Bailey ducked his chin in acknowledgment. The man raised his hand, and the little girl beside him turned her gaze on them. She was a beauty, with curly hair and plump cheeks.
“Great news.” Bailey returned his attention to Jaz, enfolding her fingers in his.
“Do you want a snack? The donations Tabitha managed to wrestle up are amazing, very professional.”
Bailey never turned down food. His stomach churned a bit at the thought of what lay ahead once he left this shindig, but not enough to keep him from sampling the deli meat and a particularly decadent cupcake with bacon sprinkles on it.
“Buttermilk cupcakes with maple frosting. The bacon is perfect on them.”
Who’d ever imagined such a combination? Bailey wouldn’t have thought it would work, but the cake melted together with the frosting, and the bacon reminded him of MaryAnn’s special recipe pancakes and syrup.
When Anna Ring pulled Jaz toward a clump of people in suits, Tess sidled beside him and took his arm.
“I’m scared, Bailey. Aren’t you?”
It wasn’t the place to talk about this. Church folk and even their neighbors milled through the various courtrooms.
“No. The plan is sound.”
“But he hurt you before.”
“I was a child.” Bailey tugged her close for a one-armed hug and kissed her blonde hair. “I’ll be fine.”
“The sheriff is going to follow you, right?”
“I’ll be with him,” a voice interjected. The ranch’s not-so-silent investor stopped behind Tess with a multitude of female eyes following his movements.
“That doesn’t make me feel better.” Tess frowned at the man.
“What do you mean?” Javier’s face blanched. “I can handle myself.”
“He had a knife. And he’s a criminal.” Her nails dug through Bailey’s sleeves.
“We’ll be fine,” Bailey said. “And the sheriff will be right behind us, waiting for my text.”
“I’m sorry for doubting you.” Her blue eyes sparkled, but she blinked the moisture away. “I didn’t mean to hurt you, either.”
He conked a loose fist beneath her chin and when their gazes locked, he held hers. “I’d do anything to protect you.”
“I’m glad you told me the truth. But it makes me sad for you.”
Bailey bristled. “Don’t feel sorry for me, Tess. Like Dad always said, I’m the man I am today because of everything I’ve lived through.”
Her lips quirked. “You are a pretty awesome man. And even a good kisser if Jaz is to be believed.”
Heat inched along the back of his neck. He had no intention of discussing kissing with his little sister.
“I’ll take care of things. Don’t worry.”
“We’ll take care of it.” Javier’s dark eyes smoldered, a hidden message zinging toward Tess when their glances met. “About time I acted like your partner in this ranch.”
“Silent investor,” Tess muttered but her smile didn’t dim, and the admiration glowing in her eyes brightened them like a sunny sky greeting the dawn.
Bailey might be a late bloomer in the romance department, but he figured the attraction between these two was mutual. Not that he’d encourage the guy, even if he did like him.
During the hour Bailey stayed at the event, waiting for night to fall, he passed by the silent auction tables, surprised to see a weekend at the Travers Guest Ranch up for bid. Not as shocking was seeing Wynn’s name as the bidder for $500, at least double the value of the voucher. What was the man going to do with a weekend to a place he stayed for free?
Bailey shook his head. As darkness lapped at the barred windows of the courtroom, he jostled through the crowd and pulled Jaz aside. In an alcove outside the judge’s room, they found a little peace.
“We’re heading out.”
“Lord help.”
Bailey raised an eyebrow. “I hope that’s a prayer and not a grunt of disbelief.”
Cool fingers stroked his whiskery cheek. “I believe in you, cowboy. But divine intervention is always welcome.”
Something reared inside him, wanting to protest. Her eyes glowed with pride and desire and things he’d need a code book to decipher.
He brushed his lips over hers. A flock of birds burst to life in his chest, and his mouth tingled. As she pulled back an inch, her breath tickled along his jaw, sending heat flooding through his legs.
“Truth will prevail, cowboy. It always does.”
If only his life experience agreed with her optimism.
After another quick kiss, he led her back to the thinning crowd.
