Chapter 6

Tyler Garrett waited for his bride to answer her phone. He figured she was busy preparing breakfast for Gracie and Gran plus his dad and brothers. He wondered if his male relatives would be able to cook for themselves when he moved his girls to the new house being built for them.

He leaned back against the headboard in his hotel room. He was about to climb aboard the tour bus heading for another city, but he hoped to have a chance to talk to both Leah and Gracie. As a newlywed, he was feeling especially lonesome for his bride and newly acquired family.

He pictured Leah’s sweet face, her large Bambi-like brown eyes that ensnared his heart from the first day they met. “C’mon, darlin’…pick up the phone.”

“Hey, Ty!” She sounded out of breath.

“Hey, Leah. What’s going on? You’ve been running around the house?”

“Oh, so much is going on here. Do you remember a guy named Joe Dalton? He was supposed to be in Beau’s class.”

Ty frowned. “Yeah. Kind of a snarky asshole.”

“Well, he’s a dead snarky asshole. He was murdered last night. Someone shot him in the head, and then his father, who was terminally ill, passed away. He just gave up when he lost his oldest son.”

Tyler pictured the cocky young man who had grown up with Beau. “That’s terrible, but why does that have you out of breath?”

He heard her expel a long breath. “Because your big brother is in love with Misty Dalton. He brought her home with her twelve-year-old brother in the wee small hours of the morning…um…we’re having a little chaos around here this morning.”

“Whoa!” Ty sat up straight. “Did you say that Colton Garrett is in love?”

Leah giggled. “That’s what I said.”

“How did that happen? I was thinking Colt was going to be an old maid.”

“No, seriously, Ty. Colt just needed to meet the right girl.”

“Sounds like this girl is a hot mess.”

“Well, your dad and Beau sure seem to think so. Big Jim is acting like Misty is a gold digger who has set her cap for a rich man’s son.”

Ty considered that for a moment. “They could be right.”

“Oh no! Not you too.”

He could hear the disapproval in her voice. Sensing he had hit a sore spot, he quickly backed up. “Um, I mean…” He heaved a deep sigh. “Let me start over. What did my dad base his feelings on? Usually he’s pretty broad-minded.”

His usually super-feminine bride let out a snort. “Oh, puh-leeze. Big Jim Garrett has a skull as thick as concrete, and once he makes up his mind, it’s near impossible to change it. Misty is a very sweet young woman who has suffered a terrible loss. She’s very nice. You should see her with Colt. They were made for each other.”

“Oh, well…I can’t wait to meet her.” Now shut up, he ordered himself.

“I can’t wait for you to come home. I miss you so much.”

“I miss you more. I can’t wait to hold you in my arms again.” He acknowledged the hollow ache in his chest. “I’ll be home before you know it.”

She sighed audibly. “No, you won’t. But I’m so very proud of you, Ty. Don’t let me hold you back. We can get through this.”

“Sure we can. How’s Gracie doing? Is she all ready to go to church?”

“Yes, we’re about to leave. I think it will be just Gracie, Gran, and me, though. Your dad is pouting over Misty, and Beau and Colt seem to be mad at each other. It’s gonna be a really fun day.”

“Poor baby. Hang in there, and take care of you for me.”

“Love you,” she said, her voice suddenly taking on a soft tone.

“I love you more.”

When Leah disconnected, he sat on the side of the bed for a while, trying to sort out the things she had said. His brow furrowed as he considered his father’s opinion of the woman his older brother was in love with. Big Jim was concerned that Colton might have latched onto someone who was after a piece of the Garrett property.

He picked up his bag and turned out the lights. He couldn’t recall the name of the next town they were headed for, but he trusted that the driver would get them there. He grabbed his guitar and headed down to drop off his key and board the tour bus.

* * *

Big Jim stomped out of the house. He didn’t feel comfortable in his own home with strangers there. He was confused, and he didn’t like to be confused…ever.

The Dalton kids—and they were kids—were at least polite.

Big Jim saddled his favorite horse, a sorrel gelding. He figured that whatever was eating at him could be worked out on a good ride.

He hefted himself into the saddle and headed north. There was a little rise, and he wanted to climb up on something to look out over his domain.

