Chapter Sixteen
When September arrived, Markie was almost to the point where she thought maybe Jarrett had left. Not just Clifton but the state. He might have traveled to Canada since no one could find him.
Standing at the window in the lobby of the animal hospital, she smiled as she watched people out and about. It was a beautiful day.
“It’s pretty today, isn’t it?” Tess asked from behind her.
“It is.”
“I just got off the phone with Sam. I wanted to let him know I was heading home soon. I told him once I get out into that sunshine, I might not come home.” Tess laughed.
“How did that go over with him?” Markie grinned.
Tess grinned. “He said, ‘don’t make the sheriff come looking for you. I’ve put handcuffs on you before, I can do it again.’”
Markie raised her eyebrows. “So… handcuffs, huh?”
Tess burst out laughing. “It’s nothing like that. Before we started seeing each other, he actually arrested me. He pulled me over for speeding, ran my license and found there was a warrant issued for me for an unpaid ticket.” Tess shook her head. “I was so angry at him that I poked his chest with my finger telling him he was not handcuffing me.”
“Oh, please, do go on.” Markie laughed.
“He asked me if wanted to be charged with assaulting an officer too.” She sighed. “I had just lost a mare giving birth, and I was so upset about it, then Sam comes along and just infuriates me.”
“I love that. I’m so glad you fell in love. You’re a wonderful couple.”
“I think you and Nate are too. Just be on guard until they find Knowles. I’d hate for something to happen to either of you, so be careful.”
“I’ll be careful. I’m always careful nowadays,” Markie murmured.
Tess put her arm around her. “There hasn’t been anything on him yet? I don’t talk to Sam about what’s going on in his office. He leaves that at the door.”
“My mother hasn’t heard from him, and I know the police are trying to find him, but the thought that he’s still out there… just terrifies me.”
“I’m sure. I know how I felt all the time wondering if my ex would find me.”
Markie looked at her. “And he did.”
“Yes. I know I shouldn’t have felt like I did when Sam killed him, but I was glad I was rid of him.”
“I just want Jarrett out of our lives. It’s not just me I’m worried about. My mother and aunt too, and God, what would I do if he did something to Nate?”
“Nate can take care of himself.”
“Not if Jarrett surprises him. Tess, he’d hurt him because of me.”
“I know, but Jarrett is probably afraid of Nate. I know my ex was afraid of Sam. He backed down from him.” Tess sighed. “We just need to pray Jarrett is gone and never comes back.”
“I pray every night, but I know that man. He hates anyone who is better than him in any way. Better looking, taller, built better, more money… anything. He is the epitome of arrogant.” She shook her head. “He won’t stop until he’s caught, dead, or kills someone. I think it sent him over the edge when he got caught stealing my mother’s pills. He got addicted to them long ago. I told you about that. But once she threw him out, he had no way to get them. He knew we had them here. That’s why he came here. Not for me, but for the pills. I was just a bonus.”
“Opioids are very addictive. That’s why a lot of doctors won’t prescribe them. I think, if taken correctly, they’re fine, but once the body gets immune to a dosage, some physicians would give their patients a stronger milligram. Making the patient want more each time their body got immune.” Tess shook her head. “Very highly addictive.”
“I see what you’re saying. My mom used to take a time-release oxy, just one every twelve hours but it ended up being too powerful for her. When my mom switched to the current pain meds she takes, Jarrett began stealing more pills from her to make up for not getting as high, and he lost everything because of it. For him to even think of taking pills from here...” Markie looked at Tess. “I’m sorry, Tess.”
“Oh, Markie, that was not your fault at all. Jarrett had been on those pills for a while, and that’s why he went to that extreme after your mother kicked him out.”
“I just hope Jarrett doesn’t hurt Nate because it would be my fault.”
“No. Don’t think that way, Markie. Whatever Jarrett does or doesn’t do is all on him.”
