Leah picked her oversized purse up off the floor and, finding what she wanted, passed Michael a thick diary. “Will this do?”
He rummaged through it then looked up, his eyes twinkling merrily. “Oh, yeah! Girl, you just made my day! I could kiss you. As a matter of fact....” He came around the table and gathered her into his arms to plant a delectable, mind-numbing, leg-noodling kiss on her. If he hadn’t been holding her so tight, she most assuredly would have collapsed to the floor.
Gentleman that he was, he seated her again and resumed his questions.
“What period does this cover?”
“The past year. I have three others coming in the mail. Not wanting to chance being caught with them, I mailed them all from different locations along the route home. They should arrive within the week, but this one I kept as proof.”
“Good girl! The question is, who can I trust in Vancouver? Did Kendall have any friends in the R.C.M.P. out there?”
“Not that I’m aware of, unless they passed themselves off as city cops for my benefit, but I can’t see it. Not with the other higher ups that frequented the place.”
“That makes sense, but tell me this—do you ever remember meeting a man named Victor Swartz?”
“No, why?”
“He’s my old partner. I’d trust him with my life, but I just wanted to make sure he wasn’t in with Kendall’s crowd.”
“If you could produce a picture, I could tell you for sure. Believe me, many of Roddy’s friends got up close and personal, and I never forget a face.”
“I’ll go through my photos when I get home and bring one over in the morning. Just for the record, when did you leave Vancouver?”
“Last night during the show. By the time they realized I wasn’t dancing when I should’ve been, I was long gone. I left the city behind and headed north at first, just in case I was followed. Luckily, I wasn’t. I spent the night in a small, family owned, mountain chalet and drove straight here today.”
“I’m going to call my buddy in Vancouver and put the wheels in motion to have Kendall under twenty-four hour surveillance. If he leaves town for any reason, he’ll notify me, and we’ll go from there. Are you all right with that?”
“Yes, but make sure no one enters the grounds at his estate. He allows his dogs to run loose after dark, unless he’s expecting company. There’s also a back entrance to the property, but it’s difficult to find unless you know where to look. It’s only a footpath, although the gate does open wide enough for a vehicle.”
“Luke, you okay with all this?”
“Sounds like a plan.”
“Good. Then I’ll see you in the morning. And, Leah?”
“Yes?” she answered. This was it. The axe would surely fall on her head now that her story was out in the open.
“Let me know when your packages arrive.”
She breathed a sigh of relief. “Will do, Michael, but what’s going to happen to me?”
“What do you mean?”
“For withholding evidence.” Her hands shook so bad she set her cup down, afraid she might drop it; such was her dread.
“There were never any charges laid, so it’s not a matter of withholding evidence. It’s more in line with failure to report a crime, but it is my belief that you acted in your own best interests in order to survive. No one can blame you for that.”
“Thank you, Michael.” She rose on tiptoe to place a chaste kiss on his cheek. “Maybe, just maybe, I’ll be able to sleep tonight.”
“You do that. Good night all.”
A chorus of “good nights” followed him out the door, and Luke locked up behind him.
“Are you all right, Leah?”
“I am now,” she said. “Thanks for not turning me away, Luke.”
“Never. You’re family.”
“Even though I’ve screwed up so badly?”
“Even though. I’ve missed you, sis. The ranch hasn’t been the same with you gone.”
“I’ve missed you, too, and Dad. Michael told me about his heart attack when I called a few weeks back, but I never had a chance to call again. How is he?”
“As ornery as ever. He pulled through just fine.”
“Good. I was so worried. I wanted to leave as soon as I heard, but I dared not chance it.”
“Now that I know what you’ve been going through, I can understand that, but for a while there I thought it pretty selfish of you not to leave a number in case of emergency.”
“I couldn’t have anyone calling from here. I didn’t want to remind Roddy of the ranch. It would’ve spoiled my plans to leave or cancelled them altogether.”
“Well, you’re home where you belong. You’re safe here, Leah. I hope you know that.”
“Yes, I do and I’m so thankful to be home.”
She cried then, tears she’d held in check since her arrival. Luke gathered her into his strong arms, letting her cry out all the guilt and misery she’d suffered; the front of his shirt totally drenched when the tears ceased. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t ever be sorry for needing someone. That’s what life is all about.”
“Right now, what I need is rest. Is my old room still furnished and fit for habitation?”
“Sure is, although we put a double bed in there and sent your old single to the dustbin.”
“Great! More room to stretch out.”
“Go on up. I’ll grab your cases and be right behind you.”
“Thanks.” She headed upstairs, only barely noticing the changes made over the years. She was so tired, physically exhausted from the drive and emotionally wrung out to dry. A nap would do her good.
Noise erupted from behind one of the doors, and she figured it was the twins’ room, but she kept going until she arrived at the last door on the right. She turned the knob, wondering what it would feel like to be in her old room after all this time. No longer was she the innocent child who’d lived here before, who’d broken her father’s heart when she’d insisted on leaving at eighteen to pursue her dreams.
Ha! Some dream!
