Texas Reckless

by Gerry Bartlett

  “Determined to be tough, aren’t you?” He leaned over and kissed her, savoring her taste, her spirit. “Okay. I’m calling.”

  “I am tough. And it was a good guess that the sight of blood makes me queasy. That’s another reason I need to get out of the cattle business.” She sighed and ran her other hand over his cheek. “I wonder…”

  “What?” Rhett had learned to listen to Sierra. If she had an idea, he wanted to hear it.

  “If Darrel dies, I wonder if Marty will be considered responsible?” Her grip on Rhett’s hand tightened. “A sharp lawyer might be able to get her to spill all her secrets if it meant saving her butt from a murder charge.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  “What were you thinking?” Sheriff Myra Watkins paced in front of them. “You’re damned lucky Darrel Lockhart wasn’t here when you got to the hospital. You should have told me your so-called theory and let me handle it.”

  “We were planning to, Sheriff.” Rhett could see that Sierra was beyond exhausted. He wanted to get her home and into her own bed. She’d let him call the sheriff, then had taken the phone, and the heat, when the connection had been made.

  “I couldn’t believe this man who’d been a loyal employee of mine for three years would have done something so horrible to me. I could swear he liked me.” Sierra had her bad leg propped on a chair.

  “Sierra, loyalty can be bought. Darrel might like you but need money more.” Rhett hated to say that, but he’d studied crime for too long not to believe that.

  “He’s right, Sierra. Tell me more about this theory of yours.” Myra sat down and waited, but she wasn’t happy.

  “My brother is in Dallas, working right now to find proof that Oxcart is behind the fire and the accident on my ranch. He’s looking for a money trail. When we came to the conclusion that Darrel had to be involved, Dylan got concerned that my ranch hand might make a run for it. We decided to see if Darrel’s condition was such that he could take off. That’s all. Clearly he shouldn’t have been able to leave the hospital so recently after surgery. Not without help.”

  “And you think Marty Lewis provided that help? I find that unlikely. As far as I know, they have only a passing acquaintance, if that.” Myra had her notebook out and wrote something. She’d managed to commandeer a conference room in the hospital. The highway patrol was glad for her help since they’d had a busy night. There had been four more serious accidents in the area, two with fatalities.

  “I think Marty and Sally Ann Jackson both helped Darrel.” Sierra put her foot on the floor with a wince, then leaned forward. “It took both of them to come get Darrel’s truck. Marty was there when Darrel had his wreck, but where is Sally Ann? Where was she when Darrel flew the coop? I’d like to ask Marty a few questions. Will you let me?”

  “No.” Myra got up. “She’s having tests and not going anywhere. Her truck was totaled and I talked to her husband. He’s already here and not a bit happy that she was out driving crazy in the rain somewhere she wasn’t supposed to be. Buddy thought she and Sally Ann were having a girls’ night in San Antonio. Next thing he knows, he’s getting a call from the highway patrol that she’s been in a wreck outside of Austin heading north. That’s not the direction toward San Antonio, now is it? Buddy is pissed. Though, to give him credit, he’s also worried sick.”

  “See? Marty was supposed to be with Sally Ann. Have you tracked her down yet?” Sierra obviously really wanted to have it out with the woman again.

  “I’m looking for her. You leave her to me, Sierra. So far she’s not answering her phone and Will tells the same story as Buddy. Sally Ann was supposed to be in San Antonio with Marty. Girls’ night. Will didn’t seem worried. He said she always shows up eventually.” Myra flipped through her notebook. “How do you like that attitude from a loving husband?”

  “It’s not one I would have.” Rhett glanced at Sierra. “You are going to question Marty, though, aren’t you? She helped Sally Ann get Darrel’s truck. We were there when they drove away in it. We find it strange that the women were doing a favor for a man we didn’t know they considered a friend. If Darrel did set the barn fire, maybe Sally Ann and Marty know something about it and the latest problem on the ranch.”

  “That hole Darrel fell into. You really think it was intended for you, Sierra?” Myra focused on her. “No other reason there would be such a hazard on your property?”