“I don’t know, Tess. Jarrett hated Nate on sight. If I hadn’t taken him with me—”
“Bullshit. Stop it. You had no way of knowing. You took Nate because of the way Jarrett acted around you and since Nate was there, Jarrett was pissed. But that is not on you. That is on Jarrett. No one else is wrong in this. Just him.”
“Alright. I appreciate it, Tess.”
“You’re welcome.” Tess sighed. “I think we can get out of here for the day. I don’t have anything else scheduled. Do you?”
“No, I’m ready to leave too. I haven’t been able to sleep well, so my only plan is to head home and unwind.”
Tess reached over and rubbed Markie’s tense back. “I can feel how stressed you are. When you get home, just flop on the sofa and watch TV with Socks.”
“That sounds like a great idea. The only thing that would make it better is if a certain blue-eyed cowboy was there.” Markie grinned mischievously.
“I have one of those waiting for me at home, which is where I’m headed. Oh, are you going to the fair?” Tess asked.
“Yes, Nate invited me. We’re going Saturday. He told me about the horse race, and I really want to see it. I convinced him to compete as well. He agreed, but he also said he had no chance of winning if Warren Coleman is racing.”
Tess chuckled. “Warren’s horse is so fast. It seems like the horse enjoys it more than Warren does. Every time they gather at the start/finish line, the horse starts prancing around excitedly.” She shook her head in amusement. “He rears up every time, but when his hooves hit the ground, he is off like a shot.”
Markie laughed. “I can’t wait to see it.”
After grabbing their purses, they walked around the back of the building. Tess got into her SUV, but stayed there until Markie climbed the steps and entered her apartment.
****
Nate sat at the counter in the diner waiting for Rafe. They tried to get together once a month for lunch.
The jingle of the bell above the door caught Nate’s attention, and he looked over to see Rafe entering the diner. He held the door open for two women, who couldn’t seem to take their eyes off him, causing Nate to shake his head in amusement.
Rafe took the stool next to him and asked, “What are you shaking your head about?”
“You,” replied Nate with a grin.
“Me? What did I do?”
“Held the door for those women.”
“You would have too,” Rafe said with a frown.
“Never mind. Sometimes I think a woman could strip naked in front of you and you’d just keep walking.”
“You know that’s a lie.” Rafe chuckled.
Nate laughed along with him. “Yeah, what the hell was I thinking?”
Their banter was interrupted when Connie approached them. “Hey, Rafe. What can I get you, hon?”
“Just my usual, Connie. Thank you,” Rafe replied before turning back to Nate. “So, anything on the dickhead?”
“No. Nothing. I don’t think he’s gone either.”
“I agree. He’s up to something. Hell, with all the tourists still around, he can blend right in.”
“I know. Hey, are you going to the fair?”
“I usually do to watch the race.”
“I’m going to compete.”
“Like to lose, do ya?” Rafe teased.
Nate laughed. “I told Markie no one could beat Warren’s horse, unless it was you on Rocket.”
“Well, that ain’t happenin’.”
“Why not? Come on, Rafe. I entered. You can too.”
“I don’t think so,” Rafe said firmly.
“Come on. It’s just for fun,” Nate urged.
Rafe ran his hand across his mouth and shook his head. “I don’t think so,” he repeated.
“Fine. Pussy.”
“What?”
“You’re afraid to lose, while I don’t give a damn,” Nate taunted.
“Don’t try that reverse psychology bullshit on me.”
“Is it working?” Nate grinned.
“Why do you want me to race so bad?”
“I just thought it would be fun if we did it this year, but if you’re afraid...”
“I am not afraid,” Rafe growled.
Nate picked up his coffee cup to hide a grin. “Sure.”
“Fuck you, Jefferson. You want me to compete? Alright, I’ll compete, and you’ll be eating my dust,” Rafe challenged.
Nate burst out laughing. “I have no doubt.”
Rafe shook his head. “Son of a bitch, you pulled me right in.”
