“You think so, Daddy?”
“I know so. I’ve done nothing wrong, sweetheart. The evidence will prove that.”
She leaned back and her bleak, tear-filled eyes searched his. “I wish these visions would go away. I hate them.”
“Hey now, those visions are giving us a heads-up. Don’t ridicule your gift just because you don’t understand it. Everything will work out fine. You’ll see.” He pulled her close for a comforting hug and glanced up to see Michael standing in the entry.
“Cam, I don’t have good news.”
“I know. Rena already told us what you’d find.”
Michael watched her as she rose and crossed the room to sit closer to the fire. “Girl, you are amazing. Did you see anything else?”
“Yes, I saw him pull a pair of black running shoes out of his backpack, also black, and put them on before exiting through the passenger door. Your team didn’t check that side of the truck. Did they?”
“I’m not sure, but they will now. Thanks, Rena. I’ll be in touch.”
Michael palmed his phone and was calling his team back to the ranch before he was even out the door.
A few minutes later, Cam’s phone rang. “Hello.”
“Cal plowed the driveway. There’s nothing else to find, Cam.”
”Figures. Thanks for letting me know, Michael.” He replaced the receiver and, without turning to face them, told them what Michael had said. He left the room and headed for the den.
****
Lacey saw the dejected slump to his shoulders as he walked away. Should she go after him? Comfort him as best she could? By his own admission, Cam had been a loner all his life. Did he need some quiet time? Was having a houseful of women starting to get to him? Or was he ashamed to be facing a murder rap, especially with them here? It couldn’t be easy for him to keep up a brave front. She was worried about him.
“Mama, are you going to him?” asked Rena. “I think he needs you.”
She shot Rena a puzzled glance. “Why would you think that?”
“I…ah, can read his mind.”
“What? When did that start?”
“This afternoon. He was wondering what they’d find in his truck and I heard his thoughts.”
“Wow! That’s really creepy,” said Lynne.
“Amazing. I wish I could do that,” Abby said, her voice filled with awe.
“No, you don’t, Abby. Trust me on that one. I’m going to bed. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“I’m going to see what’s on the tube. Maybe there’s a comedy show on. We could use a good laugh about now.” Lynne thumbed the remote and the television blared to life.
She and Abby argued over what to watch as Lacey got to her feet, still undecided as she locked up and made her way to the kitchen. Cam’s door was open a crack. A dim light beckoned her closer. “Cam, can I come in?”
No answer. She pushed the door open wider and realized he wasn’t there. “Cam?”
A noise behind her had her spinning around in alarm.
“Cam, you startled me. I thought you’d gone to bed.”
“Headed there, but decided to bring in a load of wood for morning.”
“Oh, okay.” He gave her a once-over, one eyebrow raised in question. “Do you want company tonight?”
“Lacey, I’ve never needed it more. Can you stay with me?”
“Yes, I can and I will. You’re not alone in this, Cam. I can’t help but feel it has something to do with our arrival.”
“Nonsense. How could that possibly be?”
She hunched her shoulders. “Just a feeling I have.”
He came to her and took her hands in his. “Let it go, love. It couldn’t possibly have anything to do with you.”
“How can you be so sure? I mean, is there anyone who might be jealous of my presence here?”
“Nope. No one special in my life. Hasn’t been since I met you.”
“Really?”
“Really. That’s not to say I’ve been celibate all this time. There have been women, but they knew the score going in. No one ever made me feel as you did and that feeling stayed with me all these years. I couldn’t settle for less than what I had with you.”
“And you’ve always been my cowboy. No other man ever measured up. I’m glad we found each other again.”
“So am I, love. I just wish it were under better circumstances. Whoever is trying to frame me is doing a bang-up job of it.”
“He’ll slip up, and when he does, Michael will be there to catch him.”
“Michael has to do his job, no matter where the evidence takes him. And right now it’s not looking too good for me.”
“Well, from where I’m standing, you look darned good to me.”
****
Her arms around his neck, she pulled his head down for a kiss. It was so sweet, her method of distracting him. And it was working. He broke the kiss and led her to his room, firmly locking the door. “I’m glad you’re here. Selfish of me, I know.”
“Not selfish at all. Now quit thinking and just feel the love I have for you.”
She undressed then, a slow striptease that had his blood boiling and his heart racing full speed ahead. Totally naked, she moved to undo his shirt, pulling the snaps on his shirt apart one by one. His hands went to his belt, but she shoved them away. “Allow me the privilege.” He rested his hands on her shoulders and watched as she undid his jeans, pushing his boxers down with them to allow his erection free rein. It sprang to life only to be ignored as she finished undressing him. Then she pushed him backward on the bed.
Her hands grasped him and began working his shaft, her thumb smearing his precum over the tip. Cam felt he’d go insane if she kept up this way. He reached for her, intending to spread a little loving on her, surprised when she leaned forward and took him in her mouth.
God, he’d died and gone to heaven.
