Chapter 11

“Well, about damned time,” Big Jim muttered when he glanced out the plate-glass window and saw Colton’s truck pull up outside the steak house.

Leah gave him a grin and whispered, “Give them a break. They’re in love. Can’t you see that?”

He snorted and gave her a sideways glance. “Is that what it is? I thought maybe Colt just had the flu.”

She smacked him on the arm. “Honestly! When did you get to be such an old curmudgeon?”

“Me? I’m being a realist,” Big Jim protested.

Colton went around to open the passenger door and lifted Misty down. He managed to give her a kiss on the way. She was a pretty girl, Big Jim admitted, and she was looking happier than she had at first.

Leah gave him a knowing look. “I’m just glad you didn’t treat me like this when I was first getting to know Tyler. I might have turned tail and run back to Oklahoma.”

He put his hand on her shoulder. “Nah. You’re made of sterner stuff. Besides, you brought my rebellious middle son back to me. I thought he was a lost cause for sure.”

“My Tyler is the best man on earth. I love him so much it hurts.” She nodded toward the door Colton and Misty had just come through, arm in arm. “Now, stop being an old grouch, and leave those two alone. They both deserve some happiness.”

Big Jim drew back in mock indignation. “That’s the second time you’ve called me ‘old’ tonight. I have a date with a lovely young woman, so I’ll thank you to keep that opinion to yourself.”

Leah winked at him before turning to wave at the newcomers.

Colt pulled out a chair for Misty at the other end of the table and seated himself beside her.

There were greetings and good-natured teasing, but Big Jim noted that Beau seemed to be ignoring his brother as well as the woman who had Colt so enraptured. He wondered what was going on between his two sons. It wasn’t the first time they’d had a difference of opinion, and he was sure it wouldn’t be the last. Still, Big Jim kept an eye on both sons as they studiously ignored each other.

The waitress placed menus in front of Colt and Misty and then brought out plates to those who had arrived earlier.

Big Jim stood when he caught sight of Celia Diaz crossing the parking lot. His heart always took a leap when she made herself available. It was early days yet, but they weren’t in any hurry. Well, she didn’t seem to be, anyway. Their relationship was developing just fine.

Celia breezed into the restaurant, spied the Garrett party, and gave a little wave. “Hello, everyone. Sorry I’m late. I had to meet with a parent after school.” She rolled her eyes but leaned close to Big Jim for a kiss on the cheek. “Occupational hazard.”

Big Jim pulled out the chair beside him, the one he had been saving for her, and when she was seated, he leaned forward, inhaling the scent that seemed to be a part of her. “I’m glad you could make it,” he whispered close to her ear.

She flashed a smile and picked up the menu. “Let me see…what do I want?”

Big Jim chuckled. “I took the liberty of ordering for you.” He watched her wide-set eyes light up as she turned to stare at him.

“You did? Well, what am I dining on tonight?”

“Just a nice little steak, a baked potato, and a salad. Some kind of vegetable on the side. Is that okay?”

A wide grin split her face. “Perfect.”

Yes, it’s going to be a good night. He hailed the waitress and asked her to hustle up the food he had ordered for Celia. He didn’t want to start without her, though she insisted he do so. He cut a bite of his steak and offered it to her on his fork.

Her perfect white teeth pulled the meat from the fork, and she released a soft moan. “Yes, you always know what I like.”

When Big Jim looked up, he saw that Colton was staring at him, a little smile lifting the corners of his mouth. Colt reached for Misty’s hand and laced his fingers with hers.

It suddenly occurred to Big Jim that Colton must feel about Misty the same way he felt about Celia.

Big Jim released a huge sigh. He wanted his sons to be happy. Tyler had found his perfect woman. Big Jim glanced at Leah, who was taking part in an animated conversation with Gracie and Mark. As a father, he was proud Ty had brought such a wonderful female into his family. She was lovely and had a generous, giving spirit.

Big Jim shifted his attention to the young woman who had captivated his oldest son’s attention. Misty gazed at Colton, apparently reflecting the same loving expression as when Leah looked at Tyler.

Okay, I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt. Let’s just see how this plays out.

* * *

In the morning, Colton stretched, taking up his entire king-size bed.

He had enjoyed a great evening at the Eagles Hall with Misty in his arms. He was pretty sure she’d had a good time too.

