by R. C. Ryan
The sheriff took his time topping off his coffee. “Now about the final confrontation with Glen. I’d like to ask you about your uncle.”
He saw her flinch and look away.
“Ally, it’s no secret that Archer has a vicious temper. It’s gotten him in some trouble through the years. Nothing serious, that I know of. But I’d like you to tell me what you witnessed.”
“I thought…” She shuddered. “I honestly feared Archer was going to kill Glen.”
“Did Glen resist arrest?”
She looked over. “Sheriff, I’m not sure any more just what I saw. At the time, I was so relieved to see both Reed and my uncle come storming into that room, I believe my brain just closed down. I have no doubt I was minutes away from being killed. And I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but…”
When she hesitated, he prodded. “Just say what you’re thinking, Ally.”
She took in a deep breath. “I’ve never seen that depth of violence before.”
“Are you talking about Glen or Archer?”
“Archer. It frightened me as much as Glen’s threat to kill me. But worse than that, it left me with a sick feeling.”
The sheriff reached a hand across the table and covered hers. Despite the heat of the kitchen, her flesh was cold and clammy.
“You should know that Archer’s temper is legendary around these parts.”
Ally nodded. “Reed tasted that temper. Archer claimed he was just trying to protect his niece, but it frightened me then and it frightens me now.”
“Archer and I had a long talk back at my office. He admitted that his temper got out of control, but added that it was because he felt so protective of you. And since it’s a family matter, I’m willing to overlook it this time. Other than today, I’ve never seen him cross the line. And if Glen resisted arrest, Archer’s actions may have been justified.” He cleared his throat. “When I got back to the jail, Archer wanted to interrogate Glen. I thought he was too close to the issues, so I requested a state expert. Glen has admitted stalking you. And his testimony so far corroborates what you’ve told me. He thought he had a chance of winning your heart, if he could get you alone. Especially after Reed went back to his herd, and Glen thought you’d sent him away. But when Reed showed up on the night of the fire, Glen witnessed the two of you saying good night, and it set off the violent reaction that led to the firebombing.” He squeezed her hand. “Glen’s computer is being tested by the state police lab. With his confession, and the computer evidence to back up those emails, there’s a good chance he’ll do a pretty long stretch in prison. Hopefully, long enough to get help for his mental illness.”
Ally sighed. “I can’t tell you how relieved I feel.”
“I understand. I feel the same way. As the long-time lawman of this county, I considered that firebomb, which I believe the court will consider attempted murder, to be a personal smear on our town’s good name.”
He scraped back his chair. “Knowing the Malloy family as I do, I’m sure they’re itching to get in here and talk to you. I hope you don’t mind if I poke my head in the other room and let them know we’re finished here.”
Ally smiled. “I understand.”
He pulled open the door, and the family nearly fell into the room, proof that they’d been listening at the door.
Eugene stared at the old man struggling to look dignified. “Nelson, I hope I spoke loud enough for you.”
Great One gave him a wicked smile. “Not quite. But I caught enough of the words to know that evil man won’t be around to bother Ally anymore.”
The sheriff smiled and nodded at the others. “Thanks for the coffee, Yancy. Ms. Grace. Ladies. I’ll be on my way now. And, Reed, I’ll want to interview you about this later.”
He turned and winked at Ally before sauntering out to the mudroom to retrieve his hat.
Minutes later they heard the sound of his engine and watched the headlights flash across the windows as he drove away.
Grace took a seat beside Ally and caught her hand. “Just so you know, we’re all here for you.”
Ally said softly, “I’m just so grateful to all of you for being here.”
Grace got to her feet. “I think it’s time we all turned in. It has been a very long day.”
“It has.” Nessa looked around the circle of family. “And as director of female operations around here, we’ll need to plan another girly day, just to finish what we started.”
They all managed to smile before bidding good night and starting for the stairway.
Reed kept Ally’s hand in his as they climbed the stairs. She walked past her door, choosing instead to pause outside her son’s bedroom.
“I need to be with Kyle tonight. I hope you understand.”
“I do.” He brushed a soft kiss over her lips before watching her step inside and closing the door.
She sank down beside Kyle in bed and gathered him ever so gently into her arms, breathing in the wonderful little-boy smell of him. She thought about the struggles of the past years and whispered a prayer of thanks for this wonderful gift in her life.
This day, she had almost been taken out of Kyle’s life forever. Her beautiful little boy would have grown up without knowing how much she loved him. As she listened to his heartbeat, she fell asleep secure in the knowledge that she’d been given a second chance.
Ally awoke and lay for long, silent moments, before glancing at the clock on the nightstand.
It was barely past midnight, and she was wide awake.
She slipped out of Kyle’s bed and made her way out the door and down the stairs, hoping to find her way in the dark to the kitchen.
As she approached, she could see a light under the closed door. Pushing it open, she spotted Great One seated at the table, a glass of whiskey in his hand.
“Can’t sleep, either?”
He nodded. “Still thinking about all that’s happened today. And you?”
She filled a kettle with water and set it on the stove before turning to him. “I’m in a funny mood. Relieved, but not really…settled.” She managed a shy smile.
