Chapter Sixteen

 

Shoot, of course they spotted Rose and me soon as we drew abreast. Jack pointed us out and began crossing the street, his ex in tow. My heart sank.

She was Miss Perfect New York State. I harbored no doubt she had one or two such contests under her belt and the trophies on her shelf. She was tall, slim, with sleek black hair that swung beautifully as she walked. Add red lipstick, flawless makeup, and you get the full picture. Compete with perfection? Not a chance.

“Daisey, Rose, how nice to see you both. This is Crystal Adams, an old friend, visiting from New York.”

An old friend. Crystal appeared to reject the friend moniker, instead laying one long-clawed red-tipped hand on her prize lawman.

She slanted her eyes at Jack, giving a peal of laughter. “Darling, we are so much more than that. Have you forgotten New Year’s Eve?”

“I’m certain they don’t want to hear our history. Especially ancient history. I’m sorry we had to cut our wagon train trek short, Daisey, but I’m glad your dad’s going to be okay.”

Every time someone said that I felt the belief getting stronger. I could hear that a thousand times and not get tired of it.

Jack continued, “But the trip was a lot of fun while it lasted. Just so you know, my promise to make it up to you still stands.”

Crystal raked me with a sharp look, then apparently dismissed me as unworthy of concern as she smoothed her perfect hair. Nevertheless, I was glad she was from out of town and not likely to be carrying firearms or sharp objects.

I’m not sure who had eyed me with more contempt, Crystal, or the charging bull.

Rose, ever the gracious hostess, didn’t wait for me to gather my wits off the sidewalk. “How nice to see you, Deputy. Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Adams. May I offer you both some coffee and pie? Cinnamon apple raisin’s my specialty. On the house.” She beamed with pride, which she had the definite right to do.

Crystal visibly shuddered. “Not for me, thanks. Too many carbs. I wouldn’t think of it.” Her gaze moved slowly from Rose’s breasts to her hips. “Of course, you don’t have a juicer.”

Though she phrased it as a statement, it was clearly a question. “Have you tried celery and kale? It’s my favorite.”

I could feel my hackles rising. You can dis me, but don’t you dare dis my cousin, but Rose had no trouble fielding that one.

“Sorry, no. The hardware store across the street will sell you one,” she said helpfully.

“I’d love a piece of your famous apple pie,” Jack said, gracing Rose with a smile.

“Me too,” I said, opening the café door. Lucky waltzed in first, her doggie expression priceless. What a show off!

“You’re not letting that mutt in a food establishment, are you?” Crystal asked, her tone suggesting she was witnessing a five-alarm fire. She hung back, making everyone linger by the doorway.

“She has to,” I lied. “Lucky’s my new service dog. Saved my life this morning.”

“What?” Jack sprang into full lawman mode. “What happened?”

Crystal put another five talons on his arm, drawing his attention while cautioning him. “Jack, really. It’s obvious she’s just fine, she’s right here, for heaven’s sake.”

Hmm, what would be the best heading for the paper? I drifted into article-writing fog. Vixen? She-devil? Siren? Anyway, the new blank in town is—

Disengaging himself from the woman’s clutches, Jack gave my arm a gentle tug, pulling me loose from my imagined composition before I could get to the fun part. Good thing. What was coming next was not likely to be pretty. “Are you all right?” he said, his gaze worried, holding mine.

I was touched by his concern and shared a small smile with him. “I’m fine. The bull missed my head by a good six inches.” I knocked on my head for emphasis. “It’s pretty tough anyway.”

He looked so solid, so genuine, standing there with his warm hand on my bare forearm, his woodsy fragrance speaking to me on some elemental level I couldn’t begin to describe. I swallowed. It had been a tad scary, but I was safe now. The maxim preached by generations of the female branch of our family came to mind about not making a fuss.

“You sure you’re all right?” he insisted, ignoring Crystal’s attempt to garner his full attention with a soft swing of her polished hair.

“Trust me, I’m fine.”

“I need to check this out. I’ll pass on the pie and coffee for now. If you’ll excuse me ladies, I need to be somewhere.”

The three of us were left stranded on the sidewalk. Can you say awkward?

She remained silent, staring after him.

“Coming in?” I asked, a part of me hoping she’d decline the offer.

“No. I think I’ll check out that juicer. Jack needs more kitchen appliances. I’d like to see him set up better while I’m here.”

“Planning on staying long?” Rose asked.

Thank you, coz.

Crystal’s hair swung ever so slightly. “I don’t know. That depends on… things.”

“Do you like rodeos?” I asked.

Her lips turned downward. I’m not going to be the one warning her that it can become permanent, making a person look older. “Is that where they ride animals and eat disgusting, fatty foods?”

“People ride horses, yes, and ride bulls. We even chase pigs on occasion. Did you know Jack won that contest the other day? And I won the pie-eating contest today.

