by Alicia Rae
“For finding a way to always take the bad and twist it to find the good.” She repositioned herself until she was facing me. She placed her hands on my morning stubble that I’d forgotten to shave as she leaned in. “It’s what makes you”—she searched my eyes—“you.”
Once Paige had left for therapy, I went out to the barn to move all the horses into the pasture for the day, so I could clean the stalls and do some repairs on the tack wall and surrounding area.
I also hoped I would have enough time to make a few extra shelves on one of the walls, so I could reorganize the room. I needed to sort through a lot of old, rusted, or worn gear, too. Over the last few months of rummaging through the barns, I had formed a rule of thumb. If I hadn’t used it, I didn’t need it, and that theory was about to get implemented right now.
I heard tires coming up my gravel driveway as I set down the last saddle off to the side. Wondering whom it could be, I exited the barn.
The local sheriff, Eddie Reynolds, smiled at me as we both continued to close the distance between us until we were a few feet away from one another. We shook hands, and I noticed he was wearing his uniform today. His gray hair was visible from under his brown sheriff hat.
Eddie gave me a friendly nod. “Hello, Kingston.”
“Sheriff Reynolds.” I tipped the rim of my hat, welcoming him. I leaned against my old Chevy Silverado that I would use around the place from time to time, and I placed one boot against the tire. “What brings you to this part of town?”
Eddie sighed in dismay, and I knew it was a bad sign.
“When I caught wind of the water damage on your property, I assigned myself to your case right away.”
“Thank you,” I replied.
Eddie was a longtime friend of my father. The two of them went way back, so I was grateful for Eddie’s assistance.
“What happened to the deputy I spoke with?”
“Deputy Quinn mostly does calls around town, and I didn’t want this investigation to take a backseat, so I made it my priority to get to the bottom of it.”
“I appreciate you stepping in,” I replied, cordially tipping my head at him.
“Of course.” His lips thinned into a grim line.
He looked as if we were about to get down to the subject at hand. Bracing myself, I crossed my arms over my chest.
Eddie went on to say, “I have some news for you.”
I took off my hat and ran my fingers through my hair in frustration. “And I’m reckoning it isn’t good news?”
“I’m afraid not.”
“Figured so,” I muttered on an uneasy sigh, looking out at the cattle for a second.
They were grazing lazily as usual.
“We received a lead on the water spigot that was tampered with on your property.”
“And?” My jaw clenched in anger. “Who was it? Hank Ulrich?”
Eddie jerked his head back in disbelief. “Hank Ulrich? What makes you say that?”
“We had a falling-out over the sale of one of my horses, and it fell through,” I disclosed. “It’s just a hunch, but I believe it stands true.”
“Colton”—he sighed—“you’re openly accusing a powerful man. Do you have evidence that he was involved?”
“No,” I confessed. “But he has a reason to retaliate against me.”
“You can’t go around pointing fingers without proof,” he chided quietly. “We don’t know for sure who it was, so I need you to sit tight while the other detectives on the case and I check into this further.”
“Okay.” I blew out a long breath, kicking my boot off the truck to stand at my full height. My blood rose a few degrees with every second. “What do you know, Sheriff? This is my home we are talking about here. I don’t want to be left in the dark.”
“Slow down there, Colton,” the sheriff warned.
That is easier said than done.
“Now, we are still waiting to see if there is an alibi, but a truck was spotted out in front of your house two nights in a row before the incident occurred.”
I was pissed off at myself for not noticing that someone had been watching my property. I closed my hands into fists and calmly demanded, “Whose truck was it?”
“I’m sorry, Colton.” He scrunched up his long nose, making a troubled expression. “I can’t disclose that detail with you.”
“Fine.” I gave in since I knew he wouldn’t give me that information. I changed my direction and asked, “What kind of truck was it?”
“Colton”—Eddie sighed again in exasperation—“I’m not allowed to say.”