The Dalton boy had been quiet. Sure. Losing his father and his brother would knock the stuffing out of a boy. Big Jim shook his head. Sad. Very sad. But just because a couple of kids were orphaned, that didn’t mean Colton had to drag them into the Garrett household. He would have to have a talk with Colt. Yes, he would.

He rode, thinking about his son. Yes, he was proud of him. Colt had a great and generous heart, but it was easy to see he was totally smitten with the Dalton girl.

She was a lovely little thing. Slender with long, straight dark hair. And her eyes were dark as onyx. Yes, a stunner…but looks alone weren’t enough to base a relationship on.

Beau was right. Colton’s face betrayed how he felt about the girl… What was her name? Missy…Misty.

He had heard the Dalton ranch was hanging on by a thread. Mortgaged to the hilt because of the father’s drinking and, later, his illness. Now Arnold was gone, leaving his youngest children to pay the price for his foolishness. A real man would have sacrificed a lot for his kids. Big Jim was an expert in that arena.

Big Jim had worked his whole life to make sure his family would have something of value when he was gone. The land would only increase in value as time went on. Now Tyler had brought his bride, Leah, to live at the family ranch. Ty was building a home and putting down roots here for future generations to grow and prosper.

All Big Jim had to do was ensure that his other two sons were happily married and committed to the Garrett ranch as well. And part of his duty would be to ensure both sons married loving women who weren’t just looking for financial security. No gold diggers for my boys. No way!

* * *

Colton made arrangements with the funeral home to hold the remains of Arnold Dalton until those of Joe Dalton could be released.

The medical examiner had made his decision. Joe’s death had been ruled a homicide by person or persons unknown. The bullet had been recovered and was being compared to those used in other crimes.

Joe’s body was to be delivered sometime in the next couple of days.

Mark climbed on the bus with Gracie and went off to school. Misty didn’t want him to get behind in his schoolwork, and she thought he needed to get his mind off the loss of his father and brother.

Colton thought he would try to distract Misty by taking her for a ride. He saddled up his usual choice, Gremlin, a bay gelding, and a mare he knew to be gentle for Misty.

He’d intended to assist her up into the saddle but was a little thrilled when she approached the horse and hoisted herself up in one easy move.

She gathered the reins and glanced at him.

Colt closed his mouth and mounted his own horse. He headed out across the pasture toward the place he had been thinking about. His favorite fishing place…and the site where he might want to build his future home.

They rode in silence at a good pace.

Misty’s coloring improved, and she was smiling.

When he pulled up close to the bend in the creek, Misty looked happier than he had seen her since Joe’s death. Her eyes were sparkling, and her cheeks had a tinge of pink.

“This is just beautiful,” she enthused.

“I thought I would share one of my favorite places on the ranch with you. It’s a great fishing spot too.”

“Really? I love to fish.” Her face clouded. “I haven’t been in a long time. My daddy used to take us.”

“That must have been great fun. I come here often,” he said. “I’ll take you anytime you like.”

She glanced at him shyly from under her long, dark lashes. “Colton, you’ve been so nice to me…to us. Kind, actually.” She gnawed her lower lip. “What I want to say is thank you. I don’t know how we’ll ever repay you.” She held the reins grasped in her hands on top of the saddle horn.

“Don’t be silly. I don’t want your gratitude. I just want to help.” He reached out to place his hand on top of hers. “I know this is a tough time for you, but it will pass. Things will be better. I promise.”

She lifted her gaze to meet his, her expression clearly stating she didn’t believe him. “I hope so.”

“Is there something you’re not telling me?”

She made a sound in the back of her throat. “Lots.”

“For instance?” Colt asked encouragingly. “You can tell me anything.”

“For instance, I don’t know what was going on with the ranch. I know Dad borrowed some money against it, but I don’t have any idea what’s going on with that. Daddy and Joe wouldn’t discuss it with me.”

“I can take you to the bank, if you like. You have a right to know.”

She heaved a sigh. “That would be great, if you have time. I don’t want to take you away from your work.”

“Not a problem.” He squeezed her hand. “What else?”

She frowned, her finely arched brows drawing together. “The last thing Joe said to me.” She swallowed hard. “I think I might have gotten him killed.”

Colt sat up straighter. “What? How could that be?”

