Chapter Twenty-Two
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Though her parents had asked her to stay for dinner, Helen was anxious to get back to Molly. They understood, and knowing the house would be busy all day Saturday with final preparations for the event, she promised to bring the little dog over to meet them on Sunday.
As she drove home her mood was upbeat. The moment with Kenny in the Moonshine parking lot had been terrifying, but he would soon be in custody. Being free of the threat from him and his gang couldn’t happen soon enough, and once again she felt foolish for ever thinking he was anything but a thug.
She was halfway to Andy’s ranch when her phone rang. Glancing at the screen she didn’t recognize the number and decided to let it go to voice mail. A moment later a text came in. Touching the screen and seeing the message her heart skipped a beat.
IT’S ME. KENNY. PICK UP THE FUCKING PHONE.
She was so startled she almost missed the bend in the road and drove into a bank. When it rang again she quickly accepted the call.
“Sorry, Kenny, the number came up unavailable. I don’t answer those calls.”
“You’ll answer every one of them from now on. I have several phones. Is that clear?”
“Yes, yes, sure.”
“I’m calling to make sure you don’t have any smart ideas for tomorrow night.”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“No bailing out at the last minute. If you’re scared, suck it up, and no calling your local sheriff in a panic. I’m warning you, if you pull any bullshit, that slap I gave you will feel like a whisper in comparison. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes, Kenny.”
“What were all those cars doing there today? And that van?”
“Just workers for the event,” she replied, shocked he’d been watching. She hadn’t seen him or any other biker in the area.
“What kind of workers. Be specific.”
“Decorators and the catering staff checking things out.”
“Remember, if any shit hits the fan, you and that cowboy will be the first I’ll deal with. And I have plenty of friends to help me.”
“Okay, Kenny, you don’t have to worry.”
“Are you sure you don’t have anything to tell me? This is your last chance, little girl.”
“I’m sure, there’s nothing,” she replied, wondering if she was making a terrible mistake.
“I’ll be in touch.”
He’d ended the call just as Andy’s ranch came into view, and she immediately wondered if it had been coincidence or if he was somehow watching her too. But with a white knuckle grip on the steering wheel, and shaking so badly she could barely turn her car into the driveway, she tried to focus. Slowly driving forward, she rolled through the gates, came to a stop, then took in several, long breaths. Finally climbing out, she spied Andy with the dogs up by the paddocks. He suddenly looked up, then waved and began jogging towards her. Seeing the big Belgian Malinois gallop ahead of him, and her little fluffy dog trying to keep up almost brought tears to her eyes.
“Hey, darlin’, how did it go?” he asked as he reached her, then narrowing his eyes he quickly added, “What’s happened?”
“Kenny. He called and threatened me and I’m really scared.”
Before Andy could respond Molly barked, wanting Helen’s attention. Though she was still shaking she picked up the little dog and cuddled her.
“My precious pup,” she crooned, loving the feel of her soft fur. “I’m so glad I found you.”
“Come inside and tell me everything,” Andy said, placing an arm around her shoulders and guiding her towards the house. “Damn, girl, you’re tremblin’.”
“He said some awful things, and I don’t know how he did it without being seen, but he was watching mom and dad’s house…or someone was and reported back to him.”
“We’ll let the sheriff know, but I want to hear everything first.”
* * *
Still holding Molly, Helen relayed the frightening conversation. When she’d finished Andy sat quietly for a few minutes, then picked up his phone.
“I’ll call the sheriff, then we’re doin’ something to get your mind off all this.”
“Wait, before you call him, what do you think?” she asked urgently.
“I think Ken Lockhart is a cowardly thug. While I’m talkin’ to him, get changed. We’re goin’ for a ride with the dogs up Smoky Hill.”
“But Molly’s a small dog. Will she be okay?”
“She’s not a teacup poodle,” he replied with a chuckle. “She’ll have a blast, and we won’t be gallopin’ up the hill. Besides, Ranger will take care of her.”
“Are you sure?”
“Would I do anything to put you or her in danger?”
“No…it’s just…”
“It’s just that you’re already a mother hen. It’s fine, darlin’, I get it. Now go get ready.”
As she walked away, he placed the call and told the sheriff the details of Ken’s threatening call to Helen.
“That’s predictable,” the sheriff remarked. “That’s how men like him operate. They scare the bejesus outta people to make sure they do as he says. I can’t wait to see how he acts when the tables are turned and all hell brakes loose on him.”
“You and me both,” Andy said with a heavy sigh. “I’m takin’ her on a trail ride. She needs a change of scenery and the mountains look incredible up there now. If we’re lucky we might even see some snow droppin’ off. It was a warm day.”
“Yeah, it’s meltin’ quick. I’ll be talkin’ to George soon. When I do I’ll tell him what happened and he may want to speak to Helen. In the meantime I’ll send a deputy over to your ranch to keep an eye on things until you get back.”
“Thanks, Sheriff. That will put my mind at ease,” he said, turning to see Helen walk into the kitchen. “I’ll speak to you later.”
“What did he say?” she asked as he ended the call. “Did he have any suggestions? Is he concerned?”
“His exact words were, that’s predictable, it’s how men like him operate. They scare the bejesus outta people to make sure they do as he says. He’ll have deputies keepin’ their eye on this place, and pretty soon Ken Lockhart won’t be a threat to anyone! Now let’s go for that ride.”