younger, but maybe not with that Victor fella and for sure not with anyone with the name Thompson.”

  “Both of those you can be sure of.”

  “Good girl. You need to stay as far away from those Thompson hoodlums as you can.”

  “My best friend is married to one,” I remind him. “I do see them occasionally, but you can be sure I want nothing to do with them.”

  He looks a little pale.

  “You feeling okay? Should I get someone?”

  He takes my hand. “Promise me, pumpkin. They’re dangero
us, them Thompsons. Been a long time since I seen any family try and control a town like they do. They don’t much care who gets in the way.”

  “What are you saying?”

  He releases my hand and picks at his supper. “Don’t mind me. I’m a crazy ol’ coot.”

  “You’re far from crazy, and you’re no old coot. You have a lot of years left in you.”

  “You should bring him to see me sometime.”

  “Victor?”

  “No, not him. The one who makes your face light up.”

  “Maddox? But we’re only friends.”

  His attention travels to a framed picture of Vivian on his bedside table. “Like I was friends with Vivian. He’s her grandson. I’d like to meet him. I’m old and dying, so you have to fulfill my dying wish.”

  “You are not dying, Granddad.”

  “I will be someday. Tell him that.”

  “Fine. I’ll tell him, but no promises, okay?”

  I clean up our trash, and he gets out the backgammon board. “You reckon you’ll beat me today?”

  “As always, I don’t think I stand a chance.”

  He points to his temple. “Other parts of me may not work so well, but the noggin is fully intact.”

  “I’m glad to hear it.”

  “You’re a good girl, Andie. Make sure he knows it.”

  “I’m quite sure you’ll make sure of it for me.”

  “Damn straight I will. Now—your move.”

  Chapter Nine

  Maddox

  I watch in awe as a young girl runs the barrels, then I lean over Victor and shout, “Andie, I can’t believe you used to do this.”

  “That’s my girl,” Victor says.

  Hatred of him crawls up my spine.

  “We don’t have to stay and watch all of it,” she says. “I only wanted to pop in for a few minutes. I’m sure you boys would much rather see the bronc riding. It’s over in the other arena.”

  “Now that’s what I’m talking about,” Victor says and stands. “A real man’s sport. Well, that and bull riding.” He turns to me. “Think you’ll ever try it?”

  I fake laugh. “I’m still trying to figure out how to get a horse to turn around.”

  “At least you’re honest about your shortcomings. I like that in a person. No bullshitters. You and I might get along yet.” He nods at my Patriots shirt. “Not to mention you’re a fellow fan.”

  I try not to sneer, remembering why we’re here. He doesn’t like bullshitters. Him.

  “Easy, boy,” Agent York whispers and takes my hand.

  I don’t miss how Victor seems to like it when “Melina” and I touch. She was right—he doesn’t see me as his competition this way.

  On our walk over, Victor asks her, “What do you do, Melina? I haven’t seen you around before.”

  I stiffen. I’m sure Andie told Victor about her before the date. He’d naturally be curious about who they were going to hang out with. I pray Andie stuck to the script or this night will be over quickly.

  “I’m a writer,” Melina says. “I’m down here researching horse ranches for my next novel. I had only planned to stay a few weeks, but now”—she looks at me as if she’s in love—“I might stay here for as long it takes to write the whole book.”

  “How long will that be?” he asks.

  “Months. Maybe longer.” She looks at me and giggles. “Perhaps I’ll make it a trilogy.”

  I lean down and peck her on the lips.

  “A noble profession,” Victor says. “Who’s your publisher?”

  Andie and I share a quick look of panic before Melina rattles off a name. “I’ve only recently signed a contract. This will be my first book with them. Before now I self-published. You’d be amazed how easy it is to do it. But I wanted more exposure. I longed to see my books lining the shelves of bookstores.”

  “What’s your last name again?” he asks, taking his phone out.

  “Why do you need to know that?” Andie asks, looking scared.

  “Scott,” she says without hesitation.

  Victor taps around on his phone and whistles. “Damn, you’ve written ten books? Your bio says you live in Spain. You’re an awfully long way from home.”

  “I did live there. Now I’m in Tucson. Spain makes me sound more exotic.”

  “Here we are,” Andie says in front of the bronc arena.

  Victor thumbs to the bathroom near the entrance. “Beers are going through me. I’ll only be a minute.”

  We are silent until he’s out of earshot. “Holy shit,” I say to the agent. “I about died when he started asking questions. How did you come up with the story so quickly?”

  “Not to sound too cliché, but this isn’t my first rodeo. My childhood best friend is Melina Scott. She’s a bit of a recluse. Doesn’t allow any photos of herself to be posted on the internet. Gives me credibility. And she lives in Spain, which keeps her far away from any danger I might put her in by using her name.”

