Rick was no longer the same brother who’d left Colorado ten days ago heartbroken and lost. And it seemed that Audra Jarrett was the reason for this profound change in him.
For that alone, Nate was prepared to love her. It was worth whatever he had to do to help clear their path.
“Show me the bedroom where her cousin shot out the window.”
In a few minutes Nate had been given a tour of the house. “With the threat of a lawsuit, I don’t think the boys are going to strike again in the same place.”
“I don’t either, but you never know for sure,” Rick muttered.
“On the drive from Austin I tried to put myself in their shoes. What would I do if I wanted revenge?”
“Light the ranch houses on fire?” Rick supplied. “The possibility of that happening hasn’t left my mind.”
“That’s crossed my mind, too. But something else has occurred to me because of your accident.”
“I don’t follow.”
“Her cousins are angry because they have to board their horses at a neighboring ranch. Didn’t you tell me they wanted Audra to leave the bungalow so they could live here while they built a barn in the back?”
His brother nodded.
“Since you thwarted them, what better way to get the women where it really hurts than to lock Marshmallow and Prince in the barn behind the main house and set it on fire?”
“I think you’ve hit on something,” Rick exclaimed. “Those horses are the women’s pride and joy. If the boys were to steal them, or do something to injure them so they’d have to be put down, it could be the cause of a lot of grief, fire or no fire.”
“Let’s check the horses out right now to make sure they’re okay,” Nate suggested.
“Good idea. After that I’ll give you a tour of the main house. Audra left me the keys. Let’s go.”
Before long they’d reached the other property. Nate drove around the back. He whistled softly. “That’s a nice big barn. No wonder the boys are upset.”
“Wait till you see inside the ranch house. It’s a mansion, the kind they don’t build anymore. Between the girls and David, they’ve kept it in immaculate condition.”
Nate looked all around. “It sounds like Dad has really taken to this place.”
“That was my impression the evening he took me horseback riding.”
Rick unlocked the doors to the barn and they went inside. The smell of hay and warm animal flesh filled his nostrils. He turned on the light. “If Pam had never gone into the ski shop to buy a pair of sunglasses, our father would still be grieving.”
“He and Pam are a great match.”
“I agree. We can’t let anything ruin it for them. He said he wanted to help make her dream for a bed-and-breakfast a reality.”
“That may have been true once,” Nate interjected. “Now I’m convinced this has become his dream, too.”
“Dad always did love a challenge. The higher the stakes, the sweeter the prize.”
They walked over to the first stall. “This is Marshmallow. She’s as sweet-natured as Pam.” Rick rubbed her nose. The mare nuzzled him back.
Nate smiled. “She looks in good shape despite her falling on you.”
“Don’t remind me.” They heard neighing from the next stall. Rick chuckled before walking over to the gelding. “Prince doesn’t like being ignored, do you, boy. He’s missing Audra.”
“Is she as fabulous an equestrian as she is a musician?”
“Probably, but from what I understand, Pam was the women’s champion trick rider at the Austin rodeo three years in a row in her twenties.”
“I bet Dad loved hearing that.”
Rick nodded. “Kind of like winning her own version of the womens’ downhill. According to David, she could trick ride like nobody’s business and won dozens of trophies at events throughout the state of Texas.”
“What’s the old saying, still waters run deep? Trust Dad to meet another woman with a competitor’s heart.”
“That’s Pam, but I would never have known it when I was first introduced to her.”
“No,” Nate agreed.
“Audra confided to me that her cousin was terrified of our reaction to the news that she and Dad were engaged to be married.”
“That seems like a century ago.”
Rick nodded. “I won’t lock the barn yet. When you come back, park the car in here, then lock it.”
“Good idea.”
He turned off the light and gave Nate a quick tour of the house. Ten minutes later they returned to the bungalow.
Nate had been suitably impressed with the large ranch house. “Their bed-and-breakfast will be the showplace of the entire region when they’re ready to receive guests.
“When I drive back there, I think I’ll keep a watch from that widow’s walk upstairs on the side of the house. It’ll give me an uninterrupted view of everything, including the barn.”
“That’s a perfect spot,” Rick replied. “Just so you know, Pam left plenty of food in the fridge when you get hungry. I’ll stay outside here tonight and do guard duty.”
“As soon as the sun’s up I’ll come and get you. We’ll wait for the movers together.”
“Sounds like a plan. Phone me when you’re situated. I want to talk to you about something important.” Rick got out of the passenger side and shut the door.
Nate leaned his head out the window. “I hope you’re going to tell me you won’t be heading to Arizona when that sling’s removed.”
Without waiting for Rick’s response, he backed out to the road and headed for the main house. Let his brother chew on that for a few minutes while he called Laurel to say good-night to her.
Cell phones were a wonderful invention. She answered before the second ring. “Nate?”
“Hi, darling. How’s everything? How’s Becky?”
“She’s asleep in her carryall.”
“Good. Let’s hope she’ll give you six hours without interruption.”
