Rustlers and Romance [Saddle Creek 1] (BookStrand Publishing Romance) Page 4

  “What’s going on?” Lauren asked when she and Amos joined them at the barn door. Her eyes were wide and filled with fear.

  “Nothing you need to worry about, babe,” Chase answered. “Sheriff Mitch Rogers just came out to look at something for me.”

  As the sheriff produced a small notepad and pen from his pocket and began scribbling notes, Chase and Amos went into the barn to fire up two four-wheelers and drove them outside.

  The loud rumbling of the engines made it impossible to carry on a conversation, so Chase motioned with his hand it was time to go. Mitch hopped onto the four-wheeler and, with Chase leading the way, they headed east, toward his neighbor’s ranch.

  Chapter 5

  “What’s going on, Amos?” Lauren asked as the four-wheelers left in a cloud of dust.

  He studied her face for a minute, as if trying to decide if he should divulge the ranch’s business. “Boss says somebody stole some of the herd. He’s takin’ the sheriff out there to see if they can figure out who did it so they can get ‘em back.”

  She wrinkled her brow. “Are you telling me people are still stealing horses in this day and age? I thought horse thieving was something that only happened in old Western movies.”

  Amos laughed, wheezing a bit in the process. “It ain’t happened ’round here for years, best I can recall, but my mama always told me the devil never really goes away, even if he does sleep for a while.”

  “Do you think it has anything to do with…with me?” She turned her face away from him.

  “Why in heaven’s name would ya think that, ma’am?” the old man asked her. “Surely you ain’t the horse-thievin’ kind if you ain’t even learned how to ride one!”

  “Well, the truth is, I come with some baggage.”

  “Yeah, I know. I saw yer fancy backpack you brought with ya.”

  She laughed, finding the naïve old man endearing. “No, what I mean is, I’ve got a bit of a sordid history, and…Well, I thought maybe…I’m worried I might be the cause of trouble here.”

  “You talkin’ ‘bout them bruises on your face and neck, girl?”

  “Yes,” she muttered, embarrassed.

  “Boss don’t take too kindly to those who’d beat up on a woman or steal a horse. If the one who put them marks on you is the same one who took Mr. Chase’s horses, the coyote won’t be doin’ neither again…or for long,” Amos said, leading Lucy into the barn with Lauren trailing behind. “Now, let’s get Lucy groomed proper and back in her stall where she belongs.” He handed her a bucket with some brushes in it and showed her how and where to use each one, and the two of them groomed the horse together.

  When they finished, Lauren went into the bathroom in the barn and reluctantly washed her hands. She found she loved the smell of horses and leather.

  She heard the four-wheelers before she saw them. A moment later, they rounded a curve and stopped almost directly in front of her.

  Silence rent the air when they turned off the engines. The riders solemnly got off the machines. Chase talked quietly to Mitch while they walked to his car. The cowboy waved at the lawman as he started down the long drive.

  When he returned to the barn, Amos and he shared a glance, and, to Lauren, it didn’t look good. Nothing was said about their predicament, though, and she didn’t feel it her place to intrude and ask any further questions. If Clint had anything to do with the horses that had gone missing, he would be caught and would pay the price—courtesy of the law.

  Before she knew it, Edie rang the dinner bell on the porch to let them all know lunch was ready. Lauren hadn’t realized it had been so many hours since the housekeeper had practically chased her out of the house earlier in the morning. Where had the time gone?

  She waited for the men to wash up in the barn’s sink before they made their way together to the house.

  Edie stood inside the kitchen door. She batted her eyes at Chase every chance she got during lunch, but Lauren felt the displeased glares Edie cast in her direction. As soon as the four of them had eaten their share of the large lunch, Edie disappeared, and Amos headed back to the barn.

  “We need to talk,” Chase said as soon as they were alone. He ran his hands across his face and through his hair.

  After his talk with the Sherriff, Chase realized he had nothing to go on, no reason to trust Lauren, and had no suspects. He hadn’t pissed anyone off who would want some kind of revenge unless it had something to do with Lauren and who or what she was running away from. He was tired of all the secrets and not getting straight answers, and he needed them now.

