“Don’t sound so hopeful. I talked to Lem McAlester myself and the horse was most likely taken to a kill buyer. They buy the horses cheap and sell them to a slaughterhouse.”
“That’s what I was afraid of.” A prickle of dread clutched Travis. Everyone had let AJ down and she kept on giving. She didn’t deserve this and he’d do everything he could to save Gus for her.
“Travis, you there?” Tripp asked.
“Yeah. I’m here. Where’s this kill buyer located?”
“Closer than you want to know. My contact says the guy running the operation hasn’t made a shipment yet this month, so the horse is most likely still there.”
“Eight days. I’m afraid to think about the kind of shape that horse might be in by now.”
Tripp nodded. “Yep. Me, too.”
“Do you have an address?”
“I do. Are you ready to head out there?”
“Yeah. Can you hook up the trailer to the ranch dually for me?”
“Yep.”
“I need to get cash at the bank. Grab Dutch and I’ll meet you both in the parking lot in an hour.”
“Let’s do this,” Tripp said as they got into the Silverado sixty minutes later. He adjusted his seat belt and began to back the trailer up enough to allow him to circle out the ranch drive.
“How far is this place?” Dutch asked from the rear seat of the cab.
“Twenty minutes outside Timber.”
“So close?” Travis returned. “Right in our backyard all this time. Sort of makes me sick to think about it.”
Tripp nodded. “I called Chief Daniels. Once we’re out of there and Gus is safe, he’s going to raid the place. Any horse without papers will be removed.”
“We can’t save them all,” Travis said, “but it’s a start.”
Dutch stuck his head up front from the back seat of the cab. “I don’t want to rub salt in your wounds or nothing, but have you talked to AJ again, boss? I mean like we discussed.”
“We have a tenuous relationship, at best. As long as it’s about business, we’re good.”
“Can’t say I blame her,” Dutch murmured.
“Hey, whose side are you on?”
Dutch shrugged. “Sometimes the only one you can trust is your horse.”
“How is it Rue puts up with you?” Travis asked.
“My charm, probably.”
“Aren’t you going to help me out here?” Travis said to Tripp.
“I don’t see as I can. You got yourself into this mess.”
“Okay, look, I’ll admit it,” Travis said. “I’ve hit an all-time low. I thought I was low when I was arm candy for a rich buckle bunny. But here I met someone who doesn’t care about the outside, who apparently accepted me as I am all along, and I totally let her down.”
“That’s an understatement,” Dutch muttered. “I’ll never see another pie thanks to you.”
“I messed up. I apologized.” He raised his palms. “What more can I do?”
“You have to keep going after her until she gets tired of seeing your face and forgives you,” Dutch said. “Go after her, cowboy.”
“That’s your advice?” Travis looked at him and rolled his eyes. “That’s the best you got?”
“When was the last time you wooed a woman?” Tripp asked.
“Too long,” Travis admitted.
“All right. Then listen to the man. Dutch knows what he’s talking about. You don’t get to be his age without learning something.”
“That’s somehow not reassuring. I heard tell that Dutch gets all his advice from watching John Wayne movies.”
“Did you just insult me?” Dutch asked.
Travis was saved from answering when Tripp turned the truck into a long drive with a metal gate barring the entrance.
“Will you look at that barn? A strong wind comes by and it’ll be a pile of kindling,” Dutch said. “The place ought to be condemned.”
Tripp hit the horn until an old-timer came out and opened the gate.
“Come on, Dutch. Let’s go,” Travis said. “Let me do the talking.”
“Not sure that’s your best idea today,” Dutch mumbled.
Travis glared at him as he jumped down from the Silverado.
“Not so fast there, mister,” the wrangler at the gate said. He pulled his battered Stetson down and pointed his shotgun at them. “Stay right by your vehicle. Both of you. I may be old, but I hold all the cards. And I don’t like trespassers.”
