Walker: The Rodeo Legend

by Rebecca Winters

  The gleam in his father’s eyes grew brighter.

  “But even if my theory proves wrong, we can still form our own company after the lease is up for renewal with Spurlings next year. That’s not very far away.”

  “You know, you’re right.” While his father’s mind was starting to get the picture, Walker was still reeling from Paula’s assertion that she’d never been interested in Matt Spurling. The poor devil had taken his defeat gracefully. Hearing his voice on her answering machine had made a new man of Walker. If that made him some kind of monster, he didn’t care.

  “We’ll keep it going until we’ve exhausted what’s left of the field. I see no reason to go on giving away the natural resources on our land when we could be in business for ourselves and reap all the profits.”

  J.W. pounded his fist on the desktop. “I should have thought of it years ago.” He sounded upset with himself. That wasn’t the reaction Walker wanted to provoke. His father had done more to ensure the future of the Cody legacy than any Cody that went before him.

  “You had other weighty matters on your mind, Dad. But think about this—every month, if it’s a peak month—we make a royalty of fifteen percent of the take. That normally adds up to $200,000 a month, right?” His father nodded. “Think if we could keep the other eighty-five percent, too. We would be talking over a million dollars a month for each well.”

  “My brilliant son is teaching his father!”

  Was this the same father who’d been down on him from day one?

  “I’ll tell you who was brilliant, Dad. It was our ancestor who got all the rights to the land in the first place so the government couldn’t step in and control things. We own a lot more of the same kind of land where the first field was found. I’ve ridden Peaches all over it.”

  “I didn’t know that.” His father sounded shocked. “If you’d told me, I would have ridden out there with you.”

  “I had to work out my plans first, and I do it better alone.”

  J.W. made a strange sound in his throat. “You’re my son all right.”

  “Just so you know, I’ve been investing my money since I went into the military. I’ve got enough to drill a couple of wildcat wells doing subsurface mapping and seismic measurements. The figures in my paper will have changed over the past six years. According to the research I’ve already done, it will cost three million dollars to drill for one well in today’s economy.”

  “I’ll match your funds.”

  He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “Thanks, but I’d like to see this project through on my own steam.”

  “Good for you.”

  “A road will have to be built for each one. If I find gas, the delineation well will tell me how big the field is underneath the ground. If we find a lot of gas, I’ll have them made into development wells.

  “You saw the graphics in my paper. They’ll have to be forty-five acres apart, but the good thing is they’re quiet and have very little physical impact on the environment except for a road. I believe it’s worth pursuing.”

  “Worth pursuing? It’s vital!” His father leaped out of his chair, grabbed his cane and came around to the front of the desk to hug Walker. “I always knew you were the brainy one in the family, but right now we’re talking pure genius here.”

  For the first time ever, Walker saw his father totally excited about something else besides the rodeo.

  He grabbed Walker’s shoulder. “And you promise to live here and run the whole thing?”

  “If it has your approval.”

  “If?” he exclaimed. “To live to an old age with all my children and grandchildren around is all I’ve ever wanted, son!”

  The truth of his words caused a sudden surge of affection for his father that seemed to spring out of nowhere, surprising the hell out of him.

  “You can talk to Mom about it, but until I’ve done more groundwork with a couple of engineers, let’s keep this under our hats where the others are concerned.”

  “Agreed, but come on home with me now and we’ll tell her together.”

  Whatever the state of his parents’ marriage, it appeared they were still a team.

  Walker got to his feet. “I would, but I’ve got to get ready to leave with Boyd. We’ll talk to her when I get back.”

  He nodded. “Did you know Jesse’s on for both nights in Hugo?”

  “I figured as much, and where Jesse goes Mark Hansen follows.” Walker was convinced Mark was out for blood, or Jesse would have laughed it off by now.

  J.W. went oddly quiet. Evidently his father had concerns in that department, as well. He squinted at Walker. “You noticed that, too.”