When the bell jingled again, signaling someone entering or leaving the diner. Both men turned to see Maggie Lancaster walking in. Her light brown hair cascaded down around her shoulders in loose waves, and her dark eyes sparkled as she smiled when she saw Nate, but it faltered when she spotted Rafe beside him.
“Hi, Maggie,” Nate greeted her warmly.
“Hi, Nate. Rafe.”
“Maggie.” Rafe nodded curtly before taking a sip of his coffee.
“You both have a nice day,” she said politely before making her way to a stool further down.
“You, too,” Nate said with a small smile before turning to stare at Rafe, who was clearly not happy about the encounter.
“Just shut the fuck up,” Rafe murmured with a scowl, causing Nate to laugh.
“I didn’t say a word.”
Rafe looked at him. “Like you had to.”
After finishing their meal and chatting for a while on the sidewalk outside, Nate headed toward the animal hospital. Since he was already in town, he decided to stop by and say hi to Markie. He pushed open the glass door and stepped inside, immediately greeted by the scent of antiseptic and animals. He noticed the waiting area was empty. The young woman behind the front desk smiled at him.
“Hi, is there something I can help you with?” she asked.
“Is Markie busy?” Nate inquired.
“I’ll check,” she replied before picking up the phone to make a quick call. “She’ll be right out.”
“Thank you,” Nate said before taking a seat in one of the chairs in the waiting area.
When Markie entered, he got to his feet, smiled, then kissed her lips.
“Hi, baby,” he said against them.
“Hi. What are you doing here?”
“I had lunch with Rafe, then decided to stop in and see you before heading back to the ranch.”
“Well, I’m glad you did.”
“I talked Rafe into competing in the race,” Nate said with a grin.
“Really? Well, that’s going to make it a real competition then, isn’t it?”
“So, me racing doesn’t do that?”
Markie laughed. “You’re the one who said Rafe’s horse could probably beat Warren’s horse.”
“Yeah, I did, but you have to want me to win, not Rafe.”
“Of course.” She wrapped her arms around his waist. “You’re a winner in my book.”
“That is one of the cheesiest things you’ve ever said to me.”
Markie burst out laughing. “It was, wasn’t it? It’s just a good thing there isn’t a betting pool.”
Nate chuckled. “Thanks a lot. I just wanted to say hi. I need to get back to the ranch.”
“Alright. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Nate touched his hat, walked out, and smiled all the way home.
****
Markie sat on her sofa, watching a movie, when her phone buzzed with a message. She smiled when she saw a text from Nate.
Hey, darlin’. Are you spending Friday night with me?
If you want me to.
I do. That way, I don’t have to worry about trying to pick you up Saturday before the fair.
Markie frowned. What do you mean?
I have to take the trailer to the fair since I’m taking Mystic, so I’m not sure how I’d be able to pick you up.
Oh, okay. That’s fine. I’ll come to your place after work.
Can’t wait, sweetheart. I’ll see you then. Stay safe.
I will. Night.
Night.
She was anxious to see him. It had been a few days since he’d stopped in the hospital that day after having lunch with Rafe. She couldn’t wait to see the race. She just hoped everyone stayed safe.
Saturday, she sat in the passenger seat of Nate’s truck as he drove into town. She was so anxious to see everything.
“I can’t wait to see the race. I predict you’ll come in… third. Behind Rafe and Warren.” She grinned.
“Make that fifth. I can’t beat Gage Beckett or Trick Dillon either.”
“I had to go to Trick Dillon’s place yesterday. His horses needed their vaccines. That was the first time I ever met him and his wife, Rayna.”
“They’re both great. Rayna is his second wife. His first wife, Kaylee, died in a car accident a few years ago.” Nate shook his head. “That man was devastated.”
“Oh, I didn’t know that. But I do know that is one handsome man. Whew ,” she fanned her face with her hand.
“Hey! What am I, chopped liver?”
Markie laughed. “You are a gorgeous, sexy cowboy. I was just saying Trick was handsome. Oh, and their daughter is adorable.”
