Chapter 16
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
“ I ’m FBI Agent Finibar. You must be Aurora and Flora. Let’s have a seat.”
She looked briefly at Stewart, who offered her a reassuring smile.
Both women sat at the table. The coffee pot, along with cups, sugar, and creamer, were already in front of them. Stewart must have done it.
Flora served them both drinks, and then Aurora fixed her gaze on Agent Finibar.
“Mr. McKeegan made a discovery today,” began the agent. “Drugs were being kept hidden at the ranch. A large amount of drugs. Did either of you have any knowledge about it?”
They both shook their heads.
“I didn’t think so, but I had to ask,” the agent told them.
“You don’t think Stewart is involved, do you? He’s a good, honest man who really despises dishonesty,” Aurora insisted. Her face grew warm.
Flora became the object of the FBI agent’s focus. “Do you agree?”
“Of course. Stewart would never put the ranch at risk,” Flora said.
“We all agree with that. Have you two seen any unknown faces around the ranch?”
“I haven’t,” Flora answered.
“I haven’t met enough people on the ranch to recognize who belongs,” added Aurora.
Agent Finibar’s gaze lingered on her for a long, scrutinizing moment. If she squirmed, would she seem guilty? What about clasping her hands? Though he averted his gaze, she felt a deep sense of unease.
“Your father is being sentenced this week. Might this have something to do with him?”
She blinked in shock. “I didn’t know he was being sentenced that soon, and he’s my stepfather.”
“Answer the question. Would this have anything to do with him?”
“Of course not.”
“He did visit the ranch,” Finibar pointed out. “He took the money, and then, out of the blue, you show up. I don’t believe in coincidences.”
As she took a sip of coffee, the look of doubt in Stewart’s eyes cut deeply. In his eyes, she was forever tainted. He’d painted her with the same brush he’d painted her stepfather. It was pointless to have feelings for someone who thought she was a thief.
“I truly felt like God had guided me to this path. I’ve clearly made a mistake in my direction. As far as drugs or stealing money, I am a Christian. Every day, I make an effort to do what’s right. I’m not saying I don’t sin, but I would never do anything of this magnitude.” She scoffed. “I’m sure you hear that all the time. Others must perceive me as a greedy, immoral monster. Thank you for opening my eyes. I have a headache and would like to lie down.”
The agent’s stare unnerved her. By the time he finally nodded, her body began to tremble. She rose from the table, avoiding any eye contact with Stewart. She was utterly heartbroken.
Once on her bed, she tried breathing deep to calm herself. She’d need to plan. A real plan for a job and a place to live. It would have to wait until after the sentencing. Her face would probably be all over the tabloids with another nasty quote from her mother. No one would want her around then. But if she waited a bit, people would forget, won’t they?
How could she have not known? None of their friends knew, or so they said. Keeping up appearances was of utmost importance. She didn’t want to know why. It didn’t matter. Did she genuinely lack intelligence? There must have been some clues.
How had she ended up at this ranch? It wasn’t as if she knew about her stepfather’s dealings. At one point, well, one tiny second, she thought she was to make reparations. That wouldn’t be happening.
How much money did she have after buying inexpensive clothes? It didn’t matter, it wasn’t much.
What was McKenna’s game? Getting involved with drugs was a risky choice. Why do it? It would be too easy to lose everything.
Lord, I need to be on the right path. Please help me find it. Bless the McKeegans and allow the truth to come out. Are people becoming eviler or is it my imagination? No matter what, I am forever faithful. Amen.
Stewart sat in the dark. What a day. What a shocking day. No arrests have been made yet. Agent Finibar was too interested in Aurora. He’d have sworn she was innocent, but… It tore at him to think about it.
He’d been so anxious to find her and now this. McKenna was involved, there was no doubt. He gave the impression of hating Aurora, but perhaps it was all an act.
He ran his hand over his face. He’d looked forward to teaching Aurora how to ride. He’d somehow made plans in his head to teach her about the ranch. It wasn’t intentional. It seemed natural to want her as a part of his life. He couldn’t trust his instincts anymore. The weight of past disappointments was heavy, and the fear of being wrong again made him doubt himself constantly.
What would happen after McKenna was arrested? Perhaps Katie could take over. He could easily show her the ropes. His sister, a woman brimming with confidence and capable of tackling any challenge. Yeah… That would work.
The whole thing was one big storm. Their father always told them you get one last name, so keep your nose clean. Then he’d look at Reilly and Stewart and say be sure to keep the name McKeegan sterling for those coming behind you.
He took it to mean not to tarnish the name because he had younger siblings. Now it had a bigger meaning, it had probably been passed down through the generations.
He closed his eyes and shook his head. “I’m so sorry, Pa.”
Sheriff Washington reassured him after he’d asked about the repercussions of losing the ranch. Agent Finibar gave no comfort when he asked him.
It was strange how spotting a broken fence could lead to the discovery of drugs. There were a lot of drugs stacked up. McKenna hadn’t even bothered to cover them.
A wave of fatigue, unlike anything he’d ever felt, washed over him, both in his body and his mind. He needed to sleep.