All But the Fall

by Kim Turner

  Looking back on all that had and was happening; she wanted to scream to have her son in her arms again. She still wasn’t sure the she shouldn’t have just taken Mason and disappeared once more into another life. She forced a deep breath to clear her head. And running…again. It wouldn’t have changed much, would it? And Mason might have… She wouldn’t think about that. Mason was safe and she had to keep telling herself that.

  In no time at all, she turned in to the bank parking lot and stopped the truck, digging in her pocket for the safety deposit box key. Her hands shook as she held it trying to steady her nerves to no avail. She glanced around. Nothing but those wishing to bank and busy cars on the road speeding past them. The bank was bustling busy and that might make things easier, but she still needed to hurry. Exiting the truck, she tossed her purse over her shoulder and made her way inside. Opening the inner doors of the bank she was visibly shaking, and even though it was cold, she was perspiring. She had little control over anything much in this whole situation but what she was about to do meant one thing good would happen. She scanned the offices and one of the agents there smiled, motioning her inside.

  “Good morning.” Jenna’s gut clenched.

  “How may I help you?” the clerk with a badge showing her name was Anna Briggs asked.

  “Yes, I have a safety deposit box and need access, please.” She gave a slight smile, slowing her breathing.

  “Your name?” She exited from around her desk leading the way.

  Jenna followed her into the vault. “Jenna Wilder.”

  Anna made small talk as she opened the card box. “Yes, here you are. If I can check your I.D.”

  Jenna fumbled into her purse, pulling out her wallet and handing over her driver’s license.

  “Sign here.” She handed Jenna a pen.

  Jenna managed a deep breath and signed. “I wondered if I could also have a check cut for two-hundred and fifty thousand dollars today.”

  “I think that would be fine, though it does take five business days to clear.” Anna placed the key into one slot, nodding for Jenna to use her key.

  “Thank you.” Jenna nodded. “I’m sure that would be just fine.”

  “I do appreciate this, and I know its last minute.” Jenna reached inside her purse, pulling out a piece of folded paper.

  “Oh, well, it should be fine, given you have the cash.” The teller went to work on her computer.

  “And who are we making the check out to?” Anna asked her.

  She’d managed to swipe the page from Aaron’s pile of papers at his small computer desk in his bedroom. It was the ad for the land he wanted to purchase, complete with the Sun River Realtor logo. “You can make the full amount to Sun River Realty. I’m headed out of town and I need to make the payment before I go.”

  The teller took the money and spoke as she stood and headed to the door. “I’ll go ahead and have the check processed and post dated for the five days. Oh, and approved by our president; he’s right upstairs.”

  “Thank you.” Jenna waited as she stepped away, the moments until she returned nearly unnerving her. She had to hurry before the realtor closed or before Aaron figured out she had left the set, though he probably already had. But she needed to do this one thing—purchase Aaron’s land in full for him so that if nothing else good came of the whole situation she would do right by him in seeing that his dreams did come true.

  “And here you are, Ms. Wilder.” Anna returned startling her from her thoughts.

  She stood, accepting the envelope and taking a quick glance at the check and stuffing it in her purse. “Oh, I thank you so much. Is there anything else I need to do?”

  “I don’t think so; it is post dated and signed by the bank president.” She smiled. “It’s been a pleasure to serve you.”

  “No, and thank you again.” Jenna tugged her purse over her shoulder, shook the teller’s hand and slipped from the bank, never looking back.

  Entering the old truck once more her heart pounding so hard, her chest thumped with each beat. She’d done nothing illegal, so why did she feel so like a thief of some kind? The money was rightfully hers to do with as she wanted and what she was about to do would make sure Aaron’s dream came true, no matter what the future brought.

  She glanced at her hand, at the ring Aaron gave to her. He’d loved her enough to place it there and it had been the happiest moment of her life, but now if this craziness with Vince didn’t end and well, she would lose everything.

  “Time for something good to come out of all this.” She cranked the old truck once more, heading toward Sun River, glancing into the review mirror. If Vince was onto her, she hadn’t noticed anyone following her, but since this had begun there was always the feeling of being watched.

