Chapter 16

Colton was surprised to see Misty park the old car close to the Garrett ranch house very shortly after he had arrived home. He gazed out the window, and even at a distance, he could see she was upset. Her brows were drawn together, and her lips formed a tight line. She marched purposefully toward the front door, her back straight, her shoulders rigid.

Colton threw the door open, wondering why she had left work so early. Had she been fired? Surely Breck wouldn’t do that without sufficient reason. “Hey, Misty. What’s wrong?” He held out his arms, and she melted into them.

He glanced up in time to see Breck Ryan’s big diesel club cab truck pull up behind Leah’s old heap. “What’s going on?” he whispered, burying his lips in her hair.

“Oh, Colt.” Her voice came out small and edged with fear. “I’ve had just the most awful day.”

Breck climbed out of his truck and strode toward the open front door of the Garrett house. His gaze flicked over Misty and Colton.

Misty drew away, running her fingers through her hair. “I’ll be right back.”

Colton gazed at her departing form, wondering where she was going and what was going on. “Come on in, Breck.”

“Misty found something in her brother’s things.” Breck answered Colt’s unasked question. “I don’t know if it has a bearing on anything that’s happened recently, but I told the sheriff I would take charge of it.”

Misty returned quickly holding something in a plastic bag. She extended it to Breck, who accepted it, his expression grim.

“Looks like an old .45-caliber revolver. It’s wrapped up pretty good here.” He gave Misty a stern look. “I think Joe was trying to preserve some kind of evidence, but we don’t know what.”

Misty heaved a shuddering sigh. “I’m just glad to be rid of it.”

Colton couldn’t imagine why Misty hadn’t told him about finding the gun.

Breck held the weapon suspended in the bag, squinting at it with a raised brow. “I’ll turn it over to the sheriff. He can have it checked against any recovered ammunition found at crime scenes…or recovered from the victims. Looks like this one still has some bullets in it.”

Misty nodded, rubbing her hands over her arms.

When Breck departed, Colton scowled down at her. “Why didn’t you tell me about the gun? We’re not supposed to be keeping secrets from each other.”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” she burst out. “It’s just that so much has been happening all at once. First the gun and photos turned up when I went through Joe’s things, and then someone attacked Paco, and today Levi Blair came into the office and scared me to death.”

“What?” Colt drew her close, a sense of rage gathering in his chest. “What did that old bastard do to you?”

She heaved out a sigh. “Nothing, really. He just came storming into the office wanting to see the pictures I found in Joe’s room. Breck emailed them to Mr. Blair because there were some photos of his son, Nate.”

“The boy who went missing?”

“Yes. Breck thought Mr. Blair would like to have them, but those photos were exactly what set him off. Something about the date. And he said Joe and the other boys lied to him about not seeing Nate the last day he was around.”

“And this scared you?”

Her face crumpled, and she nodded wordlessly. She sniffled and then blurted out, “I told him the photographs were locked inside Breck’s office, and Mr. Blair broke the glass in the office door.”

Colton tried to grasp what she was saying, but tears rolled down her cheeks, and her words became garbled. “You said he was yelling at you? Why the hell would that old goat yell at you? You had nothing to do with Nate’s disappearance. You were just a child then.”

Eyes squeezed shut, she shook her head. “He wanted to know if Joe told me anything. He seems to think the boys who ran around together know what happened to his son, Nate. He said he was going to question Eddie. That’s when he stormed out.”

Colton drew in a breath and blew it out. “Good. They can keep it in their family, but stay away from mine.”

Misty jerked her tear-stained face up to stare at Colton. “But I’m not your family.”

A scoffing sound emerged from his throat. “Of course you’re my family, Misty. You’re the woman I love. The one I’m going to marry.”

She appeared to be frozen in place and then blinked. “Was that a proposal?”

“Yeah. Not very romantic, but I’m asking you to marry me…as soon as possible.”

A little smile flickered around her lips. “With all my troubles, you still want to marry me?”

“I do.” He gazed at her intently. “What is your answer?”

“I will marry you.” A wide grin spread across her face as she looped her arms around his neck.

“Wahoo!” Colt shouted. He lifted her off her feet and swung her around.