Misty shuddered. “I was afraid he was going to squander the money you paid for the horses. He had been drinking pretty hard the days before the sale. So I took the check and had Dad sign it over for deposit. I got to the bank early and made sure it was safely in the ranch account.” She pressed her lips together and seemed to curl in on herself.

Colton stroked his hand over her hair. “That doesn’t sound like a bad thing to do.”

“Yes, but when Joe found out, he was very angry. He said he needed the money or he might be killed. I thought he was just being dramatic, but now—”

Colton frowned. That was worrisome. Could Joe have been involved in something shady that got him killed? “I think we should make a trip into town and talk to the sheriff.”

* * *

Misty enjoyed the ride with Colton. It had been a while since she had gotten on a horse just for the pure pleasure of it.

The more she got to know Colt, the more she liked him. He was kind and compassionate. He was great-looking. And he seemed to truly care for her.

At least she hoped so, because she was growing to care for him more and more each day.

She was still anxious about the fate of the Dalton ranch and about Mark’s future. She hoped the upcoming trip into town with Colton would reveal that her fears were groundless.

Somehow, she had fallen into the habit of talking freely to him and enjoying the luxury of having someone respond with solid advice.

Misty pondered her current state. Suddenly, she was without a father and older brother. Her mom had died years before. There were no close relatives to help out, and she was pretty sure she couldn’t run the ranch all by herself while waiting for Mark to grow up and take over, even if the bank did not foreclose.

All the while a question was screaming in her brain. Who killed my brother Joe, and why? A shiver snaked its way along her spine.

She shook it off and climbed into Colton’s big silver diesel truck.

He gave her a smile as he started the motor and shifted into gear.

A warm feeling washed through her, leaving her with a tightness in her chest. Just being in his company was comforting…and more. The feelings that were growing were both thrilling and frightening.

As it stood, she was grateful to Colton for so many things, especially for the interest he was taking in Mark. Every day when the school bus delivered him and the little girl, Gracie, a routine was developing.

First there was a snack provided by Leah, and while Gracie did her homework, Mark headed out to the stable to begin his chores, most of which revolved around giving Sam some exercise and making sure the stable was clean. He saw to it the horses were fed and watered and that clean hay was in their stalls. He was thriving under Colton’s wing.

She especially appreciated the way Colton took the time to recognize Mark’s accomplishments and praise him for them. This was a boy who had been only six years old when he lost his mother, the parent who had been generous with affection and positive comments.

When they reached Langston, Colton pulled in at the bank and accompanied her inside. He asked to speak to the banker, Fred Hamilton.

“He’ll be right with you, Mr. Garrett,” the teller assured them. Misty didn’t recall any time when the Daltons had been treated to such an immediate audience.

Colton took her hand and ushered her into Mr. Hamilton’s private office.

The bank president was standing when they entered. He extended his hand to Colton, a wide grin in place. “What can I do for you today, Mr. Garrett?”

Colton gestured to Misty. “I believe the bank has had some dealings with Miss Dalton’s father, and now that he has passed away, she would like to know what sort of debt you have against the ranch.”

Hamilton’s grin turned into a grimace. A muscle in his cheek twitched. His gaze flicked to Misty and settled again on Colton. “Let’s sit down, shall we?” He gestured to the two burgundy-leather chairs situated in front of his desk. He blinked and finally looked at Misty. “Well…well, due to your father’s terminal condition, we had held off on any procedures to collect the debt.”

“What sort of procedures?” Misty asked.

Hamilton swallowed. “Calling in the loan. That’s the next step.”

Colton looked grim. “Mr. Hamilton, she would like to have a copy of the paperwork pertaining to this debt and what it would take to satisfy it.”

“Oh, um…I can have that sent to her.” Hamilton’s face reddened.

“We can wait.” Colton’s voice was cool. He held Hamilton in place with a steady gaze.

“Well, yes…I can do that.” He pushed a button on his intercom and asked someone on the other end to bring the file on the Dalton property.

Misty gripped her hands together. Her stomach was seized in a similar grip.

Shortly, a young woman entered the office with a file and slid it onto the desk in front of Hamilton. He leafed through the papers.

“Why don’t you just copy the entire file for us?” Colton suggested.