Travis raised both hands. “Yes, sir. We’re here to buy a horse. Not looking for trouble.”
“Glad to hear that. What sort of horse? We’ve got all kinds.”
“Blue roan gelding. White stockings. Around seventeen years old.”
“You’re interested in that geriatric?”
“It’s for my grandmother. She likes geriatrics.”
The old cowboy shook his head, spit his chaw on the ground and leaned against the fence. “How bad does your grandmother want this particular horse?”
“She’s willing to pay.”
“Cash.”
Travis nodded. “Granny understands.”
When the cowboy named his price, Travis’s jaw sagged. “That’s a little outside my grandmother’s budget.”
“Then buy her a cat.”
“Okay. Okay.” Travis gestured to his wallet. “I’ll take the horse.”
“And I’ll take your money.”
“Deal.”
The cowboy offered a toothless grin and turned toward the dilapidated barn structure with its sagging roof and little hope of sunlight.
Tripp stuck his head out the window when the old man was out of earshot. “Are you out of your ever-loving mind?”
“Yes,” Travis said. “I am.”
“Remind me never to fall in love,” Tripp returned. “I can’t afford the price tag.”
Dutch snorted at the words.
When Gus was led out of the dark barn, with a dirty rope around his neck, Travis released the breath he’d been holding. He handed over an envelope of cash in exchange for the rope. When the gate was opened, he quickly led Gus to the trailer.
“It’s okay, boy. We’re going home to AJ.” He rubbed a hand over the horse’s flank with an assessing eye for injuries.
“How long did you say he’s been in that place?” Dutch asked as he shook his head and clucked his tongue.
“Eight days.”
“Looks dehydrated,” Dutch said. “And he’s got some sores on his legs. I’ll phone ahead for the vet to meet us at the ranch.”
“Yeah, I’d like to do more than arrest those guys.” Travis banged a hand on the truck door. “Start the truck, Tripp. We’re getting out of here before they change their mind.”
Dutch closed the metal door of the trailer and nodded to Travis. They hopped into the cab of the truck.
“Let’s go,” Travis said.
“Chief Daniels just texted me,” Tripp said. “He and his deputy are waiting for us to leave. They’ve got the Oklahoma Highway Patrol with them and they have a search warrant.”
“Good,” Travis returned.
“He also wants to know if we’ve considered a career in law enforcement.”
“What?” Travis’s head swiveled toward Tripp.
“Yeah. Says his two-man force can hardly keep up with all the offenders we keep tossing his way.”
Travis pointed a finger in the air as the sound of wailing sirens echoed, getting closer and closer.
“Hear that?” Tripp asked.
“I do. Best sound I’ve heard in a long time,” Travis said.
“Where we going to take Gus?” Dutch asked.
“Let’s head up to the girls’ ranch equestrian center for now and have the vet examine him there.” He turned to Tr
ipp. “That work for you?”
Tripp nodded. “When are you going to tell AJ we found him?”
AJ. All he really wanted was to ease her pain. Travis said a silent prayer that Gus would be okay.
“After the vet checks him out,” he replied.
“Best be soon,” Dutch said. “Before she finds a better job.”
“I guess I better drive fast then,” Tripp muttered.
“I expect grief from Dutch,” Travis said. “But you?” He stared at Tripp. “I really liked you better when you didn’t talk so much.”
“I only talk when I have something to say. Thanks to your love life, I may talk for days. Get used to it.”
“Great. Just great.”
“Mind if I ask where you got all that cash?” Tripp continued.
“Took it out of the bank. I’ve been saving for a truck.”
“Your Raptor fund?” Tripp’s face registered more emotion than he’d seen on the horse whisperer’s face in a long time. “Why would you do that?”
“You know why. This cowboy is in love. That’s why,” Dutch said with a snort.
Travis couldn’t help a smile. He wasn’t totally opposed to the idea of being in love. Though he knew at this point it was a real long shot that AJ would forgive him. He settled back in the seat. “I did it because I’d rather have a horse than a truck.”
