by Susan Stoker
From a discrete distance, he stopped and waited–watching until she was safely back in her home. Now, what was he going to do? He’d already been attracted to her as a person and now he’d discovered she was a fuckin’ wet dream. The only thing that held him back was the knowledge that this woman wasn’t the kind you played with. He didn’t have the capacity to be what she needed.
*
“Hold still, let me latch your shoe.” Lennon knelt and tried to hold Sally’s baby leg steady enough to fasten the buckle. Sally was so excited, she was wiggling. “George, are you sure you don’t want to go with us?”
“I’m sure,” he called from the kitchen. “Widow Thompkins will be there and she keeps making eyes at me. Makes me uncomfortable. Now…if it was Widow Simpson, that’d be a different story.”
“Gotcha.” Lennon giggled, then sobered. Dallas felt the same way about her. She’d made him uncomfortable–well, no more. Since he’d come, she’d been subdued, worried. Neither of those emotions was going to do her a dang bit of good. It was time she developed a little backbone. If she could taunt a bull and dodge his horns, she could manage to act like an adult in front of a handsome man. He was here to help her, not to entertain her.
“I’m gonna sang so pretty,” Sally chirped, running her baby hands down her dress.
“I know you will.” Lennon kissed her on the cheek. “And you look pretty too.”
“Is Dallas going wiff us?”
“No, just you and me, twerp.” Lennon picked up her purse and took Sally by the hand. Dallas hadn’t been in for breakfast, but she’d left his portion of a frittata in the oven. Clearly, he was avoiding her. Lennon pushed away the hurt to focus on her little girl. “Do you want to practice your song on the way?” Opening the door, she pulled it behind them once Sally was beside her.
“Yes, and you can sing wiff me.” She looked up at Lennon. “Do you know the woods to Jesus Wuvs Me?”
“Yes, I know the words.” Lennon assured her as she started down the steps. And then she froze! “Oh, no!” All four tires on her truck were flat as pancakes. “What in the world? Stay here,” she told Sally.
Hurrying down the steps, her mouth open, she couldn’t believe it! “Who?” she asked? Of course she had no name, but there was no doubt in her mind that it was the same person or persons who was doing everything else. “They’re trying to terrorize me.”
“Lennon! What’s wong?” Sally screamed, obviously frightened.
Dallas was on the phone with Hiram Glover when he heard the ruckus outside. He’d already been to Sierra Blanca and back this morning. Like he’d planned, Dallas had made time to just sit and observe the residents. The diner across from the courthouse had seemed the best place to start. And what he’d learned had been intriguing. He didn’t know what bearing it might have on the case, but he was beginning to get suspicious. As he’d sat in the 50’s style eating establishment, bright with stainless steel and red gingham, all he could hear was talk of Rooster Daniel’s mining site on Round Top.
At first, he’d just listened or eavesdropped, if you wanted to call it that, from a distance. This proved to be frustrating, what with the general noise level in the diner. Much of the local talk seemed to be going on at a table near the back. Five elderly gentlemen, about George’s age, were deep in the middle of a game of dominoes. His grandmother had been a chicken-foot aficionado and as best he could tell, that was what they were playing. Rising, he’d sauntered over, watched politely for a few minutes, then asked if he could join in.
Seeing he was a Ranger, they welcomed him and even bought Dallas a cup of coffee. He quickly found out the stakes were high. The high scorer, in other words the loser, had to spring for a slice of pie for everyone at the table. Dallas decided he could afford the risk. He’d laughed and talked with Otto, Oscar, Floyd, Price and Peewee. Dallas regaled them of stories about past famous cases like the Texarkana Phantom killer which inspired the movie, The Town That Dreaded Sundown. “This was before the days of forensics, and even though the Rangers had a suspicion about the killer’s identity, public curiosity obliterated most of the evidence that might have offered proof.”
Oscar leaned forward conspiratorially. “I’ve got friends up there. Who do you think it was?”
