Читать книгу Christmas Ranch Rescue - Lynette Eason - Страница 14

THREE

Early the next morning, Nathan stood in the door of the bunkhouse and watched Brody Mac leave on the moped. He liked the guy and was grateful that he hadn’t used all the hot water just as he’d promised. He’d even cleaned up the sink and set out clean towels for Nathan. A roommate Nathan could appreciate. Unlike the guy he’d shared a dorm room with in his sophomore year at Vanderbilt. Nathan grimaced at the memory.

Turning slightly, he could see Becca out in the pasture filling up water troughs for the horses. She moved slow and a little stiff and he figured her back was bothering her. Nathan slipped on a pair of work gloves and headed out to help her.

As he walked down the dirt path that led to the pasture, a truck rumbled up the drive and pulled to a stop at the barn. Jack barked twice, then went to greet the newcomer.

Becca looked up, then set her bucket on the ground and pressed a hand to her back. “That’s Zeb,” she called. “Tell him I’ll be there in a second, will you? I have two more troughs to fill.”

“I’ll do it for you.”

She waved a hand. “I’ve got it.”

“Becca—”

“I’ve got it. Thanks.” She picked the bucket up and headed for the next trough.

“Stubborn woman,” Nathan muttered as he headed toward the truck. A man in his early thirties climbed from the driver’s seat. His stylishly-cut sandy brown hair dipped into his eyes.

Nathan nodded to the stranger. “Hi, there. I’m Nathan Williams.”

Dark brown eyes met his and the man held out his right hand. “I’m Zeb Culbreth, Becca’s vet. You’re new around here, aren’t you?”

“Just to the barn, but I was born and raised in Wrangler’s Corner.”

Zeb nodded. “I haven’t lived here long myself. I moved here a few months ago when Aaron Starke hired me to work with his veterinarian practice. It’s a friendly place and I’ve been making friends ever since, but I knew I hadn’t met you before. Where’ve you been?” He smiled and Nathan couldn’t help but like the guy.

“Nashville. I moved back here about a week ago,” Nathan said.

“What was in Nashville?”

“Work, mostly. I decided I needed a break so came home while I try to figure out my next step. Becca hired me to help her out around here.” It was true enough.

“Good for her. It’s about time she hired some help. She’s needed it ever since her accident and hasn’t had enough of it. Her neighbors to the left are the MacDougals and they have their issues.”

“Yeah, I’ve met Brody Mac.”

“He’s a good kid.”

“Actually, he’s a man.”

Zeb blinked. “Yeah, I guess so. Seems more like a kid, though. Anyway, her neighbors to the right are the Staffords. Jean and Hank pitched in quite a bit right after her accident and still check in on her.”

“The Staffords? Are they new to town? I thought the Howards lived there.”

“The Howards moved a little over a year ago, and the Staffords moved in about six months ago. Nice people. Jean used to do some pro equestrian work. Was in shows and everything. So she and Becca hit it off famously.”

Nathan shot a glance and a scowl toward the MacDougal farm, then turned his attention back to the vet. “It’s nice to know Becca’s got at least one good neighbor.”

“Yep. Of course, her cousins pitched in almost immediately after her accident—and they’d still be right over if she asked, but they’ve got their own businesses and whatnot and had to get back to them once Becca was on her feet again.”

“And I feel sure Becca’s not going to ask.”

Zeb’s eyes narrowed. “You know her well?”

“We were in high school together and were good friends before she moved to Nashville.”

But this guy had only known her a few months and he sure had a lot of information on her. Had the man done his own research or had Becca shared it all with him?

A surge of jealousy flickered through Nathan and he shoved it away. He didn’t have any right to feel jealous. She had moved on with her life and that was the way it was supposed to be. It was a small town and people talked. A lot. It wouldn’t take Zeb long to get the scoop on Becca if he asked all the right questions. And besides, Nathan didn’t have any interest in resurrecting feelings she didn’t return.

Better to keep a protective barrier erected around his heart this time. Once she found out what he was up to, she’d hate him forever anyway. He did find it interesting that there’d been no mention of her parents helping or even visiting.