“Only thirty minutes left to get your bids in.” Anna Ring’s voice rose above the general banter. “Better check to make sure you’re getting that auction item you want.”
Jaz squeezed his fingers and sidled to Tess’s side. Javier rubbed his sister’s elbow and they shared another look, then the man followed him downstairs. After they reclaimed their coats and Bailey’s hat, the men pushed against a cool gust of wind toward their vehicles.
“I’ll wait until you’re inside,” Javier told him, “then slip across the pasture.”
Bailey nodded. “Not sure I’ll catch him in the act, but I’ll be checking the rooms.”
As his truck roared to life, Bailey gritted his teeth.
Let this be the end of Lonie Dyer. He wasn’t sure if it was a wish or a prayer, but something inside him steeled.
* * *
Jaz impressed the feeling of Bailey’s broad calloused fingertips on her heart and let him go.
Keep him safe.
“Only thirty minutes left to get your bids in.” Anna Ring’s voice swelled above the hum of the crowd. “Better check to make sure you’re getting that auction item you want.”
Something dark shadowed Tess’s pale eyes, and Jaz slid to her side and tucked the slender woman’s arm under hers.
“God’s got this.” Jaz leaned close, catching the scent of cinnamon and cedar from Tess.
Bailey’s sister stared until Javier’s dark head disappeared down the stairwell. With that sort of look, she announced her interest in the man to the entire world. Jaz fought a grin. Tess blinked at Jaz, and the shadow withdrew.
“It’s going to bring back the worst of Lee’s memories.” She swallowed hard. “Facing down our da—Lonie.”
Jaz squeezed her arm. “He’s got Javier and the sheriff for backup.” She nudged Tess’s ribs with an elbow. “You know, that hot Brazilian guy who follows you everywhere like a puppy?”
Tess frowned. “I don’t need another puppy. And he’s only here because Lee told him I was in danger.”
“Right. He doesn’t want you to be in danger because he likes you.”
Tess jabbed her elbow into Jaz’s side. “He cares about his investment in the ranch.”
Jaz laughed. “Keep telling yourself that. But, how does he kiss?” She dodged as Tess gasped and wound up another pot shot.
Liam James held court at the display near the silent auction tables encircled by a crowd. Jaz made eye contact with her own “silent” business partner. Before she reached him, someone gripped her elbow.
Jaz glanced to see KaroLynn wearing a wool dress covered by a fluffy pink sweater. For once, the woman’s makeup looked touched up, although the lipstick had worn away, leaving a smudge of liner on her bottom lip.
“Thanks for coming, KaroLynn.” Warmth puddled in Jaz’s middle. Maybe she was finally winning the social worker over.
“Well, yes.” The woman cleared her throat and stared over Jaz’s shoulder.
Not a good sign. Maybe she was embarrassed by the gratitude.
“Liam James is really behind this project.” Pastor Bernie’s voice came from the direction KaroLynn stared. “It’s given our youth group something local to focus fundraising efforts on.”
Jaz turned to thank her pastor for his support, but KaroLynn’s hand tightened like a vise.
“Can we talk privately?”
“Uh,” Jaz lo
oked around the crowded room. “I suppose, but I was going to talk once the auction closes.” It was a way to pass time while Anna collected the bidding forms so she could announce the winners.
“I’ll only take a moment of your time.” KaroLynn practically dragged Jaz through the crowd surging toward Liam.
It would have been easier for a fish to fly, and Jaz did her best not to knock into any of the people she’d basically begged to invest in her idea. She lost track of how many times she apologized, and she wasn’t feeling especially charitable by the time the social worker pulled her into a briefing room.
“That might be the rudest thing I’ve ever done.” And she’d been in the military for six years. Jaz jerked free from the woman’s hold and crossed her arms over her chest.
KaroLynn picked at her skirt. “I’m sorry, but I need to go.”
“Fine. What was so urgent that you made me shove my way through a crowd I invited here?”
“It’s the kids.”
Jaz’s intestines curdled. There were only two kids the woman could mean. “What about Kenton? Is he okay?”