She heard footfalls as someone, climbed the stairs and hurriedly pushed the door open. One step inside and she was truly home. The walls were still painted a light pink, and there were white, frilly curtains at the window. She sat on the edge of the bed and removed her shoes, the rose-pink carpeting still plush and soft underfoot.
When Luke came to deposit her cases, she looked up at him and smiled. “I’m home, Luke. I’m really home.”
* * * *
Cal was in the yard, exercising one of the horses, when the squad car pulled in. The fire of jealousy burned in his gut as he pictured Leah, calmly accepting the attentions of the men. Calmly? Ha! She’d probably preen and prance around as if it was her due.
Damn it all to hell. Who was he kidding? She’d never had to vie for attention in all her years growing up on the ranch. Why would she do so now? She was just so damned beautiful. Everyone loved her…but not like he did.
The occasions when they’d stolen away for some time alone were imprinted on his memory, even after all the years that had passed. Her cascade of long, platinum hair had reached to her waist—thick, silken tresses that he’d loved to run his fingers through. When she was filled with desire, the depth of her eyes held a golden glow, almost like an inner halo.
Those same dark brown orbs had seemed to see straight through to his very soul. She’d understood his love of the ranch because she’d loved it, too. He would’ve gone with her anywhere, but she’d never asked, a point that had irked him to no end during the long, lonely months to follow. He’d been so certain she’d return by the end of summer, but she didn’t, and it broke his heart.
He returned Sadie to her stall and attached the bridle to Bay Boy, leading him around the yard for some daily exercise. Cal’s mind whirled with memories of the past interspersed with questions for the here and now as he walked beside the horse.
When her father didn’t show, he wondered if there might be
a problem. Had she gotten herself in trouble of some kind? Is that why she’d come home? Why the law was here? He was about to dismount and go find out when he realized he didn’t have that right. No one knew of their lover’s trysts as teenagers. To barge in there and demand answers he wasn’t privy to could very well cost him his job.
No, he’d wait and hope she’d take the time to search him out after their company left. Her arrival had been such a shock, albeit a welcome one. He’d wanted to wrap her in his arms and never let go. Luke’s presence denied him that pleasure, but surely she knew he was glad to see her. Didn’t she?
Chapter Three
Leah awoke to a darkened room and hoped she hadn’t missed dinner. Her stomach was growling a distinct protest. She giggled softly. For once, she awoke refreshed and looked forward to getting up, instead of dreading the hours to come. She should’ve found some way to make it happen sooner.
She placed her hands on her belly, relishing the new life growing inside her. No, if she’d left any sooner, she wouldn’t be with child, and she so desperately needed someone to love, someone to call her own. She loved Roddy once, in the very beginning, but that love had died a swift death once she realized what kind of man he really was.
Her thoughts ran back over the past few months. Why had he stopped the private dinners and dancing? Did he just get tired of entertaining his cronies, or have a change of heart toward her? He certainly never needed the money she brought in. No, he seemed to want her to be his exclusive playtoy again while at home, but for what purpose? Sudden dread crept up her spine. Had he been planning to rid himself of her, thinking no one would notice or care overmuch?
She shook her head, chasing away the fear. None of it mattered anymore. As soon as she’d found out she was pregnant, she made hurried plans to leave all that behind. Her baby deserved better than to have a stripper for a mother and a murderer for a father. Her paychecks and tips from working at the club, rarely touched, accumulated quite a tidy sum. Roddy considered it his duty to support her and lavished on her everything money could buy. If things didn’t work out here, she could go anywhere, but she didn’t want to. She was home and intended to stay right where she was.
Someone had draped an afghan over her while she slept. She smiled at their thoughtfulness. Probably Zakia. When she’d come upstairs to lie down, she never thought for a moment that she’d sleep, so hadn’t bothered crawling between the sheets. She threw the covering back, stretched luxuriously and got out of bed, padding barefoot to the bathroom across the hall. Brrr! The hardwood floor in the hallway was cold.
She washed up and returned to find a pair of warm socks and her slippers then went downstairs. Her nose picked up delicious smells wafting from the kitchen, so she followed to find Zakia at the stove putting the finishing touches to dinner.
“Anything I can do to help? Where is everybody?” she asked.
“Not a thing. It’s all under control. Luke needed to pick up supplies in town, and he took the boys with him so they wouldn’t disturb your rest.”
“He didn’t have to do that. I never heard a thing.”
Zakia’s laughter filled the room. “You would’ve if Luke hadn’t gotten them out of here. Their shyness on first meeting you soon wore off, and they wanted to play with Auntie Lee.”
“It’s probably better for them to be cautious at their age. How old are they anyway?”
“Five going on fifteen some days.”
She laughed again, and Leah joined in.
“Actually, it’s not like them to play shy with anyone. Luke thinks it’s because of your hair.”
“My hair?”
“Yeah, I don’t think they’ve ever seen anyone with hair that color before. At first, they were calling you Angel Lee.”
Leah giggled. “I’m anything but, but that is so cute.”
“Oh, they can be cute but they can be a little mischievous at times.”
“How do you tell them apart?” she asked.
“Casey is the more serious of the two. Cammy can be a real stinker.”
“That’s nice to know, but how do I tell them apart otherwise? They’re identical!”