  “I’ve been asking myself that. Darrel had to bury some dead cattle recently. But I know where he put those bodies. He tried to blame the utility company, didn’t he, Rhett?”

  “Yes, he did, but that didn’t make sense. There were no signs of recent utility work along the highway and the dig was fresh and on the wrong side of the fence line.” Rhett sat beside Sierra. “Darrel had a shovel in the back of his truck, too, Myra. It had fresh dirt on it. Put that together with him calling us to go out there, making sure Sierra walked toward the trench, and I’d say he wanted her to fall into the thing.”

  “That’s a serious allegation.” Myra made a note. “You saw the shovel? The cattle had to be buried a few days ago. Not close to the fence line?”

  “No, he put them in the back pasture, well away from where the cattle grazed. That’s where I told him to bury them. I checked to make sure he did it right.”

  Myra put down her notebook. “Then this sounds like a vicious trick that could have put you in the hospital in much more serious condition than a mere broken leg.” She nodded toward where Sierra sat with her foot propped again. “With your history, it’s almost attempted murder.”

  “Thanks for believing us, Myra.” Rhett put his arm around Sierra as her face went white. “That’s exactly what I think. When Darrel wakes up, I hope you throw the book at him.”

  “He’ll certainly have a lot to answer for. I’m getting a story from the highway patrol that Marty needs to explain as well. Appears she was chasing Darrel when the accidents happened. If she helped him escape the hospital, as you two think, then why would she be chasing him down in her truck? Doesn’t make sense.”

  “Maybe she had a change of heart. If this was all Sally Ann’s idea, I can see how Marty would want to back out of it. Darrel wasn’t fit to drive. That was clear from the little we heard in the emergency room when they brought him in.” Rhett saw this news didn’t sit well with the sheriff.

  “My, you two were busy bees. Hanging around the emergency room?” Myra waved her ballpoint pen in Rhett’s face. “Let me make myself clear. No more amateur sleuthing from either one of you. Let the police do their jobs.”

  “We didn’t mean to step on your toes, Myra, but people are out to get me.” Sierra stopped short of saying she’d never do it again.

  “I get that this is very important to you, Sierra. And traumatic.” Myra sighed. “Honey, you walk with the reminder of what you just told me you think Sally Ann did to you all those years ago. How in the hell could you forget any of that? I can assure you, there is no statute of limitations on attempted murder in Texas or any state in the Union. If we can get proof she tampered with your tack, I will see that she’s punished. But let me find the proof. You can’t be involved. Do you understand?”

  “Yes.” Sierra’s eyes were bright with unshed tears.

  Rhett kept his arm around Sierra. “Thanks, Sheriff. I’m afraid the only way you can get anything on that earlier crime is to get Sally Ann to confess or to get one of her girlfriends to testify that she admitted it to them.”

  “For now, let’s concentrate on what we’ve got going in the here and now. We’ve got arson, a suspicious accident on your place, Sierra, and that wreck.” Myra stuck her notebook in her back pocket. “I’m going to interview Marty now. Darrel is off limits. He’s in intensive care in a coma. Not sure he’s going to make it. You want to do something? Pray he pulls through. He’ll probably be eager to say if he was paid to burn down the barn and by whom so he can cut a deal for a lig
hter sentence.” She turned toward the door.

  “Uh, Sheriff.” Rhett knew they had to tell her. “We did look in the bunkhouse, where Darrel stays, before we came here.”

  “Damn it! More amateur detective work.” Myra stomped her foot. “What the hell did you do there?”

  “The place had been tossed. Someone else beat us to it.” Sierra laid her hand on Rhett’s arm. “We did find some bank statements hidden under a floorboard. Don’t you think that’s suspicious?”

  “What did you do with them?” Myra obviously didn’t trust them to figure out the right procedure.

  “They’re safe at home. I’ll bring them to your office, first chance I get.” Rhett didn’t add that Dylan was running down that account for them.

  “You’d better.” Myra looked them up and down. “Go home. Get some sleep. You both look like you were put through a hay baler backwards.”

