Chapter 21
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
R eaching across the table, he covered her small hand with his. Hers was cold as ice.
“I’ve had a while to figure this all out. It’s been shocking and hurtful, to say the least.”
“Yes. I suppose West and your mother hatched a plan to run me out of town.” Her smile was brittle.
“Yes. Stewart didn’t know that by refusing to speak with you about his horses, he was doing you harm. He really thought you had played me for a fool.” He paused a moment to study her. She was still pale, but she no longer looked as though she would collapse. “Now, West does not own your property. You do. He has no legal right to your property and the lien against the property has been declared void. In fact, West owes you a lot of money as per your contract with him. Here is the check for what West owes you.
“Carl Rodgers was fired, and charges are pending. You will eventually receive all the money back that was paid on that loan. West has been served papers to appear in court next week. The deed to the property is in your name. The best part is he’s in jail at the moment for his part in stealing Thor.” Reilly sat back in the chair. “I think that’s all of it.”
“Oh, how evil it all was! Convoluted too. I’ll never forgive your mother. In many ways, she broke me.”
Sorrow settled in his bones. “She’s not in my life anymore. She let me think you left me without a word. She observed my suffering, but it didn't affect her. I understand she caused you pain, and I’m truly sorry. She went to great lengths, and I think she enjoyed it. To her, it was a chess game. That was completely and terribly wrong.”
Lynn nodded. “I’m sorry she hurt you. That is not how most mothers act. You deserved her love, not her devious games to control your life. Well, now, we know the truth.”
An awkward silence filled the air as he stared into her eyes. What was she thinking? The silence was agonizing. It appeared she was bidding farewell. Her sorrow ripped his heart apart. They couldn’t go back, and it didn’t seem as though she wanted to go forward.
He put the files back in his briefcase, all except for the deed and the check. Standing up, he gave her a sad smile and started for the door. The pain in his heart was more intense than ever.
“I-I was going to show you around. I’m having the house fixed up, and the barn is in good enough shape for now. I have a clinic in town that I plan to open soon. I’m working with another vet, older guy, making house calls at the moment.” She sighed. “You probably want to get on the road. You had a long drive from Billings.”
“I don’t live in Billings. I moved to a town more laid back than Billings. I can be myself there and not some Wonder Lawyer to be put on display. My number is still the same if you need anything.”
He left before she could reply. He was incapable of making conversation. For some reason, he pictured her understanding their injustice and wanting to restore their relationship. Dreams were for suckers.
She sat, not moving, trying not to think. Tears poured down her face. “Oh, Grandpa, I wish you had sold the ranch before taking money from Sable McKeegan. Taking money to keep me away from Reilly? How could you? You saw how destroyed I was after her chat with me.” Lynne slapped her hand down on the table.
That woman infected and destroyed people and their lives. It felt like Sable had fractured her once more. When Reilly left, he seemed more than just upset. She’d tried to get him to stay longer, but he’d seemed determined to leave. He hadn’t seemed at all interested in how she had picked up the pieces of her life.
The reality was that she and Reilly had embarked on new lives. The best course of action for them was to move on.
How her heart disagreed with her head. Her heart was inconsolable. It wanted a different outcome.
She began to repay their conversation. How much did David West owe her? Picking up the check. She was astounded by the amount it was written for. Should she sell the ranch? She would be able to afford a new barn, pay Troy and much more.
The phone rang. It was Troy. He wouldn’t be by in the afternoon. The baby had been up all night and his wife needed to sleep.
A sigh slipped free A baby…
Reilly couldn’t help himself. He parked in front of the building Lynne planned to use for the clinic. It looked to be in good condition. Her life was filled with wonderful events that were moving her forward.
The town was small, like Tyrone, quaint with all the small stores. There were two diners, and it looked one restaurant. He could imagine the owners of the diners competing for customers. At the end of the street, he saw a church with a steeple. It had been a while, but maybe it would soothe his heart.
Walking down the sidewalk, he could feel the friendliness of the people he passed. A nod, a smile, a “good morning.” After all Lynne had been through, she would thrive in this community.
A plethora of stained-glass windows enhanced the beauty of the church. He sat on a pew, stared at the crucifix for a moment before he kneeled.
Good morning, Lord, I hope You have a moment for one of Your flock who has strayed. Not strayed and doing things I shouldn’t, but strayed because I haven’t been to church in a few years. My life has been turned upside down. Secrets, vendettas, greed and lies are the reason, but You already know that. The whole thing has yanked my heart out, but I learned a few things too. I can be myself and people like me. If things don’t seem right or add up, there is some digging to do to get to the truth. The next one is hard. I need to forgive my mother somehow. I’ll need Your help. I also need to find a way to let Lynne Walsh go. She’s finally happy and I can’t take the chance of ruining it for her. Lord, I give You thanks and praise.
A few moments later, he left. It was time to make a fresh start of his own. Except for testifying against the people who tried to steal from Lynne, he had no need to see her again. It’s unlikely those cases would go to trial. Before getting into his car, he looked at the clinic. “Good luck, my love,” he whispered.