by Jane Jamison
Darting away from Smoke, she didn’t allow Tatum to take her arm. Something wasn’t adding up. “I saw the animals go into the barn right before you three came out.”
“What animals?”
Tatum asked the question, but it was obvious from his unconcerned expression that he didn’t believe her. Or care. Or was there another reason?
“I saw three tigers run into the barn.” She knew what she’d said sounded crazy, but it was the truth. How else could she say it?
“Tigers in the barn? Nah, darlin’, you must’ve imagined it.”
She did her best not to yell. After all, she couldn’t blame them for not believing her wild assertion. “I didn’t imagine anything.”
A glance passed between the men. They knew more than they were saying.
“Catnip, maybe you need to lie down and rest.” Tatum wiggled his eyebrows. “Or at least lie down.”
“This is bullshit. I know what I saw.” Unable to take it any longer, she dashed past them and ran toward the barn.
“Catherine, what the hell are you doing?” shouted John.
They came after her, their footsteps pounding the ground behind her. Bursting into the barn, she was aware that she was taking a chance. The tigers could’ve been right in front of her. Coming to an abrupt stop, she scanned the interior. Aside from the horses standing calmly in their stalls, the barn was empty of any animals.
No tigers. But how?
“Baby, there aren’t any tigers in here.” Smoke spoke as though he were talking to a small child. “We were in here doing chores.”
“Yeah, darlin’. I think we would’ve noticed three cats.”
“Three white tigers. Damn it, I saw them.” She checked around her again. Even if the tigers had been hiding in the shadows, she still would’ve seen them. Nothing that large could have avoided detection.
“Are you feeling all right, baby?”
She whirled to confront Smoke. “I’m fucking fine. They were big, and they were real.”
“Then where are they?” asked John.
“John.” Tatum’s tone held the edge of a warning. “Easy.”
“I saw them.” But where had the animals gone?
“We believe you, Catnip.”
Worse than having them not believe her was to have them patronize her. “Fuck off, Tater, and stop lying to me.” Whirling around, she stormed out.
I know I saw three tigers. I know it.
Yet the doubt they’d planted grew.
* * * *
“You assholes. What the fuck did we just do?” Tatum was mad enough to spit bullets. He grabbed a shovel and slammed it against the wall of the barn.
“Why not make more noise, cousin?” asked John. “I don’t think you woke her up yet.” From where they stood at the rear of the barn, near the horse pen in the back pasture, they could see the house. Her bedroom light was still off.
“Fuck you.” Tatum’s normally easygoing manner was long gone. After Catherine had stormed back inside the house, they’d waited for her to come out of her bedroom. And waited. At least until they’d finally figured out that she wasn’t going to come back out. “I wouldn’t blame her if she took off first thing in the morning. We out and out lied to her.”
“What were we supposed to do? Tell her the truth?” Smoke caught the shovel in midair as Tatum went to hit the side of the barn again. “The truth would’ve gone over big. ‘Hey, baby, the tigers you saw? That was us.’ Yeah, right.”
“She’s not ready to know yet, Tatum.”
“No one’s ever ready to find out. She’s going to freak out later just like she would’ve freaked out tonight. The difference would’ve been that we wouldn’t have lied to her.” He snarled at John, barely holding back his tiger. From the moment they’d decided to go for a run, he knew they were making a mistake. Yet he, like them, had needed to shift, needed to turn his beast free. If they hadn’t, they might have found it impossible not to shift in front of her.
Amber sparked to life in John’s eyes, and his teeth grew, fangs peeking out from between his lips. “We’ve been lying to her from the start.”
“It’s different now. She’s admitted feeling the connection.” He’d hated standing there listening to his brother and cousin make her feel as though she’d imagined seeing tigers. Yet he couldn’t out them, not until they’d all agreed to tell her what they were.
The connection was strong, not only between Tatum and Catherine but between Catherine, Smoke, and John. They’d waited a long time to find their intended mate. Had, in fact, started to believe the connection, the invisible bond that drew all mates together, was nothing but an old wives’ tale. Something other tigers had made up. But now they knew it was real, and it was wonderful. They had no doubt that Catherine was their mate. All that was left was to tell her they were weretigers and have her accept them as her mates.
Yeah. That’s all we have to do. No problem.
He prayed she’d be able to handle the news. And feared that, once she found out, she’d run away, never to return. If she didn’t want them, if she couldn’t handle what they were, then they’d have to accept her decision and learn to live without her. As if that would be possible.
John’s hand on his shoulder brought Tatum out of his thoughts. “I understand what you’re saying. I don’t like lying to her, either. But until we’re ready, we can’t tell her. Give it more time.”
“And in the meantime we let her think she’s imagining things, seeing tigers where there aren’t supposed to be any?” The idea turned his stomach, yet he knew John was right. They’d tell her when it was time. And when they were in the right place.
“Yeah. We do.”
“That fucking blows.”
John nodded. “Yeah. It blows, but it’s what we have to do.”
“Fine. But not much longer, man. Not much longer. Until then, we need to do something to smooth things over.” Tatum’s tiger roared inside him, demanding that he go to his mate and claim her. He shoved the animal back into submission.
