Life at the Ranch

by Malone, Misty

  “It is.”

  “You do know if it turns out not to be important you will be paying for this, don't you?”

  “I do, and I won't even argue or fight about it.”

  “If it's worth you risking a good spanking over it, it must be important. Okay. Let me finish up what I'm working on and—”

  “No. No, we have to hurry.”

  “Why? Alicia—”

  “Look, I'm sorry, but I don't have time to explain now. I will, though, I promise. I have to make a couple other phone calls quick, but please, will you hurry?”

  He sighed, but reluctantly agreed. “Okay, but this sure better be important.”

  “I told you, I'll take full responsibility if you don't think it is.”

  “Okay. I'll stop at my house, take a real quick shower, and be there as soon as I can.”

  “Thank you, Bo. I mean that. I love you.”

  Before he could answer, she hung up. He looked at the wood he'd been measuring to replace on the side of the shack, and shook his head. He wouldn't be able to concentrate now anyway, so he put it all down, and grabbed his keys as he left. He drove back to his house, took a quick shower and went to the house.

  When he got close, Alicia came running out to meet him. She threw herself in his arms, hugging him like her life depended on it, which again had him concerned. “Whoa, whoa, honey. Are you okay?”

  “I'm fine. Come on, let's go.”

  She was practically dragging him to his truck, so he dutifully followed, opening her door when they got to the truck.

  He got in, backed up and headed out the lane. “So, where are we going?”

  “To Rocky's.”

  “Rocky's?”

  “Yes.”

  “But you hate Rocky's. You said it's too crowded and loud.”

  “I'm in the mood for crowded and loud tonight.”

  He'd been watching her ever since he got back from the line shack, and something was bothering her. She never told him where she wanted to go, always insisting she was fine with wherever he wanted to go. The fact that she had a definite destination was unusual, but one she had previously said she hated was troubling. Still, he was determined to show her he trusted her, and would be there for her if she needed something. Right now he was starting to worry about that last possibility. Something was definitely not right.

  When they got to Rocky's the hostess asked, “Would you like a table toward the back, or closer to the dance floor?”

  Bo was ready to tell her toward the back, knowing it would be a bit quieter back there, when Alicia surprised him once again. “Closer to the dance floor, please.”

  “Certainly. Right this way, please.”

  As soon as they were seated at the table, the hostess had gone, and the waitress had their drink orders, he turned to her. “Near the dance floor? Are you sure everything's okay, Alicia? You're starting to worry me.”

  “I know it's a little different for me, but—” She paused, looking for words. She finally just blurted out,

  “I know I've said it before, but please just trust me.”

  Bo placed his hand over hers on the table, and felt it trembling. “I do trust you, Alicia. But you have to trust me, as well.”

  “I do,” she quickly insisted.

  “If something is wrong, you'll tell me?”

  “Yes.” She sighed and tried to explain. “Bo, look, I know this is all weird, but there really is a reason for it. And I'll tell you that reason as soon as I can. But until I can, thank you for trusting me.”

  He patted her hand, which he noticed was still a little shaky. “You're welcome. I love you.”

  When the waitress came to take their order Bo got another surprise. Alicia, normally pretty quiet, spent a couple minutes talking with the waitress. “I love your nails,” she told the lady. “Do you do those yourself?”

  “I wish I could, but no, I get them done.”

  “They're gorgeous. Some people can do that themselves, but I swear I don't know how they do it.”

  “I sure don't have that kind of talent.”

  “Me, either,” Alicia assured her. “But I love to see them. How long do they normally last; are they pretty resilient, or can you get them touched up somehow?”

  They talked a few minutes about the waitress' nails, which although it didn't upset Bo, it had him wondering. This, again, wasn't like Alicia.

  They talked while they waited for their food to arrive, but he never asked her again about why she felt so strong about going to Rocky's tonight. One thing tonight was teaching him was that he did trust her. He worried about her, but he trusted her instincts, and if she felt they needed to be at Rocky's tonight, he trusted she had a good reason for it.

