by Ciana Stone
“That’s what’s been keeping me awake at night.”
“And?”
“And I don’t have a clue. Excuse me. I need to finish up with the men. If you like, we can talk more after I get them on the way.”
“Sure, just stop by the cottage. I’ll fix you breakfast.”
“Thanks, that’d be good. See you soon.”
Naomie returned to her cottage, showered and dressed again. There was something about all this trouble that just didn’t add up. She sat down in the swing on the front porch and let everything run through her mind, sifting through the fact and looking for a clue.
She got so lost in thought that she literally jumped in her seat at the sound of footsteps on the wooden steps. Russell walked over and sat down beside her. “I figured you’d have gone back to bed.”
“I said I’d make you breakfast. Hungry?”
“Not really. Maybe we could just sit here a bit.”
“Sure. Put your arm around me. I’m chilly.”
“Come’ere.” He pulled her close, wrapping one arm around her shoulders.
“I’ve been thinking about it,” she said. “And you’re right. It doesn’t make sense. At least not in the way we’ve been looking at it.”
“Meaning?”
“Until now we’ve assumed someone has a grudge against you or Heritage in general., right?”
“Right.”
“Well, what if that’s not the reason at all?”
“What other reason could there be?”
“That’s what we need to discover. What could all of this divert our attention from that we should be focused on?”
“That’s an interesting question and one I need to pose to everyone. Off the top of my head, I can think of a couple of things. One, we have to pass our organic certification again. I think that’s due in May. Two, the feedlot contracts we have with other ranchers could be affected by the rustling and poison, but like you say, even if we lost that income, we wouldn’t suffer a significate hit. That’s all I can think of.”
“Okay, maybe you should check with Cici. As your attorney, she might be able to point you to something you’re not considering.”
“Maybe. I’ll call her later.”
“Good. And check with Mace and Nash?”
“I will.”
“Okay.” She fell silent and for a little while they just sat there, him holding and rocking her. Her eyes started to droop, and sleep tugged at her.
“Want me to cook now?” She said around a yawn.
“No, but I could use a nap.”
“I have a great place for a nap.” Naomie stood and offered her hand. “Don’t worry. I won’t try to jump you. And people can sleep together just for comfort.”
“I don’t know– “
“What? You don’t trust yourself? Or me?”
“It’s not that at all.”
“Will you please stay. I–I could use some comfort right now. Couldn’t you?”
He took her hand and stood. “As a matter of fact, I could.”
They went inside, took off their shoes and lay on her bed. Naomie pulled a quilt up over them, snuggled up next to Russell and put her head on his chest. He shocked her by turning his head to kiss her forehead. “Get some rest.”
“You too.”
In all her life, she’d never felt anything as good as this. She could feel his heartbeat against the side of her face and the warmth of his hand on her shoulder as he held her. Tears threatened as she experienced a sudden epiphany. Not in a biblical sense but a moment of sudden revelation and one that she knew had changed her forever with the awareness it bestowed.
She’s spent close to six months falling for Russell and fighting it. She couldn’t resist it anymore. She loved him. That was as much a fact as saying the sun had not yet risen or her heart was beating. She loved him and had to stop pretending that she could walk away from it. Now she knew there would be no walking back, no erasing or diminishing that love. It just was.
How ironic that she would experience such overwhelming love for the one person who refused to acknowledge the depth of his feelings for her, and would never let it go beyond what it was right now?
It was almost laughable, or lamentable, depending on your point of view, she realized. Out of the blue, a memory surfaced. She was about fourteen, and it was Saturday night.
She sat on the couch with her dad, watching a rerun of an old television show he loved. Naomie’s mother had bought the entire series for him on discs and every Saturday she watched a few episodes with him.
Gunsmoke. She was as bad as her dad. She loved that show. She fell in love with Marshall Matt Dillon, a giant of a man who was the very definition of honor. And Miss Kitty Russell. Oh, how Naomie wanted to look like Miss Kitty, be as bold and brave, and kind.
She cried buckets when there were no more episodes to watch because Miss Kitty and Matt never reached their happily ever after. It broke Naomie’s heart, and she cried about it to her parents. Her mother soothed her in that way only a mother can and told her something that now was slapping Naomie in the face.
“Some loves transcend even personal desire, honey. Miss Kitty and Marshall Dillon had a great love, one that will go down in history as kind and generous, devoted, loyal and eternal. Even though they never consummated that love, never walked down the aisle and promised to be true to and there for one another, they still were, and I’m betting if those people were real, they’d tell you one thing that is amazing.”
“What, Mama?”
“That it’s not the love you receive that’s so precious and life-affirming, but the love you give and surely, they gave, don’t you think?”
That was a pivotal moment in Naomie’s life because it was the first time, she’d ever realized that the value and power of love was not in the receiving, but in the giving.
And now, more than two decades later, she found herself living what those fictional characters had demonstrated. She might not ever receive the relationship she wanted from Russell. They might not ever be a couple or make love. She might not ever have a child with him and see him in that child’s eyes or face. But she’d love him with her whole heart until she had no more life or love to give.