“What’s going on?” Leah hurried into the room, wiping her hands on a dish towel.

“What’s all the ruckus?” Big Jim demanded, close on her heels.

When Colt set Misty on her feet, he turned to see his entire family and Mark crowded in the doorway of the front room. They were looking at him quizzically.

“Misty agreed to marry me,” Colt announced. He saw a dark expression cross his father’s face, but in a flash, Mark sprinted across the room to throw his arms around Colt’s middle.

“That is so great,” Mark said.

“Yes, it is,” Leah added, moving closer. She embraced Misty. “I’m so happy for both of you.”

Beau heaved a sigh before stepping forward to extend his hand. “Congratulations, Bubba. You said you were going to marry her, and now it’s official.”

“Thanks.” Colt shook his hand.

All eyes turned to Big Jim, who stood back with his arms crossed over his chest, leaning against the doorframe. “I don’t know what all the rush is about. In my day, a courtship lasted a little longer.” He pushed away from the door and extended his hand to his oldest son. “But I just want whatever’s best for you both. Congratulations, Colt.” He turned to Misty and opened his arms. “And welcome to the family, Misty.”

She hesitated a second but stepped into Big Jim’s embrace. “Thank you.” Her voice sounded small.

Colton locked his gaze with Big Jim’s over Misty’s head. He could tell this wasn’t the outcome his father had wanted, but at least he was willing to accept Colton’s decision. Misty would become a Garrett. That was all that mattered.

“Well, we have a lot to celebrate,” Leah said. “Gracie and Mark brought home their excellent report cards, and I baked a chocolate cake to celebrate their hard work. Now we have two reasons to party.” She gestured toward the kitchen, and everyone moved in that direction, with Colton and Misty bringing up the rear.

He drew her close and kissed her forehead. “Are you okay?”

“Remarkably, yes. My horrible day just got a lot better.” She gazed up at him, her face aglow.

“I’m here to make sure your entire life gets a lot better.”

She let out a little sigh. “So, we’re engaged to be married?”

Colt felt buoyant. “That’s exactly what we are. Now we need a ring.”

Misty’s eyes lit up. “A ring? I get you and jewelry too? Oh, that would be lovely.”

“We’ll go to Amarillo and get you the prettiest ring in the city.”

She giggled. “And I’ll have to show it off to anyone who will take a look, even if it turns my finger green.”

Colt let out a less-than-polite snort. “I guarantee you your finger will not turn green.” He led her toward the kitchen, where Leah was ladling up bowls of chili.

“I let the kids pick the meal,” Leah said. “So, it’s chili with hot dogs and chocolate cake.”

“Good choice,” Big Jim said. “And how about those report cards? All A’s and B’s.”

“There’s hope for the next generation.” Beau gave Mark’s hair a ruffle.

Mark responded with a grin.

Misty reached for the report card. “Awesome as always.” She looped an arm around Mark’s neck and leaned her head against his. “I’m so proud of you, Mark.”

“Look at mine,” Gracie said. “I got a B in math.” She waved the report card in front of Misty’s face.

Misty gazed at the card. “That’s fabulous.”

Gracie laced her fingers together and twirled back and forth. “Mark helped me with the problems I didn’t understand.”

“I’m proud of both of you.” Misty hooked her other arm around Gracie.

Colton thought about his future with Misty. He thought she would make a great mother someday. She had been taking care of her entire family for so long. But first, she deserved to be a bride. To be a loved and cherished wife. That was the first goal he set for himself. And to keep her safe.

* * *

Big Jim walked out onto the enclosed patio to the rear of the house. He turned back to the kitchen, watching his family talking and laughing. He swallowed hard and looked away, taking great gulps of the cool night air. Damnation! Now Colton’s going to marry that girl. I should have put my foot down. I should have…

He heard the sliding-glass door open and close behind him. He huffed out a breath, wondering who was coming to lecture him.

“You did a great job of covering, Big Jim.” It was Leah.

He shrugged. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Hah!”

“Okay, so I know what you’re saying.” He shoved his hands deep in the pockets of his Wranglers.