Of course, she started out the evening feeling pretty good due to her first paycheck and getting to visit with the couple living on her ranch. She appeared to be more hopeful and positive. He thought the rest of her happiness might have had something to do with him.

Making love to Misty was a luxury in that it didn’t happen nearly often enough to suit him. He hoped she felt the same way.

It was Saturday, and Colt had a plan. He wanted to take a drive over to the Dalton ranch and talk to Paco. At least this man had some experience with the crops and the herd. Maybe he could get through the man’s resistance to find out what had been done in the past and make a plan for the future.

He got out of bed, took a shower, and then headed for the kitchen. When he got there, he saw that Leah and Misty had beaten him to the table. He helped himself to a cup of coffee and checked out the breakfast fare.

“Hello, sleepyhead,” Leah called. “Your dad and brother have already taken off. They got up early to take a drive to the county seat. They took Mark with them.”

Colton gave himself a head smack. “I forgot. Dad wanted to take a look at some old deeds archived in the county records.”

Leah chuckled. “Not to worry. I think they can handle it without you.”

“Mark was all excited to be taking a trip with Big Jim,” Misty said. “You should have seen him. He thinks your dad hung the moon and the stars.”

“I’ll bet.” Colton heaved a sigh and sat on the stool beside Misty. “On the other hand, I was hoping we could drive to your ranch today.”

“I’d love that.” She turned to Leah. “Would you like to come with us?”

Leah cocked her head to one side. “Sure. That would be great. I’d love to see your place.” Her smile faded. “But aren’t you in danger of losing the ranch?”

Misty glanced at Colton and then turned her attention back to Leah. “Not anymore. I’ve entered into a partnership to save the ranch and hope to make it a thriving place again.”

Colton tried not to react. He hadn’t wanted anyone else to be in on his actions before he had a chance to spring it on Big Jim…but it was too late now. He took a plate and scooped scrambled eggs and bacon onto it and snagged a couple slices of toast.

“A partner?” Leah’s expression changed in a flash. She appeared to be concerned. “That sounds ominous. Is it someone you can work with? Someone you can trust?”

Colton shrugged. “I sure as hell hope so.” He opened the jar of salsa and spooned some onto his eggs.

Misty laughed and leaned her head against his shoulder. “I trust you.”

“Wait a minute!” Leah’s gaze flicked back and forth between him and Misty. “The two of you are in a partnership?”

“Yes,” Misty crowed. “Isn’t it wonderful? Colton saved our property, and he’s going to make it profitable for all of us.”

Leah held out her hands, palm up. “How come this is the first I’ve heard of it?”

Colton released the breath he’d been holding. “I haven’t told Dad either. I just didn’t want to hear any of his disapproval.”

Misty turned to him, her brows drawn together. “Oh, Colt. I didn’t know he wouldn’t approve.”

“You don’t know my dad. He disapproves of anything that isn’t his idea.”

Leah leaned across the table to put her hand on top of Misty’s. “I can attest to that. My husband, Tyler, had a huge blowup with Big Jim over Ty’s singing career. It’s a miracle they came back together. Now, Big Jim’s proud of Ty’s accomplishments, but it took him a while to come around.”

Colton nodded in agreement. “Bad times.”

“Don’t worry, Colt.” Leah leaned toward them in a conspiratorial manner. “I won’t say a word.”

“Thanks. I just want to get a plan in place before he has a chance to bash it.”

Leah raised her glass of orange juice in a toast. “Sounds like a great idea.”

He hurriedly finished his breakfast and set his plate in the sink. “Let’s take a drive, ladies.”

He loaded Misty and Leah into his truck and drove to the Dalton ranch. The sun was shining, and the whole place seemed to look better, or perhaps it just seemed less forlorn. He drove around the property first, pointing out the herd, mostly Hereford, Charolais, and Black Angus.

“I’m not an expert,” Leah said, “but that looks like a pretty good-sized herd.” She pointed out the window. “And there seem to be a lot of calves. That’s good, isn’t it?”

Misty shrugged. “I think they thrived on neglect. Joe sure wasn’t paying much attention the past few years, and my dad was so sick he couldn’t get out to deal with them. Paco did the best he could, but he’s pretty old for all the responsibility.”