Her lips were soft as she ministered to him. With one hand at the base of his cock, her other hand fondled his balls, the sensations so exquisite, he felt ready to come right then. He pulled her on top of him, their lips meeting in a feverish mating of desire. He cupped her breasts, bringing them to his mouth. When he heard her delightful moans and felt her lower body moving against his pelvis, he knew she was ready. He lifted her and set her down, impaling her on his erection, and she began to move in earnest. Up and down she rode him, stopping now and then to grind her pelvis into his. It drove him wild. He held her in place and pumped upwards, felt her insides clench in readiness, and when she let go, he was right there with her.
Lacey, his sweet, innocent Lacey, collapsed on top of him, their sweat mingling as she rubbed her breasts back and forth against his chest. Tonight he felt every inch a man. He’d do whatever it took to keep her by his side and happy…as he was at that very moment.
Her even breathing told him she’d fallen asleep, so he shifted her to his side and held her in the crook of his arm. He hoped and prayed that tomorrow would bring good news, but if that wasn’t to be, at least he knew he had the love of a good woman. A fiery, Irish woman that would stand by him, no matter what the fates allowed.
Chapter Thirteen
The next few days were uneventful, giving Cam a reprieve of sorts to spend with his family. They went skiing and ice-skating, went to the movies, and out to dinner a time or two. They went off on the snowmobiles again, this time headed west toward the Rocky Mountains. The views were spectacular, but he was careful not to go too far up as there was always the danger of an avalanche, especially with the severe storm they’d just had. The rumble of five machines could easily set one off, and he loved his girls too much to risk it.
They enjoyed the snow and the simple country life he led. He could only hope that they’d stay to see it in the summer. He’d love to teach them to ride and take them riding across the fields. “Have any of you girls ever ridden a horse?” he asked as they tromped inside from their first foray into downhill skiing.
“Not since we got
too big for pony rides,” said Abby.
“Then I reckon it’s time you learned. We’ll begin lessons tomorrow if you’re in agreement.”
“Oh, Cam. I’d love to learn to ride, but the horses are so big. I’d be terrified,” said Lacey.
“I’ll be there,” he said, winking at her. “I won’t let you fall.”
Lacey smiled happily and the girls smiled with her. Cam was glad their daughters weren’t opposed to their being together. They made no secret of the fact that they were sleeping together, and they hadn’t caught a bit of flack, for which he was grateful.
“We’ll ride around the home corral until you’re comfortable on a horse. With this much snow down, it makes it difficult to go far, but the horses can handle a fair amount. Speaking of which, I’ve always enjoyed going on a sleigh ride during the winter. How about you?”
“Never been on one,” Lacey admitted. “Wouldn’t that be hard on the horses?”
“No, we stick to the groomed trails for the most part. It’s been a gorgeous day and there’s no snow in the forecast. Want to go tonight?”
“I’d love to.” Rena clapped her hands in glee.
“Won’t it be too cold at night?” asked Lynne.
“Nah, the hay keeps your backside warm and we’ll take blankets to wrap up in. I reckon we’ll be warm enough.”
“Will you be driving the horses?” asked Abby.
“I could, but I thought I’d get one of the wranglers to do that so we can all sit together.”
“Great! I like that idea. Do you think Luke and his family would join us?” Lacey asked.
“They might. I’ll give them a call later. For now, how about we warm up some of that homemade soup and biscuits?”
“Sounds good,” Lacey said as she headed for the kitchen. “There’s nothing like chicken soup to take the chill out.”
“I can think of something better,” Cam whispered in her ear as he caught up to her.
He delighted in seeing a rosy blush suffuse her cheeks with warming color, replacing the chill from the cold. She sure was pretty. For the hundredth time, he wondered how he’d gotten so lucky as to have a woman like her in his life. Selfishly, he was glad she’d never married, although her life might have been easier if she had. Just the thought of running after three toddlers had his mind spinning. Luke’s two boys were enough to handle. How had she done it?
“Love, Daddy. Mama always had an abundance of love.”
Surprised, he stopped and turned to Rena. “Guess I’m going to have to guard my thoughts around you.”
“I don’t mean to listen. It’s just there as if you’ve spoken to me.” She hunched her shoulders and put her palms up in a “what can I do?” gesture.
“Is it only when we’re in the same room?” he asked, thinking of the times he’d made love to Lacey.
The little imp had the nerve to smirk. “Why? Worried?”
“No, just curious.” He tried to blank his mind.
“Rest easy. So far, we need to be in the same room for me to hear your thoughts.”
“Well, that’s a blessing.” He smiled and slung his arm around her, pulling her close. “You are unique, kid. I’m glad you’re on my side.”
She frowned. “I just wish I could see more than these little snippets here and there.”
“At least we know that what you are seeing is reliable.”
“Hmm, I wonder if I touched something he touched if I would see him. You know, like psychics do in the movies?”
“That might be more than you can handle at this point. Just let it come naturally. Don’t cause yourself any undue stress over this mess.”
“I won’t, Daddy, but I think I’ll mention it to Michael. See what he thinks.”
“All right, if you’re sure that’s what you want to do. But remember, he had to touch my truck to get in and out.”
“Yeah, but that might be cloudy after the cops got through with it. Besides, I’ve been in and out of your truck daily. If that was going to spark something, it would’ve already done so. I’ll think on it a bit.”
