“When did that happen?”
“Five years ago.”
“How old is Case?”
“He just turned thirty-two.”
Two years older than her. “Where was he all those years?” Sammie’s heart ached at the thought of the young boy who’d grown up all alone.
“All over, honey. We didn’t always know where he was, but he was good about checking in with Wiley and me now and again. It was only under the condition, though, that we not talk to Jack about him. Like to broke my heart that he never saw his father again before he died.”
So much pain. What had it done to the young Case? How much did the grown man carry inside?
Linnie Mae wiped her hands on her apron. “Case is a good man who deserves better than what he’s gotten. As a boy, he tried so hard to make his father love him, but Jack didn’t know how to love anyone except maybe Case’s mom.” She exhaled. “And then it was too late for both of them.”
Sammie didn’t know what to say. Her father might be autocratic and her mother might be vague and uninvolved with her, but she’d always known that they cared about her. And she’d had every luxury handed to her on a silver platter. She’d had servants, expensive cars, trips to Europe.
And while she was being coddled and pampered, Case had been all alone, half-grown, fending for himself in God knows what kind of places.
Linnie Mae turned back, wiping off the counter with a sponge. “Case carries way too many troubles on those broad shoulders of his, and he won’t accept help from anyone.”
Sammie’s heart quailed at the thought that she’d just added one more burden.
She’d better figure out something soon.
Chapter Seven
Case ignored the auctioneer’s chant as he waited for their first lot to come up. Motes of dust swirled in the light, stirred up by the livestock milling on the floor of the dirt ring. He’d felt invigorated earlier, being back doing the work he loved, but now the lack of sleep was taking its toll. He settled back to wait, content to sit beside Wiley in a companionable silence.
“Last time I saw Joe Bachman, he said he might have something for you,” Wiley offered.
Case’s eyes narrowed as he wondered what his old buddy might have uncovered about Roland Bracewell. Having a bank president for a friend might be about to pay off with information. He and Joe had grown up together. When Case hadn’t been able to make enough headway on his own efforts, he’d gone to Joe, who had volunteered to see what he could find out about Roland Bracewell’s whereabouts and history. Maybe he’d found something helpful.
Wiley said casually, “I saw Joe in the cafe just now. I’ll stay here and keep an eye on our first lot if it comes up before you get back.”
Case made his way down the row and climbed the concrete steps from the auction ring, pausing several times to exchange greetings with other ranchers. When he entered the cafe, he spotted Joe Bachman in a corner booth. Joe waved him over.
Case slid into the seat and gave his order for coffee to the waitress.
“How’s it going, Case?”
“No complaints, Joe. How you doin’?” At Joe’s nod, Case continued, “Sally okay? The boy?”
“Growing like a weed. You ought to try it sometime. Nothing like having a son—best feeling in the world when a little guy looks up to you like you’re ten feet tall.”
“You’re a good father. No reason he shouldn’t think that way.”
“Well, I remember how it was with my dad when I was in high school. Didn’t think the old man knew anything. It’s really something—when you have kids, all of a sudden you realize that your parents might not have done everything right, but they did the best they knew how. Crazy business, being a parent—we don’t get any training except on the job.”
“Some parents need more training than others,” Case observed. He couldn’t help thinking of his father. Dark memories stirred. He tamped them down ruthlessly.
Joe paused as if realizing how tough this discussion must be on Case. His eyes revealed sympathy that Case didn’t want. “Not all parents do so badly with their kids, Case. I bet you’d be a good dad.”
“Well, that’s not likely to be put to the test.” Case didn’t want to pursue the subject. “Wiley said you wanted to see me?”
“I do. You know I’ve been running a new retail credit report from time to time on Roland Bracewell, hoping he’d surface somewhere. After this long, I really didn’t think we’d ever find anything.”
Case nodded, intent on every word.
“Well, it just paid off. I got the new one, and there’s been an inquiry from a bank in Tennessee.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means that for some reason he’s drawn their attention. Most likely, it means he’s gone to them to borrow money, but it could be for other reasons.”