Hamilton blinked and handed the file back to the young woman. “Certainly. Doris, make a copy of the file for Mr. Garrett.”

“For Miss Dalton,” Colton corrected.

“Um, yes. For Miss Dalton,” Hamilton said. While they waited for the copies, he tried to make small talk, asking about Big Jim and Colton’s brothers.

In a relatively short time, Doris returned with the copies. She handed both the original and the copy to Hamilton who heaved a sigh before passing it over to Colton, who handed it to Misty. He stood and extended a hand to Mr. Hamilton, who immediately stood and shook with him.

Misty left, feeling confused and not sure what had just happened, but she did understand the words “procedures” and “calling in the loan.”

* * *

A kernel of rage simmered in Colton’s gut. He didn’t like Hamilton. At least, he didn’t after the meeting they had just held. Something shifty about the man. Something secretive that Hamilton doesn’t want discovered.

Colt helped Misty into the truck and started it up. He didn’t want to share his misgivings just yet. “Are you hungry?”

Wordlessly, she shook her head.

“I suggest we have lunch and look over these papers. It won’t do you any good to get run down.” He drove to Tio’s Mexican Restaurant and asked for a corner table in the back.

When they had ordered, he asked to see the paperwork the banker had so reluctantly given up. He noted that the ranch contained two sections of land at 640 acres each. It was a fair-sized ranch. Nothing to compare with the Garrett spread, but the Daltons should have been able to make a living on it. It appeared that the loan had been made only on the land and not on any of the livestock or equipment. He explained this to Misty, who nodded.

“I guess that was why Joe was trying to sell off the stock.” She pressed her lips together.

“I’ll see what can be done to stave off any further actions.” He gave her hand a squeeze and returned the papers to her.

When their orders were served, Colton encouraged her to eat, although she only seemed to pick at the food.

At one point, she raised her eyes to meet his. “Thank you so much, Colt. Everything looks hopeless, but at least I know what’s going on now. I really hated being kept in the dark.”

He made a scoffing noise. “You can’t get discouraged. You have to keep a positive attitude.”

“I’ll try.” She nodded and took a bite.

Colt felt a warming sensation in his chest when he looked at her. He wanted to take her in his arms…he wanted to do so much more. At least he hoped to ensure that the surviving Dalton siblings were treated fairly.

He figured that Hamilton had planned to foreclose on the property as soon as Misty’s father was in the ground.

After they had eaten, Colton took Misty to the sheriff’s office. She appeared to be even more nervous. The sheriff came out to shake hands with Colton and to offer his condolences to Misty.

“Thank you,” she said, her voice betraying her discomfort.

He escorted them back to his office, and when they were seated, Colton asked about Joe’s death. “Do you have any suspects, Sheriff?”

The sheriff shook his head. “Early days yet. But don’t you worry, little lady. I have every confidence that we’ll be able to bring the perpetrator to justice.”

“I brought Miss Dalton in today because she may have something worth following up on,” Colton said.

The sheriff leaned forward, a look of concern on his face.

With a little prodding, Misty related the story of Joe telling her he needed the money from the sale of the horses and that not having it might cost his life.

The sheriff frowned. “We’ll look into it. Right now, there hasn’t been any indication of what might have led to the shooting. The coroner thinks the fatal shot was fired from the passenger side of a pickup truck, judging from the angle of entry. Not a pleasant subject to discuss, but there it is.” He shrugged his massive shoulders. “Might be a case of road rage.”

Colton scowled. “Almost everyone around here drives a pickup. There might be a second car for a family, but there’s always at least one pickup.”

The sheriff nodded. “Sounds about right. We’ll be looking for anyone who might know of some reason young Dalton needed money.”

Colton rose and shook the sheriff’s hand. “Thank you, sir. We appreciate you keeping us in the loop.”

“Am I to understand that Miss Dalton will be staying at the Garrett ranch?” the sheriff asked.

Colton glanced at Misty. “Yes, at least for now. With her brother being murdered, I don’t want to put her in danger as well. When you’ve caught the killer, she will be able to return to her ranch.”

He turned to leave, noting the strained expression on her face. This was just too hard for her to contend with. Maybe, after a little time has passed, things will be different. Maybe then she’ll be able to see what we have between us.

