“It was the first week in May, five years ago. Me, my father, and a couple guys we hired from Cody. It was a brutal winter and a wet spring, so we really should’ve waited another couple of weeks for things to dry out. My father was so stubborn, though–always has been. Anyway, he led the first two days and asked me at breakfast if I wanted to lead the final leg. I said sure, thinking nothing of it. So he brought up the rear, Darren and Jim took the flanks, and I took my place up front.”
Alec moved Onyx into a trot, urging a few trailing cattle forward, before he pulled back to a walk. Rebecca rode alongside him, waiting patiently for him to continue.
“It rained a lot the day before, and the ground was soft. I was on Zack, and he’s normally pretty sure-footed, but even he was struggling with the mud. We were about three-quarters of the way up when I first heard it. It sounded like thunder, except there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. You’d think it would’ve started closer to the cliff. Maybe if it had, things would’ve turned out different. But the ground came loose near the top, not fifty feet back from me and Zack. The cattle started to panic, and the more they struggled, the faster they slid.”
Rebecca cringed, envisioning a torrent of mud and cattle flailing down the green slope they’d just crossed. Alec’s eyes were glazed, as if he was seeing it happen all over again.
“Darren disappeared first–he was closest to the ravine. Search and rescue never did find him or his horse. Jim almost made it out, but he got blocked by the cattle and he went down too.”
He paused and stared down at Onyx’s mane, fidgeting with the reins. She wanted to tell him that it was okay, that he didn’t have to say anymore, but she didn’t dare interrupt him.
“My father was on his favorite mare, Sundance. He used her when he toured for his seminars. Anyway, he, uh–he managed to get clear from the slide. I was at the top of the hill and he was at the bottom, and we were both just standing there watching the whole thing happen. As soon as the ground stopped shaking, though, he went right in to look for Jim and Darren. I screamed and screamed for him to wait, to let me ride ahead and get some help, but he wouldn’t wait. I was halfway down the slope when I saw Sundance trip and go down. She rolled right over him, fractured three vertebrae in his neck, and it was done.”
For the first time since he’d started his story, he looked over at her. “You wanna know the wildest part? He was laying there in the mud, figuring he was going to die, but the only thing he cared about was Sundance. She broke her leg when she fell–the cannon bone was sticking right through the skin. My father wouldn’t even let me touch him until I’d taken care of her first.”
Rebecca swallowed hard. “What did you do for her?”
“The only thing I could.”
When he didn’t elaborate, she was quickly reminded of the rifle hanging from his saddle.
“After that, I made him as comfortable as I could and rode to the closest homestead to call the hospital in Jackson. Luckily they were able to fly a chopper out. I honestly didn’t think he’d still be alive when the medics reached him.”
She guided Pumpkin closer and reached out to touch his hand. “It wasn’t your fault, Alec. Nothing you could have done would’ve changed anything that happened. And if you’d gotten caught up in the slide, neither one of you would be here right now.”
“Yeah,” he replied, although he sounded less than convinced. Her heart went out to him as he released a haggard breath. “I’ve never told a soul any of that.”
Rebecca squeezed his hand. “Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me.”
*
He didn’t speak for the rest of the day, but then again, nobody else did, either. The Holloways seemed fatigued from the long ride the previous day, and everyone was more subdued. The terrain was difficult, too, as the hills grew steeper and the valleys narrower. Rebecca understood now why Roger thought the distance was too great for an overnight run. Three days would have been a much more comfortable pace to complete the drive.
Finally, though, just before sunset, Rebecca saw the rear paddock fences of the Flying W. Tommy and Alec opened the gates and the Holloways pushed the cattle through, giving a victorious shout when the last one entered the pasture. Half an hour later, they arrived back at the corral.
“Feel free to relax before dinner,” Tommy told the Holloways. “We’ll take care of your horses.”