He couldn’t help wondering where they’d been during such a hard time for her and what kind of severe falling-out would keep them from putting their anger aside to come to their daughter’s aide. Surely her leaving the medical profession wasn’t justification for cutting her out of their lives, was it?

He wanted an answer to that, but he wasn’t going to ask Zeb. “What can I do for you?”

“I wanted to check on Pete, the horse that threw Becca.”

“What caused him to do that, anyway? Becca’s been on horses her entire life. I can’t see her getting thrown—especially by a horse she knows very well.”

“Even the most experienced riders can get thrown, but I know what you’re saying. It does seem strange. Everyone still talks about her awards and everything. She’s made the town proud. Well, until the drug rumors started.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard the rumors.” And he didn’t want to discuss that either, but if he was here to investigate...“What do you think about those rumors? Any truth to them?”

“That Becca’s involved?”

“Yeah.”

The man scowled. “Absolutely not, so don’t go saying she is or asking questions, understand? No need to get that all stirred up again. Not that it’s exactly died down yet, but still...”

Nathan raised a brow at Zeb’s quick defense and lifted his hands in surrender. “I promise I won’t stir that up.” Interesting. The man’s instant defense of Becca sparked his curiosity. But he’d think about that later. “So what about Pete?”

“From what I can tell, poor Pete had an abscess up under his hoof and was in major pain. When she tried to jump him, he balked.”

Nathan nodded. “Makes sense. Just a freak accident, then.”

Zeb shot him a funny look. “Yes, why? Is there some reason you think it wasn’t?”

Nathan shrugged. “Nope. Guess not.”

“Hi, Zeb, glad to see you here,” Becca said as she joined them.

“No problem. I heard you had some commotion out here yesterday. Are you okay?”

Her smile flipped. “I’m doing fine. People in town are talking, huh?”

“Of course. When anyone mentioned it to me, I told them to get the facts before they opened their mouths.” He shrugged. “Some will, and sorry to say it, but some won’t.”

“I know. The fact is, I was attacked in my barn and Nathan here scared him off. Probably some junkie looking for something to sell.”

“You need security out here,” Zeb said. “It’s not safe. Especially since your two helpers had to quit.”

Becca frowned.

“What are you talking about?” Nathan asked.

She sighed. “I had two teenagers working for me, but...”

“But what?”

“But Clay came out to search my ranch for drugs because he found my cell phone number on a dead man’s phone.” Her jaw tightened and her eyes narrowed. “That’s not exactly confidence inducing for the parents who were allowing their kids to work for me, so they made them quit.”

Nathan winced. “Ouch.”

“Yes.” She shrugged and looked at Zeb. “I’m safe enough. Yesterday was a fluke. Nathan’s living in the bunkhouse for now, and Brody Mac will soon be here for winter break. I’ll be fine.” She nodded toward the barn. “You know where the horses are. How long do you think you’ll be?”

“A few hours. But I won’t get in the way of anyone you’ve got coming in.”

“Great.”

Nathan handed her the cell phone he’d found on the table in the bunkhouse. “Are you looking for this?”

She rolled her eyes and took it. “Thanks. I’m always looking for that.”

Zeb gave her a salute and headed off to do his job. Nathan looked at her. She had a streak of dirt across her forehead. “How’s your back?”

“Hurting a little.”

“I thought so.”

She gazed out over the pasture. “It’s not terrible, but I guess I’ll take you up on your offer to finish up out there. Four horses are in the north pasture and I need them brought down. I need to conserve my strength for this afternoon, so I’m going to go sit and pay bills.”

“What else is on the schedule today?”

“A special education class from the elementary school is coming out for a tour and some pony rides. There are six students and three teachers.” She pressed a hand against the side of her head and looked around. “I should have put up some Christmas decorations to make the barn look more welcoming, but I just haven’t felt up to digging them out.” She sighed. “Oh well, I guess it doesn’t matter. It won’t affect the riding. After they leave, I have a physical therapy appointment then lessons this afternoon. One group lesson and two private.”

“Head’s hurting, too, huh?”