* * *

The funeral took place on Friday. The preacher said nice things about both men, and Glenda McAbee sang several moving hymns, hitting all the high notes with her clear, sweet tones.

Misty sat in the front pew, with Colton and Mark on either side of her. She held hands with both of them.

The entire town seemed to be crammed into the church. There was standing room only, with a group of her father’s old cronies huddled together, leaning against the wall.

Most of Joe’s classmates were there, including a girl who had dated him for a while, but she was there with her husband. It appeared she had moved on.

At the end of the service, when Colt escorted Misty from the church, she glanced up to notice that Joe’s three running buddies were also in attendance. Eddie, Stan, and Ron were sitting together on the last pew. They stared at her solemnly. Surprisingly, they showed up at the cemetery as well.

A pop-up canopy had been erected at graveside with a few folding chairs underneath. Misty sat beside Rosa Hernandez, who wept quietly into a tissue, Paco standing behind her. Likewise, Colton had taken his place behind Misty, his hand resting lightly on her shoulder and Mark standing beside him. She thought it was a good sign that her little brother was taking his cues from Colton. At least he finally had a great role model to use as a pattern.

The pastor said a few more words as she sat beside Rosa on the stiff chairs. Although Rosa’s tears continued to roll down her cheeks, it seemed that Misty was all cried out. Her eyes felt puffy and gritty. Maybe she had dried up. Perhaps worry had taken the place of grief, or at least nudged it out of the way for the moment.

When the caskets had been lowered into the ground, Colton gathered his charges and shuttled them back to their temporary haven.

All the church ladies brought food out to the Garrett ranch.

People came to pay their respects to the two surviving children, but Misty detected some kind of underlying energy. She thought it might have to do with the precarious financial status of their ranch.

She felt as though she was surrounded by scavengers and she was merely some piece of carrion. She didn’t know what they expected to gain. The bank held the lien on the ranch. Nothing she could do about that. No bones for the predators to pick.

While the visitors were chatting among themselves, Misty sat in the kitchen, talking to Leah. She learned that before Leah married Tyler, she had held a job with the lawyer in Langston and that Leah was willing to take her in to talk to him. To Leah’s knowledge, he hadn’t replaced her yet, and she went in occasionally to help keep his filing in order.

“Monday I’ll take you to see Mr. Ryan,” Leah promised. “He’s a very nice man, and he just needs someone with a few organizational skills and the ability to type.”

“I—I can do that.” She considered the two years of undergraduate work under her belt. She hoped it would lead to a degree in library science. “I would appreciate it if you can help me get hired.”

If Misty could get a job quickly, she would be able to at least provide for her little brother. Maybe they could find an apartment to rent in town. She heaved a sigh. It seemed life would go on, just in greatly reduced circumstances. They couldn’t continue to live off the charity of the Garretts, and it appeared their previous home was about to be jerked out from under the Dalton heirs.

She hoped the new owner would allow Rosa and Paco to stay on at the ranch. Surely their help would be needed, and Paco knew every blade of grass on the land.

A wave of sorrow racked her body. It’s just not fair. She shook it off, consciously replacing her grief with fortitude. I must be strong…for Mark…for me.

She had always thought the land would be there, a part of her family, something to hand down to her future children. A mantle of sadness wrapped around her, heavy like a shroud.

Misty gazed out the sliding glass door opening onto an enclosed patio. A profusion of purple bougainvillea and yellow esperanza flourished in the space. Chairs were collected around a large table under a gazebo-type structure. She envisioned festive Garrett family gatherings held there.

Colton came up behind her. His big hands settled gently on her shoulders. “How are you holding up?”

She leaned back, and he pulled her against his chest. “I’m holding up.”

“People are leaving. Come say goodbye, and it will soon be over.”

She nodded and followed him to the front room. Shaking hands with the guests, she tried to smile and accept their condolences without breaking into tears.

Mark stood beside her, looking grim. How difficult this must be from his perspective.

Colton took a stance beside her, his hand on her shoulder. He shook hands with the departing guests and managed to say the right words when hers failed.

When they had closed the door on the last guest, Colton pulled her close and brushed a kiss against her temple. “Well, that’s done. Now you can start putting your life back together.”

