Chapter Thirty-Three
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
The following morning Sheriff Cooper arrested Beth Green, but quickly realized Jim had been telling the truth about her mental and emotional issues. When she learned Craig had romanced her only to steal all her money, she’d fainted and been taken to the Emergency Room in Fairview. Blood tests revealed she’d been under the influence of several mood altering drugs. When Jim was told, he was overcome with loathing for the evil man who had turned their lives upside down, and immense relief his wife’s abhorrent behavior had been the result of the evil conman’s manipulations.
Given the circumstances, the sheriff promised to recommend no charges be brought against her, as long as she committed to receiving the appropriate medical and psychological care.
* * *
At the ranch Doug had been busy catching up on the many chores he’d missed the day before, and Katy had joined him to help. She was leading one of the horses out to the paddocks when to her surprise he jogged in and called to her.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, walking quickly across to meet up with him. “Please don’t tell me Craig has escaped.”
“No, no, nothing like that. I just received a call from Annie.”
“Annie? Why did Annie call you?”
“Apparently your phone is going straight to voicemail.”
“Oh! I turned it off when I was talking to the manager at the restaurant at the campground. I stopped in there after I left Jim.”
“You didn’t mention that.”
“I was going to tell you later. The thing is, I don’t want to leave Smoky Hill so I applied for a job there waitressing.”
“You did? That’s great.”
“I have to do something, but what’s so urgent?”
“Oh, right. Helen Rutherford has to drive back to Dallas this afternoon and wants to meet me at the estate right now.”
“What about the ranch? Wait, don’t tell me. Billy’s coming over. What would you without him?”
“I don’t know and I don’t want to find out. I’m just glad he can make it. I’m going inside to wash up so we can take off as soon as Billy arrives.”
“I’m coming with you. These jeans are filthy. I need to change.”
* * *
Just fifteen minutes later they were driving through the tall, wrought iron gates and entering the impressive property. After passing the beautiful home that looked like a Spanish Hacienda, the driveway forked. Helen had directed them to follow it to the right. Moments later the barn, small pastures and riding arena came into view.
“Wow, it’s just gorgeous,” Katy exclaimed. “It’s so pristine.”
“That’s because it’s not bein’ used, but yeah, and I love those classic colors. Dark green and white trim.”
As they drew near, Helen stepped from the stable area and waved them over. She was warm and welcoming, and to Doug’s surprise, her husband, Andy was there.
“Hey, Andy. It doesn’t matter where you go in Smoky Hill, you always run into people you know,” Doug remarked. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“And we’re doubly glad you are,” Helen remarked. “We didn’t want a stranger coming in, and after all that trouble you had we’re really glad to offer you the job if you want it.”
“Don’t your parents want to meet me? Don’t I have to fill out forms?”
“They do, but not to decided whether or not you should get the job. All the horse people around here have nothing but great things to say about you.”
“Damn. I’m speechless.”
“You’re also one of the smartest and hardest working guys I know,” Andy said solemnly. “Hopefully you’ll have your own ranch again one day, but in the meantime we sure would appreciate it if you would step in and take over here.”
“We have four horses in Dallas we’ll be bringing in,” Helen interjected. “It’s a six stall barn, so there’ll be two empty stalls for your horse, and Katy’s, if she wants to keep her mare here. There are some amazing trails, and one that leads right into Smoky Hill.”
“That would be wonderful,” Katy said happily.
“But before you make up your mind you should see the guest house,” Helen continued. “I lived there before Andy and I got together. I hope you like it. I did. It overlooks a pond, and it’s so peaceful. Oh, and if you want to bring any dogs, or whatever, that’s not a problem. It’s not far. We can walk or drive there.”
“Let’s walk,” Andy suggested. “We can chat about stuff. Like what we just heard about Jim Green. Can you fill us in?”
As they strolled across the property to the guest house Doug let Katy do most of the talking. He was still marveling at the amazing opportunity that was falling into his lap. When they moved over the crest of a small grassy bank, he found himself looking down at a picturesque pond with weeping willow trees, and a blue and white guest house with a large verandah.
“That’s it. What do you think?”
“I think it’s absolutely gorgeous!” Katy exclaimed. “Can we see inside?”
“Of course. Go in and have a wander around. Andy and I will wait here on the verandah so you can talk things over.”
Moving through the lounge, dining area and kitchen, Katy fell in love with the furnishings and decor, and when they entered the master bedroom, Doug pulled her into his arms.
“Hey, I’m takin’ the job, but you don’t have to move in here with me if you don’t want to.”
“You mean, you’d like me to live with you?”
“Darlin’, did you forget what we talked about last night?”
“I’ll never forget it. We’re here for each other no matter what. We share our ups and downs, pastries and pastas--”
“And hopefully this beautiful guest house,” he said, interrupting her.
“Doug, there’s nothing that could make me happier.”