After bathing the horses and taking a much-needed shower herself, Rebecca joined Allison and Tommy in the lodge for the Holloways’ banquet dinner. The last thing she felt like doing was entertaining the guests, but she forced a smile and played her role anyway, indulging the family members who wanted to share the endless photographs they’d snapped on the drive. They all looked the same after a while–cattle and dust were only so photogenic–until Theresa sidled up next to her.
“I won’t bore you, I promise. But I thought you’d like to see this one.”
Rebecca grinned as she took the camera and studied the photo on the display. It was from the first morning, just before they released the herd from the corral. Alec, Tommy, and Rebecca were mounted on their horses, discussing how to arrange the Holloways. The sun was low on the horizon behind them, silhouetting the outlines of their Stetsons in the early light. Aside from the artistic splendor of the snapshot, what Rebecca appreciated most was that she looked just as authentic as Alec and Tommy–like she was one of them.
Theresa grinned, like she knew what she was thinking. “If you give me your email address, I’ll send it to you.”
Rebecca returned her camera and gave her a grateful hug. “I would love that.”
After she’d dutifully finished making her rounds, she helped herself to a beer and was just about to take a seat when someone touched her arm. She turned to see Alec, and her stomach lurched when she noticed his somber expression. He nodded towards the staff area, and she followed him into the dimly lit dining hall. He let out a heavy sigh as he reached into his jacket and produced an all-too-familiar white envelope.
“It came yesterday.”
Rebecca cringed as she took it from him and forced herself to examine it. Once again, the postmark read Jackson, Wyoming, and as usual a single sheet of paper was folded neatly inside. But there was something else this time. Enclosed in the envelope was a photograph of the girls’ cabin. More specifically, the window in their cabin. But the photo wasn’t snapped from the outside looking in.
The photo was snapped from the inside looking out.
Chapter 15
Rebecca’s fear skyrocketed to a whole new level. Not only had Kevin been on the ranch, but he’d been inside their cabin…on her bed. It was the exact view she had when she lay in her bunk and gazed out the window. She and Alec stood frozen in silence before she unfolded the letter, laying it flat on the table so he could read it, too.
Go ahead and run. I’ll find you every time.
Rebecca tried and failed to inhale a full breath. Alec cursed and stomped back into the main lodge, momentarily leaving her alone in the staff hall. Her throat constricted as she dared a glance out the window, wondering if Kevin was out there, hiding somewhere in the darkness. Maybe he could even see her through the glass right now, clutching his letter in her trembling hand. The thought of it turned her blood to ice.
Alec quickly reappeared, followed by Tommy, Allison, and Roger, and they formed a protective circle around her while Alec brought them up-to-date. “Bec, you need to file a restraining order,” Allison said. “This has gone on long enough.”
“A restraining order is just a piece of paper,” Rebecca replied. “It doesn’t do a bit of good in the real world, believe me.”
Roger cleared his throat. “As much as we’d all hate to see you leave, I really feel you should get off the ranch. No job is worth putting yourself in harm’s way.”
“I appreciate the advice, Roger, but I don’t want to leave.” She paused and glanced at Alec. “Not unless my employer feels that it’s necessary.”
For once, Ale
c made no attempt to hide his concern from his staff. Distress was etched all over his face as he stood and paced a wide circle, staring up at the ceiling as if the answer was written there.
“It’s not necessary,” he finally said. “If not for my father, I’d have you girls move into the guest room at the farmhouse. Since that’s not an option, the only other thing I can suggest–if it’s okay with the three of you–is for Tommy to stay with you in your cabin. At least until we can come up with something else.”
“That’s fine with me,” Allison said.
“Me, too,” Rebecca chimed in. “I’d feel a lot better if Tommy was with us.”
“If it’s okay with them, it’s fine by me, boss,” Tommy agreed. “I’d actually love for Kevin to break in again. He’d get what’s coming to him.”
After a painfully long evening of socializing with the Holloways and pretending like nothing was wrong, Tommy escorted the girls back to their cabin. Rebecca slipped into her pajamas and took a seat on the couch, staring dismally at her bed. Tommy tried to be discreet, but there was no way she couldn’t notice him placing his revolver on the small table beside them. Then he took a seat next to her and dropped a comforting arm around her shoulders.
