Driving north, the highway showed amazing scenery and Bethany began to fall in love with the majesty of Colorado. The more she saw, the more she felt Colorado would be the place for her to find a spread to call her own. The mountains and mesas left her without words to describe them. She felt humbled to be traveling through such beautiful country, unpopulated by other than sparse ranches.
They stopped for lunch in Durango, such a scenic and unique town. Matt and Marcia had told her that the Gunnison Valley Ranch was east of Montrose, just off Highway 50. They drove on and she was happy to see Ridgway in her rearview mirror because it meant they were within an hour of the ranch. She rolled her shoulders and her neck to loosen the tightened muscles from the long drive. Another hour or less and she could soak in a hot tub of water.
At lunch, she told Matt and Marcia that she wanted to rent a room or cabin for at least two days; after that she’d move back into her trailer unless she found a rental. She was excited about the area and told them she’d love to settle within a hundred miles of Riverview.
They turned right onto Highway 50 and continued east out of Montrose, with less than twenty miles to go. The turn to the ranch was well marked on the highway. The drive was well maintained and wide enough for two vehicles to pass without forcing one off the road. She was impressed with the hard packed surface that showed no wash boarding or potholes. Nice.
Following Matt past the main buildings, almost a quarter mile farther up the narrowing dirt road Matt stopped at a barn and walked back to Bethany’s truck. “I’m going to put your trailer into that long barn over there.” He pointed as he instructed her. “Unload your horses and put them in that pasture on the far side of the barn. There’s access to a 12x20 stall from it. Think that should work for now?” he asked. “When you’re ready to move out to your trailer, there’s power in the barn for it.” He smiled, and then went back to his truck. He maneuvered her trailer into the barn and out of sight. Bethany maneuvered their trailer so that it was perpendicular to the barn, close to the fence. She unloaded Coup and Harley and walked them over to the pasture. As soon as she turned them loose, they ran a loop around the pasture, bucking and kicking. Then they went into the stall, whirled and sprinted back into the pasture for another loop around the fence line. She smiled at their antics; the day in the trailer had done neither any harm.
She spent ten minutes cleaning out Matt and Marcia’s trailer, removing her hay bags and the manure left by her horses. She didn’t want them to regret letting her horses ride in their trailer. She put her remaining hay from the truck next to the stall. She would buy a bag of grain on Monday for feed. Today, she used the grain in her trailer to feed the horses. She looked around and realized that Matt and Marcia must have gone down to the ranch house while she was arranging and caring for her horses.
She parked her truck in front of the main ranch house and went to find Matt or Marcia. The main doors opened into a huge reception room. There was a reception desk, a floor to ceiling rock fireplace, open beams and window along the back wall. The furniture was dark leather and there were deer antler fixtures for lamps, chandeliers and wall sconces. There was an open beam staircase to the second floor and a hall leading off to the left, as well as a double door open to a dining room on the right. She soaked in the feel of the lodge and heaved a huge sigh. It was amazing and surprisingly peaceful.
Marcia was laughing at the look on her face. “Isn’t what you expected, is it? We’ve been running and improving this place for the past ten years,” she boasted. “The owners inherited a disaster and hired us to take it over for them. They come out every spring for a few weeks and inspect what’s been accomplished over the previous year. They look over the books and go back to Florida. It’s been so much fun to have a free rein and we’ve enjoyed watching the ranch grow. We have a large clientele and only when the roads are impassible are there no guests.” Her expression showed her pleasure and pride in what she and Matt had managed to accomplish.
“Remind me to keep you guys in mind if I need any help getting a ranch set up. This isn’t only amazing; it’s gorgeous.” Bethany’s eyes were large as she took in all the rustic details. “I’m impressed. I can’t wait to see my room.” Bethany smiled and stepped forward to fill out the forms. “Once I get signed in, I’ll go back to my living quarters for my clothes.”
Marcia was looking over the list of rooms and cabins. “Well, looks like you have a choice of a cabin for a hundred a night or there’s a room in the main ranch building for fifty a night.” She looked up at Bethany. “Both have bathtubs and access to the spa located between the ranch and the cabins.” She explained. “The room is available until Thursday, but the cabin is reserved starting on Wednesday. Which would you like?” She asked.
Bethany thought longingly of a cabin and the peace; but the double price made her decide on the room. “The room is fine. Put me down for three nights: Sunday, Monday and Tuesday,” she told Marcia. “After months of sleeping in my rig, anything with a real bath tub is going to be heavenly.” She laughed. “Do you mind cash without a credit card?” Bethany knew that innkeepers required a credit card for security, but hoped that Matt and Marcia would let her slide, given the circumstances.
