Alexander Ranch

by Marla Josephs

  “He’s not a grump butt like Jordan here,” Daisy said while walking to open the door.

  A tall, gorgeous man walked in the door. He had his arm in a sling and had some faint scars on his handsome face. He and Daisy hugged in greeting.

  “Hey, Jordan,” he said coming deeper into the room and seeing Jordan.

  “Ethan. Glad to see you, man,” Jordan replied unstiffening a bit. He rose and gave the man a manly hug. Then the newcomer looked at me.

  “And you must be, Lela,” he marveled, coming over to me and taking my hand. “You are more beautiful than I remember. Of course, I was trying to figure out how not to get shot when I first saw you though. Thank you for saving my life.”

  He raised my hand to his lips and kissed the back of it. I blinked up at him. There was sincerity and amusement in those beautiful light brown eyes and I was held spellbound.

  “We are going to get ice cream and replace her phone. Her phone didn’t fare so well when she jumped in the water,” Daisy interjected bringing me out of my stare. “You’re welcome to come, Ethan, if Lela doesn’t mind. Jordan doesn’t want to go.”

  Ethan winked at me.

  “I don’t mind,” I said, looking at Daisy and away from Ethan’s flirting eyes. Ethan gave Jordan a quizzical look and then smirked. Jordan glared back.

  “Then, let’s go,” Ethan smiled. And we were off.

  Jordan had left as fast as humanly possible with a curt “enjoy your ice cream” to no one in particular.

  Chapter 8

  Ethan was the polar opposite of Jordan. Where Jordan was moody, brooding and sour faced, Ethan was sunshine and smiles. He had an easy going personality and he flirted outrageously. He and Daisy together where like two fun loving balls of lightning.

  We’d gone to ice cream first. I had assumed this was because Ethan was short on time and would be leaving us afterwards. But, I was surprised when he joined us to have my phone replaced. He was a consummate gentleman. He opened doors, pulled out chairs and put an arm out to Daisy and I as we walked along the sidewalk. Overall, I found him quite charming.

  Though I had done quite well on our short outing, I was rather tired when we got home. I was amazed at how good I felt though. With the way I’d felt just yesterday, I just knew I’d be hobbling around like an achy old lady for a while. I wasn’t sure what Daisy was doing to me, maybe slipping something in my coffee or drinks throughout the day, but I felt pretty good. My aches and pains could barely be called that. Mostly I was just tired. So, once I arrived back home I was ready for a short nap.

  When I woke, Grace was there to check on me. She seemed so genuinely happy to see me I couldn’t help but be drawn to her. They were all so…well, nice. Well, all except Jordan. Grace checked my bandages, replaced them and declared me fit for work if I wished to return tomorrow. Otherwise she would write me a doctor’s note if I wanted to take more time off. I didn’t. I was ready to go back to work.

  I called Blake once Grace left and he picked up on the first ring.

  “Hey, Baby Girl, how are you?”

  “I’m fine,” I said, smiling at his nickname for me.

  “Are you sure? I was worried about you.”

  “Didn’t you get my message?”

  “Yes, but, I left you messages at the house too and you never got back to me. We do have a house phone you know.”

  “I’m sorry,” I grimaced. I hadn’t even thought to check the house messages. I saw the flashing red light on the phone but never thought to call into the messaging service. “I was so tired when I got in last night I went to sleep. And, I left first thing this morning to replace my phone.”

  “As long as you’re safe. What happened to your phone anyway? You said it got wet? Did you fall in the river or something?”

  If he only knew how close he was. “Actually, I did.”

  “How did you do that? It’s not like you to be clumsy,” he said, concern and suspicion in his voice. Boy could he be protective.

  “Well, no not normally. But, I’m not immune to clumsiness now and again, Blake,” I drawled, going for an exasperated tone.

  “You didn’t hurt yourself did you?”