“Harlee’s mother was Kaylee.”
“That’s sad that she’ll never know her mother, but I could tell she loved Rayna.”
“Yes, she does. Trick spoils them both.” He leaned forward. “I need to see where I can unload Mystic.”
“There are a bunch of horse trailers over there.” Markie pointed to a field filled with trailers.
“Alright. Thanks. I’ll pull in there.”
She waited as Nate maneuvered the truck and trailer and stopped next to another one. They both stepped out and met at the back of the trailer.
“Nate?”
Markie turned to the voice and smiled.
“Hi, Warren.” Nate shook his hand.
“Hey there, Dr. Russell.”
“Hi, Warren. Please, call me Markie.”
“Thanks, I will. This is my wife, Peyton. Peyton, this is Dr. Markie Russell.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Dr. Russell. What kind of doctor are you?” Peyton smiled and Markie thought she was a beautiful woman.
“Please, call me Markie I’m a vet. That’s how I know Warren.”
“I see.” Peyton looked at Nate. “It’s good to see you, Nate.”
“You too, Peyton.”
“Are you racing, Nate?” Warren asked him.
“Yes, though I know I don’t have a snowball’s chance in hell of beating you.” Nate grinned.
Warren chuckled. “You never know.”
“Rafe is racing too.” Nate smirked.
“Oh, hell. I think his horse can beat Blaze.”
“Then why doesn’t he race?” Peyton asked.
Nate looked at her. “He’s never been interested. I talked him into it, since I was racing.”
“Thanks a hell of a lot, Nate,” Warren said, laughing.
“There he is now.” Nate nodded toward a truck pulling a horse trailer pulled up next to his.
They watched as Rafe walked toward them. He grinned and shook hands with Warren and hugged Peyton.
“I’m not happy you’re racing, Marshall,” Warren teased.
“Why’s that?” Rafe smirked.
“You know why. If any horse can beat Blaze, it’s Rocket. It’s all for fun anyway. I just happen to be lucky enough to win the past few years.”
“Luck had nothing to do with it, Warren. That horse of yours can fly,” Nate said.
“He does love to run. We’re going to walk around a little. I’ll see you at the race.” Warren shook Nate and Rafe’s hands, nodded at Markie, then took Peyton’s hand and they walked off.
Markie’s stomach growled at the smells coming from the food vendors. She smiled as she could hear kids screaming and laughing on the rides. She looked at Nate.
“I want to get on the Tilt-A-Whirl.” She frowned when Rafe chuckled.
“You go right ahead. I’ll watch,” Nate said.
“You won’t go on it with me?”
“No.”
Markie looked at Rafe to see him leaning against the back of the horse trailer with his arms folded across his chest and a grin on his face.
“Ask him why,” Rafe said.
“Don’t you need to go do something?” Nate snapped at him.
“Not missing this.” Rafe grinned.
Markie bit back a grin. “Why?”
“I just won’t.” Nate shrugged, then glared at Rafe when he laughed again.
Markie looked at Rafe. “Tell me.”
“It’s not my place.” He looked at Nate. “You might as well tell her.”
Nate sighed. “I get sick on the rides.”
Markie laughed then sobered when he glared at her. “Sorry, but I understand. A lot of people can’t take the spinning around and around and—”
“Enough, please.” Nate shook his head.
“Okay. We won’t go on it then. Well, I suppose most rides are out.”
“Unless you go on the bumper cars,” Rafe said, earning another glare from Nate.
“Fuck you, Marshall. Come on, Markie. Let’s find some better company.” Nate chuckled when he heard Rafe laugh.
“You can come with us, Rafe,” Markie said.
“I’m good. I’m just going to take Rocket to where the other horses are. The race starts at three, so I’ll see you in about an hour.”
“I’ll walk over with you. I have to get Mystic there too.”
