by Jo Jones
“Yes, you do.” Floyd challenged. “What you don’t know, is the boxes of food, and the money you’ve been receiving every month, came from Lucy Barnes.” A collective gasp skittered through the crowd. “She gives it to me. I deliver it to you. But I’m guessing you never told Lettie you were getting cash along with the food. Correct? You kept every penny for yourself!” The disgust in Floyd’s voice was unmistakable.
Matt groaned as his father’s mouth thinned to a tight line. His mother gasped and put a trembling hand on Matt’s shoulder.
“Why, George?” Lucy asked. “You purposely set this whole thing up so everyone would blame Blake. You’d have sent him to jail! He’s just a boy. The same age as Matt. I know you’re still upset about the accident, but I can’t believe you would go to such lengths to destroy him!”
“You mean the way he destroyed me?” Brinley snarled, turning on her. “That kid crippled my son and stole my future. I finally had my hand on the gold ring and the life I deserved! Then your brother snatched it all away. He needed to pay for that!” Brinley yelled, spittle flying.
Angus clenched his fists, fighting to restrain his need to get his hands on the man.
“Stop it, Dad,” Matt said in a broken voice. “None of this is Blake’s fault.” He looked up at Blake. “Right before the accident, he told me to put my seatbelt on, but I didn’t. What happened to me was my own fault.” He glanced over at his dad. “I’m sorry you didn’t get your dream and…” his voice broke, “…and now you have to take care of me.”
Matt’s mother dropped to her knees beside his chair and sobbed into the boy’s shoulder.
Angus looked hard at George Brinley. “Where’s the bell?”
“How should I know? I haven’t even seen the darn thing. And you can’t prove I had anything to do with its disappearance. Sure, I gave Jed some money, but it’s my word against his, about the bell.”
“Are you serious?” Lucy huffed. “You just said you wanted Blake to pay. You’ve all but admitted responsibility.”
“I didn’t admit anything.”
Blake rushed to help Matt when he struggled to turn his chair, to face his dad. “I’m asking you to tell the truth for once, Dad,” Matt pleaded. “Did you have anything to do with the bell disappearing?” When his dad wouldn’t respond, Matt continued. “You’ve been obsessed with Blake taking accountability for something he didn’t even do. How about you start taking some?”
His father half-raised his hand, as if to strike Matt until Angus and Nate took a step forward. Brinley flicked a glance at them, then the crowd, and lowered it. “You don’t speak to me that that way!” he ground out in a low voice, eyes bulging. “You’ll be dealt with at home!”
He turned to Lucy, his full fury visible on his blotchy face, putting all of Angus’ senses on alert. “This is all your fault. Yours and your lazy parents’. You’ve ignored the criminal in Blake for years, and now I’m paying the price. If you’d done your job, I’d be out of this cesspool of a town, living the way I’m supposed to.”
Lucy, gasped. “You’re lecturing me, on parenting? And don’t you ever speak ill of my parents again.”
“I’m just getting started.” Brinley warned. “You’ll pay. You, and your brat of a brother. You can count on that.”
Rage shot through Angus. He stormed Brinley, filled both fists with the man’s shirt front and yanked him, chest to chest, until he had to look straight up to see Angus’ face. Angus shook with the need to wreak the havoc the blackguard deserved, but for Lucy’s and Blake’s sake, he tried to hold back.
Brinley flinched when Angus released one fistful of shirt and raised his hand.
“Na…Nate?” Brinley squeaked, visibly cowering as Angus slowly, deliberately, straightened his collar, brushing unseen bits of something from his shoulders.
“Hold on, Nate.” Angus heard Orville say. “This looks like one of those times you mentioned, where you’d want to wait and see if things work themselves out.”
“Hmm. Could be,” he heard Nate reply.
Angus leaned down so only Brinley could hear, letting his hot breath strike the man’s neck. “Ye so much as look in Lucy’s or Blake’s direction, and I’ll find ye in the dark of the night, and gut ye, gizzard tae tail. ’Tis a promise I make ye, and I dinna break my promises. ’Tis nowhere on God’s earth ye can hide from me.” Angus gave him a moment for the message to sink in. “If ye ken, ye’d best be sayin’ so, or I’ll do the deed here and now. The devil take the consequences.”