  “Just a few bumps and bruises,” I said truthfully, or as truthfully as I could be. He paused for a moment not saying anything. “I’m fine, Blake. Really. Don’t get on your big brother high horse.”

  I heard a soft snort over the phone.

  “Yea, you must be fine. Otherwise you wouldn’t be giving me attitude.”

  Now it was my turn to snort.

  “So, when will I see you again?”

  “Not this weekend, but the next. Can’t wait to see you.”

  “Me too,” I smiled. I missed my big brother.

  “Hey, I’m getting ready to head out and get some food. I’ll call you later ok?”

  “Call me tomorrow. I’m tired and have to nurse my bumps and bruises,” I whined exaggeratedly.

  “Oh, yea, you’re fine,” he laughed. “Love you. Talk to you tomorrow then.”

  “Love you too,” I giggled.

  Chapter 9

  The next day when I walked into my office at the back of the animal treatment clinic I had a sticky note pasted to my computer screen. It read, Call John as soon as you get in. I had several messages in my voicemail as well. I intended to call John, but I wanted to check my messages first. No doubt, he’d probably left me voice messages as well. I wanted to have some idea of what he wanted to talk to me about so urgently.

  I was right. He had left me a message, but unfortunately, he gave me no other clues as to what he wanted. Just another message to call him as soon as I got this message because he had a special assignment for me he needed to discuss. But, he saved me the trouble of calling him. As soon as I set the receiver down he walked into my office.

  “Good morning, Lela. How are you?” he asked in his usual cheerful voice.

  “I am doing well, John. How about you?”

  “You don’t look like you’re doing well,” he frowned, looking me over and seeing some of my bruises and scrapes. “I thought you were just a little sick yesterday, or wanting some additional deserved time off. What happened to you?”

  “I just had a little accident when I went hiking on Sunday.”

  “What kind of accident?” he asked sitting on the edge of my desk now. “Were you badly hurt?”

  “I, sort of, fell in the river,” I tried to lie. “Just a few bumps and scrapes is all.”

  “Did you go to the doctor?”

  “Yes, I did. Now stop worrying over me and tell me what this sticky note and your message is about,” I insisted, trying to change the subject. He looked at me critically, and I put my hand on his and squeezed it. Then I spoke through gritted teeth and a forced smile, “I am fine. If I wasn’t I wouldn’t be here. Now, please, tell me about this assignment.”

  “Ok,” he said reluctantly, “but just remember I’ve got my eye on you.”

  “Duly noted.” I gave him my best smile.

  “Ok, are you familiar with the Alexander Ranch? It’s about 30 minutes from here.”

  “I’ve heard of it, but I don’t know much about it.”

  “Well, they apparently have heard of you. They requested you specifically.”

  “Specifically for what?”

  “Well, they recently lost their staff vet and they need a temporary one to help with the animals on the farm.”

  “Ok,” I said slowly, confused, “but, I’m not a vet, just a vet tech.”

  “I know. I told them that. They said that if they needed a vet, or something more than what you could do, they would have you contact one of our vets to provide the service.”

  “So, I’m supposed to go out there and just do an assessment of an animal or something? I’m confused.”

  “Well, they asked if they could borrow you, just for a few weeks, until they could replace their vet. Apparently they have some animals there that are ill and were under the vets care.”

  �
�What do you mean, borrow me?”

  “Just that. They offered to pay your salary and pay me a fee for the inconvenience of not having you here.”

  I was stunned. I didn’t know these people. Why did they want me?

  “But…, I don’t understand? I don’t even know these people. Why don’t you send one of our vets?”

  “The owner, Logan Alexander, asked for you by name. He said he’d heard about you from someone and you came highly recommended.”

  Logan, hm? The name was familiar. It took me a moment to realize where I’d heard that name. Didn’t Jordan say his brother’s name was Logan? Hadn’t he mentioned something about Logan punishing him for something? What was going on?