“So where does that leave us?” Case asked.
“I can place a call to that bank and see if I can get an address on him, if you’re sure you want that.” He looked at Case intently. “Don’t get yourself in trouble over this, Case. Turn it over to the law.”
Case snorted. “Not hardly. I want to have a little chat with Roland first. The authorities can have their chance at him, but not until he’s answered some questions for me.”
“It’s no good taking the law into your own hands.”
He barely listened, his mind racing as he realized that he might have his day with Roland Bracewell, after all.
“Case—”
“Don’t worry, Joe. I won’t do anything stupid. I’m not ready to go to jail. I spend too much time away as it is. How soon do you think you’ll have something?”
“I’ll start making calls tomorrow morning, but I don’t know how much I can turn up or how long it will take. Maybe I’ll have something for you tomorrow, but it may take longer.”
“I’d better get back.” Case rose to return to the auction, stopping to clasp Joe on the shoulder. “Thanks, buddy. I owe you.”
Case sat down beside Wiley without comment. Intent upon the bidding taking place, Wiley waited a minute for Case to speak. When he didn’t, Wiley forged ahead.
“He have anything?”
“Maybe.”
Wiley raised his eyebrows.
“We may know more in a day or two. Looks like he might be in Tennessee.”
“Son of a gun! What are you going to do?”
“I’m gonna have me a little chat with a man in a white suit. When I’m through, we’ll see what happens,” Case replied grimly.
“I’d be real glad to go with you.”
“I know, Wiley. But this is something I have to do myself. I brought this bad luck down on us, and I’ve got to be the one to fix it.”
“Just don’t be foolish, son. Chances are the money’s all gone, anyway. It won’t help us hang onto the ranch if you’re in jail.”
Case knew that.
But it didn’t matter.
“They’re back!” Jennifer squealed and dashed outside.
Sammie hung back. She glanced down quickly at her new Wranglers, brushing a speck off the plain white t-shirt she had tucked inside. Linnie Mae had brought the outfit back from her errands in town in spite of Sammie’s protests over spending Case’s money. The older woman had guessed her sizes well. Best of all, she’d brought new underwear—made of serviceable cotton rather than the silk she normally wore, yes, but a heavenly change to Sammie anyway.
Sammie couldn’t help being amused at herself. The only jeans she’d ever worn had been designer jeans, usually in a rainbow of colors with matching silk shirts. She didn’t know the last time she’d worn a t-shirt, and she hadn’t had cotton panties since she was a little girl, long before she needed a bra. If Papa could see her now, he’d be scandalized, but Sammie felt like a new person.
Wiley entered the kitchen and gave Linnie Mae a hug.
Then Case filled the doorframe. Her heart gave a funny little leap when he smiled at her and came her way. “How are you?”
&n
bsp; “I’m fine, thanks.” She hesitated. “I wish you hadn’t given Linnie Mae the money, Case. Not that I’m not grateful,” she hastily amended. “It’s just that—”
“Not your style?” One eyebrow arched as he waited for her answer.
“Oh, no, it’s not that at all. They could have been overalls, and I’d still be grateful. It’s just…” She glanced away. “I feel funny about having you pay for them.”
“I’ve had some times in my life where I only had one change of clothes. I didn’t want you to have to live like that. I’m just sorry it’s not something fancier.”
“Oh, no, Case, they’re wonderful! I’m thrilled, truly.” She pirouetted before him.
Case’s gaze traveled down her body, sizzling slow.
Then he spotted her feet and laughed out loud.
“What’s the matter, you’ve never seen Keds before?”
“Not on anyone over the age of six.”
“Well, I’ll have you know lots of grown women wear them and do so happily.”
“In bright pink?”
Sammie leaned closer, whispering, “You don’t make fun of them, hear? Linnie Mae picked all of this out herself because I refused to go, thinking maybe she wouldn’t spend the money if I weren’t there. She thought the shoes would perk me up, and she was right.”