  While they were eating she had another request. “I know you worked all day and are tired, but if there's a song you like, slow is okay, could we dance one time before we leave?”

  “We can dance more than one time if you want to,” he said with a smile.

  After they ate, he turned his words into action, leading her by her hand to the dance floor. While they were dancing a man told Bo hello. Bo stopped to introduce Alicia to him, explaining to her that Shawn was the manager at the place Bo and Wyatt got their parts to repair their equipment. Alicia seemed real happy to meet him. By now, Bo didn't even question it.

  Although Bo was attempting to lead Alicia back to their table after the dance, she managed to take the long way, dodging people and tables, but eventually ending up back at their table. They danced two more times during the night, which Alicia seemed to be dragging out, and both times she managed to weave her way around and take a long route back to their table.

  Finally, after one o'clock, Alicia could tell Bo was getting very tired, and agreed they could call it a night. She stopped momentarily to say goodnight to the bouncer at the door before they left. On the way home Bo was calm. “I take it when the time is right you'll explain all of that to me?”

  “All of what?”

  “The whole night. Going there in the first place, talking to the waitress about her nails, dancing, taking the long way back to the table, saying good-night to the doorman?”

  Even in the dark truck Bo could tell she was blushing. “You noticed all that?”

  “Of course I noticed it. Alicia, I love you. I pay attention to you. Haven't you caught on to that yet?”

  “I have, and I like it, actually,” she admitted. “And yes, I will explain it all when I can.”

  “And when exactly will that be?”

  “I'm not sure. Maybe tomorrow night. If not, Monday night for sure.”

  “I have to wait until Monday night to find out what this was all about?”

  “I don't think so. I think we'll know tomorrow night, but I can't promise.”

  “We'll know what?”

  “I think I'll be able to explain it all then.”

  They got back to the ranch, where Bo kissed her goodnight, and left. She went upstairs to her room, feeling guilty. She wanted so badly to explain everything to Bo, but she didn't think she could yet. If she was wrong, she didn't want any hurt feelings, and she certainly didn't want Bo doing something he would regret later.

  She went to bed, but didn't get much sleep. She tossed and turned all night. Finally, after a fitful night, she got up and went downstairs for breakfast, but was quiet.

  Wyatt glanced over at her, then looked at her better. “Are you okay?”

  “Yes, I'm fine.”

  “You look like you didn't sleep at all last night. Sure you're okay?”

  “I didn't sleep well last night, but I'm fine.”

  “Maria said you called Bo and the two of you went out last night while I was over at Kayla's.”

  “Yeah.”

  “Why? Why would you call Bo and bring him back just to go out for dinner?”

  “It was important, okay?” That sounded sassy even to her, and she quickly apologized. “Wyatt, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound so, so—”

  “
Bitchy?” he offered.

  She saw the corners of his mouth turned up a bit and had to smile. “Exactly,” she admitted.

  “It's okay. Maria said something was bothering you last night. You're sure everything's okay?”

  “Well, no, but I hope it will be.”

  Wyatt put his fork down and turned to her. “Okay, spill it. What's wrong?”

  “I'm sorry, but I really can't say. Not yet.”

  “That's it? You're not going to tell me anything? I'm supposed to just worry about you all day, but you won't even tell me why I'm worrying?”

  “No, I'm fine. Honest. Don't worry about me. In a day or two I'll tell you everything, I promise. Just give me until then. I'm going upstairs.” She got up and left, leaving Wyatt staring after her.

  Maria walked in the dining room. “That certainly didn't ease my mind any.”

  “Or mine. Can you keep an eye on her for me? Call me if anything, if you see any – hell, just call me if anything happens with her.”

  Maria smiled and nodded. “I understand. And I will. Now you have a good day, and don't be worrying about her and get yourself hurt. If anything is wrong she'll need you and Bo.”