  “Yup. I think he’s shaken Jesse’s confidence. Somehow I always thought of my brother as invulnerable.”

  “We’re all vulnerable somewhere, sometime, but then we get back on track and don’t look back.”

  “That’s true,” Walker murmured, wondering if this was the closest his father would ever come to confessing what he’d done. “We all saw Mark’s performance in Redding. I hate to admit it, but he’s good.”

  “He is,” his father agreed, albeit reluctantly. “That’s the reason I’m glad you’re home for good. All my children need to support each other.”

  “I hear you. See you later, Dad.”

  Walker wished Paula and Clay were driving with him tonight. After she’d been to a few rodeos and knew what to look for, she’d get over her concerns about it being dangerous.

  WHILE PAULA WAS ON THE phone with a client, she heard the high-pitched whines of some sport bikes coming down her street. Normally things were fairly quiet in her residential neighborhood. She got up from the dining room table to look out the window. Two guys pulled up in front of the apartment and parked.

  As soon as she saw the familiar silver-and-black GSX-R1000 loaded with gear, she realized who it was and flew past Clay, who was sitting in front of his blocks chewing on them.

  “Kip!” she cried out in delight after opening the front door. Of course she was thrilled to see him, but she’d been hoping Walker would come. He’d called every day checking up on Clay. He’d even talked to her son on the phone. But on his last call he told her they’d been delayed by a mechanical problem with the trailer. She might not see him before Tuesday.

  “Hey, Pollywog!” Her older brother pulled off his helmet to reveal a thick head of dark blond hair. His grin was as big as all outdoors. With his light blue eyes and bronzed complexion, he was growing to look more like their attractive father every day. They met halfway on the stairs in a big hug.

  She’d never thought about his height before, but after Walker had trapped her in the hall on Thursday, she realized the men in her family, including Brent, were shorter. Not that it mattered, but she couldn’t help making the comparison.

  “Why didn’t you tell me you guys were coming? I’d have had dinner ready for you. Come on in.”

  They followed her up the rest of the stairs and entered the apartment. “How are you, Ross?” She gave his sandy-haired friend a hug. He and Kip had been best friends for years. “Never better.”

  Kip dived straight for Clay and scooped him up off the floor. “Hey, little buddy. Have you missed your Uncle Kip?”

  “Of course he has!”

  While he held Clay he said, “We were going to do some hiking in Yellowstone Park and camp out tonight, but then it started to rain and probably won’t let up until tomorrow. Since we don’t have to get back home until Wednesday, we thought we’d drive here and bug you before we move on.”

  “I’ve never been happier to see anybody.” The guys would help keep her mind off Walker, who’d survived another rodeo in one piece. “You can stay here tonight. I’ll whip up your favorite steak fajitas.” Katy had watched her boy long enough for Paula to get to the grocery store. “Clay will love it that you’re here. He’s getting over double earaches and is bored with my company.”

  “Yeah?” He poked Clay’s tummy playfully. “Have you been sic
k?”

  “While you guys freshen up in the bathroom, I’ll get dinner started.”

  “Thanks, Paula.” Ross disappeared down the hall. Kip followed her into the kitchen with Clay.

  The little pony was lying on the floor with some cars next to the drawer where Clay had been playing. Kip reached for it. “This is cute.” Clay immediately took it from him and jammed the head in his mouth. When Kip pulled on it, Clay kept it locked tight in his fist.

  “His name is Pebbles.”

  Her brother chuckled. “Will you look at that? He knows what he wants.”

  “Walker brought it by for him the other day. Since then he hasn’t let it out of his sight.”

  Her brother’s eyes danced. “So…”

  “So nothing. We’re friends.” No more getting physical with Walker. She couldn’t afford to take the risk of caring about him any more than she already did. “I wish I had a friend who lit up at the sound of my name the way you just did.”