“I’ve had the occasional migraine since the fall.”

Her grudging admission sparked his curiosity and he wondered why it was so hard for her to ask for help. “Is this one of those occasions?”

“Looks like it’s going to be.” She grimaced.

He gave her a gentle push in the direction of the house. “Go, forget the bills, take some medicine and lie down for a bit. I can handle things here.”

“But—”

“I grew up on a horse ranch, just like you. I know what to do.”

She sighed. “I know you do. Okay.” She started toward the house, then turned back. “But promise you’ll come get me if—”

“I promise. Go.”

She went.

“I know you said you went to high school together, but do you have a history beyond that?” Zeb asked.

Nathan spun to find the vet behind him, wiping his hands on a cloth. “A history?” He shrugged. “No. Why?”

“Because I’m interested in her and wanted to make sure you weren’t the competition.”

Well, he’d thought he liked the guy, but Nathan had to bite his tongue on the first words that wanted to slip out. Instead, he drew in a deep breath and smiled even while he reminded himself that he wasn’t interested in Becca. “No competition here,” he said. “I’m just the hired help.” Becca had a mind of her own. If she chose to date the vet, Nathan wouldn’t get in her way.

Much. Maybe.

Zeb held up a hand. “You’re sure? I mean, I’m only asking because I don’t want to interfere. Just tell me the word and I’ll keep everything strictly professional with her.”

Okay, so maybe the guy wasn’t so bad after all.

“There’s nothing between us,” Nathan said. “Nothing but friendship.”

Liar, his heart whispered.

* * *

Becca wasn’t sure how much time had passed from the moment she took the migraine pill to her roll over to look at the clock, but she thought it might have been about an hour and a half. She was just grateful the pounding had eased to a dull throb and the nausea had faded. Her back even felt much better. She eased her way from the bed and into the bathroom. One glance in the mirror made her grimace. She might feel better, but she looked like she’d been run over by a truck.

She washed her face, brushed her hair and her teeth and decided she wouldn’t scare the children too terribly bad.

And what about Nathan?

Why did she care? She sighed. Because she did. Ever since he’d rescued her in the barn, her heart had started doing strange things around him. Things she didn’t have time to investigate but found herself wishing she did.

A knock sounded on her front door. Becca slapped a hat on her head and made her way down the hall and into the foyer. She almost opened the door without looking but thought better of it. Glancing out the side window, she saw Nathan standing on her porch.

Tall, good-looking Nathan, with a dimple in his right cheek and shoulders just made for nestling against. She swallowed and wondered what was wrong with her. She’d never thought of Nathan in that way before. Why start now? Refusing to dwell on her crazy thoughts, she yanked the door open. “Hey.”

“Are you feeling better? Your guests are here.”

“I’m better, thanks.”

“I’ve got Mason and Dixon saddled up and ready to go. You had them listed next to the kids’ names on that clipboard in your office.”

She wanted to hug him. “You’re an answer to my prayers, Nathan Williams.”

He flushed, endearing him to her even more. He ducked his head in exaggerated embarrassment. “Aw shucks, ma’am.”

She swatted his arm and shut the door behind her. One glance at the sky spoke trouble. Clouds hung heavy and low. “It’s going to storm.”

“Yep.”

“Well, let’s do what we can do while we can do it. Once lightning starts, we’ll have to close up.”

Becca stepped out of her house and headed toward the group of kids. One of her greatest pleasures was helping the little ones ride. She gave the group of students and teachers a wide smile. “Welcome to Priceless Riding School. It looks like it’s going to rain, but does anyone want to see if we can beat the storm and get some riding in?”

Five hands shot into the air. One young little girl, about eight years old, ducked behind one of the adults. Becca smiled. She hoped the child would watch her classmates having fun and decide to give it a try, but she wouldn’t push her. “All right then, let’s go out to the arena and do some riding.” She glanced around and prayed whoever had attacked her the day before was long gone. She shivered at the memory but refused to let it ruin her day. With Zeb and Nathan nearby, everyone should be plenty safe.