“Then, why are you here, Sherriff?” I questioned, feeling perplexed.
“I’m here as a courtesy and favor to your father. I’m warning you to lie low.”
My eyes went wide. “Excuse me?”
“Look, this is a small town, and word spreads like wildfire. You don’t want to go around making enemies without concrete proof to back up your accusations, boy.”
I was about to defend myself and enlighten Eddie about Hank’s personal threat to me that day when the sale of Rusty had gone sour, but I didn’t know if it would be enough.
Eddie raised a finger at me.
Out of respect, I remained quiet and let him finish.
“I know you aren’t one to cause trouble, Colton. Let me do my job and handle this the right way with the law standing behind you, especially if you suspect the man responsible is one of great power with influence over the town.”
Other than Hank acting like an idiot the day he had been here to purchase Rusty, I still didn’t understand how that would draw him to such lengths to inflict damage to my barn. I wasn’t his main competition in the area. There were many larger fish in the sea than me.
“I still don’t get why I’m being targeted,” I murmured out loud.
I observed as sympathy flashed in Eddie’s eyes. He wanted to say more.
Eventually, he added, “This is only speculation, but your father and you have trained some pretty impressive horses in the past few years. I believe that might have caused some talk and intimidation in the local horse industry.” He tipped his sheriff’s hat down at me and warned, “So, do yourself a favor and stay quiet.”
“Stay quiet?” I cocked my head at him, hoping to keep my cool. “You mean, turn my shoulder and let someone get away with flooding my barn?”
The sheriff brought his hands together in front of his chest, flipping his palms to face me, as if wanting me to remain calm. “Not saying it’s right, Colton, but I just don’t want to see things get worse for you.”
“It was one of Hank’s trucks, wasn’t it?” I probed, unwilling to let the subject go.
The two of us were dancing in an endless circle with this conversation.
“We have no definite leads on who it was, Colton,” Eddie responded in a neutral tone. “Once I do, you’ll be the first to know. I just ask for your word that you’ll let us handle this and that you’ll go through the proper proceedings, so we can make this right.”
“So be it.” I inhaled a deep breath, lifting my hand to scratch my jaw. I closed the distance between us and outstretched my hand to shake his. “I appreciate you stopping by, Sheriff. Please keep me up to date.”
“Will do,” he said, accepting my hand.
Then, he ambled over and got into his car before backing out of my driveway. All the while, I stewed with bitterness and anger.
The past few weeks, I had been too busy with the ranch and distracted by Paige’s company to think of the spigot incident. As it entered the forefront of my mind, I knew in my gut that Hank was the man responsible for the water damage to my barn. Now, I was supposed to keep quiet and hope that the police could find evidence and officially charge him.
As I went back to work, I tried to let the irritation roll off my back, but I wasn’t quite sure I could be the man who would back down from a fight.
I WAS BEGINNING TO FEEL DOWN as I showered and dressed for the day. Colton had been tense and of
f-balance all week. Every time I’d asked him what was wrong, he would either change the subject or tell me not to worry.
As Colton was usually straightforward with his feelings and thoughts, it wasn’t like him to be so quiet. He was holding something back from me, and I had no clue why or what it was about. It left me on pins and needles, wondering if it was just a random guy mood, trouble with work or one of the horses, or maybe even us.
So, to get some space and clear my head, I had plans to meet Kayla for breakfast since her classes weren’t until later in the afternoon. My goal was to figure out what was going on with her. She had insisted that we meet in town at Dale’s Diner instead of having me drive to the campus as we’d originally planned.
Once inside the little white building, I scanned the room. Kayla hopped up from her seat and beamed at me. She was wearing a sweatsuit and tennis shoes, and her hair was pulled back into a messy ponytail.
Just like before, the two of us collided at the halfway point and hugged one another.
“Missed you,” I cried, squeezing her with force.