And he’d rather see the look on AJ’s face when she saw Gus than drive a fancy pickup truck around town all by himself. It might not change things between them, but at least he’d have peace of mind knowing she wasn’t crying herself to sleep at night anymore. That was the only thing he could be sure of right now. And he was good with it.
* * *
“Aren’t you going in?” Lucy Maxwell Harris asked.
AJ turned at the friendly voice. “Oh, yes. Of course.” The chow hall door had been propped open for the staff appreciation party and she entered with two of her blackberry pies stacked in carriers in her hands.
“Your famous pie,” Lucy said as they walked down into the cafeteria together.
“My pies are famous?”
“Yes, according to the ranch scuttlebutt. Of course, I’ve never tasted them. Something I plan to remedy tonight.”
AJ smiled and glanced over at the white pastry box tied with string that dangled from Lucy’s fingers. “What did you bring?”
“Gourmet cookies. I didn’t make them. Turning on the oven nauseates me. Don’t ask me why. My physician is baffled. I’ve never been pregnant before, so I don’t understand, either.” She offered a conspiratorial smile. “I got these cookies from a well-known shop in Pawhuska. They’re amazing. So delicious, that the first dozen I purchased were confiscated by my family. I had to send Jack back to Pawhuska a second time. I feel certain that I’ll be forgiven for bringing store-bought treats.”
“I already forgive you.”
Lucy wrapped an arm around AJ. “Aren’t you just so excited that we get to announce the grant approval at the party?”
AJ stumbled and nearly dropped the pies. Travis wasn’t even around and he managed to tangle her feet and her thoughts long-distance.
“Careful,” Lucy said.
“What did you say about the grant?” AJ asked.
“You were approved.”
“I didn’t realize.”
“Travis didn’t tell you?” Lucy frowned. “I guess he wanted it to be a surprise.”
“Oh, I’m surprised.” She slowly shook her head. “So the grant was approved.”
“AJ, are you all right?” Lucy placed a gentle hand on AJ’s arm. “I’ve heard that things between you and my brother have been strained. And trust me, I wanted to interfere. It took every bit of restraint not to.”
“That’s over. We’re fine. No worries.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. Absolutely. A little livestock conflict of interest.” And things were for certain over between her and Travis, she mentally added.
“Okay, I’ll catch you later, then. Come and find me.”
AJ stood at the outside edge of the room as friendly faces mingled in the large cafeteria, greeting each other. She recognized nearly everyone and it was like a big family party, exactly as Rue had said.
Delicious aromas wove through the air, begging her to peek at the buffet table. Crock-Pots lined one table, salads and side dishes another, while desserts overflowed three tables. This crew had a serious sweet tooth.
Yet, as the party swirled around her, AJ’s steps faltered. What was the point in joining in this welcoming family event when she would be leaving soon?
“Isn’t this fun?” Rue said as she sidled next to AJ.
“Fun. Yes.” AJ nodded, working hard to be enthusiastic when all she really felt was dread crushing her.
“Dear, are you all right?” Rue asked.
“You’re the second person to ask me that. I must look really bad.”
“No. You look exhausted.”
“I am tired. It’s been an excruciatingly long week.”
“That long, huh? Well, I heard from Dutch that you’ve spent nearly every night in your truck. He also told me that you stopped a rustler and saved Travis’s life.” She turned to AJ. “That was a direct quote.”
“Dutch has a vivid imagination, doesn’t he?”
“He’s still doing marathon Western movies. In his eyes, you’re pretty much Dale Evans.” She turned to AJ. “If you could sing ‘Happy Trails,’ that would make his day.”
AJ laughed, her mood lightening. “I have many talents, however singing is not one of them. Although, ‘Happy Trails’ seems an appropriate theme song for my life at the moment.”