“Well, we can take some of the load off him.” Colton was certain he could turn the place around, and he wanted Misty to have confidence that he could do so.

“I love the faces of the baby calves,” Leah said. “They’re so sweet.”

Misty nodded. “They are.” Her voice sounded a little ragged. “It’s really easy to fall in love with those big brown eyes. I fell in love with a newborn Hereford calf when I was a young girl.”

“That sounds lovely,” Leah said. “I wasn’t raised on a farm, but that’s the kind of childhood I envision for Gracie and any future children Tyler and I may have.” She looked at Misty, and her brows drew together. “What’s wrong, Misty?”

“It’s nothing really…but something happened that made me stop falling in love with baby calves. It wasn’t a big deal…” She gnawed her lower lip. “I just don’t like to think about the eventual outcome for our beef cattle. Steak…hamburger…”

Leah sighed. “I can understand that. If I pondered the origin of the protein on my plate, I would probably be a vegetarian. I guess I better never check out any baby pigs, ’cause I really love my bacon.”

“Well, you’re a rancher now.” Colton gave Misty’s hand a squeeze. “Farming and ranching are essential businesses. My dad instilled that fact in all his sons when we were really little. It’s our job to produce food for all Americans. Dad considers this his sacred duty.”

“I know, you’re right. I’ll try to get my head on straight.” She heaved a sigh.

Colton drove back to the Dalton house and parked between the house and the outbuildings. He wanted to check on the structures to make sure they were sound, and he wanted to see if there was anything worthwhile stored inside.

Misty and Leah fell into step beside him as he went to check out the machinery. There was a decent-size tractor with various attachments to serve multiple needs. It looked as though the equipment had been kept in reasonably good condition. Good for Paco.

There was an open shed with a small store of baled hay, but they would need more to last through until spring. He would need to see what could be baled, and perhaps another grain crop could be planted and harvested for winterfeed.

One of the doors to the barn stood ajar. He opened them both wide and stepped inside. There was a nasty smell that worked his gag reflex. Something rotting. A single bare lightbulb with a pull cord hung in the middle. There were small tools arranged along one wall above a workbench. More hay was stacked against the back wall.

A ladder led to the second story, and Colton decided to check it out. As he climbed, the stench grew worse. He recognized the smell of decomposing flesh, thinking perhaps an animal had come up here to die.

Stepping out on the upper decking, he turned to give Misty his hand and then Leah. “I didn’t figure you two would venture up here.”

“Well, you were wrong,” Misty said. “We’re partners, remember?”

“What is that disgusting smell?” Leah put her hand over her nose. “Ugh!”

“Something’s dead,” Colton said. “Could be a possum or a raccoon. Be careful.”

He opened a door at the front that could be used to load hay into the top of the barn. Using a conveyor belt made it easy. With a little more light, he saw there was nothing useful stored up there.

Misty let out a little yelp, and Leah gasped.

Colton turned to see both were staring wide-eyed at a dimly lit section of the loft.

Misty was pointing. “Who is that?”

Colton followed her gaze and saw a body slumped against the partition. He swallowed hard. Colton recognized the man as Fred Hamilton. There was a pitchfork stabbed through his gut, impaling him against the wall.

* * *

Colton called 911 and herded the women into the house. He paced outside, trying to piece together the fragments of the puzzle. The last time he’d seen the banker, he’d thought Hamilton was being evasive. Then Hamilton had left the bank abruptly to avoid dealing with Colton when he returned to reconcile the past due loan. Something shady was definitely going on. Now Hamilton was dead.

The sheriff himself came out to the Dalton ranch along with two of his deputies and an ambulance. The EMTs spent very little time in the barn and departed without removing Fred Hamilton from the hayloft.

The next vehicle to arrive was a van from the county medical examiner’s office. The ME and one of his assistants climbed out and went to work. The men wore coveralls and donned gloves and masks to examine the remains of Fred Hamilton.

The sheriff questioned Colton as well as Misty and Leah. Then he questioned Paco and Rosa, who said they hadn’t seen or heard anything out of the ordinary but that neither had ventured into the barn.

Misty looked so sad, it tore at Colton’s heart. She had seen way too much death for one so young.

He sat at the Dalton kitchen table with Misty and Leah. They were drinking iced tea but not saying much.