“I…do,” Brinley squeaked.
Angus released him with enough force he stumbled back a few steps. Turning, he nodded at both Blake and Grif, moved to Lucy’s side and tucked an arm around her shoulders. “Let’s go home, lass.”
A few people, like Vivian, stormed off, but most of the townspeople quietly drifted away with their whispered conjectures.
“Orville,” Angus heard Nate say. “Will you take Matt and his mother home? His father and Jed are coming with me. I’ve got a bell to recover and charges to sort out.”
“Wait, Matt.” Blake asked. “Will you stay a minute?”
Angus could see Matt’s misery reflected in his face. His heart ached for the lad. It couldna have been easy to watch his father shame himself in front of his family and the entire town.
Blake came to Angus. “May I have the package back, please?”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Angus pulled the wrapped bundle from the folds of his plaid and handed it to Blake, who cradled it between his crippled left hand and his right.
The lad stared at the package a moment, “I’d like the three of you to see this, too,” he finally said, sweeping his gaze across Angus, Lucy and Grif. “Over there.” He indicated where Matt was sitting, a few feet away.
“Of course.” Lucy replied, giving Blake’s forearm a light squeeze.
Angus slid his hand from Lucy’s shoulder to her back as they crossed the short distance. His need to touch her, keep her close, was almost overwhelming. He’d still no’ explained why he couldna stay with her, even though he’d trade all of eternity, to do so. The lass deserved to know the truth about him, even if she couldna possibly believe it. He prayed Soni would grant him enough time.
Orville was speaking with Matt’s mother, a short distance away, as Angus and Lucy, along with Grif, stood near Matt’s chair. Blake knelt, set the bundle in Matt’s lap, and looked at his lost friend. “I did take something from the tent today, but I only meant to borrow it. I knew they’d never let me have it, so I waited until I could slip into the tent and take it. I’d hoped to have it back before anyone noticed, but…things didn’t work out that way.”
He nodded at the bundle. “This is for you.”
Surprise and confusion crossed Matt’s face as he blinked the moisture from his eyes and picked up the package. With shaking fingers, he pulled the bulky folds of cloth-wrapping away, one at a time, until he revealed the framed picture of him in his football uniform, ringing in last year’s win.
’Twas the same one Grif had shown to Angus earlier this morning. Matt seemed as puzzled as Angus. He couldna imagine why Blake would want to remind Matt of what he’d lost. On the surface it seemed cruel, but the love coming from Blake’s eyes for his friend, seemed to disprove that.
Blake pointed to a spot on the picture, and they all leaned in to see Matt’s hand, resting on the bell. “I needed you to see this, and remember.” Blake indicated the gold wrist-band on Matt’s arm.
Matt wrapped his fingers around the bare wrist of his left arm. “When I woke up in the hospital it was gone. I asked my dad what happened to it and he said wearing my wrist-band was pointless because it represented who I used to be, and since I’d never be that kid again, he threw it away.”
Swallowing hard to keep his emotions in check, Angus turned to see Lucy and Grif struggling, as well.
“Neither of us are ever gonna be who we were,” Blake said softly, resting his crippled hand on top of the picture, his own gold b
and prominent. “But what if we both decide to be something better? It took a while, but I finally got what my family has been trying to tell me.” He glanced at Lucy and Grif. “Who I was before the accident, even who I am now, doesn’t mean I can’t be a different version of me.” He shrugged. “Maybe even a better one.”
Then he looked at Angus. “But I’m the one who has to make that happen.”
Blake turned back to Matt. “Remember?” He twisted his bracelet inside out. Angus had to lean in to see the word, ARTIST written in tiny block letters
Matt closed his eyes and nodded. Tears slipped from beneath his lashes. “Mine said, ARCHITECT,” he whispered.
“We made these when dad was dead-set on me taking over the orchard,” Blake said, glancing at his family. “And Matt’s dad wouldn’t quit badgering him about playing Pro-football. Then, when Matt finally understood his dad would never help him pay for college to study architecture, he figured maybe he could get there with a football scholarship.”
