by Hebby Roman
“Oh, I didn’t know,” she said.
“I’d like to get back, as soon as possible, to help out the dorm Moms with the search,” Kyle said.
“I’ll go back with you,” Wally offered. “I want to get to the bottom of this myself.”
Sofia glanced at the wall clock and turned to Kiki. “If I’m going to be back here at six a.m., it’s hardly worth driving to San Antonio. I wonder what I should do?”
Kiki put her arm around her. “You’re welcome to stay with us for tonight.” She raised her head and glanced at her husband. “Right, Cole?”
Cole smiled, the ends of his ginger-colored, handlebar mustache, lifting. “Sure, we’d love to have you.”
“And I think some of my clothes from my younger, skinnier days might fit you, if you want to clean up. We don’t live far, couple of streets over.”
“That’s kind of you both,” Sofia said, considering. She pulled out her cell and handed it to Kiki. “Would you mind putting your address in? I want to go back to the ranch and see if Aaron is okay?”
“Aaron wouldn’t do something like this. He’s not a malicious boy,” Kiki said.
Sofia tugged at her braids, pulling them apart at the bottom. She hoped Kiki was right. After all, he was the one who’d wanted to have a calf roping contest. Why on earth would he sabotage a contest where, as Gar put it, he was going to show off? It didn’t make sense. But lately, not a lot her son did made sense.
He’d been upset last Sunday when he’d caught her kissing Gar, but when she’d shown up for the calf roping, he’d nodded and winked at her. She didn’t know what to think.
“I hope you’re right, but something, I guess my motherly instinct, is telling me to check on him. After that, I’ll use my GPS and find your place. Though, if it’s too late, I could always sleep on the couch in the rec room.”
“That lumpy thing? No, you’re not.” Kiki shook her head and punched in an address, handing the cell back to her. “I don’t mind staying up. You’re the one who will be lucky to get a couple of hours of sleep.”
“Okay, if you’re sure?”
“See you in a little while. I’ll go through my clothes and try to find something for you to wear tomorrow.”
Sofia hugged her. “Thanks, for everything.”
* * *
Sofia turned her Chrysler into the driveway of Shady Oaks, following behind the Chevy SUV and Wally’s black Ram truck. All the lights were blazing from the center’s buildings. The search must be underway.
She followed the men to the rec room. No one appeared to be around. The two men went off in opposite directions, looking for the dorm Moms. She sat down on one of the sofas to wait, though, she would have liked to find her son.
A few minutes later, the three women, along with Kyle and Wally, entered the room. Sally, the eldest of the dorm Moms, was shaking her head.
“You’re certain you turned their rooms upside down?” Kyle asked.
“You saw the damage. We went through everything.”
“And none of the boys snuck out while you were looking?”
“We took turns, watching the hallways from here, while the other two of us, searched the boys’ rooms. If they snuck out, they had to have done it before you put us to looking.”
“Darnedest thing,” Wally said. “I expected to find the saw and pliers, at least.”
Sofia got to her feet and was about to ask Kyle if she could see her son when Aaron appeared in one of the doorways, which led to the dormitories.
He stood in the threshold with his hands in his pockets. Then he glanced up, saw her, and smiled. “Can I see my mother for a minute, Mr. Goodwin?”
Kyle looked at him and then Sally. “You’ve been through Aaron’s dorm—his closet and locker?”
“Yes, with a fine-toothed comb.”
“Okay, if y’all want some privacy, you can use one of the counseling cubicles.”
“No, sir. I want everyone to see what I found,” Aaron said. “And Brian is waiting to back me up.”
Sofia gazed at her son, wondering what he was doing, and getting a chilly feeling in the pit of her stomach.
He pulled his hands out of his pockets and gave her some wadded-up tissues. One of them was heavy. She opened it first and saw a pair of needle-nose pliers. Racing thoughts ricocheted through her brain.
Was this her son’s way of confessing?
She opened the other tissue and found bits of cut wire. She looked at Aaron, hoping against hope he wasn’t responsible for what had happened.