  “Ok, but, why don’t you tell them I’m not available and send one of the other staff? I have too much to do. I only fill in as a vet tech occasionally now with all of my other duties as director of facilities. You know this,” I frowned up at him in puzzlement.

  “Did I mention that he offered to pay me a sizable fee for the inconvenience? Besides, it’s good business for us. The Alexander ranch is very prestigious. It will be good for the business for people to know that such a prestigious ranch uses our business for the needs of their animals. And, they may decide to just let us handle their veterinary needs rather than replace a full time vet. You are the best we have. Who else could I send to represent us on such an important assignment?”

  “And, we would still be working with them if you sent someone else,” I pointed out knowing it was futile.

  “They only wanted you and I sort of already agreed to it.”

  “What? Why?” I practically yelled.

  “I thought you would be thrilled,” he sounded puzzled. “You love going from one location to another, so I figured this would be just another location for you to work in. Besides, it’s only temporary.”

  I sighed. He was right. This was definitely something I would usually be interested in. Though, usually when I did an off-site visit it was just for one day to check on some cows or horses, or judge a contest. This was something altogether different. They didn’t need a vet. They wanted to keep an eye on me, but I couldn’t tell John this. What had I gotten myself into?

  “You know I won’t make you do it if you really don’t want to,” he said reluctantly and hopeful at the same time.

  “Alright,” I said with resignation. “Where is this place?”

  John gave me the directions and a phone number. I didn’t bother to call because I knew they were already expecting me. They’d made all of the arrangements after all. And, roughly thirty minutes later, I was driving up a path that led to the same ranch I’d been taken to by Jordan and Daisy on Sunday afternoon.

  Chapter 10

  The door was answered by a man who looked like he must have been a butler. A butler! I was ushered into an office and, moments later, a man came in to greet me. The man looked so much like Jordan it was disturbing. Only this man was smiling, something Jordan apparently didn’t do much.

  “Lela, it’s so nice to finally meet you,” he said extending his hand.

  “You must be Logan. It’s a pleasure to meet you too,” I and extended my hand automatically returning his greeting, and he engulfed my hand in his. He didn’t shake my hand but covered it with the other with a warm gentle squeeze and released me.

  It was distracting how much this man looked like Jordan. But, the happy eyes and care free manor immediately put me at ease. Also, at closer inspection, he looked a trifle more mature in some way. I couldn’t say he looked older, but something about him was more mature. One thing that was not different was his devastatingly handsome features. Though, I didn’t get that same jolt from looking at him that, I hated to admit, I got when looking at Jordan. Still, it was no hardship to look at him.

  “I’ve heard so much about you. Daisy and Ethan can’t stop talking about you.”

  They barely knew me. What could they possibly have to say? I didn’t know what to say to that so I said nothing, just smiled. I noticed, however, he didn’t include Jordan as one of those singing my praises.

  “But, I’m sure you’re wondering what this is all about,” he continued. I nodded.

  “Well, as you know the situation you stumbled upon Sunday is one that we have been monitoring for some time now. Ethan had been gathering information and ended up infiltrating the group we’ve been trying to track down. Unfortunately he was also found out or suspected of being a plant and would have possibly been killed, if it hadn’t been for you hiking there when you were. Regrettably this has also likely put you in danger. The men we are looking for have been very careful. We found a great deal of evidence not far from the spot where you encountered them. And, they know you can identify them, or at least assume you can.”

  “I’m really not sure I could.”

  “That’s ok. The fact that they think you could, puts you in danger. They are exceptionally good at finding people.”

  “So, you had me assigned here to protect me?” I asked skeptically.

  “Primarily, yes. But, I assure you we’ll have plenty of work for you to do. If there are any functions you don’t wish to perform, that is fine. I just ask that you provide veterinary care whenever it’s needed. I understand your company provides animal training, grooming, and boarding services as well?”

  “Yes, we do.”

