CHAPTER 15
The weekend arrived, after a long trying week of who done it
? Blake and the guys had come out not once, but twice, searching the property for clues. They took arrow out in the woods and followed his trail to several dead ends.
They even took rides out to Guy’s accident site, and retraced all of the mended fences, searching for clues. Each site turned up nothing tangible. They did, however, find an interesting connection at each stop and that was the reaction Arrow had at each. A trained hunting dog, he sniffed out a scent at each point that drew out an agitated growl, as he chased the scent in circles.
Something out of character for Arrow, something they only witnessed once before – the night Bow was shot – his reaction to Dunny. Interesting coincidence or clue? No one could be certain; especially since it was entirely possible Dunny had been to each area for legitimate reasons. He’d lived there his entire life, after all.
It was also just an assumption. Just because it was the only common thread, didn’t mean it was the right one. Even if Dunny was the link Arrow was picking up, it didn’t make him guilty of anything – yet.
After a night at McKenzie General and a lengthy day of tests following, Doc Charles ran out of delays he could impose and sent Dunny to a specialist
in Portland, a friend that owed him a favor. Chappy drove him over, and stayed the week with him to keep an eye on him as much as he was there to help him. Chappy had known Dunny his entire life, had been the best of friends with his father, but he couldn’t deny the subtle changes in him of late.
After having his nose reset from a broken bone, he was due to return home in a nasal splint. The nature of his injury and subsequent treatment would leave him resting for the better part of the following weeks while he healed and waited for the splint to be removed. No horseback riding, no heavy labor – that would make keeping an eye on him easier for his self-appointed babysitter – Guy.
The ranch had been relatively quiet, without anything too dramatic falling apart while Dunny was gone. That didn’t make him look any more innocent. No, he was beginning to look damn guilty. The only problem was that where he was lacking in discretion, he made up for it by being absolutely clean. He looked guilty by his own doing but didn’t leave a single piece of evidence behind.
That’s the worst kind of criminal, really, the one who may as well flaunt his criminal behavior because there was no way to catch him and make any kind of punishment stick. Furthermore, what was his motivation? Jealousy seemed to be the obvious since these acts increased when Guy arrived and Morgan’s undivided attention toward him
was apparent from day one – now a mutual committed relationship.
But, what about before Guy? These problems began long before his arrival, they were just fewer and further between. Jealousy made sense in Guy’s presence because it wasn’t a secret to anyone but Morgan that Dunny had always had a deep burning affection for her. But, before Guy, before any chance of being with Morgan was threatened, what was his motivation?
With all eyes on him, and Doc Charles and his colleague buying the gang time to investigate, with all of Dunny’s medical restrictions, an answer would surely rear its head in no time. Until then, there was a ranch to run, wedding to help plan, and relationship to explore.
The entire gang, kids included, were set to arrive for a barbeque and wedding planning session. The bridesmaid dress samples arrived, so there was that to go over, as well as finalize seating arrangement for the ceremony, and of course the bachelor and bachelorette party plans. More than anything, it was a chance for everyone to get together; all in one place, at the same time, and have their version of family time
.
The gang was growing. Once a group of singles, it now consisted of couples, and even children. Though only Dawson and Sam were married, they were there to plan the marriage of Colton and Megan, and it seemed there may be more to wed in the future. At the rate things were going, as they each took turns pairing off, and bringing someone new to their rapidly growing group, it was only a matter of time.
It didn’t go unnoticed that Evie and Doc Charles arrived together. Their excuse was that it was simply a matter of matching work schedules and carpooling, but in a town this size, carpooling wasn’t necessary for the short commute between any two points. It was also pretty hard to hide one’s car being parked at the others at odd hours.
Evie came with her own baggage; such was the story of many in their circle. She would talk about it when, and if she was ready. The not so shy and under the radar couple was Morgan and Guy. Though nothing was officially spoken, the two weren’t shy with their affections and were so perfectly in sync it was hard to believe they were new at this.
There was, of course, Lydia, Meg’s sister, and her little boy Jax, who moved to McKenzie Ridge the previous year, after being separated and on the run. Given what she had been through, it wasn’t a surprise that she ran from the idea of anything other than raising her son. Some suspected she was also pining away for the man that saved her, Declan O’Reilly, Carigan’s brother, but she wasn’t interested in entertaining any such discussions. She spent more and more time with Carigan, becoming fast friends, both subscribing to the single life and committed to it for the foreseeable future.
Beside Granny Lou, the group matriarch, and general trouble making senior, that left Blake and Jessie. Suggesting they were a couple was likely to earn a person a black eye, or a less than friendly gesture. The tension there was as thick and angsty as it was smoldering hot.
The two least likely to be anything but dedicated to the demise of the other had wagers running against them on who would crack first and choose love over hate for the other. The day that happened would be the day hell froze over and pigs would fly if either was asked. A sordid affair was brewing and it was only a matter of time before an explosive union of sweat worthy heat would collide and neither would be able to fight it anymore.
Blake watched and condemned Jessie’s every move, and Jessie did all she could to torture him. The twisted game of love and hate that was entirely them would eventually reach its final round and expire with them fighting for each other rather than against each other. That was a story for another day though, they all were.
Today was about celebrating Megan and Colton as they planned their life together, and final plans were made for their special day that was only weeks away. Guy brought the meat out to the grill and was met with an open beer from Doc Charles.
“How ya feeling, Guy? Anymore nightmares or episodes?” He looked around before inquiring, ensuring privacy. Guy appreciated his discretion as much as his concern.