“Well, what’s the big deal, anyway?” Leah came to stand beside him, gazing up at the same countless stars overhead. “Surely you want Colt to get married and have a family of his own.”

He glanced down at her upturned face. “Of course I do. I just wanted him to find someone…different.”

“Honestly! What do you have against Misty? She’s a lovely person.” Leah grabbed his shirtsleeve. “She’s sweet and smart…and most of all, she loves Colton with all her heart.”

Big Jim made a grumbling noise deep in his chest. “You could have fooled me. I thought she was just looking for a savior. A man with enough money to bail her out.”

“Ouch!” Leah stepped back, removing her hand as though she’d been scalded. “Makes me wonder what you thought of me when I first landed here in Langston. I sure didn’t have a penny to my name, and yet one of the Garrett boys fell into my gold-digging trap.”

Big Jim cringed at her scolding tone. “You know I welcomed you with open arms.”

“I thought you did, but my story was even more desperate than Misty’s. I wasn’t only broke. I brought big trouble with me.”

Big Jim acknowledged that, indeed, Leah had brought a boatload of trouble. What was the difference? Why did he feel so closed-up toward Misty? He blew out a breath. “It’s because she’s a Dalton.”

Leah turned on him, her hands fisted on her hips. “So what? Her last name is going to change very soon, if Colt has anything to say about it.”

“I know.” He scuffed the toe of his boot against the ceramic tiles. “I just realized what my problem is.” He heaved another huge sigh. “Arnold Dalton and I lost our wives about the same time. I spent my time trying to focus on the boys and making sure they had something to call their own. I wanted to give them a leg up in life.”

“And you’ve done a fine job,” Misty said. “Tyler is a wonderful man. Best husband a woman could ask for.” She gave him a dimpled smile. “Colt and Beau didn’t turn out too bad either.”

“Arnold Dalton turned to alcohol. He climbed into the bottle and ignored his kids. He let them grow up on their own with absolutely zero guidance from their father. He pissed away his children’s inheritance. His son Joe was a wild one without a father there to guide him. Dalton let his entire family down.”

Leah narrowed her eyes. “You’re comparing yourself to Misty’s dad? People express their grief in different ways. Maybe he wasn’t as strong as you, but you can’t let her father’s weakness turn you against Misty. She’s a wonderful person. She held that family together the past few years. You should admire her for her strong spirit.”

“Are you done with your lecture?”

“Yes, I am. But you mark my words, Big Jim Garrett. If you don’t climb down off your high horse, you’re going to alienate both your future daughter-in-law and your oldest son. I’m pretty sure you want to be there for your grandchildren, so you better suck it up.” With that she turned and stormed into the house.

Big Jim felt as though he’d been dealt a physical blow. Leah, his beautiful, sweet, and kindhearted daughter-in-law, had just given him a verbal smack upside his thick skull.

He considered her words. Surely Colton, his firstborn, wouldn’t turn against him. The Garrets were solid. Big Jim had spent his entire adult life ensuring his family would stick together. And yet…

* * *

The next day, Misty drove into Langston and parked next to Breck’s diesel truck, surprised that he was in the office so early. She entered the law office, the cowbell clanking against the glass.

She saw that the bentwood coatrack had been righted and the shattered glass swept up. A large metal wastebasket stood next to Breck’s office door with a broom and dustpan nearby.

Breck was in his office with the door open. He looked up when she peeked around the corner. “Come in. Come in. The sheriff is on his way into town.”

“I would have swept up this mess,” she said.

“I was a bachelor way too long not to be able to wield a broom. And with my wife serving the entire county’s medical needs, I can sure pitch in.” He gestured to a chair opposite his desk.

Misty sat down, still clutching her purse.

“Cami said to tell you that Paco is improving. He sustained internal injuries, but he seems to be growing stronger. He was placed in a medically induced coma to keep him from thrashing around and opening his sutures.”

Misty received the news with mixed emotions. Glad Paco was getting better. Sorry he was going through so much in the meantime. “What do you have for me to do today?”

“Just relax. The sheriff should be here shortly, and we can give him the handgun. Then it will be his responsibility.”

She nodded anxiously, the reality of the situation falling like a wet blanket on her good mood.

