by Ciana Stone
“Okay, what can I tell you?”
“Let's start with what it is, what it can do to animals and the earth and why you think it suddenly showed up.”
“Absolutely.” Naomie pulled up a chair beside hers at the desk and gestured to it. “Please, have a seat.”
The last thing she'd expected was to end her day sharing confessions with Cici Walker, and having their secrets shared with Robert Walker. But then, as she'd come to expect, life had a way of delivering surprises.
Chapter Eleven– March 21st, 2019
Mace tapped on the door of Naomie's cottage. It wasn't long before the door opened. “Hey, Mace. What are you doing here?”
“Dad and I had some things to go over, and I wanted to discuss something with you. If you have time, that is.”
“I always have time for you. Coffee?”
“Sure.”
“Then come on in.”
He took a seat at the table in the kitchen, and she fixed them both cups of coffee. Mace waited until she was seated before speaking. “I've been talking to Bailey about maybe expanding the work she and Nancy Smithers are doing.”
“You mean the wildflower project at the windmill and solar farms?”
“Yes, they're also planting a lot of herbs and plants that are natural to the environment that can be used for medicinal purposes.”
“I know. It's a wonderful project. Bailey said she could use a set up that's three times as big as the space your dad was able to allot.”
“Exactly what I wanted to discuss with you. What would you think if we set up an adjunct facility at Heritage South? We have a barn we could easily renovate, and she and Nancy can use the windmill farms acreage there. If Bailey needed an area that's isolated for specific plants, they could cultivate using some of the garden acreage.
Naomie smiled at him. “And she'd have to drive over now and then to check on things of course.”
Mace picked up his coffee, blew on it and spoke over the rim. “It's not like–”
“It's okay. She told me you talk almost every day since you went out and you’ve had lunch a couple of times. She’d enjoy spending more time with you, to get to know you better.”
“Really?”
“Really. So, let me ask. How long would it take to renovate the barn?”
“Realistically, to renovate and install the equipment she wants, three months.”
“So, why talk to me? Talk to your father about it. If it makes sense for Heritage, he'll go for it.”
“You think?”
“Of course. His first thought is always whether something is of benefit to Heritage. If you explain the advantages of having a larger scale operation for the creation of natural pesticides, treatments for animals and humans as well, then chances are he'll say yes.”
“Then maybe you could suggest it.”
“Oh, I get it, you don't want him to know that part of the reason you're interested is that it gets you and Bailey in the same location more often.”
“I didn't–”
“You didn't have to say it, but let me ask you. Are you sure? You've haven’t known her long, and from what I hear, you're not exactly the fall in love type, so why do this?”
“First, it makes sense. I like what Nancy is doing with the wildflowers. You know better than anyone, the benefit that will be and she said she already has four thriving beehives on the edge of the field.”
“I know, she's pretty excited and I'm hopeful the bees will flourish, and their population will grow.”
“Same here.” Mace considered his next words before speaking. A lot of people had the wrong impression of him and assumed that because he was single, he was like his brother Riggs–a love'em and leave'em kind of man.
That couldn't be farther from the truth.
Mace dated, but not regularly. He rarely met women who interested him and hated when he found himself making a mistake with one and discovering that she wasn't interested in him, just his family's money, or the idea that maybe he'd be good in bed and she wanted a quick lay.
Mace was actually a little shy around women. Well, maybe not Naomie and surprisingly, not so much with Bailey, but with them he had common ground and things he could talk about. And they were the kind of women who were comfortable in their own skins, which made him feel comfortable as well.
Naomie was also a woman who'd proved herself to be loyal and a good friend, so he took a chance and opened his mouth. “Look, the truth is, my last date was nine months ago, and it was as much of a bust as the one before it. People think I'm a player like Riggs because I never date anyone twice, but it's not that at all.
“My life is Heritage, and I work damn hard to do my job, and it doesn't leave a whole lot of time for other interests. So, I don't have a lot of things to talk about, and most women don't give a hoot about cattle or crops or the perils of weather, soil erosion or even the loss of pollinators. Bailey's like you. She loves nature, everything in it and has a real interest in learning how to live in cooperation with the land instead of competing with or trying to conquer it.”
Naomie sipped her coffee and then set her cup down and extended her hand across the table to him. “I'm so glad you were finally honest with me. I wondered if you'd ever trust me enough to be.”
“So, you didn't think I was like Riggs?”
“I didn't really know what to think, to be honest. I mean you're a good-looking man, strong and smart and easy to be around, so I figured you just weren't interested in more than a quick roll in the hay. So, yeah, kinda like Riggs, but maybe also like Nash and your dad. They're gun shy it seems. Once bitten, twice shy kind of thing. That could have been your story, too, for all I knew.
“I'd never have suspected that you're just shy and looking for more than hot sex.”
“Well, thanks for thinking I'm so shallow, Naomie.”
“Fair enough, I deserved that, I guess. But I'm glad I know because now I don't have to worry about you and Bailey.”