“Don’t I wish! Are you all right? I have to admit I’m nervous about you and Rick being there alone.”
“You don’t think we can take care of ourselves?”
“Not if someone’s shooting at you—” Her voice trembled.
“The boys won’t do that again. In any case, they were trying to scare Audra. How was she after I left?”
“She played with Becky until David went back to his club. At that point she gave her up and said good-night, but I doubt she’ll be getting any sleep. You can tell she’s worried sick.”
“This will soon be over.”
“How’s Rick?”
“If I didn’t know he was my brother, I wouldn’t recognize him.”
“Oh darling, if you’re saying what I think you are—”
“I’ll know more in a little while.”
“Why? What’s happening?”
“As soon as I’m settled at the main house, he wants me to call him so he can talk over something important.”
“Phone me when you’re through. I have to hear everything.”
“You might be asleep. I’d hate to wake you when you need sleep so badly.”
“You think I could sleep tonight?” she asked incredulously. “I’m going to watch a movie while I wait for your call.”
“Okay, sweetheart. I love you.”
“I love you, Nate. Please, please be careful.”
“Nothing’s going to happen to any of us.”
AFTER HIS THIRD TRIP around the bungalow, Rick heard his cell phone ring and he clicked on.
“How goes the watch?”
“All clear for now.”
“Same here.”
“I found a casserole of lasagna and warmed some. It’s better than Laurel’s, but don’t tell her I said that.”
Rick grinned. “When David told me Pam was the best cook in the Hill Country, he wasn’t kidding. Audra learned everything from her.”
“For someone who’s been in the hospital recently, I thought you were looking well
fed,” his brother quipped. “Was that the important thing you had to tell me?”
Emotion swept through Rick. “You know it wasn’t.”
“Go on.”
“What would you say if I told you I’m thinking of having a racing school built?”
“Where?” His brother’s reply came back so fast it stunned him.
Rick’s hand tightened on his phone. “Somewhere off I-70 between Denver and Copper Mountain. I’ve got Brent’s friend Jed looking for a piece of property now. Chip could be the manager. In my gut I know Wally would come on board.”
“Does that mean you’d make a permanent home in Copper Mountain?”
“Yes. I can’t see myself living anywhere else.”
“Neither can I.” His brother sounded choked up. “I guess I don’t have to tell you what those words mean to me.”
“You and Jed are the only people I’ve told. I want to keep it that way until I’ve got everything lined up.”
“What about Dad?”
“He has enough on his mind right now.”
“Rick—”
“I know what it’ll mean to him, but nothing’s definite yet. I’ve got to talk to my attorney and my investment broker. When you start to think about all that’s involved…
“I’ve only seen this business from the driving end. It’s going to be a whole new experience to put a racing school together.”
“No one could do it better than you. When new drivers coming up in the ranks hear they’re going to be taught by Lucky Hawkins himself, you’ll have to turn away applicants in droves. I think you ought to call it the Racetrack Lover’s School of High Performance.”
A smile broke out on Rick’s face. “You heard that one.”
“Laurel and I must have played it twenty times. That song helped me understand why you said you and Audra were still dancing around each other.”
Rick frowned. “When did I say that?”
“In the hospital.”
“What else did I say?”
“Something about bottle rockets and curls that looked like bluebonnet blossoms.”
“Jeez.”
“Don’t worry. My lips are sealed.”
“I think she likes me.”
“You only think?” Nate mocked. “Then how did you end up living with her at her bungalow?”
“She wanted the protection I could provide. Audra has nightmares.”
“How many did she have while you were consoling her?”
“One.”
“Is she still dreaming about being trapped in that car with the man who died?”
“No. This time she was trying to rescue me instead of Pete.”
There was a long silence. “Well, you know how to fix that in a big hurry.”
Rick’s eyes closed tightly for a minute. “What if it doesn’t fix everything?”
“What do you mean?”
“She’s got trust issues.”
“Because of the man who broke her heart?”
“Did Dad tell you about that?”
“He intimated she’d had a past relationship that hurt her.”
“I found out his name was Boris. He was some French conductor who couldn’t deal with the fact that she was more brilliant than he was.”
“Not too many men could. It takes a man totally confident with himself. A man like you, brother. The guy who’s been leaving the competition behind him since he put on his first pair of skis, rode his first bike, built his first go-cart and drove his first race car. You could always do anything. Now you’re in the race of your life. You know what I mean?”
Rick knew.
“Just apply some of that famous Lucky Hawkins technique when you know you’re so close you can taste victory. You won’t fail.”
It took a minute before he whispered, “Thanks.”
“Anytime. Since nothing’s happening around here, tell me more about your plans. I want to hear details.”
“OH NO—there’s been a mistake!” Audra cried to Pam when she saw the movers bring the framed picture of the bluebonnets into her uncle’s condo.
Her cousin eyed her with a puzzled expression. “I gave it to you for your birthday.”
“I know, but it looked so pretty in the blue bedroom it ought to stay at the bungalow.”
“I’m glad Rick told the movers to pack it. With things the way they are right now, who knows if you would have ever seen it again.”