  “Thanks, Myra.” Sierra followed her to the hallway. Rhett was right behind her. “I appreciate you taking me seriously.”

  “How could I not? Darrel Lockhart ran out of the hospital in his gown and almost killed himself. That says guilty of something to me. We’re looking for his cell phone. Maybe we can figure out if he got a call or something that set him off. So far, no luck. But they tell me they’re combing the crash site.” Myra looked past her to Rhett. “Hall, get this woman home. She looks like she’s about to fall down. Are you okay to drive?”

  “Of course. We napped in the car while we were waiting for you.” Rhett held Sierra’s hand. “Please keep us informed.”

  “Sierra, if that brother of yours comes up with pertinent information on Oxcart, you tell him to send it to me. Proof that Darrel was paid to torch your barn is an important part of this cluster. You hear me?” Myra stuck her pen in her breast pocket. “I swear she’s asleep on her feet.”

  “I’m awake. Just resting my eyes. Dylan will send copies of anything he gets to you.” Sierra sighed. “Don’t worry.”

  “Ha! Don’t worry? After what you two tried to pull, I can’t help but worry.” Myra stalked off, her gun belt slapping against her hip.

  “Do I need to carry you?” Rhett didn’t like how Sierra was swaying.

  “No, I just wanted to get rid of her. I want to see if Rachel knows anything about where Sally Ann is.” Sierra tugged him toward the elevators. “You didn’t really think I was going to give up, did you?”

  “I guess not.” Rhett punched the down button. “You’re getting some rest. The sheriff was right. You look exhausted.”

  “So do you. I’m not saying we track down Sally Ann ourselves, just see if Rachel’s had word. Let the sheriff know what we find out, then hit the hay.” Sierra bumped against him.

  “Of course. But we’re eating first.” Rhett pulled her to his side as the elevator stopped and began to fill.

  * * * *

  They ate at an IHOP. Sierra devoured everything on her plate and drank three cups of coffee. It was almost enough to make her feel alive again. Almost. But the past day’s marathon had taken its toll, and she was really glad to finally see her gate and house.

  “Rachel’s car is here. That’s good. I need a tactful way to ask her about Sally Ann and her whereabouts.” Sierra almost fell into Rhett’s arms when he opened the car door.

  “You sure you want to do that? She’s been a faithful employee. You might alienate her if you start interrogating her about her daughter.” Rhett kept a hand under her elbow as they walked to the back door.

  “I hear voices. Maybe Sally Ann is here!” Sierra pulled open the screen door. “Hello! We’re home. Spent the night in Austin. I hope you weren’t worried about us, Rachel.” She stopped when she saw who was rolling out dough on the counter.

  “Hope you don’t mind, Sierra, but I’m keeping Billy today. He didn’t have school. It was a teacher in-service day.”

  “No, of course not. Hi, Billy.” Sierra smiled at the boy. He didn’t smile back, just kept working on the dough. “What are you making?”

  “Cookies.” That was all he said before he picked up a round cookie cutter.

  “Can’t wait for that.” Rhett steered Sierra through the kitchen. “We’re going to take a nap. Had lunch on the road. Is Sally Ann coming to pick up Billy later?” He threw out the question casually.

  “No, I’ll take him home with me when I get off. He’s not any trouble.” Rachel wiped her hands on her apron. “You sure you don’t want anything to eat?”

  “No, thanks.” Sierra really wanted to stop and ask questions, but knew Rhett was right to push her along down the hall. “See you later.”

  Once they were in the bedroom with the door closed, she sat on the bed. “Well, we didn’t get anything there.”

  “Of course not. With Billy listening? Rachel looked worried. She probably got a call from Will to come get the boy. For all we know Sally Ann still hasn’t shown up.” Rhett pulled off his boots.

  She fell against him. “I’m so exhausted I’m afraid I might fall down in the shower. Can I get you to help me out in there?”

  His eyes gleamed as he ripped open his new snap shirt. “I think I can manage that.” He gently peeled down her jeans, careful of her leg. “Maybe you’d rather soak in a tub for a while.”