“No problem, cash will work fine. In fact, with cash we can make the cost fifty a night including taxes,” she said. “I think that Matt will agree.” Marcia took the registration card from Bethany and made a couple of notes on it. “That will be one hundred fifty dollars for three nights, including breakfast in the dining hall each morning.” Marcia pointed to the hall on the right. “If you want any other meals you need to speak up. The cost is five dollars for lunch or eight dollars for dinner. No menu, just what is being served for all of us, but we need to know how much to cook.”
“Family style meals, that sounds wonderful.” Bethany sighed at the thought of not needing to cook. “I’ll take dinner tonight and tomorrow but I can find my own lunch. I’ll let you know about Tuesday dinner,” she said. “I’m easy to feed, no allergies, and no major dislikes; so long as the food is tasty, I’m happy.” Bethany gave Marcia a hundred and sixty-six dollars cash and took the receipt that Marcia wrote.
“The room is at the back of the house, ground floor. You can go straight back from here to reach it or there’s a back door just past your room.” Marcia pointed to the left hallway. “Parking isn’t far from your room and the spa is still open for another month, or the first freeze. Hours are posted and clothing is mandatory.” She laughed. “I have to say that because each year some idiot tries to use the spa in the nude. If we mention it at check-in, they’re a lot more careful not to be caught,” she said then lowered her voice to continue. “At least, that’s what I figure because we sometimes hear late swimmers. We really don’t want to know if they’re nudists so long as the other guests don’t mind.” Marcia was laughing at the mental picture she had of previous guests using the pool and/or spa naked.
Bethany was grinning as she said, “This sounds like my kind of place to vacation. Friendly and discreet but also protective of my sensibilities. I like your style.” She took the key that Marcia offered and followed the directions back to her room. Once there, she set down her purse and went back out to her truck.
She drove up to her trailer. She grabbed enough clothes for the three nights and days, as well as her laundry bag and toiletries. She parked within sight of the pool and the back door close to her room. Her truck wasn’t in view of the reception desk area or the driveway. It was a little thing, but if the kidnappers made a sweep of the area, they wouldn’t see her truck unless they drove behind the Ranch. Every little detail helped when keeping out of sight of those two. She took her things into her room, making certain to bring the snacks and drinks from the truck cab.
She was pleased that the fridge in her room had space for wine, pop and juice. She hoped dinner would offer wine or beer. She felt she could use one or the other to wind down from the drive. Of course, the hot tub would help her body to relax.
She wandered back to the reception desk. “What time did you say dinner was served? If you told me, I’ve already forgotten.”
“Oops, I forgot to tell you. Dinner is at six and breakfast is from six to nine, with seven-thirty the best time to find the most food,” Marcia said. “Breakfast is a buffet with eggs, pancakes, waffles, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy and assorted fruit. Most items don’t get replaced unless it’s really early when they run out.” Marcia smiled. “Dinner is served at the large table, family style with the food passed around. Dessert is left on the buffet to help yourself.”
“The more I hear, the more I like about this place. It’s going to be a real treat for me.” Bethany grinned. “I’ll see you at six for dinner. Is there wine or beer with dinner or available to purchase?” She thought she might as well ask now while she thought about it.
“Tea or coffee comes with all meals. Matt and I are opening a bottle of wine to celebrate and we’d love for you to share a glass with us.” Marcia invited. “There are no other guests tonight, so everyone is family.” She laughed. “If you want wine tomorrow, I suggest you bring your own glass with you to dinner.” Marcia grabbed the phone as she finished giving Bethany the information she needed.
Bethany checked her watch and saw it was only half an hour until dinner. Marcia said nothing about a dress code, but casual wear should be fine. When she got out of the shower, she chose a blue denim shirt with butterflies outlined in small sparkly gems; it would dress up the denim Capri pants she’d worn all day. It was feminine instead of sexy. She decided that she wanted to be more feminine than sexy for a few days.
Her sexiest outfits were going to the back of her closet. They would be there when she needed to be seen, but class was always in style and she could use parts of each outfit for classy combinations. The frumpy Bethany of her past was going to stay there. Bethany of the future would be feminine, sometimes sexy, sometimes flirtatious, but classy all the time. She’d shop tomorrow for some more feminine, and demure, tops. That would change the outfits and keep them stylish without creating a problem with horny cowboys. She was learning a lot about herself and she might emerge a more confident person, if she could keep ahead of the killers. One final pat to her curly hair and she was headed to the dining room.
Matt and Marcia were in the lobby and introduced her to the hands: Ed, the foreman, Monte, the wrangler and two general hands who were brothers, Mike and Tommy. They all moved toward the large dining table as the cook, Dorothy, was bringing out plates of pork chops, mashed potatoes and vegetables. Bethany laughed as her stomach growled with the smell of the food. She seated herself to the right of Marcia, with Ed to her left.