She gazed up at him. Something she saw in his eyes made her shiver. An intense hunger reached out to her.

“Are you cold?” he asked. “I can get you a jacket.”

“I’m okay.” She patted his hand before moving away. “I appreciate everything you’ve done for us, Colt. I just don’t feel right imposing much longer. We’ll try to get out of your way as soon as possible.”

Big arms surrounded her. “Hush, now. You aren’t imposing.” He brushed her hair away from her face. “I love having you here.” His voice grew husky.

“You’re very kind, but I know we’ve overstayed our welcome.” She turned to gaze up at him. “We could go back to the ranch until the foreclosure is final. I have to find a place for Paco and Rosa Hernandez. They’ve lived on the ranch since before I was born. I feel so bad for them.”

“Honey, you worry too much,” Colton said. “I have a feeling things are going to work out fine.”

She rested her head against his chest. She couldn’t imagine how anything at all could work out fine.

* * *

After the funeral was over and all the guests were gone, Big Jim tromped out to the horse barn. That was the one place he could get away and have a little time to himself.

Of course, he didn’t mind if Colt or Beau joined him, but Colt seemed to have his mind on only one thing, and that was courting the lovely little Miss Dalton.

Big Jim had watched her all the way through the funeral. She was doing pretty good with that wounded act. And Colton was rising to the bait. He was all over her, holding her hand or putting his arm around her. He looked like he wanted to carry her away with him, and he probably did.

Now everyone in the county knew Colton was head over heels in love with this little opportunist.

Sure, Big Jim couldn’t blame her. She probably didn’t know where her next meal was coming from and Colt looked like a steak dinner.

He stepped inside the big steel building, at once on alert when he heard a scraping noise. As quietly as he could, he crept toward the source of the sound. He leaned around the corner and spied Mark Dalton cleaning out the horse stalls.

The kid’s face was set in grim determination, but he worked steadily. Not what one would expect on the day he’d buried his father and older brother.

Big Jim stepped into the huge room lined with stalls. “Hey, young fellow. What are you doing out here?”

Mark jumped and turned toward him. “Hi, Mr. Garrett. I was just taking care of the horses.” He swallowed hard. “It’s my job.”

Big Jim swiped his Stetson off his head and raked his fingers through his thick mane of silver hair. “Seems to me I heard about that arrangement. Well, I don’t think anybody expected you to do your job on the same day you buried your father.”

“Why not?” Mark asked. “The horses don’t know any difference. Somebody still has to take care of them, no matter what.” He resumed his cleaning.

Big Jim settled his hat back on his head. Pretty smart kid. Maybe somebody had raised him right. Big Jim leaned against the doorframe and crossed his arms over his chest. “So, how are you doing, son? I know it’s been a rough week for you.”

“I’m okay.” His brow furrowed, and he kept his head down.

“And your sister. How is she doing?”

The kid blew out a breath and leaned on the shovel. “She’s worried. She said she has to find a job so she can take care of me.” He gazed at Big Jim earnestly. “But I don’t need anybody to take care of me… I’m the man of the family now, so I should be taking care of her.”

Big Jim’s chest tightened. He found it difficult to speak. “That’s a mighty admirable attitude, son…but you need to finish up your schooling first.” He cleared his throat. “It’s Mark, isn’t it?”

“Yes, sir.” He commenced shoveling again.

“Well, Mark, what kind of work is your sister looking for? What has she done in the past?”

Mark set the shovel aside again. “Nothin’, I guess. She was in college in Oklahoma to be a librarian.” He tightened his lips. “She loves books, but then when Daddy got sick, she came home to take care of him.” He shrugged. “Maybe there’s some sick people who need somebody to be nice to them. She’s real good at that.”

Big Jim swallowed hard. “Maybe.” He continued to watch young Mark work in the stable. He cleaned out the stalls of the horses Colton had purchased and then set about doling out feed and water.

Big Jim thought about the girl, Misty. He hadn’t realized she had any education at all. He blew out a breath. Librarian, huh? And she had dropped out to care for her terminally sick father. Maybe she wasn’t just a scheming little gold digger after all. At least, he had to give her the benefit of the doubt.

Big Jim huffed out a deep breath. He hoped there was more to her than just her beauty.