  “I did not.” Avoiding his merciless scrutiny, she got the steak and vegetables out of the fridge to slice. When she heard the doorbell ring, Ross called out, “I’ll answer it!”

  It was probably Angie. Too late to intercept him, she hurried into the living room in time to see a smooth-shaven Walker at the door wearing a coffee-brown Western shirt and jeans. He was such a striking male that, as usual, she could hardly breathe. If this was going to be her reaction every time she saw him, she’d better stock up on oxygen to help her survive.

  That dark, brooding expression broke out on his face. “I’ve come at a bad time.”

  Since he’d never met Kip, she knew Walker would leap to another erroneous conclusion, but this time she was ready for him. “It’s the perfect time! Please come in and meet my brother, Kip Lund, and his best friend, Ross Fenton. They rode over here on their sport bikes after getting rained out in Yellowstone Park. Tonight they’re going to sleep on my living-room floor in their bedrolls.”

  No longer in prebattle mode as she’d come to describe him when his body tautened, Walker moved inside and shut the door. Kip gravitated to him. “It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Cody.” He shook his hand, still holding Clay. “Before you left the rodeo circuit, I followed your career for years.”

  “So did I,” Ross echoed and extended his hand. They both looked as if they’d won the lottery.

  Suddenly Clay wanted out of Kip’s arms and launched himself at Walker with the enthusiasm of a child greeting his father. Walker, who displayed that same physical mastery he’d shown at the dog parade, caught Clay against his chest in a loving hug before he could fall.

  While Clay found the jade charm and tried to eat it, her brother sent Paula a private look that spoke volumes. She felt her face flush. “You’re a hero to these guys, Walker, so don’t go all modest on them. Talk to them while I’m making fajitas. Would you like one, or have you already eaten dinner?”

  “I’ll take three if you can spare that many.”

  “Oh, I think I’ll be able to feed all of you so you don’t starve.”

  Thank heaven she’d weathered that little squall. If Walker insisted on showing up without phoning, he was bound to meet with the unexpected. Talk about flying by the seat of his pants.…

  “Is Clay still on the Pedialyte?”

  “He has been, but I’ll put him down in a few minutes with his regular bottle. In the meantime, maybe he’ll eat some Cheerios if I give them to you. I’ll put a few in a plastic bag.”

  When she came back with them a second later, Walker had chosen one of the upholstered chairs and had settled Clay on his lap. The guys sat on the couch looking ecstatic that one of the most famous rodeo celebrities in the world was under her roof. She wouldn’t put it past her brother to have purposely dropped in, hoping he’d get to meet the legendary Walker Cody.

  “While I finish getting dinner ready, feel free to help yourselves to sodas or anything else you want from the fridge.” With Clay settled happily against Walker while he munched away, she got busy in the kitchen.

  Within twenty minutes she called everyone to come and fix their plates before they took their food back to the living room. Walker brought up the rear, still holding Clay. The guys were still firing one question after another at him. If only he knew what this meant to her brother and Ross.

  The green eyes that stared into hers held no shadows this evening, an indication he was at a low-tension level. Relieved for his sake, since he had so few moments of relative inner peace, she reached for Clay. “Okay, sweetheart. It’s time to put you down. I bet you’re going to love your bottle.”

  She grabbed it off the counter. “Say nite-nite to everyone.”

  Clay made an indescribable sound that caused the guys to laugh, but it was Walker’s smile and kiss to his forehead that touched her. She hid her face in her boy’s golden curls and left the kitchen in order to deal with her emotions.

  As she passed through the living room, Clay extended his arms. “Peb—Peb—”

  Walker was right behind her. “Did I hear him say what I think he said?” He scooped up the pony Clay had left on the floor and handed it to him.

  Paula sent him a laughing glance. “I’ve been working with him.”

  “You’ve made my day, sport!” He tickled Clay, who giggled.

  “See you later, everybody.” Her boy was tired. She walked him to the nursery. It didn’t take long to get him ready for bed and give him his medicine. When she handed him the bottle, he drank thirstily, the best of signs that he was getting better.

