Romance: Luther's Property

by Laurie Burrows

  Chapter 6

  Jake ran his hands through his hair and then leaned in. “You know, I can’t let Sue know about any of this. She’d be beside herself if she knew what I was trying to do.” He spoke in an emphatic whisper. “So, like I was saying. The guy murdered his previous wives to get to their money. They were all ranchers’ daughters, and his goal was to get their cash. He did well, because he ended up one of the richest men in Idaho, but at what expense?” Jake looked at me as if he were waiting for me to respond. I simply shrugged.

  “I’m not following. If this guy has all the money in the world, then why the heck is he looking for some kind of mail order bride? He has the means to go wherever he wants, I’m assuming. What does he want to find a woman this way?” I couldn’t quite make sense of it, but then I figured that maybe the man was just peculiar in that way. Jake threw his arms up in the air.

  “I don’t know why, Emma. But I do know that he wants to find love. His story to the public is that he inherited his uncle’s ranch. You can see why all the women he married in the past though that he was a good catch. He gave them his story and the fell for it. Then they married him, and he turned around, killed them, and then made off with all their money. Now’s our chance to take this guy for what he’s worth.” Jake looked at me with determination in his eyes. I nodded my head, trying to absorb all of what he just told me.

  “Okay, Jake. I’m done asking questions. I think it’s a crazy idea, to be honest, and I’m not really interested in this guy’s past, or in what the public thinks of him. I have my own problems to think about. But if you think that this guy is our ticket to freedom, then I’m willing to follow through with your plan.” I looked at him, surprised at myself that the words had even come out. A smile broke out across Jake’s face.

  “Great. I think we’re both going to be happy, Emma. Just wait and see.” Jake finished of his coffee and then got up to make another cup. “You want any more?” He peered from around the kitchen corner and I shook my head.

  “No. I’m about to get going, anyway, unless we have more to discuss. I guess you just need to tell me what I need to do, or where I need to go. Is this man conducting interviews? Will we have any dates? It all sounds quite awkward, if you ask me.” I was still highly skeptical, and my previous optimism had been squandered, but I still hung on to hope. It was all I really had.

  “I’ll set it all up. All you have to do is be agreeable, and be ready.” Jake smiled and then walked toward me, his hands on his hips, and that wily look back in his eye. I gazed outside at the horses and the cows, and thought back to how Paul used to love watching his animals outside. It sent a twinge of pain through my heart, but I dismissed it, unwilling to let another day be marred with the heaviness of sorrow. I was ready to move on with my life. I had no other choice.

  “I’m ready. You know where to find me. Just do me a favor, Jake?” I looked at him with concern. He raised his eyebrows and waited for my request.

  “What’s that?”

  “Please don’t say anything to Ethan.” I eyed him with conviction. He knew that when it came to Ethan, I was highly protective. He nodded his head and then gave me a salute.

  “Your wish is my command.” He smiled and then walked me to the door. I opened the latch and then stepped onto the porch, looking up at the sun as its rays cut through a layer of cloud cover. I wasn’t quite sure what I had just signed up for, but I hoped that I could trust Jake to see that we both made out okay in the end. I was beginning to realize that without Paul by my side, I had to man my own ship now, make my own decisions. Sometimes it felt good, but most of the time it felt scary.

  “Stop by when you have more to tell me, okay?” I was eager to get started. I assumed that I’d be meeting Matthew soon, and I wanted to have some time to digest what I would next. Where would we get together? What would I tell him about Paul? Most importantly, what would I tell Ethan?

  My mind was reeling when I got inside the truck. I backed out of the driveway and watched as Jake entered the corral. He threw a halter over one of the horse’s heads and then led her to the barn. The sky brightened as the last cluster of clouds dissolved, and a flock of birds took residence in one of Jake’s oak trees. The truck rumbled past the sheep and eventually onto the main road. I looked in my rearview mirror, and for the first time in almost two years, I felt a smile form across my face.