  It seemed a short drive as she turned into the parking lot of Sun River Realty. She looked around, having never been inside.

  She parked Amos’ old truck and pulled the check from her purse, making her way inside. She’d made a phone call earlier in the week to check about the pricing, though the gentleman she’d talked to had said he had another potential buyer of the land, and that the first forty acres had already been purchased by him, but he’d let her know the price of the remaining ninety acres. The cashier’s check would cover it all in full for Aaron, if she could convince the realtor it was for him.

  “Good afternoon, may I help you?” The petite lady looked to be in her late sixties but had a giant size smile.

  “Hi.” Jenna shook off the cold and her nerves.

  “It’s cold out there today. They say it won’t warm up for another month.” The woman shivered too.

  “Yes…I spoke to a gentleman about purchasing a large piece of property about a week ago. I believe his name was Jim.” Jenna waited.

  “My husband. Jim, Dear,” the woman shouted toward the office across the hall. “I’m Essie.”

  “Coming.” The elderly man walked from the room dressed in a golf shirt and khaki pants, already reaching out to take Jenna’s hand. “I’m Jim Barnes, very pleased to meet you. What can we do you for today?”

  Jenna let go of his hand. “I’m Jenna Wilder, I spoke to you about the land that is connected to the Decker ranch, a week ago.”

  “Yes, ma’am, I remember.” Mr. Barnes took a step back rubbing his forehead and dropping his gaze.

  “Well, I’ve gotten a cashier’s check to purchase that last ninety acres and complete the payment for the first forty acres in full.” She waited but he frowned, as he glanced at his wife.

  “Well, this is kind of unusual. Someone else owns that forty and is making payments and he’s also inquiring about those last ninety acres too.” He shook his head.

  “I am actually wanting to purchase this anonymously for him. For Mr. Decker.” Jenna was interrupted by Mrs. Barnes.

  “Do you know Aaron Decker?” She smiled.

  Jenna’s heart all but stopped as the woman continued.

  “I thought so, I saw you having lunch with Aaron, downtown in Great Falls recently. Remember Jim, when you took me shopping?” The old woman smiled, batting her eyes at Jenna.

  “Yes, Aaron is a very good friend. He would never accept me purchasing this for him, but I want to pay for it, in full, in his name. I have the money though it will take five days to clear but I want it to be a surprise. Once it clears, then Aaron can handle the closing and sign all the papers to make sure it is all in his name. He has plans for a foster care ranch, so look at me like an investor in his plans.” Jenna’s heart fluttered worse than at the bank. This had to work.

  “Of course, but paying in full…” Mr. Barnes scratched his head.

  “Unfortunately, I do have to leave town this afternoon but I have this note, a card that goes with the surprise if that can be given to Aaron at closing.” She waited.

  Mr. Barnes accepted the check and envelope. “Well, I can draw up the paperwork. This is kind of unusual. It’ll take me several days, working with the land owners.”

  �
�Please if there is any way you can let me do this for Aaron. I come from money and Aaron would never let me purchase this land for him.” Jenna tried for a smile. “You know how men are.”

  It was Mrs. Barnes that nodded with a smile. “Well, Jim, don’t you think that is romantic… I thought I saw a little romance going on at that lunch table.” Essie reached out to pat Jenna’s hand. “That Aaron is so sweet. At one time I sure did think he was one of those Hell’s Angels but seeing him on that motor cycle and that cute little Lily on the back. He is such a good father, though he could use a haircut and a shave.” She began typing on her computer as she continued to talk. “Actually, all three of those Decker sons are good boys, from what I hear. Amos and Sarah are incredible people to have raised such fine sons.”

  “Yes, they have. I would like to keep this quiet for a time, until the check clears and all the papers are ready for closing. I had it made to Sun Realty, so you can disperse the funds as needed to the owners.” Jenna played along as best she could. Frankly, she’d almost like to kiss Mrs. Barnes as her husband simply shrugged and nodded for her to follow him into his office.

