CHAPTER FIVE
Katarina
I stared between Leo and Jack, observing the silent communication between them that I didn’t like one bit.
Jack Drayton.
Of all people to be on my porch this morning, I never thought it would be this guy. When did he get out? Why weren’t we notified? And why the hell had he turned up here?
His cheek was bleeding from my nails and a violent part of me, that hadn’t existed until five minutes ago, reveled in it. I tracked the droplet as it slowly trickled down his cheek, satisfaction filling me and riling me up again.
Jack frowned at me, his light blue eyes narrowing. His stance stiffened, like he was prepared for me to launch myself at him again. I was ready to, but I knew Leo wouldn’t let me and I didn’t want Leo getting hurt in the fray. I turned my vicious stare away before I did something I couldn’t control.
Then Leo told him that Daddy had died and Jack’s entire attitude changed. He choked, his eyes bugging slightly and he spun away and bent forward, his leather jacket creaking as he hunched and rested his elbows on his knees.
Leo’s stare flicked to me. I could see from the corner of my eye that he was concerned but I ignored it. As much Leo was like a brother, he could never understand how I was feeling. The agony we all experienced at losing my mother was a direct result of the man in front of me. I would not be moved by Jack’s apparent distress.
Jack struggled to get his breath, I could hear it rasping from him. Was he having a panic attack? Because we told him my dad died? Leo nudged me but I didn’t move. Eventually he sighed and slowly approached Jack, putting a hand on his back.
“You okay, man?”
At the touch, Jack flinched and immediately spun away from Leo. Leo held his hands up in surrender. “Sorry, that’s my bad. I wasn’t thinking. I just wanted to check you’re okay?”
Jack swiped his hand along his top lip, his eyes red-rimmed and so sad that for a second, a split second, I felt bad for him. Until I remembered exactly who he was and squashed that feeling like a pesky bug.
Jack took a few deep, shuddering breaths then asked. “How? ”
“Heart attack.”
“Leo!” I hissed. I didn’t want to share that information with Jack, he didn’t deserve to know anything about us. He lost that privilege when he fractured our family.
Jack sighed. “So that’s why he stopped visiting,” he muttered, scuffing his boot in the grass.
My blood ran cold. “Excuse me?”
Jack’s cool stare met mine and for a moment he looked confused before his expression blanked.
Leo plugged his hands onto his hips and nodded towards Jack. “Charlie’s been visiting him.”
“What!” I stared between them, hardly able to believe what I was hearing. Daddy had been visiting Jack? And Leo knew about it and didn’t say anything? “For how long?”
“Once a month. For the last eleven years,” Jack spoke softly, his eyes on the ground.
My sharp intake of breath drew his gaze. My heart thudded, trying to pound its way out of my chest and I pressed my hand to it, struggling with the ache. Jack stepped forward, concern pinching his chestnut brow but Leo jumped between us and shook his head.
“I think it’s best if you leave, man,” Leo said.
Jack nodded. “Of course. Kat, please know that I never would have turned up here if I’d known you were here. And, for what it’s worth, I’m sorry about Charlie. He was a great man.”
I bit my tongue to keep back the vitriol I wanted to spew at his words. How dare he talk about my father like that, like he knew him, like they were friends.
He hung his head and turned, trudging off the property and I watched, chest heaving with rage, until he was a speck in the distance.
Leo shuffled next to me and cleared his throat. He was the closest thing I had to a brother and I loved him fiercely but I sure as shit didn’t like him right now.
“I think it’s best you went home,” I growled.
“I get it, Kat. You’re pissed that I knew but I only found out by accident, and Charlie begged me not to say anything.”
“I don’t want to hear this.” I spun on my heel, heading back up the porch, ignoring the shattered mug and slamming the door shut. I stormed straight into the office and threw myself down in that wingback chair and put my head to my knees.