If he ran away again, they might send him back to Austin where there was a lock-up for frequent flyers. She’d never be able to arrange visits with his sister then. And what about seeing him? She had to get this house up and running.
“He’s fine. They’re both fine.” KaroLynn paused until Jaz met her troubled gaze. “For now.”
“What do you mean?” Jaz shifted, suddenly feeling her boot pinch her little toe.
The woman rubbed her palms down the outside of her skirt a few times until she finally clenched them over the gray fabric. “Their mother petitioned the San Antonio office. She’s back in the area.”
Their mother? The one who abandoned them for who knows what reason, entrusting their care to a drug addict? Jaz gritted her teeth. There should be a law about having children.
“Of course, she isn’t financially able to care for them, so she’s been referred to other departments.”
“Financially? She abandoned them. She’s completely unfit!”
KaroLynn touched Jaz, her fingers gentle on her forearm this time. “She’s their mother.”
A surge of frustration pushed Jaz’s stomach into her lungs, and her breath caught. Heat burned her eyes and heaviness stopped her nose. Tears wouldn’t help Kenton and Flo.
“There must be something I can do.” Her voice sounded mouse-like in the empty room.
“Build the Pit Stop. You’ll help plenty of kids with that place.” KaroLynn’s mouth pushed into a tight smile. “The first rule of foster care is don’t care too much.”
Don’t care too much. The problem with the system shone through that statement. But Jaz couldn’t take her heart back. She’d already given it to the red-headed boy who only wanted to protect his sister. Only wanted to be the big brother Flo needed.
Like Drew. Like Bailey.
Jaz clutched her hands over the pang in her chest.
“I wanted to let you know. Maybe as early as next week, Kenton and Flossie May will be together again.” KaroLynn tried to sound hopeful.
Jaz nodded, and the woman left her alone. How was she supposed to speak with passion and hope now that the motivation behind this whole thing was torn away?
I gave you this dream.
The echoing whisper pounded the inside of Jaz’s skull. Even an hour ago, she’d been extolling the way God had answered prayers and moved mountains to make the Pit Stop a reality. But now? Because of one piece of bad news, she was ready to show her belly to the opposition?
Jaz threw her shoulders back.
She would go out there and thank everyone for believing in her vision. Work on the halfway house would continue.
And Jaz would keep the hopeful expression of a certain little boy fixed in her mind. Because somehow, she would give him the family he deserved.
12
A wild animal lunged for release from his stomach. Armstrong Road seemed longer and bumpier than it had a few hours earlier. Dust swirled behind his tires, blocking out the sight of Javier’s SUV. A glance toward the Wells’ drive showed the sheriff’s vehicle, dark but not vacant. He’d be two minutes away.
Bailey’s clenched teeth chattered as he bumped down the drive. Maybe he could borrow the Bryant’s tractor and smooth away the ruts before the guests Wynn had booked arrived next weekend.
The truck groaned to a stop outside the barn. Bailey switched off the engine and headlights. A shadow swept across the covered window of the parlor.
Lord, let this plan work. Bailey needed Lonie Dyer out of his life so Tess would be safe.
The familiar squawk announced the opening of the truck door. His stomach clenched.
Two dogs whined, shimmying beneath the paddock fence and trotting over to him. After he’d petted the barn dogs, Poppet arrived, sitting on the toes of his boots, slapping white fur onto his slacks with her exuberant tail.
“You need to stay out, girl.” He had no idea what might go down with Lonie.
She whimpered, but when he commanded her to stay, she curled up beneath his truck. He could feel her eyes drilling deeper than an oil rig as he strode up the steps and into the house.
Stale coffee, nutmeg. and something flowery rushed to greet his nostrils. The bulb on the hood over the stove cast shadows through the kitchen. Faint tendrils of light brightened from the downstairs hallway and flared on the upstairs landing.
His boots thudded on the hardwood floors. Tess’s bedroom door was open a crack and he knew she’d shut it. He resisted the urge to check on the bait and headed toward the beacon flooding from the half-open door to his father’s — no, Tess’s — office.
He steeled his spine and pushed into the room.
