Chapter 22 #2
“She was. You miss her a lot.” I pulled her to me in a side hug. I had a granny once too, and she was the only kind person in my family. She’d died when I turned twelve, and everything had gone from bad to worse from then on.
“I do. She was the soul of the ranch, and Gramps’ isn’t the same without her.”
“I’m sure he’s doing his best.” The thought of trying to live through the passing of Gracie almost brought me to my knees.
I couldn’t imagine how Gramps did it after over fifty years together and three kids, numerous grandkids and at least two great-granddaughters.
“She’s still here. In you, Ev, and all that this ranch stands for. ”
Maisie smiled at me, her eyes shining. “You’re surprisingly wise for someone only a few years older than me.”
“Thanks, I think. I had to grow up quickly. I’ve been told I’m an old soul.”
“You are. The oldest soul, other than Gramps.” She giggled as she took in the indignant look on my face.
“Are you calling me old?” I shot back. “You’re a brat sometimes, you know that?”
“And proud of it.” She winked as we rounded the corner and up the back deck and into the kitchen of the ranch house. “I’m gonna grab a snack before getting back to work. You want something?”
“Nah, I’ll grab a coffee and hang out in Ev’s office to wait.
” I grabbed a mug and filled it with the usual drip coffee, always ready in the main house for anyone who needed a pick me up.
“I’ll see ya ‘round.” With a wave to Maze, I headed down the hall to one of the two offices on the first floor and waited for Ev to return.
Pulling out my phone, I checked my messages. Gracie still hadn’t messaged back after my good morning text, but I hoped she was awake as I couldn’t wait any longer to talk to her. I’d missed her so much yesterday and couldn’t wait to see her today in class.
I had so many ideas for our first official date, but I couldn’t narrow them down.
There were too many things I wanted to do with her and show her, and have her experience.
I could only imagine how sheltered she must have been, and I knew all she’d missed out on as a teen, just like me.
When I’d left and joined the military, it had been a double shock.
The military experience was new and unexpected, but the real world was nothing like what they had painted for me growing up, which surprised me more.
The world was not inherently evil, and while I’d experienced evil on missions, most of the core of people was good.
It had been hard for me to reconcile the two opposing views; the one I’d been taught and the one I was fighting for.
Opening the text thread with my Wildflower, I quickly typed out another text:
Me
I’m still planning our date. I think we should do it this weekend. Are you free on Sunday?
She responded almost instantly, and my stomach flipped in response.
Wildflower
I’m free. Are you going to give me any hints?
I loved how playful she could be. That those brief hints of the thirteen-year-old I’d once known were still in there.
The one that had so many similar traits to her bold older sister.
Who was ready to step up and fight for herself and what she wanted.
Sadly, I observed that part of her erode over the next few years of our friendship.
I can only imagine what would have happened if she had ever voiced her thoughts to Cain.
The hand not holding my phone clenched at just the thought of what my brother could have done to her.
We texted back and forth a bit, teasing and even a little flirty, until the topic of her job came up.
Me
So, I’ve been wondering…Do you enjoy your job at the bar?
It worried me that she worked long hours and until two in the morning.
The Dusted Bull didn’t have a bouncer or security except on Friday and Saturday nights, and my Gracie was so delicate, I wanted to keep her safe, to protect her.
She’d been through so much, and I didn’t want her to suffer ever again.
Wildflower
Yeah, I like it, especially the people I work with. Avery’s been great and so supportive. Why? What’s wrong with it?
There was nothing wrong with her job at all; and I was so glad Avery was there for her.
I just wondered if she’d ever wanted to be something or do something else.
She’d had so many dreams when we were teens.
I wanted her to remember those and know that if she wanted to, she could reach for them now.
She was free, and she could do whatever she wanted.
And if she’d let me, I’d make sure all those dreams came true.
Me
Nothing’s wrong with it. I just remember the girl who dreamed big. Who wanted to go on adventures, travel the world, and was going to go to college and I was wondering if that was something you still dream of?
Wildflower
That’s all they were: dreams. Wishes of a fake reality I could never have. You know that better than anyone. I need to get ready if I’m going to make it to class on time. I’ll see you there.
My stomach dropped as I read her words. What happened to my Wildflower?
Her words were short and clipped, and I could sense her anger and pain as she rebuilt those walls around herself.
I hated myself for making her feel that way.
I was trying to figure out how to respond when Ev came striding in, iPad in hand.
Internally cursing the timing, I put my phone away and focused on Ev and the threat we might be facing.
“So, what’s the situation?” Ev was no-nonsense, diving straight in as soon as his butt hit the seat.
“Did Maze show you the posts and comments?” Ev nodded, so I continued. “The first few are direct quotes from the Bible, but the last one is the one that has me worried.”
I held out my hand for the iPad, and Ev passed it over. I pulled up the last picture and highlighted the last comment from the suspect user. “This feels like a threat to me.”
Handing it back, Ev’s eyebrows drew together as he read the post. “I agree. What do you suggest?”
“I think we need to loop Oliver and Walker in on this. The computer system and cameras all need upgrading. We need to monitor the posts and keep Maze reporting any more threats like that one and keep a log. Maybe loop Max in, so he’s aware.
I’d also suggest increasing drone checks of the unused land to ensure there are no squatters or unusual activity in places we don’t see or use regularly.
I’d also suggest we move the peacocks to the front of the ranch, with Willa if Hunter okay’s it and have Hunter prep some of his dogs to do site runs and maybe have a few others free roam at night, for added security. ”
Ev observed me, his gaze assessing, before running a hand down his neatly trimmed beard.
“That all sounds good. Get on it and check in with Gramps and Walker for any ranch funds that might need shuffling to ensure we’re all up to date.
” Everett paused. “Do you think this could have anything to do with your father?”
Ev knew the most, but not the truth I’d told Gracie, but it wasn’t my father I was worried about.
“I don’t think it’s the Reverend, though he might be involved.
I think the threat could be Cain. My brother is capable of violence and revenge, and if he figures out Grace is nearby, he will stop at nothing to hurt her, and me, the first chance he gets. ”
“Bastard.” Ev thumped his fist on the desk. “I don’t think these messages are enough of an explicit threat for the cops to do anything about it yet, but security is something we can increase easily. Are you going to tell Grace about any of this?”
“I’m not sure. She deserves to know, but we don’t know what this is yet. It could be nothing. It could be some stupid zealots who got wind of our inclusion policy and just want to spread hate. I don’t want to scare her if it’s nothing.”
“I think she’s stronger than you think. You should tell her, so she’s aware, just in case.” Ev spoke as he jotted down notes from our meeting. “Anyway, you’ve got class, so I’ll check in with Walker and Ollie on this, and we can confirm the action plan this afternoon. Sound good?”
“Yep, that works.” Checking the time on the wall clock, I needed to get going to set up and prepare on time. “I’ll head off. Keep me posted if anything comes up in the meantime.”
And with that, I left to shower and prepare for class and to see Gracie again.