“Well, yeah, that’s kind of obvious, but I know what you mean. There is a slight difference in eye color, and they usually wear different colored shirts, but that doesn’t always work.”
“No?”
“Uh-uh. They have developed the habit of exchanging shirts to fool people,” said Zakia, smiling as she turned to set the table.
“Oooh, they are little rascals.”
“Yep!”
The women shared a laugh, interrupted by the opening of the kitchen door.
There stood her father, looking every bit the rugged, hard-working rancher he’d always been. “Daddy!” She ran to him, and he enfolded her in his embrace, his strong arms holding her tight to his chest.
“Leah!” he cried, his voice choked with emotion. “When did you git home, baby girl?”
“This afternoon. I wanted to surprise you.”
“You sure enough did that.” He held her away from him. “Let me look at you. Damned if you ain’t the prettiest girl in all the West.” He hugged her to him again.
“Oh, Daddy, I missed you so much.”
“No more’n I missed you, girl. Are you home to stay?”
“Yes!”
“Good girl!”
“Where is Winnie? Didn’t she come with you?” asked Zakia.
“Yeah, Luke pulled in right behind us, and she’s outside making a fuss of those grandbabies.” He chuckled. “Wait’ll she gets a load of who else is here.”
They didn’t have long to wait. The door flew back on its hinges as the twins came running in followed by a pretty woman who Leah vaguely remembered. Winnie stopped still in her tracks when she saw Lucas holding her.
“Leah? My God, girl, you’re pretty. I always knew you would be.”
“Thank you.”
The door opened again, more slowly this time, as Luke and Michael came inside.
“I hope you don’t mind me inviting myself to dinner, Zakia,” said Michael, smiling hopefully.
“Not at all. Hang up your coats while I set out another plate. Dinner’s almost ready.”
“Oh, goody,” he said, rubbing his hands together in glee and rushing to sit beside Leah.
She laughed at his antics, as did the twins.
“Michael, you’re great for a girl’s ego,” she said.
“Hey, no one’s going to blame me for wanting to sit beside the prettiest single woman in the room.”
“I’m the only single woman in the room.”
“Yeah, but that don’t matter. You’d still be the prettiest.”
His charming grin spoke to her of friendship, of caring. He wasn’t interested in her. Was he? No, that isn’t desire in his eyes, just an open, friendly acceptance. At least her past hadn’t deterred him in wanting to visit socially. She figured Michael's teasing was his way of trying to make her feel at ease. Weird, since she was among family.
Although, the knowledge that she needed to level with her father at some point gave her the heebie-jeebies. She wasn’t looking forward to that at all, having grown up his “Little Princess.” Well, she’d danced to the tune. It would soon be time to pay the fiddler, but not tonight.
Tonight was for catching up with all the hometown and family news. Her phone calls had been infrequent and necessarily brief. As she glanced at the faces around the table, she gave thanks for each and every one. She was so happy to be home.
“Hey, what’re you grinnin’ at, little lady?”
“I can’t help it, Daddy. I’m just so glad to be home…to be sitting here among you all instead of trying to be satisfied with a phone call now and then.”
“You didn’t have to stay away so long. You could’a come back anytime.”
She glanced at Luke and then at Michael for moral support. Their smiles told her what she needed to know. They wouldn’t say anything until she was ready. “N
o, I couldn’t really, but that’s a story for another day and time. Right now, I just want to enjoy being surrounded by family again.”
Her father gave her a shrewd look then nodded his head. “So be it.”
He smiled at her and resumed eating as did everyone else, but as Leah picked up her fork the hairs at the nape of her neck bristled. Her gaze strayed to the window, the darkness outside prevented her from seeing who might be out there, but she was perfectly aware that whoever it was could easily see in.
“What is it, Leah?” Michael whispered in her ear.
“I’m not sure…probably nothing.” She shook her head to indicate “not now.” He took the hint, but she noticed him turn slightly toward the window. So, he felt it, too. Her father was talking to her, and she almost missed it. “What did you say, Dad? I was off in dreamland somewhere.”
“I said, do you intend to stay here at the ranch or are ya wantin’ to come home with us?”
“Oh! I thought I’d stay here, catch up on the changes and do some riding.”
“Fair enough, but anytime yer needin’ a change of scene, Luke’ll give ya directions to our spread.”
“Thanks, Daddy. I appreciate that. Might even take you up on it if Luke gets too heavy-handed.”
Laughter ensued around the table, and talk turned general as they filled her in on the happenings since she’d been away.
“Does Dianne Cutler still live out this way, or did she marry?”
“She married, but she and her husband took over her daddy’s spread when Bill and Martha moved south. Her mother became sick and couldn’t take the cold winters anymore,” said Luke.
“Is Martha okay?”
“She’s doing fine, last I heard.”
“Good. Who did Dianne marry?”
“Burton Ramsey.”
“What? She hated him!”
Lucas guffawed loudly. “Can’t hate him too much anymore. They’ve got themselves a passel of kids. What was it, Winnie? Seven at last count?”
“Yes, I believe so.”
“Seven? In five years?” One hand automatically went to rub her belly.
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