Thinking about all these questions, about the decisions she needed to make, left her feeling...kind of scared. And it made her miss her mother so much.
More than anything, she had to find out who her father was. They all did. She owed that to herself, to them...and to Reba.
She’d head over to the ranch house now and have a talk with Shallie—if she was up. Otherwise, Carly figured, she’d hang with the dogs while she waited.
She entered the house to an enthusiastic welcome from Bandit and Smoky. Cord called out, “Hi! Carly? I’m on the computer in the office.”
“Hi, Cord. Yeah, it’s me. I just, uh, came to ask Shallie about something.”
“She’s awake. She came down to get a coffee about ten minutes ago. Help yourself if you want one.”
“Thanks!” Carly didn’t bother with the coffee, but hurried up the stairs and knocked on the suite door.
Shallie answered and gestured her inside. “Good early morning, Carly. Everything okay?”
Carly immediately launched into an explanation, telling her what she’d decided and why. “So, would you come with me to talk to Cord and Tina? Soon?”
“Yes. I already promised you that. And I think it’s absolutely the right thing to do. When? We’ve got Eli’s friend, the detective, coming tonight. We could try for the weekend?”
Despite her need, her plan, to follow through with this, Carly still had to consider how to phrase things, come up with answers to the questions she’d certainly be asked. A couple more days would help. “What about Monday?”
“Fine. I’m willing to make the arrangements, but it’s probably better coming from you.”
Carly nodded slowly. And nodded again when Shallie asked, “Do you want to go to the vet’s clinic later this morning to visit our little friend? Cord and I were thinking we’d drive you there. See you back here around ten?”
“That would be great!”
Carly returned to the trailer to get her laptop, grab a muffin and more juice, then took herself to her favorite place under the spreading cottonwood tree, within sight of the paddock, and went on her YouTube channel. She announced in a solemn voice that the conclusion of her father search might be coming in the next few weeks. Without mentioning names—as usual—she said she’d become fond of all three candidates; she also talked about how grateful she felt to the people she was staying with and the fact that she’d become close to a former friend of her mother’s. “I love this place and I can imagine living here.” Then she sang “I Walk the Line.” After the annoying incident with that Worthless idiot, she wanted to honor her beloved Johnny Cash.
* * *
AFTER CHECKING THE news on her cell phone, Shallie went downstairs, empty mug in hand.
She’d received an email from Eddie, confirming his arrival; he and Eli would come over to the ranch if that was okay.
Downstairs, she told Cord that Eddie was definitely on schedule for tonight, then asked him if he was still interested in going to the vet with her and Carly.
“Yeah. I can take an hour or two. We’re expecting a delivery of oats, but Mitch’ll be here to receive it. And I’d like to see that poor little dog again, see for myself that she’s doing okay.”
On the way to the clinic, they spoke about the dog, and Shallie felt more strongly than ever that Carly had a true emotional connection with the animal.
Once there, Barb gave them an update on the beagle’s condition. She was healing well, but still needed another week or so under veterinary care. Cord and Shallie visited the dog, then chatted with Barbara, getting her opinion on the current crimes involving the illegal release of animals, which had become major news in the county. Barb said she was appalled, but thought it might be a matter of vindictiveness against the individual owners. Shallie knew Cord and Eli weren’t buying that theory, but didn’t mention it. Carly spent the entire visit with the beagle, talking softly and stroking those silky ears. She also paid attention to the other recovering pets.
Just as Shallie came into the recovery room to summon her, the Lewises showed up, also to visit the dog. They suggested meeting at Bailey’s for lunch. As Len pointed out, the restaurant seemed to be the center of their universe—something that now made sense to Shallie.
Cord, Shallie and Carly got to the restaurant first and secured a table for five, since the place was already getting crowded. Brynne wasn’t on the lunch shift. Instead they were greeted by a pleasant young man named Barry who told them he was from Detroit and had recently come here to “experience small-town prairie life.”
The three of them waited to order until the Lewises arrived, which they did within fifteen minutes. Menus were consulted, meals chosen and conversation was, as usual, pleasant. Then Len made their announcement, his and Mary Jean’s. They wanted to adopt the beagle, but felt they needed to discuss it with the three of them first. He was looking at Carly as he said this.
Cord told them he considered it an “excellent idea.” Shallie said she did, too, but thought Carly’s opinion was as important as theirs, maybe more so.
After an emotional pause Carly responded with a sunny smile and gave her consent. And Shallie knew that was exactly how the Lewises saw it—as consent. They thanked her with relieved smiles of their own.
“I’m happy about it,” Carly said. “I wish I could keep the little girl, but I’m...thrilled she’ll be going to such a good home, with such good people.”
Shallie reached over to clasp the girl’s hand and saw tears in her eyes. “It’s the best thing, Carly,” she whispered. “The best thing for the dog, and for you. You’ll know she’s safe, happy, loved. And as the Lewises said, we’ll arrange visits so you’ll get to see her.”
Carly nodded. She didn’t eat much, stirring her chowder repeatedly, not really looking at anyone.