No matter how much time had passed between us—a day or weeks—we always embraced each other with open arms and love.
“I missed you way more,” she countered, grinning as we parted.
“So, what made you change your mind and drive into town?” I asked out of curiosity.
She kept glancing over my shoulder, looking paranoid.
“You didn’t have to do that, Kayla. I was more than happy to make the drive to see you.”
Her eyes landed on mine. “I wasn’t sure if Colton would be hiding in your trunk.” She looked over my shoulder again. “He isn’t lurking in a corner, waiting to give me the big-brother scold, is he?”
“No.” I laughed, knowing I was here in his place. “Simmer down.”
“Oh, good,” she breathed in relief. “Well, now that we have that settled, are you in the mood for pancakes or waffles?” she asked with a giggle.
“Hmm…tough choice,” I contemplated aloud. “Maybe once I have some caffeine in me, I’ll be able to think more clearly.”
“Then, come sit down,” Kayla replied, gesturing me to the table as she moved toward it.
I followed her and sat down in the booth.
A waitress approached us with a chipper smile and a clear glass coffee pot. “Coffee?” she asked.
I flipped over the empty mug already on the table and answered, “Yes, please.”
“Of course, hon.” She poured coffee to the brim of my cup and glanced back and forth between Kayla and me. “Anything else I can get for the two of you?”
I took a sip of my drink, letting it warm the back of my throat.
“I’ll take a waffle with a double side of strawberries and whipped cream,” Kayla chimed in.
The waitress pulled out her notepad and scribbled on it.
“Oh, and can I get two eggs over easy and a side of sausage with that?” Kayla added.
I peered over my mug at her, laughing. “Jeez, someone’s hungry today.”
“I’m starving.” Kayla chortled theatrically.
The lady gazed over at me. “And for you?”
“Now that Kayla mentioned it, I’ll take a waffle with strawberries and whipped cream, too.”
“A double?” she asked.
“Just the regular is fine,” I responded.
“All right, ladies, I’ll be back soon.” She smiled before leaving us.
I studied Kayla as she set her elbows on the table, looking rather antsy.
“Since when do you eat so much?” I asked my sister in amazement. “And where on earth are you going to put all that food?”
“Working out has its downfalls. No matter how much food I scarf down, I’m still hungry,” Kayla said.
“I can see that.”
Pulling up her sleeve, she raised her arm and flexed at me. “These muscles take some serious upkeep.”
“You’re losing me here. Since when are waffles good for muscles?” I raised a playful brow at her. “I thought you needed protein.”
“Well, the gym sells this mix, and you can add protein to your meals. It’s actually really good.”
“Who are you?” I said playfully, shaking my head with hilarity. “And what have you done with my sister?”
“She grew up.” Kayla winked.
The waitress quietly set our food down in front of us and left.
“Who knows? I might even change my major and become a fitness trainer,” she added.
My first reaction was shock, but at hearing the passion and excitement in her voice, the idea sank in, and I could see Kayla doing just that. She always was about helping and encouraging people.
“That would be neat to inspire people.” I reached for the butter and syrup and got busy. “I think you’d be great at motivating others to become healthy and fit, and seeing their hard work paying off would be so rewarding.”
“Exactly.” Kayla beamed in delight.
Observing that she must seriously be considering the career change, I asked, “So, what is holding you back?”
Kayla took a bite of her waffle, and she seemed to be deep in thought. Her shoulders slumped back into the leather booth as she swallowed. “For starters, Mom and Dad…and then there’s what everyone else would think.”
“Why would that affect your decision to choose a career?” I probed, confused about why she felt that way. I lifted a forkful to my mouth.
Kayla explained, “I’m not sure Mom and Dad would approve of me switching my major since I’d also have to change schools to get an adequate four-year degree.” She sighed. “Plus, it’s hard to be a female fitness trainer. Most of them are men.”