  Andie blows out a relieved breath. “You’re good at this, Agent York.”

  “You’re both doing great. Keep it up. And please call me Katherine, but only when Victor isn’t around.” Her eyes twinkle. “We’re going to be spending some time together, so we may as well drop the formality.” Her eyes flit to the bathroom. “He’s coming.” She grabs my hand. “Kiss me.”

  I lean in and kiss her. More than a peck but less than would be publicly indecent. My back is to Victor, so I open my eyes. Andie is watching. Her eyes meet mine and then she looks away.

  “Ready, babe?” Victor says.

  Andie cringes. I pray Victor didn’t see that.

  As the three of us discussed before coming, I say, “Andie, your turn to make the beer run.”

  She puts on an award-winning guilty face. “I can’t. I’m a little behind this month. My landlord decided to raise my rent. I have to save every penny.”

  “Want me to rough him up?” Victor jokes. “Maybe put a little poison on his bushes?”

  We all laugh, but deep down I know we’re all thinking he’s capable.

  “Don’t you dare,” she says. “He’s a nice old man trying to make a living, like the rest of us. But with that and my student loans, I’m in way over my head.”

  “Do you have a lease?” I ask, as scripted.

  “I’m month-to-month.”

  “Then I happen to know a place you can get for a lot less.”

  “Really?” she says, feigning excitement. “Where? And how much less?”

  “How about utilities, and we’ll call it even?”

  “What are you saying?”

  “The ranch has a guesthouse. It’s just sitting there vacant. You’d be doing us a favor actually. Empty houses can develop issues.”

  Victor doesn’t look happy. He puts his hand on hers. “I’m sure he could get a lot of money renting it out. Doesn’t seem right to be taking handouts. I’ll help you out if you get in a bind.”

  Oh, shit. He’s not going for it.

  “Are you crazy, Victor?” Melina says. “Your girlfriend was just given the golden ticket. Do you know how much debt she could pay off if she’s living rent free? You wouldn’t want to deprive her of that, would you?”

  “My grandmother would have wanted me to offer,” I add.

  He still looks unconvinced, though he seems pleased that Melina called Andie his girlfriend.

  “I’ll be at the main house a lot,” she says with a big smile as she elbows Andie. “Just be sure to keep your windows closed at night unless you want to hear me screaming this one’s name.”

  Victor almost spurts beer through his nostrils. “Maybe you should do it. Tell me when, and I’ll help move your stuff. Hell, it may be the only way you’ll let me in your apartment.” He leans toward me. “Looks like you’re the only one getting lucky lately.”

  “Hey now,” Melina says. “Cut her some slack. She went through a bad breakup. Those can take time to get over. Though we won’t be convening at her place, that doesn�
��t mean we can’t go to yours. How about Maddox and I bring the booze. Next weekend maybe. We could have a game night.”

  “Yeah, sure.” He eyes Andie. “I thought you said it had been a while since you’d dated.”

  It’s almost imperceptible, but her hand trembles. Jesus, how I wish I could reach out to her.

  “It had been,” she says. “A few months is a while.”

  “And you told Melina about it? You barely know each other.”

  “Girls talk,” Melina says. “I’m nosey, what can I say. While you were getting our tickets for the events earlier, I gave her the third degree. I mean, if we’re going to be friends and go on lots of double dates, I need to know everything.”

  “Sounds like you need a real man to get you over the douchebag,” he says to Andie.

  “A real man wouldn’t pressure her,” Melina says, giving him a pointed look. “Would he?”

  “No, of course not.” He brings Andie’s hand to his mouth and kisses it while she looks at me, terrified.

  My gut twists into a knot.

  “Now that that’s all settled, let’s go watch some bucking broncs,” Melina says. “Maybe I can get some pointers for later.” She winks at me, and Victor gives me a thumbs-up.

  I wish we didn’t have to do this. I can tell how nervous Andie is. My grandmother was right; she’s got a terrible poker face. Good thing it’s not usually her face he’s looking at.

  But somehow that does not make me feel any better.

  Agent York and I circle around the building, park, and wait for Victor to leave her front stoop. It kills me to leave her alone with him for even two minutes, but some things are inevitable. When he goes in for a kiss, I want to puke.

  “Let him do it,” Katherine mumbles. “Good girl.”

  He walks down the steps, gets into his car, and drives off. I start to exit the truck, but Katherine holds me back. “Best to wait a few minutes. Make sure the coast is clear.”

  “I fucking hate this.”

  “She did great. You both did.”

  “You did all the work. I’m not sure how you got him to agree to the move and then drinks at his place. You’re good.”

  “It’s amazing what men will agree to when they’re sure they aren’t in competition with anyone.”