A Country Girl’s Heart

by Dena Blake

  Kat flashed him a firm look of warning. “Not gonna happen, Virgil.”

  Virgil’s forehead creased. “Well, where else can you look?”

  “I’m not sure, but I’m going to have to find out.” She finished the last of her salad, washed her plate, and set it in the drain board to dry.

  “You sure you don’t want somethin’ else to eat?” he asked.

  “No. I’m good. But if you have a little extra time on your hands, maybe you could fix that air conditioner.” She winked at him as she opened the screen door. “I’ll be in the barn if you need me.”

  Chapter Two

  “Damn that woman.” DJ slid the receiver from her ear and slammed it into its cradle. “She won’t even let me talk.” She slapped the open file folder on the desk closed. “Hell. I’ve called her about twenty times, and she acts like she doesn’t even know my name.” She was exaggerating the numbers, but it irked the hell out of her that the woman could be so rude.

  Danica Jane Callahan wasn’t used to having someone dismiss her with such venom. She sank into her high-backed leather chair and mulled over the conversation. Twisting the chair around, she looked up at the cream-colored certificates strategically placed on the wood-paneled wall behind her. This was only one of the many aspects of being Elizabeth Belmont’s personal attorney she didn’t enjoy. She didn’t care for her methods, specifically the way she’d forced DJ into completing this particular task. If she was really looking for a response, she should still be calling her daughter herself.

  She knew what came next and wasn’t looking forward to it. She was going to have to see face-to-face just what kind of heartless woman wouldn’t take the time to find out how her mother was recuperating after an automobile accident.

  “Marcia,” she called, shooting up out of her chair. Swiping the file off her desk, she slid it into her leather briefcase and snapped it closed.

  A small, red-haired woman poked her head through the doorway. “Yes, Ms. Callahan?”

  “Unless I missed something, I’m not due in court for anything this week, right?”

  “No. Not this week.”

  “Good. I need you to make a reservation for me at this place.” DJ tossed a small pamphlet across the desk. “And cancel all my appointments for the next few days.”

  Marcia’s lip slid into a sideways smirk as she picked up the brochure. “You’re going to a dude ranch?”

  “It’s business.” The type of business DJ didn’t like to conduct.

  “It must be, to make you take a trip to the country,” Marcia said with a chuckle. “Can I go?” Her eyebrows rose. “I’d love to see you on a horse.”

  “Just make the reservation, Marcia.” DJ picked up a few more files and brushed past her to the doorway.

  Marcia followed her out. “When would you like to arrive?”

  “Tomorrow.” DJ dropped the files on her desk. “I need to go by and see Mrs. Belmont this morning.” Her stomach churned. DJ knew she wouldn’t be happy with her daughter’s adamant response. DJ had been a little surprised herself. “Then I’ll be heading to the courthouse to do some research. Call my cell if you have any problems.” She walked to the elevator.

  “How many days?” Marcia said.

  “Two or three.” Without turning, DJ held up her hand and wiggled her fingers indecisively.

  “So, I can take the next couple of days off?” Marcia shouted after her.

  “Nope.” DJ shook her head. “You still have some work to do on those files I just put on your desk.” She smiled as she rounded the corner to the elevator, catching what she knew was just the beginning of Marcia’s stinging protest.

  DJ took the short drive west on Sixth Street to Winsted Lane and then drove through Old Enfield to the upscale neighborhood of Tarrytown. Elizabeth Belmont’s historic New Orleans–style estate was one of the oldest in the neighborhood. DJ often wondered what it would be like to own a house in this area, but property in this part of town was priced way out of her league. This neighborhood was filled with old money and dot-com millionaires who had housekeepers to answer doors and gardeners to keep the grounds groomed. Even if she could afford it, this lifestyle wasn’t for DJ.

  She rang the bell and admired the architecture as she waited. She loved these old mansions. Clandestinely embedded deep in the heart of Austin, they were extraordinary treasures. After a few minutes’ wait, the head cook, housekeeper, and self-proclaimed protector of the Belmont household met her at the door.

