Chapter 13
“And you don’t think ‘e is capable of breaking the law? Annette asked, lifting her brows incredulously. “That man was ‘orrible. I can easily imagine ‘im doing whatever it takes to drive her away?”
“I don’t know,” Jeff sighed. “Of course it’s possible. Anything is possible.” He took off his hat and scratched his head. “It’s true, Jim and his son have caused problems in the district for years. Nothing they did was as destructive and underhanded as these incidents, though. Poisoning Sophie’s well and driving her cattle onto a busy highway could have cost lives. It’s hard to believe even Jim would do that.” He rubbed the stubble on his chin. “Plus, you just can’t go around pointing fingers without solid evidence.”
“Humph! Then we must find the evidence.” She crossed her arms over her chest and looked mutinous, her mind racing. Could they somehow follow the man every time he left his property? His son would need to be tailed too, of course, although she’d need to see a picture of what he looked like. Too bad they didn’t have the sort of private investigator equipment spies used in movies. She was busy devising strategies to capture this awful criminal of a man, and came back to the present as she heard Jeff’s next words.
“I’ve never seen you like this. You’re quite the firecracker when you get riled.” He bent down and looked into her face, his eyes dancing with fun, then his countenance grew serious. “You are a rare beauty, Annette.” He caught her eyes and held them a moment before a strange little smile twisted his lips. “I suppose you hear that all the time.” His focus moved to the mane of hair that blew across her eyes. “Your hair is almost glowing. The sunlight’s turning it into living flames.” He took a long strand between his fingers, moving it away from her face. “It’s beautiful.”
Annette froze. Her breathing became shallow as he stepped close and lifted her hair in the setting sunlight. Her eyes fluttered shut. Had anyone ever said such things to her? She couldn’t remember if they had. Her heart longed to hear more.
Then, a wave of self-consciousness washed over her, and she thought of the warning she had so recently received.
She coughed and stepped back, her hair running through his fingers like liquid fire as she pulled away. “I—I think it’s time…” her face flushed. “I, uh, should go in now,” she stuttered.
“Of course,” he said, becoming brisk. “And I must attend to several more chores before dinner.” He wheeled around and strode down the path.
“Jeff,” she called, breaking into a run to catch up. He turned abruptly and she ran into him. His body was solid and immovable. No wonder Jim had backed down.
Catching her breath, Annette stepped hurriedly away, fighting a wild urge to run into his arms and hug him for what he’d done for her just now. No one had ever protected her like that before. True, it had never been necessary either, but that wasn’t the point. There was something caring about Jeff. She felt safe when she was around him. Shaking off the bizarre impulse, she made do with simple words instead.
“Thank you for coming at just the right time to rid me of that man.”
Jeff grinned. “Any time.” Reaching out a calloused hand, he brushed her cheek, then turned and was gone.
Annette stood there long after he’d disappeared. She lifted a hand to the spot where he’d touched her. The thought came that perhaps she wouldn’t wash that spot for a while. Then she gave herself a shake. What was she, fifteen? She was a grown woman with plans and a future. And Jeff was already entangled in some sort of relationship with the hostile Rosa. Besides, a commute between France and Canada was out of the question. No relationship could withstand that level of separation. She would put all such ridiculous notions out of her head and focus on the immediate problem of how to help Sophie.
She needed to discuss it with Gabrielle. Maybe there was some way to do their own surveillance on Sophie’s land. She knew where the Danbury Farm was located. It was worth a try anyway and a much better plan to be proactive rather than waiting around for another catastrophe. The next one might truly end everything for the Triple T Ranch.
She marched into the house and made her way upstairs. Pausing outside Gabrielle’s room, she heard talking. Her sister must be on the phone with Andrew. Figured. Those two shared everything with one another.
Annette stole past and entered her own room, wondering if Gabrielle had told Andrew what was happening with the ranch. She collapsed into the cozy chair by the arched window and gazed at the view, refusing to allow herself to go over what had happened near the garden. The parts that involved Jim Danbury, she stuffed away for later contemplation. Instead, she went back to what Jeff had said to her.
Why had he? She knew she was no beauty at all, let alone a rare one. Standing, she walked to the bathroom mirror and made a face at herself. Yes, she looked the same as always. No fairy godmother had visited her while she slept in this princess boudoir, suddenly making her beautiful. She was the very same, freckle faced, hazel-eyed girl she’d always been.
So, why would he tell her that? It didn’t make sense. She flopped onto her bed, meaning to check on Gabrielle in ten minutes, and fell fast asleep.
Annette woketo an incessant tapping on her door. Lazily she rolled over, realizing she’d pulled the comforter over herself, and it had tangled around her legs. She toppled to the floor with a thud.
“Ow,” she yelped. The door opened.
“Are you okay?” Gabrielle whispered, hurrying to help. She dragged the blanket away and threw it across the bed. “How long have you been sleeping?”
Annette yawned. “Not sure. I was waiting to talk to you, but you were on the phone with Andrew.”
Gabrielle jumped onto the bed and sat cross-legged, leaning her chin in her hands. “Oh, it wasn’t Andrew. I forgot what time it was there. He would have been in bed long ago.”