  “Okay. What is it we need to talk about?” Lauren asked with dread. She thought for sure he’d tell her to hit the road. Her hands began to shake, and she clenched them together and placed them on the table in front of her.

  “I’ve asked you twice where you came from, and you haven’t told me the whole truth yet,” he said in a soft voice, “so I’m asking you again. I need you to be honest with me. I’m not even sure I know your real name.” He ran his hands through his hair, making it even more tousled than before. He’d taken off his hat when he entered the house and put it on a peg by the door, and his hat line remained very evident in his disheveled hair.

  “My name is Lauren.” She sat up straighter in her chair, surprised by his question.

  “Okay, but what’s your full name?” he asked in a voice that sounded slightly agitated.

  “Lauren McCray,” she answered timidly, still expecting to hear him tell her to leave.

  “And where do you come from? And I don’t just mean which direction.”

  “Michigan. Lansing, Michigan to be exact.”

  “What are you running from? The law?”

  “No! It’s not a ‘what’ I’m running from, but a ‘who.’”

  “And who might that be?”

  “Clint Jackson, my boy…er, my ex-boyfriend.”

  “Is he the one who put those bruises on your face and neck?” Chase’s blue eyes stared into hers. Anger darkened his eyes and she knew he meant business. She wouldn’t be able to forestall the truth any longer.

  “Yes, it was him.” She touched the sore spot on her cheek with quivering fingers. “That’s why I stowed away in the back of your truck. He was at the diner. I hopped in your truck because Clint recognized my car, and I needed someplace to hide and a way to get out of there. Look, if he followed you or something, and if he stole your horses to…well, to get back at me, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring you any trouble. You can take me to the nearest town and drop me off. I’ll be okay,” she began blubbering. Her lips trembled and tears welled up in her eyes.

  When Chase reached over and put his hand on hers, she didn’t pull away. She felt a shock rise up her arm, all the way to her inner core. “I think it’s best you stay here for now, but I do think you oughta talk to the sheriff. You should tell him everything you know about this Clint fellow so he can be on the lookout. You’re perfectly safe here, so there’s no reason to leave. You’re welcome to stay as long as you want.”

  Lauren looked into his understanding eyes. Their deep blue hue shone with sincerity and she found it hard to look away. With him still holding her hand, she didn’t want the warm feeling of security his presence gave her—or the warmth growing in her heart—to end. She wanted to trust Chase, quit looking over her shoulder, and enjoy life again. “If you can get the sheriff back out here, I’ll talk to him,” she agreed. “I’ll tell him everything.”

  “Of course, but first you need to tell me all about the SOB. I’ll let Amos and all the ranch hands know what he looks like in case he dares to step his woman-beatin’ foot on my property.” His voice grew heated as he moved his hand away.

  She nodded her head. “All right…and thank you.”

  “Ain’t no need to thank a man for doin’ what’s right.” He glanced at the swinging door leading to the dining room when it closed softly. “Let’s talk in my study.”

  Lauren saw and heard it, too, and suspected Edie h
ad listened to their conversation. She wasn’t quite sure how to feel about her eavesdropping, but it was too late to do anything about it.

  The cowboy stood and pushed his chair in. “You ready? You can bring your drink with you if you want.”

  “As ready as I’ll ever be.” She stood from the table, picked up her glass of sweet tea, and followed him into his study.

  Chase waited by the door until Lauren entered, then closed it securely behind her. It was a very manly room with dark wood walls and furniture. A fireplace made of dark gray stone rose tall and solid, like the man of the house. He sat on his high-backed leather chair behind a dark cherry-wood desk and motioned for her to take a seat on one of the chairs in front.

  “First, Lauren, I want you to know I don’t cotton to any woman-beater. Never have, never will, so you can relax. I’m gonna protect you from that bastard as well as I can. Also, whatever you tell me in this room stays in this room. Other than filling my workers in on who to keep an eye out for, your past is nobody’s business but yours and mine at this point. Is that all fine and dandy with you?”