Colton figured this was not a good time to talk to Paco about the ranch, the herd, or the crops, so he nursed his tea and waited.

In due time, the sheriff returned to tell them the body was being removed and that the medical examiner would make an official ruling but was calling it a homicide for the time being.

Colton nodded tersely. “I didn’t think a man would trespass on someone’s property, climb into the hayloft, and stab himself with a pitchfork.”

“Highly unlikely,” the sheriff agreed. “We’ll wait for the ruling, but in the meantime, we’re treating Hamilton’s death as a murder.”

Colton nodded. “Why would Fred Hamilton be out here, Sheriff? That’s what I can’t understand.”

The sheriff raised an eyebrow. “And who the hell ran a pitchfork through him?”

Misty cringed at the sheriff’s words. She sat between Colton and Leah, her hands gripped together on the table.

Colton covered her hands with one of his. He was so glad Mark had not been with them. For certain, he didn’t need to be exposed to a scene like this.

The memory of Hamilton’s swollen and discolored corpse, rotting in the barn, would live with him forever.

The sheriff departed, and Colton rose from the table. “Let’s go home. We’ve done all we can do here today.”

Misty’s lips trembled. “This is my home.” Her voice wavered. “And I was planning on moving back here with my little brother.”

Colton frowned down at her. “Well, I don’t think that’s such a good idea at the moment. Someone else has been murdered here. Someone who had a connection to the ranch.”

She pressed her lips together and nodded.

Colton put his hand on her shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Misty, I’m sure you don’t want to put Mark in danger, do you?”

She looked as though the breath had been knocked from her lungs. “No, of course not.”

“Then let me take you back to the Garrett ranch until the sheriff sorts this all out.”

Leah slipped an arm around her as well. “Come on, honey. Let’s go. It’s too big a risk for you to stay here.”

Misty’s eyes teared up. “I—I need to sort through my daddy’s things…and Joe’s things. The church ladies can give them to people who need them.”

“That’s a great idea,” Leah said. “Tomorrow, after church, I’ll drive out with you and help you go through their belongings. We can bring some boxes and do it up right.”

Colton thought a lot of his sister-in-law, but at the moment, he held her in even higher esteem. Her words seemed to be calming Misty and helping her to cope with yet another tragedy.

Misty turned to Colton. “Do you think Rosa and Paco will be okay here?”

“Is there a weapon in the house?” Colton asked.

Misty nodded. “Yes, several. There are rifles and shotguns. I think Joe had a handgun.”

Colton called Paco over and told him to make sure the weapons were loaded and not to open the door to strangers. He said they would return the next day after church to reassess the situation.

When Colton had both Misty and Leah in the truck, he turned around, casting one last glance at the barn, with its doors still standing open. It looked ominous, as though it harbored a dark secret. He climbed into the driver’s seat and started the truck, anxious to put some distance between his small party and the vivid image carved in his memory of Fred Hamilton impaled in the barn.

When they reached the Garrett ranch he found that the others had returned home before them.

Colton pulled his dad and Beau aside to have a private conversation with them.

“What’s going on?” Beau asked.

Colton shepherded them into the office and shut the door firmly behind them. “What do you know about Fred Hamilton, the banker?” he asked his father.

Big Jim shrugged. “I dunno. Kind of a pompous ass. Full of himself. Why do you ask?”

“Because he’s dead,” Colton said. “I took Misty and Leah for a drive out to the Dalton ranch, and we found his body in the barn.”

Beau took a wide stance, his hands fisted on his hips. “What the hell?”

“That’s what I say.” Colton shook his head. “I have no idea what happened to him, but the sheriff is calling it a homicide.”

Beau turned away, taking a few paces and then spinning around abruptly. “You stay away from that place, Colt. It’s got bad juju going on. That makes three deaths associated with the Dalton ranch.”

“Aw, come on,” Colton said. “Misty’s father was terminally ill.”

Big Jim stopped him by laying his big hand on Colton’s shoulder. “But there have been two murders. Beau’s right. You should stay far away.”

“I told Misty and Leah I would take them back after church. She wants to go through her father’s and Joe’s personal belongings and give them away to the needy.”

Big Jim expelled a breath. “I can understand that it has to be done, but it can wait until these crimes have been solved. No sense in you getting involved.”