The meal passed quickly and quietly as everyone helped themselves and the only sound was silverware hitting plates. Once the initial attack on the food was past, Matt opened a bottle of wine to toast the success of the weekend. Everyone had a glass and the conversation began about the event, their placings, the horses and the trip. Matt and Marcia took congratulations from their friends for the weekend and Bethany became a minor star with her Best Condition.
As the plates emptied, each person helped themselves to a choice of fresh fruit or peach cobbler from the buffet behind the table. Bethany opted for the fruit since she felt stuffed from the delicious dinner. She took an extra apple for later, said her goodnights, and headed for her room. She quickly changed into her swimsuit and went out to the spa. Her body needed to soak in that hot water and the jets against her sore muscles would be wonderful. She found Matt and Marcia already there.
“Hey, no fair; what’d you do? Have your suits under your clothes?” she laughed at them. She’d expected to be the first one there. “I’ve a question for you guys. I’m thinking about settling in this region after the season,” she told them honestly. “I need to find a day job to help pay my expenses. Do you have any suggestions? I would prefer Riverview, but will go to Montrose if needed. But I really don’t want too serious a job, just part-time.”
Matt and Marcia were quiet a moment, and then Matt brought up a temporary opening he had heard of. “Old Man Johnson at the Co-Op lost his inside sales girl recently. She’s only going to be out for about two months,” he explained. “She’s having a baby and staying home with it for six weeks. You can give us as a reference if you decide that’s what you want.” He smiled at her. “The Co-Op in Riverview is on the corner of the Highway, at the light; you can’t miss it. Other than that, I can’t think of any other openings. Can you, Marcia?” He turned to his wife.
Marcia scratched her head with a wet hand and looked thoughtful. “Maybe as a waitress at the diner. Betty always has a tough time keeping help,” she said. “Seems either they don’t want to work, or the workload scares them off. But that isn’t what I consider a part time job and Betty would need you to really commit to working.”
Bethany smiled. The Co-Op was perfect. What better place to meet and hear about local ranchers than where they bought needed supplies? “Thanks for the information. I think I’ll speak to Mr. Johnson tomorrow. I’ll go into town about nine. Maybe then, he might have time to visit with me. I’m not the waitress type.” She grinned. “I hate waiting on tables and I’m likely to give an opinion where it’s not wanted.”
After about ten more minutes, Bethany climbed out, told them goodnight, and headed for her room. Her body felt relaxed and her sore shoulders, arms and legs no longer screamed about the abuse of the previous day. She knew that wherever she settled, she’d get a hot tub. She slipped into one of her skinny tees and underwear and slid beneath the soft cool sheets. The comforter gave a warmth and feeling of security to the bed as she fell asleep.
Monday morning she was up at seven, ate her breakfast, and fed her horses before she headed into Riverview. She chose the same outfit she had worn to dinner. It looked both sensible and feminine and she hoped it would convince Mr. Johnson that she could handle working in an agriculture-related store. She felt confident in her knowledge of horses, but she had little knowledge of cattle and ranching. Her skills on a computer and a cash register might convince him, in spite of her lack of cattle knowledge.
She looked into the store, squared her shoulders and walked in with confidence she didn’t feel. An older man--Mr. Johnson, she thought--was busy at the cash register, so she walked around the store while he was finishing with his customer. She was in the horse supplements when a tall, handsome, muscular man in typical cowboy jeans and denim jacket walked up and started looking over the selection. Bethany looked up at him; he had to be over six feet tall, with a moustache that showed some gray mixed in its thick, dark hair. His eyes were a slate blue/gray and his sideburns showed the same mixture of gray to black as his moustache. She was holding a new joint health supplement when he looked over at her.
“Do you know much about this stuff?” he asked with a smile. “I’ve a senior gelding that’s getting stiff and with winter coming I worry about him. Been a good rope horse; he deserves to be comfortable in retirement,” the cowboy explained.
“Well, I know that liquid has devil’s claw, and it’s a natural pain killer. It has MSM, too, as an anti-inflammatory, but if you only need joint support this one is designed for senior horses.” She showed him the bucket in her hands. “It has everything except devil’s claw. If you really want to get expensive, you can have your vet give joint injections over a seven-day period. It’s great to set a horse up for the winter,” she explained. “I might still back it up with this senior stuff. I had an old campaigner who received the injections every fall for the last five years of his life,” she told him with a smile as she remembered Lucky. “It was amazing the difference it made, but I found the efficiency went down as the horse aged. The last year I kept him on that liquid, and he did well until his heart gave out.” She gave the man her best opinion, as any equestrian would when asked about a product or problem. Each horse would respond differently to medications, but extending the life of a favored animal was the goal of all horse owners.