“No, I did not. Now, if you’ll excuse me. Nice to meet you.” Her eyes said otherwise. She spun around on her impressive high heels and crossed the street, high stepping it all the way. Insecurity slammed into me. If juicing gives you a figure that sleek, maybe I should be considering it too.

I trudged into the café, wishing I had reapplied makeup after the pie-eating contest. Fortunately, my neighbors didn’t care what I looked like, and are glad to have me there with them. I loved them for it.

“I need a big piece of pie and a reward for Lucky. Got any cooked steak or hamburger?” I asked Rose.

“I got some tender stewing beef already pre-cooked.”

“Perfect.”

Lucky sat waiting by a booth. I sat beside her. “Good girl,” I said, patting the top of her head.

I didn’t have the heart to tell her about my intentions of moving away, but darn, were her soft brown eyes intelligent. She’d figure it all out on her own in no time.

Rose slid a plate of beef and a dish of water from the tray she carried onto the floor in front of the Collie who gave her, if I’m not mistaken, a polite nod of thanks, and began to consume the offering with ladylike bites.

My cousin laid a piece of pie and a glass of iced sweet tea in front of me. “Thanks, I need this.”

“No kidding.” She gave a loud outtake of breath, sitting down across from me. “Quite the day, eh? Charged by a bull, then meeting that woman. Surprised she can walk in sunlight.”

“Sorry, what?” The reference didn’t add up.

“You know. Being a vampire and all with that dead-white skin and long, painted talons.”

I snorted. “You are incorrigible, but thanks.”

“I think Jack’s quite taken by you. Did you notice how fast he came to your defense?”

“He’d do that for anyone in town.”

“Maybe, but I think I saw more than just an ordinary concern for a citizen in his eyes. The man’s off looking for a bull to slay.”

I took a bite of the scrumptious pie to save answering. “Mmm, this is beyond good.”

“Crystal doesn’t seem much like small-town material,” she mused. “I think Jack would have preferred her not be here. He seemed uncomfortable. Did you notice? That’s my take. Make of it what you will.”

“No need to worry on my account, but yeah, I agree. If he wants to stay in Sweetwater, he’s better off with a local girl. That one would just work on him to leave.”

“I don’t think he’d do that. He was telling Henry he intends to settle down and make Sweetwater his home permanently.”

“You know, we haven’t seen much of your fiancé of late. Everything okay?”

“We had a date last night. Everything’s fine. Are you sure you’re all right? That was a close call today.” She gave me an intent look, holding her fork in mid-air over her own plate of pie.

“I’m fine. Don’t fuss.” I took a few gulps of the iced tea.

Lucky had finished her repast and come over and to lay at my feet, curling her tail around her body and making herself at home

“She sure has taken a liking to you,” Rose said, nodding at the dog while gathering up the dishes.

I sighed, confused by my desire to keep the Lassie lookalike, and yet not wanting to become too attached due to my plans.

You can’t have it both ways. No kidding, Einstein. I warred within myself.

Common sense won.

“I guess I’d better put up some posters. See if anyone’s missing a dog.”

“I’ll bet you an apartment cleaning that she’s yours now.”

“Make my end five dozen of your rum raisin cookies and you’re on.”

“Five dozen! Good grief, don’t you have any left from that huge stock of cookies you packed for the wagon train trip?”

“A girl can’t be too careful. The fae have been known to nab a few on their way through our territory at night,” I teased, leaning down and petting Lucky’s head for, well, good luck. “Can I leave her here? I have somewhere to be.”

“Sure, she’s no trouble. Say, I heard from a little birdy that you’re playing in the band tonight,” she cocked an eyebrow at me.

I gave a pretend groan. “Yes, I gave my word. We go on at nine. You coming?”

“Heck, everyone’s coming to see you play. It’s been too darn long. I always thought you loved music?”

“I didn’t want to let the band down—you know—when I leave. Didn’t seem right.”

“Yeah, I get that.”

The door to the café opened and a group of customers streamed in, taking Rose’s attention. “Pie’s on me,” she murmured. “Oops, here’s that card you wanted.” She fished the small white card from her apron pocket and handed it over.

I took it and read the brief information printed on it out loud. “James Alexander Hudson, Resource Geologist, with a Texas address. You are a long way from home James Hudson.” I turned the card over. “Huh, some kind of map, I think. Maybe the Red River?” I tucked the card in my pocket. “Thanks, Rose, catch you later.”

I left money on the table for the food. Never take advantage of one’s relatives is one of my fast rules. Of course, that didn’t stop my mother from donating any member of the family’s time if she thought it the right thing to do.

Can’t say I mind.

When a neighbor needs help, I want to be there, same as they would be for my family if circumstances warranted it. Called paying it forward.

I touched the wooden dowel on the top of the old-fashioned creamer that sat near the entrance to the café as I went by to keep everyone safe. Another superstition of mine.

At the door, I found Lucky right on my heels. She’d gotten up so silently I hadn’t noticed.

“Stay,” I said, but she just cocked her head to the side and waited.

“Fine, if that’s what you want.” Was that another head nod?