Dallas wasn’t about to give away any secrets, but he could tell them what the documentaries had already revealed. “Most think it was Youell Swinney, a man who went to prison for auto theft–but I guess we’ll never know for sure.” They also talked about the stand-offs at Rusk State Hospital, the Huntsville Federal penitentiary and the infamous conflict in Waco. “These stand-offs are still ongoing, people thinking they can force others to give them what they want.” He told them a little bit about the one he’d just wrapped up with ex-SEAL Deacon Jones and the pretty Russian, Natasha Levin.
“You never know what’s going to happen, do you? Just look at that murder case we tried here in town. They just let that river guide off, even though he admitted to fighting with his bartender friend right before he was killed. The bartender weighed a hundred-fifty pounds and the guide weighed three-fifty. Hell, one punch from him woulda done it.” Otto drawled out the story between sips of beer.
PeeWee piped up. “You know why he got off, don’t you?”
“Why?” Dallas asked, getting as caught up in the story as they were.
“He’s Rooster Daniels nephew, that’s why.” PeeWee crossed his arms and nodded, firmly convinced of his information. “That man is used to getting his own way in everything.”
“True. Money talks.” Price nodded. “That’s how he got the long-term lease and a permit to dig on Round Top.”
“Round Top?” Dallas frowned, recalling Lennon mentioning that name. “Dig for what?”
Oscar leaned up and began to whisper. “Fluorite, beryllium, uranium and lithium. They were discovered during a geological study in the 70’s. I’ve heard him say he thinks there’s at least eight billion dollars’ worth of rare earth minerals on that mountain. All he’s done so far is sink money into it, they say about three hundred million. I think he’s disappointed with the results. According to that study, this area is supposed to be swimming in the stuff. At least he’s created some much-needed jobs.”
“I hear he’s trying to buy up all the surrounding property he can get his hands on.” Otto whispered.
“Why would people sell?” Dallas asked. “Couldn’t they make more money by keeping their mineral rights for themselves?”
“This ain’t like oil that you pump out of the ground, you have to dig the earth up.” PeeWee spit into a cup. “That’s expensive as hell, and it tears up everything. Some folks don’t want to give up land their family has been on for generations.”
“Tell me more about Daniels.” Dallas asked as he laid down a domino that ended the game.
“Dang, he’s got the double-blank.” Price grumbled. Everyone stopped to add up their score.
Once they were through, Oscar began to shuffle the dominoes and as he did, he began to talk. “There’s a lot of folks who resent Rooster, but then there’s a lot who’ll kiss the ground he walks on. The man has friends, but he’s not even a Texan. He has a ranch here, but his main holdings are in New Mexico. Some say he’s just buying up land for the water. I’ve heard he plans on draining the Ogallala Aquifer and selling the water to cities like Dallas and El Paso.”
By now Dallas’ head was spinning, but he had to ask one final question. “I’ve been told there’s some cattle rustling going on in the area. Any of you boys heard about that?”
“I hear there’s a private cattle sale going on over in Culbertson County next week at Judge Riley’s place.” PeeWee studied his dominoes before laying out a double five.
“Who’s Judge Riley?” Dallas asked carefully.
“Retired District Judge. He’s on the board at the bank. He’s one of Rooster’s cronies and Sheriff Ferguson’s uncle on his mother’s side.” Otto offered casually.
Interesting. Dallas lost on purpo
se. The information was worth the price of pie.
Now, he was telling Hiram what he’d learned. “Can you get someone to attend that sale at Riley’s Ranch?”
“I can do that,” Hiram agreed. “What else?”
“Why don’t you see if you can dig up anything on Rooster Daniels and his friends. I may be barking up the wrong tree, but something tells me this situation isn’t exactly what it looks like.”
“Daniels is a powerful man, Dallas,” Hiram muttered, deep in thought.
“Yea, and we’re fuckin’ Texas Rangers.” Dallas was just about to sit down when he heard Sally calling loudly. He thought Lennon would’ve left for church by now. “Let me call you back, Hiram.” Pocketing his phone, he went outside to see what was going on.
“Someone slashed my tires!” Lennon stared, still not believing.
Dallas came up behind her. “Son-of-a-bitch!” Taking her by the shoulders, he tried to steer her toward the porch. “You all need to go inside. I don’t think it’s safe out here.”