“In the meantime, shall we join the rest of the family for lunch?”
“Sure, Daddy.”
Cam walked beside her to the kitchen. She really was a trooper. He glanced at her. “Love you, baby girl,” he said without speaking.
Rena smiled and stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. “Love you too, Daddy.”
****
Michael surprised them with a visit later that afternoon.
“Hi, Cam, ladies. Just thought I’d drop in and let you know what the autopsy turned up. I’ve been mulling it over, but it doesn’t make much sense. Of course, murder never does.”
“What’s the scoop? Don’t leave us hanging in suspense here,” said Cam as he showed Michael to a seat.
“Well, to start with, the time of death was reported as two a.m. on the same evening I took your girls to the club.”
“That’s weird,” said Lynne.
“But what killed him?” asked Rena.
“Blunt force trauma. Looks like someone clobbered him from behind. One sharp blow. And the report verifies your claim about the knife, Rena. He was already dead when the perp stabbed him.”
“But why bring him here and go to so much trouble to frame Cam?” Lacey asked. “I don’t understand it.”
“Neither do I, Lacey. I’m doing all I can to prove differently.”
“He was pretty drunk that night. Could he have fallen and hit his head?” asked Abby.
Michael nodded. “That is a possibility. No one I’ve spoken to so far saw him after he left the bar that night. In addition to the stab wound, there was extensive bruising on his ribs and jaw, but the coroner says those were administered after death. So someone saw him. I have a team working the area around the bar, but nothing has shown up so far. That blizzard makes it slow going for them. They have to brush the snow away bit by bit.”
Abby shivered. “It’s too cold to have to work that slow.”
“They’re used to it. I just hope they find something to prove he was killed there and not here.”
“Amen to that,” said Lynne.
“Could the bruising have occurred during transport?” asked Cam. “It can’t be easy lifting someone that size just to dump the body here.”
Michael shook his head. “The coroner doesn’t think so. Some of it maybe, but not all. He says it was a vicious attack on the man. Someone wanted to make sure he was dead.”
“Oh, that poor man,” said Lacey. “How is his family taking the news?”
“No family that I know of. Walt was a loner. Didn’t have many friends either.”
“So what’s bothering you the worst about all this, Michael?” asked Cam.
“Walt’s death was senseless, except for the fact that someone is using it to frame you. His wallet had over seven hundred dollars in it. So it wasn’t even a mugging gone bad. If it wasn’t for Rena’s help, we wouldn’t have much to go on.”
“Michael, I have a question,” said Rena. “It’s possible that I could touch something of Walt’s or the killer’s and see more. Is that something you could arrange?”
“Are you sure you want to put yourself through that?” he asked.
“If it’ll help clear Daddy, then yes.”
“Walt’s personal effects are at the station. So is the evidence we bagged at Luke’s. Do you want to go now?”
Rena shook her head. “Maybe tomorrow. We’re going on a sleigh ride tonight. I don’t want to spoil it by having one of my headaches.”
“Fair enough. I haven’t been on a sleigh ride in years.”
“Then join us,” said Lacey with a smile. “There’s always room for one more.”
“Thanks. I think I will. My winter gear is in the car. In this business, you never know when you’re going to need it.”
“Then let’s get ready. It’s time to head over to Luke’s. Zakia’s not going, but she’ll have a hot meal ready when we return,” said Cam.
****
Lacey was as excited as the girls as they boarded the sleigh. This visit was proving to be a lot of fun, despite the difficulties they’d encountered. Wrapped securely in Cam’s strong arms with a blanket covering them, she felt safe and secure. Abby sat on the other side of Cam. Rena and Lynne were across from them, snuggled against Michael, and Luke sat huddled with his boys behind the driver. Casey and Cammy insisted on singing “Jingle Bells,” and everyone joined in.
It was a wonderfully clear night with no wind for a change. Stars twinkling overhead made a fantastic curtain, as if shielding them from all life’s woes. They were on their way back, everyone’s delighted chatter sounding in her ears. Everyone except Rena.
Lacey wasn’t sure when she became aware of the girl’s silent vigilance but sensed she’d had another one of her visions. It wasn’t like her to be so quiet, especially with a handsome man to flirt with. She noticed Michael’s arm was around Rena, holding her close. Had he tuned in to her tension as well? Or was he staking a claim? Lacey almost giggled aloud at the thought, but held back. Rena was a grown woman now and free to make her own decisions. Maybe she was content just to enjoy the ride.
Yeah, and maybe leprechauns really did have pots of gold.
Lacey saw the ranch lights up ahead and knew they’d be stopping soon. Would Rena join them for dinner or beg off again due to one of her headaches? She wasn’t cold, but a sudden chill had her burrowing into Cam’s warmth. If only life could return to normal, so they could truly enjoy their time together. This constant cloud of worry was going to drive her insane. She could just imagine how it was tearing Cam apart inside.
When the sled stopped, Lacey kept a close watch on Rena as Michael helped her down. The two of them walked a little apart from the group and were deep in conversation. Rena pointed to the other end of the barn, and Lacey wondered what was down that way. Michael pulled out his phone and made a call, and then they came back to join the queue heading for the house.
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