  “Yes.” The rich, smooth sound of his voice and the way her name rolled off his tongue lit a fire in her belly. A fire that melted the knot of anxiety she’d had since Clint’s first assault.

  “So…what can you tell me about this Clint?”

  “You mean as far as his appearance?”

  “Yeah, but let’s start with his full name and description.”

  “All right. His name is Clint Jackson. He’s about six feet tall, well built, with black hair and dark eyes. As you might have guessed, he’s mean and loses his temper very easily.” Her lips trembled and her knees began to shake as the vile memories coursed through her mind. She shook her head.

  “Does this guy carry any kind of weapon?”

  “Not that I’m aware of, no—except his fists.”

  “Right. Well, don’t you worry. I ain’t scared of them. But tell me, how long have you been on the run?”

  “About two weeks now.”

  “Do you know for certain he’s still following you?”

  “Like I said, I saw him outside Rosie’s Diner, looking in my car’s window. He must have followed my credit card receipts or something.”

  “Have you seen him since?”

  “No. I have a restraining order on him, but it may only be good in Michigan. Besides, it’s really nothing more than a piece of paper. He doesn’t care about following rules. If he really wants to get to me, he’ll keep trying, no matter what the court or the law has to say.”

  “We’ll have to talk to the sheriff about the validity of the restraining order. Is there anything else you can think of? Anything else I should know about him?”

  “He drives a red truck, a Ford F-150, if it helps.”

  “Every little bit will help. We’ll all keep our eyes and ears open. This is a ranch with lots of acreage and places for a man to get lost in, so I’ll make sure everybody’s staying on their toes at all times.”

  “I’m not sure he’s after me as much as he’s after something I picked up by mistake.” She explained the mix-up with the computers. “Even if there is something damaging stored on it, it doesn’t matter. The thing is password protected, and I couldn’t even log in to check my e-mail.”

  “Well, let me take it to a buddy of mine who knows a thing or two about computers. Maybe it’s nothing, but we won’t know till we have it checked out. He might be able to get past those barricades your old boyfriend set up. Obviously, the man had something to hide.”

  “Sure. I’ll go get it right now.” Lauren jumped up from her chair and headed to her bedroom. When she reached her room, she was a little puzzled and concerned to find her door ajar, since she’d purposely made sure to close it. She pushed it open slowly to find Edie, rifling through her backpack.

  “Um…excuse me. Are you looking for anything in particular? Maybe I can help you.”

  “Uh…what? Huh? I mean…no.” Edie dropped whatever it was she had in her hand. “I was just…looking…for something I lost.” She stared haughtily at Lauren.

  “Maybe you wouldn’t mind looking somewhere else. I’m sure whatever it is you’re after, you didn’t lose it in my bag.”

  The housekeeper sauntered to the door, keeping her bitter eyes on Lauren. She walked out without another word. Lauren raced to the door and locked it. She went to the armoire, opened it, reached into the back for the computer case, and pulled it out, relieved to find it still there. Next, she hurriedly perused her backpack to see if anything was missing. For the life of her, she couldn’t imagine any viable reason why Edie would search through her things. She didn’t have very much with her to begin with.

  When she left the bedroom, she made sure to close the door firmly behind her, and then made her way back downstairs. Once inside Chase’s study, she stood against the closed door and spoke quietly. “I’m sorry it took me so long, but I had another altercation with your ex-girlfriend.”

  “What about this time?” he asked, louder than she expected, as he crossed his arms on his chest and leaned back in his chair.

  “I’ve no idea why, but I found her in my room, going through my things. I don’t think she took anything, but she wouldn’t tell me what she was looking for.”

  He sighed and shook his head. “That girl! I’ll talk to her. In the meantime, you oughta head on out to see Amos. You can help him check on the fillies about to become mares. You’ll fall in love with the new foals.” He stood from behind his desk and motioned for her to leave. “Go. I’ll take care of Edie.”

  “Chase, don’t be too hard on her. I don’t mean to get anyone in trouble. Like I said, she didn’t take anything. I think she’s just trying to protect what she thinks is hers. Can’t blame a girl for that.” She smiled, placed Clint’s computer on Chase’s desk, then turned and left the room. She exited the house without running into her jealous nemesis again.