Rafe nodded as he walked back to his trailer, opened the gate, and entered the trailer. When he came back out, Markie gasped at the beautiful red horse.
“That chestnut is beautiful, especially with the black mane, tail, and legs.”
“Thanks. I like him.” Rafe grinned.
Nate removed Mystic from the trailer, then they led their horses across the field and tied them with the other horses. A lot of people stopped them to ask about them racing. Markie was so excited to see the race.
****
As the clock struck three, the men gathered around their horses in preparation for the race. Nate took a quick look around and couldn’t help but shake his head. There was no way he would even come close to finishing in fifth place. He let out a small smile at the thought, as he mounted his horse.
He spotted Markie standing next to Tess and Sam, surrounded by a few of Nate’s friends. The speakers crackled as they were turned on, causing everyone to groan. The announcer’s voice echoed through the fairgrounds, going over the same old rules yet again. Nate scanned the crowd and sat up when he saw a man with blond hair that resembled Jarrett, except Jarrett’s hair was brown and since the man wore sunglasses, Nate couldn’t be sure.
“He could have dyed his hair,” Nate muttered under his breath.
“What’s that?” Rafe asked.
Nate glanced at him. “Never mind, I’ll tell you after the race.”
Rafe furrowed his brow, clearly curious about what was going on.
“Alright,” Rafe grinned. “I’ll be waiting for you at the start/finish line.”
“You’re such a pain in my ass,” Nate joked before looking across the street and seeing Maggie standing with Vanna Collins and her fiancé, Grady Henderson, a good friend of Nate’s and Rafe’s. “Looks like Maggie’s here.” He laughed when Rafe let out a long sigh and gave him the finger.
They positioned themselves toward the back of the pack, while most racers preferred to be at the front for a better chance at an early lead. Starting at the back meant their horses wouldn’t have to run as hard at the start. Nate knew Warren, Trick, and Gage were also starting from behind as they always did.
When the gunshot rang out, everyone in the crowd flinched and the racers took off. Nate and Rafe stayed near the back with Warren, Trick, and Gage, but Nate noticed Warren picking up speed. Trick and Gage followed suit.
Nate shook his head, amused by Rafe’s calm demeanor. He knew Rafe was just biding his time for the perfect moment. And when it came, he nudged his horse forward like a bullet, leaving a trail of dust behind him. Nate couldn’t help but laugh as he chased after him, knowing there was no chance of catching up. Little by little, Rafe closed in on Warren’s lead.
****
Markie kept her gaze fixed on Nate as he spurred his horse into action upon hearing the gunshot. It was an incredible sight, watching all the horses race off. It seemed like it wasn’t just the riders who enjoyed the thrill of competition.
She had asked Sam why some riders stayed behind intentionally, and after he explained it to her, she understood. The horses at the front were already running hard, while the ones at the back were pacing themselves. However, Markie noticed Warren’s horse starting to pick up speed, with Trick and Gage close behind. They quickly overtook other riders.
“I think Warren has some real competition this year,” Sam said with a grin, nodding toward the riders.
Markie looked and saw Rafe appearing out of nowhere, closing in on the three men. Nate was trailing behind Rafe, but his horse couldn’t keep up. He still looked like he was having a great time. There were still a few riders behind him. She hoped he didn’t come in last, but she knew Nate well enough to know he wouldn’t care either way.
As the riders disappeared from view, Markie anxiously waited for them to reappear. The whole crowd was buzzing about who would cross the finish line first.
A few minutes later, the crowd erupted in cheers as Trick appeared, closely followed by Warren. Then they roared as Rafe appeared, catching up to the others. Warren passed Trick, then Rafe did too.
For a few seconds, it was a tight race between Rafe and Warren, until Rafe looked over at Warren, tipped his hat, and sped past him as if he were standing still. He dismounted before his horse even came to a stop and threw his hat in the air in celebration.
Warren also jumped off his horse effortlessly and walked over to shake Rafe’s hand before turning toward the crowd and taking a bow. “Looks like I came in second,” he announced, causing everyone to laugh.