“We found them in the bottom of Lucas’s closet,” he said. “Brian saw one of them stuck in the ground near where Mr. McCulloch fell, half-hidden in the grass. He was too upset and afraid to say anything at the time. But he told me and mentioned he’d seen Lucas, headed out to the barn last night after supper.
“Last night, Brian didn’t think much of it. Lucas has befriended one of the barn cats. He likes to save some of his supper and visit her. But when Brian saw the ‘trip wire’ in the grass, he had his suspicions, knowing how Lucas is.
“While y’all were getting Mr. McCulloch to the hospital and before the dorm Moms searched, we found this stuff. Lucky for us, Lucas ‘mouthed off’ to one of his teachers today and is in detention.”
Kyle had joined them. “Did you find a metal saw, too, Aaron?”
“No, sir. Wondered if he used one, but I guess he must have gotten rid of it.” He shrugged. “Too big to hide. Maybe he thought no one would find these under a pile of his dirty clothes.”
Kyle patted Aaron’s shoulder. “You and Brian did the right thing.” He turned to Sally. “Can you bring in Brian? I want him to corroborate Aaron’s story.”
“Of course.” Sally bustled off. “Be back in a jiffy.”
“Aaron, everyone knows you and Lucas got into it the other day. Not the first time, either. Why did you wait to tell the dorm Moms when you knew they were searching the rooms?” Kyle asked.
Sofia sucked in her breath, wishing Gar was here. She could understand Kyle’s suspicions, but if Brian had seen the trip wire and both the boys had searched, she knew her son must be telling the truth.
Aaron looked directly at Kyle. “That’s why I waited to show this stuff. Brian and I were both worried you’d think we were setting up Lucas. But I swear to you, Mr. Goodwin, I’m telling the truth.”
Sally had returned with Brian in tow. “He’s telling the truth, Mr. Goodwin,” Brian confirmed. “I can’t prove it, but I saw Lucas sneak out last night, and we found that stuff in his closet.”
“Thanks,” Aaron said to Brian.
Sofia handed the tissue-wrapped items to Kyle. “I’m not certain what you’ll do with these?”
Kyle took the wires and pliers, giving both the boys an admiring glance. “I’m assuming you picked these up with tissues in case there are fingerprints to be lifted, especially from the pliers.”
“Yes, sir,” they both said.
“Smart thinking.” He nodded. “With you boys finding this stuff in Lucas’ closet, you’ve convinced me.”
He turned to Sofia. “I’ll be calling Lucas’s local probation officer to let him know what happened. And I’ll need to get these and the other trip wires Wally found to the local sheriff for evaluation.
“Fingerprints or not, given the circumstantial evidence, Lucas’s local probation officer will send home early to be remanded to his original officer. He might get extra time added to his probation, too, but that will be up to the judge in his jurisdiction.”
Aaron shook his head. “I hate to see Lucas in more trouble, but I saw how hard Mr. McCulloch went down—”
“Yes, he’s broken his ankle and needs to have surgery,” Sofia interjected. She turned to Kyle. “I don’t want Lucas running around loose. He’s capable of retaliation, of wanting to hurt Aaron and Brian.”
“Aww, Mom, we can take care of ourselves.” Aaron grimaced and hunched his shoulders. “But I hat
e Mr. McCulloch has to have surgery.”
“Let us take care of Lucas,” Brian affirmed, nodding. “Yeah, and I’m sorry to hear Mr. McCulloch broke his ankle.”
Kyle intervened with, “Not to worry, Miss Rossi, Lucas will be held in detention until his probation officer decides what to do.”
“Thank you,” she said.
She gazed at Brian. “What you and Aaron did was courageous.” She glanced at her son from the corner of her eye. “You know it was very brave, don’t you?”
The boys looked at each other and grinned. “We wanted to do the right thing,” Brian said. “Mr. McCulloch has been good to us.”
“Thank you, Brian,” she replied.