“Then who?”
“It was Mom, and she called me. Couldn’t sleep apparently and she wondered if we were enjoying our holiday.”
Annette propped up the pillow and sat with her back against them. “You didn’t tell her all this, did you?”
“Don’t be silly. She’d be worried sick.”
Annette chewed on a fingernail wondering how to convince her sister that they should take action. Just saying it flat out was likely best. “Gabby,” she began in her most persuasive tone. “While you were on the phone I met Danbury, the guy who wants to buy Sophie out. He is a terrible person and I think he could be behind all the things that have been happening. I’d like to do a little investigating of our own.” She added quickly, “For Sophie’s sake.”
“Investigating? What could we possibly investigate? And what do you mean you met him? I need details.”
Annette explained what had happened when Danbury showed up, leaving out the interaction between herself and Jeff. “So, that’s why I think he needs to be watched,” she concluded.
“I see,” Gabrielle fell back, her hands under her head. “You could be right. He certainly sounds awful. But how could we watch him?”
Annette explained, “As far as I understand it, the attacks have been escalating. It seems to me that something major happens every two days. When we arrived it was the water well, two days before that her hired help walked off the job, and today it was the fence. Each one of those events happened two days apart.”
“That’s an interesting observation,” Gabrielle mused. “How can we do anything to prevent it, though? Jeff has a surveillance company at Sophie’s every night and they must be doing their job.”
“I’m sure they are. However, they won’t be specifically watching the Danbury ranch and the latest incident didn’t take place at the Triple T. Probably because the culprit knows it’s guarded and chose to attack elsewhere. We can do more than watch Sophie’s yard. We can watch the suspects, otherwise known as the Danburys, and perhaps catch them in the act.”
“Attacks? The culprit? Suspects?” Gabrielle’s eyes widened. “Maybe you’ve been watching too many late-night movies. I think we should leave this up to the RCMP.”
“Jeff said they already questioned the Danburys, remember? And they didn’t learn anything. I have intuition about the father though. Tomorrow night we should watch him.”
“And if I go along with this crazy scheme, how do you propose we get there? We can’t walk all that way and spy on the man from his own yard. And we can hardly ask Jeff to take a vehicle out in the dead of night. Do you propose we lift the keys from his pocket, push it down the driveway when he’s sleeping, and start the engine once we’re out of earshot?” Gabrielle giggled. “This is starting to sound like a second-rate detective show.”
Annette rubbed her temples, screwing her eyes shut as she racked her brain for ideas. “No. You’re right, that would be crazy. I’ll think of something, though, just you wait and see. Now, let’s go down to dinner. I smell something wonderful.”
Sandra had created a spicy pasta dish, green salad, fresh buns, and an apple crumble with vanilla ice cream for dessert. The meal was delicious. However, the people around the table were sombre, especially after Jeff told Sophie that Jim Danbury had come to see her earlier.
“That man!” she fumed. “Why can’t ‘e listen to me? He rang me today and I told ‘im I was not selling. When ‘e became rude and abusive, I ‘ung up.”
“I wondered why ‘e arrived angry,” Annette said. “Now I know.” She relayed the conversation that had ensued between her and Danbury, and how Jeff had appeared at just the right moment to escort the man back to his car. “If Danbury’s son is anything like ‘im I think they are both capable of underhanded tricks.”
“I have a bad feeling about him, too,” Rosa said. “Personally, I wouldn’t put it past Jim or his son, Dillon, to be behind the terrible things that have been happening.” Annette looked at her in surprise. Rosa had agreed with her, really? Had she mellowed since this afternoon’s threat? Sitting beside Jeff at the table, Rosa laid a hand on his and smiled up at him. “Good thing you were there to save the day.”
“Uh, thanks,” he said. “Annette was dealing with him just fine, though. She really didn’t need me.”
Rosa’s face soured and Jeff pulled his hand away. He patted hers companionably. They sat quite close. Granted, that might be because she was leaning into him, but still.
Annette eyed them with interest. They didn’t act like a couple. Perhaps she misread what had happened outside her sister’s door. Or maybe they didn’t want anyone to know about their relationship.
“I am so sorry you had to cope with ‘im,” Sophie said remorsefully, interrupting Annette’s train of thought. “At this point, Jim Danbury is the last person on earth I would sell my ranch to...Oh, by the way Jeff, the water safety report from Alberta Health should be back tomorrow or the next day. If everything checks out, we can go back to the Triple T and leave you in peace.”
“Excellent news about your water, Sophie. Just know that you’re all quite welcome to stay here as long as you want. I’ve enjoyed the company.” Jeff pushed his chair back and patted his flat stomach under the thin material of his t-shirt. “Thanks for another wonderful meal Sandra,” he called to his housekeeper. “We’ll clean up. You head on home to that long-suffering husband of yours.”
Sandra dried her soapy hands down her apron before pulling it off to reveal the rabbit on her sweater in all his splendor. Ducking her head she checked the bunny to make sure nothing had been splashed on his pristine faux fur. Once satisfied, she smiled at her employer and wished them all a good night.