Two hours later, the rain started with large drops, but the children had all ridden several times. All except the little girl. She’d watched and cheered for her friends but refused to get in the saddle herself. Maybe another day. Becca ruffled the girl’s blond curls and led the group into the barn. Everyone laughed as they dashed for cover.

Nathan had the horses and Becca herded the children into the large room she’d set up for birthday parties and other fun activities. Today, they’d have snacks and drinks and restroom breaks. Crayons and pictures of horses were set out to be turned into masterpieces.

“Thanks for doing this, Becca.” Sharon Hyatt, one of Becca’s friends from high school, sidled up beside her. She also boarded a horse at the barn.

Becca smiled. “My pleasure.”

“We almost cancelled, you know.”

“What? Why?”

Sharon shrugged. “Because of what happened yesterday—and the rumors that the sheriff actually got a warrant to search your property for drugs.”

“Right. Well, those aren’t rumors, they’re facts. He did search it.”

“I told the powers that be if there was any danger, you would have called, and that if there were any drugs, the sheriff would have found them. But I didn’t see any point in cancelling. They didn’t like it much, but they like me, so...” She shrugged.

“Thank you for defending me. Yesterday was just a fluke thing.” She hoped. “Someone looking for something to sell—or the drugs I’m rumored to have on the property. I just happened to be in the barn at the time he came looking.” She forced a smile to stiff lips. “There’s no danger here.” Please God, let that be true. “And there are no drugs, absolutely none.” She knew that was true.

Why Donny had had her number in his phone, she didn’t know, and likely never would. Just a strange coincidence. Or maybe he’d called her about boarding a horse and she’d called him back.

She talked to a number of people on a daily basis—new people calling to ask questions about finding a barn or lessons she taught. She didn’t always remember their names. But it didn’t explain the other two times he’d received a call from her number. Or the text. It was just strange. The fact that he’d been in trouble with the law on drug charges before bothered her, of course, but there was no way to connect everything. And that bothered her, too, because she was probably missing something. But what? If Clay couldn’t figure it out with all of the resources at his disposal, what was she supposed to do?

“I’m going to come ride Lady Lou tomorrow afternoon,” Sharon said. She looked up and frowned at the overhanging clouds. “I don’t think today’s going to work, but tomorrow should. It’s been too long since I’ve given her a good workout.”

“She’s a gentle soul and was glad to see you today. Thanks for letting us use her for the kids.”

“Of course.”

Jack walked over and Becca scratched his ears, grateful that everything had gone well with no strange or dangerous incidents. It seemed since her accident, there had been a series of “mishaps.” The mower’s busted brake line, a missing feed bin she knew she’d just filled right before her accident, catching glimpses of strange lights in her barn but no one being there when she investigated. Just weird stuff. Nothing to be afraid of—except the attack earlier—but she had to admit, it was all starting to worry her. “I’m glad the kids were able to ride before the storm hit.”

Sharon nodded and stole a glance at the sky through the barn door. “We’d better get going, though. It’s just sprinkling right now, but the bottom is getting ready to fall out of those clouds.”

Within minutes, the adults hurried the children through the light rain and herded them onto the small bus. All except one. “Wait a minute,” Becca said, “where’s the little blond girl? Jessica?”

Sharon frowned and did a quick head count. “She must still be in the barn. I’ll get her.”

Thunder boomed and they flinched as they ran back to the shelter of the barn. “Jessica?” Becca called.

No answer. Sharon added her voice to Becca’s. Nathan stepped inside and shook his head. Water flew from his hair. “What’s going on?”

“We’re looking for Jessica.” Becca felt a flicker of worry. “Check all the stalls.”

Nathan frowned. “I’ll look around outside. She liked watching the horses in the pasture.”

“But it’s raining,” Sharon said, “she wouldn’t go back out in this.”

“Never know with a kid.” He ducked back out into what had become a downpour.

Becca turned back to checking the stalls. A horse’s agitated whinny brought her attention to the third stall from the end. She hurried to the door and looked in. Jessica stood there, pale and trembling, her terrified eyes locked on something on the ground.

Becca followed the child’s gaze and froze.