  In less than an hour, Jenna pulled from the parking lot of Sun River Realty. In a few days Aaron would own his land in full. She thought of the words written inside the card, which would explain to Aaron her reasons about the land.

  ‘Dear Aaron,

  I can’t begin to explain more than simply saying I want you to have your land. If anything good can come from all this it would be to know that you have the land to make the boys’ ranch what you want it to be. Remember, you taught me it isn’t about the fall, but about the landing and once all this if over, my prayers are we both land on our feet. Not every woman has the chance to love a hero, and you are mine. Please accept this gift and build your dream. I will love you always,

  Jenna

  She wasn’t saying good-bye by any means, but should things get worse, these last words from her would go to him. Her hands shook as she held tightly to the steering wheel of Amos’ old clunker of a truck. The words sounded silly, and for a writer, she’d stressed over it too long and finally went with it. She bit her bottom lip to try and stop the tears that flowed anyway. She’d done it. No matter what happened now, Aaron’s dreams would be realized; if only she could be assured she might still have her own.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Aaron cranked Gabe’s truck and jerked it into gear as Gabe scrambled into the passenger side of the truck, almost losing his balance in the effort.

  “What the hell are you doing? Son of a bitch!” Gabe grabbed the dashboard, swearing as the truck peeled out of the set throwing gravel. “At least let me go with you, damn hard headed.”

  “I have to find her before they do. Damn it, I told her to stay put.” Aaron cursed along with his brother. He’d gone back to the camper, expecting to find Jenna, but she’d not been there and Amos’ old truck was gone. And then he’d found more flowers from Vince in the trash. Either Jenna had made her run or Vince had taken her and he didn’t know which.

  “She’s the one who put the flowers in the trash. Where would she go?” Gabe asked as the truck threw more gravel and fishtailed onto the highway, outside the set.

  Aaron didn’t answer but struggled to pull his cell phone from his front jeans pocket with his right hand, while he gripped the steering wheel as best he could with his still tender left hand. He slid his finger across the screen.

  Gabe shook his head in obvious frustration. “Dude, you told her not to answer you. I’ll get Tuck to trace her.”

  “We’ll check out her apartment, but she’s kept the panic button on her.” Aaron glanced at his brother and back to the road.

  “She’d be crazy to go there alone,” Gabe responded texting on his cell.

  “And that’s why we’re going there first…” Aaron blurted. Jenna was headstrong. She wouldn’t hesitate to run by her place during the day, if for nothing else to check on Bodi, but he’d made her promise not to go anywhere without him. He tried to get her to bring the cat the ranch, but she’d been certain he wouldn’t do well with the change.

  “Women are damn strange creatures. That’s why I don’t need one,” his brother scoffed.

  Aaron ignored him and raced the truck in and out of highway traffic. How long she’d been gone he had no idea. She had at least a couple of hours on them and he wasn’t sure he understood since she’d been so frightened. He listened to the endless ringing of her cell phone.

  “Damn it.” He slung the phone onto the console, as it had gone to her voice mail yet again.

  “If she’s running, bro, she isn’t going to answer,” Gabe said, hanging onto the dash.

  “Got it Sherlock.” He spat. “She didn’t run. Something’s wrong.”

  Gabe’s phone rang, and he slid his thumb across the screen. “Yea? Okay. Got it. We’re on the way. She bailed from the set in Amos’ truck, you seen it? Yep. No.”

  “What?” Aaron glanced at his brother.

  “Tucker tailed Hanson to Jenna’s apartment. The bastard trashed the place but parked a van there that hasn’t been moved, but there’s no sign of him. Tuck said he must’ve had another vehicle there. No sign of Jenna or Amos’ truck. He’s trying to trace her now,” Gabe explained.

  “Son of a…” He didn’t finish, cursing himself for her letting her out of his sight. But she wouldn’t run without her son, so the only thing might that she was trying to protect him.

  “Tuck’s still there, waiting on us.” Gabe lifted the Glock from his belt, checking it and returning it. “He may have her, Aaron.”