We stepped into the blinding sunshine. My mind was focused on what I needed to do now that I had completed all the jobs for the newspaper today.

“Let’s go. I’ve got an appointment with the devil.”

She barked once to express her approval. Then she took off after a squirrel, so maybe it was my imagination after all that she could translate the English language to doggie speak.

I called her back and she obeyed my command, which is something I wasn’t certain she’d do. Now I really knew why I had wanted a dog so much growing up.

They are awesome. “Good girl. Time to go.”

We took off for the fairgrounds, but search as I might, I could find neither James Hudson nor Thomas Hamilton.

I pulled out my phone and called the number on the business card.

“You’ve reached James Hudson. I’m probably out wildcatting, so please leave a message at the beep.”

“Yes, Mr. Hudson, Daisey Winslow here. I imagine you are out consulting? I would appreciate a call back.” I left my number and ended the phone call.

“Okay, girl, let’s mingle and find out what we can.”

I strode over to the concession stand, hoping to listen in on any gossip that might be making the rounds. There’s always a gem to be discovered. Just sift, sort, ask questions, get in some people’s faces, and you will get to the truth.

My personal motto.

“Hey, sis, there you are. How you doing?” Matt asked, turning around from loading up his foot-long hotdog with mustard, relish, and ketchup.

“I’m fine. Never better.” I knew he was stress eating, what with this day’s events, but I wasn’t going to point it out.

We hugged, his food getting in the way and dripping onto his shirt front. “Shoot. Now Noreen’s going to know I had a hotdog. You know how she feels about them.” Noreen is Matt’s girlfriend, an avid vegan.

“Club soda will take it right out.” I ordered the can of pop from Todd behind the counter and then went to work trying to save my brother’s shirt and reputation. I checked the area with a critical eye. “There, hardly visible.”

“Thanks.” He began eating, careful to hold the rare treat away from his body.

I waited until he’d finished, then got down to brass tacks. “Anything going on in town I should know about?”

Matt wiped his mouth and tossed the napkin in the garbage can. Beads of sweat were gathering around his forehead from the heat. “Nothing much. People are still taking about Dad, of course. I just got a text from him and he says he can’t take much more of people fussing over him. He sounds like his old self.”

“That’s great news.” We shared a smile.

“I shouldn’t be telling you this, but the grapevine says Eileen Nolan’s filed for a divorce from Boyd.”

“Of course, you should tell me. It’s me you’re talking to.”

“Not breaking my oath, or, anyway, I’m not her lawyer.” Matt pursed his lips. “I imagine she got an out-of- town attorney to stop that from happening. Just keep it to yourself, okay?”

“My lips are sealed.” I made the appropriate hand gesture over my lips, throwing away the key. “So, where’s the money coming from? Do you know?”

“This is good. She’s about to receive an inheritance from her parents, but she’s holding off on retrieving the money until she divorces him.”

“That’s smart. Otherwise, Boyd will squander it in a heartbeat. Though he’d probably try and use it to up the offer for my land.”

“I agree, that’s a distinct possibility.”

“I found out those Crown guys are not being totally upfront with me.” I dug out the business card and handed it to my brother.

“Their consultant’s a geologist. A wildcatter,” I said.

“You thinking what I’m thinking?” Matt asked, his eyes lighting up. “With the recent Bakken shale discovered under parts of North Dakota, Montana, southwestern Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, they want that land not for building, but for fracking. How much you want to bet it’s tied into that bonanza?”

“How convenient that they forgot to mention it, eh? A lie by omission. Not a good business practice, to say the least. Especially considering all their talk of telling me I could have a say on what they build there.”

“What are you going to do about it, sis? You can ask a lot more for that land now. Set you up for life.”

“I don’t know. I haven’t assimilated any of that information. Now, have you met Lucky? My new bodyguard?”

“So that’s who’s been standing like a Siamese twin by your side. Hey, boy, how are you?” Matt leaned down and offered his hand, then began stroking the thick fur when she edged closer.

“She. The one who kept me from being hit by that rampaging bull.”

“Good girl, Lucky. You deserve a reward for that.” He dug in his pocket, pulling out a package of doggie treats. Matt has a dog named Rusty. Beautiful golden retriever.

“I don’t know who she belongs to, but she’s far too good a dog not to have an owner. She showed up today in fine condition. Speaks to somebody looking out for her.” The thought of giving Lucky up chewed at my heart.

“I’ve got to move along, Matt. Playing at the dance soon.”

“Yeah, I heard. Everyone’s going to be there from all the towns around. Hope you’ve been practicing.”

“No! That’s my next stop.” Lucky and I took off at a fast trot to the sound of my brother’s laughter following us.

Sure, laugh now, bro, but wait until I embarrass the whole family. I cringed, thinking of my own embarrassment. What if Jack and Crystal attended?

Visions of me being booed off stage gave my feet wings and I was soon flying up the stairs to my apartment to practice like my life depended on it. It did, believe me.