“I’m not hiding!” Lennon shrugged from his grip. She was angry–at everything.
“Inside, now. Don’t argue.” He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and just walked, bringing her along for the ride. “Sally, sweetheart, let’s go in. It’s time for my tea party.”
Lennon allowed herself to be led. But as soon as she was inside the door, she sidestepped away from Dallas. Being close to him made her feel… Damn. He made her feel, that was the problem. “I think we need to go check the cameras.”
With everything going through his head, Dallas was having a hard time thinking. Not only was he scared for her, he couldn’t take his eyes off of her. Sunday could become his favorite day. She was wearing a simple ecru dress; a dress that didn’t hide the fact she was a woman. A lace covered bodice drew his gaze to a rounded neckline where the tiniest hint of cleavage made his heart race. Instead of boots, a small pair of pumps graced her feet and there was a dainty gold necklace around her neck. Lennon looked like spun sugar. And all the time he was eating her up with his eyes, he was remembering how drop-dead gorgeous she’d been last night. He hadn’t been able to get the sight out of his mind. “You look…nice.”
Lennon stared at Dallas as if he were certifiable. “Did you hear me? I think we need to go check the cameras.”
“What’s going on?” George came in, relying heavily on his cane.
“Are you limping?” Lennon asked, concerned. Going to him, she took him by the arm and led him to the couch. “Sit. What happened?”
George answered gruffly, showing embarrassment. “I slipped in the shower. It’s nothing. My hip’s just being contrary.”
“You need to be more careful,” she chided him.
“Someone slashed all four tires on her truck,” Dallas interjected.
“Well, I’ll be derned!” George fretted, his eyes already filled with pain.
“I’m scared,” Sally whimpered, drawing the attention of all three adults.
“Great…” Lennon left George’s side and went to Sally. “Come on, let’s go change clothes. We’re not going to be going to church today.”
“But I want to wear my pretty dress to the tea party!” Sally protested loudly.
“Fine. Just come with me to change clothes while the men talk. You can sort through grandmother’s jewelry box.” With tears welling in her eyes, Lennon entered her bedroom, the same bedroom she’d slept in her whole life. George used the master bedroom. She’d chosen not to move into it after her father passed. “Here, baby.” She sat Sally down and handed her the rosewood box they both loved to pilfer through. It was all Lennon had left of her mother and she cherished every piece, no matter its lack of value.
“Tank-you.” Sally accepted it, carrying the box to a chair by the window.
“You’re very welcome. Just give me a minute and you can go to the sunroom. Okay? You like it there. We’ll set up for your tea party.” Lennon began to change clothes, unzipping the dress and returning it to her closet. Dallas had said she looked nice. Even if she was still hurt over his refusal to kiss her, the compliment he gave her was nice. Staring at the few garments in the closet, she pulled out her regular uniform–the sturdy work clothes that gave her some protection from the elements and the sharp prongs of a barbed wire fence.
“I does like the sunroom. We still gots to make the cookies, though.” Sally mused as she held up a crystal necklace and smiled as the sun played with the facets.
“Yes, cookies. What kind do you want to make?” Arguing with herself, Lennon huffed and rehung the flannel shirt. She was probably being stupid, but part of her wanted to be pretty for Dallas. Before she could change her mind, she selected a more feminine pair of blue jeans and a red sweater. Was she being silly? As she slipped the clothes on, she sighed. Oh well, they were just clothes.
“Chokit-chip, of course.”
“Of course.” Lennon laughed. “You’re getting to be such a big girl.” Where had the time gone? It seemed like yesterday when she’d gotten the call from Miranda. At first, she’d been afraid to take on the responsibility of a baby. Letting her eyes rest on the light of her life, Lennon knew it was the best decision she could’ve made.
“I is.” Sally agreed. “Can I wear dis?” She held up a string of pink quartz beads.
“Yes, you may.” She went to Sally and knelt down. “Let me help you put them on.” She slipped the necklace around her neck and fastened it. “Now. You’re beautiful!” Lennon kissed a silky baby cheek. “Let’s go make those cookies. Dallas will want his tea soon.” Just the mention of his name made her heart lurch. She was beginning to have feelings for him, and there was no hope of them being reciprocated. Squaring her shoulders, she vowed to give him no reason to suspect. Catching a glimpse of herself in the mirror, she frowned. Maybe this wardrobe change wasn’t such a good idea.