And that would have to be enough because like her mama had said way back then. It’s not the love you receive that’s so precious and life-affirming, but the love you give.
Chapter Twenty-Two – April 6th, 2019
Cici fumbled on the nightstand for her phone, squinting to see the time on its face. Eight am, and it was her father calling. Trying not to wake Kal, she grabbed the phone and headed for the bathroom as she answered. “Good morning, Dad.”
“Were you still asleep?”
“I had a late night. What’s up?”
“I need to talk to you – to the whole family, actually. We had more trouble. Rustlers took a hundred head from a feedlot down near Laredo and drove them across the border. We’ve notified the authorities, and I’ve shored up patrols on all Heritage borders, but we’ve got to figure out who’s coming after us. Two men were shot. One’s dead, and the other’s barely hanging on. Can you drive down today? I need you here, Cici.”
Hearing her father say he needed her was all the incentive she needed. “I’ll be there before noon.”
“Thank you.
“You’re welcome. See you soon.”
She returned to the bedroom, put her phone back on the nightstand and turned to find Kal awake and looking at her. “You heard?”
“Only your end. What’s wrong?”
“Cattle rustling this time and two men were shot. One’s dead.”
“Good god. What are you going to do?”
“Try and figure out who the hell is behind this. Forensics on what was found at the hunting cabin won’t be ready for another week, so that’s a dead end for now. And you must wonder. How the heck does poisoned food connect with cattle being stolen and driven across the border into Mexico? It makes no sense.”
“Maybe it’s l
ike the old cowboy and Indians thing– you keep hitting the enemy at its vulnerable spots and keep it so tied up protecting what it thinks are its vulnerabilities that it never sees the real target.”
“Yes! Oh my god, that must be it. You’re brilliant. Now we just have to figure out what the true target is and then we can examine it and find out who is against it or us in that area. Thank you. I have to get showered and packed.”
“Can I come with you?”
That stopped her like a foot stomping a brake pedal. “I don’t think that would be a good idea.”
“Why? I need to see your father, talk with him man-to-man, offer my assistance and assure him I’m not involved in any of this.”
“Now isn’t the time for that, Kal.”
“I think it is.”
“And I think you’re wrong. You need to trust me on this. No one knows my father better, and I’m telling you that approaching him while he’s in the middle of an attack is the wrong move. Give forensics time to deliver the evidence that will prove it wasn’t you, that you don’t own the vehicle or one like it that was used to haul in the plants that poisoned the stock and that your fingerprints aren’t on anything.
“Once that happens, he’ll be more willing to listen. And I’ll speak with him about it while I’m there this weekend. But you need to let me handle this. Please?”
“Under one condition.”
“What?”
“Answer one question.”
“Okay, let me have it.”
“How do you feel about us after last night?”
Cici could feel heat flooding her face, and while she was a bit embarrassed, she was more excited and so could answer without hesitation. “Last night was amazing. It was like an awakening. You know me. I get off on being the baddest wolf at the table or in the courtroom. I like taking people down, and I love winning.
“I never – ever, in my wildest dreams, imagined that being dominated sexually would be so empowering and so exciting. I’m eager to explore more. But only with you.”
“God, you’re amazing.”
“I think we’re pretty amazing together.” She reached over to run her hand over his chest. “But I have to leave.”
“I won’t hold you up. Just call me later, okay?”
“I will.”
“Then go. Get ready. I’ll make coffee.”
“Thanks for understanding.” She gave him a quick kiss and headed for the bathroom. While she showered, she thought about what her father had told her. The attacks against Heritage made no sense. To her, it seemed like someone who was ignorant of just how big, and prosperous Heritage was, or the powerful allies it possessed.
It made no sense to do what they’d done thus far. The costs, at least financially, were not severe enough to damage Heritage, nor would it cost them their standing in the market. So, what did their enemy hope to achieve by such actions?
That was something she intended to find out, and when she did, God help those responsible because she would become the monster, the killer her father had created. She’d annihilate them.
Completely.
*****
Russell had just walked outside onto the front porch when Cici arrived. He waited for her to park and get out of her car. She walked up and hugged him. “Hey, Dad. Are you okay?”
“I am. Thanks for coming.”
“You said you needed me.”
Her words delivered a surprise and stabbed at him. Russell knew she’d not intended them as a weapon, but of late, he’d come to realizations about his role in the adult she’d become, and thanks to Naomie, he’d become cognizant of how he’d manipulated her without meaning to.
He’d withheld approval and compassion when he should not have and had made her feel that her worth lay only in the devastation of his enemies. He was a bit ashamed. She did always come when he called, and he should make a point to call just to say hello now and then, to let her know that she could also call him when she needed someone.
Or was it too late for that?
Damn if Naomie Taylor wasn’t turning him into someone who did way too much damn thinking about who he was and who he wanted to be for his family. He didn’t know whether to thank or curse her for that.
“I swear I’ve gone over it six ways from Sunday and I can’t find anything that would clue me in on why someone would do this.”
“Have you talked with Mace and Nash?”