Then she turned to Aaron. “I know it’s sissy stuff and in front of your friend, but would you mind giving your mother a hug?” She opened her arms.
Aaron appeared startled and started to back away. Brian grabbed his arm and muttered something in his ear. Aaron nodded.
Slowly, her son shuffled forward, lifted his arms and put them around her waist. She hugged him tightly, and he gave her a small squeeze before letting go.
It wasn’t the best hug they’d shared—but it was a start.
* * *
Sofia folded a pair of pants and packed them in her suitcase. Gar’s surgery had gone well. She had waited while he was in recovery and been there when he came around. She’d spent all Friday with him and then stayed again with Kiki. She’d gone straight to the hospital this morning and spent the better part of the day there.
If all went well, he would be released on Monday. In the meantime, she needed to get moved to the ranch and settled in. Tomorrow morning, she and Kiki would be cooking breakfast for the remaining boys.
Several boys had gone home for the holidays and wouldn’t be returning. Having fewer boys to supervise would help with the staffing.
She heard a noise and glanced up. Liana de Léon Escobedo stood on the threshold of the guest room, leaning against the door jamb.
Liana folded her arms across her chest. “You’re sure you know what you’re doing, moving out there with this cowboy? Being his personal nursemaid or… whatever?”
“Yes, I want to help Gar. He’s been good to my son. Aaron respects him, and Gar has helped me to re-establish our relationship.”
“But I thought you said Aaron caught y’all kissing and got upset.”
Sofia stuffed a pair of jeans into her soft-sided carryon. “He did seem upset at first, but I believe he got over it. He and his friend, Brian, helped to catch the boy who caused Gar to fall and break his ankle. And he waited to give me the evidence.”
She sat down on the bed. “I think because he knew he could count on me to give him a fair hearing, since Gar wasn’t around.” She spread her hands, palms up. “I want to help Gar, but I also want to be around for my son, now that he’s opening up.”
“Hmmm, I understand you wanting to be there for Aaron, but I still think living with this cowboy is a little over the top.”
“It’s not what you think.” Sofia got to her feet and started stuffing underwear into one of the side pockets.
“Oh, yeah, you were caught kissing. When was the last time you went on a date or had a boyfriend?”
Sofia stopped what she was doing and turned to Liana. “I haven’t dated in a long time. You know how it is in the modeling world—the kind of men you meet. Not exactly my idea of relationship material.”
“I couldn’t agree with you more.” Liana smiled. “That’s why I married my home boy, Damian.”
“You were lucky you found him.”
“No luckier than you.”
“What do you mean?”
“From the little you’ve told me, I think Gar is in love with you. He just hasn’t been able to put aside his divorce and losing his daughter. But if you live with him, he might ask you to stay for good.”
“Oh, I don’t think so. He’s a lone wolf, that’s why he needs my help.”
“Yeah, but he was married before.”
“Not very successfully.”
“Maybe not, but that doesn’t mean he won’t take another chance.”
“Yes, but I’m not—”
“Look me in the eye and tell me you’re not in love with this man, Sofia.”
Sofia lifted her head and gazed directly into Liana’s face. “I’m not in love with…” She stopped and frowned.
Was she in love with Gar?
She’d never felt such an overwhelming physical attraction for a man, not even Eric. But was that love? Or was she selling Gar short, focusing on the physical side of things because she hadn’t been with any man for a long time?
Gar was a good man, kind and noble, thoughtful and self-sacrificing. She admired him as much as she’d admired her father. But it wasn’t meant to be. Was it?
“Even if I were in love with him, our relationship is going nowhere. I need to return to New York for my career and my son.”
“But if he wanted you to stay, would you consider it?”
“I don’t know. I don’t think I could send Aaron back to his father without being around.”
“Sofia, I’m not a mother yet, but I have a nephew and niece, and they’re little kids. Right now, they need their mother. But Aaron will be going away to college soon. Then what? Where will that leave you? Alone and with no one.”