  “Mornin’, Maggie,” she said with a nod as she entered.

  “She’s upstairs,” Maggie said without hesitation. “And she’s a little on the crotchety side today, so mind your manners, young lady.”

  “Thanks for the warning. I’ll try to improve her mood for you.” DJ gave her a wink and headed up the winding staircase.

  “I know you will, darlin’. You’re the only one who’s managed to keep her sane for the past five years.”

  Elizabeth Belmont sat propped up in bed eating her usual breakfast of oatmeal, fresh fruit, and coffee.

  “Good morning, Elizabeth,” DJ said, in the usual polite manner she took on with all her clients, wealthy or not.

  “What a nice surprise, Danica.” Elizabeth gave her a creeping smile. “Come sit. Have some coffee with me.”

  DJ crossed the room, the heels of her shoes clicking against the hardwood floor. Picking up the small china coffeepot from the night table, she poured herself a splash before adding a touch to Elizabeth’s half-empty cup.

  “I haven’t received a favorable response from Kathryn over the phone. So I’ll be heading to Kerrville in the morning.” DJ sat between the wooden arms of the small antique chair next to Elizabeth’s bed. She did so as ladylike as possible in the short chair, swinging her long legs to the side as she kept them pinned together at the knees.

  “Will you be gone long?”

  “That depends on how receptive she is.” DJ pinched the bridge of her nose. “Hopefully I’ll wrap it up right away. I have a lot of work waiting for me at the office.”

  Elizabeth gave her a troubled look. “You remember our deal, correct?”

  DJ squeezed her eyes closed as the gnawing in her stomach reappeared. “Yes. I remember.”

  “You must bring her home to Austin.” Elizabeth spoke so nonchalantly, no one would ever know she was holding DJ’s feet to the fire. “You seem tired, Danica. You should really take a little more time to enjoy life.”

  DJ didn’t acknowledge Elizabeth’s observation, but she was right. Looking in the mirror this morning, she’d seen the dull redness and dark circles surrounding her sunken eyes. The vibrant green color she remembered seemed to have faded to a pale sage. There wasn’t enough makeup in the world to hide the stress or her loneliness.

  “Then I’d be really behind.” She tensed, thinking of the many cases she’d had to shuffle in order to make the trip to the ranch.

  “Are you going to tell Kathryn who you are right away?”

  “Telling her I’m your attorney might not be the best way to introduce myself.” DJ took in a mouthful of coffee and rolled her eyes slightly. “I’ve already experienced your daughter’s quick-tempered reaction a number of times on the phone.” Like mother, like daughter.

  “It might be wise to become acquainted with her first. She might be more apt to listen.” Elizabeth reached into the drawer of her night table and took out an old porcelain-backed hand mirror.

  DJ watched as she held the mirror up in front of her and narrowed her eyes at her reflection. “I’m not sure it will make much difference. As you know, I’ve made many calls that have gone unanswered. I don’t think she’ll be very agreeable.”

  “I’m sure you’ll find a way to bring her around. For the sake of your family.” Elizabeth poked at the beehive surrounding her head, then swept a few stray strands of platinum hair into place.

  “And if not?” DJ’s pulse raced as she shifted to look past the pattern of petite pink roses covering the back of the m
irror hovering between them.

  “Then, if nothing else, you’ll have a few nice relaxing days in the country.” Once she was satisfied every hair was in its appropriate place, Elizabeth cupped her hand behind her head and smiled before sliding the mirror into the drawer.

  DJ clenched her jaw behind the cup she held to her lips. “I’ll get her here somehow.” Elizabeth Belmont had enjoyed the life of Texas high society since she was a small child and wasn’t accustomed to being disappointed. She wouldn’t be happy if she returned without her daughter, and the livelihood of DJ’s family depended on it.

  “I know you will, dear.” She reached for the small china pot on the night table. “More coffee?”