“Yeah, and they’re just as clueless.”
“I don’t suppose you've spoken with Riggs?”
“What would be the point? He’s not a rancher, he made that clear. Besides, he deployed a couple of weeks ago.”
“Oh, I didn’t know. Okay, well I have something that might spark ideas, but I want to wait until everyone is here. Are Gramps and Gigi coming?”
“They are. Everyone will be here by one. We’ll have a late lunch while we talk.”
“Sounds good. Since we have a little time, can I talk to you about Kal?”
“What about him?” Russell hated that the mention of Kal’s name started anger bubbling.
“Dad, I know you think he’s behind all this, but he’s not. You’ve known him his entire life. Have you ever known him to be dishonest or mean? If this had happened before I started seeing him would you have believed it if someone accused him?”
That set Russell back on his heels. She’d hit the nail on the head with that. Russell had always liked Kal and knew him to be an honest and decent man. So, why was he so quick to believe Kal was responsible?
Was it simply because Kal cared about Cici? Or did Kal’s lack of concern with the age difference make Russell feel like less of a man? Was he a coward who wouldn’t go after what he wanted because his ego was so fragile he couldn’t face even the thought of someone saying that a woman was only interested in him for his money? Or was he that certain that the woman would one day look at him and there would be no desire in her eyes?
Was he really that shallow?
Apparently so.
“No, I wouldn’t have believed it,” he answered Cici’s questions.
“Then why do you now? Is it because I’m seeing him?”
“Maybe.”
“And why should that matter, Dad? Age? You know that’s bullshit. Look at Gramps and Gigi. He’s older than her, and they did just fine. So have a lot of people. So, if you once thought of him as a good man, then maybe you could let go of this unreasonable resentment for him because he’s involved with me.”
“There are times I wish you weren’t so damn smart Cicely Christine.”
“God, I hate that name. You and my mother should have been beaten for saddling me with that.”
“Oh, I think you’ve done just fine.”
“So, you’ll back off this Kal thing?”
Russell didn’t want to be unfair, but also wouldn’t lie. “I tell you what. I reserve judgment until the forensics are complete. If that clears him, then I’ll drop it. Fair enough?”
“Absolutely.”
“Good. Oh, looks like your grandparents are here.”
Cici hurried out into the driveway to greet her grandparents as Russell stood and waited. He’d be good to his word. If there was no evidence tying Kal to the poisoning, he’d drop all accusations. But if the evidence showed otherwise, not even the pleas of his youngest child would stop him from going after Kal, armed for bear.
*****
The family was gathered around the big dining table. Lunch items crowded the sideboard. Cici was glad that Russell had asked Naomie to join but did question why Dillon and Delaney weren't included.
“Why aren’t Delaney and Dillon here?”
“Delaney’s work with the Heritage Foundation has nothing to do with ranch operations, so there’s no need to involve her, and Dillon’s not involved at all,” Russell answered. “I thought it best for those of us intimate with the operational and medical end of things to attend.”
“Works for me,” Mace said.
“I’m not
objecting, just curious,” Cici said and turned her attention to piling food on her plate. Once everyone’s plate was filled, and they were seated, she spoke up again.
“I know everyone is worried and angry about the events of late, and I’m right there with you, but I want to look at this from an angle we have yet to explore.”
She looked around, and Nash said. “Well, are you going to make us guess?”
“No.”
“Then spill Little Bit.”
She smiled at his use of the old nickname. He, Mace and Riggs had pinned that on her when she was five, and it’d stuck for most of her life. There was a time she’d hated it, now she found it endearing.
“I’ve been racking my brain trying to figure out who would be doing this and why, and as yet, I’ve drawn a total blank.” She looked around the table. “But what if the situation we’re facing is like the old cowboy and Indians thing– you keep hitting the enemy at its vulnerable spots and keep it so tied up protecting what it thinks are its vulnerabilities that it never sees the real target?”
Robert slammed his hand down on the table. “God almighty, girl, I think you’ve nailed it. So far, we’re just playing defense, cleaning up after every mess and scrambling around trying to figure out why someone would commit that act. What we need to look at is the bigger picture. What do we have that someone wants bad enough to do this stuff, or what is it we have they want?”
Everyone looked at one another for a few moments before Naomie raised a hand. “You have a thought?” Cici asked.
“Yes. What if it’s none of the above? What if someone is trying to set Kalvin Burton up to take a fall so that his green city will fail?”
Cici felt a chill slide down her back and looked at her father. He looked at her at almost the same moment. “What would it cost him if this project went belly up?”
“Most of his net worth. And his reputation would be trashed with no real chance of redemption.”
“Then maybe we need to confront this on two fronts,” Mace suggested. “Who hates us and who hates him and how the two are connected.”
“And how do we do that?” Nash asked, and everyone looked at Cici.
“We start at the beginning and make a list of everyone who’s ever had a beef with us, tried to sue us or cheat us. People we’ve fired, people we’ve stopped doing business with. Anyone and everyone who might have a reason to want to see Heritage suffer losses.”