Beau flicked a glance at Colton and then looked away.

“I am involved, Dad. I think you know how I feel about Misty. I told her I would help her, and I will.”

A muscle in Big Jim’s jaw twitched. “Well, if you’re going, we’re all going. After church, we’ll have lunch and then go to the Dalton ranch. There’s strength in numbers, and I don’t think anyone’s going to mess with all of us.”

Colton felt strangely relieved. “Thanks, Dad. I’m sure Misty will appreciate it too.” He knew having his father and brother in tow greatly increased the chances of someone letting it slip that he had paid up the Dalton loan, but just having his family behind him felt pretty damned good.

* * *

The next day, Misty was feeling a little better. Somehow, the Garretts came together like a wall around her and her little brother. When they all trooped into the church, she felt as though she had been accepted.

Although she had not been attending church for the previous several years, due first to spending two years away at college in Norman, Oklahoma, and then to the ensuing years of caring for her father, she realized how much she had missed it. Sitting next to Colton, with his arm draped on the back of the pew, gave her a new sense of belonging.

Her little brother looked happy too. Between Colton and Big Jim, Mark was surrounded by excellent male role models. Even Beau seemed to be coming around.

She listened to the pastor’s sermon. Somehow it seemed the message was aimed directly at her. It was about rejoicing in the things you had been given and not envying your neighbor who might have more in the way of worldly goods.

Well, we Daltons don’t have much, but I’m very grateful for what we have. She glanced at Breckenridge T. Ryan, sitting a few rows in front of them with his wife, the town doctor. Misty was very thankful to be working for him and for having an ATM card in her purse and some money in the bank.

Her friendship with Leah and Sara Beth gave her the female companionship she had always needed as the lone woman in her male-dominated family.

Most of all, she was gratified to have been taken into the Garrett household at the time when she and Mark were so vulnerable.

And then there was Colton. She lifted her chin to gaze up at him. Colton was the very best thing she could imagine happening to her. She was in love with him, and whether he loved her or not wasn’t important. What was important was that he had become the best friend she could ever imagine. Whatever the future had in store, she would guard that friendship and not let anything destroy it, even if it meant she kept her mouth shut about her feelings for him.

She knew he liked her, but was it love or just his kindness and friendship? They certainly had passion between them. Colton was so hot he smoldered. Surely if he loved her he would tell her. Wasn’t that the way it was supposed to happen? Or maybe it just seemed that way in the movies?

After the church services, the Garrett entourage stopped at Tiny’s Diner for lunch.

Big Jim explained to Misty, in detail, how Tiny served the very best chicken-fried steak in all of Texas and insisted she try it. They were all served a small dinner salad first, followed by an immense platter featuring a chicken-fried steak as big as a baseball glove. There were also mashed potatoes and a side of seasoned green beans.

Misty sucked in a breath. It was more food than she could eat, but she had to smile when she saw Mark digging in. Big Jim was watching Mark too and had an amused grin on his face. She figured he was thinking about his three sons at the same age.

She picked up her knife and fork, attacking the food with relish. “This is really delicious, Big Jim.”

He smiled benevolently. Maybe he was warming up to her a little; at least she hoped so.

After the meal, they climbed into the two trucks and caravanned out to the Dalton ranch. As they approached, her stomach grew more and more tense. Big Jim had Leah and Gracie with him. Beau and Mark rode in the seat behind Colton. The conversation was sparse on the way to the ranch.

When they turned off the interstate onto the road to the ranch, the food she had eaten seemed to be twisting in her gut. The Dalton ranch had been such a happy place during her own childhood. Losing her mother had been the turning point. After that, a cloud of sadness and misfortune seemed to have settled over the property. Everything was lost in a downward spiral. Her father…Joe…

What would it take to turn it all around?

Colton pulled in behind his dad and parked.

When they had all piled out, Leah gestured to the back of Big Jim’s truck. “I brought a few boxes to put the clothes and other things in.”

Colton hefted the boxes out, and Leah grabbed some before heading into the house.

“Do you need some help with the sorting?” Colton asked.

“I’m sure Leah and I can get it done. We have Rosa to help too. Why don’t you see if Paco needs anything? I still have a little money on my bank card.”

Colton grinned at her as she took the rest of the boxes into the house.