Matt nodded. “I knew he’d never forgive me for not going pro, but I hoped if I could make enough money from my career in architecture, he might eventually accept my choice.” He shrugged. “And if he didn’t, I could at least support my mom and sisters.”
Blake put his hand on Matt’s shoulder. “I know you Matt. I know you’re not a quitter. Even when things get really tough. I just wanted to remind you that your dream is still possible. You may not get there playing Pro-ball, and it may be harder and take longer, but you can still make it. I believe in you. And I wanted you to believe in yourself.”
Blake stood and looked at Angus. “I lost my belief in myself. You helped me find it. Thank you.”
Angus swallowed hard against the lump burning in his throat as he went to wrap Blake in his embrace. He released him, laying a hand on his shoulder. “I’m proud o’ the man ye’ve become.”
He’d fallen in love with the lad almost as quickly as he’d fallen in love with his sister. Angus let the idea of loving Lucy, settle in his chest as well as his mind. After all these years wi’out a family, beyond the 79, he’d found his. And within hours he’d be torn from them. He dinna think he could endure it a second time.
~ ~ ~
The dim light of dusk faded into darkness, hiding the harsh realities of the day as Angus leaned against a porch post at Lucy’s. Grif had gone to the café to prep for tomorrow’s lunch menu and Lucy was inside talking with Blake. Angus knew it meant the world to her that she and Blake could sit and talk together about Blake’s future. When Angus left them, they were speaking of something called physical therapy and applying to art schools.
Angus recalled the words Blake had said to him earlier, along with all the other gifts Angus had received here. It dinna matter that he’d no found his heroic deed. He’d gladly trade whatever boon there might have been for the chance to hear Blake’s words, have Grif’s friendship, experience this perfect spot, and most of all, to love Lucy. He’d leave his whole heart with her and bless the two days they’d had together. She’d filled his soul and stirred his passions. Something he’d never thought to have in all those years alone, both before and after Culloden.
He’d found his family and knew if he but had the opportunity, he’d give everything he had for them. Be everything he could be for them. Sacrifice whatever it took to keep them safe.
A slow realization grew inside him, it’s truth confirmed in the slight shiver that traveled through him and settled at the base of his neck. He shifted his shoulders to dislodge the tickle and faced the reality of why his father had sent him away. He’d done exactly the thing Angus had just sworn to do for the family he loved and couldna keep. But by doing what his father had done—give up one son—he’d saved the rest. His wife and daughters. He’d acted out of love, no’ selfishness.
Angus thought of having to send Blake away to endure hardship and suffering in order to save Lucy. Could he do it? Could he no’, if ’twas his only choice? At twelve years old, Angus had been so full of fear and resentment, he hadna realized the pain such a deed must have cost his father.
Angus looked into the night sky and picked out a star. “I understand now, Da. I forgive ye.”
A door closed behind him and he turned to find Lucy with two steaming mugs.
He smiled his love to her as she handed him one. “Och! Ye’ve brought me a stick.”
Her laugh warmed his heart as much as the mug did, his hand.
“Hot, homemade apple cider, with a cinnamon stick to stir,” she explained.
He took a sip. “Mmm. ’Tis good.” He wanted nothing more than to sit with her and listen to the night sounds, drink her cider, and love her. But ’twas no’ right to leave her thinking he would abandon her on purpose. He dinna know how much time he’d have once Soncerae came.
“Will ye sit wi’ me, Lucy?” He nodded toward the porch swing. “I’ve something tae tell ye.” Mayhap ’twas his tone that put the worry lines on her pretty brow, but she seemed uneasy as she sat her mug down and settled on the swing.
“Okay,” she said guardedly, watching him as he set his mug aside and joined her. “What is it?”
When he put his arm around her, to pull her close, she came eagerly, burrowing against his side. He pressed a kiss to her brow, wondering how to begin as he stroked her hair and guided her head to his shoulder. “I’ve a tale tae tell ye, and I need ye tae hear me out.”
“Okay,” she murmured, slipping her arm around his waist.”
“ ’Twill likely seem a wee bit preposterous.”