Eventually, she spoke again. “I think we should get serious about names.”
“Of course,” Mary Jean promptly said and invited the three of them to dinner at Bailey’s the next night, adding, “It is, after all, the center of your universe.” Shallie liked the comment even more, hearing it a second time, and figured she’d be “borrowing” it from now on.
Mary Jean said they’d be treating and that everyone should come prepared with names. They’d like to include Tina and her husband; their nephew Ted might join them, too. “The more suggestions, the better,” Len said, shaking his head comically. “It might come down to a vote.”
“And,” Mary Jean said with finality, “Carly’s judgment should be the final one.”
* * *
THAT EVENING, ELI came over with Eddie Gonzalez, and they all sat on the porch, where Shallie served drinks and salty snacks. Cord’s immediate impression of Eddie was positive, and he could tell that Shallie’s was, too. The man, who was tall and fit, with the look of a former cop, was confident but not arrogant.
Once the introductory small talk was finished, Eddie began by reviewing the information Shallie had sent him. He looked up from his notes and turned to her. “Melanie—you’ve spoken with her, I think?”
Shallie nodded.
“Melanie tracked down your father through various specialized databases we have access to. And... Kevin Fletcher’s dead. He died five years ago.”
Shallie gasped; Cord doubted she was truly surprised but seeing your suspicions turned into reality often left people shocked.
“Eddie, could you elaborate on the circumstances?” Eli asked. “Shallie, are you ready to hear them?”
She nodded again.
“Okay, the story is that he was a crooked cop, involved with organized crime in Chicago. So, it’s not exactly unexpected that this is how he met his end, nearly twenty years after he apparently threatened Christine in that phone call and she took off and disappeared. Apparently, she had too much damaging information about him and his, shall we say, associates.” He paused. “She might not ev
en have been aware of just how much she knew.”
“He found out she was at the motel?”
“Yeah, with a little help from his friends,” Eddie said sardonically.
“So, those...friends, accomplices—eventually killed him,” Eli concluded.
“I’d refer to it as an execution.”
“Did my mother know about his...murder?” Shallie asked.
“Probably not. But since your birth certificate read ‘Father Unknown,’ we’re assuming Christine already knew he was a threat, to you and to her. I’ll email you some articles and other background on him that Melanie found. In fact, if I could use your computer, Cord, I’ll do it before we leave. Oh, and Christine is never mentioned in anything I’ve seen.”
“Do you have any idea where she is?”
“Not yet. Working on it.”
“No problem with using the computer,” Cord said. “I have another question for you.” He told Eddie about his mother, Julie Hollister—at least that had been her name thirty-some years ago. He gave a brief summary of what had happened—his father’s death in the military, his mother’s negligence, which had led to the intervention of Child Services, and finally how he’d ended up here, raised by his grandparents. “Could you see what you can find out about Julie and where she is now? If she’s still alive... I’ll pay whatever it takes.”
“Sure.” Eddie turned to Shallie. “Are you okay with that? If we work on both cases at the same time?”
“Of course!”
Cord said, “I’ve never considered looking for her before. I always thought of her as the woman who basically abandoned me at a very young age. But Shallie’s search for her own mother has inspired me. Maybe it’s a need for—and I hate this word—closure. And maybe I need to learn if there were any extenuating circumstances. Find out who she is, who she was and why she did it.”
“Yeah,” Eli murmured, “I think you should try to find out.”
After Eddie had sent the emails, he and Eli left. Shallie said a hasty good-night, then rushed into the house, followed by Bandit.
Cord figured her reaction, her need to be alone, had to be connected to what she’d just learned about her father. That seemed obvious enough. He felt distraught for Shallie, but thought he should give her a chance to deal with it privately; he’d talk to her when she seemed ready, offer what advice and comfort he could. Which probably wouldn’t be much, but he’d do his best.
To suddenly find out that your father was a criminal and possibly a killer...
* * *
SHALLIE ESCAPED TO her room. She was horrified by what she’d discovered about her father. No, it wasn’t a complete surprise—but worse than she’d expected. And she couldn’t stop wondering if he’d murdered Christine. Maybe her body had never been found or identified.
Thinking about everything she’d just learned, she was almost terrified to learn more. She realized she should look at the material Eddie had sent, but decided she couldn’t cope with it now.
As she got into her nightclothes, Bandit lay beside the bed. “You keeping me company, boy?” He wagged his tail as if he understood. It didn’t take her long to fall asleep.
When she and the dog went downstairs the next morning, she remembered they were supposed to have Carly’s meeting on Monday. Except...no. According to a text she’d sent at 6 a.m., Carly had put it off. Wednesday, she said now.
Cord handed Shallie a coffee and several sheets he’d printed out on Kevin Fletcher, corrupt Chicago cop. She sat down and read them quickly. Fletcher had been charged with racketeering, drug dealing, organizing a hit, and was on the verge of being tried when his “friends and accomplices,” as Eddie had called them, delivered a hit of their own. No one was charged in that murder.
As Eddie had also said, there were no references in these articles to Christine or any other family. Including her.