  “And, I understand you participate in a great deal of all of that?”

  “Yes, I do.”

  “Well then, participate in whatever areas you would like. We always have plenty to do around here taking care of the animals.”

  “So, you run some sort of agency and a farm?” I couldn’t help asking. The two didn’t seem to go together.

  He smiled indulgently, “What can I say? We all like animals.”

  “I can’t just do nothing when there aren’t any veterinary needs.”

  “Sure you can, if that’s what you choose. Also, we don’t want to put a strain on your work at Hanley’s. Feel free to catch up on any work there. If you need to visit the facilities or go into your office that can be arranged, also. We only ask that you please do not go anywhere without security. Daisy, Jordan, and Ethan are your revolving security detail. One or all of them will be with you at all times.”

  I frowned at the mention of Jordan’s name.

  “Ignore Jordan,” he said. I was really starting to wonder if these people could read minds. “He’s just going through some things right now. It’s not you.”

  I looked at him in total confusion. I didn’t dare acknowledge the Jordan issue. Instead I focused on all this security. This was unreal. Did I really need this protection they all seemed to think I did? They didn’t know I was a second degree black belt. I just wanted my old, normal, boring, overworked life back.

  “I really do appreciate you’re offer. But, I’m not sure this is the best thing for me.”

  “What do you mean?” His voice was mild and curious.

  “Well, I mean I just want my old life back.”

  “Well, I can hardly insist that your work for us. We can definitely still protect you if you choose not to.”

  “What if I don’t want the protection?” My voice was low and weak. I had a feeling that part was not negotiable, and I was right.

  “I’m sorry,” he said with true understanding in his eyes. “Look, I know this is a lot. I completely respect your desire to live your life without this new intrusion, but we deal with this every day and know just how dangerous these people are. I couldn’t live with myself if we didn’t do all that we could to protect you. However, I promise we will do everything we can to lessen the impact on your life. If you don’t want to work here we will figure something else out. But, may I suggest you try it out for a day or so before making your final decision?”

  I decided that was a reasonable request after a few moments of contemplation. So, I agreed. A day or two wouldn’t be so bad.

  “You should know that we feel there is a good chance these peop
le are very likely to come after you, so be on your guard.”

  “Even here?”

  “Anything is possible. It’s not as likely here, but if someone did come it would be easier to protect you here. We are all on alert and anticipating trouble. You being here limits the potential target areas where they could make a move. It will make it easier to catch them if they do try to make a move against you, which I’m pretty sure they will.”

  “So, in essence, I am bait?”

  “Well, yes, but not because we want you to be. You are already a target. We just have to make sure they miss when they take a shot at you.”

  This was getting more and more creepy and scary.

  “What is the name of this agency you all keep mentioning? What exactly do you do?” I asked bluntly. Logan smiled.

  “That’s a great question. The name of the company is Alexander Consulting. We provide high tech, specialized security and investigative services in a nutshell.”

  “Oh,” I muttered. There was a knock at the door, then Daisy stuck her head in.

  “Are you all set?” she said looking at me.

  “Set for what?” I asked.

  “Lela is not sure if she wants to work here with us,” Logan explained, “but, I’ve persuaded her, I think, to give us a chance for the next couple of days before making her final decision.”

  “You’ll love it here,” Daisy assured me. “Come on. Today I will be your guide and show you around the place.”

  Daisy was true to her word. We rode on horseback all around the ranch and she introduced me to several people. I loved the riding around on horseback part. I’d had my own horse as a young girl and I missed riding. It was a beautiful estate with lots of livestock from chickens to cows. And, the people who worked here seemed as friendly as the Alexander family. The ranch was huge. After riding for quite some time, we came across two very large men in the pasture who seemed to be herding the cows around or something. One of them called out to Daisy and she turned her horse and headed for them.

  “Come on, Lela. I want to introduce you to these guys,” she called over her shoulder, urging her horse to a trot.