“Were you worried?”
“A little, I suppose.”
“Why?”
“Because she's my friend and I'm the one who convinced her to come here, and if you end up breaking her heart, I'll feel responsible.”
“What if she ended up breaking mine?”
“I'd feel responsible.”
“But you're not.”
“Thanks for saying that. I'm hoping there won't be any heart breaking for either of you.”
“Me too, but we're not even close to that. I like her and I want to get to know her better, but I don't have a clue where we'll go, or if we'll go beyond where we are now.”
“And you're smart to take it slow and figure out if it really is something you want before you dive off the board.”
“You mean there might not be water in the pool?”
“Take it from someone who has a knack for taking the hard dive. Caution isn't a bad thing.”
“I hear you and agree completely. And even though I am interested in Bailey, my first priority will always be Heritage, and after the data you showed me on the dangers of losing pollinators, I'm for doing everything we can to try to tip the scales in our favor.”
“For someone who claims to be shy and not so good with the ladies, you sure know how to sweet talk a woman, Mace. I'll talk with your father, but I'm going to suggest that he discuss it with you and will tell him you're in favor of the project.”
“That's fine. Thanks, Naomie.”
“What are friends for?”
Mace smiled and stood. “Well, if you ever need a favor in return, all you have to do is ask.”
“I'll remember that. Are you headed back to Heritage South now?”
“I thought I'd drop by and say hey to Bailey before I head out.”
“Sounds good. I'll give you a call after I speak with your dad.”
“Okay, thanks Naomie. Have a good one.”
“You too.”
Mace headed out to his truck and made the short drive to Bailey'
s cottage. When he pulled up in front of it, he saw her on the porch, watering potted plants. Her hair was braided and hanging over one shoulder with wispy bits escaping one side and blowing across her face. She wore denim shorts, a tank-top and sneakers.
Bailey looked up and smiled when she saw him. Mace got out and walked over to the steps. “Good morning.”
“It is now,” she replied and then added. “You're here early.”
“Business with Dad.”
“Ah. Are you done?”
“I am.”
“Have time for breakfast?”
“I can make time.”
“Can you, now?” She walked over and leaned against the support beside the top step.
“Yep.” Mace took one more step up. Even standing a step below her, he was a good head taller.
Bailey smiled up at him. “Are you hungry?”
“Starving.”
“Me too.”
Mace was surprised when she reached out, grabbed two handfuls of his shirt and reeled him in for a kiss that hit the red-hot meter range in under a second. This wasn't their first kiss. They'd shared that the night they met. It'd been enticing and held all kinds of promise, but had been short and a lot less passionate. So had the three kisses they’d shared since then. He was trying not to rush her. This kiss told him he’d not been rushing.
It was the kind of kiss that had a man surging to full attention in the span of a breath. Mace grabbed hold of her, lifted her up and as she wound her legs around his waist, he carried her across the porch and through the front door.
When she slid down his body, he felt a little disappointed. But the smile she bestowed on him made him suddenly realize that he didn't want to rush. This was his first real kiss with Bailey, and he had to admit that it was pretty spectacular.
“Well, that was a surprise.”
She smiled up at him. “I missed Valentine's day.”
“That was over a month ago, so I think we both did. And I didn't bring you anything.”
“I think that kiss qualifies as a something.”
“I'd say a big something.”
“So that means it was good?”
“Definitely good.”
“Well, whew!” She reached for his hand. “Come on, let's get started on that breakfast. Wait ‘til you taste the jam I made last week from some wild plums Nancy and I found. I'll fix some biscuits, and you can cook the steak.”
“I thought you were making breakfast?”
“Well, I am. Or more correctly, we are. It's more fun that way, don't you think?”
Mace shrugged. “I can't say I have a lot of experience cooking breakfast with someone.”
“Well, there's no time like the present to learn.” Bailey led him into the kitchen and started taking things from the refrigerator and pantry, talking the entire time.
Mace forgot to be nervous, or shy and relaxed into the easy atmosphere she created with her friendly chatter and instructions on what needed to be done next. Before he knew it, the biscuits were coming out of the oven, golden brown and smelling like heaven and there was a platter of steak, eggs, and home-fried potatoes on the table, along with homemade plum jelly and steaming cups of coffee.
While they ate, Bailey asked him about his life, growing up on Heritage and becoming one of the managers of such a vast spread. Mace wasn't accustomed to talking about himself, but could certainly talk about Heritage. He was proud of what his family had accomplished and the direction they'd taken things in his father's reign as CEO.
It was a pleasant time, comfortable and warm. At least that's how it struck him. Mace tried to shove aside the thought that entered his mind. What would it be like to have this every morning?
He wasn't ready to ask that question. Not really. But the fact that it had appeared made him realize he was genuinely interested in Bailey and getting to know her.
He helped her clear the table and as she piled dishes into the sink, an iPad propped in a stand on the kitchen counter lit. “You have a Facetime,” he announced.