The cowbell tinkled again, and Breck cocked his head to one side. “We’re in here, Sheriff.”

The sound of boots clomping across the hardwood floor was prefaced by a knock on the open door frame and Levi Blair was standing in the doorway.

Misty felt as though an icy hand suddenly squeezed her chest.

Levi was grinning affably. He swept off his hat and entered the room, extending his hand toward Breck. “I come to apologize for my behavior yesterday. I got a mite out of hand when I saw them photos.”

Breck stood, a frown etched on his features. “Levi, what were you thinking? You scared the daylights out of this young lady.”

Levi stood with his hand extended in the air and a frown on his face. He dropped his hand. “I was out of my mind when I saw the photos of Nate and those young jackasses playing around.” He turned to Misty and extended his hand to her instead. “I didn’t mean to scare you none, young lady. Please forgive an old man.”

Reluctantly, she offered her hand, which was immediately enveloped in his large and work-callused grip. A deep sadness in Levi’s eyes seemed to reach all the way to her soul.

He returned his attention to Breck. “I made arrangements at the hardware store for your glass to be replaced, Breck. I hope you can forgive me.”

Breck blew out a deep sigh. “Well, of course I can forgive you, Levi. Just don’t let anything like this happen again. You have to think before you act.”

“I know, you’re right.” Levi shrugged, his big shoulders lifting and falling with the effort. “I’m plumb ashamed of myself. But if you’d ever lost your son, you would understand.”

“Mr. Blair?” Misty spoke up. “When you talked to Eddie, was he able to shed some light on what happened to your son?”

Levi’s gaze narrowed. “Funniest thing about that. It seems my nephew and his running buddies can’t be located. Nobody seems to know where they are.” He sighed again. “Probably a good thing. Give me a little time to cool down.”

The cowbell clanked again, and the sheriff strode into Breck’s office. His brows drew together when he saw Levi. “Levi, you aren’t causing any more trouble, are you?” He glanced from Levi to Breck and back again.

“Not today,” Levi said. “I come to make amends. I was a crazy man yesterday. I’m havin’ the glass repaired too.”

The sheriff’s stern gaze returned to Breck. “Is this all right with you, or do you want to press charges?”

Breck glanced at Misty. “I guess there was no real harm done. Just stay out of my office unless you see my truck outside. I don’t want you scaring Miss Dalton again under any circumstances.”

Levi nodded. “Agreed. Again, I apologize to you and to Miss Dalton.”

Misty felt a little better but thought she should get back to her desk. She started to rise, but Breck stayed her with a hand gesture.

“Sheriff, this is the weapon you came for.” He indicated the gun in the T-shirt on his desk.

The sheriff stepped forward. “Hmm…a Colt .45. It looks like an old one.”

Levi pointed at the weapon. “It can’t be…but it looks just like the one my daddy used to own. He left it to my older brother, Jed.”

“Really?” The sheriff glanced at him.

All three men bent over the gun. The sheriff picked up Breck’s polished-brass letter opener and gently pried the cloth away. The fabric was an old, faded T-shirt, and it was covered with rust, but the gun didn’t appear to have rust on it. The sheriff gingerly lifted the shirt, holding it between thumb and forefinger.

“Damnation! That there is my daddy’s gun,” Levi said. “See, right there. Those are his initials carved on the handle. V. E. B., Victor Elijah Blair.” His fierce brows drew together, and his eyes locked with Breck’s. “Where did you get this? It belongs in my family.” He reached toward it, but the sheriff stopped him.

“Right now, it’s going to be checked for fingerprints and other evidence. If it belongs to you, it will be returned to you.”

Misty was glad no one mentioned that it had been found among her brother’s things. She didn’t want to be the object of Levi Blair’s scrutiny again. But she needn’t have worried. Levi’s attention was fixed elsewhere.

“Where are them photos you have of the boys?” he demanded.

Breck fisted his hands at his waist. “They’re right where you left them on the table in back. Why?”

Levi didn’t answer but instead strode out of the office, his boots clomping to the table along the back wall. He returned immediately, clutching two of the photographs. “Y’see right here. This’n with Eddie holdin’ that there gun. He must have taken it from his father.”