* * * *
“Hi. Can I come in?”
The last person Catherine had expected to visit her would’ve been Thomas. The next to last would’ve been Robin. Yet there she was, cardboard box in hand standing at the front screen door.
“Oh. Hi.” What’s she doing here? “Sure. Come on in.”
Catherine did her best not to stare, but she couldn’t help herself. Robin looked better than she had in the hospital, but her complexion was still pale and she had dark circles under her eyes. But the same smile, maybe even brighter than before, prevailed, despite the woman’s grave illness.
“I hope you don’t mind my stopping by.”
“Of course not. But the guys aren’t here. They’re out doing whatever they do on the ranch.”
“That’s okay. It’s you I wanted to talk to.”
Catherine motioned for her to come inside. They took a seat on the huge, worn leather couch.
“I don’t know if you like pies, but I know the guys sure do.” Robin placed the box on the coffee table. “It’s apple.”
“I’m sure they’ll appreciate it. I hope you didn’t go to too much trouble.”
She laughed. “I didn’t. It’s store bought, but it’s the thought that counts, right?”
“I’m a big fan of store bought.” Catherine liked the woman. She was easygoing, and Catherine admired how she was handling her illness.
A silence followed, but it wasn’t an uncomfortable one. She shifted in her seat, suddenly aware that she’d forgotten to offer Robin a drink. “There’s some tea cooling in the fridge.”
“No thanks. I won’t keep you long.” Her frail hand shook as she pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “I wanted to talk to you about the Westbrook men.”
“What about them?” The old jealousy threatened to flare up, but she pushed it aside, remembering that Robin was their friend.
“I know you have feelings for them.”
She was surprised, bu
t she couldn’t, wouldn’t, deny it. “Umm…”
“Don’t worry. I’m not trying to pry, but I did want to put in a good word for them.”
Had they told her about last night? Did Robin think she was crazy saying she’d seen tigers? “Do you think they need a good word?”
“They might. Not that I know anything, but I saw the way they looked at you. They’ve never looked at anyone the way they look at you.”
A warmth filled her. “They’re good men.”
“They’re the best. That’s saying something around these parts. We tend to have a lot of good men. You can trust them with anything.” Robin smiled a knowing a smile. “Including your heart.”
Catherine squirmed, a little uneasy, yet happy that she wasn’t the only one who thought highly of them. “How about you? Is there someone—” She stopped, suddenly aware that she might be treading in territory that could be personal or even painful.
“It’s okay. I don’t have any men in my life. Not even one.” Robin paused. “You know how that is around here, don’t you? A lot of people are in ménage relationships. I wanted to say so just in case you’re thinking you’re doing something out of the ordinary. As for me, my life is full of friends who make me feel special.”
“Good friends are hard to find.” Sandy was about the only real friend she had. She’d often wondered what it would be like to have a lot of friends.
“They are. I can’t tell you how many folks they’ve helped out around here. They’ve been a real blessing for me. I don’t know what I would’ve done without them. You’re a lucky woman.”
Suddenly, Catherine wanted to know more. Had to know more. “I hope you don’t mind, but they told me about what you’re going through.”
“It’s okay. Everyone knows.”
“You’re handling it really well. Better than I ever could.”
Robin laughed her bell-like laugh again. “I don’t have much choice, do I?”
“Don’t you? Didn’t Smoke mention that you had a choice?” She couldn’t imagine having a way to stay alive and not taking it. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked. It’s none of my business.”
“So they didn’t tell you what that choice was?”
“No.” She’d started to ask, but had always stopped at the last moment.
A cloud darkened Robin’s face. “Let’s just say it’s not a choice I’m willing to make and leave it at that.” She sat up straighter. “Some say positive thinking will help me get through this. However, I don’t know how much positive thinking can do against cancer. Most of my body is now a cancer habitat and cancer’s cousins are starting to move in.”
Catherine sucked in a hard breath. “I’m so sorry.”
“It’s okay. I don’t ask ‘why me?’ Instead, I ask ‘why not me?’” She shrugged, her frail shoulders rising and falling.
She had to ask, even though she wanted to respect Robin’s wishes. “I’m sorry, but why won’t you consider the other option? I mean, if it will save your life…”
Robin’s face hardened. “You don’t know what that other option means.”
“No, but…” Was it disfiguring surgery? Yet wasn’t that worth staying alive? Still, it was a decision only Robin could make for herself.
“I came into the world the way I am, and I’m going out the same way.”
Would the cure only extend her life a short time? If she took the other option, whatever it was, would it put the poor woman through hell? Many cancer victims preferred to live a shorter life filled with all the happiness they could find rather than suffer through awful, debilitating treatments. She wasn’t sure which she’d choose if she had to make the terrible choice.
“I understand. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to criticize.”
“You didn’t.” Robin coughed, her body jerking with the effort.
“Is there something I can do for you?”
“That’s kind of you, but I’m doing fine.” Once more, she straightened up, obviously forcing herself to act as though nothing was bothering her.