  “No, thank you.” The cup rattled against the saucer as DJ slid it onto the table. Carefully extracting herself from the clutches of the vintage chair, she let out a weary groan and stood up. “I’d better be going. I have a few more things to do before I head out in the morning.” This trip was going to be far from relaxing. She wanted to find out a little more about Kathryn Jackson before she landed on her turf. “Can I do anything for you before I go?”

  “No, thank you, darling. Other than Kathryn, I have everything I need right now.” Elizabeth’s ruby-red lips curved into a satisfied smile.

  DJ pasted on a smile and moved quickly to the door. “I’ll be in touch.”

  * * *

  As the elevator doors retracted, DJ could see Rosa dancing around the table to the tune playing on her iPod. The feathers swept across the table, sending dust into the air and onto the apron tied snugly around her waist. DJ set her briefcase and the bag of Chinese takeout on the decorative bench near the door and crept up behind her.

  “Hello, Rosa,” she shouted, making her jump a foot.

  Rosa took off her headphones. “I told you not to do that anymore! One of these days you’re going to give me a heart attack.”

  DJ laughed as the woman who often boasted of being her second mother swung around and slapped an open palm to her shoulder. “That iPod is hands down the best present I’ve ever given you.”

  “You’re home early today.” Rosa shrugged, impatiently turning to the foyer table to arrange the vase of fresh flowers.

  “I thought I’d work a little from home this afternoon.” DJ retrieved her briefcase and food from the bench before heading into the kitchen.

  “I haven’t started your dinner yet. Would you like me to make you a snack?” Rosa asked, trailing behind her.

  “No, thanks. I picked up Chinese food on the way home.” She set the bag of food on the counter. “Want to join me?” She cocked her head and let the girlish grin she knew Rosa had grown to love creep across her face.

  “Thank you, no. Chinese has much too much salt. Makes my ankles puff up like balloons.” She pursed her lips and blew her cheeks out.

  DJ chuckled at her animated expression. Visiting with Rosa was always a treat, one of the few forms of entertainment DJ allowed herself. On the occasion Rosa did join her for a meal, DJ always came away from their conversations knowing more about life than she had before. Along with being a skilled life advisor, Rosa was an excellent cook. DJ knew she had a family of her own and didn’t like keeping her later than necessary.

  “You can go on home now if you want,” DJ said.

  “Great!” She gathered her purse. “My sister’s coming to visit tomorrow, and this will give me a little extra time to prepare.”

  “Rosa,” DJ called as she walked to the elevator door. “I’ll be gone for a few days. Why don’t you stay home and spend some time with your sister?”

  Her eyes widened and a smile spread across her face. “Oh, that would be wonderful.”

  DJ couldn’t help but enjoy her delight. “I’ll let you know when I’m back in town.”

  “You’d better not be eating any of that fast food while I’m gone.” Rosa turned, her eyes darkening as she assessed her. “If you’re not careful, you’ll soon be very large, like my Antonio.”

  “I won’t, I promise,” she said, following her to the elevator. “Don’t worry about me. You just have a nice visit with your sister.” DJ pressed the button, prompting the doors to open, and waited as Rosa entered and the doors closed again.

  DJ walked into the kitchen, grabbed a beer from the refrigerator, and twisted off the cap. After taking a fork from the drawer, she slid the food across the counter before planting herself in the plush leather bar stool and crossing her legs. As she ate, she opened her file on the Jumpin’ J Ranch and thumbed through it. She’d spent most of the day gathering as much information as she could on Kathryn and Arizona Jackson. Elizabeth had filled her in on some of the specifics, but DJ knew Elizabeth well enough to suspect she’d probably left a few things out. DJ had hoped she’d be able to take care of this matter over the phone, but as Elizabeth had told DJ many times, her daughter was just as stubborn and hardheaded as her mother, and since she wasn’t receptive to one of their calls, the trip was unavoidable.

  From the financial figures she’d obtained, DJ saw that the ranch had been running in the black for the past three years. Before that it had jumped back and forth a bit, slipping into the red during the winter months, which would be considered off-season for the ranch. Overall, it looked as though the Jumpin’ J Ranch was a profitable venture for the Jacksons.