  Chapter 7

  I stood in front of my full length mirror again. But this time I was a little more pleased with what I saw. My hair was combed out and pulled up in a barrette, and my eyes were lined with a thin brown pencil. I had dabbed a little concealer over the dark circles, and then applied some peach lip gloss on my lips. I was certainly no runway model, but I looked a lot better than I had last week. When Ethan saw me, it was unexpected.

  “Mom?” He barged in my room and then froze. “Why do you look like that?” His face was one of repulsion. I felt immediately insecure and embarrassed.

  “Well…” I stammered and then drew in a deep breath. “Well, Ethan, I’m going on a date.” I smiled and then stood with my hands at my side, ready to face the reaction that I was sure would come.

  “A what?” Ethan shook his head in disbelief. I sat down on the edge of the bed and smoothed out my long, wool skirt. It was one of my homemade favorites, with appliqué flowers and fine stitching on the hem. I had paired it with an amber sweater that my mother had bought for me as a Christmas gift last year, and a pair of leather boots that Paul had bought me as a birthday present before he passed away. Ethan gaped at me.

  “I said that I’m going on a date, Ethan. I thought you were over at Billy’s house. I was going to talk to you about it once I was dressed, but here you are.” I tried to be as calm as possible, but I could sense the rising emotions in both of us. Before I could say anything else, Ethan ran out of the room. I waited to hear the slam of the screen door, which followed only seconds later. Then I got up and wandered to the window and watched as he fled across the backyard and back toward Billy’s yard.

  I was meeting Matthew at the Billy Goat Saloon about five miles north, and I was supposed to be there at six. Now, I was too worried about Ethan to even focus on what else needed to be done before I left the house. I hurried out of the bedroom and then made my way into the kitchen. I made up a peanut and butter jelly sandwich for Ethan, and poured him a glass of milk. I placed the sandwich on a plate and then tucked it safely in the fridge. Then I scrawled him a note:

  Ethan, I will tell you about Matthew when I get home. Please try to understand. Don’t be mad. I left you a pb and j in the fridge. I’ll make you some dinner when I get home around nine. Love, Mom.

  I smoothed back my hair and took a few deep breaths. My nerves were frayed, and I had a fleeting thought about cancelling the date. No, Emma. I frowned and told myself that I had to follow through. I told Jake that I was going to do it, and I wanted to keep my word. He had set it all up a few days prior by getting in touch with Matthew. Apparently they both thought it was going to be a great pairing, and they had decided that the Billy Goat was a safe, family oriented beef and beer that would make for a comfortable first meeting.

  I would have to address everything with Ethan later. For now, I needed to focus on getting over there, and meeting Matthew. If it turned out that we just really didn’t hit it off, then I’d be home even sooner than nine. I took one last look in the mirror before locking up and getting in the truck. I could see all the pain from the last few years in my eyes, and realized that there wasn’t much I could do to erase it. I could only try and make the best of what I had now, and try to enjoy myself.

  I closed the door behind me and then loaded myself up into the truck and headed to the saloon. The moon cast a somber glow over the valley and I pulled into the Billy Goat parking lot just as a large group of college students walked inside. I wasn’t much for eating out, and I definitely wasn’t much of a drinker, but I’d do whatever Jake wanted me to do at this point, as long as it meant that Ethan a
nd I would end up living comfortable lives because of it.

  I pushed opened the doors and had a quick look around. Jake told me that Matthew would be wearing a blue checkered shirt with a pair of jeans. I scanned the bar and didn’t see anyone that fit the description. From what Jake told me, Matthew was tall, with short, dark hair, and blue eyes. He hadn’t gotten into particulars, but I figured that I’d be able to spot him easily enough because of the shirt. Sure enough, when I turned to my left, I caught sight of a tall man in a shirt that fit the description.

  He was sitting alone at a table by the window, sipping on what appeared to be a tall glass of water. I wondered if he had been waiting long. I was only a few minutes late. My stomach churned at the thought of having to introduce myself, and having to tell him all about my history, about Ethan, and about Jake. I wanted to turn around and run back to my car. My heart raced and my palms began to sweat. This was ridiculous. I was making it such a production. All I had to do was walk over and say hello.