“Grace Anne tells me you were positively heroic when you spotted your stalker and ran after him.”
She was shaking her head in denial. “That wasn’t heroic. It was desperation. I’m the farthest thing from a hero you’ve ever known.”
“What would you call yourself, Ally?”
She looked away, avoiding his eyes. “A liar. A cheat. A coward.”
“Now why do you say that, girl?”
When she didn’t answer, he put a hand on hers to stop her from turning away.
She looked over and saw the compassion in his eyes. “Why do I feel I can tell you, and you won’t judge me?”
“Because I won’t. I’m an old man, Ally. There are no surprises left. I’ve heard and seen everything this life has to offer.”
When the kettle whistled, she filled her cup and returned to the table, taking the seat across from him.
Nelson again put a hand over hers. “It has to be difficult to raise a child alone. But lots of women do, and you’ve proven yourself to be very courageous.”
“That’s not courage. It’s all an act. I go to sleep every night afraid. And every morning I go into my act, pretending that I know what I’m doing and where I’m going.”
He gave her a gentle smile. “My dear, you’re talking to Nelson LaRou, Hollywood’s greatest director. Haven’t you heard? I’m the expert on weaving fantasy. I also happen to have an excellent eye for actors. I can spot the real ones and the phonies in a single glance. You’re not very good at playacting. What you feel for your son is no act.”
“I didn’t say—”
He shook his head. “What you did today was real. You faced a man determined to kill you, and your only thought was your little boy. Your love for him is real.” He gave her a gentle smile. “And though you may not know it yet, what you’re feeling for my grandson, Reed, and he for you, is real. That’s no act.”
“I don’t deserve a man like Reed.”
“Why would you say such a thing?”
“Reed is the most decent, honest man I’ve ever met. There’s a natural goodness in him that just shines.” She took a sip of tea to soothe the ache in her throat. “He doesn’t need to be saddled with a single mother who’s made every mistake in the book.”
“Isn’t that for him to say?”
She sat back with a stunned look. “Why are you so quick to defend me? Are you saying you wouldn’t care if your grandson loved a woman like me?”
“A woman like you?” He paused, gathering his thoughts. “Let me tell you a little story. There was this loudmouthed, flamboyant young dandy who had the world’s biggest ego. And he met the most stunning, elegant, refined woman, a product of Eastern finishing schools, her parents so wealthy they could have bought her a king or a prince for a husband. But once she met the egotistical show-off, she set her sights on him. And he was so smitten, he’d have gladly given up his dreams of fame and fortune in Hollywood if she would but say the word.”
“You?”
He laughed, a deep, rich rumble that began in his throat and bubbled up and out of his mouth. “Madeline Sawyer Lawton, the most sought-after debutante in Connecticut, defied her family and gave me her heart. Not to mention our beloved daughter, Grace Anne.”
Before Ally could say a word, he held up a hand. “And there’s more. Our daughter, Grace Anne, the delight of both our lives, was also the product of Eastern boarding schools, and not only old money but piles of new Hollywood money. When she came west for a photographic assignment in her senior year at university, she fell madly in love with a handsome rancher. The loudmouth director forbid her to marry a lowly, backwoods cowboy, which only made her more determined than ever to have him. And Madeline knew at once that her daughter, so like her mother, had found the great love of her life.”
Ally’s eyes were wide. “Ms. Grace and her Frankie.”
“So now you’ve heard two love stories in a single night. Neither man deserved the fabulous woman who put love above everything. I’m betting my grandson doesn’t deserve a special woman like you, either. But if the two of you are meant to be, love will triumph. That’s just the way of it, my girl.”
“And you would give your blessing to such a thing?”
“Who am I to even consider giving a blessing? I’m just an over-the-hill Hollywood director who knows something about acting and real life. Believe me, real life is a lot tougher than playing let’s-pretend. But infinitely more rewarding.” He pushed himself to his feet and turned away. Over his shoulder he called, “Ally, girl, don’t put labels on yourself. Just follow your heart.”
“But how can I trust my heart when my heart was wrong before?”
“Wrong?” He put his hand on the doorknob and paused, turning to fix her with a look. “The choices you made gave you that little boy. How could you possibly find anything wrong in that?”
He walked away, leaving Ally alone at the table, mulling all that she’d been through on this amazing, heart-stopping day.
She’d been given back her life. She was now free to raise her son in a place she was learning to call home. And best of all, she’d just been persuaded that she had the right to love and be loved by a good man.
Who would have thought a famous Hollywood director, a master of manipulating people to believe the unbelievable, could point out the truth so clearly?
Chapter Twenty
Ally awoke feeling a surge of anticipation she hadn’t experienced in a long time. The fact that she was free of Glen’s stalking had finally sunk in. And her frank talk with Nelson—Great One, she mentally corrected—had left her feeling better about herself than she had in a very long time.
After a long shower, she walked to her son’s room, to find it empty, his clothes stuffed into a hamper leaving one sleeve sticking out. The bed was crudely made up, and she could see his efforts paying off. Each morning her little boy was getting better at his chores. And so was she, she promised herself. Each day they would both get better, and stronger, and more self-confident.