  When she went back in the other room, the guys were still talking nonstop rodeo while they finished doing the dishes. She found her kitchen spotless and suspected that Walker was to blame. Kip could be helpful, but she knew he probably hadn’t taken the initiative and started the cleanup.

  Walker’s gaze darted to hers. “Jesse’s competing in the local rodeo tonight to get in the extra practice. I’ve invited Kip and Ross to follow me over to the arena on their bikes and watch the rest of the rounds. Afterward I’ll introduce them to him and some of the other contestants if they want.”

  Both guys looked so dazed they couldn’t talk.

  “I’ve also told them they can spend the night at my cabin. That’s what the loft is for, but only if you’re in agreement.” He rubbed the back of his neck absently. “I’d invite you to come with us, but I know Clay needs another night in his own bed. Tomorrow morning I’ll show them around the ranch, and they can ride the mechanical bull if they want.”

  Walker, Walker. “If they don’t want, then their brains need to be scanned for serious abnormalities.”

  Kip burst into laughter. “You’re sure you don’t mind?”

  “Of course not.” In all honesty this solved a big problem for her. She had little willpower around Walker and was glad Kip and Ross were there to act as a buffer. “Clay’s still recovering and I could use a good night’s sleep. But come by tomorrow before you leave for Yellowstone.”

  “Will do.” He gave her a hug and a kiss before heading for the front door. Ross came over to hug her and thank her, then followed him out.

  Walker lingered until the others were gone, then cupped the back of her neck. “I saw that look of panic in your eyes,” he murmured against her lips. “To ease your mind, I told them about my flashbacks and gave them the choice whether to risk it or not.”

  He’d misread what he’d seen. “I wasn’t worried. Those two can handle anything. There’s nothing my brother loves more than a challenge.”

  “If he’s anything like you, he’ll meet the test because you’re the most courageous woman I’ve ever known, on or off the battlefield.” He pressed a passionate kiss to her mouth before joining the guys, who were already revving their sport bikes.

  She backed up against the closed door and buried her face in her hands. Walker was so wrong about her it was chilling.

  Chapter Ten

  June 9

  Dr. Bader looked up. “Glad you could make it, Walker. C
ome on in and sit down.” Walker did his bidding and handed him his art tablet. “I believe you’ve put on a little more weight.”

  “Boyd told me the same thing.” His hazer ate like a horse. It was catching.

  “You look good,” he commented before opening the drawing pad. “Nothing’s been added. You must be feeling better.” He closed it again and pushed it back to Walker. “Tell me about your week. How’s the rodeo going?”

  “So-so. I’m not getting the speed I want yet.”

  “But you’re working on it.” Walker nodded. “Any more flashbacks since the rainstorm?”

  “No.”

  “That’s encouraging. What about your father?”

  “We’ve more or less achieved détente, at least for the present.”

  “Tell me.”

  While Walker related what had happened at his father’s office, Dr. Bader’s warm brown eyes lit up. “I’m happy for you.” He wrote out a prescription for his medication and handed it to him. “Now I want to know what’s going on with you and Paula.”

  He jumped up from the chair. “I wish I knew.”

  “Do you still feel like you’re the third party in your relationship?”

  “We don’t have a relationship,” he bit out. “After I got home from Moab, I went over to her apartment and discovered her brother and his friend there. One thing led to another and I invited them to stay at my cabin Monday night. Yesterday when we went back to her apartment as prearranged, we found a note on the door. She’d gone to Laramie for a few days to help her friend who’s moving there.”

  “Did she address it to you?”

  “No.”

  “How did her brother react?”

  “He was surprised, but he understood.”

  “And you?” Walker couldn’t answer. “In other words you took it as a rejection. Why would you do that when she left a message that included everyone? Did you have definite plans with her that she broke?”

  “No. Like a fool I assumed she wanted to be with me.”