“You gonna be okay, Bec?”
She leaned into him, grateful for his company. Alec had been right to suggest the arrangement.
“Yeah. I’m just a little freaked out.”
“Understandable,” he replied, giving her a squeeze. “But between me and Alec, we’ll make sure you’re safe.”
Rebecca managed to smile. “Thanks, Tommy. You’re being terrific about all of this. Both of you are,” she added, glancing up at Allison. “It’s been nothing but drama since I got here.”
“Well, it’s definitely the most interesting summer I’ve ever seen at the Flying W,” Allison said from the top bunk. “This place was downright dull before you showed up.”
Once Rebecca forced herself to crawl into bed, she did sleep peacefully knowing that Tommy was there, stretched out on their couch that was far too small for his frame. She awoke feeling much better than she had the previous evening. After she and Alec faxed the new letter and photograph to Deputy Harris, they turned their attention to another busy day with the Holloways. Allison and Roger guided several groups of trail rides while Alec, Tommy, and Rebecca conducted riding and roping lessons in the corral.
Before dinner, she and Alec went to the farmhouse to call the deputy again. “I got your fax and your message,” he said when they reached him. “Not to alarm you, Miss Sheehan, but when it comes to stalkers, there’s only so much we’re able to do at this end. Until he actually shows up or takes some sort of action, I’m afraid we’re not in much of a position to do anything for you. The best thing for you to do is keep yourself surrounded by people you trust.”
“There’s nothing they can do to help,” she said, feeling like a deflated balloon as she hung up the phone. “I feel like I’m all alone.”
Alec reached across the table and laid his hand on hers. “You’re not alone.”
*
Rebecca was disappointed to see the Holloways go as they piled into their minibuses on Sunday morning. Her spirits had lifted over the past few days, as there were no more letters and–thankfully–no more frightening photographs. It was second nature to her now to have either Alec or Tommy glued to her side, and she felt safe under their watchful eyes. While the threat was still there, she tried not to dwell on it. She was leaving Jackson in just a few short weeks, and she wanted to soak up every possible minute of it.
Alec seemed to be thinking the same thing as they stood in the parking lot, waving goodbye to the Holloways. “When’s your birthday?”
Amidst all the drama, she’d forgotten that August had finally arrived. “Thursday.”
“Do you have any plans yet?”
She laughed. “Like I’ve had tons of free time to plan my birthday.”
“Take the day off,” Alec said. “I have a surprise for you.”
Three more days passed with no letters. Rebecca was almost jovial when she climbed into bed on Wednesday night, wondering what Alec had in store for her. She slept in late and was just stretching her arms over her head when she noticed two small gift-wrapped boxes beside her bed.
Before she could reach for them, Allison and Tommy stepped through the front door. “Happy birthday, Bec!”
Her mouth dropped open. She hadn’t said a word to anyone except Alec, since they all assumed that she was already eighteen.
“How did you guys know?”
“Alec spilled the beans,” Allison said, handing her one of the boxes. “This is from me. So you’ll think of your friends out west when you’re back home.”
She opened the box to find a silver bracelet with a delicate charm of a galloping horse. “Thank you, Alli,” she said, reaching out to give her a hug. “It’s gorgeous.”
“And this one’s from me,” Tommy added, handing her the other box.
She laughed when she saw the matching earrings. “It’s perfect,” she assured him, hopping out of her bunk to hug him, as well. “Thank you so much. What a great start to my day.”
The three of them bounded down to the lodge for a late breakfast. Alec strolled into the dining hall with a smile on his face, but he wasn’t alone.
“Jeff!” Rebecca cried, thrilled to see her brother walking in behind him. Merrily she hopped off her chair and threw her arms around him.
“Happy birthday, sis. Glad to see me?”
“Yes!” she exclaimed, beaming up at Alec. “Is this my surprise?”