Shallie studied the photo—and the man did look vaguely familiar. She could easily believe he was her father.
“I’m sorry,” Cord said. “Life can be hard.”
She understood. “You obviously had a difficult background yourself.”
“Well, mine improved as soon as my grandparents got involved. I’m really grateful to them for everything. My mother—I can barely call her that—probably wouldn’t have noticed if I’d simply disappeared from my crib.”
Shallie raised her eyebrows. “Wow, there sure are a lot of screwed-up families out there.”
“And many that aren’t. Look at Tina and Mitch and their kids, for one. The Lewises for another. I happen to believe that you can recover from your past. You and I have—and Carly’s on her way.”
“That kind of recovery demands some responsibility from us, don’t you think?”
“Definitely. I don’t want to sound preachy, but I believe we owe gratitude to the forces—human or institutional or spiritual, whatever—that helped save us. We have to pass on to others what we’ve learned and received ourselves.”
“I agree, but I’m not sure how.”
“You’ve already done it for Carly. For Russ. For me. You’ve made a difference to all of us.”
“And you’ve made the same kind of difference to me.” In more ways than you realize.
“Listen,” he said quietly. “If you want to talk about this, about everything you just found out, if you want to yell about it, cry... I’m here.”
“Thank you, Cord. And if you want to talk to me about...Julie, please remember I’m here for you, too.”
“We’ll talk soon.”
“And get together soon. If you know what I mean.” She hugged him tightly.
“Oh, yeah.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
THAT EVENING AT BAILEY’S, Cord enjoyed the enthusiastic way everyone got involved in the Great Dog-Naming Event. Other than Shallie and Carly, they were all having local beer; Shallie had her usual Washington State Chardonnay and Carly drank sparkling water.
Various names had already been brought up and discarded. Brynne suggested a few, all vetoed, and finally said, “Call her Baby.” At which Cord—predictably—rolled his eyes.
“What about something Western? Like Cowgirl,” he said.
“Cow for short?” Brynne asked in a saccharine voice. Cord rolled his eyes again.
“How about... Sweetie Pie?” Tina said. Now they all rolled their eyes.
Mitch laughed. “A name proposed by a woman who likes to bake.”
“Hey—should we go with Sweet Lady?” Ted broke into the Queen song, and Carly sang along; she even knew most of the words. Ted told her how impressed he was by the number of songs in what he called her “repertoire” and how well she performed. He said Aaron had mentioned including her in a gig sometime, after a few practice sessions.
“Thank you,” Carly said, her voice almost a whisper.
“Your singing is lovely.” Mary Jean looked at Carly. “I have an idea. I think we should name her Carly. Since you’re the one who found her.”
“Thank you, but no.” Carly shook her head. “Why don’t you name her Holly? Short for Hollister, as in Hollister Ranch.”
“I like it!” Mary Jean said excitedly and Len raised his glass. “Holly it is,” he said.
The others raised their glasses and chanted, “Holl-ee! Holl-ee!” Cord chanted as loudly as anyone, a broad grin on his face. He felt deeply moved by Carly’s suggestion, grateful that she’d acknowledged this place he loved.
Brynne joined in the applause, then brought them a round on the house. “In honor of Holly and her new family. Now, what about ordering dinner, you guys?”
* * *
DRIVING BACK TO the trailer with Tina and Mitch, knowing she faced a difficult conversation in a few days, Carly settled into the backseat. She stared out at the dark, gloomy sky lit only by a few stars that appeared among the clouds. “Hope it doesn’t rain tomor
row,” Mitch was saying.
“It’s not in the forecast,” Tina said. “What’s on for next week?”
Mitch replied—something about buying wood and making repairs to a length of fencing. Tina said she planned to do some cleaning, then weed and water the garden in front of the trailer. But tomorrow she’d relax...
Carly loved hearing ordinary talk about ordinary things. It had never really been part of her life. Instead, her mother and stepfather had argued constantly about which task was whose and who should pay for what.
Mitch went on to say that early the next afternoon, he and Cord were going on their first patrol; Amos had emailed them today with details. Nothing ordinary about that, Carly told herself.
When there was silence again, a warm, comfortable silence, she told them how much she appreciated their kindness. How she felt she had two mothers now, Tina and Shallie, and that Mitch had to be one of the world’s best dads. Tina reached behind the seat and clasped her hand. “Thank you, sweetie. Now, let me ask you a question. How do you feel about Holly going to the Lewises? I know you love that little dog.”
“I’m actually fine with it. In fact, I’m happy because I do love her. And Len and Mary Jean are great.” She paused for a moment, seeking the right words. “I think it was meant to be.”
* * *
MONDAY NIGHT, CORD was exhausted. First there’d been the stall cleaning, then the training session with the Lewises (although Shallie was handling a lot of that), a conference call with his PR group—and most tiring of all—a second patrol of local ranchland with Mitch. They’d run into Russ and another rancher en route. Russ had binoculars, a magnifying glass, a camera and who knew what else. Cord was pleased to see he was taking this seriously, and Shallie was just as pleased when he told her.
Country Strong--A Novel Page 17