When she was gone, they carried their dishes to the kitchen and worked together to tidy up. Everyone except for Rosa. She’d disappeared, muttering something about a headache and went to lie down in the living room. When they all came in later, she was watching television.
Patting the sofa beside her, she spoke exclusively to Jeff. “Come sit. You’ve had a hard day. Would you like me to massage your neck?”
“Actually, I am pretty beat,” he yawned. “Think I’m going to take a quick check outside to make sure everything’s alright with the stock and then head to bed. Maybe take a quick run back to the Triple T as well.”
Rosa’s disappointment was obvious, but she recovered rapidly. “Want some company?” she asked. “I’d like to check on something myself.”
“Sure,” he said. She jumped up to get her coat and Sophie made to stand as well. “No,” Jeff held up a hand. “You stay here and visit with your company. You’ve barely had a chance to see them with what’s been happening. If something’s wrong I’ll call.”
Sophie subsided back in her chair, her face expressing gratitude. “Thank you, my dear. I’m actually quite tired. I’d love to spend more time with the girls and then I think I’ll also have an early night. I’ll leave my phone on, though.”
With a wave he marched across the room for a coat that was hanging by the door and held it for an exultant Rosa, who called, “Good night, don’t wait up,” before disappearing outside.
Annette was glad to see Rosa leave. However, it bothered her for some inexplicable reason to see the woman go with Jeff. Still, without them there, the three women chatted for the next hour about family in France, the ranch, and barrel racing. Annette learned quite a bit about the sport just by listening and was enthralled with her sister’s knowledge on the subject. She noticed, however, that Gabrielle kept the topic away from discussing the recent troubles on the ranch and her feelings on whether Sophie had called Andrew yet.
Sophie couldn’t possibly have written him a letter too. It wouldn’t make sense considering his wife was here and seeing what was happening with her own eyes.
After a while, Annette felt herself drifting off to sleep and realized she still wasn’t quite over jetlag. Checking the time, she realized it was only past nine on Wednesday, the third day. Their holiday had been so packed with activity that it was hard to keep track of the days.
“I think I might go up to my room,” she announced, when there was a lull in the conversation about how quickly Rosa was training a horse called Trixie. It was clear that Sophie was impressed with Rosa and her abilities. Maybe the woman had some fabulous personality traits that Annette hadn’t been made aware of yet. It was doubtful though.
Suddenly, she jerked to wakefulness with an idea. She could hardly wait to share it with her sister. “Bonne nuit,” she said, getting out of her chair with a groan. Jeff had been right. Her muscles really were sore today. She flexed her shoulders and then moved to her sister and Sophie, giving them a kiss on each cheek. “I’m too tired to stay up any longer. See you in the morning.”
When Sophie and Gabrielle came up to bed half an hour later, Annette was waiting. She slipped into her sister’s room behind her.
“I have an idea,” she said in a loud stage whisper, causing Gabby to jump. They slipped back into French now that it was just them.
“What about?” Gabrielle turned on the lamp by her bed and drew the curtains.
“I think we should take horses to investigate Jim Danbury’s ranch tomorrow night.” Annette crossed her arms feeling a bit smug.
“Horses!” screeched Gabrielle.
“Shhh!”
“Horses?” she hissed again. “You’ve had one riding lesson in your entire life, and almost crushed your instructor trying to get on. How in the world do you presume to ride several kilometres in the middle of the night?”
“I have all tomorrow to practise,” Annette said airily. “Besides, Pearl likes me, and I like her. I’m confident I can do it.” She leaned toward her sister and whispered dramatically, “Will you join me?”
“To do what?” Gabrielle asked in exasperation. “Patrol past this man’s house for several hours? In the middle of the night? If he is the one doing these things, how do we know when he might do his dirty work?”
Annette shrugged. “We don’t. That’s the only problem. But if I was going to pull a stunt like that, I’d do it between the hours of two and five. People might stay up late, and on a ranch they might get up early, but not many people will be awake between those hours. I’d say that’s playing it safe. Remember though, we’ll have to go to bed super early tomorrow, so we can be up half the night. So, will you do it with me?” she asked eagerly.
Gabrielle came to stand in front of Annette, a furrow appearing between her lovely eyes. “Alright,” she agreed with a heavy sigh. “It’s crazy and I don’t like it one bit. I know I’m going to regret this, but I’ll go with you…if only to pick up the pieces when you topple to the ground and break your neck.”
“Thanks,” Annette said dryly. “Your confidence in me is overwhelming.” Wishing her sister a good night, she went back to her own room, ruminating on the task she’d set before herself. Gabrielle was right. It was a crazy idea. It was highly improbable that they would uncover the plot, or catch the men who plotted to drive Sophie from her home.
Still, she was so sure the Danbury men were at the bottom of Sophie’s troubles that she was willing to risk it if things went sideways. Come to think of it—sideways was exactly how she’d fall if she couldn’t stay on Pearl as they traipsed through a field, in the dead of night. After only having two lessons riding a horse, it sounded ludicrous, even to her. Despite that, she was determined to catch them in the act and bring them to justice.
How that would be done was another matter.