“One of them.” Her stomach fluttered when he leaned over to kiss her cheek. “Happy birthday, Rebecca.”
“Thanks,” she said, reeling from the feel of his lips. “So…? What do you have up your sleeve?”
“The five of us are saddling up and going for a picnic lunch by the river.”
Rebecca was ecstatic at the prospect. “But who’s going to work this afternoon?”
“Roger’s got the trail rides covered. The rest of us were up early getting everything done.”
She shook her head. “I don’t even know what to say. Already this has been the best day.”
As they made their way to the barn, Allison grabbed Rebecca’s arm and pulled her back a few paces. “Hello! You never mentioned how adorable your brother is,” she whispered. “Does he have a girlfriend?”
Rebecca stifled a laugh. “He doesn’t.”
“He’s too cute!”
“He’s my brother. I never really noticed.”
A chorus of whinnies greeted the group as they entered the staff barn. “I think Jeff should ride Pumpkin,” Alec said. “She’d be a good mount for you.”
Rebecca frowned in confusion. “Then who am I going to ride?”
He grinned and wordlessly handed her Onyx’s halter. “Seriously?” she gasped. “What about you?”
“I’ll take Zack out.”
“Lucky gal,” Tommy teased. “Hey boss, do I get to ride Onyx on my birthday?”
“Nope.”
Rebecca was touched by his thoughtfulness as Alec clipped saddlebags for the picnic lunch to each saddle. Jeff stared uncertainly at Pumpkin before Allison gave a dazzling smile and offered her expertise. Rebecca tried not to laugh as her friend helped him into the saddle and demonstrated how to hold the reins.
“Does this mean I’m off the hook?” Tommy asked. “I’ve already taught one Bostonian how to ride this summer.”
“I’ve got it from here,” Allison replied. Rebecca watched with her mouth agape as Jeff flirted right back with her bubbly friend.
Really? Just like that?
Alec called her over, momentarily diverting her attention from her brother. “I can’t believe you’re letting me take him out,” she said as she swung onto Onyx’s back.
He patted her knee, signaling her to move her leg so he could shorten the stirrups. “He’ll behave for you. We had a little chat this morning.”
/> Rebecca giggled as he finished with her stirrup and repositioned her leg, letting his hand linger on her knee. Unlike the day of her exhibition, this time his touch was slow, deliberate, and positively electrifying. He glanced up to gauge her reaction, and her cheeks flushed when their eyes met.
“I’ve got the other one,” she said.
Whoa, was all she could think as he turned to untie Zack from the hitching post. Even in Alec’s more tender moments, she’d never felt any sort of intent behind his touch. Today he was almost acting like a different person–still subtle by most standards but definitely aggressive by his. She hardly dared to think of how the rest of the day would unfold.
Taking a deep breath, she nudged Onyx forward. “How does it feel?” she called to her brother.
Jeff looked awkward on Pumpkin’s back, but his smile was bright. “Bizarre. This is going to be interesting.”
You can say that again, she thought as Alec approached her on Zack. “Ready?” he asked.
“For what?” she challenged. He didn’t reply, but she could tell from his grin that he loved her suggestive response.
Allison stayed glued to Jeff’s side, explaining the basics of riding as they meandered along the trail. Rebecca was half-amused watching the two of them and half-enthralled with the black horse striding powerfully beneath her. They rode slowly for Jeff’s sake, though he didn’t look much worse than Rebecca had on her first day. He seemed to be enjoying it, but she had a feeling he was enjoying Allison’s attention more than anything else. She and Tommy exchanged knowing smiles while they listened to Jeff and Allison chatter non-stop.
When they reached the meadow, Alec turned to Jeff. “You okay to hang back for a bit while we go faster?”
“Sure. What do I do?”
“Go ahead and get off and tie her over there,” he said, indicating the nearest tree. Adrenaline flooded through Rebecca’s veins as Alec looked back at her and grinned. “Let’s see what you’ve got.”
Cut and Run Page 18