“He even does that when he wins,” Tess explained to Markie.
“He’s being a good sport about it,” Markie grinned, watching as Nate crossed the finish line. He dismounted and walked over to shake Rafe’s hand, slapping him on the back.
“There are no sore losers here. If someone can’t handle losing, they shouldn’t compete,” Tess shrugged. “Sam used to race for a few years but decided to watch instead. We never miss it.”
“I don’t think I will either. It was a lot of fun. I’m going to Nate.” Markie smiled and made her way across the street to where Nate, Rafe, Warren, Trick, and Gage were gathered. She wrapped her arms around Nate’s waist and kissed him before turning to congratulate Rafe.
“Congratulations, Rafe.”
Rafe nodded his thanks. “Thank you, Markie.”
She saw Warren’s wife, Peyton, rush into his arms, kissing him on the lips.
“See? I’m a winner either way,” Warren said with a grin.
As everyone congratulated them, Nate looked at Markie.
“Let’s take Mystic back to the trailer and then head home. I’m exhausted and need a shower. I feel like I’m covered in dust.”
“Everyone is. I’m ready to go.”
Nate began to lead his horse away from the group, but Rafe’s voice cut through the chatter.
“If he’s going to rib me about losing, I’ll punch him,” Nate murmured under his breath.
Markie chuckled. “No, you won’t.”
With a sigh, Nate replied, “No, I won’t.” He turned to face his friend. “What’s going on?”
“What happened before the race?” Rafe inquired.
“Something happened?” Markie raised her eyebrows in surprise.
“I’m not sure. Right after we all mounted up, I caught a glimpse of a man with blond hair in the crowd. Even though he was wearing sunglasses, his stance and demeanor reminded me of Jarrett.”
Markie gasped and frantically scanned the surrounding area.
“But you’re not certain?” Rafe prodded.
“No, I can’t be sure it was him. But I also can’t rule out the possibility.”
“He could have dyed his hair to blend in,” Markie suggested, her hands beginning to shake with fear.
“Just take it easy, baby. I’m not positive it was him.”
“Yes, but you said you’re not sure it wasn’t. I want to go home, Nate.”
“We’re going. As soon as I load Mystic onto the trailer, we’ll head back.”
“I think I’ll stick around for a bit longer. Take a look around,” Rafe offered.
“I really appreciate that. You know what Jarrett looks like, so if you see him, please let me know.”
“I will. And as soon as I do, I’m going to talk to Sam. He’ll have his deputies check around. You two be careful on your way home. Shoot me a text when you get there,” Rafe instructed.
“I will.” Nate shook his hand gratefully. “Congratulations again on your win.”
“Thanks.” Rafe turned and disappeared into the crowd of people, who were stopping him to offer their congratulations and shake his hand.
“I knew he would win,” Nate stated.
“I thought Warren’s horse was fast when I saw him take off, but Rafe just flew past him on the final stretch.”
“Rocket is lightning quick. Sometimes, Rafe struggles to rein him in because he just wants to keep running. But he’s a damn good horse.” Nate glanced around the bustling festival grounds. “Let’s get out of here.”
“Do you think it was Jarrett?”
“My gut tells me it was,” Nate admitted. They made their way to the truck, where Nate unlocked the doors and turned to Markie. “Get in and lock the door.”
“Nate—”
“Markie, please. Just do it.”
“Fine.” She climbed into the passenger seat, closed her door, locked it, and anxiously watched the outside mirror as Nate secured Mystic inside the trailer. When he closed the gate, she nearly jumped out of her skin. To say she was on edge would be an understatement. She silently prayed that Nate’s gut was wrong, but deep down she knew he rarely doubted his instincts. He had known something was wrong on that fateful night at the hospital, and he had been right then too. She shuddered at the thought of what could have happened if he and Rafe hadn’t arrived when they did. The memory sent a chill down her spine.