  After finishing her dinner, DJ tossed the empty food cartons into the trash before going into the bedroom to pack. She rolled a small designer carry-on bag out of the closet. Rethinking her choice, she pushed it into the corner and took a navy-blue duffel from the top shelf. DJ didn’t want to be too obvious about who she was. She didn’t know exactly how Kathryn would react to her mother’s lawyer in the flesh.

  She dropped the bag onto the bed and threw in some shorts and a few golf shirts, along with a flannel shirt and some colored T-shirts and jeans. When she had everything packed, she reached up to the top shelf of the closet, fetched a large box, and opened it. She hesitated before lifting the vanilla felt cowboy hat out.

  She slid it on her head and turned to the mirror. The size was still right, but the hat really didn’t fit her anymore. Wearing it used to be part of her daily life, but it hadn’t been out of the box for the better part of fifteen years. Now, staring at herself in the mirror, she felt strange and out of place with it on her head.

  After DJ became a lawyer, she’d never put it on again. College and law school were her father’s choice, not hers. The anger and emptiness she’d felt when she’d left the farm had faded over the years, but her love for that way of life still burned deep inside. It took her a while, but DJ finally realized her father only wanted more for her than he’d ever had himself. She definitely had that now, and it was her turn to help out the family if she possibly could.

  DJ took the hat off her head, set it on top of her bag, and then raked her hand through the short hair she waxed to stand at attention every morning. That style would have to go. She’d wash it and leave the curls free tomorrow. She stripped off her slacks and blouse and hung them in the closet. She wouldn’t need any clothes like that on this trip either. She needed to be natural, or she’d never make it past the front gate.

  She crawled into the massive feather bed centering the room, and all but a few of the many pillows slid off onto the floor. Ignoring the irony of her current situation, DJ propped herself up against the headboard, opened the folder she’d filled with information about Kathryn Jackson, and studied it again.

  Chapter Three

  DJ was just leaving the Austin city limits when she picked up her cell phone, punched in her assistant’s number, and waited for her to answer.

  “Danica Callahan’s office. May I help you?” Marcia’s unusually sweet voice resonated in her ear. She must have been enjoying her time alone in the office.

  “Good morning, Marcia. Did you make my reservation?”

  “Barely,” she said, her voice slipping into its familiar cantankerous tone. “You’re lucky they had a last-minute cancellation. It a
ppears the Jumpin’ J Ranch is a very popular vacation spot.”

  “Really?” The ranch must be doing better than the figures indicated.

  “I practically had to beg, borrow, and steal to get the woman to give you a room.” Marcia’s voice rumbled with irritation. “Then I had to listen to her speech about May being the cusp of prime season. According to her, if I’d waited another hour, there wouldn’t have been anything available until the fall.”

  “I’m sorry you had to go through all that, Marcia.” DJ smiled as she smothered a chuckle at Marcia’s exaggerated distress. Marcia wasn’t the sweetest assistant in the building, but she always got the job done and usually managed to take good care of DJ along the way. “Do you have the brochure handy? I didn’t have a chance to look at it yesterday.”

  “I have it right here. What do you need to know?”

  “Tell me about the place.” DJ changed lanes and sped around a car.

  “It says here, the ranch is made up of roughly a thousand acres of pasture and small mountain terrain located in the Texas Hill Country on the outskirts of Kerrville, Texas, about one hundred miles southwest of Austin. Close enough to drive to for the weekend, yet far enough away to escape the big city.”

  “Marcia,” she said flatly. “I know where it is. Just give me some basic information about the ranch.”

  “Why didn’t you just say that?” Marcia’s voice rose in irritation. “The grounds consist of a working horse stable and corral, a regulation-size rodeo arena, and various riding trails throughout the hilly terrain. There’s also a seven-acre pond stocked yearly for fishing and a river snaking through the property used primarily for swimming and kayaking.” She sucked in a breath. “Is that enough basic information for you?”

  “That’s perfect, Marcia. I do appreciate your patience.”

  “Oh, and they’re LGBTQ friendly. Maybe you should stay a few weeks and find yourself a wife.”