Guy quickly scanned the group, spread out amongst the sprawling patio deck, searching for Morgan. He didn’t want her to worry any more than she was, at his expense. “Most nights, same thing. I never get past the rearing horse and bang – it goes black and I wake up.”
“You need help sleeping?” Doc asked, “It’s okay to say yes. Might help the rest of whatever that is to come forward?”
“Nah,” Guy replied, eyes pinned on Morgan. He wanted to remember who he was, and what brought him here less and less. “I’m going to trust that I’m going to remember when I’m supposed to remember. Besides, that feeling I get – not sure I’m going to like what brought me here.”
Doc followed Guy’s line of sight to Morgan, noting his smile, and the joy he wore on his face as he watched her twirl in the periwinkle dress she tried on and modeled for the rest of the ladies. He smiled, understanding Guy’s dilemma. “You know, knowing who you are doesn’t mean you have to leave.”
Guy paused, never taking his eyes off Morgan, his smile widening. “I already know who I am, Doc. I’m with her.” He nodded in Morgan’s direction, catching her attention and earning a sultry smile.
The rest of the guys had walked up, joining the two men just in time to catch the last part of Guy and Doc’s conversation. Guy looked down, distracted by the tugging of his shirt hem. Dawson and Sam’s daughter, Ellie Lou, stood there with an inquisitive stare, Jax in tow.
“Mr. Guy? Are you gonna marry my Aunt Morgie?”
Dawson choked on his beer, while the others cleared their throats and looked away, avoiding the awkward moment and chuckles. Poor Guy.
“Uhh, I don’t know. Umm, what made you ask that, Ellie?” Guy enjoyed getting to know the gang the past few months, especially the kids. They were sincere and honest…brutally. They just called it as they saw it.
Ellie earned more chuckles for the eye roll and shrug she shared with Jax, before schooling, Mr. Guy
on the precursor to marriage. “’Cause how you’re lookin’ at her. My daddy looked at my mama like that when he married her. Uncle Colton looks at Aunt Meg like that and he’s gonna marry ’er. Uncle Blake looks at Aunt Jess…”
Blake interrupted Ellie before she could finish, “Whoa, kid! We’re not talkin’ about Uncle Blake here; let’s get back to Mr. Guy.”
A sharp pitchy cackle had the guys turning to find their eavesdropper behind them, Granny Lou, with her dog hanging from her hip in his sling, stirring who knows what into her drink.
“Well?” she questioned, raising and waving her hand, indicating for him to proceed.
Guy cleared his throat, studying the faces of the other men, looking for a bail out. No such luck. In fact, they were as engaged and interested in his reply as anyone – assholes.
“Well, uh, I like her very much. She’s kind, caring, and very beautiful inside and out. I don’t know about getting married, who knows, maybe someday?” Guy was proud of his answer, although safe, it was honest, and made Ellie’s eyes light up. She squealed, clapped her hands, and took off in a run toward the ladies.
“Oh shit, Guy.” Dawson said, his head shaking as he stared at the ground. The others seemed focused on Ellie, brows raised as amusement danced in their expressions. Guy turned his attention back to Ellie, completely confused by what had just happened, when it happened.
“Aunt Morgie, Aunt Morgie,” she shrieked, full of excitement. “Mr. Guy says he likes you, ’cause you’re kind of caring, and he’s prolly gonna marry you ’cause you’re beautiful on your outsides!”
She jumped up and down, clapping her hands again. “Another wedding! It’s Aunt Morgie’s turn next!”
All eyes landed on Guy. His eyes were wide with surprise and his jaw bobbing, absent of words, face turning crimson in sheer embarrassment. Words escaped him as he tried to fumble through what Ellie just said and how he was going to clarify her statement for everyone, without upsetting Ellie. To his surprise, Morgan smiled a bright smile, tilted her head, lifting a flirty shoulder in a bashful manner.
“He did, did he?” she quizzed Ellie, her eyes never leaving Guy’s. “You tell Mr. Guy I think he’s pretty ok himself and I like him too.”
Ellie put her hand over her mouth and giggled a deep belly giggle, running back to Guy to pass on the message everyone already heard. She tugged at the hem of his shirt, yet again, gaining his attention.
He lifted her up, sitting her on his hip so he could hear her version, “Mr. Guy, Aunt Morgie said she likes you too, and she… she…” Ellie paused, stuck her tongue out one side of her mouth while making a confused expression, obviously trying to recall the rest of the message.
Her eyes brightened and expression glowed, “and she thinks you’re okay and pretty too!”
The group roared in laughter at the honest nature of her very disorganized order of events. She quickly wiggled her way out of Guy’s grip and ran toward the nearby chicken coop. “Come on Mr. Chappy, lets feed them chickens!” and she was off.
The spell cast between Guy and Morgan was abruptly broken when Dunny stood from the chair he had been sitting in, off to himself, and stormed off in the opposite direction from the crowd, disappearing behind the gazebo in the distance just before the ranch hands’ quarters. A shift in the air had everyone distracted for a brief moment before they each returned to what they were doing prior to Ellie’s match making.
Blake took to the edge of the deck, watching Dunny make his way out of sight. His obvious anger toward Morgan and Guy had him on edge. Dunny clearly had an issue with the new relationship, was offended even. Why?
Blake still didn’t have an ounce of evidence suggesting Dunny was guilty of anything but perhaps a bout of jealousy. Still, something had him unsettled. Blake didn’t like the weight left in his gut by what just transpired.