  The restaurant doors flew open and another large group bustled inside. I moved to get out of the way, and inadvertently ended up only a few feet away from his table. I shot him another quick glance and saw him look up over the table. His eyes were blue- ice blue with a mysterious glow. His cheekbones were defined and he had a strong presence to him. I reminded myself that he was a murdered, that he might be dangerous. Then I remembered that Jake said he would be waiting in the parking lot to make sure that everything went safely.

  I inched closer to his seat, all the while watching his face to see if he looked up again. My hands clutched my purse and my feet shuffled like a child’s. It was almost amusing that I was so nervous and so insecure. I finally took a deep breath, ran my hand through my hair, and then smiled. As soon as I did, he looked up and then stood up from his seat. “Emma?” He walked toward me and then pulled out my chair. “I’m Matthew.” He smiled and waited for me to sit down.

  I looked at his face and paused. There was something so familiar about him, but I couldn’t tell what it was. He reminded me of someone, but I couldn’t place my finger on whom. His eyes twinkled when he spoke, and his cheekbones accentuated the prominent curve of his jaw. Some women would have considered him model-like in his appearance, with such rugged good looks and casual demeanor. I just knew that he was gorgeous, and that I couldn’t take my eyes off his face.

  Chapter 8

  “It’s such a pleasure to finally meet you, Emma.” Matthew looked at me with a smile, and I felt a twinge of desire surge through my body. It was such a peculiar feeling, and I immediately felt guilty. What would Paul have thought about me having dinner with another man? I tried not to think about him, but it was almost impossible.

  “It’s lovely meeting you, too. Jake told me quite a bit about you. I’ve always been familiar with the farming and the ranching life, so I thought maybe we’d actually hit it off.” I tried not to sound contrived. I wanted to feel and look natural, but I worried that I was blowing it. Matthew smiled. Again, I noticed that glimmer in his eye and I couldn’t help but feel a strong attraction.

  “I must admit, this is one of the first dates I’ve been on in a long time. I used to be married, but we divorced over five years ago.” Matthew spoke and then sipped his water. “Hey, I hear they have great ribs here. Would you like to split a plate with me?” He smiled and then waited for my response. I loved barbeque ribs, so it was easy to comply. The waiter came by and took our drink orders, and before I knew it, we were talking and laughing as if we were old school mates.

  “You know, Matthew…” I paused and then looked out the window. “I’m sure Jake told you that I’m a widow.” I felt strange even saying the word widow. “I’m not sure why I feel like I have to tell you, but I just want to be clear. I’m not expecting anything, you know?” I wanted to bite my tongue as soon as the words slipped out. What a rude statement. Matthew simply nodded his head.

  “You don’t have to explain a thing to me, Emma. I have no expectations, either. In fact, I really just hope that you enjoy spending time with me, and that we get to have some nice conversation. Being alone can take a toll on a person.” He raised his eyebrows and then smiled. I got the distinct feeling that even though we had just met, he somehow understood me. Maybe he knew what it was like to be lonely.

  I reminded myself that according to Jake’s information, Matthew had actually spent little time alone. With a track record of multiple wives, I wondered just how lonely he could have ever been. Then I remembered that Matthew said he had just been divorced five years ago. It wasn’t adding up. I had to know more. “So, Matthew. If I’m correct, Jake told me that you have been married three times. Is that true?” I knew it was blunt, but I wanted to get the facts straight. Matthew looked confused.

  “I’ve been married twice. My first wife left me for a doctor, believe it or not.” Matthew shook his head and then laughed. “And, like I told you, my second marriage ended in divorce.” He nodded and then backed up when the waiter came by with our food. In a matter of seconds the two of us were devouring our ribs, and the entire topic of wives, divorces, and marriage had disintegrated.

  I’m not sure at what point the idea crossed my mind, but I began to slowly get the feeling that Matthew wasn’t actually a murderer. Perhaps it was his smile, or the way he told his stories. Maybe it was the way he held his head or the way that he made me laugh. Or maybe it was just my good old fashioned intuition. But I started to think that Jake was wrong about this guy. I had a sneaking suspicion that Matthew was actually innocent.