I wasn’t positive that was the case, but I knew it didn’t matter. “Kayla,” I began, sitting up in my seat, “our parents will support you in anything you do, so don’t be scared to tell them.”
“I just feel like I would be letting them down.”
“Don’t. I promise, that won’t be the case,” I reassured her. “They want you to make whatever decision is right for you. As far as women being in the minority of trainers”—I shrugged—“so what?”
Kayla nodded thoughtfully.
I knew it was time to put my big-sister pants on and offer my opinion. “Do you think most horse trainers are women? I’m pretty sure men have us outnumbered, and we still challenge them in the ring as their equals.”
“And what if I want to be a businesswoman?” Kayla laughed softly, egging me on.
“Ladies can rock a three-piece suit, too.”
Kayla’s glow returned to her features. “Without a tie?”
“Yep,” I agreed. “And we can sport some damn sexy heels.”
Her expression went somber. “Do you think you’ll ever train horses or ride them again?”
I pushed away the ping of sadness I felt from her honest question. “I’m not sure what my future holds just yet,” I answered truthfully.
“Yet you’re mothering me?” she teased gently.
“Yep. It’s my sisterly duty.”
Kayla threw her head back and laughed. When she met my stare, her eyes were sincere. “Thank you…for always believing in me.”
“That’s what family is for,” I responded with love.
My sister and I fell into a short silence while we finished our meals. Then, as our time together neared its end, I dwelled on having to bring up Maverick. I didn’t want to risk ruining our perfect breakfast date, but it went with the job. I couldn’t help but mirror Colton’s feelings of wanting to take the scumbag down a notch with a right hook.
Testing the waters, I casually asked, “Speaking of sisterly duties, how are things going with Maverick?”
“That relationship is nonexistent now.” Kayla pushed her plate away, finished with the meal.
“Oh?” I probed, attempting to be nonchalant but probably failing miserably. I wasn’t sure if I was missing out on some secret code to coaching a younger sibling, but I was wingi
ng it and giving it my all.
“Since I know your big-sis alarm is about to go off”—she smirked at me, causing me to blush at being caught playing the older sister role—“I’ll tell you the rest of the story.”
“Oh, good,” I breathed, waving my hand in front of me. “That saves me the trouble of pulling it out of you.”
Kayla shook her head. “So, after seeing you and Colton together that Sunday and witnessing the way he is with you—” She broke off, seemingly gathering her feelings. “It just made me feel empty, like I was selling myself short with Maverick. I want someone who loves me the way Colton loves you and how Dad loves Mom.”
The big sister in me was doing the happy dance on the inside.
Kayla continued, “Growing up, you and Colton were like my personal Disney movie. I want some guy to swoon me, too.”
Tears puddled in my eyes. I was proud of my sister for seeing the truth in front of her eyes and for making this conclusion on her own.
To prevent myself from attacking her across the table and making a scene with a wild hug, I rose from my seat, and Kayla did, too.
“I’m so proud of you, Kayla.” I embraced her with the same affection as I always did. When we broke apart, I wiped my tears and let out a small laugh. “I thought I was going to have to come here and throw the book of right and wrong at you, but I’m so proud to see the woman you have become and that you realized that you deserve so much more.”
“Well, actually, you and Colton kinda did throw the book at me at Sunday brunch,” Kayla chided, setting her hands on her hips.
I rolled my eyes and chuckled. “Okay, I guess we did—a little.”
“All right, enough of the sappiness.” Kayla wiped her emotions free from her face. “I have a few more hours before I have to head out. Do you want to go to the mall or something?”
“Sure, I’d love that.”
“Then, let’s go see what damage two sisters can do to their bank accounts in a few hours.”
“You’re on.”
I grinned, and we both ran for the exit.
After saying good-bye to Kayla, I stopped at the gas station to fill up my car since I was running low on fuel. A rule of thumb for living in the country was, Never head home on a low tank, or you’re bound to end up stranded on the side of a road.