  Aaron picked up speed, his gut clenching at the idea. If she had gone to her apartment and Hanson caught her there, then things were worse than he thought. But why didn’t she push the button? “She hasn’t kicked the panic button, maybe not.”

  “Tuck’s been watching for a few hours. The only person who’s been around is her nurse friend. What’s her name?” His brother shrugged.

  “Brianna,” he answered staring ahead at the road, trying to think what Jenna might have done.

  “She’s pretty hot.” Gabe raised his eyebrows. “Maybe she knows something.”

  Aaron scowled at him. Leave it to Gabe in a crisis to think about women. “She’s likely too much for you to handle.”

  “Can’t blame a man for looking.” His arrogant brother chuckled. “Busy all the time from what I gather, and never off her cell.”

  Aaron’s cell phone rang and he bobbled to grab it, letting the truck swerve.

  “Shit.” Gabe grabbed the dash yet again.

  “Yeah,” he answered.

  It was Amos. “Aaron, Jim from the realty office called. Said a woman came in, made a purchase in full for your land and left a note there. She was in my truck, son. I won’t ask what the hell is going on, but what the hell is going on?”

  Aaron took a deep breath and let it out. “Call Jeremiah to go right now and pick up the note.” Why would Jenna leave a package with Jim? Nothing was making sense. “Call him, Pop. Do it.”

  “She’s on the run then?” Amos continued.

  “Tell Jeremiah to call me, Pop. I’m hanging up.” He tried to sound convincing, but he wasn’t about to answer the questions he wasn’t sure of. Maybe Jenna did run, but he didn’t think so, without Mason. But the land, why would she do that?

  The click of the phone sent dread through him. What the hell did the note say? It seemed to take forever to get to the outskirts of Great Falls and then to Jenna’s apartment. As he pulled the truck into the apartment complex, his pulse raced.

  “She took off, didn’t she? Ran?” Gabe waited for an answer already nodding his head.

  “She left a note with Jim Barnes at the reality office, paid for the land in full.” It was him who shook his head this time.

  “Where would she go?” Gabe pointed. “There’s Tuck.”

  “She wouldn’t leave without Mason. Something’s not adding up.” Aaron pulled Gabe’s truck closer and cut t
he engine slamming it into park. Gabe jumped from the truck, shoving another pistol from under the seat in the back of his pants. He trotted over to Tucker’s truck.

  “Boys,” Tuck greeted with a nod.

  “What’ve you got?” Aaron wanted answers.

  “He came in that van over there and trashed the place. I tailed him here but his cronies were on me and I had to run around until I lost them. I got back in maybe ten minutes and he had to have taken another vehicle he’d planted here. I can’t get a trace on Jenna, the pins not picking up.” Tucker shook his head.

  “Wait, you finally saw him?” Aaron asked touching the pistol resting in his own belt.

  “Yep, things are coming down, Aaron. We need to find her. Where else would she go?” Tuck turned down one of the radios in his truck and scanned the laptop shaking his head.

  Aaron’s gut clenched in dread. What if Hanson had Jenna? “Jeremiah’s headed to the Realty office in Sun River. She was there earlier this morning, left a package. I’m going inside.”

  “No one’s inside except that cat from hell. Even though I feed him that is one bad ass critter. Might be he scared Hanson out of there.” Tucker chuckled. “Not sure why I can’t get a trace on her. I had her this morning on the set, but nothing now. Even if she dumped the button it should pick up.”

  “She wouldn’t dump the button. I’m looking around inside.” Aaron trotted toward the building and climbed the stairs two at a time, ignoring his ribs. He turned the corner to face Jenna’s apartment door, his brother and Tucker on his heels. Touching the knob, he pushed and waited. She’d been here without a doubt, but that wasn’t something his brother or Tuck would understand. He could feel her and walked inside.

  Jenna’s usually neat apartment was in shambles, her bookshelves overturned, drawers pulled out and the contents spilled. Nothing seemed to be in its place and nothing was left untouched. The couch cushions were shredded, and the curtains had been torn down.

  “He did a number on the place.” Gabe put his hands on his hips and stopped inside.