  “Thanks,” he mumbled as he plopped his hat on his head and walked toward the door. “I'm going to get Kayla and bring her over here for the day. This is your day off. Are you going somewhere?”

  “No, I'm staying here today. I got a new book and it sounds really good.”

  “Okay. Enjoy your day, Maria.”

  Bo had a tough time concentrating on the line shack he was fixing. He put a new roof on it after he repaired the part of the side that had blown off, but he was struggling to concentrate, as well. Try as he might, he couldn't come up with any explanation for Alicia's desire, no, need to go to Rocky's last night.

  He did a few more minor repairs and checked the supplies once again. He'd brought some additional canned food and water with him, and made sure there was a pan, a couple plates and silverware, and sufficient wood. When he walked around the area the day before he found the two fishing poles they kept there, and he put them back in the corner. Content with the line shack now, he left, anxious to get back home and talk to Alicia.

  He was pretty worn out as he was making his way back home. Between the less than optimum bed in the shack and his thoughts seemingly stuck on Alicia, he hadn't gotten much sleep. He planned on talking to her, and resting the rest of the afternoon. He glanced at his watch, and sighed. So much for resting until time for supper. He'd get back just about in time to wash up for supper. Maybe they could watch a movie and rest after supper.

  Those plans got changed, as well, however, as he turned the last corner and could see the barn. Beyond the barn was the lane, and coming up the lane was the sheriff. Not again!

  He ran his hand through his hair and readied himself as much as possible for another talk with the sheriff. He thought back to what Clint had told him when he left. They hadn't had any more incidents in a few weeks, so Bo thought, and hoped, everything was back to normal. Clint hadn't felt as certain. He agreed to suspend the investigation, but warned Bo not to be surprised if activity picked up again down the road. Unfortunately, he was guessing Clint had been right.

  As he parked his pickup and started toward the sheriff's cruiser, he noticed another vehicle coming in the lane. He turned to watch, and as it got closer he was surprised to see Clint. He went to Clint's car first. He opened the door and started asking questions before Clint was out of the car. “What's going on? What happened?”

  Sheriff Culler was back at Clint's car by then and put an end to the questions. “Mr. Hamilton, I need to talk to you before you talk with Mr. Armstrong.”

  “That's fine, Sheriff,” Bo said, reaching out his hand to shake the sheriff's. “What's this about? Ask me whatever you want to ask me.”

  Before the sheriff could say anything, Alicia came running out of the house and straight for Bo. Wyatt came out not long afterward, with Kayla at his side. Bo opened his arms and caught Alicia as she ran into them. A kiss and a look at each other was all they needed for both of them to feel better.

  “Let's all go inside,” Bo suggested. When they were all in the kitchen he suggested, “Sheriff, can I suggest something?”

  “Go ahead.”

  “I assume something else has happened?”

  “It has.”

  “May I ask when? Maybe it will save us all a little time, because they may not all be able to be a witness to where I was.”

  The sheriff looked at Clint, who spoke up. “Bo, let me explain why I'm here. When we decided to suspend the investigation, I had a feeling we hadn't seen the end of this. Therefore, I asked Sheriff Culler if he would please call me if he had anything else happen, so I could head over here right away. I wanted to be here when he did his initial contact with you, and his investigation. He told me a little bit about this one, and I think we need to take our time. I think this guy's getting serious now, and we need to, as well.”

  Everyone's eyes got a little bigger. Bo swallowed, but agreed. “Wyatt, the office again?”

  “Go ahead, please.”

  This time Bo led the sheriff and Clint into the office and shut the door. The sheriff said, “Right off, before we get into anything else, where were you last night, and do you have anyone that can vouch for that?”

  “What time last night?”

  “Sometime after 7:00, 7:30, and before 12:30, 1:00 this morning.”

  “Yes, sir, I do. Alicia and I had dinner at Rocky's last night, and did some dancing. We left here – I'm not sure of the exact time, but Maria had supper ready for Wyatt, so probably about 6:30 or so, and we didn't leave there until after 1:00.”