Jack Drayton was just on my front porch. Looking for my dad because they were… What? Buddies? My brain couldn’t comprehend it. The fact that he would just turn up here, like he owned the fucking place. My fury burned bright at the audacity. I was already so on edge and delicate from trying to cope these last few months. Seeing that man had just tipped me right over the edge. My cheeks heated at the way I threw myself at him, attacking him. I’d never behaved like that before. I was surprised he didn’t do more to defend himself.
I wasn’t sure how long I sat there but then I heard chatter. Noise filled the house and I realized all the girls were home. I lifted myself out of the chair, stiff and achy once again and realized I was still in my pajamas. I scurried up the stairs to get dressed before coming back down into the kitchen.
When I came in, all the girls were sitting around the table. Leo was leaning against the counter with his arms folded over his chest and everyone went silent.
I glanced at each of their faces, wondering if they knew about Jack. “What’s going on?”
Maddy looked to Leo. “Leo got a call from the school today. ”
My gaze drifted over to Tilly who suddenly found her nails very interesting. “What happened?”
Leo cleared his throat. “Our little Tills got into a fight with someone.”
My head whipped back to Tilly. “What!” Could this day get any worse?
“They started it,” Tilly insisted belligerently.
“Are you kidding me? You think that’s an excuse? Why are you getting into fights in the first place, that’s not acceptable, Tilly.”
Leo snorted, clearly remembering my Million-Dollar Baby impression from this morning and I turned my glare on him. He just arched a brow at me.
Maddy looked between us. “What’s going on?”
Leo resisted looking at her and just kept his stare on me. I needed to tell them. I didn’t want them to randomly bump into Jack in town and feel completely blindsided. Like I was today.
“Jack Drayton has been released.”
The room was so silent you could hear a pin drop. Then they all spoke at once.
“What?” Daisy gasped.
“Why did no one tell us he was getting out?” August asked.
Maddy stood up. “How do you know?”
A wave of exhaustion swept through me as they peppered me with questions.
“He came by,” Leo answered.
“He did?”
Tilly held her phone up, showing us an image of Jack from an article. “He’s cute.”
“Tilly!” August reprimanded.
“What? Well, he is,” Tilly sulked, every inch the fifteen-year-old .
“I don’t think he knew you ladies were living here. He was looking for Charlie and evidently hadn’t been informed that he’d died,” Leo said.
Maddy looked between us. “Why would he be told that?”
Leo’s stare bounced to me and I could see the plea in his eyes but I shook my head. I was mad at Leo but how I felt would be nothing compared to how betrayed Maddy would feel in a minute.
Leo sighed with resignation. “Charlie had been visiting him in prison.”
Maddy’s round gumdrop eyes landed back on Leo and he had the decency to look remorseful. She stepped closer to him. “You knew?” Her tone hurt.
He reached out and trailed a hand down her arm, clasping her hand. “I’m sorry Maddy, but Charlie asked me not to say anything.”
She snatched her hand back. “But we tell each other everything.” Her voice cracked and I knew Leo was now in for a world of hurt.
“Mads…” he began, but she dashed from the kitchen. He immediately went after her.
I turned back to Daisy, August and Tilly. “Leo’s gonna be groveling for a while, I think.”
Daisy snorted.
“What did Jack say, when you saw him?” Tilly asked.
“Just that he didn’t know about Daddy and then I told him to leave. I just wanted to tell you girls in case you saw him around town as that’s a big possibility now. I want you prepared and if anything happens just let me know.”
The girls nodded but August was her usual pensive self, nibbling her lip and not making eye contact. She would only have had vague memories of Mama and of what happened, and Tilly wouldn’t remember anything. They were so young when she died.
It was a quiet evening, everyone subdued and lost in their thoughts. When Maddy dragged herself off the couch, a sadness emanated from her so strong I could barely stand it.
“He just did what Daddy asked of him,” I said, surprising myself for sticking up for Leo.
Maddy sighed and turned to me. “I know that. But it doesn’t change the fact that he kept this from me, something so big.”
“I think he was trying to protect you.”
Maddy snorted. “I’m a firefighter. He doesn’t need to protect me, I’m a big girl.”