Catherine searched for a cheerier subject. “The guys said something about you taking a trip around the world.”
“Oh, that’s just a dream of mine.” The light in her eyes grew brighter and a wishful gleam glowed in the dark pupils.
“It’s a good dream to have.”
“Have you traveled much?”
She’d been to several countries with her father and Sandy. “Yes, a few countries. It’s great to see how the rest of the world lives.”
Robin sighed. “You’re lucky to have done that. I’ve never gone farther than to Dallas.”
“I’m starting to realize that I’m luckier than I ever imagined.” She’d come to realize just how fortunate a life she’d lived. Yet her real luck had started the moment she’d met the Westbrook men. For far too many years, she’d thought only of herself, of what she wanted, of the things she possessed. If she could be more like the men she loved, wouldn’t her life be even better?
“Then you’re better off than most folks who never learn that.”
“I guess I am.” She paused, reconsidered, then spoke. “You know, if you want, I could put you in touch with some pretty incredible doctors. Top-notch, the best in their field. Would you let me do that for you?” Yet wouldn’t it be as much for her as it would be for Robin? She needed to help, needed to change her way of living just as she’d changed her way of thinking.
Robin leaned back, surprised. “That’s really kind of you, but I’ve already made my peace. I don’t want to spend whatever time I have left going to new doctors. But thank you. I really appreciate the offer.” Robin stood. “I’ll get out of your hair now.”
Catherine got to her feet. On impulse, she brought Robin into a hug. She had to help Robin, but how? “You let me know if there’s anything I can do for you.”
“I think you just did. I can’t have too many friends, and I’d like to think I can add you to the list.”
“You sure can.” In the time they’d talked, they’d somehow grown close. Was it all the times the men had talked about Robin? More than likely that was part of it, but Robin had an energy that drew Catherine to her. She yearned to be friends with the dying woman, if only to know her for a short time.
“Great.” Robin turned toward the door. “You let me know how they like the pie. Oh, and if you decide to lie to them and say I baked it, I’ll back you up.”
The more she got to know Robin, the more she liked her. “I’ll do that. Thanks again for dropping by.”
Robin walked to the door and lifted her hand. The sun’s rays shone around her, forming a halo around her thin body. Catherine returned her wave and watched as Robin made her way back to an old pickup.
The idea came to her, swift and sweet. Somehow, some way, she’d make Robin’s last days happy ones.
Yeah. That’s what I’m going to do.
Chapter Seven
Catherine answered the call, ready to hear good news. Robin’s upbeat attitude had inspired her. She’d practice positive thinking and see if it worked. Tatum had finally picked up a new phone for her. Soon enough, she’d come out of hiding—once she’d gotten enough information to make a decision about the company.
“This is Catherine.”
“Hey, Miss Alexander.”
“It’s Catherine, remember?” She’d spoken to Vince Hall a couple of times before and recognized his voice. Although she didn’t know much about the man, his auditing firm had a stellar reputation. Better yet, the Westbrooks vouched for him.
“Catherine, I’m afraid I have some bad news.”
So much for positive thinking.
“Go on.” As hard as she’d try to remain hopeful, she’d expected the outcome of Vince’s investigation into Double A’s finances wouldn’t turn out to be good. When she’d phoned Thomas earlier using a burner phone Tatum had also supplied, she’d ordered him to give Vince complete access to the company’s records. Better yet, she’d given Thomas only a ten-minute
advance warning. He would’ve had no time to hide any wrongdoing. She wasn’t sure if Thomas was involved in any underhanded dealings, but she had to be cautious.
“It’s what we thought it would be. Your friend Thomas—”
“He’s no friend of mine.”
“Right. Anyway, he’s been skimming money from the company for years. But since your father’s passing, however, he’s really ramped it up, taking hundreds of millions. I’ve managed to track down at least three off-shore accounts all in shell company names, but all of them link back to him.” There was a pause. “I’m sorry I couldn’t give you better news.”
Her chest felt tight. Was this what it felt like to have a heart attack? Yet as bad as it felt, she knew she would’ve felt a hundred times worse if she’d had to face the news alone. With the Westbrook men by her side, she could handle anything—even the betrayal of the company’s golden boy.
“I need to know how you want me to proceed.”
“What do you suggest?” Her heart ached for the employees of the company. A week ago, she probably wouldn’t have given them a second thought, but now she could picture them getting pink slips. Or, worse, showing up for work only to find the doors to the company offices locked up tight.
“I’d forward the information to the FBI. Thomas and a few of his cohorts need to face justice. As for the company or ever getting that money back…”
“It’s useless, isn’t it? I’m going to have to close Double A.”
“It’s not my decision to make, but yeah, I don’t see any way around it.”
She grew cold thinking about the many years her father had worked to build the company. Now, because of another man’s deceit and thievery, her father’s legacy was gone. The only bright side was that, now that the company was going under, the fracking would stop. At least the fracking her company had done. Could she have any impact on the other companies’ fracking methods? Doubtful, but she’d do her best to look into it. If she could make a difference in any way, then maybe losing her company and ending up broke would have some kind of meaning.