She laughed. “More than what happened today? I’m not sure you can top that.”
I believe I can. “I need ye tae know that what I’m going tae tell ye, is true, no matter how strange it seems.”
He felt her nod against his chest. “I believe you, Angus. What is it you want to say?”
He sighed, long and heavy, stroking her hair, praying for whatever saintly or ghostly help there was to be had. “What I need ye tae remember above all else, is that I love ye.”
She tried to raise up, but he pressed a kiss to the top of her head, to stop her. “Nae. Stay where ye are, please. ’Twill make the tellin’ easier.”
He felt her stiffen, and heard her indrawn breath. “You’re leaving,” she whispered, her voice reflecting the pain binding his chest.
“Aye.” He swallowed several times to be sure his voice wouldna break when he spoke again. “I want tae stay. I want more than anything tae stay with ye, and make a life here, if ye’d have me, but—”
“Angus. I love you, too.” She tightened her arm around his waist and pressed her face to his chest. “Stay.”
He’d ached to hear her say she loved him. He’d selfishly wanted to take that with him, but he hadna realized the cost to Lucy.
“Ahh, lass. I canna.” He searched for a way to continue. “I gave my word tae go after two days. My time is up.”
“Two days? What? You never told—”
“Shhh.” He stroked a finger down her cheek. “Let me tell it, Lucy. ’Tis breaking my heart. Let me tell ye, while I still can.”
“But you still won’t stay.”
He rested his cheek atop her silky head. “Nae. I canna.”
Lucy pushed away from him and stood, wrapping her arms around her waist, hugging them to her like a lifeline. “So, what you’re saying is, you came here, let me fall in love with you knowing full well, you were leaving in two days?” She paced a few steps, then back, then back again. “Why? Why would you do that?”
The pain on her face was shattering. For the very first time, he regretted coming here…loving her. How could two days of wonder justify the devastation he’d leave behind?
He leaned forward, miserable. “I dinna plan on falling in love with ye. I only came tae…” What was he supposed to say? He came to do some unknown, but grand, heroic deed and be whisked away to glory, leaving only smiling faces behind? ’Twas no’ right that Soni dinna warn him of the cost, not just to himself, but to those he’
d leave behind.
Tears spilled onto her cheeks. “You came to… what? Why are you here?” She released a shuddering breath, then held her palms up in surrender. “Never mind. It doesn’t matter. You’re leaving. You’ve given your word to…someone. So, there’s really nothing more to say. If you have to go, just…go.”
“Lucy.” He stood and reached for her. “Let me—”
“No.” She shook her head and backed away. “If you care for me at all, Angus, don’t torture me with justifications. You don’t owe me any. I release you from any notion that you might. It’s okay. Really. You didn’t make any promises to me. I just hoped… Well, that doesn’t matter, either.”
She stepped off the porch. “Say goodbye to Blake and Grif as you leave. I’m going for a walk. Please, Angus. Don’t be here when I get back. And don’t come after me. Keep your word to…whoever you gave it to.”
Angus watched her walk away. He’d known all along this moment would come, that he’d have to leave her. But he’d no’ been prepared for her to leave him first.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Tears blurred Lucy’s vision as she hurried away from Angus. Her legs shook. She needed to get out of sight before they buckled.
Her face burned from her scalding tears and her blistering stupidity. He’d never lied. Never promised to stay. But she’d been fool enough to lie to herself, thinking love could overcome any obstacle. But not Angus’ word. That was stronger than both of them. She loved him for it and she hated him for it.
She headed into the orchard, needing the seclusion in case the tight rein she held on her emotions, broke free. She went deeper, letting the darkness and the familiar smells comfort… She stopped. The smells were not all familiar. At least not familiar to an orchard. She inhaled. Again. Deeper.
Gasoline!
Beneath the trees, with only a sliver of a moon, she could barely see a few feet in front of her. She turned back to find a flashlight.
Two arms came around her at once, so swift and tight she didn’t have time to make a sound. One hand covered her mouth while the other flashed a knife in front of her eyes, so there was no mistake when he pressed it to her neck and yanked her back against his bulky body. He reeked of gasoline.