  We finished our food and then split an ice cream for dessert. When the waiter came with the bill, Matthew insisted on paying. Then we slowly wandered outside and into the night. “You know, Emma, this has been a really fun night. I feel like we have a lot in common, and I’d love to see you again.” Matthew looked at me and I felt my heart flutter. He smelled so good that I was tempted to lean in and kiss him, but I knew that it would be inappropriate. Women were supposed to let the man make the first move.

  “I had a good time, Matthew. Thanks. I need to get going. I told my son, Ethan, that I’d be home by nine.” I nodded my head and then turned around to leave. Matthew reached for my hand.

  “I’d love to see you again some time.” He smiled and then moved in closer. I nodded my head, glad that he had suggested it. “Would you be interested in coming to my home out by Sun Valley? Maybe you’d like to join me for dinner.” He spoke with confidence, but he wasn’t cocky. I knew that there was something special about him, but what was it? I wanted to gush over the fact that he had just invited me over, but instead I casually played it off.

  “Why don’t you call me some day this week? I’ll make sure that Ethan doesn’t have any school obligations.” I wanted to be at least somewhat flirtatious. Matthew nodded in acceptance.

  “Perfect. Could you give me your number?” He moved in closer and then I looked into his eyes. I felt a wave of excitement course through my body. Without saying another word, he placed his hand on my chin and pulled my face close to his. I could smell his cologne and I slowly wrapped my hands around his waist. He opened his mouth and then I felt the brush of our lips together. His tongue met mine and I felt completely immobilized for what felt like an eternity. We kissed, under the moonlight and among the breeze. Then we both slowly pulled away and smiled.

  I reached in my pocket and scrawled my phone number on a piece of paper. Then I tucked my hair behind my ear and slowly walked off toward the truck. Matthew watched and waited for me to get in. I started the engine and then cracked my window, the taste of Matthew still on my lips. Then I drove away from the Billy Goat, and thought about what I’d say to Ethan.

  Chapter 9

  Ethan wasn’t home when I got in. He had never stayed out past ten o’clock before, and now I was worried. I threw on my pajamas and called his friend Billy’s house, but his mother, Pat, told me that Ethan hadn’t been there all afternoon. I tried not to panic. “I’m sure he’ll be home any minut
e.” As soon as I spoke, the door slammed close. I breathed a sigh of relief. “Ethan?” I walked down the hall and met him as he came up the steps. “Where have you been?” I looked at his face and he stared at the floor.

  He walked right by and then entered his room and slammed the door. I knew better than to push the issue. If he didn’t want to talk to me, I’d have to wait. Sooner or later he’d come around. I hoped that he would understand that nobody could ever take the place of his father, but that life did go on, and that we would both have to move forward with our lives.

  He didn’t speak to me for three days. When he finally did, I was on my way to Matthew’s for dinner. I was dressed in one of my favorite sweaters and a pair of jeans. For the first time in years, I had taken off my wedding ring. It felt strange, but I knew that the more I did to move forward, the better off I would be. I couldn’t hang onto my past if it was going to keep me sheltered, unhappy, and alone. I only wished that Ethan could see it the same way that I did.

  “Ethan, you know that I loved your father. Nobody can ever replace him. But I need to be realistic. He’s never coming back, and me sitting alone in this house isn’t making either one of us happy. I love you, sweetie. Please try to understand.” I threw my arms around Ethan’s shoulders and cried. He nodded his head and then backed away.

  “I’m sleeping over at Billy’s.” He gave me a wry smile and then headed out the door. I watched as he disappeared through the yard, then locked up and got inside the truck. I was relived to get to Matthew’s. It was a much needed escape from the reality of the crumbling farmhouse and Ethan’s dismissive attitude. Matthew greeted me with a hug and a glass of wine, which I gladly accepted. I stepped inside and was immediately impressed by the tasteful décor.