“It’s actually a relief to know you aren’t perfect.” Rue reached for the pies in AJ’s hands. “Let me take those. I’ll put them on the table.”
“Thank you, Rue.”
“Oh, and did you see what Tripp brought?”
“Tripp? No, I didn’t.”
“Spinach lasagna roll-ups. They’re in a delicate tomato sauce.” She winked. “Yes. I cheated and sampled.”
“No beef?”
“Tripp is a vegetarian.”
“A vegetarian who works on a cattle ranch. Makes perfect sense.”
“In his defense, there wasn’t a single bovine or even a chicken on Big Heart Ranch when he started with us back in the day.” Rue smiled and gestured to the pies. “I’ll be right back.”
Across the room, Emma flitted from one guest to the next. She spotted AJ and waved. AJ waved back. Who didn’t love Emma? Why couldn’t she be more like Emma Maxwell?
Charming and adorable, instead of socially awkward with an acerbic wit. A widow with two babies, Emma juggled everything and selflessly put everyone before herself. She was never without a kind word.
Regret pierced her and belatedly she wished she’d spent more time with Emma instead of hiding in the bunkhouse. It was far too late to remedy that now. She’d be gone soon. Big Heart Ranch would be just a memory.
Lucy moved through the crowd, exchanging pleasantries, until she stood at the front of the room with a small microphone in her hand. She tapped it with a knuckle to get everyone’s attention.
“First, I want to thank the entire staff for being here. Before we eat, I’ve asked Pastor Parr to say a prayer for our summer ahead and to bless our meal.”
Head bowed, AJ tried to focus on the prayer but her mind kept whirling as she tried to imagine life without the friends of Big Heart Ranch.
“Amen.”
A sober and thankful chorus of amens echoed across the room before Lucy took the microphone again.
“The next item on tonight’s agenda is good news that I’ll let my brother share with you.”
The rustle of people turning could be heard as everyone looked around the room.
; “Travis?”
Lucy’s gaze scanned the cafeteria. “Travis?” she repeated.
Staff followed her lead and turned to look for the Maxwell sibling.
Travis came jogging up to the front a moment later with a smile in place. “Sorry. You know how it is. Another fire to put out.” He took the mic from his sister and gave her a kiss on her cheek.
“The good news is that the Emerging Ranch Grant was approved unanimously by the committee. This means we are well on our way to a self-sustaining beef production program that will feed the families and staff of Big Heart Ranch and provide educational and funding opportunities for the future. We have our assistant foreman AJ Rowe and her team to thank for that.”
The room exploded with applause and AJ found herself surrounded by well-wishers heaping words of appreciation and praise on her. Her hand was pumped with congratulatory handshakes and she was wrapped in hugs and air-kissed.
Overwhelmed, she slipped to the back of the room as the buffet line began.
“Aren’t you eating?” Tripp asked, stepping up beside her.
“Are you really a chef?” She glanced up at the tall cowboy.
He offered a slow smile. “I can cook.”
“I might try your spinach lasagna roll-ups.”
“And I might try your pie.”
“You might. If there’s any left.”
Tripp chuckled and headed to the dessert table.
Okay, she’d try Tripp’s lasagna before she returned to the bunkhouse. If not, she might spend the rest of her life pondering the urban legend about the horse whisperer who may or may not have been a famous chef hiding on Big Heart Ranch.
“Tripp’s lasagna?” Dutch asked as she settled into a chair at one of the cafeteria-style tables.
She nodded, took a bite and then looked down at the plate. “How did he do that?”
“Do what?”
“I see nothing unusual on this plate. Do you?” She moved the food gently with her fork. “Yet my mouth just told me that something amazing landed on my tongue and it wants more. Demanded more. Immediately.”
“Yeah, that’s our Tripp.” He gave a nod of understanding.
“I’m stunned.”
“You need a beverage,” Dutch said.
“No. Absolutely not. I want this to linger on my lips as long as possible.”
Falling for the Cowgirl Page 17