I shrugged. “I think it’s kinda nice he likes to look after you. Everyone needs someone.”
“Right back atcha sis. Who’s looking after you? When was your last date?”
I scowled at her. “That’s not the point.”
“Oh, it’s different when the boot is on the other foot, isn’t it? You came home to help Daddy raise us and we’re so grateful you did but you don’t have to look out for us anymore,” Maddy said, then blew me a kiss and went upstairs to bed.
But she was wrong. Someone needed to sort out the ranch and starting tomorrow, that would be me.
*
I woke early and went out at sunrise to check on the cattle and greet the two ranch hands. I worked with them for a few hours before heading home. The house was in chaos as four women tried to get ready with only two bathrooms. Fights erupted but I managed to soothe everyone. Like a boss .
“Since you’re suspended for the rest of the week, you can go and help August with the horses,” I told Tilly. I expected her to talk back but she just rolled her eyes and traipsed off after August.
Maddy was on the day shift at the fire station and Daisy went with her just to scout out the town and see if there were any jobs on offer. And then it was just me.
I let out a big sigh, enjoying the peaceful silence before I grabbed a coffee and shut myself in Daddy’s office. I glared at the big mound of paperwork I’d been avoiding before giving in and sifting through it. There were more bills which needed paying, and soon. More correspondence from local ranches, including Raleigh Spa & Guest Ranch, the closest one to us.
Duke Raleigh had taken over from his father a few years ago. Ranching was in their blood and passed down through the generations, just like us. But they acted like they owned ranching and were better than everyone because they turned theirs into a high-end guest retreat for the wealthy. I couldn’t stand them. However, Duke might be able to give me a few pointers.
Reading the letter, it looked like Duke had reached out and made an offer to buy Redemption. My stomach clenched at the thought of selling the place but it might be worth knowing if Duke was still interested, purely as a last resort. I made a mental note to contact him again. As much as I despised the arrogant asshole, I needed to put my feelings aside and do what was best for our future.
I found a letter at the bottom of the pile which looked like it was meant to be sent to Mr. Davidson, the lawyer. I frowned, opening it up. I unfolded the letter and read the first few lines. It looked like it was a deed transferring ownership of the small cabin at the bottom of the property line. Daddy had signed it and when I saw the person he had transferred it to, my blood rushed in my ears.
“No, he wouldn’t!”
My stomach churned and I reached for the trash can, upending it of all the papers and holding it in my lap, ready to vomit. Sweat sprung up on my brow and my limbs were shaking. He couldn’t do this to us. Why would he do this?
Once my stomach settled, I placed the trash can on the floor and immediately reached for my phone and dialed Mr. Davidson.
There was no answer and after trying him for a half hour and pacing like a madwoman, I got in my truck, the letter on the passenger seat. I drove through town, down the main strip and parked up outside his building and just waltzed right in, blazing past his secretary and into his private office.
I slapped the document down on his desk. “Is this real? Can he do this?”
Peter pushed his glasses up his nose and picked up the letter, then scanned it, his mouth pulled into a thin, tight line.
“Well, it’s in the process of transferring ownership. It hasn’t been signed by the prospective owner so it’s technically not completed, it’s still in Charlie’s name. Well, it’ll all go to you now.”
“So it’s still mine, he can’t get his hands on it?”
“Not unless he signs this document.”
I breathed a sigh of relief, my entire body relaxing. I ran a shaky hand over my hair. “Okay, good. This is good.”
“Hmm…” Peter said, cryptically.
“Hmm?” I asked, not liking the way he said that.
“Well, yes technically this cabin is yours.” He held up the deed. “But clearly this was your father’s wish, so it’s up to you what you do with that knowledge.”
I frowned, not liking the implication of what Peter was saying. “I think I’ll keep the cabin,” I said tartly.
Peter held up his hands. “I didn’t mean any disrespect. I know how much you loved your daddy and I know you wouldn’t want to do anything that went against what he wanted, that’s all.”