  Lauren found Amos in a birthing stall in the barn. The filly was having a hard time with delivery. “Anything I can do to help?” She watched with concern while Amos dipped a cloth in a water bucket and wiped down the mother-to-be.

  “Nope. I done did about everything I can do. She’s a strong girl. I think she’ll be all right now.” Amos got up from his knees and stood beside the horse. “Some of ’em just have a harder time than others, and this is her first time. She’s not sure what to expect neither.”

  Moments later, the mare delivered a beautiful, chestnut-colored foal with a dark tail and mane. It immediately tried to stand but fell without grace while the mother rose to her feet and began cleaning her new baby with her tongue. Lauren was awestruck seeing her first animal birth. Peace blanketed her soul at the wonder of it all. She’d witnessed the miracle of birth. She glanced at Amos. Even though she was sure his old eyes had seen numerous foaling, they were filled with moisture.

  Their solace of watching God’s creatures was disrupted when harsh yelling came from the house. Lauren looked toward the front porch and saw Edie in the yard, screaming at Chase, who stood at the front door. She stomped off, dust flying out from under her boots with each step to her vehicle. Slamming the car door so hard it should have shattered the window, she tore off, sending a wave of stones flying through the air as she swerved down the dirt drive.

  “What the…?” Amos said to no one in particular.

  “It’s my fault.”

  “What’s wrong with you, girl? Why do you think every bad thing that happens in the world is on your shoulders?”

  “Well, it’s just that I–I told Chase I found Edie in my room going through my things.” She looked away, pulling her hair away from her face. “I feel like a tattletale, a snitch. I shouldn’t have said anything to him about it.”

  “Oh, horse puckey! It’s about time somebody give that girl an earful. She walks around here like she owns the place and the man who owns it!”

  Chase stepped off the front porch and stalked toward the barn. When he reached th
em, he looked from one to the other, his fisted hands on his hips. “So I guess you heard.”

  “Not exactly, but ain’t nobody’s business but yers anyway, boss,” Amos said as he turned to go into the barn.

  Lauren shoved her hands in her pockets. “I’m sorry,” she said, looking down at the dirt and kicking the small stones at her feet.

  “Aw, she’ll get over it and be back in a few days. She always comes back.” Chase put his arm around her shoulders.

  “Well, I still feel bad for causing you all this chaos. What can I do to make it up to you?”

  “Are you much of a cook?”

  “Hmm. I suppose I do all right in the kitchen.”

  “In that case, after your riding lesson, you can lend a hand with supper, if ya don’t mind. We all work up a pretty hearty appetite around here. Be right back.” He tipped his hat, then turned and went into the barn.

  A moment later, he returned with Lucy, saddled and ready to go. He helped Lauren mount and led the mare around inside the round pen, all the while talking to the horse in a soft, gentle voice.

  “How about we speed it up a little into a trot? Think you can handle it?”

  “Sure. Let’s go.”

  The cowboy hastened the lead rope into a comfortable, faster gait. Lauren giggled, and thought about how happy she felt, but couldn’t help wondering how long it would last.

  Chapter 6

  Chase stared at Lauren, enthralled by her bright eyes and rosy cheeks. She sat, relaxed on his favorite mare, as he gave her riding lessons. The wind flowed through her brown hair, and for the first time since he’d met her, she seemed as if she had no concerns. He enjoyed her company, her scent, and the playful, enticing sound of her voice and laughter. His heart hammered as he felt an inexplicable surge in his chest.

  “Let’s try it without the lead,” he suggested. He moved toward the horse and unhooked the lead rope from her halter. “Ready? You’re on your own.”

  The horse started at a walk and soon began to trot inside the round pen. Chase motioned to Lauren to come to the fence, and she maneuvered the horse to the side of the rail. “I think that’s enough for today. I need to ride out and check on the herd now, anyway. If you can put her away, I’ll be on my way.” He helped her down, and they walked to the barn together.