“Linnie Mae—” Case turned toward the older woman.
“Case!” Sammie grabbed hold of one rock-hard bicep to stop him. It was like trying to move a mountain, so she sneaked her fingers under his arm and tried tickling him.
Case jerked away, then rounded on her, eyes gleaming with mischief. “Two can play that game, honey.”
“No!” she shrieked and tried to get away. She was horribly ticklish.
His hands raced along her torso, tickling her ribs and moving toward her hypersensitive armpits. Sammie squealed in terror and scrambled to get away.
While giggling helplessly.
Everyone in the kitchen turned around. The children stood at the door, eyes round as saucers.
The silence in the room sank in on Sammie first as she tore around the table, trying to escape Case’s nimble fingers.
She stopped, stock-still, warmth spreading from her neck to the roots of her hair. Case only grinned and shrugged.
The inhabitants of the room stared as if the two of them had grown extra heads.
Wiley cleared his throat, huge grin plastered over his face. “Well now, is anybody hungry?” His twinkling blue eyes shone.
Everyone began to move again. Case’s grin subsided, but his eyes were still alive with mischief. Sammie busied herself at the kitchen counter.
Linnie Mae handed her a bowl to transport. “It’s ready, folks. Have a seat.” Her eyes were sparkling, too.
“It’s more peaceful sitting by me, Sammie,” Ralph said.
Case stared him down. “Her chair is right here.” He pulled it out for her and settled her in it.
Ralph only grinned.
As the food made its way around the table and lively chatter accompanied it, she reminded herself that this sense of belonging was only temporary.
But it felt really good.
Case shifted beside her and drew her attention. A wicked grin flashed, but beneath it was the sizzle of desire.
Oh, he was lethal, even more so when he was playful. He knew it, too. On impulse, she stuck out her tongue at him.
He leaned over and whispered beneath the din, “I have better uses for that tongue than to taunt me, babe.”
The deep, smoky tones made her shiver. She glared at him.
He only chuckled.
She ducked her head to study the food on her plate, unable to repress a smile.
Blissfully unaware of the charge crackling in the atmosphere, the children competed for attention to tell the details of their day, chief among them being the new kittens in the barn.
“Case, have you seen Missy’s kittens?” Jennifer asked.
“Case, they can’t see!” David fretted.
“Silly, they’re just babies, like you. That’s why they can’t see,” Jennifer taunted.
“I’m not a baby! Case, tell her I’m not.”
“You’re not a baby. The kittens’ eyes will open soon, don’t worry.” Case turned to Jennifer. “How many are there?”
“Seven. Want to see them?” Her eyes gleamed with hope.
“Sure. How ’bout you show them to me after supper?”
“Okay!” Showing impressive big sister wisdom, she turned to her brother. “Want to help me show them to Case, David?”
His entire face lit up. “Let’s go now, okay? Okay, Case?”
Linnie Mae intervened. “Case has been working all day. After supper will be soon enough—if you eat all your vegetables, young man.”
His expression made it clear that David had to weigh whether the price of Case’s attention might not be too high. “O-o-kay, Granny.” He sighed heavily.
Sammie smothered a grin. Dinners at her home had been stiff, formal affairs. The girls were required to bring a topic to the table and report on it while maintaining perfect decorum. It was important to prove their readiness to enter the elevated circles in which their parents moved. This affectionate interplay was a breath of fresh air.
A few minutes later, Jennifer asked to be excused and rounded the table to Sammie’s chair. “Come with us to see the kittens, okay?” Jennifer wheedled. “They’re really cute and you would like them a lot.”
David was not far behind, his plate—well, almost clean of vegetables, Sammie saw. “Yeah, Sammie! Come see the kitties!” He grabbed her arm and pulled. “Help me, Case! She’s too heavy!”
Case chuckled. “Son, you’ve got a few things to learn about women.” He turned toward her. “Are you up for a trip to the barn? It’s one of our top tourist attractions.” He leaned behind her, stage-whispering to David. “Just this one time, maybe I should carry her. Next time it’s your job.”