  “If I lie down in a tub, I’ll fall asleep. I’d rather take a quick shower, with some handy help, then get comfy in my bed.” Sierra looked over at the bed. “I have this wonderful housekeeper who put on fresh sheets today. I can’t wait to cuddle naked with a sexy man next to me.”

  “Hmm. That’s quite an agenda. Handy help.” He unclipped her bra and showed her how handy he could be. “Then that sexy, comfy cuddle.” He threw off his own clothes then stood to pick her up. “Ah, did I tell you I love the way you feel next to me when I hold you?”

  “No, you didn’t.” Sierra looked into his eyes. He threw the love word around fairly easily. He loved chicken-fried steak. At lunch he’d loved the hash browns and pancakes. Hell, he even loved how that big Tahoe hugged the curves on the road near the ranch. But the way he was staring at her as he headed into the bathroom… Well, there was something there, something real. Then he sat her tenderly on the closed toilet and adjusted the temperature in the shower. When it was perfect, he picked her up again and protected her from getting water in her face.

  She knew then that this man was hers. He’d won a place in her heart. He soaped his hands and ran them over her. His smile, his playful ways, were so endearing she had to blink back tears and force herself to match his light tone.

  “I may never bathe myself again, mister, with this kind of handy help.” She grabbed the soap and gave him the same treatment. She couldn’t let herself worry about the future. He was temporary. Neither of them had thoughts of forever. But wouldn’t it be… No, live in the moment. Who knew better than she that the future couldn’t be controlled? Everything could change in a heartbeat. Could go to hell. He kissed her and touched her in that way he had. Or could go to heaven. She let her mind drift to focus on the feelings. Yes, that was better. Enjoy what she had. That was the only way to live. Take what was in hand and…

  Tomorrow would take care of itself.

  * * * *

  The ringing phone woke her. A glance told her they’d slept the day away. Rachel would be gone, so there was no chance to find out if Sally Ann had arrived back home. Sierra answered when she saw who was calling.

  “Sheriff, what’s the word?”

  “I finally talked to Marty and got her story. I’m not sure I believe what she’s saying, but I’ll let you decide. She wants to talk to you.”

  “Really?” Sierra felt Rhett move behind her. “When can I come?”

  “They’re keeping her overnight. Seems like it’s a mild concussion and some cracked ribs. No internal bleeding. She was lucky there. They’ll be releasing her tomorrow. If I were you, I’d get there tonight. Tha
t husband of hers didn’t want her to say a word to anybody, but he’s gone home so the coast is clear.”

  “Thanks, Myra. Is she facing charges?” Sierra didn’t know how she felt about that. Marty had been a friend for years, but if she’d had a hand in the attacks on her or her barn…

  “The wreck appears to be an accident. No witnesses can verify that she was speeding, and the roads were slick. Lockhart is still unconscious so I have no idea what his story will be. For now, all I’ve got is your say-so that this is a conspiracy against you. I need proof, Sierra. I couldn’t get a thing out of Marty incriminating Sally Ann. I don’t like it, but maybe you can do better.”

  “I’ll try.” Sierra didn’t like the sound of this. Seemed like the three amigas were sticking together. If Dylan could find a payment from one of them to Darrel, though, the women were screwed.

  “Did your brother find anything? Is there a paper trail that can help with my investigation?”

  “Just a list of investors. I’m not sure it will help but I’ll send it to your office. I’ll let you know if I find out anything useful from Marty.”

  “You do that.” The sheriff ended the call.

  Rhett pulled Sierra against him. “Any good news?”

  “Marty wants to talk to me. Don’t know if that’s good or not.” Sierra started looking through her phone. “I got a text from Dylan. He’s got his man working on those financial records and he’ll be back here tomorrow morning. He says he has news he wants to share in person.” She pulled away from Rhett and climbed out of bed. “We need to get going. I assume you want to be with me when I talk to Marty.”

  “Of course.” He was out of bed and by her side fast. “Bring that list of investors. Read it to me while I drive. See if it helps us figure things out. Funny that there’s another anonymous group—the Wranglers. Maybe we can use process of elimination to decide who the Wranglers are.”