“I ready to cook.” Sally carefully closed the rosewood box and brought it to Lennon.
“Me too.” With one more look in the mirror, she decided she didn’t look fancy enough to worry about. It wasn’t like he’d probably even notice what she wore or how she looked. The events of the last few days were almost overwhelming to think about. Why would someone target her like this? She so hoped Dallas didn’t give up and leave them alone with this mess. He wouldn’t, would he?
Back in the living room, Dallas rose from the couch. He’d shared with George what he’d learned in town. “Do you think there’s any connection?”
George pushed his cap back on his head. “Hell, I don’t know. The rich are the greediest people in the world. I would say that I’d want proof before I made any accusations. Daniels has powerful friends.”
“If he’s guilty, I’ll get proof. Either way, I intend to put a stop to this.” He grabbed his hat from the coffee table. “Tell Sally, I’ll be back. I’m going to go check the cameras.” Dallas started toward the door. “Don’t let Lennon leave the house, George.”
George chuckled. “That’s right, boy. Give me the hard job. Hurry back. Don’t forget the ball game later.”
“Sounds good.” Dallas touched his gun, heading out the door. One person had already lost his life; he didn’t intend for that number to rise any higher.
When Lennon and Sally returned to the kitchen, she immediately noticed Dallas was gone. “Where is he?”
“Doing his job, he’ll be back.” George balanced his cane across his knees. “My, don’t you look pretty.”
Lennon groaned. “Don’t start. I don’t even have any makeup on.” She set Sally down who rushed off to the kitchen.
“Well, it wouldn’t hurt nothing to put on some war paint. Even Flora wore a little. I’ve always said that if you can paint up an old barn and make it look a little better, you should do it.”
Lennon laughed, chunking a sofa pillow at her old friend. “Stop. Things are too serious for me to laugh.”
“Laughter is the best medicine. Remember? Besides, this will work out. I have faith.”
She bent to kiss his weathered cheek. “Just keep praying, George. You have connections in heaven.”
“That I do,” he sighed heavily. “That I do.”
In a few minutes, Lennon and Sally were hard at work. “Smells good,” Sally observed.
“Taste.” She offered the little girl a dollop of dough on the end of her finger. “Good?”
Sally savored the morsel. “Wondaful. Do you think Dallas will like them?”
“I’m sure he will.” Lennon still couldn’t believe he had agreed to indulge Sally in this manner. Wait till he saw the tiny cups and saucers and the little chair he’d have to sit on.
“I wike Dallas, do you?”
“Sure…Dallas is a nice man.” Lennon checked the stove temperature and bent to get a cookie sheet from the storage drawer below the oven.
“I tink we should keep him. Mah-wy him.”
“Marry him?” Lennon couldn’t help but laugh. “I think Mr. Dallas would have a thing or two to say about that. He probably has a girlfriend and even though you’re sweet, I don’t think that’s incentive enough to tempt him. Besides, I’m not the marrying kind.” More correctly, she wasn’t the kind of girl men marry, but there was no use upsetting Sally with a truth she wouldn’t understand. Hearing the front door open and close, Lennon hastily changed the subject. “Come on, help me spoon these beauties onto a cookie sheet.”
Dallas didn’t knock. He just came on in and found the living room empty. Voices from the kitchen lured him. The closer he drew, the more entranced he became. If his life had turned out differently, it might be his wife and child enjoying themselves, baking cookies for him. Moving slower, he just watched the pair for a moment. God, how had he ever thought Lennon plain? She was absolutely beautiful. He found himself experiencing a longing, a stirring in his soul that he thought he’d never feel again.
“Um…I’m back,” he said softly, almost hating to disrupt the scene before him. Sally was standing in a chair with a full-size apron tied around her tiny waist. The hem flirted with the top of her shoes. Lennon held a cookie sheet in her hand while Sally put sprinkles on the small rounded mounds of dough.