Misty stared in horror, realizing the weapon appeared to be the same.

“And this here photo of Nate and Eddie wrestlin’…” Levi placed the second image atop the other. “Y’see? That’s the shirt Eddie was wearin’ in this here photo. It’s the same.”

All eyes fastened on the shirt in the photograph. The screen-printed image on the front was an old concert icon from a country singer’s tour.

The sheriff carefully raised the T-shirt, still in his hand. He lifted it by the shoulders, holding it up for all to see.

It dawned on Misty that the rusty-looking stain on the shirt was probably blood. Her stomach did a tumble and roll, and she pressed her lips together to keep from crying out.

“What’s going on here, Sheriff?” Levi demanded. “That’s my nephew’s shirt, and this is my daddy’s gun. Just tell me what happened.”

The sheriff cleared his throat. “Wish I could, Levi.” He released a huff of air. “I think I need to be talking to your nephew Eddie and the other two boys he runs with.”

A muscle spasm twitched Levi’s jaw. “Not if I find them first.”

“Now, Levi,” Breck began, “don’t do anything foolish. You need to let the sheriff do his job. Don’t go taking the law into your own hands.”

Levi tore his gaze away from the bloodstained T-shirt. His eyes reflected all the pain tormenting his soul. “Me?” His voice was smooth as syrup. “I wouldn’t think of it.” He nodded to Misty and stormed out of the office. Moments later they heard the cowbell clank against the glass in the front door.

“There’s going to be trouble,” Breck said.

* * *

Colton sat astride his favorite horse. Ostensibly, he and Beau were riding out with Big Jim to check on the cattle. In reality, nowadays they mostly did this in one of their trucks or in the Jeep 4x4 kept for going overland. Today’s ride was all about the Garrett men being together. When all three boys were younger, Big Jim had led this ritual, performing it at least weekly if the weather was good. When the weather was bad, the boys had been bundled up and rode in the cab of the truck. The goal was always the same: “Check on the stock.”

Big Jim rode just a bit ahead. He always liked to be in the lead, and his sons catered to his wishes.

Colton thought this ride was all about the available Garrett men spending time together. After his announcement last night, he sensed his father needed time to be able to accept Colt’s engagement to Misty.

He was halfway expecting to receive a verbal beatdown from Big Jim, but Beau’s presence reassured him that it wasn’t in the cards. If his dad had something to say to him, he would have done so privately.

No, this was all about Big Jim spending time with his sons and, in some way, atoning for his negative attitude.

“So, have you and Misty set a date?” Big Jim’s tone was easy, but Colt suspected he was holding his breath.

“Not yet, Dad.” Colton chuckled. “I just ambushed the poor girl with my proposal last night. I’m going to take her into Amarillo to choose a ring on Saturday. She can be engaged for a little while.”

A look of relief crossed Big Jim’s face.

“Dad…I’m going to marry her.”

Big Jim sighed. “I know. I’m just glad it doesn’t have to be one of those hurry-up things.”

Colt drew up on his reins. “What? You thought I got Misty pregnant? Dad, I wouldn’t be that irresponsible. First things first.”

Big Jim drew up on his horse too and raised his brow. “Well, what am I supposed to think? You’re in such a danged rush. Slow down. Take it easy.”

Beau kept riding. He glanced back, shook his head, and kneed his horse to a faster gait.

“Dad, I’m happy. Doesn’t that mean anything to you? I’m really happy.”

Big Jim leaned over and placed his hand on top of Colt’s. “Trust me, Son. That’s all I care about. Is this the woman you want to spend the rest of your life with?”

Colton gazed into his father’s eyes and gave himself a mental ten-count before trusting himself to speak. “Yes. I want to grow old with Misty Dalton by my side.”

Big Jim heaved a sigh. “Then that’s good enough for me. This is the last time I’ll question your judgment. If you’re that sure, then you have my blessing.” He released Colt’s hand and gave him a grin. “Now, let’s catch up to that rascal brother of yours.” He slapped his heels against his horse’s flanks and took off, leaving Colt to stare after him.

Colton shook his head, let out a chuckle, and followed after his father.