Chapter 25
Twenty-Five
B ucky was leaving for the day, but he had one last matter to discuss with Jane. He closed the door to the barn, the creak of the hinges fading as he inhaled the earthy smell of dirt and hay and the musky scent of sheep. Over the past couple of months, he’d grown to love farming and all that it entailed, which surprised the crap out of him since he was never exposed to that world.
He enjoyed working with Jane and understood why Mike loved her; she was kind, thoughtful and brave—traits he admired. Jane stood up for those less fortunate and was fiercely loyal to those she liked. She also worked hard to make a new life for herself.
Dusk was closing in fast as he walked to the farmhouse. A sliver of moon hung in the sky, casting shadows on the path. He knocked on the door. Jane opened it. Her dark hair shimmered in the light. She had on a black sleeveless shimmery dress and heels, looking every bit the city girl.
“Bucky, hi.” Her eyes narrowed slightly. “Everything all right?”
“Yeah.” He rubbed his hands down his pants, trying to ignore the sudden dryness in his mouth. “First off, you look gorgeous. Going somewhere special?”
“Yes, I have a date.” Jane smiled and looked so happy. She opened the door wider. “Come in.”
He stepped into the hall. “Sweet. Anyone I know?”
“I don’t think so. He’s somewhat new to town.” She nervously smoothed down the edge of her dress. “Is everything okay?”
“Just wanted to say the feed arrived today, but we might need a couple more bags.”
She laughed. “Those sheep are getting too fat. Why don’t you call the Feed & Grow tomorrow and order it?”
“You want me to order it?”
“Yes, why not? You’re part of this farm.”
Bucky paused. The trust Jane put in him was overwhelming. He cocked his head, unsure how to respond. “Are you sure? The Feed & Grow may not accept my order.”
“Of course they will. During my last visit, I signed you up to order for the farm.”
“I’m honored that you trust me.” Bucky’s mouth felt dry. It’d been a long time since he had any responsibility like this. “Thank you.”
“Pshaw, don’t thank me,” she said. “You’re important to the farm, and you’re helping me.”
“Okay then.” Bucky turned to leave. A tall, dark-haired man was standing in the doorway. The atmosphere changed abruptly. The man’s eyes were cold and glaring at him.
“Victor! Come in,” Jane said.
The man strode over to Jane and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “You look beautiful.”
She gave him a big smile and blushed. “Thank you.”
Victor stared at Bucky but didn’t say a word. The silence stretched for a moment until Jane broke it.
“Oh, Bucky, I’d like you to meet Victor. Victor, this is Bucky.”
Bucky extended his hand to shake. Victor hesitated but finally shook it. His grip was firm. Bucky immediately recognized the look of a wiseguy—someone who had done things most people couldn’t imagine. He didn’t have to know Victor to know what he was. He met plenty in prison. But then again, he could be wrong. Didn’t people make snap judgements about him?
What in the hell was Victor doing here? And dating Jane? How did they meet? Something weird was going on. He wasn’t about to let Jane get hurt. Mike would never forgive him, and he would never forgive himself. He’d keep his eyes open until he had some sort of proof that Victor was really interested in Jane or that there was another reason he was seeing her.