Lonie Dyer’s filthy boots rested on the desk and he reclined in the office chair, a half-full glass held in one hand. The crystal decanter that held Garrison Brothers bourbon — “straight from Hye, Texas” he could hear Dad say — sat empty a few inches from the toe of the intruder’s foot.
A sly sneer creased the weaselly face. “Son. I’ve been waiting for you.”
“To say goodbye?”
“If the price is right.” He sipped dark liquid from the heavy glass, his gaze glued to Bailey.
Bailey wanted to snatch the glass away from the man. That crystal had been his father’s gift to MaryAnn—his mother—on their fifteenth wedding anniversary. That was the third year he lived with them, and the look on her face remained in his mind.
Lonie hefted the glass as if toasting Bailey. “This crystal might be a nice going-away present.”
His teeth ached from clenching them. “That’s not up for grabs.” Although you’ve already had your grubby hands on it.
Bailey flicked his finger over the button on his phone. He’d set it up to record. He walked closer, arms crossed over his chest.
“I’ve noticed a few things missing. What have you lifted?”
Lonie chuckled. “I told you to pay up, son. You should know I mean what I say.”
Darkness entered the man’s eyes. A shudder rumbled beneath Bailey’s arms.
Lonie scanned the room. “Is there a safe in here? Anything valuable in it?”
“A pistol and some documents. Nothing of value to you.”
“Want to grab the gun and run me off?” The glint in the narrowed eyes screamed danger.
Bailey shook his head. “Those are your methods. But you need to leave. You’ve pilfered enough.”
“I’ll say when it’s enough.”
Bailey paced toward the window, wondering if Wynn was close. It didn’t matter. Lonie would be leaving tonight if Bailey had to hog tie him and dump him by the interstate.
“The rooms are booked starting next weekend, so you need to find somewhere else to stay.”
“Your sister’s immigrant boyfriend already mentioned that. About the same time he took over the room across the hall.” Lonie sipped more bourbon. “She can do better than some wetback.”
“He’s more than you think.” Why did the man insist on using ignorant racism whenever he talked about someone with skin darker than his own? “Do you need help packing your bags? A ride out of town?”
“I’ve got a few days.”
Bailey shook his head slowly. “You’re leaving before Tess gets back. Tonight.”
Lonie drained the glass and stood. “Why don’t we have a look in the safe?”
Bailey turned toward the door. He’d check on the ring and send the sheriff a text from Tess’s room.
“Don’t turn your back on me.” The growling voice sounded animal-like.
Bailey heard the hurried footfalls before a shove slammed him into the wall. The tip of the knife rested on the door frame, its sharp blade blocking passage. Bailey stared at his father, whose lips curled into a snarl as fierce as anything a coyote could muster.
His legs shook and gymnastics rumbled through his intestines, threatening to send him into a ball. But Bailey raised his chin. Lord, help. “No more threats.”
“I haven’t even begun to threaten you. Or your pretty little sister.” Lonie licked his lips. “Or your hot little girlfriend.”
Bailey chopped his hand against Lonie’s wrist. The man grunted, and the knife gouged a chunk from the wood as it fell away from the doorway.
“Collect your things.” Bailey hardly recognized the steely voice. “I’ll drive you to the bus station in Rosewood.”
Bailey strode into the hallway, but he’d hardly take two steps when a sharp jab wrenched his lower back. The scars between his shoulder blades tingled, and memories avalanched him.
Pain. Humiliation. Screams.
Bailey twirled toward the attack, arms raised. The knife slashed his forearm. Agony flared through him. Bailey grunted and stomped Lonie’s instep. The man howled, and Bailey jammed his elbow into the bony throat, turning the sound into a moan.
The leering face from his nightmares sneered at him before Lonie doubled over, choking. Something unknotted in Bailey’s soul.
“You’re leaving tonight.”
The front door burst open. A moment later, Javier twisted Lonie’s arms behind his back. The knife clattered to the floor. Javier’s grunts mingled with Lonie’s wheezing breaths.
Love's Emerging Faith (Love's Texas Homecoming Book 3; First Street Church #20) Page 9