Jennifer giggled behind her hand. In the wink of an eye, the two were out the back door.
Taking one last sip of iced tea, Sammie rose. “After I help clean the kitchen, I’d love to see the kittens,”
“No, honey, you go on,” Linnie Mae said. “Ralph here doesn’t look like he’s worked hard enough today.”
Ralph’s mouth dropped open, but a stern look from the older woman kept him quiet. “Uh, yeah, sure. I can help.”
Sammie frowned, but Linnie Mae didn’t budge. “Go on now. Those children have ants in their pants.”
“All right,” she conceded, then glanced at Case. “But I think I can make it out there on my own.”
Case chuckled. “After you, then, madam.”
The ever-present breeze lifted her hair as they made their way to the barn, shadows lengthening in the summer evening. The nights had their own music here: the occasional bawl of a calf, the trill of a bird, the soft nickering of the horses as humans approached.
The mother cat had found her birthing place in the hayloft, back in one corner. David stood at the base of the ladder, jumping from one foot to the other because his big sister wouldn’t let him climb up until Case and Sammie arrived.
Then they made a train on the way up the ladder: first Jennifer, followed by David, with Sammie right behind him, worrying that he’d fall.
Case chuckled from the floor. “He’s made that trip a lot in his short life. He started practically as soon as he could walk.”
She felt the heat of him behind her, a solid, steady presence that would have comforted her—if he didn’t tempt her so much more. Flustered, she focused on David and resumed her climb to the loft.
The tiny kittens mewed in high, thin cries. Missy the mother cat merely stared at the humans, her feline eyes blinking slowly as her brood tumbled around her, some seeking nourishment, others replete.
“Can we pick them up, Case?” David asked.
“Hold out your two hands together, like this,” Case demonstrated, cupping both hands, palms up.
> David followed suit, as did Jennifer. Gently, Case picked up a kitten to place in each child’s hands, then one in Sammie’s. He moved his own hand beneath David’s for security.
Seeing the tiny kittens in his large hands, Sammie shivered slightly, remembering those same hands fighting to protect her…stroking her tenderly… She recalled the feel of one strong hand at her waist just that morning, his touch all but claiming her. Her stomach fluttered.
There was a great well of kindness in him, a deep-seated protectiveness. Watching him with the children, she was certain that despite the poor fathering he might have received, Case would care for his own children well.
“Case?” Jennifer queried.
“Hmm?” Case kept his focus on David’s hands and the kitten wiggling toward the edge of them.
“Do you think we’ll ever get all our big trucks back?”
An instant of misery swept across his face, quickly erased. She recalled Linnie Mae’s murmured words in the kitchen that morning and wondered if the two were related.
“I don’t know, Jennifer.” His shoulders were stiff. “I hope so.”
With a quick move, he caught the kitten falling from David’s hands. “I think we’d better get these kittens back to their mama.”
“Can’t we pet another one?” David asked.
“I think we’ve bothered Missy long enough for now. Mamas get real protective.” He ruffled the boy’s hair before moving to help Jennifer put her kitten back.
Sammie followed suit, placing the black silky kitten she’d been petting at the mother’s side.
“I wish they could come to our house,” Jennifer said. “I would take good care of them.”
Case gave her a quick hug. “I know you would, but Missy’s a barn cat. She’s not used to being locked up inside a house. She’ll be happier here. Anyway, I think it’s someone’s bath time.”
Groans greeted his announcement, and Sammie couldn’t stifle a grin. The procession reversed itself, heading back down to the barn floor.
“I’ll walk them back,” Case said to her. “I need to visit with Wiley a minute, anyhow.”
“Good night, Sammie.” Jennifer clasped Case’s hand.
David dropped his hold on Case’s other hand and ran to her. Deeply touched, Sammie crouched and opened her arms to him.
The Marshalls Boxed Set (Texas Heroes: The Marshalls Books 1-3) Page 57