When she walked into the kitchen, she found Frank and Burke drinking coffee and engaged in an animated conversation with Grace and Nelson.
Frank hurried over to put an arm around her shoulders. “How are you feeling this morning, Ally?”
She shot a glance at the children to be certain they weren’t listening. They were busy whispering behind their hands like two conspirators. “I feel so relieved to have it behind me.”
She took in a deep breath, prepared to answer questions. Instead, he surprised her by handing her a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice and saying, “I’m sure you need some time to take in all that’s happened to you. I hope you’ll take things a day at a time.”
“Thank you. I’ll try.” She looked around. “Is Reed in the barn?”
“He went with Colin up to the herd. He said he’d try to be back by tomorrow.”
Ally struggled to hide her disappointment.
Lily and Kyle tugged on Grace’s hand.
“Ask her, Gram Gracie,” Lily said in a stage whisper that could be heard clear across the room.
Ally turned. “Ask me what?”
Grace drew the two children into the circle of her arms, clearly enjoying their attention. “Lily has been begging me to take her on one of my camera safaris. And, of course, we’d both like Kyle to come along.”
The little boy was nearly bouncing off the walls in excitement. “Please, Mama. Say yes. Pleeease. I picked up all my clothes this morning and made my bed. And I’ll do whatever you want me to, if you’ll say I can go with them. Pleeease.”
Ally was already shaking her head in refusal. “Don’t you think he’s a little young to go into the hills? There are all kinds of wild animals and…”
Frank laid a hand on her arm. “I agree he’s young. But I took my grandsons along when they were his age, and Lily really wants her new best friend with her.”
New best friend. The words sent Kyle into a little spin that had his glasses slipping down the bridge of his nose.
“It’ll give Lily a chance to share with Kyle all she’s learned about hiking and photographing mustangs.”
Before Ally could protest, Frank held up a hand. “I promised Gracie that Burke and I would go along. I’ll make Kyle my special buddy. I’ll shadow him every step he takes. He’ll never be out of my sight, Ally, I promise.”
“And,” Grace added, “Lily gave Kyle one of her old cameras, and we’ve been working with him. He’s already proving to be a very smart student. I think he shows promise as a natural photographer.”
“And we’ll get to sleep in sleeping bags under the stars.” Kyle was wiggling like a puppy. “And sit around a campfire every night while we eat.”
Ally swallowed back her protest when she looked at her little boy, staring at her with such pleading in his eyes. “Well, a campfire and a sleeping bag. I guess that’s every little boy’s dream. How can I refuse? I guess…” She sighed. “I guess this is something you really want.”
“See, Lily.” Kyle was jumping up and racing over to hug his mother. “She didn’t say she’d think about it.”
The whole family burst into laughter.
Ally wrapped her arms around her son and peered over his head. “When are you planning this…camera safari, Gram Gracie?”
“Today.”
Her smile faded as her arms tightened on her son. “So soon?”
Grace pointed to the window. “The weather for the next three days promises to be nearly perfect. With autumn closing in, we have to take advantage of it while we can.”
Ally took in a deep breath, considering the changes that were happening so rapidly she could barely keep up. Yesterday she’d feared her son would grow up alone. Today he was being offered the promise of time with so many good people who cared about him.
Kyle stepped back and tipped up his face to watch her. “Please, Mama. I really
, really want to go with Lily and Burke and Gram Gracie and Grandpop Frank.”
Frank walked over to take his wife’s hand. “Considering all you’ve been through, you could use some quiet time. And maybe you could go to town and assess the progress being made on your building.”
Ally couldn’t help chuckling. “You’ve thought of every argument, haven’t you?” She turned to her son with a grin. “I guess you’ll be joining Lily on a grand adventure.”
“Oh, boy!” Lily grabbed Kyle’s hand, and the two of them danced around the room.
Grace walked over to hug Ally. “I know you’ll worry. It’s the most natural thing in the world. But it really will be a grand adventure for Kyle. And with any luck, we’ll bring back photos of wild mustangs.”
Ally thought about the many magnificent photos that lined the walls of nearly every room in this house and couldn’t help putting a hand to her throat as she thought about seeing such mystical creatures in the wild. “Oh, Gram Gracie. This is so generous of you. I know this is something Kyle will never forget.”
“Nor will I. You have no idea how much I enjoy the company of these two young ones.” The older woman gave a girlish laugh as she turned to the children. “Time to pack our things. We’re heading up to the hills.”
Kyle and Lily dashed up the stairs, and the others had to hurry to catch up.
Within the hour they’d loaded a truck with their backpacks, Grace’s photographic equipment, and enough of Yancy’s food to feed half the town.
As they drove away, Ally stood waving until the truck disappeared over a ridge.
When she turned, Nelson was leaning on his cane and watching her from the porch. “He’ll be fine.”
“I know.” She made her way to his side. “But I can’t help feeling shaky about this.”
“This is a big step for both of you.”
“Yes.” She bit her lip to keep it from quivering.
He drew her close, and she reflexively rested her head on his shoulder. “I didn’t think it would be so hard to let him go.”