Bailey stepped over to look at it. “It's my mom.” She pressed the accept button and smiled at the image of a middle-aged woman, holding a baby. “Hey, mom.”
“Hey, yourself. I didn't expect to catch you at home.”
Mace busied himself with washing dishes as Bailey carried on her conversation. “I'm getting a late start. Everything okay?”
“Fine. Your aunt Karen called and asked your dad and me to come to her place at the beach for a couple of weeks at the first of the month. They don't have the place rented then, and it's been a while since we visited with her and Fred.”
“Sounds like fun. You should do it.”
“I'd like too, but I wanted to make sure you'll be able to come to get little mouse here before then. You know I love her to pieces, but I think your dad and I are ready for a break.”
Bailey cut a look over at Mace, then back at the screen. “I think so. Can I call you back later this afternoon?”
“Sure, honey.”
“Okay, talk to you soon.”
She ended the video call and walked over to where Mace stood in front of the sink. “Want me to take over?”
“No, I'm good. Why don't you dry?”
“Okay.” She picked up a drying cloth, and for a time they worked in silence. Finally, she turned her head to look at him. “That was my Mom.”
“Yes, that's what you said. You don't look much like her.”
“Probably because I was adopted.”
“Really?”
“Yes, me and my twin brother, Barry.”
“You have a twin?”
“Yes.” She said, looked away and changed the subject. “Did I tell you that I talked with Naomie about the way you treat for tympany.”
“No, neither of you mentioned it, but as far as I know, we're still using a natural mixture containing tamarind.”
“Yes, and I was thinking we should try cultivating a small grove of trees here. If there's room, that is.”
“Heritage South might be a better location. There's enough of an environment change that it might be better suited for that type of tree.”
“So, you're in favor of it?”
“I am. Let me talk with my father about it, and I'll get back to you.”
“That'd be great, thanks.”
Mace finished the last piece of silverware, rinsed and handed it to Bailey, then let the water out of the sink and dried his hands. He'd hoped she would reveal who the child was her mother had been holding because what her mother said sort of led him to think it might be Bailey's. But she sure wasn't built like a woman who'd recently given birth. She was way too in shape.
When she finished putting away the silverware and turned to him, he had to force himself to remain silent on the topic. If she wanted him to know she would tell him. There was no point in ruining what had been a good time.
“Thank you for breakfast. This was the best morning I can remember in a long time.”
“Same here. Maybe we can do it again, sometime.”
“Absolutely.” He walked over to plant a soft kiss on her cheek. “Talk to you soon?”
“I sure hope so.”
“You can count on it. Have a good day. And happy belated Valentine's Day.”
“Thanks and same to you.”
He smiled, turned and left. He'd intended to head straight for the main house and speak with his father. Now, he felt more like heading back over to Naomie's and asking her about Bailey Strong and the mysterious baby.
Chapter Twelve – March 28th, 2019
“You want to repeat that?” Kal stood as he spoke, clenching his fists in fury as he spoke in a cold, measured tone at the speakerphone on his desk.
“All evidence leads to the origin of the contamination being on your property.”
“And you gained this information from someone hired by the Walker family?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Well, we don’t operate on hearsay, so here’s wh
at you’re going to do. Hire as many specialists as you need to track down the origin of the contamination, get a complete chemical analysis of the substance, a list of suppliers within a two hundred mile radius and a report detailing the effects of the substance on animal and plant life.”
“Yes, sir. When do you want this?”
“Yesterday. Get to it. Work around the clock if necessary and offer top dollar. I want to know everything the Walkers know and more. If fingers are going to point to me, I want to know what ammunition they have to use against me.”
“I’m on it.”
“Good, I’ll expect to hear from you soon.”
“Yes, sir.”
Kal ended the call, walked over to the window and jammed his hands in the pockets of his slacks as he stared out. Son of a bitch. Now it made sense. He’d called Cici easily a dozen times, and so far, she’d not answered once, nor had she returned his calls.
There was little doubt that she thought him guilty of poisoning the water supply on Heritage. She’d probably read the information and then written him off as the enemy without so much as given it a second thought.
Really? You really believe she’s that shallow? If he were truthful with himself, he’d admit that he wasn’t sure at all. He thought she was a step above simply accepting a report as verified evidence without so much as bothering to ask questions or at least come to him with the allegation.
So now what? His plans for his city and for Cici Walker might be about to go down in flames. If he allowed it. Kal suddenly became aware of his own reflection in the glass in front of him. Was the man who looked back at him one who would accept defeat without a fight or was he someone who went after what he wanted, guns blazing so to speak and to hell with the dangers?
He’d like to think he fell into the latter category and if that was the case, the time for standing there was done. Kal turned, grabbed his jacket and his cell phone and placed a call to his driver as he left the office. As some were fond of saying in Texas, it was time to take the bull by the horns.
*****
Cici looked at the face of her phone and muttered a curse before punching the answer button on her Bluetooth earpiece. “What do you want, Kal?”
“We need to talk.”