She held up one hand, as if to ward off Sofia’s knee-jerk answer. “You will have thrown away your chance at happiness.” She shook her head. “Don’t do it. I’m not a mother,” she repeated. “But if you love Gar, don’t let him get away.
“It was easier for me. I knew I wanted to come home and marry Damian. He didn’t believe me, though, thought I’d never give up my high-profile life in New York. I almost lost him over it. Don’t throw your chance away. Okay?”
“Liana, you’re only guessing how Gar feels about me. I have no proof. And I would have to ask Aaron about his feelings, too. After coming all the way here, I don’t want my son to think I would desert him. Not now.”
Liana sighed. “Yes, I guess you’re right. You have to consider your son, but if he’s locked away in a boarding school…”
“I don’t know what’s going to happen when we get back to New York.”
“I understand.” Liana nodded. “I’m going to rustle up some lunch, probably a salad. You’re welcome to grab a bite before you go.”
“I think I better get to the ranch and then back to the hospital.”
Liana crossed the room. She put her arms around Sofia and gave her a big hug. “You’re always welcome here. I hope you know that. And I hope you and your son and this cowboy work everything out.”
Sofia hugged her back. “Thank you, Liana, for everything. And when Damian gets home, please thank him, too.”
“Will do.” Liana let her go and stepped aside. “I’ll let you finish packing. But please, keep me in the loop. I want to know what happens with your son and Gar. Okay?”
“Sure, no problem. I’ll keep you posted.”
“Good girl.”
Sofia glanced around the guest room where she’d stayed, making certain she’d packed everything. She hadn’t seen a lot of Liana in the past few days, but she would never forget her new-found friend’s warmth and hospitality.
Liana had taken her in when she was at one of the lowest points in her life. She wanted to find something special to send Liana and Damian as a thank you gift when she got back to New York. But for now, she needed to get settled at the ranch before she brought Gar home from the hospital.
Gar… Was Liana right? Was she half in love with the handsome cowboy? A man who’d lost his daughter and never forgiven himself?
Even more, could she give up Aaron and stay in Texas if Gar wanted her? And if she wasn’t modeling, what would she do with herself? She could go back to college and get her graphic design degree, but she’d have to work, too, not having enough savings.
Besides, Ga
r hadn’t told her that he loved her. Liana was sweet and wanted everyone to be happy. She knew Gar desired her, but maybe that was all it was… desire… not a lifetime commitment. Not love.
Chapter Nine
Gar laid his head against the SUV’s headrest. It had taken some doing, but between Sofia, a nurse, and two orderlies, they’d managed to get him into the Chevy SUV, along with his convalescent equipment, a pair of crutches and a knee scooter for when he felt up to using it. Sofia had argued for renting a wheel chair, too, but he’d be damned if he’d be wheeled around in one of those things.
In his pocket, he had a couple of bottles of pain pills. Opioids. He’d had a few boys who’d been hooked on opioids at the ranch, and their rehab had been touch-and-go. Nasty things, opioids. He’d never thought he’d have to take them, but right now, he didn’t have a choice.
Getting released from the hospital and settled in the SUV had set his ankle to throbbing. He glanced at his cell to see when it was time for his pills. Pain or no pain, though, he’d have to be careful. Learn to live with as much of the pain as he could and draw out time between pills.
He glanced at Sofia, driving the SUV. She’d spent long hours at the hospital after his surgery. Kyle, Kiki, Wally, and Cole had visited, too, along with some of his other employees.
All of them had reassured him they would cover for him until he was healed. It was kind of them and necessary to keep the ranch running. He was amazed at how they’d all pitched in and convinced his employees to work extra hours and double shifts.
Knowing how difficult it would be over the holidays, he wanted to grind his teeth in frustration. Not being able to put any weight on his fractured ankle for at least six weeks, maybe more, was going to be a trial. He’d never been sick a day in his life, except with the usual childhood illnesses.
Sofia had practically lived in his hospital room, taking care of him when a nurse wasn’t close by, keeping him company while watching hours of mindless TV, making him eat the awful hospital food, and updating him about the goings-on at the ranch.