  “Just you and Alicia?”

  “Yep. So to speed this up, you don't need to talk to Wyatt or Kayla, because they weren't with me. Alicia was, all night.”

  Clint had been watching Bo's face carefully. “Bo, what's wrong? You're thinking about something. Is it something we should know?”

  “Maybe; I don't know. Can we go tell the rest of them what's happened?”

  “Let me talk to Alicia real quick first and make sure she backs that up. Then we can talk as a group.”

  “Okay.” Bo nodded his head.

  It only took the sheriff a couple minutes to ask Alicia where she was last night. Then they went to the living room and sat down. Bo kept Alicia sitting next to him on the couch. He started the conversation. “Okay, Sheriff, you and Clint hinted that it's getting more serious now. Can I ask what you mean by that?”

  The sheriff nodded. “It is. The homeowner last night said he saw someone standing outside, by a tree close to the sidewalk in front of his house, and he was staring at his house. He said it was as if he was studying it. When he walked out on his front porch and looked at the man he turned around and walked off. He thought he could identify the man if he saw him again, so we showed him some pictures. He pulled out the picture of you, Bo, and said it looked a lot like the man, but he couldn't say positively.”

  “Well, it wasn't him,” Alicia said.

  “Let him finish,” Bo told her.

  “When the man and his wife came home last night and could tell the house had been burglarized, they called us. When we went to investigate we found this. He pulled out another evidence bag. This one had a pocketknife in it.

  “My pocket knife!” Bo looked at it, then handed it back. “That looks like one of my pocket knives.”

  “One of your pocket knives?”

  “I go through them rather quickly,” he explained. “I usually buy them three or four at a time and have them on hand. On the ranch I use them a lot. Whether I'm cutting baler twine on hay or straw bales, or cutting bags of seed or fertilizer open, or whatever, I'm always reaching into my pocket and pulling out my knife. But I lose them frequently, too. I'm not sure if they fall out of my pocket when I get something else out, or if I use it and lay it down and forget it or what, but I've lost a bunch of them over the years. That'
s the type I normally buy, though.”

  The sheriff nodded. “It's got your fingerprints on it. That's the part that's getting harder and harder to explain and ignore.”

  “I sure wish I knew what was going on. Someone's obviously getting some of my stuff and planting them. What I want to know is who, but also when are they getting these things.”

  He looked over at Alicia, who had an odd look on her face. He was ready to ask her about it, when the sheriff spoke again. “You said you were at Rocky's?”

  “Yes, all night.”

  Wyatt, who had also been watching Alicia, spoke up. “Yes, because of Alicia.”

  Bo put his arm around her and pulled her closer to him. “Yes, it was. And you have a look on your face I'm having a hard time reading. Can you tell me now why you wanted to go to Rocky's so bad last night?”

  She nodded. “Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. I think it's time I tell you why I wanted to go to Rocky's last night. I think my hunch was right.”

  All eyes turned to her. Bo asked, “Do you know who's doing this?”

  “No,” she said sincerely. “But I think I may be able to give you a clue that could lead you to him.”

  Chapter 12

  “Any kind of clue would be good right now, Alicia,” Clint said.

  She turned to Bo. “Yesterday when you were at the line shack I was restless, so I went out to the barn and took Patsy out for a little ride.” When she saw the concerned, but stern look on Bo's face she added, “We stayed in the corral.” She smiled when she saw his little smile of approval.

  “Afterward I was in brushing her down, and Brooks was in a stall a couple down from Patsy's, wrapping Star's injured leg. He got a phone call and I heard his end of it. Whoever he was talking to apparently invited him someplace today. He said he could go, but it would have to be later since he was doing chores for you this morning because you were spending all day yesterday and last night at the line shack, fixing it.”

  Bo held up his hand, stopping her. “Wait a minute. Are you saying you think Brooks is in on this? I don't think—”