“I’d sooner sell the ranch than give that murderer the cabin on my property!” I growled and snatched the letter back from Peter.
“It might come to that. Remember our chat? You need to make money, fast. Maybe you could sell it to him? Or maybe he could come and work off his debt to your family?”
I scoffed at Peter but his last words gave me pause. I considered it for half a second before scoffing again and shaking my head.
“Over my dead body.”
Peter shrugged. I said goodbye, feeling slightly guilty at the way I’d spoken to him. My feelings were all over the place at the moment and it was all because of Jack.
I walked down Main Street, kicking at the concrete path as I went. I saw the neon sign for The Lonely Bison, the local bar and decided a stiff drink or twenty was exactly what I needed right now.
I pushed open the old-style saloon doors with a bison skull etched into the wood. The sun cast its shadow inside and speckles of dust danced in the shafts of light. Posters hung on the wood paneled walls along with the odd cowboy hat, pair of boots, lasso, and signs that read cowgirls can’t be tamed and go on, you CAN dance – love from Tequila. A rustic sign hung above the bar read no cussin’, no spittin’, no horses.
Soft country rock music played in the background and the scent of whiskey was in the air. It was early afternoon now, not that busy but I knew it would pick up later. The Lonely Bison was the place to be: live music, dancing and a mechanical bull, not to mention the gorgeous owner who drew the crowds.
“Hey Katarina,” a deep voice purred.
Speak of the devil…I turned my head to see Max Anderson walking around the bar. His dark hair long with a slight wave, his dark eyes that tilted so seductively. He was striking, no doubt about it but that brooding bad boy act didn’t really do anything for me. Not to mention he was a few years younger, still only in his mid-twenties. And he was a notorious heartbreaker.
“Hey Maximillian. Gimme a whiskey, or ten?”
He laughed, a deep rumble. “Ten coming up.”
I took a seat on a leather stool at the bar and put the deed I was still holding down on the bar top. I watched as Max poured me two fingers of whiskey, the silver rings on his fingers glinting in the light, his hair flopping in his eye. He brushed it back, sliding my glass over to me with a wink and for a moment I considered if maybe a little adult company was what I needed. Maddy was right, it had been years since I’d had a date or anything that would maybe happen after a date. There was no time for men or romance. Cowboys always thought they knew better than me about ranching and horses. They got competitive rather than seeing me as an equal and a potential partner. I just didn’t have time to waste on that bullshit.
“I was sorry to hear about Charlie. I’ll miss him and his buddies drinking the bar dry and hustling all the na?ve young boys over pool and poker.”
I snorted into my whiskey, imagining Daddy doing that and a wave of sadness had my eyes stinging. “ Thanks, Max.” I glanced around, distracting myself. “How’s business been?”
“Pretty good, could be better.” He rubbed the back of his neck and hit me with his lopsided smile. “I need to talk to you about something though. Tilly keeps hanging around.”
My drink stalled halfway to my lips. “What? She does?”
“Yeah, I send her away, don’t worry, but I just thought you should know. I don’t want her getting into any trouble or nothing. I’ve been pretty nice to her on account of what’s going on but she’s not getting the hint.” He winced.
I giggled. “You think she’s crushing on you? You think she’s looking at you like you’re her Prince Charming?” I teased.
He rolled his eyes and scoffed. “I knew you would get like this.”
“I’m just kidding. I’ll ask her to stop making moon eyes at you,” I joked. But really I was worried. Fights at school, hanging around bars, I didn’t like where this was headed when she was still so young. And what’s worse I didn’t know what to do about it. I needed to set a good example for her and didn’t think with my recent brawl that I was doing a good job.
“Thanks for looking out for her,” I said, downing my whiskey and hissing at the burn.
“Anything for the Cartwright sisters,” he said with a wink. I rolled my eyes and demanded another whiskey. My eyes landed on the deed and just seeing the words Jack Drayton on it had me ordering another.
And another.
And another.
And one more for luck, because I sure as shit needed it.