“Ma’am?” one of the movers approached Audra. “Would you mind coming out to the truck? We’re all finished except for the equipment to be taken back to the radio station. Mr. Hawkins told us to be sure you inspected everything before we leave here.”
Rick. There was no one like him.
“Of course.” Adjusting her crutches, she followed the man out the back door to the carport. The two-year-old condos formed a complex of one-floor dwellings with individual patios. Only one occupant had lived in Uncle David’s unit. It was in excellent condition, with plantation shutters and neutral walls and carpet that had been recently cleaned.
Both men helped her up the ramp into the back of the truck. Her eyes sought out the Telos zephyr, the mixing board, the plug-in mike and the volume controls.
“All the equipment’s here.”
The man gave a satisfied nod. “If you’ll sign this, we’ll go.”
She put her signature on the dotted line. With their assistance, she made it to the floor of the carport and swung herself back inside the condo where everyone was still working, even Laurel.
They’d been at it all day.
Never one to be idle, her uncle had spent the last few days buying things for the condo. Several deliveries had come while they were moving in. They now had dishes, pots and pans, bathroom supplies, a dinette set and a bed and dresser for Audra.
Pam and Clint had stepped out long enough to buy groceries. When they returned, they cooked up some Mexican food. The smell of ground beef, onions and corn tortillas cooking gave the condo a lived-in feeling.
Audra was grateful for the help and the company. She knew her uncle was, too. It made the transition, from one life to another, bearable.
“Is the painting too high, too low?” Clint and David held it against one of the walls in the living room for the women’s approval.
“Right there,” they cried at the same time.
Clint smiled. “I’ll mark it.”
In a few minutes the bluebonnets had taken their place as the focal point of the room, which contained all of the furnishings from the parlor of the ranch house.
Her uncle looked around, then glanced at Audra. “This is nice, isn’t it, honey?”
She had to give her uncle points for acting as if this was a day like any other. He was the best.
“It’s wonderful and familiar. We’re going to be happy here.”
“You’re darn tootin’ we are.”
“Dinner’s ready,” her cousin interjected. Pam knew how hard this moment was on their uncle. Audra was sure Pam didn’t want him to have time to dwell on the drastic change that had just occurred.
Audra also knew Clint and Pam had begged him to stay on at the ranch until he died if that was his desire, but he wouldn’t have any part of it.
If it was true that he really wanted the opportunity to meet a woman, then Audra was going to proceed from here on out with that thought in mind. Otherwise she wouldn’t be able to stand what was happening.
When Laurel’s cell phone rang, Audra rushed to take the baby from her. All day Audra had been listening for her own phone to ring in the hope it might be Rick. She missed him so much. Not hearing from him or Nate had deepened her anxiety that something was wrong.
From the look on Laurel’s face, she was on edge, too. Who wouldn’t be, when Audra’s lunatic cousins were out doing who knew what?
Laurel didn’t talk long before hanging up. “Nate says to tell everyone hi. So far there’s been no activity. He and Rick followed the movers out to the highway in case the boys were wa
tching.
“They doubled back and found a hiding place. At the moment they’re keeping an eye on things and taking turns sleeping. When it gets dark they’ll go back to the same places they were last night. If anything goes on tonight, they’ll deal with it.”
Though Audra was relieved with that much news, she was afraid that Rick was using this opportunity to distance himself from her.
“Here’s a plate for you, Audra.”
“Thanks, Pam.”
The last thing she felt like was food, but she had to keep up the pretense of being hungry.
“Uncle David? Why don’t you get Harry on the phone and invite him and your friends over for a housewarming tonight? I’m sure they’re missing you already. You can break in the dinette set with five card stud.”
“We bought plenty of food, so you won’t run out of things to eat or drink,” Pam was quick to join in.
“There’s an NBA game on tonight,” Audra blurted as an afterthought. “If you call them now, they’ll be here in time for the first quarter.”
“What about you, honey?” Her uncle looked at her with a neutral expression.
“I’ll be busy organizing my bedroom.”
“Use my cell phone.” Clint handed it to David before helping himself to another couple of tacos.
Her uncle knew exactly what they were doing, but part of him must have realized it would be therapeutic to have friends over tonight. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have gone along with Audra’s suggestion.
After everyone had eaten and the dishes were done, Clint suggested it was time to get the women back to the hotel. It had been a long day. Heaven knew it was going to be an even longer night while they waited to hear from Rick and Nate.
Laurel was a real trooper. No doubt at a time like this she derived immense comfort from her baby. Audra hated to see the family go, but there was no help for it.
The silence in the condo didn’t last long, and she was grateful for this. Henry and two other retired rancher friends showed up and brought the place back to life. She left them dealing cards and went to her bedroom.
The room was a little smaller than the blue room at the bungalow, but it didn’t matter. The place had never represented home to her. As for the main house, knowing Pam lived there with Clint made her happy. Hopefully, in time, the thought would bring a certain contentment to her uncle, too.
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