“Thanks for your opinion. I don’t think he’s quite ready for the expensive stuff, but this senior joint supplement sounds like a good place to start.” He smiled and she found that his eyes went from gray to sky blue when he did. “I don’t recall having seen you before. My name is Roger.” He put his hand out to shake hers. “Are you new in town?”
Roger found himself looking into long lashed green eyes. Against his better judgment he liked what he saw when he looked past them. She had curly reddish-brown - auburn? – hair. She was short but not tiny and had nice curves rather than that popular anorexic look. She wasn’t plump or soft; her movements showed muscle tone and grace. Something about her--maybe her confidence or her femininity--appealed to him. He tried to ignore the attraction. He’d not wanted any woman in his life since he lost Melanie to cancer five years ago. He never wanted to be that vulnerable again; no woman was going to get under his skin.
“Hi, I’m Beth. I just got into the area last night.” She took his hand and as their hands met, there was an arc of electricity between them. “Ouch, you seem to have an electric personality.” She laughed. “I’m currently staying with friends, but I’m going to find a place this week. I’m here to ask Mr. Johnson if he could use me to help him cover the store while Suzie is out having her baby,” she explained. She shook her head in sympathy for both Suzie and the storeowner. “She won’t be back for a couple of months after her daughter is born. So maybe he can use me, at least part time.” Bethany smiled up at him. It seemed like a long way up to his eyes. “I’m just waiting for a clear moment to talk to him. You go ahead and check out if you’re done shopping. I can wait; it’s fun to look around the store.” Again, she smiled up at this good-looking cowboy without realizing she did so.
She stepped back so that the cowboy could get past her in the aisle. He smiled, tipped his hat and approached the register with a five-pound bucket of supplement. He spoke to Mr. Johnson for a few minutes as the old man rang up the sale. He once more tipped his hat to her as he left the store. She moved up to speak with the storeowner. “Hi Mr. Johnson, my name is Beth Williams. My friends Matt and Marcia from the Gunnison Valley Guest Ranch told me you might need a part-time employee to fill in while Suzie’s out.” She smiled at him. “I’ve a good knowledge of horses, tack, feed and supplements for them and I also can work a register as well as a computer.” She held out her hand in greeting to him while she introduced herself and stated her business.
“Hi. My name is Norman; Mr. Johnson was my father.” He smiled at her when he shook her hand. “You impressed Roger and he’s picky about things. I think we might be able to come to an arrangement,” he said. “I don’t have any applications, but I’ll need your information for the IRS.” He reached for a notepad next to the register. He passed it to Bethany. “Name, address, Social Security and contact number. Here comes Cole.” He frowned at the man coming into the store. “You fill that out while I see what he wants. Most disagreeable cuss in town.” Norman turned to smile at a man in his late forties. He was stoutly built, muscular, with a mustache, and what looked to be a permanent frown. “What can I do for you today, Samuel?”
She stepped to one side and began to fumble with the notepad. She had given Williams to Marcia last night, but she had no address or social security number. She’d use her own, but change the first digit of each set. Easy to remember that way. She gave her new cell number, after checking it; she had yet to memorize it. She decided to use the Monte Vista address, but off a couple of numbers until she had a mailing address. Lying was the last thing she wanted to do, but she had no choice. Someday, she’d clear everything up and apologize to Norman. She hoped.
While she was writing, she could hear Mr. Cole getting nasty about the cost of the halter he was buying. “This is robbery. I could get this for half the price if I wanted to wait and pay shipping fees. One of these days you’ll price yourself out of my business,” Cole ranted at Norman.
Norman smiled benignly at the scowling customer and handed him his receipt. “Have a nice day, sir,” was his overly polite reply to the rant.
“I couldn’t get lucky enough to price myself out of his business,” Norman was muttering to himself as Bethany once more approached.
She smiled at him and said, “I heard that. He did seem unreasonable. What does he do when he needs something expensive?”
“Unfortunately, you’ll see the next time he comes in. However, if he gets too rude, you just walk away and leave him standing. If I’m not here, he can leave if he wants to be an ass. I won’t ask my employees to endure his kind of verbal abuse.” Norman took the tablet from Bethany and they settled on a wage and a time to start the next day.
“Oh, by the way, do you know of any small apartments or rooms to rent? I can even make do with a mobile home,” she asked. “I need something that rents by the week while I look for a permanent place,” Bethany explained as Norman walked her to the door.
“Go down the road there and you’ll see a big Victorian house on the corner two blocks down. The Bailey sisters have rooms to rent, but they never advertise,” he told her, pointing down the side street. “They know that none of us would tell a soul unless we’re willing to vouch for the person. Tell ‘em I sent you and they should be able to set you up with a nice place.”
Bethany thanked him and confirmed her starting time for the next day. She was whistling as she walked back to her truck.